Dog Training Just How Good Is It?

Article Title: Dog Training Just How Good Is It?
Author: David Peters

Dogs aren't really stubborn. But they often do not clearly know
what is wanted. Make it clear by quickly establishing alpha
(dominant leader) status.

Be willing to exercise the patience and modest, firm forceto
get the desired behavior. This can be particularly challenging
when training a 'dog'.

Dogs naturally want to explore the environment. They sniff
everything, turn things over, dig and snatch small objects.

As with any dog training session, minimize the distractions by
arranging to be as alone and far from other voices as possible.

A backyard with a clear area or a large room with few small
objects on the floor is best.

Take advantage of spontaneous behavior by observing when the
dog is heading toward you and execute a voice-command/hand
gesture pair that's unique for this behavior.

Try to select a hand-gesture and word that you wouldn't
normally use except during training.

Start by facing the dog, putting it in a sit. Execute the
'stay!' command, then back away a step or two. Issue the
hand-gesture and voice command. Praise lavishly for the correct
behavior, but never reward 'partial' or incorrect ones.

Repeat, stepping further away. If the the dog comes too soon,
put it in a sit/stay and try again. If the dog won't come at
all, encourage with a treat or favorite toy.

For the very slow learners or the, well let's not say stubborn
but just reluctant, leash and collar training can be a useful
supplement.

Put the dog in a sit/stay and back off a few feet reeling out
the slack leash. If the dog refuses to come, give a gentle but
unmistakable tug while executing the voice command and hand
gesture.

For the dog who comes a little to readily, get a long leash or
rope and wrap around a tree or post. As the dog lifts off too
early, give the leash a tug and execute a 'stay' command.

If you do not have a tree handy, try to find a partner to help
with the training. The downside to using a partner is the dog
will more readily become confused about whom to obey. Focus on
a single person is always more efficient.

As with any training, patience and consistency are essential.
Dogs don't spontaneously understand the usefulness of 'come' or
any other human-induced behavior. Speaking harshly when the dog
commits errors or is willful is usually counter-productive.

Establish alpha status by firmness of voice, body posture and
willingness to wait for compliance. Physical restraint or
leading is a less helpful technique.

Most dogs quickly prove themselves eager to please and
responsive to praise following the correct behavior. Just make
sure they're the ones 'coming', not you. If necessary, prove
that you're the stubborn one.

For more great information on Dogs Visit:
http://www.doghealthrevealed.com

About The Author: David Peters is a writer for
http://www.doghealthrevealed.com which is an excellent place to
find dog links, For more information go
to:www.doghealthrevealed.com

.

__,_._,___