Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Dog Training For Baby Boomers

Article Title: Dog Training For Baby Boomers
Author: Dan Skriver

A lot of people have pets and most have either a cat or a dog.
Pets are more common in the households of older people and as
the large baby boomer generation grows older, it will lead to a
substantial increase in the pet population. For many baby
boomers, getting a pet later in life will present some
unexpected challenges. Especially if the pet of choice is a dog.
A cat is in general much easier to have than a dog. However,
many people prefer a dog because it is loyal and, as we all
know, man's best friend.

However, more so than cats, dogs should be properly trained.
Not that dogs are inherently bad, but they become very
enthusiastic and they will take over your house and your life,
if not trained.

Dogs are pack animals. They need structure and above all they
need a leader. For you and your dog to have a good life together
you must be the leader and training the dog will get you there.

The are a number of options you should know before you embark
on a dog training program. Dog training is offered everywhere,
at many different prices and of many different types.

One type of dog training is known as puppy preschool. This is a
dog training course meant for puppies that are about 6 weeks to
5 months old. These puppy preschool classes generally last for
no more than 6 to 8 weeks. In these training sessions, your
puppy is essentially taught how to socialize with people and as
well as other puppies. Here your puppy also begins to learn how
to sit down, stay at a place, and how to come.

A second type of dog training course is meant for the dogs that
are at least 5 months old. This type of dog training is known as
the basic dog training. The duration of these classes is usually
about 8 to 10 weeks. This is the basic course, where your dog is
taught the art of walking properly on a leash, sitting, staying,
coming and heeling.

The third type of dog training course is known as the
intermediate dog training. This dog training aims at teaching
the dog mostly the same things that are taught in the basic
training course, in a more detailed form. Here the dog is
trained to stay for a longer span of time, and is also taught to
follow the orders given by other people.

The intermediate dog training generally lasts for about 8 to 10
weeks, and is meant for those that are no less than 5 months
old. It is essential for the dog to have completed its basic dog
training course, or to be accustomed to the basic commands that
could have been taught by the owner.

The next type of training course is known as the advanced dog
training course. Here, once again, the course is quite similar
to its previous one, i.e., the intermediate dog training course,
except for the fact that this time it is more detailed. Here,
the dog is taught how to sit even without you in the view.

This training course is about 8 to 10 weeks long, and is meant
for those that have completed their intermediate training. Here,
they are also trained to walk beside their owners without a
leash. Moreover, it gradually prepares the dog to take the
Canine Good Citizen training course.

The Canine Good Citizen training for dogs is the last course.
To pass this course, your dog will be taught the 10 necessary
aspects.

This course is strictly meant for those dogs that have
completed all the previous courses. The test is quite tough and
can only be passed if the dog is really well behaved. Depending
on whether your dog can pass, the course can last for several
weeks.

Keeping this information in mind, you should be able to decide
the dog training course best suited for your dog. However, you
may seek the opinion of your local dog trainers to know more.
Many trainers consult for free. So now you should be at least a
step closer to introducing your dog into a training course!

About The Author: To learn more about the Baby Boomers and
their pets please go to
http://www.helloboomers.com/category/baby-boomers/pets/ Dan
Skriver is a writer and editor for Hello Boomers Magazine at
http://www.helloboomers.com, covering all subjects related to
the Baby Boomer generation.

.

__,_._,___