Puppy Training Tips

One of the most frustrating parts of animal ownership is making sure they develop good habits when it comes to when and where they eliminate. Dogs are, above all else, animals. If they are going to learn to be house trained, then their owners will have to firm and consistent with both their dog’s schedule and their rewards.

The first thing an owner needs to realize is that they’re also teaching themselves a routine, not just teaching the dog. Even a well trained dog needs to be taken outside several times a day. Early in the morning and right before bed are both good places to start. Other times to take or send the dog outside include after meals and after playtime.

If possible, the owner should wait outside with the dog and watch for him to go. Then, the owner should tell the dog how they well they did that using whatever word they want to dog to associate with elimination.

Dogs do not like to eliminate where they eat or sleep. Putting their food bowl in an area where your dog has had accidents in the past might help keep them from going there again in the future. Dogs are creatures of habits and instincts, so hopefully the instinct not to eliminate near food will override the habit of eliminating in the area.

Also, limiting the area where the dog is allowed to live and play can keep him from making messes. Often owners find they have to block off the second floor of a home or the hallway leading to the bedrooms of the house. Rooms that are too far from a dogs regular living space feel no different that outdoors to him.

Remember, consistency is key when you’re hoping to house train your dog.

Taylor also writes on articles on dog bed selection such as large dog beds.

Technorati Tags: dog house training, Dog Training, Dogs, House Training

Tags: dog house training, Dog Training, Dogs, House Training

There are some occasions where it is expected or possibly even helpful for your dog to bark, such as an uninvited intruder in your home. However, a dog’s bark can quickly change from being helpful to just being stressful or bothersome. Especially troublesome for owners who live in an apartment or condominium building and have been the unfortunate recipient of neighbor complaints. There is hope with training techniques and products to help stop your dog from barking.

First off it’s important to realize that many dog’s barking stems from his boredom. Dogs need daily exercise - to be walked or played with. If a dog isn’t getting any attention, barking sometimes seems to be his way of getting your attention - even if it’s negative attention. Beyond making sure your dog is getting enough daily exercise correct training is helpful to get him to stop barking.

This first technique owners will want to try in training your dog not to bark: immediately address the dog when he is inappropriately barking by going to your dog, tapping it on the nose, and saying “no” in a “I mean business” tone of voice, then immediately leave the dog or continue with your walk and not playing with the dog after punishment. Spraying a dog with water instead of verbally chastising it might work better in some situations, though many dogs don’t mind being wet. If you find you can’t solve the problem on your own, you might want to find a professional behavior trainer.

Anti-barking products can also help break your dog of their bad barking habits. Electronic collars, citronella collars, sound-emitting collars, remote sound-emitters, medication, muzzles, and debarking surgery might all be appropriate, depending on the situation. Some of these items can also be used in conjunction with training to help make sure the dog gets the message. Finally, you might pursue professional help - many trainers and kennels offer late night training sessions, which would let the owner and pet both come to understand how to solve the problem.

Taylor writes on a variety of other subjects, including how to select a large dog bed.

Technorati Tags: barking, dog barking, dog barking training, Dog Training, Dogs

Tags: barking, dog barking, dog barking training, Dog Training, Dogs