How to train your new puppy

How to train a new puppy? After you get your puppy by Dr Ian Dunbar is the only puppy training manual I ever used for my German Shepherd and the tips are currently being put to good use by my parents as they train their five month old Golden Retriever Puppy.

After you get your puppy tells you how to train a puppy during the crucial period between when you get your puppy at seven or eight weeks up until it is five months old. If you have not mastered these guidelines during that period then sorry, but you will probably have problems that will become harder to deal with, as the dog gets older.

Your puppy’s first three months at home will include these incredibly important developmental deadlines: house training and manners; socialization with people; learning bite inhibition; enjoying the world at large.

How to train a puppy? After you get your puppy by Dr Ian Dunbar is the only puppy training manual I ever used for my German Shepherd and the tips are currently being put to good use by my parents as they train their five month old Golden Retriever Puppy.

After you get your puppy tells you how to train a puppy during the crucial period between when you get your puppy at seven or eight weeks up until it is five months old. If you have not mastered these guidelines during that period then sorry, but you will probably have problems that will become harder to deal with, as the dog gets older.

Your puppy’s first three months at home will include these incredibly important developmental deadlines: house training and manners; socialization with people; learning bite inhibition; enjoying the world at large.

Puppies bite! It is a normal, natural and necessary behaviour.

Play-biting is the means by which dogs develop bite inhibition and a soft mouth. But to develop the soft mouth, they need feedback – like “Ouch!”

The more opportunity a puppy has to play-bite with people and other dogs, then the better developed its bite inhibition will be as an adult.

We see lots of evidence as to how well our German Shepherd’s bite inhibition has developed as she plays with my children and my parents’ puppy.

More puppy training articles:

• Potty Training Tips For Puppies
• New Puppy Training
• Basic Puppy Training: Advice and Tips
• Puppy Training Help

Puppy Potty Training Tips

Puppy potty training was not really on my mind when we decided to bring a new puppy into our family a few months ago. Instead, I was much more focused on how much fun we would all have with our puppy and I assumed the training part wouldn’t be that difficult.

Big mistake! Puppies are really a lot like small children, they need to learn proper behaviors or they will develop bad behaviors that will be very difficult to undo. I learned this the hard way. I checked out some dog training web sites and picked up some free information on puppy potty training. It seemed simple enough and I set to work trying to train our new puppy to relieve himself outside.

Turns out I didn’t have all the right information. The puppy just didn’t seem to “get it”. He kept having accidents on my living room carpeting and I was getting more and more frustrated. The tips I had read about seemed simple enough, so I couldn’t understand why they weren’t working. I wanted to be bonding with our new dog, but instead I was just feeling angry at him every time I found one of his little messes on my carpet.

I started to wonder whether I had made a mistake in getting this new puppy. If I was having so much trouble with puppy potty training, how was I ever going to teach him specific commands, tricks or help him to avoid behavior problems, such as aggression, biting, jumping or barking. I was discussing my troubles with my best friend and to my surprise, she told me about a dog training guide that was wildly popular and known for it’s effective training techniques.

At this point I had already wasted time and money and I was extremely aggravated. Actually, I was mostly mad at myself for not being more prepared. I was obviously making major mistakes in my puppy’s potty training and didn’t even know it. So I purchased the puppy potty training guide that was recommended, and read it cover to cover that night.

Dog training – Training your dog at home

Much of the training you do at home will occur during every day interactions with your dog. For example, when your dog jumps up, you should turn your back, fold your arms and reward him with attention only when all four of his feet are on the floor. Be conscious of all your interactions with your dog! Make an effort to reward behavior you like and avoid rewarding behavior you don’t like.

In addition, devoting a few minutes a day to a training session is invaluable. Many of the techniques we are teaching in class require you to develop new skills, such as timing, reading your dog and simultaneously juggling clicker, treats and leash. The ultimate goal, besides a better-behaved dog, is for you and your dog to learn to communicate effectively. Training sessions allow you and your dog to focus exclusively on each other. For this week, try to build a habit of at least one short training session per day.

• Rules for training at home:
• One trainer and one dog at a time.
• Be prepared. Have your rewards, such as soft stinky treats, ready and decide what you are going to work on before you begin.
• Set your dog up to win. Progress comes from building on successes.
• If your dog is not “getting it,” change something you are doing.
• Keep it short, keep it happy and always end on a high note.

Dog Training at Home by a Professional Handler

As a result of popular demand, a new service has caught many communities in the United States and Europe by storm. Just like you would do with your child’s tutoring, a trainer would come to your home and teach your dog a few lessons at a fixed rate. Considering what needs to be taught, the handler would draw up a working schedule, which would determine the length of time he would be at work with your dog and the amount of cash it would take.

This type of service is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the United States. The increasing demands on pet owners by local authorities require all dogs in the U.S. to be trained. A dog that fails to comply with behavior limitations imposed on him could face the kennel and even being put down. These demands combined with a lack of time to dedicate to this task result in dog training services becoming more popular. Blue collar as well as white collar workers required to have a trained dog at home find it easier to pay for it than doing it themselves. Hiring a trainer will not only save them a lot of time and effort, but also having to get acquainted with a procedure they have absolutely to knowledge or experience on.

Dog Behavior Modification

Understanding bad dog behavior modification is too important to over look.The veterinarian, breeder, pet shop, a trainer or behaviorist may be consulted. If lucky, the owner gets advice that brings genuine insight into pet/owner relationships and dog behavior. But, more likely, they find traditional quick fixes and the dog winds up in a desensitization program; gets dosed with anxiety relieving drugs or barbiturates; is stuck in a cramped crate or cage all day, or banned to the yard or garage, or has its mouth stuffed with chewed debris and taped shut for hours. Since none of these approaches deal with the causes, the ‘thinking dog’ and the total relationship with its owners and the environment, success is rare. The majority of these formerly precious pets find themselves rejected … relegated to the local pound for five to seven days, where the odds are 3-to-2 they’ll suffer society’s ‘ultimate solution’. But things don’t have to be so grim, if the owners learn some ‘dog think.’

Applying Positive Imagery To Solve ‘Separation Anxiety’

Dogs that misbehave when they are left alone are said to be suffering from separation anxiety. The term is a neat buzz phrase; almost everybody uses it. It sounds professional. The trouble is, as a transplant from human psychiatry, it really doesn’t convey much useful information. However, the term is here, so we’ll use it in its broadest sense, which is; “a troubled feeling when left alone or apart from a certain person or persons.” This allows us to recommend a remedial behavioral program that deals with the realities of the dog’s total relationships. First, however, we must be sure that the dog’s veterinarian has ruled out the many physical/medical causes for anxiety, such as thyrotoxicosis, hyperthyroidism, pre-diabetes, encephalitis, allergies, hyperkinesis, etc. etc.
The Program

Dogs that are unduly upset when left alone usually enjoy their owner’s attention and petting whenever they ask for (or demand it) when the people are at home. To apply the imagery concept to this relationship, we could say the dog ’sees itself’ as directing, or leading the owner. When it wants some petting, it nudges or otherwise stimulates the owner, and the owner complies. The dog wants out, whines at the door or at the owner, and the door gets opened. Mealtime approaches, dog whines and prances, and dinner gets served. When the owner goes from room to room, the dog is either ahead, leading them, or close behind. This is the reality of their relationship, at least in the dog’s mind. But, when the owner leaves, against the dog’s wishes, the pet is predictably upset, and problem behavior occurs. This can involve barking, chewing, pacing, self mutilation, off schedule bowel movements, urination around the house, etc.

The leadership problem can be turned about by presenting a different reality to the dog; one in which the dog is pleasantly, but firmly and consistently told to perform some simple act, such as ’sit’ whenever it attempts to gain attention or affection, or whenever the owner wants to give the dog some attention. All ’sits’, or whatever command is used (‘down’ is a good one for highly bossy dogs) are praised happily as 3 to 5 seconds of petting is awarded; then the dog is cheerfully released with an “OK” or “Free.” (Free is a good release because OK is too common a word.)

If a really bossy dog refuses to obey, and many do when they realize their relationship is being turned around, simply ignore the situation, turn away and go on about some other activity, ignoring the dog. Some dogs have refused to respond for as long as four days before coming to terms with a follower relationship. However long it takes, after a few days the dog’s image of itself seems to evolve from one of giving direction to taking it with compliance prior to being petted, getting dinner, going out the door, getting on the couch, etc.

In moving around the house, whenever the dog forges ahead, simply about turn and go the other way. This must be repeated until the dog walks patiently behind or, better yet, doesn’t even follow. It is also helpful, but not vital, to practice down stays of increasing length during several evenings a week.

Learn More About Dog Behavior Modification

The Benefits of Homemade Dog Recipes

The benefits of homemade dog food are numerous, especially due to the personal touch added to the diet. Recipes can be adjusted for any allergies or medical conditions your pet may have, age, activity level, size and breed in order to give your dog the best nutrition for his own lifestyle. Owners will also know where the ingredients are coming from and keep all preservatives, colorings or sweeteners out of the diet in a way that just isn’t possible with any commercial dog foods. The danger of making your own homemade dog food is that the diet may not be well-balanced and can cause your dog to become malnourished, especially if you have a puppy or young dog. Consult with your veterinarian before starting your dog on any new diet.

There are many reasons why a pet owner should make their own dog food. It is a practice that is growing in popularity particularly due to revelations of the poor ingredients in dog food that can cause illness in dogs.

Many pet owners are now realizing that the best options for their pets is to make their own dog food that is healthier and packed full of vitamins and minerals. The main reason to make your own dog food is that you know exactly what is going into your dog food bowl. Many brands of dog food contain unspecified ingredients as they can be full of unknown byproducts and fillers which bear no nutritional value and can be harder for the dog to digest.

For a healthier diet, many pet owners now prefer to feed their dogs a specifically designed diet that contains the perfect amount of vitamins for their size, breed, age and health requirements. Many canned dog foods give animals food allergies and digestion problems.

To solve these issues, it can be a good idea to make your own dog food that uses fresh ingredients without any added spices and preservatives. This is easier on the digestive system as well as clearing up any food intolerance issues.

How to Make Your Own Dog Food
For tips on how to make your own dog food, it is important that you first consult your vet for advice. After examining your dog, they will most likely give you some guidance on how to make your own dog food that will give your dog a well balanced and healthy diet. It is a good idea to use ingredients that you would use yourself except do not under any circumstances add ingredients that are toxic to a dog such as garlic or chocolate.

Ask your vet what foods are harmful to a dog to make sure that you are not inadvertently poisoning your dog. Dogs need a lot more protein than humans and this can come in the form of meat or vegetables. It can be healthy for a dog to have a vegetarian diet as long as it is well balanced.

Many experts advise plain meat and rice as a good starter meal for your dog but it is wise to vary an animal抯 diet in order for it to be balanced and healthy. Vegetables are a nutritional addition to a meal even for a dog and with any diet changes; it is wise to slowly add them to an animal daily meals along with their normal foods while slowly increasing the amount of new food until it is the only part of the diet.

Basic Commands for Puppy Training

You do not have to train your puppy to do tricks for amusement, but you should teach him how to sit and how to stay. These basic commands can make him a much more desirable pet as he gets older and grows into a dog. You do not want your dog to be jumping on top of people who come to your house. You need to teach your puppy how to sit.

Your puppy should also know how to stay. This is important. Imagine your dog following you across a street. You can potentially save his life if you can teach him to understand how to stay put.

You do not have to use force when training a puppy. You should not rub their nose in anything or hit them. Puppies react more to a stern voice. Severe punishment for a dog is being banished from the pack. If the puppy misbehaves, you can put him away from the family for a few minutes and he will get the hint. There is no reason to hit the puppy as this may actually hurt him and is really not an effective way to train the animal.

In particular, the Down and Come commands can potentially save your dog’s life. You want to ensure those two are well taught initially and reinforced continually throughout your dog’s life. Why so? Suppose your puppy’s collar suddenly breaks or comes off and your puppy heads straight toward the busy highway. In that event, an instantaneous response to either the Down or Come commands could well save your puppy’s life and you will be very grateful for the time spent the time on puppy training and the basic commands.

Puppy Potty Training

It may not be as easy as it sounds to carry out potty training for puppies. You need to carry out the process consistently so that your puppies will be able to familiarize themselves with the pattern. You have to be observance too as to know how your pets behave before releasing themselves as their behaviors can tell you a lot about what they are going to do or what they want. With consistency and observance, you can make the whole process much easier.

What we are talking about is house training your puppy so that it eliminates outdoors or in a designated indoor area rather than anywhere in the home.

• Don’t look on potty training puppies as the unpleasant or messy side of owning a puppy. Rather see it as the first stage of a bonding process. One that will result in a happy and healthy relationship. That is the real reward of house training a dog.
• Start potty training as soon as you get your puppy home. But remember they don’t yet have full control of their bladder and bowel functions.
• Feeding should take place at the same times every day. Do not feed with four hours of bedtime and withdraw the water bowl two hours before bedtime. A routine is essential. That means you too have to stick to a routine by getting up and going to bed at the same time every day.
• Take the puppy outside into the yard or for a walk first thing in the morning, 10 to 15 minutes after every meal or drink and last thing at night. Do not play with them until they have eliminated.
• If after 10 minutes there is no action take the puppy back to its crate. Wait 10 to 15 minutes then take them out again.
• Be sure to praise the puppy and reward them with a little playtime every time it does “the business”.
• Restrict your puppy to rooms with washable floors until he is house trained.

Potty training for puppies isn’t something easy and what you need are patience, consistency and observance to train your puppy well. The average timing for them to be potty trained is 6 months, so don’t expect your puppies to be trained overnight, it will never happen. However, if your puppies are properly trained, the end result would make you feel it worth a while.

Natural Balance Dog Food

All dog owners want what is best for their pets, and more and more have realised that natural homemade dog food is the optimum way of delivering them a healthy and nutritious diet.

Some of the ingredients that rendering plants deliver to dog food manufacturers will sicken and alarm pet owners. In the United States, these include feathers, blood, hooves, beaks, feet, hide, undeveloped eggs, and most shocking of all, euthanized pets.

The manufacturers bulk up their products with fillers with little or no nutritional value. The recent pet food recall in the US has highlighted the inadequate monitoring of the pet food manufacturing industry.

An alternative that a growing number of dog lovers are choosing is to make their own natural dog food. Although it does take some time to prepare, you will be saving not only dollars, but also the effort in hauling cans or packs of dog food from the supermarket.

When considering switching your dog to a natural dog food, always consult your veterinarian. They will advise you on the ratio of meat protein, carbohydrate and vegetable to use for your particular dog, and also suggest any supplements that may need to be added. This consultation results in the perfect food tailored for your dog.

Meat is the basic protein requirement of your dog, so choose fresh lean meat. The type doesn’t really matter – beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, goat or fish. Offal such as kidney and liver is also very nutritious and dogs love it. Be sure to cook the meat thoroughly before feeding it to your pet, so that any bacteria is removed.

Fresh vegetables act as antioxidants and add vitamins and minerals to the mix. Carbohydrates like rice and potato are also important ingredients, and the addition of garlic will help keep fleas at bay.

If your dog is used to commercially produced food, it may take a while for it to adjust to the change in diet, so initially mixing its regular food with the natural homemade food will help with the transition.

As you will now have total control over your dog’s diet, managing health issues like obesity will be much easier. It won’t be long before you see an improvement in his coat, breath and general well being.

Three courses of home dog training

Home study courses in the form of ebooks and videos you can use to learn to train your dog at home on your own schedule and for a fraction of the price of lessons.

Secrets to Dog Training

Secrets to Dog Training is made up of a comprehensive step by step manual combined with a very useful self help guide. These two resources provide you with all the essential knowledge needed to effectively and efficiently train dogs and to identify and rectify your dog’s problem behaviors. The author of Secrets to Dog Training is a very experienced and respected dog trainer called Daniel Stevens. His book provides you with everything you need to know in order to effectively train dogs quickly and easily as well as covering other aspects of dog ownership. Whether you need to deal with a specific problem or just want to be a better dog owner – Secrets to Dog Training will give you all the tools and information required.

Dove Cresswells Dog Training Online

Dove is a professional Hollywood North dog trainer with an impressive career as a dog trainer for feature films, television and commercials. Although she is only 25 years old, she has over 10 years of experience in training dogs of all sizes and from many different breeds. She has also trained other animals including cougars, large reptiles, rodents, birds, and deer. As a dog trainer for movies, she is expected to deliver fast results as time is money in the movie industry. You can expect similarly fast results with her online dog training course.

D.I.Y Dog Training Home Course

This course includes:

– a downloadable ebook
– several bonus ebooks and audios
– free email consultation with the author/dog trainer

You’ll even find that such courses can help you to correct specific behavior problems you might be having, whether your dog is knocking over every visitor who walks in the door or barking through the night.

4 Tips To House Train Your Dog

If you want to learn how to house train a dog, here are a few dog training tips that you can use.

1. Observation

The first thing you want to do when you want to house train your dog is to observe your dog behavior. For example, when dogs or puppies want to excrete or pee, they usually will show some signals such as walking round and round, sniffing a particular spot excessively etc.

You should take note of the specific time your dog wants to do excrete etc.

2. Be Patient With Your Dog

This is true especially if your dog or puppy is new to the house. Typically, they will take about a week before they settle. You should carry your dog or puppy to the designated place where they do their thing once they show some signs.

3. Do Not use Ammonia-based cleaners

The reason is because ammonia smells a lot like urine and you might end up confusing your dog as to where to urine. Generally, most dogs will sniff and urine at the same spot where they urinated before.

4. Do Not Beat Your Dog

I’ve seen some dog owners beat their dogs with a stick or broom and this is cruelty. Besides, beating your dog does not help either. Rather, the right way is you should be firm in your tone of voice and look into your dog’s eyes when they did something wrong. Dogs are intelligent animals and they can sense when they did something wrong. It may take a few days to weeks before they remember and won’t commit the same mistake again.

If you want to learn how to how to house train your dog, I highly recommend SitStayFetch by Daniel Stevens. It is an excellent book on dog obedience training and is especially suited for beginners training their dog for the first time.