Whether you have a brand new puppy or an older dog, it makes sense to spend some time training them. Although there is an abundance of information out there about how to train your dog, you cannot go wrong with dog training tips from the experts.

1. Positive reinforcement is essential. Whilst there are lots of theories concerning how to train your dog, most dog training experts agree that positive reinforcement is most effective. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your dog with verbal praise “good dog”, physical praise such as a pat on the head and food rewards. It doesn’t involve screaming at your dog, hitting or punishing them.

Positive reinforcement works due to the fact it forms a bond of trust with your dog. Dogs are motivated by rewards especially food rewards.

2. Consistency is important. If you are working with your dog on a specific skill or trick then attempt to train them at the same time each day. This helps your pet learn what to expect. Most dogs thrive on structure and will perform and learn much quicker once they know what’s expected. If you are training using food rewards, make an effort to train your dog before mealtime so they are a little bit hungry and motivated.

3. Show patience. Dogs usually learn in waves. Sometimes they pick things up easily then the following day it appears as though you must start again from the beginning. Be patient. Begin each new trick with tiny steps and be crystal clear about what you expect. Even with the smallest tricks like “sit” you will need to break it down into smaller steps.

4. Make use of hand cues along with verbal cues. Some dogs have an easier time comprehending and remembering hand signals than they do with verbal cues. Assign a hand signal to every trick or behavior you are training.

5. Train in small increments. Dogs have short attention spans. Attempting to train them for twenty or thirty minutes isn’t going to work. They’re going to become frustrated and lose focus. Instead, keep training sessions to a maximum of five minutes.

To start with, you may choose to train for only a minute or two until eventually your dog learns to look forward to training. Dogs can learn to dislike training. Keeping the training sessions short will help them learn to enjoy the process.

6. Always end on a positive note. Learning a new trick is hard work. Finish each training session, no matter how frustrating, on a positive note. Always give your dog a trick or behavior to perform that they have learned to perform and finish with a food reward and lots of praise.

7. Keep your dog healthy. Last but not least, one of the most important dog training tips from the experts recommends feeding your dog a quality dog food, giving them lots of fresh drinking water and making sure they get adequate rest. A healthy dog is a happier dog and will understand desired behaviors far more quickly.

source from: articlealley

. Beginning

As the owner, you must have control over the situation. Many types of canine species are resistant to these procedures and they may get very nervous. Protect yourself using a muzzle to prevent any biting. Your pet may not intentionally bite you, but it may be a reflex action. A muzzle will keep your from injury and it will teach the dog that biting is not acceptable behavior. After a few sessions, you may be able to stop using the muzzle.

Give your pet plenty of time to get used to all kinds of loud equipment. Things like clippers and hair dryers can be very frightening to an animal, as their hearing is much more sensitive than humans. Show them the equipment, so they can see that there is no threat. When you use a hair dryer, start with the lowest blow setting, as it will not be as loud.

. The Importance of Brushing

Brushing is an excellent way to bond with your dog. Most animals love the feel of a brush on their fur, and when you first get a puppy, make sure that they get used to brushing. When you use the brush, talk very softly and let your pet know that all is fine. This is a very good way to start any type of grooming session.

. Trimming Nails

Most dogs will be hesitant about having their toe nails trimmed. It is always best to start then they are puppies, but it is not too late with older dogs. Take the time to relax the animal as much as possible. Praise them after each nail is trimmed and when it is over, give them their favorite treat. Do not forget to have something handy to stop any sudden bleeding.

It does not matter which foot you start with, but be consistent, as this way you will form a routine. It is a good idea to have an assistant for trimming nails. Your assistant can talk softly to the animal and distract him or her from the trimming process.

When cutting nails, longer is better. Cutting nails too short causes them to bleed and it can hurt your pet. Pain will make them afraid of the procedure, in the future. If you can see the vein in the nail, be careful not to cut it. If the nails are dark, err on the side of cation and trim them long.

. Conclusion

If you do not have the time or resources for proper dog grooming lessons, the basics are not hard to learn. Let your dog get used to all of the noisy equipment that you will be using. Do not forget to protect yourself with a muzzle, in the beginning. Start each session with a gentle brushing, as this will relax you both. Have someone help you distract the animal while trimming nails.

Source: ezinearticles.com

With an unlimited source of a variety of dogs at his disposal, Dobermann began to experiment by crossing various breeds. What he really used is a bit of a mystery. What he created was a rather rough, but very effective version of what has evolved to the Doberman Pinscher we know and love today. Old German Shepherd, Weinmaraner, Great Dane, Rottweiler and possibly Greyhound may be part of that early equation.

Today’s Dobe, as their owners affectionately call them, is a far cry in appearance and demeanor from Dobermann’s dogs. Given the fact in the past hundred years they have retained the agile, astute, perceptive, protective and loyal character of their ancestors; they have been a favorite for the military, police, and customs. Recognizing and appreciating their gentle nature, they have also been caring therapy dogs. Their stamina makes them perfect for search and rescue.

This medium size dog, weighing between 60-100 pounds, hardly ever looks approachable. However, that image is part of their appeal so some owners.

They come in four colors: black, red, fawn and blue. Albino Dobermans are rare, but it does happen.

Alert, agile, energetic, and with incredible stamina, the Doberman is an extremely intelligent and loyal breed. They are not recommended for an inexperienced dog owner. Intuitively, Dobermans trust and respect authority. They can sense who has it, and who doesn’t. Without clear boundaries, they can develop serious and possibly dangerous behavior problems.

However, if socialized and obedience trained at an early age, the Dobe makes an unbelievable family pet. Their obedience, loyalty and attachment to their family are without reservation. They thrive on interactions with their humans. An amazingly perceptive animal, they instinctively provide their family with not only a good watchdog, but also an extraordinary guard dog. They can be wary of strangers.

They need regular training and plenty of socialization even as adults. By not challenging them mentally, you are doing them a great disservice. A sensitive dog, with astounding intelligence, they do not need to be strong-armed or hollered at. A firm tone of voice, and positive reinforcement, punishment-free methods of socialization and obedience training are effective.

This is a dog that needs plenty of exercise! They have remarkable stamina, so be prepared to spend time briskly walking and physically interacting with them. If not adequately exercised physically and challenged mentally, they will develop unacceptable behaviors, which may become very difficult to modify. This is not a dog that will tend to stray. Their attachment to their owner far outweighs their need to explore. They are leaners! They have to be touching their people. Many an owner will tell you, they feel their dog is more an accessory than a pet.

A shorthaired dog, they don’t require much grooming. A bath and good brushing now and then will help get rid of loose hairs. They are sensitive to the cold and should not be kenneled outside.

Doberman’s have their fair share of health problems, the most common being Dilated Cardiomyopathy (weakened and enlarged heart). Neutering reduces many of the risks intact males have to Canine Prostatic Diseases. Other health issues include: Von Willebrand’s Disease, obesity, Wobbler Syndrome (compression of the spinal cord), hypothyroidism, Gastric Dilation and Volvus (GDV-bloat), hip dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRT) and Congenital Heart Disease (CHD).

Their average lifespan is 10-14 years.

Bottom line: Do your homework. As they are so popular, avoid flea markets, backyard breeders and pet shops. They only perpetuate dreadful puppy mills that are grinding out inferior quality dogs. Find a responsible, trustworthy breeder. Shelters and rescues often have Doberman Pinschers. They are more often surrendered because of economic circumstances than behavior problems. Who knows, perhaps your new best friend may be patiently waiting for you there.

Karen A. Soukiasian, GOOD DOG! – DOG TRAINING and BED-n-BISCUITS dog boarding and training – Owner/Trainer, St. Augustine, Florida – AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN and S.T.A.R. PUPPY Evaluator

Source: ezinearticles.com

When you are challenged with weimaraner whining, you need to ask yourself, what could be creating it. Whining isn’t a condition on its own and it is often only a symptom of something else. Some of the common causes of whining in pets include:

BOREDOM – This is an extremely common reason why pet whine. If your weimaraner displays this behavior, there is a really wonderful chance that it is only bored. you could make sure if this is the right causative factor by discovering when your dog whines. If the whining is heavier when it isn’t doing anything or when you haven’t paid attention to it in a bit there’s a great chance that it is just bored. You can address it by playing with your pet dog more, by getting a companion animal, or by taking the pet dog out for walks more often.

SEPARATION ANXIETY – This is another major reason why your pet whine. This can be very usual in dogs that are very attached to their pet owners. Since the animal is incredibly emotionally attached to its owner, it will show the behavior whenever kept from its most important carer. For example, if the pet is emotionally attached to your son, it could whine all day while the kid is not home for school and will only calm down when the boy comes home.

PAIN – sick pets, like those that may have problems with torsion or gastric bloat can express whining when they are in pain. If the whining is brought on by pain, the animal needs to be taken to the veterinarian in order to get the problem addressed.

DEPRESSION – This could also be a really big cause of weimaraner whining. Stress can also cause sadness and it could also lead to problems with low energy levels.

Put a cease to weimaraner whining now by being sure that your is happy, healthy, and that its not bored. Doing that can give you a better relationship with your weimaraner.

Source: ezinearticles.com

Before you can deal with a dog dominance issue at home or in dog obedience training, you must recognize that dog behavior and dog communication are not in line with human psychology. After all, your dog is a canine (canis familiaris of the Family Canidae), not homo sapiens. So he thinks like a canine, not like a person. Your dog responds as one might in a wolf pack, not as a human family member. He or she has real emotions, but they are canine emotions, not human emotions, and not to be mistaken as such.

The basic communication system of dogs involves three critical elements: silence, submission, and leadership, sometimes referred to generally as the dog whisper technique with elements of wolf pack communication. We will use these elements in this and subsequent dog training articles about solving Dog Dominance problems. You and I need to understand, “read,” and use your dog’s own communication system for optimal effectiveness in working with him.

Dogs have an inherent “pack psychology” which governs their thinking and actions. In a pack, there is one dominant one, and the rest are all followers. There is one “Alpha male” and one “Alpha female.” To relate to a dog from a position of strength, respect, and control, YOU must be the “Alpha Leader,” the “Pack Leader,” and you must use pack psychology and pack communication.

Often we see dominant dogs taken home as young pups, because people are amused by their spirited behavior. Actually, they are usually the first puppies chosen, the proverbial “pick of the litter.” However, if this “high-spirited nature” is not controlled, then things get out of control quickly . . . becoming worse over time . . . until the situation sometimes becomes dangerous. Dominance can lead to “violence.”

So you might look for a mature dog, such as a Shelter Dog or Rescued Dog. However, looking for a less dominant pet is not so easy in shelters. There a dog’s true nature is difficult to discern without the aid of an experienced person. While in the shelter, the dog rarely has an area or anything that is under the dog’s control, so there is little opportunity to observe possessiveness and dominance problems.

Nor are dogs cooped up in shelters able to burn off excess energy. It’s very hard for an untrained eye to differentiate between an excited “please take me home” and the more troublesome “I want to control you!” of the hyper-active, dominant canine.

But the dominance problem quickly becomes evident when you go home and relax, for dominance shows up where “weakness” is present. For example, petting your dog when it is submissive (e.g., sitting or lying down) is appropriate and desirable, but not when it is in an aggressive or dominant stance. If you display any sign of soft laxity at the wrong time because of your affection, that will be interpreted by your dog as weakness . . . and then, “Katie bar the door!” With dominant types, you simply cannot afford to let down your guard, or to make an exception “just this once” because the pup is so cute.

You must establish and maintain firm, consistent control of the Dominant Dog at all times. These eye-catching, spirited animals are highly intelligent and have great potential, but they also are usually very willful, stubborn, born leaders who seek to control you, other animals, and their environment. They want to rule the roost! You cannot give them an inch . . . or they will take it, and take it, and take it . . . over and over, time and again. These dogs are persistent!

For example, one friend had an Old English Sheepdog puppy, an “Alpha Female” about eight months old, who had a very bad reaction to a toxic flea dip in the 1970’s. As the puppy started to tremor, the frightened owners lifted their darling onto the foot of the bed, both for her comfort and to ease their own backs as they nursed her.

MISTAKE! That one incident led that puppy and her litter-mate to sneak onto the bed whenever possible . . . a pattern the owners never succeeded in terminating for the rest of the dogs’ lives!

Too many owners just coddle the two-and-three month old “babies” and think that puppy training can start later. NO! The intelligent, spirited ones, especially, must be “trained” from day one with consistency, with You clearly as the Master. Because of their high intelligence, they are ready much earlier than others for more formal types of training, too. Training helps remove boredom and release energy, while giving the prideful animal a proper goal for which to strive, and achievement about which to strut with regal, dignified, proud bearing and the clear satisfaction of pleasing.

“Don’t move with them, you lose them!”

I, too, have had a trying personal experience with an aggressive “Alpha pup.” I brought home a beautiful “Rescued Dog,” a retriever puppy from the Humane Society. She turned out to be the most willful and stubborn dog I have ever seen, striving for dominance in all things! There is no way she would have lasted in a “normal” home. However, because of my sheer determination with consistent, proper training, she is becoming a loving, playful, and obedient “sweetheart” who, without loss of any spunk or pride, nevertheless submits to my command by a mere glance. I am her undisputed “Pack Leader.”

Still, it wasn’t easy to get her to that state. In great frustration, I eagerly sought the advice of two other trainers with vast puppy experience. So I say to beleaguered Owners of aggressive, dominant puppies and dogs, “Don’t be embarrassed. This can happen to anyone! Never be ashamed to ask for help from a Dog Trainer.” (Just make sure they really understand pack psychology.)

If you have a dog dominance problem, there is a specific training technique that will work for you, and it centers on “FOCUS.” It applies the communication system of silence, submission, and leadership, and is a dog training technique which is effective with most dog dominance issues. [It’s much more effective and pleasant than hitting and yelling!]

So get help with control of the dog dominance behavior, and restore a right relationship with your pet, and peace and harmony in your home!

Source:findoutaboutdogs.com

As your dog sees it, the crate is a room of his very own – a “safety zone”. The crate helps to satisfy the “cave instinct” inherited from his cave-dwelling ancestors and relatives. Your dog will feel secure once accustomed to his crate. The crate can help you achieve a better relationship with your dog by preventing unwanted behavior when you aren’t available to supervise him.

The advantages of crate training:

With the help of a crate

• You can enjoy peace of mind when leaving your dog alone, knowing that nothing can be soiled or destroyed and that he is comfortable, safe, and not developing bad habits.
• You can housebreak your pet quickly by using the close confinement to motivate your pet to wait until taken outside, since canines naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area.
• You can travel with your dog without risk of the him getting loose and becoming lost or interfering with safe driving. And he may be quieter and more relaxed in a crate as he will feel protected and less inclined to bark.
• Your dog can enjoy the security and privacy of a crate of his own to which he can retreat when tired or stressed.
• Your dog can avoid much of the fear and confusion caused by your reaction to problem behavior.
• Since he can more easily adapt to staying in unfamiliar places as long as he has his familiar “safety zone” along, your pet can be included in family outings, instead of being left behind alone.

Buying a crate:

Look for a wire crate that includes a removable metal floor pan. Plastic crates can also be used, although some dogs will chew the plastic. For your pet’s comfort, look for one with a smooth floor, or you can add a crate bed for more comfort. Purchase a crate large enough for your pet to stretch out on its side and to sit or stand erect. If you have a puppy, it is more economical to buy a wire crate that will accommodate him as an adult, then partition it to the right size. A movable wire or pegboard partition can be made or purchased. Too large a crate can undermine housebreaking because your pet may eliminate at one end of the crate and lie down at the other. Depending on size and construction, a new crate may cost $40 – 250. This is a bargain compared to the cost of replacing a sofa, woodwork, or carpeting. Where’s the best place for the crate?

Dogs are social animals. Place the crate in an area where the family spends a lot of time – kitchen, family room, living room, etc. The top of the crate can serve as extra shelf or table space. At night, move your puppy’s crate into your bedroom so you can hear him if he needs to go out.

Will the crate work for all pets?

Unfortunately, no. There are some animals (usually adults) that can’t or will not tolerate this form of confinement. A few will show no desire to keep the crate clean.

By crate training, you are doing your pet a real favor by preventing him from getting into trouble when left unsupervised.

Source:findoutaboutdogs.com

Widely recognized as the most popular and effective way to housetrain puppies the crate method utilizes your dog’s natural instincts. Dogs are naturally clean animals and will not by nature relieve themselves in the area where they sleep.

Knowing how to communicate properly with your dog lies at the heart of the housetraining process. Lecturing, yelling or other forms of punishment will not achieve the desired result. The key is to reward good behavior. Puppies are like babies, much too young to be held responsible for their bowel movements. Punishments are not the way to get through to your puppy.  If you are going to use the crate method it’s vital that you learn about the proper, humane method to housetrain your dog.

Choosing the right crate

This is very important when it comes to the humane treatment of your puppy. A crate that is too small is very cruel. The puppy should have enough room to maneuver around and be comfortable inside. If the crate is much too large – the puppy might even relieve himself inside the crate.

The plastic varieties of crates are much easier to clean, durable and easier to carry around than the metal varieties.

It is also cruel to leave your puppy inside the crate for too long. Night time is crate time and often even very young puppies can go the entire night without soiling their crates.

You will want to slowly get the puppy used to the crate. The idea here is to create a positive feeling about the crate. Put a nice soft blanket inside and your puppy’s favorite toys too. You can also put some yummy treats inside to entice your dog.

Never, ever force your dog inside the crate. It is his sanctuary within your home.

Tips for housetraining

- Prepare the area that your puppy will spend most of its time in with a layer of newspaper.

- Designate an official toilet area for your puppy.

- Supervise (or have the children do it) until the puppy has relieved himself.

- If your puppy starts sniffing or circling pick him up and get him outside fast!

Golden rules for housetraining your dog using the crate method:

- Take your puppy out first thing in the morning.

- Take your puppy out directly after meals.

- If your puppy has had an accident be sure to clean the area thoroughly. Use a product that will remove the odor.

- Never punish your puppy for accidents. You would never yell at your baby and put her nose in her mess. Rather use positive reinforcement when your puppy does her business outside.

- Take your puppy out just before bedtime and make sure he does his business.

- Give praise freely where it is due. Treats, walks and positive reinforcement will go a long way toward getting your puppy to understand that eliminating outside is the goal.

Housetraining your puppy will take time and patience. The kind of dog and your methods will greatly influence how long it takes for your puppy to be fully housetrained.

There is a reason that the crate method is the most widely used housetraining method. It works well. Of course housetraining your puppy isn’t your only concern when it comes to raising a well behaved dog. You will also want to set some distinct boundaries. Puppies should not be allowed free reign of the house; at least not until they are fully housetrained. Your puppy is a sponge and above all – keen to please you. You are the pack leader and the puppy will look to you to figure out what is and isn’t acceptable in your home.

By deciding early what your puppy may chew on and what furniture he is allowed on you can eliminate confusion and behavioral pr

Source:findoutaboutdogs.com

What to Look for in a Dog Trainer’s Qualifications:

Certifications: How a trainer obtained their certification should be taken into consideration. A trainer should be certified through a specialized organization which trains dogs for services work or a dog training school which gives a credit equivalent to a college degree. Be aware that there are many companies which offer certifications on-line or through the mail; this involves a short written course which, for a fee, they will send you a certification. There are no standards to theses tests, allowing each company to determine what qualifies an individual to pass the “course”. Ask what type of certifications an instructor has.

Verify: how many years the trainer has been teaching professionally and not as a sports trainer or hobbyist. While years alone are not enough to determine the quality of a trainer’s experience, it will tell you something if they have had the ability to continue in their profession.

Licensed: Is the trainer licensed as a business and meets all city, county, state and federal regulations?

What to Look For in a Dog Trainer’s Methods:

Observe: Attend a class! If a trainer does not allow you to do so, look for a different trainer Watch the students reactions to the instructor. Are they enthusiastic or reserved? Do they seem comfortable? Both dogs and clients should enjoy themselves and a quality trainer will be courteous and polite to both human and canine students. Notice: Does the trainer provide clear instructions? Is there proper demonstrations of what the trainer expects the students to do? Do they provide students with individual assistance when needed?

Methods: A good trainer will provide you with an honest explanation of the pros and cons of methods they employ. Pay attention to what equipment is being used when you attend an observation class. What types of collars are the dogs wearing? Chokes or prong collars have their place but are not for a beginner obedience dog. Such a dog has no understanding of the new commands they are learning and should not be punished for what they do not “know”. Bullying and all similar methods or equipment that could cause the dog pain, distress or has the potential for physical harm are unacceptable. If you feel that anyone, a trainer, an animal care professional or other, is causing your dog undue pain, harm or distress in any form, you have the complete right to stop them immediately! Do so!!

Preferred Style: Ask about a trainer’s background and which style of training they prefer. A teacher whose primary experience is in Schutzhund or Protection Training may not be the first choice as a house companion dog instructor. It does not disqualify them as a quality trainer, however, an instructor who enjoys working families and children, competition obedience, Therapy Dogs or puppy kindergartens may be the preferred teacher for a companion pet.

Protect: An instructor should take steps to protect a dog’s health in a group environment. Are all dogs and puppies required to be vaccinated prior to enrollment? Which vaccines are required?

Behavior problems: Be wary if a trainer assures you that a specific behavior problem will be resolved. A trainer can assist you with behavior modification, nothing is absolute. While a good trainer should guarantee satisfaction, they should not guarantee complete results. They should instead promise to do their best and convince you to help your dog and yourself by being consistent with your pet and promising follow-up training at home.

Your Needs: Does a trainer offer multiple schooling options and advise which is best suited for your individual needs? Or does the trainer have a ‘one size fits all’ approach?

Follow Up: Does the trainer provide any satisfaction guarantees, follow-up support, and if so, what is the cost?

While a good dog trainer does not have to be expensive, don’t base your choice on price alone. Sit through a few classes and do some research before signing up for lessons. What you learn from a dog training course can mean a better behaved canine companion and make a difference in your daily life for the next 17 years.

Source:findoutaboutdogs.com

Some dogs are never possessive with their food, but you may find if your dog came from a large litter, the only way he could obtain his share of the food was to threaten his brothers and sisters. Finding this action acheived the desired result (getting more food),he may well try it with you.If you don’t sort this out very early on, this possessiveness will transfer to other things, such as bones, toys, furniture and so on, perhaps even to other members of the family.

To stop him being aggressive with his food, don’t give him possession of it! By this I mean feed him by hand for a couple of weeks. Prepare his food in the bowl as usual, but don’t put the bowl on the floor for him. Simply feed him a handful at a time. The bowl of food on the floor almost instinctively makes him want to guard it, so if he is not put in this position of needing to guard, he will not bite!

Feeding by hand also helps if your dog is dominant in other areas. It makes him completely reliant on you for the most important thing in his life,his food,and this will reinforce your position of pack leader, as he is only receiving the food from you and not from the bowl. You can also use this period of hand feeding to your benefit by making him perform some minor order from you for some of the food. Get him to sit first before one handful, or to lie down for the next, and so on. Don’t make him run around for the food as this could cause digestive upsets.

You will find that after a couple weeks of this regime, his general attitude over possessions will change. You can then try giving him his food in a bowl again, and, provided there is no sign of aggression, continue to feed him normally.

For dogs that are food possessive, do not give them bones or toys, as they will attempt to guard these in the same way. Once the food possession has been sorted out, you can try introducing a toy, but make sure the dog understands that it is your toy, and he is only allowed to play with it with you, and when you decide the game is to end, you must end up with the toy.