Using A Clicker To Train Your Dog
You may have heard, or even witnessed, dog obedience via a unique and intelligent method, clicker training. A clicker is a small plastic box with a metal strip that makes a crisp click when you push it down and release it. By pairing the clicker with a food reward, the clicker becomes a powerful tool for shaping behavior. Using a clicker in dog training is more effective than using voice commands because a click is not a sound heard by the animal in any other situation. Additionally, the click can be produced at the exact moment a good behavior occurs. In this way, you can reward desirable behavior with a click, and let your dog know he or she is doing the right thing. The clicker combined with positive reinforcement such as food rewards, is an effective and humane way to train your dog.Why Clicker Training Works - The principle behind clicker training comes from operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is how we learn from the consequences of our actions. We tend to repeat actions that have positive outcomes and not repeat those that have negative ones. Psychologist B. F. Skinner used lab rats to study operant conditioning. Skinner's lab rats were placed in boxes that contained a lever that would operate a trap door. When a rat accidentally pressed the lever, the trap door would open and a food reward would tumble into the box. Skinner learned that the rats began associating the action of depressing the lever with food. Thus, this behavior was positively reinforced and the rats were trained through operant conditioning. Using a clicker employs the same concept by rewarding your pet with a treat each time the click is heard. Reinforce positive behavior with the clicker and a treat. Clicker training is most effective when done in short training sessions, rather than hour-long obedience "cram" sessions. When done properly, clicker training is an effective means of training both young puppies and older dogs, even those who have previously been trained by other means, such as voice commands. Dogs are very responsive to clicker training; within a few weeks your dog should know all its basic commands such as sit, heel, stay and come.Getting Started with Clicker Training - The first step to beginning clicker training is to pair the click with a treat reward. Click and give your dog a treat until your dog begins to expect a treat when he hears the click. Next, wait patiently until your dog exhibits a behavior that you want to reinforce. Click during this desired behavior, as the timing of the click is crucial. For Example, each time your dog begins to sit click and give him a treat. Overtime delay the click and treat reward until he is fully seated. Once your dog associates the act of sitting with a reward, add the verbal cue "sit" before this desired behavior occurs. When your dog's response to the sit command becomes consistent, continue to use the clicker, but vary the food rewards. You will have the most obedient dog on the block!---You can see more great tips like Clicker Training For Dog Obedience and sign up for weekly updates at Cheap Puppy Pads website

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The Bernese Mountain Dog And Some Personal Views
The Bernese Mountain Dog belongs to the working group of dogs. In general, the working breeds are known for their intelligence and hardiness. The Bernese is a herding and draft dog. These dogs love the challenge of learning anything new. This dog is a surefire reason for dog obedience training. If you do not train this dog, you will have a very hard time to control it when walking. It's sheer strength will oudo you in no time. Before you commit to this gentle giant of a dog, get a list of dog breeds and look through to make sure this is what you want. AKC Ranking: 47 Family: Mountain Dog. Mastiff Origin: Switzerland Today's function: herding Also known as the Bernese Cattle Dog A little bit of history: This is the only mountain dog that has long silky hair. I read in one book that this dog can be traced back to the invasion of the Roman in Switzerland. The Roman cross bread their mastiff with the cattle dogs of Switzerland. This dog is strong enough to withstand the cold weather and was strong enough to serve as a draft dog. Being close to extinction, these dogs were found in the valleys of the lower Alps. Through the efforts of Dr. Heim these dogs were promoted throughout Switzerland and Europe. The first Bernese came to America in 1926 and they were granted recognition in the AKC in 1937. Their Character The Bernese is an easygoing, calm family dog. A Bernese dog is very sensitive and loyal and totally devoted to its family. It is also very good and gentle with children. They can be reserved with strangers. They do get along with other dogs and pets. They hate to be isolated from family activities. The Bernese is know to mature slowly. They need firm training, but not harsh training because they are a very gently, playful, slow to mature breed. They just do not want to grow up. Upkeep Obviously, this is the kind of dog that enjoys the outdoors, and, the colder it is the better they like it. They need daily exercise, but it can be moderate exercise. This dog does not do well as an outside dog. It needs to be involved with its family. Its coat does need brushing twice a week. Lifespan: 6-9 years. Please make a note. These dogs can get heat stroke very easy and quickly, care must be taken in the heat. They weigh about 90 - 120 pounds and are 25- 28 inches tall. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a little bit longer than it is tall. It is a sturdy large dog. Surprisingly it has good strength, speed and agility. It has a soft and gentle expression and a most beautiful color. This is truly a majestic looking dog.For more information on the Bernese Mountain Dog or a full list of dog breeds take a look at this Dog Training website.

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Farm Dogs? The Kelpie
The Kelpie farm dog was developed in Australia about 140 years ago to work livestock in harsh conditions. Selected for their short coat for heat tolerance, their endurance and intelligence that enables them to take instructions and still work independently of their master. They are a natural herding dog, descending from the British working collie ShareThis

How Well Do You Know Your Dog?
Your adorable little dog has started barking at the back door. Does he need to go out to do his business, or does he want to go bark at a raccoon? How well do you really know your dog? Dogs cannot talk, so this can be difficult. If you take the time to listen and watch, you will find that your dog can communicate, and can communicate clearly. It simply takes a little practice to get to know your dog. Pay Attention The first step towards getting to know your dog is paying attention. You will quickly learn your pup's quirks if you take your eyes off of the TV or computer screen long enough to interact with your pet. Unfortunately, many pet owners are quick to buy a dog, even though they do not have the time or attention to spend with their new pet. Think Like a Pack You think of your dog as a member of your family. Your dog, on the other hand, thinks of your family as a pack. In a pack, one dog is the dominant dog. You need to be the dominant member of your pack. Here are some ways to do this: - Never move for your dog, but always have the dog move for you - Eat before your dog eats - Maintain eye contact with your dog - Walk through doors before your dog - Have the dog sleep in his own bed By following these suggestions, you can establish yourself as the dominant pack member. If you are going to control your dog and have his devotion throughout your relationship, this is essential. Use Eye Contact While dogs do use vocalization to communicate via whines and barks, the majority of the communication that goes on between canines is nonverbal, and eye contact is a huge part of this. A dog that will not break eye contact is trying to be the dominant pack member. Always maintain eye contact until your dog breaks it. Also, if your dog refuses to look at you when called, you do not have dominance over your pet. Recognizing Fear One of the most important ways you can get to know your dog is recognizing when your dog is afraid. After all, you need to be able to calm your dog's fears before he does something drastic. Remember, a dog that is afraid can lash out at those around him. Here are some signs of fear in dogs: - Ears lay flat or back against the head - Head held down - Tail between the legs - Tense, trembling body - Loss of bowel or bladder control - Panting, yawning, or drooling If you notice your dog acting afraid, try to remove him from the situation and assess what may be causing his fear. Recognizing Happiness Your goal as a pet owner is to make your pet as comfortable and happy as possible. How can you know that you accomplished this? Sure, your dog may be quiet and obedient, but is she truly happy? Here are some signs that a dog is happy, content, and well adjusted: - Friendly with most people - Easily handled - Will give up a toy - Wags tail when approached or spoken to - Ears and eyes alert - Wants to play Of course, some of these signs will diminish as your dog ages, but by that time you will know your dog well enough to know whether or not she is happy. By establishing dominance and then meeting your dog's needs, you can keep your dog happy and content. Soon the two of you will be best friends, provided you take the time to really get to know your dog.Bark Busters is a leading provider of dog training, dog obedience and puppy training to ensure that you have a healthy and happy relationship with your beloved dog!

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When Should You Start Training A Puppy?
It's never too soon for you to start training a puppy. You can give your puppy as much freedom as possible until he is about 4 to 6 months of age. Of course, that doesn't include running wild in public places ShareThis

Breeding Puppies.. Selecting A Broodbitch
Canine reproduction is a challenging experience for every dog breeder the first few times that they breed a litter of puppies. Puppy whelpings can and do occur with a minimum of fuss and no veterinary help, but sometimes things can go wrong. As breeders you don't want that to happen, not only for the broodbitch and puppies welfare, but for your own sake... ShareThis

The Dalmatian And Some Great Training Methods
Dalmatian training programs are designed to suit the dog's natural characteristics of a companion dog. Dalmatians seek affection but only from the people they trust - and they tend to take a while before trusting strangers. As with any dog breed, personality differences can be noticed with Dals - some area easier to train, some will give you a hard time. Here are a few of the most common Dalmatian training tips that will help you shape your dog into a real friend and companion: Patience is important when training a Dalmatian - they are quite independent and you might have to go through a routine several times before they start learning - not because they lack the intelligence, but because they tend to have their own way at first. Although they mature from a physical point of view relatively fast, they still act like puppies until they are about one and a half to two years old. And if you are looking for a good Dalmatian training tip , here it is: do not expect maturity from your dog until he reaches 2 years of age, and, even then, don't restrict his playful nature completely. Dals are active dogs, so make sure to offer them training routines that involve physical exercise - they love it! Dalmatian housebreaking training is not very difficult and the dog learns quickly what is allowed and disallowed around the house. Chewing toys are a must with the Dalmatian. Since they are in a puppy state for longer than most dogs, you should also try to adapt your training methods to this. Start the Dalmatian training program early, otherwise the puppy will turn into a very independent adult Dalmatian that will be a lot harder to train. Some Dalmatians do well in tracking and obedience trials, but you have to find the ones with the proper personality if you are thinking of training them professionally. The road trial, a sport where the dog accompanies a horse or a horse-drawn coach as an adornment and as protection is also a favorite Dalmatian activity. Teaching your dog obedience training commands is not different from other dog breeds, but keep in mind that you are dealing with and active and stubborn breed, and patience and creativity have to be combined if the dog-training program aims to be a success. When taken care of properly, these dogs can live up to 16 years. Proper Dalmatian training will ensure a better life, both for you and your spotted pet.For more information on the dalmatian or a complete list of dog breeds visit this Dog Behaviour website.

Dog Obedience Training - The Down Command
The down command is the next lesson to teach in your dog obedience training schedule. It should be taught as soon as you and your dog have mastered the sit command. The down command is a fundamental ingredient of your overall dog obedience training program. It provides the foundation for many other advanced commands/skills and establishes you as the leader in the relationship you share with your dog. The reason for this is that the laying down position is a submissive and somewhat vulnerable position for your dog to be in, especially when you are standing tall over the top of your dog. The down command is a very handy tool you will come to rely on in many situations. Popping your dog down into the lying down position is great for times when you need to go into a shop or for occassions when there are small children around. It can take a bit of practice to reach this level, but it is worth the effort. Learning The Down Obedience Command When you are in the learning phase of teaching the down command, start out by making it simple for your dog, then slowly turn up the difficulty level. - Move your training sessions to a public place. - Increase the time you keep your dog in the down position. - Bounce a ball around your dog when he is in the lying position, or scatter some food around him. The idea is that your "down" command will be so strong in your dogs mind, that none of these other distractions matter. He can only get up to chase the ball or eat the treats when you release him from the down command. What you are trying to achieve with the down command is to have your dog quickly get down into the laying position, belly touching the ground and his front legs extended out in front. In a familiar environment to your dog with no distractions, lets get started! Down Command Technique 1 - Off Leash - Put your dog into a sitting position. - Grab your dogs favorite tasty treat and hold it a couple of centimetres in front of his/her nose. Move your hand straight down to the ground. Your dog should follow it down (you can praise and encourage him down). As soon as his belly hits the ground, with his legs out in front, lavish him with praise and give the treat. - Repeat this action over and over in short sharp training sessions. - When your dog is "getting it" and going down right away, you can add the verbal part of the command. I use "down" other people use "lay" or "drop", just choose the one you are comfortable with and stick to it (make it a one word command only). Add your command just before you start to move the treat towards the ground. This step is all about building an association in your dogs mind between the verbal "down" command and the act of him laying down. - The idea is that eventually, after plenty of repetition and praise your dog will only require your verbal command, and not the treat in your hand to lure him down. Also, in time you will be able to start the command not only from the sitting position but from standing and in any situation you and your dog are in. - When your dog is responding well to your verbal command, introduce some other variables which make the down command a little more challenging. Try the command as you go about your daily business, around other people or dogs and increase the duration of the command. Down Command Technique 2 - On Leash - Put your preferred collar and leash on your dog - I just use a nice leather buckle collar when teaching the down command. - Place your dog into the sitting position and stand or kneel right next to him. - Basically you are trying to guide or coax your dog into the down position. How you do this depends on the size and co-operation level of your dog. - Always say your "down" command first, then immediately guide your dog down into the lying position. Grab hold of the leash and gently pull your dogs head down, at the same time guide him down by pressing down between his shoulder blades with the palm of your hand. You can also lift up your dogs front legs and extend them out in front of him, find the method which works best for you. Praise and encourage your dog all the way down. Then of course as soon as he's in the down position make it clear to him that you are happy with him and that he has done a good job. - After lots of repetition your dog will respond to your verbal command only. Then try the command when your dog is in the standing position and in other settings. Make the command a little more challenging by adding some distractions and increasing the time he is required to stay in the down position. Whichever method you choose to teach your dog the down command be consistent and keep at it. When you are happy with your dog getting into the down position you will probably want to add a release command to it. This means that when you issue your down command, your dog goes straight down and is not permitted to get up until you issue another command. You can use "away" or "off you go" for this purpose.Chris Smith is a dedicated dog owner and creator of www.dog-obedience-training-review.com Discover how to properly train your dog yourself, at home.

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Airedale Terrier Tips And Info
The personality of a lively child put into dog- this might be a good way of describing the general personality of terriers. But as it appears, that still would not justify their temperaments. These dogs came from the British Isles where they were first oriented to hunting fox, rat, otter and the likes over and under the ground. And as its name suggests, 'terrier' came from the word 'terra' which means, 'earth'. While terriers may be identified through their prominent physical characteristics, they are still divided into various breeds that separate one kind from another. The following are the subgroups of the terrier breed: Show Terriers- These are basically bred as small dogs and are used for show rings. Bull and Terrier Types- these came from breeding between bull dogs and terriers. Only in the last quarter of 1800's did the breeders separate a number of bull dogs from terrier types for distinction. Hunting and Working Terriers- The breed that was primarily bred for hunting. Toy Terriers- These are the smaller versions of terriers, which are basically categorized into the companion breed. To help you understand the various natures of terrier dogs, we have prepared some dog profiles here, please read on. Airedale Terrier- This is known to be the largest dog in the Terrier breed. Standing an average of 23 inches from the shoulder, this dog shows off both beauty and elegance that make them fit for both dog obedience trials and show rings. A cross-breed between Otterhound and Black and Tan Terrier, Airedale possess good skill in scent and superb swimming prowess. Australian Terrier- Probably one of the dog types that have gotten to so many out-crossings with other dog breeds. A cross breed between the forerunner of Dandie Dinmont and rough coated terrier is said to have been migrated into England. The offspring of which was taken to Australia. With the scarcity of dog breeds in this land, many dogs had been crossbred into it which later resulted to a small type having the characteristics of terriers while being a good watchdog and ratter. It stands 10 to 11 inches with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. Border Terrier- A True-blue working terrier, this dog is marked by its medium built while proving to work far better than what its appearance may give. Border Terriers are agile and alert while having the capacity to fit into narrow gaps especially during hunting. Aside from its being affectionate and good adaptation to training, Border terriers can also make good family pets. Bull Terrier- Originally bred for dog fighting and bull baiting, this dog is known to have been well-accustomed to courage and good resistance to pain. However, when the bloody dog fights were banned in England during the 1800's, most breeders turned to breeding milder dogs. Bull Terriers came from these fighting dogs combined with Dalmatian and English Terrier to produce all-white specie. This new breed though is very much reserved from starting fights which gave them the nickname 'White Cavalier'. There are of course a variety of other terrier species. Initially, you might find them interesting enough to catch your attention but a closer look would lead you to further knowing them. Who knows, you might find your ideal type of dog in this breed.For more information on the Airedale Terrier or a full list of dog breeds take a look at this Dog Training website.

Common Situations In Which Dog Training Problems Occur
Dog training problems are quite likely to be experienced when it comes to dog training obedience. The training problems that are likely to be experienced are often a direct result of many different complications that may be encountered during training. If you are attempting to conduct dog training obedience, it is very likely that you will eventually encounter some complications and experience dog training problems firsthand. This may indicate that you are failing to use the right tactics when it comes to teaching your pet various commands. Here, we will review the common situations in which dog training problems occur. Failing to Implement Rewards Now, when it comes to dog training obedience, it is essential that you implement the use of rewards in order to motivate and encourage the animal that you are working with. Dogs are driven by reward. It is essential that you give the dog something to work towards. If you fail to do this, it is quite likely that the animal will not understand what it is that you are attempting to accomplish. This is not necessarily a bad trait, it is actually common. Even with people, there is usually some ending motivation that occurs when it comes to completing certain tasks. If you fail to implement rewards while conducting dog training, it is quite likely that you will encounter some dog training problems. Punitive Actions There is another situation that occurs when it comes to dog training obedience. Many individuals who conduct this type of training will actually become so frustrated that they talk down to the animal, and even become physically punitive. This can be extremely detrimental to the overall training experience and it is quite likely to notice some dog training problems if this type of behavior is exhibited on the behalf of the individual doing the training. It is not uncommon to notice that the animal become unresponsive to your commands, to see them acting as if they are frightened, and even observe them running away. Common Dog Training Problem Behaviors There are many common behaviors that may be exhibited when it comes to dog training problems. As mentioned previously, the animal may become unresponsive. It is also quite possible that the animal seems to rebel against the things that you are saying. You may also observe any or all of the following behaviors: 1. Aggression 2. Barking 3. Whining 4. Howling 5. Destructive Behavior 6. Jumping 7. Shyness 8. Urinating inappropriately There are many different dog training problems that may occur if the right techniques are not used when it comes to dog obedience training. These problems can actually turn into lifelong habits of the pet if they are not properly tended to. It is essential to know and understand what causes these types of problems so that you can learn how to resolve them. Knowing the right way to conduct dog training is the first step to resolution when it comes to dog training problems. Are you experiencing difficulty in your dog training obedience course? Does your dog seem to rebel? Do you feel as if you simply are not communicating in an effective manner with your dog during training exercises? If you answered yes get in the know today.Ranju is an editor of the Dog Training Website. The website is giving more information on training your dog, visit http://www.FreeDogTrainingCD.com to know more about turning your Wild Mannered Darling into the well behaved dog.

How To Train Your Dog And Take Charge
You can live happily with a well-trained dog, but it is going to take a lot of work on your part. Dogs can be such wonderful, affectionate companions but lets face something, they are just more lovable when they are well-behaved. Even the cutest, sweetest dog can really be a big nuisance if not trained properly. Sometimes he or she may repeatedly mark its territory behind your couch, make your kitchen floor its regular potty area or dig up your neighbors flower bed. Aside from the messes that you will continuously have to clean up, an untrained or disobedient dog can cause you huge embarrassment if it does not behave well with guests or with other pets around. Train your dog effectively by educating yourself. Before you can have a well-trained dog, you must first become a well-informed owner. The number one thing you need to know is that most dogs, if untrained, behave exactly how they are supposed to behave, like dogs! You cannot expect a dog to be intelligent enough as to naturally know what is or is not acceptable pet behavior. That is why it is very important to provide your pet with proper dog obedience training as early in its life as possible. Doing so will instill good habits in him from a young age and he will be much easier to handle as he grows older. In fact, it is every dogs nature to please its owner. So if you have the knowledge you will find that your dog can be very receptive to training. Do not be overwhelmed by the thought of doing the dog training yourself. You do not need to teach him circus tricks or anything but just basic behavior and practical commands. This will make your life easier and your dog will be happier and more eager to please you. He or she really wants to be your best friend. Try to find out the right approach that best suits you and your dog. Using a stick to play fetch with your dog is totally permissible, but do not hit him with it. Cruelty and abuse will solve nothing. They are bound to make matters worse for you by making your dog overly defensive and potentially dangerous. In the same way, plain exasperation will not help you establish dominance over your pet. Your dog needs to see you as its master in order to become obedient. Train your dog, do not let him train you. Understanding dog psychology early on in dog obedience will certainly help make your job much easier. Later on, you will learn more fundamentals about dog training such as communication. Establishing good communication with your dog is essential. And you being the leader, you will have to set your own shared language that your dog will learn to understand and heed. Simple commands like sit, stay and fetch are among the most common words you can use as part of this shared language. But there are far plenty more, and when she learns to understand how you want her to behave, the more you will love her for it. That is virtually guaranteed!Alan Largo is the creator and administrator of Doggie Trainer and strives to assist others identify with their dog's adverse behavioral problems through informative reviews. You're invited to visit Doggie Trainer to read his most recent article review.

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