Best Online Dog Obedience Training Course

Pitbulls care by Doggy Dan

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Dog Training Techniques

From the moment he/she comes home, you will instantly love your puppy and automatically want what is best.  Training is the first step in becoming a tight knit family unit and the first step in allowing a peaceful existence within the home.  Below are some important training techniques to get your started!

The first and most important thing to do is get your puppy a collar. This will allow you to have your dog’s attention when needed. There are a wide variety of collars to choose from.

There are traditional leather or nylon collars, pinching collars (used mostly by professional trainers), choker collars, citronella collars and more.

If you do decide on a choker collar, mind how tight you have the collar and use it with caution.  You may enlist the help of a professional trainer to learn how to use a choker collar properly. Same goes with the pincher collar.

One of our favorites is the citronella collar.  It is completely harmless to your puppy and will only put off a smell that your dog will not like.  You simply click a button when your dog is not following commands, and the scent of citronella follows.

It is your responsibility to guide your puppy in his new life and help him understand that you are in control.  You will need to train them and teach them the commands necessary to maintain a healthy puppy and positive setting within the home.

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Dog Training Collars

Dog training collars are a very safe and effective way to train your dog.  In addition to them being a great way to teach your dog commands, there are several types available to choose from.

Training collars allow you to form a connection to your dog.  You will be able to find several different brands that work different ways online or at your local pet market. Most are great choices; although some can be dangerous if you don’t know how to use them properly.  You might have to try more than one to find out what works best for your dog.

If you are looking for simple training, you will probably want to purchase a traditional nylon or leather collar.  These will work perfectly well for teaching commands such as stay, sit, lay, etc.  Nylon and leather collars come with cute little decorations and designs if your dog is accustomed to a little bling.

Basic choke collars are popular and are beneficial in strict training.  If you choose to use a choke collar, you need to start with those immediately after you get your dog as this type of collar will give you better control and allow your dog to understand you are in charge.  Be careful not to make the choke collar too tight.

When your dog follows commands, you should directly loosen the collar to the point where it is comfortable for your little buddy. However, if your dog begins to backslide in following commands, you will want to right away tighten that collar back up to reinforce who is boss.  When he/she follows commands again, loosen the collar again.  Repeat as necessary.

Another type of collar used for training is a pinch collar.  These are also a popular type of collar, and are used widely by dog training professionals. These are one of the more dangerous collars if not used properly, so take caution.  There is a small window to work with when using this collar as when you pull on the collar, it will tighten around the dog’s neck with the tips on the inside of the collar, and you do not want it get too tight.  Always seek help from a professional before trying to train with this type of collar.

Citronella collars are one of the best dog training collars.  They are popular, safe and easy to use.  This type of collar comes with a remote control and if your dog gets out of line or doesn’t follow commands, you will click the remote which releases a citronella scent, which your little buddy will NOT like, but is harmless to him/her at the same time.  You definitely cannot go wrong with this type of collar.

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Training Your Dog To Heel

As in most dog training cases, treats seem to work best for getting your dog to comply.  Teaching your dog to heel is no exception.  Have your treats ready (though this may not always be the case) when attempting to train your dog to heel.

Teaching your dog to heel should always be done by yourself (the owner) in order to enforce that you are the authority figure over him. There are several methods used to train a dog to heel, and a couple of very successful ones are listed below.

Using a Leash

Begin by attaching the leash to your dog with him standing on your left side.  You should hold the leash fairly tight, allowing some slack in your right hand.  Again, make sure to have your treats handy. Make sure your dog knows you have the treats as well. Once prepared, give the heel command.

Take a step ahead with your left foot and bring your right hand to a position where the dog can smell the treat.  While doing this, give a quick pull on the least and say “heel” in your normal command tone. If your dog tries to cross in front of you to get the treat, again pull back on the leash quickly and give him the “no” command. You will need to reposition him to your left before restarting the process.

Proceed walking several steps and then stop abruptly.  At that time, tug firmly on the leash and command the dog to “heel”. Give your dog a treat when he reaches the correct position. This task has a lot of repetition and may take several attempts, so use your patience for this training session.  If this method doesn’t work, move on to something else.

The Clicker Method

Most people choose to use a leash to get their dog to feel, however if you train your dog to heel using a clicker, you will lose the need for a leash!  You will need to use a leash initially when teaching the clicker method however.  Again, make sure your dog is on your left side (this is the traditional side for the “heel” command).

Place your dog in the heel position without pulling too hard on the leash. Proceed forward and after a few steps, press the clicker, followed by a treat. When you want to stop, command your dog to “sit” during the process of stopping.  After some time, your dog will get that he is supposed to sit as you stop walking.  When he does follow through and sit, click and give him a treat.

You may do this several times and then remove the leash and attempt to command him to heel without the leash.  You can do different movements, walk backward, etc.  Most dogs will pick this up fairly quickly as long as you are consistent with your clicks and treats.

Training your dog to heel is a major accomplishment and an important one as well when it comes to having an obedient dog! Once trained, the will be much more relaxing to walk with.

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How To Stop Your Dog From Barking

Dogs bark for numerous reasons, and sometimes even the breed of dog is a clue to how much barking is going to go on.  Below, you will find some methods to help stop dog barking.  It may take a few tries however, before you find which method works for you.

Collars

One way to attempt to keep your dog from barking is the use of collars.  There is a rather large variety of anti-barking collars on the market today.  Some provide a tiny jolt of electricity, while others give off a citrus smell activated by barking.  This seems to work well as dogs obviously have very sensitive noses, and citrus is not their favorite scent!  Other collars give off a disturbing beeping sound for the dog. You might have to try a couple of different types, but it will be well worth it when you find the one that works for you.

The Water Method

With the water method, you will need to fill a spray bottle or any small container with water.  Before you spray your dog, try first to ask him to be quiet in your normal command voice.  If this doesn’t work, go ahead and get your dog’s face wet. Don’t spray the water too close to his face. Some dogs might mistake this for play time, but if you always begin with using the word “quiet”, followed by a wet face, they will associate the two.  Hopefully your dog isn’t the type to actually enjoy this!

Entertainment

Sometimes, being alone for a dog will cause boredom and he will bark to entertain himself.  Before going away for any length of time, make sure your dog is watered and fed, has comfortable surroundings, and has his favorite toy for example.  Keeping him happy during his alone time will definitely keep the barking at bay.

Comfort

As mentioned previously, some dogs will bark when they are lonely. After making sure they are in their comfort zone when you plan to leave them alone, if this doesn’t control his barking, you may want to try leaving the television on or playing some soothing music for them.  Hearing other sounds sometimes prevents them from needing to hear themselves barking.  You may even want to record your voice reading a book for example, in order to keep your dog pacified while away.

Finding which method works for your dog might take some time and effort, but when you get there, it will be much better for everyone, including the neighbors!

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Dog Behavior Training

Addressing your dog’s behavior with behavior training will be beneficial for both you and your dog in many ways.  Your dog will have much better manners, allowing you to breathe a little easier when you are in public or outside of the home situations.

A well behaved dog allows for much more stress free interaction with outsiders.  Friends and family members will be much more comfortable around your dog as well.  Dogs need to be taught their boundaries and your expectations of them at a very young age as it can be difficult to train them later in life.

There are many benefits of a well trained dog. A well trained dog allows for a relaxed atmosphere with his human family.  He should be able to entertain himself without the need for constant attention, therefore allowing everyone around to relax.

They will stay near you and listen intently to any instructions.  Make sure to praise your dog when indicated because they are very appreciative of this kind of positive feeling from you.

They will allow you to check them over for injuries following incident without nipping and growling.  Your dog should be comfortable with you touching any part of him whenever necessary.

A well trained dog will allow you to walk or run with them at a comfortable pace and not worry about getting tangled or knocked down.

They will be familiar with simple commands such as drop it, leave it, outside, sit, stay; and will know their physical boundaries.

These are a few of the outright signs that a dog has been well trained. It may seem very basic and simple, however; dogs need to be structured, again from a young age.  Some people do not realize the importance of this however; and start when their dog’s behavior becomes an issue. It can be frustrating to train your dog, but with the proper materials and knowledge, it is definitely possible to get there.

There are dog obedient classes and training classes in almost every city.  You can normally look online for local classes, and be able to see what training methods are used, as well as times and dates for classes.  It is an excellent way to get started with your puppy, and allows for some pretty great get-to-know and trust you time with your new friend.

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Dog Clicker Training

Dog clicker training is a safe and effective way to train your dog the basic commands used for communication.  We have the common terms such as sit, stay, here, down, heel, etc.

Clicker training is the same form of training that is used at Sea World when training their whales and other types of attraction animals to perform tricks.  During clicker training, there is no danger or pain to any animal and this encourages your dog to follow commands.

When beginning with clicker training, you will need to allow the dog to become familiar with the clicker and understand that it is nothing to be afraid of.  It doesn’t hurt to get together some treats for your dog in order to give praise during the process.  The treat should be in very small pieces and soft.

You should begin with your clicker in one hand and the bowl of treats nearby. During this time, it should just be you and your dog to avoid distractions. Start off by pressing the clicker and then giving a treat. Repeat the click and treat routine until your dog begins to look up when you click, expecting his treat.

To teach your dog to look at you when you say his name, use the same click and treat method.  Wait until your dog looks at you after you say his name, then click and give a treat.  Repeat this regimen; however wait until he becomes a little distracted before doing it again.  Make sure to say his name only once.

All verbal commands are taught using the same process during dog clicker training. You speak the command you wish your dog to learn, place the dog in that position, then click and give a treat. After several practice runs, when you say the command your dog should perform what is asked of him (i.e., sit, stand, stay, lay down, etc.)  As soon as he does this, click and give a treat.

One command that may take a little longer to learn is stay, but you will still use the same method. Place him where you want him, tell him to stay, and take a couple of steps back. If your dog follows the stay command, quickly click and give a treat.  If he moves, put him back in the same spot and try again. Gradually move further and further back.

The possibilities are unlimited with dog clicker training.  You may spend a little extra on treats during this process, but it is well worth it when your dog follows your commands using the clicker method!

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Dog Training Courses Are Not All Created Equally

Dog training courses can be important if you are serious about training dogs as well as if you’re working towards training other people’s dogs. There is no substitute for experience but it does provide credentials that you have had education into the canine from a professional standpoint.

Not all dog training courses are created equal however. There are several forms of dog training courses available. •    Video dog training courses •    In person dog training courses •    Specialty dog training courses •    Online dog training courses All of these can provide a certificate of completion but in order to really benefit it pays to select dog training courses that really are more than just a piece of paper. Knowing on paper or reading books is different from knowing having trained 452 dogs over a three year period!

Some dog training courses are designed to be owner-dog courses. An example of this is Labrador University at Wetland Retrievers which has dog training courses designed to build a working relationship between owner and hunting dog. This is a get in the water kind of course that includes not only obedience but starting on retrieves.

Another example is the professional dog training courses through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, which has a certification of 300 hours of training. Of course if this training was with unkind handlers it is up to the individual to find someone else to work with to complete the “work experience.”

Still other dog training classes are for those with professional views of another kind, for example security dogs, detection dogs, search and rescue and K-9 dogs. These can teach a dog to find substances from explosives to accelerants to termites and cadavers. Generally speaking this is not the type of dog training courses that neither are open to the public nor are such dogs needed outside of experienced law enforcement and professional handler situations.

The type of dog training courses may vary but should be more than just paperwork and book reading. They should offer hands on training as this is the only way to make a working bond with your dog.

For many active dogs training courses are the answer for “hyper” dogs that need more to do than hanging around the house.

When shopping for dog training courses consider several factors: •    Is this a means to build a bond with one dog or are you interested in going further? •    Are you looking for a particular activity? •    Is your dog already trained for anything? •    Is your dog suitable for the type of training you’re considering? •    Does the dog training courses offer a range of information needed?

There are many versions of dog training courses that come up with a basic internet search. There are accredited courses and there are questionable courses so it is important to research and find the ones that benefit you and your dog the most. Dog training courses are an excellent idea but make sure you’re improving your dog, not creating more problems with dog training courses that don’t work for *that dog!*