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Obedience Training Benefits Everyone
By: Brett Fogle
A well behaved, obedience trained dog is a pleasure to ownbecause he can go virtually anywhere without being a risk ornuisance to others. And don't we all want a dog who exhibitsappropriate behavior in a crowd, good manners when we have guestsin our home, is reliable around children, and who doesn'tthreaten other dogs or passers-by? Note: Never ever move forward to the next level with out havingmastered the preceding step. And remember you never shouldcorrect your dog by hitting. Before we start the training I willstate below a few things as they occur in the training process. Difficulty of the commandAlways begin teaching your puppy or dog the easiest command(s)possible (i.e.: "Look", "Sit", etc.). Very gradually introducenew and more difficult commands; making sure the dog knows thepreceding command before he is moved to the next level. Degree of inherent genetic compatibility with a given commandConsider your dog's genetic makeup. If you have a Basset Houndand want to teach him personal protection, you may have your workcut out for you. If instead, you have a German shepherd orRottweiler from Schutzhund lines, you'll probably have an easiertime teaching him personal protection.Using the above example, if you have a Labrador Retriever fromfield lines that you are interested in teaching to fetch a ball,you're dog is likely to learn how to retrieve relatively easily. Duration of timeWhen initially teaching a new command, such as "Sit", if your dogsits for even just a second or two, he should be praised, use thesame type of voice you would on a baby high pitched and happy.Praise reward and release him/her. Gradually, the duration oftime your dog should be taught to remain in position should beincreased. Note: Make sure your dog is physically comfortable throughout anytraining exercises. Always release your dog from acommand/session before s/he becomes stressed. Short and sweetsessions are often best. Always end sessions on a positive note! Distraction levelStart training each new command in an area free of distractions,such as your home or yard. Once your dog is responding reliably,gradually increase the distraction level. Add distractions such as: A) Bouncing a ball
B) Throwing a ball/toy
C) Squeak a toy
D) Doing "Jumping Jacks"
E) Singing a song
F) Running around your dog
G) Playing "Ring-Around-The-Rosie" around your dog
H) Play "Patty Cakes" with a friend in front of your dog
I) Have dogs heel around your dog
J) Throw treats around your dog NOTE: Never use a distraction that frightens your dog. Distance between you and your dogBegin teaching a command with you dog right next to or in frontof you. Gradually increase the distance between you and your dogto 30 feet. Distance between your dog and an object of attractionIf your dog is 3 feet from you and 37 feet from a squirrel, flockof pigeons, or another dog, you have a greater likelihood ofgetting your dog to respond to a command than if your dog is 37feet from you and 3 feet from a squirrel, flock of pigeons, oranother dog! Once your dog is reliable in the face of distantdistractions, gradually, decrease the distance between your dogand any "objects of attraction". Different locationsJust because your puppy will respond to the word "Sit" in yourliving room, it doesn't mean he understands that command in thecontext of the local dog run. Don't expect your dog toautomatically generalize the meaning of a given command in everyenvironment or context. Once your dog fully understands a commandat home, it is important to re-teach the command in manydifferent locations. Make sure to practice commands in both ruraland urban locations. Different surfacesPractice commands on a variety of surfaces including: A) Cement sidewalks B) Grass-covered lawns C) On sand D) On dirt Different object surfaces A) On a chair B) On a table C) On a low wall D) On a log E) On a surf board in the ocean F) On the back of a horse Differing order of commands given A "pattern trained" dog will always expect one specific commandto follow another specific command. This can work for or againstyou depending on the circumstances. Usually it is advisable notto pattern train, as your dog will have greater difficultylearning how to respond to a given command that is out of order. Different contexts Many dogs have difficulty responding to commands that are givenout of context to normal training situations. Many dogs simplyhave not yet fully generalized a given command. Try giving known commands: A) As you're walking down the street with your dog. B) When you're in your local pet supply store. C) While you're on line at the bank D) When you're both within five to ten feet of your local dog runentrance,while dogs come and go. E) While inside the dog run with your dog, both with and withouta leash. F) When riding in a moving elevator (assuming your dog is alreadyacclimated to riding in moving elevators). The best time of the day to train your dog There really is no "best time of day," but I find it easiest totrain if the dog is hungry (I use food rewards). That way, thedog will want to do things well, so he gets a treat. If you have a choice between a sleeping dog and an excited one, Iwould try for the sleeping dog. She can make that sleep up later,but trying to train an overly excited dog is darn nearimpossible! As far as the basement, yes, by all means, if she likes thatarea, go for it! What better way than to train in an area thatyour dog already likes. It will make it an even more enjoyableexperience. I would probably close the door so your other dog can't get in.You don't want the distraction, at least in the initial trainingstages. The best age range to teach a dog to obey A good time to start the obedience training is about 6-7 weeks ofage and to start with small amounts of time like 15 min or lesstwice a day. All Your basics like sit stay down off heel on leadand anything else u want them to learn. I would train them firstnot to chew on your hands or clothes or wires around the housesince that’s their big thing around that age, or not to jump onyou when you play with them or feed them so that they will knowthat those are no no’s early on and make it easier for later onwhen you start with the other stuff. In addition, I think pottytraining as early as possible is good too. We will discuss allthat as we move forward with the training. ===============================================
Brett Fogle is the author of Dog House Training Secrets
An Easy-To-Follow, No-Nonsense, Ebook about Dog Training.
Learn To Train Your Dog in 7 Days or Less -- Guaranteed!
Click Here Now: http://www.dog-house-training-secrets.com
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