Showing posts with label obedience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label obedience. Show all posts

2009-06-01

Good Dog Training Collars Can Make Difference

Good Dog Training Collars Can Make Difference

Dog training collars are obviously necessary and very effective tools in dog training. The dog's collar is the point of physical control that the trainer uses to make contact with the dog. There are many different training methods and styles used by professional trainers and as a result there are many different types of training collars. A quick check of on line pet supply retailers will find even more collars available in the market. You will find that each one has its own unique set of features that makes them ideal for specific types of training.

The standard variety, like leather or strong nylon is most advisable when simply training a dog to do basic stuff such as sit, jump, or stay. This is dependent of course on the size of the dog. Nylon collars are ideal for smaller dogs. Leather collars are ideal for bigger dog breeds. Nowadays, those who want to train their pet dogs for simple everyday commands even have the option to choose embellished collars. But for dog training, high quality collars should be given more preference.

Basic choke collars are one of the best dog training collars around. Choke collars give the trainer instant correction and control by tightening the collar around the dog's neck. During the training session when the dog is behaving in the proper manner, or obedient in following commands, the collar stays loose and comfortable around the dog's neck. In the event however that the dog starts misbehaving or commits a training mistake, the trainer can easily tighten the collar as a way of correction. This technique communicates to the dog the proper response to a command.

Prong collars, or pinch collars are another widely used dog training collars by professional trainers. This kind of collar has dulled tips on the collar surface touching the dog's neck. Like the choke collar, the trainer can control the tightening and loosening of the collar. As a way of correction, the trainer will pull the collar and the blunted tips will tighten around the dog's neck, without piercing his skin. It is important however to maintain caution in using these collars. There is a thin line between constructive correction and animal abuse. This type of collar should really be left to the professional trainer or handler.

Electronic and citronella training collars are very popular with many dog trainers. They are especially useful in correcting dog behavior when the dog is not on a lead. It is also very effective in aversion training like that used to train hunting dogs to avoid rattlesnakes and porcupines. The remote controls on this type of collar has the ability to make corrections from as far away as one mile. Correction is accomplished through either electronic stimulation or a spray of citronella once the command is given via the remote control. These collars also have a tone feature where the handler can communicate with the dog by sending a set of tone commands to either approve of a behavior or to warn the dog to correct its behavior prior to receiving stimulation.

No matter what training methods are employed by the trainer a quality dog training collar will be required to achieve the training goals. Wisdom and discernment should always be used when using any training collar. Failure to do so may result in unwanted behaviors or even physical damage to the dog's health.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/good-dog-training-collars-can-make-difference-335789.html

About the Author:
James Kesel, MS is the publisher of Career in Dog Training website. Providing information on dog training, dog training career opportunities and training accessories such as dog training collars .

2009-05-15

How to stop dogs from digging

It's a fact of life that dogs love to dig. Find out how to stop your dog from digging with these proven training techniques.

How To Stop Dogs From Digging

Author: Chris Smith

Most dogs love to dig holes, unfortunately if you own a dog you will come across a digging problem sooner or later.
One of the most common questions I receive from dog owners is "How do I Stop My Dog From Digging?"

Dogs dig for a number of reasons, it's important to keep in mind that your dog is not digging to spite you. If you don't clearly communicate to your dog that his digging is unacceptable, he won't realise that he is doing anything wrong.

Why Do Dogs Dig Holes?

In order to stop your dog from digging holes it is crucial to determine the reason why your dog is digging in the first place. Below is a list of the most common reasons your dog may be digging:

- He simply likes to dig!

- Your dog may just looking for some attention.

- May be bored and digs for mental and physical stimulation.

- If your dog is digging under the fence he may be trying to get out to search for a mate.

- Dogs often dig in freshly turned dirt (like your rose bed!).

- Dogs are often attracted to fertilized dirt - the fertilizer is irresistible to some dogs.

- To dig themselves a den - much as they would have in the wild.

- For shelter, to cool themselves down or warm themselves up.

- Some breeds are very prone to digging (terriers), it is instinctual and bred into them.

- May be because your dog is hunting for some little critters that live in your garden.

- For food storage purposes. While you and me prefer to use the fridge, our dogs think the garden will do just fine.


How To Stop A Dog From Digging

Whenever you are trying to change any behavior in your dog the golden rule is be consistent! Make it very clear to your dog what is, and is not acceptable behavior.

Depending on the reason you believe your dog is digging, you can apply some of these proven techniques:

- Give your dog lots of exercise, including heaps of physical and mental stimulation.

- If your dog is always digging in order to bury a bone, don't give bones! Substitute with chewing toys like rawhide bones.

- Confine your dog when you can't supervise him. Place him in a crate or kennel run whenever you aren't around to spy on him. You'll need to do this until you have fixed the digging problem.

- Blow up some balloons and bury them in the area your dog likes to dig. When he strikes a balloon, the noise of it popping startles your dog. In some cases the negative association this produces is enough to stop your dog from digging in the future.

- If you are able to be around your dog for a couple of days, you could have some success with this method. Whenever your dog starts to dig, reprimand him and spray him with the hose. Again this method produces a negative association to your dog each time he digs. You must be perform this reprimand every time your dog starts digging holes.

- If your dog has a favorite spot he likes to dig you can bury some chicken wire just under the surface of this area. When your dog starts to dig he won't like the feeling of his paws scraping along the wire. I've used this method myself and found that it worked well for my dalmation puppy.

- This one doesn't sound very nice but is a very popular and effective way to stop your dog from digging. What you do is fill up the holes your dog has created, adding some of his poop (feces) to the filling. Most dogs are really put off by this and won't attempt to dig again. Some trainers advocate feeding your dog pineapple before performing this technique. Apparently the pineapple smells terrible when mixed with the poop.

- Some dogs just copy what they see their owners doing. So if you're working away in the garden, suddenly your dog may be interested in doing the same! Such dogs may need to be confined while you are working in the garden.

- If you've got the room a great solution for both you and your dogs is to provide them with a digging area. You can actually encourage your dog to dig in this designated area. Fill it with nice soft sand and bury some of your dogs favorite treats in it. Most dogs figure out that if they want to dig, they must go to this area.

- If your dog is digging under the fence it may be worth filling in all the holes in and under the fence. This takes away the visual temptation your dog may be trying to get at.

- If none of the above methods work for you and your dogs, you may wish to try a remote electronic training collar or e-collar. This method does work, although I realise many dog owners don't like the sound of using such a device. In reality it works the same way as many of the other techniques in that it provides a negative association to the act of digging.

- If you take a trip down to your local Pet Shop you will find many commercial products that claim to help digging problems. They are effective for some dogs and may be worth a try.

Good luck with stopping your dog from digging, and remember that basic dog obedience training is the key to correcting any dog behavioral problems. If your dog respects and trusts you, he will be eager to please you in all situations.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-stop-dogs-from-digging-19634.html

About the Author:
Chris Smith is a dog lover and creator of www.dog-obedience-training-review.com . Learn how to build a strong relationship with your dog based on trust and respect.