Common Dog Behavior Problems

General No Comments »

Most dog behavior problems arise when a dog receives signals that the type of behavior regarded as a problem, has been acceptable up till now. These problems almost always occur when we give a number of conflicting signs to our dog.

For example, if you allow a puppy up on your lap, how will he know not to do it when he gets bigger? Only on the day you push him off, which is when you may have a confrontation.

Curing dog behavior problems is always more difficult than preventing them. Obedience training can play an enormous role in overcoming any potential behavioral problems; many dog enthusiasts develop their interest through the real need to have a well behaved pet.

Dominant Behavior
The most common cause of dog behavior problems is when a dog displays dominant behavior – and dominant behavior will lead to biting. Often, a dog has learned that one or two family members is in the pack leader’s position, but that others, such as children, appear to be lower in pecking order than the dog.

While dominance cannot always be cured, it usually can be controlled, as long as the entire family co–operates. You must re-establish the order of dominance.

Important - Never confront a dog unless you are confident you will win. If a dominant dog wants to protect his position he will most likely become aggressive.

You, and others in your family, should begin by totally ignoring the dog. Soon, he will approach you for attention, but don’t let him have any. Put a long lead on when you it’s safe to do, and leave it to trail. You’ll use the lead to make your dog do the things you want him to do.

Also, stop greeting the dog. If he wants attention, let him approach you, only to be rebuffed until you decide he has behaved well enough. Thankfully, most dogs don’t display dominant behavior problems but when a dog does he must be controlled before it leads to trouble such as biting.

Fear Biting
Highest on the list of unacceptable dog behavior problems involves biting. Aggression arising from dominance accounts for a lot of this, but fear biting often occurs in less dominant dogs. A dog protects himself by either biting his perceived attacker or running away. If the dog can’t get away, he will bite.

Usually, fear of the unknown is the cause. If, as a puppy, contact with people was insufficient, there’s a need to slowly and carefully introduce more and more people into the dog’s life, until nobody appears to be a stranger. You can try the same approach if a puppy is frightened of cars.

Use non-confrontational ways to put the puppy together with his object of fear to cure the problem.

Barking For Attention

A dog may use barking as an attention getter. Early on, if a puppy learns that barking at something results in getting lots of comforting attention, he’ll quickly realize that to get attention at anytime, he should bark. Don’t give positive reinforcement to bad behavior.

Jumping Up
Jumping up on people is very natural behavior for a dog. This can be corrected with proper training. Put the dog on a long leash and set up a training situation with help from another person. Have your assistant walk into a room where you and your dog are waiting. Just as the dog rushes towards the assistant and starts to jump up, you sharply tug on the leash and give a stern ‘No’ command, followed with a ‘Sit’ command. If the dog obeys at once, your assistant can praise the dog.

You may have to repeat this a number of times for the dog to understand the connection between the problem behavior and the punishment.

Read More About The Program For Dog Behavior Problems

More Related Websites

Dog Obedience Training

Surprisingly, it can be very easy to solve a dog behavior problem with training and in many cases the training should be started with the owner. That’s right, I said it. Usually, when a dog has behavior problems, it has nothing to do with the dog obedience training that the owner took part in. 

Dog Behavior Video

Handling A Dog Bite Incident

Interview the dog’s veterinarian – Medical records from the veterinarian can sometimes show that the dog has had problems with aggressive or fearful behavior or that it was physically difficult or impossible for the dog to have done what is being claimed.

Adopting an Adult Dog

No matter how old the dog you’re interested in adopting, you must do whatever you can to find out about him. You want to avoid an adult dog that has too many behavior problems, especially aggression. Here are few questions that you must ask.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

Puppy Crate Training

General No Comments »

Puppy crate training should be the first priority in a young dogs life. It makes all the other steps in his training go so much smoother, much like a solid foundation makes for a superior structure.

To establish you as the Alpha member of his “pack” is also a very good reason for giving your puppy crate training when he is very young.

Another reason for crate training is that dogs love predictability. Knowing what is going to happen in any given situation makes him happy, and more apt to be the best-behaved dog he can possibly be.

A strong crate is the very basis of good puppy training. A wire crate with a lock is the best kind. Make sure it is large enough for him to stand up and turn around. But not so large that he can roam and wander around. A too-large crate will inhibit house breaking.

A crate that is just the right size will be perceived as his “nest”, where puppies never “go potty”. They will learn to hold on if you don’t make a prison out of it. Never leave a puppy under 8 weeks longer than one hour in his crate. He will soil it, after struggling and suffering as long as he can.

Using Food Treats

Position a comfortable pad in the crate along with a bone. If you begin with a tasty treat, he will go in and get it. Do this several times without closing the door. Let him go in and out freely for an hour or so. Praise highly each time your puppy goes into the crate to make sure he feels good about it.

Then when his attention is on his treat, close the door. Praise him quietly, eg “Good boy, it’s okay, you’re a good boy”. In 10 to 20 seconds, no longer, let him out without a word, nor praise, just a pat. Do this for increasingly longer intervals, but don’t give him a chance to get upset. This can be done several times the first day.

Make sure every training session ends on a happy note, as this is crucial.

Once he sees the crate is his own private territory, he will go in there on his own, expecting treats and your attention. When he does, say, “Wanna crate?” with a big smile while getting his treats. Put the treats in the crate with him and then leave the room for 2 minutes.

When you return, don’t make a fuss; just walk over and open the crate. In 3 days he will be officially crate-trained, ready to be left alone for an hour, but no longer at first. Gradually leave him longer, though slowly and carefully.

Note: Do not make a prison of his crate. Do not use it as punishment or leave him there for more than 2 hours. Long enough for a nap and some chew time is plenty. After that he will cry but don’t remove him while he is crying. This will make him think he has to cry to get out. Make sure he is being good when you open the door so he will learn he has to be quiet to get out of the crate.

When you go to let him out, just quietly open the door and take him out to potty. After he potties, praise him to high heaven! Dogs naturally do not soil where they nest, but occasionally it will happen. Don’t scold him, just clean it out with an expressionless face. If possible, try to clean it while he is outside so he returns to a clean crate.

Remember, good crate training is essential for a dogs well being.

Visit our preferred program for puppy crate training.

Useful Sites For Puppy Training

Puppy Crate Training.

A lot of individuals believe that it is cruel to have your dog in a dog crate. They may equate this to such things as zoos and cages. But there are positive and valuable lessons that a new puppy can learn with proper dog crate training.

Crate Training

Dog crate training is usually easier with a puppy as they have no bad experiences to remember when you are enticing them into the cage. Mature dogs can be trickier, particularly rescue dogs as you may not hold a lot of information pertaining to the dog ’s history.

Proper Puppy Care

Potty training can be one of the most frustrating parts of owning a new puppy, but its very important to get right. When and where to potty are the things that your puppy has to learn, and it may take some time.

Boxer Crate Training Video

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: ,

Separation Anxiety Treatment

General No Comments »

Dogs tend to build up a deep and trusting bond with their owners, so it’s obvious they’d miss you when you’re away from home, but there is a difference between a natural, healthy missing of somebody and a much deeper problem, which is often the case with separation anxiety in dogs.

If your dog attempts to get out of the house when you’re away or is displaying serious issues about you not being about, he may be suffering from separation anxiety.

Often, these types of behavior problems require a professional dog trainer or a reputable dog training course.

The causes behind separation anxiety in dogs can be anything from a previously abandoned dog sensing abandonment a second time, to a dog that was parted from his mother too early and not feeling confident anytime with being left alone.

Other reasons include stress or major alterations in the dog’s life. Has someone in the house died? Is there a new child, or have you had a recent split up? Everything from the death of some other pet, to a roommate moving out, alterations in your work schedule, or frequent house moves may be causing your dogs separation anxiety.

>>>  Visit recommended program for Separation Anxiety

What To Look Out For

    * If you feel there has been recent important changes in your life or schedule, make sure to give your dog plenty of additional attention. Play with them for a longer time period than you normally do, take them out for walks more often, do anything that could help ease them into their new life style and help to diffuse any stress they may be experiencing.

    * If you’re working longer or quite different hours, a good suggestion may be to employ a pet sitter to come over each day to play with your dog and give him a friend to play around with while you’re out of the house. He’ll feel less stranded and more confident in himself and it will possibly even exhaust him out. If this isn’t an option, another good idea is to leave some settling down music on while you are gone from home. The sound may even mask outdoor disturbances which can often irritate dogs and stress them out.

    * If you’re mindful that your pet misses you when you’re away, it helps to have a short matter-of-fact goodbye. Prolonged goodbyes may make your pet sense your guilty conscience for going out, which will make them feel even worse.

    * Another beneficial alternative is to find ways to keep your dog amused when you are at home. There are numerous chew playthings available from pet stores which he can keep himself busy with and distract him from him loneliness. Some dog toys have to be played with to get treats out of, some become entertaining as they unfreeze (you give them to the dog after the toy has been frozen), and a few are hard treats that he’ll enjoy over a much longer period.

Separation anxiety in dogs differs in its severity and with how your dog shows its frustration. Try some of the tips mentioned in this article if your animal has troubles with you being away. If the problem appears to be too big to manage, find a dog behavior specialist or a professional training program to obtain a suitable solution.

>>> Click here for recommended program for Separation Anxiety In Dogs

More Tips About Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety

Is your canine friend showing signs of separation anxiety? This type of destructive dog behavior can make life an absolute nightmare for a dog owner. In fact, it’s the second most common reason for people to give up their dogs.

Tips In Dealing With Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety in Dogs.  Treat your dog with respect. When you are going outside, be considerate enough to say a goodbye to your dog. Don’t overplay your goodbyes; avoid long and cheesy partings because they will only add up to the neediness of your dog. When leaving make your goodbyes short and sweet.

Separation Anxiety and Chewing

One of the most common symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs is destructive chewing. Many owners have come home to find their couches ruined, their carpets torn up, or their chairs legs chewed to bits by their anxious dog. 

Video – Separation Anxiety

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: ,

Positive Reinforcement Training

General No Comments »

Positive Reinforcement Training or PRT is a widely recognized and effective method of obedience training for dogs. Essentially, with PRT you reward behavior that you wish to see repeated, while ignoring any unwanted behavior.

This is in contrast to some of the once-popular techniques for dog training, which included intimidation and even physical pain.

PRT works with the natural instinct of your dog which is to please you. This method recognizes that lessons are more inclined to ‘stick’ when a dog can figure out by itself what you’re wanting it to do, instead of repeatedly being forced into positions or drilled with nonstop commands. PRT allows your dog to use its brain.

Click Here For Our Number Top Rated Program

Obedience Training For Dogs, What You Should Be Doing -

1. Use Rewards.
Find tempting incentives to reward good behavior. Your dog will become bored very quickly with only receiving pats on the head. Dogs respond most powerfully to food treats and physical affection.

2. Use A Marker.
A dog must understand exactly what behavior earns it a reward, so you need to ‘mark’ the behavior that will be rewarded. Some trainers use a clicker; a small device which makes a distinct “click” when pressed. It should be clicked at the very moment a dog obeys a command. Your voice can be used to mark good behavior. Saying ‘yes’ or ‘good girl’ in an excited tone will work perfectly.

Always give the treat after the marker and use the marker consistently. Using the clicker only some of the time won’t carry enough significance for your dog when you do use it. A dog needs to know that it’s done something right whenever it hears the marker, with a treat following shortly.

3. Be Consistent With Training Commands.
Decide ahead of time on the command you’re going to give. Pick one phrase for a particular command and stick with it. For example, to train a dog not to jump up on you, the command you choose might be ‘No Jump’. Don’t sometimes say ‘Get Down’ or ‘Get Off’ because that’s confusing to a dog. They don’t understand english and need consistent repetition to associate actions with a particular phrase.

4. Reward Your Dog Meaningfully. Make the reward fit with your dog’s favorite treat or preferred demonstration of affection. Some dogs love to play games with a particular toy or ball; others love a food reward; while others willingly settle for a display of physical affection from you. Depending on the size of the dog, it may be a bout of wrestling and rolling around on the carpet or grass.

5. Know The Best Ways To Stroke Your Dog.
See if your dog likes having the base of its tail scratched gently.  Or having the chest rubbed. You can also gently rub the ear flap between your thumb and finger, or scratch gently at the base.

6. Mix Rewards. Trainers have noted that dogs respond more reliably to training commands when they receive a variety of treats sporadically, instead of predictably. This seems to keep dogs more alert and interested in what’s happening; preventing them from tiring of one type of reward, and perhaps from making a decision to forego a treat.

7. Correct Your Dog Meaningfully. PRT requires you to ignore any dog behavior that you don’t wish repeated. Not getting any attention is usually enough to make most dogs feel miserable. It’s a powerful correctional tool. So, totally ignore incorrect responses to a given command. Soon the dog will stop the behavior of its own accord. Make a big fuss when your dog gets it right – that’s Positive Reinforcement Training at work.

The subject of obedience training for dogs is complex, and it’s always a good idea to read and learn as much as possible about effective training techniques.  One excellent dog training resource for you to use can be checked out here -

Recommended Obedience Training For Dogs Program

More Dog Obedience Resources

Dog Training Tips

Another training philosophy that’s being taught right now is the positive reinforcement strategy. It’s a type of training that originated from trainers who trained animals besides dogs that would not respond to the usual physical punishment.

Clicker Training For Dogs

This clicking method, when coupled with positive reinforcement, is a powerful way and a humane way to train almost any animal. It sure beats the old ’shocker’ methods that hurt the animals. 

Video – Positive Reinforcement Training

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: ,

Stop Dog Aggression

General No Comments »

Aggressive dog training is often seen as complicated and difficult but shouldn’t be. That said, it consists of more than simply putting a problem dog through a training program about how to stop dog aggression.

Aggressive dog behavior towards people and other animals can be managed so that vicious behavior is eliminated.

>>>  Click here to Stop Dog Aggression

Before any dog training program is started, here are some suggestions to help you stop dog aggression and ensure anyone who might come into contact with your dog will be safe.

1. Keep Fences Secure
Fences should be secure enough to stop an aggressive dog getting out. You may have to erect a ‘lean-to’ section (part of the fence angled inwards at forty five degrees) on top of your fence to stop your dog jumping over the fence.

Make sure your dog can’t dig underneath the fence to escape.

High, solid wooden fences and brick fences are the most secure.

2. Pedestrian Gates
Owners of aggressive dogs often fail to manage the gates on their property. Gates on a property should close and latch properly and be closed whenever your dog is off the leash. Attach a self-closing mechanism for occasions when a gate is left open accidentally.

Ideally, to ensure visitors have safe access to your front door, a midway fence to separate the back yard from the front yard should be erected.

For normal front fences, attach a wireless door bell so that you’re alerted to visitors. If visitors are family members and friends, a potentially aggressive dog should be kept in its “doghouse” or a comfortable room until the visit is over.

3. Car Gates and Garage Doors
Car gates and remote garage doors are likely problems because it’s harder for you to see and control your dog running out to greet you when you’re in a car.

Answer – Have a front fence plus a midway fence so that your vehicle can access the property without your dog escaping.

4. Signage
Have a warning sign on your front gate but seek legal advice about the actual wording.  ‘Dog Loose in Yard – For Attention Ring Bell’ in association with a locked gate and a bell should be sufficient.

5. Desexing Dogs
A strategy sometimes used to stop dog aggression and generally improve behavior is neutering your dog. This has a noticeable effect on aggression and will do the dog no harm.

6. Reinforced Aggression

Aggressive dogs are learning to be aggressive whenever they act in an aggressive way. The more they do it, the more they learn to repeat it. By repeatedly reinforcing their own bad behavior, the more they’re likely to display aggressiveness in similar circumstances.

However, when a dog receives only happy outcomes in situations that previously brought out aggression, then a dog will learn to be happy instead of aggressive.

When visitors come to your home, try this. Put your dog into its “doghouse” before they arrive. When you are ready and the visitors know what you plan to do, bring the dog out if it is safe to do so, and if you can ensure the dog will remain calm. Instruct visitors to issue basic commands, such as Stay which the visitors reward with food, thrown to the dog.

7. Aggressive Response
Don’t try to beat the aggression out of a dog. It’s cruel, unnecessary, and a waste of time, making a dog more defensive or fearful and more likely to be aggressive again. You could even become the focus of its vicious behavior and be attacked.

8. Non-responsive Reaction
The next time your dog is aggressive, and if it’s safe to do so, don’t react to the aggression at all. Your dog should receive zero feedback from you or anyone, whether positive or negative, for its bad behavior. Don’t gaze directly into the eyes of your dog and simply wait for the aggression to stop.

Then wait for another ten seconds. If everything is calm, look at the dog and praise the return to good behavior.

And finally, with most of the above in place, you can start your dog on an actual training course or program that will stop dog aggression. Correct training will play an extremely important role in changing the temperament of a vicious dog and give you the techniques to shape your dog’s behavior.

>>> Recommended program on how to Stop Dog Aggression.

More About Dog Obedience Training

Your First Dog Training Guide

Training a dog for the first time can be an overwhelming experience. After bringing your dog home, your new best friend will need a lot of attention and care. But you will make your life (and your dogs) much easier, if you start with the basics.

The Ten Best Dog Training Tips

There are many different approaches to training a dog, and all of them differ in their methods and acts. However, you will find that there are several factors that are universal with all dog training methods, ou have chosen.

Pit Bull Aggression Test

 

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , ,

Four Basic Dog Obedience Training Commands

General No Comments »

Dog obedience training invariably involves the owner/trainer giving a command in order to get a response from the dog being trained.

Some rules when using ‘commands’

Always try to get your dog to respond to a single command, or two at the most. There is no point repeating the same commands over and over. This is confusing and only succeeds in training the dog to ignore commands.

When your dog fails to respond to the first command, repeat it as you gently put him into the correct position. Not repeating a third, fourth or subsequent command shows that you are in charge. Praise with a firm but light voice; always avoiding the loud ‘bad dog’ voice.

Click here for our Recommended Dog Obedience Program.

And now, the four basic dog obedience training commands  –

   1. The ‘Sit’ Command
   2. The ‘Stay’ Command
   3. The ‘Down’ Command
   4. The ‘Come’ Command

Using the ‘Sit’ Command
Stand in front of your dog with a food reward in one hand. Begin with your hand in front of the dog’s head but low down. Then, as you move your hand up and over its head in an arc, and with the dog keeping an eye on the food moving overhead, give the command to ‘Sit’.

At the same time, use your spare hand to tap gently on the dog’s hindquarters, which should encourage the dog to sit.

Wait a few seconds with your dog in the Sit position, and the food still out of reach, before giving praise with ‘good dog’. Then reward your dog with the food.

Using the ‘Stay’ Command
From ‘Sit’ there is a natural progression to the ‘Stay’ command. After getting your dog into the Sit position, give the Stay command. The signal for this is the open hand, fingers upwards, facing your dog and pushed towards its head as in a ‘stop’ motion. As you make this signal, firmly say ‘Stay’.

Using the ‘Down’ Command
This command, which requires your dog to ‘lay down’, begins in the Sit position. Have food in one hand and command ‘Down’. Then with your food hand close to its nose, move the hand in a downwards motion and along the ground for the distance you can stretch your arm.

As your dog naturally follows the moving food, gently push down on the dog’s shoulders to encourage it to lay down as it reaches for the food.

Using the ‘Come’ Command
First, put your dog on a lead and get him into the Stay position. Make it obvious to the dog you have food as a reward.

Firmly give the Come command. Then you slowly move backwards and away from the dog for a short distance. As you move backwards, you beckon the dog to come to you by moving your arms upwards from your waist and around in a circling motion.

Imagine you are beckoning someone to come to you. This is very similar, but use both arms, with food in one hand, and do it very deliberately.

Further encourage the dog with a gentle tug on the lead. After your dog obeys the Come command, make it Sit, waiting a few seconds before rewarding with the food.

Progress with the Come command is achieved by using longer ropes, and then no ropes at bigger distances until your dog obeys at any distance.

For comprehensive details of the best dog obedience training programs available, click the various Reviews in the menu bar on the left.

Or read about our Recommended Dog Obedience Program.

More Dog Training Information

Positive Reinforcement Training

Keep your commands as short and simple as possible. If you have not ever owned a dog and have observed others and their dog training commands you may have wondered why the commands are so short and simple.

Dog Training Guide

The pillar of good dog training is commands. But even though it looks simple, when the professional dog trainer is doing it, you might find it difficult. And the dog will probably not obey you. It is the tone of the voice that decides whether you succeed or not.

Video – Dog Training Commands

Off Leash Dog Training

Dog training is no exception. To get to the level of obedience we demand from our dogs (ask any professional dog trainer) we train our dogs often. Can you imagine Michael Jordan ever telling his coach ” You know Phil, I am Michael Jordan".

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , ,

About Us

General No Comments »

About Us

DogObedienceSchoolOnline.com provides this valuable internet resource for the many dog and puppy owners struggling to control dog behavior problems.

We wanted to create a quick, comprehensive online resource to share this information with the people who need it most.

Whenever you visit DogObedienceSchoolOnline.com, you’ll have access to important resources that will help you understand what’s happening and the best ways to control your dog.

The information posted here by DogObedienceSchoolOnline will give you the information needed to change your dogs behavior for the better. We sincerely hope this site will be of help to you.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags:

Contact Us

General No Comments »

Contact Us

If you have questions about my internet or affiliate marketing programs, or simply wish to leave a comment -

You can contact us at:

Ebiz Direct Marketing

access@ebizdirectmarketing.com

Thank you for your interest.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags:

Privacy Policy

General No Comments »

Privacy Policy

Thank you for visiting our web site. This privacy policy tells you how we use personal information collected at this site. Please read this privacy policy before using the site or submitting any personal information. By using the site, you are accepting the practices described in this privacy policy. These practices may be changed, but any changes will be posted and changes will only apply to activities and information on a going forward, not retroactive basis. You are encouraged to review the privacy policy whenever you visit the site to make sure that you understand how any personal information you provide will be used.

Note: the privacy practices set forth in this privacy policy are for this web site only. If you link to other web sites, please review the privacy policies posted at those sites.

Collection of Information

We collect personally identifiable information, like names, postal addresses, email addresses, etc., when voluntarily submitted by our visitors. The information you provide is used to fulfill you specific request. This information is only used to fulfill your specific request, unless you give us permission to use it in another manner, for example to add you to one of our mailing lists.

Cookie/Tracking Technology

The Site may use cookie and tracking technology depending on the features offered. Cookie and tracking technology are useful for gathering information such as browser type and operating system, tracking the number of visitors to the Site, and understanding how visitors use the Site. Cookies can also help customize the Site for visitors. Personal information cannot be collected via cookies and other tracking technology, however, if you previously provided personally identifiable information, cookies may be tied to such information. Aggregate cookie and tracking information may be shared with third parties.

Distribution of Information
We may share information with governmental agencies or other companies assisting us in fraud prevention or investigation. We may do so when: (1) permitted or required by law; or, (2) trying to protect against or prevent actual or potential fraud or unauthorized transactions; or, (3) investigating fraud which has already taken place. The information is not provided to these companies for marketing purposes.

Commitment to Data Security
Your personally identifiable information is kept secure. Only authorized employees, agents and contractors (who have agreed to keep information secure and confidential) have access to this information. All emails and newsletters from this site allow you to opt out of further mailings.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags:

WP Theme & Icons by N.Design Studio
Entries RSS Comments RSS Log in