5 Puppy Training Tips For A Better Dog

Who doesn't love a puppy? They are cute, fluffy, and playful. However, don't let those innocent puppy eyes fool you - all puppies grow up to be dogs, and puppies growing up without the benefit of puppy training often grow up to be bad dogs. Here are some easy tips for puppy training to make the transition from puppy to dog easier on both of you. 1. Puppies grow up - act accordingly. Many puppy parents hold off on puppy training because, after all, they are just puppies. They think that puppy antics are incredibly cute. However, every time your puppy does something, remember how big your puppy will be as an adult. While a 10 pound lab puppy might be cute playing tug of war with your pant leg, chances are it won't be nearly as cute when your 100 pound adult lab does the same thing. Basic puppy training means setting guidelines about appropriate behavior from the first day home.

2. Make the crate a second home. Another part of puppy training is to give the puppy his or her own space. The easiest way to do this is with a crate. The crate provides the puppy a place to sleep, a place to keep the puppy safe when you are not around, and an easy way for you to travel. Puppies do not like to go to the bathroom where they sleep, so a crate can be a very useful tool when doing puppy house training. The crate should be large enough that your puppy can stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably, but not so large that he or she can poop in one corner and lay down in another. Do not leave puppies in the crate for extended periods of time - a puppy can hold his or her bladder for about as many hours as it is months old.

3. Never hit a puppy. It is a common misconception that hitting a puppy is part of puppy training. However, hitting a puppy during puppy training more often than not will lead to only one of two things - a dog that is afraid of you or a dog that is aggressive. Neither is the desired result of puppy training, and this will lead to a dog that does not make a very good pet.

4. Make puppy happy for coming. Getting puppy to come to you when called is one of the first puppy training steps that you should take. Doing this step of puppy training will have many uses - it will allow you to distract puppy from wrongful behaviors, it will allow you to find puppy if it becomes lost, and it can keep puppy from dangers activities like running into traffic. During puppy training, reward puppy every time he or she responds and comes when called. Small treats and lavish praises and pats will teach puppy that coming when called is a good thing.

5. Socialize. An integral part of puppy training is training your puppy the proper behavior around other dogs and people. Take puppy out often, exposing him or her to new situations and new people and pets. Reward the puppy for desired behavior, and reinforce simple commands like sit and stay. Remember to stay calm, as puppy will read your emotions and act accordingly. Starting puppy training early will lead to a lifetime of good times with your dog.

Copyright (c) 2008 Cheap Puppy Pads

By: Nick Luvera

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Cheap Puppy Pads offers super absorbent puppy pads that take the hassle out of house training puppies. Great for puppies and for older dogs that are incontinent. Once the dog is accustomed to using the pads, they can be placed outdoors to encourage dogs to potty outside. Also, be sure to visit our site to sign up for free weekly dog training tips.

Dog Training Tips

Considered “man's best friend,” dog training professionals have been disseminating more knowledge on how to make this animal live up to that title.

Here are tips that one should keep in mind in training his dog more easily.

Digging Behavior

Dogs, as social beings, consider digging as their outlet when they are lonely. Nutrient deficiency may also cause this digging. Also known as pica, they sometimes eat the dirt they dig to supplement their health. Spending more time with your dog and giving him a health check will keep his digging behavior at bay.

Potty Training

For dog potty training, a reward-based method will prove to be a very rewarding endeavor. Giving it a bit of dog food when it performs a good potty behavior will make it easier for it to remember the good thing that it did.

Repeat and Repeat

Considerable repetitions will give your dog ample time to grasp the command. Consistency is the name of the game. After doing enough repetitions, not helping him with the routine will test if the dog really got it. Three successful attempts in a row is a fine gauge in defining if it's just a fluke or if the dog has actually understood the drill.

Direct and Correct

Communicate to the dog how the drill should be. Be clear on what you want the dog to do. Just commanding the dog without correcting him if he did it wrongly is not advisable.

Timing is Gold

Timing means that you should consider the age of the dog when considering how to deal with him. It is best to train dogs while they are still puppies. Always remember that “old dogs can't learn new tricks” saying.

Be More Stubborn Than the Dog

Establishing rapport to the dog must always be in this order: you as the alpha dog (authoritative) and him as the submissive being. Show any sign of fear when he snaps back and you damage that rapport. Don't let the dog not complete the exercise. This will teach the dog to just hold out long enough for you give in to his preferences.

Be A Good Actor

Provide your puppy with an outlet for his chewing urges. Also, you may practice yelping loudly when your pup starts to chew on you. After yelping, fold your arms and for 10 minutes consider ignoring him. That response is the thing that happens when a pup becomes too rough on other puppies. But depending on your puppy's personality, he may react otherwise, such as biting more. In this case, use a more aggressive approach.

By: Jack Russell

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Jack Russell is a a long time dog fancier, visit his Dog Resources Blog and download his Free Dog Owners Handbook - it's Dog Gone Good! www.daveshealthbuzz.com/dogcare/

Handy Training Tips For Dogs

Training a dog can be done relatively easily, despite what some people believe. You simply have to keep a few training tips in mind. You must teach the dog that you are in charge, and not him. You must also use a tone that exudes superiority and confidence. Lastly, you absolutely must be consistent in your training methods. Learn to master these three tips and your dog will learn whatever you want to teach him.

You’re in charge. Even when you see your dog’s adorable face, you must keep in mind that you are the one giving commands and your dog must obey your commands. If you’re too soft with your dog and let him be in charge, your rug, shoes and many other belongings will likely suffer. That’s not mentioning the other people who will be affected by your dog’s lack of good manners. Set boundaries and let your dog know what is and isn’t appropriate. Use appropriate tone of voice and gestures like pointing.

Be strict. You know the expression “give an inch and take a mile”? That’s exactly what will happen to your dog if you are not consistently strict. Dogs can sense if you are being strict by your tone of voice. Be strict and use appropriate tone when you order him to stay in the yard. If you want to go out for a walk, you don’t have to use the same tone. Be enthusiastic instead. If your dog starts running away, be strict again and he’ll understand who’s in charge.

Be consistent. You must maintain a certain consistency in intonations, gestures and words when dealing with your dog, otherwise, the dog will get confused. Always use the same commands and always act the same way when he does something that is unacceptable. By being consistent, your dog will become better trained, which will improve your confidence in your training skills. The more confident you are, the better trained your dog will be! You can also establish consistency in your actions by always using the same door to take the dog out or by always using the same nighttime routine.

By being in charge, strict and consistent, you can better train your dog and better predict his behavior. Don’t forget to show your love and affection for your dog as well! Treat your training sessions as games and reward him for his good actions.

By: Daniel Waser

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Daniel Waser is a dog lover since his childhood. He has a lot of experiences with dogs. Visit his website for more information about Dog Health Problems or get his latest Dog Training Tips.

My Favorite Dog Training Tips

A few sources echo similar techniques that ensure success when training your dog. After scouring the web and throughly researched the issue, I have tried many tips and found a few that actually yield results.

Always reward good behavior. It may seem obvious however, many pet owners find themselves unconditionally pleased with their pet. For instance it may be easy to notice a behavior such as laying down and rolling over as adorable and reward the animal with attention and positive feedback. Other situations it may be less obvious that your dog is actually carrying out desired behavior. When potty training, after a long day when your dog eliminates outside for instance, make sure you do not abandon the dog at this time, remind it that it is doing the right thing verbally.

Never reward undesired behavior. A dog will learn with consistency and love. Don't fall for cute tricks. Only encourage desired behaviors. Follow through with commands. If you instruct your dog to do something, make certain that it does. In other words, do not give commands that you are unwilling to take the time to enforce. Follow through with your instructions even if you have to physically, gently of course, place the dog in what ever position you stated. If this is consistent your dog will learn much more quickly and be obeying you in no time.

Proper exercise. When given a chance to expend energy and the freedom to walk or run your dog will behave much differently in the home. This is crucial to a having a healthy pet as it is a fundamental need of the animal. Although dogs are domesticated they still flourish when outdoors.

Avoid double commands. Do not instruct two things at one time. It is beneficial to your dog to be able to follow through with a command and then be rewarded. Multiple commands are fine as long as they do not overlap.

These are just a few of my favorite dog training tips. Ever since I started I've noticed a world of difference. They are simple, to the point, and effective..

By: Margareta Setijoso

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I certainly hope that you find this article useful as i expected it to be. Visit Margareta's blog and site about how to Successfully Train Your Dog To Behave and Dog Training Tips for more information.

The Secret To Understanding Obedience Dog Training

The Secret To Understanding Dog Obedience Training

Dog obedience training is important for a number of reasons and the reasons can vary depending on what type of home the dog has been placed in and the personal preferences of the dog's owner. This training is not about giving commands and pushing dogs to work hard instead of enjoy life, it's quite the opposite. The training is vital to the safety of the dog, his handler, and those around him.

Obedience training doesn't solve all behavior problems, but it is the foundation for solving just about any problem. Obedience is about you having a relationship with your dog and the dog responding to you. Obedience sessions can sometimes cause you to question which of you is the more intelligent, but it's important to keep at it. It is accomplished using a balanced approach which includes rewards as well as corrections.

Some behavior problems are often related to dominance issues with dogs. Signs of behaviors that exhibit dominance are nipping and mouthing, growling and/or baring teeth especially when asked to give up a resting place, food or a toy. A handler may decide to use force, however the standard used by most trainers is the minimum amount necessary to inhibit the unwanted behavior. Most training revolves around establishing consequences for the dog’s behavior.

Basic pet obedience training usually consists of 5 behaviors. Walking on leash is one of the biggest problems faced by a lot of dog owners. When properly done you can expect a life with your dog where you have the ability to not only have your dog not get into the garbage, jump on you or drag you down the street, but also a dog who is able to walk calmly at your side regardless of distractions both on and off leash.

If the dog does not understand this or the human is not acting as the leader, the dog will assume the role. A handler must understand communication from the dog. Punishing a dog who does not understand what is being asked of him is not only unfair to the dog, but can make the dog fearful or unwilling to cooperate.

Dog obedience training is an attempt to establish a firm relation between the dog and the dog owner. Dog obedience training is especially important in today's world, when people take their dogs everywhere. Dog obedience training is an essential for dog owners to help their animal to be a better companion.

By: Allen McDaniel

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For a complete list of secret dog training tips that the dog training professionals don't want you to know, visit www.dogtrainerpro.info

Free Dog Training Tips: Easy Steps To You Leading The Pack Part 3

Be a leader, a dog will follow.

From the last two articles, remember King and his dominant dog behavior? King was the leader of his pack -- Mom, Dad, 2 kids. King set the rules in the house and didn’t hesitate to enforce them, with growling, snapping, and even biting. I introduced 3 simple dog training steps to help you begin to take the leadership role back from King.

Then there was Queenie and her family (especially Mom), who gently took the leadership position. Queenie learned dog manners and wonderful dog behavior through Mom’s gentle but firm positive dog training methods and her consistency in teaching Queenie house rules. Queenie was eager to learn and to please and received lots of praise and tons of treats. With humans as pack leaders and dogs as pack members (preferably at the bottom of the hierarchy!), the whole household is calm and happy.

Let’s talk about your household. Your angel might not be as dominant or aggressive as King, and you may have worked with her some but not quite enough to have a dog similar to Queenie. Time is sometimes a factor -- with our lives as busy as they are, sometimes it’s difficult to make time to for even short periods of dog training. But if you’ll give it a little effort, the payoff will be tremendous. You can change your dog's behavior in no time at all.

I want to give you a few more new recommendations for regaining leadership in your pack. But first, I want to review some of the ones found in the first two articles. For the complete list, go to http://www.best-dog-articles.com.

SOME REVIEW STEPS

Get their attention first -- say Fido’s name before you say the command.

Be kind -- Use a gentle voice, give commands and direction calmly and lovingly.

Let’s play -- YOU start and end all games. Keep them wanting more.

Let’s EAT -- YOU eat before feeding the dog.

Praise, praise, praise -- Pour on the praise for good dog behavior and good manners.

NEW STEPS

1. Are you sick?!

One of the first concerns with new or unwanted behaviors (e.g., excessive urination) is a health concern. Get a vet check to address any health concerns that might cause behaviors your dog has no control over.

2. Down every day!

Put your dog in a "down" position for 5-10 minutes every day. This reinforces for your dog that you are the leader. Beginning this program may involve many jump-ups. Just gently and firmly put the dog back down. (No need to restart time.) You will notice that the breaks of command quickly fall away. It’s fine for your dog to sleep through this one!

3. Do that AGAIN!

Dogs love routine. They have incredible internal clocks. One activity that dogs love and that routine is important is mealtime. I suggest feeding dogs two times a day (no running buffet) within an hour window each time (e.g., 7-8AM and 5-6PM). Watch your dog -- if you do something regularly, they come to expect it and act appropriately. Other activities that can become routine are morning or evening walks, Saturday errands, the time you come home from work. If it’s a regular thing, your dog knows it’s going to happen.

4. Brush, brush, brush the coat!

One activity you both can enjoy is grooming. Daily gentle grooming reinforces a loving relationship with your dog. This can become prized private time for both of you.

5. Through the paces-- Every day!

Obedience training is very important to do every day, even for 5 minutes at a time. Try to avoid the military commando approach. Be consistent and kind, get your dog’s attention first, praise, praise, praise for his willingness and compliance to your commands. Practicing obedience reinforces that you are the leader.

CONCLUSION

That’s it! You now have the arsenal for regaining the leadership position in your pack and getting some good dog behavior practices in place. Emphasizing the positive in your dog training efforts pays off exponentially -- your dog will be your friend for life and won’t be scared of you. When you establish yourself as leader, dogs respect you and will work so hard to please you. Take the time to get these easy steps into your daily routine and watch the changes magically occur.

Wishing you a calm and happy adventure with your canine companions.

By: O'Neal Hendrix

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

O’Neal Hendrix is a premier professional dog trainer in Atlanta, GA. For many years, she has "worked miracles" with dogs and their owners. Check out her dog toy recommendations for all dog breeds and temperaments!

Dog Training: Tips And Tricks To Stop Your Dog From Digging In Your Yard

It’s downright infuriating to look out the window and see Buddy digging another hole in the yard. You yell out the window; he may or may not even acknowledge he’s heard anything; then back to the digging. This dog behavior has got to stop.

WHY DOGS DIG.....

Did you ever stop to think WHY Buddy digs? (except to make you mad!). This is the real trick – to figure out why he’s digging in the first place, the motivation behind the dog behavior. Then you can take dog training steps to discourage it, redirect that energy and possibly stop it completely.

1. I’M BORED!

Location: Digging along the fence lines and at the gate.

Why? He is bored and wants to get out for some action.

Solution: Provide more exercise for your dog, both physical and mental. The more exercise the better, according to your dog. A tired, happy dog will rest nicely between great outings.

2. I’M HOT!!

Location: Digging along the edge of the house or shallow "pits," especially in the heat of the summer.

Why? Your dog is most likely creating a cool spot in the cool under-earth. If under the porch, he’s creating a den.

Solution: Check to make sure you are providing fresh cool water throughout the day and night.

Is there adequate shade to protect your dog from the hot sun? Is good air circulation available or possibly a nice breeze? Or is the space filled with stagnant air?

Provide plant life (trees, bushes) for shelter from the hot sun. Cool grass keeps the ground heat down.

3. IT’S JUST MY NATURE!

Sometimes it’s the breed of dog, not so much the environment. Some breeds tend to be burrowers -- hounds, huskies, malamutes are a few examples.

Solution: If this is the case, work with your dog to agree on a place he can do his thing and camouflage it with something like plants or fencing.

4. I LIKE IT!!

Some dogs just like to dig, and dig they will, no matter how much you yell and scream.

Solution: Create and help them with the ideal digging place -- a sandy blend with hidden treasures that reward digging at that spot. Having a prepared area encourages the digger to focus the digging to the area you set up in an out-of-the-way place. Remember to keep the area stocked with assorted treats and toys.

TO FILL OR NOT TO FILL ..... EXISTING HOLES

The second part of the story is.....

What to do with the holes that keep reappearing, no matter what you do? Have you back-filled holes dug by your dog only to find them dug again, over and over?

When this happens, the next stage of hole-filling is called for.

You might think this next step it involves yelling at your dog, or rapping on the window. Nope. Are you really going to stand and stare out the window hoping to correct the situation while it’s happening (which would be the only way to really correct it using this method)?

TECHNIQUES FOR "FILLING" HOLES

There are two better techniques to encourage your dog to rethink digging that hole.

The easier of the two is to fill the hole until almost full. Mix the last portion of dirt with dog poo, pinecones, moth balls, or other repelling non-harmful substance. The next time your dog arrives for the big dig, he quickly finds the game has changed. Most dogs quickly change their behavior.

The second method is more time consuming but effective. Cut a section of chicken wire or similar to cover the hole plus 8 inches or more. Dig a hole a few inches deep that surrounds the hole and will fit the wire shape.

Fill the hole and then press wire in place and cover with dirt. Pack the area well, particularly around the wire edges. When your dog returns, the wire will stop his digging progress.

If along a fence line, secure the wire to the fence along the inside of the fence, just a short distance from the ground. When the wire gets to the ground, keep going vertically a short distance underground. Then bend the wire so the bottom is perpendicular to the top (forms an L). Bury the horizontal part underground inside the fence, pointing away from the fence. When your dog digs he is stopped by the wire and his weight on the earth helps keep the wire in place. The result is the dog gives up on that area.

Pretty cool, huh?!

CONCLUSION

We humans see digging as bad dog behavior. Dogs don’t, and they dig for different reasons. If you can figure out why they’re digging, you can put dog training steps in place to stop it. Some dogs dig, that’s what they do. Set them up a space to dig and you both win!

Try these dog training techniques to change unwanted dog behavior. They seriously work.

By: O'Neal Hendrix

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

O’Neal Hendrix is a premier professional dog trainer in Atlanta, GA. For many years, she has "worked miracles" with dogs and their owners. Check out her dog toy recommendations for all dog breeds and temperaments!

Free Dog Training Tips: Easy Steps To Leading The Pack

Be a leader, a dog will follow.

Hum, what does that mean?! Simply put, if you lead the pack, your dog will follow you to the ends of the earth. Some basic and easy adjustments in your dog training routine can result in huge changes in dog behavior. The simple truth is...dog behavior is a result of human behavior. That is, your dog reacts to you. If you take the time to teach your dog appropriate behavior, and you are consistent in reinforcing it, your dog will work so hard to please you. One key to changing and reinforcing new dog behavior is using positive dog training methods. This article introduces some basics in beginning to get some respect from your dog.

Dogs are pack animals, and they want a leader to tell them what to do and what dog behavior is appropriate. If you don’t step up as leader, your dog, no matter how big or small or cute and fluffy, will take over as leader (not just of other dogs, but of you, your spouse, your kids, the cats, and anything else that moves and breathes). This is not the ideal situation, as you can see from the following example.

The Franks are a real family where the dog runs the house. King didn’t want the role of leader, but no human stepped up as leader so he felt he had to. His "pack" consisted of dad, mom, and two kids. Being leader was a big job--keeping track of the pack, teaching them the rules (which King made up), and enforcing the rules was a 24-hour job. He successfully taught the family to stay away from his food and toys (growling and snapping when they got too close), not to disturb him if he was napping in main traffic areas like the middle of the kitchen floor, that certain pieces of furniture were his and his alone, and that he decided who got to come into the house. The young boy became a playmate whom he could nip and jump on; the older child and the parents were there to care for him. Any infractions of these "rules" were quickly and severely disciplined by King with growling, biting, snapping, baring teeth.

If King’s household is like what you experience in your family, we’ve got some gentle and positive dog training tips to help you take back your leadership role.

Put these simple steps into your dog’s daily life and watch the dog behavior changes. Each of these steps shows your dog that YOU are the leader. Let’s start simple, with 3 very basic and easy (for you) new dog training ideas. Once you’ve mastered these, in the next article, I’ll introduce several more.

1. Show me your tummy!

Make it a positive experience for your dog to roll over for that yummy tummy rub. This submissive posture indicates a deferment to your leadership.

2. Praise, praise praise!

Praise for being a good dog. Any dog behavior you like and want to keep, praise it and give a small treat occasionally. This focus on what you want is much more successful than a focus on what you don’t want. No free treats or praise for the dominant dog. If your dog wants to be petted, have him sit first! Everyone wins and the dog is learning manners at the same time.

3. Get out of the way!

A leader gets respect. For Scout, that means no lying in high traffic areas (hallways, middle of living room or kitchen), no sitting on your feet, and no refusing to move out of the way. Gently scoot your feet in the direction you want to go while using excited tones and waving your hands to get him up and moving.

For a dog, trying to live with everyone "just getting along" does not work. Dogs live in packs with hierarchies, not democracies. Remember, no human leadership means Fifi will take over and set the rules. It’s time for you to step into the leader position. If you do, you will notice positive changes in your dog’s behavior right away. You and your dog will begin working as a team.

Be the leader--your dog will love you for it and you’ll be surprised how hard he’ll work to please you.

Get started using these 3 tips and check back in a few weeks for the next set of easy dog training steps for outstanding dog behavior!

By: O'Neal Hendrix

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

O’Neal Hendrix is a premier professional dog trainer in Atlanta, GA. For many years, she has "worked miracles" with dogs and their owners. Check out her dog training blog for her advice about everything dog!

7 Effective Dog Training Tips

Many people feel that dog training is a challenge. They try to prepare for the many obstacles they feel lay ahead. The good news is, dog training can be an easy, fun, and positive experience. Just follow these 7 effective dog training tips, and you’ll see.

1. When training your dog, give him praise when he does it right. When you show your dog that you are happy with his efforts, he will be more inclined to want to please you. As you progress and reach harder milestones, you may want to wait a little longer to give the praise. In the beginning, however, it is good to do it right away.

2. Use treats. After he has worked hard, has done a few tricks, to sit or to lay on command, or has been a good sport, it is fair to reward your dog with a treat. Like people, dogs need incentive to work.

3. Do not yes or hit your dog. This is extremely ineffective and will not produce the results you want. Like people, dogs respond negatively to such abuse, and it will more than likely increase the chances that your dog will rebel. This will only make for a frustrated owner and an angry dog.

4. Be firm but gentle. Give the commands firmly while gently moving your dog into the position that you want him. The firm but gentle tactic shows your dog that you are the boss: but, it also shows that he is loved.

5. Train your dog for a couple of minutes each day: but, don’t go for too long as it will overwork the dog and cause him to feel stressed. Like people, dogs need repetition in order to grasp a new concept and can become stressed when overworked. Not to mention, if you work with your dog a couple of minutes a day, this will strengthen your friendship.

6. Help your dog to associate action with command. The way this can be done is as soon as you see your dog sit, say the word, “sit.” Do the same thing if he is lying down. This will help him to know that these certain words are associated with these actions. Do this until he gets the hang of it.

7. Do not pay attention to your dog if he is misbehaving. If you give him attention only when he is running with toilet paper in his mouth, getting in the trash, or causing any other mischief, then this is letting him know that he can get your attention when he is doing something bad.

When you train your dog, this allows your dog to feel safe and secure. Also, when your dog knows you are his leader, this can prove to be a happy environment for both you and your dog!

By: Kelvin Ho

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Are you worried about your dog's health? Make simple and healthy dog food at home with free dog food recipes at www.doggypuppyguide.com. For more dog food recipes, go to www.doggypuppyguide.com/dogfoodrecipes.htm.

4 Dog Training Tips That Work

There are many, many ways to approach training your dog. You could hire out a professional trainer (expensive...ouch!). You could enroll in a less expensive class (time-consuming...ugh!). Or you could carve out the time from your own busy schedule and do-it-yourself (can you spell commitment?).

I favor doing it yourself for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is that it's the best way to get to know your little best friend. But if you're doing it yourself, you definitely don't want to waste time or effort, right? So here are 4 time-crunching, zero-wasted-effort dog training tips that will work.

1) Keep Your Sessions Short

Your pup isn't like us. He can't "force" his attention on anything for very long. So you need to capture it quickly and work with it quickly. That means keeping your training sessions short...probably never really more than 10 minutes when you're starting out. You can compensate for the short time by having multiple sessions during the day or evening....think "mini-sessions." Then, when his attention span starts to stretch, you can stretch your sessions out too. Shorter sessions actually make for faster learning.

2) Keep Your Sessions Fun

Think about this for a second. Since both you and your dog have to go through the same training together anyway, why not make it fun?

Look for ways to catch your dog "doing it right" and pile on the praise when he does. That will be fun for him and his reaction will make it fun for you too. Be positive! Smile! Laugh! Set a "fun" tone. Then don't be surprised if both you and your dog start to look forward to your sessions together.

3) Hold Your Sessions In Different Locations

Many dog owners have been successful at getting their dogs to understand and obey them over a large range of commands. Then they see it all fall apart as soon as they go to a new location. It happened to me. I had trained up one of my best buddies to the point where he obeyed me almost perfectly. The problem was, I had only trained him inside my apartment and in a small adjacent side yard. Then the first time we went to the park, WOW, it was like I had a different dog!

You see, I'd been working him out in the same surroundings and when those surrounding changed, he thought the rules had changed too. So I learned my lesson and since that time have tried to train my pets in lots of different locations. After a while they learn that the rules are the same no matter where they are.

4) Make Your Sessions Consistent

It's probably hard to believe, but your dog really wants to know his place in your world...and he's happy for you to define it. You can define it more easily for him if you're consistent.

Don't vary your training too much in the beginning. Work your lessons in the same way, the same order. Train him in the basic fundamental commands until he starts to understand and obey. Once you've established that framework, you can add more commands and a little variety. This will give him a strong comfort level about what you expect from him...and once he knows that, he'll show steady improvement.

Keep in mind that every owner/pet pair is a unique combination. And for training to be successful, they have to find their own unique "rhythm." Using these dog training tips will help you find your rhythm quicker...so you and your pooch can build a strong bond that will last for years.

Want to build an Awesome Relationship with your dog?

...check this out on The-Dog-Zone.net

By: Michael Royce

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Michael Royce is an amateur dog trainer who has lived with, trained, (and been trained by) more than a dozen great dogs in the last 25 years. He is a regular contributor to several websites and is a co-founder of The-Dog-Zone.net.

House Training Your Dog - House Training Tips For A New Puppy

Once a young puppy arrives in the household, it is an exciting time for everybody. In order for the homecoming to go forward as smoothly as possible, it is a good idea to spend a little bit of time in planning.

One of the major challenges of dog ownership (in particular for first-time owners) is the issue of household training. If you outfit yourself with some fundamental knowledge and a positive mental attitude, though, it is a good deal easier than most people make it out to be.

The New arrival

As soon as you take the pup home, bring her outdoors. The excitement of the automobile journey joined with the unfamiliar faces, sights, and sounds will have her requiring to go anyway - and if you can mastermind her 1st toilet break so that it happens outdoors, rather than indoors, then so much the better. And not just from the position of short-term hygienics, either - the more your puppy relieves herself indoors, the more probable she is to do it over again.

The homecoming is a big chance for you to set a case in point for toilet conduct!

- Direct her to your assigned toilet area, and place her down on the grass.

- Hold back while she sniffs about - abstain from petting her or playing with her just yet, since you do not need her to form a connection between this area and games. She has to determine that this part of the yard is for toilet breaks exclusively.

- Once she starts to relieve herself, sound out the phrase you desire her to connect with toilet breaks: "Go pee" or "potty time" or whatever does work for you. It is better whenever the set phrase is short and easily recognizable - and use the same voice inflection each time, too (so that your dog can easily learn the meaning of the set phrase.)

- Once she is done, cause a big fuss over her: shower her in praise and warm heartedness, and give her a small goody.

When you bring her indoors the house, the house training regime you have settled on should begin at once.

As far as house training goes, crate training is more often than not accepted to be the most effective and efficient way of house training a pup in a short space of time.

What is crate training?

Crate-training is fundamentally the use of a small-scale inside dog house (the crate) to enclose your new puppy when you are not actively monitoring her.

How does it work?

Crate training is founded on all dogs' built-in disapproval of soiling the surface area where they sleep. As you are cutting back young dogs social movement to her sleeping space, she will instinctively "hold it in" until she is let out of the crate (provided you do not leave her in there too long, naturally!)

This is why it is crucial that the crate is sized the right way: if it is too large, she will be able to use one end as a bed and one end as a toilet, which defeats the entirely purpose!

How do I pick out a crate?

As a universal rule of thumb, it is more cost-efficient for you to pick out a crate that is large enough for her to develop into. It ought to be large enough for the fully grown dog to stand up comfortably without crouching, turn around in, and stretch out - but no bigger (so that she does not choose one part as her bed, and one part as her toilet!)

Since the fully grown dog is expected to be substantially larger than the puppy, it will most likely be essential for you to use a barrier to cut down the internal size of the crate. A wire grille or board will do just fine.

As an alternative, you will be able to use an inexpensive crate (or even construct one yourself) and replace it with a larger model as your pup matures.

Using the crate for house training

Crate training works like this: your pup is in that crate at all times unless she is sleeping, feeding, outdoors with you attending to the toilet, or being played with (active supervision.)

You will want to be consistent, or else it will not work: you can not allow your pup ramble off through the household unless you are centering your complete care upon her.

Whenever you permit her entree to the house before she is thoroughly house trained, you are essentially encouraging her to relieve herself indoors - and remember, for each one time she performs this, it will be easier for her to execute it again (and again ... and again ...)

Sample schedule of a morning's crate training

7am: Awaken. Puppy comes outdoors with you for a toilet break.
7.25: Breakfast time.
7.45: Back out of doors for additional toilet break (attended by you, naturally.)
7.50 - 8.45: Play-time! Puppy is out of the crate being actively played with, snuggled, etc.
8.45: Outdoors for another toilet break.
8.50 - 11: Puppy gets back in the crate for a nap
11 am: Puppy comes out of doors with you for a toilet break.
11.05 - 12.30: Playtime! Puppy is out of the crate being played with and petted.
12:30: Lunch period.
12.45: Puppy comes outdoors with you for a toilet break.
1 - 3.30: Puppy goes back in the crate for a short sleep.

... And so forth throughout the day.

Crate training usually takes one to two months (depending upon the breed of your dog and however much time you spend on the developing process.) As the pup gets older, you will be able to begin to cut back the amount of time spent in the crate - but beware of doing this too soon!

Other crate training rules

- Your puppy in all likelihood will not be too pleased to go in the crate the first couple of times she practices it. She would like to* be outside, being lavished with affection and attention, and hanging out with you (of course!) But it genuinely is for her own good - in a amazingly short time, she will come to accept the crate as her own personal haven where she can go to unwind and get a couple hours' uninterrupted rest. It is crucial to persist: don't react to any whining or crying.

- The most effective place for the crate to be is the hub of the household: generally the den or the kitchen, anyplace where people are incline to congregate. Just because she is in the crate does not mean she can't still feel like part of the household; it's significant for her not to feel detached or left out.

- The crate should be a welcoming, inviting place for her to go. Put down a couple of thick blankets or towels on the floor, and place a couple of toys and a chew or two inside it as well. The door should be invitingly open at all times (unless she is in there, of course, in which case it should be firmly closed.)

Some toilet truths about puppies that will come in handy

- Puppies' bladders and bowels are so small and weak that they've only a very small window of opportunity between knowing that they need to go, and having that need become an immediate reality. Because of this, it is imperative that you take her outdoors as soon as she awakens (she will let you know she needs to go out by pawing the doorway and whining), and inside of ten minutes of feeding or playing.

- Behaviors that suggest she needs to go out of doors include sniffing the ground and circling. Once again, because she's only little, she will not exhibit these warning signs for very long - so as soon as she starts, take her out at once. Better an unneeded trip to the yard than an unnecessary wet patch (or pile) on the rug!

- The maximum amount of time that a puppy can be crated at a time is worked out using the following equation: her age in months, plus one. Therefore, a three-month old puppy can be crated for a maximum of four hours. However, this is likely to be physically pretty uncomfortable for her (let alone hard on her emotionally and psychologically: it is tough being cramped up with nothing to do), so you should actually take her out at the least once every two hours during the day. If she is sleeping, of course, just let her sleep until she awakens naturally.

Max Young is an information researcher with a true interest in helping others find the knowledge needed to deal with everyday life.

By: Max Young

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Max Young is an information researcher with a true interest in helping others find the knowledge needed to deal with everyday life. For a further in depth look at house training, as well as a good deal of useful information on canine behavioral problems and the most effective disciplining methods, check into The Ultimate House Training Guide. It is the complete dog-house-training guide. www.squidoo.com/House-Training-Your-Dog