Dog Training Tools and Advice

Well, to begin with, lets do away with the myth that your dog appears to think like a human, they do not. I know this is hard to believe and we all love to believe that our good boy is actually quite smart. The truth is the dog will react to you. You therefore need to educate yourself in order to train your dog. People often make huge unintentional mistakes with regards to training dogs, purely because they do not understand the dogs mind. Your dog requires certain key factors in order to be correctly trained and you need to know how to do this. Basically you need to arm yourself with the best dog training tools available in the market today. This may comprise of physical devices along with solid training advice. Your dog only really wants to be a loyal member of his dog pack. Dogs behave instinctively, being an animal, this is quite normal. All they want is acceptance. In order to change any bad dog behavior you need to focus on changing the way your dog expresses his natural dog instincts. Screaming and being angry with your dog will not train the dog. This will just create fear and lack of confidence within your dog.

Core Dog Training Advice

There are many areas in which one could train your dog. Some of these areas are purely for recreational activities. For instance, you may want your dog to do tricks like rollover or give paw, etc. These are just for bragging rights really, see how clever my dog is. However, there is a more serious side to training. Here you would need some more advanced dog training tools or advice. This type of training involves, maintaining control of your dog when out in public or in your own home when strange people are visiting, for instance. Heaven knows what a badly behaved dog can get up to if not kept in check. Bad dog behavior can cost their owners dearly, so it is advisable to focus on these aspects of dog training. Here are a few of the basics with regards to dog training. As we all know this is quite a vast topic, so we will cover some more well known dog behavior problems. There are plenty of, paid for,and worth every cent, professional instructional guides out there. Lets take a look at some of these bad dog behavior issues which require training of your dog, now.

Crate Training:

This type of dog training tool should not be abused, for example when you want time out from your pet dog. Crate training should be used to properly house train your dog. You may also want to familiarize your dog with the crate for those times when he will be travelling with you on a airplane for instance. The idea is to confine the dog to the crate for a short period of time, lets say 1 hour. Upon release from the crate you should take the dog outside to allow him to do his business. If the dog does his business then a reward in the form of a healthy dog treat or lavishing them with affection is in order. Once again, we see here good behavior associated with reward. Quick pointers here, always be at home when using the crate, do not lock the dog in the crate overnight, make sure the dog is comfortable in the crate. Never allow the crate to be seen as a form of punishment for your dog. Dogs react instinctively and as such, should not be shouted at or beaten for doing what comes naturally. Always bear this in mind when your dog has done something which we humans just do not understand. There is usually some good dog reason for doing whatever he has done.

Leash Training:

If your dog is pulling your arm out of its socket every time you take him walkies, its time for proper leash training. You need to assume control of your dog when he is on the leash. Never allow your dog to get over excited when he sees the leash or becomes aware that you are going to take him for a walk. If necessary make your dog sit and stay whilst you go and open the door. Then come back, put on his leash, only if he has behaved and listened to your commands. Repetition is key here, if you want to be rid of his over zealous behavior. Also, as long as your dog is in this hyped up state he will not listen to any commands you may give him. Whilst walking your dog, you should always be in control. The dog should not be leading you around. By all means let the dog sniff about and so forth, but not throughout the whole walk. Also, if he does not refrain from pulling, then make him sit and stay next to your side until he understands that you are the Alpha Dog and are therefore in charge. The dog will soon come to understand that his walk will be stopped each time he pulls.

The Alpha Position:

Every domesticated dog needs to be trained in this area. By no means should your dog be allowed to assume this role in your home or outdoors for that matter. Dogs do not speak, they bark, except for the Basenji breed of course, so do not assume dogs understand human language. Ultimately your dog needs to know that you are in charge and as such, your dog can relax, knowing that you will protect him. I know this sounds strange, as many of us assume the dog is there to protect us. Make no error, your dog will certainly "come to the party" when his pack or any one of its members is under threat. This serves to re-enforce the concept of establishing the pack roles so that your dog knows exactly who is in and who is not.

Obedience Training:

Now I do not know about you, but I certainly was not born an expert in dog training. So here, I would say its advisable to try and attend some good obedience training classes. This is especially true, if you are a new dog owner or have never really had any professional advice from people that have been doing this on a daily basis. Of course everything you are taught at these classes can be used in your home training. These classes can provide a solid foundation for aspects such as, assuming the alpha position, house training, issuing commands and even managing your older more mature dogs. Once you have the basics there is a wealth of advice, products and knowledge out there from experts in their fields, which will empower you. It may cost a little, but I would rather be penny wise than pound foolish.

Dog Training Advice - Consistency, its essential.

Dogs learn things by means of repetition, this has been clearly established already. So, for you to have any success in controlling your dog or dogs, you need to be CONSISTENT. Yes, this is truly the one most important thing when it comes to dog training. Whether you live alone or have a huge family at home, dog training is essential to maintain peace and harmony, never mind the bank balance. This is essential if you have a family or share your home with other people. You will need to educate the family or other people as well, so that the dog sees a CONSISTENT chain of command. Sounds very military, but I suppose this attitude is required if you want to eliminate bad dog behavior. There is no point in you putting in all the effort to get your dog trained and well behaved, just for the rest of the family to go and ruin it all. This will really make your dog confused as well.

Always remember that any knowledge gained through classes, a quality online book you have bought or merely by reading these articles, is going to benefit you ultimately. After all, KNOWLEDGE is POWER, and that is so true. Your dog may be physically more powerful than you, but you dominate because of KNOWLEDGE.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derek_Wurms

How to Make Your Dog Sit

Everyone that has owned a dog can tell you that making a dog sit can be one of the easiest commands to teach your old dog or puppy. Others can tell you the total opposite. Dogs when young are naturally rowdy and active, its their natural instinct to do so. In the wild a more dominant or "pack leader" would correct certain behavior if unacceptable. Though dogs over hundreds of years have become domesticated, we still as the "pack leader" must teach our dogs how to submit when we are disliking or would like a behavior shown from our pets. These basic submissive commands are sit, down, lay, stay etc. The words can differentiate depending on what word you choose to use with your dog.

Dogs love to please, especially when young. The sit command really has one great and effective way of working. Depending on the breed, verbal praise is enough to reward a dog, while others with more hyper active temperaments will require small treats to retain their attention during the process. Always be sure the dog is facing you and looking at your face. Dogs learn most commands by looking at both the expression of our faces and pitch we command things. It is best to use a normal voice when training your dog. Never use high tone pitches because that will cause excitement in the dog, usually this will cause dogs not to be fully engaged in the training. Only show rewarding behavior or high tone pitches if the dog is being rewarded for doing something you commanded, never to grab his or her attention with a treat. If your dog does not seem interested after 2 minutes, try again later. Now that the dog is facing you, gently push on his behind while saying "sit." As your dog moves into a complete sit position, you may reward him by saying good boy/girl or giving him/her a treat. Do this repeatedly always saying the word "sit." Depending on the personality of your dog, most puppies and even full grown dogs can become stressed if the training session becomes too long and unpleasant. Always be calm and assertive. Your dog will easily become stressed when he or she senses your tone going into an impatient bossy tone.

If your dog does not stay in the sit position when pushing down on this behind, simply try again and again. The dog should respond quickly as the pitch of your voice and word "sit" become embedded in your dogs brain. If the dog gets up and does not hold the sit position, gently say "no" and apply pressure on their behind until he or she is in the sit position followed by a reward. These sessions should not be so long. Keep them short, 5 minutes about 10 times a day works best, rather one long session once a day. Remember to always reward your dog. Keep it fun and brief. Your dog is literally learning to understand new language so keep it simple by using one syllable commands and practice practice practice!!

Dog Geekz | The number one source for dog information. http://www.doggeekz.com

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Are Dog Parks a Good Idea?

Now that the weather is getting nice, everyone wants to get outside to play. Its great for both dogs and dog owners to take advantage of outdoor play, for fun and for exercise. You may be fortunate enough to have a nice fenced in yard for your dogs. If you live in a big city, or live in an apartment, you may think the only way to exercise your pooch is by taking walks. That is no longer your only option.

In recent years, dog parks have been popping up all over the country. Just as the name suggests, these are fenced -in areas where dogs can be taken off leash and allowed to run around and play, either with their owner or with other dogs. There are private and public dog parks and some may charge a fee to help pay for maintenance. All dog parks should have a posted list of rules. Important rules include, never leaving your dog unattended, always have voice control over your dog, and do not bring your dog's favorite toy from home. He will probably not want to share. Also, never bring a female in heat or close to her heat cycle, to a dog park. I am certain I don't even have to explain this rule.

Many provide bags for cleaning up after your dog. This is obviously very important , not just to keep the park clean, but to prevent spreading illness. Some parks have a separate area fenced off for small dogs. If you have a small dog, it will be worth it to find one of these parks. You can imagine the problems that could result from a little dog with a big dog attitude!

While dog parks can be a lot of fun for owners and dogs, there can also be problems. Not all dogs are suited for a dog park, and not all owners are aware that their dog isn't suited for a dog park. Your pup should be well socialized to other dogs from a very early age. Even well behaved dogs can get excited and play too aggressively. Something that is important for dog owners to remember is, if you bring 3 or more dogs together, they will naturally become a pack and only one dog can be the boss. If your pooch doesn't know his place in your family's pack, he will not know how to handle being with several other dogs. Even if dogs are used to all the other dogs that come to a park regularly, they may not accept a new dog into their territory.

You need to be very vigilant to prevent problems and be prepared to protect your dog from an aggressive dog or dogs. Not every owner has the experience or even the common sense to know what to do if a problem arises. If your pet is the one who is getting too rough or aggressive, immediately leash him and take him out of the park. Some dog owners carry a can of pepper spray in case a fight does break out.

Dog parks can be a great place for you and your dog to makes friends. The important thing is to be aware of potential problems and know how to handle any situation that might come up. Whatever you do, get outside and play with your dogs.

Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information

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Private Dog Parks: Can Be The Safe Choice

With an increasing number of serious incidents being reported at dog parks, I want to introduce the safe alternative that a well-run private dog park can provide. You will find that a properly designed and managed private dog park is a dramatically different experience than what you have read about or have witnessed in public parks. A privately run dog park can properly screen, staff and enforce park regulations. We do caution you that even with the information you will gain from this article, please know that any dog park is not regulated, so we encourage everyone to do their homework before visiting any dog park to ensure it is right for you and your dog.

The current trend is that community and homeowner associations are responding to community demand by setting aside a small plot of their land for a public dog park. Unfortunately these unmanaged and unregulated fenced areas often turn to that of neighbor confrontation, injury and horror, even with the best of intending groups and dog owners. Let's face it, without any oversight or enforcement, incidents are going to occur. Because I recognized the dangers in dog parks to the point that I would not take my dogs to one, I was motivated to devise the complex recipe for a safe off-leash dog park. Therefore; I conducted an in-depth investigation of many existing dog parks to establish the precise formula needed to create an off-leash haven.

I visited many, talked with visiting dog owners and observed many dog parks, both private and public. From my investigative travels and with my inherent understanding of dogs, I developed the complex operating matrix for a safe, off-leash dog park. Since that design work, we have successfully opened the first of our many private dog parks that thousands of qualifying dogs and their owners have already enjoyed. Our safety performance at the Royal Paws Dog Park & Doggie Day Camp facility speaks for itself with an impeccable safety performance and industry leading staffing ratio.

Benefits to your Dog with Off-Leash Exercise

The benefits to a dog at an off-leash dog park or any open area of land are immense. Unleashed running elevates heart rate, increases metabolism, improves gastrointestinal efficiency, and extends muscles and joints, all of which contributes to general overall fitness. It is known that maintaining such a healthy lifestyle for your loved dog will increase longevity and reduce risk of all associated conditions and diseases that obesity can cause. The experience for your dog in open field run is like no leashed exercise we can otherwise provide and the benefits will last a lifetime. When letting your dog run in an open field for exercise value, please consider that there are many risks to both you and your dog. You may be violating leash laws, the dog can track a scent or get lost, run into traffic or unwelcome neighborhood area, confront aggressive dogs or dangerous wildlife or foliage; which are all of the reasons as why I do not take my dogs to any open land without fences despite their excellent obedience.

In fenced area designated as a dog park, in addition to fitness improvement, your dog can enjoy benefits from the social interaction with the other dogs IF experienced without incident. The advantage for a dog that is well exercised and socialized benefit the dog, the owner and the community ONLY IF they have somehow avoided traumatic incident. Well exercised and socialized dogs are much less likely to contribute to neighborhood nuisances like chronic barking or showing aggression to other dogs.

If public parks could operate as well-run private dog park do, these benefits would be maintained. Unfortunately, many dog parks are not continuously regulated nor do they have the resources or knowledge to accurately screen the dogs; therefore, odds are that incidents will occur. Incidents like your dog being attacked by another dog or even being bullied by another dog can cause regression in social skills, cause behavioral issues, invoke fear aggression or cause physical injury or death. Following any incident at a public park, without a safe and regulated choice of private dog park that can best create positive experiences to overcome the impact of the incident, your dog may never physically or emotionally recover from the past trauma. The likelihood of good experiences for your dog in a well-managed private dog park is the reason that many loved dog owners everywhere chose private over non-regulated public parks.

Premise of a Safe Dog Park - It's Private

The advantages a private dog park has over any public dog park is the ability to secure more favorable, larger parcels of land, improved grounds maintenance, set dog health requirements, enforceable park rules, screening of appropriate tempered dogs and third party intervention. Beware though and do your homework about any private dog park you intend to visit. Just because they can do all of the above does not mean that they do! While it is integral that the private dog park has the ability to control all of the above to make visits to a well-managed private dog park enjoyable, the most important to me are the health and temperament screening and ability of park staff to intervene.

If you have read the actual details in the recent headline grabbing horror stories of incidents in dog parks, they almost always are a result from a dog being in the park that should not be or from uneducated/erroneous decisions made by visiting dog owners. Both of these should not occur if your private dog park is consistent in managing and operating the facility for the safety and enjoyment of all. With private dog parks operating as a business, financial success is always a consideration. So turning away visiting dogs equates to lost revenue, so unless the park is focused exclusively on maintaining a safe environment for all, a private park that is short-term financially driven can pose the same risks that a public park does.

The third party oversight ability of park staff to intervene is required to eliminate personality clashes and biased evaluation of situations and/or dog's behavior. So when the experienced screener determines the dog lacks the temperament so he/she can play with others, it is the park staff's responsibility to deal with the disappointed dog owner. Same intervention by park staff goes in the event a visiting dog owner does not abide by park rules or a dog plays too rough or violations of any other park code of behavior. You can imagine these discussions are difficult; however, by park staff entertaining such discussions it eliminates any personal intervention by visiting dog owners.

Telling a dog owner that their dog is not allowed or can no longer come to the park until troublesome behavior is removed is always difficult. However, it is critical that the staff of the private dog park you are intending to visit has the proper screening system, the diligence to comply and financial ability to effectively turn away the revenue for dogs that do not appear to be capable of socially interacting at such level to keep the park safe for all.

As important to the screening is the park's development and maintenance of expertly developed park rules. To the novice dog owner, many of the park rules appear to be too cumbersome and detailed. The reality is that each rule of a well-run dog park is well thought through and derived from merit by an expert in dog behavior. Compliance to all of the rules is key to the safe enjoyment of the park by all. For example, the toy aggression of a dog or rough play can within seconds turn into a dog fight even with the best of mannered & socialized dogs. Without such detailed rules and the full oversight to insure they are all followed, the private dog park could turn into mayhem.

Dog Park Management of Sizes and Breeds

For the safety of all, we highly recommend separating small dogs from large, excluding entrance to a few breeds, requiring males be neutered unless under strict command and requiring that dogs be at least four months old to enjoy the park. What we hear the most from small dog owners is that they want their small dogs to be able to play in the designated big dog area because "they like to play with big dogs". Although the small dogs may have enjoyed past experiences playing with a large dog of neighbor or friend, the risk remain of physical injury to the small dogs if they are allowed in the same area as big dogs. It is my opinion each size should have designated areas to create safe play for all. Thus, we recommend that when investigating which dog park is right for you, this should be part of consistent operations.

Let me first say I do not believe in stereotyping any particular breed for temperament. However, due to instinctual drive levels, size and bite capacity, there are some breeds that I believe should be prohibited from entry to an off-leash park and some that should have elevated entrance criteria. Pit bulls, not specifically because of temperament but rather from jaw force/releasability should be forbidden from the off-leash dog park. Although we have met some of the sweetest and well-socialized pit bulls, we do not allow them to visit our parks because the risk is so high of severe injury to another dog if they were to bite.

Chow Chows are another breed that unless have a lifetime of scalability or coming in as a young dog, do we rarely let into the park. Any of the other "working breed" dogs, including terriers, due to their breed characteristics, prey drive, protection dog status and/or sheer size should go through elevated entrance criteria. These types of dogs must meet entrance-required temperament, in addition must demonstrate clear owner command. Upon meeting entrance criteria, they undergo frequent evaluations for continued social ability and owner command. All other dogs must pass dog socialization evaluation and demonstrate basic obedience.

Many Responsibilities of the Dog Owner

Even with the best of run private dog parks, the dog owners retain a high level of responsibility upon park entrance while be willing to withstand the occasional park staff directive. They must carefully watch their dog, abide by all park rules, maintain the obedience skills of the dog and know their dog well enough to predict their dog's behavior. Knowing your dog's mood, watching it's posture and identifying or correcting any potential troublesome behaviors is critical so all can enjoy the park. Every dog will encounter occasions where they will meet another dog that they do not like or are uncomfortable around.

It is the best of private dog parks where entry requires command of your dog so that incidents of escalated aggression can be avoided when each dog owner carefully watches their dog and can command their dogs away from each and every situation. Incidents occur only when the dog owners are not vigilant in watching their dogs or do not understand their dog's behavior and the slightest of uncomfortable encounters prolongs to escalate into a dogfight. Again, each dog owner should understand their dog's postures, expressions and movement to be able to differentiate in off-leash situations when they are comfortable and when they are not. If the dog owner does not intuitively understand their dog, we recommend seeking the assistance of a professional dog trainer.

Safely Socializing Dogs Early Benefits Everyone

We believe that all dogs, when in receipt of proper health vaccination should be socialized in a safe environment to improve their ability throughout their life of all of the benefits an off-leash park can provide. Any puppy, following final adult vaccination booster should be introduced socially to other dogs, people, children and other distractions and a well-managed private dog park creates the perfect place. Puppies visiting a safe off-leash park will easily learn good behavior in the dog social structure and provide the dog owner the ability to enhance obedience training with distractions. Just as the benefits of teaching good manners to a dog early in their life are immense, so are the risks that behavior issues or dog aggression will occur in the event the early experiences are traumatic.

With puppies, we strongly encourage you thorough investigation on the park you are considering to take them to best create the opportunity for good experiences. We recommend you confirm that the park is well maintained, strictly managed and rules enforced. Taking the puppy to a private off-leash dog park will provide your dog a life-long of comfort around other dogs, people and children. However; even with the best of private dog parks, there are other distractions that you should have your puppy comfortable with, which is why we also recommend taking a puppy (when fully vaccinated) to busy shopping malls with diverse people and sounds, nature walks with children & bicycles and on-leash dog walking trails to learn on-leash manners.

Picking the Private Dog Park for You

While private dog parks are gaining in popularity because they may be the only choice for safe and enjoyable off-leash fun, enter with caution. If a dog park is "Private", it is operated as a business entity, but this does not guarantee it is safe for you and your dog. It is our recommendation that with any place you intend to take your dog, you first tour the facility. Inspect the fence and the grounds, as well as talk with some of the dog owners visiting to learn about their safety record and staffing. After touring, talk with the park staff about what is required to visit. If you do not have to show paperwork confirming vaccinations or they do not meet your dog and determine social ability with other dogs, we would recommend that you know there may be risks. As with any place that you take your dog, insure you have great command of your dog and you are comfortable with the park layout and your dog's social skills to lessen the chances of a possible incident with another dog.

Terri Malueg-Ray, President & Founder of many industry leading, innovative companies who is an international pet industry expert.

Terri L. Malueg-Ray is President and Founder of six-year-old company, Royal Paws Resort & Day SpaÔ, Ltd., one-year old company Royal Pawsä Dog Park, LLC and founding partner of My Owner Has Gone To Heaven, LLC. Terri is known throughout the pet industry as a true innovator. She has created many premier products and services and most recently introduced her new line of gourmet pet meals, called Pet TastiesÔ. Terri’s background in engineering, chemistry and computer science provides her the ability to develop, design and execute the creation of Pet Tastiesä, the only complete line of healthy, yet tasty brand of gourmet pet meals available in the market today. Following the design of Pet Tastiesä, Terri utilized her leadership background to open the first pet restaurant in the Atlanta metro area and has made headlines nationwide. Most notably, on the reality hit TV show, Ambush Makeover, The Montel Williams Show, CNN, Jezebel Magazine, Atlanta Magazine.

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Tips On Crafting A Workable Dog Fence

By the time you "know" that you need a dog containment fence, you're probably late, and your dog has gone loopy and walkabout. Local leash laws...fines...anxiety over a wandering and potentially "lost family member" are only some of the key reasons for moving proactively on a fencing for pets game plan.

Designing Plans For Dog Fence Installation. In any "dog run" home and family project, you have four (4) broad categories of planning to sort out.

1. Measuring For Optimum Size Dog Run. Size matters. Bigger is better. Dogs, from Chihuahuas to Labs, need physical activity and movement to keep them mentally and physically in balance and happy. Carefully measure, and then set aside the largest area that your property can yield. Dog run fencing based on meshed easy-to-install deer fencing opens up seriously large dimensions...meanwhile, smaller more restricted but potentially sturdier dog kennels offer a smaller-is-best alternative.

2. Identify Food, Water, Weather Protection Needs. Space, layouts, creating overhead sun and weather protection...a quiet resting zone...food...water bowls...outdoor pet bedding or blankies should all be carefully assessed before finalizing your outdoor dog fence.

3. Budgets And Costing. You've rejected the low cost single-point cable-and-leash dog run strung between two fixed points, and is at best a limited dog run option, but costs under $20. The next quality level up are dog run fencing designs based on impact-resistant deer fencing like plastic materials, giving tremendous flexibility in terms of up-and-down your property layout, and cost around $1.40 per linear foot, including fencing material, posts, and ground anchor hardware. Most robust and secure, yet highest cost are chain-metal dog kennel fencing systems, offering modular panels and integrated access gates.

4. Burrowing Underneath Or "Break Outs" Risks Minimized. By their nature, pet containment fences mean "keeping the furry guys inside". However...dogs are smart, and with time-on-their-paws they'll instinctively examine every inch of your perimeter dog fence or dog kennel, in a natural inquisitive "probe" to see if there's a weak spot, where they might dig under, jump over, or speed dial a locksmith to assist in an escape. Meaning? Think like a dog, walk every foot of your pet fencing, looking for loose soft ground and especially for pet fencing based on deer fence enclosures, making sure that your ground anchors along with rocks or other weighty objects properly seal the fence from a burrowing pet!

Modular Dog Kennels. Bomb-shelter rugged engineering is what families get when constructing a modular dog kennel. Dog kennel fencing materials can vary, but the accepted "standard" is some form of anodized aluminum chain-metal fencing. Strong? Virtually impregnable, from the outside or the inside. Aesthetically, a small "down side" factor with a dog kennel fence is that it "stands out" on your property, and lacks that eco-friendly subtlety of deer fencing which is virtually invisible except for the entrance gate.

Dog Run Fencing - Creature Comforts. Keeping pets safe, and out of mischief in terms of wandering or safety of passerby persons, is only a fraction of the planning necessary for a quality pet containment fence. A dog's age...breed...health...character and personality...and physical sensitivities to heat, cold and water are key "planning inputs" when determining the size, location and outfitting of dog run fencing.

* Water. Simple, functional gravity-fed large reservoir watering units are a must for a dog run. Clean water, up to several gallons or more, goes into the reservoir. After each drink, the unit naturally emits replacement water equal to what your dog has drunk. Reason? Hydraulic pressure.

* Shade And Rain Protection. Any outdoor pet fence must include a shade and rain protection zone...think dimensionally at around 6-foot square...tarps minimally or a more permanent hard cover construction gives a rest, sleep and weather protection safety zone.

Get More Pet Fencing Planning Tips And Dog Fence Installation Advice For Your Furry Family Members.

Please go to the following links for the latest in dog fence designs for pet containment.

Dog Containment Fencing: http://www.wise4living.com/hgfence-pet/dog-run.htm

Pet Fences: http://www.wise4living.com/hgfence-pet/

Author Robin Derry is publisher for http://www.wise4living.com/ a specialty knowledge site that gives insights and solutions on dog runs and pet containment fences, outdoor deck planter box designs, deck lighting solutions, outdoor deck railing ideas, advice on building deck stairs, home and gardening projects such as decks and deer fencing, plasma and LCD TV stand design trends, wall mount and TV ceiling mount systems, HDTV and home entertainment systems, specialty academic camps, auto tire and wheels technology trends, medical spas, technology trends, unique gift designs, technology gifts, tips for families committed to youth summer camps, body health, household, sport, travel, footwear, education, spendthrift trusts and family law legal needs, and much more.


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How to Find the Right Dog School for Your Dog

Has a new puppy recently become a member of your family? Puppies are born with instincts, but not with the knowledge of how to behave. Therefore, it is necessary to teach your new puppy appropriate behaviors and also some fun tricks. You can try to do this yourself or you can enlist the help of a dog school.

There are many different types of dog schools available. What dog school would be the best for your dog? Things to consider when searching for a dog school include: the age of your dog, the breed, the personality, and what it is that you want your dog to learn.

Let's focus first on what you want your dog to learn. Do wish to have your dog learn basic obedience commands such as "sit" and "stay"? Do you want to learn practice drills you can do with your dog at home such as keeping them from begging for food at the dinner table? Then local dog schools will best meet your needs.

Local dog schools can be found at community colleges, city recreation centers, through pet stores, and even through private dog schools. You can opt to take a group class with up to twenty other dogs. These types of dog schools are often less expensive and meet in a local park. They meet once or twice week for a few weeks. You can have fun teaching your dog new commands as well as let them socialize with fellow dogs.

Local dog schools can offer more advanced dog training classes as well. Perhaps your dog has mastered the basic commands and you want to teach them how to hold a piece of food on their nose for a specified amount of time and then flip it into their mouth. You can find dog schools that have fun, exciting advanced classes where you and your dog can bond.

You may consider having your dog compete in dog shows. Maybe you purchased your dog from an established breeder that has determined your dog has champion DNA in their pedigree. If so then you should look into more in depth dog schools that are focused specifically and dog handling/showing. You can find these through breeders and the American Kennel Club. You can search for dog training materials and resources on the American Kennel Club website at:http://akc.org/

On a different note, maybe you want your dog to become a service dog or guide dog for the blind. Dogs that perform these jobs have to go to specific guide dog training schools. These special dog schools are necessary because there are very detailed requirements and commands that a guide dog must learn. These types of dog schools will also provide the support, knowledge, and training necessary to make your dog a successful guide dog.

There are many guide and service dog schools around the world to train your dog. You can find these schools through your breeder, groomer, and veterinarian. You can also find information about these dog schools through the Internet. A comprehensive listing is available by Wolf Packs - List of Service Dog Schools and Information. You can find this on their website at: http://wolfpacks.com/serviced.htm/

Once you have determined what you want your dog to learn then you can narrow down your search of dog schools by taking into account your dog's age, personality, and breed. Do you have a young puppy that is large like a Great Dane? Or do you have tiny new Bichon Frise that weighs in at only 4 pounds? Find out the type of dogs that are allowed into the dog training class.

Will the dog training class be filled with many large dogs that might scare your little Bichon Frise? Or are there dog classes available that are separated by age and weight? It is a good idea to be aware of this information before you sign your dog up for classes. You want to provide them the best experience possible and not have them cower when it is time to head to dog class each week.

Another consideration when choosing between dog schools is the amount of one-on-one attention. Is your dog very active and can't sit still during group training sessions? Many dog schools offer private classes. Sometimes the dog trainer will even come to your home to give you and your pooch lessons.

Picking among dog schools is also reliant upon the price and schedule flexibility of the classes. Run a price and schedule comparison on dog schools in your area. This will help you to discover a dog school that fits your schedule, your dog's personality, and meets your budget.

Choosing between dog schools is an important decision that will set your dog on the path to obedience success. Take your time and choose wisely so that both you and your canine buddy have a memorable, enjoyable dog training experience.

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