Adding a dog to your household can be very exciting. Suddenly you have a new and entertaining personality as part of your family who looks at you with unconditional love. However, a new dog is not all sunshine and daisies. The truth is that if you want to make the addition of your dog as positive as possible you are going to want to take some time to adequately train your dog. The truth is that training your dog does not have to be a difficult process. With the right dog training tools you can make the training process as easy as possible.
Dog training tools can be very helpful in aiding you to properly train your dog. There are many different types of tools on the market. With all of that variety you may find yourself struggling to narrow down your choices. The best option is really to narrow down your training focus, and that will help to inform which dog training tools you should be purchasing.
One of the first dog training tools that you should purchase is a dog collar. In most states it is required that you dog wear a collar with their tags on it, and often the dog collar is what you attach your dog’s leash to. However, a proper training collar can really help in your training efforts. Many professional trainers will recommend that you look into purchasing a choke or prong collar. However, you need to make sure that if you are planning on using one of those collars that you receive the proper instructions regarding their proper use. The last thing that you want to do with dog training tools is to hurt your dog. Be sure to speak with your trainer as to how they recommend that you should be using a training collar.
A leash is another one of the essential dog training tools that you should have. Your leash is probably going to be one of the most often used tools that you have in your possession. There are many different types of leashes available to dog owners. When you are just beginning to train your dog you are going to want to steer clear of retractable leashes. Instead you will want to choose a basic leash to start with. You are going to want to begin with a leash that is six feet long. Additionally, you want to make sure that your leash has a nice strong clip to attach it to your dog’s collar. As your training progresses you may need to purchase additional leashes for different purposes, but when you are starting out a six foot leash is the most important starting tool.
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Good Dog Training Collars Can Make Difference
Dog training collars are obviously necessary and very effective tools in dog training. The dog’s collar is the point of physical control that the trainer uses to make contact with the dog.
There are many different training methods and styles used by professional trainers and as a result there are many different types of training collars.
A quick check of on line pet supply retailers will find even more collars available in the market. You will find that each one has its own unique set of features that makes them ideal for specific types of training.
The standard variety, like leather or strong nylon is most advisable when simply training a dog to do basic stuff such as sit, jump, or stay.
This is dependent of course on the size of the dog. Nylon collars are ideal for smaller dogs. Leather collars are ideal for bigger dog breeds.
Nowadays, those who want to train their pet dogs for simple everyday commands even have the option to choose embellished collars. But for dog training, high quality collars should be given more preference.
Basic choke collars are one of the best dog training collars around. Choke collars give the trainer instant correction and control by tightening the collar around the dog’s neck.
During the training session when the dog is behaving in the proper manner, or obedient in following commands, the collar stays loose and comfortable around the dog’s neck. In the event however that the dog starts misbehaving or commits a training mistake, the trainer can easily tighten the collar as a way of correction.
This technique communicates to the dog the proper response to a command.
Prong collars, or pinch collars are another widely used dog training collars by professional trainers. This kind of collar has dulled tips on the collar surface touching the dog’s neck.
Like the choke collar, the trainer can control the tightening and loosening of the collar.
As a way of correction, the trainer will pull the collar and the blunted tips will tighten around the dog’s neck, without piercing his skin. It is important however to maintain caution in using these collars. There is a thin line between constructive correction and animal abuse.
This type of collar should really be left to the professional trainer or handler.
Electronic and citronella training collars are very popular with many dog trainers. They are especially useful in correcting dog behavior when the dog is not on a lead.
It is also very effective in aversion training like that used to train hunting dogs to avoid rattlesnakes and porcupines.
The remote controls on this type of collar has the ability to make corrections from as far away as one mile. Correction is accomplished through either electronic stimulation or a spray of citronella once the command is given via the remote control.
These collars also have a tone feature where the handler can communicate with the dog by sending a set of tone commands to either approve of a behavior or to warn the dog to correct its behavior prior to receiving stimulation.
No matter what training methods are employed by the trainer a quality dog training collar will be required to achieve the training goals.
isdom and discernment should always be used when using any training collar. Failure to do so may result in unwanted behaviors or even physical damage to the dog’s health.
James Kesel, MS is the publisher of Career in dog training website. Providing information on dog training, dog training career opportunities and training accessories such as dog training collars.
Article Source: ArticleSpan
Puppy Socialization: How To Help Your Pup With Positive Experiences
Naturally, not every puppy comes from responsible beginnings. For the shelter puppy, one from a rescue group, or perhaps even a stray from completely unknown origins, your immediate attention to socialization can work wonders. This is the moments of your puppy’s life that can make or break his behavior and reaction to the outside world (as well as inside the house), for years to come.
However, keep in mind that, whether a few weeks or a few months old, coming home with you is a scary experience for a puppy. Give him a few days to adapt before taking him anywhere else.
Home soon provides a wonderful, secure environment for beginning socialization. The television, radio, blender and other appliances prepare your puppy for “strange” noises he may encounter later. Allowing him on different floorings, like vinyl, tile, wood and carpet, readies him for walking at the veterinarian’s office, pet supply store, friend’s homes, and more.
Of course every puppy is an individual and this fact greatly affects how you socialize your particular canine. Study your new addition, noting how he approaches unfamiliar objects and scenarios. A bold, fearless puppy frequently requires redirection to prevent him from jumping in headfirst, while a slightly timid or cautious youngster might need encouragement even in perfectly safe situations.
Professional trainers suggest that when your puppy shows hesitation towards something, don’t baby him. For instance, if your pup dislikes the slippery feel of vinyl, place a few pieces in or near his play area during supervised times. As you interact with him, purposefully disregard it when he “accidentally” places a foot on the vinyl. Your matter-of-fact attitude helps allay his concerns.
Alternatively, you can try throwing a favorite toy or treats onto the vinyl floor, enough so your pup’s feet make contact. This places his focus on having fun rather than worrying where he steps. As his confidence grows, sitting yourself on the vinyl floor further helps him forget his fears in order to join his favorite person.
These examples of positive, non-force methods illustrates how giving your puppy the time he needs builds confidence in his own abilities. Conversely, forcing a dog to confront and deal with something he is uncomfortable with, often called “flooding”, can be successful, but much depends on the dog, the issue, and application of the method. Done incorrectly, fears increase rather than decrease. For other than experienced trainers, positive works best.