Training Commands

 

Here are a few commands we will go over in our classes:
 

Come: This command, also referred to as the recall, is crucial. If the dog won't come when called, it is not an obedient dog.. Like all commands, it is successful only if the dog is rewarded when it completes the command and only if the practice is repeated—under different circumstances and distances and gradually removing the controls—until the dog performs flawlessly.

 

Sit: This command is also crucial. Sitting dogs are under the handler's direct control. It is common to precede other commands, such as the Stay command, with a sit command. Sit and Stay are used in conjunction with many other commands.

 

Stay: This command gives peace of mind. An owner can park her dog while doing something else. Indoors, use this command to park your dog under a favorite table or bench.

 

Lie down or down: this command allows even greater control than sitting. Since even people without dogs are familiar with this command and use it when dogs are bothering them, the better the dog is at it, the better it can get along with strangers and visitors.

 

Go to bed or get in: Directs the dog to go to its bed or its crate and to remain there until released. The dog has freedom of movement in that location to stand up, turn around, or lie down, unlike when placed in a Stay. Useful to keep a dog out from underfoot and safe in a busy or complicated situation.

 

Drop or drop it: Dogs pick up all sorts of things, some of which they shouldn't have. A dog that drops anything on command, no matter how attractive (which to a dog can be rotten and smelly), is a dog under control that the owner can prevent from eating dangerous items or from destroying valued personal property.

 

Leave it: An adjunct to Drop, directing the dog to not touch an item. Also useful before the dog has picked anything up. Leave it is also used in conjunction with Take it.

 

Take it: The dog leaves a desired object, such as a toy or treat, untouched until given this command. This can protect an owner's, visitor's, or child's fingers.

 

Heel, Close, By me: The dog walks with its head directly next to the handler's leg and does not deviate until released.

 

Okay, Free, Break, or Release: Releases the dog from Stay, Heel, Sit, and so forth. Also a general release to play.

Click Here to plan a visit

Dog Behavior Problems

 

Most problem behavior is related to one or more of these factors:

Problems Related to Fear:
Low stress thresholds and the associated fear can lead to a great many behavior problems. One of the goals of a training program is to raise the stress threshold of the dog so that it is less sensitive to fear eliciting stimuli. Some problems associated with fear are separation anxiety, fear aggression, submissive urinating, house breaking, not coming when called, excessive barking, jumping, and chewing.

Canine Communication Breakdown:
If we understand that often people have a difficult time communicating with other humans, then it's not hard to see why interspecies communication can present such a challenging endeavor. Some problems commonly associated with canine communication breakdown are jumping, barking, wild behavior, not coming when called, chewing, house breaking, pulling on the leash, and scratching on doors.

Basic Needs:
Dogs have certain basic needs and if these needs are not met, behaviors frequently develop that the dog's humans may find difficult to live with. Some of these problems are wild behavior, chewing, jumping, running off, barking, and house breaking.

The Social Environment:
The social environment is a very important part of your dog's life and will make a big impact on your dog's behavior. The dog's social environment can influence all the other variables that have been mentioned. One of the key elements of the social environment is the dominance subordination hierarchy of the dog's family (pack). The people in the family should be dominant over the dog(s). This does not imply that the dog needs to be afraid of those who are dominant. Dominance does not necessarily need to be worked out in direct confrontation. Dominance is frequently established during play or regular daily activities. Trust is related to dominance in a well balanced relationship. If a dog has complete trust in its owner, many of the behaviors owners consider objectionable are more easily controlled. Having trust in the handler can greatly reduce the mental and emotional stress of the dog and this can influence the control one has over problem behaviors.

 

Dog Training Tips

 

Tip 1

Use your pets name to get their attention.  To have good control of your pet you must be able to get good orientation response from the animal. Build attention by using your pet's name when calling them for food, walks, and play.  Do this randomly 10 times a day.  Never punish your pet to you or by calling it.

 

Tip 2

Always enforce commands that you give, and don't constantly repeat commands. Don't let your furry friend ignore a command. If you're not serious about enforcing a command, don't give it.

 

Tip 3

Use "timing" as a form of communication with your pet. Timing is one of the key elements of canine-education.  It does not matter what teaching method you use, work at developing the proper timing for each and every technique.

 

Tip 4

Reinforce desirable behavior

 

Tip 5

Do not reinforce undesired behavior

 

Tip 6

Do not punish desirable behavior.  Such as having your puppy eliminate outside and then immediately leaving the puppy.  If the puppy wants to be with you, you will heave just punished the pup for doing the right behavior.

 

 

Dog Training Tools

 

A Good Leash:  A good leash is a critical part to you dog's training. Be sure the leash is at least six feet in length so you are able to practice with your dog.  Leather, Cotton and nylon make the best choices.  Avoid chain leashes with puppies as they are heavy and hard to handle.

 

Collars: A buckle collar (a flat collar with a snap or buckle to join the ends) makes the best collar for class/training use. Ask your pet store for assistance in making sure the collar fits properly.

 

Treats and Treat Bags:  Treats are important to reward your dog during training. During training sessions, treats let your dog know they've done a good job.  Makes sure your treats are tasty and also nutritious. A treat bag helps you carry your treats so they are within easy reach to reward your dog at the proper time.

 

Professional Canine Training Using Proven Modern Methods
© 2010 K9CommunityCollege.com.

All rights reserved.

 

“They are your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are their life, their love, their leader. They will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of their heart. You owe it to them to be worthy of such devotion."