Leash and collar training

This article focuses on one of the most popular methods of dog training – leash or collar style of training. Other articles will focus on the other popular style of training dogs, often called reward training or positive reinforcement.

Both leash/collar training and reward training have been around for a very long time, and they have each proven their effectiveness over time.
The kind of training that works best will change from dog to dog, and from breed to breed.

It is an important factor to remember that each breed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced by hundreds of years of selective breeding.


Of course temperament of individual dogs vary quite a bit, even within established breeds.
You, as the ownerof your dog, know better than anyone else which style of dog training will work best, so it is very important to work with the trainer you choose to achieve your goal of a willing, obedient and friendly dog.

Leash and collar training is the best way to accomplish many types of dog training, particularly
in situations where the dog must have a high level of reliability. For instance, dogs that have an important job to do, such as rescue dogs, police dogs and guard dogs, generally will benefit greatly from proper leash and collar training.

In leash and collar training, varying degrees of force can be used, ranging from light prompts with the lead
to very harsh tug type corrections. The amount of correction used should be appropriate to the situation, since using too much correction, or too little, will be ineffective.

In a collar and Lead based dog training program, first the dog is taught a particular behavior, generally with the leash. After the dog has demonstrated that it is familiar with the command, the leash is then used to correct the dog if it disobeys, or when it makes a mistake. The lead is the main form of controlling and communicating with the dog in leash and collar training.

When using leash and collar training, the dog must be trained to trust the handler and accept his or her directions without distrust. In order for the dog to be fully trained, the handler must demonstrate the ability to place the dog into a posture or position he or she does not want to take. This does not mean using force, but it does generally require some level of physical manipulation. This manipulation is most easily and safely done using the main tool of leash and collar training – the leash.

It is important for every would be dog trainer to understand that the lead is simply a tool. While the leash is an important tool in this form of training, it is important for the dog trainer to be able to eventually achieve the same results using whatever tools are at hand.

Even when the only tools at hand are the owner’s body and ability, the dog should be willing to obey. Creating a leader/follower relationship between handler and dog is still very important, and it is importantto use the leash as a tool and not a crutch. A properly trained dog should be willing to obey whether the leash is present or not.

There are many different styles of dog training, and finding the one that works best for you is important for creating a dog that is a talented, loyal and faithful member of the family.

Read more...

garnet55/sunrise

Dog Training - The Basic Commands

Here are some basic training lessons for you.

Dog training – The Major Commands:

There are of course many reasons for owners to want a calm, obedient and faithful dog. For one thing, obedient and trained dogs are happier dogs, less likely to get into fightswith people or with other dogs.

Another reason is that many communities require that the dogs living in their neighborhoods be well trained. This is especially true for many breeds thought to have aggression and behavioral problems – dog breeds like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers for instance.

And of course, training your dog well will also make he or she a much better family companion, mainly in households where there are young children. Many studies have shown that proper dog training makes a big influence when it comes to cutting down the number of dog bites and other behavioral problems encountered by dog owning households.

When considering training your own dog, or having someone else help you train it, there are certain major commands that must be mastered in order for a dog to be considered truly trained.
These basic commands include:

Heel – it is important that any dog learn to walk beside its owner on a loose lead, neither pulling ahead nor lagging behind .

Respond to the word No – the word no is one word that all dogs must learn. Training your dog to respond to this crucial word can save you a ton of trouble.

Sit – Training your dog to sit on command is a vital part of any dog training program.

Stay– A well trained dog should remain where his or her owner commands, so stay is a very important command in dog training.

Down – Lying down on command is more than just a cute trick, it is a significant
component of any successful dog training program.

Dog training does much more than just create an obedient, willing companion.
Training your dog properly actually strengthens the bond that already exists between dog and handler. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack leader to tell them what to do.
The key to successful dog training is to set yourself up as that pack leader.

Thats all for today I will be back later with more basic training commands.

sunrise/garnet555

Table Scraps o.k. in Your Dog's Diet?

Keep Table Scraps away from Your Dog's Diet

We have all done it. Our cute, little furry friend is practically grinning at us from beneath the kitchen table.

The ears are perked and the tail is wagging. We know what our dog is after. Just a tiny Crumb from dinner would be delightful, right?
What could it hurt? It is just a bite or two after all. Hold Fido's ears he won't want to hear this. A dog's diet really should not contain table scraps. People food is just that...for people.

A dog's nutritional needs are not the same as a humans. Sure, we eat some of the same
things, but feeding your pet from the table is one of the biggest mistakes for you can make for your pet. A dog's diet doesn't require all the goodies we add into our meals.

People have problems with weight gain. A dog can have this problem, as well. If your dog's diet consists mostly of scraps from the dinner table, chances are high that your dog will have trouble maintaining a healthy weight.
Even a few pounds over weight can really make a difference in the quality and length of your pet's life.

Ignore the begging and stick to your guns.
When you have a dog who is not a picky eater, it can be tempting to let your pet be the garbage disposal in the home, but really, this is not a good idea. Certain people foods can spoil your dog and should never be a part of your dog's diet.

Grapes, for example, have been known to cause serious problems for dogs, even death.
Chicken bones and popcorn can also be a problem for your dog. Permitting large quantities of chocolate can be dangerous in a dog's diet.

A poor diet even shows up out in the yard. When your dog's diet is not at its best, your pet's outputs will be greater in size, smell, and mess. Benefits of choosing a healthy diet for your dog will be noticeable in your pet's health, as well as, during those walks around the block.

There are a few occasions when a supplement or treat from the kitchen may be alright, but never in excess. Talk to your veterinarian about healthy snacks for your dog's diet. If you simply must continue feeding Fido at the table, many vets recommend you give your pet ice cubes or pieces of carrot to munch on between scheduled feeding times.
Providing your pet these healthy alternatives to pizza and cupcakes gives you the freedom to choose a Healthful snack for your dog's diet.

So, the next time your beloved pet starts eyeing your food, redirect his or her attention. Don't reach for your fatty steak or chicken leg. Instead, toss your buddy a cool, refreshing ice cube to bat around and munch on.
A couple of baby carrots will keep Fido happy and leave you feeling good about your varieties for the nutritional value of your dog's diet.
You will know that you are doing your best to maintain a high-quality diet for your pet.

to a healthy fido
garnet555

Fiber in your dog's diet

Benefits of Grain in Your Dog's Diet
We know the benefits of Grain in our own diet, but are their any advantages of fiber in a dog's diet? Fiber was considered filler and bulk in year's past, but today, the nutritional value of fiber in the dog's diet is finally realized.
What exactly is fiber? It is a part of carbohydrates. Fiber is not highly eatable by the body. Your dog's diet can benefit from fiber in appropriate amounts. Just like humans, too much fiber in a diet can have negative effects on the digestive system. It is always important to superviseyour dog's diet to maintain a healthy level of fiber to suit your pet's needs. Talk to your veterinarian about the benefits of fiber in your dog's diet.
Obedience is prevalent in both humans and pets. Too often, pet's become overweight. Roughage in your dog's diet is a terrific way to help your pet lose excess weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to the longevity and quality of your dog's life. We know that fiber cannot accomplish weight loss on its own, but it can truly make a difference. Fiber helps to keep your dog feeling Satisfied and content without large amounts of calories.
The pets who achieve the desired weight goal may need a little extra fiber in the dog's diet to maintain the desired weight. Combining fiber with strict portion control, you will be able to create a dog diet that is healthy and satisfying for your pet.
Again, similar to humans, constipation does occur in pets. Your dog's diet should contain fiber to help prevent this medical condition from occurring. As your dog ages, his or her diet should contain elevated levels of fiber. Senior dogs tend to deal with issues of constipation more frequently than their younger counterparts. For this reason, you will note higher fiber content in senior dog diets.
How does fiber help keep things moving? Roughage absorbs water. With the absorption of water in the fiber, the contents in the intestine have more bulk. This is what causes the movement along the intestinal tract. The passage time through the bowel becomes more normalized and consistent.
Healthy amounts of fiber in your dog's diet will contribute to fecal consistency. You will know when your pet is getting the proper amount of fiber when your dog relieves himself regularly. Too much fiber in your dog's diet will result in loose and messy stools.
Some studies indicate that a Small increase in fiber can assist in the management of diabetes mellitus. The grain helps to control blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugar from the intestine.
Take note that excessive amounts of fiber can have negative affects on your dog's health. For this reason, it is important to buy Superior -quality dog food from reputable companies to ensure a healthy diet for your dog. Watch for these sources of fiber in your dog's diet. Beet pulp, soybean hulls, rice bran, apple and tomato pomace, and peanut hulls. Grain such as oats and rice are also examples of indigestible fiber.
Fiber does have benefits in your dog's diet when used in moderation. Have a discussion with your vet about the best amount of fiber for your pet.

John asks…

Crufts - Please help me!?

This is my first time at Crufts and I would like to know, Whether the dog grooming equipment etc will be cheaper at Crufts then they would be if I purchased them online?
Also am I right in thinking you can ask for discount if your spending a few hundred pound??
Many thankss for your help.

garnet55 answers:

Certainly if your dog made it far enough to get invited to crufts.. Wouldnt you have your own grooming equpiment by now?
Or are you going as a spectator and planning to buy from a vendor-- grooming supplies will be far cheaper to buy elsewhere than at a dog show.

Lisa asks…

Where can I learn to groom my dog myself? I live near Pasadena, CA.?

I have already purchased my own equipment, so just need to know how best to do the grooming.

garnet55 answers:

Head over to the new U-Wash Doggie - 101 W. California Boulevard 1-626-795-7777
You wash and groom yourself, and they have helpful folks that will give you guidance. Groom there once or twice then do it yourself at home.

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