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Dog Training Tips
Welcome to the dog training tip's section
Help and Advice for new dog owners
First & foremost:
Before you collect your new puppy or dog, go and look at different dog training
clubs and schools to see which one suits you and your dog best and book your
place. Leaving it until you have your new puppy or dog may lead to being placed
on a waiting list, and missing the important early training.
It is advisable to avoid training in the following circumstances:
Training activities to try with your dog
Once you have your puppy and it has at least basic obedience you may like to
have a go at one of the activities listed below.
Not all the activities listed will be suitable for all owners nor all types or breeds of
dog and some of the activities will need your dog to be at least a year old, whilst
some dogs will need nurturing for the activity before this age at specific training
establishments.
Some Suggestions:
- If your dog is not performing a particular exercise as well as usual then stop and
ask the dog to do an exercise you know he can do so you end the training on a
positive note.
- Remember, dogs are not robots. Please allow your dog to have rest days where
the most you do with them is have a game with their special toy and lots of fun.
- Try ‘silent’ walk times, whereby you only talk to your dog if you need to.
- For example very often I will walk my dogs and when they are running free and
they turn to look round at me, I use my body language to invite them to come to
me or to sit at a distance.
- Remember that your dog needs to be taught to do or not to do a particular
exercise. For example not to chase, to come back when called, to fetch, to walk
nicely on it’s leash.
- When your dog appears not to be able to do a particular exercise, ask yourself
whether or not you have been clear with your command or whether he had learnt
the exercise fully to begin with.
- Try training at different locations with different distractions.
- Take your dog to town or to a agricultural show/country fair to get him used to
crowds and noises. Remember to keep your dog on a lead at all times and pick up
your dog's poo and dispose of properly.
- When looking for a training club or school, be sure to ask if you may go and
watch first before paying out any money. This way you can decide whether
training, venue and instructor is for you.
- Invest in a good dog book which encourages positive reinforcement training. It is
down to personal preference as to which book you buy.
- Always praise and reward good behaviour and verbally correct the behaviour you
do not want.
- Timing and consistency are very important in training so if you do not wish your
dog to climb up onto the furniture then teach it not to, but try not to change your
mind two days later by letting the dog get away with it. The poor dog will be totally
confused.
- It is important that all members of the family sing from the same song sheet. So if
your command to 'sit' is 'sit', be sure you’re not changing it to 'sit down'!
- Teach your puppy its name. This may sound simple , but you would be
surprised how many people give a name to their puppy such as 'pippa' then just as
the dog has learnt it(and sometimes before the dog has learnt it)they start calling
the dog by 'pip'. Is it any wonder dogs fail to return to their owners when they are
not sure who they are !!!
- Regardless of breed or size of dog, all dogs should be socialised and trained.
Even the smallest breed can turn into an aggressive dominant dog or simply be an
ill mannered one, just as much as a large breed. Besides which, its good for all
dogs to be mentally stimulated to a lesser or greater degree even if its just to
teach tricks or do basic obedience . There are several books on the market on
how to teach your dog tricks and there are also some on 'games to play with your
dog'.
- Teach the recall/come at meal times and try to use a whistle as well (three toots
with the name of the dog and the command 'come' is a great way to begin), so
should your dog range too far for you to call, the whistle will generally carry across
the distance. However, do try not to let your dog range too far.
- Teach the command 'stop'. It’s a great command for stopping dogs playing. Play
between dogs(ruff and tumble)should be supervised and stopped after 15
seconds, before it gets out of hand. Its fair to say, there is a fine line between
playful behaviour and aggressive behaviour and if you are unable to stop your dog
from playing, you may find it hard to stop a possible fight taking place.
- Other commands which maybe taught are sit, down, come, stand, take it, leave it,
look/watch me.
- Keep training sessions fun and short, no more than two 5 minute session for
puppies every two to three days. Some need only one 5 minute session a day. If
using the 'play training' method then 15 minutes at a time is not an issue for a six
month old puppy. But remember all puppies develop at different rates.
- Always end a training session on a positive note.
- Traveling suggestions: When you take your dog out in the car please remember
to take water and keep a dog first aid kit in your vehicle in case needed. I would
also suggest that you invest in attending an animal aiders course (first aid course
for cat and dog owners).
- Introducing your new arrival to existing pets; take your time if needed to make
introductions. Remain calm, pulse rate low and remember to praise the good
behaviour and verbally correct the unwanted behaviour . Be patient and try not to
rush things as there is no rush.
Please note: I do not profess to have all the answers nor all the knowledge with
regards to training dogs. All dogs are different and all handlers are different,
however, in my daily dealings with our canine friends, I do humbly try to learn more
about them and it is so obvious that there is still so much to understand.
Unfortunately, I am unable to answer any questions regarding problems with your
dog via email or telephone and would therefore suggest you get in touch with your
local dog training instructor or canine behaviourist.
Finally...
Always try to be a responsible dog owner and respect other peoples property, their
dogs space when out on a walk, the countryside with its wildlife and of course
farmers & gamekeepers and their land, livestock and game. The 'right to roam act'
does not mean you can walk your dog anywhere and every where and allow it to
free run all over the place.
Enjoy your dog, have fun training and remember your dog looks to you for
everything - food, water, love and health care and much more. Owning a dog can
be very expensive, so think long and hard before you go out and buy or rehome a
dog. If you are after a particular breed of dog, then read up on the breed and talk
to other people before you purchase it.
If you are thinking about starting a family, have a baby or young children, ask
yourself if you will be able to cope with a puppy or a young dog. Many dogs are
rehomed because the parents find they can no longer cope with the dog and the
children as well. This is very distressing for the dog especially if they have to
spend a length of time in a rehoming centre before finding a new home. So think
long and hard before you put your new member of the family through this.
Welcome to the dog training tip's section
Help and Advice for new dog owners
First & foremost:
Before you collect your new puppy or dog, go and look at different dog training
clubs and schools to see which one suits you and your dog best and book your
place. Leaving it until you have your new puppy or dog may lead to being placed
on a waiting list, and missing the important early training.
It is advisable to avoid training in the following circumstances:
- If you or your dog is unwell.
- If you are in a bad mood.
- If the weather is too hot.
- After feeding the dog.
- If you are becoming frustrated with the results of your training session.
- If you are in a hurry because of another appointment.
Training activities to try with your dog
Once you have your puppy and it has at least basic obedience you may like to
have a go at one of the activities listed below.
Not all the activities listed will be suitable for all owners nor all types or breeds of
dog and some of the activities will need your dog to be at least a year old, whilst
some dogs will need nurturing for the activity before this age at specific training
establishments.
- Competition obedience.
- Beginners/fun dog agility.
- Working trials.
- Search and rescue.
- Field trials.
- Working tests.
- Cani-cross.
- Heelwork to music.
- Breed dog shows.
- Companion dog shows.
- Fly- ball.
- P.A.T. dogs (Pets as Therapy).
Some Suggestions:
- If your dog is not performing a particular exercise as well as usual then stop and
ask the dog to do an exercise you know he can do so you end the training on a
positive note.
- Remember, dogs are not robots. Please allow your dog to have rest days where
the most you do with them is have a game with their special toy and lots of fun.
- Try ‘silent’ walk times, whereby you only talk to your dog if you need to.
- For example very often I will walk my dogs and when they are running free and
they turn to look round at me, I use my body language to invite them to come to
me or to sit at a distance.
- Remember that your dog needs to be taught to do or not to do a particular
exercise. For example not to chase, to come back when called, to fetch, to walk
nicely on it’s leash.
- When your dog appears not to be able to do a particular exercise, ask yourself
whether or not you have been clear with your command or whether he had learnt
the exercise fully to begin with.
- Try training at different locations with different distractions.
- Take your dog to town or to a agricultural show/country fair to get him used to
crowds and noises. Remember to keep your dog on a lead at all times and pick up
your dog's poo and dispose of properly.
- When looking for a training club or school, be sure to ask if you may go and
watch first before paying out any money. This way you can decide whether
training, venue and instructor is for you.
- Invest in a good dog book which encourages positive reinforcement training. It is
down to personal preference as to which book you buy.
- Always praise and reward good behaviour and verbally correct the behaviour you
do not want.
- Timing and consistency are very important in training so if you do not wish your
dog to climb up onto the furniture then teach it not to, but try not to change your
mind two days later by letting the dog get away with it. The poor dog will be totally
confused.
- It is important that all members of the family sing from the same song sheet. So if
your command to 'sit' is 'sit', be sure you’re not changing it to 'sit down'!
- Teach your puppy its name. This may sound simple , but you would be
surprised how many people give a name to their puppy such as 'pippa' then just as
the dog has learnt it(and sometimes before the dog has learnt it)they start calling
the dog by 'pip'. Is it any wonder dogs fail to return to their owners when they are
not sure who they are !!!
- Regardless of breed or size of dog, all dogs should be socialised and trained.
Even the smallest breed can turn into an aggressive dominant dog or simply be an
ill mannered one, just as much as a large breed. Besides which, its good for all
dogs to be mentally stimulated to a lesser or greater degree even if its just to
teach tricks or do basic obedience . There are several books on the market on
how to teach your dog tricks and there are also some on 'games to play with your
dog'.
- Teach the recall/come at meal times and try to use a whistle as well (three toots
with the name of the dog and the command 'come' is a great way to begin), so
should your dog range too far for you to call, the whistle will generally carry across
the distance. However, do try not to let your dog range too far.
- Teach the command 'stop'. It’s a great command for stopping dogs playing. Play
between dogs(ruff and tumble)should be supervised and stopped after 15
seconds, before it gets out of hand. Its fair to say, there is a fine line between
playful behaviour and aggressive behaviour and if you are unable to stop your dog
from playing, you may find it hard to stop a possible fight taking place.
- Other commands which maybe taught are sit, down, come, stand, take it, leave it,
look/watch me.
- Keep training sessions fun and short, no more than two 5 minute session for
puppies every two to three days. Some need only one 5 minute session a day. If
using the 'play training' method then 15 minutes at a time is not an issue for a six
month old puppy. But remember all puppies develop at different rates.
- Always end a training session on a positive note.
- Traveling suggestions: When you take your dog out in the car please remember
to take water and keep a dog first aid kit in your vehicle in case needed. I would
also suggest that you invest in attending an animal aiders course (first aid course
for cat and dog owners).
- Introducing your new arrival to existing pets; take your time if needed to make
introductions. Remain calm, pulse rate low and remember to praise the good
behaviour and verbally correct the unwanted behaviour . Be patient and try not to
rush things as there is no rush.
Please note: I do not profess to have all the answers nor all the knowledge with
regards to training dogs. All dogs are different and all handlers are different,
however, in my daily dealings with our canine friends, I do humbly try to learn more
about them and it is so obvious that there is still so much to understand.
Unfortunately, I am unable to answer any questions regarding problems with your
dog via email or telephone and would therefore suggest you get in touch with your
local dog training instructor or canine behaviourist.
Finally...
Always try to be a responsible dog owner and respect other peoples property, their
dogs space when out on a walk, the countryside with its wildlife and of course
farmers & gamekeepers and their land, livestock and game. The 'right to roam act'
does not mean you can walk your dog anywhere and every where and allow it to
free run all over the place.
Enjoy your dog, have fun training and remember your dog looks to you for
everything - food, water, love and health care and much more. Owning a dog can
be very expensive, so think long and hard before you go out and buy or rehome a
dog. If you are after a particular breed of dog, then read up on the breed and talk
to other people before you purchase it.
If you are thinking about starting a family, have a baby or young children, ask
yourself if you will be able to cope with a puppy or a young dog. Many dogs are
rehomed because the parents find they can no longer cope with the dog and the
children as well. This is very distressing for the dog especially if they have to
spend a length of time in a rehoming centre before finding a new home. So think
long and hard before you put your new member of the family through this.