Tips

Training Tips & Dog Facts

Training Tips:

• Effective Training Includes:
Consistency • Established Pack Leadership • Repetition • PRAISE!
Correction • Patients • Tons of Hard Work! • Lots of FUN & Bonding

• Becoming a Pack Leader
Learning to become a strong Pack Leader to your dog is the most important thing you can do if you are going to own a dog! We need to remember that dogs are not human. Their instincts tell them to do things that we may not find so great. We need to learn what makes our dog tick. Taking the time to learn how our dogs communicate makes it easier to figure out why the are driven to do certain things.

Dogs communicate primarily through the “Language of Energy”. If we communicate excited energy to our dog.... guess what... you got it that is what you get. Human being use the same form of this unspoken language of energy every day, but they don't really pay attention to it.

Too many people have no idea that their dog is not human! They dress them up in cute little outfits, carry them around in purses and give them all the affection they can tolerate. All the while building frustration and unrest in their dog.

When we try to use human tactics on our canine friends what we succeed in doing is driving our dogs to a state of unbalance. Dogs are not human. In order to have a well balanced dog we need to treat them like a dog, a pack member, that is how they see us whether we like it or not. We need to communicate with our dog in a way that they understand.

1. Be a consistent, calm-assertive Pack Leader!
    Not abusive, overly stern or obnoxiously! Use the language of energy,
    body language, eye contact and tone of voice to communicate.
    You yourself need to demonstrate a proper state of energy to your dog!

2. See our dogs for what they are “DOGS”!
    Not human. Treat our dogs like they want to be treated, like a dog, a
    pack member, not a human baby. They don't understand that.

3. We need to set Rules, Boundaries & Limitations for our pet.
    Without rules, dogs feel insecure and become unbalanced

4. We need to provide Exercise, Discipline and Affection.
    In that order!
• Proper exercise provides a dog with an outlet for built up
   energy without it do not enter a proper state of rest.
• Without discipline, and direction from a pack leader dogs
   become unbalanced!
• Without proper affection at an appropriate time dogs become
   dominant.

Canine Communication

Canine communication consists of the passing of information through
Hearing, Smell, Body language & Eye Contact.

Vocal Communication: Dogs usually vocalize in one of several ways, whimpering or whining, growling, barking, yelping and howling, all in a wide variety of tones; this tied to various body postures will communicate different things to the rest of the pack or an outside predator.

Olfactory communication: Scent is a very important element in canine communication, it is used to define territory for the resident pack, especially for the younger, inexperienced pack members who are then able to make a mental map of the territory by scent. In doing this that Alpha dog will set boundaries for the rest of the pack to stay within.   Scent also sets a boundary for other non-pack members to stay out! Wolves will scent an area that they are hunting in as well so as to find their way back to the pack.

Within the pack, smell is intimately connected with canine social life. Alpha males use it to broadcast the fact that they are the dominant one! Females use it to broadcast that breeding may commence. From one drop of urine the canine can distinguish the sex of the individual, whether or not they are fertile, if they are male or female, and how long ago they were there.

Canines have 200 million olfactory cells compared to our 5 million, there for that canine power of smell is in effect 100 times stronger than that of a human. WOW!

Body Language & Eye Contact: Body language and eye contact are a huge part of the communication within the pack. By simply learning to read your dogs body language you can see what state of mind your dog is in, calm-submissive, anxious, or stressed. This helps us train our pets and lead them effectively. For instance you are out for a walk with your dog, you meet a friend who is also walking a dog, do you immediately turn your attention to your dogs body language or to your friend? Your dog of course, what you see is a stiff top line, erect ears and tail and dark deep visual stare, his head may be lowered a bit.....what does this mean? It means you better get your dogs attention and quick. He is seeing the other dog as a threat of some sort and is probably willing to protect the pack (you if your not the pack leader)! If you have established yourself as the pack leader what you see will depend upon your reaction to the person and dog in front of you, your dog will read your body language and follow suit, just as they do in a wolf pack.

How does your dog learn and communicate:

Canine communication consists of five key elements:
Hearing, Smell, Tone of Voice, Body language & Eye Contact

Eye contact: Confirms behavior... good or bad!!!
You reinforce what you look at. If you spend time
making eye contact with your dog when he is behaving well you will reinforce that behavior. Dogs repeat whatever behavior that got them the attention, whether it be negative or positive. Be sure to make eye contact when your dog is exhibiting correct behavior. (and praise quietly and remain in a calm state of mind)

Body Language: Your dog sees every body movement and facial expression you make as communication. Body language is an integral part of communicating with your dog. Your body movement tells your dog what you want him to do. Remember, your dog thinks your a dog, you set the example and display the type of behavior he needs to imitate, and he will. Stand upright and relax when directing your puppy. This shows him that you are confident and he will follow. Do not face off or chase your dog when your mad, to your dog you will look like your playing. This will negate any correction. Stay calm and assertive when your trying to quiet or direct your dog. Remember not to touch your dog or use his name when he is displaying undesirable behavior!

Tone of Voice: Lengthy explanations and complex reasoning are impossible for your dog to understand and follow. Be sure that you change your tone of voice to accommodate the circumstances when dealing with your dog. Our tone will speak louder than any word spoken. Do not confuse tone and volume! For instance, when praising your dog, raise your tone to a sweet, happy yet calm tone. When you’re directing your dog, use a clear and authoritative tone. (not a growl, not harsh or loud, you don’t want to frighten him) When you’re correcting your dog, deepen your voice and use sharp and short words “NO!” (again do not yell) but a bit louder is okay in this instance. Remember, if your constantly yelling at your puppy he will learn to tune you out.

Stages of Development

Stage One, Infancy 8-12 weeks
Don’t expect miracles at this age. Your dog is still working on instinct because her brain is not fully developed until she reaches 12-16 weeks of age. This is a great time to bond with your puppy by spending time with her. It is also a good time to lay a foundation for obedience training. By using games and fun you can shape your dogs behavior early in life. Establishing Leadership is very important at this stage. Use your puppies name often. Start putting a collar and leash on. Be sure your handling all parts of his body to desensitize him.

Stage Two, The Terrible Twos 12-16 weeks
At this stage your dog is beginning to recognize what behaviors get your attention. Continue re-enforcing your leadership in every exercise or game you play. Working on basic commands are paramount. Your dog needs a lot of direction at his age. Attention is the key. He wants your attention and is willing to do anything to get it.

Stage Three, Adolescents 16-24 weeks
This can prove to be a trying stage in development and training! In fact you may feel like locking you dog in a kennel for the next few months! Lets not do that though... Continue steadfastly in your socializing and begin formal obedience training. Be sure that you keep your training lively because attention spans can be short right now, change exercises often. Try not to show your frustration! Keep your calm-assertive attitude no matter what! Be sure that you re-enforce the good behavior when you see it. Do not give in to excited energy!

Stage Four, Puberty! OH MY! 6-9 months
At this stage there are two driving forces in your dogs life: the desire to pleases you and the urge to test your leadership skills. Now you can see why it was so important to get those exercises early in life. Remember to be Calm and Assertive. Be sure that you always have your dog on a lead if think that he may test you. A quick correction will bring him back to the realization that you are still in charge. At this stage they will most definitely try to show dominant behavior. Just be ready for it and never give in. If you waver even one time the leadership lines become blurred for your dog!

Stage Five, Teen Development 9-12 months
At this stage your dog is fully able to learn and remember what he is taught! You will find that the process of teaching your dog just became a lot easier as if a light came on. You will still have those times when he will test the limits, boundaries and rules, just be sure you are always consistent. You will find that your dog will be much more confident knowing that you are a strong pack leader that will not waver. At this stage your dog is very much able to retain information so refrain from giving more than one command. Unless your not sure your dog knows or understands the command.

Personality Traits...Recognizing Your Dogs Personality!

Yes, your dog does have a personality! In order to better train and interact with your dog you will need to identify his personality type. This will help you to better understand your his behavior and modify it. Recognize your dog’s unique personality and don’t expect one dog to be just like another dog. Learn to modify your own personality and adapt to the situation, learning is a two-way street.

Most dogs fit into these six character types:

The Over Achiever - This puppy will do whatever it takes to make you happy. They can also be difficult to manage and manic if you neglect their training. Don’t use any harsh training with this type.

Mr. Laid Back - Laid back and relaxed. Not much upsets them. However, it can be difficult to get this puppy’s attention. This puppy is easy to live with; but, given a command they will look at you as if to say “when I’m ready”! Be diligent and very patient with this type.

Class Clown - They are quick-minded perfectionists. These are the pups that will do anything for a laugh. They tend to be hyper and mischievous, if left undirected. Puppy hood with one of these will try your patience. These dogs need clear, constant and stern training but they take to it very well.

The Tuff Guy (Alfa) - This is the leader in the litter. Unless you are experienced, this one can be difficult. Aggression is common. Training should be firm and consistent and should be started early. You need to “lay down the law” with this one.

Sweetie Pie - Docile and mild. They love people. No yelling or they will crumble. Training needs to be gentle under a soft hand.

The Loner - This pup will view the world from behind your legs. Soothing only worsens this pup’s fears. These types will respond well to a gentle hand. Training is essential for them to become more secure.