Archive for February, 2011

Four Guaranteed Steps To Stop German Shepherd Aggression

German shepherds are handsome canines, but German shepherd aggression develop with lack of proper German shepherd training techniques. In fact, this could be a major concern in most dog breeds. As soon as they turn six weeks old, they can become hostile because this is a critical period when they are exposed with other canines and strangers.

German shepherd aggression problems can be attributed to a lot of things and they should not be ignored nor tolerated. Nevertheless, despite their intimidating features, German shepherds are eager to learn and can be easily trained when they are in the right hands. The sooner the training is started, the greater the chance for them to become well mannered and great family dogs.

What triggers German shepherd aggression?

Genetics and heredity are known to be contributors of German shepherd aggression as well as with other breeds of canines. German shepherd dogs have a high tendency toward hostility. However, this does not apply at all times.

Some German shepherd dogs become destructive and intense due to past traumatic experiences. Their past owners may have abused them during their puppyhood stage. Any undesirable treatment and bad environment may aggravate their harshness to other dogs and people.

Lack of socialization is also a contributing factor for German shepherd aggression. Being sociable by nature, these canines interact with their mothers and siblings, their littermates, during their first two months. When they are separated from their families, they tend to develop aggressive behaviors and eventually become distrustful to new animals and human beings.

German shepherd dogs believe in the pack culture. They look for someone to become their Alpha dog. Once their owners miss to establish leadership during puppyhood years, these animals may do everything as they please because they are not directed appropriately.

Certain diseases or ailments may also contribute to German shepherd aggression. When they experience sickness, it may cause them discomfort, thereby turning them into violent canines. Therefore, routine check-up with a veterinarian is recommended.

Since German shepherd aggression can be dangerous and even life-threatening, here are five guaranteed steps to stop this problem now before it’s too late:

Step one: German shepherd aggression can be avoided by German shepherd training your canine at a young age, whether through verbal commands, hand signals, or other methods. Younger German shepherd puppies are easier to train than the adult ones because they have the greater capacity to learn quickly.

Moreover, older German shepherd dogs tend to become heavier and their actions may be hard to control. Remember to treat the animal with gentleness and affection during the entire German shepherd training procedure to build their trust in you. Another thing, do not eliminate the Shepherd puppy from its litter mates until they reach the 8th week.

Step two: Become your German shepherd’s leader while he is still young. One of the best ways to prevent German shepherd aggression issues is for you to set the rules and boundaries and be consistent at all times. Start with one-word commands like sit, stay and heel, and proceed to the more difficult level as he improves.

If your German shepherd is about to German shepherd bite or is German shepherd jumping on other people, say “No” to him firmly and let him sit and stay. If he complies, praise him madly and pat him on his head. Offer him treats so that he will link rewards with obeying your commands.

Step three: Allow the German shepherd puppy to interact with other canines and people. Make him get used to a new environment. German shepherd aggressive behaviors such as German shepherd biting, German shepherd nipping, German shepherd gnawing and German shepherd barking may be the animal’s means of self-defense.

Walk the German shepherd frequently in public places and let him play with other dogs. Retain a regular feeding schedule. German shepherd obedience classes are also good venues for him to exercise his social skills.

Step four: Because German shepherd aggression may result from abusive treatment, any form of punishment such as yelling, hitting, slapping, paddling and others are discouraged. That is why trainers should have extra patience in dealing with this type of breed.

When your German shepherd displays faulty acts, saying “No” and “shhh” when he barks loudly without being violent are preferable ways to make him behave as you wish.

Eliminating German shepherd aggressive behaviors as early as possible can save both animal and human lives. Well behaved German shepherds make the owners at ease and feel safe everywhere they go. If German shepherd aggression concerns persist, consult a professional dog trainer immediately.


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Five Top Steps To Train Labradors the Right Way

In order to train Labradors properly,you must equip yourself with adequate knowledge about the task. It is important to note that Labrador training must be started with the basics. Learning the basics in training Labs can be very challenging but it will be very rewarding for you and your Labrador. If you are able to do this properly, you can handle and deal with your Lab correctly.

Five Basic Steps to Train Labradors:

Step One: Train Labradors the right way by being a second parent to your Labrador. Learning how to train Labradors can be difficult for new Labrador owners. The first thing you have to do is to accept the fact that you are committed to taking good care of your Lab.

Remember that your Lab’s first training partner should have been his mother. However, when you decided to have him for your own, you have taken his mother’s responsibility in training him and teaching him what he has to know about life. Continuous guidance is essential as you aim to train Labradors properly. This way, you can properly teach him the desirable behavior and qualities he has to possess.

Labradors are like babies, they have to be treated with care. Always be cautious as you train Labradors. Remember that without your guidance, your Labrador can develop negative behavior.

Step Two: Instill good habits through proper socialization. To train Labradors easily, you have to take time in providing him with sufficient exposure to other people and animals. This means that you are to take your Lab to places wherein interaction with others can be possible.

You may take your Labrador to daily walks in the park for his regular exercise. This way, you can also train Labradors in adapting to certain situations that he does not normally see at home. Keep in mind that it is not advisable to confine your Labrador in the house for long periods of time. If you do, there is a tendency that your Lab will develop anxiety or aggression.

Through constant socialization and interaction with other people and animals, it will be easier for you to train Labradors in becoming a well-mannered pet.

Step Three: First, teach your Labrador a few basic details in his daily routine. This involves the routines that he is expected to engage with in a daily basis. For instance, you have to teach him where and how to locate his own space at home. You should also teach him where and when to eat, where and when to sleep and of course, where and when to eliminate. This and many other details must be covered in your Lab’s first weeks of training. It will be easier for you to handle your Labrador in the next training steps if you are able to do this successfully.

Step Four: Train Labradors faster by calling them with a name. One of the first things you have to think about is your Labrador’s name. Before you take him home, think of possible names that you wanted to call your pet. When you are able to come up with a good name for your Lab, it will be easier for you to command him. However, this task may be difficult at first. It will definitely take time for your Lab to adjust and associate himself with the name you give him. To help your Labrador with this, constantly call him with his name.You can effectively train Labrador with his name along with various verbal commands that he must be familiar with in order to sustain more difficult levels of training. Teaching your Labrador to COME, STAY and SIT can be taught during your Lab’s first weeks of training. You can say “Come Kukai” or “Stay, Kukai” as you introduce the verbal commands. By doing this, your Labrador will now be familiar with his name. This also serves as an indication that a task is intended for him to do; hence, it will be easier to catch your Lab’s attention.

Step Five: In order to train Labradors effectively, you and your family must do your tasks properly. For instance, if there are children in the family, you should also educate them regarding your Lab’s training. Inform them that they cannot tease your Labrador even during playtime. Also tell them that they cannot bother your Lab while he is asleep. Otherwise, there will be chances of bad habit formation in your Labrador.

Patience must be present at all times when you decide to take the challenge in training Labradors. By following the steps above, you can train your Labrador properly from day one.


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Dogs and Children: Natural Buddies?

we think that dogs adapt to our family because of what we see on television, but that is not reality. Dogs do similar behaviors for different reasons.

Dogs are born with natural instincts of self-preservation, chasing, biting, being territorial or protective, and a need to be part of a social group. From the Chihuahua puppy you picked out at the breeders to the older Great Dane you rescued, all have specific needs and drives. Depending on the breed of dog, some of these needs may be more intense. They communicate with their body and mouth. All dogs have teeth and are born knowing how to use them. Puppies use their teeth often with their brothers and sisters (litter mates) to let them know if they are playing too hard or have something they don’t want taken away. Dogs lick to show submission, to groom, or to get another dog to regurgitate their food. Dogs hug each other to show who’s more dominant, wrestle to show who’s bigger and stronger, and chase to hone hunting skills. Dogs communicate differently than we do.

We, as humans, are very physical, too. Children are taught to hug and kiss to show affection. They wrestle to play, squeal to show excitement and run to release all the energy pent up in those tiny bodies. When a child runs, it activates a dog’s need to chase and bite.. Children want to hug or kiss on their dogs to show affection and don’t realize they may be making their dog uncomfortable. When children are too rough and hurt us, we stop them and tell them why. Dogs lack the verbal skills to explain and reason with a child. Therefore, teaching both dog and child how to interact accordingly is important! Owning a “safe” dog is more about how the dog is raised (nurtured) and “trained” than the breed.

Dogs and children are not natural buddies. Dogs and puppies view children in their household as lesser pack mates. Children motivate a dog or puppy to bite or nip them by wrestling, squealing, or playing mouthy games. Children do not understand the old adage, “Let sleeping dogs lie.” Children don’t understand a dog’s need for personal space and are unable to pick up on the subtle cues that the dog is uncomfortable. Dogs are just being dogs and reacting the only way they know how. The owner of the dog has the responsibility to keep both children and the dog safe.

Biting statistics are scary! Did you know that most bites that are reported are children 14 years and under. The majority of those children are between the ages of 5 to 9 years, with boys being bitten most often. The scariest statistic is that it’s not the neighbor’s dog biting these children, it’s their household pet.

Training is the answer to making your dog safe around your family and friends? It takes time, effort and money to be a good dog owner. Having a dog is a responsibility and a privilege. Once again, dogs and children have their similarities, having either is a privilege but both are a responsibility. Depending on the breed of dog, that privilege/responsibility could last from 8-20 years. Dogs need time with their pack/family. They are born with a need to be part of a family unit. Your dog wants nothing more than to spend time with you. Spending quality time with your dog.

Money is the daily expense of dog ownership. A lot goes into owning a dog, much more than just buying food. There are usually additional vet bills, remodeling bills, or even lawyer fees, added if you decide to skip the training step…

Effort is a little trickier. Webster’s definition of effort is “a vigorous or determined attempt”. Dogs want a leader to set rules for them to follow. Dogs do not think like we do. They are reactionary animals. We take away and change their sense of security and balance when we are always change the “rules” by not being consistent. Training is a very important part of the positive interactions between your family and your dog. Simply engaging in training starts your family and new puppy or dog on the right road to co-existing happily, this begins to help establish rules and boundaries putting you in a leadership position for your dog.

Children and dogs are similar in so many ways. They both need and want discipline. They both require constant supervision. Both need to learn how to properly interact with each so that everyone can live happily ever after.

Talk Dog Training and Coaching is a professional people and dog training service. We specialize at In-Home training. Coming into your home, getting the whole family involved to address all behavioral issues in the dogs’ enviroment. We give you the tools and knowledge to have a well behaved friend for life.


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Top Five Fun And Interesting Tips On Boxer Puppy Training

Known to be original breeds of Germany, Boxers are among the toughest yet endearing in the canine family. This breed has a large physique and can be used in police and military operations. However, although they may appear unapproachable they are indeed friendly and protective, especially with appropriate Boxer puppy training.

Before deciding on owning this type of dog, you must be aware of the basics in Boxer puppy training. Here are five tips to make your pup training fun and interesting.

Five Tips On Boxer Puppy Training:

Tip one: Boxers are clever and can be easily trained. Ideally, Boxer puppy training is not started before the pup turns 21 days old. During this period, they may not have sufficient capacity to do much things yet.

As soon as they are on their 3rd week, Boxer crate training assists them to learn to do their business with proper guidance. During this time, potty training may be integrated with Boxer training. These pups tend to look for an elimination spot other than their own quarters as they mature.

You may also begin Boxer leash training your puppy as soon as possible to prevent Boxer aggression problems such as Boxer biting and Boxer barking loudly on strangers.

Tip two: Be the master to your dog. The earlier you do Boxer puppy training, the more likely that your pet will follow commands. Be consistent in giving instructions and have control over him the whole time to let him recognize you as his leader.

Boxers are headstrong and willful which makes training Boxer dogs interesting . You must be the one to identify what food to eat, his pooping area, and sleeping spot. Consistency must be maintained at all times.

Say for instance, if you want to call your dog, just say “come” and repeat the command as it is. Avoid any addends like “come here”. This technique will facilitate a more efficient Boxer obedience training and avoids confusion.

Tip three: Instruct your puppy basic tricks as soon as possible. This is probably the most entertaining part of the entire Boxer puppy training. Some basic tricks include sit, stand, roll, kneel, shake hands, etc. The earlier you teach them these things, the better.

Boxers are brainy and their willingness to learn will assist them to grasp the lesson like a sponge. You may find taking your pup to a Boxer obedience training school as a good option. It is a perfect venue for him to get in contact with his fellow canines and to gain knowledge.

However, there may be times that he might not pick up the lessons easily in which case, patience is required. Do not force him to do everything in one snap of a finger.

Tip four: Offer reward when necessary. Boxers, like any dog breeds, appreciate positive reinforcement. This will help motivate them to become well-rounded dogs during the entire course of Boxer puppy training.

If your dog has been complying to your commands, then take him to an enjoyable walk under the sun. You may also praise him for his good deeds and surprise him with a tasty treat. On the other hand, if he acts in a negative manner, correct him firmly.

Your Boxer may Boxer bite you, chase you or might display other forms of aggression when being punished. This, I tell you, will get you into BIG trouble.

Tip five: Just like human beings, puppies are delicate and sensitive. Therefore, taking for granted your dog’s health is a No-no! Take him to a veterinarian every once in a while to address Boxer health problems. Boxer puppy training should make a strong and disease-free dog.

Disorders such as hip dysplasia and hyperthyroidism may occur in Boxers and affect their quality of life. Self-treating them will only put them in great danger.

By observing the above-mentioned tips, there is a bigger chance for you to create a smooth-flowing Boxer puppy training in a most enjoyable way.


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Training Labrador Dogs in Five Easy Steps You Shouldn’t Miss!

Training Labrador dogs entails certain responsibilities. As you decide to bring home a Labrador, you have also accepted the commitment to provide for your Lab’s needs. These needs must be met in order to properly guide your Labrador with his behavior formation. As owner, you are task to teach your Labrador the proper virtues that a well-mannered pet must possess. Apart from your Lab’s material needs, you must be able to give him adequate care and attention through a series of training sessions that is focused on your Labrador’s development. To do this, it is necessary for you to acquire as much knowledge and awareness regarding training methods and techniques. Below are some tips to help you get started.

Five Secrets in Successfully Training Labrador Dogs:

Tip One: Training Labrador dogs must be started from day one. If your Labrador is at the right age to be trained, you can already start his training from the moment you took him home with you. 2 months onwards is the recommended age to begin Labrador training. At this age, there is a greater chance that your Lab can quickly grasp the positive traits you wanted him to learn because his young mind can easily adapt to new concepts.

It is not advisable to think of training Labrador dogs as a difficult task to do. It may require most of your time and patience but seeing this task as a challenge will more likely yield positive results. Due to their intelligence and excellence in training, Labradors are constantly preferred by most dog owners. To utilize your Labrador’s intelligence and excellence in training, influence him in forming positive traits as early as you can. This is to fully maximize your Labrador’s potential in becoming a well-behaved companion while he is still young. If you are able to do this, the formation of bad habits will be prevented.

As you begin training Labrador dogs, help him adjust with his new environment by gradually introducing certain situations that he is not used to, This includes people, other animals and conditions that he may frequently encounter. You can start training Labrador dogs by introducing a daily routine that will basically include his eating and sleeping habits.

Tip Two: Training Labrador dogs also require you to be a responsible leader at all times. Your leadership skills will motivate your Lab’s cooperation and willingness to learn. Once you are able to show your Labrador that you can take good care of him, he will immediately learn to trust you. Remember that Labradors are pack animals who have a recognized leader that knows how to command them. Show your Labrador that you can be that leader by guiding him in every step of his learning.

Tip Three: As you go on with training Labrador dogs, keep in mind that punishment is not an option. Punishing your Lab’s mistake as you move on with his training will only make him aggressive. Once your Labrador is exposed to such situation, the aggressive behavior might be very difficult to solve. It is therefore necessary to be careful in correcting your Lab’s mistakes.

Rewarding your Labrador’s positive behavior will greatly contribute to the success of his training. This can be done by way of praises or treats. Enforcing positive reinforcement will greatly contribute to the efficiency of your Lab’s training.

Tip Four: In Training Labrador dogs, you have to make room for constant socialization so that he can be exposed to several situations. This breed can be very attached to their owners. In training Labrador dogs, it is also important to bond with other people and animals. You can do this by taking your Lab to training schools where he may have the opportunity to play and interact with others. Even a simple daily walk at the park will do. These are simple ways to prevent the development of anxiety in your Labrador. This will also serve as a form of exercise for your Lab that can greatly improve or maintain his healthy condition.

Tip Five: Be consistent as you go on with training Labrador dogs. Consistency will make way for your Lab to easily learn the tasks and commands that you give him. Once your Labrador is able to learn a task correctly, that is a sign that you can already proceed with more difficult forms of training. You can do this by way of repetition.

Training Labrador dogs will benefit both you and your dog. By learning to enjoy this opportunity, you can get to have a rewarding and productive relationship with each other. As you take the above tips into consideration, you will see that training Lab dogs is a fun activity after all.


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