Copyright © 2011 Kat Drew

There are several important issues to think about when you want to teach your dog tricks. Things like the amount of time you should spend on the tricks and what you should actually do when you want to teach the actual trick you are planning on.

As a rule I say to make sure to teach your dog the action of the trick first. Then you can attach the command word to the trick. This is the same rule for any obedience training.

If your dog seems very uncomfortable with a trick, and does not seem to understand what you want or does not seem able to do as you want, after you have been working on it for a few days, then maybe skip this trick for now and move on. Think about how you are teaching this particular trick. Think about why the dog is not understanding it. Nevertheless, jumping back and forth from trick to trick is not a good idea. Although occasionally a dog just has trouble with one set of movements.

Do not try and train your dog on a trick that might interfere with a specific health problem. If your dog has back problems, then a trick such as rolling over might be too difficult. Do not force tricks on him. Test him and respect his limitations. If he thinks he is not living up to your expectations he will not enjoy the training either. Having success if makes training more fun for the dog as it does for you lol.

Make sure that your training sessions are done without outside distractions and do not work on a trick for too long. Praise and reward your dog for performing what you asked of him. DO NOT punish him for not doing the trick correctly. Just keep working on it. Always remember that tricks are enjoyment for the two of you. The journey is not a race to hurry up and learn each new dog trick. This is a journey of enjoyment and learning together. Some dogs are cleverer than others and some learn some tricks very quickly. Sometimes your dog will learn a trick after just one session. However, do not rush into the next trick and teach him three on the same day. Stick to this same trick for a few days. It give a good success feel for the dog when he is repeating a trick. Just look at his waggling tail for your proof of his enjoyment.

Doing tricks teaches you a lot about your dog and his potential. Training to do dog tricks can be very rewarding and a fun experience for your dog and you. I wish you the best of luck and hope that you enjoy this bonding experience with man’s best friend.

If you are serious about learning how to teach your dog tricks then go get Kat’s FREE and popular e-course at => http://www.dogtrainingacademy.org.uk

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Crate training is not a cruel form of training, quite the opposite in fact. When your dog is properly crate trained, they will love their crate. Crates act as a sanctuary for dogs and can leave you with peace of mind while you are away from home.

Crate training helps with housebreaking, helps with separation anxiety, and helps reduce destructive behaviors such as chewing, and it keeps your dog safe while you’re away. While training is always easier the younger your dog is, it is still possible to crate train your older dog.

5 tips to properly crate train your dog:

1) Buying the right sized crate: Your dogs crate should be large enough for him to sit, stand and stretch out comfortably.

Introduce The Crate Gradually: Set the crate in a room that is fairly active and let your dog investigate it on his own before moving further along with training. You can place a few bits of his favorite treat to entice him to enter in on his own. Praise him whenever he goes near or enters the crate.

3) Get him used to being locked inside the crate: After enough time exploring and getting used to the crate it is time to get your dog used to being locked in there. Be sure to keep the crate in an active part of your home, lock him in only for a few minutes at a time while you’re still within sight. Start slowly, just a few minutes at a time and be sure to give plenty of praise when he is quiet and well behaved.

4)Get him used to being in the crate when you are gone: This is the next and most crucial step to crate training your dog. Keep his crate in an active part of the house and for small periods of time leave the room while he is locked in there. Start gradually with just a few minutes at a time, praising him reassuring him each time you come back into the room.

5)Reinforcement: In the beginning your dog will probably start whining, crying, or barking. It is important to not move or say anything after you get back until he has quieted down. If you hear your dog whining stay firm for the entire amount of time you have decided to be out of the room or until he has quieted down. When you return to the room, let your dog out of his kennel praise him if he has been good, otherwise ignore him until he has calmed down and then proceed to praise him.

Crate training is a vital tool that can help you to put an end to other bad behaviors your dog may be exhibiting. Here are some important reminders: remove all collars and harnesses, provide water for your dog, let your dog go to the bathroom before you leave, and lastly if your puppy is exceptionally young and has not been properly potty trained yet it is best to leave him in an open pen with paper so as not to soil inside the kennel.

I have owned several dogs, from the feisty rebel to the serene quiet type. Over the years I have learned numerous ways to train dogs and provide not just myself, but others with happy dogs and homes. To find out more about dog training and how you can start, visit my site Online Dog Obedience and learn how to crate train your dog now.

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