What Every Trainer Should Know About Electronic Collars for Dog Training
February 22, 2011 by admin
Filed under Dog Leash Training
The world is moving to a different direction by ensuring that everything is attached with technology. And for dog training, there is nothing less to technology. Electronic collars have been developed to enhance dog training by exerting electron shocks that could act as simulation. The device is here with lots of advantages and also disadvantages in some areas have been experienced.
Author’s Note: With this particular article I’m wanting to express the main benefits and drawbacks of electronic collars. It’s not my goal to convince you that E-Collars are good or bad for dog training, I’m just trying to report these concepts impartially.
Some benefits of E-Collars
1) They are Fast. The device has proven to be fast and less tiresome in training than traditional coercive methods; it is because shocks will only take a press of the collar button to produce simulation.
2) They are convenient. The rc collars have ensured that training takes place even at longer distances. The cost of these devices is affordable and cheaper when compared with hiring a professional trainer who takes a considerable time to train.
3) They’re easy to understand. Additionally, the use of the device is not hard to understand and apply. Just read the provided user’s manual.
4) They’re effective. Most trainers state that e-collars can be used as the best tool to punish the dog.
The Disadvantages of E-Collars
For every single advantage there is a disadvantage too.
1) They cause anxiety and stress. Several researches have proven that the shocks have created anxiety and stress to the dogs that may persist for a longer time even after training is completed. This fact has been proved by postures of the dogs and their quire behavior after the training .
2) It becomes a nuisance rather than a training practice.
3) They become unuseful once the dog is out of control. E-collars are often partially efficient with certain types of dogs. This happens when the dogs get out of control.
4) They are subject to defect. For example some models are not water proof to avoid undue transmission of electronic currency.
5) You should check your dog’s weight. Incase of a mismatch between the dog’s weight and the voltage required, a higher voltage will harm a less weighted dog and vice versa.
And you? Do you consider e-collar a good dog training tool?
About the author: M. Clay writes for dog training courses , a blog to inform dog trainers and help those who want to become a professional dog trainer.
Training your Dog To Be Left Alone
March 31, 2009 by admin
Filed under Dog Behavior Problems, Dog Training
You get a new puppy. Unfortunately you are not going to be able to be with him all day long every day. You are going to have to train him to be left alone. You may want to use a crate or keep him confined to one room in the house. Or you may want him to stay outside in the yard. Whatever you decide – you want him to learn early that being alone is not a bad thing and that you are going to come back.
You also want to be sure that while you are gone, your dog is behaving in an appropriate manner. You do not want him, barking, digging, chewing or destroying things while you are gone. Many dogs exhibit these behaviours because they are bored, and not out of spite as many owners believe. They also might be nervous about being alone so it is up to you to teach or train your pet to understand that that alone time can be fun time.
The first thing to work on is leaving him alone in the spot you have chosen for a short period of time. Try not to leave him for more than five or ten minutes. As he becomes adjusted to your absence increase the length of time to half an hour.
Each time you go out there are certain things that you can do to make certain that puppy is happy while you are away. Try filling up a Kong with peanut butter. Give him a couple of chew toys that he does not get to play with unless you are gone. Try hiding a few things around the room, hide his Kong in a spot that is not right out in the open but will be easy for him to find. If you are putting him in his crate put it there for him to play with. You might also want to provide him with a special treat that he can chew while you are away. Pig’s ears or rawhide bones are great.
Take him for a walk before you go out to make certain that he does not have to go to the bathroom while you are gone. This will also help to tire him out so that he might sleep while you are away. And be sure that if he is going to go in his crate he has had a drink. You do not want him to be uncomfortable while you are not there. You might also consider turning a radio on so that he has some noise in the background, or leave the TV on so that he can hear it. Many dogs find the noise comforting.
By doing all these things your are training your puppy on how to be alone. And, you are teaching him that your being gone can be a fun time, if he has new things to chew on and does not feel uncomfortable. By gradually working up the length of time that you are gone, you are also letting him know , that you are coming back and there is no need to worry.
A Guide To Popular Types Of Terriers
February 11, 2009 by admin
Filed under Dog Breeds
There are many types of terrier: American Pit Bull, Scottish, Jack Russel, Cesky, West Highland White (Westie), Airedale, Staffordshire, Yorkshire (Yorkie), as well as Boston terrier to name a few!
The American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the most popular types of terrier. Unfortunately, this breed has gained a somewhat notorious reputation as being vicious when they became a popular choice for dog fights. This poor breed would be intentionally bred for quantity, rather than quality, and some owners would even abuse them as pups to raise them to be ferocious in dog fights in which they would bet on the dog. This is a very unfair and limited portion of the pit bull’s history. What about Sergeant Stubby—the pit bull who took part in World War II? He began as a morale boost for the 102nd infantry, yet soon became a valued soldier when he began warning his unit of poisonous gas, found wounded men in “no man’s land,” and could warn of the incoming artillery shells.
Next, we are going to tell you about the Yorkshire Terrier. This is a pretty little creature that has a silky coat that is very long and parts down the spine. They have a head that is rather flat with V shaped ears. These pets, just like any of the other terriers are eager to go on an adventure.
If you are looking on more information on terriers, then there are many sites you can turn to. These breeds are high energy, loyal, brave and are all ready for an adventure. They make perfect family dogs as well. They come in both big and small groups. If you are looking for a pit bull or any other, then we highly recommend you first taking a look in the animal shelter. You should also make sure you are ready for a dog.
Stopping Your Dog From Barking
January 1, 2009 by admin
Filed under Dog Behavior Problems
For those of you who are working on the best way to housebreak a puppy, barking can be tough. A constantly barking dog can be a huge nuisance. It is challenging to learn how to stop your dog from barking, because there are any number of things that sets off constant barking. Then, each breed is also unique. Figuring out what causes your dog to bark can help you figure out exactly how to teach your dog to control this behavior.
Some dog are just barkers. It may seem like they live to bark. Some people don’t mind a lot of dog barking, but it is annoying to many other people. Try to remember that when dogs bark they are using vocal cues and signals to try to communicate with humans or other dogs. Don’t try to stop your dog from barking completely, just try to narrow the barking down to when it is essential for their communication.
One way to avoid excessive barking issues is by not choosing a dog that is known as a big barker. A dog’s breed and purpose is often a huge factor in its barking habits. Dogs bred to protect their owners will bark more than those bred as family pets. Dogs bred for hunting may also tend to bark and even howl more than other breeds. You cannot always predict a dog’s barking behavior by its breed, but knowing the tendency of a breed to bark is important before you choose a dog.
Once you get a dog, don’t let it teach you to respond to incessant barking. If you get up and do what your dog wants just because it doesn’t stop barking, you are only rewarding the problem. Respond to your dog once she quiets down. This will train your dog to understand which behaviors will get her rewarded. Consider this before you buy a citronella dog collar.
When your dog starts to bark, give him a few seconds to get it out of his system. If the barking persists clasp your hand firmly, but gently around your dog’s muzzle. If the dog tries to escape your grasp and continue barking reach out with your other hand and hold her by the collar.
You may be able to figure out why your dog is barking on your own, but sometimes it requires outside help to figure out why your dog will not stop barking. Don’t feel awkward about asking for help. I did and it worked. My dog no longer barks all the time at every noise she hears.
Dogo
December 19, 2008 by admin
Filed under Dog Breeds
The Dogo Argentine is the only recognised breed that originated in Argentina. It was developed in the 1920’s by Antonio and Agustin Martinez. The two brothers began breeding their dogs from the Fighting Dog of Cordoba, which is now extinct. They crossed this breed with Bulldogs, Boxers, Great Pyrenees, Pointers, Irish Wolfhounds and Spanish Mastiffs.
The Martinez brothers wanted to create a breed that was an excellent pack hunter but did not display the aggression problems found in the Fighting Dog of Cordoba. They also wanted their breed to be a family pet and loyal companion.
The final result was a large powerful animal. The ideal height of this dog is between 24 and 27 inches and should weigh 80 to 100 pounds. The animal’s coat is always white and is very short and thick. They are very strong and muscular in appearance with a very large neck and wide shoulders.
These dog’s have been used in the past to hunt large wild animals like jaguars and boars . Today they are used in police work and as guard dogs but some have been successfully trained as guide dogs.
This breed like all other large dogs has certain health concerns. One of the most common is hip dysphasia. Another major concern, like in all breeds of dogs that are primarily white, many Dogos are either deaf or partially deaf. It is extremely important that potential owners have the dog properly tested.
These dogs require an experienced owner who will ensure that the dog receives proper socialisation at an early age. Dogos are big powerful dogs that need to respect their owner and have their aggressive, dominant tendencies curbed early. These dogs can show signs of aggression towards other animals and people if not handled carefully.
Unfortunately many of these animals are still bred to dog fight. Some breeders have even crossed the Dogo with the American Pit Bull to create an even more aggressive fighter. Because of it’s temperament the Dogo is banned in some countries or may require that the owner have special training and or insurance. If considering getting one of these animals any potential owners should look into local laws regarding these animals.
This animal can be a wonderful pet and friend if properly trained and handled.



