Sunday, July 3, 2011

Clicker Training Tips

Clicker training can be a very effective dog obedience training tool, but what exactly is clicker training?


Dog training clickers are usually great training tools.  You can find clickers from pet stores or  in catalogs. They are effective training tools for puppies or dogs because dog clickers make a very distinct sound, letting you control your timing, and eliminate the inflection in your voice that can impede dog training.

Dogs are usually sensitive to inflections in your voice, and training your dog with a clicker eliminates the inflections and you can reward more effectively, even if you are in a cranky mood or are getting frustrated during the training session.

Now that you've got a dog clicker it is time to train your dog to get used to the tool. First thing, get a stache of small, edible treats ready and, for easy access, get a nice clicker treat bag.   Then you can lure the dog with the treat or go to the dog with the clicker and some treats.

Click the clicker, and give the dog a nice treat. At this point, it doesn’t matter what he’s doing at the  moment, since you basically are training your dog to learn that when there's a click there's a treat.  You can continue the process of making clicks and rewarding with treats until you've trained your dog to react quickly with the turn of his head and he gives you all his attention when he hears the sound of the clicker. This process probably won't really take much time, but you've got to make him react with your clicker before you move on to the next clicker training step.

For your next training step, your dog should come to associate his name with something positive, and this is the perfect way to use the clicker training method.  Simply say your dog's name, wait til your dog looks, then press the clicker and treat. Once your dog or puppy starts getting used to hearing a click and then getting a treat whenever you say his name, he'll be very attentive when you do say his name.

At this point in your dog training, a simple click can be utilized to reward a the behavior you desire instantly, correctly, and even at quite a distance. Using clicker training in your routine is great fun for the dog owner and the dog. It’s quite constructive, generates quick results, and the learning is positive. Clicker training doesn’t really mean taht you have to spend hours and hours every day...usually a few minutes a day is all that it will take. 

Clicker Training Tips

Clicker training can be a very effective dog obedience training tool, but what exactly is clicker training?


Dog training clickers are usually great training tools.  You can find clickers from pet stores or  in catalogs. They are effective training tools for puppies or dogs because dog clickers make a very distinct sound, letting you control your timing, and eliminate the inflection in your voice that can impede dog training.

Dogs are usually sensitive to inflections in your voice, and training your dog with a clicker eliminates the inflections and you can reward more effectively, even if you are in a cranky mood or are getting frustrated during the training session.

Now that you've got a dog clicker it is time to train your dog to get used to the tool. First thing, get a stache of small, edible treats ready and, for easy access, get a nice clicker treat bag.   Then you can lure the dog with the treat or go to the dog with the clicker and some treats.

Click the clicker, and give the dog a nice treat. At this point, it doesn’t matter what he’s doing at the  moment, since you basically are training your dog to learn that when there's a click there's a treat.  You can continue the process of making clicks and rewarding with treats until you've trained your dog to react quickly with the turn of his head and he gives you all his attention when he hears the sound of the clicker. This process probably won't really take much time, but you've got to make him react with your clicker before you move on to the next clicker training step.

For your next training step, your dog should come to associate his name with something positive, and this is the perfect way to use the clicker training method.  Simply say your dog's name, wait til your dog looks, then press the clicker and treat. Once your dog or puppy starts getting used to hearing a click and then getting a treat whenever you say his name, he'll be very attentive when you do say his name.

At this point in your dog training, a simple click can be utilized to reward a the behavior you desire instantly, correctly, and even at quite a distance. Using clicker training in your routine is great fun for the dog owner and the dog. It’s quite constructive, generates quick results, and the learning is positive. Clicker training doesn’t really mean taht you have to spend hours and hours every day...usually a few minutes a day is all that it will take. 

Clicker Training Tips

Clicker training can be a very effective dog obedience training tool, but what exactly is clicker training?


Dog training clickers are usually great training tools.  You can find clickers from pet stores or  in catalogs. They are effective training tools for puppies or dogs because dog clickers make a very distinct sound, letting you control your timing, and eliminate the inflection in your voice that can impede dog training.

Dogs are usually sensitive to inflections in your voice, and training your dog with a clicker eliminates the inflections and you can reward more effectively, even if you are in a cranky mood or are getting frustrated during the training session.

Now that you've got a dog clicker it is time to train your dog to get used to the tool. First thing, get a stache of small, edible treats ready and, for easy access, get a nice clicker treat bag.   Then you can lure the dog with the treat or go to the dog with the clicker and some treats.

Click the clicker, and give the dog a nice treat. At this point, it doesn’t matter what he’s doing at the  moment, since you basically are training your dog to learn that when there's a click there's a treat.  You can continue the process of making clicks and rewarding with treats until you've trained your dog to react quickly with the turn of his head and he gives you all his attention when he hears the sound of the clicker. This process probably won't really take much time, but you've got to make him react with your clicker before you move on to the next clicker training step.

For your next training step, your dog should come to associate his name with something positive, and this is the perfect way to use the clicker training method.  Simply say your dog's name, wait til your dog looks, then press the clicker and treat. Once your dog or puppy starts getting used to hearing a click and then getting a treat whenever you say his name, he'll be very attentive when you do say his name.

At this point in your dog training, a simple click can be utilized to reward a the behavior you desire instantly, correctly, and even at quite a distance. Using clicker training in your routine is great fun for the dog owner and the dog. It’s quite constructive, generates quick results, and the learning is positive. Clicker training doesn’t really mean taht you have to spend hours and hours every day...usually a few minutes a day is all that it will take. 

Responsible Dog Ownership

Owning a dog is a serious responsibility, one that should not be taken lightly.  But what exactly does being a responsible dog owner mean?  Well, when broken down, it is easy, but it does involve a few different elements.

First of all, you’ve got to make sure that your dog does not become a nuisance to others.  Your dog shouldn’t be out roaming the streets, destroying property, chasing animals or children, leaving excrement in the park, barking incessantly, etc.   In sum, it really comes down to proper control of your dog, good dog training, cleaning up after your good friend, and giving him or her the proper attention and exercise that is needed.  Here are some golden rules for owning a dog.

There are many reasons people will get a dog, and it is difficult to say the one “right” reason to do so.  But, to put it simply dogs are great companions and should be considered part of the family.  They serve a lot of different purposes such as an alarm, a hunting companion, an exercise partner, a playmate, a show dog, etc.; but, these should all be added bonuses to the one key trait—a great addition to the family.

You should be committed to properly training and socializing during the critical time early in his life.  You might consider a dog obedience training school if you need help.  You should become involved in activities that both you and your dog find enjoyable such as agility training, fetch, Frisbee, running, swimming or learning tricks.  You should protect him from any harm, instill good doggy manners and teach him what is right from wrong. 

Most importantly, you will commit your dog a lifelong companion that you will love and care for, provide good nutrition and hygiene, regularly exercise, provide mental stimulation, regular check-ups and vaccinations and lots of love and attention.
 

Responsible Dog Ownership

Owning a dog is a serious responsibility, one that should not be taken lightly.  But what exactly does being a responsible dog owner mean?  Well, when broken down, it is easy, but it does involve a few different elements.

First of all, you’ve got to make sure that your dog does not become a nuisance to others.  Your dog shouldn’t be out roaming the streets, destroying property, chasing animals or children, leaving excrement in the park, barking incessantly, etc.   In sum, it really comes down to proper control of your dog, good dog training, cleaning up after your good friend, and giving him or her the proper attention and exercise that is needed.  Here are some golden rules for owning a dog.

There are many reasons people will get a dog, and it is difficult to say the one “right” reason to do so.  But, to put it simply dogs are great companions and should be considered part of the family.  They serve a lot of different purposes such as an alarm, a hunting companion, an exercise partner, a playmate, a show dog, etc.; but, these should all be added bonuses to the one key trait—a great addition to the family.

You should be committed to properly training and socializing during the critical time early in his life.  You might consider a dog obedience training school if you need help.  You should become involved in activities that both you and your dog find enjoyable such as agility training, fetch, Frisbee, running, swimming or learning tricks.  You should protect him from any harm, instill good doggy manners and teach him what is right from wrong. 

Most importantly, you will commit your dog a lifelong companion that you will love and care for, provide good nutrition and hygiene, regularly exercise, provide mental stimulation, regular check-ups and vaccinations and lots of love and attention.
 

Responsible Dog Ownership

Owning a dog is a serious responsibility, one that should not be taken lightly.  But what exactly does being a responsible dog owner mean?  Well, when broken down, it is easy, but it does involve a few different elements.

First of all, you’ve got to make sure that your dog does not become a nuisance to others.  Your dog shouldn’t be out roaming the streets, destroying property, chasing animals or children, leaving excrement in the park, barking incessantly, etc.   In sum, it really comes down to proper control of your dog, good dog training, cleaning up after your good friend, and giving him or her the proper attention and exercise that is needed.  Here are some golden rules for owning a dog.

There are many reasons people will get a dog, and it is difficult to say the one “right” reason to do so.  But, to put it simply dogs are great companions and should be considered part of the family.  They serve a lot of different purposes such as an alarm, a hunting companion, an exercise partner, a playmate, a show dog, etc.; but, these should all be added bonuses to the one key trait—a great addition to the family.

You should be committed to properly training and socializing during the critical time early in his life.  You might consider a dog obedience training school if you need help.  You should become involved in activities that both you and your dog find enjoyable such as agility training, fetch, Frisbee, running, swimming or learning tricks.  You should protect him from any harm, instill good doggy manners and teach him what is right from wrong. 

Most importantly, you will commit your dog a lifelong companion that you will love and care for, provide good nutrition and hygiene, regularly exercise, provide mental stimulation, regular check-ups and vaccinations and lots of love and attention.
 

Finding a Puppy - Breeders


It is imperative when looking for the right puppy to start your search by looking for the right dog breeder.  Don't consider buying your puppy from any source besides a reputable breeder.
Remember:
- A pet store is not usally the best place to get a puppy.
- A garage sale, flea market or farmers' market is not a place buy your puppy.
- Web sites without sufficient contact and other information are not a good to get your puppy.



The first crucial decision that you will make as a prospective dog owner is the puppy breeder you choose.  It is very important that you locate a breeder that you're comfortable with and that you trust. The puppy's breeder will be both a resource that you can contact for help or advice as well as someone to share the joys and milestones you and puppy will have together.



hings you should AVOID when selecting a breeder for your new puppy.


A Dog Breeder who advertises "Puppies are always available."
This usually means there are a lot of litters each year. A puppy should usually be hand-raised with lots of attention and love in a positive home environment if it is going to have the best chance  in your home.


Deals that can be completed with one email or phonecall
A decent breeder will spend some time speaking with you about the puppies and even about the breed in general, your house and if this is the right breed for you. A good dog breeder will require a written application.


A Dog Breeder who advertising strange or overly specialized varieties.
If a dog breeder doesn't follow the breed standards on size, or coat, etc., then how does one know the other oddities that there may be? Before contacting a breeder, you would read up on the breed standard and then you would know about color, size, etc.  Read the breed standard on the AKC website and make sure that you fully understand potential breed faults in the puppy that you're considering.

Offers of a stud service for the public or breeding pairs.
Good dog breeders try to be stewards of the breed, meaning that they carefully understand bloodlines and don't offer their service or sell a breeding animal to someone that hasn't made a thorough study and genuine commitment to that breed.

Dogs registered with a registry beside the American Kennel Club (AKC), or United Kennel Club (UKC) or the Canadian Kennel Club.  Exceptions can be made for rare breeds that are  not recognized by the above organizations.

Puppies ready just for Christmas.
Good dog breeders know Christmas is usually a poor time to first take a puppy home, and most probably won't sell  a puppy as a Christmas gift.  There are some that may allow you  puppy to go home then if you can prove to  them that thing will stay calm.