There seems to be a ton of different opinions and approaches when it comes to the subject of dog training advice.

One good thing that has come out of this is that trainers have realized that positive reinforcement give your puppy more of an incentive to behave better than negative reinforcement (punishment)… Personally I have changed some of the way I train my dogs and have mixed feelings about giving the dog treats and too much praise during training, but these are some of the things that I have found to work over the years…

Using positive reinforcement has pretty much become the norm, with different kinds of treats, praise or even a “click” given when your dog performs what you ask them to do. For those of you wondering what the “click” refers to, I’m talking about Clicker Training (which is another subject for a different day).

These are a some basic principles to be observed if you plan on using the now, standard, positive reinforcement training with your dog during your training session:

1. Always start your training with a positive mindset with a calm confidence. Start with an easy command that you are pretty sure that the dog is able to perform. This will build confidence in your abilities which will build a positive attitude about training. By the way, if you choose to give your dogs treats during training, please use treats made for dogs… not hot dogs or table scraps (and make sure they are SMALL pieces).

Read More→

Is a wireless fence for dogs the right choice for you?

Electronic fences are a control device. That said, these fences can be a blessing or a curse – not only for the dog but for the human as well. An ‘electronic fence’ is a set of devices, usually underground wire and transmitters, that deliver a noise, shock or unpleasant spray via a collar to a dog approaching the boundary. The wire is buried a foot or so under the ground along a perimeter of 500-1000 feet and as the dog approaches it a signal is sent to the collar, activating the deterrent.

Wireless fences are expensive, but some Home Owners Association rules or city ordinances forbid regular fences leaving few options. Useful for those who want to avoid or can’t erect a regular front yard fence, it becomes even more desirable for those with no back yard fence at all.

The potential downsides, though, are many.

Read More→

How to Crate Train a Puppy…

Debate continues unabated about whether or not crate training dogs is healthy or harmful.

‘Crating’ involves placing a pet in a cage, usually plastic or metal of roughly the size of the dog, for a period of time during the day or night.

Proponents argue that crating gives the dog a sense of ‘property’, a place it can call its own. In this little home within the home, the dog feels safe surrounded by familiar smells and objects. Here, the dog can retreat from fearful noises or boisterous children.

Those who favor crate training assert that potty training is much easier when combined with use of a crate. Dogs, they say, will naturally avoid soiling their ‘den’ and ‘hold it’ until they’re released to go outside.

Read More→