Anything Fun

Dog Clicker Training Reinforces Positive Behavior

Thursday, 26. November 2009

Training dogs has many methods and one of these methods is called Dog Clicker Training. It is used to train dogs, but was first introduced to train dolphins. It allowed the use of a clicker or a clicking sound to communicate to the dolphins as they swam under the water. The clicker method was found to be useful for other animals as well, including puppies, fish, elephants and other animals.

A clicker is a simple metal gadget that creates a click sound that does not waver in volume or pitch. It is a quick single sound that animals are not afraid of and can respond to quickly. This type of training is one of the most humane ways to train a dog. It does not hurt the body of the dog or injure the dogs ears. Dog clicker training is used to associate the sound of the clicker with the desired behavior the trainer or owner seeks.

With the sound of the click the dog instantly knows what behavior was commendable and will associate the click with the good behavior. When a treat is given without the click a puppy or dog can get confused as the treat is given when the dog has already changed behaviors. If the click is given immediately and then a small treat, this will help the dog know immediately what exactly he was doing to deserve the click, and then the treat.

The owner, or trainer will want to start with allowing the dog to get used to hearing the click and immediately receiving a small treat. Soon, the owner will want to allow the dog to do a small task, one that the dog already is doing or has already learned. An example of this is if the dog is on a walk, and the dog urinates outside as opposed to inside. Immediately after the dog uses the outside for its waste, the clicker is used and the dog receives a treat. This reinforces this behavior in a positive way.

Also, this is good to modify the dogs behavior if the dog has an issue with barking at people when they come to visit . This behavior is unacceptable and will not be rewarded but once the dog stops this negative behavior it is rewarded with the sound of the click once again.

Once the dog learns to wait for the positive reinforcement of the clicker, he will learn at a quicker rate than just with voice commands or treats. Dog clicker training, voice commands with body language can all be used together to help the dog learn at a faster rate.

Dog clicker training can teach good habits and deter bad habits. It is the owner’s responsibility to raise a dog in a positive environment making happy dogs and happy owners and neighbors.

Learn more about puppy training. Stop by by Judy Steven’s site where you can find out all about dog clicker training and what it can do for you.

Posted in Pets by Judy Stevens - Comments Off

End Your Dog’s Whining

Wednesday, 25. November 2009

The incessant whining that is part and parcel of some dog owners’ experience with canine companionship is soon sure to sap the last bit of love and affection out of the relationship and in some cases will also sour the neighborly ties of homeowners living adjacent to your vociferous canine. Of course, whining happens in even the most well behaved dog, but there are some tips and tricks to learn from dog owners who have been through it!

1. Listen to the different “voices” of your dog. Your dog is not whining or barking for no reason. Has he spotted another animal? Did someone enter your backyard and your dog is defending his territory? Maybe he needs food or water?

2. Whining is a distinct sign that your dog is in distress. Many alert owners have saved their dogs from harm by investigating when their dog was whining.

3. Dogs whine when they are feeling lonely. Dogs are very social animals, in their natural settings they live together in packs. If you have been gone all day your dog may be whining out of loneliness. Set aside the first 10 minutes when you get home from work to play and socialize with your dog and you will stop the whining in it’s track. It is also a stress relief for you to interact and love your dog after a stressful day at work.

4. having your dog locked out in the back yard is a surefire way to make him whine, and to make your neighbors hate you. Your dog wants to be with you and misses your companionship which is had inside the house. Your dog may be whining until you take him in whether that happens within the next 10 minutes or 10 hours. For the sake of your dog and your neighbors, leave your dog inside the house when you are away.

Attempting to discipline a distressed dog is rarely a good idea although a dog that incessantly whines even after all of its needs are met will benefit from a stern “no” that is immediately followed with eye contact and a turning over onto the back in a submissive position. Do not hit your dog or simply put it outside as this will not solve the problem but actually make the behavior a lot worse.

Training a miniature dachshund puppy? or need help training your dog not to bark? Dog and puppy training can be a lot easier with the right information. Visit us at catsdogsandpets.com for the resources you need.

Posted in Pets by Sonia Kekkonen - Comments Off