Dog Training Lesson 9: Road Crossing

It is a rare incidence but not impossible that a dog being knocked down by car when he is crossing the road. Well, when this happens, it is usually a very frustrating thing for the owner; especially if the owner is with his pet dog at the time the incidence occurred yet he could not the tragedy from happening.

I myself used to think that dogs are born with the ability to cross the road. However, this is totally WRONG!! The fact is it is an ability adapted by the stray dogs after seeing uncountable of tragedy cases happening to his/her friends. For pet dogs on the other hand, they are not exposed to the outside world; just like a kid who spends his life in his house not knowing the danger of the outside world. So, as a responsible owner and of course an owner who LOVES and CARES FOR your pet dog, teach him how to CROSS THE ROAD SAFELY.

This dog training lesson is rather easy. But bare in mind a few words of cautious:

• For the first few lessons, do the training during night time when there are less cars and people around.
  

• As with the other dog training lessons, DO NOT ever lose your temper against your dog as this dog training is an easy one, but hard for your dog to learn and master it.
  

For all of you dog lovers, now get ready for the dog training lesson of ROAD CROSSING. Well, the trick of this dog training lesson is when you were to bring your dog across the road, look for SIGNS or OBJECTS which you think are appropriate to signal DANGER. This would usually be the white lines on the road or perhaps the pole of the traffic light. So, what you do is that you simply stand a bit far from the road, give the command sit, then use you leg to point on the line. This would make you dog cautious about the line. But this one time practice is not enough. You would need to repeat the same training several times. Every time, make your dog sit down, then using your leg point to the white line. This will make your dog remember that whenever he sees the line, he would have to sit down. Well of course, in his mind he doesn’t know about the danger on the road, but he is most concern about the white line and the command which he needs to obey and that is SIT.

So, hopefully this dog training lesson will benefit all of you dog lovers and perhaps one day (which I hope that it would never come), this dog training lesson would serve it purpose.

Torns in the FLESH : Fleas and Ticks

FLEAS and TICKS are probably the two worst enemies to your dog and also a torn in the flesh to all of you dog lovers. As a dog owner and dog lover myself, I realize that learning how to train your dog is just not enough because what is the point of having an obedient pet dog, but you could not even protect him from fleas and ticks. Hence I have started to look for ways to control fleas and ticks on my dog. Below are 3 simple steps which I have discovered rather effective:

• Treat your dog with MEDICATION (which could be in the form of spray). For more serious case, you could perhaps think of getting some tablet from the vet and at the same time inject medicine to your dog. ATTENTION: Your dog might get rather aggressive during the injection so make sure you take some precautions.
• Treat ALL ROOMS in the house basement and garage with flea spray.
• Apply a FLEA and TICK prevention collar for your dog.

That should make the trick. Also there are a few things which you should know about fleas and ticks. Your dog can usually pick up fleas on walks and other outings outside the home. Populations of as few as ten adult female fleas can QUICKLY GROW to A QUARTER OF A MILLION in just 30 DAYS!! (SCARY). While the adult fleas remain on the pet, the eggs they lay fall off into the home and yard. In a short time, your carpet, furniture, lawn and other areas can become the centre of a severe flea infestation. So make sure that you act fast to combat fleas and ticks.

Obesity in Dogs

Recently, I had a friend who said to me that “there is no such thing as obesity in animal”. Oh my god!! That is very very WRONG. Why? Because do all of you know that:

• Obesity is the MOST COMMON nutritional disease occurring in the dog and cat. It is an excess of fatty tissue in the body that is associated with many health problems.
• Obesity is more common with advancing age and in females than in males. Several studies estimate that 30% - 40% of American dogs are obese. But, sadly nearly one third of owners of obese dogs do not realize their dogs are overweight.

Besides that, OVERWEIGHT pets generally have more physical ailments and a SHORTER LIFE SPAN than those of average weight. Obesity often reduces a pet’s enjoyment of life and the owner’s enjoyment of their pet. Obesity can cause or worsen:

1. Locomotion problems including arthritis, hip dysplasia, spinal disc problems, and ligament rupture.
2. Lung disease.
3. Heart disease.
4. Liver disease.
5. Diabetes.
6. Gastrointestinal problems, including constipation, excessive gas and pancreatitis.
7. Increased surgical and anesthetic risks.
8. Heat intolerance.
9. Skin disease.
10. Mental irritability (related to discomfort).
11. Lowered resistance to infectious disease (especially viruses).
12. Decreased exercise tolerance (part of a vicious cycle that worsens obesity).

WHAT CAUSES OBESITY????

Most obesity is caused by consumption of calories in excess of need. Too much food, too little exercise, or both. While boredom, idleness and nervousness are known to increase food intake in people, it may be true for the case of dogs. Dogs fed too much table scraps, treats and snacks have a high incidence of obesity è just in the case of human who eats too much junk food!

TO ALL DOG LOVERS: BARE IN MIND THAT DO NOT OVER FEED YOUR DOG AS IT MAY KILL HIM. LOVE YOUR DOG; HELP HIM MAINTAIN AN IDEAL WEIGHT.

Dog Training Lesson 8 : Heel

If you have a pet dog and he is not well-trained, you would find that walking your dog is a NIGHTMARE!! However, taking a walk around the park or in the neighbourhood with your dog should be a realatively easy job as well as an interesting one. By teaching your dog to heel or walk by your side when the both of you go for an evening walk say around the park, it would then make you feel comfortable with your dog being around you and of course you would then look forward to bringing your dog out for a walk. As for your dog, he would also love to go for an evening walk as you could easily imagine how bored he is, having to stay in for the whole day with limited play space and sometimes being tied to a spot for a long long time.

So, does the above situation describe you? If the answer is yes, then let's get this dog training lesson started. My father used to tell me that when you walk a dog, make sure that he is walking by your side because as the name implies, you are walking your dog and NOT the dog walking you.

To START this dog training lesson, you would need to take your dog to a walk, and of course at the same time, give the command "HEEL". As you would expect, your dog would still be rushing towards the front because he doesn't even know what the command mean. What is important here is you pull the dog leash to make him slow down, then at the same time give the command "HEEL". Then, you keep walking at your own pace while letting your dog to follow.

THINGS TO BE AWARE OF

1. DO NOT pull the dog leash too hard as it may hurt your dog. If you are new to dog training (as i expect all of you are), please do use a dog collar (NO CHAIN !!)which is connected to your dog leash, then it would prevent you from hurting your dog.
2. Your dog must be walking beside you, not behind. His head should be parallel to your chest.
3. If your dog is rather stubborn, make sure that you do not get angry or get mad. Just simply stop and wait until he settles down then only you start again with the dog training lesson of HEEL.

Remember one fact that you dog LOVES walking around and should you repeat the dog training several times(but not too much), then it would make him understand that if he doesn't walk beside you or heel, he would not get to walk around the park. That would teach him some manners....

Dog Training Lesson 7 : Stay

Very often, the command “SIT” is combined to be used together with the command “STAY”. So for the next dog training lesson, I would teach all of you dog lovers how to make your dog stay at a particular place when it is necessary. This dog training lesson is very important as me myself has experienced that this command is indeed a life-saving command to your dog. It occurred to me that there was a time when my dog was playing with his toy ball and accidentally the ball rolled out to the road. My dog, without hesitation, went after his toy ball not noticing that a car was approaching from far. Luckily for me that I saw the car and immediately I gave my dog the command “SIT-STAY”. Imagine what could have happened should he do not know the command “STAY”.

For this dog training lesson we would need to use a leash because it would make it easier for us to control our dog. First you might want to do the “SIT” command training for several times as a warm up. Then, after awhile your dog is ready for the “STAY” command training. Now, ask your dog to sit, and then give him the command “STAY” while holding up your palm against him showing him the sign “STAY”. At this point, your dog is unsure about what you want him to do, and in most cases, the dog would want to stand up and walk to you. However, at this time, you should firmly tell him “NO”.Should your dog still try to walk to you, you should walk towards him and ask him to sit, and then follow by the command stay.

ATTENTION: This dog training lesson requires a massive amount of patience as it is normal that you fail many times before getting your dog to stay for a few seconds. However a word of kind remind to all of you dog lovers, do not lose your temper against him for unable to perform the task because then you would make him feel bad or even WORSE – LOST OF CONFIDENCE!

When you have succeeded, you could proceed to the next level of this dog training lesson by asking your dog to stay while you leave him. First, stay by walking to a distance about 1m away. Then leave him for perhaps 1 minute before you go back to him. When he could stay on command, then you should gradually add the duration of time you leave him. However, it is not advisable to leave your dog to stay at a place for more than 10 minutes. Besides that, as with other dog training lesson, when your dog successfully complete a task, PRAISE and perhaps give him some treat. That would make him feel confident with himself and at the same time he would trust you too.

 

 

Dog Training Lesson 6 : Lie Down

Next in line of the dog training lesson is teaching your dog to lie down. From my past experience, asking your dog to lie down is especially important when you have a guest coming in to your house, during that time you could ask your dog to lie down and that make guest feel more comfortable and safer to walk past your dog. 

This dog training lesson is relatively simple when your dog has mastered or rather familiar with the command sit. The dog training lesson should be done at a none-distracting environm

ent (refer to the Dog Training Lesson 5 for examples of suitable places). The dog training is as follow:

1. Start by asking your dog to sit down. 
2. Next, present your hand with a treat just under his nose and move it straight to the ground. At the same time, give the command "DOWN". Imagine that there is an invisible string attached to your hand and your dog's nose, as though you are pulling his nose to the ground. Verbally encourage him. At the moment he lies down, praise and give him the treat. 
3. REPEAT ten to fifteen times. (Do not be lazy!!)
   
4. When you are 80% sure your dog willl lie down whenever you present the hand signal along with the command "DOWN", you could add some distractions and distance during the training.
5. The NEXT LEVEL in this dog training lesson would enable you to command your dog to lie down when you are at a distance away with some distractions around. Repeat step 1-3, but during each training, gradually increase the distance where you are standing.
6. Also, during each dog training lesson, try to increase the time of your dog is in a down position. You could start on with a few seconds, then gradually increase to 5 minutes.
7. Finally, you should also try to bring your dog to places where there are some noise or distractions and repeat the same dog training. Whenever he is distracted, interupt him by giving signs such as "NO" or "OPPS".

The GOALS which you should achieve during this dog training lesson are:

• Getting your dog to lie down in a proper way. (Observe that your dog SHOULD NOT lie down as the dog in the picture on your left)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
• Getting your dog to lie down on your command, no matter where you are or how the environment is. (However, bare in mind that do not treat your dog as a "toy" by asking him to lie down for no reason ==> It would be very ANNOYING to the dog)

Dog Training Lesson 5 : Teaching your dog to SIT

                            Proper practice in dog training to get your dog sitting down

Training your dog to sit down is most probably the simplest among all the dog training lessons. There are several ways to train your dog to sit; however, I would share with all of you the method which I think is the easiest to master in a short time. In this dog training lesson, there is one important thing to prepare, which is a treat for your dog.

Let’s get started with the dog training and you might consider teaching your dog during when he is between 4 months to 1-year-old as these are time when he is a good-learner.

First, look for a place which is QUITE with minimal if not zero distractions, because since your dog is still young, he would be easily distracted should there be any cars, passers-by or even any sounds. The place could simply be your backyard or you could try the park during night time when there are less people around.

The next step in this dog training would involve the use of treat. You start by calling out the name of your dog in order to attract his attention, and then hold the treat about two inches away from him. At the same time, use the command “SIT”.

ATTENTION: Make sure that the treat is a bit high above but remember that if the treat is put too high above, your dog would jump to get the treat. If the treat is put too low, then your dog would just come and nibble your hand.

Remember that the purpose of this dog training is to make your dog look up and at the same time he would sit down. If your dog refuses to sit down, you could repeat the same step and at the same when you use the command “SIT”, you touch his back and push gently downward. As soon as he has succeeded, remember to give him the treat and at the same time praise him by saying “Good Boy” or “Clever Boy”. Be ENTHUSIASTIC!

Also, during this dog training lesson, observe that your dog should be sitting in a proper way. If he did not sit in a proper way (such as leaning to the side), make sure you do not give him the treat and at the same time say “NO”. Then repeat the training again. Make sure that this dog training lesson is repeated 4-6 times during each lesson, and you might want to do it 3-4 times a week. During each lesson, you should try not to give him any treat while still getting him to sit by just holding your hand up. When you are 80% sure that he would sit on command, you could consider doing it in a place where there are some distractions. The method is the same but remember to GRADUALLY increase the distractions. 

Dog training lesson 4 : Ask your dog to come upon command

In dog training, i suppose the most important thing which we want to achieve is to have your dog to come upon your command. Well, we could start by giving a short and single-syllable name such as Tom, Girl, Boy etc. When you train a puppy, it would be a bit tougher, because as in the case of small children, puppies tend to get distracted easily. At this point, DO NOT GET ANGRY or FRUSTRATED because this would make your dog feels bad and hence he would lose confident (Refer to lesson 2 rule 6). This dog training is best done in a wide place, the best would be a place where there is a 6-7 meters distance. 

1. First, tie a collar around your dog's neck and connect to a 6m long leash then the dog training could be started.
2. You as the trainer must SUDDENLY call it's name and then follow with a command "Come". If your dog obeys, praise him enthusiastically and then let him move around freely again.
3. After sometime, repeat step two again. Do this several times and note that at first your dog might come upon being commanded, but might get bored and soon do not follow your instruction.
4. If your dog starts to disobey your instruction, you could give a pull (but remember DO NOT jerk as it may hurt your dog) and at the same time,  ask him to "Come". You could repeat a few times if your dog does not respond, and again NO JERKING. When your finally comes over, praise him or even give him a treat.

Repeat this dog training several times a week but remember DO NOT OVERTRAIN as this may make your dog feel disgusted and it would then stay with you all the time which would defy our purpose of training. So, you should stop the training everytime after you have succeeded 4 or 5 times.

Dog Training Lesson 3 : Learn to handle your dog

Handling is an important socialization exercise that helps teach your dog to adapt to his environment. It includes teaching your dog yo enjoy being stoked, touched, petted and held. Handling is important not only for vet-friendly visits so your dog will allow an examination, but also to create a safe environment. This is especially important if there are children in your home. If a dog has not learned to be handled or touched and a child should happen to step on the tail or accidentally fall on the dog, the dog might react by biting the child. I must also emphasize that as your dog becomes comfortable or get used to being handled, then it would make your dog training an easier task. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to handle your dog :

• If your dog REFUSES to be approached, and if your dog is a puppy, then you could start by crouching down and throwing threats on the ground. Gradually, throw threats closer to you. Keep eyes averted.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
• If you dog approaches but is hesitant to take the treat. If your dog is a puppy, put the treat on ground or try holding in open hand, lowered to ground, away from your body. Keep eyes averted.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
• If your dog allows simultaneous "touch and treat". Start touching the dog's chin and at the same time, presenting a treat to him. Gradually, touch other parts of body,. Finally progress to "touch-then-treat", and then progress to longer and firmer touch.

                                     

• If your dog allows person to briefly hold his entire body without flinching or turning head. Squirms but settles quickly. Waits for release signal with little anxiety. This is a good sign that your dog has started to accept being touched.

As you go on, your dog should be able  to be held for a longer periods of time without squirmming execpt around distraction. Finally, your dog will quickly relax and readily be held without squirmming for long periods of time even in and environment with distractions.

Dog Training Lesson 2 : Knowing how your dog thinks

As a teacher to your dog, it is always important and a good practice to get to know how your "student" thinks.

1. Always be confident towards your dog. While it is important to train your dog in the correct ways, you must build up confident in between you and your dog. The logic is simple because dogs rely on their leader and in your house, you are the leader. Hence, it is important that your dog believes in you. So, NEVER CHEAT YOUR DOG!!
2. Rewards are effective in dog training. Rewarding your dog with food or even praises upon the success of completing a task would let him know that he is doing something right. Hence, the next time when he is asked to perform the same task, he would do it knowing that it would please his owner.
3. Dogs only live in the PRESENT TENSE. Oftently, when you come back home and find out that your dog had done something which you do not like such as biting shoes, it is NOT advisable to beat your dog because he would not understand that the beating is because of him biting the shoes. Rather, he would assume that he is beaten because of welcoming you home. 
4. Use short commands. When you ask your dog to perform a task, make sure the command is short and preferably single syllable words. As an example, if you want to train your dog to sit down, use the word "SIT" rather than "SIT DOWN".
5. Dogs need repetitive trainings. Dogs need to be trained several times before they could remember a task. So, it is a good practice to train your dog 2-3 times a week (if not everyday), then it would make your dog get used to the command.
6. Do not get angry when your dog fail a task. Remember that it is a normal thing for your dog to do a task wrongly, for instance when you ask him to "SIT", he would walk away. When this happens, remember not to lose your temper, rather stay cool and repeat again.
7. Do not train for long periods. Dogs especially puppies will get bored easily, so it is good to restrain the training to a certain period of time. You could always start off with 5-10 minutes, then repeat the training frequently.