Dog Obedience Training 

 Dog training today - No more Yank and Spank!

Dog training has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years. It's not so long ago that choke chains were de rigeur and used quite viciously in some cases. Why anyone should have thought that half strangling a dog could have any positive effect is baffling. It was common to see dog owners yanking on their dogs lead and then striking the hapless pooch. A lot of this nonsense was recommended by dog trainers. To be fair, a rolled up newspaper was the weapon of choice most frequently utilised so the harm was psychological rather than physical, but no less damaging for that.

As with so many things, we live in more enlightened times and have developed mere effective methods of training. So much of the modern thinking is based on common sense and an understanding of the dogs natural behaviour. The fact that a dog tends to sit when a treat is held above its head and moved upwards and over its head at the same time makes teaching the move simple. As soon as the dog starts to sit, say sit. How many owners in the past assumed a puppy was born with a command of the language of the country of its owner? People were to be heard shouting “sit” at the bewildered pet with no success at all.

Similarly, dogs who failed to come when called were often smacked or worse when the command was finally obeyed! Yet again, far too many people seemed to assume the poor animal knew what was required of him and was just being disobedient. The obvious and simple method of rewarding the dog and giving the command when he did come - even if it was his own idea – has proved far more effective. Many don't realise the treat can eventually come in the form of a good patting and a warm welcoming “Good Boy” or “Girl” as the case may be.

As to the “rubbing his nose in it” form of puppy training, what sadist thought that one up?

Any dog owner, or prospective owner who has not yet read up on the modern approach should do so as soon as possible. “Yank and Spank” or any other physical assault on a dog, is not dog training.

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

Positive reinforcement dog training is the accepted method of training dogs and other animals.  Dogs become remarkably obedient when there's something in it for them.

Teaching Your Dog to Come when Called

If your dog doesn't come when called, you're in a potentially lethal situation.  Motorists, pedestrians, other dogs and their owners are all at risk.  It's a fundamental part of dog training and it's not difficult.

Dog Training Options

There's are a number of dog obedience training options open to the dog owner.  Here's a look at some of them.

How Do I stop My Dog Chewing?

Like most things to do with dog behaviour, there's usually an underlying reason for their antics.

Does Your Dog Dig? Solutions for the Problem Dog

Dogs are natural diggers, but most don't indulge in this pastime.  Here's the way to deal with the "digging dog".

Your Dog Can Suffer Separation Anxiety.

Separation anxiety can often be assumed to be a nuisance rather than a problem that can be resolved.  A distressed dog is not a naughty dog, it's actually suffering.  Find out more.