Poodles: Easy To Train

Poodles
are not only beautiful to behold, but they also have a most endearing type of personality, which is what makes them much sought after today. As for its physical characteristics, it is a breed that has two different varieties of coats, which are the corded and curly coats, though the corded coated Poodle is pretty rarely found in the United States. Poodles also have three main sizes that are Standard, Miniature as well as Toy and thus will suit different lifestyles as well. Also, Poodles come in a variety of colors though black and also white are their most common colors.

Another facet to the personality of a Poodle is its ability to pick up things very fast and a Poodle is also famous for being energetic and sometimes will even be termed as a clownish dog because of its natural ability to perform tricks. Poodles are also intelligent to a remarkable extent and there are even some people that opine that Poodles are in fact able to reason for themselves and they can also attune them to whichever environment they encounter. What’s more, a Poodle is also a very versatile creature and though originally bred to retrieve game, it is now famous for being a family pet dog.


Poodles love the company of humans and they are particularly good even in the company of children. And because they also instinctively have both the characteristics of a hunting dog as too very well developed retrieving instincts, they are well suited to acting as watchdogs, particularly in the case of the Standard Poodle. Nevertheless, even the Miniature as well as Toy versions are effective watchdogs and will readily warn you about the presence of strangers.

However, because they are small in size, they do not make good guard dogs, though their personality is one of boldness as well as confidence and they will also not easily back down from other animals or even from strangers. When it concerns letting the Poodle loose in the company of children, it is better to err on the side of safety and thus ensure that he is supervised because often children won’t know how to handle this small bundle of joy and thus may ill-treat him which would make the Poodle lose his trust in children and thus he won’t relish the company of small children and may soon become unpredictable around them.


You can expect to be pleasantly surprised to learn that despite their small size Poodles are really quite strong physically and thus should be kept leashed to prevent any accidents from taking place. However, because of their remarkable intelligence they can read what their owners want from them and thus will act accordingly. Having been originally bred as hunting dogs, Poodles are good swimmers and are also very fond of water and thus love their baths and won’t mind being given a bath regularly.

Another feature about the breed is that a Poodle has hair that grows much like human hair grows and it continues growing, unlike other dogs whose hair stops growing when they have reached a certain length. Also, Poodles love to be taken for rides in a car and will jump at any opportunity to be on the road. He is also very easily trained and is a friendly soul that has a sweet disposition as well.


Lisa Collins has always showered oodles of love for all kinds of small dogs and with years of experience in raising them, has developed strong affinity for many dog breeds. A Poodle loves to hog your attention and can also perform many cute tricks that ensure that they get plenty loads of affection. If you have a desire to know all that there is to know about the personality of Poodles, you need to read this article for it has some relevant Poodle information that will help you understand what makes the Poodle tick.


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Simple Rules to Dog Training Basics

 

You may already be aware that the most effective and simple rule to teaching your pet dog training basics is by using positive reinforcement.

This means you should not hit and yell at your dog when she does not respond in the correct manner. Instead you should only ignore her when she does wrong and praise her when she does right.

She will realize that certain movements give her attention and others do not. She then will cease to doing the things that does not get her attention and continue to do the things that gives her all the attention she desires.

This is one of the main objectives to getting your dog to respond quickly and easily.

Consistency is the other and probably the most important rule. Choose your command words for your puppy to respond to and always utilize those exact words.


For instance, you should use one command word during your teachings and allow her to compute what it is you are saying.

As you know, animals do not speak English, or any other language, however, they do understand the sound that is being said on a consistent basis.

This is why you should never alter the command words.

If "sit” is the command word for your dog to sit, you may cause much confusion if you change that.

For that reason, try not to get angry and yell other terms like "sit down” or something else. Always say "sit” in a cool and calm tone. Then you can give her a reward when she finally sits on her own.

Rewards

When teaching your dog training basics you must also be consistent with giving her rewards when she responds correctly. Choose a reward that you are sure your dog will respond to and enjoy.


Say "sit” and then wait for her to sit on her own. No matter when she sits on her own, even if it is twenty minutes later, say the word "sit” again and then give her the treat.

Try not to force her butt down to show her sit. Even though this is effective, it somewhat shows control and discipline instead of training.

The way to discipline in dog training basics is when she does not respond correctly, you do not give her a treat or any other type of attention. Ignoring your dog is discipline enough.

Remember your pet always wants your attention good or bad. Yelling and anger, although negative, is still enough attention for them. They rather have that then nothing at all.

Therefore, if she does not sit, then take your eyes off of her and turn your head. Sooner or later she will sit down anyway and after she does, you can present her with the treat. This will demonstrate to her that the sound "sit” means for her to do as she just did.

Just keep in mind you should reward her immediately after she sits. You should even repeat the word after she does it.

This is why I believe teaching your dog to sit is the easiest of any training method as it is something that they do naturally.

Once you master this the other methods should come easy.

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How To Train Your Puppy To Stop Jumping

 

Many new puppy owners find it cute when their puppy plays and jumps on them, but as the puppy grows, jumping up becomes less cute and more annoying. The best way to stop an undesirable behavior in your dog is not to encourage it in the first place. However, if your puppy is already jumping up, some techniques might help you correct his behavior. Positive reinforcement and consistency are imperative when retraining unwanted behavior.

 

Step 1
Train the "Sit" command to assist you in teaching your dog to stop jumping. Correcting his jumping habit will be more effective when you replace that activity with the desirable one. Once your dog understands what to do when you command him to sit, you can begin retraining his jumping.
Step 2
Start at the front door. This is a likely spot where your puppy will jump as you return home from work or an outing. Jumping is often his way of greeting you, so the entrance to your home is an optimal place to begin.
Step 3
Enter your home normally, but if your puppy jumps up to greet you, immediately turn and walk away, saying nothing. Your puppy may be confused by your behavior and may run around in front of you and try jumping again. If so, repeat the procedure, saying nothing and walking in the other direction.
Step 4
Approach your puppy as soon as he stops attempting to jump and instruct him to sit. When he complies, praise him and give him a treat. Repeat this exercise frequently to reinforce the desired behavior.
Step 5
Encourage your puppy not to jump on visitors by using the same technique and adding a long leash. Hook the leash to your puppy's collar as soon as you know a visitor is approaching. When your puppy runs to greet the visitor, step on the leash, bringing him to a stop.
Step 6
Instruct your puppy to sit, and reward him with a treat and praise when he complies. Enlist the assistance of your visitor by requesting that he or she give your puppy a treat when he sits on command.
Step 7
Repeat these exercises as often as possible. Consistency is the key to retraining any unwanted behavior. Keep a few treats handy in a container by the door.

About Professional Puppy Training

 

Overview
Professional puppy training is a great tool that can help pet owner's better train their beloved pets. A well-trained puppy is a well-trained dog, and this is important for the happiness of both the dog and the human. There are many types of puppy training to choose from, allowing everyone to choose what works best for him and his puppy.
Identification
Professional puppy training is quite popular and involves a professional in training your dog to do the things you would like it to do. Professional trainers can be identified by a certification. Many trainers don't have any official certification but have the experience and references to support their techniques.

Types
There are different types of professional puppy training options. One of the more popular ones involves the dog and its owner going to see a professional once a week. This type of puppy training involves the trainer guiding both the dog and the owner and can be quite effective for most. Another type of professional puppy training involves the trainer coming to the dog owner's home. This allows for the dog and the owner to take direction in their own home or space. This can be effective if there are behaviors around the home that need to be changed. Many people opt to send their puppy to a professional puppy training school. This usually involves the puppy going to the school for some time on its own. During its stay, the puppy will undergo intense training and will be returned to its owner with new knowledge and abilities.

Time Frame
How long the training takes will depend not only on the puppy but also on the training program. In many cases, the puppy and its owner will need to visit the trainer once a week for several weeks until all tasks have been mastered. Puppies that are sent to a school to be trained will often stay from 1 to 3 weeks. How quickly the puppy responds is often what dictates the time frame involved in working with a professional puppy trainer.

Function
The purpose of using a professional puppy training service of any type is to have a better behaved pet. Many times, the professional puppy training can help owners learn how to control their active or large breed. Others use a professional puppy training service to help prepare their puppy for a life in competition.

Benefits
Using a professional puppy training service is beneficial because the owner can learn the most efficient and effective way to train her puppy to behave appropriately. Instead of trying and failing, the trainer can set up both the puppy and the owner to succeed for the long term, not just the short term.

What Is Dog Clicker Training?

 

Dog clicker training uses the same techniques used with training dolphins and sea mammals. The dolphins learn that the sound of a whistle means a food or toy reward. In the same way, a dog associates the sound of a click with a reward. Small, plastic clickers are used instead of words because the click sound is consistent.

 

History
The first dog trainer to popularize clicker training in dogs was former dolphin trainer Karen Pryor, in her book "Don't Shoot the Dog! The New Art of Teaching and Training" (1999).
Treats
Initially, treats used are small, cubed low calorie food treats, although commercial training treats are now made. As the dog progresses in training, favourite toys can be used as rewards.
Priming
Getting the dog to understand that click equals a treat is called "priming." This is simply clicking and then immediately giving a dog a treat until the dog looks expectantly for a treat at the sound of a click.
Training
When the dog learns to associate the sound of the click with a treat, the trainer introduces a simple trick that the dog already knows. The trainer says the command and, when the dog performs, he clicks and gives the dog a treat.
Shaping
Breaking a trick or behavior down into steps and clicking and rewarding the dog for doing each step is called "shaping."

 

 

How To Begin Puppy Training

The best time to begin training your puppy is at the very beginning. It is easier to learn the right way to do things the first time than to have to unlearn bad habits first. The best time to begin training your puppy is at the very beginning. It is easier to learn the right way to do things the first time than to have to unlearn bad habits first. The first thing you will need to do after buying your puppy is to take it home. The safest way to carry your puppy is by using either a harness that attaches to the seatbelt or to use a dog carrier. A puppy who is unused to those devices might feel uncomfortable at first, and cry, or express a desire to sit on your lap. This is a dangerous practice and should not be encouraged. Use the doggy seatbelt or car seat in the beginning and your pup will soon get used to it. When you reach home, the all-important puppy house training should begin.
Fortunately, in most breeds there is an inborn instinct to eliminate away from where they live. Even the youngest of pups will often take some steps away from its mother before doing its business. Dogs are creatures of habit so as soon as you get home, begin taking the puppy to a spot where you want it to eliminate. Give it some time to walk around and explore its new environment. When it does its business, praise it for doing the right thing. Eliminating outside can be frightening at first, because that is when a dog is at his most vulnerable. To a puppy who is used to being inside, the great outdoors can be overwhelming at first, so don’t be surprised if it runs for cover. Gently take your puppy back to the right place, and reassure it that you are there for it. Take it back to the same place frequently, and give it time to sniff around.
When it smells the odor of its last elimination, it will feel inspired to repeat its earlier performance. Again, supply plenty of praise. Do not punish you pup for making mistakes. That will only make it afraid of you. Pushing the dog’s face into its feces is a dangerous practice. It can make it impossible for the animal to breath or cause an infection. When it has an accident, clean up the urine, or pick up the feces and take it outside, showing the dog where to put it. (After your demonstration, of course, you will want to throw the waste away). The use of dog repellants is not recommended because they can cause nausea and vomiting. When walking your dog you will want to use a leash to keep it safe.
This puppy training should begin with a six feet long leash attached to a collar or harness. The use of a choke collar is discouraged, because it causes discomfort. You should be able to get two fingers between your puppy’s neck and the collar. The width of the leash depends upon the size of the dog. A small breed such as a shih-tzu or Chihuahua can probably use the narrowest leash your neighborhood pet supply store has to offer. A German shepherd or a Great Dane would obviously need a much thicker one. First attach the leash to the puppy’s collar (choke collars are not necessary) and have the puppy stand to your left. Say "Sit,” and gently push down the puppy’s rear end until it is sitting. Reward the puppy with praise or a treat when it is sitting. The next command to teach is "down”, and it is taught in the same way. Say the command and pull the puppy’s front paws until it is in a "Sphinx” position.
Reward with a treat or praise. This is puppy training is especially good for large breeds, since it can be used when smaller dogs are around to reassure them that your large dog will not harm them. To teach the pup to walk with a leash, say "Come on.” Then gently pull the dog along, on your left side. Reward the puppy with praise or a treat when he does walks along beside you without pulling. This kind of leash walking can be used where there is a good amount of room around. When you are walking your dog in a crowded place, such as an outdoor fair, you will want your pet to know "heel.” Say the command and gently pull the puppy next to your heel. Reward the dog when it obeys.
The last command on our agenda is "stay,” which is useful when you have guests over who are afraid of dogs, or if you want to open the door to bring in the groceries and don’t want your dog to run off. Give the command and then walk off a few feet. If the dog tries to follow you, put the puppy back to the same place, give the command again, and walk off a few feet. Start by staying away only a few seconds, return, and give the dog a reward. Gradually increase the time as the dog learns. Remember, puppy training should be a good experience for both of you, because you will be this puppy’s caregiver for the rest of its life and it will be your companion and friend. When you are both comfortable with the basics, you might want to teach your new friend some tricks. That puppy training will be the subject of future articles. Have fun. Lea Mullins tells us about how to begin puppy training.

How To Begin Puppy Training courtesy of Dog Articles