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Choosing a Trainer: Two Key Considerations
Although many dog owners successfully train their pets without
outside assistance, some benefit greatly by using a professional
dog trainer. A quality dog trainer can help instruct the dog
while also providing the owner with invaluable guidance...
Shih Tzu - Introducing A New Shih Tzu Puppy To Your Household
Bringing home a new shih tzu puppy is always an exciting time
for the entire family. Getting that new shih tzu puppy off the
right start with proper training is very important to making
that shih tzu puppy a valued member of his human family....
Signs You Might Be A Cat
SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE A CAT Copyright 2005, Michael LaRocca You can get cuddles whenever you want them. You yowl loudly if your litter box is not clean. You yowl loudly at the full moon. You yowl loudly for no reason. Floor swimming! Ping Pong...
Teaching your dog with confidence and respect
The first thing that any successful animal trainer must do is win the confidence and respect of the animal to be trained. This important piece of advice definitely applies to the training of dogs. As social pack animals, dogs have a natural need to...
Westie Merchandise that Benefits your Dog
There are many places to find Westie merchandise, but before you make a purchase for yourself or your Westie, consider first a retailer or non-profit organization that uses sales of Westie merchandise to benefit the breed. WestieMed, Inc. is a...
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Taking your dog training off leash
Many dog owners are anxious to give their four legged companions
the freedom of going off leash, but it is important not to rush
that important step. Dogs should only be allowed off their leash
after they have become masters of all the basic obedience
commands, such as walking at your heel, sitting and staying on
command
Another skill that must be completely mastered before the dog
can be taken off the leash is the come when called command. Even
if the dog can heel, sit and stay perfectly, if he cannot be
relied upon to come when called, he is not ready to be taken off
the leash.
Taking any dog off the leash, especially in a busy, crowded
area, or one with a lot of traffic, is a big step and not one to
be taken lightly. It is vital to adequately test your dog in a
safe environment before taking him off his leash. After all, the
leash is the main instrument of control. You must be absolutely
certain you can rely on your voice commands for control before
removing the leash.
After the dog has been trained to understand the sit, stay and
come when called commands, it is important to challenge the dog
with various distractions. It is a good idea to start by
introducing other people, other animals, or both, while the dog
is in a safe environment like a fenced in yard. Have a friend or
neighbor stand just outside the fence while you hold you dog on
the leash. As the friend or family member walks around the
outside of the fence, watch your dog's reactions closely. If he
starts to pull at the leash, quickly tug him back.
Repeat this exercise until the dog will reliably remain at your
side. After this, you can try dropping the leash, and eventually
removing the leash and repeating the distraction. It is
important to vary the distractions, such as introducing other
animals, other people, traffic, rolling balls, etc.
After your dog is able to remain still in the face of
distraction, start
introducing the come when called lessons with
distractions in place. Try inviting some of the neighbors, and
their dogs, over to play. As the dogs are playing in the fenced
in yard, try calling your dog. When the dog comes to you,
immediately give him lots of praise, and perhaps a food reward.
After the dog has been rewarded, immediately allow him to go
back to playing. Repeat this several times throughout the day,
making sure each time to reward the dog and immediately allow
him to go back to his fun.
After the dog has seemingly mastered coming when called in his
own yard, try finding a local dog park or similar area where you
can practice with your dog. It is important to make the area
small, or to choose a fenced in area, in case you lose control
of the dog. If you cannot find a fenced in area, choose an area
well away from people and cars. Practice with your dog by
allowing him to play with other dogs, or just to sniff around,
then calling your dog. When he comes to you, immediately reward
and praise him, then let him resume his previous activities.
Doing this will teach the dog that coming to you is the best
option and the one most likely to bring both rewards and
continued good times.
Only after the dog has consistently demonstrated the ability to
come when called, even when there are many distractions around,
is it safe to allow him time off leash. Off leash time should
never be unsupervised time. It is important, both for your well
being and your dog's, that you know where he is and what he is
doing at all times. It is easy for a dog to get into trouble
quickly, so you should always keep an eye on him, whether he is
chasing squirrels in the park, playing with other dogs, or just
chasing a ball with the neighbor's kids.
About the author:
Tony Robinson is an international author and dog lover. His
website http://www.dogtraining4u.com contains valuable insights
into the life of our canine friends.
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