Dog Training: Tips and Tricks to Stop Your Dog From Digging in Your Yard

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It’s downright infuriating to look out the window and see Buddy digging another hole in the yard. You yell out the window; he may or may not even acknowledge he’s heard anything; then back to the digging. This dog behavior has got to stop.

WHY DOGS DIG.....

Did you ever stop to think WHY Buddy digs? (except to make you mad!). This is the real trick – to figure out why he’s digging in the first place, the motivation behind the dog behavior. Then you can take dog training steps to discourage it, redirect that energy and possibly stop it completely.

1. I’M BORED!

Location: Digging along the fence lines and at the gate.

Why? He is bored and wants to get out for some action.

Solution: Provide more exercise for your dog, both physical and mental. The more exercise the better, according to your dog. A tired, happy dog will rest nicely between great outings.

2. I’M HOT!!

Location: Digging along the edge of the house or shallow "pits," especially in the heat of the summer.

Why? Your dog is most likely creating a cool spot in the cool under-earth. If under the porch, he’s creating a den.

Solution: Check to make sure you are providing fresh cool water throughout the day and night.

Is there adequate shade to protect your dog from the hot sun? Is good air circulation available or possibly a nice breeze? Or is the space filled with stagnant air?

Provide plant life (trees, bushes) for shelter from the hot sun. Cool grass keeps the ground heat down.

3. IT’S JUST MY NATURE!

Sometimes it’s the breed of dog, not so much the environment. Some breeds tend to be burrowers -- hounds, huskies, malamutes are a few examples.

Solution: If this is the case, work with your dog to agree on a place he can do his thing and camouflage it with something like plants or fencing.

4. I LIKE IT!!

Some dogs just like to dig, and dig they will, no matter how much you yell and scream.

Solution: Create and help them with the ideal digging place -- a sandy blend with hidden treasures that reward digging at that spot. Having a prepared area encourages the digger to focus the digging to the area you set up in an out-of-the-way place. Remember to keep the area stocked with assorted treats and toys.

TO FILL OR NOT TO FILL ..... EXISTING HOLES

The second part of the story is.....

What to do with the holes that keep reappearing, no matter what you do? Have you back-filled holes dug by your dog only to find them dug again, over and over?

When this happens, the next stage of hole-filling is called for.

You might think this next step it involves yelling at your dog, or rapping on the window. Nope. Are you really going to stand and stare out the window hoping to correct the situation while it’s happening (which would be the only way to really correct it using this method)?

TECHNIQUES FOR "FILLING" HOLES

There are two better techniques to encourage your dog to rethink digging that hole.

The easier of the two is to fill the hole until almost full. Mix the last portion of dirt with dog poo, pinecones, moth balls, or other repelling non-harmful substance. The next time your dog arrives for the big dig, he quickly finds the game has changed. Most dogs quickly change their behavior.

The second method is more time consuming but effective. Cut a section of chicken wire or similar to cover the hole plus 8 inches or more. Dig a hole a few inches deep that surrounds the hole and will fit the wire shape.

Fill the hole and then press wire in place and cover with dirt. Pack the area well, particularly around the wire edges. When your dog returns, the wire will stop his digging progress.

If along a fence line, secure the wire to the fence along the inside of the fence, just a short distance from the ground. When the wire gets to the ground, keep going vertically a short distance underground. Then bend the wire so the bottom is perpendicular to the top (forms an L). Bury the horizontal part underground inside the fence, pointing away from the fence. When your dog digs he is stopped by the wire and his weight on the earth helps keep the wire in place. The result is the dog gives up on that area.

Pretty cool, huh?!

CONCLUSION

We humans see digging as bad dog behavior. Dogs don’t, and they dig for different reasons. If you can figure out why they’re digging, you can put dog training steps in place to stop it. Some dogs dig, that’s what they do. Set them up a space to dig and you both win!

Try these dog training techniques to change unwanted dog behavior. They seriously work.

O’Neal Hendrix is a premier professional dog trainer in Atlanta, GA. For many years, she has "worked miracles" with dogs and their owners. Check out her http://www.dog-supplies-dog-accessories.com/ recommendations for all dog breeds and temperaments!

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Dog Treats for Dog Training

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Recently, a lot of our friends and customers have asked us about dog training and how to properly use treats when training dogs. We found the following article to be very helpful:

 

There are many different approaches to dog training and many different ways of implementing each of those approaches. Most techniques utilized today however, are premised upon the idea that positive reinforcement is likely to create the best results. Virtually every truly functional dog training system is outgrowth of positive reinforcement thinking.

 

Regardless of which specific program a dog owner may choose to adopt, there are common pitfalls that can be avoided. Dog owners are particularly susceptible to making three critical errors, which if avoided will make the training process far more enjoyable and effective. Three of the most common mistakes are inconsistency, impatience and treating the dog as a subject instead of a training partner.

Inconsistency

Consistency may be hobgoblin of little minds in terms of the need for human creativity. With respect to dog training, however, inconsistency is the quickest way to reduce the experience's effectiveness.

Dogs thrive on predictability. In fact, their ability to grasp cause and effect is at the very root of training. Operant conditioning is predicated on the fact that dogs will begin to associate events with consistent outcomes. This notion of consistency's importance must be extended to the overall process of dog training.

A dog is likely to best respond to a system in which regular actions produce regular results. Too often, dog owners fail to be entirely consistent. In the dog's mind, these lapses in regularity convey a sense of randomness to the process and make it difficult for the pet to associate his specific behaviors with specific results-the key to training. Dogs will excel when they are taught that things happen for specific reasons. When surprises occur it undermines the whole of the training process.

A successful trainer will retain consistency and will not deviate from an established course.

Impatience

There can be a great deal of frustration in dog training. Concepts we believe dogs should be able to grasp easily often escape them completely for quite some time.

We live in a world that is so often focused on immediate results. We learn to expect that our actions will be met by prompt, anticipated responses. Dog training runs counter to this societal trend toward speedy, immediate gratification. Training is an extended process that can require a great deal of patience from the trainer.

Impatience results in unpredictability on the part of the owner as they hastily cease a training session or abandon positive reinforcement techniques in hopes of finding a shortcut to desired results. Patience is, indeed, a virtue when one considers the role of the owner in a dog training situation.

A successful trainer will master developing a patient outlook throughout the extended process of dog training.

Treating the Dog as a Subject Instead of a Partner

Dog training requires two participants: the dog and the owner. Frequently, however, owners tend to perceive the process as being uniquely about them. They fret over their techniques, equipment and strategies without giving real consideration to their training partner, the dog.

When an owner approaches the dog as a simple subject for experimentation, they lose track of what makes the dog unique and denigrate the always-important dog/owner relationship. Training becomes a chore, rather than a joint activity. What might have been a pleasurable chance for interaction becomes an un-enjoyable task.

Dogs are sufficiently intuitive to be attuned to a trainer's attitude and are less receptive to learning when they are treated merely as a subject instead of as a complete being. Owners who fail to see their pet's identity during training are unable to pick up on subtle clues and possible means to improve their techniques.

The successful trainer will treat his dog as a full partner in training, not merely as a subject.

By avoiding these three common pitfalls, a dog owner is more likely to be able to implement a training strategy that produces results. Additionally, the training experience is likely to be enjoyable for both the dog and owner, giving them a tremendous opportunity to build their relationship. Regardless of the exact methodology adopted by the owner, the training process will benefit extraordinarily from avoiding the mistakes of inconsistency, impatience and treating your pet as a subject instead of as a partner.

Source: i-love-dogs.com

 

Get your dog some great dog treats

Lisa M Andrews is a dog treats expert. She loves spending time with her 3 dogs and assisting dog lovers with fiding the right dog treats for their pets' needs.

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Dog Training - Avoiding Common Training Mistakes

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Dogs are man’s best friends. When you ultimately made that big decision to own a dog, you expected it to provide you companionship, be a pleasure to show off to your friends and just plainly be a joy to own. So off you go to the pet shop, choose a dog that catches your attention and bring him (or her) home.

But then, the horror begins. The dog you brought home seems to be anything but the adorable creature you expected it to be. His (or her) behavior is terribly unpredictable and can even be downright embarrassing at times. The dog you brought home to provide you companionship just sits around at the corner of your home, seemingly bored at the things happening around him (or her).

So you read all the books and even went to a dog training class to teach your dog a thing or two about obedience, but you still get no good results. This may lead you to think there is something inherently wrong with your dog. Is he (or she) just plain lazy, hardheaded or a little bit slow in the head?

Have you considered its lineage? Some breeds of dogs are simply not born to be followers; making them naturally hard to train.

Have you taken an honest look at your self and your training style? Are you observing the proper dog training techniques? It would be a good idea to make sure that you do, to make both of your lives easier and to make your dog training sessions an enjoyable and fruitful experience for both of you. To help you make your training sessions easier, here is a list of the most commonly committed dog training mistakes. Please avoid them at all costs.

•Not giving enough rewards during the training - Providing treats is one indispensable part of dog training. It gives your dog enough motivation to continue following your commands satisfactorily. However, some dog owners shun this idea. They simply do not want to provide treats during their dog training sessions because they feel that they would not retain authority if ever they do so. They believe that it is the dog’s role to follow their commands and giving them treats would be like bribing them.

•Being too controlling - Some owners simply have a “control” problem and can be quite overbearing, nagging and perfectionist during their dog training sessions. If you happen to be one of these control freaks and you own a hard-to-train dog, you can expect to be in for a very hard time!

•Being a training fanatic - Training your dogs too often, or repeating the same exercises over and over again, may bore him (or her). This is especially true when you own an independent dog, one that was simply not bred to obey his master’s commands. Among these are dogs that belong to the non-sporting, terrier and hound breeds.

•Not giving attention to the dog’s emotions - Some owners neglect to give enough attention to their dog’s feelings during their training sessions. This can be a major problem indeed! Especially during training, it is important to consider how your dog is feeling to get the most out of your efforts. So whenever you observe his (or her) reluctance in doing the exercises, if you notice excessive yawning or that your dog simply refuses to look at you, it may be best to stop and let it loose for a while. Your dog might already be tired or bored from all that physical exertion!

Your Independent guide to Dog Training

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Dog Training - Tips On Effective Choosing Of A Dog Trainer

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There is a lot of trainers out there for dogs these days and this is exciting for dog owners, however it can be overwhelming as well trying to figure out who to choose to train your dog. I have listed some simple things to look for when evaluating dog trainers that can help you out.

Firstly research and make sure you look for a trainer who is a fulltime licensed professional. Someone who has a license under their belt is less of a financial risk. They have got training themselves on how to effectively train dogs and can help you and your dog out.

Find out what dog breeds the trainers specialize in if any because some trainers can train every type of dog breed whilst others specialize in certain breeds. It is worth your time finding out that the trainer you are evaluating trains the your dog's breed. At the same time also confirm the age groups that they train. Some specialize in puppies only and others in all age groups.

One way to find good quality trainers is to see if they have any testimonials especially recommendations from veterinarians. This is a really good sign if vets believe this trainer does a good job. It offers some incentive to give them a chance.

High quality trainers who are sure and certain of what they are doing offer 100% money back guarantees on their services. I have looked around and noticed that some trainers and usually the highly recommended types also have money back guarantees on their services. This is fantastic for you and allows you a risk free trial. If at the end of the training sessions your dog is not acting the way it is supposed to then you will get your money back.

Other important factors to take into mind is the types of training offered. Dogs need all types of training and not all trainers offer everything. Therefore check what type of training the trainer under consideration offers and see if that goes hand in hand with your needs.

Also check where training will be taking place. Some trainers do training at their own premises where as some do it at your home. According to your needs see what they offer and evaluate accordingly. Check the time of training and make sure it works with your availability.

These are just basic questions you can ask when you are comparing trainers. There are numerous others you can also ask to fully compare. This is just a basic list that will help you get start

For more tips and information Click Here!

Wadzanai Wendy Nenzou is a dog lover and enjoys writing articles once in a while to do with dog training.

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Dog Training Collar - Using It to Train Your Dog Safely and Effectively

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Dog training choke collars also known as choke chains, slip collar, correction collars or training collars are one of the most common collars use for dog obedience training and leash manners.

Listed below are some of the common rules to take note while using the dog choke collar.

1. Fit of the dog-training collar

The proper fit of the collar makes it safer and easier to use. The dog training collars work best when fitted properly. The dog training collar is the ideal size if it fits snugly, but comfortably over the dog's head. You don't want it too tight, but you don't want it too loose either. If it is too tight, it will be difficult to take off and put on. If it's too loose it may accidentally slip off the dog's head when the head is lowered.

2. How the training collar is put on.

There is a right way and a wrong way. Always look for correct instruction when putting on the collar, there should be clear instructions on how to put on the collars for your dog, if you are unclear, consult the shop keeper immediately.

3. When to use the collar

Your dog should only wear the collar during training sessions. Use the collar only when you plan to enforce commands. Putting the collar on the dog tells your dog, "you need to pay extra attention to me for what we're doing next." Do not use the collar on everyday, meandering walks, when the dog is unsupervised, or without a leash attached. A choke collar chokes. An unattended animal could get caught on something and then choke himself.

4. How the collar is used

It should be used as a sharp reminder or as a guide; it should not be used with constant heavy pressure, such as to choke the dog. A choke collar is used both to remind your dog you need his attention and to correct the dog. The former is simply a matter of procedure and routine. The latter is the "choke". Don't think that choking is going to leave your dog coughing and wheezing. Worn correctly, the collar releases very quickly. The device is meant to simulate the way in which momma-dogs grab troublemaking offspring by the back of the head with a little shake.

To perform a correction, the trainer pulls the collar or a leash attached to it firmly and quickly. Say "No!" while doing so in a firm voice. The trainer then releases the tension just as soon as they apply it. The release is the difference between a humane, effective correction and literally choking the dog.

By following the four rules above closely, it will go a long way to make sure that you are using the dog training collar in a safe and effective manner.

Moses Wright is the webmaster of Dog Collar. You can find more useful information on Dog Training Collar and Electronic Dog Collar on his site. You can reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

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Dog Treats: Should You Use Them In Dog Training?

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There's always been some controversy over whether you should give treats (i.e. dog biscuits or MilkBones) when you are training a dog. There are advantages and disadvantages to giving treats to a dog when you are training him. This article will hopefully clear up any confusion you might have.

Now, some people say, "Of course! Give the dog treats so he'll obey you. After all, you won't get his attention if you don't give him anything he enjoys." On the other hand, some other people will say, "No, don't give the dog treats! He'll be only obeying you for the food."

There is truth to both the opinions stated above. The dog does need some incentive to obey you, right? But also, what if they dog does begin to work only for the food? What then? If he's not hungry and doesn't really want the food, then he doesn't have any reason to obey you!

So should you use dog treats? The answer is YES, but in moderation . Don't give the dog a biscuit every single time he obeys you; instead, sometimes just praise him excessively instead. Also, don't make the "prize" too big or you'll be overfeeding him. For example, break a biscuit in half or even cut it into three pieces so you're not feeding your dog too much when you train him.

Here's another idea for training young puppies. Don't feed them biscuits at all – just use adult dog food pellets. The pellets are big enough to be a treat for the young puppy's tiny mouth, but small enough that it won't overfeed the puppy.

Another very important point I'd like to make is that you shouldn't train your dog to obey you only for the food as a reward. Although you might not consciously be doing this, it's easy to slip into the habit of just rewarding your dog with a treat every single time he does anything remotely good.

Instead, you want your dog to think of you as the "strong master," or the "alpha" over him, so that he obeys you because you're the master and because he wants to please you, not just because you have a treat. You can do this by praising him a lot in a high voice when he does something good and in a deep, "you're in trouble" voice when he does something bad. You want him to distinguish between the voices and figure out that a high voice means "good" and low means "bad" and whenever you do the low voice, you are not pleased with him.

I hope this article has helped you in training your dog. I hope you have much success in developing a well-behaved, friendly dog!

Get your 100% free dog training tips e-Course! Click below: http://www.dogobediencetraining123.com/freetips

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Dog Training Collars Can Ease the Process of Properly Training Your Dog

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There are numerous types of dog training collars used in different methods of training and to stop multitudes of problems. While many of them are effective, prior knowledge and experience is necessary for safe and proper use.

The Martingale collars are perhaps the best dog training collars because of their simplicity. It is a limited choke collar that slips over the dogs head. If it is adjusted correctly it will not constrict smaller than the size of the dogs neck, preventing the dog to slip out of the collar while working but minimizing the danger of causing damage to the windpipe.

Other effective limited choke collars include the limited choke, a nylon strap with rings sewn on either side designed to slide only so far, or the snap around choke, a limited choke collar that fits high on the neck for better head and neck control. These types of collars are better for novices to use because they are not as harsh and they are relatively easy to use.

Another effective collar promoting head control is a head collar. The head collar fits on the dogs head like a halter fits on horses. The leash attaches under the muzzle. These collars only work if you know what you’re doing. Dogs really do not like these collars and they are not recommended for use without a trainer’s guidance.

Are there dog training collars available for larger dogs?

Strong dogs with thick necks sometimes drag their owners around. A good collar for this type of dog is the pronged collar. The pronged collar has two protruding fingers that apply pressure to the neck when pulled. They are far less likely to cause damage to the windpipe than the traditional choke chain. While many trainers think these collars are not necessary for effective training they do come in handy for small people who tend to be dragged along by their dog.

Electronic collars are dog training collars that transfer a small shock on cue. Since the trainer cues the collar it is paramount that they know what they are doing. Inconsistent and poor training with painful methods is both cruel and ineffective. Shock collars have their place and that is with professional dog trainers. The rest of us need to stick to the basics.

Another collar that employs the use of electricity is the no bark collar. Again this collar is effective, but before you use it you should determine the cause of the dogs barking. Make sure you haven’t taught him to bark and ask yourself if you really want him to punish him for it.

There seems to be a collar for just about every training area and some have proven to be quite effective. However, it is crucial in dog training you only use equipment that you are experienced with. If you have a specific training issue, it may be beneficial to seek help. Learn how to use dog training collars under the guidance of a professional. This will make your dog training more positive and productive.

Mike Long runs a dog training website that focuses on educating people about the different ways of training your dog or puppy. If you would like to learn more, including additional articles, and training tips, tricks, and ideas, check out his site at http://dogtraininginfo.wordpress.com/

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