Dog Obedience Training

I want to become a professional dog trainer…anyone know of schools, classes, etc in MI?

I currently go to college for Vet tech. but I would also love to become a professional dog trainer [learning animal psychology and training] so how do I go about this? Does anyone know of schools or programs that teach and certify in metro detroit MI??

Damn, there is a lot of BS floating around this thread. Please read all the answers, including mine, with a healthy dose of salt.

Because dog training is not regulated by the government any idiot with a well behaved labrador or golden retriever can refer to himself (or herself) as a dog trainer – heck, even an illegal immigrant with no educational background in canine behavior or psychology at all can do so, and even be featured on an International television program. Because most trainers are self-educated (both the great ones and the poor ones), it’s hard to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Check out Karen Pryor’s Training Academy (http://www.karenpryoracademy.com/about)

Most truly PROFESSIONAL and reliable trainers are self educated, through a range of seminars and symposiums and have a wall full of certificates to document their background. In recent years some professional organizations have established certification criteria, among the best of these is APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers). There are other similar organizations around.

Because poor training methods result in bad behavioral disorders, one should not rule out the animal behavior programs in Universities with either a strong veterinary science or psychology department. Certification programs in canine behavior are for sure offered by Purdue and Tufts, and I’m sure there are others. The vast majority of canine behaviorists are also trainers and in fact, are among the most effective trainers in the world.

Stop Your Dog Separation Anxiety

Dogs do behave badly when they are going through separation anxiety. Some of this misbehavior can be damaging and risky to the dog or even the public around them.

Behavior problem connected to separation anxiety includes, undue barking, chewing, damaging property, scratching, unacceptable urination, defecation, and other self damaging conduct.

These misconduct often comes up in the absent of the owner for extended period. For the health and the safety of the Dogs, they need to be trained to deal with long period of separation.

Here are some things that you can do to reduce your Dog Separation Anxiety:

1. Having a preparation and scheduled separation with the dog. This will increasingly adjust the dog to get used to being on its own and separated with the owner.

2. When parting with the dog, keep it monotonous and simple, like a simple bye will do it. Do not and exaggerate your farewell as this will raised the separation anxiety in the dog. They are social animal and they can feel your unwillingness to leave them.

3. Leave your dog with plenty things to be busy with, like chewing toys, balls, treats, etc.

4. Have a planned play time; this is the time where you can offer your dog your complete attention. This is helpful to relieve boredom and anxiety in your dog.

5. Giving your dog with plenty of exercise will be a good way to relieve separation anxiety as the exercise will provide him with a good rest when you are absent from him.

6. If your dog is still a puppy, it is crucial to get him familiar to being alone, this can be done by crate training.

7. In more complicated case, it is necessary for the owner to take no notice of the dog for an extended period of time. This will diminish the dependency of the dog to its owner.

8. Prescription although not recommended, sometimes can be used to help reduce the anxiety in the dog.

9. Naturally the last and most effective approach to help your dog overcome separation anxiety that is harmful and very destructive is by training him the correct way. Do not just believe the claim being made by dog trainer, if you love your dog, you should find out more on the correct method of dog training yourself. This will give you a more satisfactory relationship with your dog.

There you now have the 9 methods to help you ease your dog separation anxiety. This is very important as your dog can cause a lot of harm to himself or to the people around him with his destructive and damaging behavior.

Remember that your dog well being and the people you love are at risk and should you think that you are not able to cope with your dog behavior problem, consult with the professional. It is better to do it as early as possible before you face unnecessary heartache or even unwanted lawsuit because of your dog behavior problems.

Leo Enoch
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/stop-your-dog-separation-anxiety-126195.html

Am I Ready to Own a Dog?

Here are some considerations that you need to take note when buying a dog (or another pet). It will be part of your family for the next 15 years or so. Once you have decided to buy a dog, you will have to take responsibility of it till its death. This article will help you make an informed decision. First advice, don’t buy on impulse!

What is the main reason for getting a dog? If it is for the kids in your house, you have to remember that children cannot possibly take full responsibility of the dog. Once the novelty of a cute puppy wears off, this responsibility is pushed to the adults (and this happens most of the time). It is important that you educate your child on the importance of being a responsible pet owner. The job doesn’t end after the dog has got its dinner. It’s a lifetime commitment.

Can you afford the time to take care of your dog? If you don’t, getting a dog isn’t really a good idea. Dogs require as much attention as we humans do. They love companionship. That’s why they say dogs are man’s best friends. Are we able to reciprocate the kind of friendship they are offering us?

Are you able to take of it financially? There are many dog expenses, such as dog food, toys and clothes. You have to take it for vaccinations as well. On top of it, your dog should also have a regular checkup. And if it ever falls sick, there is also the medical fees to worry. Your dogs should also be sent for regular grooming to maintain its cleanliness and overall well being.

Do you know how to train your dog? Most of us don’t. So it brings us to the next question. Are we willing to learn how to train our dogs? Do we have the time? Do we need to engage a professional dog trainer, the services which might otherwise be expensive?

As long are you are committed to do the job well, I don’t forsee any difficulties. But you must bear these questions in mind before you get a dog. An impulsive decision might result in undesirable consequences.

George Yeo
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/am-i-ready-to-own-a-dog-701233.html

Dog Training – Pros and Cons of Control Tools

At times the differences between training and control is too easily lost. Training involves the use of commands and hand gestures, with leashes or treats, to gain desired behavior. On the other hand, using choke or ‘no-bark’ collars, electronic fences and similar devices is for control.

Control isn’t always a negative thing. Dogs typically have and seek a social hierarchy in which one is the alpha (leader) and in any human-dog pair the human has to take that role. If this doesn’t happen the result is destruction of property, conditions that are unsafe for dogs and humans, a maladjusted dog and much frustration on the part of the dog owner.

Choke collars were invented to aid in obtaining control. Dogs, like humans, are each individual and possess their own separate personalities. Some are naturally more assertive or slower to learn. For the dogs that aren’t responsive to a regular leather or nylon collar, a metal choke collar can offer increased discouragement from pulling and leaping.

The possible problem is that if used improperly – which is all too easy to do – they can be counter productive and sometimes even unsafe. Choke collars fit only one way and when fitted should allow from one to three fingers gap between the neck and the collar. Three for a larger dog, one for smaller. Normally, a collar two inches longer than the neck circumference will do.

If used improperly, however, choke collars may pinch the skin – creating hot spots that will be made worse if the dog scratches them. Choke collars can also unintentionally squeeze the trachea. An instantaneous pull-and-release is not injurious, although because of the way it is designed creates discomfort, however for dogs that are inclined to pull against the leash this movement is not easy to do. Choke collars are generally not recommended, particularly for small dogs.

Prong collars are not as dangerous as they seem, but – in this trainer’s view – have virtually no redeeming characteristics. The one beneficial feature of the design is their restricted diameter – they can only close down so far. Then again, a dog with such a strong tendency to pull that prong collars look attractive to use, needs more than a quick fix consisting of choking and poking. That animal requires dedicated attention and behavior modification training.

Halter collars, which wrap around both the neck and the muzzle, but doesn’t prevent panting or impair drinking can give the owner additional control. The downside is, since they don’t restrict biting or grasping, much of their potential value is gone. An ordinary leash and collar, or even a chest halter may be preferable.

‘No-bark’ collars will occasionally help with those dogs that continue to bark long after the initial impetus is gone. Barking is a natural response to possible threats and is also used to attract attention when the dog becomes separated from the pack. However, for reasons not completely understood, some individual dogs continue to bark for extended periods of time or at the slightest irritation.

Electronic collars that dissuade barking come in two types: noise and shock. Noise collars give off a short, unpleasant sound that distracts and is intended to discourage continued barking.

Shock collars produce a short but painful electric shock that can be repeated and lengthy during prolonged and/or persistent barking. Objective tests of their effectiveness demonstrate varied results, however. As with prong collars, any dog requiring one would probably benefit more from careful, professional help.

At times quick fixes are tempting and have their place – until they become substitutes for more beneficial (both to trainer and dog) long-term training. Investing the time to learn to get the attention of your dog and compliance without excessive reliance on control devices is always better. The end result is a saner owner and happier dog.

Jane Saeman
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-training-pros-and-cons-of-control-tools-136894.html

Professional dog trainer or personal experience help needed?

We just got a new male puppy 6 days ago. Our 5 year old female is still having great difficulty accepting him. I don’t expect her to be play pals for awhile but she still charges him and barks. She has never bitten him but still afraid of that. Now he is charging and barking back at her and I really don’t want him to pick up that bad habit. We have tried everything is there hope for these two to live in the same house in peace?
Thought I should add some more details to answer some questions I was asked. Yes we are correcting her when she gets aggressive and now the puppy as well. She is not playing and not trying to be motherly at all she flat out despises his intrusion. I wish I could have Caesar come to the house but I will definitely find a trainer in this area that can. My puppy is a German Shepherd and the female is a mix terrior 10 pound dog so we need to get it corrected ASAP. Thanks for the great answers already!!!

Congratulations on your new puppy!

It is very difficult to determine what is happening between these two based on a description over the internet and anyone who does so is grossly irresponsible.

I strongly recommend contacting a qualified trainer from one of the links below (you can do a search for one in your area) who can observe the behavior in person and help you determine the best course of action. This should not cost more than $100 and is one of the many necessary investments in a new puppy.

Avoid anyone who uses terms like "dominance" or "pack hierarchy" to describe the interactions between these two, as that indicates a poor understanding of behavior.

What would I need to do to become a professional dog trainer ie: rehabilitating aggressive dogs with APBTs?

Ok,

I love dogs more than anything, and as an adult I really want to help them. I kind of want to become a Vet, but I also really want to professionaly work with/help out American Pit Bull Terriers. How would I be able to do that? I am 13.

Start off volunteering at your animal shelter. You will gain invaluable hands-on knowledge this way.

Look into the Animal Behavior College and see if there are any smaller schools in your area (there is one in mine, in NYC). Contact any trainers or behaviorists you may know (maybe if you ask your vet he can suggest someone) and inquire with them.

Be advised that this really isn’t a high paying job; I have considered going a similar route but there really isn’t much money in training and/or grooming. You’ll make alot of money as a vet, but it’s a lot of work and a lot of heartbreak.

Dog Food: if your Feeding your Dog Dry Food, Then Go for “premium Kibble”

Dog Food: If Your Feeding Your Dog Dry Food, Then Go For Premium Kibble

As to choosing between dry, canned or semi-moist, you’ll probably do just fine whatever you decide on those. Dry foods offer economy and convenience, but some dogs don’t like them. Canned and semi-moist foods are very pleasing to the canine palate, but they are more expensive – and some have sugars and dyes that aren’t the least bit necessary for your dog’s nutrition. Even though pets prefer canned food, if you start your puppy on dry food, you shouldn’t have a problem with finicky eating, which is a behavior that’s mostly taught by humans.

Dry foods help keep your dog’s teeth cleaner, but if you’re brushing them and having them cleaned regularly, your pet’s teeth should be fine on other diets.

If you’re house-training a puppy or dog, you may want to feed kibble only, at least until the task is accomplished. The water content of canned foods can make a dog need to urinate more frequently. This consideration is especially important if your dog is left home alone for several hours at a time, like while you’re at work.

If you prefer canned food, you can always change after the puppy’s a little older and able to “hold it” longer, or your adult dog understands completely what the house rules are.

My own preference is to feed an appropriate, premium kibble from a reputable manufacturer, and nothing else. By “appropriate,” I mean puppy food for puppies, food with lower fat and protein for older or overweight dogs, and performance food for highly active dogs.

Why a premium kibble? It’s a little more expensive than some other dry foods, but still competitive when compared to canned or semi-moist. Premium kibble also results in a lower volume of stools than is produced by many other foods. Both of these concerns are not major if you’ve got a Chihuahua, but they may be if you’ve got a Great Dane.

Ask your veterinarian or other animal-care professional – groomer, trainer, or reputable breeder – for a recommendation, and stick to it after you’re satisfied it’s working well for your dog and that he likes it. Dogs don’t need variety, and they don’t get bored with the same ration day after day. When a healthy dog is a picky eater, it’s usually because the owners taught him to be that way, by adding tempting tidbits at the least sign of reluctance to eat.

Linda Kajda
http://www.articlesbase.com/publishing-articles/dog-food-if-your-feeding-your-dog-dry-food-then-go-for-premium-kibble-111770.html

professional dog trainer – what is deductible in regards to dogs if they are an important part of the business?

mixed information out there. Dogs are important to the business as they pull in many clients with their public demos, obedience competition and titles, etc.
I realize it isn’t specifically about dogs, but I now several dog trainers visit this site which is why I put professional dog trainer. Usually professional dog trainers aren’t logged onto the financial category.
I have conslulted multiple accountants, each with a different opinion. i thought I could find out from someone who has addressed it before.

Ask your tax accountant. This is a financial question not a question about dogs.

Can a professional dog trainer give me some advise ?

I am interested in getting certified to become a professional dog trainer. Can anybody give me the name of a good school to go to learn what i need to know about training dogs ?

Karen Pryor Academy

San Francisco SPCA has a program also.

5 Tips to Selecting the Right Dog Trainer

Having a pooch for a friend is a wonderful experience, but for best results, Rover will need some training. A well – mannered dog can truly be part of the family, and be welcomed almost everywhere, while an untrained one may be a joy to you, but avoided by everyone else. Choosing a good dog trainer can make the difference between a peaceful pup or a catastrophic canine. Here are five tips for choosing the right trainer.

1. Get references from pet owners who have previously used the dog trainer you are considering. If he or she is reputable, references won’t be a problem. Ask the previous dog owners some specific questions about how this trainer deals with dogs. A dog trainer must have authority over the animal, but shouldn’t gain it by physical force or loud yelling. Dogs that can’t be trained by quieter, more controlled methods might need a special pinching collar. Ask the previous clients about yelling and brute force.

2. Choose a group class whenever possible. A novice dog trainer might not think of this, but there is one great advantage to training your dog in a class. That advantage is that your dog will be forced to learn how to behave around other dogs. A well behaved dog around people can lose it when it gets around other dogs!

There are other advantages to training in a group. One is that you are the one who has to walk the dog through it’s exercises. If the training is all done by the professional dog trainer, the dog might behave well for them, but not for you. Working through the lessons with your dog gives you a chance to communicate and bond with your dog, too.

3. Check out the dog trainer’s qualifications. Being certified or trained won’t necessarily ensure a good dog trainer, but it can’t hurt. A good dog trainer will know about the health and psychology of dogs. She will know how to read a dog’s behavior in order to figure out the best way to convince the dog to do what is being asked of it.

4. Find out about the dog trainer’s experience. Has he had experience with your breed of dog? Dog behavior and training varies according to breed, and it makes sense to choose a trainer who has a lot of experience with the kind of dog you have. Training methods for guard dogs, for instance, differ widely from training techniques for small indoor pets.

5. Sit in on a class and observe the trainer in action. Do they require the dogs to be in choke collars, or are the dogs trained in a more gentle method, using plain, flat collars or harnesses? Get a feel for this trainer’s personality with both people and dogs. Is this someone you can work with effectively?

Taking the time to choose the right dog trainer can make a big difference in your dog. Pooch needs a good education, too, right? Choose that teacher for your pup carefully.

Terence Young
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/5-tips-to-selecting-the-right-dog-trainer-69049.html