Alpha
May 9th 2009 18:07
When one becomes a dog owner there are many responsibilities that come with canine care and training. We are responsible for the animal's health and well-being. We need to get the dog updated with its vaccinations and vet exams. We need to give it exercise and stimulation. We also need to train the dog properly. To do so, we must establish who is the boss. To a dog, this is an ongoing battle that is overlooked by most owners.
When I had my dog, I read many books that I still own about training and care. I also signed up for a beginner's dog training class that taught me things that weren't in any book!
First thing to do is to research the dog you intend to get to make sure they are a dog that will fit your lifestyle. You don't want an active or working dog if you're too tired from work. Even if the dog is a mutt, try to find out what the parents were. See how easy they are to care for and train. Contrary to popular belief, German Shepherds aren't an easy dog to train or care for and are not recommended for beginners.
In the class we learned the four basic commands(sit, stay, come, down) which I had already taught my dog. I also learned about keeping a dog on a leash, unless it is an enclosed area such as your yard.
To maintain the Alpha status, you must adhere to some training that may seem cruel at times. Always go through a door or hallway first, never let the dog take the lead. This goes for when you're walking the dog, too. If the dog gets ahead, change direction abruptly...even if you have to pull him your way. Always practice the basic commands everyday.
Praises and petting are great when your dog does well in her training. If you start with treats, you are doomed to give treats all the time, because the dog associates trick for treat. A good treat is his own food so you can feed him while you train him. Note:Count it as her caloric intake and don't give her extra.
My instructor emphasized a big No-No when it comes to dogs that most owners are guilty of. Never let your dog on your bed! Because they are comfort-seekers, dogs recognize the owner's bed as the most comfortable place in the house. Dogs have been known to attack owners who have allowed them on their beds and now Cujo thinks its his.
When it comes to dogs, training can give you a well behaved pet. With the internet, we can find pet training sites right on our computers. There's more here, here, here, and here, to name a few.
When I had my dog, I read many books that I still own about training and care. I also signed up for a beginner's dog training class that taught me things that weren't in any book!
First thing to do is to research the dog you intend to get to make sure they are a dog that will fit your lifestyle. You don't want an active or working dog if you're too tired from work. Even if the dog is a mutt, try to find out what the parents were. See how easy they are to care for and train. Contrary to popular belief, German Shepherds aren't an easy dog to train or care for and are not recommended for beginners.
In the class we learned the four basic commands(sit, stay, come, down) which I had already taught my dog. I also learned about keeping a dog on a leash, unless it is an enclosed area such as your yard.
To maintain the Alpha status, you must adhere to some training that may seem cruel at times. Always go through a door or hallway first, never let the dog take the lead. This goes for when you're walking the dog, too. If the dog gets ahead, change direction abruptly...even if you have to pull him your way. Always practice the basic commands everyday.
Praises and petting are great when your dog does well in her training. If you start with treats, you are doomed to give treats all the time, because the dog associates trick for treat. A good treat is his own food so you can feed him while you train him. Note:Count it as her caloric intake and don't give her extra.
My instructor emphasized a big No-No when it comes to dogs that most owners are guilty of. Never let your dog on your bed! Because they are comfort-seekers, dogs recognize the owner's bed as the most comfortable place in the house. Dogs have been known to attack owners who have allowed them on their beds and now Cujo thinks its his.
When it comes to dogs, training can give you a well behaved pet. With the internet, we can find pet training sites right on our computers. There's more here, here, here, and here, to name a few.
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