Thunder's Angels
Dog Rescue
DOGGY NOTES
- Sit when I want a treat
- Do not eat mommy's shoes
- Only go potty outside
- Do not jump on counters
Dogs are not born with the instinct of living in a human home. They should not be expected to know your house rules without some work. If you do not want to put at least a little work in with your new dog, then maybe having a dog in your household isn't the right thing for you. Dogs depend on us to teach them what we consider manners.
- A technique used to promote desired behavior, positive reinforcement is the use of favorable and encouraging communication from person to dog. Positive reinforcement does not promote any type of dominance over the dog.
"Dogs don't care about money. They care about praise …and food. Positive reinforcement training uses praise and/or treats to reward your dog for doing something you want him to do."
CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE
"Positive reinforcement dog training works by using praise and positive actions or rewards, rather than punishment or correctional actions, to teach your dog right from wrong. The key with this type of training is to determine what it is that motivates your dog, and use that motivator as a reward upon correct performance."
CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE FROM
www.positivedogtraining.org
"Professional dog trainers who employ the uses of positive reinforcement dog training will attest that they believe not only is this method more pleasant for both dog and trainer, but that the use of rewards in training is much more effective."
www.dogtrainingclassroom.com
"Modern behavioral science has proven that forceful handling such as physical punishment, leash yanking, or making a dog submit by rolling it on its back is psychologically damaging for the dog and has potentially dangerous consequences for owners. Instead, the most successful modern training theories suggest that reinforcing good behavior with rewards while using constructive discipline is much more successful."
Victoria Stilwell's www.positively.com
- Sometime it can be hard to choose a good, qualified trainer for when you are having some behavioral issues with your dog. Some trainers can claim they have experience, but in reality, putting your dog in their hands could be very detrimental to your dog and you. Below are tips to help you find the right dog trainer, along with links with more information.
- Choose a trainer who promotes positive reinforcement.
- Ask for references and for proof of a reputable training certification (such as CPDT).
- Speak with the trainer about their background aside from their references and certifications.
- Meet with the trainer in person first for a consultation to make sure you feel comfortable with the
trainer and your dog is comfortable as well.
- If the trainer has regularly scheduled group classes, ask to observe a class before committing.
- Do not be trusting of a trainer who PROMISES a certain behavior will be completely fixed by them.
- Observe the type of equipment they would be looking to use in their training efforts. Use caution if the
trainer promotes shock collars, choke collars, pinch collars etc.
- Don't make a decision based on price.
Important links on Choosing a Dog Trainer:
A great resource in finding a certified dog trainer in your area is the "Trainer Search" function on the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers website- www.ccpdt.org.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE TRAINER SEARCH NOW
The Association of Pet Dog Trainers offers a great directory of information on how to choose a dog trainer.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE DIRECTORY AT
www.apdt.org
"Too many dogs are given up after their normal, easily modifiable behaviors are allowed to become problems. But it doesn't have to be this way."
Below you will find tinformation on the following:
- the case against shock/choke/prong collars
- introducing your dog to new dogs
- caring for your senior dog
- housetraining a puppy
- bringing your new dog home
- leash manners
- managing dog aggression
- MUCH MORE!
The Humane Society of the United States has a vast amount of information on their website, from bringing your new dog home, to properly exercising your dog. From calming your dog from their fear of thunder, to housetraining your senior dog.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO A GREAT LIST OF INFORMATION AT www.humanesociety.org
Say NO to choke collars!
A Study was done in Germany:
•50 dogs whose owners used choke were studied for their entire lives. As dogs died, autopsies were performed.
•Of the 50, 48 had injuries to the neck, trachea, or back. 2 of those were determined to be genetic. The other 46 were caused by trauma.
"Cruel "training" devices such as anti-barking shock collars, electric ("invisible") fences, and prong collars rely on painful punishment and negative reinforcement. They cause dogs to live in fear..."
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SHOCK COLLARS, ELECTRIC FENCES AND PRONG COLLARS
CLICK HERE FOR EVEN MORE INFORMATION ON SHOCK COLLARS
"Maybe you adopted an older dog, maybe you've had him or her since puppy days. Either way, keeping him healthy and happy for as long as possible is what we all strive toward."
Your senior dog needs you! Senior dogs need stability, and rehoming your senior dog just isn't fair to the dog, no matter the various health problems they may have. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TAKING CARE OF YOUR SENIOR FRIEND.
"Leash aggression can have several components..... Fear is probably the most common one and it usually builds over time. This can be a result of a lack of early socialization and/or have a personality component. "
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO MANAGE LEASH AGGRESSION
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT GETTING YOUR DOG COMFORTABLE AT THEIR NEW HOME
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"Housetraining your puppy requires far more than a few stacks of old newspapers— - it calls for vigilance, patience, plenty of commitment and above all, consistency."
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO HOUSETRAIN YOUR DOG
"Dogs also establish territories, which they may defend against intruders or rivals. Of course, dogs' social and territorial nature affects their behavior whenever a new dog is introduced to the household. "
Proper introduction of any dog in any situation is EXTREMELY important. People's #1 mistake is not properly introducing their dogs to other dogs.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON INTRODUCING YOUR DOG TO OTHER DOGS
"Basic commands not only teach helpful skills, they reinforce your role as your dog's leader. Using treats to lure your dog into the correct position or place, and then to reward her for obeying, is one of the easiest and most dog-friendly methods."
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIPS ABOUT BASIC OBEDIENCE TRAINING
Exercise is essential for the health of a dog. Exercise can even be an easy fix to unwanted behaviors in your dog - getting them tired and satisfied physically and mental will cause them to not be bored.
"Exercising your pet can be as basic as shaking a piece of yarn or as complex as an agility-course competition. Find an activity that suits both you and your pet and do it consistently."
CLICK HERE FOR ACTIVITIES TO HELP EXERCISE YOUR DOG