Free Dog Training Tips

Conversations with Catherine

What do free dog training tips have to do with a website about dog nutrition and health, you might ask?

Well, here's my answer... I think that dogs are like people and that they are multi-faceted creatures that take an important role in the lives of the people they live with.

Dogs like humans, are spiritual beings in a physical body. Dogs live with us, and so must function within the social framework that we set for them. Sometimes dog behavior problems can be the result.

We all want our dogs to be well behaved. That way...our dogs can lead happy emotionally healthy lives, and so can we.

Dog behavior training is not my area of expertise.

So, I have asked Catherine Potin, publisher of Happy dog Connections who offers home dog training courses and education, to be moderator of this page entitled ' Free Dog Training Tips '.

You will be able to ask your questions, and have a conversation with Catherine later on this page.

Read the words from Catherine below.

" I know I did not. I hope these dog training tips will help you.

I didn’t know much about dogs and training back then. So I started listening to "experienced" dog owners and trainers for dog training tips, help and advice. I was somewhat able to sort out the good from the not so good, but quickly realized that not one formula fits all.

Now don’t get me wrong, with the basic commands such as sit, stay, lay down, it seems pretty straight forward and everyone agreed on the how-to. Most dogs and owners master those techniques with ease and in no time.

When it comes to walking on the leash and coming back when called, not jumping on people and other “bad” behaviors, it’s a different story. Along with barking, this is where most dog owners have trouble, and start looking for dog training tips.

Like you, I was looking and asking for help... and answers did I get. Sometimes one question would receive multiple answers all in opposition to one another. Naturally, I felt overwhelmed and a little frustrated.

Very quickly I became clear on the following:

· I am the best person to train my dog

· I am a dog trainer in training and need to educate, understand and learn about techniques to properly train my dog.

· Dog trainers and training classes are not only to teach my dog but to teach ME how to work with him.

· There is more than one way to train a dog. Dogs have different temperments and personality. What works for one might not be appropriate for the other one.

· There are some basics dog training tips that all dog owners should know for successful training.

What helped me the most, was not one trainer or one book, but rather, a combination of techniques and ideas and a better understanding about canine behavior and language."

Basic Dog Training Tips For Successful Positive Training

" A well behaved, well trained dog is a pleasure to have around. While some breeds are easier to train than others, all dogs need training. The smarter the dog, the more he will keep you on your toes. You might have to be a little bit creative, especially if your dog is a working dog breed such as a German Shepherd, Border Collie or even a small dog like a Dachsund.

Working dog breeds need a job because this what they are bred to do. It does not mean they have to be active all day long, but they need to be mentally and physically active to stay healthy and out of trouble.

For some owners, training is a dreaded word... but training can and should be a lot of fun. It’s a time of bonding, learning and play as well."

10 Dog Training Tips to Keep in Mind When Training Your Dog

1 ~ Training does not just belong in the classroom or a lesson: Train your dog a little bit every day for short periods of time. Puppies or adult dogs alike need a frequent reminder.

2 ~ Consistency: Use it or lose it! If you don’t train your dog every day, both of you will forget the road you’ve already traveled.

3 ~ Train indoors so your dog can stay focused on the learning: While there will come a time to introduce distractions (see next bullet!), begin where you have your dog’s undivided attention so he learns where his focus should be.

4 ~ Practice outdoors so he can learn to stay focused on you even with distraction around: Life is distracting. Indoors or out, phone’s are ringing, people are talking and everyone is a little ADD. It’s important to introduce distractions into your training so that your dog knows despite that other dog running by, his attention should always be with you.

5 ~ Always follow your training with some play time: All work and no play makes Fido a dull dog. While training is important for your dog’s mental and physical well-being, so is a little play time. Make sure to reward your dog for his hard work with some fun.

6 ~ Most dog are playful. Incorporate different commands into play. Spending your entire play session practicing commands will hardly be fun for your dog, sprinkling a few sit, stays and roll over’s, will keep him alert and on his toes!

7 ~ Socialize your dog: Socialization with other dogs and humans alike teaches your dog to behave in public settings. Dog runs, walks in the park and even play dates are all important to his training!

8 ~ Spend some quality time together: One-on-One time with your furry friend creates a strong bond. In creating a strong bond, you will be building a trust between you and your dog that he will depend on during your training sessions.

9 ~ The importance of your body language: Standing firmly with your arms folded and huffing and puffing at every wrong gesture would make any person nervous. Now imagine that you’re on all fours! Intimidating body posture will only prevent a positive learning experience for both of you.

10 ~ Understand your dog's body language: Since your dog can’t exactly speak, it’s important to read your dog’s body language to get clues about whether he might be frightened, excited or maybe even confused by a command.

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Are You Desperate for Free Dog Training Tips?

Do you have the dog from hell? Could you benefit from some good advice and some free dog training tips? Cry on Catherine's shoulder. Share your dog behavior problems with the world.

If you think your dog is bad...you might be surprised! Read free dog training tips from other visitors to this page...