Dog training

"KonaBody">already exists between dog and handler. Dogs are
There are of course many reasons for owners topack animals, and they look to their pack leader
want a calm, obedient and faithful dog. For oneto tell them what to do. The key to successful
thing, obedient and trained dogs are happier dogs,dog training is to set yourself up as that pack
less likely to get into tussles with people or withleader.
other dogs. Another reason is that manyEstablishing yourself as pack leader is a very
communities require that the dogs living in theirimportant concept for any potential dog trainer to
neighborhoods be well trained. This is especiallyunderstand. There is only one leader in every
true for many breeds thought to have aggressionpack of dogs, and the owner must establish him
and behavior problems — dog breeds likeor herself as the dominant animal. Failure to do so
pit bulls and rottweilers for instance.leads to all manner of behavior problems.
And of course, training your dog well will alsoA properly trained dog will respond properly to all
make he or she a much better family companion,the owner's commands, and will not display
especially in households where there are younganxiety, displeasure or confusion. A good dog
children. Many studies have shown that propertraining program will focus on allowing the dog to
dog training makes a big impact when it comes tolearn just what is expected of it, and will use
cutting down the number of dog bits and otherpositive reinforcement to reward desired
behavior problems encountered by dog owningbehaviors.
households.In addition to making the dog a good member of
When considering training your own dog, or havingthe community, obedience training is a great way
someone else help you train it, there are certainto fulfill some of the dog's own needs, including
basic commands that must be mastered in orderthe need for exercise, the security that comes
for a dog to be considered truly trained. Thesewith knowing what is expected of it, a feeling of
basic commands include:accomplishment and a good working relationship
? Heel — it is important that any dog learnwith its handler. Dog training gives the dog an
to walk beside its owner on a loose lead, neitherimportant job to do, and an important goal to
pulling ahead nor lagging behindreach.
? Respond to the word No — the word noGiving the dog a job is more important than you
is one word that all dogs must learn. Training yourmay think. Dogs were originally bred by humans
dog to respond to this important word can saveto do important work, such as herding sheep,
you a ton of trouble.guarding property and protecting people. Many
? Sit — Training your dog to sit ondogs today have no important job to do, and this
command is a vital part of any dog trainingcan often lead to boredom and neurotic behavior.
program.Basic obedience training, and ongoing training
? Stay — A well trained dog should remainsessions, provide the dog with an important job
where his or her owner commands, so stay is ato do. This is especially important for high energy
very important command in dog training.breeds like German shepherds and border collies.
? Down — Lying down on command isTraining sessions are a great way for these high
more than just a cute trick; it is a keyenergy dogs to use up their extra energy and
component of any successful dog trainingsimply to enjoy themselves.
program.Incorporating playtime into your dog training
Dog training does much more than just create ansessions is a great way to prevent both yourself
obedient, willing companion. Training your dogand your dog from becoming bored.
properly actually strengthens the bond that