The Language of Training

Sit, Stay 

Dogs are not born knowing not to chew on shoes and furniture or not to jump up on people. These are just a few reasons why training is very important. It's necessary for a peaceful coexistence, and is a kindness to your dog. When she responds to the stay command while you wait to cross the street you are keeping her out of danger. Training teaches your dog aacceptable  behavior  that makes him welcome when you go places. It teaches her a common language and strengthens the bond between you. Plus, it builds your dog's confidence. A trained dog knows what is expected of her, and this clear communication makes a relaxed and happier dog, and a better more enjoyable friend.

Consistency is key. 
If one person allows a behavior that you are discouraging then training won't work.

The Power of Positive Reinforcement  

There are many methods to train your dog. It doesn't need to be complicated. The simple positive reinforcement techniques in this issue are proven methods for teaching the basic obedience commands, sit, stay, down and come, to your dog. No special equipment or skills needed, but patience is your secret weapon. Don't try to rush your dog, all dogs learn at different rates, go at your dogs pace. Proven to be effective are short frequent sessions, 15 minutes per session two times a day, then informally practice throughout the day. Link obedience to thing's your dog enjoys. Next time your dog wants something have her do something for you first. If she wants to go out and scratches at the door, have her come to you and? sit, then let her out. Next time she brings the ball and drops it in your lap, have her lay down first. Before meals have her sit, the minute she sits put the bowl down and praise her. Be creative and have fun. Just make sure your dog responds to you before you respond to her.
Teach your dog at times when she can learn. Do your homework. Your dog has to learn before you can expect her to respond properly. Don't wait until she is jumping up on guests. Homework, in the form of training sessions, is required to succeed.
Dog Fact
Behavior that can be endearing in a puppy may be less so when he is fully grown and at his adult weight. Training is best started early, but it is never too late to begin.
Rewards  
Pick one of your dog's favorite treats to use as a motivator during training. Make sure it's small and quick to eat so you don't lose momentum during the training session. Keep your dog hungry for training sessions. A meal can be replaced with quality treats. As your dog becomes more responsive to commands, food rewards will be weaned. Praise, however,
should always be given when your dog responds correctly.
Dog Fact
Always end training on a positive note so your dog looks forward to the next session. If she does not understand a command then go back to something she knows so you can praise and reward her.

"SIT" Command 

The "sit" command is the perfect starting point, it's a simple lesson for your dog to grasp.

• Stand in front of your dog and place a food reward in the center of your hand,  letting your dog see it, then close your hand.
• Place your closed hand just above your dog's face, move it slowly toward the back of her head as you say "sit". As her head goes up and back to follow the food she will automatically sit. Make sure you don't raise your hand up or your dog may try to jump up to get it instead of sitting.

Praise your dog and reward him while he is in position- this is very important-so she associates her response with the reward. Repeat this exercise daily until your dog sits immediately at the command

"STAY" Command  

This command teaches self-control and is really an extended sit. It's easy to teach once the sit command is mastered.

• Stand a few steps in of your dog and give him the sit command.
• When in the sit position, say "stay", while putting the palm of your hand in front of his face.
• Take a step back, keeping your palm open, repeat the word "stay" a couple of times.
• Give your dog a reward and praise him if he maintains this position for a moment. It's very important that your dog gets his reward he is in position. If you give the reward after he has moved he may think he received the reward for moving.
• Release your dog from this position with a clap and an enthusiastic "OK!"

If your dog breaks the stay then calmly return him to the position he was in. Do not reward, and try again. Practice daily until your dog understands this command. At this point you can teach him to stay a longer and longer duration. 

Take the training slowly. Don't practice duration and distance at the same time. Don't expect your dog to do long duration right away. It takes time for it to sink in. Young dogs need a patient teacher. They don't have lot's of impulse control. That has to be trained.

Dog Fact

Start training in a quiet environment, such as a room in your home. Gradually increase the difficulty as your dog progresses by introducing distractions and move the training to a yard or park. A trained dog responds to commands regardless of what is happening around him and this helps keep him safe.

Learned Behaviors We Teach our Dog's

Inappropriate Jumping on Everyone 
What your dog does;
Jumps up on and at people, places paws on the person's chest.
What it means;
An instinctive action aquire from their ancestors. It can show either submission or dominance, depending on breed and age.
What should you do;
Discourage the behavior from the start, either by closing off the space into where your dog can jump or by refusing to reward the behavior with attention.

It can be instinctive behavior, passed down from a dog's wolf ancestors, to slicit food or to offer a greeting. Ling another's lips is also used as a submissive gesture, but to get to the lips of people our dog's need to jump up first. In older dogs, this behavior is often a display of rank. In canine - to - canine communication, one dog will loom over another and place their paws on that dog to show dominance.
With the same intention our dog's will jump up on us and place their paws on our chest. Regardless of the intent behind your dog's actions, it has become a learned behavior, it gets results so it will be repeated.

Inappropriate Begging
What your dog does;
Begs for food from the table.
What it means;
The dog has been taught that begging for food from the table works. Pawing at food, whining, or barking with eyes focused on the food, or simply sitting beside the table and staring up at the food, all learned behaviors, and your dog may not even be hungry.
What you can do;
Never feed your dog from the table and make sure no one else does. Teach your dog that he will not be rewarded for begging and stand by your decision. You may be tempted to give in--don't do it. Remind yourself that eating table scraps can lead to weight gain, and is a leading cause of canine digestive problems. Our dog's learn what we teach them. They get their information from us. If begging is rewarded they will continue to behave this way.

It's easy to notice inappropriate behavior. Good behavior seems to go unnoticed, it should be. Look for good behavior and reward it, often. Ignore the rest. Your dog will learn that good behavior gets results, the positive reinforcement will increase your bond.

Some foods are a danger to dogs. Such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, and onions.

Inappropriate behavior has been learned. We have communicated that it's okay, either by not correcting the behavior or by rewarding it. Instead we need to provide a reason for good behavior.

Why begging behavior should never be rewarded: 

• It can lead to problem eaters, who refuse dog food in favor of our food.
• Dogs who develop a taste for our food are more likely to steal food from the counter, or ransack the garbage bin for leftovers.
• It can lead to unhealthy weight gain and obesity, which can lead to other health problems.
• Dogs who are feed table scraps learn that persistence pays off and the behavior will escalate.
• Table scraps don't provide the nutrition a dog needs.
• Bones can lodge in a dog's throat.

Dogs are smart. Soon their begging won't be limited to the table, but will include the refrigerator, and when you are cooking.

Love your dog but don't spoil them. They will be a happier pal.

Behavior Problems; Chewing

Chewing 
Dogs are intelligent, social animals who need the stimulation of activity and companionship. Without it, the natural canine behavior of chewing can become destructive. If this is the case, a look at your dog's motivation can explain why he's behaving as he is, and what you can do about it.

Why and How 
Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Most dog owners have experienced this, perhaps it was shoes in tatters or a couch cushion ruined. Dog chew things, it's simply part of canine behavior. However, this does not mean you have to accept chewed table legs. Instead, ask yourself these questions:

Is your dog teething ?
The timing here varies from dog to dog, but it is around four months of age. During this time those sharp puppy teeth are shed. Signs that may indicate teething include drooling,
irritability, and changes in appetite, and mouthing anything available to relieve his discomfort. Try soaking one of his stuffed toys in water and freezing it. Chewing on the frozen toy can help numb teething pain, and prevent him from chewing what he shouldn't.

Is your dog bored or lonely ?
If so, her behavior may be the only way for her to release energy or relieve anxiety. Your dog needs regular exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship. You can't always be with her, but don't leave her alone too long without first giving her the physical and mental exercise she needs. Make sure she gets daily walks, training sessions, time with you, and toys that will engage her when you are out.

Have there been changes in your household ?
If you have recently moved, have changed your work routine, or have brought a new baby or a pet home, your dog may feel unsettled and anxious, causing her to chew for relief. Spend more time with her and set a routine that will help her feel more secure.

Does she have her own chew toys ?
When she is busy chewing on her own toys, she will be less tempted by your shoes or the table leg. The toy needs to be the right size for her, not small and easy to swallow, not so large that it's hard to get her mouth around it. Balls, rope toys, hollow toys that can be stuffed with treats, and toys that make noises. Toys specially formulated for mental stimulation can keep your dog happy and busy for hours. Food-for-work toys can be filled with bite-sized dry food. Your dog has to figure out how to get the food, by nose or paw.

Do and Don't

Do dog proof your home. Place cleaning supplies and anything that could harm your dog out of reach.

Don't leave electrical cords and cables exposed. Your puppy would love to chew on them and it is very dangerous. So keep them tucked away.

Do have a tight fitting lid on your garbage container. It may have hazardous items that could cause choking, or food that can make them very ill.

Don't encourage your dog to play tug of war with a towel or t-shirt, or give her an old shoe to play with. She won't know the difference between these and your new shoes. Choose toys that are not like household items. Use only these toys when playing with her.

Don't chase your dog if he runs off with an item he shouldn't have. Being chased is fun for him and will only encourage the behavior. Instead, call him to you and reward him for coming to you with a yummy treat.

Do train your dog to release objects. Offer him a treat in exchange for what you want him to give you. Say "give" as he releases it and praise him. Do this consistently until he understands the command. Always praise, reward, good behavior.

If you come home to dog created mess, it is no use punishing your dog. She won't make the connection between her behavior and the punishment since it has been an hour ago. She just knows you are angry, which can cause her to fear you and your unpredictable moods.
You think she looks guilty, but she is only reacting to you, your body language and tone of voice. At this point it is not about the shoes chewed.

The teething stage is usually from four months to ten months old. It does vary from dog to dog. Puppies mouth and chew to relieve tender gums.

If you have any questions please leave a comment and I will answer you the best I can :)

Think Like a Dog for Training

About Training 

Dog thoughts. Dogs think in the present moment. When training your dog, timing is vital. Use both rewards and or corrections right away, within seconds. Mistakes should be disregarded, not punished.

Understand your dogs potential 

Each dog has it's own personality and this affects it's ability and or willingness to be trained. Dominate and confident dogs may disregard or even challenge your commands. At the other end of the personality spectrum are overtly submissive, so insecure that at the mere hint of a command the dog rolls over in trepidation.

Fortunately, the vast majority of dogs are content to compromise. Their natural curiosity, and their affinity for people, make them  easy to train. Consistency is KEY. Most dogs have mixed personalities. Some want to please but are easily distracted. Others may seem intensely submissive, but in fact are controlling your behavior by acting in a helpless way. Each dog has it's own potential in some areas and lesser potential in others.

Understand your own Limitations 

If you know you don't have much patience, another member of the family should be the primary dog trainer. Dog training can be frustrating and it is easy to make two common mistakes.
The easiest mistake is to treat your dog like a person. You are wasting your breath telling him how you feel. They just don't get it. They understand cause and effect.
The other mistake to avoid is the misuse of discipline. This can cause your dog to fear you. That is the last thing you want.

Set sensible goals

Dog training takes patience on your part. Training two dogs at the same time is extremely difficult and is best left to professional dog trainers only.

Your dog looks up to you 

Your dog isn't just asking for a belly rub when she rolls over; she is telling you, by this classic submissive action, that she sees you as her natural leader.

The Importance of Training 

Your dog's behavior will make or break the bond between you. It's difficult for some dog owners to understand that problems arise because they have not trained their dogs properly.
The word "training" can sound a little dull, but when talking about dog training, nothing could be further from the truth. Basic obedience is the very least you can do for your dog.
A dog that has never been taught the "Stay" command, for example, is in very real danger from everyday situations, such as passing traffic other dogs. Even walking on a lead,
something every dog is expected to do, is a skill that dogs need to learn, so they don't surge
ford or jump up or chew the leash.
Dogs who have excelled at basic training may benefit from going out to learn many other activities and a more advanced form of training.
On the other hand dogs who refuse to act upon your teaching, can always go to an animal behaviorist to aid them and you in progressing.

Fun Food For Fido

Two Recipe's 

Rotisserie Chicken a savory cookie

1 1/2 c. Oat flour
1 1/2 c. Brown rice flour
1/2 c. Cooked ground chicken
1 tbsp. Rosemary
1 tbsp. Sage
1 tbsp. Grated Parmesan cheese
1 Egg
1/2 c. Chicken broth (add slowly)

Preheat oven to 350. Combine all ingredients (except the broth)
together. Add broth slowly and mix until a dough forms. If too dry, add more broth, if to wet add a bit more flour. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4" thickness.

Use a cookie cutter or knife and cut into shapes. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy clean up. Place cookies on sheet close together as they don't grow when cooked.

Bake 22 to 27 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to wire rack for cooling. Store cookies (after cooled down) in airtight container in refrigerator.
Have your dog sit or down before he gets a treat. ENJOY.


Honey Oat Treats a sweet cookie

1 1/2 c. Brown rice flour
2 c. Rolled oats (old fashioned not instant)
1 Egg
1/2 c. Unsalted peanut butter
4 tbsp. Unsweetened applesauce
1/4 c. Honey
1/4 c. Water (add slowly)

Preheat oven to 375. Combine all ingredients, except water, together.
Add water slowly, mix until dough forms. If too dry add a bit of water, if too wet add a bit more flour. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and spoon out mixture and roll into balls about 1" in diameter. Press down each one to flatten.

Bake 18 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to wire rack and let cool completely. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator.
Your dog will love them.
Please have your dog do something before you give him the treat. He has to earn all his food. Have fun with your pal.

Talk with Your Hands

Hand Signals

Hand signals are the primary means of communicating commands to deaf dogs. The training methods and time involved are no different than teaching a hearing dog, as all dogs learn through repetition. When two dogs meet, even if they bark or growl, their primary means of communication is through scent and body language. If your dog is hearing-impaired, his powers of observation have been put to great use in watching you and his world so there is no impediment to obedience training.

Hand signals can complement your training, giving you a way to communicate with your dog in situations where he can't hear you but can see you. These signals are just another form of "language" between you and your dog. Training your dog to recognize hand signals is best started once your dog is already responsive to your voice commands.

To begin, combine the familiar command word with the hand signal; your dog will soon learn to associate the signal with the command and with practice will respond to either the silent or verbal cue.

Dog Fact
If your dog is excited, he won't listen well. It has been found that even in an excited state, a dog will more frequently respond to a hand signal than to a verbal cue.

Be consistent and make the training fun. Exercise as much as posible. Tired dogs listen better.

Down and Come Commands

DOWN Command 

When your dog successfully responds to the "Sit" and "Stay" commands, you can move on.

To teach the down command:

• Stand in front of your dog with a reward in your hand and ask him to sit.
• Place the hand holding the treat in front of your dog's nose then slowly move your hand straight down toward the floor while saying the word "down". Your dog should follow the treat and lie down. If he does not lie down, start from the beginning until he lays down. 
• Praise him and give several treats as long as he stays down. Practice daily until your dog lies down each time. 

Tip: Be careful that you don't move the treat towards him as you bring it down to the floor.
If you do this your dog will stand up to get the treat. Just start over again from the sit position.

COME Command

Teaching this command is not difficult, but it may take longer for your dog to understand the desired response.

• Give your dog the stay or down command.
• Once he is in position, take a few steps back from your dog, say his name, and say "come" in a happy voice. If he does not respond pat your knees or make a kiss sound a few times.
• When he comes to you give lots of treats and praise. Continue to practice daily, and be patient.

Tip: Never use the "come" command and then reprimand your dog for something else. Only use this command to give praise when he comes to you. He will then associate the command with good happy rewards. You want your dog to come to you not shy away from you.