Dogs Fundamentals Explained
Just like humans, dogs can learn to fear and hate something or somebody to a great extent. The stimulus that induces the fear or phobia may vary from one dog to another but the most common stimuli are those that produce sudden and loud noises. Some fears may also sound irrational and illogical such as phobia of brooms.
It is certainly advisable to adopt a puppy while young so you will be able to condition your dogs not to be afraid of certain items or objects. Greater challenges will confront you if you deal with dogs coming from rescue homes due to their previous traumatic experiences. At the same time, you have known them only for a short period so you may have difficulty understanding the issues they are going through.
A growing puppy is expected to encounter situations that may be more threatening and frightening to your pet. Your growing puppy will start learning encountering these situations calmly and bravely, with the loving assurance and presence of the mother and of the dog owner. A dog's early experiences play a crucial role on how the dog deals with potentially threatening and frightening situations.
How the dog has been raised up to be and whether it has had any effective dog training will play a crucial role on how or what kind of adult dog your pet will turn up to be. The type of adult dog your pet will turn out to be will be a reflection of the type of environment the dog grew up to be around with. A puppy raised in a peaceful environment may elicit adverse reactions to noise and chaos. Most puppies and even adult dogs express their fear and suspicion by litter. Thus, dog owners and dog trainers are advised to expose the dog to the usual noises and places so that your pet will no longer be shocked when faced with these situations or stimuli. By exposing your pet to a variety of situations, you help in minimizing the possibility of phobias and fears. If you spot some signs of fear and anxiety in your dog, you need not lose hope. You can still do a remedy to counterattack the fears and anxieties your dog has learned.
There are also stimuli that can cause fear and anxiety in your pet dog that are beyond your control such as thunderstorms. Changes in the weather condition, humidity and atmospheric pressure cannot be changed or manipulated by an individual. Dogs are far more sensitive to weather changes and disturbances than humans. Dogs are also sensitive to light conditions such as darkening of the sky and flashes of lightning. Another weather-related stimulus that induces fear and anxiety to dogs is heavy rainfall followed by loud claps of thunder. Since it is impossible for an individual to stop these situations from happening, the best thing a dog owner versed in Effective Dog Training can do is to teach his or her pet to overcome the fear of these situations.
One of the strategies commonly used by dog owners and dog trainers is desensitization. Imitate a certain sound that frightens your dog at a low volume. Then, gradually increase the volume and intensity of the sound. Later, distract the dog's attention from the frightening sound by providing a threat or playing a game with your pet. Repeat the strategy every time your pet experiences the phobia. If done successfully, this technique will help your pet be more relaxed and be desensitized. Your pet will learn to be calm, even when faced with previously threatening and frightening situations. You can use a number of soundtracks for this purpose. A variety of sounds are available such website as cries of babies, fireworks, gunshots and thunder sounds. You can check out the music stores near you or you can also record these own sounds by yourself.
Another important phase of Effective Dog Training is the physical stimulation. Playing or doing exercise with your dog is not only important in terms of the physical benefits of walking or playing but also provides an opportunity for you to build a relationship with your pet. By doing exercise with your pet, you get the chance to interact with your pet and your pet will also become more comfortable with you. There may be limitations and restrictions as to how far and where you can walk around with your dog but you should not take this responsibility for granted. In addition, walking may seem like a physical activity but it also has numerous mental benefits. Walking helps make your pet become more alert and focused. You also have to take into consideration the breed and nature of your dog. Daily walks may not be enough for some breeds that are highly intellectual. Because of their high intellectual level, more stimuli are needed to keep them learning and active. For breeds like Border Collie, you need to provide stimuli even when they are just staying or resting at home.
To make sure your dog gets to enjoy your physical and mental exercises, there are certain effective dog training tips and guidelines you need to consider. You can start by teaching your dog to fetch a certain object. Throw a certain object such as a twig or a piece of wood or a toy. Naturally, the dog will run after it to catch it or to get it. You can gradually increase the distance. You can also play a give-and-take game. When your dog gets the object you have thrown, start running away in the opposite direction. As soon as your dog catches up with you, face your pet and put your hand out. Ask your pet to give you the toy. If your dog gives you the toy, you can give your pet a treat hidden in your other hand. If you feel that your dog has already started to get bored with the game, you can also upgrade the mechanics. You can teach your pet to distinguish between different items. You can teach your pet to understand what a 'shoe', 'shovel' or 'towel' means.
another important guideline you should not miss in effective dog training is food. Food should be made an integral part of your dog training. However, you have to be creative and imaginative on how to make your dog even more interested in food treats. Avoid feeding your dog from the bowl since it seems to be so ordinary and routine. Make your dog want to have that food treat by hiding it or dividing it into smaller portions. You can also let your dog search for its food through sniffing or by following a track. One way of encouraging your dog to hunt for food treats is through kongs or hollow toys. The hollow toy can contain the food treats until your dog is able to find it.
You can also complement food treats by providing toys such as balls. You can place small dry food treats on a bag with these activity balls. In that way, your dog can still enjoy while staying at home. Try to look for ways your dog can experience physical activities and try to spend as much time with your pet as you can. This will make your dog happy with the feeling that you are giving your pet attention, affection and time.
While showering your pet with loving affection, you should also bear in mind that you need to assert the hierarchy. Make your pet feel that you are superior. When your pet respects your authoritative and dominating nature, your dog will follow what you want your pet to do. If you feel you are unequipped to deal with certain situations, you can always refer to effective dog training manuals and guides. Whether you are an expert or a beginner in owning and training a dog, you will find their practical instructions and suggestions a big help. With these effective dog training guides and manuals, you can become an efficient and effective dog owner and dog trainer. You do not even have to spend a lot to raise your dog to be a responsible member of the canine society. All it takes is discipline and patience on your own part.