Rachel’s Dog Training

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If you are looking for unconditional love, get a dog — but not unless you are willing to take care of him all of his life.

Far too often, people will buy or adopt a puppy because they just want to own a dog, or because the kids have begged and pleaded for a dog. Neither reason is good enough.

Owning a dog is an enormous responsibility. It’s an ongoing responsibility as well. Buying or adopting a puppy means that you’ve committed yourself to provide for his care and well-being for all of his life. And dogs can live a very long time. Large breed dogs usually live 10 or 12 years, and some of the small-breed dogs can live 15 or 20 years or even longer.
 
Now let’s talk about what kind of commitment will be required. Dogs eat. They must be fed every single day. Puppies need to be fed at least twice a day. Dogs must eliminate. They must empty their bowels and bladder on a regular basis, and this happens more than once every single day. Dogs must have their vaccinations so that they stay well, and vet visits aren’t cheap. It’s the law that a dog be vaccinated against rabies.

And all of these things are just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. Dogs don’t always behave themselves. They chew stuff — all kinds of stuff — and they don’t discriminate between an old, worn out running shoe and your new designer footwear.

Dogs bark, too. Sometimes they bark just for the sake of barking, it seems. Neighbors might complain. Dogs must be obedience trained, but don’t always think of this as a chore. It can be a joyful experience you share with your puppy.

These things should be thoroughly thought over before you buy or adopt a dog, however owning a dog can be a wonderful part of your life.

All the best,

Rachel and the Dogs

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Contrary to what many people think, a dog trainer does not train a dog. No. A dog trainer trains the owner of the dog to train the dog. There is a good reason why the dog trainer trains the owner rather than the dog. The reason is that from a dog’s point of view, he can have only one boss. There can be only one alpha dog in his pack (family).

If the trainer were to do a foolish thing and train the dog, the dog would then consider the TRAINER as the alpha dog of his pack. The dog would obey the trainer, but the owner would still have an apparently untrained dog because the dog would only obey his alpha dog — the trainer.

There is an old saying in the South that goes, “If you think you are so tough, try ordering another man’s dog around.” The fact is that you will not have any luck at all in ordering another man’s dog around, or another woman’s dog around, either. Dogs have only one master. That is why dog trainers train owners to train their dogs.

There is almost a mystical connection between a human and his or her dog. Dog have the capacity to give all of their love and devotion to one human — their human. I don’t intend to offend cat lovers, but the fact is that no other animal on earth has formed a bond with humans that are as strong and as lasting as dogs.

I think the credit for this human/dog connection must be given to the dog. Dogs have adapted to living with humans in the human’s environment rather than the other way around. There is simply no devotion greater on earth than a dog’s devotion to his master, and humans can have more than one dog, but a dog has one master.

All the best,

Rachel and the Dogs

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Dogs are amazing creatures. They are our wonderfully loving and nonjudgmental friends, but they also work. Many dogs have regular jobs, and all of us depend on these working dogs to do those jobs and do them well.

Dogs would likely survive without humans, but humans probably wouldn’t fare as well without dogs. Do they get paid? Well, not in cash. What would they do with cash? No, they get paid in love and gratitude which is the only pay that they expect or need. That’s cheap labor. Try finding a human being who would rush into a burning building to save life or run around rounding up cows until their tongues hung out for nothing more than a pat on the head and a bowl of kibble.

Dogs do many jobs. They pull sleds, herd farm animals, hunt for game, find clues of crimes, inspect luggage for illegal drugs or food items, and hunt for missing persons. They serve as service dogs for those with disabilities. There are seeing-eye dogs and hearing-ear dogs. Dogs pull wheelchairs, turn lights off and on, pick up dropped items, and even call for help when it is needed. Dogs act as our guards and protectors without even being asked.

There are hundreds of breeds of dogs, and dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but there is one thing that all dogs have in common. Dogs have the ability to love unconditionally. There is another thing that all dogs have in common. All dogs want a job to do. A dog might be a search-and-rescue dog that saves lives every day, or he might just bark at the postman to keep him from stealing your stuff. But ALL dogs want to be employed!

All the best,

Rachel and the Dogs

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As you’ve noticed, dogs come in all sizes. There are dogs that are so huge they need their own zip code, and dogs that are so tiny that they fit into a teacup. There are dogs with hair that is long and flowing, and dogs that have almost no hair at all. There are dogs with big floppy ears, and dogs with tiny little ears that stand straight up. Dogs have long tails and short tails. All of these factors and others are determined by the type and breed or mix of breeds that they are.

Dogs inherit traits from their ancestors just like we do. When a Boston bulldog is mated with another Boston bulldog, the puppies will look like Boston bulldogs; they won’t look like Cocker Spaniels or Poodles. Down through the millennia, dogs were bred to reproduce certain traits. These traits were determined by the needs of the humans they lived with, the climate they lived in, and the jobs that they were expected to perform. As a result of all of this selective breeding that’s taken place over the centuries, we have dogs of different types and different breeds.

Some dogs thrive in cold weather. They pull sleds and assist the humans who live in the cold climate in many ways. These dogs wouldn’t survive long on a tropical island. On the other hand, there are dogs that thrive in warm climates and are excellent swimmers.

Within the various “types” of dogs, there are sometimes many different breeds. For example, working-dog breeds are as diverse as the Alaskan Malamute and the Australian sheepdog. Both are classified as “working dogs,” but they work in different ways and in different climates.

When you choose a dog as a pet, it’s important that you consider the type and breed. You should choose a dog that will fit into your lifestyle and thrive in the climate where you live. You will also have to consider the amount of time you have to care for him. For example, if you haven’t got a lot of time to spend on grooming him, a long haired dog wouldn’t be right for you. If you only have a small yard and can’t take him walking everyday, then a large dog wouldn’t be good for you because he wouldn’t have enough space to run around and get some exercise in.

It is always important to keep these things in mind before buying a new dog, as it will make it easier for you and your dog.

All the best,

Rachel and the Dogs

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Dog training is more than just teaching him basic commands so he will behave when other people are around. The benefits of dog training go far beyond basic obedience; by training him you can stop him from chewing without even addressing the issue.

So here are a few reasons why dog training can improve you dogs overall obedience and well-being.

1. It gives him quality 1-on-1 time with you, which is what he looks forward to most.
2. It gives him and you an alternate form of attention.
3. It is rewarding for both of you; you will be impressed and he will be happy to please you.
4. It stimulates his brain, which gives him more to think about for longer periods of time, even if he is only sitting. He may not be thinking consciously, but his brain will be working over time to sort the new information he is given. If he is busy thinking he will no longer:
   • Dig Holes as a way of entertaining himself.
   • Chew your shoes and clothes as a way of trying to stimulate his brain himself.
   • Bark uncontrollably because he is bored.
   • Pull washing off the line as a way of playing with himself.
   • Rip up the furniture and drag it around the house.
   • Chase people, cars or animals on the other side of the fence.
5. Your dog will like and respect you more.
6. He will listen to you more if you keep up the training and will eagerly wait for you to give him a command.
7. He will be happier, calmer, more contented and less likely to run wild.
8. He will be more relaxed when visitors arrive.
9. He will be less dependant on you all day, because he will have more to think about and relax for longer periods of time.
10. It will create a closer bond between the two of you, and training is alot of fun!

All the best,

Rachel and the Dogs

P.S. To get my free dog training course, visit The Dog Training Academy

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Bark! Bark! Bark! It goes on for hours. How do dogs do that? It doesn’t sound like they ever take a breath, but they keep on going. Barking is natural for dogs. They don’t have to learn to bark, they come into this world knowing how to bark all night long.

You and your barking dogs are at odds. He wants to bark, and you want him to stop. So, how do you go about convincing a dog that doing what comes naturally for him isn’t acceptable behavior for you?

Reasons Why Your Dog May Bark:

• Warning You of Danger or Strangers - Most dogs will naturally bark if a stranger comes to the door or walks past your house. Anything that they sense to be a threat to them or you they will bark at because they are trying to warn you. Usually if your dog barks for this reason the tome of his bark will be alot stronger and serious.
• Attention Seeking - Sometimes your dog will bark to get your attention, they are really trying to say ‘Hey! Look at me!’. They may also whine and make similar, nagging sounds.
• Boredom - If your dog hasn’t received attention of any kind during the day he may bark as a way to entertain himself. This bark can be quite annoying but also sound kind of sad.
• Playful - When you are playing with your dog, or if he is playing with other dogs he may bark because he gets carried away. When dogs are having fun some can be quite vocal as a way of expressing their excitement.
• Fear or Anxiety - If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety if you where to leave him alone for long periods of time, or fear in a thunderstorm, he is likely to bark. This bark is usually high-pitched and whiny. He is once again expressing how he is feeling.
• Answering To Other Dogs - If your dog hears another dog bark he is likely to respond to him by barking back. This may also start other dogs barking in the street. It’s kind of like a group of dogs having a conversation.

If you listen carefully to the tone of your dogs bark you can learn to identify the reasons he barks. Then you can start working to solve this problem.

Tips For Solving Barking Problems

• Warning Bark - If you hear this kind of bark, it pays to go and see what your dog is barking at. Although if he barks at everybody who walks down the street, not only at strangers you can stop this behaviour by saying a strong ‘No,’ or ‘No Barking!’ when he barks at anyone you don’t want him to. You may need to distract him from barking by calling him, or giving him a command.
• Attention Seeking Bark - Whenever your dog makes this kind of bark you must ignore him until he stops. If you pat or play with him he will soon learn that all he has to do is make some noise and you will give him what he wants. Instead, when he is not making any noise, give him your attention, pat him, take him for a walk, tell him what a ‘Good Boy,’ he is. If he is happy, then he will have no reason to call for your attention.
• Boredom - This kind of bark can be stopped by saying a firm ‘No,’ or ‘No Barking!’ and them play or pat him when he is being quiet. He doesn’t understand how busy you may be; he just thinks that you don’t want to spend time with him. So it is very important to find time at least once everyday to give your dog your attention, even for just a moment.
• Playful Bark - Sometimes your dog can’t help letting out a bark or two when playing. It is natural for him to make noise, so as long as he isn’t constantly barking, this bark is acceptable (you can’t expect him to be silent all day!) But if he is barking too much whilst playing, just use the simple ‘No,’ or ‘No Barking!’ and if he continues to bark, stand really still with your arms folded and don’t look at him until he is quiet, then continue playing with him.
• Anxiety Bark - If he is scared in a thunderstorm or similar the worst thing you can do is pat him and tell it it’s ‘OK’. This is telling him that it is ok to behave like this, so he will always whine or bark when there is a storm because he thinks that is what you want him to do. Instead, make him feel secure either on his bed or in his kennel and then walk away. It may sound harsh, but it is actual better to do this than sit and comfort him. If you are going to be away from home for a whole day or longer you should give him plenty of toys to play with, a bone or Kong toy with food inside to entertain himself.
• Answering Other Dogs - If you find he is answering other dogs calls, you can use the firm ‘No Barking!’ and distracting him everytime he does this.

I hope these tips help you with any barking problems you may have, but just keep in mind the fact that it is okay for your dog to bark once in a while. It is only really a problem if he is barking uncontrollably, or in the middle of the night.

The biggest tip I can give you to handle barking problems is to stimulate his brain by teaching him tricks. Dog training is benefitial in many of ways; not just as a way of controlling him.

All the best with your training,

Rachel and the Dogs

P.S. To get my free training course, visit The Dog Training Academy

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There are millions of dogs that need loving homes and nowhere near as many homes that need or want a loving dog. There’s not exactly a waiting list. Anybody and everybody can adopt a dog, whether they’re able or willing to care for the dog or not.

Perfectly good, intelligent, wonderful dogs are dumped every day. If that weren’t true, there’d be no need for dog catchers or county dog pounds. Those of us who love dogs want to see every dog in the world living in homes with people that love them and that they love. It’s an impossible dream, of course, but dog lovers are nothing if not optimistic.

It needs to be emphasized and emphasized again that adopting a dog is a commitment — a long-term commitment. Big dogs live 10 or 12 years. Little dogs can live 15 or 20 years or even longer. And over that period of time, dogs must be fed every single day. They must have access to fresh, clean drinking water all the time. They must be vaccinated.

Dogs do get sick. They get injured, they require medical care by a veterinarian whose services aren’t free and dogs aren’t covered under company health plans.Dogs must be walked or be provided a living space that allows them to get plenty of exercise, too.

In exchange for this care, a dog will provide you with unconditional love — the real deal. He’ll be a faithful companion all of his life. But I must emphasize again — when you adopt a dog, you are making a long-term commitment. It’s a commitment worth making, but you need to make certain that you’re really ready to make it!

Rachel and the Dogs

P.S. Check out this cool site I found about adopting a homeless pet - Adopt a homeless pet on Adopt-a-Pet.com… Click Here!

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A record or history of your training sessions with your dog can be a tool in future training sessions. A good log/journal combination can help you discover where problems in training come from and even how to correct them. There are many factors that determine the effectiveness of any training session. During some training sessions, it seems that you can’t teach as fast as the dog can learn. During other training sessions it seems that no matter how many different ways you go about it, you just can’t get the idea across to the dog.

Sometimes, dog training success can be measured in leaps and bounds. But other times, the only way you can actually see any progress is by looking back at where you began. Log/training journals can provide encouragement for you when it seems that you are making no progress at all.

The most important thing that a log/journal can provide for you, though, is a history of training that you can use to plan future training sessions. You can log back at the entries in your log/journal and determine which training techniques worked, which training techniques did not work or which training techniques were the most effective. In short, keeping a good and detailed training log/journal can make you a better and more effective dog trainer.

Rachel and the Dogs

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Dogs, like people, have varying degrees of native intelligence. Humans are given an IQ (Intelligence Quota) test to determine their basic level of intelligence. There’s no such test for dogs.

Basic intelligence of dogs is often broken down by dog breed. That is, the generally held opinion is that some dog breeds are just smarter than other breeds. I’m not so sure that this notion is actually fact, but that’s the general consensus.

Doberman Pinschers, Border Collies, Poodles, German Shepherds, Papillions, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers are considered the smarter breeds of dogs. But individual dogs within these “smarter” breeds, dogs of other breeds, and mixed breed dogs can be just as smart. Sometimes the “smartness” of the dog is determined by the “smartness” of his trainer.

The fact is that dogs are born with a desire to please their masters. They don’t WANT to be “bad dogs.” Some dogs are, of course, more willful than others, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t really want to be “good dogs.”

The human/dog relationship is one of the most interesting. Dogs are pack animals. That is, they adjust their behavior to what is considered acceptable within the pack they belong to. Have you ever seen a mother dog “correct” a puppy’s behavior? If he bites too hard or tries to eat out of turn, she turns him over on his back and literally gets in his face.

From the puppy’s point of view, when he’s adopted, he becomes a member of a new “pack” and he’ll do his best to conform to the acceptable behavior of the group, no matter what pure breed he is or what combination of breeds he might be made up of.

And he’s not a “dummy” if he doesn’t understand what you are teaching. You must be the alpha dog in his new pack, and you must learn to communicate with your puppy so that he’ll be “smart.” If your dog isn’t learning what you teach him them you may need to rethink your strategies.

All the best,

Rachel and the Dogs

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