Three Things to Consider When Choosing Online Dog Training
We’re all spending more time at home with our dogs since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down so many businesses and services. Are you noticing that your sweet pup isn’t really as well-behaved as you thought? Or perhaps a new COVID puppy is ruling the house and you don’t know how to effectively train your new family member. Whatever your reason, finding the best dog trainer school that offers online courses is becoming more and more important.
Consider these three things while you’re looking for the best dog trainer school for you:
1) Affordable
Accessing the best dog trainer school through their online training courses allows you to learn from the best without paying premium prices. Some services cost less than $1 a day and come with access to massive amounts of professional dog trainer information. It isn’t often that you can find reliable information about training your dog online. When you sign up for the best dog trainer school’s online learning videos, you will have reliable information all in one place.
Hiring the best dog trainer school for one-on-one is great, but it can get expensive fast. Online dog training is an extremely affordable way to get great information on a budget. With the best dog trainer schools offering affordable online training courses, every dog owner now has the ability to learn how to be a great pack leader.
2) Convenient
The best dog trainer schools have a large library of online informative videos or webinars for you to choose from. A comprehensive library of training topics is important since every dog owner has different skills that he or she needs to work on. From general dog training knowledge to instructions on how to fix certain bad habits, the best dog trainer schools have online courses for exactly what you need.
A huge perk of using the best dog trainer school online is that you can learn on your own schedule. Whenever you have time, you can slot in some dog training education. It is also convenient because you can re-watch training videos to catch what you missed the first time around.
3) Customizable
Taking online courses from the best dog trainer school has some very practical perks. When you have access to more than 100 dog training videos, you can pick and choose what you want to learn and when. Start with the introductory videos and then move on to the specific issues that you and your dog are having. With online dog training, you can learn at your own convenience and on your own schedule.
The best dog trainer school’s online courses also allow you to learn about a topic, try it out with your dog, and then revisit the online training if you need a refresher. You don’t need to worry about forgetting what the trainer said after they leave. Just pull up the video and watch it again.
Learning online with best dog trainer school really is the best of both worlds. You can stay safe at home, have access to many different training topics, and save money in these tight times – all while learning how to be a great pack leader and guide your pooch to becoming the best behaved dog on the block.
Tips for Finding the Best Dog Trainer School in Your City
If you are a new dog owner or you have had a dog for years that has stopped behaving appropriately to your surprise, the solution to your problem is finding the best dog trainer school. This will not just help you train your dog but also ensure that the dog is trained from all the aspects and not just from a few.
If you are someone who believes in training their pets on their own, it’ll be a great idea to enroll your little monster into the best dog trainer school and at least go there three to four times a week. This process can offer some incredible socialization for your canine and will give you both a decent start in the canine preparation course. If you are going to take your canine to a training school, you will have to settle on a choice made after cautious thinking. You need a school that is extraordinarily good for your canine and you, and there are times when finding something of that sort can be a task that may take a toll on you.
Each training school has a way of its own and works in its ways that offer all kinds of services. There will be trainers that have no experience and then there will be some that have been in the industry for years and have aced the art of dog training. You will have to search for the best ones and make your choice accordingly. Once you have started your search for the best dog trainer school, don’t fall for overwhelming pits that promise too much and deliver nothing.
You must make a decision carefully keeping in mind that you should not be wasting your time with trainers that will be of no help to your pet eventually. It will only be time and money wasted. Here are a few tips that you can keep in mind before finalizing the best dog trainer school in your city;
You should know your dog’s breed: One of the first things to keep in mind before you have finalized the school for your dog is to know what is the breed of your dog and the school that you have finalized trains the same breed. Once you start your school search you will see that not all the schools train all kinds of breeds, some have their restrictions and only have trainers for some specific breed. One trainer cannot train all kinds of dogs, each dog has different behavior and each one needs a different kind of training methods. If you have chosen the best dog trainer school in your city, they will educate you on this aspect and assign you a trainer accordingly.
You should know the trainer: If you have finalized the school for your pet, the next step is to know what kind of trainer have they assigned to you and is he/she trained for your dog’s breed. You can ask for their feedback from other clients and see if they have had satisfactory results, and if there has been a problem earlier or not. You can also check if they have resolved any issue the client has faced and if the client is not satisfied or not. Also, check the number of years they have been training dogs for which will in turn only grow your confidence in the trainer.
Take references: Another thing that you can consider is taking references from your friends or family who have pets. You cannot just ask about some of the best dog trainer school, but you can also take feedback on some good trainers.
The best dog trainer school or a good trainer in general too can make a massive difference in your pets’ behavior. You will see the difference immediately after you have hired one, in the way your dog starts to act around the house and outside as well. So, find your pet a trainer that suits their need the best.
Dog Training Courses – How to Become a Dog Instructor
Do you have a passion for dogs and have always wanted to go further than teaching your pup to sit and stay? Becoming a professional dog instructor can be a rewarding career path that will let you help four-legged students become the best dogs they can be. Of course, like any profession, dog training demands dedication and a commitment to learning all the ropes to ensure you are providing the best instructor services for clients. Luckily, a high-quality online dog training course will help you understand dog behavior and prepare you for your canine pupils.
Understand Dog Behavior
The most crucial characteristic of any dog trainer is having a deep understanding of dog behavior. Every dog is different, and it can be easy to misidentify why one’s four-legged friend is acting out. Knowing the tell-tale signs of anxiety, fear, aggression, and a number of traits that can get dogs in trouble is what being a dog trainer is all about. When you understand a dog, you are better equipped to help it grow and work through issues it may have. Having this knowledge will also help you communicate with owners and work together to create the right training plan for each dog. With an online dog training course, you gain access to educational material and learn everything there is to know about Fido’s personality quirks.
Gain Experience with the Experts
The best source of training is from those with hands-on experience working with a diversity of furry clientele. Professional dog trainers can provide much needed insight on tips and tricks and can also help you avoid common mistakes that befall trainers everywhere. Learning from the experts through an online dog training course is also a good chance for you to ask any questions you may have and gain better insight into what it means to be a dog trainer. Training dogs is not for everyone, and it takes a very particular type of person to have the patience to work with dogs and their owners.
Get Certified
While there is no federal or state certification required to be a dog trainer, an online dog training course will give you certification that shows prospective clients you know a thing or two about puppy manners and behavior. The process for achieving certification will ensure you have the knowledge and capabilities to act as a reliable instructor for dogs and owners who will be coming to you for help. Becoming certified as a dog trainer legitimizes you as a professional, and when you begin your journey as a dog trainer, this certification will help your business draw in clients.
All Paws In
Becoming a dog instructor is no walk in the park. There is plenty of information to absorb, hand-on training and experiencing required, and no shortage of patience. As challenging as it can be, becoming a dog trainer is an incredibly rewarding journey. For those looking at becoming a dog trainer, an online dog training course is an ideal learning method that is accessible to all.
Online Puppy Training Course – Three Crucial Elements You Need to Consider While Training Your Puppy!
I don’t care which breed or a mix of breeds you have as your pet, but puppies are inarguably and adorably cute. Its no wonder people purchase then or adopt them and take these tiny puppies home, but all too often, they don’t know how to train your puppy correctly.
In this guide, we will teach you three crucial elements you need to consider while training your pup.
Importance Of Online Puppy Training Course
Although CDC has requested us to be at home and maintain social distancing, that doesn’t mean we need to stop training our puppies. Puppy Training Classes are a perfect place to practice necessary training skills around distractions. Here is what can help you prepare your pup.
· Online videos and training can help you teach new techniques to train your puppy are at home.
· Live training classes help you teach your puppy behavior issues explicitly related to your lifestyle and home environment. It also saves you from making unnecessary mistakes.
· These training courses also help you know your puppy’s characteristics and temperament and help you approach their training most effectively.
· Most importantly, an excellent online training class helps build the bond between you and your puppy.
Feeding Your Puppy
One of the first things you will think after purchasing or adopting a dog is about its diet. If you don’t care much about this subject, you might end up an obese and unhealthy pet. Thus, your dog will be more prone to indulging in undesired behaviors. Through an online puppy training course, you teach your pup better and on-time feeding habits with well-balanced meals that contain all the nutritional elements your dog will need.
Another essential thing to keep in mind while training your dog is to develop preferences for certain things to chew on. If you manage his environment with tethers, baby gates, and exercise pens, it will allow him to chew on only “legal” chew objects. It will give your puppy house freedom much sooner, with much more confidence that your valuables are safe. Different dogs like different kinds of chewable items; therefore, provide them with various things until you find what they like.
Socialize Your Pup
The classes that focus only on obedience training are a great start. However, puppy play and socialization classes are essential, especially when your puppy is still young, and learning to interact with other dogs. Socialization teaches your puppy that the world is a safe and happy place. It means taking your puppy lots of homes, exposing your pup to different sights, surfaces, humans, and other animals that give him a good time in dog life. The exposure gives him a positive classical association with the world and all things she’s likely to encounter.
The initial socialization period is alarmingly small – from three to four weeks or about 13 to 14 weeks. It is essential to take your puppy to safe places to control the environment to a reasonable degree.
However, parties and crowded streets aren’t a good idea for his socialization. A small gathering with children is suitable for your puppy.
Positive And Humane Training Techniques
Puppy classes should never use aversive tools or correction techniques to teach your puppy manners. These aversive techniques not only are ineffective and damage your relationship with your puppy but also create a negative association with your lifetime.
Instead, choose an online puppy training course that focuses on using positive techniques of desired behaviors. The online lesson should be fun for both you and your pup, as it’s all about building a strong bond between both of you. The more you reward his behavior, the more your puppy will choose to do it.
Like, an online course for puppy s a perfect opportunity for your puppy to learn that jumping on people never gets him attention. A well-training class will encourage you to be consistent in ignoring your puppy who jumps up for attention and rewarding them for sitting nicely.
Why You Should Take Your Pet to the Vet
Whatever type of pet you have, routine veterinarian care is a must for keeping them in good health throughout their life. By getting a medical checkup done at least once a year, it will be possible to diagnose illnesses, provide essential and preventive care, and keep up with your pet’s vaccinations. The vet checkup cost is likely to vary, depending on the services they offer and the location of the clinic.
Why should you take your pet to the vet?
Here are a few reasons why you should take your pet to the vet on an annual basis:
- To undertake a routine physical examination
- To administer vaccines and boosters
- To test for heartworm disease
- To do a fecal check for gastrointestinal parasites
- To do blood work and other tests for geriatric screening
- To perform a dental checkup and dental cleaning
- To carry out blood and skin tests for allergy testing
- To schedule surgeries
When should you take your pet to the vet?
Ideally, you ought to take your new pet to see a vet within four to ten days of bringing them home. Some breeders even require this contractually. It is a good idea to take a few days to get acquainted with your pet and help them to settle down in the new environment. You can then take them to the veterinary clinic for a thorough checkup and have your vet assess their general health condition.
By doing so, you will be able to find out if your pet has any existing health issues. These can include the occurrence of internal parasites, external pests, dental plaque, congenital abnormalities, or infectious illnesses. Discovering these early on will make it possible for you to take proper measures to treat them. You could even prevent some problems before they arise.
How much does it cost to take your pet to the vet?
It can depend on several factors. Along with the clinic’s location and your pet’s age, type, and breed-specific issues, you should take into account the standard office visit as well as other things such as x-rays, diagnostic laboratory tests, surgical procedures, and medications. You may also have to pay extra in the vet checkup cost if your pet is aggressive, difficult to manage, and liable to cause injury. The vet will need to use muzzles and other restraints and get an assistant to help with controlling your dog, and they will charge you for those expenses.
Should you buy pet insurance to cover the cost of veterinary services?
While the fees for a standard veterinary visit might be reasonable, the expenses can add up for the additional services. So, rather than budget for them every month or even every year, it might make more financial sense to get pet insurance to help fray the costs. Get it even if your pet is in healthy condition to safeguard them against any unforeseen illnesses and accidents. You don’t want to have to worry about finding money for the necessary medical procedures in such situations.
Different pet insurance plans cover various health services, so you should choose carefully and make sure that you are getting coverage for every possible health scenario that your pet might potentially develop or experience. Well, except preexisting health conditions. Many insurance companies will not offer coverage for those.
If there is a financial issue with affording pet insurance premiums and a regular vet checkup, it might help to have a frank discussion with the vet. They may agree to give you a discount on their services or to allow you to pay the bill in installments. You can also consider taking your pet to the low-cost clinics that many pet organizations often set up on weekends or during important pet-related events to offer pet healthcare at reduced rates. Additionally, you can search online for pet clinics that provide affordable or free services.
By taking your pet for routine vet checkups annually and addressing small health issues immediately, you might be able to prevent greater and more expensive to handle problems later. Your pet will be able to enjoy a healthier and happier existence for the entire duration of their life.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Health Insurance for Pets
Your pets are going to require healthcare attention at some point in their lives, especially as they grow older. The veterinary costs will vary depending on the treatments they need, and, while you could budget for these, you never know when an emergency might arise, bringing unexpected expenses with it. By having the best health insurance for pets, however, you won’t have to worry about not being able to afford any necessary procedures.
Here’s what you need to know about getting the best health insurance for pets:
You must understand the different insurance terms
Insurance terminology can seem baffling, but you must understand it if you are to find the best plans for your pets. The most commonly bandied terms are deductibles, limits, and reimbursements.
A deductible is the cost of the veterinary treatment up to a specified limit that you must pay from your pocket. If your deductible is $500, you must pay $500 upfront, and the insurer is responsible for the expenses above that. That is, the insurance company will pay you a reimbursement for the costs above the deductible. They may cover 60% to 100% of the total costs of the treatment.
It is essential to consider limits before buying pet insurance. Ask the insurance provider what their annual reimbursement limits are. If you go over that, you will have to pay the veterinary treatment costs thereafter. So, if your limits are $2000 and the expenses are $2500, the company will only reimburse you up to $2000, and you will have to shoulder the burden of paying $500.
You can buy pet insurance in three different ways
You can buy the plans directly from insurance providers, as part of employer benefits, and through insurance marketplaces. Some providers also sell add-on wellness plans when you buy pet insurance coverage, but they may not offer separate stand-alone wellness plans. In-depth research is crucial before selecting insurance and wellness plans, which means comparing multiple plans and their features and costs carefully.
Don’t be swayed too much by positive and negative reviews as these are more of individual user experiences. The plans that worked for them might not work for you and vice versa.
You can personalize pet insurance plans
While the pet insurance plans are most commonly available for cats and dogs, you can also get coverage for birds, reptiles, and other animals. You can personalize plans according to your pet’s type, age, breed-specific health conditions, and existing health needs. You can also get coverage for accidents, and buy add-on wellness plans to cover routine care like vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick prevention, grooming, and spaying.
If you have multiple pets, you can get separate plans for each of them. Some pet insurance companies may offer you discounts on these.
You must pay an insurance premium
The premium amount will depend on the health conditions covered and other factors such as your pet’s size, age, breed, location, and area risks. For instance, you may be able to get lower premiums if you buy insurance while your pet is still young, and there are no pre-existing health issues. It will also make a difference if you pay an annual premium, instead of a monthly one. Some providers even offer discounts on that, so you should ask beforehand.
While pet insurance premiums are generally affordable, you can cut costs further by buying plans with higher deductibles or lower reimbursements. Keep in mind, though, that that can mean having to pay more out of pocket or receiving limited coverage.
The coverage you generally get is a fixed percentage of what the treatment will cost. You must pay the veterinarian, and the insurance company will later reimburse you. The plus point of such an arrangement is that you don’t have to worry about finding a veterinary clinic in the insurance company’s network. You can get your pet treated with any licensed veterinarian nationwide.
After purchasing the best health insurance for pets, there may be a waiting period of about 14 days before the coverage starts. It is a straightforward matter. Following your pet’s treatment, you pay the veterinarian and submit the receipt to the insurance company. They will reimburse you as per your policy.
DIY Dog Training: How to Stop the Chewing Problem
Is your dog chewing everything in sight and turning your home into a chewed-up zone? It is high time you took action and put an end to such unwanted behavior. With some DIY dog training, you and your pet will soon be able to live in harmony.
Understand why your dog has a chewing problem
The first step in dealing with the chewing problem is to understand why it is happening. There are three main reasons why most dogs chew on things:
- They are teething.
- They are bored.
- They are suffering from separation anxiety.
To stop them from chewing up your home, you will need to address these three issues.
Addressing teething issues
Puppies start teething between the ages of three weeks to six months, and it is normal for them to chew on things during this stage. However, you don’t want them to gnaw on your wooden furniture, oriental carpets, slippers, shoes, clothes, wires, medicines, or other household items.
Such destructive and even dangerous behavior can ruin your home and could also end up harming your pets if they chew a live wire, eat something toxic, or get anything stuck in their throat. To prevent a tragedy and end the random chewing, you will have to redirect their attention to safe chew toys and chewable bones.
First of all, puppy proofs your house or keep your puppy confined to a section of the house where they cannot cause much damage or endanger themselves in any way. Secondly, keep a good supply of chew toys and bones around. Thirdly, set up a regular exercise and play schedule for your puppy.
Every time you catch your puppy chewing on forbidden things, reprimand them with a sharp “No! Leave it!”, take the items away, and give them the chewable toy or bone. Do this repeatedly, and, over time, they will learn that they can only chew on these, and everything else is off-limits.
And, in any case, after your puppy develops their permanent teeth, the urge to chew on things will go away.
Addressing boredom issues
Some dogs, well past the teething stage, may take to chewing on things because they are bored and want to have something to do to while away the time. If that fits your dog’s situation, consider what you can do to keep them mentally stimulated. You can make sure that they get regular and adequate exercise every day and schedule some DIY dog training and playtime too. Well-exercised dogs that get to spend sufficient time with their people are less likely to indulge in destructive behavior.
It is also a good idea to get them accustomed to spending time on their own and keep them supplied with smart puzzles, rubber bones, and flavored chew toys. You might also spray things with a chewing deterrent spray made of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. It won’t be toxic to your pet, but as it won’t appeal to them either, they will leave off trying to chew the sprayed things.
Addressing separation anxiety issues
Dogs that spend too much time on their own may develop behavioral issues arising from stress and separation anxiety. They might take to chewing on things to relieve their feelings of being abandoned.
To resolve these issues, pay plenty of attention to your dog while you are at home and exercise them before leaving the house. That will allow them to relieve themselves and also get rid of the excess energy that they might have otherwise directed at destroying things. You can also get them used to being alone by leaving them for short periods and then returning without any fanfare. They will learn that wherever you go, you will always return. Once they get used to your going away, gradually extend the time that you are out of the house. If you are going to be away from home for very long hours, however, you might want to consider leaving your dog at a pet daycare center, with a pet sitter, or with a family member or friend. You can also install a pet camera that allows you to watch your pet and even speak with them from remote locations.
Dog Training Schools – What You Need to Know About Them
Online Dog Training Schools
Body: Contrary to what one may believe, online dog training schools are quite popular; especially so with the heartbreaking pandemic of the coronavirus. It is no longer possible for you to drop off your fluffy buddies at a trusted dog training school because social distancing is essential, but this is where the boon of the internet comes into play. Online dog training schools make sure you can work efficiently at work even with your loyal companion glued to your feet!
Online Dog Training Schools: Worth It Or Not?
Most dogs are known to be hyperactive. But even if they’re not, they are still a lot of work: they need constant attention, and in most cases, if not trained at the right time, can never truly be disciplined. With you having to work from home for the next couple of months, make sure you take the time for online dog training, which will in effect be beneficial to your entire household. So the question of whether or not investing in an online dog training school really depends on how you approach the problem: long-term or short-term! Rest assured, this training will benefit you in both regards.
Another great thing about online dog training schools is that they are available in plenty. It doesn’t matter what city you’re in, because all classes are virtual: all you need to do is show up at the scheduled time of your class and attend them religiously with your pawed-buddy. But here comes another problem: with so many online dog training schools, how do you know which one to pick? Is there an easy-fix solution wherein you can pick the best one of the lot? Or do you simply go with the first Google search result? More on that later…
All About Online Dog Training Schools
Let’s talk first about everything you need to know about online dog training schools!
Complete Flexibility
You no longer have to miss classes because you couldn’t step out of the house. Thanks to the gift of the internet, you can easily reschedule your classes and make sure they don’t overlap with your work hours. This way, you can make sure you spend some quality time with your pet, whilst ensuring they are getting the discipline they need. Flexibility in scheduling the hours and your timetable really is a blessing!
The Cost Factor
If you’re thinking an online dog training school would burn a hole in your wallet, you thought wrong. The truth is that there are many online sessions for dog disciplining that is very much affordable (if not free!) Just make sure to spend some time sifting through the list until you find one that fits your budget- even if your budget is essentially nothing. There are plenty of good resources available online to train your dog the right way.
Sessions Are Interactive
Online dog training schools have very interactive sessions: it’s not a restricted one-way conversation where the instructor tells you what to do. There are open discussions between both sides, wherein specific cases can be shared; this way, the instructor can give potential solutions that apply directly to your case, making your life easier, one click at a time! Since most schools have highly-skilled and trained instructors, make sure to discuss all your issues openly with them. Benefit from the tips they share with you- given their experience in the matter, it’ll certainly be of good use!
Availability of Private Sessions
If you’re not one to thrive in groups and want private 1:1 sessions, that is available for most online dog training schools. It might be a little pricier than group sessions, but definitely worth it, because the trainer will focus all their energy on your dog.
Reviewing Classes Probably the best part about online dog training schools is that they record almost all sessions and classes conducted. You’re wondering what the big deal is? Well, let’s say your instructor came up with a tailored solution for your dog, but a few weeks down the line, you forgot the solution. Too late to call up your instructor? Is your dog acting too out-of-control to wait for the next day? Fret not, for you can go back to the website and review your session- everything is recorded for your benefit. Find the session and rewatch it as many times as you need to!
How to Choose an Online Puppy Training Course
Getting a new furry friend is exciting. What is less exciting is dealing with the torn-apart couch cushions, missing shoes, tugging at the end of the leash, and pee stains on the carpet. With an online puppy training course, you can learn the steps to proper training and grow closer to your new puppy. Training is fun for both puppy and trainer, and what better way to get to know one another? Of course, not every training program is the same, and there are a number of online courses to choose from. So how should you go about finding the perfect match for you and your pup?
Be on the Lookout for Reviews
A good starting point is looking for reviews. The best source for gauging the effectiveness of an online puppy training course is to look for experiences from previous customers. Did they find the class enjoyable and effective? Could they see measurable improvements in their puppy after taking the course? Was the trainer helpful? These are just some of the questions you should be looking for when reading reviews. Finding a class or trainer that has been recognized by a number of dog owners and organizations will help you get the best training available.
Read Up on the Trainer
The most important aspect of an online puppy training course is the trainer. You will want to look for an experienced trainer who has worked with a variety of dog breeds and has knowledge of puppy behavior. It is a good idea to look for small class sizes, preferably one-on-one, to ensure you and your puppy are able to connect with the trainer and get all the help you need. Every dog comes with its own unique personality, and working with an experienced trainer will give you and your furry friend the opportunity to learn together.
Finding the Best Puppy Course for Your Furry Friend
A well-trained puppy will grow into an obedient and confident housemate. Having an unruly and disobedient dog can not only be frustrating, but it can also be dangerous. That is why training is so important for both you and your dog. A trained dog can be easily incorporated into your busy lifestyle. Whether you want to bring your new friend to the park or take them along on hikes, you will find a well-trained dog is much easier to bring along for the ride. Beginning an online puppy training course from a young age has a number of benefits, and in addition to helping your dog become trained, it will also improve your relationship. Of course, training a puppy is no cake walk. There will be struggles along the way, and times when your puppy will not be the ideal student. That’s where an experienced dog trainer comes in. When you use an online puppy training course created by an experienced dog trainer, you don’t have to worry about driving your dog to school or how your pet will react around other animals. An online puppy training course is the fast and affordable way to get your dog on its best behaviour, while using tried and true techniques from professionals.
How Are Army Dogs Trained?
Ever wondered how army dogs are trained? What the process of army dog training looks like, and what distinguishes a normal dog from an army-trained dog? For starters, they are more disciplined, but this is the case for all things military! One thing for sure is that army dog training is no piece of cake: if you’ve ever trained your dog before, keep in mind that this is more advanced, with more factors to consider and more steps to follow. But, fret not for it is not impossible. In fact, army dog training is not as daunting as it sounds.
Army Dog Training: Is It For All Dogs?
Even though there’s no single breed of dogs trained in the military, it cannot be ignored that certain breeds are commonly found- such as German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, and Belgian Malinois. These dogs are smart, intuitive, sensitive, and have very high play drives, which makes the high-intensity training ideal for them. Keep in mind, however, that taking up army dog training for your dog and pulling it off successfully is not only setting high standards for your dog but a reflection upon you as a trainer. In this article, let’s talk about certain things to keep in mind while considering army dog training.
Start With The Basics
Even with army dog training, start from the beginning. Teach them obedience commands like sit, down, heel, and stay- the four most vital commands to teach any dog. Army dog training of course requires you to teach the dog with verbal and gestural cues. If your dog responds to your voice commands, try using your hand signals to do the same and see how quickly they pick it up.
Generalizing Your Commands
Now that you’ve trained your dog a few more than just the 4 basic commands, try generalization: a very effective method of army dog training. This helps them use the same command, only in different circumstances. For example, if a dog can balance something on her head, see if she’ll do the same thing with another object, using the same command. This is how generalization works. Keep in mind that generalization will not be picked up with ease by all breeds. Keep at it and they’ll eventually pick it up.
Bring In Distractions
After you feel that your dog has mastered basic and complicated tricks, it is now time to test him/her. Try adding a few distractions into the mix and see how proficient they are at picking them up. These distractions could be an external sound, smell, or stimulus. A good idea would be to throw a ball or toy at them while giving a basic command and see how they respond. It’s important for them to adapt, but don’t bring in a threatening environment for them, either. Always remember that patience is key: a virtue that all trainers/teachers/instructors must-have.
Practice Is Key
Remember to be consistent with army dog training. You cannot pick it up for a week or two and then leave it be. This will confuse your dog. Keep practicing, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. How much training your dog requires depends on your dog’s behavior and capabilities. For instance, a Shih Tzu would not perform as efficiently as a German Shepherd. Do not push them beyond their limits, but take the time to train them regularly. Some people say 4 hours a week is the right amount of time.
Use Of Positive Reinforcements
This is the case with any form of dog training, but with army dog training, it is especially important to appreciate their wins, as the level of training is higher. It is important not to depreciate the value of high achievements either. For instance, if your dog is crazy about the liver, make sure only to give it to them when they achieve something exceptional. You don’t want them to have it for smaller wins because this depreciates the value of the reinforcement.
Socialization Helps
Lastly, build up your dog’s confidence by bringing them into new environments and watch them socialize with other dogs. This is an important part of army dog training as well, even though it would seem unlikely. This helps your dog work well around strangers and other dogs as well.
Three Steps to Consider While Selecting an Online Dog Training School
Yes, online dog training schools are a thing, in case you were wondering. Contrary to what you may believe, training a dog is no piece of cake, especially if your dog is known to be hyperactive. Dropping your dogs off at dog training schools is somewhat risky at a time like this (with the frozen state of our world due to COVID-19), but fret not, for the internet won’t let you down.
Online Dog Training Schools: Making Your Life Easier One Click At A Time!
There are various online schools available to train your dog, which is the perfect solution right now. Just type online dog training schools and find your Google searches spill into double-digit numbers. But here’s the question: how do you go about narrowing them down? Sure, a big factor is a price: how much you’re willing to spend on online dog training schools is crucial, and to a certain extent, it will help you. But is that enough? What are some of the other important factors to consider while looking for online dog training schools? Let’s dive in!
What To Consider?
The Class Environment & Approach
After you’ve sifted through the list and come up with a list of online dog training schools that fit within your price range, it’s time to find out what the classes are like. Some offer 1-day free trials to sit in and find out what they’re online classes look like. This is where you find out their approach towards dog training and how their teaching skills. You want to make sure it’s a fun, loving environment to ensure that your pawed-friend has a good learning experience but also a safe environment that is force-free! Of course, this is also where you can ask your questions, find out what their approaches towards certain breeds of dogs are if they have any specific methods for positive reinforcements and such.
Trainers? Testimonials?
One of the best ways to find out how great an online dog training school is, is to read their online testimonials. Find out from fellow dog-owners what they think of the classes and the trainers that they recommend. Don’t believe everything you read online- if they have their numbers jotted down, you might want to give them a ring to confirm their story. If you get the chance, talk to your potential dog trainers and find out their teaching methods. Find out how they treat dogs in general, and of above all else, if they’re certified. Certain dog schools specialize in a particular breed, so if you find your dog would learn better in a class of their own breed, go for those. Either way, make sure you do enough research on the school before signing up.
Private & Group Sessions
Some online schools offer private 1:1 sessions (on Zoom, Google Meets, etc.) If you think this is pertinent for your dog, or if your dog is hyperactive and doesn’t abide by the rules normal dogs would consider taking 1:1 dog training sessions. This way, the trainer can focus all his/her energy on your dog, giving it all the attention it deserves. Of course, many schools offer this option, but there might be a few that don’t. Best to find out your options in advance, in case you feel a shift is necessary later on (this research will come in handy then!)
These are the main three steps to consider while you’re out looking for an online dog training school.
Online Dog Training School Benefits?
Remember that there are many benefits to opting online schools, some of which are listed below:
• They offer flexible training schedules. Since the dogs will get trained from your own homes, you are allowed to make your own schedule and select times that work best for you. This eliminates traveling costs, chances of missing out on classes, and the whole family can be a part of this!
• Have discussions with your trainers carefree, because it’s online. Online access to highly-skilled, trained, and certified trainers allow you to discuss all your issues with your trainer. Ask them tips on how to involve reward-based training methods!
• Of course, you can always go back to a class if you want to revisit a certain class or portion of the lesson because it’s all online. You can even submit your training videos and receive feedback on how your canine-friend is doing! It’s just that simple!
Puppy Training: What is Schutzhund and IPO?
Schutzhund and IPO training programs are designed for dogs that will be used in protection work. Schutzhund and IPO testing is used to distinguish the best dogs for this role. These dogs then can go on to breed a top line of working dogs. It is a much disciplined program that only the elite can successfully manage.
History
The world Schutzhund translates to “Protection dog”. Over 100 years ago in Germany, Von Stephanitz decided to do something about the declining quality of herding dogs. Many of these dogs existed but good quality was becoming more and more difficult to obtain. He designed a port called Schutzhund. The first competition was held in 1901. It was a sporting event was used to evaluate the ability of working dogs. The sheer difficulty of this sport helped to eliminate dogs that did not possess the high skills needed to maintain an elite breed. Those that excelled at the competitions were used in breeding to once again produce a superior line of working dogs.
IPO is short for Internationale Prüfungs-Ordnung. In 2004 Schutzhund began to adjust their rules to match IPO, the international standard. As a result the two types of competitions became the same, the only difference was the governing body. Thus Schutzhund and IPO are often referred too at the same time as they were basically the same training. In January 2012 another large rule change came into effect. The Schutzhund titles 1-3, based on level of dog training was removed. The FCI (The Fédération Cynologique Internationale) now only recognizes the IPO levels 1-3 titles.
Schutzhund/IPO training and testing are focused the main following abilities. Both the canine and the handler are judged on their skills and their ability to work together.
Obedience
Schutzhund and IPO competitions require extreme discipline and obedience. The owner must be in full control of their dog at all times during the competition. This is not an easy task when you consider the enormous amount of distractions that both the dog and the owner face while being tested. The dog is tested on their willingness to work and their ability to respond to commands while staying focused on the job at hand.
Tracking
The dog being testing during the tracking phase must demonstrate an ability to quickly identify objects and alert their handler then they have been located. They must stay completely focused on their task of locating the desired articles without being distracted by surrounding factors.
Protection
Protection is probably the most publicly known part of Schutzhund or IPO training. The dog is to locate and detain a specific individual, the helper. The dog must first locate them, as they are hidden somewhere on the testing course. Once the helper has been found, the dog must alert their trainer to their location. They must detain the helper on the spot where they have located them. During testing the helper will test the dog by trying to escape. When this happens the dog must apprehend them. The helper wears a training sleeve for this. It is extremely important to note that helpers are trained professionals that work with dogs regularly. This is not an experiment that should be tried at home. During this entire phase of testing, the dog must also be fully aware of commands from their trainer. They must release, or apprehend each time they are commanded to do so. They must remained focused on the helper but immediately respond to the trainer.
The Breeds
Levels 1-3 of Schutzhund or IPO training coordinate with the skill levels of the dog being tested. There is official recognition for each level. While this is open to all types of dogs, this competition is generally dominated by German Shepherd’s.
It is important to realize that many dogs can perform these tasks but there is a select few who excel at them. If you are interested in owning a dog from these top blood lines, then there are organizations in your area that can direct you to breeders who work with them. While this has been misunderstood as an abusive sport, this is hardly the case. Both dogs and trainers that are involved in Schutzhund and IPO, excel at it because it is what they love to do. Neither could perform at such a disciplined level if they did not have the love and determination to shine in this field. It takes dedication and commitment from both the trainer and the dog. A commitment that will create a bond that will last a lifetime.