| By Fran Black
Obedience training is the foundation for
establishing a better relationship between you and your
dog. Obedience training helps establish the owner in the
role of "pack leader". Obedience will lay down clear behavior
guidelines that your dog can follow. A well-behaved, obedient
dog is more than just a pet of pride. The difference lies
largely in the training, and good training can save a
dog's life.
Dog's are pack animals and view your family
as his/her pack. An established role in the pack allows
the dog to predict the reactions and needs of the rest
of his pack. It is not always the breed that is vicious
or willful, but the treatment of the dog that determines
behavior. A well socialized and adjusted puppy or dog
will feel no need to act aggressively.
The main idea is to have your dog's behavior
be a result of your direction, rather than their instinctual
choice. Instruction should be designed to strengthen the
human-animal bond while improving your dog's behavior.
When you have the appropriate relationship with your dog,
there are virtually no behavior problems and the dog obeys
without a leash.
The handler needs to be able to bond with
the dog and create a willingness to please in the dog.
The dog must play with the handler before he will work
for the handler. When a trainer works with a dog, it is
the trainer who is earning the dog's respect, not the
owner. If at all possible, the dog's owner should be an
active participant in the dog's training, preferably as
the primary handler. The trainer must be consistent, dependable
and predictable. It is far easier to teach an exercise
correctly in the first place than to break bad habits
later.
Training classes serve many functions. Training
class are good places to meet and talk to other dog owners,
and see how your dog behaves with distractions and other
dogs. A fun, well-run class is a great way to socialize
and train your companion.
Understand exactly what you intend to accomplish
before starting a training session. Make these first leash
training sessions short, sharp and fun. Puppies have short
attention spans, so training sessions should be brief,
but daily. The dog or puppy must never be given cause
to fear training. Pre-empt and resolve behavioral problems
with focused obedience skills. Know when and how to apply
appropriate correction. Teach your dog that it is his
responsibility to pay attention to you.
About the Author
Francesca Black works in marketing for Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net
and Horse Stall http://www.horse-stall.net
leading portals for pet management.
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