To communicate with each other, dogs use body language and guttural sounds, such as barks and growls. When they first meet, dogs use their body language to assess where each ranks in the pack order. Signs of dominance and confidence are a stiff body, head and ears up, hackles up and tail up. Signs of submission and respect are a lowering of the body, the head, the ears and the tail.

Because dogs instinctively know and understand these body signals, it only makes sense that we humans would be able to communicate with them better if we can learn how to imitate the ways in which they communicate with each other.

For example, dogs do not instinctively know the words that come most naturally to us. If two dogs meet and neither shows respect to the other, they will issue warning growls. This again is a language that dogs already understand. They do not instinctively know “Spot, don’t come any closer.”

That’s why experts say behavioral training is so important-and that lasting training isn’t about treats and physical punishment. It’s about understanding the way your dog thinks and communicates in a way that establishes the owner as “top dog.”

“Dogs are pack animals,” stated Liam Crowe, Bark Busters’ president, CEO and master trainer. “They have a specific way of interacting, which includes an instinctual manner of communication. Learning how to communicate effectively with your dog in a language he understands is the first step toward establishing leadership and control.”

So, while Spot and Rover might learn the meaning of a few words, they will learn more quickly if we communicate using their language. Once we communicate clearly with them by using a language they already know, then we can start to teach them some of our own language.

Learning canine is not hard. It takes practice, however, because it is not instinctive for us. If you watch Rover and Spot talk to their friends and then to strangers, you will begin to see certain patterns of communication. We learn how they meet each other, how they greet each other, and how they call one another to follow. We see how they let each other know when they are uncomfortable with someone getting into their space.

Using a dog’s own language to communicate with them is the quickest, most effective way of getting through to him. Thus, when we are trying to train our dogs, it just makes common sense to teach them in a language they already understand.

The post Speak Your Dog’s Language For Better Communication first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Dogs are basically descended from current day wolves. While domestication has dampened or taken out quite a few attributes, some key normal instincts even now continue to be. Like wolves, dogs are pack animals. What does this imply? Well, you will find several traits that derive from being a pack animal. The important ones when it comes to training are dogs are naturally sociable, they are used to routine and they are used to a social structure (i.e. the alpha male). As communal animals k-9s thrive over a interaction with other dogs. A dog does not consider you as being a human being but fairly a funny looking dog. Therefore, dogs thrive on the interaction with you. Much like a wild wolf, rejected by the pack, when you starve a dog of this interaction, they’ll become unhappy and very agitated.

However, there are some situations when you do need to reprimand your canine. One of the biggest things that often confuses people with regards to dog training is when to reward your dog and when to reprimand him. You’ll want to determine when to reprimand him or compliment your dog throughout dog training. Bear in mind to be patient because your dog is learning and trying his best to please you, which is another free dog training tip.

Another very important free dog training tip is to make sure everyone in your home acts consistently whenever you are training your dog. It is very important that you make sure that everyone in the house knows what you are doing during the dog training, and how to provide supportive measures whenever needed.

One of the factors that you may ought to take into consideration whenever you are trying to train your dog is how does he act whenever he is around you? Is your pet speedily distracted every time there are other dogs all-around? You will need to teach your dog to target you and everything you are trying to teach him. Also how does your canine react whenever you can find other people around? Does he allow a different person to handle him? Again is he easily distracted around other people? One more free dog training tip is to start the dog training at quiet places that are familiar to your dog. Be sure that there are very few things and people around that would distract him. Then once you feel that your dog has learned to focus on what you are trying to teach him, then you can gradually move the training to places with more and more distractions so he will learn to obey your commands despite those distractions.

The post Dog Training Explained first appeared on Puppy Blog.

We’ve all seen them. Those carefree dog food commercials that feature adorable, furry puppy’s jumping on the laps of children, licking their faces and, for the most part, being on their best behavior. Unable to resist the allure of this loveable scene played out on television, many children ask their parents for a dog of their own.

Many parents submit to the requests. After all, a puppy would make a great companion, it might distract the youngster from the PlayStation gaming console for a while, and it just might teach him or her some responsibility. But buying the dog is easy. The hard part is training it to act like the dog in the commercial. And that task becomes even trickier when there are kids involved. Most kids don’t know the first thing about being with and training a dog, and many parents could use some remedial training as well.

Whenever a parent makes the important decision to purchase a dog for the kids, they should also make the commitment to enroll the dog (and its adolescent companion) in formal training classes. I have found that Bark Busters, the only international dog training company that offers a lifetime guarantee, to be one of the most effective, proven dog training companies around. Bark Busters uses a dog’s own innate pack mentality, voice commands and body language to teach most dogs the basics in roughly two hours.

“Dogs are pack animals,” says Liam Crowe, Bark Busters president, CEO and master trainer. “They have a specific way of interacting, which includes an instinctual manner of communication. Learning how to communicate effectively with your dog in a language he understands is the first step toward establishing leadership and control.”

First and foremost, never buy a dog as a toy substitute. Dogs are living, breathing creatures with feelings. Children should be taught this fact from an early age and should be shown how to treat dogs with respect. By adopting a new dog for the right reasons and instilling the right mindset within the child, a parent takes the first step in avoiding undesired consequences, such as mistreatment and neglect.

After you have adopted a dog for the right reasons, go out and find a local trainer immediately before you become “dogged” with bad canine habits. In the meantime, here are a few safety tips to make sure your new pet and your child make it together safely to their first training class.

Never leave a child or baby alone with a dog. When visiting friends or relatives who have a dog, do not allow your child to play in the yard unsupervised. If that is not possible, ask the owners to put the dog away.

Do not allow your child to feed a dog unsupervised, as some dogs can be very protective of food. Also, never allow your dog to snatch food from your child. It not only teaches the dog bad manners, but it endangers the hand that feeds it.

Do not allow your child to pull on the dog’s collar to lead it outside the house, as it could bite them. Children without adult supervision should not be allowed to walk a dog, as the child could be dragged unwittingly into a fight with another dog. The dog should be taught to respond to a verbal command. However, if the dog does not respond to a verbal command given by the child, correction should be given by the parent, not the child. In fact, under no circumstances should a child ever discipline a dog. That is the parents’ job.

In addition to the above tips to help parents create a safe environment for their children and their new dog, here are some additional tips that parents should teach their children for when they are not around to directly supervise them. Children should be instructed to:

1) Never pet a strange dog, even if his owner is present.
2) Stay away from a dog while he is eating and sleeping.
3) Stop your bike if chased while riding.
4) Never retrieve a ball from someone else’s yard.
5) If visiting friends who have dogs, ask them to put their dogs away if you want to play.
6) Stay away from a dog that has puppies.
7) Stay away from a dog that is tied up.
8) Never pull a dog’s tails or ears; dogs feel pain, too.
9) Never tease a dog or make it angry.
10) Stand totally still if a dog runs at you barking. Cover your face with your hands. If knocked to the ground by a dog, roll into a ball, cover your face with your arms and stay as still as you possibly can. Do not try to get up.

Adopting a dog can be fun-both for the parent and the child. A dog can provide one of the best forms of companionship possible, it teaches the children some responsibility and it brings smiles to all. By following the above tips and enrolling your dog in a local training course, you may soon have the dog food companies calling you for a TV spot.

The post Dog Safety Tips For Children And Parents first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Dog training is the way to go if you want to get the best out of your dog. You can build a lifelong bond between you and your dog through obedience training. A trained dog is more effective and enjoyable as a friend companion and playmate. Though a dog can be trained for different purposes such as hunting, law enforcement, dog sports etc what most dogs require is just basic obedience training.

Dogs are ‘pack’ animals. They live in families called packs where there is a dominant leader. This leader is followed by everybody in the pack. Your dog sees your family as his pack and will naturally follow the leader. If he sees no apparent leader, he will take up the leadership and start dictating the laws. This is the general picture of an untrained and unruly dog. Dog training will help you to assert your leadership so your dog can follow you.

Basic obedience training usually aims to condition your dog to the following six commands; stay, sit, down, come, close and heel. Your dog can be trained by different people. A friend can help or you can get a professional to train him for you. However the best person to train your dog is you. Personally training your dog helps you to create a special bond between the two of you. Understanding grows as you work and play with him and you create the best possible relationship with your dog.

Although you can train your dog at home, the best place to train him is a dog training class. He can get trained with little distraction. You will see experts in action and you will be able to watch, learn and practice. This will reduce the frustrations of training for you and your dog. You will learn how to use commands, teach them to your dog and give proper reward or praise. Your dog will also have the opportunity of socializing with other dogs. Dog training classes will motivate you by giving you help and support.

The post Benefits Of Dog Training Classes, first appeared on Puppy Blog.

When a puppy comes into your life you are given not only a lifelong comfort, but also a lifelong responsibility. Dogs are pack animals descended from wolves and like wolves they need to have a definite pack hierarchy so that they can feel safe and secure in their role in society. This means that they want desperately to be trained in how to behave: manners are very important to a dog.

Pawsitive Solutions offers San Antonio puppy training that will give your newest family member the confidence he or she needs to be a happy and well adjusted dog. Marlene Ring, a certified professional pet dog trainer, teaches San Antonio dog obedience classes that are unique in their approach. Ms. Ring fully understands the special personality of your puppy and works with the animals entrusted to her care individually for specific skills as well as working toward socialization skills in groups of dogs.

A dog needs to be mannerly not only when he is alone with his family but also when he is in the presence of other dogs. He needs to know what he may and may not do. Dogs want to please their human family, but they are not born knowing what to do. Obedience is important, but equally important is socialization with other dogs or animals. In a service called board and train, Ms. Ring takes your animal into her home for a period of time and teaches it to be a “good dog” around people as well as around other dogs. It is like a camp experience for dogs.

In her San Antonio dog training classes, Marlene Ring also works with the people in a dog’s life so that the dog understands who is the “leader of the pack” and who is in charge at home. A trained dog is a dog who knows where he stands and what to do: a happy dog. Using a technique of positive reinforcement the classes teach both the human and the canine how to respond to situations that life throws at them and what to expect from each other day to day. The partnership of animal and person is forged in understanding and love.

San Antonio dog training should not be hit or miss, it needs to be targeted at your dog’s specific personality and need. Pawsitive Solutions can give your friend the confidence and self assurance she craves to have a wonderful life experience with you.

The post Positive Puppy Training With Pawsitive Solutions first appeared on Puppy Blog.