Training Tip: Choosing Commands
When you choose a command word (the word you will use to ask for the behavior you are training) you will want to keep two rules in mind. First, short one or two syllable words are most easily recognized by dogs - this is something you should also keep in mind while naming a dog. Not only will keeping the commands simple help your dog learn the command, it will also make your life easier. For example, every time your dog tries to pick something gross off the ground you don't want to be caught trying to get out "please relinquish that" when "no" would elicit the same response. The second rule is to acknowledge that dogs comprehend hand signals better than words. To accommodate this it is often easier to teach the dog a hand signal and then add the command word. The final tip is to remember that any word will do, you don't have to always use "sit", so be creative and have fun choosing your dog's commands.
Take Care in the Cold Weather!
Even though it is rarely truly cold in Texas being prepared for inclement whether is still important. Though many dogs (such as "Scruffy" - image on the right) are naturally prepared for the colder months others need a little help. If you own or walk short haired dogs make sure to have coats or sweaters on hand as hypothermia is a real risk, especially when the temperature is below freezing.
If you feel it is demeaning to put clothes on a dog keep in mind that there are many reasonable coats that act much like a blanket and stay secure with a strap around the dog's stomach (see the image on the left) - staying warm does not mean making your dog uncomfortable.For more information on hypothermia in dogs, follow this link.
Training Tip: The "Go" Command
One of my favorite commands that I often use with my own dogs and the dogs I walk is the "go" command.
Go is a great versatile command that enables you to point your dog in a direction and send them off with the word "go". This allows you to send your dog in and out of doors, cars, and rooms. Go is also useful for getting your dog out of your way, and sending them away from things you don't want the to be playing with. I love the "go" command because it can save you trouble, help your dog literally understand where you need him or her to be, and send your dog away from dangerous situations.
I stumbled upon the "go" command when teaching my own dog to run through the common tubes on playscapes (similar to agility tubes) for fun. This is still my favorite way to teach this command but a hallway or other similar one direction space will work.
To teach this command follow these steps:
1: Place the dog in front of the tube or other area you will be using(ensure that this is a place they are already used to), place a treat, toy, person, or other encouragement at the opposite end
2: Point to the opposite end so that your dog can see and say go, then allow them to run to the other side
3: Reward them with their favorite encouragement when they have reached the other side
4: Continue to repeat this process until they can reliably perform the "go" command in this environment
5: Slowly introduce the command into new environments in the same way, returning to the original environment periodically to reinforce the command
As always be patient and use your own creativity and knowledge of your dog to make training successful and enjoyable!
Go is a great versatile command that enables you to point your dog in a direction and send them off with the word "go". This allows you to send your dog in and out of doors, cars, and rooms. Go is also useful for getting your dog out of your way, and sending them away from things you don't want the to be playing with. I love the "go" command because it can save you trouble, help your dog literally understand where you need him or her to be, and send your dog away from dangerous situations.
I stumbled upon the "go" command when teaching my own dog to run through the common tubes on playscapes (similar to agility tubes) for fun. This is still my favorite way to teach this command but a hallway or other similar one direction space will work.
To teach this command follow these steps:
1: Place the dog in front of the tube or other area you will be using(ensure that this is a place they are already used to), place a treat, toy, person, or other encouragement at the opposite end
2: Point to the opposite end so that your dog can see and say go, then allow them to run to the other side
3: Reward them with their favorite encouragement when they have reached the other side
4: Continue to repeat this process until they can reliably perform the "go" command in this environment
5: Slowly introduce the command into new environments in the same way, returning to the original environment periodically to reinforce the command
As always be patient and use your own creativity and knowledge of your dog to make training successful and enjoyable!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)