Have a newly acquired pooch that you are thinking about training but have no idea where to start? Well, there are a variety of
dog training accessories for even the most picky dog owner to aid in educating one's pup to behave correctly. Choosing the right accessories often makes the entire training process much easier for both owner and pet. In order to choose the correct accessories for the training, you must first decide how in depth you would like the training to be.
There are supplies ranging from toys for people who want to have their pet obey simple commands to those training their loveable pups for competition, protection, obedience, hunting, or the sport of schutzhund which require more in depth dog training devices. It is never too late to start training your dog, but it is important that you have the correct devices to correlate with your dog's age and demeanor. Once you have established what you would like the training to encompass, you can decide what dog training items you will need.
House training dogs is often at the top of an owner's list of priorities. House training can be achieved through the old newspaper method, but the crate method is often more effective. Purchase a crate, preferably with collapsible design and an easily cleanable bottom tray, and begin by teaching your dog the crate is a refuge, not a punishment. Give him treats and praise, and house training your dog will be easier than if he associates the crate with a prison and resists entering it. Dogs don't like to eliminate in confined areas where they'll be staying for awhile, and this method is much easier if you maintain a regular feeding schedule. After your dog eats and any time you return home, immediately take him outside. Training your dog to the point that it's safe to let him roam free will generally take six months, if you begin with a puppy. Never leave your young dog in the crate for extended periods, or you may defeat the training by leaving him no alternative but to soil his little home.
The next essential task is socialization. Your dog will need to interact safely and consistently with other people and animals, and this will require several months of stepped training at home and in public. The first steps are training your dog not to become alarmed or angered when you take away food, touch his stomach, stare at him, start the vacuum, or introduce a cat or child. Training a dog not to fear children is often trickiest, since children often unknowingly mistreat pets by pulling tails and stomping on paws. Training dogs and children simultaneously is necessary. Training dogs to respect children, and children to humanely interact with friendly pets and avoid visibly angered ones, can eliminate doctor and vet visits down the road. If you have children, make sure they follow your rules and don't act as the home's "soft spot" for table scraps and lax corrections. Dog parks are great, but not until your puppy is 4 months old and has fully vaccinated - until then, confine your training to backyards with well cared-for canines.
Training dogs to behave in cars can be riddled with bouts of motion sickness and crazed leaps into your lap, but, unless you live in Manhattan, you'll need to do it. Don't introduce your dog to the car by only taking him to the veterinarian, or you'll be training your dog to associate cars with poking, prodding, and needles. Start your travel-friendly instruction by just sitting in the car, not moving, so he sees it won't make him sick. Take short trips to fun places like the beach, the park, or a neighbor dog's house. Training dogs a "down, stay" command in a stationary vehicle can prevent a disaster on the interstate. Hyperactive breeds or dogs who are too excited to reliably heed your commands should be restrained with a harness, back-seat screen, or crate.
Dog training to prevent chewing can be tricky, since you're often not home when the destruction occurs. Dogs chew by habit, to release stress, to relieve boredom, and for myriad other reasons - and properly training dogs not to chew requires that you direct all these aggressions and worries toward their toys. Training a dog not to chew valuables is easier if you can confine your pet to a small room with nothing in it but attractive toys. Eventually, they'll prefer the toys, instruction accomplished without hassle. Another method suggests you scold chewing of inappropriate items and spray them with harmless but unpalatable formulas such as Bitter Apple. Praise and reward your dog for chewing his toys, and training your dog will quickly pay off in saved sandals and sofas.
Dogs suffering from separation anxiety - whining, barking, and destructive behavior while you're away - often respond better to restrained indulgence than to traditional training. Exercise your pet before you leave, provide plenty of water and a comfortable environment, and leave training toys he can chew instead of your shoes. If this fails and structured instruction is necessary, try leaving the house for five or ten minutes at a time, saying no goodbyes, but praising good behavior on your return.
Among the best ways to accomplish all these tasks is with a training collar. Training collars help teach all the basics: sit, stay, and heel--plus they provide the immediate, unequivocal correction required to effectively train your dog. Training collars don't confuse the dog during training by allowing time to disconnect their behavior and the correction. Immediacy and consistency, the two essential aspects of
dog training, are easily achievable when using
training collars. Consider employing a safe, humane, and effective training collar in your exercises for quicker results with less work and hassle.