What Training Method Is Best For Your Dog?

How do you decide what training method is best for your dog? That is a hard thing for some people. There's no shortage on dog training books, dog training DVDs, and how-to-train-your-dog methods. There's actually a shortage on understanding the differences, and the proper use and the appropriate use of each method.

For example, just about anyone can put a choke chain on. But very few people actually know how to put it on right, and how to correct right.

It's kind of like clicker training - where people click to say reward is coming. (There's virtually no correction with clicker training.) Everybody knows that in this method of dog training, they click and then give the dog a piece of food when it does a good behavior. But what they fail to look for is the right dog body language along with the behavior before they give the food. The dog is learning no mental challenge from this. Simply, if I do this one behavior, I get a treat - and it doesn't matter whether I respect and surrender to my pack leader or not.

I personally do not agree with positive reinforcement training. However, when it is the best method for the particular animal, I put aside my personal preferences and do it.

I don't like to give animals rewards for doing things - Because the right thing should be done simply because it's the right thing! Your dog should be performing because he loves you and respects you, solely in response to your incredible bond.

Otherwise it's bribery. The dog should never perform simply because he's expecting the reward. Rather, you give rewards at times to express your pleasure, not on a predictable schedule.

I give my dog affection at times to encourage him when I want something done, and plenty of treats at my discretion. But when I meet the unique dog that is not responding to what I normally do, I spend the time to find out whatever it will take to rehabilitate that dog - And I DO IT!

So you see, training a dog is about what is best for the dog!

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

Does the "Dog Whisper Method" Really Work on a Red Zone Case?

Some people really question if the Dog Whisper Method will work on a "red zone" dog aggression case.

I speak from personal experience, because I use the Dog Whisper Method. It DOES work! The crazy ones are the "dog whisper wanna-be's" that don't know what they are doing.

A red zone case is nothing to fool with. Any dog is capable of inflicting serious damage; however, these are the dogs that WILL inflict it. Being struck with a level 3 or more dog bite is like having several electric shocks sent through your body at the same time. The use of the injured body part is limited for a few hours up to a few days, and may require a trip to the emergency room.

The Dog Whisper Method has saved the lives of many dogs who would otherwise be euthanised. Dogs on whom Dog Trainers gave up in despair. After all, no amount of customary "dog training" can begin to solve these psychological problems!

I found a couple of things the "Dog Whisperer," Cesar Millan, has done to be crazy by my definition. But I am not going around slandering him, because I don't want people to do that to me. He does a lot of good things, and has saved a lot of dogs.

There are several of us out there who know how to do these methods. The message is not to knock the Dog Whisper Method, but to knock trying to do what you do not know how to do ... And not knowing when the dog has really had it ... And when and how to stop, to touch back ...

The results can be lethal!

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

Dog Whispering, Dog Training? Another Difference

Yet another common comment I here from owners is: "All I'd like to do is take Charlie for a walk. But he walks me! Please help."

More often than not, I discover that Charlie has SEVERAL problems, inside and out. I am usually greeted by an overly excited, sometimes very loud dog... or even one who claims the sofa as I walk in, to let me know his rank.

With a dog such as Charlie, it is important to take over in the inside world before your deal with the outside world. So "claim" the couch back. Move him out of your way, the same way a more dominant dog would do.

Practicing the leadership inside puts Charlie in a follower mode before you go out the door.

Here is a difference between Dog Whispering and Dog Training. With dog whispering, you are conditioning the mind to remember your leadership and respect it... instead of expecting a push-button command.

Any way, you deal with the inside of the house, going out the door, and down any steps that may be there... and then you deal with walking Charlie properly.

Start at the bottom and work your way up. Rome wasn't built in a day.

Rena Murray

Dog Feeding - Are There Rules To Do Dog Feeding Right?

Feeding time is a very serious mental activity for dogs, as well as a physically restoring, energy-producing time.

Yes, it is very important to feed your dog every day... but the WAY you feed him matters. When you feed a dog, you are feeding energy to him ... so he needs to be in a calmer state before you start. You don't need to be feeding energy to a dog who is in an aggressive state.

Having a dog training business, my dog constantly has to adjust to new dogs coming and going. And everybody has to learn consistent rules. Sometimes I get separate dishes for everyone, and sometimes I have them all share the same dish. But no matter which way it is, nobody touches the food until I say so.

Food and mating rights are the two things that cause a dog fight more than anything else in dog packs.

It's also important for dogs to eat together. Dog packs do.

Separation is often the chosen solution for owners who don't know what else to do with a dog aggression problem beyond their control. But it's not an answer. It only increases the problem to keep an animal separated at dog feeding time.

So... YES ... Feed your dog!

It's Me or the Dog! Dog Behavior Problems

Let me tell you one thing. This woman is right when she says: "Feeding a dog sweets and caffeine can turn it crazy and make its dog behavior problems worse."

That is a tip about which all people should be aware.

Although chocolate can physically kill a dog, I am much more concerned about what it will do to a dog mentally over time.

I do not agree with the dog training techniques, so therefore I will not be viewing the television show another time. However, I do respect Victoria Wells and any other trainer.

But I have to admit: "It's Me or the Dog" is a very clever title! Many couples and families are in constant war about their dogs. You don't have to be.

Free Dog Training TeleseminarWednesday, February 28th9 pm EST / 6pm Pacific

Hey Everybody,

I am very excited! I am going to be on my first dog training teleseminar - in fact, three of them.

Wednesday, February 28th launches a series of in-depth interviews by Dan Hatfield with a team of experts in the dog training field. Each one of us will be speaking in our area of expertise on separate calls.

The first conference call is FREE -
but SPACE IS LIMITED!

So if you are interested, check out the details here:
Conference Call Details and Registration

Wednesday's call should be jam-packed with valuable information, so you don't want to miss it. I have not met the speaker for this one, Jim, but I am eager to listen in on the call.

When you register for the free call, you will have an opportunity to write in your own questions related to such topics as basic dog training, problem dog behavior, puppy training, dog fears and dog aggression, dogs and children, advanced training, and more.

This first conference call (or teleseminar) is our gift to you, so join us!

Rena

P.S. Again, for more information and to register for Wednesday night's call, go to Conference Call Details and Registration,
and please tell us YOUR OWN QUESTIONS.
Remember, space is limited.

Dog Resists Leash?Try this Dog Training Tip

For any of you who have problems with your dog playing a keep away game every time you approach with a dog leash or try to grab him for a walk ... and not to mention those of you who have dogs who urinate when you grab their collar to attach a leash ... here's a tip.

You should always CALL YOUR DOG TO YOU to put his training collar or dog leash on. Do not go to him and put it on ... as then it becomes a very unpleasant thing for him.

Until next time,
Rena