Archive for Maio, 2008

So You Want A Career In Dog Training

Domingo, Maio 25th, 2008

If you have an affinity for dogs and are able to work with folks with dogs, a career in dog training can be a wonderful, fulfilling and tremendously rewarding profession for you.

General skills such as good communications and social relations are important in a professional career in dog training as most of your time will be spent educating owners how to train their dogs.

To be a successful dog trainer, you must be “competent.” If your dog training experience and skills are picked up from books, then you will encounter problems correcting and solving dog behavior problems. Not only will your clients be complaining and unsatisfied with your service, your will find it hard trying to rebuild your reputation within the neighborhood where you base your dog training business.

However, if you are truly passionately and committed to carve out career in dog training, then you will need to become a capable, knowledgeable and proficient dog trainer who understands different canine behavior and how to train to breed with the right techniques.

A career in dog training can begin in two ways:

PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINING SCHOOLS

Professional dog training schools are a good way to begin as they provide courses necessary to coach the students in the shortest amount of time the skills needed to become a professional dog trainer.

You will need to check with your local pet stores or veterinary hospitals for reference and recommendations.

A credible training course fees can start from $3,000 all the way up to $18,000 for more advanced training programs.

APPRENTICESHIP

However if you have a budget, you can chose to start out as an apprentice by volunteering with the local dog shelters, rescue groups or guide dogs training centers.

Your training experience will be dictated by the center where you volunteered. In some centers, your apprenticeship training will be subjected to the variety of dogs coming in. In others, you might be given a dog to guide and train with till it pass out as a certified guide or service dog.

The only drawback for apprenticeship programs is that you must prepare to labor long hours, performing routine tasks before you will get an opportunity to work with dogs.

Be ready to spend a minimum average of 3 years with the apprenticeship center before you will qualify as a professional dog trainer or instructor.

Word of Advice:

Avoid any mail or internet courses that claim that you can become a skilled dog trainer.

While inexpensive, these correspondence courses at most can only offer you basic information on a career in dog training and elementary levels of dog trainer skills. Just imagine who would be there to supervise or correct you when you make a mistake.

TRAINING PROGRAMS:

There are many dog training programs and the basic subjects cover solving basic dog behavioral problems and obedience training.

Aside from the basics, to become a qualified and professional trainer, you will also need to learn:

- the history and background of every dog breed,
- how to communicate effectively with different breeds,
- how to solve complex behavioral problems such as phobias and aggression,
- basic to advanced dog tricks and commands,
- how to prepare and train dogs for different competitions, as well as,
- proper dog hygiene, nutrition and grooming so that you can counsel and present training advice to your clients to bring up healthy, well groomed and well behaved dogs.

COMPENASTION OF A PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER

You can begin your professional career in dog training handling dogs full or part time. An average working week of a dog trainer is about 30 - 35 hours and that can include evenings, weekends and holidays. As a start, you can look forward to earn $50 per lesson and gradually to $200 per session once you become more experienced. Most full time dog trainers can earn between $30,000 to $100,000 annually.

To get ahead financially as a dog trainer, you will have to start establishing a client base who will recommend your service to their friends. Start with your local vets, groomers, pet sitters and pet stores by asking them to refer clients to you. Most of the successful dog trainers build on their business from referrals of satisfied customers.

Therefore, a career in dog training can be the most fun, enriching and satisfying profession if you truly cherish dogs and adore helping folks.

James Lee is a proud member of the Dog Training Classroom team (dogtrainingclassroom.comdogtrainingclassroom.com). For more information on starting a career in dog training, visit: dogtrainingclassroom.com/career-in-dog-training.htmldogtrainingclassroom.com/career-in-dog-training.html.
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Dog Training Techniques Revealed

Domingo, Maio 25th, 2008

Though there are several dog training techniques, all of them can be categorized by the way they address behavioral issues. Thus, there are two main categories: techniques based on learning theories and techniques based on canine ethology.

The former category focuses on behavior modification, usually disregarding typical and natural behavior of dogs. The latter one focuses on natural dog behavior and often ignores current learning theories.

Dog training techniques based on learning theories

This category comprises techniques that use positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and punishment as main ways to educate dogs. Since those techniques are very different among each other, they are better organized under three subcategories: traditional dog training, positive training and mixed techniques.

1. Traditional dog training

Traditional dog training was developed to train war dogs and it was successfully used during World War I and World War II. After World War II, this technique gained enormous popularity because of a lot of stories about heroic dogs.

Negative reinforcement and punishment are the main teaching ways of traditional training. Thus, this technique works by physically forcing the dogs to perform a desired behavior, until dogs learn that behavior.

Choke chains, prong collars and shock (electric) collars are common tools in traditional training and all its variants. Also, this kind of training is usually targeted to dog obedience exercises, disregarding behavioral problems.

The main advantage of traditional dog training is the high reliability of the trained behaviors. On the other hand, main disadvantages are potentially dangerous collateral effects, such as fear biting and damages to the dog’s trachea.

2. Positive dog training

Positive training was developed under the principles of Skinner’s operant conditioning. While it’s not a new technique, it didn’t get enough attention until the nineties, when Karen Pryor’s book “Don’t shoot the dog” became a bestseller.

Choke chains, prong collars and shock (electric) collars are not needed in positive training. In addition, training sessions tend to be very fun for dogs as well as for trainers.

Positive reinforcement is the main teaching way of these techniques. Thus, this kind of training is also known as reward-based training, though rewards are not the same as positive reinforcement.

Clicker training could be the most popular of positive training techniques at these days.

Main advantages of positive dog training are: highly reliable trained behaviors; no need to physically force your dog; positive training is fast, fun and simple.

Ironically, the main disadvantage of positive training arises from its simplicity. Many novice trainers get so amazed with how easy and fast is to teach a new behavior that they forget to work on reliability and fluency of those behaviors. Thus, their “finished product” is a half-trained dog.

3. Mixed training techniques

Mixed techniques use both positive and negative reinforcement. Therefore, these techniques are friendlier than traditional training, but not as much as positive training.

Mixed dog training techniques are widely used in tough sports such as Schutzhund, Belgian Ring, Mondioring, etc.

Although trainers who use mixed approaches also use positive reinforcement, they usually avoid using food as a reinforcer. When they have to use a positive reinforcer, they tend to prefer games over food.

Dog training techniques based on canine ethology

Techniques based on canine ethology take into account those behaviors that are natural in dogs, but usually ignore the principles of learning theories. These techniques are also known as “dog whispering”.

The fundamental premise of these techniques is that the owner should become the leader of the pack. Thus, the owner will achieve the higher hierarchy in the pack: the alpha dog status.

While these techniques are very popular, their actual efficacy is questionable. Besides, there’s no clear standard for these techniques, so the procedures used by one trainer could be very different from those used by another trainer.

Many trainers don’t accept that these are actual training techniques. In addition, several of its practitioners don’t consider themselves as dog trainers. Instead, they claim they are people who can communicate with dogs by a deep understanding of dog behavior and proper body language.

Rodrigo Trigosso is a biologist and professional dog trainer. His website dog-training-tutorial.comdog-training-tutorial.com provides great info on canine training and behavior.
The Dog Training Tutor instant digital download. You’ll discover how to stop your dog’s behavior problems for good! And obedience train your dog using the fastest and most reliable methods available today!

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Throwing The Perfect Dog Birthday Party

Sábado, Maio 24th, 2008

Dogs have become more than just pets. To some of us, they have become our children. A great way to celebrate the love you have for your furry one is to throw your dog a birthday party. Many dogs attend dog parks for socialization and exercise, a great way to get them together is to invite your pooches friends to a party.

To prepare for your dog’s big day, you need to make sure that you can provide a safe area for the dogs to mingle. A backyard is the most popular spot, but many dog owners are starting to use their local dog park since it is a known safe area. A benefit of using a dog park is they have rules in place that each owner must follow. To avoid conflict, these rules can be mailed with the invitation, posted at the party, or handed out to the dog owners before the party begins. This will relieve any stress you have about inviting dogs, whose owners you do not know well.

A casual dog birthday party will allow the dogs to chase tennis balls, chew on rawhides, and simply mingle with their pooch friends. You can just call your friends up or send an

e-vite to meet at the dog park, or your backyard. At this type of birthday party it would be appropriate to supply tennis balls, or some type of toys to keep the doggie’s entertained. If hosting this party at your house water bowls and proper shade should also be available. (Dog parks are usually equipped with water and shade) For party favors, dogs are welcome to take home their tennis balls they have so lovingly slobbered over all day!

If you want to go all out and have a big bash for your dog’s birthday, the options are endless. Invitations, thank you notes, and party favors are just the beginning. If you are going to plan and spend a lot of money on this very special occasion, invitations should be sent out three weeks in advance. This gives people time set aside that date and RSVP, so you are able to properly plan for the right amount of pooches.

Decorations and party supplies do not need to be dog themed…if your little chuhuahua is a princess you may want to got pink and jewels. If your lab is a hearty boy, you may want to go fire hydrants and water. There is no end to your creativity; here are a few more party themes we thought were fun:

- Paw Prints
- Pirate Party
- Western Cowboy
- Floral with stripes

There should be a plan for games, food, and presents. There again are numerous games to play, but here are some of Cobi and Hannah’s favorites:

- Hide the Kong filled with treats and peanut butter…winner gets to keep the Kong.

- Obstacle Course: Set up cones, kiddy pools, tunnels, etc. Have owner guide dogs around course. The dog with the best time is the winner. Gourmet Treats would be a great prize!

- Stuffed Kong: Fill Kongs with three treats, the dog to empty their Kong first is the winner. The dog gets to keep the Kong as their prize!

- Bone Hunt: Fill a sand box, or area in your yard, with sand. Hide treats under the sand and have dogs dig for their treat. Have owners watch their dogs, and the dogs with the most bones wins. A Plush Bone would be a great prize!

- Clothesline Jump: Hang a clotheslines in your yard. String treats at different levels along the clothesline. The dog that can jump the highest for a treat is the winner! Gourmet Treats would be a great prize!

·- Kong Hunt: Fill numerous Kongs with peanut butter and hide them in different parts of your yard. Send dogs on a Kong Hunt, the dog that sniffs out the most Kongs is the winner. Kong with peanut butter filling would be a great prize for this dog to take home.

Dogs love treats! Party favors should be handed out at the closing of the party, but while the pooches are still enjoying the party, treats should be available to snack on. A dog birthday cake or cupcakes would make the party dog feel special, as they should on this day.

Here are some fun party favor ideas:

- Bandanas
- Frisbees
- Gourmet Treats
- Collar Charms

Opening birthday presents should take place towards the end of the party when all the doggies are tired out from running around and playing games.

Make sure to thank all your doggie owners with a party favor, as well as the dogs themselves.

Remember to have fun and relax, if you are having a good time your dog will have a good time!

Hannah Chastain loves dogs and works for DoggieDeliveries.com, a company known for gourmet dog treats and dog gift baskets. For more information on Doggie Deliveries, visit DoggieDeliveries.comDoggieDeliveries.com.
The Dog Training Tutor instant digital download. You’ll discover how to stop your dog’s behavior problems for good! And obedience train your dog using the fastest and most reliable methods available today!

Professional Dog Grooming

Sexta-feira, Maio 23rd, 2008

Think grooming a dog involves washing it in the bathtub? Think you don’t need a groomer?

Dog groomers do far more than just fluff and dry; they address several vital health practices regarding your dog’s eyes, ears, and anal glands. Of course, it’s not impossible to take care of these grooming concerns yourself, but in many instances it’s safer and more practical to let a professional handle these sensitive areas.

Proper ear car requires periodic ear cleanings. Veterinarians and professional dog groomers use an agent that dissolves earwax, or saline solution to clean dogs’ ears. These cleaning agents are usually put into the ear before bathing. It is crucial for the groomer to keep the dog’s ears dry. If water runs into a dog’s ear during the bath, a drying agent containing isopropyl alcohol, acetic acid, or boric acid must be put into the ear. Professional dog groomers recommend using a wash rag instead of Q-tips to help dry out the ears. Using Q-tips increases the chance of injuring the dog’s eardrum. If the cleaning requires reaching places that are out of a wash-rag’s reach you should seek professional help.

Dog groomers usually apply an ointment to the dog’s eyes before bathing in order to protect the cornea. However, the trend is to move away from these practices because some professionals believe the ointment may trap irritants that run into the eyes during the bath. Closing, redness, squinting, and excessive tearing are good indicators of eye problems.

Another part of proper dog grooming that the professionals see to is expressing the anal glands. Have you ever noticed your dog dragging its bottom across the carpet? If you have, you know how important it is to take it to the dog groomer. What it is trying to do is release the fluid that has built up in tiny sacs located under the base of his tail. If he is successful, you will know it by the rank smell. Since the sacs are fragile (and discoloration of the fluid could indicate infection), this part of grooming should be left to a professional or a veterinarian.

Adequate grooming is absolutely necessary to maintain your dog’s health. If it’s something you want to do personally, educate yourself on the finer points. But using a professional dog groomer will be the most beneficial to you in the long run.

Christopher Thomas contributes to several popular web sites, including famif.comfamif.com and biduv.combiduv.com.
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Siphotrol Yard Spray (32oz)

Domingo, Maio 11th, 2008


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Kills and Repels mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and other insects. Treats up to 5,000 sq. ft. and provides up to four weeks of control.

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XLarge DELUXE Grunting Hedgehog II (Gray)

Quinta-feira, Maio 8th, 2008


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Deluxe Grunting Hedgehogis perfect for large dogs. Made unique and extra durable and soft for maximum entertainment. You’ll be impressed with the size and quality. Grunting Hedgehog rattles and grunts. Measures 12″h x 6″w.

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So You Want A Career In Dog Training

Quinta-feira, Maio 8th, 2008

If you have an affinity for dogs and are able to work with folks with dogs, a career in dog training can be a wonderful, fulfilling and tremendously rewarding profession for you.

General skills such as good communications and social relations are important in a professional career in dog training as most of your time will be spent educating owners how to train their dogs.

To be a successful dog trainer, you must be “competent.” If your dog training experience and skills are picked up from books, then you will encounter problems correcting and solving dog behavior problems. Not only will your clients be complaining and unsatisfied with your service, your will find it hard trying to rebuild your reputation within the neighborhood where you base your dog training business.

However, if you are truly passionately and committed to carve out career in dog training, then you will need to become a capable, knowledgeable and proficient dog trainer who understands different canine behavior and how to train to breed with the right techniques.

A career in dog training can begin in two ways:

PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINING SCHOOLS

Professional dog training schools are a good way to begin as they provide courses necessary to coach the students in the shortest amount of time the skills needed to become a professional dog trainer.

You will need to check with your local pet stores or veterinary hospitals for reference and recommendations.

A credible training course fees can start from $3,000 all the way up to $18,000 for more advanced training programs.

APPRENTICESHIP

However if you have a budget, you can chose to start out as an apprentice by volunteering with the local dog shelters, rescue groups or guide dogs training centers.

Your training experience will be dictated by the center where you volunteered. In some centers, your apprenticeship training will be subjected to the variety of dogs coming in. In others, you might be given a dog to guide and train with till it pass out as a certified guide or service dog.

The only drawback for apprenticeship programs is that you must prepare to labor long hours, performing routine tasks before you will get an opportunity to work with dogs.

Be ready to spend a minimum average of 3 years with the apprenticeship center before you will qualify as a professional dog trainer or instructor.

Word of Advice:

Avoid any mail or internet courses that claim that you can become a skilled dog trainer.

While inexpensive, these correspondence courses at most can only offer you basic information on a career in dog training and elementary levels of dog trainer skills. Just imagine who would be there to supervise or correct you when you make a mistake.

TRAINING PROGRAMS:

There are many dog training programs and the basic subjects cover solving basic dog behavioral problems and obedience training.

Aside from the basics, to become a qualified and professional trainer, you will also need to learn:

- the history and background of every dog breed,
- how to communicate effectively with different breeds,
- how to solve complex behavioral problems such as phobias and aggression,
- basic to advanced dog tricks and commands,
- how to prepare and train dogs for different competitions, as well as,
- proper dog hygiene, nutrition and grooming so that you can counsel and present training advice to your clients to bring up healthy, well groomed and well behaved dogs.

COMPENASTION OF A PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER

You can begin your professional career in dog training handling dogs full or part time. An average working week of a dog trainer is about 30 - 35 hours and that can include evenings, weekends and holidays. As a start, you can look forward to earn $50 per lesson and gradually to $200 per session once you become more experienced. Most full time dog trainers can earn between $30,000 to $100,000 annually.

To get ahead financially as a dog trainer, you will have to start establishing a client base who will recommend your service to their friends. Start with your local vets, groomers, pet sitters and pet stores by asking them to refer clients to you. Most of the successful dog trainers build on their business from referrals of satisfied customers.

Therefore, a career in dog training can be the most fun, enriching and satisfying profession if you truly cherish dogs and adore helping folks.

James Lee is a proud member of the Dog Training Classroom team (dogtrainingclassroom.comdogtrainingclassroom.com). For more information on starting a career in dog training, visit: dogtrainingclassroom.com/career-in-dog-training.htmldogtrainingclassroom.com/career-in-dog-training.html.
Click Here!

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