Dog Training With Love

Aggressive Dog Behavior: Little Dogs Can Be Aggressive and Crazy

2009-10-18T17:08:00.000-07:00

Who said aggressive dog behavior is only found in big dogs? Little dogs are sometimes a lot more aggressive because they can get away with it. I have two little dogs, two dachshunds, and one of them, I hate to say, used to embarrass me a lot.

I love my dogs dearly, no less because she was aggressive and crazy, but it scared me that she could get hurt or hurt another dog. She mainly didn’t like other dogs too much and would growl and want to fight with them when they came close. It made me nervous and I was always having to pull her leash really tight so she could not get the other dogs, even in passing them on the sidewalk.

Not only that, but she would pick on a lot bigger dogs too. I knew if I didn’t put an end to her aggressive dog behavior she was going to get me and her in trouble.

One day while we were at the park playing fetch another dog suddenly came up to her. I knew this could be trouble, because she was very possessive of her ball and would not share it or let another dog near it. But I had no time to get close before she started attacking the other dog.

Well by the time I got to her and was able to separate them she was hurt, and bleeding all over. Even though she started the fight and it was her fault, it broke my heart. I know I never want to see that kind of scene again.

So I decided I had to put an end to her aggressive dog behavior right then and there. I had to find a way to train her. I did not want to pay a dog trainer. That was out of the question.

I started trying to do the things that I thought would work, like give her commands and reward her with treats. But I needed more help, as this was only working when I had the treats, and not all the time. I needed a much deeper understanding of how to train a dog. I needed some insider information from professionals.

So I finally found a system that really worked and helped me understand what I needed to do so I could help myself and then help her with her aggressive dog behavior. She is really so much better. I wouldn’t say she is a submissive dog, but a far cry from where she was. She still pulls on the leash some, but not as much. And, she doesn’t try to fight other dogs anymore, which was my main concern.

I heartily recommend the #1 system for stopping aggressive dog behavior.

This dog training system will give you insights to every aspect of training your dog. It will help you see through your dog’s eyes and understand what they think.

Aggressive Dog Behavior: Is Your Dog Kind of Out of Control?

2009-10-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to address the aggressive dog behavior of your “best friend”? Do you get embarrassed often by your dog’s behavior and are ready to put a stop to it? If your answer is yes, read on.

Dog aggression is very common, even though it should not be tolerated. Aggressive dog behavior gets worse over time, and can become dangerous. What starts out as an insignificant sign can turn into major problems. So you should always watch out for signs of aggression in a dog.

Some signs of aggressive dog behavior:

Being possessive of you and not wanting other dogs or people near you
Jumping on you and others
Barking and growling
Being demanding and pushy to get their way
Pulling the leash and walking ahead of you

Of course, biting and attacking are considered much more aggressive behaviors, but aggression is aggression, and should be addressed before it gets out of control.

An aggressive dog is not a happy dog and also makes it very stressful for you to take him out or even to have people over. He can be very annoying, to put it mildly. And the fact that you love him makes it hard on you as well, because nobody wants to be around an aggressive dog. Furthermore, he can also cause harm if he gets overly aggressive, which could happen.

Because you love your dog, you realize that it would be better for the both of you if you took action and got some help. It is really the best thing you can do for both of you. You both are going to need to make changes. You need to become the leader, and he needs to listen to you and obey you.

Hiring a trainer would be very expensive. But there are other remedies which work just even better. You need a system that will help you and your dog get into the right relationship.

Here is the #1 system for aggressive dog behavior that will help you enjoy your dog much more.

This dog training system will help you and your dog to overcome his aggressiveness and establish yourself as the leader.

Aggressive Dog Behavior: How You Can Stop It and Get Your Best Friend Back

2009-10-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

An in depth look at aggressive dog behavior will demonstrate that it makes for a stressful situation at home as well as outside. An aggressive dog is not easy to control, and many times runs the household.

Many people become intimidated by their dogs, because they have lost their place as master of the relationship. The dog has become the leader and the dominant one. When this happens a lot of the joy of having the companionship of your dog is lost, because you are stressed out most of the time by his behavior.

Aggressive dog behavior is seen in large dogs as well as small ones. Many times they become possessive of their owner and don’t let anyone near them. Or they like to fight with other dogs, or they bark continuously, or many other behaviors. Of course, some aggressive dogs can cause a lot of harm and injuries.

Aggressive dog behavior should be stopped because it develops over time and becomes worse. You should be aware of your dog’s behavior. Sometimes small dogs get away with more aggressive behavior because of their size. It is not seen as offensive if they jump on top of you or pull you on the leash. But they too can hurt you or others and should also be disciplined.

Besides being dangerous if left untreated, an aggressive dog is not a well adjusted dog. He will be a lot happier once he has his rightful place in his relationship with you.

To stop aggressive dog behavior, what are your options? You could hire a trainer, but as you know, that is very costly. Also, you will need to know how to establish yourself as the leader in the relationship.

Don’t stress anymore about your dog’s aggressive behavior or be embarrassed to take him anywhere. Get the help you need to correct it and have a great time with your “best friend”.

Here is the #1 method that has helped thousands of people to correct their dog’s aggressive behavior.

This method is guaranteed to help you and your dog with his aggressive dog behavior.

Aggressive Dog Behavior: You Better Become The Leader of the Pack Real Fast or Else

2009-10-06T19:49:00.000-07:00

Aggressive dog behavior can be seen in many places. At the dog park, many times some dogs will start fighting and it can be hard to separate them. It is usually the same dogs that like to fight, because they are aggressive dogs.

Aggressiveness in dogs should not be tolerated. It can be very stressful and embarrassing to have an aggressive dog, to say the least. It can also be very dangerous. A big dog with aggressive tendencies can seriously hurt someone. Even small dogs can cause injuries, especially to children.

If your dog shows signs of aggression, treat this as soon as possible. Don’t think that you will be able to stop him if he should snap and start attacking another dog or even a person. I have seen an aggressive dog who had never bitten anyone and one day he went crazy and killed another dog who lived in the same house. My friend who was his owner was not able to stop him at all. In fact, she got bitten too.

But aggressive dog behavior does not happen overnight. There are many ways that dogs express aggression, which you can watch out for and stop these behaviors from becoming worse. Some signs of aggressive dog behavior are being demanding, barking and growling, fighting with other dogs when you take them out, dragging you on the leash, nudging you with their nose to get something, and many others signs. In other words, they have become the leader of the pack and they dominate.

In order to have a well adjusted dog that you can really enjoy, you need to get help. So what are your options? You could hire a trainer, but it is expensive. Besides, the trainer will only train the dog. The fact is that you need as much training as your dog, in order to take over and become the leader.

Stop your dog’s aggressive behavior before it gets worse, or before there is a regrettable accident. Don’t be embarrassed or frustrated anymore with your dog’s behavior. Have the kind of relationship that you have dreamed of with your dog. Become the leader of the pack.

Here is the #1 recommended method of dog training which has helped hundreds of thousands with their dog’s aggressive behavior.

This method is guaranteed to help you and your dog with his aggressive dog behavior.

Aggressive Dog Behavior: If You Think You Can Let Your Dog Get Away With It, Think Again

2009-10-06T19:42:00.000-07:00

We all know that aggressive dog behavior can have very serious consequences. A vicious dog can cause massive injuries or even kill a person or another dog. Most aggressive dogs do not have that level of aggression. However, dog aggression will develop overtime. Minor signs of dog aggression can escalate and become much worse if this aggression is untreated.

We never believe our dogs could become vicious. After all, we love our dogs and cannot think they could ever cause so much harm or turn on us. Think again. When a dog starts becoming dominant and is not corrected, his dominance will increase to the point where he could become dangerous. If he thinks he is the leader, then he is in charge and he can choose any behavior he wants, including biting.

It is very important to recognize signs of aggression when they start. This way we can correct our dogs and put an end to this. After all we want to be able to enjoy our dogs and not be afraid that they can cause us stress and embarrassment when we take them out or when people visit us. Worse yet, we cannot afford to let them injure someone.

Some common signs of aggression to watch out for are:

Stubbornness and willfulness to get their way
Demanding and nudging when they want something
Walking ahead of you and going out the door in front of you
Jumping on you and others
Barking and whining to get their way
Fighting and growling at other dogs

You have some options to stop this aggressive dog behavior. A trainer is expensive. Also, a trainer will train the dog. However, you also need to be trained in order to become the leader. You need to know how to be the leader and command without yelling or intimidating. There are things you will need to learn so that your dog will know you are the pack leader who protects, feeds and cares for him.

Here is the #1 recommended method of dog training which has helped hundreds of thousands with their dog’s aggressive behavior.

This method is guaranteed to help you and your dog with his aggressive dog behavior.

Aggressive Dog Behavior: Putting Your Dog In His Place and You In Your Place

2009-10-05T21:27:00.000-07:00

Does your dog have aggressive dog behavior? Is he dominant? Is he demanding? Does he want his way all the time? Is his behavior annoying and embarrassing? Does he stress you out?

Aggressive dog behavior can take many forms. Of course, there are some dogs that are so aggressive that they are a real danger. I have known big dogs that have attacked even their owner and killed them, because of untreated dog aggression. This was not a dog that had ever attacked his owner before, but he did show some signs of aggression.

Aggressive dog behavior will escalate over time. So what can be seen as insignificant signs of aggression should not be overlooked. You should put an end to it the sooner the better. Don’t wait until it gets worse, or until there is a terrible accident.

Always be aware of signs of aggression, so you can do something about it. Here are some signs of aggression, which are pretty common:

Barking and growling
Fighting with other dogs
Whining and “talking” to get their way
Nudging you so you will do something, like petting them
Pulling you when you are walking them, and walking ahead of you
Being demanding and willful

When a dog thinks he can get away with his demands, he thinks he is the leader. And as a leader, he is the one who does what he wants. His behavior can grow more and more aggressive and he can become dangerous.

In order to change his aggressive dog behavior you need help. You need help for the dog and for yourself, as you will also need to be trained to be a leader and take charge. You will have to learn how to effectively establish yourself as the leader of the pack.

You can hire a dog trainer, but besides being expensive, they only train the dog. You need a method which will help both you and your dog. Your dog has to learn to become submissive and you have to learn to become a leader. So each one has to take their rightful place in this relationship, and this way you will have a much more rewarding relationship which you will be able to enjoy much more.

Here is the #1 recommended method of dog training which has helped hundreds of thousands with their dog’s aggressive behavior.

This method is guaranteed to help you and your dog with his aggressive dog behavior.

Aggressive Dog Behavior: Don’t Allow Your Dog to Get the Best of You or You Might Not Survive

2009-10-05T21:09:00.000-07:00

Humans are supposed to be in charge of their dogs. They are supposed to be the leader of the pack in their relationship. The human dominates the dog, and the dog is meant to obey the human, or be submissive to the human. This is the nature of the human/dog relationship. When the dog is dominant in the relationship, it is contrary to what it is meant to be. When this happens, you need to take necessary steps to correct aggressive dog behavior.

An aggressive dog is not a happy, well adjusted dog. He can also cause you a lot of stress and embarrassment. Aggressive dogs are hard to take to the park or even for a walk without creating trouble. They are a nuisance when you have people over, as they might jump on them and become very annoying. In short, you are putting up with a lot of behavior that is stressful and embarrassing at least, and which can also become a huge problem if the dog acted out and injured someone.

All aggressive dogs don’t necessarily have the most obvious signs of aggression, such as biting and growling. But they might be demonstrating some more subtle signs. Aggressive dog behavior tends to escalate with time. You should become aware of any minor signs of aggression, which could in time become a real problem.

There are many demonstrations of dog aggression which sometimes go unnoticed or unattended. Some of these behaviors include:

Jumping or putting their paws on you
Barking or “talking” to you when they want something
Pulling you on the lead and “taking you for a walk”
Demanding and nudging you to pet him or play with him

Small dogs get away with even more aggressive behavior because of their size and weight. They are not perceived as harmful when they pull you or jump on you or sleep on your pillow. These are all signs of aggression. In the dog world, they may be small, but they are still aggressive, and still a potential problem for you.

So what are your options?

You could hire a trainer. Besides being expensive he would only solve half of the problem, as he would only train the dog. You see, both the dog and you need training. You need to learn how to become the leader and take charge, so that the dog will obey you. There will be things you will need to learn how to lead effectively.

You should stop aggressive dog behavior so you can enjoy your dog a lot more and have a much better relationship with him. You will both be happier if you learn to be his leader. You will also put an end to the stress and embarrassment of having an aggressive dog who could potentially also harm someone.

Here is the #1 recommended method of dog training which has helped hundreds of thousands with their dog’s aggressive behavior.

This method is guaranteed to help you and your dog with his aggressive dog behavior.

Aggressive Dog Behavior: You Better Take Charge of Your Dog if You Rather Be Safe Than Sorry

2009-10-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

Aggressive dog behavior can be very dangerous. It should never be taken lightly. An aggressive dog is a dog that has become dominant and will continue to act out until he is properly trained to change his behavior.

Dog aggression does not happen overnight. Usually aggressive dogs become more aggressive with time. Aggressive dogs do not necessarily bite or growl, but they may exhibit other signs that demonstrate that the dog has become a dominant, alpha dog.

What are some common signs of aggressive dog behavior to watch out for?

A dog who is willful and stubborn. If a dog wants to get his way and doesn’t listen to you, he has become the leader.
A dog who runs ahead of you out the door and walks ahead of you on the leash. Humans should always be leading the way, if they are the leader in the relationship.

A dog that begs, nudges or barks for you to do what they want. This indicates that the dog believes you should do what he wants, instead of the other way around. Again, he has established himself as the leader.

A dog that jumps on your lap without being invited. The dog has taken possession of you; he believes he owns you and can do as he pleases with you. Even though a lot of people don’t believe this is aggression, a submissive dog will not jump on your lap until he is invited.

So how do you go about stopping aggressive dog behavior?

Besides being expensive, a dog trainer would train the dog, but would not help you to make the changes you need to make. In all the above situations, you can see that the dog has taken on the role of the leader, and you have become the submissive one. These role have to be reversed. The fact is that you need as much training as the dog. You will have to learn how to assume the role as his leader, and teach him that you are in charge.

Take action to correct aggressive dog behavior. Don’t wait until it is too late. Not only will your dog become more aggressive with time, but you can prevent a bad accident from happening. Don’t run the risk of having an aggressive dog injure you or someone else.

Here is the #1 recommended method of dog training which has helped hundreds of thousands with their dog’s aggressive behavior.

This method is guaranteed to help you and your dog with his aggressive dog behavior.

Aggressive Dog Behavior: Don’t Even Think of Letting Your Dog Get Away With It

2009-10-04T17:08:00.000-07:00

Aggressive dog behavior is not always recognized. Many people only recognize the major aggression problems, but some smaller aggression in dogs goes by unnoticed or at least accepted. But dominant and alpha behavior in dogs should be corrected.

Dogs depend on humans for their food and to open doors for them, etc. But if the dog becomes demanding, then he feels he is the dominant one, and this is where dog aggression starts. If he is not stopped he will continue developing aggressive behavior over time, which can become a very serious problem.

Not all aggressive dogs bite or growl. They can have more subtle aggressive behavior, such as being stubborn and demanding. They might refuse to obey you and insist on getting their way. They might jump on your lap without being called, or nudge you to play with them. They might whine or bark at you when they want something. All these are signs of aggressive behavior.

Aggressive dog behavior, if left untreated, will develop over time. Your dog will become more and more dominant, and he might start acting out more aggressively. We all know that this is not only stressful, but dangerous as well. Dog attacks are not uncommon, and are known to happen with family dogs that have been in the family for years.

Dogs are supposed to obey your command and follow you, not the other way around. When a dog is making you do what he wants, there is something wrong with that picture. You have to become the leader again and put a stop to his aggressive dog behavior in order to avoid a major catastrophe. We love our dogs, and I cannot think of a worse scenario than if one of my dogs injured someone and I would have to give him up.

A dog trainer is very expensive. Also, the dog trainer will train your dog, but you need as much training as the dog, so you can learn how to become the dominant one. You need to learn how to regain the command of your dog, so he will recognize you as the leader.

Here is the #1 method I recommend that will really help you put an end to your dog’s aggressive behavior.

This method is guaranteed to help you and your dog with his aggressive dog behavior.

Aggressive Dog Behavior: Dog Training for Both You and Your Dog is Required

2009-10-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

Stopping aggressive dog behavior is very important. What starts out as harmless aggression could turn into severe aggression. When you allow dog aggression, the dog believes he can get away with any behavior. This could become stressful and dangerous, if the dog were to get out of control.

Aggressive dog behavior manifests in many different ways. Some of the manifestations of this dominant behavior are:

Biting and growling
Jumping on people
Being disobedient and stubborn
Pulling you on the leash
Nudging you to perform a certain action, such as petting them

It is very important to watch out for these and other signs of aggressive behavior. When a dog is aggressive he believes he is the leader. As a leader his behavior can take on different aggressions. What started out an insignificant behavior could escalate over time to manifest as dangerous and scary dog behavior.

Small dogs tend to get away with more aggressive behavior because of their size. For example, if a small dog jumps on people it is not seen as bad as a big dog, which has a lot more weight and could hurt you. But that does not mean that this behavior should be acceptable, even in small dogs. It is the aggressiveness which needs to be addressed. And besides, small dogs can also severely hurt people, especially children.

In order to correct aggressive dog behavior you could hire a trainer. However, not only is the trainer very expensive, but he only trains the dog. You need to be trained as much as your dog, as you need to regain leadership. There are a lot of changes you will need to make to learn how to communicate effectively with your dog.

Aggressive dog behavior has to be stopped as soon as possible. Don’t wait until you are faced with a big lawsuit or take the chances of your dog injuring someone. That would probably be very devastating.

Here is the #1 method that has helped thousands of people to correct their dog’s aggressive behavior.

This method is guaranteed to help you and your dog with his aggressive dog behavior.

Aggressive Dog Behavior: Why You Should Never Put Up With Any Signs of Aggression in a Dog

2009-10-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

Aggressive dog behavior should be taken very seriously. We all know what an aggressive dog can do. He can get into a lot of trouble and get you into a very troubling situation. Besides getting you into a legal mess, he can cause you a lot of stress and embarrassment with his unacceptable behavior.

Aggressive behavior manifests in many ways. Of course, biting and growling at people or other dogs is the most obvious. But you should always be aware of different kinds of dog behavior that are sometimes overlooked and can get out of control.

Aggressive dog behavior includes:

1. Walking ahead of you on a leash, or going in and out doors ahead of you.

2. Being demanding, whether whining or barking, to get your attention.

3. Being stubborn and willful, and not listening to your commands.

4. Jumping or putting their paws on people.

5. Pushing you to pet them or play with them by nudging you.

Aggressive dog behavior does not happen overnight, so you should watch out for signs of developing dominant behavior. Also, all aggressive dogs do not exhibit biting and growling, but they may have one of the other signs of dominant behavior.

Dogs know that they depend on humans for their survival. They are fed and taken care of by humans. However, when they know they can get their way by being demanding, they will think of themselves as the leader. Since we cannot allow dogs to be the leader and let them exhibit all kinds of dominant behavior, such as biting, we need to nip this aggressive dog behavior before it has a chance to develop into more serious aggression.

You can hire a dog trainer to work with your dog. However, this can be very expensive. Also, dog training is as much training for the owner as it is for the dog. The owner needs to be the alpha dog, so you both need to be trained. You need to learn how to become the leader, and how to show your dog that from now on you are in charge.

Let’s face it, aggressive dog behavior can be very stressful and embarrassing at best, and very dangerous at worst. You love your dog, and it would be awful if he did something irretrievable that could have grave consequences.

Learn how to stop your dog’s aggressive behavior with the #1 dog training method which has helped thousands regain control of their dog. Everything you need to know to address aggressive dog behavior and become a leader.

Dog Training Advice: You Can Change Your Dog’s Behavior and Stop Being Embarrassed

2009-10-03T09:54:00.000-07:00

Are you the proud owner of a new dog? Looking for some helpful dog training advice to get you started?

Getting a dog is an experience that can change your life. It’s much like welcoming a new (and rather rowdy) member into the family, really; a period of adjustment and change. For people who live alone, it can be a lesson in responsibility, in learning to take care of the needs of another creature. For those with families, the experience can be a lesson in patience, getting along (“Ma, the dog ate my sandwich again!”) and friendship. They’re not called “man’s best friend” for nothing, after all.

Having a dog is a much greater experience for both of you when the dog is disciplined. Dog training advice is essential in order to have a well behaved dog who is pleasant to be around. Starting with house training as well as behavioral training, make your dog one that you will be happy to take anywhere.

Nobody wants a dog who jumps on people all the time, or a dog who barks or growls continually. It can get very frustrating and annoying for you and others. These are all signs of aggression which are not healthy for your dog, and can be very embarrassing for you. Some small dogs get away with a lot more aggressive behavior because of their size.

I adore my two wiener dogs, and wouldn’t change them for anything. However, I realized that they had dominant behavior which was causing trouble at the dog park, as well as when I had people over and they would jump all over them.

One day I decided to take charge and address these problems. A trainer would have been very expensive, so that was out of the question. I was able to find the excellent dog training advice that I much needed and today I can enjoy my pups a lot more and don’t have to worry that they will cause trouble and embarrassment.

It is very important to address your dog’s habits. Here is the dog training advice that I found that will easily teach you how to effectively change your dog’s behavior. For more information, feel free to use this great resource on dog training advice.

House Training Your Dog: Quick Before You Can’t Take It Anymore

2009-10-02T18:05:00.000-07:00

Just about had it with trying to house train your dog? Are you tired of coming home to find pee all over the carpet, pillows helter-skelter and garbage littered (and chewed) all over the floor?

Well, I know I was. The first few weeks after I got my new puppy, I was just about ready to call the pound. (Well, not really, I loved my dog; but you get the picture). I hardly got any sleep at night because my yelping charge was terrified of spending the night alone and I had to keep him company until he fell asleep. He would then proceed to make a mess at 2 in the morning and I would have to get up to clean it. I would come home late in the afternoon to find the garbage can turned over, pee all over the floor and furniture ridden with teeth marks. I knew I had to successfully train him soon – or I would go crazy.

Does my story sound familiar to you? How do you house train your dog to behave when he spends his time acting like a – dog?

You know you have to take action sooner rather than later. There are alternatives out there. If you get a trainer, it will be very expensive. There are dog schools, which can also be pricey, and with your busy schedule, this proposition might be a little more than you can handle right now.

The good news is that there is a great method that you can use to house train your dog. Dogs are naturally clean. They do not like to soil the place where they sleep, so they will cooperate with you. And all dogs can be trained, even older dogs.

This simple but straightforward method has made it very easy for thousands of people to house train their dogs. For more information, visit Cris Santeiro’s Dog Training With Love blog.

Clicker Training Dogs: Dog Psychology for the Most Mischievous of Dogs

2009-10-01T20:17:00.000-07:00

Looking for new ways to train your dog? Heard about clicker training dogs and curious about what it is? And what exactly is a clicker?

A clicker is a basically a tool used by dog owners to help train their dogs. It looks like a small box with a metal strip on it that makes a “clicking” noise when pushed down. Clicker training basically applies the age-old reward-and-punishment concept, albeit making it a tad easier by eventually teaching your dog to respond to the clicking noises and not the treats.

Not quite sure you get it? Okay, let’s paint a picture. Imagine that you are trying to teach your dog to stay. You let it follow you around a bit and then you turn around, put your hand up and say “stay” firmly while pressing the clicker. The dog wags his tail and keeps in stride when you start walking. You turn around once again, do the same hand signal, say “stay” while pressing the clicker and (gently!) force your dog into a sitting/resting position. You give it a treat.

Eventually, with enough repetition (and patience), your dog will begin to associate the command with the click and the treat. Soon, it will be responding to the sound of the clicker alone. Then later on, with some luck, you’ll even get your dog to respond to your command itself – without the use of clickers or treats.

So, to answer the question about what clicker training dogs is all about, it is basically dog psychology at its simplest and finest.

How about the success rate in training dogs using a clicker? Well, clicker training dogs is said to be efficient in teaching even the rowdiest pups around, so you are pretty much guaranteed to succeed.

Feel free to check out this resource if you need more information on training your dog.

Small Dog Training: Obedience School 101

2009-10-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

Having problems training your small dog? Is there a difference in training a regular-sized pup and a toy dog? Are there helpful tips that can make your small dog training life easier?

The truth is there’s really no difference when it comes to training all kinds of dogs, no matter what their breed or size. The challenges my older brother went through while training his Labrador retriever, for example, were the same challenges I had to face in training my much smaller cocker spaniel. However, how different kinds of dogs respond to training may vary. Labs are typically friendlier and more good-natured, while spaniels are a little moodier and more apt to snap.

What about small dogs or toy dogs? What’s the best way to train them? Here are some tips you might find helpful in small dog training.

1. Avoid carrying small dogs around

People who own small dogs tend to carry the pup around with them instead of letting them walk on a leash. This habit can be detrimental to your training, especially when you’re trying to potty train them. Carrying your dog to the garden or the potty box when it needs to go will give it the impression that you will always be around to do so. And when you’re not – ah, the horror. So, use a leash. And next time your dog makes a mess on your carpet, walk him to the spot, let him smell it, say “bad dog” firmly and then lead him to the proper potty place. Hopefully, he’ll get the picture before the 10th try.

2. Aggressive behavior in small dogs

Watch out for aggressive behavior in your small dog. Don’t allow your small dog to get away with it because of his size. Many behaviors which are not condoned in larger dogs seem to be allowed very often in small dogs. For example, if a small dog growls at a larger dog, it is sometimes seen as cute. This is dominant, aggressive behavior, and you should try to change it.

3. Reward and punishment

Using the reward and punishment system is perhaps the best way to train a dog – big or small. Dogs (and humans too!) learn through good and bad experiences. Humanely punishing your dog when he chews your couch will help him remember not to do it again. And rewarding him for, say, pooping in the right place, will reinforce the behavior.

Even though there is no difference between small dog training and training larger dogs, the above factors do influence their training. So watch out for behaviors that you are unintentionally letting them get away with, and you will have a more balanced pup.

Feel free to check out this great resource for small dog training advice.

For more information on small dog training visit Cris Santeiro’s Dog Training With Love blog.

Puppy Love: Dog Training Tricks

2009-09-30T11:57:00.000-07:00

Got a new puppy? Excited to teach it how to sit, stay, fetch? Need a couple of dog training tricks to get your puppy to behave?

I remember the excitement I felt the first time I went to a pet store to purchase my very own dog. There were a dozen other pups yipping and yelping for our attention, but one puppy caught my eye. It was brownish-gold cocker spaniel with adorable puppy dog eyes, flappy ears and the softest paws. And it was just begging (i.e. jumping, yapping, whining) to be brought home. Well, needless to say, I fell for the shameless puppy-begging hook, line and sinker. But what I didn’t know then was that I was in for quite a ride.

Taking care of a dog is a lot like taking care of kid. They’re needy, helpless and quite clueless about everything. It takes a while for a dog to understand what you’re trying to say to it (“No, pillows are for sleeping not chewing”) and – unlike human babies – will never develop the capability to communicate with you through speech.

So, how can you possibly train your dog?

Remember the saying “it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks?” Well, that saying is very true. It is important that you start training your pup as soon as you can, otherwise it’ll develop habits of its own that will be hard to break. I started training my dog a few days after I got him when he was less than three months old.

Dogs learn through good and bad experiences. That’s why the “reward and punishment” system works best when dog training. If you want to teach your dog to sit, for example, make sure you have a bag of treats ready.

Hold a treat in your hand and hold it up at the dog’s eye level, close enough for him to see it and far enough so he won’t be able to snap at it. Say “sit” firmly. Raise the treat higher up until the dog assumes a sitting position. When he sits, reward him with the treat. Repeat until he learns to sit even without you holding a treat.

Once your pup has learned how to listen to you, start introducing some dog training tricks. Fetching sometimes comes naturally to some dogs, while others need to learn how to fetch. Take your dog to a fenced in yard and give him some treats while showing him how to run after the ball.

Other dog training tricks to start with are roll-over, paw-shaking, and playing dead. Always offer positive reinforcement and reward them with treats.

Feel free to check out this great resource for dog training.

For more information check out Cris Santeiro’s blog for more dog training tricks and advice.