Easy to Train Dog Breeds

Some breeds are easy to train. They are rarely stubborn, dominant, or become aggressive toward people, dogs or kids.

• Maltese

• Sheltie

• Collie

• Saint Bernard

• Australian Shepherd

• Toy or miniature Poodle

• German Shorthair Pointer

• Pointer

However, it is best to remember that no dog is impossible to train. It is up to the owners to give them the right training. Genetic disorders and medical issues play a very small role in bad behavior.

Take a look at the pointers below. They will help you define your dog’s pack status (below the humans):

· Feed the dog after all members of the family have eaten

· Ensure he has his own area in the house (do not allow him the freedom to roam around all rooms). Ensure that he stays in the area. Get a mat and make sure he stays upon it. If he won’t stay there, isolate him, preferably outside. Eventually he will prefer to stay on the mat than be isolated.

. Ignore the dog when he wants attention. Give him attention only when you choose to

· Ensure that the dog is fed by the person that is most dominated by him

· Teach the dog to drop and command him into that position whenever he acts aggressively.

· Ensure he drops before being fed. Break his meal into smaller portions and make him drop before allowing him to eat each portion. If he won’t drop, don’t feed him (don’t physically force him to drop). Wait an hour and try again. A hungry dog is more likely to want to please. Besides, getting the dog to do something on his own is more effective (and less dangerous) than forcing him down.

· Reward the dog for allowing his food to be removed by adding something extra nice to the removed bowl and immediately replacing it. The dog will learn that the removal of the bowl is not a threatening gesture.

· Teach the dog to give and reward this act with something better than the thing given: a nicer toy, food, a retrieve and so on.

. Leave a collar and long lead (say 12 feet) on the dog when he is supervised. If it misbehaves, you are able to correct it without having to go too close. For instance, if the dog won’t remain on his mat, you are able to grab the lead and drag the dog to the isolation area (preferably outside).

· Ensure that the dog always waits for people to go through doorways first . Regularly touch your dog all over or groom it. Reward any progress towards compliance.

· Never allow the dog to jump on anyone.

· Do not play ‘tug of war’ games with the dog; the dominant dog sees this as a way to gain supremacy. It’s not a game, its warfare. If the dog wins, he moves another rung up the pack hierarchy.

A Few Definitions:

Leash:

A leather, nylon, or cotton strap with a clip at one end for the dog’s collar and a loop at the other end. They come in several sizes, but the six-foot size is the most common for obedience training and walks.

Collar:

This is a leather, chain, nylon, or cotton apparatus that fits around the dog’s neck and is used for control. There are several types: buckle, slip collar, choker and prong. Buckle collars are used for puppies and mild-mannered dogs that do not pull against the leash. Leather or flat nylon slip collars are good for dogs that are boisterous and dogs that pull hard against the leash. Chain or round nylon choker collars need skill to use but are the most common in training classes.

Head collar or halter:

This is somewhat similar to a pony halter, the head collar works by controlling the dog’s head, not pulling on his neck. A head collar is helpful for strong dogs, for dogs that are somewhat aggressive to other dogs, and for teaching dogs to focus on the handler.

Harness:

A set of straps that fits around the dog’s body. They leave no control over the head or neck.

The harness is fine for small dogs and mild-mannered dogs, but should not be used on boisterous dogs or dogs that pull on the leash.

Puppy kindergarten:

A special class for puppies that lays stress on behavior and socialization and teaches owners how to handle and teach their puppies the basic commands.

Basic obedience:

A course of basic commands, that dogs and handlers are expected to master before the end of the class session.

Advanced training:

Classes for dogs that need a bit of refined behavior for the show ring or for continued success at good manners.

Canine Good Citizen test:

This is a 10-step, pass-fail test. It proves a dog’s good manners and an owner’s sense of responsible dog ownership. Dogs must be licensed and well-groomed, sociable to people and other dogs, and understand basic obedience commands. Failing any part of the test is as good as failing the whole test.

CD:

Companion Dog, This is the first level of obedience titles involving mastery of sit, heel, down, stay, and come commands in a variety of exercises. To earn a CD, a dog and handler must achieve a qualifying score of 170 points (out of 200) at three separate shows under three different judges. A CD is earned from the novice class.

CDX:

Companion Dog Excellent is the second level of obedience titles adding jumping and retrieving to the CD level and requiring that all work be done without a leash. The same three qualifying scores under three different judges are required to earn the title. A CDX is earned from the open class.

UD:

Utility dog is the third level of obedience titles. It adds scent discrimination, directed retrieves, and directed jumps to the skills required. Dogs must also earn three qualifying scores under different judges to earn a UD from the utility class.

OTCH:

Obedience trial championship, earned by continuing to compete at the open and utility levels and winning first or second place enough times to amass 100 points.

Everything you wanted to know

Why do dogs chase cars?

It is a very natural instinct. Chasing cats, other dogs, and cars is a part of their genetic structure.

It can be quite irritating. You’re minding your own business, walking your dog along your public sidewalk. Suddenly, the ears perk and suddenly a cat is spotted off about 200 feet away. Then the chase begins. There’s no stopping your dog, even if he’s on a leash.

You can stop this behavior. Don’t look at the cat or car any other object your dog is chasing. That’s acknowledging to your dog that that other object is something interesting and is worth pursuing. The best thing you can do if you see your dogs ears perk up is to instantly tell it no, so it wont be tempted to go after it.

Start walking in the direction away from the object. Then sharply jerk your dog’s leash. Jerk it once and then wait for it to adjust to walk by your side. Perhaps you need to say heel.

Many people feel they should drag their dogs away from the cat or dog. But this won’t solve the problem as well as a swift jerk and then a heel. Do this as many times as is necessary until your dog has corrected the situation and you have her attention once again.

What exactly is off-leash dog obedience training?

Off-Leash is when your dog exhibits perfect behavior without a leash. You can put your dog on “Down-Stay” and do not need to get a leash. When your dog is off –leash, you can go out to your car, or work in your yard and the dog will hang out with you, and not run down the street.

Off-Leash is never having to put your dog on a leash to obey you or to be under your control.

Will group obedience classes help me with my dog’s problem?

Group classes will not help problems such as aggression, jumping up, whining, bolting, inappropriate marking, excessive barking, shyness, digging, chewing, biting, and running away. If the causes of the problems are psychological , then a vet is a better idea.

How soon should I start my puppy?

As soon as possible.

How do I select the collar that is right for my dog?

There are three main considerations in choosing a Dog Training Collar that’s right for your dog and your training needs:

What range do you need? Where do you want to take your dog? Around the home and yard, or for distance control on hikes or in the field?

The collar should match your dog’s size and temperament. Size is less important, as most collars work with most sized dogs. Very small dogs probably need one of the systems designed for little dogs. An extremely large dog may require the purchase of an extra large collar

Next, what is the goal of your training? Basic obedience training can be accomplished with the Basic Obedience Collars. Polishing basic training, teaching tricks, agility training, and more sophisticated goals are best accomplished with one of the Advanced Training Collars.

Sportsman will want to choose a Sporting or Hunting Collar that has the ruggedness, long range, and extra features needed in the field.

What collar is right for my dog’s temperament?

Most training collars work with most dogs’ temperaments. Dogs that are unusually docile or unusually aggressive require a broader range of available correction levels. Here’s a range of temperaments:

Docile: apathetic (not coming when called, housebreaking issues)

Mild-Mannered: Active and Playful, but easily calmed with firm command or reward

Playfully aggressive: No signs of violence or malicious biting, but is sometimes tough to control

Aggressive: Overexcited easily, bites playfully, and may injure itself or others, breaks items in home, runs into walls

Violently Aggressive -: Tendencies toward attacking, maiming, very territorial.

Do I need a trainer and if so, how can I get a good one?

Yes. A good trainer can help you train your dog the right way. He is necessary not only to help your dog become a well trained dog but also to help you become a good owner. Choose one who uses humane training techniques that encourage appropriate behavior through such positive reinforcement as food, attention, play, or praise. Training techniques should never involve yelling, choking, shaking the scruff, tugging on the leash, alpha rolling (forcing the dog onto his back), or other actions that frighten or inflict pain.

All family members should be encouraged to participate, if possible. Make sure that all lessons are clearly demonstrated and explained. Training should be clearly structured steps, and written materials provided. Each owner should have time to practice with his dog during class. The trainer should give individual attention to each dog. Avoid chaotic classes and classes with too many dogs enrolled. You should be comfortable with the methods your trainer uses.