Dog Training Course

Do you feel you should take a dog training course? Well, who certifies dog trainers? Nobody, officially; this is an unregulated field. At this time, the only credible organization certifying trainers is the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI). NADOI has an extensive evaluation process, and only certifies experienced trainers. A NADOI certification is a definite feather in your cap, but that option isn’t available to new instructors.

At this time, NADOI and the APDT are the only organizations recognized by professional trainers and veterinarians.

What qualities do you need in order to be a good trainer? First of all, you should be aware that your primary job will not involve training dogs; it will involve training people! Most of your time will be spent teaching the owner how to train his or her dog. Good communication and people skills are a top priority. You will need a great deal of flexibility, as well as the ability to see other people’s point of view.

Accredited colleges do not offer dog training programs. Most colleges do offer some courses which would be beneficial as background information, such as Psychology of Learning or similar classes dealing with applied learning theory.

There are several private dog training academies throughout the country, most not worth the price of attendance. Remember, NADOI and the APDT are the only “certification” entities recognized by trainers and veterinarians in the US, so an individual school’s “Master Trainer” or “Certified Trainer” title may wow your future students, but is a rather meaningless accolade.

If you should decide to go to a training school, avoid the ones boasting that they can teach you everything about all aspects of dog training in one course. Each field of dog training is its own separate field of expertise, and it takes years to become expert in any ONE area. “Learn obedience training, behavior problem solving, personal protection training, police dog training, tracking, search and rescue, assistance dog training, and how to run your own business in just six weeks,” is not a realistic claim. There are no “secrets of professional dog trainers.”

Another problem with most training schools is that they tend to teach only one “method.” There is no one training method you can learn that will work on all dogs in all situations, or even come close. In order to be a good trainer, you have to know many, many training methods, and preferably know enough about canine behavior and how dogs learn to make up your own methods to fit a given situation.

And, just as anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, anyone can run a school for dog trainers. Buyer beware!

Dog Training Equipment

When you first get a new dog it may seem a little overwhelming the amount of things you have to buy. You will have to buy food, a bed, bowls and toys to mention just a few and it is also a very sensible idea to get some dog training equipment. While it is possible to use ordinary items this may not be the case in some circumstances. For instance, it will certainly be necessary to get a case if you intend to crate train your dog and you may want to purchase a clicker or a noisy chain. If you are training a hunting dog then you will want more specific dog training equipment to help with the process of training.

A clicker is used to help with positive reinforcement. Every time you praise your dog you click the clicker and give him a treat and so he recognizes the noise to mean he has done well and is being rewarded. On the other hand a noisy chain is used to throw at the feet of your dog as negative reinforcement when he has done something wrong. The noise of the chain hitting the floor is irritating to the dog and will certainly get his attention. You should never use the chain to reprimand the dog directly and it should only be used to make the loud noise.

There are other more unusual training aids. You can get remote spray collars that work like ordinary collars but have a small water spray attached. When your dog misbehaves you can click the button and the water will spray into his face. This will invariably stop him in his tracks and after using this a couple of times it is very unlikely he will do the same thing again for fear of getting water sprayed in his face.

Walking big dogs can be a real challenge. Specialist collars can help. Harnesses give you much more control over a boisterous dog that usually has the run of you when out on walks and the choker chain works by tightening around the dog’s neck but quickly loosening again when the tension on the lead loosens. Electric collars give out a small electrical shock to your dog although this form of punishment is best for hunting dogs and teaching them not to approach certain harmful animals like snakes. This dog training equipment is all fairly inexpensive and will make your life a lot easier when first training your dog.

Dog Training Product

When you first get a new dog it may seem a little overwhelming the amount of things you have to buy. You will have to buy food, a bed, bowls and toys to mention just a few and it is also a very sensible idea to get some dog training equipment. While it is possible to use ordinary items this may not be the case in some circumstances. For instance, it will certainly be necessary to get a case if you intend to crate train your dog and you may want to purchase a clicker or a noisy chain. If you are training a hunting dog then you will want more specific dog training equipment to help with the process of training.

A clicker is used to help with positive reinforcement. Every time you praise your dog you click the clicker and give him a treat and so he recognizes the noise to mean he has done well and is being rewarded. On the other hand a noisy chain is used to throw at the feet of your dog as negative reinforcement when he has done something wrong. The noise of the chain hitting the floor is irritating to the dog and will certainly get his attention. You should never use the chain to reprimand the dog directly and it should only be used to make the loud noise.

There are other more unusual training aids. You can get remote spray collars that work like ordinary collars but have a small water spray attached. When your dog misbehaves you can click the button and the water will spray into his face. This will invariably stop him in his tracks and after using this a couple of times it is very unlikely he will do the same thing again for fear of getting water sprayed in his face.

Walking big dogs can be a real challenge. Specialist collars can help. Harnesses give you much more control over a boisterous dog that usually has the run of you when out on walks and the choker chain works by tightening around the dog’s neck but quickly loosening again when the tension on the lead loosens. Electric collars give out a small electrical shock to your dog although this form of punishment is best for hunting dogs and teaching them not to approach certain harmful animals like snakes. This dog training equipment is all fairly inexpensive and will make your life a lot easier when first training your dog.

Dog Training School

Most areas have a dog training school that takes puppies and more mature dogs alike and if you are in the early stages of obedience training then taking your puppy or dog to one of these schools is a very useful step. Not only do dog obedience training schools help teach your dog obedience skills but they also teach you how to teach them. As well as this, obedience schools are full of other dogs and other people and most of these people have been in the same position as you. This provides you and your puppy with an excellent opportunity to try out your social skills.

Even though you only really need to go for several lessons it is fine to continue going dog obedience school even if it is only to continue socializing your dog. In the long run, ensuring that your dog is socialized will prove vital. Without this they can become stressed, anxious and defensive in new situations with new people. Most aggression in dogs is only a form of defense and preventing this is essential.

Dog training schools will teach you the essentials of obedience training and if you have never owned a puppy before this can be quite an eye opener. From the day you bring your puppy home he or she is developing new habits and characteristics and if you are responding inappropriately to these actions then you could be teaching your puppy completely the wrong thing. You will both be taught the basics of rewarding and reprimanding your dog and you will normally learn to make your puppy sit, stay and other useful ‘tricks’. Even with just these simple tricks you should be able to teach your dog a lot.

Don’t forget that one of the most important aspects of obedience training is not the specific tricks but showing the dog that you are in control. Handing over control to you will remove a lot of stress from any dog and allow them to lead a healthier and happier lifestyle. This is especially true of older dogs that have got into bad habits. It will take longer to train older dogs because they have become conditioned to act in certain ways, but most dogs will still be susceptible to useful and effective training. It is still very important that you continue the work yourself when you get home and don’t just rely on your one trip a week to the school.

Dog Training Shock Collar


Many dog owners and professional trainers are deciding against the use of the dog training shock collar in training dogs, or trying to resolve behavior problems of the dog. The main reason for the decline in use of the dog training shock collar is that their potential for misuse is extremely high, and the dog training shock collar can easily cause considerable distress and pain to the dog.

Since dogs have little sense of logical reasoning, a dog experiencing a electrical shock from a dog training shock collar will likely associate the punishment with whatever he is focusing on at the moment. When dog training shock collars are used incorrectly, the dog could be focusing on another dog, or the owner. Unwanted side effects of using a dog training shock collar include:

• dog becoming frightened easily
• potential aggressiveness of the dog

When used by inexperienced dog trainers, the dog training shock collar could take many shock treatments before the dog actually associates it with the unwanted behavior. It could take several more administrations of the shock when using the dog training shock collar, before the dog realizes how to avoid being shocked, buy performing the correct behavior. When the dog training shock collar is used improperly, it could cause additional behavior problems in the dog, rather than correct the behavior problems he may have.

With the risks so high with the dog training shock collar, more and more dog owners are seeking out alternative methods of training their dog at home. An inexperienced dog trainer may not even realize he is harming his dog with excessive shock from the dog training shock collar. It is extremely important that before you decide to use the dog training shock collar to aid in training your dog, that you learn everything there is to know about it. If you lack one piece of crucial knowledge, you could unknowingly harming your dog.

In addition the potential of misuse of the dog training shock collar, it has been proven possible that the dog training shock collar can be triggered by outside influences, and can easily malfunction. When this happens, it could result in the dog being given repeated shocks.

For the stated reasons, and more, the use of the dog training shock collar has declined enormously. Most professional dog trainers and pet owners are seeking alternative methods to train their dogs.

Dog Training Supply

Dog training is one of the very first things you should do with any new dog; whether it is a puppy or more mature. Consider if the puppy was still with its mother. It would be getting rewarded and reprimanded by its mother. You have taken on the role as the dog’s mother and so it is now your responsibility to take over this job as well. While many people choose to train their dog without any aids or equipment you may find it easier and if this equipment only consists of a crate and a clicker or a harness for walking then you will need to find a good dog training supply.

The Internet is absolutely jam packed with dog training supply companies and is probably the best place to start looking. The Internet has a number of advantages. For a start you have much more access to stores around the world than you would in your hometown and this increased access means you can get better equipment at cheaper prices. It may sound too good to be true and you may believe that in exchange for this you will be expected to wait weeks for delivery. Again, some shopping around should ensure that you only have to wait a couple of days at the very most and in many cases the equipment you buy can be delivered the next day.

Dog training equipment can be as simple as a clicker. The clicker is used to help with positive reinforcement so every time your puppy or dog does something to be rewarded for then you click the clicker and give it a treat or plenty of affection. Alternatively, noisy chains are used to bang on the floor in front of the dog when misbehaving. The noise will instantly stop the dog in it’s tracks and you can show him what he should be doing and then praise him when he does it right.

The walk can be a stressful time for some dog owners but with a harness around your dog’s neck you will have much greater control over where he goes, how quickly he goes there and what he does. Walking your dog should be fun and good exercise for both of you but you will need to set the rules if it is to really be this way. With a harness it is very easy to do so.

Dog Training Technique

When you first get a puppy or even if you adopt an older dog you will want to teach your new resident the house rules. It is important not only for you and your home but also for the dog that these ground rules are set early and adhered to all the time. A dog will quickly become confused if you change the rules or move the boundaries and a confused dog is an unhappy dog. There are no hard and fast rules you should implement and the rules you do set will be determined by your own requirements as much as anything else.

Basic dog obedience training is essential because not only does it allow you to set the ground rules but also it teaches your dog that you are in control and any orders you give must be followed. The best dog training tip you can be given is to always be consistent. Whether this is regarding the ground rules you set or the training method you use, you should always use consistency. The best way to do this is to use both positive and negative reinforcement or reprimand and reward.

The basic principle is that when your dog behaves you should reward him. Initially you should do this verbally, by petting him and you may also give him a treat. You can’t always reward with a treat, however, otherwise your dog will soon become overweight but you should always reward in some way or another. This will reinforce any good behavior and encourage your puppy to repeat that good behavior in the future.

Negative reinforcement means the verbal reprimand of your dog when he misbehaves. You should never use a physical reprimand because this will scare your dog instead of teach him and scared dogs very easily and very quickly become aggressive dogs. A stern ‘NO’ or ‘STOP’ should be enough. When your puppy does something you are not happy with then use this reprimand and show the dog what he should be doing. When he does it right then follow up with the positive reinforcement. By showing your dog the correct way to do something in this manner and quickly following a negative with a positive reinforcement he will be able to associate that doing something one way is good but another way is bad.

Dogs love to be rewarded, whether that reward is affection and petting, or small bits of food. This is why positive reinforcement works so well. Most dogs are intelligent enough to pick this up very quickly as long as you stick to the same rules and the same method of training consistently.

Dog Training Tips

When you first get a puppy or even if you adopt an older dog you will want to teach your new resident the house rules. It is important not only for you and your home but also for the dog that these ground rules are set early and adhered to all the time. A dog will quickly become confused if you change the rules or move the boundaries and a confused dog is an unhappy dog. There are no stead and fast rules you should implement and the rules you do set will be determined by your own requirements as much as anything else.

Basic dog obedience training is essential because not only does it allow you to set the ground rules but also it teaches your dog that you are in control and any orders you give must be followed. The best dog training tip you can be given is to always be consistent. Whether this is regarding the ground rules you set or the training method you use, you should always use consistency. The best way to do this is to use both positive and negative reinforcement or reprimand and reward.

The basic principle is that when you dog behaves you should reward him. Initially you should do this verbally, by petting him and you may also give him a treat. You can’t always reward with a treat, however, otherwise your dog will soon become overweight but you should always reward in some way or another. This will reinforce any good behavior and encourage your puppy to repeat that good behavior in the future.

Negative reinforcement means the verbal reprimand of your dog when he misbehaves. You should never use a physical reprimand because this will scare your dog instead of teach him and scared dogs very easily and very quickly become aggressive dogs. A stern ‘NO’ or ‘STOP’ should be enough. When your puppy does something you are not happy with then use this reprimand and show the dog what he should be doing. When he does it right then follow up with the positive reinforcement. By showing your dog the correct way to do something in this manner and quickly following a negative with a positive reinforcement he will be able to associate that doing something one way is good but another way is bad.

Dogs love to be rewarded, whether that reward is affection and petting, or small bits of food. This is why positive reinforcement works so well. Most dogs are intelligent enough to pick this up very quickly as long as you stick to the same rules and the same method of training consistently.

Dog Training Videos

In today’s society, with dog being commonly referred to as “man’s best friend”, many methods of dog training are now available for dog owners and dog trainers. Professional dog training services are available, but can be costly. This has lead pet owners everywhere to seek out aids, to help them train their dog at home. These aids include:

  • dog training book reference
  • electronic dog training collars
  • electronic fences
  • dog training video reference

The following paragraphs will discuss how a good dog training video can be helpful, and tips on how to locate the dog training video that fits you and your pet best.

A good dog training video will provide you with so much valuable information pertaining to training your dog. But since there are a variety of methods of dog training used by various dog trainers, finding the right dog training video may take more than one attempt. It is important to first establish the method of training you would prefer to use before purchasing a dog training video. By deciding on a method of dog training beforehand, you will narrow the selection of dog training videos you will have to chose from. For example, if you do not wish to use an electronic dog training collar to aid in training your dog, you can safely eliminate any dog training video that includes dog training methods that involve the use of one.

The next step in locating a dog training video that will work for you and your pet is knowing where you can locate such a dog training video. Most commonly, the best dog training video can be found at pet supply stores. Some pet supply stores will devote entire sections of their store to an excellent selection of dog training videos. A good dog training video can sometimes be found in other places, including but not limited to:

  • video rental establishments
  • libraries
  • department stores
  • online streaming websites

The benefits of a good dog training video are many. The dog training video will generally be less costly than professional training, and the dog training video will enable you to train your own dog at home.

Dog Training Advice

There are several different stages to dog training and in some cases they are very specific stages that you will need to undertake because your dog has developed certain habits or characteristics. However, starting basic obedience training from an early age not only sets excellent foundations for future training but it is also very beneficial to the dog itself. While dogs are animals and will behave like animals if left unchecked they are also clean animals that like to please their owners.

Without good dog training, most dogs will develop unwanted traits that can become more difficult to correct when they reach a more mature age. As the saying goes ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.’ While this isn’t strictly true with some breeds it may be true of your best friend. Unwanted activities include excessive barking, soiling in the house, chewing and destroying furniture and digging up your freshly tended garden.

However, none of these traits are essential in any dog and by introducing fun but guided training you can help your dog channel these natural habits towards more acceptable behavior. The key to this is to make it fun for both you and your dog. A happy dog is an obedient dog and the training you give will be seen as a time to please you and have some fun in the process. In the same way as children learn well when they have fun, dogs quickly pick up the habits that are rewarded and avoid those that lead to vocal reprimand.

Obedience training will also help you show your dog that you are in charge. This is an essential step to owning a dog, because if they believe they are in charge then they will also believe that they can behave however they like, whenever they want. It isn’t necessary to teach them extreme submissive behavior but some simple submissive acts will quickly let them know that you are in charge.

Taking control away from your dog not only means that you can control their actions but it also helps your dog. A dog that believes they are in charge of your family will feel stressed and worried because they need to protect the family from harm and keep them safe. This is why some dogs become aggressive toward strangers; it is not true aggression it is usually protection. If they sense danger and they believe you need protecting that is exactly what they will do. As you can see, training your dog is a vital part of ownership.