Archive for 17. May 2010

Use Proper Structure When Training Your Dog

Whether a dog owner has just brought home a new dog, or they are ready to begin improving the relationship with an older dog, owners have a lot to consider when figuring out just how they will accomplish training their new or old best friend. From tried and true methods, to wacky gimmicks, to systems that just don’t work, there are so many ways to train dogs that owners (and their dogs) often end up so confused that limited to no results are accomplished. The reasons for the failure in any training system can quickly be analyzed to reveal that the failure most probably occurred due to lacking one of the three critical components (for both dog and owner).

When evaluating a dog training method, one of the most important factors is motivation. Motivation most often comes from what psychologists and trainers call positive reinforcement. Simply put, it is what everyone looks forward to about dog training, often taking the form of treats, toys, or praise. Not every dog has the same motives for working, so selecting the correct motivator, or lure is critical for training. Now the limitation to simply using a lure is that it isn’t always alluring…This is where the structure comes in.

Structure comes in the form of showing the dog what to do even if your doing Dog Training in San Diego. A lure can, in many situations, offer enough motivation and structure of what to do but eventually, a dog will probably need some guidance. An example of the need for structure is when a dog bolts for the front door while being trained with a lure to perform a command. Although the dog may have a firm understanding of what a command should mean, the overwhelming influence of the doorbell may override the lure’s ability to motivate the dog to perform. In this case, something must be used to stop the dog from bolting to the door. A leash, physical touch, standing in front of the dog, or simply asking again for a behavior (giving a command) may represent enough structure to keep the dog performing a desired task. Without the structural component, the dog may run to the door, thereby only learning to repeat the mad dash next time. The occasional ‘mad dash’ is what is ruining our consistency…

Consistency is probably the most important factor that can have a positive influence on a dog’s behavior even when your in San Diego Dog Training your new pet. The consistency of ‘doing’ what is right can only be learned from ‘doing’ what is right (practice makes perfect). Expecting the dog to figure out on his/her own what to do in a confusing situation will slowly eat away at the performance of the desired behavior. The proper application of motivation and structure can help the owner keep the consistency, but it is up to the owner to stay consistent.

By using this model for a foundation of training, a dog owner, and dog, can build and maintain a happy and successful relationship. Punishment is not needed in this model, and both owner and dog will confidently understand and uphold their roles in a household. Understand that all components of this model are required to achieve the most success, and your dog will thank you for it!

My Experience While Building a Chicken Coop

Some pre-fabricated chicken coops  are priced in the thousands of dollars. It may not be the size you want, and will limit you if you want to expand it.When you are building a chicken coop from the ground up you save money.To ensure you do this, begin with a specific plan.Avoid rebuilding the coop and investing more money.

These pointers can guide you when beginning your plans when you build a hen house.Thinking about the space, size, materials and blueprints is critical to getting a great outcome. You must first determine which type of chicken coop you want to build.

Getting these steps in order before you begin is key to your success.In this section are the basics in materials and building plans for how to build a chicken coop.

Here are 3 basic steps to get started:

 

First, take metal or wooden posts and sink them in the ground about 12-24” deep.You can add concrete to the hole to make a firm structure. You will be creating a rectangle shape in the size specified by your plans. Chicken coops should allow 4 square feet per chicken in the chicken coop, and for the outside run you should allow 10 square feet per chicken .

Next,  create a frame by sinking 2×4 boards into the ground.One option is to attach wire to the boards to create a floor. Don’t forget predators will dig under the fence and come up into the floor of your chicken coop!

 

When beginning to build the roof, use wood, sheet metal or plastic and angle it down to the ground.

Last, the materials you choose for building a chicken run will affect the cost of your overall plans.These include everything from wood, sheet metal, PVC, and wire. To be sure, you want your chicken coop to last through the seasons.Wood will be the most expensive material.

 

Strong, weather treated lumber is the lumber type you are looking for. However, you can source wood from scrap sites, junk yards and many other areas.So long as the lumber is in good condition, used wood is ok to use.

Don’t worry if the wood patterns are mixed, as a coat of stain or paint will even out the look.

 

 

Housebreaking A Dog - Helpful Tips

When housebreaking a dog, it can be helpful to beaware of some basic rules which will help you avoid unnecessary issues and ensure that the process will be a effective one.

 If you want the dog training process to go smoothly, you’ll want to make sure to take note of the following tips on housebreaking a dog 

 Tip #1: It is always a good idea to begin housebreaking puppies as soon as you bring them home. This is also true for older dogs as well. However, when it comes to potty training puppies, it’s necessary to remember that they have little to no sphincter control in the beginning. This won’t be completely developed until close to 12 weeks of age. While you’ll want to begin training them right away, being mindful of this will likely help you avert many mishaps and setbacks that often occur.

 Tip #2: Make certain to put your puppy on a routine. This is especially true when it comes to feeding and bathroom breaks. Make certain to take them outside very first morning, after each meal, before their bedtime and every few hours in between. Try to do these things at the same times every single day when possible, this will help make things easier for your dog. Also, avoid providing them food or water in the evening about 1-2 hours before bedtime, this will helpdecrease the need to take them out in the middle of the night.

Tip #3: Never leave your puppy unsupervised in your home and do not allow them to have free reign of your entire home. The most effective thing to do is to keep them to a particular area of your home, but make sure to watch them closely and interact with them. It is likely that you’ll notice them sniffing at the ground or circling an area or pacing. When you see this, get them outdoors immediately. This won’t only prevent an accident, but also help avoid mishaps in the future. Since dogs are very likely to soil areas where they or other dogs have previously soiled. If you don’t keep an eye on your dog, this is very likely to occur.

Tip #4 : Remember to have lots of patience and praise and reward your dog each time they eliminate in the proper area. Realize that this can take a little time and your dog just isn’t going to get it right away and accidents might occur. Make certain to avoid punishing bad behavior. If you punish your dog afterwards, they’ll think they are being punished for whatever they were doing at the moment you began disciplining them. This may only serve to confuse them and more difficulties will unavoidably occur as a result.

 These are just a couple of tips that can help you when you start housebreaking a dog.

 If you’re looking for more information, you may also be interested in learning about the easiest and fastest ways to housebreak a dog.

 

 

 

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