Dog Behavior Training - First Understand Dog Behavior

Before you begin any dog behavior training it is first important to understand dog behavior. It makes sense doesn't it? To change the way your pet acts, first find out whey he is acting the way he does.

Remember that unlike the wolf, generally the domestic puppy has had human interaction and contact from the day he was born, and will continue to have this contact until the day he dies. All too often we look to the wolf for answers as to why dogs behave the way they do, but this human interaction from day one somewhat lessens the value of studying wolves. Dogs have integrated themselves (or actually we have integrated them) into the human world.

Have you ever noticed how many people refer to their pets as their "children"? It's a simple analogy to make because dogs are "adopted" and can easily fill the role of children. This makes the domestic dog unique from his wolf ancestry. It is because of these unique qualities that we must look at canines as separate from wolves.

In fact, it is more effective to look at dog behavior training as much like training children. Consider the similarities. Both like approval and affection. Both have the ability to learn. Dogs and children are playful. They are curious, adaptable, and while still young are seemingly carefree. They can be perfect angels or they can be generally disobedient. The environment in the home goes a long way in determining which way your dog or child leans, but there are many other factors as well.

It is a rare pet that does not have at least some behaviors that can be annoying to his owner. It is when those behaviors become difficult to tolerate that the real problems begin. These behaviors can be the result of a number of factors. Sure genetics plays a part. There are far too many breeders who simply breed dogs without regard to the their temperament. But genetics are just the beginning.

Dogs, like children, need guidance. They need to be trained. And without proper training and discipline, they can become out of control. They become problems in the family and in the neighborhood. Frequently that means a trip to the shelter, which unfortunately becomes almost like sitting on death row.

Or it can mean being sentences to the back yard or a pen with very little human contact. This of course only makes the behavior problems worse, and even created new problems. Dogs confined with little human contact can become aggressive, or problem barkers, diggers or chewers.

The good news is that through proper dog behavior training, most of these problem behaviors can be repaired effectively.

A good obedience course can teach you how to prevent problem behaviors, and correct the ones that have already formed. It seems that dogs are much easier to rehabilitate than people. The age of the dog does not seem to be a factor. It is simply a matter of rewarding proper behavior and discouraging problem behavior. It is a matter of the dog owner being both consistent and persistent. Be clear in what you want and provide lots of love and rewards for appropriate actions.

Dog behavior training means predictable outcomes which is achieved by reinforcement and also through consequences. Good instruction teaches the owner the skills needed to raise a wonderful pet.

Of course a good dog obedience class is almost always best, but it can be costly. In this blog we will be your instructors, teaching you how to properly train your pet and how to correct problem behaviors. We plan on adding one or two lessons a week. But if you've got a problem that needs to be corrected NOW, there are two resources we highly recommend. The first is Daniel Steven's SitStayFetch program. We believe it to be the "best of breed" and since it is a digital download it can be in your hands in minutes.

Or of you are one of those who learns best by watching, check out Dove Cresswell's Online Training Videos. It is also a very good program and you can even view a free sample lesson by visiting her site. In this way you'll be able to determine if video is the best method for you.

You won't go wrong with either program.