Monday, September 29, 2008

The Dog Training Expert

I couldn’t believe how mad and frustrated I had become. I was getting ready to put our family dog, Jake, in the car and take him to the SPCA. I didn’t want to get rid of him, but he was ruining my life and destroying the peace and happiness in our home. He barked constantly, ran away, and was aggressive towards everyone other than the family. I had never had a dog like this in my whole life. I tried to get him to obey, but nothing I tried worked. I was at the end of my rope.

I had been using the free advice on dog obedience training that was out there. It didn’t work or I couldn’t make it work or something. Frustrating. I had also purchased a book at pet store and worked with Jake. No results and more frustration. What was I doing wrong?

I thought about my little boy and what I was going to tell him. I thought about how I was going to feel if I left Jake at the SPCA. He probably wouldn’t get adopted. It was a death sentence for the dog. I couldn’t do it. Back to square one.

More weeks passed. Then, my wife’s friend, Julie, said that one of her co-workers had had a similar problem with her dog and had found a dog training program that worked great. It used video instruction so it was easier to follow than a book. I was willing to give it a try and checked it out.

The training worked great and almost immediately I saw results. The difference I found was that the instructor, Dove Cresswell, is able to see and hear the techniques she employs in a clear manner. Her philosophy is that the more training and tricks that a dog learns, the better behaved it will be. She only uses positive reinforcement. Her course includes puppy potty training, dog obedience training, crate training and good puppy and dog manners. Check it out yourself, she has free lessons. www.thedogtrainingexpert.com

So, how is Jake? He is still as playful as ever, but now he is a well-behaved member of the household. When we go on walks there is no more pulling and he has stopped being aggressive. He has also stopped running away and returns as soon as he is called. We are so happy.

Jake is a healthy 10-month old Jack Russell terrier.


2 comments:

Big Bear said...

When you are training a new dog, it is best to face reality: most of us are not the Dog Whisperer. Dog training books can help new owners train their young pet's good behavior skills from the first step instead of dealing with bad behavior later. They also help frustrated owners whose relationship with their pets is strained because of behavior issues.

These resources are invaluable tools for owners with young pets that need to learn how to behave in new surroundings or dogs that have separation anxiety (i.e.: chew on furniture when they are left alone). Owners also struggle with issues like aggressive behavior, house training, establishing who is the Alpha, or dominant personality in the home and setting boundaries.

Regardless if you are a new pet owner or you raise canines on a professional level, there are many training resources available to you. Dog training books range from general training to behavior problems to specific methods. Once you make a decision about what type of training you need for your pet, you can then focus on resources that will help you reach that goal.

It's extremely important to utilize resources that are easy to use and effective. For example, a training book on The Clicker Method rewards dogs with treats when they follow commands. Other methods on which dog training books are produced are The Dog Whisperer Method as well as the Positive Reinforcement Method. Both of these methods exercise training tools that promote non-violent owner treatment while training your pet.

It is always to your benefit to review the basics of training methods before you decide which method to use. Consider your dog's personality and how a specific type of training might work for him or her. Sticking to a less structured training regime and buying a variety of dog training books may not be what your dog needs to learn. Online tools are also available with reviews of dog training books and tips on how to get more results from them. This could serve as a great resource in determining what book should be used to train your pet.

Whether you bring home a puppy or a full-grown dog, it is important to have a plan in place. In a new home with new owners a dog will require some form of training so that everyone can coexist peacefully. There are several dog training books on specific methods available to help train your pet. If you stick to one method of training, be certain to research it and know what other owners and your veterinarian think about it. If your dog needs training in certain areas, choose a method that focuses on particular types of behavior. Whatever your preference there is a large variety of dog training books available to assist you with making a dog a wonderful addition to your family.

Unknown said...

Cool article, like this story a lot. Dog Training is a fun topic for me.