The Petz Show

What does a dog trainer do? A dog trainer shows owners how to teach their dogs to obey commands. Trainers can also help owners stop unwanted pet behaviors such as jumping on furniture, making noise late at night or urinating in inappropriate places. They often work with dogs that are hyperactive, fearful or anxious when away from their owners. Some dog trainers only work with specific dog breeds, while others only work on obedience versus behavior modification. How to become a dog trainer The following steps will help you learn the skills you need to become a professional dog trainer, in addition to demonstrating to employers that you work well with dogs and their owners. 1. Learn more about dog training Dog training requires knowing animal behavior. Learn as much as possible about dog behavior and training methods by reading books, attending seminars and workshops or taking behavior and obedience classes. If you own a dog, work on training them first. 2. Gain experience Once you have completed your own training, you’ll need to gain experience. Even if you have trained your own dog, you will need experience teaching other owners how to train their dogs. Consider volunteering with a local animal shelter or rescue, or participating in an apprenticeship with a local dog trainer. Many apprenticeships last from six months to a year and will provide you with hands-on experience. As you learn different methods of training and become more skilled, you can begin to interact more with clients and their pets under limited or no supervision. 3. Acquire a dog training certification While you don’t need federal or state certifications to become a dog trainer, getting certified by an independent organization can demonstrate your knowledge and skill to employers and clients. Many training programs offer certification programs to those who want to strengthen their credentials, including the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and the National Association of Dog Obedience Trainers (NADOI). Many dog trainers also are certified in common programs that demonstrate obedience and optimal dog behavior, such as the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. 4. Join a professional organization Joining a reputable dog training organization, such as the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), is an ideal way to expand your professional network and learn new skills. Many organizations host seminars and other events where dog trainers can learn new methods for training and share their own knowledge. 5. Write an effective dog trainer resume When you have completed your training and gained experience training dogs and their owners, you can begin to apply for dog training jobs. If you want to capture the attention of employers and set yourself apart from other candidates, make sure you write an effective resume that demonstrates your knowledge, skills and credentials. #dogs #pets #petslover #animals #animallovers #touchpad #dogtraining #puppies #adultdogs

10 Best Dog Breeds for Protection 1) Akitas are one of the most loyal dog breeds. Bred for guarding royalty and nobility in feudal Japan, this courageous and alert breed is naturally suspicious of strangers. Akitas will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills. As with all dogs, it will require proper socialization to help prevent unnecessary standoffishness or aggression. 2)Intense and athletic, the Belgian Malinois is a favorite breed of police and military K-9 units for its agility, search and rescue abilities, and trainability. This dog has a high energy level and thrives when it has a job to perform. It must get specialized training and proper socialization to be at ease in new or unfamiliar situations. This dog must get plenty of exercise every day. 3)Bullmastiff - Gamekeepers initially developed the loyal and brave bullmastiff to protect their game from poachers. The bullish looks of this large breed can be intimidating to intruders. In actuality, this dog is naturally affectionate towards its family, making it an excellent companion. The bullmastiff is a born protector that needs structured training to reinforce its natural guarding instincts. 4)The cane corso (pronounced "KAH-nay KOR-so") is an Italian dog breed historically used as a guard dog, war dog, and hunter. Its large size, heavy build, and deep-toned bark help ward off trespassers. The breed possesses an instinct for guarding. Its training should focus on obedience and honing its natural skills. 5)German Shepherd - Similar in looks and temperament to the Belgian Malinois, the German shepherd is another intense, active breed also favored as a police or military working dog. This breed exhibits a deep sense of loyalty toward its family members. Just like other protective dogs, training is critical to keep these dogs focused on being guard dogs. You will need to socialize your German shepherd to avoid fearfulness and nervousness. This dog also needs about two hours of exercise daily. 6)Historically, the Doberman pinscher has had a bad rap as an aggressive dog breed. But with its human family, it is affectionate, docile, and even goofy. Most are not even hesitant towards strangers unless they sense danger. Dobermans can often do an excellent job of protecting with little to no formal training. With a structured training program, you can hone your dog's protection skills and turn your dog into an excellent guard dog. 7)Komondor - Known for its signature "dreadlocks," the Komondor's white corded coat makes this breed look a lot like a mophead. However, don't let its looks fool you. The Komondor is a large, strong, and courageous working dog that originated in Hungary to guard livestock and property. Affectionate with its family, it is reserved around strangers. You can shape its natural desire to protect with a structured training program. Socialization will be essential to help expose this breed to different situations.​ 8)Historically a hunting dog for large game and lions, the Rhodesian ridgeback has an intense loyalty to its family, making it naturally inclined to protect. This dog is an affectionate and noble breed that makes a beautiful companion. This breed does not need guard dog training; it heightens its protection instincts too much. However, basic obedience training is essential to give this dog structure. This breed needs to be able to listen to you and follow your commands. 9)A Rottweiler is another breed that has a reputation for being aggressive. This breed can be a big goofy lovebug one moment and an intimidating defender the next. If a Rottweiler trusts you, the dog will likely be loyal and affectionate with you. Rotties are usually hesitant toward strangers until the dog verifies the person poses no threat. This dog can become an excellent guard dog when adequately trained. This breed needs socialization, structure, and a task driving its daily activities. 10)A Tibetan mastiff is the ultimate guard dog. No one is getting past this giant, watchful, powerful, and intimidating dog. Historically, this Tibetan guard dog protected caravans of people and herds in the Himalayas against wolves and snow leopards. Today, the Tibetan mastiff is easygoing around family but tends to distrust strangers and may exhibit territorial behavior if threatened by a stranger. Though not the most affectionate breed, this is a loyal dog that will protect you and your family. This dog also needs structure through training and socialization. #dogs #pets #petslover #animals #animallovers #touchpad #dogtraining #puppies #adultdogs

*How to Train a Dog to Speak Step 1. Find something that will set off barking Before you teach the cue “speak” or “talk,” find a surefire way to get your pup yapping. Ideas include using a recording of other dogs barking or of a siren. If your smart dog knows it’s a recording, try standing at the door and knocking on it behind your back; or simply bark or howl yourself. “You’ll be surprised at just how many dogs naturally join in,” Becker says. Step 2. Give a cue. Use a word like “speak” or “bark,” and follow up one second later with the sound you chose, whether it’s a ring, a bark or a siren. Step 3. Praise your pup for barking. Say “yes” and “thank you” when your pooch yaps, and then give her a treat, such as Zuke’s Mini Naturals dog treats. “Most dogs will be surprised when they’re being encouraged rather than reprimanded or reacted to negatively,” Becker says. This helps prime them for success. Practice this cue a few times a day in short sessions until you know your dog has learned the behavior. Once you master how to teach a dog to talk, it’s time to teach your pup to be quiet. *How to Teach a Dog to Be Quiet Step 1. Cue the barking. Say “speak” or “bark” and play the sound that gets your pup yipping. Let her bark a few times. Step 2. Give a cue. Calmly say “quiet” while you hold out a higher-value toy or treat reward than the one used for getting your dog to speak. (Think bacon or American Journey’s turkey jerky treats.) Your aim is to get your dog to close her mouth to investigate what is in your hand Note: If you’ve been using “Quiet!” without much success, try swapping it for something else like “hush” or “shush,” Becker says. Step 3. Praise your pup’s silence. As soon as she quiets down, reward her. After a while, she’ll begin to understand that she can control her barking. Step 4. Bump up the training. To really reinforce the behavior, add in other variables, such as a pup-savvy friend at the door. Because another person probably will get your dog overly excited, give her something else to channel her energy after she’s quieted down. For example, teach her to go to her dog bed or nose out dog biscuits, like American Journey’s grain-free lamb treats, hidden inside a food puzzle. As your dog gets more practice, you can begin to phase out the treats or add other commands to the “quiet” cue, such as sit, touch or down. “It’s also important to randomly treat your dog for times she remains quiet without needing any reminder,” Becker says. “That way, you make sure she realizes her ability to be quiet gets noticed and rewarded—and thus increases the likelihood she’ll repeat it in the future.” #dogs #pets #petslover #animals #animallovers #touchpad #dogtraining #puppies #adultdogs

Five Tips for Training Your Dog to Protect You If you are sure that you want a personal protection dog—and not a pet—what do you need to do? Here are five tips for training a dog to protect you. 1. Teach Your Dog Obedience Commands The first thing you need to do is teach your dog basic obedience: Your dog must respond to all basic obedience commands. He should sit, lie down, and come to you 100% of the time when called. Your dog should heel without a leash. In addition, your dog should learn and respond to the “bark” and “leave it” commands. Important note: If your dog does not follow these commands consistently, or if you are not able to teach her new commands, you need to stop trying to turn your pet into a personal protection dog. 2. Socialize Your Dog You also need to socialize your dog so that she does not fear new and unusual situations. This is best done during the sensitive socialization period (up to about 16 weeks) but of course, this is not possible for all dogs. Socialization can take place every time you take your dog for a walk. If you see a strange object, especially if the dog is nervous, take her closer so that she can investigate. Your dog also needs to recognize what a normal pedestrian looks like and not feel threatened, or feel that he needs to threaten, any other person he happens to meet. Important Note: Not every dog is able to distinguish who is safe—and so of course not every dog should be trained for personal protection. 3. Teach Your Dog to Bark on Command Encourage your dog to bark at the approach of any stranger. (If you need more help with this, here are my tips for training your dog to bark on command.) A dog that barks at a stranger can be more effective than a dog that responds to an “attack” command but does not bark. Some dogs are not good at learning this command. I have a Pit Bull that I trained to bark at the word "urubu" (vulture) since she gets excited and barks at them on the beach. Now, when I want her to bark, I just say the word urubu. Take note of what your dog does naturally and sometimes he will respond. Barking comes naturally to many dogs, but you may need to teach your dog to stop barking when given a command. When he has barked once or twice, you can tell him to sit and then order him to stop. If he does not stop, order the dog “down.” It is very difficult for a dog to bark when he is on the ground. Important Note: If your dog will not bark on command and does not even bark at strangers, he is not a good choice for a protection dog. 4. Teach Your Dog to Defend You For the next step in the training process, you need to find someone the dog does not know. The “stranger” approaches during the walk, walks up and challenges your dog. He can be wearing a dog attack suit, an oven mitt, or even a quilted blanket on his arm, but he may not even need it. When you give the command and your dog barks at him, he needs to act afraid and run off. Your dog will become more confident. Personally, I think this is a good place to stop. Your dog has already learned to bark and appear threatening to anyone that threatens you when out walking. Think Long and Hard Before Training Your Dog to Attack If you decide to go further, please realize that a dog that has been trained to attack is not a great pet to have around the house. There are many anecdotes about docile family attack dogs and there are also many anecdotes of attack dogs that have injured someone in their household (usually one of the children). There is also the possibility that your dog might bite someone who is just coming up to talk to you; you can be sued and might lose everything you have because your dog is a trained attack animal. The next time a different "stranger" approaches your dog and makes threatening gestures he will probably start barking even before you give him a command; if you want to proceed you should loosen (but not release) your dog's leash. You can then allow him to go up and grab the stranger's protected arm. (You may need to encourage him by telling him "get him" in an excited voice, but some dogs will go ahead and approach the stranger alone.) If your dog does not approach the stranger, that person should put his padded arm close to the dog, threaten the dog, and encourage him to bite. Important Note: If the dog cowers or shows fear of the stranger, he is not suitable as a personal protection dog. 5. Teach Your Dog to Back Off This is really one of the most important parts of training a personal protection dog. He must be willing to protect you but he must always be willing to leave the person alone. For example, if you choose to train your dog to attack (which again, I do not recommend), as soon as your dog puts his teeth on the "stranger" in the scenario above, he should be told “leave it” and given praise. #dogs #pets #petslover #animals #animallovers #touchpad #dogtraining #puppies #adultdogs

Dog training can be tough. But for most people sending the dog away to be trained is not a decision they take lightly. We love our dogs, and being separated from them for several weeks can be very upsetting. And residential training does not come cheap. So is it an option worth considering for Labrador training? Or something to be avoided at all costs? To help you make this decision, let’s look at some of the reasons why pet owners might decide on residential training for their pet. And at some of the pros and cons of sending a dog away to be trained by someone else. Why send a dog away for training? When a dog is failing to obey simple commands, there is a problem. And with a big dog, it can be a big problem. These are not always easy problems to deal with and for someone that can afford to pass the problem on for a paid solution – sending a dog away for training has great appeal. But does residential dog training actually work? Are owners satisfied when their dog returns? #dogs #pets #petslover #animals #animallovers #touchpad #dogtraining #puppies #adultdogs

The touch pad behavior is the act of the dog making physical contact with a desired item that is placed in a strategic location. It does so by means of standing, sitting, or laying down, with the item. This item is usually placed in a strategic location. We feel the touch pad is one of the most useful, if not the most useful behavior we can teach our dogs. For many of us, formal training begins with the touch pad. It has many practical aspects that are easy to transition into real life, as well as a multitude of uses with helping to create and maintain some of our other obedience behaviors. Within this course you will find the necessary material to successfully teach your dog the touch pads, regardless of breed, or level of training. The material in this course is designed for everyone and every dog. This information is going to help people who are using the touch pads to eventually train advanced obedience behaviors such as heeling, as well as the everyday house dog being trained to simply stay on their dog bed. Just a few of the topics covered in this course are: Various methods used to teach the touch pads Suitable items to use as touch pads Using touch pads to shape and maintain other behaviors Practical applications for the touch pads Basic concept of marker training Working with sensitive or stubborn dogs We find that teaching the touch pad behavior is a must for anyone and everyone ranging from house pet to star competitor. This behavior also builds drive and confidence in the dog, which is useful again for all aspects of our training. This course is filled with fun, easy, and crystal clear methods designed to assist with even the most difficult of dogs. Touch pads are a joy to teach, and ultra-fun to maintain as well as advance all aspects of your relationship with your dog. #dogs #pets #petslover #animals #animallovers #touchpad #dogtraining #puppies #adultdogs

Dog attacks are scary and traumatic for both pet owners and their pets. It is a little known fact that a dog attack is likely to cause significant damage under the surface of a wound. For this reason, it is important to know what to do when a dog attack occurs. Why dogs attack other dogs and humans Although there are a variety of reasons dogs may attack other dogs and humans, there are some animalistic instincts that may lead to aggressive behaviour in dogs: *Territorial behaviour towards objects, spaces, people, and/or food *Fear of other humans, objects, spaces, people *The presence of trauma leading to anxiety and fear in dogs *Noise and unusual human/animal activity within the household *An animal who is in pain from injury, illness, or disease

At first, dog training can seem pretty overwhelming, especially if this is your first dog. The truth is that training your dog is a very big project. If you take it step by step, you will find the task to be far less daunting. Here is some information to help get you started: Start a Dog Obedience Program: Learn how to set a basic foundation before you begin to train your dog. Train Your Dog Using Games: Training your dog should be fun! Everyone knows it's easier to learn when you are having a good time, so try implementing some games into your dog training regimen. Six Weeks to a Well-Trained Dog: Using this schedule as a guide, you can teach your dog the basics in about six weeks. Positive Reinforcement: There are many different ways to train a dog, but most dog professionals agree that the positive way is the best for both the dog and trainer.

Dog hybrids come in all kinds of combinations and a German Shepherd Husky Mix happens to be one of the most popular hybrids. A German Shepherd Husky Mix is a designer dog with German Shepherd and Siberian Husky parents. It is called a designer breed or hybrid because it is a result of the intentional mixing of purebreds. #dogs #pets #animals #petlover