Dogs instinctually are attracted to den - like environments. They prefer safe and secure places where they can lay down and rest in peace without the distractions of the modern American home. By providing a crate you can fulfill that desire but you need to train your dogs to use their crate - otherwise it may go unused. Crate training a dog is the most appropriate way to get them introduced to their crate and the process of training. While your dog is living in his or her crate it will be easier for you to supervise their actions and control the learning process.
If you train your dog properly they will quickly learn, and even desire, to be in their "den". If trained well at the beginning the crate will be a favorite dwelling place for your dog. To introduce your dog to their crate bring some favorite toys of theirs and keep them inside the crate. Once your dog gets into the crate make them feel comfortable and open the door so they understand they have the freedom to come and go as they please and are not trapped. Any kind of constraint may make your dog feel threatened and aggression towards their crate - this can put a huge dampening on your training.
Once you find your dog getting inside the crate on their own put some of their favorite food inside as well. This should help make them more comfortable and accustomed to being in their crate as well as causing more incentive to being inside it. Remember initially to not close the door of the crate so your dog does not feel they are being put in a cage.
Install your crate in an appropriate place where it will be comfortable at all times of the day. For instance, avoid hot or sunny areas and opt for darker, cooler locations in your home. Do not ever punish your dog by enclosing them in the crate for extended periods of time. It may further lead to difficulties when training your dog. Crate training a dog is a very important step towards their housetraining so make sure you follow the training process correctly and compassionately.
As you go through life, you are bound to see German Shepherds working in a number of careers. Some are guard dogs, some are therapy dogs, and some work in law enforcement. German Shepherds are immeasurably popular in the working field because their extreme intelligence makes them highly trainable, and their strength and agility makes them capable of performing most tasks. In Germany, standards for German Shepherd breeding and performance are much stricter. A training program called "Schutzhund" was created in the 20th century as a means by which to train and regulate the performance of the breed.
The Schutzhund training and judging process is threefold. There are three separate levels a German Shepherd must complete to become certified in Schutzhund. In the first level, known cleverly as Schutzhund One, the dog in question has to determine eligibility by undergoing a temperament test called a "B Test". Most handlers will go through basic obedience and socialization training with their German Shepherd prior to attempting the B Test, as it gauges the dog's ability to obey their owner and interact with distractions such as people or other animals. If a particular dog ever shows signs of fear or fear-based aggression, he or she will be disqualified from the Schutzhund process immediately. Thus, it is important for those pursuing Schutzhund certification to provide proper etiquette training for the dogs from puppyhood, lest the be disqualified and forbidden to breed, compete, or be registered in Germany.
Besides the temperament test, each level of Schutzhund focus on three major areas: obedience, tracking ability, and willingness to act as a protector. As the levels progress from one to three, the German Shepherd must complete more difficult versions of each task and will be judged with more scrutiny.
Obedience training and testing is performed in an open field. Dogs are usually worked in teams of two, though each dog will take turns performing. Obedience testing in Schutzhund is rather similar to obedience testing in the American Kennel Club, with more stringent regulations. The dogs are judged on their ability to perform a battery of obedience commands, specifically heeling and staying commands, and are tested for patient and whether or not they are gunshy.
Tracking testing in Schutzhund is also similar to tracking competitions and trials found in the Unite States, only more specific. Schutzhund candidates will follow a lengthy track locating specifically and strategically placed items along the track. Once the item has been found, the dog is taught to lay on his stomach and hold the item between his forepaws, thus showing or telling his handler than the object in question has been recovered. Judging in Schutzhund tracking is based on how quickly and efficiently the German
Shepherd is capable of tracking, locating, and reporting the various items on the track.
The third and final phase of Schutzhund training and testing is based around protection. The handler will have an assistant, typically in a padded safety suit, create a mock attack on the handler. The German Shepherd is evaluated based on his willingness to protect his handler/owner, and his response to commands such as attack and release, and the efficiency and obedience with which these commands are performed.
Schutzhund training and testing, while containing many similar elements to American dog trials, training, and competition, is a much more stringent and specific method of canine evaluation. In Germany. Schutzhund testing is so respected that no dog can be bred unless it is certified in Schutzhund.
Are you the proud owner of a new dog? Looking for some helpful dog training advice to get you started?
Getting a dog is an experience that can change your life. It’s much like welcoming a new (and rather rowdy) member into the family, really; a period of adjustment and change. For people who live alone, it can be a lesson in responsibility, in learning to take care of the needs of another creature. For those with families, the experience can be a lesson in patience, getting along (“Ma, the dog ate my sandwich again!”) and friendship. They’re not called “man’s best friend” for nothing, after all.
Having a dog is a much greater experience for both of you when the dog is disciplined. Dog training advice is essential in order to have a well behaved dog who is pleasant to be around. Starting with house training as well as behavioral training, make your dog one that you will be happy to take anywhere.
Nobody wants a dog who jumps on people all the time, or a dog who barks or growls continually. It can get very frustrating and annoying for you and others. These are all signs of aggression which are not healthy for your dog, and can be very embarrassing for you. Some small dogs get away with a lot more aggressive behavior because of their size.
I adore my two wiener dogs, and wouldn’t change them for anything. However, I realized that they had dominant behavior which was causing trouble at the dog park, as well as when I had people over and they would jump all over them.
One day I decided to take charge and address these problems. A trainer would have been very expensive, so that was out of the question. I was able to find the excellent dog training advice that I much needed and today I can enjoy my pups a lot more and don’t have to worry that they will cause trouble and embarrassment.
US $10.00
