Archive for November, 2008




Dog Training: Rewarding Your Dog – When & How Much?

by Joel Silverman

Dogs love to be appreciated! Just like us, when a job is performed well, we enjoy the approval and rewards of our peers or employers. But every dog is different in personality and this means that every dog needs a different type of reinforcement. Special tasty treats, playing in the backyard or a brisk walk are types of rewards that your little pal needs and really appreciates.

Until you know exactly how your dog prefers to be rewarded, check out a variety of different things to see which one he likes best. If he tends to be a bit high strung, a dry biscuit might be the best option. Or if your little guy is shy and retiring or even very finicky, he may prefer a more natural treat like a bit of real meat or cheese. Another small treat that is excellent for most dogs is the Bil-Jac Soft & Chewy Liver Treats. Yummy!

One really important point about rewarding your dog is to use a great deal of variation in the choice of treat. Your dog will become much more interested in receiving treats because now he is unable to predict how he will be rewarded. Playing a game of “fetch” is a terrific treat option to show your dog your appreciation. Don’t attempt to train him to play ball — this game is about what makes him happy. If he wants to chew on the ball for a bit, let him. Toys that allow him to pull on and tear are another way to reward your pal. For a high prey-driven dog, tearing something is just natural behavior, and he absolutely loves it.

Very excitable or high-strung dogs will only become more excited at the thought of receiving a treat. And this is the last thing you want when training your dog. Try using the tactile method of rewarding him This simply means petting him in areas that he enjoys until he is calm and relaxed.

“Fading out the treat” is used only after your baby realizes that what he did was acceptable and you are pleased with his behavior. Using this method, your dog simply learns that there are a variety of different things that may happen when he does something correctly. When you fade out the treat, you simply begin by combining a tactile reward with a food reward. Gradually, reduce the ratio of food utilized in this process until he is receiving hugs and loves for his behavior.

Your dog has a personality like no other. Take advantage of that fact and really enjoy the time you are spending together. Reward him with what he really likes and he will do his utmost to please you — the one he loves best.

About the Author:


More Related Stuff:

Dogs and Puppies Acidophilus 8 fl. oz.Dogs and Puppies Acidophilus 8 fl. oz.Acidophilus for Dogs & Puppies helps maintain a healthy digestive system, helps eliminate smelly stools and foul gas and helps reduce bad breath.
Petz Dogz 2Petz Dogz 2Petz Dogz 2 Wii
Laurel Burch Canine Family Sole Mates Socks BlackLaurel Burch Canine Family Sole Mates Socks BlackLaurel Burch Canine Family Socks Black. They are black and blue base multi-colored socks featuring the original copyrighted artwork of Laurel Burch. These Laurel Burch socks are made of 70% cotton, 20% nylon and 10% spandex. They are adult size 9-11.
Kelty Chuckwagon - XLKelty Chuckwagon - XLLet your pet carry its own food, poop bags and supplies. Convenient expandable pouches adjust to the size of a load.
Schleich Wolf HowlingSchleich Wolf HowlingWolf Howling from Schleich. Measures approx. 3 in. long. Ages 3+
Car Truck SUV Beagle Trio with Bone Dog Print Seat Covers 2 Charcoal Grey Universal Vehicle Bucket SeatcoversCar Truck SUV Beagle Trio with Bone Dog Print Seat Covers 2 Charcoal Grey Universal Vehicle Bucket SeatcoversOne pair of universal style seat covers that will fit standard high back buckets or standard low back bucket seats with the adjustible head rests if y... Read More >
GERMAN SHEPHERD - Dog - Oval Decal-Sticker- Can be used for Cars, Trucks, Notebooks etc.GERMAN SHEPHERD - Dog - Oval Decal-Sticker- Can be used for Cars, Trucks, Notebooks etc.This is a High Quality vinyl Decal you can apply to any flat surface, such as Cars, Trucks, Notebooks, and Windows etc. Customer satisfaction is on to... Read More >
Dachshund Sculptural Louis Comfort Tiffany-Style Lamp: Unique Dachshund Lover Home Decor Lamp by The Ashton-Drake GalleriesDachshund Sculptural Louis Comfort Tiffany-Style Lamp: Unique Dachshund Lover Home Decor Lamp by The Ashton-Drake GalleriesAdorable Dachshund Sculptural Lamp Lights Up Your Life with Loyalty! Unique Louis Comfort Tiffany-Style Table Lamp! - Your faithful friend is always t... Read More >
DOGS Checkbook Cover Cotton with WATERPROOF LINING!DOGS Checkbook Cover Cotton with WATERPROOF LINING!One of our most popular accessories, the Broad Bay checkbook cover features an inside pocket as well as a zippered pocket for cash and receipts, a vin... Read More >
Transfer Factor Canine Complete by 4Life - 462 gramsTransfer Factor Canine Complete by 4Life - 462 grams"Ensuring the Best Overall Health for Dogs!Scientifically developed 4Life Transfer Factor Canine Complete combines comprehensive, balanced nutrition, ... Read More >

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • TwitThis
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • Pownce
  • MySpace

Dog Training That Works

by Amanda Fay Wilsley
I love my dog Rosie. I adopted her from an animal shelter. She had been abused by her previous owners, though, so we definitely got off to a shaky start. She was really terrified of everything and everybody, and she also had some behavior issues. So first and foremost I had to get ...Continue reading...

Stop Dog Digging Solutions

by Paul Bennet
How many times have you fallen or gotten your foot into one of the holes your own pet has made on your backyard? Do you always seek for help but haven't found the right partner that can help you curtail the irritating habit that your dog has? Well, this letter will be the answer to all your questions! Dog Problem Solutions offer a wide range of helpful tips on each and every single dilemma you're experiencing. In addition, here are some reviews of 4 of the top websites to help you with ...Continue reading...

Busting the Dog Training Myths

by Marie Mordene
Training your dog to be the best family pet you ever had can be simple. You have two choices for your dog training: do it yourself or hire a trainer. There are equally good reasons for both depending on the time, energy and money you have available or are willing to spend. There are several simple steps that must be followed to get the dog you always wanted. They are not hard steps. They do require you to plan and think ...Continue reading...

How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Using Simple Tips

by Paul Bennet
Dog owners in majority know the feeling of seeing their favorite furniture or possessions being destroyed by the tiny yet strong teeth of their pets. IT'S NOT FUN, I know! A dog, in nature, would love to chew on everything it finds interesting to nibble on. From puppy hood, ...Continue reading...

Go For Gold: Champion Golden Retriever Breeders

by Carol Matthews
The history of the Golden Retriever dates back to the 1800s. Lord Tweedmouth of Scotland bred the first documented Golden Retrievers in the British Isles. The Tweed Water Spaniel, a breed now extinct, along with the Irish Setter, Newfoundland, and Bloodhound was used to create the Golden Retriever of today. Golden Retrievers were bred to retain their yellow color and to hunt waterfowl and other game. Lord Tweedmouth also wanted ...Continue reading...

All About Rottweiler Rescues

by Sharon Davies
Rottweilers are victims of their own success. Rottweilers are such impressive dogs that many people want one just to be fashionable, or because they think a Rottweiler would be cheaper than buying a home security system. Rottweilers are big, powerful dogs that often do not know their own strength. They are very good with children, but often not so good with adults. They need regular exercise in order to burn up their natural exuberance. Be sure you know something about the needs of Rottweilers before you go ...Continue reading...

The Bare Bones Basics Of Chihuahua Puppy Care

by Sandra Dean
Big eyes, big attitude in a teeny body no bigger than a guinea pig ? who can resist Chihuahua puppies? Since Chihuahuas are the world's smallest breeds of dog, they aren't going to get too much bigger than their puppy height. But don't just rush out and bring one home. Because of their size, they can be easily hurt. You need to adjust your life and your home around your Chihuahua puppy. Chihuahua ...Continue reading...

Are Frequent Dog Baths Bad for Your Pet?

by Donna Boras
The problem with dog baths is that people tend to either do dog bathing too often or not enough. The rule of thumb is dog bathing should be done when needed. Your dog does not have to smell like a perfume bottle but also not like he just left the garbage dump either. Keep your dog's coat healthy and clean with frequent brushing and you will ...Continue reading...

Your Dogs Diet-Are Table Scraps Healthy?

by Graham Williams
We have all done it. Our cute, little furry friend is practically grinning at us from below the kitchen table. Their ears are perked and their tail is waggling. We know what our dog wants. Just a small choice morsel from dinner would be fabulous, right? What could it hurt? It is just a bite or 2 after all. Hold Fido's ears he will not want to hear this. A ...Continue reading...

Powered by Yahoo! Answers