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Dog Training
The positive and rewarding way...
My girl Tess (Melkirra Jade, Companion Dog Excellent, Tracking Dog Excellent)
having some fun while training.
I have worked with many different animals all my life but dogs are my passion. I love all dogs but German Shepherds are 'my breed' and I own and train three of them. Together we compete in Australian National Kennel Council dog trials in Obedience and Tracking. Two of my dogs have gained titles in both sports and my third pup is set to start his working career in 2010. I also train my dogs to do a variety of tricks
(producing the Dog Tricks and Training DVD for Hinkler Books) and we do a bit of dog dancing too!
I believe very strongly, however, that a dog's first role in life is as a valued, happy family member and companion.
Remember, dogs have been our close animal companions since prehistoric times and the bond between humans and canines is a special thing, and a privilege to be part of.
Whether a dog spends his life working in dogsports or simply hanging out with his family, it is very important that he forms a close relationship with his owners and is taught good social skills and 'manners' in the general community. In this way he will have the opportunity to experience life to the full and be a pleasure to own. There is nothing sadder than seeing a dog pulling his owner down the street by the lead, or barking loudly at other dogs at a dog park, unable to join in the fun of a game of ball because he is aggressive or fearful of other dogs. And there is nothing nicer than seeing a pack of dogs having fun together at their local park, or a dog playing ball or working happily with his owner, both enjoying the fun and exercise.
To learn how to teach your dog simple Obedience commands such as 'sit' and 'stay', or to teach your dog a variety of tricks, pick up a copy of my DVD and book, available in book stores and direct from Hinkler Books.
Click on the image to visit the publisher's website
and learn more about this boxed set
Here are a few important basic tips for new (or potential) dog owners:
1. Although there are many great crossbreds out there, I do not recommend buying one of the currently popular 'designer dogs' such as spoodles or schnoodles, especially from a pet shop. There are lots of terrific designer dogs around that are fabulous family pets. However, there is no guarantee that you will get one of these. There is a sad misconception amongst the general public that these dogs have some sort of 'hybrid vigour'. Not so. They are not plants, for goodness sake! In fact, what happens with most of these pups is that they are bred on puppy farms or in back yards using inferior purebred stock. Often these poor pups inherit the worst of both breeds. I have seen many with eye problems, knee problems, ear problems and temperament problems. Their parents were bred many times until they dropped and were reject purebred dogs as far as purebred breeders are concerned. If you want a cute small dog that does not shed, look at some of the breeds like Poodles, Mini Schnauzers, Bichons or Havanese. All great dogs. They are no more expensive than 'designer dogs', and if you buy from a breeder that is registered with the Australian National Kennel Council or organisation in your country, you will have a dog that has been bred to certain standards that its breeder has had to adhere to.
2. Have a look at your lifestyle to see what sort of dog will suit you best. Contact your local canine association such as Dogs Victoria to ask for advice. Ask your vet. Ask your local dog trainer. If you are an active person who wants an active companion or a dog that can do dogsports you may want to look at some of the working breeds like German Shepherds or Border Collies. However, if you have a busy lifestyle and don't have time for lots of excersise and play, or if you have children, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may be the breed for you... cute, intelligent and great companions. On the other hand, maybe you have room in your life for a pooch from the local animal shelter. Animal shelters will often match you to your ideal dog so if this is your choice, go along and ask them to help you choose. You will save a dog's life! Whatever you decide, choose carefully so both you and your new friend are happy.
3. It's important to remember that dogs are pack animals and need to be close to their family. So be prepared to let Fido inside your house to be with you and other members of 'the pack'. A dog that is left outside in the back yard and never allowed in is rarely a happy dog and certainly does not have the bond with its owner in the same way that a dog that is allowed inside does. Sorry, but that's the truth! If the house is too clean to let a dog in, maybe it would be better to choose another type of pet.
4. The greatest learning time in a dog's life is up to the age of sixteen weeks. This time is called the 'critical period of development'. During this time a puppy forms his view of the world in so many ways and it becomes hard wired into his growing brain. The critical period of development is the time when a pup needs to be taken out and allowed to experience as many different situations as possible. Each day is vital. Many vets will not recommend taking a pup out before its final vaccinations at sixteen weeks. This is tragic. The chance of catching one of the vaccinatable diseases is minimal. The chance of having a fearful unsocialised dog is almost 100%. I take my pups out from the day after I pick them up. Something new every day... perhaps the dog park one day to play with trusted dogs that will not be too rough or aggressive. The station the next, to experience the loud noises of the trains. Pups generalise so if you expose them to loud noises during this time they are much less likely to be afraid of noises like thunder later in life. After sixteen weeks this ability is lost. Take puppy outside a children's school at the end of the day so he gets to meet kids. Take him to the local shopping centre so he sees people, shopping trolleys and lots of cars. Take him to a good puppy school so he can hone his social skills with other pooches his own age. Puppyhood is the most interesting time in a dog's life for trainers. Enjoy it to the max and make sure your pup does too!
5. Find a good local dog club that practises positive training methods and join up. Your pup will love it and you'll find as he grows, he looks forward to his outing to doggy school. In the past few years the terms 'positive reinforcement' and 'motivational training' have become the mantra for all good dog trainers. The use of encouragement, toys, food and praise to help teach our canine friends has largely replaced the old 'yank and crank' methods of correcting dogs if they do not perform a particular action such as sitting. Particularly avoid dog clubs that do not allow handlers to use food in training. That attitude is mostly long gone but there are still a couple of old fashioned clubs around in most states.
I take a very limited number of dog training lessons. If you are interested in teaching your pooch basic obedience training, dog tricks, or if you have a behavioural issue with your dog, please enquire at the following email address to see if I have any vacancies.
Lessons only available in Melbourne area, Victoria, Australia
hmhammonds@waterfront.net. au
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