Basic Obedience
Why train?
Little or no training of dogs, whether adopted or acquired as puppies, is perhaps the leading reason they end up in shelters or put to sleep. As a responsible dog owner, it is your duty to spend time training your pet in basic obedience, at the very least.
The added benefit of training your dog is, aside from teaching him to behave well, that it strengthens the bond between you and your dog. The stronger the bond, the better the relationship and your role as his pack leader. A well-behaved dog whose world revolves around pleasing you is the key to ensuring many years of happy dog days in your lives.
Which dog training method to use?
There are several methods of training your dog. Each has been developed over time by people or groups that subscribe to different schools of thought and learning theories.
In general terms, they can be categorized as follows:
Learning theory-based techniques:
- Traditional: Involves the use of different collars in the teaching of commands and obedience, such as martingale, choke, prong, shock, head collars, and no-pull harnesses.
- Positive: Using treats and praise with the aid of a clicker to mark and associate desired behavior. Timing and consistency are crucial.
Canine Training techniques:
- Clicker Training: Clicker training, a common form of positive reinforcement, is a simple and effective dog training method.
- Leash Training: Learn how to introduce your dog or puppy to the leash, then teach him how to walk properly on the leash.
For more in-depth information, see "How to Train You Dog," from TheSprucePets.com
Training on a Dime
Pets on the Couch by
The pioneering veterinarian and author of the New York Times bestseller, The Dog Who Loved Too Much, and the national bestseller, The Cat Who Cried for Help, recounts his uniquely entertaining--and poignant--stories of treating animals for all-too-human problems as he reveals his amazing breakthroughs with the new science of One Medicine. The Oliver Sacks of animal brains, Dr. Nicholas Dodman is an internationally renowned veterinarian and research scientist who wrote one of the first popular books to recognize the complex emotional lives of dogs and to reveal innovative ways to help them, including with Puppy Prozac. Now, Dr. Dodman once again breaks new ground with the practice of One Medicine, the profound recognition that humans and other animals share the same neurochemistry, and that our minds and emotions work in similar ways. Racehorses with Tourette's Syndrome, spinning dogs with epilepsy, cats with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, feather-plucking parrots with anxiety, and a diffident Bull Terrier with autism--these astonishing cases were all helped by One Medicine, which emphasizes the similarities rather than differences between animals and humans. Inspiring, sometimes heartbreaking, and utterly fascinating, Pets on the Couch demonstrates how what we share with our animals can only lead us to a greater appreciation for them--and our mutual bonds.
ISBN: 9781476749020Publication Date: 2016-08-23
Training your dog does not have to cost hundreds of dollars. That said, whether you can enlist the help of a reputable trainer or prefer to do it yourself, YOU are the key to the success here, and as long as you are consistent you will see results. Trainers recommend repeating three 15-minute sessions per day.
Find more titles here!
Here are some top-rated books and videos to consult:
- ASPCA Complete Dog Training Manual by This practical guide covers every aspect of dog training from basic techniques to heelwork, retrieving, and recall.Call Number: SF431 .F64 1993ISBN: 1564584879Publication Date: 1994-04-04
It's Not the Dog...Training You to Train Your Dog [DVD] by Call Number: DVD 636.70 TRAININGISBN: 0971376107
Train to Help Others
Canine Assisted Therapy
Canine Assisted Therapy (C.A.T.) is a non-profit organization in Broward County, Florida founded in August of 2009 to address the need of companionship and to provide unconditional love to those in need in nursing homes, hospitals, hospice, etc. The dogs are evaluated for the necessary temperament and personality and are also required to pass the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Certification for obedience. All volunteers have submitted to a level 2 criminal background screening and are eligible to volunteer to work with the elderly, children, special needs, and at risk populations according to Florida state law. Training and ongoing support is provided by C.A.T. to both facilities and the volunteer. C.A.T. also provides $1,000,000 in liability insurance for all current volunteers while they are representing C.A.T. as a volunteer in a facility.
Citing a personal email submitted by Debra Berger, Executive Director of Canine Assisted Therapy, a summary of the programs offered by C.A.T. is below (click on the names to read more):