Can vicious dogs change? - Idaho Press-Tribune

Check out this interesting article on dog aggression.

Can vicious dogs change? - Idaho Press-Tribune

via dog training courses - Google News on 9/14/09

Can vicious dogs change? Idaho Press-Tribune April Stoppel Jantz, owner of Scotch Pines Dog Training, poses for a picture with her dog “Cowboy” on Sunday afternoon in Lakeview Park in Nampa. ...

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Dog Training Courses - How to find a good course (Part 2)

In the previous post we already had a look at some essential contents of good dog training courses. But make sure to check if the following topics are also included in the course you are interested in:

Dog handling and grooming:
In my experience, this is another aspect that can be tricky. I would appreciate instructions on how to clip my dog's nails or how to bathe him and clean his eyes, ears and face. Comments on dental hygiene and necessary equipment are useful, too.

House Training a dog:
This is certainly to be included in dog training courses. Watch out if the course tells you about different methods for outdoors and indoors dogs.

Sickness Problems:
This section should include information on various illness problems like stomach gas, worms, fleas or motion sickness. A few tips on how to choose a vet are no mistake, either!

 

Real life examples / case studies:
This is my personal point of view, but I really like reading about other people's experiences and troubles with their dogs and how their problems were resolved. It shows me that there is a real expert writing who has dealt with dog problems out in the real world. This motivates me and makes a course both more practical and readable.

Other resources:
Especially if you are looking for an online or downloadable course, check out if there are any extra resources or bonuses. For instance, I like listening to audio-books, so I always look out for an audio or mp3-version of the course I am looking at. Some dog training courses even include training videos or extra e-books on certain topics. I also love to see lots of photos and pictures that help with the explication of methods or exercises. But one of the most important resources that could by itself be worth the price of a complete course is personal online support. This could include individual consultation by email with the author or an experts' team, or a forum or members area for clients which allows you to exchange opinions and get advice from other dog owners and professional dog experts alike. Apart from being able to interact with others, it can be a great means of getting very specific answers for your individual dog.

Online or offline?
I am a fan of downloadable products. One moment somewhere on the Internet, on your hard drive the next, zero waiting time, I love it. But that is entirely up to you of course. If you prefer your local bookstore, go for it. The thing is that there are many first rate products on dog training courses that can only be purchased online. There are so many advantages for the author that it really makes sense to forget about conventional book publishing and selling. But there is another point already mentioned that you should keep in mind: Online products can give you additional resources and tools that you do not usually get by buying a traditional book. I am talking about videos, audio-versions, email contact and forum memberships. Also, a digital product can be updated without any problems and whenever it suits the author. Often you will be able to get the updated version without any additional cost.

I want my money back...:
This is the Internet, and who has not been deceived at least once by dishonest promises and praises of a product? So make sure that the dog training courses that interest you come with a 100% money back guarantee. The guarantee should be valid for at least 30 days. To me, a digital product that nowadays does not give a complete money back guarantee is suspicious.

If you enjoyed this blog and would like to find more information on dog training courses or related information, please click here.

Dog Training Courses - How to find a good course (Part 1)

If you are reading this, it probably means that your dog gives you some trouble. Or, you are a new dog owner and need information on how to raise your dog. In both cases, congratulations! I think it is awesome if someone wants information on dog training courses and to learn more about dogs, especially if it is in the interest of a beloved animal!

Compared to hiring a professional dog trainer, who will cost you around $50,00 an hour and will usually need to work at least for eight or more sessions with you and your dog, dog training courses are an excellent alternative. Also, you might need some guidance or reference for the time when your dog trainer is not around, which really is most of the time. In this blog I want to give you some tips to help you with finding good dog training courses that are worth their money! Do not worry, this is not a promotional site that will promote any dog training courses in particular. What I will do however is to point out elements that should be included in the course you want to buy.

So let's get started. When looking for dog training courses, check if the following points form a part of the course:

Dog behaviour problems:
One of the main parts of any dog training courses should consist of dog behaviour problems and how to resolve them. All major behaviour problems should be addressed. Aggression, being one of the most common topics, should be treated in detail, with all of its variations: food aggression, aggression towards strangers, children, other dogs or animals. Also, other annoying behaviour that I want to read about include nipping, chewing, digging, destroying things, pulling on the leash, constant barking, jumping up on you or other people, dominant or bullying behaviour, coprophagia (eating his own or other dogs' excrements), separation anxiety and, of course, barking.

Dog obedience training:
Another main part should include step-by-step instructions on how to teach your dog basic commands like sit, heel, stay, come, lie down, leave, and advanced commands like catch food, crawl, shake hands, jump, climb ladders or rollover.
Dogs are pack animals, and since a lot of dog behaviour and obedience issues have to do with weak leadership, try to find out if there is information on how to establish yourself as a a strong leader that feeds, protects and loves his dog without having to intimidate and yell at your dog.

Dog Psychology:
Some knowledge in this area can make all the difference, believe me! Many dog owners do not have a clue about what goes on in the brains of their dogs. Many communication problems and misunderstandings between master and dog resulting in obedience and behaviour problems could be avoided with some information on how dogs think, why they behave in a certain way, what they can understand and cannot understand, and how to make them understand you. Achieving this will enable you to make your dog learn new things and enjoy the process instead of generating stress for you and your dog. In my opinion, dog training courses that do not focus on training for both the owner and the dog are of no use, so be careful to check the contents of the course you would like to purchase.

In the next post of this blog you will find more information on other topics that I would like to see included in a good course. In the meantime, if you want to read more about dog training courses and other related issues, click here.