Here is a simple dog training routine in six easy steps. Depending on your dog and the situation, a trainer will vary her training method when she decides that a particular training challenge needs either a little more or less focus. When you know this method like the back of your hand, you can add a personal touch if desired.
Here are the simple six steps for teaching your dog new tricks:
1. Get your dog to perform the behavior.
2. Mark the behavior.
3. Reward the new behavior.
4. Repeat the behavior until it happens 90% of the time or more.
5. Add a verbal cue as your dog does the behavior to associate the word with the appropriate response.
6. Use your verbal cue to elicit the behavior.
You get particular behaviors by capturing, shaping, or luring the behavior. You mark the behavior with an audible click, or some other reward marker your dog has already learned which is understood to mean the reward is coming. Reward the behavior by following the click with her favorite treat or, in some cases, with a favorite toy or other desirable reward, such as swimming or going outside. Repeat the behavior until your pet is offering it automatically before you add the verbal cue, so she will associate the word with the correct behavior response. For instance, by saying "Sit" as she does it, you are telling her that the name of the behavior she is doing is Sit. If you ask her to do it before she's offering the behavior easily, you risk teaching her that the word sit means "stand there and look at me," or worse, "sniff the ground and pull on the leash." After your dog has heard the word at least a half-dozen times during the behavior, depending on how quickly she seems to learn, then you can say the word first to elicit the behavior. Be sure that her attention is focused on you so that she actually hears the word, and keep your body position the same as it was when you were getting the behavior before. If you had been doing the SIT while you were standing and you suddenly start asking for it while you are sitting, she probably will not understand that it is the same thing.
Give her a few seconds to respond. When she sits, click! and reward. If she doesn't sit, use the minimum amount of assistance necessary (through body language or a lure, not through physical assistance) to get the behavior, and repeat the exercise. If you find that she will only respond if you help her, start to minimize the amount of help you give until she is sitting for the verbal cue without any help from you.
2008年8月24日星期日
2008年8月19日星期二
Why Hermit Crabs Make Great Pets
Hermit crabs have been kept as pets for quite sometime now. However, they have become increasingly popular over the last few years or so. Hermit crab lovers everywhere have made an elaborate hobby of raising hermit crabs. Some just have room for one or two crabbies. Others have a veritable colony of these creatures. This newfound love of hermit crabs as pets is not surprising considering that these crazy crustaceans called hermit crabs make great pets. There are several reasons hermit crabs make great pets. They are fascinating creatures, they are low cost, and there are many options to choose from in regard to their environments and care.
First and foremost, hermit crabs make excellent pets because they are such fascinating creatures. Living in a shell that provides them shelter, they can come out for a peak at the world around them or they can use their large claw as an iron-clad door, to keep the world out. They are active little animals, climbing over anything and everything in their path. If something is in their way, they move it without any trouble. Each hermit crab has his or her own personality, whether they are shy, extremely active, or a fan of wading in their water. Hermit crabs, in my opinion, are some of the most fascinating creatures you can own.
Another reason that hermit crabs make great pets is because they are relatively low-cost pets. If you are looking around for a pet and one of factors you are basing your choice on is cost, a pure bred puppy, a horse, or an exotic bird is not the pet for you. These types of pets can cost thousands of dollars just to purchase, when you begin to think about food, shelter, and vet bills for the upkeep of the pet, the cost sky rockets out of control. These types of pets can become very costly. Hermit crabs cost you anywhere from $4.00 – $20.00 per crab. This is as opposed to pure bred pit bull puppies which can cost you upwards of $1500 dollars or even more. If you are looking for a pet that is small, cheap and won’t get in the way of your life, hermit crabs most definitely be an option for you as a pet.
One other reason hermit crabs are awesome pets is because, if you do have the money to set up an elaborate crab environment, there are many options to choose from. You can choose to have many hermit crabs and create a type of colony. You can also choose several different environments for them. From a large pond container to a 10-gallon aquarium, depending on the number of crabs you have and your budget, you are free to choose what type of home your hermit crab will live in. Also, with the right amount of money to spend, you can get all of the best equipment including substrate, climbing toys for your hermit crab’s exercise, as well as a variety of different foods and treats. You will never run out of different things to do with your crab or to buy for your crab. They can also live up to more than 20 years, so you can have a good friend for a long time.
There are many reasons the pet hermit crab boom is picking up. They are fascinating pets, they are low cost and low maintenance, and there are many options to choose from as far as setting up and maintaining their habitats. Overall, hermit crabs, with all their different little personalities, are terrific pets.
First and foremost, hermit crabs make excellent pets because they are such fascinating creatures. Living in a shell that provides them shelter, they can come out for a peak at the world around them or they can use their large claw as an iron-clad door, to keep the world out. They are active little animals, climbing over anything and everything in their path. If something is in their way, they move it without any trouble. Each hermit crab has his or her own personality, whether they are shy, extremely active, or a fan of wading in their water. Hermit crabs, in my opinion, are some of the most fascinating creatures you can own.
Another reason that hermit crabs make great pets is because they are relatively low-cost pets. If you are looking around for a pet and one of factors you are basing your choice on is cost, a pure bred puppy, a horse, or an exotic bird is not the pet for you. These types of pets can cost thousands of dollars just to purchase, when you begin to think about food, shelter, and vet bills for the upkeep of the pet, the cost sky rockets out of control. These types of pets can become very costly. Hermit crabs cost you anywhere from $4.00 – $20.00 per crab. This is as opposed to pure bred pit bull puppies which can cost you upwards of $1500 dollars or even more. If you are looking for a pet that is small, cheap and won’t get in the way of your life, hermit crabs most definitely be an option for you as a pet.
One other reason hermit crabs are awesome pets is because, if you do have the money to set up an elaborate crab environment, there are many options to choose from. You can choose to have many hermit crabs and create a type of colony. You can also choose several different environments for them. From a large pond container to a 10-gallon aquarium, depending on the number of crabs you have and your budget, you are free to choose what type of home your hermit crab will live in. Also, with the right amount of money to spend, you can get all of the best equipment including substrate, climbing toys for your hermit crab’s exercise, as well as a variety of different foods and treats. You will never run out of different things to do with your crab or to buy for your crab. They can also live up to more than 20 years, so you can have a good friend for a long time.
There are many reasons the pet hermit crab boom is picking up. They are fascinating pets, they are low cost and low maintenance, and there are many options to choose from as far as setting up and maintaining their habitats. Overall, hermit crabs, with all their different little personalities, are terrific pets.
2008年8月12日星期二
How To Train Your Dog In Five Easy Steps
Have you noticed that being around a dog that is trained is lovely to be around?
Dogs that are trained are less likely to jump up on people, and are less at risk of biting someone. Their manners are very calm in nature and don't get distracted in most environments.
It is important to train your dog with the goal to teach them limitations, thus making them more relaxed around humans. On the internet there are so many hundreds of dog training programs and as many professional dog trainers. However, it is hard to tell which are professional and which give real value to training your dog.
The best way to find a good trainer is to ask your friends and family if they know a good dog trainer. Once you have found a trainer, ask them what method of training they teach and how long they have been instructing. There are tons of training methods for dogs that do not apply to the times of today. Ask the trainer what method they use, why they use it, and what the benefits of it are. No question is stupid because you are thinking of your dogs best interest.
Whether you train your dog yourself or find a professional, teaching your dog commands and socializing it is important. Areas to cover in training include:
1. Learning the sit command. Normally this is the first thing that new dog owners teach their puppies and dogs.
2. Interacting with other dogs. Helping your dog socialize with other dogs is great at dog parks and also in a dog training class.
3. Socializing to strangers. Dogs love humans and getting them acquainted with more humans makes it easier to interact with strangers.
4. Dog Leash walking at your pace. This is important that your dog learns who is the boss by you regulating the speed of the do walks.
5. Learning the stay command: This command is important for your dog to master in different environment obstacles.
There are many benefits to having a well-trained dog. But it doesn't necessarily mean the dog will not develop behavioral problems down the road. Being around a well-trained dog is a joy and it strengthens the human-animal bond.
Dogs that are trained are less likely to jump up on people, and are less at risk of biting someone. Their manners are very calm in nature and don't get distracted in most environments.
It is important to train your dog with the goal to teach them limitations, thus making them more relaxed around humans. On the internet there are so many hundreds of dog training programs and as many professional dog trainers. However, it is hard to tell which are professional and which give real value to training your dog.
The best way to find a good trainer is to ask your friends and family if they know a good dog trainer. Once you have found a trainer, ask them what method of training they teach and how long they have been instructing. There are tons of training methods for dogs that do not apply to the times of today. Ask the trainer what method they use, why they use it, and what the benefits of it are. No question is stupid because you are thinking of your dogs best interest.
Whether you train your dog yourself or find a professional, teaching your dog commands and socializing it is important. Areas to cover in training include:
1. Learning the sit command. Normally this is the first thing that new dog owners teach their puppies and dogs.
2. Interacting with other dogs. Helping your dog socialize with other dogs is great at dog parks and also in a dog training class.
3. Socializing to strangers. Dogs love humans and getting them acquainted with more humans makes it easier to interact with strangers.
4. Dog Leash walking at your pace. This is important that your dog learns who is the boss by you regulating the speed of the do walks.
5. Learning the stay command: This command is important for your dog to master in different environment obstacles.
There are many benefits to having a well-trained dog. But it doesn't necessarily mean the dog will not develop behavioral problems down the road. Being around a well-trained dog is a joy and it strengthens the human-animal bond.
2008年8月11日星期一
Here's A Quick Way To Crate Dog Training
Crate dog training is easier than you think...
One of the best things you can do for your puppy early in life is crate training.
Many people are under the misconception that crate training a puppy is cruel but this is far from the truth.
Dogs actually get a lot of benefit from having been crate trained and they generally come to like the fact that they have been crate trained.
Many people also assume that crate training is difficult, but this is also far from the truth.
Dogs, naturally avoid soiling the area where they will eat and sleep and this is one of the reasons why crate training is important.
It is essential to take notes of the times when your puppy likes to eat, sleep, and 'go to the toilet' because this will help determine the best times for the crate training.
Crate dog training is not about keeping your dog locked up for extended lengths of time.
Crate training needs to be handled with the care that one would expect from a family member.
You should remember that, done correctly, crate training will enhance the lives of both you and your dog.
There are bound to be mishaps along the way when your puppy might 'mess' in the crate but he/she should not be punished for this, as it is highly unlikely that it would have been intentional.
Crate training is the best method of potty training a puppy by far, so it is well worth doing when they are young to eliminate one area that can be a problem with dogs, as they grow older.
While it might seem that your dog doesn't like crate training initially, (many dogs will fuss, whine and bark when they first start crate training) most crate trained dogs learn to love their crate as their own place, much like children have their favorite blanket for security that they will carry around.
Crate dog training usually starts with short periods of 10 to 15 minutes slowly building up to two hours as they become more accustomed to their crate.
One of the best things you can do for your puppy early in life is crate training.
Many people are under the misconception that crate training a puppy is cruel but this is far from the truth.
Dogs actually get a lot of benefit from having been crate trained and they generally come to like the fact that they have been crate trained.
Many people also assume that crate training is difficult, but this is also far from the truth.
Dogs, naturally avoid soiling the area where they will eat and sleep and this is one of the reasons why crate training is important.
It is essential to take notes of the times when your puppy likes to eat, sleep, and 'go to the toilet' because this will help determine the best times for the crate training.
Crate dog training is not about keeping your dog locked up for extended lengths of time.
Crate training needs to be handled with the care that one would expect from a family member.
You should remember that, done correctly, crate training will enhance the lives of both you and your dog.
There are bound to be mishaps along the way when your puppy might 'mess' in the crate but he/she should not be punished for this, as it is highly unlikely that it would have been intentional.
Crate training is the best method of potty training a puppy by far, so it is well worth doing when they are young to eliminate one area that can be a problem with dogs, as they grow older.
While it might seem that your dog doesn't like crate training initially, (many dogs will fuss, whine and bark when they first start crate training) most crate trained dogs learn to love their crate as their own place, much like children have their favorite blanket for security that they will carry around.
Crate dog training usually starts with short periods of 10 to 15 minutes slowly building up to two hours as they become more accustomed to their crate.
2008年8月7日星期四
Parson Russell Terrier Puppy And Dog Information
The Parson Russell Terrier or better known as the Jack Russell Terrier, is a small happy dog that loves to play and hunt. They were bred as fox hunters so they need to be extensively socialized with other pets. They may fight with other dogs but they were pack animals at one time so this trait depends upon the line and individual. They need a lot of exercise so a properly fenced in back yard designed for escape artist digging dogs is best. They need to be under control when outside because they may take off after a scent or adventure. They are generally good with active kids. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Parson Russell Terrier is 12 to 14 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 14 to 18 pounds. The female ranges from to inches to the withers and to pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Parson Russell Terrier is no exception. Be on the look out for inherited eye diseases, dislocated knee caps and deafness. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Parson Russell Terrier has a smooth or broken double coat being short, dense and harsh with little or no hint of kink. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.
*Life Span. The Parson Russell Terrier can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Parson Russell Terrier comes from Great Britain, the south of England to be exact, where they were used for hunting the European Red Fox, sometimes in packs. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1998.
Some Registries:
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 4 to 8 Parson Russell Terrier puppies
Category: Terrier
Terms To Describe: Lively, bold, alert, hyper, friendly, clever, courageous, tenacious, playful, affectionate, athletic,
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Good watch dog.
Does well in hot climates.
Love to play.
Very affectionate.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Poor guard dog.
They are barkers.
They are diggers.
They will take off after a scent.
Need an experienced handler.
*Other Names Known By: Jack Russell Terrier,
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Parson Russell Terrier is 12 to 14 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 14 to 18 pounds. The female ranges from to inches to the withers and to pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Parson Russell Terrier is no exception. Be on the look out for inherited eye diseases, dislocated knee caps and deafness. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Parson Russell Terrier has a smooth or broken double coat being short, dense and harsh with little or no hint of kink. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.
*Life Span. The Parson Russell Terrier can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Parson Russell Terrier comes from Great Britain, the south of England to be exact, where they were used for hunting the European Red Fox, sometimes in packs. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1998.
Some Registries:
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 4 to 8 Parson Russell Terrier puppies
Category: Terrier
Terms To Describe: Lively, bold, alert, hyper, friendly, clever, courageous, tenacious, playful, affectionate, athletic,
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Good watch dog.
Does well in hot climates.
Love to play.
Very affectionate.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Poor guard dog.
They are barkers.
They are diggers.
They will take off after a scent.
Need an experienced handler.
*Other Names Known By: Jack Russell Terrier,
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
订阅：
博文 (Atom)