Saturday, November 14, 2009

Dog Training - Adapt Your Tactics to Fit the Breed

By Terry Zinndell

The variety within the category of what we consider domesticated dogs is so extensive that it is better at times not to consider them all as the same species. Biologists do since dogs can interbreed. Since dog owners hold different objectives, it is sometimes better to emphasize the differences rather than their similarities.

A Jack Russell and a Great day are both dogs; however, they think, act and look very different from one another. The Great Dane is not as hyperactive as the Jack Russell is. Collies and Golden Retrievers are not alike at all. The more excitable, friendly and fun loving dog is the Golden Retriever. German Shepherds and Chihuahuas hold very little in common with one another, other than being dogs.

You will need to adapt your training technique to fit the breed of dog you intend to train, because of their differences. You will need to practice patience with all dogs while training them; however, some may need more than others will. Because, German Shepherds are very smart and take well to obedience commands they are generally easy to train. While a Jack Russell is intelligent as well, they are more willful and deserve a variation in their training.

One highly active, high-energy dog is a terrier, distraction techniques work well for them. They have the ability to spot movement and then they quickly go after the animal making the movement. It can be a challenge to keep their attention while training them. You may consider using dog treats, toy and other objects to keep their attention on you, by wiggling the object in their face to do so.

Collies are very mellow and are trainable as well; however, they are very loyal and protective animals, which is a good thing. However, it can be a problem if your collie continually barks and tries to attack anyone they consider a threat to the family. This may be desirable at night for a watchdog; however, it can be very annoying each time someone passes your house on the sidewalk in daylight.

Under these circumstances, bark collars are sometimes required, however you should remove the collar after the sun goes down. Doing so helps the dog to associate discouragement of barking in daylight, while it should continue to function as a watchdog when you need it to do so.

Dalmatians are wonderful companions, yet they are very strong and ultra-energetic. This can cause a problematic situation for a dog that spends a great deal of time in a small yard with no one to play with. If you plan to own one of these dogs, you will need to make time for working off all his or her surplus energy.

Dalmatians love to run and they love to run fast. Fast is the only speed they know. They deserve a large yard to run and play. The perfect master for them is someone who can command them fully while being able to throw a ball very far away. Dalmatians are loyal, yet they require a strong hand and a forceful master to be the alpha dog to them.

You will need to modify your training pattern to fit the actual personality of your dog, while including the consideration of both the aspects of the breed and the characteristics unique to your particular dog. Remember, dogs are individuals just as humans are.

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