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Dogs evolved from wolves and became domesticated canines. Due to this fact dogs like wolves are pack animals. Even though many dogs may seem independent or not exhibit signs of wanting to be in a pack it is only because they were never exposed to this situation. When you analyze dog ownership, you will realize that the dog has replaced his canine family for a human family. If a dog is lead to believe that he is the leader of the pack or the Alpha male he can exhibit aggression towards people, animals and new situations. This includes chronic barking and lack of compliance with commands. And in extreme cases, this includes destruction of property, anxieties and total dominance over the family.

In order for you dog to understand his place in the family circle he needs to comprehend that you are the pack leader and that he needs to exhibit correct behavior when dealing with new people or animals. He needs to feel safe and secure with you. This is not an easy process, but it can be accomplished with socialization, obedience training, and attention from you and your family. In order for your dog to become more social he will need to be exposed to different types of social settings. In some of these settings he needs to understand when to be submissive and when to be dominant. Socialization is recurring and essential for the dog’s progress.

Some breeds of dogs are easier to socialize than others. These types of dogs include dogs that are timid, shy, and are not know to be aggressive breeds. These behaviors can be exhibited in any type or breed of dog. Sporting, hunting, and working dogs seem to have an easier time being socialized because their main job is to aid humans. Some fairly easy to socialize breeds include Retrievers, Spaniels, Hounds, Standard Poodles, Setters and many of the very large breed dogs such as Newfoundland’s, St. Bernard’s and Great Pyrenees.

Believe it or not the most difficult breeds of dogs to socialize are the Toy and Terrier groups. These dogs are not necessarily aggressive in nature, but they are more possessive and territorial than most pets. The Terrier group tends to be more independent and tends to be more dominant than most breeds. These dogs fall into the “spoiled” dog category and are often sheltered from dangers of other dogs by their owners.

Socialization can be easy or challenging, but it is important that dogs learn correct social skills early. In order to do this you need to provide safe, structured interactions. Your pet needs to feel comfortable with children, other people, and even new social outings. Some activities that you can do with your pet to promote socialization are going on walks in the park, letting your dog be without a leash in different areas (as long as it is permitted), and traveling with your pet.

It is very important to remember that early training is the key. Therefore, dog owners should enroll their puppy in obedience class shortly after the 12 week mark. Early socialization allows dogs to become familiar with other dogs and allows interaction in a controlled setting.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, your top spot to buy unique dog clothes online.

Dogs are very astute and aware of even the slightest changes in your body’s movement. This power of observation makes teaching hand signal commands an easy thing to do. Hand signals can be taught either at the same time or after teaching verbal commands. Either way works equally well. Hand signal training does not require a trainer, but there are many professionals who are very good at helping owners master this technique.

Basic hand signals are fairly universal, but you can choose whatever signals you want to use with your dog. One important aspect is to ensure that the signals you use are not something that you do either consciously or unconsciously in other situations, such as normal conversation. This will only confuse the dog. A perfect example of this is clapping your hands to call the dog. Be prepared to have your dog come to you every time you clap your hands for whatever reason. And always be prepared to reward the behavior, even if you weren’t calling the dog, but applauding because your son blew out all the birthday candles. Pushing away or scolding for obeying the command will undo all the hard work invested by both you and the dog.

Cueing your dog to watch for hand commands in the first place should be taught first. Either say the dog’s name or teach a specific motion to indicate you intend to give a hand signal. This motion needs to be taught in the same way as any other hand signal or command.

Some of the universal or basic hand commands include stop, the same one the police officer directing traffic uses. Simply hold the palm out and the hand upright. Putting your hand in a downward position directly in front of the dog’s nose is the signal to stay. The sit command is a downward push with the hand starting from the waist or chest, palm down.

The easiest way to start is by pairing the hand motion with the verbal command, especially if the dog is already familiar with verbal commands. At first, exaggerate the movement to make sure the dog sees it as you speak the command. As the dog begins to associate the verbal and the hand signal, gradually lower your voice as you make the sign until the dog doesn’t need the voice. Give lots of praise and rewards. Once the dog has the hang of it keep practicing until your dog fully understands the concept, then go back to your normal reward system. Teach each command separately, and as you add more signs, run through them at random to keep them fresh in your dog’s memory.

After your dog gets really good at hand signs you can teach him or her to do little tricks that you can work into visits with family and friends. They will think your dog is actually listening to the conversation and really understands what is being said. Making the movements’ low key is the secret here, but this is only possible after the dog has learned the normal signs and knows what you expect.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, your top spot to purchase small dog clothes online.

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