Clicker Dog Training - 3 Simple Steps to Effectively Teach Owners and Their Dogs!

Clicker dog training is widely considered to be one of the most effective methods used today in controlling and managing a dog's behavior.

When it comes to teaching them basic commands, it really takes very little time to grasp the principles and techniques of clicker training, and when utilising a good quality clicker, you will be able to see results in a very short time, regardless of the kind of dog you're training.

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How Clicker Training Works

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The general principle behind clicker training involves creating an association between the clicker sound and a particular command, and teaching your dog to recognise this association. When the dog responds correctly to any given command, they are rewarded with the sound of the clicker. The result is that specific, desirable dog behaviors are then marked.

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Obviously, you first need to teach your dog that the clicker symbolises a reward for their good behavior and this can be helped along with the use of dog treats, and of course, a clicker purchased from your local pet shop.

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An important note to mention here is that your dog should not hear the noise of that clicker except to let them know that they have done a good job and that they are about to receive a treat. In the early stages of training, if you use a verbal command at other times without use of a clicker, they may not respond as quickly because the association is not as strong between command and reward as it is between command, clicker and reward.

Clicker Dog Training - How It's Done

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Clicker dog training comprises of 3 basic steps. Initially, you need to get the dog to perform the correct behavior, in other words, convince them to do what it is you want. This may involve getting them to either sit, stay, come, roll over, or whatever trick you know will be easiest to get them to do first. As soon as they perform this behavior, immediately mark it with the clicker and their favourite reward.

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Usually, you will see results after only 2 or 3 markings. Your dog will understand quickly what it was they did, and will start to repeat that correct response whenever you use the clicker. Clicker dog training is so successful because the dog's immediate response to your command means that you can reward them straight away, reinforcing the association in the dogs mind. Using a verbal command on its own, without the use of a clicker, will take longer for the dog to grasp.

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In the following days and weeks, continue this process to reinforce your dogs correct responses as much as possible. Making sure to always use the clicker, you can substitute the use of treats as rewards from time to time with lots of praise and petting. Your dog will appreciate this just as much and will eventually forget to expect a treat for their behavior.

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Making the Transition to a Command

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Once your dog is an A-Grade student and has mastered good behavior, you can make the transition to a verbal command that you can use anytime, anywhere, with or without a clicker. Whenever you choose to use the clicker, make sure to say the command, followed quickly by a click, and finished up with a reward. Your dog will very quickly learn to associate these 3 steps.

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Progressing on from good clicker dog training, your dog will readily respond to verbal commands and praise at the drop of a hat and will simply learn the command.

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There will be no further need for either the clicker, dog treats or praise, as your dog will instinctively know what the correct response is to any given command, and that it pleases you.

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As you can now appreciate, there are many applications for clicker dog training. With a simple, sharp command, you will be able to mark and reinforce practically any behavior you want.

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Training Bulldog Puppies - A Study in Stubborn Bulldog Personality Vs Proper Obedience Training

Training Bulldog Puppies

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Bulldogs have to be one of the oldest, most elite, pedigree breeds of dogs in modern day society.

Since way back in the 1500s, Bulldogs have been a symbol of England, being generally brave, stoic and strong-willed. Hence, training a bulldog pup is usually a bit of a chore if your puppy is particularly pig-headed or inquisitive in your house.

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Choosing Your Puppy

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When choosing your Bulldog pup, be aware just how much general characteristics and traits make up this breed. Bulldogs are prone to numerous health problems, starting from the moment they're born with a high rate of mortality. Pick out a puppy that's not less than 8 weeks of age, is not at all aggressive and has a friendly nature. Ensure it's in excellent condition with your vet, as there are a number of puppy-related health conditions that your bulldog puppy might have, especially with its ears or nose.

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Training should commence from the moment your puppy is brought home, but, only if your dog is old enough and has had ample opportunity for socialization. If your puppy isn't 10 weeks old, or it's not been properly socialized with children, adults and other pets,especially dogs, be sure you do this as soon as possible to prevent the development of any unnecessary aggression issues.

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Bulldog Puppy Training

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When your puppy is old enough, start training with basic housetraining or house-breaking. Bulldogs can often be especially stubborn when young, so it's strongly recommended that you utilize crate training from the start, and that you are home as much of the time as possible during house breaking. It will take a little longer than normal to complete the process of housebreaking, but once your puppy is broken, you will find that he is very careful never to make a mess in his home. Once you've established the basics, start creating an environment where you are the obvious and un-challenged alpha pack leader. Train your puppy not to nip or bite, using toys and a whining noise to indicate that it hurts. Don't let your puppy jump on the furniture and never allow it to sleep in your bed. The crate should be used as often as possible in these first months at home as you stretch out how long your puppy stays in there.

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Bulldog puppy training ought to move into the obedience phase somewhere between 3 and 6 months with concentration on simple commands like lie down, sit, stay, come (when called), wait, learning how to focus on you, and not pulling on the leash.

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You will discover that a Bulldog can be quite skilled at tuning in to these cues, but may not initially want to follow your lead owing to its stubborn nature.

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Using Bulldog Puppy Training to Protect Them

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Because of their inborn curiosity and plucky nature, a bulldog puppy will try and explore as much of its home and the great outdoors as possible. Train them early never to chase vehicles, to stop and wait at the curb and to make sure they never run away from you when out in public. Never take a bulldog off its lead until you can be certain it's going to return when called and that it won't run too faraway from you. The dangers are generally higher with Bulldogs than they are with many other small dog breeds

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Proper Bulldog puppy training may appear somewhat harder than normal when you first bring home your new little buddy, but in the end you will find that Bulldogs are amongst the most loyal, attentive dogs you could ever own. They will stay stubbornly by your side, following your commands and staying clean indoors. But, only if you introduce the rules early on and make sure they follow your instructions not just for a while, but always.

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Become A Ninja: 3 Options For Ninja Training

The legendary image of the ninja is not just one born of movies and popular culture. In Japanese history, the ninja waged a stealth war against oppression and abuses by the ruling class. Today, learning ninjitsu self-defense techniques and ninja weapons is done for health, hobby, and self-protection. Ninja training, however, is not as easy to find as other martial arts. This could be due to the specialized nature of the art. Basically, not all that many people know this legendary martial art, which means it, may seem a little tough to learn it.

But, this does not mean you will be unable to learn the art and learn it effective. Here are three options for ninja weapons and self-defense training:

Find a qualified instructor within a reasonable driving distance. The term reasonable will be up to you. If the closest instructor is a two-hour drive away, you will need to make the commitment to travel such a distance.

Even if you only train at the school one day a week, then do so! One lesson is more than enough to develop an insight into the art. Private lessons would be better but group sessions can prove highly effective as well. The key is you will need to practice what you learn during the time period in between lessons. Just be sure to be consistent with your weekly training session and practice times outside of class.

Purchase excellent books and DVDs that provide solid instruction on the subject of ninja weapons and self-defense training. Books or DVDs that offer much needed insight into how to effective train in the art can provide the perfect supplementary information needed to expand your awareness and skills in the art. Over the past two decades, some excellent material has been published and produced on the subject of ninja weapons and training.

Acquiring these excellent resource materials could prove to be the wisest move to make when seeking to learn the art outside of class times.

Start a small training group with dedicated people. You cannot always solo train. You will need to work out with others. Organizing and running such a training session could prove to be a great help in terms of expanding you awareness and skill in the art. Even if you do not have access to the aforementioned group class or formal instruction, you could employ proper practice group to expand your ability lean the art and ninja weapons. There may, in fact, be formal distance learning programs that you can enroll in which could provide the guidance for the actual training sessions. Again, consistency is the key here are that will prove to be a must when you want to learn the basics of ninja training.

These three options for learning ninja weapons and self-defense can prove to be more than sufficient for those hoping to get the most out of the learning process. Ultimately, success with learning this art will be reliant upon your commitment and desire to follow through with your training and be consistent. Follow this advice and you will reap the great rewards!

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