There's nothing more enjoyable than watching dog interactive behavior. It makes you think that dogs actually have a sense of humor. Head tilting is one such behavior. Dogs can look quite comical when they do this because their entire facial expression changes. But what does it mean? Are they really trying to be funny?
One common time to see your dog head tilting is when you speak. It might be a command or just casual jabber that humans do to their pets.
Head tilting happens when you mention something they understand, like food or walk or outside. These are enjoyable topics for any dog so it's understandable that they will show it through dog interactive behavior. Apart from head tilting, they might run to the door, to the dog leash or over to the food dish.
Dogs have an amazing ability to interact with humans, even though we do not speak the same language. This doesn't necessarily mean they know exactly what we say to them, but some people believe it does. In fact, loving dog owners have said that they truly believe their dogs understand every word they say.
Since dogs are so highly intelligent, it's quite possible that they can learn the language over time. Watching dog interactive behavior gives us some clues.
Dogs tilt their heads when they hear noises and when we say something that sounds a little odd. It might sound similar to something they know, but they aren't sure, so they tilt their heads to see if you're going to say it again.
Watch your dog next time you see him tilt his head. What happens when you repeat what you said? You'll probably see him bound off in response to what he thinks you said.
He might tilt his head when you use a word that sounds like a command, but he's not quite sure because it wasn't delivered as a command. For example, some phrasings in the English language can sound different to a dog.
Contractions can cause a miscommunication. A sentence like, "That's it. We're done" might get a head tilt because the dog hears the "sit" portion but doesn't recognize it as a command. So he waits for you to repeat it before he takes action.
Head tilting helps dogs to hear better, especially when the sounds come at them head on. Make a strange sound like squeaking or whining and your dog will tilt his head to try to figure out what it is. Hide a squeaky toy behind your back and squeeze it to see your dog's reaction. The first time, he'll likely tilt his head, but thereafter, he will probably race behind you to get the toy.
Interestingly, some dogs are more prone to head tilting than others. Perhaps they have a better sense of humor.
Dog interactive behavior can provide loads of fun for entire families. Anything you can do to interact with your dog in a playful way will help to create a strong bond between you and your pet. With bonding comes trust. Once you have that, wondrous things are possible.
For more great dog training tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit How To Train A Dog Review Site at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.com
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Dog Leash Training The Easy and Gentle Way of Dog Leash Training
Dog leash training can be a challenge, especially if you have a dog that is dominant and determined. Dogs with these characteristics seem to disregard any form of restraint and will pull incessantly. This can be dangerous for the owner who can get pulled to the ground, especially with larger dogs, or suffer shoulder injury from the constant strain.
Dogs tend to focus only on where they are going and what they'll find when they get there. They disregard anything else. They don't care what's behind them, namely, their owners trying to hold them back.
People have tried choke chains and other devices that are supposed to deter the dog from pulling, but they can harm your dog's throat and neck and in some cases, cause permanent injury.
Dog leash training does not have to be painful. Here are two methods you can try that have worked successfully for other dog owners.
Long Leash - Short Leash
In this method, you will have two leashes: a regular length and a 20-30 foot one. You can purchase nylon cord for the longer leash as this is extremely strong and durable. Carry some small treats that you can use to reward your dog every time he performs correctly.
First, put your dog on the regular leash to keep him close to you while you make your area desirable by dropping the occasional treat on the ground or hand-feed your dog a few pieces. When your dog has learned to associate being near you with those tasty morsels, it's time to switch to the long cord.
Be sure you are in a safe area for this in case your dog gets away from you. You will not be holding the cord. Drop it on the ground as you and your dog walk. As soon as your dog begins to get ahead of you, command him to "wait" and if he keeps going, step on the leash.
Call your dog to you and reward him with a treat when he obeys. If it appears that your dog will not come to you, add some incentive by walking away from your dog while calling his name. Repeat this exercise every time your dog pulls ahead of you, always changing direction. This forces your dog to pay attention since dogs usually do not like to be separated from their pack.
It will take awhile for your dog to learn to walk beside you and not pull on the leash. Just be persistent and consistent in your methods and eventually he will break the habit of pulling ahead.
When the lesson has been learned, switch back to the regular leash which you should be able to hold loosely, since your dog no longer sees it as a way to force you to follow him. He will learn that you are the pack leader, not him.
The Unpredictable
The key is to get your dog to focus on you, not on what's ahead. The best way to do that is to be unpredictable during dog leash training.
Keep a few treats in your pocket and the leash quite loose as you begin your walk. As soon as your dog pulls ahead, turn in a different direction. When your dog catches up, reward him with one of the treats. Each time he pulls, repeat the direction change only do not just turn back the way you came. Smart dogs will soon catch on to this trick and it will become ineffective.
Repeat as often and as long as necessary until your dog passes his dog leash training.
For more great dog training tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit How To Train A Dog Review Site at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.com
Dogs tend to focus only on where they are going and what they'll find when they get there. They disregard anything else. They don't care what's behind them, namely, their owners trying to hold them back.
People have tried choke chains and other devices that are supposed to deter the dog from pulling, but they can harm your dog's throat and neck and in some cases, cause permanent injury.
Dog leash training does not have to be painful. Here are two methods you can try that have worked successfully for other dog owners.
Long Leash - Short Leash
In this method, you will have two leashes: a regular length and a 20-30 foot one. You can purchase nylon cord for the longer leash as this is extremely strong and durable. Carry some small treats that you can use to reward your dog every time he performs correctly.
First, put your dog on the regular leash to keep him close to you while you make your area desirable by dropping the occasional treat on the ground or hand-feed your dog a few pieces. When your dog has learned to associate being near you with those tasty morsels, it's time to switch to the long cord.
Be sure you are in a safe area for this in case your dog gets away from you. You will not be holding the cord. Drop it on the ground as you and your dog walk. As soon as your dog begins to get ahead of you, command him to "wait" and if he keeps going, step on the leash.
Call your dog to you and reward him with a treat when he obeys. If it appears that your dog will not come to you, add some incentive by walking away from your dog while calling his name. Repeat this exercise every time your dog pulls ahead of you, always changing direction. This forces your dog to pay attention since dogs usually do not like to be separated from their pack.
It will take awhile for your dog to learn to walk beside you and not pull on the leash. Just be persistent and consistent in your methods and eventually he will break the habit of pulling ahead.
When the lesson has been learned, switch back to the regular leash which you should be able to hold loosely, since your dog no longer sees it as a way to force you to follow him. He will learn that you are the pack leader, not him.
The Unpredictable
The key is to get your dog to focus on you, not on what's ahead. The best way to do that is to be unpredictable during dog leash training.
Keep a few treats in your pocket and the leash quite loose as you begin your walk. As soon as your dog pulls ahead, turn in a different direction. When your dog catches up, reward him with one of the treats. Each time he pulls, repeat the direction change only do not just turn back the way you came. Smart dogs will soon catch on to this trick and it will become ineffective.
Repeat as often and as long as necessary until your dog passes his dog leash training.
For more great dog training tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit How To Train A Dog Review Site at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.com
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