Dog Training: Classical conditioning by Hannele Hoffren

Russian psychologist, Ivan Pavlov, discovered Classical, or in the terminology of behavior analysis respondent conditioning, in 1920s. It seems that classical conditioning was discovered by chance. Pavlov was investigating dog´s digestion when he noticed that the most experienced dogs that he had been testing began to salivate before the samples of food were presented to them. He started to investigate this systematically. Throughout Pavlov´s experiment, dogs were exposed to a wide variety of arbitrary stimuli (example bell and light) presented contiguously with food. Pavlov has a special laboratory constructed in which the experimenter and a dog were separated from each other in soundproof rooms. Discovery was that conditioned stimulus (bell) began to trigger the same reactioning (salivate) in dogs that unconditioned stimulus (food) did. The associative bond between the conditioned stimulus (CS) and the unconditioned stimulus (US) is strengthened when the CS consistently occurs just before the representation of the US and is weakened when the CS and US occur independently of each other. So classical conditioning is unintentional and subconscious reaction to a certain stimuli.

It is important to understand how classical conditioning works and hopefully a few everyday examples will do that. Most dogs respond readily to sound of doorbell ringing and after several repetitions, in which the bell signals the arrival of someone at the door, the dog may begin to example bark. The dog has learned to correlate a previously insignificant event (doorbell) with a significant on (visitor) and now when the doorbell rings the dog dances with excitement anticipating the visitor´s entry and greetings. But what starts to happen if dogs owner doesnt open the door when doorbell rings? After several sessions of nonreinforced exposures to the bell, the dog will gradually inhibit its anticipatory reactions and finally ignore the sound altogether. We can say that the conditioned effect has been extinguished.

Classical conditioning has also an important role in the development of anxiety and fears. For instance, dogs easily develope fears associated with the veterinary clinic, especially if they have undergone painful procedures there. It may help to prevent negative associations to the veterinary clinic when we provide dogs or puppies treats and other pleasurable experiences while being examined. But what if dog doesnt eat in that situation? Its probably too stressed (or not hungry) and you have to start giving food to the dog earlier (example in the hospital parking lot). Lifelong phobic reactions can also occur as the result of a single traumatic event and dogs suffer a broad spectrum of phobic fears, most of which are established and reversed through classical conditioning.

But does Pavlov have anything really good information for us to use in dog training? You may have heard about clicker training. When we examine clicker training through classical conditioning, clicker is conditioned stimulus (CS) and food (or some else reinforcement) is unconditioned stimulus (US). Clicker is a mechanical device that makes a short, distinct "click" sound which tells the animal exactly when they're doing the right thing and its combined with positive reinforcement. You can also use something else than clicker, example light, whistle or some other sound. Other important information of Pavlovian conditioning is counterconditioning. It plays avital role in the learning and unlearning of emotional reactions. So in dog training, resolving fears and other problems (example phobias, separation anxiety and aggressiviness), classical conditioning may be required. Classically conditioned responses are largely autonomous and independent of central control, unlike instrumental behavior. Dogs dont choose to feel fearful or anxious. To be controlled, an aversive emotion like anger or fear, must be countered by the elicitation of an ever stronger and incompatible emotional response.

Dog Training Equipment - Choke Collars

Common Pet Meds That Every Pet Owner Should Know about ...

As our constant and most loving companions, dogs and cats should never have to suffer the pain of heart worm or kidney disease. Yet sometimes these ailments are unavoidable, and we should strive to provide the best care offered by modern veterinary medicine.

Pet owners that are active in their animals' health and preventative care should take a few moments to educate themselves about some of the most common pet meds out there so that they can fully understand the usage of each medicine prescribed by the family vet.

Popular Antibiotics

Used to combat bacteria and infectious diseases, antibiotics will help get your furry friend on the road to recovery. Amoxicillin is a popular form, being a broad-spectrum, synthetic member of the penicillin class. This antibiotic is prescribed to treat a variety of bacterial infections, from dental infections to bite wounds, respiratory tract infections and more.

Azithromycin, another commonly prescribed pet med, is a macrolide antibiotic applied in many situations of bacterial infection, like dermatological infections. Last but not least, Cefadroxil is from the cephalosporin family and can be used to stop many common bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections and more. All of these antibiotics are available for dogs and cats in capsule, tablet, or an oral suspension form.

Prevent Fleas and Heartworm

Parasitic heartworms are carried by mosquitos and, once they reach a dog, will invade the heart and pulmonary arteries. When untreated, heartworm can be life-threatening, and preventative care is strongly recommended.

Sentinel Flavor Tabs come in a monthly pill form to prevent heartworm disease and fleas in dogs and puppies. It can also be used to control adult hookworms, whipworms and roundworms.
Heartgard Plus is another common medication that prevents canine heartworm disease in the form of a once-a-month topical solution that also kills fleas and controls intestinal parasites. Cat- and dog-friendly flea/tick prevention and treatment options include: Advantage, Frontline, flea collars, medicinal spray, and shampoo.

Control Skin Allergies
Itchiness or irritation of the skin in pets can commonly be caused by skin allergies. Atopica is an oral form of cyclosporine that targets the specific immune cells responsible for the allergic reaction in dogs' skin. For immediate relief that can be enjoyed by dogs and cats alike, try a topical spray like Dermacool-HC. This anti-inflammatory therapeutic spray contains 1% hydrocortisone with cooling astringent that provides fast but temporary relief of inflammation and allergies.

Reduce Joint Pain

Nutritional supplements are becoming increasingly popular as a way to treat or prevent joint pain. To promote healthy bone structure and support joint mobility in dogs, Hylox Soft Chews are a solid option with ingredients that range from antioxidants to Omega-3 fatty acids. If your feline friend is experiencing joint pain, see if Cosequin does the trick. It incredibly helps repair damaged joint cartilage and contains anti-inflammatory properties. While these supplements have achieved great successes, they are slow-acting and it may be weeks before you notice any improvement.

Care for Kidney Disease

Most common in older cats and dogs, kidney disease can be fatal and typically requires immediate treatment. Oral medications like Calcitriol are prescribed for chronic renal disease, and for hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood). More often than not, CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) will also require your pet to begin a specialized diet. Other common kidney complications, like stones or infections, can usually be treated with CKD medicines.

Anxiety and Behavioral Meds

We don't always know what causes your four-legged companion to start acting strangely or feeling depressed, but we do know that sometimes it is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. One solution pet owners can turn to is a drug called Amitriptyline.
This tricyclic antidepressant will help address various behavioral problems such as anxiety and urine spraying. In most cases, your vet will suggest that you administer these types of drugs to your pet along with behavior modification training.

Stop Motion Sickness

For the canine companion who can't help getting sick in the car, Cerenia tablets provide a soothing solution when longer trips are necessary. This medication prevents acute vomiting due to motion sickness so that your dog can finally get some relief.

Another helpful drug you can turn to when battling motion sickness is Chlorpheniramine. An antihistamine that induces drowsiness, this medicine can also be dispensed as a mild tranquilizer.

Learning the basics of preventative treatments or different medications relating to your pet's disease is an important part of being an owner. Be sure to also fully investigate the side effects of any medicine before starting treatment. Know your pet's medicinal allergies so that you and your vet can beware of related drugs that may cause the same reactions. Help your pets reach their golden years with these effective treatments.

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Dog Training Collars

Aggressive Dog Behavior Training No-Nos

Aggressive dog behavior can not only take the fun out of having a dog, it can be dangerous too. The last thing you want to see in your beloved canine is aggressive dog behavior.

As soon as most dog owners see aggressive dog behavior, they try and do something about it, of course. Unfortunately, what these owners do is yell at their dogs or hit their dogs to try and get control of the canine aggression.

With aggressive dogs, it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to big problems. To make sure you don’t make these mistakes, avoid these aggressive dog behavior training no-nos:

1. The first mistake people make with aggressive dogs is keeping the dogs penned up. Not exercising an aggressive dog is a big no-no!

A bored dog is far more likely to be an aggressive dog. Most dogs have a lot of pent-up energy. They’re simply designed to be active. When you don’t allow your dog to be as active as he or she wants to be, this can lead to problems.

The best way to avoid dog aggression is to work off that pent-up energy. Take your dog on daily, long walks. Play fetch with your dog. The more you interact with an aggressive dog in a playful, fun way, the less aggression you’ll see.

2. Another big aggressive dog behavior mistake is hitting the dog. Training aggressive dog techniques require touch, but not hitting! You never want to hit any dog, but certainly not an aggressive dog. Violence will simply encourage aggressive behavior.

To correct an aggressive canine, pull at the scruff of the neck or gently nudge the dog. A firm voice and a specific gesture that telegraphs your displeasure will work too.

Your goal in correcting an aggressive dog is to surprise and get across your message. You’re not trying to hurt or punish the dog.

3. Being a wimp is a big aggressive dog training no-no. dog training aggressive behavior out of your dog requires you to be the boss! A wimp isn’t going to be affective at dog training aggressive behavior out of a dog.

Dogs need guidance. They need a leader. Dog parenting doesn’t simply mean care. It means leadership too.

To establish leadership with an aggressive dog, be sure you’re the one in control. Enter a room first unless you give your dog the okay to go ahead of you. Establish that you’re head honcho.

4. Dealing with repeated dog biting yourself is a big mistake. Aggressive dog training for dog biting requires the pros. If your dog bites, you need aggressive dog training from a professional dog trainer. Don’t try and deal with a biting dog yourself. The consequences are too dire. If the above tips don’t help control aggressive dog behavior, get some help.

Your dog deserves to be well-socialized so he or she can have a happy life. Take steps now to deal with aggressive dog behavior.

Dog Training supplies

Dog Training: Classical conditioning

Russian psychologist, Ivan Pavlov, discovered Classical, or in the terminology of behavior analysis respondent conditioning, in 1920s. It seems that classical conditioning was discovered by chance. Pavlov was investigating dog´s digestion when he noticed that the most experienced dogs that he had been testing began to salivate before the samples of food were presented to them. He started to investigate this systematically. Throughout Pavlov´s experiment, dogs were exposed to a wide variety of arbitrary stimuli (example bell and light) presented contiguously with food. Pavlov has a special laboratory constructed in which the experimenter and a dog were separated from each other in soundproof rooms. Discovery was that conditioned stimulus (bell) began to trigger the same reactioning (salivate) in dogs that unconditioned stimulus (food) did. The associative bond between the conditioned stimulus (CS) and the unconditioned stimulus (US) is strengthened when the CS consistently occurs just before the representation of the US and is weakened when the CS and US occur independently of each other. So classical conditioning is unintentional and subconscious reaction to a certain stimuli.

It is important to understand how classical conditioning works and hopefully a few everyday examples will do that. Most dogs respond readily to sound of doorbell ringing and after several repetitions, in which the bell signals the arrival of someone at the door, the dog may begin to example bark. The dog has learned to correlate a previously insignificant event (doorbell) with a significant on (visitor) and now when the doorbell rings the dog dances with excitement anticipating the visitor´s entry and greetings. But what starts to happen if dogs owner doesnt open the door when doorbell rings? After several sessions of nonreinforced exposures to the bell, the dog will gradually inhibit its anticipatory reactions and finally ignore the sound altogether. We can say that the conditioned effect has been extinguished.

Classical conditioning has also an important role in the development of anxiety and fears. For instance, dogs easily develope fears associated with the veterinary clinic, especially if they have undergone painful procedures there. It may help to prevent negative associations to the veterinary clinic when we provide dogs or puppies treats and other pleasurable experiences while being examined. But what if dog doesnt eat in that situation? Its probably too stressed (or not hungry) and you have to start giving food to the dog earlier (example in the hospital parking lot). Lifelong phobic reactions can also occur as the result of a single traumatic event and dogs suffer a broad spectrum of phobic fears, most of which are established and reversed through classical conditioning.

But does Pavlov have anything really good information for us to use in dog training? You may have heard about clicker training. When we examine clicker training through classical conditioning, clicker is conditioned stimulus (CS) and food (or some else reinforcement) is unconditioned stimulus (US). Clicker is a mechanical device that makes a short, distinct "click" sound which tells the animal exactly when they're doing the right thing and its combined with positive reinforcement. You can also use something else than clicker, example light, whistle or some other sound. Other important information of Pavlovian conditioning is counterconditioning. It plays avital role in the learning and unlearning of emotional reactions. So in dog training, resolving fears and other problems (example phobias, separation anxiety and aggressiviness), classical conditioning may be required. Classically conditioned responses are largely autonomous and independent of central control, unlike instrumental behavior. Dogs dont choose to feel fearful or anxious. To be controlled, an aversive emotion like anger or fear, must be countered by the elicitation of an ever stronger and incompatible emotional response.

Dog Training Collars

How To Select The Right Dog Shock Collar

Are you having a difficult time trying to get your dog to follow your commands? Do you have sleepless nights because of your dog’s endless barking? There are a number of effective training techniques currently available that can help you calm your dog down, but probably the best-known and fast acting solution is to use a dog shock collar. This is a particularly effective form of training tool can be used to quickly stop a dog’s bad habit over a short period of time, though most people new to the idea may be a little surprised by the use of electric shocks to control their pet.

In fact the dog shock collar has been used since the 1940’s, though since it was first put to use the mechanics of dog shock collars have developed from large bulky devices into small lightweight collars that are more comfortable for your dog. A number of well known pet care companies have developed dog shock collars including, ‘Pet Safe bark collars’ and ‘Dog Sport collars’, both well known within the dog training industry. The collars use a simple, but effective mechanism to help change your dog’s bad habits, they can either automatically deliver a shock each time your dog over barks or the owner can remotely control the shock using a handheld device. It is usually recommended that dog shock collars be used only once all other form of training have been exhausted and only used for short periods of time to avoid over exhausting your pet.

To get a better idea of the different types of dog shock collar available on today’s market, here are two examples of popularly used dog shock collars that can be found in most pet stores and over the internet:

* Pet Safe Nano Bark Collar – Pet Safe product are known all over the world for their high quality and safe effectiveness, this new item can be carefully adjusted to give different level of shocks depending on your dog size. The Nano dog shock collar works best on dogs at or below 55 pounds and is made from miniature technology to give a light weight 2 ounce feel, so that your dog won’t even know it is around their neck. The collar has a quick release feature makes putting it on and taking it off a breeze, also it is adjustable from 8” to 16” making it suitable for a range of different shape and sized dog breeds.

The built in automation module has been designed to record and recognize your dogs own barking so that there is less risk of an accidental shock triggered by another dog’s bark. The battery is run on a 6-volt lithium charge, but shock uses static type electricity that feels similar to the small static spark from a carpet, which basically gives a surprised feeling, but doesn’t hurt. To protect your dog from over shocking the module is set on a 15 shocks in 30 seconds limit, after which it will refrain from giving shocks for 3 minutes.

* Sport Dog Bark Control – This is another popular dog shock collar which has been designed to work well both indoors and outside. It has a strong and water proof cover that works well even when it gets wet from the rain. It comes with 6 adjustable shock levels for different dog types and it can last up to 6 month on a single battery charge. This product was definitely designed for families or single owners who are relatively busy and don’t have time to constantly train their dogs. It is light weight, weighing at just 1.5 ounces and has an adjustable collar which opens out to 28” in diameter.

Dog Training Equipment - Choke Collars

PetSafe Fence Is Safe And Humane

The PetSafe fence is safe and humane for all dogs or cats that weigh over 9 pounds, though it is predominantly used for dogs. The PetSafe fence is one of the best containment fences you can get. The reality is that an invisible PetSafe fence is very humane.

There are many different types of PetSafe Fences to suit different dogs and different containment areas. Because of all these variations, you may wonder which one is the most suitable for what it is you want to do, well we will help you through the PetSafe fence maze in this article. You can get an indoor and outdoor PetSafe fence, and you can get an outdoor fence which is either wireless or uses a wire. Your first option must be the simplest, and that is to choose whether you want an indoor PetSafe fence or an outdoor. If you want an indoor fence then you go for a wireless fence, if you want an outdoor then there are a number of items to take into consideration. There are three outdoor PetSafe Fence products; stubborn dog, deluxe and the standard model. It is one of the most powerful fences on the market. You can contain an area up to ten acres with this fence, all you need to do is buy more wire to extend it as the basic product only covers up to a third of an acre. This PetSafe fence can contain an area the same size as the stubborn fence but much less than the 25 acres for the deluxe model, hence the containment area is only 10 acres. You need to be careful because not all wireless fence products are safe.

You can get an indoor and outdoor PetSafe fence, and you can get an outdoor fence which is either wireless or uses a wire. If you want an indoor fence then you go for a wireless fence, if you want an outdoor then there are a number of items to take into consideration. The PetSafe wireless fence covers an area in diameter up to 180 feet. If you want simplicity and very fast setup then go for the wireless fence, if you need to cover a very large area, and you want a specific shaped boundary then you need the underground fence. PetSafe Wireless FenceYou need to be careful because not all wireless fence products are safe. PetSafe and Innotek have both developed a wireless fence which can be used indoors or outdoors. A wireless fence will ensure your dog is not able to jump over your fence or to dig under it. If you have the problem of your dog escaping from your back yard, an alternative to a wireless fence is the normal 6ft high panel fence, how much does that cost. Training your pet dog to turn a blind eye to things happening outside the wireless fence is one the things that makes this training so special. The other option to a wireless fence is the underground dog fence.

PetSafe and Innotek have both developed a wireless fence which can be used indoors or outdoors. There are three outdoor PetSafe Fence products; stubborn dog, deluxe and the standard model. Sometimes, the PetSafe product needs troubleshooting to resolve occasional problems with the collar or transmitter. Replace the batteries in the PetSafe collar. Trim the fur around the pet's neck to increase the effectiveness of the collar's static shock if your pet does not respond to the PetSafe product. If you get a PetSafe invisible dog fence then you will also get a comprehensive set of instructions. Innotek only makes one system and it is a general purpose one, where as PetSafe manufactures 3 types for 3 different applications. When it comes to the back yard, PetSafe manufactures an outdoor wireless fence, which Innotek have yet to do. The reality is that an invisible PetSafe fence is very humane. If a dog does escape it runs the risk of being run over if it gets out on the road and I have heard some people who get into a lot of hot water because their dogs escape and chase other pets or farm animals. When you study how a wireless or underground PetSafe fence works, you will understand how humane they are.

There are many different types of PetSafe Fences to suit different dogs and different containment areas. It is one of the most powerful fences on the market. The PetSafe fence is one of the best containment fences you can get. They hear things like shock collars and electric shock fences, which sound very painful. The good news is that these invisible dog fences are a piece of cake to get up and running. PetSafe produces a wide range of fences to suit the many different types of dog’s and your requirements. There are different fences for different applications. If you are looking for a dog fence you will be pleased to know that the modern dog fences are very simple to install.

The boundary area can be extended by adding additional transmitters and placing them at a strategic distance apart. If you want simplicity and very fast setup then go for the wireless fence, if you need to cover a very large area, and you want a specific shaped boundary then you need the underground fence. It covers boundary flag awareness, distraction phase and unleashed supervision. The system works with three parts: the transmitter, boundary wire, and dog collar. The transmitter with a fence sends radio signals to the boundary wire. If the dog is too close to the boundary of the fence, the collar will emit a beep. If the dog ignores the beep and keeps going toward the boundary, it will receive a mild electronic correction. Some electronic dog fence units have several levels of correction so correction levels will intensify as the dog gets closer to the boundary. If the boundary wire breaks, an alarm on the transmitter will sound to let you know. Play with your dog well away from the boundary and just have a bit of fun with him.

When multiple dogs are using a fence from Petsafe, they all must wear collars designed for that system so every dog receives appropriate correction.

The PetSafe fence is one of the best containment fences you can get. The reality is that an invisible PetSafe fence is very humane.

Dog Training Collars

How To Help Your Dog Overcome Separation Anxiety

One of the things that bring unimaginable joys of owning a dog is the affection you share with your dog; dogs are social animals that desire love and care which could make them attached to their owners excessively and makes them to start behaving in a weird manner, especially when they sense the absence of their owners that sometimes could lead to harmful consequences.

If dogs become too reliant and dependent on you, then separation anxiety can develop.

Dog separation anxietyis a colossal and serious problem to deal with and over 10% of all puppies and dogs have been reported to have this syndrome. If you as a dog owner do not take steps to address the ugly situation, then there may be a situation when you have to leave your pet in an animal shelter. Therefore, it is important to go through a step by step plan that can treat your dog.

The most important thing is to first identify and ascertain the symptoms, causes and then discover the ways to treat it.

Dog separation anxietyis not an easy syndrome to cure but if you can get to the root cause, fixing it becomes easy. You need to understand the problem from your dog’s prospective. How can you do this?

Well, you need to know that dogs are social animals and seek their owner’s company all the time for more than one reason. Given a choice your dog will want to spend every bit of its time with you. So, it is natural that when you are not with your dog, it can experience varying degrees of behavioral changes.

There are many ways to help your dog and treat this syndrome. Some of the ways you can help your dog are:

· Medication and exercises will really help your dog ward off his mental stress. Exercises such as walking, running and playing will tire your dog and your dog will definitely want some time alone to rest. Medication therapies will help your dog practice behavioral changes and implement them efficiently.

· Make a place exclusively for your dog, this will help your dog to relax, play and be in that place when you are out of house.

· Do not let your dog show you excess love, ignore him whenever possible but keep in mind that you notice him after some time. Repeat this practice for a few days or weeks, depending on the severity of the condition.

· Where the situation worsens, send your dog for behavioral modification and obedience training at the first instance.

· Do not ignore your dog too much; doing that will trigger his anxiety level to the supreme.

Dog separation anxietyis a condition that can be effectively cured if and only if you as a loving owner help your dog to the core.