Dog Health Questions: What are the basics of dog training? Rescue dog with training already? please read whole question?

I want to get a dog from the Humane Society and will opt towards an easily trainable dog and/or one who is already trained. If he is already trained, what will I personally have to do to so he responds to me? Also, what exactly are the things I would train him? Basically, if he listens to me and can understand the commands, he will be able to understand most of what I want him to do, right?

Animal Husbandry And Other Unnatural Acts: A Career in Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I agree, there is an advantage to a dog that already has the basics down. That said, read about the types of dogs you may want and the ages, as well. Often the behavior of a dog will change after a couple of weeks at home...the shelter is not the most "normal" of environments. And there are certain ages a dog goes through, just like people. Puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, geriatrics. It might be nice to know what to expect.

Training Classes:
Also, I highly recommend training classes, even for experienced people and experienced dogs. I still take my dog from time to time for a refresher. It is really fun, I learn new stuff, she learns new stuff, we refresh old stuff, others learn stuff from us, we meet new people and dogs...the list goes on and on. Training class is really is a good experience all the way around.

The Basics:
A good book or two would help. An author recommendation is below. The basics are sit, stay, leave it, and walking nicely on a leash. With a book, you will get idea of other things, and if you have access to the training classes, you'll get even more ideas. Training your dog is very enjoyable. They are so pleased to please you, and the teamwork is very bonding.

cheers!

Train Your Dog - Don't Let Your Dog Train You

• http://www.seefido.com/html/how_to_becom… good luck.


• The basics of dog training boil down to establishing yourself as the leader of the pack. You can train your dog to do as much or as little as you find necessary. The come and stay commands are really important because they have an affect on the dog's safety. Also, you want a dog who is socialized (good with people and other animals.) If a dog understands commands and respects you as a leader, he'll follow your commands.


• An already trained dog will be able to respond to your basic commands.... sit and stay. If it was formally trained ie with obedience classes it will help if you know the correct commands and hand signals so as not to confuse the dog. Personally my preference would be to select a young, untrained dog of an intelligent breed and start from scratch.


• Thank you for thinking of getting a shelter dog!
  I would suggest
  #1 get the right kind of dog for your lifestyle. If you only have a certain amount of time (due to working schedule) do not get a high maintenance dog such as a Lab or Border Collie, etc...the shelter consultants will be able to help you with that decision....
  #2 Make sure you understand this an animal.... not a human...YOU are the LEADER of the Pack.....A Pack will be the 2 of you... and you are the leader...
  #3 Basic Manners are essential....He must wait for your command....ex=going for a walk...he must come to you for the collar and leash and he must sit before it is put on, and he must wait before going out the door. Before going for a ride in the car, he must wait until you give him the release word ex=OK!...He must sit and wait before eating his dinner(do not just leave the food for him to eat at his will)....remember YOU are the leader! The follower (which is what a happy dog is ...) will respect you....
  ANY dog MUST have EXERCISE....DISIPLINE, next and then when he is calm...AFFECTION
  There is a great book by Caesar Milan (the dog whisperer) that will make all this very clear! Caesar's Way (just an example, there are plenty of other great books on dog behavior)
  If the dog is already trained in certain commands I would say that the first thing you must get from his is to "Focus" on YOU!(He should be able to look at you and wait until you give him the next command or release word)
  Training will teach you that!
  Even if he is already "Trained"...you should take him to a class and learn "together"..... Training is a personal bond between the 2 of you! also research crate training (this will give him his own personal space), and check out vets for his health and future visits. and the very last thing I will say is....Training is NEVER over....there is a world of knowledge in the library and the internet...READ, READ, READ....
  Good luck and stay calm and assertive! (from Caesar Milan)


• I would recommend that you do a bit of reading first, before getting a dog. Learning about operant conditioning, clicker training, and reward-based training is fun and you'll be amazed at the things that dogs can do when they are taught in a positive way.
  Karen Pryor, Patricia McConnell, Susan Garrett, Melissa Alexander, Suzanne Clothier and Jean Donaldson are all great to study.
  
  ***No animal behaviorist or trainer who has actually spent time to understand how dogs learn would ever choose to bully or intimidate a dog using punishment. ***