Free Dog Training Tips

LoveToKnow recently caught up to Dr. Ian Dunbar to ask for some free dog training tips and advice. We also found out more about his latest endeavor The Dog Star Daily website.

Dr. Ian Dunbar PhD is a leading authority on canine behavior and training. He received his veterinary degree and a Special Honors degree in Physiology and Biochemistry from the Royal Veterinary College at London University. He went on to obtain a doctorate degree in animal behavior from the University of California at Berkeley where he is the Director of the Center for Applied Animal Behavior Department.

Among Dr. Dunbar's other credits are numerous books, videos and a dog training television show in the UK. He is also the founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Most recently, Ian, his wife Kelly and son James put their heads together and created an international online resource for dog and puppy owners called The Dog Star Daily.

Ian Dunbar is a "rock star" in the dog training and behavior profession; he is respected by his peers and revered by the dog owners he has helped. Here is an exclusive interview with this accomplished and accessible man.

At eight weeks of age the clock is running. Puppy training needs to begin very early to help the puppy grow into a balanced dog. Waiting until the age of six months can result in "too little, too late".

It is best to begin neo natal handling at around the age of two to three weeks old. After that, around four to five weeks of age, begin errorless house training, chew toy training, socialization and handling. Just for fun you can begin casually working on basic manners training. Everything a five week old puppy does will make you laugh, whether he sits or rolls over. Simply have fun with training your puppy at this age.

At around eight weeks, the puppy goes to his new home. Oh boy, have we got a lot to do in the first month! Mostly preventing behavior problems, but this is also a critical period for socialization. Socialization for a young puppy can be done in the safety of his own home during this time. Gentle handling from his family and also friends will help begin the process.

Do not put off going to puppy class. Your puppy must go to class so that he has opportunities to play and learn bite inhibition from the other puppies.

The secondary reason for puppy class would be the opportunity to socialize with the other people in the class.

The other important benefit of puppy class is to learn about training your dog under the guidance of a trainer who understands puppy issues and can help you prevent them.

Begin training the moment you get your adopted dog home. He will be very alert and aware of his new surroundings; take advantage of this time to teach him the new rules.

Do the same things with your rescue dog that you would with a new puppy. Keep him from making mistakes such as chewing and house training accidents. Hand feed him his kibble to help him bond to you and the rest of his new family. Also use this hand feeding time to teach basic manners.

My best advice about adopting a dog is take time to make a proper selection. Do not adopt with your heart only; do bring your brain into this important decision. The perfect dog is waiting for you somewhere. Be patient.

Adopting a dog that is wrong for you can be a nightmare. Think about what your household is like. Ask, "Will this dog be able to adjust to our home?" Be certain all family members like the dog and can communicate with him before you bring him home.

Kelly, James and I wanted to create the very best comprehensive information resource for dog lovers everywhere. This website offers a wealth free dog training tips about basic manners, preventing and resolving behavioral issues, and other information useful to dog owners.

We have a daily news blog called the Dog Blog that currently features around twenty of the best English speaking dog trainers that I know of. In the near future, we intend to activate around 30 more blogs from the top trainers in countries around the world. This will truly be an international dog training resource very soon.

Just a few of the knowledgeable contributors to the Dog Blog are:

• Dr. Roger Abrantes

• Dr. Patricia McConnell

• Trish King

• Nicole Wilde

By the end of the year we should also have approximately 1,000 videos available and many hours of Internet radio programs about dog training as well.

You're welcome. Thank you for thinking of me for this article.

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