Training
Found [397] Articles :: Page 19 of 27
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African Boerboels are well loved for their abilities to be excellent family dogs and guard dogs at the same time, but they don't come pre-programmed with these traits. All Boerboels need to have effective training in order to grow up to be the best dogs they can be. Good training needs to start when the Boerboel is just a puppy, and if it is put off until the dog is eighteen to two years of age, the dog has finished developing its personality and it will be very difficult to change most of the bad habits it has learned in its life. Even unintentionally bad training will be difficult to reverse if left off too long. [...]
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One of the concerns that some people have with the African Boerboel is whether or not it is considered to be a dominant dog. The truth is that most Boerboels are indeed dominant to some degree, but that doesn't mean that they can't learn their place and become an important part of the family. In order to train your Boerboel to accept his place in the family, it is important to understand why dogs need the ever important obedience training from an early age. Dogs that have been overindulged or never disciplined correctly are often said to "walk all over" their owners, but they are really only displaying their natural tendency to try to be the "leader of the pack." [...]
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Those that are thinking about adopting an African Boerboel may be concerned about aggression. Like other members of the mastiff family, this large dog does have aggressive tendencies, but these are usually manifested through poor breeding and training. Over the years, the Boerboel's purpose in life has been that of a protector rather than a fighter, but this breed also happens to be among the most dominant of dogs. Here we'll take a look at what factors can cause a Boerboel to be aggressive and what you can do to make sure your Boerboel grows up without aggression.For centuries, the Boerboel was the traditional working dog for Afrikaners in South Africa. Their duties primarily consisted of guarding the women and children while the men worked in the fields, as well as hunting small game from time to time. While the guarding instinct has always been very natural in the dogs, often appearing as early as eight weeks, they have never in their history been bred solely for fighting. [...]
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If you are thinking about adopting an African Boerboel, you may be concerned about how this breed gets along with other pets, whether you already have pets or are thinking of adding to your animal family in the future. The truth is, in many cases the Boerboel will do fine with other animals under certain conditions. Here we'll take a look at how the Boerboel will fare with other pets and what you can do to make sure your new dog and the other pets in your family will get along.The first thing to keep in mind is that the Boerboel is among the most dominant of breeds and they do need a firm hand in training. Many believe that these dogs do better with owners that have experience with the breed or others that belong to the mastiff family (bulldogs and the like) which absolutely require consistent training with no overindulgence. [...]
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We all know that people can develop ulcers from stress, but did you know that horses can as well? Diet, exercise and training as well as competition and lifestyle changes can all cause ulcers in horses. New research shows that as many as 40% of all competition horses, including race horses, dressage horses and jumpers are likely to have some form of ulcers due to a combination of factors.Ulcers in horses, medically known as equine gastric ulcer syndrome, have been the center of many research programs in competitive horses. Many times the very changes that the owner makes to prepare the horse for show actually contribute to the development of the ulcer, which is a lesion or sore in the lining of the stomach caused by an over-production of digestive acid. In horses, stomach acid is continually produced, since a horse that is on pasture will normally graze about 18 hours a day. When owners bring competition horses in off of the pasture and feed them high quality feeds in regular rations, the horse may only be eating one or two hours a day, leaving much more time for the stomach acid to be in direct contact with the stomach lining when food is not present. [...]
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The Akhal-Teke was bred for endurance and is not happy unless and until that natural tendency is being properly utilized. Their natural, slender grace fools many into thinking that the breed would make a perfect racehorse, when in fact they are better built for endurance or jumping activities. Used by nomadic tribes in Turkmenistan and the surrounding areas, the horses developed the ability to go long distances with little in the way of nourishing food or water. This is because their musculoskeletal system is composed at a ratio of more tendon than muscle. These days, the Akhal-Teke exhibits its natural drive in everything from endurance events to dressage shows.Those who take on this breed often do so specifically because of the Akhal-Teke's own proclivity for athleticism. Though there is some training that comes with having such a breed, it is considered easier with an animal that has a natural zeal for what it is doing. The first thing a handler must do when training the Akhal-Teke for endurance is build a strong bond. [...]
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Even though carriages are no longer a common form of travel, it is still possible to train an Alter Real to be the efficient carriage horse it was first developed to be. As it requires a horse to be comfortable with having a noisy object following behind them, training a carriage horse takes a certain type of preparation. Handlers know sensitive creatures like the Alter Real will require a most gentle approach to help them get used to certain harnesses and bits. As each trainer has a different way of handling this, there can be a number of variations on techniques for accomplishing this feat.A good carriage horse is one that is compact, sturdy and alert. As such, the Alter Real readily fits these requirements plus many more. In general, the first thing trainers do is establish a strong rapport with the horse. This will help the Alter Real feel safer and more comfortable with what he or she will be asked to do as the training progresses. Only when the alert and perceptive Alter Real feels there is no threat will they temper their awareness into the task at hand. [...]
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Developed specifically for show in gaited horse competitions, the American Walking Pony has three distinctive gaits commonly referred to as the pleasure walk. Merry walk and the canter. As some enthusiasts are quick to point out, the American Walking Pony can actually perform up to seven gaits total. The four time beats of the Merry walk and pleasure walk are quite faster than an actual walk. Nonetheless, both are known to be very buoyant gaits that perfectly demonstrate the breed's natural proclivity as a show horse. While some training is required, their brilliant talent for show stepping is easy to see thanks to their Tennessee Walking Horse and Welsh Pony bloodlines.The pleasure walk is a gait that comes natural to the American Walking Pony and training is more or less to help the horse find and maintain a self balanced carriage. While there is some practice of using appliances or mechanical aids to help a Walking Pony learn the correct gait, many trainers and handlers feel it is a practice that is wholly unnecessary. Many times, these measures only affect the horse's stepping but do not improve their gaiting ability. [...]
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As many handlers will agree, training a gaited pony is not really training as much as it is enhancing the natural gifts that are already there. However, when it comes to competition a pony must know how to transition from one gait to another at a rider's command. Therefore, transitioning in a safe and smooth manner is one necessary element of preparation for the competing pony. This groundwork is done using a number of techniques; however, it should be noted that training via mechanical aids or other devices is highly unnecessary when it comes to the gaited pony. Many times these only affect the step of the pony, something that is frowned upon in most competitive circles. An unnatural step on a pony can lead to disqualification in some events.Gaited ponies and their smooth ride are quickly becoming the choice of many who want to take part in equestrian activities but do not want to deal with the uncomfortable jarring motion of larger horses. This is especially true for those riders with back and knee problems. When training or enhancing a gaited pony's natural abilities, consistency becomes the name of the game. [...]
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For those individuals that compete or entertain with trick riding or with specially trained horses, especially in the western riding style, the Appaloosa has long been a favorite breed. While there is no doubt that the unique and highly eye catching coloration of the breed does add to its appeal as a performance or trick horse, there is also the natural intelligence, calmness and reliability of the breed that add to its popularity.Training a trick horse for circus work, trick riding, or performing is not a simple task and does take both a special horse as well as a dedicated rider. Not all Appaloosas are good trick horses, just like not all Thoroughbreds make good racehorses. Trick horse trainers look for younger horses that are naturally very clever, seem to have a natural curiosity and are calm and even tempered without appearing flighty or mean spirited. Early handling and training of the colt or filly helps the trainer to develop a good rapport with the horse as well as to design tricks and stunts that will be natural for the horse to perform. [...]
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The Nez Perce Indians are considered to be the first North American group of people that selectively bred and raised the spotted horses of the prairies. The original Appaloosas are likely to be descendants of the now extinct breed of Spanish horses known as the spotted Spanish Jennets. These horses, or their offspring, then mated with other Spanish horses brought over with groups of explorers, producing the spotted horses now known as the Appaloosa. Another legend in the Nez Perce tribe is that the horses were actually traded for food between the tribe and a Russian ship, which would mean that the horses are of the ancient Tiger Horse breed that is depicted in Siberian legend and art. Even as early as 1806 the Lewis and Clark expedition reported that the Nez Perce Indians had the largest domesticated herd of spotted horses which were highly prized by the people. Since the tribe was originally located in the Palouse River valley of Idaho and Washington, the name Appaloosa gradually evolved. [...]
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As a true recognized hotblooded type of horse, the Arabian does have some unique and specialized training requirements. As a hotblooded horse they are very intelligent, learn quickly, and have a considerable need for independence and a sense of partnership with the rider rather than merely being under the rider's command. Successful Arab trainers, owners, and riders know that trying to bully this type of horse, out-think the horse, or respond with aggressive or negative types of training methods simply won't work. Either the horse will become uncooperative and hard to handle or they will simply become despondent and passive, with no spirit or drive if they are harshly treated or used.The first step in working or training an Arabian is to allow the horse to develop a sense of understanding and trust with the rider or handler. Typically the Arabian is not a horse that anyone can just jump on and ride and it will respond. Arabians will pick and choose who they will work well with and who they will not. If the horse feels threatened or anxious with a particular rider or handler this will often appear as poor behavior or non-compliance on the part of the horse. [...]
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Although not the most common use of the breed, the Australian Pony makes an excellent small driving pony that is very flashy in the harness and possesses all the qualities to make it a wonderful light harness pony. Typically the Australian Pony will be driven in a two or four wheeled buggy or carriage type hitch, depending on the number of ponies in the team. Two and four pony hitches are used for larger four wheeled buggies and carriages whereas a single pony hitch is typical of a surrey type buggy or a smaller two wheeled buggy. The harnesses can be elaborate and ornate to elegant and simple depending on the type of presentation the driver is trying to achieve. Since the Australian Pony is often gray in color a dark black harness and black carriage or buggy with bright red, green, blue or purple ribbons and decorations on the harness, driver and horses really makes an eye catching presentation.Training a pony to drive requires specialized types of training exercises as well as patience and a willingness to work at the pony's level of comfort. [...]
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In Australia, as well as most of the countries of the world, show jumping, hunting and eventing are popular sports. Show jumping involves the pony and rider competing on a set course, usually in an enclosed area or riding arena. Each horse and rider must complete a set course of jumps, typically of a variety of styles and types. Some jumps are straight rail jumps, others are double and triple rail jumps, wall jumps that give the illusion of being solid, jumps over other types of obstacles and even jumps that include water. Each competitor is judged not on style but on the accuracy of completing the course without knocking over any jumps, as well as the time it takes to complete the course. Penalties are assigned for faults such as a jump knock down or a refusal. The course must be completed within the time allotment.Hunting competitions involve a more open style of course that is designed to mimic or represent the type of terrain and conditions a horse and rider out hunting in the countryside would encounter. [...]
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Training the Australian Stock Horse to work with cattle, sheep, and livestock is very traditional and is often a fairly natural form of training for this breed. Since the Australian Stock Horse has been used as a stock horse since their first introduction to the country in 1788 with the First Fleet, it is not surprising that they would really be a great match for the type of events and day to day work of the stock horse.The key to training the Australian Stock Horse to work with cattle and sheep is to allow the horses to become familiar with the livestock. In most of the traditional stations or large ranches and farms the horses and stock are pastured together, making the horses very familiar with the actions and movement of the livestock. It also allows the horses to become familiar with the natural environment and get a chance to develop their muscles and sure footedness by being out in the same areas they will have to work when they get a bit older. [...]
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Training
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