| How to Take Cornell Notes Posted: 17 Jul 2016 05:00 PM PDT The Cornell method of taking notes was developed by Dr. Walter Pauk of Cornell University. It is a widely used system for noting material from a lecture or reading, and for reviewing and retaining that material. Using the Cornell system can help organize your notes, actively involve you in the creation of knowledge, improve your study skills, and lead to academic success.[1] EditPreparing Your Notepaper - Devote notepaper solely to your Cornell-style notes. Whether you use a notebook or loose sheets kept together in a binder, you will want to have pages set aside just for note-taking. You will divide each sheet into several sections; each section has a specific purpose.
- Draw a horizontal line across the bottom portion of your paper. This line should be approximately one-fourth of the way up the page, about two inches from the bottom. Later, you will use this section to summarize your notes.[2]
- Draw a vertical line down the left section of your paper. This line should be approximately two and a half inches from the left edge of the page. This will be used as the section for reviewing your notes.[3]
- Leave the largest section of the page as the area for taking notes from the lecture or reading. This section on the right of the page should leave you plenty of space to record important points.[4]
- Use the internet to search for templates for Cornell notes if you need a shortcut. If you will be taking a lot of notes and/or want to save time, you can find blank templates for making Cornell style notes. Print blank sheets and follow the same steps for use.
EditTaking Notes - Mark the course name, the date, and the lecture or reading topic at the top of your page. Do this consistently, and it will help you keep your notes organized and make reviewing course material much easier.[5]
- Take notes in the largest section of the page. While listening to a lecture, or reading a text, take notes only in the right-hand section of the page.[6]
- Include any information that the professor writes on a board or shows in a slideshow.
- Use notes to listen or read actively. Whenever you come across an important point, make a note of it.[7]
- Look for signals marking important information. If an instructor says something like "the three most important implications of X are…" or "there are two basic reasons why X happened," then this is likely information that you will want to record in your notes.
- If you are taking notes from a lecture, listen out for points that are emphasized or repeated, as these are likely important.
- These tips hold true if you are reading a text and come across statements like these examples. Textbooks will often put key terms in bold type, for example, or restate important information in graphs or charts.
- Keep it simple. Think of your notes as an outline of the lecture or reading. Focus on getting just the key words and points down so that you can keep up with the lecture or reading—you will have time later to review and fill in the gaps.
- Rather than writing out complete sentences, use bullet points, shortcuts (like "&" instead of "and"), abbreviations, and any personal note-taking symbols you have.[8]
- For example, instead of writing out a full sentence, such as "In 1703, Peter the Great founded St. Petersburg and ordered its first building, the Peter and Paul Fortress," you could write simply "1703—Peter founds St. Pete & builds Peter & Paul Fort." The shorter version will make it easier to keep up while still recording the essential information.
- Record general ideas, not illustrative examples. Go for the big ideas in the lecture, rather than trying to record all the examples the instructor may give to illustrate these ideas.[9] Paraphrasing not only saves time and space, it forces you to make connections between the ideas presented and your own expression of them, which will help you remember material later.[10]
- For example, if your instructor says in lecture (or a book states) that: "In constructing St. Petersburg, Peter hired engineers, architects, shipbuilders, and other workers from many European countries. The immigration of these intellectuals and skilled workers gave St. Petersburg a cosmopolitan atmosphere, accomplishing part of Peter's goal to make the Russian city a 'window on the West'," don't try to copy that word-for-word!
- Paraphrase the information, for example: "Peter hired engineers, architects, shipbuilders, etc. from all over Europe -- his plan: St. Pete = 'window on the West.'"
- Leave a space, draw a line, or start a new page when you come to a new topic. This will help you to mentally organize the material. It will also help you to focus on studying different parts whenever you need to.[11]
- Make a note of any questions that arise while you are listening or reading. If there is something you do not understand, or want to know more about, jot this down in your notes. These questions help clarify what you are absorbing, and will be useful for studying later.[12]
- For example, if you were taking notes on the history of St. Petersburg, as in the examples above, you might make a note "Why couldn't Peter the Great hire Russian engineers?"
- Edit your notes as soon as possible. If there are any parts of your notes that are hard to read or don't seem to make sense, fix them while the material is still fresh in your mind.[13]
EditReviewing and Expanding Your Notes - Summarize key points. As soon as possible after the lecture or reading, pull out the main ideas or key facts from the right-hand section. Write very condensed versions in the left hand column -- go for key words or short phrases that communicate the most important information or concepts. Reviewing course material within a day or so of the lecture or reading greatly improves retention.[14]
- Underlining main ideas in the right-hand column may help you identify them. You can also try highlighting or color-coding, if you're a very visual learner.[15]
- Cross out unimportant information. Part of the beauty of this system is that it will teach you how to identify the crucial information and discard what is unnecessary. Practice identifying information that you are less likely to need.
- Write potential questions in the left column. Working from your notes on the right, think about questions that might appear on an exam, and write these on the left. Later on, these can be used as a study tool.[16]
- For example, if in the right hand section, you have written the note "1703--Peter founds St. Pete & builds Peter & Paul Fort," then in the left hand section, you could write the question "Why was Peter & Paul fortress 1st building in St. Pete?"
- You can write higher level questions that are not answered in the notes, like "Why did...?," or "Predict what would happen if...?," or "What were the implications of...?" (e.g., "What impact did the change in capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg have on the Russian Empire?). These can deepen your learning of the material.
- Summarize the main ideas in the bottom section of the page. This helps to clarify all of the information you have recorded. Putting the gist of the material in your own words is a good way to check your comprehension. If you can summarize the page of notes, it means you are well on your way to understanding the material. You might ask yourself, "How would I explain this information to someone else?"
- Often, an instructor will begin a class session by giving an overview of that day's material, e.g.: "Today, we will discuss A, B, and C" Similarly, textbook sections often include introductions that summarize the main points. You can use such overviews as a guide for taking notes, and think of them as a version of the summary that you will write at the bottom of your page of notes. Include any additional details that seem important to you or that you think you need to pay special attention to when studying.
- Just a few sentences is usually fine for the summary of a page. Include any important formulas, equations, diagrams, etc. in the summary section, if appropriate.[17]
- If you have trouble summarizing any part of the material, use your notes to identify where you should take a further look or ask your instructor for more information.
EditUsing Your Notes to Study - Read your notes. Concentrate on the left-hand column and summary at the bottom. These contain the most important points you will need for your assignment or exam.[18]
- You can underline or highlight the most important parts as you review, if you prefer.
- Use your notes to test your knowledge. Cover the right side of the page (the note-taking column) with your hand or another sheet of paper. Quiz yourself by giving answers to the potential questions that you included in the left column. Then uncover the right side and check your comprehension.[19]
- You can also ask a friend to quiz you on your notes using the left column, and you can do the same for them.
- Review your notes as often as possible. Reviewing frequently over a longer period of time, rather than cramming before a test, will greatly increase your retention and deepen your understanding of course material.[20][21] With your effective notes made using the Cornell system, you will be able to study efficiently and with minimal stress.
- The Cornell system of taking notes works best for courses that are organized around clearly-defined topics, and presented in a sequential or otherwise logical order. If your course shifts topics or approaches frequently, you might be better off with a different kind of note taking.[22]
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Treat Chafing Naturally Posted: 17 Jul 2016 09:00 AM PDT Chafing is caused when skin, clothing or other material rubs against your skin and causes irritation. Chafing most commonly occurs at the inner thighs, the groin, underarms, under the belly and at the nipples. If the chafing is not treated, it can become further inflamed and, in rare cases, it can become infected. People at risk for chafing include athletes because they tend to wear fabrics that rub against their skin for prolonged periods of time and those who are overweight, as they often experience skin rubbing against skin. There are a number of simple natural remedies for chafing, some of which are supported by scientific studies while others have emerged anecdotally. You can also prevent chafing by making a few key lifestyle changes. EditUsing Verified Home Remedies - Clean the chafed area. Make certain the chafed area is clean by washing it gently with a mild, unscented soap and then rinsing it very well.Consider using a plant-oil based soap. Good options include Pears, Puracy and Burt's Bees.[1]
- Keep your skin dry. After showers, make sure any parts of your body that are chafed or prone to chafing are completely dry. Using a clean, cotton towel, pat your skin dry and don't rub as this can cause further irritation.[2]
- You can also use a hair dryer on a low setting to ensure that the chafed areas are dry. Don't use high heat because that can dry your skin too much and cause even more irritation.
- Moisturize the chafed area. Use a natural lubricant to keep the skin moisturized. Lubricants such as almond oil, castor oil, lanolin, calendula oil or A&D ointment (note: A&D ointment contains fragrance, so if you are sensitive to fragrances, choose another lubricant).
- Apply the lubricant to clean, dry skin at least twice a day. You may require more applications if the chafing is on an area of your body that still rubs against clothing or other skin.
- After lubrication, you may find it very useful to get some clean gauze and gently place that gauze over the chafed area. This can help keep the area protected from further contact with your skin or clothing while also keeping it breathable.[3]
- Apply aloe vera on the area. Aloe vera is commonly known as a home treatment for burns, but it also provides natural chafing relief because of its many medicinal properties. It contains nutrients that can repair the damage to the skin, reducing irritation and itch.[4]
- The gel from the plant can be applied to the chafed skin and bring almost instant relief to the itching and redness. Just by keeping a potted aloe plant handy, you can break off a small piece of the leaf and apply the gel whenever you want to easily treat the problem.
- You can also purchase pure aloe vera gel from any drug store or pharmacy. Just make sure to purchase 100% aloe vera gel.
- Take an oatmeal bath. Dry, chafed skin occurs when the skin constantly rubs against skin or other materials it comes into contact with. Over time, the constant friction causes skin to peel and even bleed. Oatmeal has various medicinal properties that moisturize, cleanse, and act as anti-inflammatory agents as well as soothe and protect the skin. An oatmeal bath is a relaxing and helpful way to treat chafed skin at home.[5]
- You can make an oatmeal bath at home by filling the bathtub with lukewarm water and adding a one to two cups of rolled, steel cut oats. Allow the oatmeal to set for a few minutes before lying in the tub. Sit in the bathtub for 20 to 25 minutes. Allow the oatmeal to bind to your skin and sooth the chafed skin on the body. Repeat once daily.
- Resist from scrubbing or rubbing the skin. Instead pat the skin with any excess oatmeal and water to treat a more intense spot.
- Use lukewarm water to rinse the body of the oatmeal and water mixture. Take a towel and pat the skin dry.
- Spread olive oil over the chafed skin. Olive oil is very good for the treatment of chafed skin as it is a powerful moisturizing agent. Apply olive oil directly on the affected area, preferably after taking a bath.[6]
- Making a simple paste with olive oil and oatmeal can also be an effective and natural anti-chafing medicine for the skin. Combine the two ingredients and then spread the paste liberally over the chafed skin. It should be left in place for 20 to 30 minutes a day. The paste will help to soothe the skin while also helping to restore some of the essential moisture needed to heal the chafing.
- Because of its property to retain moisture for long periods of time, olive oil works as a good conditioner for the skin, chafing or not.
- Try vitamin E oil. When vitamin E oil is applied on the affected area, it provides instant relief from itching and inflammation. You can also try lotions and creams containing vitamin E that may promote the healing of the inflamed skin.[7]
- You can apply the vitamin oil or cream on the skin and place a piece of gauze over it to keep the moisture locked in. This makes the application last longer. However, make sure to change the gauze every 6 hours or so to give your skin time to breathe.
- Experiment with chamomile. Chamomile helps in reducing inflammation and itching. It promotes the healing of skin and prevents bacterial infections. You can use it in lotion, oil, or pure flower form. Here are some options:[8]
- Take a large bowl of water, add a few chamomile flowers, and boil it for few minutes. Let the water cool and then add some ice cubes to it. Now soak the affected body part in this cold water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Chamomile can be used as lotion, too. Just liberally spread it over the area and allow it to soak into your skin.
- Additionally, chamomile oil or tea can be added to a cool bath. Adding a few drops of the oil or a few teabags can turn your bath into a soothing, relaxing, effective method of treatment.
- Try echinacea in tincture, pill, or tea form. This herbal remedy is used externally as an ointment for skin inflammations and wound healing. It has mild anti-biotic, anti-viral and anti-fungal effects. It can be taken internally as a tincture, pill, or tea to prevent infection of the chafed skin.[9]
- Echinacea is not very nice to ingest as a tea. For this reason, echinacea is most often taken as tincture or as pills. Teas and tinctures, however, appear to be more effective than the powdered herb in capsules.
- Besides its use as an immune stimulant, echinacea is recommended for individuals with recurring skin lesions, such as boils, and as a tonic to improve the liver's ability to reduce the effects of environmental toxins.
- Use thyme oil in your next cup of tea. Thyme produces thymol, a powerful antiseptic oil which is classified as naturally antibiotic and anti-fungal. Thyme tea has the power to chase away and eliminate bacteria and viruses so it can be helpful if your chafing is due to either or these or if it becomes irritated from scratching. Take it in your tea to chase away the infection on the chafed skin.[10]
- Thyme essential oil safeguards wounds and sores against infections. This is mainly due to the presence of components like Caryophyllene and Camphene in thyme. They inhibit bacterial growth within and outside of the body.
- Try a cream with arnica. Arnica is commonly used in creams, salves and ointments that are applied topically to heal bruising, trauma and swelling. It is often used to help facilitate the healing of wounds, too. Arnica is a good option if you're experiencing chafing because it offers quick relief for swelling and discomfort.[11][12]
- Apply an arnica cream or oil on the area as often as you need. It is safe to use in abundance, convenient, and easy to apply – it'll soak right into your skin.
- Try neem oil. The organic sulphur compound in neem leaves can be very effective in healing skin conditions. Neem oil has anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties and has been studied in children with burns. Here's how to use neem oil to fight chafing:[13]
- Take a handful of neem leaves and crush them well.
- Add lemon juice extracted from ½ a medium-sized lemon.
- Blend the mixture well to form a paste and apply it on the skin for relief.
- Try calendula, almond, yarrow or lavender oil. Add one or two drops of any of the following oils to four tablespoons of your lubricant. If you are using a balm or an ointment as your lubricant, mix the drops of essential oil right into the balm or ointment. Use these herbal mixtures throughout the day (about three to four times), making sure that the affected area is always being treated. Be sure to try these mixtures on an unaffected area first to make sure that your skin doesn't react and that you are not allergic to the herb. Some of these herbal mixtures may sting a bit at first.[14][15]
- Calendula oil is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal. It may be able to heal skin irritation quickly.
- Almond oil helps to moisturize the skin and prevent chafing. Massage it into the area for a soothing effect. Almond oil is a rich source of vitamin E and is an antioxidant. The omega-3 fatty acids in almond are thought to make your skin glow, too. Gently massage the oil in the affected area for a few minutes and leave it to soak in.
- Lavender oil has a soothing effect on the skin, too. It also helps in reducing swelling and itching of the affected area.
- Yarrow oil comes from a plant called Achillea millefolium. It got that name because legend has it that the ancient Greek warrior, Achilles, used yarrow to help heal his warriors on the battleground. Today, we know that yarrow has anti-inflammatory properties and supports healing
EditUsing Unverified Home Remedies - Make a turmeric paste for your skin. Ar-turmerone, which is a major compound of tumeric, can aid in treating skin conditions. Its presence makes turmeric anti-fungal, which helps to treat chafing. Here's how to use it:[16]
- Add 3 teaspoons of turmeric powder to a teaspoon of water and mix well until it blends to make a paste.
- Apply the paste on the affected skin and cover it with a cotton cloth.
- Leave it for about half an hour before you wash it off with water.
- Apply a garlic paste. The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of garlic aid in cleaning the skin and healing it. Allicin, a major compound in garlic, helps to keep your skin dry, thereby helping to shrink the swollen, reddened area that arises from chafing.[17]
- Take 10 cloves of garlic and grind them to a smooth paste. Dip a cotton ball in the paste and gently apply it on the affected area. For quicker relief, do this three times a day.
- Use lemon balm. This isn't a thick jelly-like substance made from lemon – it's an herb. It can be applied as a wash to chafed areas to relieve the heat and sting. To make the wash, add the herb to boiling water and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Let it cool before applying with a clean cloth.[18]
- Consider using tea tree, coconut, or sandalwood oil. In addition to the aforementioned oils, these three can be effective, too.[19]
- Terpinen-4-ol in tea tree oil is believed to have antiseptic properties, which aid in destroying pathogenic microorganisms and treat bacterial infections in the skin. Take a piece of wet cotton and add a few drops of the oil to it. Press the cotton gently over the affected area. Do it twice a day until the chafing improves.
- Coconut oil may have antibacterial and antifungal properties that aid in killing fungal and yeast infections, thereby helping treat irritation and rashes. Apply coconut oil on the affected area before going to bed. It will soothe your skin and help cure the irritation. You may apply it in the morning as well.
- Sandalwood may have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties. Santalol, the main constituent in sandalwood oil, can aid in soothing the skin and healing inflammation, thereby reducing the urge to itch. Apply the oil on the affected area two to three times a day for relief.
- Try a chickweed salve. Chickweed is said to begin healing on contact with your skin. This soothing little herb can be added to an herbal salve that is helpful in healing chafing, scrapes and other minor skin irritations.[20]
- Leave the salve on the area for up to 30 minutes. To increase its healing effects, rinse the affected area with rose water to seal in moisture and then pat dry.
EditPreventing Chafing - Wear loose clothing. Tight clothes can cause chafing. Avoid wearing clothes that are too close to your skin for comfort. Give your skin breathing space by wearing reasonably loose fitting clothes to avoid friction and chafing. Be willing to compromise style for comfort. Chafing can restrict your free movement owing to severe inflammation and swelling. It can make you very choosy where your outfits are concerned.[21]
- Avoid belts, tight underwear, and clothes that cause you to sweat. All of these are keeping your skin from breathing and can up your chances of worsening your chafed skin.
- Wear the right fabric. Wear cotton whenever you can. Fancy shirts and trousers may be tempting but consider first if they are skin friendly. For women, the best bet would be cotton dresses. For men, loose cotton shorts and shirts. Cotton is a fabric that lets your skin breathe. Regardless of the area that is chafed, try to keep the area as breathable as possible.
- When exercising, some people prefer synthetic materials that "wick" away all moisture. These synthetic materials help reduce perspiration and dry faster than natural materials.
- In general, you should always choose materials that feel good against your skin. Avoid any materials such as wool or leather that are coarse, scratchy or keep in moisture.
- Keep your skin dry but hydrated. The key to healthy skin is that it is neither too dry nor too wet. Extreme wet or dry skin can cause chafing as both can trigger itching as a starting point. Ensure that your skin is moisturized but at the same time is not too wet.[22][23]
- If you notice your skin is on the dry side, use a cream or lotion for added moisture. And if it's on the oily side, use a mild cleanser to wash the area, pat dry, and leave the area uncovered to keep moisture from developing.
- Sweat can make chafing worse because sweat is relatively high in minerals that can irritate the skin even further. After sweating, remove your clothes, rinse off in the shower and dry your skin completely.
- Unscented baby powder can be used to keep the area dry as well.
- Lose excess weight. If you are overweight, you have a higher chance of getting chafed skin, especially on the thighs. Since obesity can cause chafing, it is best to exercise and monitor your diet as a preventive measure. The best way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you are consuming. Talk to your doctor about about good weight loss strategies. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to a weight loss program. You want something you can stick to and enjoy that will keep you motivated and happy.
- Aim to eat healthy, well-balanced meals that include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates (like whole wheat bread, pasta, and rice), and protein.
- Incorporate exercise into your weight loss plan, rather than just cutting calories. For healthy adults, you should get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity; you can do less the more intense your activity is. You should also incorporate strength training into your exercise regimen at least twice a week.[24]
- Make some dietary changes. Try to incorporate more vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, and beta-carotene rich foods into your diet. Vitamin A and beta-carotene have antioxidants that help protect your body and especially the skin. Vitamin C, meanwhile, provides a boost to your immunity and helps maintain the integrity and health of your skin.[25]
- Yellow and orange-colored fruits and vegetables tend to have high levels of vitamin A and beta-carotene. Spinach, animal fats, and egg yolks are also good sources of vitamin A.
- Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are excellent sources of vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits.
- In addition, try to avoid fatty, processed and pre-packaged foods. This can help you lose weight and reduce skin folds, which can cause chafing.
- In most cases, chafing can be easily treated at home. If, however, the remedies listed above do not alleviate the chafing after four to five days or if the chafing worsens and you are worried there may be an infection, call your physician and make an appointment.
- Cornstarch used be a recommended method for relieving chafing. However, corn starch can provide food for bacteria and fungi and lead to skin infections.[26][27]
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Train a Dog to Come Posted: 17 Jul 2016 01:00 AM PDT Training your dog to come to you when called is not only important for behavior reasons but for safety reasons as well. A simple recall command could be the difference between life and death if your dog gets loose and is headed for a busy street. Dogs that respond to this basic command are also allowed to enjoy more freedom outside when involved in activities such as hiking or playing at the dog park. Use a training technique that interests your dog and show him plenty of patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement to help teach him this basic command.[1] EditTraining While on Leash - Choose the right location. As with any new command, you want to start with a location that's familiar to your dog and free from distractions such as toys, small children, food, loud noises, or other animals.[2] This allows your dog to focus as much as possible on you, the command, and the behavior you want him to associate it with.
- If you live with other people, keep them involved in the training process too. This way they will know not to distract your dog while you're teaching commands.
- Leash your dog. While your dog will later graduate to off-leash developments in the method, the initial training should take place on leash to keep him close and focused on you. Start with a shorter, six-foot leash that keeps your dog close and you more present in his field of vision.[3]
- Stand an appropriate distance away so that your dog can't reach you within just a step or two. For a small dog, this may only be two or three feet, whereas you may stand back the entire six-foot length of the leash for a large dog.
- Say "come" and begin taking quick steps backward. Your dog will naturally want to chase you playfully when you start taking fast backward steps away from him.[4] You want to issue the command a single time, ensuring you say it before you begin moving backward.[5] This will allow your dog to hear the command clearly before getting distracted by wanting to chase you.
- Issuing the command one time is sufficient. The more you say to your dog during training, the less likely he is to begin associating any of the words with behaviors.[6]
- If your dog does not respond and stays put, give your leash a slight tug and encourage him to move toward you.
- Consider using a hand signal as well. Signals are a good idea since they further associate the behavior, and they also help in situations where your dog can see you, but may not be able to hear you.[7] If you choose to teach with both verbal and hand signals, use a distinct hand signal. Make sure you use the signal and the verbal command at the same time.
- You can wave your hand toward your body or point at the ground in front of you. Holding your hand out in front of you, palm up, and curling your fingers back onto your palm is another common signal for the come command.
- Move backward until your dog reaches you. You want your dog to associate the command with coming all the way to you and not simply running a few feet. To help with this while using the shorter leash, keep backpedaling (carefully not to run into anything) until your dog reaches you.[8]
- If you are clicker training your dog, be sure to click as soon as your dog starts moving toward you and when he reaches you. This will reinforce his movement, direction, and good behavior.[9]
- Offer positive reinforcement. Once your dog reaches you, offer plenty of praise. Repeated positive reinforcement helps your dog to understand that he's doing what you want with the associated behavior.[10]
- Though positive reinforcement most often takes the form of praise and a treat, use your knowledge of your dog to your advantage. Maybe you know he responds best to being given his favorite toy after obeying a command.
- Add distractions and distance. The key to success is introducing greater distances and distracting environments in small increments that add a new dimension without overwhelming your dog. If you initially begin in your quiet living room without any toys around, try scattering a few toys next time, and then try turning on the TV as well the time after that. Next, try moving it to the backyard and using a fifteen-foot leash instead of the shorter one.[11]
- Use the method while on walks. One of the best ways to help train on the command consistently is to incorporate it into your daily walks with your dog.[12] This not only ensures that you're regularly practicing the command with your dog, but it also provides a variety of different locations and surrounding levels of distraction to challenge your dog to stay focused.
- Issue the command without backing up. Your dog will eventually learn to associate the command with the behavior, allowing you to stop taking steps backward to initiate the behavior. Reduce the number of steps you take after issuing the command from several to just one or two. After that, work on issuing the command without taking steps backward at all.
- Remember to be patient. If your dog fails to come when you stand still, go back to taking one or two steps for another day, and try try again.
- Consider group training sessions. If your dog hits a wall anywhere in the process, then consider taking him to a trainer. A professional trainer can help correct any mistakes in your home technique for the training, and the group environment is great for socializing your dog.
- A trainer can teach you and your dog how to best communicate with each other and how to learn from each other as well.[13]
EditProgressing to Off-Leash Training - Try recalling your dog off leash. After several days or weeks—depending on your dog—of on-leash training, choose an enclosed area, and see if you can get your dog to come while off leash. If he doesn't respond to the command, you may have to start using the back-up method again to make him chase you.[14] Remember that the process will take time and patience, so don't allow yourself to get frustrated if your dog doesn't quite understand yet the first time you take him off his leash. The important part is to keep trying.
- Also, avoid repeating the command over and over if it's proving ineffective. Each time you repeat the command without the dog understanding, you risk weakening the association he had already begun to form with the command. If he's not responding at all, go back to using the long-leash training for another day or two before trying again.
- If you do initially have to take a step or two backward to initiate the behavior, reduce those steps, take smaller steps, and other similar actions to wean your dog off needing you to move to respond to the command.
- Occasionally ask him to come when he is not expecting you to. For example, call him when he is sniffing around the yard to test his attention to the command.
- Use restrained recalls. As you try to increase the distance from which you recall your dog, you may have to get help from another person. The restrained recall variation involves having someone else hold your dog still, so you can get farther away without your dog following along. When you're ready, issue the command once (along with any hand signals you may also be teaching) and have the person restraining your dog let go.[15]
- As always, use your clicker if clicker training and offer plenty of positive reinforcement when your dog reaches you.
- The best way for the person holding the dog to restrain him is by lacing fingers across his chest.[16]
- Try a "round-robin" approach. Once your dog is successfully responding to the command for you, a round-robin approach offers new challenges and complexity to the process. Have two or three additional people besides yourself stand in a large circle at least twenty feet apart, and then have people on different sides of the circle take turns issuing the command and having your dog come.[17]
- Make sure that each person has the proper amount of time to give your dog praise and a treat before the next person issues the command.[18] Remember to use the clicker if you're clicker training and to have each person use the proper signal if you're using hand signals in addition to the command.
- Expand the range of training. After you feel more comfortable with your dog's progress, alter the training environment and increase your dog's exposure to distractions. If you notice that your dog always seems distracted during training, you should backtrack and work in a familiar setting again before moving onto more complicated environments.[19]
- Make sure that you never progress all the way to open areas (or even enclosed park dogs where safety may be an issue) until your dog is successfully obeying the command in various locations with all different levels of distraction.
- Get help. If your dog is consistently struggling to make the leap from obeying the command on his leash to obeying it while off his leash, then don't be afraid to get help from a professional dog trainer. A training session with an instructor can guide you through these difficulties. You can also contact a professional trainer or canine behaviorist to get more advice.
- Each dog is different and therefore not every dog learns in exactly the same way.[20]
- Make the learning process as fun as possible initially. While your dog is still practicing the recall command, don't try to use it when you want him to come for a nail trim or anything else he doesn't like. This will only introduce a negative association for your dog.
- You can start teaching your dog a recall command once he is about three months old. Each session should last about five to ten minutes, and you can attempt up to three sessions spread throughout the day. Typically, the younger the dog, the shorter each session will need to be because of limited attention spans.[21]
- If you only use this command when it is time to stop playtime, your dog will interpret this as a punishment and think that this command always precedes the end of a good time for her.[22]
- Always end your training sessions on a positive note.[23]
- Never punish or scold your dog after he eventually does come after a very delayed recall no matter how infuriating or frustrating the delay. If you do, your dog will then associate recall with punishment and will be reluctant to come in the future.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
No comments:
Post a Comment