Tuesday, March 20, 2018

How to of the Day

How to of the Day


How to Transfer an Image Onto Glass

Posted: 20 Mar 2018 05:00 PM PDT

Putting an image onto a glass object—such as a glass, mason jar, mirror, or window—is a way to personalize and decorate your living space. You can transfer any type of image that has been printed from a laser printer, or that you find in a book or magazine. To transfer an image onto glass, fix adhesive packing tape to the image you'd like to transfer. Soak the image and tape in warm water, then remove the paper and stick the image onto a glass object. Alternately, you can use a gel transfer medium to move the image directly on to a glass surface.

EditSteps

EditApplying Tape to the Image

  1. Print your image on a laser printer. If the image that you want to transfer currently exists only digitally, you'll need to print it. For best results, use only a laser printer. Do not transfer an image that has been printed from an inkjet printer.[1]
    Transfer an Image Onto Glass Step 1.jpg
    • Alternately, you could transfer an image from a magazine page, newspaper page, or a photograph that has been developed from film.
    • If you're printing your image at a local Kinkos or other printing shop, confirm that the printer they're using is not an inkjet.
  2. Place a piece of packing tape over the image. Cut off a piece of clear packing tape and apply it directly over the printed image or magazine photo. Make sure that the piece of tape completely covers the image you want to transfer.[2]
    Transfer an Image Onto Glass Step 2.jpg
    • If your image is larger than the width of the packing tape, you won't be able to transfer it. Re-print the image so that it's slightly narrower than the packing tape, which is roughly .
  3. Smooth out the tape with the edge of a credit card. Carefully scrape the edge of a credit card along the taped image so that bubbles are worked out from the side of the tape.[3] If there are any air bubbles caught between the paper image and the packing tape, there will be gaps in the image once it's transferred to glass.
    Transfer an Image Onto Glass Step 3.jpg
    • If you don't have a credit card handy, use a similar sized object, such as your driver's license.
  4. Cut the image out using a pair of scissors. Begin by cutting away excess paper from the printed photo (or magazine image). Then, carefully cut out the image itself. If the image has curves or sharp angles, carefully cut around these so you're left holding only the tape-covered image.[4]
    Transfer an Image Onto Glass Step 4.jpg
    • If the image is square or rectangular, cutting will be relatively easy.
    • If you don't have scissors nearby, a utility knife will work as well.

EditSoaking and Transferring the Image

  1. Submerge the image into a glass of warm water. The water will help the image transfer onto the adhesive surface of the tape. Let the taped image soak in the warm water for 5 or 6 minutes.[5]
    Transfer an Image Onto Glass Step 5.jpg
    • The water should be warm to the touch, but not hot. Hot water may melt or deform the tape and image.
  2. Rub the paper off of the back of the tape. Pull the taped image out of the water, and lay it flat on your working surface. Using your index and middle fingers, rub back and forth across the paper side until the paper rolls and flakes off of the tape.[6]
    Transfer an Image Onto Glass Step 6.jpg
    • If the paper doesn't rub off completely, re-submerge it in the warm water and let it soak for another 2 or 3 minutes.
    • Then, pull the image out and continue rubbing off the paper.
  3. Blow dry your image. Once you've removed all of the paper, you will be left with the strip of packing tape with the image transferred onto it. Pull out a blow dryer and use it to fully dry the strip of tape. Once the tape is dry, you'll notice that one side has become sticky again.[7]
    Transfer an Image Onto Glass Step 7.jpg
    • If you don't have a blow dryer, set the piece of tape flat on your work surface. Let it dry by air, which will take about 30 minutes.
  4. Press the adhesive side of the image firmly against your glass. You're now ready to apply the image onto the glass. Center the tape above the glass, and lower the adhesive image until it's resting against the glass surface. Then, using your fingers, press the tape firmly onto the glass.[8]
    Transfer an Image Onto Glass Step 8.jpg
    • Start at the top or bottom of the tape and work your way to the other side, to avoid trapping any air bubbles under the tape.
    • If you find any air bubbles once the tape is applied, smooth them out from under the tape using the edge of a credit card.

EditUsing Mod Podge Instead of Tape

  1. Rub a layer of gel transfer medium onto the glass. Use a craft brush to spread the transfer medium so that your fingers stay clean. Apply a generous layer of transfer medium to the section of glass that you'll apply the image to.[9]
    Transfer an Image Onto Glass Step 9.jpg
    • You can purchase gel transfer medium at any craft or hobby-supply store. Containers of transfer medium are typically marked "matte gel" or "Mod Podge."
  2. Press the image firmly onto the glass surface. Carefully position the image over the area of glass you'd like to apply it to. Set it down onto the glass, and use your fingers to press and flatten the gel-covered image into place.[10]
    Transfer an Image Onto Glass Step 10.jpg
    • Once you've pressed the image into place, avoid sliding it around on the glass surface.
  3. Squeegee any air bubbles out from under the image. If there are any air bubbles between the paper and glass, the image won't transfer fully. Slide a squeegee gently over the surface of the image to press out any air bubbles.[11]
    Transfer an Image Onto Glass Step 11.jpg
    • You can purchase a squeegee at a local hardware store.
  4. Let the transfer gel dry as long as the product instructions suggest. The image transfer will be ruined if you attempt to remove the paper before the gel has fully dried. If you live in a humid climate, the gel may require more than 24 hours to dry.[12]
    Transfer an Image Onto Glass Step 12.jpg
    • The particular type of transfer gel that you use may have slightly different drying directions. Follow these directions to ensure the image transfers properly.
  5. Dampen the back of the paper with a sponge. Slide a dampened sponge across the back of the paper. The water will soak into the paper and allow you to rub it off of the glass.[13]
    Transfer an Image Onto Glass Step 13.jpg
    • Make sure to wring out the damp sponge before you apply it to the photo paper. Do not use a soaking wet sponge.
  6. Rub your thumb in circles over the paper to remove it. Now that you've dampened the paper, you can remove it from the glass. Work over the surface of the paper, making small circles with your thumb to break up and loosen the paper.[14]
    Transfer an Image Onto Glass Step 14.jpg
    • As the paper comes off, you'll be able to see the image stuck to the glass. The Mod Podge image should remain on the glass as you finish rubbing off any remaining patches of paper.

EditTips

  • If you've transferred the image onto a drinking glass or mason jar, do not wash the glass in the dishwasher. Wash the inside using soapy water and wipe the outside of the glass using only a cloth.[15]
  • If you're transferring an image with mod podge, be aware that the image will be reversed when transferred. This is especially important if you're transferring text. Be sure to "mirror" the words in your word processing program before printing them.[16]

EditThings You'll Need

EditFor a Tape Transfer

  • Packing tape
  • Credit card
  • Scissors
  • Glass of warm water
  • Blow dryer

EditFor a Mod Podge Transfer

  • Photo transfer medium
  • Craft brush
  • Squeegee
  • Sponge

EditSources and Citations


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How to Dress Up Jeans

Posted: 20 Mar 2018 09:00 AM PDT

While jeans are traditionally considered casual wear, the right pair can easily be dressed up for your next Casual Friday, romantic date, or night out with friends. As long as you start with the right jeans, you can create a dressy look with the right top, shoes, and accessories.

EditSteps

EditChoosing the Right Jeans

  1. Make sure your jeans fit properly. Choose a pair of jeans that flatters your figure and fits your body. Avoid jeans that are too snug in the hips and thighs. For a dressy look, you should also avoid jeans that are loose and baggy.
    Dress Up Jeans Step 1 Version 3.jpg
  2. Choose jeans which fit well in the waist. Make sure your jeans rise high enough in the waist to provide coverage when you sit down. Low-rise jeans usually look more youthful and casual than other styles, so opt for a medium or high rise for a dressier appearance.[1]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 2 Version 3.jpg
  3. Avoid jeans with holes or stains. Distressed jeans are popular, but they give off an extremely casual vibe. If you're trying to dress up, make sure your jeans don't have holes and are free from stains.
    Dress Up Jeans Step 3 Version 3.jpg
  4. Choose dark jeans over lighter colors if you have them. You can still dress up light to medium wash jeans, but darker shades of denim look nicer and more formal than lighter shades. Dark wash jeans are also the most appropriate for casual business occasions.[2]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 4 Version 3.jpg
  5. Go with a classic cut, such as boot-cut or straight, for versatility. A skinny jean may work under some circumstances, but they can look more rock-star than dressy. Boot-cut or straight-leg jeans more closely resemble trousers, and they will work for nearly anything from a fun night out with friends to a casual meeting with a new client.
    Dress Up Jeans Step 5 Version 3.jpg
  6. Wear a colored jean for a bold, stylish look. Black or white denim can be dressed up with relative ease. You might also be able to create a dressy look by pairing a brightly-colored denim with a blouse in a coordinating color or pattern.
    Dress Up Jeans Step 6 Version 3.jpg

EditSelecting a Top

  1. Wear a classic button-down shirt for a crisp look. A long-sleeve button-down shirt looks crisp, clean, and business-like when you tuck it into a pair of jeans. Look for a shirt in a plain color or one with vertical pinstripes, then pair it with a pair of dark jeans for a business-casual look.[3]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 7 Version 3.jpg
    • Try wearing a white, long-sleeved button down tucked into a pair of boot cut jeans in a dark wash for a preppy look.
  2. Choose a silk or lace blouse for an elegant look. Feminine fabrics like lace, chiffon, and silk instantly make any outfit look dressier. The sophistication of your top will likely prove more than enough to counteract the casual nature of your jeans.[4]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 8 Version 3.jpg
    • A flowy silk blouse and a pair of pumps is a good option if you want to dress up a pair of jeans in a medium wash.
  3. Try a nice sweater with jeans to dress up on a cool day. Shy away from bulky sweaters and stick with stylish cuts. Look for sweaters with an interesting neckline, such as a boat neck, v-neck, or crew neck.[5]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 9 Version 3.jpg
    • Dress up a pair of slim-fitting jeans by wearing a solid-colored sweater over a collared shirt. Pick a collared shirt in a bright hue to bring an unexpected pop of color to your outfit.
  4. Choose a bold print if you love to be the center of attention. Striking geometric prints, wide stripes, and bold florals are all great prints to pair with dark jeans to dress them up. If you do opt for a daring print, keep your shoes and accessories simple.
    Dress Up Jeans Step 10 Version 3.jpg
    • To keep your bold top from taking over your outfit, try layering it under a jacket. For example, you could wear a tee with large horizontal stripes under a blazer. When worn with a pair of jeans in a relaxed fit, you'll have a look that's cool and casual while still being appropriate for most settings.
  5. Choose a delicate print for a more subtle look. If you're looking to blend in rather than stand out, you could look for a top in a delicate print, like a small floral pattern, pinstripes, or Swiss dots.
    Dress Up Jeans Step 11 Version 2.jpg
    • A button-down shirt with pinstripes paired with a dark-wash denim and a pair of loafers will have you ready for Casual Friday.
  6. Pair a sparkly top with jeans for a night out. Sequins and metallics can really dazzle under bright lights, but jeans will keep you from looking overworked. This is a great look for a girls' night or a date.[6]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 12 Version 3.jpg
    • A black shirt covered with black sequins is a classy way to get the sparkle you love. Pair it with your favorite heels or flats for a night-time look that's just right.
  7. Throw a dress over your jeans for a feminine look. Pick out a playful, flowing spring or summer sundress to throw over a pair of skinny jeans. Gravitate toward knee-length dresses. Also stick with dresses that are a little more casual in nature, rather than formal dresses or work dresses.
    Dress Up Jeans Step 13 Version 3.jpg
    • A knee-length, empire-waist dress in a bold color looks cute when worn over a pair of slim-fitting ankle-length trousers. Pair with platform pumps to elongate your legs.
  8. Choose a plain, fitted t-shirt or tank top to show off accessories. On its own, a plain shirt and jeans may still look casual, but the combination makes a perfect blank canvas for tailored jackets, sparkly shoes, and rich accessories. Stick with solid colors over graphic tees, and gravitate toward neutral colors like white, black, and brown for the greatest versatility.[7]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 14 Version 3.jpg
    • If you have an accessory like a necklace or a belt buckle you really want to show off, wear an open jacket and tuck a plain T-shirt into your jeans.

EditLayering Your Look

  1. Add a blazer over your top to create a more professional look. A classic blazer can easily dress up a simple shirt and jeans, transforming it from everyday casual to business-casual. Look for a fitted blazer in a traditional color, like black, navy, or deep gray.[8]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 15 Version 3.jpg
    • Alternatively, look for a blazer in a bright color to add a little spice and personality to your look.
    • Any pair of jeans looks great with a crisp white tee, a blazer, and a sharp pair of shoes. To make the look more feminine, add on a statement necklace or a stack of eye-catching bracelets.
  2. Wear a jacket with a strong shoulder for a high-fashion look. Structured shoulders make a fashion statement, so look for a jacket with interesting shoulder details. A look this strong benefits from being dressed down with a pair of jeans.[9]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 16 Version 3.jpg
    • A leather jacket with strong shoulders looks great worn with slim-fitting jeans, ankle boots, and a simple tee or tank.
  3. Try a belted jacket to emphasize your waist. A belted jacket adds structure to your outfit, easily dressing up even the simplest of shirt/jean combinations.[10]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 17 Version 3.jpg
    • Wear a pair of straight-leg jeans in a dark color with a belted trench coat and a pair of practical shoes for a no-nonsense look you can wear almost anywhere.
  4. Slip on a fitted cardigan sweater for a feminine look. When you want to play up your femininity, a fitted cardigan in cream or white is just the thing. Look for a cardigan with feminine details, like faux pearl buttons, in order to make your jeans look even dressier.
    Dress Up Jeans Step 18 Version 3.jpg
    • Wear your fitted cardigan over a pretty top, like a lacy camisole. Complete the look with a pair of boot-cut jeans, a strand of pearls, and Mary Janes.

EditChoosing Shoes

  1. Don your favorite heels for a quick way to dress up jeans. Adding a pair of heels is one of the fastest way to make denim look dressier. Stiletto heels work especially well, but kitten heels can also work. Go for black or another neutral for a classic look, while a bright shoe can add a bold touch.[11]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 19 Version 3.jpg
    • A low pair of heels can dress up a simple T-shirt and boot-cut jeans combination, while a pair of stilettos will bring elegance to relaxed straight-leg jeans.
  2. Wear a pair of flats for simple elegance. A nice pair of flats is a classic way to look pulled together. Choose ballet flats for a feminine look or boat shoes for a dash of vintage style.[12]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 20 Version 3.jpg
    • Embellishments such as bows or gems can add more flair to a pair of flats.
    • Wear a crew-neck sweater with straight-leg jeans and a pair of boat shoes for a classically preppy look.
  3. Choose a bold shoe to make your outfit pop. If you have dark jeans and a dressy top in a neutral color, consider a bright shoe, like a red pump or a crocodile skin flat, to add a chic twist to your outfit.[13]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 21 Version 3.jpg
    • Show off your cool street style with a pair of brightly-colored suede shoes and a pair of ankle-length jeans with a tucked-in Oxford shirt.
  4. Try an ankle-high fashion boot for a modern look. Leather boots have a naturally sophisticated look, and ankle-length boots have become especially popular in recent years. Ankle-length boots work well with nearly any cut, from the classic boot-cut to the more modern skinny leg.[14]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 22 Version 3.jpg
    • Wear a pair of ankle boots with a low heel under a pair of boot-cut jeans and a T-shirt topped with a scarf for the perfect fall look.
  5. Choose a knee-high fashion boot to dress up snug skinny jeans. Knee-high boots can also look trendy, and if paired with a dark jean and a nice blouse, they can make an outfit look city chic. Pair these boots with a snug skinny jean and zip the boot up over your jean. Wearing these boots beneath your jeans defeats the purpose of having a boot with such a tall height.[15]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 23 Version 3.jpg
    • Wear knee-high riding boots with skinny jeans and a long sweater for preppy winter style.
  6. Opt for a conservative pair of loafers for the office. Instead of getting too casual with your shoes on casual Fridays, keep your footwear professional. Stick with high quality leather loafers to add structure and professionalism to your jeans.
    Dress Up Jeans Step 24 Version 3.jpg
    • An Oxford shirt paired with dark-wash, straight-leg jeans and a pair of leather loafers is the perfect blend between laid-back and dressy for an informal work meeting or a dinner with friends.
  7. Experiment with shoe clips to add extra glam to your look. These look like barrettes for your shoes, and they provide a quick, easy way of dressing up an otherwise simple pair of flats.
    Dress Up Jeans Step 25 Version 3.jpg
    • Try wearing a plain black shirt and a pair of slim-leg jeans to really show off your sparkly shoe clips.

EditAdding Accessories

  1. Throw on a fashion scarf to dress up a plain top. A silk or satin fashion scarf in a bright, bold color dresses up your jeans for a number of occasions. You can wear one with a button-down shirt to dress up your jeans for the office, or you can wear one with a fitted t-shirt to dress up your jeans for the weekend.[16]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 26 Version 3.jpg
  2. Wear a belt to add structure to your outfit. A nice belt can be just the thing you need to bump up your ensemble from casual to chic. Look for a nice leather belt, but don't be afraid of an eye-catching belt buckle. Tuck in your shirt for extra polish.[17]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 27 Version 3.jpg
  3. Opt for pearls to create a classic, conservative look. Pearls are the ultimate in timeless sophistication. A simple strand of pearls around your neck or subdued pearl post earrings can even make jeans look dressy.[18]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 29 Version 3.jpg
  4. Throw a colorful bag over your shoulder for a fun, playful look. Like colorful necklaces and bracelets, this style element can help transform your outfit into a semi-dressy ensemble for a night out with friends. It may not, however, work for the office or a more demanding occasion.[19]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 30 Version 3.jpg
  5. Carry a leather satchel for a masculine look. Carrying a leather bag instantly makes you look like you're going somewhere important. Look for a bag in well-made leather, with quality hardware and seams to make sure it lasts.
    Dress Up Jeans Step 31 Version 3.jpg
    • Make your business-casual look seem even more pulled-together by adding a rich camel leather bag to your tucked-in Oxford and dark boot-cut jeans.
  6. Choose a smaller, more subtle purse for dressier occasions. For a romantic date or an evening function, consider a clutch or other small purse that hangs off a delicate strap. Smaller purses naturally look a little dressier than larger purses, especially in a neutral color like black or brown.[20]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 32 Version 2.jpg
  7. Dress up your appearance using cosmetics if you wear makeup. For an classic look that's not overwhelming, focus on one feature and play it up. Wear a bold shade of lipstick or give yourself smoky eyes, then keep the rest of your look simple.[21]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 33 Version 2.jpg
  8. Try a chunky, colorful necklace or bangle bracelets for a night out. These may not make your outfit look more professional, but a colorful piece of jewelry may help transform it for a night out with friends.[22]
    Dress Up Jeans Step 28 Version 3.jpg

EditRelated wikiHows

EditSources and Citations


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How to Train an Australian Shepherd

Posted: 20 Mar 2018 01:00 AM PDT

Australian shepherds are herding dogs that are popular pets. They are very intelligent dogs that thrive when thoroughly trained. To train an Australian shepherd you should focus on rewarding good behavior and reinforcing training with repetition and consistency. With some time and effort, your Australian shepherd will be a wonderfully trained companion for years to come.[1]

EditSteps

EditSetting Up for Success

  1. Socialize your dog at an early age. Dogs that are socialized early are better able to interact with a wide variety of people and function in a wide variety of situations. Take your dog to a wide variety of places where it can interact with a wide variety of people. Showing your dog that strangers and new places are fun and exciting experiences instead of scary ones is an important part to raising a well-rounded dog.[2]
    Train an Australian Shepherd Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • For example, some things you can do to socialize your dog include taking it to a friend's house, walking it in a neighborhood other than your own, and taking it along on errands to places that allow dogs.
    • If you have an Australian shepherd puppy, it's best to start socialization when they are 7 weeks old. Between the ages of 7 weeks and 4 months old a dog goes through a prime socialization period.
    • Even if a dog has not been socialized during the prime period between 7 weeks old and 4 months old, that does not mean that it can't be socialized. It just means that it will be harder to get your dog used to a wide variety of people and places.
  2. Practice reward-based training principles. Australian shepherds thrive with reward-based training, also called positive-reinforcement training, that promotes good behavior. Instead of punishing unwanted behavior, this type of training motivates the dog to complete desired behavior by giving it praise or rewards when it does what you want it to do.[3]
    Train an Australian Shepherd Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • With reward-based training, you give a dog praise or a treat for completing tasks you want it to do, such as sitting when asked, coming when called, and going to the bathroom outside in a timely manner.
    • Purchase high-value treats at your local pet supply store to encourage your dog's good behavior.
  3. Consider clicker training your dog. Clicker training is a type of training that uses a sound to indicate to the dog when a command has been completed. This is a form of communication that works well with Australian shepherds that will undergo extensive training.[4]
    Train an Australian Shepherd Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • With clicker training, the trainer gives a verbal command first. The moment the dog completes the command, the trainer clicks the clicker and then gives the dog a treat. This sound occurring at the moment of completion clearly communicates to the dog that they did what they were asked to do, whereas simply giving treats can be interpreted as a reward for any number of previous actions.

EditTeaching Your Australian Shepherd to Respond to Commands

  1. Start training your dog to perform basic commands, such as sit and lay down. The very beginning of training can be the most difficult part because you need to establish communication with your dog about what you want it to do. In the beginning, wait until the dog is naturally about to do what you want it to do, such as sitting, and then say the word you want to use for that command. After the dog does the action and you have said the word, give it a treat. Every time you notice it beginning to sit, give it praise or a treat after you say the word "sit."[5]
    Train an Australian Shepherd Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • With repetition, your dog will learn to connect the word you say with its action and it will know that it gets a treat if it does what you ask it to.
    • Use treats and praise to encourage the dog's good behaviors. Australian shepherds are highly motivated by treats and praise and are highly intelligent dogs. This will work to your advantage when training them.
    • You can also use treats to lure your dog into performing the desired behavior. For example, you can hold a treat and raise it in an arc above your dog's head to get him to sit down. As he sits, label the behavior by saying "sit."
  2. Do short training sessions often. Dogs do best when you provide consistent training but you don't them force them to do long, drawn-out training sessions. Do a training session with your dog every day but only have it last for about 15 to 20 minutes. Short, focused training sessions allow the dog to get consistent training but doesn't set you and the dog up for failure. In a long training session the dog is likely to lose interest and focus, which can be frustrating.
    Train an Australian Shepherd Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • After the training session is over, take a few minutes to play with the dog. This will end the training session on a good note and thus will make the dog more eager to do the sessions in the future.
  3. Keep your commands consistent. When training a dog you need to focus on clear communication. Pick a specific word for each command you want to teach it and always use the same word. It also helps to say the word in the same way every time, using the same volume and pronunciation consistently .[6]
    Train an Australian Shepherd Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • For example, when trying to get your dog to go to the bathroom on command pick a consistent command phrase. Don't say "go to the bathroom" one time and "go potty" the next. These different words can confuse a dog about what you want.
    • If you begin to get frustrated, the tone of a command can change. To a dog, a kind and happy "sit" can sound a lot different than a frustrated and gruff "sit."
    • Using consistent commands allows your dog to learn what you are trying to communicate with it and will allow it to respond to you more reliably.
  4. Work on a wide variety of commands. Because Australian shepherds are so eager and skilled at learning commands, they can really thrive when being continually taught more and more commands. Teach your dog to heel. Teach it to stay and to come. Also teach it to lie down, as well as fun commands, such as to shake hands.[7]
    Train an Australian Shepherd Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • When teaching new commands, remember to continually reinforce your training on older commands. Refreshing the dog's recollection of its foundational commands will keep it better trained and consistent.
  5. Break down advanced skills into parts. If you are interested in training your Australian shepherd to do complicated skills, you will need to teach it one piece at a time. Show the dog how to do each piece separately, giving treats or praise when they complete it, and then gradually fit the skills together.
    Train an Australian Shepherd Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • For instance, if you want to train an Australian shepherd to run through an agility course, you will need to teach it each part of the course separately. First it will need to learn how to do jumps, then it will need to learn how to go through tunnels, and so on until it can do each part separately. Once the dog has the parts down, then you can begin putting them together.
    • Australian shepherds are very smart and physical dogs, so many of them thrive at complicated skills that take time to learn.

EditMinimizing Herding Behaviors

  1. Anticipate bad behavior before it occurs. Australian shepherds are notorious herders. In most cases you will want to train them not to do this if they are not an actual working dog. Typically, when an Australian shepherd is getting ready to herd it will exhibit certain behaviors. For example, it may bark at you or sniff a person's heels right before it starts herding them. If you see the behaviors that typically mark the start of herding, this is the time to interrupt the dog's actions and show it that they are unacceptable.[8]
    Train an Australian Shepherd Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • It is easiest to anticipate herding behavior by taking the time to analyze a dog's actions over time. By taking the time to watch how bad behaviors develop, you can typically identify how they start.
  2. Stop herding behaviors immediately and clearly. It is important to always stop the bad behavior you want to eliminate so that your dog knows that it is never OK. If your dog begins herding or initiates the kinds of behaviors the occur right before herding, stop that behavior immediately by saying "no" and walking away. You should not punish the dog physically or make it scared. The goal is to make it clear that their behavior is unacceptable without making the dog defensive.[9]
    Train an Australian Shepherd Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • If you let herding occur once in awhile but stop it other times, the dog will assume that herding is OK in some instances. However, it will be confused about when it can do it.
  3. Redirect your dog's energy. When your dog starts to herd, the best way to get it to stop is to redirect it towards doing something else. If you see the first signs of herding, immediately initiate play time or take it out to exercise.[10]
    Train an Australian Shepherd Step 11 Version 2.jpg
    • Redirecting with exercise is a good idea because Australian shepherds need a lot of exercise every day. They should be allowed to run and play outside every day, otherwise their energy will likely be directed towards herding or other bad behaviors. To give them consistent exercise, take them on at least 2 long walks every day or take them to a dog park where they can run around with other dogs.
  4. Consider professional training. If you are not having success getting your Australian shepherd to stop herding you or other people, you may need to get professional help. A professional dog trainer will be able to provide both the consistency and expertise in animal behavior that an Australian shepherd may require.[11]
    Train an Australian Shepherd Step 12 Version 2.jpg
    • Talk to your veterinarian or friends or family in your area who have used a trainer to find a professional in your area. If you cannot get any personal recommendations, search online for professional dog trainers in your area.

EditSources and Citations


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