Dog Training Frequently Asked Questions

Featured Image Dog Training Frequently Asked Questions

Dogs have a long close association with humans since the early days when humans were hunters and gatherers. This close relationship has only grown stronger, with the dogs having various roles in humans' lives such as companionship, protection, aiding the disabled and hunting. This close association with humans has even led them to have the nickname "man's best friend.". You are bound to find a dog in almost every household that you visit. It's, therefore, essential for you to have your dog trained. Dog obedience training involves teaching your dog particular skills and behaviour. The practice can be done by the dog owner or by a professional trainer. Dog obedience will help increase the bond between you and your dog. You will no longer have to worry about taking your dog to public as your dog develop proper manners. In addition to that, having a trained dog will be safe for your dog and home.

The article will help you to learn the ideal time for you to start dog obedience training. It's recommended to start the training when the dog is still young. Positive reinforcement is the primary method used for dog training. The technique entails luring the dog with a treat, resulting in the dog responding to your commands quickly.

The article will also help you to learn the seven basic commands which all dogs are expected to respond for you to live in a favourable environment with them. The seven main commands sit command, lay down, stay, come, heal off, and no command.  The article will provide you with a detailed step-by-step procedure of training your dog effectively on some of the basic commands.

 At times dogs can become very stubborn. You get to know some of the tips you should do to achieve effective dog training. The recommendations include training them in an area with less distraction, making the activity a routine and being patient with the dog as you do the training as the dog's mind doesn't work as that of a human. It's essential to avoid giving your dog punishment, as doing that only makes the dog resilient.

You get to learn some of the major dog behaviour problems and how to eliminate the issues. Dogs often have a hard time adapting to a new place and are likely to have anxiety. You get to learn some of the ways you can help your dog to adjust to the new environment, for example, by giving more attention to your dog and setting up a place with all the things that make the dog feel at home.

The article will help you learn everything you need to know about dog training from the definition, the right time to do the training, the seven basic commands, how to train stubborn dogs and some of the fantastic tricks your dog can do. The article is beneficial for any dog owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dog obedience training mainly involves teaching the dog's particular skills and behaviors. You can do obedience training by enrolling your dog in agencies that offer the services, hiring a professional trainer, or you can opt to send the dog on board with a trainer.  Most people prefer to do dog training obedience on their own, this not only helps to save on costs, but you also get more time to bond with the dog. Dog obedience training will require one to be committed to the task and learn how to train a dog.

For you to effectively do dog training, you will be required to have the right equipment, such as a dog collar that is comfortable for your dog, then get to decide on the training method you use. It's also important to have treats for rewarding the dog. You will be required to set up a schedule for the training. Consider making short spans as long spans may make the dog bored.

The foundation of puppy training needs to be based on positive reinforcement. Most dog owners and trainers usually use this method. Positive reinforcement involves luring the dogs for them to respond to the commands that you give them easily. Giving the reward works effectively as the puppy will quickly do the command. You can also show the dog's affection by rubbing the head and praising the dog by saying words, such as "good dog" It’s also advised not to shout and give punishment to the puppy as it will affect them negatively. Some of the basics for you to get started in dog training include.

  • Training the dog to respond whenever you call the dog.
  • Training the puppy to roll over.
  • Teaching the dog to stay.
  • Teaching a dog to loose- leash walks.

Just like the big dogs, puppies are also fast learners. After just a few training repetitions, they can quickly determine what the owner is communicating effectively.

With proper training, a dog can get to learn very many commands. The most common commands include teaching the dog how to sit, lay down, stay, Come, heel off, and the no command.

Other commands that the dog may learn include

  • Drop command: It is essential for the puppies. The command helps prevent the dogs and puppies from getting hurt by telling them the command if they try to play with delicate house items, such as glass.
  • Take it the command: The command is useful whenever you want the dog to pick something for you.
  • Bed command: After a long day, the dog needs to have an adequate sleep. You can use the bed command as you direct the dog to the place to sleep.
  • Quiet command: The command can stop the dog from barking, mainly when it's deafening, resulting in destruction.
  • Leave it command: The command will help keep your dog safe when your dog is curious, ending up going to dangerous places.

The seven basic commands are known as obedience training. Every dog is expected to respond to these commands.

  • The sit command

it involves commanding the dog to sit by holding a treat on your palm and holding it close to their nose, and moving it lower until their back reach down

  • lay down command

The dog learns how to lay on its back by putting a treat on its nose, then lowering the threat to the ground until the dog's belly reaches the floor.

  • Stay command

 The command is established by first ensuring the dog is sitting, and as the dog tries to reach you, tell them "no," and once the dog sits, say the command" Stay."

  • Come command

   The dog gets to learn to respond when you call out its name. The command can be used when the dog runs off to an unsafe place.

  • The heel command

     You can easily teach your dog the heal command by giving the dog a snack lower to the ground.

  • The off command

 The command is useful when the dog is involved in inappropriate activity. For example, when the dog climbs on the furniture or people during greetings. It’s usually a courtesy command.

  • The no command

     The command is used by dog owners when the dog is involved in mischief activities.

You can start to train a puppy at the age of seven to eight weeks. Puppies that begin training sessions at a young age are more likely to evolve faster than puppies trained at an older age. Puppies at delayed age, also known as the juvenile stage, have delayed learning behavior obedience opportunities. The juvenile stage composes of puppies who are 6 months old. Most dog owners who train a puppy at a very young age use a method called food-lure training.  The technique is appropriate as puppies have a brief attention span; hence when doing exercise, you need to entice them with food for them to master the commands quickly. Some of the basic commands you should consider teaching your puppy include sit, down, no, and stay command.  The training requires one to be patient and committed as you will be required to teach the same command to the dog until you get the right response you might be looking for.

Dog whisperers can talk with the dogs; this is facilitated by their understanding of the dog's psychology, enabling them to detect any unwanted behavior quickly. What the secret to becoming a triumphant dog whisperer? The following steps will guide you.

  • Been a calm and assertive leader.

It's based on the notion that there has to be one leader in most dog packs and the others have to follow suit on how the leader behaves. You should act as a role model by ensuring that you use the right tone and show the act of kindness through body language because if you don't, you are likely to get a dog with bad behavior. Walking with the head high and shoulders low will give you confidence; therefore, the dogs will start adapting their behavior towards you.

  • Showing affection to the dog.

These actions are very crucial if you would like to become a successful dog whisperer. You can show the dog affection by creating time for hanging out and tagging the dog while doing your morning walks. It will help to create a stronger bond and also foster good behavior in dogs.

It’s best when you teach a dog to sit in a place where there are minimal distractions. The most well-known way of training a dog to sit is by luring your dog with delicious bites. Most dog owners struggle to have their dogs seated; however, the following steps will help you significantly.

  • Luring the dog with a treat

You should obtain some small treats for the dog. The most common treats include carrots, green peas, bananas, apples, among many others. While the dog is standing, hold the treat close to its nose.

  • Lifting the treat close to the dog's head.

Hold the treat over the head as you try to move it towards the back. The dog will try to reach for the treat by lifting its head, causing the bottom to drop to the ground. Try to ensure that the treat is very close to the nose so that the dog will not have an option to jump to reach for the treat.

  • Giving a reward.

Once the dog bottom touches the ground, utter the word sit, then instantly give the dog a treat as a reward for sitting. Also, show affection to the dog by rubbing the dog's head and praise him with words such as calling him " good boy."

  • Repeat the process.

For the dog to master the command, you will be required to repeat the process every day. At least two to three hours per day will be enough.  Ensure that you take breaks; this will prevent the dog from getting bored. The sit command will help the dog to be calmer, and you can easily take control.

The stay command is quite challenging; hence the person training the dog needs to be patient enough. At times it may even take a couple of days for the dog to learn the command. Ensure that the dog is sitting and they move away from the dog slowly. When the dog tries to move towards you, tell them the word "no," and once the dog sits, say stay and reward him with a treat.

After successful training, the next step will be using the three Ds aspects of dog training.

  • Duration

The amount of time the dog will stay at the position after he is given the stay command. Gradually increase the duration until the dog successfully learns the commands.

  • Distance

The trainer will be required to move to a certain distance after giving the dog a stay command before releasing him.

  • Distractions

Subjecting the dog to distractions will allow the trainer to assess how the dog can stay in position even with distractions before release command is given.

You can efficiently train a dog to fetch by using the following methods.

  • Chase training

 The dog has to learn how to chase an object first. Chasing will involve tossing an item that you want the dog to fetch, encouraging him to go for it. Repeat the process severally, and every time the dog runs for it, you can give the dog treats, play with the dog, or show affection.

  • Add motivation

You can try to hold the dog in a way that protects him from going for the object while still giving him verbal motivation. When you release him, he will run after the item.

  • Reclaiming the object.

Once the dog runs for the object, he will bring the item back to you. Throw the object in the opposite direction and let him retrieve the object.

  • Avoid running away.

Some dogs, once they get to hold on to the object, they run away. To prevent them from running away, tie the item with a rope. Once the dog tries running away, pull it towards you, making the dog follow you.

Most dogs enjoy being trained; however, the primary factor determining whether they do enjoy it or not will depend on the nature of training. If the training session is interesting, the dogs are bound to enjoy the session, and they also get to learn the commands very fast. However, if they don't find the training session interesting, they will not enjoy the session, and it will take more time for them to learn and master the command.

Implementing new tactics during training and creating a positive and functional environment for the dog will make the dog enjoy more. There are three essential aspects a trainer should do to ensure the dog responds better during training.

  • Having a peaceful training session.

Ensure the entire training session is carefully performed and the tools used cannot harm the dog.

  • Giving rewards to your dog

Giving rewards to your dog makes him feel motivated and even want to participate more in training thus  the dog enjoy  is likely to enjoy the whole training

  • Taking training sessions.

If you are new to dog training, it is advisable to learn some tricks and tactics to make the dog enjoy training sessions.

Just like human beings, dogs have different ways of expressing their feelings.  You often find that dogs trained at a young age tend to be very obedient and have high respect for the owners. If a dog respects you, in most cases, you will find that the dog will respond to your commands quickly and happily when instructed.

 Some of the signs that may help you to realize if your dog respect you include

  • Your dog does not pull the rope while walking with you.

It is easy to tell if your dog respects you when you walk with him and waits for the command, and does not pull the leash.

  • Your dog brings objects and prey to you for approval.

If your dog brings the toy that you toss back to you, and it catches prey out there, then he comes to you to gain your approval.

  • Your dog listens to your commands.

If the dog listens to your command and responds, that is a major sign of respect.

The dog's owner often does not realize that their dogs might be aggressive until the dog bites.  Male dogs are more likely to become aggressive as compared to female ones. It's vital to fix any dog with aggressive traits as it will significantly reduce any possibility of having dominant behaviors. Your dog may be aggressive due to Illness, fear, frustrations, territory protection, greed, and show of dominance towards other dogs. Below are some of the signs that show that your dog could be aggressive.

  • When the dog is very inflexible and still.
  • When the dog barks and growls in a sound that threatens.
  • If your dog punches people with their noses.
  • If your dog is charging at people who don't look familiar.
  • Your dog bites with a lot of force that may cause bruises.
  • Your dog bites very fast and repeats biting and shaking.
  • When the dog carries the tail high and moves it from side to side.

Changing the environment may cause the dog to have anxiety. As human beings, when changing dogs to a new environment, we can't explain to dogs what is going on, but we can take action to ensure dog's stability and ease the anxiety. The following tips will help your dog to adjust faster to a new environment.

  • Try to keep routine every day when the dog takes breakfast, you take him for a walk.
  • Help the dog to let out the energy by doing some extra games to help the dog reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Prepare an essential bag for your dog that will have everything you require first days after moving to a new environment.
  • Set up a place with all the things that the dog may need to make him feel at home.
  • Try to give a lot of attention to your dog and, if possible, stay at home for a few days with him.
  • Try to be patient as you do try to adjust to the new environment.

Dogs that are not trained well usually end up developing destructive behaviors. The traits may become worse to the point that you may be required to hire a professional trainer. When doing obedience training, the dog master needs to understand the dog’s behavior first. 

Dog obedience training should begin when the dogs are still young. Puppies between eight and twelve weeks old are the best for training since they have not yet developed destructive behaviors. Puppies classes mainly focus on socializing and how to walk with a leash. Socializing enables the dog to create positive action.

You can also take the dogs to adult classes when they are five months old. The lessons mainly focus on instilling good manners in the dog's commands such as sitting, lying down, heel, staying, and leaving. Dog's obedience schools teach essential techniques and controls that lead to good behavior in your dog. In addition to that, teaching dog obedience at a young age will help the puppies not to pick the annoying habits.

Playing dead is a fun trick that most dogs enjoy doing. The dog owner usually gives a signal then the dog lies on his side, exposing the belly. Before training the dog on how to play dead, the trainer needs to make sure the dog knows basic commands like stay and lie down. 

Below are some tips that can guide you when training your dog on how to play dead.

  • Know your dog's favorite side to lie.

Dogs have a particular side they like to lie on and rollover. If you notice your dog prefers to lie on one side over the other, use that side to train the dog to play dead since it will be easier for the dog to adopt the act.

  • Choose the right place.

It is essential to train your dog in a distraction-free environment.

  • Give lie down command.

Your dog has to be familiar with the commands. Instruct the dog to lie down.

  • Lure the dog on his side

Using your two fingers, treat your dog a few inches above their nose and lure him into rolling onto his favorite side. Repeat the action and reward him with a treat every time he moves to his favorite side.

  • And your words

Once your dog understands that you are rewarding him after lying to his favorite side and your word to give play dead command. Repeat the name until the dog masters the command.

Barking is a mode of communication that dogs use to communicate with each other or to communicate with the human being, but at the time, the barking may get out of hand. When the dog's barks excessively, they may create unnecessary attention from the neighbors or even make the owner nervous.

The following tips will help to stop your dog from barking.

  • Use of stop barking devices

One of the most common stops barking devices is a bark collar that delivers electric shock whenever it barks.

  • Keeping the dog active.

Take your dog to walk, playing fetching games that maintain the dog’s physical fitness.

  • Training your dog

 Train your dog to have the ability to detect threats.

  • Teach your dog quiet command

Teach your dog commands that make him know when instructed to shut up.

  • Don’t reward your dog when barking.

Rewarding your dog after backing encourages the dog to keep on barking even to unnecessary issues.

It will be much easier to train tricks to a dog who has already learned the basic obedience commands of stay, sit, and down. As the dog owner, this is a fun and bonding experience for you and your dog. Consider doing the Training dogs should be done in a calm and positive environment. Sessions should not last for long each day, at least 10-15 minutes. Some of the easiest tricks one can teach the dog are.

  • Bark on command
  • To Shake hands
  • How to Play dead
  • Spin
  • Fetch
  •  How to Stand using the  hind legs
  • To rollover
  • Jumping through a hoop
  • How to open/close door
  •  The heel command.

Teaching your dog some of these tricks will enhance the dog's capability of receiving commands and communicating with people. The training also improves the mental stimulation in thinking, learning and shapes the behavior of the dog.  Dogs who learn about the tricks at a young age are likely to learn faster than the other dogs are less fearful, and deal with new situations better

Most dogs are naturally stubborn; hence owners may have a hard time communicating with them. Dogs are easily distracted in noisy areas; however, they usually respond very well in quiet places. Some of the things you should consider doing to get your dog's attention include

  • You should start training the dog in a place that is not crowded take small steps and eventually achieve the desired results. Consider starting from your home, then gradually add the distractions as time passes by.
  • Give your dog rewards each time they obey your commands, and ensure that you give high rewards once the dog once they listen to you when they are distracted as it is a huge task.
  • Using the cue known behavior involves signals that you use to communicate with the dog what you want. The most commonly used cues include wait, watch, sit, stay and come.
  • Practice makes perfect. Ensure that you engage in regular training with your dog as the more you do the training, the faster the dog will learn quickly.

Make sure that the dog knows the down cue before teaching the roll overtrick. You can teach the dog to roll over by

  • Put the dog in a down position. Dogs respond fast with their nose as they give them understanding about that thing. In such a trick, use a treat your dog loves.
  • After getting your dog in a down position, place the treat in front of their nose, then move the treat from the nose towards their shoulder, luring it to roll over and get the treat.
  • After the first successful roll, praise him and reward him with the treat. Continue doing this a few more times.
  • Once the dog learns how to follow the treat, naturally engage the cue roll over to the dog, use the treat continuously, and reward him every time he follows the command.
  •   Repeat the process a couple of times and let the dog get used to the command.

Dogs are curious animals; hence they like sniffing at everything around the way.  The act of sniffing everything makes it hard for the dog to be held on a leash or walk beside the owner. Some others may stop to sniff, move in circles, and even pull the leash because of being uncomfortable since they cannot do activities they like.  It’s also called restrictive training.

 For this training, you need to have a collar that fits your dog's neck well, preferably with its name written on it, a leash long enough to give it space so as it can be comfortable, treats to lure your dog. During the beginning of this training, use a standard length leash to control and the dog not to maneuver around. You should pick a side you want and stick to it, either left or right. With time the dog will learn the side and always walk on that side.

Puppies are pretty impressive and can learn much at a very young age. Leash training for a puppy can start at the period of about six to eight weeks old. At this age, a puppy should be familiar with cues and live in the house without disruption to take it on outdoor training. Do not have too many expectations for quick learning of the puppy. Reward every effort the puppy makes during the training sessions. Leash training a puppy is advisable than waiting until it is much older. The benefit of training it when it's still a young puppy is that when it grows older and more robust, it becomes more stubborn, complicated, and frustrating for it to learn. Leash training a pup also keeps it off from danger, injuries, and illnesses during outdoor activities. Restricting your puppy by placing a leash makes you a responsible and accountable owner for your dog.

Training your dog to come back when you call is a fundamental skill that all dogs need to learn. The training requires one to be extra active and excited. The process entails the following steps.

  • Choose a treat or favorite toy to lure the dog. Show your dog the toy or the treat.
  • Runaway from the dog at a fast pace calling out its name or spoken words such as "come in" in an exciting manner.
  • When the dog comes towards you, feed him with the treat or play with the toy.
  • As the training improves, increase the distance you call out your dog until you can call your dog from any space you are.

The training should be done preferably in the home area, in the house, or the garden. Once your dog is consistently responding to your calls in the home area, you can move to practice in a more open space.

Training a stubborn dog is frustrating; many dog owners give up on training these dogs. Changing a dog's behavior takes time and effort because dogs don't have a human understanding of manners, but even a small session of training can make a difference. There are several ways in which an owner can use it in enhancing the dog's behavior.

  • Controlling your environment–take your dog to fewer distraction areas during training sessions like your house, remove small distractions like toys, and switch off the television.
  • Go slowly– start by creating positive reinforcements by reward every successful step. Begin also with simple commands as you advance
  • Be constant–with pieces of training, you have to be consistent and take it as a day-to-day activity because it can take a while.
  • Avoid punishment– you want to create a friendly and positive environment and punishing your dog only makes resilience.

 Behavior problems are viewed as bad if they are undesired and excessive to the owner of the dog. These destructive behaviors need to be controlled before they become a habit. Below are some dog’s destructive behaviors and ways to deal with them.

  • Consistent and loud barking every time a person walks in. it's essential to confirm why the dog is barking before correcting the behavior. Quite commands will help you take control of the excessive barking.
  • It became frustrating if your dog likes digging up in your backyard. You are required first to determine the cause of this problem and then eliminate it.
  • Anxiety caused by the separation when the dog owner leaves. It's a common problem in most dogs, and it's usually characterized by chewing and urinating at any place. To curb this problem, you will be required to train the dog and find ways to modify its behavior.
  • Inappropriate urination and defecation are significant dog problems. For older dogs, you can get rid of it by having severe behavior modification.

Basic commands are the foundation for your dog's behavior; hence each dog needs to be trained. Training for a puppy can begin as soon as it arrives home. You can start with obedience training. A dog has a brief attention span. During training, the owner is advised to take around 10-15 minutes a day and have about three training sessions with the dog each day.

It’s much easier to train a puppy than an older dog. Puppies quickly respond despite the stubborn nature, unlike the more senior, strong, resilient dogs, and hence the preferred age to train a dog the basic obedience commands is during the young age. The duration of basic training commands may depend on the following factors.

  • The owners desired outcome.
  • Time the trainer invest in the dog.
  • Age of the dog
  • The capability of the trainer in training dogs

Training a dog is a process. Enjoy it and create a positive environment for a better response by the dog.

Most dog owners may not like when their dog is always in and out of all the rooms in the house, and that's why they buy a crate to house train them. A crate can either be metallic or plastic enclosed in which a dog can take place for safety, rest, and transportation. To begin a successful crate training with your puppy, one should not.

  • Use the crate as punishment.
  • Keep or leave the puppy in the crate for hours since they need to pee.

Owners should choose a comfortable crate large enough for the puppy to manoeuvre around, and since it's in the growing stage, they should pick one that will accommodate it. To train your puppy, engage in these steps.

  • Begin by introducing the puppy to the crate
  • Serve your dog some treats in the crate.
  • Take time training your puppy.
  • Teach him to take naps in the crate.

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Teach your dog to bark on command

The vacuum cleaner The doorbell ringing A jingling collar that suggests another dog passing by 3. Quickly encourage your dog to Speak , and add a hand signal. Make a talking mouth with your right hand. Snap your fingers up and down so the four fingers close to touch the thumb, then open again, then close again, like a fast-talking mouth. (Think of how, when you're on the phone with a friend who won't stop talking, you roll your eyes at your spouse and make this natural gab gab gab motion with your fingers ) 4. For reluctant barkers, sometimes barking yourself ( Speak Ruff Ruff ) will motivate your dog to chime in. You might tie him to a post or have someone hold his leash while you stand just out of range with a tempting toy or treat and encourage him to Speak Playful teasing is okay, since you won't need to keep doing it once your dog learns the word. 5. When your dog begins to bark, tell him, Good boy Good speak Clap your hands. Jump around.

Getting rid of your dogs tear stains

1 Wiping them off If you choose to wipe off the tear stains, use the 10-percent solution of hydrogen peroxide or another stain-removal product for dogs. Gently swab the solution over the tear stain, but don't get any of these products in your dog's eyes. Make sure that you rinse the residues from your dog's fur. i Clipping them off If you decide to clip out the stain, do so very carefully with guarded clippers, or try plucking the stained fur. Note Your dog must be extremely tolerant of clippers to remove tear-stained fur otherwise, using the clippers can spell disaster. Never use scissors around your dog's eyes or face for any reason. eyes ) Then you can gently brush out the area. Some of the powder will stick, thus making your dog's face more appealing.

Initializing the Clicker

Dog Clicker Training Sugar Bear

With this method we are going to be shaping behaviors. You need a way to signal to the dog that he is performing whatever behavior it is that you were trying to get. Initially he will also get a treat for each correct response but since that takes a few seconds (at least) to happen, the clicker marks the exact moment of response, essentially bridging the time between response & reward. This is classical conditioning, like Pavlov & his drooling dogs. You are going to take a clicker & pair it with a food reward until the click itself gets the dog all happy. So get yourself some clickers - little toy-like devices that make a fun click sound. If you prefer (or while you are waiting for your clicker to arrive), choose a bridge word instead. I suggest Yes - it is short & happy Say it briskly, in a rather high pitched, & very excited voice. I will be using the term C&T in the lessons, meaning to click & give a treat.

Phasing Out the Clicker

So when do you stop using the clicker for these exercises Whenever you feel that the dog has really learned the signals and is very reliable in responding to them. Does that mean at that point you never need to reinforce the behavior Certainly not Make an actual treat reward not as common. Instead, get the response,then praise enthusiastically, praise quietly, throw a ball, play tug 'o war, give his dinner, open the door to go outside -whatever. The best trainers are variable & unpredictable The dog never knows what he's gonna get or when that makes it all the more fun for him. If you don't believe me take a stroll past the slot machines in Las Vegas Remaining just 1-2' in front of your dog, begin increasing the time he needs to remain in the Stay before you C&T by a few seconds each time. Practice this at least once every day, doing about 5 reps per session, until your dog can hold the sit stay for 1 solid minute before you C&T.

Is your dog aggressive to innocent passersby Do

Innocent passersby get the brunt of your dog's aggressive streak with his snarls, snaps, bites, growls and verbal threats while they pass him by in the street or in parks Such behavior could arise from a series of past bad experiences your dog has gone through. Even if this is true, it is very embarrassing for you and begs you to think of the day when he will injure someone in the street whether human or animal. How can you prevent such an unfortunate and dangerous situation from occurring How can you manage the dog safely while curbing his social aggression Here are some tips Check the cause of his aggression Never falsely imagine that your dog will merely make idle threats without actually carrying them through. On the contrary, when a dog threatens, he means for you to take his warning signals as signs of something terrible to happen very soon a bite, for sure.

The Disadvantages of Using Force to Train Your Dog

What happens if you don't use positive reinforcement to train your dog You'll have to rely more on force, which has many disadvantages. Not the least of these is that people dislike using force on their dogs. It is unfortunate that some dogs never get trained because owners who have been exposed to training based mainly on force, and don't like it, ultimately give up on dog training altogether, wrongly assuming that all training is done the same way. Their dogs are then doomed to live in a household where the owner cannot effectively communicate with them. The natural resistance of some dog owners to cause their dogs pain or discomfort is often looked upon by other dog trainers as a lack of character on the part of the new dog trainer. I'll never forget sitting at a seminar for dog obedience instructors and listening to the lecturer saying thankfully, Trainers become less squeamish as they go along.

Nutrition Throughout Your Dogs Life

There is a fine selection of dog foods available for all stages of your dog's life. Choose a reputable brand of puppy food, one that has been on the market for many years, then feed your APBT according to the label directions and she should be well nourished. This doesn't mean your dog can't eat what you eat. A little meat, dairy, bread, some fruits, or vegetables as a treat are great. Fresh foods have natural enzymes that processed foods don't have. Just remember, we're talking about the same food you eat, not the gristly, greasy leftovers you would normally toss in the trash. Stay away from sugar, too, and remember that chocolate is toxic to dogs. If you want to share your food with your dog, be sure the total amount you give her each day doesn't make up more than 15 percent of her diet, and that the rest of what you feed her is a top-quality complete and balanced dog food. (More people food could upset the balance of nutrients in the commercial food.

Giving Your Dog More Freedom

A good time to give your dog more freedom is right after you have taken him out and seen him relieve himself. If he is in the 7- to 12-week age range, limit this to 15 minutes to half an hour, and keep him in one room. When he looks like he is about to take a nap, put him back in his crate and shut the door. Gradually give him more time out of the crate and access to more rooms, one room at a time. The use of expandable baby gates is invaluable. They come extra-tall and extra-wide, and can even be double-stacked if your dog is a good climber or jumper. If your dog has an accident, you've given him too much freedom and need to cut back. There can be a problem with confining your dog too much. For example, a puppy kept exclusively in a kitchen until he is six months old may not regard the rest of the house as part of his home that he instinctively wants to keep You will also want to try giving your dog more freedom when you are away from home. Again, start with one room.

RubADub Dub Washing Your Dog

One of the old wives' tales about grooming dogs is that you shouldn't bathe your dog unless he's really dirty or stinky. The story goes that if you do, you'll remove essential oils and dry out his coat. Today, dogs enjoy some pretty decent shampoos, conditioners, cream rinses, mousses, gels, detanglers, and just about any other hair-care products that humans enjoy, only formulated for dogs. Although I think bathing your dog every day probably is a bad idea (plenty of work, to say the least), don't think that you're hurting your dog's coat just because you're bathing him. Because most dogs hate baths, getting your dog to a point where he actually likes them can be rough. Here are a few tricks that can help you smooth over those rough spots when bathing your dog 1 Start young. Get your dog used to bathing at an early age, when he's just a pup. Like with brushing and combing, experience is key to preventing bad bath-time behavior.

What is positive dog training?

Positive dog training means you reward positive behaviors while ignoring negative ones you don't like. The rewards can be in the form of praise life rewards such as walks, games, or car rides or giving your dog his or her favorite treats. There is clicker training for dogs within positive training, which refers to a method of using a marker to communicate the precise moment the dog does what you like or want, and reward it after every click. When training your dog positively, you need to adhere to the nine pillars of this training method, namely Dogs will tend to do what works for them best, and so you give your dog a treat or praise the last time he or she sat, they will more likely sit again the next time you ask. If the dog knows that jumping up or wagging its tail will draw your attention, then he will jump or wag his tail whenever he wants your attention. This potent principle is an essential pillar of reward-based training.

Refining Your Dogs Grooming Manners

Good grooming manners don't happen overnight. Familiarizing your dog with procedures is essential in anything you're trying to get your dog to do. Dogs need to be trained in good grooming manners so they get used to the idea of being cleaned and preened they may even come to enjoy it After all, grooming is attention and time spent with you. You know how unpleasant that is. I used to hate to have my mom comb my hair, because I always had so many tangles. Your dog feels the same way. The best way to instill good grooming manners in your dog is to make the experience a pleasant one. Otherwise, your dog simply won't participate or will do so only grudgingly. The best time to train a dog to accept any kind of grooming procedure is when he's a puppy. Puppies are more open to new things, and you have time to build up good experiences from this openness. When your dog hasn't had any bad experiences with grooming, he's more likely to be accepting of the procedures.

Increase your dogs concentration

Your Lab has to be focused in order to learn and sharpen his intelligence faculties. Once he is focused when you are teaching him, he will be an excellent student. You will enjoy teaching him newer and more challenging stuff. Concentration helps your doggie to understand the finer nuances of hand signals too. Here are some methods for helping your dog increase his powers of concentration. When he does respond positively in this manner hug him warmly, praise him, and make him feel on top of the world. Keep working on increasing the period for which your dog can remain focused.

Discover Your Dogs Red Zone

If your dog is showing any aggression, you need to determine her Red Zone the closest distance you can stand to her before she gets uncomfortable. Let's say that when you're closer than three feet, she growls, but at three and a half feet she's comfortable. Less than three and a half feet is your dog's Red Zone. Repeat the sequences described on the next page with the treat cup but stop, shake, treat, and reward just outside the zone. As your dog trusts your presence, slowly move closer. TEACH YOUR DOG TO SHARE As described on page 42, make treat cups and place them around your home. At any opportunity, approach your dog when she's with an object or food, shaking the cup. Offer her a handful of treats, praise her, and then walk away. Do not speak to, or interfere with, the object. If your dog hesitates or seems unsettled by your approach, walk toward her sideways. Dogs view side postures as less threatening. If your dog shows more aggressive tendencies, see the previous page.

Personality Profile for Your Dog

Your dog was born with a set of instinctive behaviors that he inherited from his parents. These behaviors, which can be grouped into three broad categories prey, pack, and defense are collectively called drives. The number of behaviors a dog has in each drive determines his temperament, his personality, and how he perceives the world. You see these behaviors when your dog is chasing a cat or when he gets excited and barks in a high-pitched tone of voice as the cat climbs up a tree. Your dog may also shake and rip apart soft toys and bury dog biscuits in the couch. YOUR DOG'S PERSONALITY To help you understand your dog's behaviors, Jack and Wendy Volhard cataloged ten behaviors exhibited in each drive and created the Canine Personality Profile (see below). The ten behaviors chosen are the most representative for each drive and are easily recognized by most dog owners.

Pet Food Labelling - Know what's in your dog's food

Your dog relies on you to make the right choice for him. He can't speak, so you must speak for him. However, choosing a good quality dog food is more difficult than it should be. Pet food labels can be hard to understand. Ambiguous pet food labelling is common place and this makes it hard for you to choose the best pet food for your dog. The ingredients label is the source of information for what is in the pet food, it is what helps you decide whether to make the purchase.This is a typical pet food label Ingredients Cereals, meat and animal derivatives, animal fats, derivatives of vegetable origin, vegetable protein extract, minerals. Preserved with EC permitted antioxidants. So what exactly is in this product From this label alone it is impossible to determine what is exactly in this pet food. This is because this label is stuffed full of generic terms, therefore the actual ingredients can be one of many.

Clicker Dog Training: Methods & Tips To Make The Training Process Easier

It is important to participate in some form of training with your dog in order to make sure that he is well behaved and obedient. One of the keys to doing so is finding a training method that works and that you can both enjoy. One of the most widely used techniques at the moment is clicker dog training. It is highly effective and has a long list of benefits for both dogs and owners. It is also inexpensive and very easy to pick up. Lots of dog owners prefer this type of training because it uses only positive reinforcement which is much healthier for your dog's general well being than methods that use punishments or harsh words. Clicker dog training is widely considered to be one of the most effective ways to train your pet. It uses positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors in your dog. Over time, your dog will learn to associate the sound of the clicker with receiving a treat and or praise.

Homemade Dog Cone: Money-Saving DIY Project for Your Dog’s Needs

There are circumstances that no dog owner looks forward to when it comes to their dog's health. Whether it's a major surgery or your dog is incessantly licking his paws, there are going to be times when you need to use a dog cone. Also called and emergency collar, e-collar, or Elizabethan collar, it prevents your dog from getting to other areas of his body that he should leave alone. They're typically made from hard plastic, and you can find them in many pet stores. However, instead of selling out money on both gas and a cheap product, why not consider making them yourself Making a temporary DIY dog cone allows you to be creative in the materials that you use, and also allows you to make exactly what you need for your dog's specifications. They can also be a good substitute if the collar provided by your vet has already been destroyed (never underestimate the perseverance of a dog).

Constipation In Dogs: Help Your Dog Empty Its Bowels

A constipated dog tries to empty its bowels and it doesn't succeed or it eliminates very dry feces that have a hard consistency. This causes discomfort to any pooch, as well as pain and it can lead to immobilization. This problem requires immediate measures. Besides the treatments applicable by a veterinarian, there are a few tricks that you can try at home in order to solve your dog's bowels problem. Those should be tried first, before seeking medical advice, but if they are not effective, a visit to the vet should not be delayed. Understanding the symptoms of this affection, as well as its causes can help a dog owner take better care of its beloved pet. Constipation is something that can be prevented too, so being aware of its causes would be a step forward when trying to avoiding them. Something as innocent as changing a pooch's diet, trying to put together a better eating plan for it, could lead to this unpleasant problem.

How to Take Care of A Puppy: A Complete Guide for Every Beginner Dog Owner

One thing is clear, however, a puppy in the home is added responsibility. You will find that a puppy is much more than a doghouse and food. From having to ensure its proper nutrition and following up with the vet to maintain good health, your responsibility will expand to training and socializing your dog, exercise, and being the patient, loving and understanding owner. Consider also all the items that your dog will need and purchase them. Your list should include food and water bowls, chew toys, grooming items, collar and leash, identification tag, crate, gate, bedding, and odor neutralizer. Very important for puppy preparation is a place for his own. One of the first orders of business is to take a trip to the vet. You may be a first time owner and do not have a vet in mind. Talk to other dog owners who you will meet in your daily walk. They can recommend you to one. If the dog is coming from a shelter, they could be a good source of vet information also.

How To Become A Dog Trainer: Institutions, Activities & Certifications

Dog training is a rewarding career which enables animal lovers to combine their love of furry friends with earning a living. How to become a dog trainer is the topic that we're going to go through in this article. If you want to train animals for a living there is a lot you need to know and different trainers are required various skill sets and qualifications. We're going to take a look at what professional institutions and certifications are available for dog trainers as well as some university degrees that can help along the way. There are plenty of ways to get started, as with any career it's important that you do your research and learn as much as you possibly can. We're going to go through a few things you may like to consider in this article, including certifications and qualifications, internships and other ways to get exposure to the job of professional dog training.

Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls: Understanding Your Dog’s Nutritional Needs

As for us, water is one of the vital things without which pit bulls could not live. They could live without food for several days in a row, but not without water. So, make sure to always put fresh water at your pit bull's disposal, especially if you feed it with dry food. However, watch out for tap water though because it could contain too much chlorine. Investing in a water filter would be a great choice for your pit bull and for your peace of mind. Feeding your dog properly could be in vain if the water is contaminated. Cook beef, chicken, eggs, fish and so on. Even if your dog prefers a particular dish and it is sometimes refusing all the others, don't offer it the same menu. Try to be open to new ideas in nutrition and don't complicate your life with recipes that seem too hard to cook and involve a lengthy process. If you are inclined to dry dog food found on the market, you should learn more about each brand and what is has to offer.

Off Leash Dog Training: The Best Techniques To Apply

There is absolutely nothing quite like seeing your pooch run free muscles stretching, powerful strides and obvious joy in their movement. This is how dogs are meant to be, running free and exploring their environment. But what happens when it's time to go home and your dog will not come back to you for love nor money, or another dog appears and your pooch goes bounding over like the hound from hell Not good things, I can assure you, little or no off leash training will lead to trouble. Before you even start off leash training, and you must start off leash training if you wish to be a responsible dog owner, you need to heed a word of warning. There are no guarantees, even with the best training in the world that your dog will be 100 safe off leash. It would be wonderful to think that with enough training our dogs could become completely reliable off the leash but it just isn't the case.

DIY Dog Teepee: The Perfect Craft To Kickoff Your Dog's Summer

With a DIY dog teepee, you can g u0456ve your canine friend their u043Ewn u0440 u0430t u0441h of u0455h u0430d u0435 u043En a h u043Et u0455umm u0435r d u0430 u0443 without having to spend cash to purchase one in stores. It might seem rather complicated, but it really isn't. Most of the supplies you need should already be available in your house or can be purchased easily from a hardware store nearby. Not only will making a DIY dog teepee be a fun summer project for you, your dog will definitely feel your love as they happily lounge in it all summer. We have applied all the steps in this tutorial into practice ourselves. We have taken great care to simplify the steps and leave some room for you to exercise your own creativity when it comes to the decorations. But before we launch into a detailed explanation on how to make the best dog teepee, below we've provided a short section regarding why you should make your dog a teepee in case you're still not convinced.

Best Dog Vitamins: Know When To Give Supplements To Your Dogs

Dog nutrition is the basis of optimum dog health. Most dog food options available are already well balanced and meet the needs of your dogs as they are already fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. However, there are pet owners who still want to make sure that the nutrition of requirements of their dogs are met. Therefore, dog supplementation has been steadily considered by both veterinarians and pet parents to maximize vitamin and nutrient absorption. Generally, dogs that eat commercially available dog food receive a balanced diet that includes vitamins and minerals. However, dogs that are consuming homemade meals may need supplementation. Always remember that dogs have a specific compatibility with homemade meals and vitamins. The process is not as simple as feed your dog a meal and give it some vitamins. A large number of dog vitamins in the market today supplement the current diet trend for dogs.

My Dog Ate A Sock: Helping Your Dog Get Over This Little Mistake

It might come as a surprise to you but you should know what to do and what to expect if you run with your dog into a vet's office yelling my dog ate a sock . So your dog ate a sock it's not the end of the world, it's not that big of a deal yet. There are quite a few ways in which you can go about it however, before we get to that, you should first of all try and diffuse the situation. If a dog swallowed a sock, depending on the sock type and the size of your dog as well as the overall health of his or her digestive system, the outcomes can vary drastically. With that in mind, the last thing you want to do is alarm your dog and make him or her agitated. These can and might work, however it is mostly dependent on the time that has passed since the sock has been ingested. Seeing that a sock is not digestible, there is no actual way to hope for it to actually have a benefit for your dog.

Designer Dog Collars: Making Your Dog Feel Special

Choosing the right collar for your dog is one of the most important decisions you can make regarding his accessories. You want your dog do be comfortable, happy, and easy to train. Perhaps you even want him to be more stylish and not have the same type of collar that every dog out there has. If that's the case, you might want to consider designer dog collars instead of a regular collar, since you can enjoy a lot more advantages. First and foremost, your dog will feel more comfortable with a better quality collar around his neck. If you pick a collar that is supposed to fit every potential dog, you'll probably end up with a product of a lesser quality. But if you choose something especially designed for YOUR dog, then you have the assurance of a perfect fit. Not only will the collar not bother the dog, but he won't even know it's there. Generic collars can chafe his fur or irritate his neck, while a designer collar won't have that same effect.

Crossing The Rainbow Bridge: What to Do When Your Dog Dies

How will they cope up to something that no one can actually prepare happening How will they move on How will their lives change after losing a fur baby What is there to do when your dog dies You can, however, reminisce about the better parts of its life when you were still together instead of dwelling on the sadder parts of its existence. Losing your dog is something that you cannot undo, but you can make the best out of what you have left, and those are your precious memories. You must realize that as a pet parent, there will always come a time that your dog will leave you. A dog's lifespan can never equal that of a human, especially for the larger breeds. Death is something that we cannot control, but we can get the most out of life before death even occurs.

Dog Training Techniques: How to Train Your Dog Properly

There are many people who can't imagine life without their precious furry friends however, they are also aware that dogs should be guided since they are puppies in order to make them well-mannered and safe. That is why you should know some dog training techniques in order to make your dog behave well around other people and animals. It is normal for dogs to bark, growl, chew and run around playfully, but you must teach them how and when this behavior can be proper. Otherwise, your dog can make your life or the lives of others difficult he can also put himself in danger. Dogs used to be the wild animals that lived by the rules of the pack and nature. The instinct is still here however, if you want to keep your doggie with yourself, you must be the leader of the pack and teach him some basic manners and rules. Pet owners usually complain about their dog not listening'. Now imagine putting yourself in your pet's shoes and listening to the annoying chattering or even worse, yelling.

How To Teach A Dog To Stay, Sit Or Come When Asked: Dog Obedience Training Basics

Teaching your little canine friend how to stay represents the basics of dog obedience training long with other basic commands like come and sit . Of course that you may continue your dog's education and train them how to fetch the morning newspaper or to roll on their back. You just have to realize that training your dog to listen and respond to your commands is of paramount importance for a creating a happy and healthy owner-dog relationship as well as a socially compatible pet. Basic obedience training is important for absolutely every dog regardless of breed, size and gender. It should start as early as possible and continue as long as necessary. In the following lines we are providing practical information on how to teach a dog to stay, sit, come or listen to other basic commands. The very first command a household dog must master is to come when called by its owner. Every pet-dog must obey to the come command at any time and under any circumstances.

Gift Ideas for Dog Lovers: Creative Ways to Make A Dog Owner Happy

Every dog owner likes to surprise his or her furry friend from time to time. It may be a birthday gift or a surprise present in order to show your pet how much you love and appreciate him. You will probably agree that dogs adore the gifts related to food and treats and they also like toys. But if you are looking for a gift that is for your friend who is a dog lover and has a pet, you can take a look at some of the ideas here. This is basically the ultimate source for all dog lovers and it is a great guide on how to care and take care of your dog. The main focus in this book is on mixed dogs breeds, which is a big difference from all the other dog guides. This amazing book has almost over 500 pages of informative and interesting facts and more than 650 illustrations and photos of dogs. It covers everything from how a dog owner should take care of his or her dog to how to bath, groom, feed and train your pet.

Diy Dog Bed Frame: Simple Steps To Building A Sanctuary For Your Dog

Dogs are a great addition to any family, but you have to agree that they are also a huge responsibility. Your dog's health and comfort are among the most important things you are responsible for, which is why your dog should have their own bed. A DIY dog bed frame is also a great idea if you're not ready to invest in a more permanent solution. Keep in mind that without a proper bed to sleep in, chances are your dog will develop health problems such as a backache or bad hips as they grow older. Still, buying a dog bed may prove quite a challenge if we consider the wide offer and the high prices for the really good ones. Even more, if your dog is just a puppy, he or she will quickly outgrow the bed you buy now. By building a DIY dog bed frame you can save up on cash, but you will also be able to custom-tailor it so that it fulfills your dog's unique needs. For example, if your dog is small, it can be difficult to find a dog bed frame they can climb onto easily.

Reading Dog Body Language: Understanding What Your Dog Is Trying to Say

Do you know what your dog is trying to say Do you know what he or she must be feeling at all times If not, you must start learning some of the signs so you are aware if they are ill, if a certain kind of danger is coming your way, if they need your attention or if they are just simply happy with what you are doing. This way you could make a better bond with your dog and build a more loving atmosphere for them. As a dog owner, the welfare of your dog must be of primary importance to you. Taking care of your dog does not stop at providing food and shelter for them. It is very important that you can also communicate by learning to read your dog's body language . Listed here are several types of messages your dog might be sending and how you can identify them through bodily signals. When something has caught of your dog's interest, you can observe that their eyes are wide open and ears are perked up, alert and turning to catch any sound. The mouth could be closed or slightly open.

Dog Run Ideas: Improve Your Dog's Time While in The Run

Once you made the decision to bring a dog in the home, there are wonderful things that you will envisage about your pet. You would imagine the times when you can pet and play with him in the yard. Some dogs are so cute and funny, they are a bundle of entertainment, jumping about and frolicking, and inviting you to catch them if you can. Simply watching your dog with her antics can be a source of joy and laughter. In many instances, dog owners cannot possibly give their dogs all the play time and attention that they need. Dogs are not usually satisfied with only an hour of walk per day. They want to have unrestrained run where they are able to express their energies. A run can mean a reprieve for the owner. Many find their dog a bit much to handle as they tend to get into a lot of trouble. They will jump the fence and get aggressive with other dogs. Some dogs love to chase down smaller animals and birds.

Walkin' Wheels: Don't Let Your Dog's Senior Years Be Lame

We all know that as we get older, our bodies don't work the same as they used to. The same can be said for your poor pooch, as the signs of aging can hit your dog a lot harder and sooner, especially with their shorter lifespans. That's why it's important to know the signs to look for and to ensure that you're making your dog as comfortable as possible in his old age. Better nutrition, less intense play, and gentler treatment are just a few of the ways you can help your dog adjust to his reduced level of energy. However, there are just some things you can't prevent. Hip dysplasia, for example, is a genetic condition that is more prone in certain dog breeds, such as German Shepherds. There's no way to prevent it or to eliminate the condition altogether the only thing you can do is make your dog comfortable during these confusing times.

Eye Infections in Dogs: Helping Your Dog See The World in A Fresh, New Light Again

Though we know that the sense of smell is the strongest sense of dogs, the eyes still play a huge role in their lives and how they make ours a lot more colorful. Surely once or twice you have fallen in love with that sweet seduction reflected in your dog's eyes, making you summon them to come closer to you so you could give them that tight hug and cuddle they've been waiting for all day. So what happens now if there seems to be something wrong with their eyes Watch out, for your pet may be having an eye infection. You would know if your dogs have an eye infection if you observe the following in them Your dog may also present with an eye discharge that may either be clear or mucinous. You may observe squinting in your dogs with pink eye, a sign that indicates a feeling of being uncomfortable and irritable. This usually causes them to keep scratching their eyes with their paw, on other objects or on the ground. This usually aggravates the condition even more.

Best Dog Beds: Your Dog's Most Comfortable Place

Where does your dog sleep It is obvious that your bed or your couches are among the options, but they are not always the best option. A dog needs a place of its own that represents a sort of retreat where it can relax comfortably. A special bed for your dog is not among the things that are considered whims. On the contrary, it is a necessity just like its food and water bowls. Choosing between the best dog beds recommended by specialists is not an easy thing to do since the variety is overwhelming. However, there are certain factors that can help you decide. In fact, a future dog owner should be buying a bed along with all the other accessories needed for the new member of the family even before getting it. Buying a bed for your dog should always be a priority and situated on the top of the list. There is no dog, regardless of its age or size that does not need a bed.

When to Put Your Dog Down: Is It Really The Time?

There is absolutely no doubt that our dogs are a part of the family and loved just as much as anyone in our families. We love them, care for them, feed them and take them to the vets when they are sick we are responsible for them. Unfortunately though that responsibility is not all fun and games and there may come a day when you have to make difficult decisions regarding your pet pooch. You may have to decide when to put your dog down. The decision of when to put a dog to sleep is probably one of the hardest calls a dog owner may ever have to make. It is littered with dilemmas and unanswerable questions and there is never a right or wrong answer. When first getting a dog you need to remember that the chances of that dog outliving you are incredibly slim. You need to be ready and aware that one day you may have to make the decision of whether to put your dog to sleep or not.

Companion Dog Training: Basic Techniques Rover Should Know For Competitions

Everyone is aware of the fact that dogs are pack animals by nature therefore if you wish to make your life and the lives of people around easier, then you must start training your little furry friend from an early age. The moment your dog becomes a part of your family, he starts seeing this family as his new pack, and you, being his master, become the new leader of the pack. That means that it will be your responsibility to make sure that your dog is well behaved, and that he understands the rules so he can survive in the human world. Additionally, you train your dog not only for your sake, but also for the dog's sake, because if your beloved friend listens to your commands he will be able to avoid accidents and getting into more serious trouble. This article will provide you with a simple guide on how to train your dog and where to go if you would like to find out more about companion dog training.

How to Stop Aggressive Behavior and Socialize Your Dog

Dog aggression is a serious problem for pet owners. If this unhealthy behavior is not corrected when you first spot it, there are major chances to lead to injuries. It is important to understand that you are responsible for the way your dog acts. This means that you need to be calm and strict when you teach it a new trick or point out that it did something bad. Though it is a sensitive issue, it can be approached in a professional manner if you know with what you are dealing. This means that you need to understand the roots of what troubles the dog in order to be able to fix it. Aggression is a very complex behavior, and it can be triggered by various events. In some cases, it can be caused by frustration, while in others, it can be a sign of dominance. In order to calm down your dog, you need to be able to spot what exactly made it act like that. You can have a happy pet if you learn how to induce a moderate attitude.

Should Your Dog Really Be Off Leash? The Ifs, Whens, and Hows of Responsible Off-Leash Hiking

Believe me, I get the allure of being able to let your dog run foot loose and fancy free. I have FOUR of them and it's not always easy to hike with a bunch of leashed dogs. BUT that doesn't mean letting your dog run crazy regardless of your surroundings is okay either. Please don't think that you need to let your brand new dog run around and be free to give them a good quality of life. That is just not true. And honestly, not that safe either. Your dog can (and my dogs do, a lot of the time) get in a great workout and really enjoy hiking with you ON a leash. Until the last year or so, all of my dogs were on leashes ALL of the time. And we hike multiple times a week. Having a dog that doesn't have 100 recall or that has to be on a leash doesn't make you a lesser dog owner. It doesn't mean your dog is bad or less than that free-running seemingly badass dog you follow on Instagram.

DIY Dog Toys: 14 Fun toys for Your Doggy

DIY dog toys are not just a way to save money, but they are also a very fun way to spend time with your dog walking curious around you. It is a known fact that the toys available in stores are too expensive for what they are really worth, so you shouldn't spend ridiculous amounts of money on something you can do yourself. In addition, you won't have a minor heart attack every time your dog completely destroys a toy that you just bought for a small fortune. Besides the following 14 ideas for fun dog toys you can get creative and invent others depending on your doggy's preferences. A handmade object is valuable not just in case of dog toys, but also in case of making a gift. You can make any of these 14 toys for your friend's dogs if you don't have any or if you just feel crafty The toys will smell like you unless you wash them, so the dogs that receive them will feel bonded to you thanks to the toy they've got and your smell.

Best Dog Muzzle: How to Choose A Product for Your Dog's Needs

Finding the best dog muzzle for your dog should be a priority not only if you are training a dog to be a guard dog but also even if he or she would be an average pet at home. You can never predict the day or time when your dog will suddenly snap or become aggressive due to circumstances which they may not have encountered before. Training your dog to willingly wear a muzzle is important even for regular household dogs but to do this, you must find one that suits their needs and will also protect not only other people from getting bitten by them, but your dog as well. The type of muzzle that you should get for your dog must be well-fitted and should address what your dog needs. Not all dogs possess the same strength or the same level of aggression so what would be suitable for a large and very aggressive dog may not do well with a smaller one that has a more calm temperament. It is important to understand that not all dog muzzles are the same.

Take Your Dog To Work Day: Teach Buster To Behave In The Office

Dog lovers adore their pets and it breaks their hearts when they see haggard hounds languishing in animal shelters. Unfortunately it's just not possible to take in all the dogs you'd like to (there's only so much space in most homes) so in order to raise awareness and encourage dog adoption, Pet Sitters International started take your dog to work day (TYDTWD) in the United States in 1999. The great thing about bring your dog to work day is that it really enables people who aren't sure if they want a dog or not to discover just how amazing these loving companions are. Dogs make a huge difference in people's lives and dog owners love having the chance to show the people around them what a rewarding experience it is having a relationship with one. Pet hair allergies can be extremely serious and it's important that this is covered with staff and also considered if you have a business that is regularly visited by outsiders.

Electronic Dog Training Collars: Using Remote to Train Your Dog

Another study showed increased behavioral signs of stress in dogs that were trained with shock collars. The increased stress was not only present at the time of training, but showed up three months later with increased cortisol levels found in the dogs trained with the electric collars. These studies were performed not with amateur trainers, but with experts in the use of these collars. This study showed that even done perfectly, training with shock collars causes additional stress on the dog, and long term effects on the dog's attitude towards the training situation. Imagine the same collar in the hands of someone who is not an expert. Trainers spend years perfecting the timing of their delivery of both rewards and punishment. If the timing is off, the dog doesn't learn nearly as quickly, and is much more stressed. The average dog owner has neither skills nor understanding of how best to use this equipment.

Hunting Dog Training: Prepare Buster for Intense Outdoor Activity

The engaging sport of hunting is an activity that can trace it roots back to several centuries ago. Dogs are considered to be as valuable as the hunter's rifle, a steady companion in every hunting session that could track, retrieve, or chase game fowls. Training your dog for hunting may sound very intimidating because it requires a lot of work for both you and yet pet. But with the proper approach, determination, and a lot of patience, hunting dog training is bound to be a worthwhile activity not just for your dog, but for you as the owner as well. So, how are we going to train our dogs for hunting Many pet owners may think that something as simple as potty training already takes a great deal of time and effort. Thus, owners are likely to find hunting dog training as an intimidating and time-consuming endeavor. However, embarking in this journey with your pet is sure to result in an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

How to Teach Your Dog to Play Dead: Fun Techniques for Both Of You

Teaching your dog a few tricks could be fun for you and for your dog as well. As soon as you learn how to teach your dog to play dead, you will be able to use this command whenever you play with it or in more serious cases, such as going to the vet where it must stay still for a thorough examination. It would be ideal for your dog to already be familiarized with simple commands like, stay , sit and down before you begin. These 3 commands are all related and should constitute the basic training before advancing to more complicated tricks. The training process of a dog usually lasts a few months. However, even if it takes so long, it must be repeated constantly throughout the dog's life too, just as often as you take it to the vet for a regular checkup or for vaccines. As a dog owner, if you don't repeat the exercises with your pooch, you will be responsible for it forgetting how it's done or what a particular command means.

Choke and Prong Collars: Health Concerns Call for Equipment Change in Dog Training

Specifically, the use of collars and leads that are intended to apply constriction, pressure, pain or force around a dog's neck (such as choke chains' and prong collars') should be avoided. Consistent with their commitment to force-free' training and pet care methods, the Pet Professional Guild, the Association of Force Free Dog Training and Pet Care Professionals (PPG), does not support the use of choke and prong collars and, rather, recommends the use of flat buckle collars, head halters, harnesses and other types of control equipment that are safer for the animal and the handler. As more research accumulates on the hazards of choke and prong collars and more data is compiled documenting the damage these types of collars can cause distinguished veterinarians world-wide are joining the discussion and are calling for professional dog trainers to commit to eliminating choke and prong collars from their training programs.

Six Ways to Prepare Your Dog for Fireworks

Noisy holiday rolling around again, and your dog is scared of fireworks Even though it's just a few days before the holiday, you can make a plan and take action to help your dog be a bit less afraid of the unpredictable scary sounds of fireworks, firecrackers, whistles, and even guns. Thanks for reading I hope you can help your dog feel as safe as possible.

Sink or Swim: Eight Ways You Might Be Flooding Your Dog

The second reason is the face your fears mentality. In this mindset (demonstrated most clearly in 7 and 8 above), the humans may realize that the experience is unpleasant for the dog, but they just figure the dog needs to get over it. The dog needs to face its fears, and long-term exposure seems to be the way to do it. This method has a long history in both child rearing and dog training. I'd love to see it drain out of existence.

Stress and Dog Training

This is widely known in the neurological scientific community, and dog trainers should take it upon themselves as a form of cognitive ethics and inform people the dangers of creating and causing stress for dogs. The Take Home For People Training Dogs Think like a referee and don't take it personally, your dog is not the adversary the environment is. Work to control the environment and not add too much stress and the dog will do really well in training and be healthier. - Work on human skills related to dog training. This means mechanics and timing of rewards and kind consequences.

Dog Training: It's Not Just Semantics

You do not need to yell commands at your dog to train him. Graphic Can Stock Photo I also prefer to teach a dog tricks rather than obedience behaviors. Many of you might argue that you don't want to teach your dog tricks you just want them to be able to sit, lie down, stay, come and other such useful behaviors. You probably don't realize it but you have already taught your dog to do lots of tricks The words behavior and trick are often interchangeable Trick dog titles often include many of the basic behaviors we all teach our If a trainer tells you that you need to use any of the previously stated tools or techniques, please stand up for your dog and say no This is not someone who knows about the science of learning. This is not someone who has continued his her education in order to keep up-to-date with modern, science-based, rewards based, force-free training. This is not someone who is going to treat your dog with the respect they deserve. This is not semantics.

When Choosing a Dog Trainer, Buyer Beware!

Ian Dunbar developed the first Sirius Puppy Class, training wasn't recommended for puppies under 6 months old. The only training methods available at the time involved physical force using training tools such as choke collars, and were considered to be too harsh for young puppies. Dr. Dunbar created the lure reward method, which opened up an entirely new perspective on dog training in general. With this method, instead of being corrected for wrong behavior, puppies are set up for success by being lured into the desired position then rewarded for achieving the behavior. Unlike traditional dog training, with no force, fear, pain or intimidation inherent in the technique, it was now appropriate for puppies as young as 8 weeks old to begin training classes. Lure reward training proved itself to be so effective, efficient, and fun for both owners and dogs that the usage spread to family pet obedience classes for all ages.

Is It Safe for Your Dog to Jump off Furniture?

As a dog Mom and professional dog trainer, dog safety is always on my mind. It seems every year, I start to question things I've done in the past, as to whether or not it is safe. My current dog, Dexter, is a small breed dog. Ok, so he's double the breed standard, but still is only 27 pounds. He's my first small breed dog. He's also the first dog I've cared for that was allowed full access to furniture. Dog ramps can help protect your dog from joint injury.

Teaching Your Dog Eye Contact

How many times have you thought to yourself, I sure wish my dog would focus on me and not x. Well, this is something you can certainly start to tackle by teaching your dog a reliable Watch behavior. Imagine, how nice it would be if a squirrel ran down the tree and you said, watch and your dog happily gazed into your eyes instead of barking or chasing the squirrel. It can be done, and I'm going to teach you the foundation skills on how to do it. But, first, let's talk about dogs and eye contact. When you set out to teach your dog a new behavior, it's important to think about that behavior means in canine language. Take looking, or staring for example, or cue of choice. For a dog, a direct stare can be a challenge or threat. When two dogs are interacting with each other, it is common courtesy for them to have light eyes, blink, look away and off to the side. Interesting, how for us humans, it is the opposite, make eye contact and don't look away.

Teaching Your Dog to Eliminate on Cue

Teaching your dog how to eliminate on cue (when asked) can be very helpful. I often think back to my service dog training days when discussing the benefits of a dog knowing how to poop on cue. For example, you may know that you are going on a 12-hour car ride and going potty now will help prevent an unnecessary pit stop in 30 minutes because your dog has to go. Or, you know a thunderstorm is going to roll in and taking that poop break will help ensure he doesn't need to poop during the storm. Now, this does not mean that your dog will not go potty unless he's asked, it just will help you have a tool that you can ask him to go, and if he has it in him, he will likely try to get it out You can teach your dog or puppy to potty on cue anytime during his life, but the sooner you begin training, the more likely he will catch on quickly. The quickest way to success is to stay with your dog when he is outside. This can be accomplished best if he is on a leash.

Body Language - Your Dog's Native Tongue

If you own a dog, then you teach English as a second language. A dog's native tongue is body language. Yet, dogs adapt and learn our English words with remarkable ability. There are many emotions that we share with our canine friends, and some that we project onto them. It's in our best interest to learn about how our dogs really think and feel and learn. If you insist your dog learn your language, then it's only fair you make the effort to learn his. This will facilitate mutual understanding and communication. Humans love to attribute these two motives to dogs. In reality, dogs experience neither guilt nor spite. When returning from a hard day's work, you might get annoyed walking into a foul-smelling house and finding a cold pile on the floor. Perhaps you yell at the dog and punish him by rubbing his nose in it. Or maybe you're more evolved than that, and just scowl, sigh, and complain loudly as you clean it up. Either way, your dog knows you are angry and it's scaring him.

Using Annoying or Scary Sounds for Dog Training

Let's pretend you saw an ad for a new dog training product. It read something like this Introducing the Noise-Aided Obedience Device (NOD) Never have trouble with your dog again. When you jerk or flap the lead attached to your dog's collar or harness to punish him or to force him into the correct position, the device adds a noise that makes the leash jerking or flapping extra unpleasant. You can get instant compliance That is, for some dogs. Some won't be bothered by the noise or will get used to it. Some noise-sensitive dogs will be so traumatized you may never get them out from under the bed again. But for the majority of dogs, the NOD makes the leash correction just a bit worse. And for you as the trainer it feels great You are actually DOING something about your dog's naughty behavior. This type of product marketing, common in the dog training world, masks the actual consequences used to attempt to change dogs' behavior. The focus is on the special sound.

Being Your Dog's Best Advocate

In 2012, my wife and I enrolled in a therapy dog training class which led to a Pet Partners evaluation process for therapy animal teams. I partnered with Buddha and my wife partnered with Gandhi. It was only by working closely together for our mutual benefit that we truly became teams and passed the evaluation. To learn more about reading canine body language and stress signs you can download the Dog Decoder app (Jill Breitner) and visit www.ispeakdog.com (Tracy Krulik). You may also read Canine Body Language (Brenda Aloff) and watch The Language of Dogs DVD (Sarah Kalnajs) of Blue Dog Training & Behavior. Please consider joining me in signing the Shock-Free Coalition pledge to demonstrate your determination to advocate for the best welfare of dogs. Whether it is a shock collar, prong collar or choke collar we can make stewardship decisions for the welfare of our pets. PPG is here to inform you so you can fulfill your role as pet steward and be your dog's best advocate.

How To Train Your Dog to Stand Using Capturing

Agility great Susan Garrett teaches a stand with hand targeting , and it's quite fun. It's a little more active than some people might want, though Train Your Dog to Stand On Cue Catch your dog standing still. Start to rapid-fire treats into her mouth. You can click or not. I used a mouth click. If the dog moves any foot out of position, stop. As soon as she stands still again, start up the rapid fire. If your dog is less accustomed to taking the initiative in training sessions and offering behavior, this process may not go so quickly. But as my teacher says, dogs notice exactly where they were and what they were doing when they got a treat. If you treat your dog enough in a standing position, then move her out of that position, she'll eventually move into it again. Note A kickback stand is a physical skill. It can take a while, especially for dogs who lack rear end strength or awareness. Their first attempts are not likely to be pretty.

You Don't Have to Go Through the Door Before Your Dog!

When Annie Phenix of Phenix Dogs recently mentioned to me that the door myth is still alive and well, I got to wondering what that actually would look like. The advice to always precede your dog through the door is propagated by those who think the key to having a well-behaved dog is to be a good pack leader. They also say to always eat before your dog. I had a guy recommend that after seeing one of my YouTube videos. How inconvenient is that What a hassle Instead, you can actually train your dog behaviors that keep her safe and that fit into your human life. Dogs do what works. Their behavior is driven by consequences. When they perform behaviors that bother us (any behavior actually), those behaviors are being reinforced somehow. Somewhere there is a consequence. Removing that consequence and helping the dog build acceptable alternative behaviors through positive reinforcement can change undesirable behaviors.

Eight Common Dog Training Errors: Cautionary Tales

Here are eight of the top booboos in dog training. All of which I have done myself, and many of them on camera (And guess what, I have 15-20 more You can expect more posts on this if people enjoy this one.) For example, you want to train your dog not to crowd up to the back door and rush out when you open it. That behavior is reinforced every time she does it if you immediately let her outside. When you start to teach polite door manners, you doubtless start the training with an easier door. You practice with an interior door, and work on the behavior you want. You reinforce with food. But in the meantime, every time you take your dog into the back yard to potty, she continues to crowd up to the back door and rush out when you open it. Getting outside is obviously a potent reinforcer and nothing has happened to stop that. To get the new behavior in place at the back door, you will have to prevent your dog from practicing the old one.

Shaping Without a Clicker

Most trainers agree that if there is one thing that the tool called a clicker is useful for in particular, it is for shaping behavior. Shaping consists of marking and reinforcing successive approximations towards a goal behavior. When shaping, the trainer can find herself needing to mark very small or quick movements indeed, sometimes just a weight shift or a breath. When that is the case, the behavior is usually long over by the time one can get food or a toy to the animal. A clicker or other marker can form a bridge between the behavior and the reinforcer, letting the animal know more precisely what behavior we are attempting to reinforce. The other day I was in a discussion, a common one online, about whether a clicker or a marker word is better for training in general. (Guess what I have a blog post coming out about that soon ) Someone said that in any case, a clicker was necessary when shaping. I said that it wasn't.

6 Ways to Prepare Your Dog for Fireworks Starting TODAY

Noisy holiday rolling around again, and your dog is scared of fireworks Even though it's just a few days before the holiday, you can make a plan and take action to help your dog be less afraid of the unpredictable scary sounds of fireworks, firecrackers, whistles, and even guns. Thanks for reading I hope you can help your dog feel as safe as possible.

Does Your Dog Really Want to Be Petted?

In the case of these more ambiguous signals, you need to look for other indications from your dog. In fact, look at the context for all of the signals. Next time you see a dog yawn, you may think, Oh no, stress And miss the fact that the dog just turned three circles in a bed and lay down. I wish some more folks would publish some videos about petting dogs. I know that in the grand scheme of things there are many worse things that happen to dogs in the world than forced attention. But this is a microcosm of many of the bigger problems. Think how many dogs could have happier lives if their people didn't misunderstand their reactions. It's such a simple thing. So let's make videos. If your dog likes petting, show the world what that looks like. Or perhaps you have some old footage of your dog reacting with dislike to some aspect of handling that you wouldn't mind posting and labeling. I already have a new video in the works with Clara, who is not very subtle about her preferences.

What Dog Training Really Taught Me

It is a standard recommendation in traditional obedience training that when your dog pulls out of position and tightens the leash, you give a correction in the form of a quick jerk on the leash. This translated to the dog's collar and from there to the neck. This is a movement that humans quickly get very good at. And even if the dog is wearing a flat nylon or leather collar (i.e., not a prong or choke collar), getting a correction has got to be at least jarring, and probably in many cases painful. The most extreme form could cause injury. OK, so that's half of the story. Now forget about the corrections and the rhetoric for a moment and visualize this. You are walking along with your dog on leash. The dog sees her best buddy and pulls you in that direction. Or you are walking along with your dog and there is evidently something just out of reach that smells wonderful, because your dog changes her course and goes over to smell it, tightening the leash momentarily on the way.

Vacation With Your Dog - How To Make It Work

Vacation Yippi dippy doo It's this time of the year, for you. But is it for your dog Well, not really. Pet dogs are on vacation 24 7 so they don't really need a break from anything actually. They do love to know new places, but for a dog that can only mean walking him round a different block or park every day. Their world is their nose and as much as you think they appreciate that picturesque village or that beautiful beach you take them to, they don't really at least not the way you think they do. Dogs are not supposed to act different on vacation. If they do, that means that they are confused and a confused dog is an unhappy dog. I have been known for raising non barking dogs . Living in an apartment with three or four dogs means respecting the neighbors, so my dogs have been taught not to bark indoors they lay off steam at the park or the mountain where I take them twice a day, and they know that home is the place where we relax, rest and be lazy.

Smartest Dog Breeds: Determining Your Dog's Intelligence

When it comes to determining the smartest dog breeds, many factors must be taken into consideration, including inherited traits, training, a dog's bond with his owner, and the different types of intelligence measured in our canine companions. This article will also discuss the top ten smartest breeds recognized by a dog behavior expert, dog IQ tests you can perform at home, and finally, whether you should consider getting a highly intelligent dog for your family. From picking up the telephone to opening the refrigerator door, dogs can be taught to do practically anything (that doesn't require opposable thumbs). While there is a consensus among canine experts that certain breeds are better suited for specific tasks, one thing they all agree on is that training should be started as early as possible to ensure success.

First Time Dog Owner: Comprehensive Guide

Among the long list of companion animals, dogs are unrivaled in their friendship, loyalty, devotion and commitment to humankind. Any individual who has ever loved and cared for a dog can attest, to a dog's hundred fold return. The wagging of the tail when you take off the leash from its neck, the excitement it shows when you come home in the evening from work and the delight in throwing of a tennis ball are just a few of the benefits of being a dog owner. Owning a pet and in this case, a dog is a privilege that unfortunately comes with its own responsibilities dogs are always dependable on their owners for shelter and food at the very minimum. If you are contemplating the idea of having a dog as a companion, then it is very important to understand the level of commitment and amount of responsibilities that usually come with dog ownership. All in all, here are some very important tips and guidelines on how to be a good dog owner.

List of Best Natural Remedies to Soothe Your Dog's Allergic Reactions

Finding natural remedies for dog allergies can be the best step that you could take towards healing your dog's condition as well as improving their overall health. Not only will it provide relief from the various irritating and annoying symptoms of dog allergies, it will help improve their immune and digestive functions. We are not saying that the use of natural remedies do not have its own risks as most companies do. These ingredients also need to be used in their proper amounts as an overdose or wrong use can also lead to health problems. What is good about them however is that they do not pose the same health risks that pharmaceutical and conventional allergy treatments have towards the organs and the health of your dog Aside from that, they also help to address other health concerns such as digestion and circulation. Going for a more holistic approach to your dog's treatment can provide you with better results in the end aside from the fact that they also cost a lot cheaper.

How To Keep Your Dog Healthy: 8 Significant Factors

Like having a child, dogs require you to treat them with care every day of their life. No matter if you have just got a puppy, your dog is in its best years, or you own an oldie, taking care of its health is something you are obliged to do, and let's not forget that it can lower the price you would have to pay for a vet. We have prepared essential information about how to keep your dog healthy that can guide you during your dog's entire life span. The eight important factors mentioned in our headline are the following The way you feed your dog is a decisive factor about its good or bad health. Great diet will keep your dog healthy, happy and good looking. Dry food is usually recommended by experts and there are many reasons supporting that claim. The well chosen kibble contains balanced ingredients and vitamins needed for your dog, it helps him keep his jaw clean and exercised and the stool is just the way it should be firm and easy to pick up.

Dog Toys To Keep Them Busy: Keeping Your Dog Entertained When You're Not Around

When you're at work, your dog could feel very lonely at home. We know that all you think about while outside the house is your dog. Stuff like what's your dog doing, if he's hungry, if he's sad, what is he playing with, or worse, what is he chewing up inside your house go over your mind all the time. It would be a very bad welcoming sight to get home and see that your couch has been chewed off by your best friend. Well, we're here to let you know that there are several ways you can lessen your worrying and keep your dog happy while you're not around to interact with him. There are several types of dog toys that could keep your dog busy for the entire day. These are generally called interactive dog toys or sometimes, enrichment toys. These characteristics are intended to hold your dog's attention for hours and hours at once.

Microchips And Identification Tags: Don't Lose Track Of Your Dog

Most dog owners have a very special relationship to their dogs, they are like children to many and almost all puppy lovers can agree on one thing they couldn't imagine a live without their furry best friends. Despite this though, thousands of family pets go missing every year around the world and many of them are never returned to their families. It is a sad truth, heartbreaking, yet something that could happen to anyone. If such a thing happens how will you get your dog back You can't do much to prevent these unexpected scenarios, but you can do several things in order to make sure your dog can be found and returned to you in case of an incident. It is in situations like these that microchips and identification tags become crucial. This is the kind of situation where you want to be safe rather than sorry. You can of course make sure to never leave your dog unattended, never tie them outside of shops etc. etc.

Exciting Games to Play With Your Dog

There are numerous games to play with your dog, according to age, and preferences. It is up to you to find the ones that your pet loves most. It is extremely important to understand that the dog needs your attention and love in order to develop beautifully. This is why you need to engage in playing and through it to encourage a mental and physical growth. Furthermore, the breed influences the way the dog reacts, and you need to channel its energy towards a constructive behavior. Here are the major benefits that positive playing brings for your dog Discipline is the first thing to teach your dog, and this needs to be done from a young age. Puppies can learn their name by hiding from them and calling them by their name. Other commands that can be learned through playing are stay and come. You need to start with baby steps and stay relatively close to the dog when you teach it. A successful playing experience requires prior preparation.

Dog Behavior: Problems & Solutions For Unlucky Dog Owners

We like it when our dogs are calm and listen to our commands. On the other hand, when we're confronted with dog behavior problems it means that we haven't taken the necessary time to educate them, to show them exactly how we need them to behave. Being strong and firm, but loving and respectful at the same time, we can get past these issues and devise appropriate dog behavior training for our best friend. This article aims to make a list of the most common dog behavior problems, as well as the best solutions to overcome them through diligent training. This is one of the most common dog behavior problems. It is especially annoying, for us humans, because we don't really understand how dogs think and why they bark. To solve this problem, you don't have to only look at the effect (the barking), but at the causes as well. Some of the causes might be So, what can you do if your dog is used to barking First, you have to identify the cause.

Basic Obedience Training Techniques For Your Dog

Responsible ownership of bringing up a puppy to the identity of a dog that is capable of taking care of himself, fearlessly and gallantly to become a part and parcel of your own existence is indeed a little more than the roughest tough The chapter enfolds basic definitions of how to teach your puppy to be obedient as well as the intelligent and emotional mature. Apart from historical, traditional and modern techniques of training your dog to communicate and obey you, the subsequent data also encompasses the potty, crate, feeding and other training mechanisms to aid in teaching your dog obedience. Dog training is indeed a difficult task, but if you love your little guy, he will stun you par this world Simply put, obedience training teaches your dog to respond to your gestures, commands and other forms of linguistic or expressive output for interaction. Obedience is not a virtue that is short-lived but immortal, which you give your dog in order to reach out to you in the best ways.

Cognitive Dog Training

I first started teaching about what I called cognitive dog training several years ago. I didn't invent it I simply named what a lot of positive, forward-thinking dog trainers were already doing. Cognitive dog training enlists the dog as a partner in learning it is not about training so much as it is is about teaching. It's also about redefining human-dog relationships. How does it differ from other approaches to dog training I've written before about giving dogs choices (here, for example). That is a key element in treating dogs as partners and students, rather than as automatons who must obey. Teaching dogs in this way does require being less ego-involved than many dog owners and old-style trainers. It absolutely requires letting go of ideas like dogs have to do what people say because we're in charge, or that humans have to be the alpha or even that dogs serve us out of unconditional love. That insults their intelligence and independence.

Bringing a New Cat into Your Dog's Home. Should You?

If you are a dog person, you may be a cat person too The allure of the feline purr and silliness of a kitty may be too much to pass up. But, will your dog feel the same way My wish is that dog guardians really take a good look at their dog's behavior and lifestyle before making this decision. Adding any pet to your home isn't something that should be taken lightly. Your dream of harmony may just turn into chaos if your dog is not ready or a good cat candidate. If you decide that a cat is not a good idea for your family, then I commend you on your decision. It's not about if you can make it work but if it's a good idea for all the family members, including your dog and new cat. If on the other hand, you decide a cat would make a great addition, here are six tips to make the transaction smoother.

Organic Dog Food: Nourishing Natural Ingredients for Your Dog's Diet

Fortunately, there are numerous dog food producers that have carefully put together a series of organic types of food. Because of the love they have for dogs and because they wanted to achieve success in their businesses, these companies have created a way for your dog to have a healthier life and to suffer from as few conditions as possible by mixing organic ingredients and selling them under the form of dry beans for all kinds of pooches to eat. As it follows, you will find a few examples of brands that have dedicated a part of their work to making natural food for dogs. If you choose to feed your dog with organic food under the form of beans, you should carefully choose the right variety for its needs. There are renowned dog food companies that pay special attention to a pooch's nutrition. In time, they have created precise nutritional solutions that are tailored to every dog breed, lifestyle and activity level as well.

How To Keep Your Dog From Running Away: Why Does Fido Wants To Go And How You Can Stop Him?

A puppy that runs can get hit by a car, be stolen, or assaulted by another creature or wind up at a shelter. Fortunately, there is a solution for this issue, as we always provide one for you. Read through this article and find out about ways on how to keep your dog from running away. Do not give up on him it takes time and patience for your dog to learn to live by the rules you have set up. Your gate is always open Well, it is natural that your dog will not feel restricted and will try to wander around to mark its territory and sniff with other canines. Keep in mind that roaming is usually very rewarding for your four legged friend. Sometimes, the leftovers in the neighborhood are tastier than the kibble he eats every day. The holes they dig, the territory they mark, the social activity with other pooches, everything that is either forbidden or restricted for your dog is offered on a plate to your Rex, and that must be exciting and fun for him.

How to Keep Your Dog From Running Away: Reasons And Prevention

Fortunately, there is a solution for this issue, as we always provide one for you. Read through this article and find out about ways on how to keep your dog from running away. Do not give up on him it takes time and patience for your dog to learn to live by the rules you have set up. Your gate is always open Well, it is natural that your dog will not feel restricted and will try to wander around to mark its territory and sniff with other canines. Keep in mind that roaming is usually very rewarding for your four legged friend. Sometimes, the leftovers in the neighborhood are tastier than the kibble he eats every day. The holes they dig, the territory they mark, the social activity with other pooches, everything that is either forbidden or restricted for your dog is offered on a plate to your Rex, and that must be exciting and fun for him. You are probably wondering if your pooch is the type that would roam and run around if given the chance.

Bone Cancer in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide for Dog Owners

First symptoms of bone cancer happen due to the spread of metastasis into other organs in the body. If you are a proper dog lover who takes strict and consistent appointments to the doctor, there are greater chances that your dog will be cured from the first advent symptom of bone cancer. On the other hand, if you are well aware of the symptoms and reactions of a dog in pain because of a tumor, then it is highly possible that you can help diagnose and treat your dog with proper medical care at the right time. All or any improvement of the symptoms is in no way an indication of the reduction of cancer in your dog. On the other hand, it might even become direct, deep, and malignant growth in the dog if neglected for long. All types of diagnosis for bone cancer require advanced test and observational techniques. The first step is to take your dog to a professional physician who is certified as an expert in his field.

Best Tick Repellent For Dogs: Keeping Your Dog Safe From Ticks While Outdoors

As a dog owner, the most important thing to you is that your dog's happy. You'll take your pet to their favorite park, buy them birthday cakes, cuddle with them during a movie this is all out of love for your dog. Naturally, when you take your dog into the outdoors, you're expecting them to play with others and explore nature. However, what you're not expecting is for them to come home with other critters on them. You know what ones we're talking about ticks. Now, for the most part, ticks aren't dangerous, however, if left on your dog for an extended amount of time, your dog could be susceptible to getting Lyme Disease. That's when things can take a drastic turn and your dog can end up with kidney failure or even death in severe cases. Nor you or your dog need to experience this, so this is why choosing a tick repellent for your dog is absolutely crucial.

Best Probiotics For Dogs: Keep Your Dog's Digestive Tract On Track

A dog owner's top concern is keeping their dog healthy. However, a healthy dog isn't just a dog that doesn't get sick. Owners who want to keep their dog healthy take preventive measures. Fortunately, there are supplements and probiotics made for dogs, which helps keep dogs as healthy as possible. Probiotics can improve digestive and intestinal health, which can have a positive effect on your dog's immune system. However, with so many probiotics available for purchase, we know choosing the right one is difficult. That's why we have done some research for you. Finding the right probiotic for your dog can be overwhelming. Various probiotics contain different ingredients and have varying health benefits. You want the absolute best for you dog to ensure he stays healthy for many, many years. To find a suitable probiotic, you have to consider several factors How you give your dog a probiotic is worth considering.

How To Tell If Your Dog Is Pregnant: Make Sure You're Ready To Receive The Pups

Dogs are a wonderful addition to any home. They provide you with companionship, late night cuddles, and extra exercise which we all could use. How can we say this in any other way dogs are great So, the more the merrier, right Not really. A litter of pups is great. However, no one wants to be surprised with a litter of newborns like a bolt from the blue one sunny Saturday morning. Knowing how to tell if your dog is pregnant can help ease you into the situation. Pregnancy is beautiful, but it's always nice to know ahead of time. Too bad our dogs couldn't just tell us Well, don't worry about that. In this article, we're going to show you the most common signs of pregnancy that way, you can take the necessary steps to ensure that your dog has a safe and healthy delivery. That way, you'll be able to spot the signs ahead of time and go through the pregnancy with a clear mind. You may be wondering how your dog even became pregnant.

Cold Weather Care for Your Dog: Protect Fido from Winter

Having a dog to share your life with is a rewarding experience, especially when you can build memories playing outside together. Going to parks, playing frisbee in the yard, or just lounging on the grass with the warm sun overhead are all wonderful ways to spend time with your dog. However, when the weather starts to get cold, there are less opportunities for you to go outside. It can also be an unpleasant experience for your dog, depending on the kind of breed you have. Some dogs thrive in the cold, but others weren't meant for such frigid temperatures, and special measures must be taken in order to ensure that they are comfortable. Cold weather imposes health risks of its own to your canine companion. Here are a few tips for cold weather care for your dog that you should keep in mind. Conducting an annual wellness exam with your veterinarian can do a lot of good for your dog's health. But there are some conditions, such as arthritis, that can be aggravated by the cold weather.

Dog Dental Cleaning: 42 Opportunities To Prove You Really Care For Your Dog

The same applies when we talk about our beloved four-legged companions, right We all love our pets so therefore we do not find it difficult to spend some daily time and energy for walks, playing, feeding, training And as addition to all these activities we do in order to allow our pet's better life, as responsible owners we should also spend some daily time for hygiene maintenance as one of the key things in the prevention of an onset of health issues in our pets. The care of your dog's oral health including proper dog dental cleaning is a very important part of this topic If you really want to allow your dog's happy life, first you must make sure you fully understand your dog and his needs. Keep on mind that your dog is a carnivore and his entire digestive system, including the oral cavity and the teeth are made for such type of diet.

Dog Skin Allergies: How to Help Your Dog Overcome Itchy Skin

Happiness is having a scratch for every itch, said Ogden Nash, and probably there is no dog in this world which wouldn't agree with this statement. Pruritus (itching) and skin problems in dogs can be caused by different causes, however, itching represents one of the most typical symptoms of dog skin allergies. You'll notice that your dog is scratching the ears, the face and the armpit area frequently, or it is licking and chewing the skin in the area of the stomach and hind legs Anti-itch therapies will help your dog feel better for a while but you must have on mind that this medications only eliminate the symptoms but they don't fix the root cause of the problem. Besides the frequent scratching you can also notice symptoms like hair lose, scaly areas or acne-like bumps on your dog's skin. Having on mind that this allergy is actually caused the flea saliva, it is recommended to bathe your dog to eliminate all traces of flea saliva and feces.

How To Take Care Of A Pregnant Dog: Valuable Information For Any Dog Owner

You must think about these possibilities before allowing your dog to mate and get pregnant. If you cannot commit to the responsibilities that will entail the birth of the puppies, then you may as well prevent that pregnancy at the outset. There are already a lot of stray dogs which are being put down on kennels because there are not enough resources to go around. This may seem to be a funny question but there are a lot of cases when a dog did appear to be pregnant but it turned out to be a false one. Your dog may develop all the tell-tale signs of pregnancy such as a bigger belly, swollen nipples, lethargy, and even morning sickness but turn out to be a false pregnancy. It is quite difficult to tell whether your dog is actually pregnant since tests can only be carried out about a month after the breeding. The dog will secrete a hormone called relaxin which becomes quite abundant when the egg is fertilized.

How To Calculate Dog Years: Knowing Your Dog's Age More Accurately

There are different reasons why you should calculate your dog's age accurately. Just like human beings, dogs have different nutritional and medical needs as they age. Senior dogs, for instance, need additional vitamins and minerals such as glucosamine for better joint health while puppies need calcium and iron for stronger bones and teeth. Therefore, the goal of this article is to help you better care for your dogs by advising you on the topic of how are dog years calculated. We are going to explain more about the 7 1 ratio and why this method is not as accurate as some other methods such as the American Veterinary Medical Association method. By the end of this article, you'll know exactly what kind of nutritional and medical care your dog needs so you'll be able to fulfill them and make your dog live a longer, healthier life. The 7 1 ratio has been around for a long time and is considered one of the easiest ways to convert dog years to human years.

How Much Tramadol Can I Give My Dog: Learn How To Alleviate Your Dog's Pain Correctly

The right amount of tramadol will reduce your dog's brain capacity to recognize pain. The painless state will allow your dog to rest properly so his body will have the energy required to mend itself and recover. Giving your dog the right amount of tramadol becomes even more important if you plan to do something that might cause him more pain even as you try to alleviate it. If you give him too little, he's going to feel that pain, and we know that's something you want to avoid, so we are going to help you do just that. We are here to answer as many of your questions as possible. While you go through this article, you will immediately understand when you should use tramadol and most importantly, what is the recommended dosage for your dog. Moreover, we will give you more information on what possible side effects may occur and what solutions you can implement to help your dog go through the treatment.

Dog Tear Stains: How to Keep Your Dog's Eyes Clean

Tear stains are very visible especially after your dog has been outdoors or exposed to light. Upon coming into contact with light, tear stains usually darken in color hence becoming very visible. Differentiating between the two stains is very important because it will assist you in providing the right type of treatment for your dog. Furthermore, another distinguishable feature of yeast infection is that it is odiferous. Hence, the infected dog will have an unusual smell on the face. All in all, it is very important to know, that dogs can have the two conditions at the same time, especially with the excessive tearing that often leads to the yeast infection. There are some things that you can do as a dog owner to ensure that your pets face is not only clean but also free from porphyrin containing moisture. As a dog owner, it is your duty to ensure that your pets face is wiped at least twice a day with a warm, soft and damp cloth.

Aspirin For Dogs: How Much Aspirin Is Safe For Your Dog?

When it comes to our loved ones, we can't see them in pain. The moment they are afflicted with some disease or pain, we opt for immediate medicinal relief. It's easy enough to administer aspirin to relieve pain for humans, but when the one in pain is your dog, one question running circles in your mind might be How much aspirin can I give my dog Not knowing the safest amount of human formulated aspirin dosage often leads to serious side effects for your pooch. Aspirin is a drug designated for humans after all. It can be a very effective painkiller for dogs also, but only if you know the right dosage. With a little care on your part, you can prevent your dog experiencing from additional health troubles. Just like several other NSAIDs (carprofen, ibuprofen, naproxen), aspirin too is a non-steroidal drug for pain (joint pain), fever and inflammation relief. Generally used on humans, dog owners often use it on their pets too.

Vaccination Schedule for Dogs: What Shots Your Dog Needs And When

Have you looked into a proper vaccination schedule for your dog(s) If not, that's probably something you should get done right away. After all, one of the simplest things we can do to keep our furry friends in good health is to make sure they get all their vaccinations on time It may not seem like a big deal, but a puppy who can develop Parvovirus before getting vaccinated is not likely to make it. That may seem dramatic, but the sad truth is it happens. Not only can your dog get sick and potentially die, but if they contract rabies and bite you or anyone else they are putting human and dog lives alike at risk. Every state has their own laws for how often your dog will need to get a rabies shot after his initial puppy vaccination, but your vet will be able to tell you if this is not often enough. (Some states only require it every three years or so while others require rabies vaccinations to be renewed every year.

Best Dog Bones: What Treats Are Best for Your Dog?

There are many different views on what the best and healthiest dog bones are. No matter what breed of dog you own, they are going to have the natural instinct to chew. This not only helps to strengthen their teeth, it helps to keep their teeth clean as well. So if you prefer not to take a tooth brush to your dog once a day to keep his teeth and gums healthy then getting the right type of dog chew is essential. We're going to cover different types of bones from raw hide to chews manufactured specifically for dental cleaning as well as all the benefits of each. You may want to get a combination of these to keep your dog occupied or you may find one that your dog absolutely loves and just buy that type. As long as you are buying your dog a healthy and safe to chew bone your dog will be one happy camper. On the other hand, you should never feed your dog cooked chicken bones, pork bones or anything from your meals as most of them are going to have a good chance of splintering.

Best Dog Food Bowl Holder: Quality Mealtime For Your Dog

It's probably no doubt that both playtime and mealtime are the two favorite times of the day as far as your dog is concerned. Indeed, it's likely that nothing is as happy as your pet chowing down her meal after a long day. Nevertheless, quality mealtime is never just a matter of nutrition, rather, it does take into account the best dog food bowl holders too. Has your sole focus when selecting the perfect bowl holder for your dog been color, price, and style Well, I think it's time to wake up to a new reality. Whilst these features are key, your focus should be more on your pet's comfort, health and satisfaction as they have their kibble. To help you achieve that as well as simplifying your selection process, take the following into account. Free-flowing feeders are best suited for disciplined dogs. Those that can stop eating when full as failure to can result in serious digestion problems.

Best Dog Food Mat: Treat Your Dog And Improve His Hygiene With A Great Feeding Mat

Dogs tend to be quite messy when indulging in their favorite chow and this can be quite frustrating if you are the one needing to clean up after them. With the best dog food mat, you can potentially eliminate the need to clean up afterward and this will save you time and frustration, whilst your dog can still continue enjoying their favorite meals. Since there are many different types and brands on the market today, we completely understand how daunting it can be for you to find the perfect mat for your dog. We have done all the legwork and eliminated the need for you to put in the extra time and effort when doing research. We have prepared a guide that will teach you how to shop for dog food mats by determining the best features to consider. Plus, we have chosen our top dog mats that will be ideal for your dogs and won't force you to break the bank.

Choosing The Best Dry Food For Your Dog

Dry kibbles or other shapes and sizes of dog food have taken over the pet food market, in entirety. One might wonder if this dry biscuits, treats and extra-sized bone in your puppy's mouth is safer than the milk, beef bones and chicken limbs from your table-top. In its actuality, the contaminants, security and safety of the street-side butcher's chicken legs and head might just exceed without awareness to result in damaging health and comfort of your dog. Apart from the many advantages of dry food for your dog, dry food provides much health, nutrients and strength to our dog as well as patience as well as discipline. Dry foods are less fussy than feeding gooey liquids and half-baked chicken slices that your darling little pup drags around the whole house. Dry food is also the best food to provide nutrients, minerals and vitamins for your dog in the best measure.

Best Elevated Dog Bowls: Saving Your Dog's Aching Neck

As your dog gets older, you may notice that he has a harder time of getting around and doing the things he used to do. It can be a bit heartbreaking to see your dog wear down with age, but that doesn't mean you have to sit by and just watch. So what can you do to make his senior years easier The first thing people consider is mobility devices, but never think of getting one of the best elevated dog bowls to save on neck and back strain. Your dog has to bring his neck and head pretty low to the ground to get to his food and water, which can be painful for dogs with arthritis or other kinds of joint muscle problems. Fortunately, there's is no shortage of the best elevated dog bowls that you can buy in the market. Before you run out to buy an elevated dog bowl, there are some very important things to keep in mind. It would be a waste of time and money to get one without first keeping these considerations in mind.

Best Vegetables For Dogs: 10 Leafy Diets That Would Improve Your Dog's Life

Dogs often have a special love for people food,' but most of them are bad for your dog. It may seem unfair at times all you want to do is share all the delicious foods you eat with your best friend, but you can't even do that lest you ruin their health. Luckily, there's one type of food that's good for people and dogs alike. Feeding your best friend the best vegetables for dogs will not only improve their health, it will also make them love you more. There are a number of vets and animal care specialists who would not advise that you feed vegetables to your dog. But there seems to be no solid proof to back up this claim of theirs. After all, canines used to feast on vegetables in the wild before they were tamed by humans. You can even confirm this by checking that the dog is not a full carnivore, but an herbivore-carnivore species. Feeding them vegetables is certainly a much better way to ensure their health than say, feeding them commercially-processed dry dog food.

Raw Food Diet: Facts and Advices About Raw Menu for Your Dog

The raw food diet for dogs is becoming quite a controversial issue among pet owners. This article is to shed some light on the pros, cons and key information everyone should know about the raw food diet, in hope it will allow you to make an informed decision on if the raw diet is suitable for your pooch. It is incredibly important to create a diet for your dog which can suit all of their needs. With a growing number of allergies and health issues in pure breed dogs, their diet is essential to their growth and health throughout their lives. Before deciding on a new diet for your dog you should take into consideration the nutritional value of your current food and whether or not it is meeting the standards you want, the nutrition your dog needs and whether or not you can improve on this. A study showed higher amounts of bacteria in raw food diets, however they also showed that some dry foods contained the bacteria as well, showing that bacteria contamination of pet food is universal.