USE DOG TRAINING TO BOND WITH YOUR DOG

22.08 in bond, choosen, collar, Dog, for, have, puppy, right, the, to, training, use, with, you, your

USE DOG TRAINING TO BOND WITH YOUR DOG

Owning a dog that can carry out antics and is very docile and well trained is a pleasure and delight of every dog owner. Owning a dog that in reality pays attention, hangs on to each word and abides by its master would surely be appreciated and awarded. This would firmly strengthen the bond. What’s more, a dog well trained knows the way to “socialize” properly with people and other dogs.

Dogs are one of the most cherished pets in every part of the world. They are well received in more homes than any other domestic animal ever. Though they are in general affectionate, devoted and faithful, they can be taught to be more compliant. A well trained and well behaved dog is more cherished in any family and is shown more affection and consideration. The times you spent with each other performing antics and teaching equals to a connection that grows deeper each day.
You will definitely feel secure in taking your dog just about anyplace, to the park, vacations, beach, if you know that they will be conducting properly.

Getting to Know How your Dog Feels

Though animals are not thought to be as refined mentally as humans are, people can make the change. Dog training permits us to comprehend how the dog experiences and behaves.

Dogs are group animals, they fit in to groups and require a head, and we will be their person in charge. In dog training we will gain knowledge of how to behave like their head and tell them what to do. When we have set up our role as their “pack leader”, the admiration and faithfulness follows next.

But apart from that, our dog is a member of our family, as each member of the family has their part to play, so does the dog. A dog training sitting would let your dog be aware of his or her part and tasks. In getting to know this, every one would be happy to co-exist with one another furnishing a good atmosphere and a strong joyful bond.

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Ventura Nightmare!

15.06 in Dog, nightmare, ventura

Kiko and I accompanied a friend to Ventura CA to do 3 days of rally, the day we arrived Kiko came down with stomach trouble.  That night I was lucky to wake up in the motel at 2 AM.  I heard Kiko wake up and start scratching, so I thought yay! shes feeling better!  When I turned the lights on I was horrified to see her distorted face.  We rushed her to the emergency room where we spent most of the night.  I could have lost her!  I am so grateful she woke me up. 

The last picture is how her nose should look. Poor Kiko!

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Facts About Dog Training Need To Know

12.35 in about, Dog, facts, know, need, to, training

If you have never tried to train an animal, the idea may be rather intimidating. There is a lot of information out there and sorting through it all can seem difficult. These are just some tips to help you start out with dog training the right way.

Your dog should enjoy being trained by you. Keep in mind that your dog does not have an attention span that goes beyond fifteen minutes. Keep your rewards coming and vary what you give them. Your dog should enjoy lots of praise for a job well-done. Your dog will be more receptive if you make training time fun!



 When you can learn what will motivate your dog, you will have more success in your training. Spend some time to learn what all about your dog - what will work for him, what he likes, and which training techniques will be a waste of time. Offer your dog a lot of positive reinforcement and an array of training techniques. When the dog is happy, he will want to perform better.

 If your dog has separation anxiety, its important that it learns to connect with more than one person. The dogs relationships to other people serve to dilute its unhealthy level of dependence and fixation on you that causes it so much grief.

 Do not take out your other frustrations on your dog by speaking to it sternly for no reason. Keep in mind that unless your dog has misbehaved immediately before your interaction, your behavior toward the dog should be positive in nature.

 Positively encourage your dog without using treats. Offering treats as rewards for learning new tricks or behavior can be effective. However, its unlikely that you will carry treats around every single day for the rest of your dogs life. Petting and hugging dogs as positive reinforcement while training is better than giving them treats.

 Modify and update your dogs training as necessary, so he remains in compliance with the rules. A lot of owners will train their dogs once and not conduct any refreshers. Like their human owners, pets truly are creatures of habit. Therefore, it is vital that your dog follows an established rule system at all times.

 Dogs can learn a multi-step behavior by stepwise refinement just like humans can. One example might be to teach him to fetch your daily newspaper. You will need to teach him or her how to hold something first. Next, your dog will need to learn the objects name. After that, he needs to learn how to lift up the object. Finally, he should learn to bring the object to you. If you break it down, your dog will understand the linear relationship of the behavior.

 Limit the time of your training sessions with your dog so he doesnt lose focus. Dogs can only handle a short amount of training at a time, so dont overdo it. Try limiting training sessions to 10 minutes or less.

 Dogs learn by repetitive technique and reward. Repetition and reward are the best ways to train a dog. However, you should limit your training sessions to a certain time frame otherwise you may both become frustrated. This is the most effective way to modify a dogs behavior or teach him a trick. You have to show them with plenty of repetition and rewards.

 You wont get anywhere in your dog training routine if your dog feels unsafe. If they do not feel safe, they may show bad behavior. Make your dogs surroundings comfortable and safe in order for this not to happen.

 Do not give your dog any punishments when you are in the process of training. Try to prevent bad behavior, but if it does happen, show your dog what he should have done. Training is about teaching your dog, and building a good relationship with him.

 Never try to train a dog while youre short on patience. If youve had a bad day or are unusually short-tempered for some other reason today, its better to put off training until another day. Your patience is vital for encouraging the focused attention your dog needs to get the full benefits of training.

 Your tone of voice is very important when you discipline your dog. Dogs tend to be well in tune with how their trainers are feeling. A firm but stern tone should be enough to reinforce discipline.

 Do not wear out your new puppy with an excessive training regiment. A puppys attention span is short and their energy is limited, so your sessions should be short and positive. If you push too hard, your puppy will remember it as a negative experience, and the next time you work to train him, it will be far more difficult.

 If you know that your dog will react negatively in response to certain triggers, distract him until the moment is over. If your dog is antisocial around other dogs, distract him with something interesting if you get near other neighborhood dogs. This will allow him to make the relation between the positive stimuli and positive things happening.

 If your puppy is caught chewing on something unacceptable, stop him immediately. This helps teach them that they cannot chew on some things and can help them leave your belongs alone when youre not watching.

 Use dog treats that are tasty for your dog, and are of high value in order to obtain great results. Since these treats will be handed out sparingly, it should not matter too much if they are usually off limit items.

 When looking at dog trainers, do a lot of research. Check user reviews on the Internet and learn their training methods. Make sure that the specialist has ideas in line with yours.

 You can prevent your dog from destroying your home by keeping it outdoors when you are away from the house. When this isnt possible, you want to provide things that both appeal to your dog and that are okay for the dog to chew on. Establishing acceptable chews toys is also about keeping those things you do not want your dog to chew up behind closed doors or well out out of reach.

 Utilizing the fore-mentioned tips can enable you to curb common training problems and misconceptions. If you keep these tips in the back of your mind when its time to train your dog, it will kick-start your training into an ultra-efficient routine..

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How to Stop Bad Dog Behaviors

12.00 in

How to Stop Bad Dog Behaviors

Many families take a lot of joy out of having a pet. Dogs are often viewed as the ideal pet because you can interact so much with them. You can teach a dog tricks, take it for a walk, and it will always be a loyal companion. Some dogs like to test their owner’s patience by acting out. This may be in the form of barking non-stop, biting things around the house, or digging holes in the back yard. No pet owner wants to have to deal with bad dog behaviors like this. It’s not only frustrating, but it’s time consuming as well, if you don’t know how to effectively correct the problem.

Adopting an animal when it is very young usually helps to initiate a lasting bond. Once a small puppy is taken from its mother, it relies on its owner for direction. It is at this stage that you want to start reinforcing certain things. One of the most troublesome bad dog behaviors is playing with items the animal shouldn’t be. Typically this is slippers, or small kids’ toys, it can even be expensive purses or shoes. The dog has no idea what is and isn’t a toy, so it just assumes everything is. The owner should be mindful of what it left within the dog’s reach and if he or she notices the dog picking up something it shouldn’t be, a firm “no” always helps. Repetition is often necessary to ensure the dog understands the rule and to correct this type of dog behavior problems.

Accidents in the home sometimes occur and if they aren’t dealt with swiftly, the problem can be a persistent one. Many puppies relieve themselves wherever and whenever the mood strikes them. This is one of the bad dog behaviors that can really impact your life. It’s important for the owner to take the dog outside at regular intervals when it is young so it becomes accustomed to not going inside the house. If that’s not possible, you can paper train the dog, which is also very helpful.

Biting is another issue that some dog owners find themselves facing. Typically it’s not that the dog is meaning to bite anyone. It’s more that the dog is playing and nips at the person. This is especially troubling if you have young children in the home. Correcting bad dog behaviors like this is really important. You don’t want to end up having a dog that bites people who are at your home visiting. This could have very serious results so you need to work with the dog, by scolding it when it does attempt to play in this fashion.

It’s so nice to have a pet for the entire family to enjoy. With a little work and commitment you can train your dog to be a wonderful and loving companion for years to come. Dog behavior problems can always be corrected if you take the right approach

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Meeting of the Minds

21.38 in Dog, meeting, minds, of, the

I had a wonderful meeting this week with Portlands own Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, Dr. Chris Pachel of Animal Behavior Clinic.  My expectations were high - before leaving Florida, Dr. Lisa Radosta (also a veterinary behaviorist - believe it or not they are two of only about 60 in the country) told me if we were headed to Portland, Oregon that I had to get in touch with Dr. Pachel.  She said he was an incredible behaviorist and an equally positive personality.  I had dealt with him already through a client that we shared, and hadnt been disappointed.

It was a great meeting.  Dr. Pachel is very down-to-earth, which means that even though he has incredible education and experience, he is easy to relate to.  I appreciate his approach to behavior and medicine.  It will be hard to know until we interact more, but I feel like his methods are very similar to mine, which will make it easy to refer my clients when they need his help, as well as to work with referrals of his patients to help them with follow through and moving their dogs behavior in a positive direction.

Its fantastic to know that I have a resource in Dr. Pachel.  For those of you that dont know, his position is why I never refer to myself as a "behaviorist."  Trainers that do are using the word inappropriately, because unlike dog training, there is a medical degree that makes someone officially a "behaviorist."  Whats the difference? 

Dog trainers can work on a variety of things, including socializing puppies, house training, obedience training (like teaching sit,down, stay, come, heel, etc.) and changing problem behaviors like jumping up, bolting through doors or barking at squirrels in the yard.  A dog trainer may also choose to handle some behavior cases, if they have the education and experience to do so.  Those may include mild cases of separation anxiety, house training problems in grown dogs, or a dog who is afraid of the vacuum cleaner. Some trainers handle aggression and some dont - if you are looking for help with aggression make sure you find someone who is qualified and who uses positive methods. 

A veterinary behaviorist isnt likely to be much help for acclimating your new puppy to playing well with other puppies, or for teaching your dog to sit for meeting visitors.  But a veterinary behaviorist may be the right resource for a dog that has extreme fears or compulsions, or for a dog that is so intense in guarding his toys that he has bitten family members in the process.  A veterinary behaviorist can rule out medical causes, can create a behavior modification plan that is appropriate for a dog with complex training needs, and can prescribe medication if that is something that will be helpful in the animals recovery.

We are fortunate to have a veterinary behaviorist in the Northwest, and even luckier that it is someone as caring and personable as Dr. Chris Pachel!                                                                              

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Will Feeding People Food Make Your Dog Beg

21.31 in beg, Dog, feeding, food, make, people, will, your

Heres the thing about "people food."  It doesnt exist.  Theres no such thing.  Okay, well, obviously there is food that people eat.  But when it comes down to it, food is food.  Chicken is chicken whether it is eaten by a person or a dog.

Therefore, this concept of "If I feed my dog people food shell learn to beg," cant be entirely true.  But if the ingredients arent the problem, is it how they are prepared?  If you feed a dog only chicken that comes out of a bag in the form of kibble, will she never beg?  Well, if that were true it would mean that by only being fed kibble its whole life, a dog would not recognize "people food" as something worth begging for.  Not worth it?  If a whole chicken fell on the floor, would a dog walk away, thinking to herself "hmm... not kibble.  Must not be food."?  Not a chance. ("Gulp, that chicken was good!")

But there is an answer.  Its a simple one, in fact.  A dog learns to beg based on where she is fed, not what she is fed. If you eat popcorn on the couch and always toss the dog a few kernels (guilty), shell sit by the couch and beg every time you eat popcorn.  Youll get those pleading eyes and folded back ears; the "I havent eaten in months and Ive been SO good" look.  If your kids sneak table scraps to the dog, expect some drooling during dinner.

Alright, so why does it matter?  Is people food good for your dog?  Should you change your routine and start offering dinner scraps (or just eliminate the guilt if you already are)?  If "people food" and "dog food" is all just food, are there things that are good for your dog?  Not good for her?  Yes, and you should stay tuned to find out!

 

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Using the Term Aggression to Label Domestic Dogs is Just Name Calling!

21.10 in aggression, calling, Dog, dogs, domestic, is, just, label, name, term, the, to, using

I hear the phrase "my dog is aggressive" or "my dog is being dominant" all too often. Before jumping to conclusions and "diagnosing" the dog, its my job, as a certified professional dog trainer, to sift through the subjectiveness and labels that go along with what the human is trying to describe. I want to know what the dog is actually doing, not what he or she might be thinking.

I know there are folks out there claiming to be pet psychics - well, Im not one of them. I dont read minds, of humans or of dogs, so I like to rely on good old fashioned science for developing a dog training plan. Is this a "cold" approach? Hmm, thats subjective too. I like to think of it more as a realistic, simple approach that can get the job done!

You want behaviors changed right? You want your dog to be or act a certain way, right? So why not get there the easiest way possible? This way, you can have more time playing and having fun with your dog, versus trying to figure out if theyre trying to take over the world. How can it be done? Simple:

1. What is your dog doing now? Describe it! Paint a picture.
2. What would you rather have your dog do instead? Describe it!
3. What do you need to do to their environment to help get them there? Set your dog up for success, not failure!
4. How do you need to let your dog know she or he made the right choice? Reward your dog for the desired behavior!

See how simple it can be? Sure you do! Now, go out there and do it! Even for fun, just practice with one behavior your dog already knows, but train him or her to perform that behavior in a different place.

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Useful Dog Training Stay

20.01 in Dog, stay, training, useful

Have you ever been in obedience class and caught yourself thinking, "this is great, but whats the point???"  Its a fair enough question.  In general, anything (positive) you teach your dog is beneficial, because it increases the bond, communication and respect between you and your dog.  But some training may be beneficial in ways that arent readily apparent.

"Stay" is a great example of a useful command.  Maybe when you started training you had grand expectations of being able to tell your dog "stay" and then parade around the house doing chores, walk down the street to the mailbox, return home and do some yoga, all while your obedient dog remained frozen in place where you left him.  And maybe you now think that "stay" is a useless command - after all, how many chores can you get done when you are stuck at the end of a 6-foot leash praising and reminding your dog that he should stay put?

In reality, if you dont teach your dog how to "stay" beyond what is learned in a 15-minute lesson at basic obedience class, then no, you probably wont get much use out of the command.  However, turning "stay" into a really useful command isnt that difficult and it probably isnt far out of reach.

The key to turning "stay" into a command you can be proud of is working on 3 things:

Distance
Duration
Distraction

Gradually work on improving each one, making sure you go at your dogs pace.  If hes not successful 90% (or more) of the time then youre moving too fast.  Also, try to work on one skill at a time.  Want to work on increasing the distractions your dog can tolerate without breaking his stay?  Dont ask him to ignore temptations for 5 minutes in a row, even if he can hold the stay for 5 minutes without a lot of distractions (consider releasing him after only a minute instead).

So what do you get for all your hard work?  Lots of things!  "Stay" can keep your dog in the bathtub while you grab the towels you accidentally left on the counter.  It can be used in an emergency if you drop a glass and need to prevent cut paws while you clean the mess.  And my favorite this month, "stay" can help you get some great holiday photos.  How many uses can you think of?  Over the next week think about how many opportunities you would have to use the command "stay" if only your dog could do it.  Then give your dog the gift of some time spent training.  Youll enjoy the journey and the destination!
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Merry Christmas from Pistol

 Yes, he got a cookie for tolerating the photo shoot!

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Stay consistent to train dog

18.50 in consistent, Dog, stay, to, train

Training should begin immediately after you have gotten home with your new pet. Training your dog is beneficial to both you and your pet. These suggestions will help you in your pet training efforts.

Introduce new animals to one another very slowly. Weighs the pros and the cons before adopting another pet. For optimal bonding, select a new pet whose personality is similar to that of your current pet.



 Stay consistent when you are trying to train your dog. Make sure everyone knows the right commands to give the dog; keep a list if necessary. Behavior should be rewarded or not depending on the affect that is being sought. Your dog will become very confused if each person responds differently to a single type of behavior. This will make training very hard.

 When you are house training a dog, you may want to use a crate. Let the dog out on a regular schedule to make the crate training most effective. Once your dog has acclimated to the crate, he will be far less accident-prone indoors.

 Dogs have the uncanny ability to have single-minded focus when something catches their attention. Repetition and practice will result in your dog waiting to take cues from you rather than being distracted by other things.

 Everyone in your household needs to be on board for dog training to be effective. While he may have one person who works with him on a regular basis, having everyone be a part of his training will teach him that he must follow the rules of the house at all times, and keep his training more consistent.

 Always get your dogs attention by using his name. To train your dog, you need a certain level of control. Getting them used to their name and coming when you call will help you achieve this. Repeat this several times daily. Also, dont punish your dog if he comes over when you call him by name.

 Teach your pet the proper way to walk on a leash. When they walk properly, it makes both of you safer when you both go walking.

 You need a commanding control if you are starting to train your dog. Your dog will neither obey nor respect you if he believes he is the leader of your household. Never allow your dog pull on the leash while you are on a walk.

 Although there are many benefits to using a harness, you will have less control over your dog than if he is wearing a cinch collar. If you plan on using a harness outside of training, put both that and a collar on your dog during the training process. This will teach him to respond to commands even after the cinching collar is removed.

 Using wee-wee pads is actually counter productive when you are potty training your new puppy. The problem with the wee-wee pads is that they leak and leave enzymes from urine and feces behind. Potty pads can also mislead your dog into thinking that similarly shaped items throughout your home, like rugs, are appropriate places to go. The best option is to toilet train your dog outdoors.

 Do not wear out your new puppy with an excessive training regiment. Remember that all dogs have short attention spans and puppies even more so. Hell likely forget everything you taught him if you do too much at once. He will also look at training as a negative experience and it will be harder next time.

 Choose from a range of treats to give your dog as training reward. These treats cannot be confused with every day treats at first, because you need to create a sense of specialness which will encourage the dog to obey your commands, since they know that the treats they will be receiving are out of the ordinary.

 Every dog is unique and is motivated to learn by different things. Dog training can be a learning experience, especially with it comes to determining what motivates your pet. It doesnt matter the reason you want to train your dog, you need to offer a variety of exercises along with positive reinforcement. Any time your dog is happy, you will find they have a better performance.

 Challenge your dog frequently. Give him "quizzes" to make sure he still knows his stuff, even if you both know he does.

 Dogs are just like people; they love hearing the sound of their own names and the use of the name will call them to attention. It is especially important to do this during the first weeks of training, in order to establish that name-attention association. Make the name simple and easy for the puppy to recognize.

 Its important to include your family when training your dog. The house rules and specific expectations will be more apparent to the new dog if everyone, not just the primary trainer, follows the same training procedures.

 If its possible, start training your dog when it is a puppy. Its not absolutely necessary, but young dogs do better with training. If you train your dog when he is a puppy, then he will continue to be a good dog for the remainder of his life.

 Try not to use wee-wee pads as a tool in potty training your day. The problem with the wee-wee pads is that they leak and leave enzymes from urine and feces behind. The pads may also confuse the dog because of their shape. It could cause the dog to think that a bathroom mat or welcome mat is a place to go potty. The best option is to toilet train your dog outdoors.

 A clicker works well when training most dogs. Using a clicker is as simple as showing your dog that good things happen when the clicking noise is heard. Try using this technique right away, doing it frequently over a span of a few days. Your dog will soon know that the clicking noise means that they are doing a good job.

 Dogs that are well trained are normally happy. Use the advice youve read to start training your dog properly..

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I Will Try To Be Better

16.44 in be, better, Dog, i, to, try, will

I have been neglectful in my blogging.  As is normally the case, Ive tried to do too much and ended up with nothing at all.  So, long, insightful articles pushed aside, I will try to do what a writer should do.  Write.  Just make it happen, no matter what.  There is plenty going on. 

I have a dog who is drinking so much (gallons) and peeing so much that he has been banished to an outdoor kennel during the day.  A posh, comfy kennel, but an outdoor kennel all the same.  Ive never had an outdoor dog. 

I have a new board & train dog starting next week - a little Havanese that is aggressive towards other dogs when on leash.  It will be fun to work with him.  Hopefully I can improve his outlook and help make life easier for him and his loving owners.

I had a wonderful conversation today with Dr. Chris Pachel, the area veterinary behaviorist.  I like his style and look forward to meeting him next Tuesday. 

We had a full blown hail storm tonight, with an icy accumulation and enough lightning and thunder to send Timber into a panting, pacing tizzy.  Watch out Tim, that thunder might get you!

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Crate Training Your Dog Creating a Home Sweet Home atmosphere

14.02 in a, atmosphere, crate, creating, Dog, home, sweet, training, your

Ive been working with many new puppy parents, as well as families that have recently adopted adult dogs. From each and every one, Ive received the proverbial crate question: "What do you think about me crate training my dog?" Fortunately I have an answer: I think you should. Why? For a few reasons.

1. Bedroom: Just like us humans, our domestic dogs need a place to call their own. A safe, comfortable, warm, cozy environment where they can be by themselves. 
2. Retreat: A crate can also be that safe-haven "den" (or bedroom or crib) where they can retreat in times of stress. For instance, if youre having lots of company, and your dog is overwhelmed, they can go off on their own, with a yummy chew toy, and chew until they fall fast asleep. 
   
3. Management: Those times when you dont have time to train your dog, or supervise and monitor their behavior, a crate can act as confinement to help set them up for success. If theyre in their crate, theyre not roaming about eliminating on the new rug or chewing up furniture. 
4. Pet Preparedness: You never know when you might need to put your dog in a crate. Crate training is a huge part of Pet Preparedness. If you even need to evacuate because of disaster, many places will require that your pet be in a crate. As I mention in all of my dog training classes, dog training workshops, and private dog training clients, you want train it before you need it! 

So, what are some of the best ways for you to get your dog used to their "sanctuary"? The training steps are pretty simple actually, but just like any new behavior, you need to teach them slowly, helping them create a positive association. 

Creating a Home Sweet Home For Your Pooch: Crate Training Overview

• How to make the crate the best place to be: The "Dos"
• Take the time to teach your puppy or newly adopted adult dog that their crate is a fun, safe, relaxing place to be. Make it comfortable with bedding the individual dog finds comfortable (not what we humans think is)
• Make sure the crate is large enough for your pup to be able to stand up turn around, and get comfortable. 
• Teach your pup to associate their crate with all good things. 
• Start slow and easy - treats for looking at the crate, going into the crate, then staying in the crate - for only a few seconds at a time. While youre still there with them. 
• Keep the door open until your pup is going in their on his own. Once your pup is going in on their own, you can begin closing the door, feed treats through the door. Let your pup out, then all treats stop. Hell soon learn that being in the crate is much more fun than being outside of it. 
• Feed him his meals in the crate 
• Chew bones in the crate 
• Food toys in the crate
• Crates can still be used for a "Time Out" since the punishment is more about losing out on something the dog wanted, like freedom or playing with a family member or friend. A Time Out for a dog should only be for about 20 seconds. And, if they already have a positive association with their crate, and 99% of the time good things happen in their crate, then they shouldnt end up hating their crate. Just like when children are sent to their room, its not the room they hate but the fact that they lost out on participating in some other activity. 

• How to teach your puppy or newly adopted dog to hate their crate: "The Do NOTs" 
• Refrain from shoving your pup into the crate and slamming the door, and walking away. 
• Refrain from pushing your dog into the crate and leaving them there on their own, after never being left alone before. 
• Refrain from leaving them in the crate for so long that they soil their crate. 
• Refrain from using the crate for punishment only. 
• Refrain from using the crate as a "Time Out" because of house soiling or some sort of house destruction. The crate can and should be used for confinement when house-training. But, if a dog soils the carpet, its the humans fault, not the dogs. You dont want to inadvertently punish your dog for greeting you when you get home. 

With time, patience, and consistency you too can get your dog to love their crate. You might create such a wonderful environment youll want to crawl in there too! 

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Being a new dog owner

10.07 in a, being, Dog, new, owner

Training your dog is beneficial to both you and your pet. The following tips will tell you the inside scoop on how to get your pup trained properly.

One of the ways to make a dog more easy to train is to have the dog fixed at six months. This should go hand in hand with the start of obedience classes. A newly neutered or spayed dog is more obedient. You will be able to better enjoy the time you have with your dog and they will be happy and healthy.



 Limit the duration of training sessions. Dogs can only handle a short amount of training at a time, so dont overdo it. Ten minutes is about the length of time a dog can handle.

 Use your dogs name whenever you are offering it a treat. If you want to have control of your dog, you have to teach him to respond to you. Get your dogs attention this way ten times every day. Also, on no occasion punish your dog if he comes running to you whenever you say his name.

 Six months is the recommended age at which a dog should be spayed or neutered. This is also a good time to begin obedience training classes. You dont want hormones to interfere with the learning process. You and your pet will enjoy a longer and happier life together.

 Reward your dog with high-quality treats when you are training him. A treat that is normally forbidden, such as table scraps or cheese, is a great choice.

 Make sure food and outside time are scheduled to help break your dog into being an inside dog. This can train your dog to whine or come get you when he feels the urge, so you can let him out and prevent him from doing his business inside. Having a regular schedule will help your dog know that a potty break will be coming, and he will hold learn to hold his bathroom urges until that time.

 The more active your dog is, the healthier it will be. Dogs get bored just as easily as children. Dogs that are bored are not easy to train. A dog that is happy, and gets the attention that they crave, will be a better behaved and attentive dog. Go on runs or long walks together.

 Give your dog a regular elimination and feeding schedule, so you can house train them. Your dog will adjust to the schedule and he will quickly learn that his outside time is when he should go to the bathroom. Using this schedule can teach your dog how to hold their piddle until the upcoming potty break.

 Stop your pup from chewing on an object that they shouldnt be if you catch them doing that. By doing this your puppy will learn which items he can and cannot chew then, when he is unsupervised, he will be less likely to chew your belongings.

 Your whole family should be involved with training the dog. The house rules and specific expectations will be more apparent to the new dog if everyone, not just the primary trainer, follows the same training procedures.

 Anxious dogs tend to chew things, including your upholstery. If you keep him in a crate and give him toys that are safe for him to chew on, your dog and your house will stay safe.

 Anxious dogs are prone to chewing on things they shouldnt. Dogs like to den up. Giving him a crate to lie in and a toy to chew on will make your dog feel secure and keep him occupied.

 Try training your dog to grab a toy and keep it in his mouth. When you see him mouth a toy, give him a reward or treat and use a clicker. After a few tries you should allow the dog to pick up the toy on his own. When he does, just click and then give a reward. After this, you should only reward your dog after he holds the toy in his mouth.

 Dog learn by doing the same thing over and over, and also by being rewarded. First, you must completely walk the dog through what you want to accomplish, and then set up a daily routine around the behavior that includes rewards. This is the right way in teaching a dog a new trick. Show your pet the right way through rewards and repetition.

 Keep your dog outside if you are not there. It will reduce the headache you get from the dogs uncontrollable chewing. If you dont have a safe place for your puppy outside, consider closing him in a room that doesnt have tempting things for him to get into.

 A new dog requires teaching proper obedience training right from the beginning. It is much easier to get a dog to learn the right way rather than making it unlearn its bad habits. If you never give your dog any scraps from table food, they will never start begging for it.

 The easiest way to keep your dog or new puppy from chewing up everything in the house while you are out is to keep him outdoors while you are gone. If this is not an option for you, the simplest way keep him from chewing is to close the doors to rooms that have appealing items and put other tempting items out of his reach.

 Feed your dog a healthy diet. If your dog isnt getting what he needs from his diet, he will have a hard time concentrating during training. Poor nutrition adversely affects your dogs health and can cause uncharacteristic behavior. A proper diet can affect how well they react to training.

 The best time to start training a dog is when its a puppy. While it isnt essential, a young dog will be easier to train. If you start training your dog when he is young, he will be almost as well-behaved as a child.

 When you get your puppy, be sure to create a bond to him by helping him learn his name. Repeat his name regularly, so he will learn to come to you when he hears it. These should be the primary words your dog needs to learn. Spending a lot of time interacting and playing with your puppy is the best way to establish a bond of love and trust. This will make him easier to train later.

 Understanding a dogs mentality and psyche are crucial to train a dog. When you know and understand this principle, you will be more successful in your efforts. Once someone knows a bit more about dogs, training becomes easier and more likely to work.

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Preparing yourself with some good advice

09.19 in advice, Dog, good, preparing, some, with, yourself

When you decide its time to train your dog, its very common to be a bit lost. Good dog-training skills come naturally to very few people. In order to train your pet properly, preparing yourself with some good advice is an excellent idea. This article contains good guidelines for several different aspects of dog training.

If any sudden behavioral issue occurs, take the dog to the vet to make sure that there is not a health issue involved. Sometimes pain and other health conditions can cause some animals to act strangely or lash out. Animals cant tell us when something is wrong, so they depend on us to interpret their behaviors.



 Giving your dog mental stimulation is an important part of keeping your pet happy and healthy. Visit your local pet shop for new and entertaining toys for your dog on a regular basis. Bored dogs will often turn to chewing furniture, shoes or even drywall, to amuse themselves if they are not given proper stimulation.

 Use your dogs name whenever you are offering it a treat. This will direct his attention to you immediately every time, and especially right before you issue a command. Use your dogs name several times a day. If you need to punish your dog, go to your dog. Dont call him or her to you and then punish.

 To learn how to effectively train your dog, you may want to take an obedience class. The instructors at these schools are trained to deal with a variety of different dogs, even the impossible cases. They can teach a dog to follow commands, heel on a leash and to stop any unnecessary barking.

 Anxiety in dogs often leads to destructive behavior like chewing or clawing. Placing the dog in a safe environment such as a dog crate and providing a chew toy keeps the dog safe and occupied until your return.

 Most cases associated to dog bites result from fear. This occurs whenever dogs feel trapped, threatened, and frightened. Dogs cannot be trained through force. This makes your dog more likely to bite. Your dog will be ready and willing to regard you as the dominant one.

 Dogs tend to concentrate on one thing to the exclusion of everything else unless that concentration is interrupted. With enough training, you will have your dog focusing solely on your signals.

 Once you decide to train your dog, it is very important that you continue with the training no matter what. Without reinforcement, your dog will revert to his old behaviors. You always need to keep training your dog, just like you need to continue feeding it and providing it shelter.

 Avoid tug-of-war games when training a puppy. These games often encourage a puppy to start biting. Dont let this behavior take root by avoiding these games until the dog is older.

 If your dog chews things when you leave him in the house alone, consider building a doghouse and leaving him outside when you go out. When this is not possible due to weather or living in an urban area, close your doors to all of your rooms. This keeps your dog out of your things. Be sure to leave chew toys out for them.

 Always give your dog the tools for success. If you are training it to stop chewing things it shouldnt be chewing on, give it things that it can chew on. In addition, keep the household objects that could be dangerous away from your pet. Items like hairbrushes can cause a dog to choke or could block their airway.

 Training should be done when the dog is young. This is not concrete, but it is known that puppies respond easier to training. If you start training your dog when he is young, he will be almost as well-behaved as a child.

 Remember how many treats you reward your dog with during the course of the day to avoid fattening him up. A lot of people forget to account for treats given during training when considering a dogs diet plan.

 Stay consistent when training your dog. Write down the commands that you use and then make sure each person who needs to know them does. Behavior should be rewarded or not depending on the affect that is being sought. When the people around the dog use different commands and responses, he may become confused and training could suffer.

 Teach everyone in your family to use the same commands to train your dog. Avoid confusion when it comes to disciplining your dog; keep command words consistent throughout the household. Using consistent commands all the time from every person who trains the dog will make training much less confusing for the dog.

 Using a clicker can help them behave better. Using a clicker is simple. Use it to make a good association between the noise and when something good occurs. Try clicking and treating immediately, and doing this several times over a few days. Your dog will soon know that the clicking noise means that they are doing a good job.

 To help you train your dog you should know what kinds of foods your dog likes to eat. Since these will be the rewards for good behavior when you are training the dog, it should be something that really motivates him. Make note of your dogs reaction when the reward is offered.

 Behavior problems that suddenly occur with no reason may indicate a medical problem that needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian. Your dog might be acting out because he is suffering. This behavior may be his way of telling you that there is something wrong with him.

 A clicker works well when training most dogs. Using a clicker is as simple as showing your dog that good things happen when the clicking noise is heard. Try using this technique right away, doing it frequently over a span of a few days. Your dog will soon know that the clicking noise means that they are doing a good job.

 Since you now have what you need, you can use this information to properly train your dog. If youve struggled to determine the right place to start your training efforts, you now have a clear answer..

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Making Dog Walking Outings More Fun For Your Dog You

08.35 in Dog, for, fun, making, more, outings, walking, you, your

As Poncho and I were on our evening stroll today here in Ventura, we played our "lets say hi to our neighbor dogs as we walk by" game, which made it a lot more fun - for the both of us!  

Every time we walked by a house where the dogs started barking, Id say *Hi!*, mention their names (theres Mookie, Zorro, Nick, Guinness and Waylon, red house dog, blue and white house dog, and Heather), and give Poncho a little piece of leftover chicken.  

This is a fun game - Poncho loves it! And of course now, thanks to learning by association, he loves when other dogs bark too...

This is a really simple and fun activity - its actually one of the activity cards found in my Out of the Box Dog Training Game.

What are you doing to make your dog walk outings more fun? For your dog and for yourself?

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Savvy Dog Owners Make Dog Training Class Rewarding

07.28 in class, Dog, make, owners, rewarding, savvy, training

I LOVE my "job"! Being a certified professional dog trainer has so many rewarding elements. I get to:

• Work with dogs
• Work with dog guardians
• Help the human-canine relationship through better bonding.
• Help problems be resolved through fun and rewarding techniques.

I really appreciate people taking the time to be inquisitive. Just last night at my Canine College dog training class over at Ventura College Community Education a couple of students stayed after asking about some dog behavior issues theyre having. I find questions quite rewarding, especially when the answers really help dog guardians see a solution, instead of just the problem.

It seems that "dog aggression" is still a hot topic - and one that many dog owners all too often misunderstand. This family was concerned with their dogs behavior towards other dogs. Their dog would bark, lunge, growl at other dogs while on leash. They wanted to know how to "correct" their dogs behavior. I went through my little check list, taking a brief history and explained a little about normal dog behavior, and the fact that us as humans are really not much different. In brief, this is what I went over:

• "Aggression" is a very subjective term. A "construct" in the applied behavior analysis world. We often tend to try and figure out what the dog is thinking, versus what they are doing (or not doing) when we use labels like this. So I tend to stay away from them whenever possible.
• Barking, lunging and growling are normal ways for dogs to express themselves. Just like us talking, screaming, crying... With dogs, this type of behavior is often a result of "fear". Whether it be fear of something specific, fear of the unknown or fear of not being able to get away from something they dont like, or fear of not being able to defend themselves - leashes can get in the way of dogs expressing themselves through their body language.
• Distance: it sounded like this dog had what are known as "proximity issues". He only responded in this way when other dogs were at a specific distance to him. Otherwise he was fine - personal space is important, and each animal, human and non-human has their own specific personal space. Being on leash he might feel he cannot escape or get away from something (or someone or another dog), so he reacts in order to move whatever is near him away.
• Dogs have feelings and they are valid! This means, if their dog is upset, then telling him hes wrong to feel a certain way and that he is a "bad dog" for being upset would be like me telling these folks that they shouldnt be upset, and that theyre wrong for ever being upset about something. We all agreed that being told our feelings arent valid would NOT make us less upset - it would more than likely make the person even angrier, or more upset! I saw the lightbulb go on over their heads...it was lovely!

So, whats the solution? Simple:

• Give their dog something else to do!
• Determine what behavior they want their dog doing, and reward them for that!
• Whenever their dog behaves the way they want around other dogs, acknowledge that and reward him!
• Throw a steak or chicken party whenever another dog is around - but only when other dogs are around. With time and consistency, their beloved four legged friend will begin to associate other dogs with fabulous things for himself - then hell want other dogs to be near him all of the time.

Training your dog doesnt need to be complicated. The simpler we make it, and the better we understand our dogs, the faster we can get to our goals!

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Reasons to train dogs

03.55 in Dog, dogs, reasons, to, train

There are many different things a dog can be trained to do. While certain dogs are trained for hunting or protection, others are just trained for their owners convenience. Dogs love to make their owners happy. This is one of reasons they are known as mans best friend. This article will help you with effective ways to train your dog whatever the reason.

Give challenges to your dog on a regular basis. Test what he knows by giving commands, even if you are sure that he has the skill mastered.



 When you know that you need to be gone for a few hours, take your dog for a long walk before you depart. If you tire them out, they will be better able to handle feelings of anxiety when they are alone and separated from you.

 The whole family should be involved with your dogs training. Having everyone participate in your dogs training will make sure he obeys the house rules.

 Dont play tug of war with your puppy. These, along with chasing and wresting, can encourage them to bite your hands. You will want to put these games off until the dog is older and properly trained not to nip and bite.

 Dont use doggy treats as your sole positive reinforcement mechanism. Giving treats to dogs in order to teach them new behavior is quite effective. Having said that, carrying treats on you 24/7 is not very likely. Try patting your dog on the back and giving him an "enthusiastic, that a boy."

 You do not want to use wee-wee pads when potty training your dog. The pads eventually leak; leaked waste marks certain areas in the house as "potty areas". Wee-wee pads can also train your dog to think that other items that are the same shape are a potty area as well. The best way to housebreak a dog is not to allow them to use the bathroom in the house; there is really no alternative.

 While you can train different types of dogs with various personalities, it could be near impossible for you to train two dogs. Dogs have the tendency to distract each other. If you find this happening it is likely best to separate them.

 Make sure that the only items your dog can reach are chew toys that are specifically made for dogs. You need to replace that with a designated chew toy. Chew toys are essential for puppies who are experiencing pain from teething. A great alternative is a frozen wash cloth.

 While training your puppy or dog to use a crate, introduce him to new concepts slowly and gradually, so he is able to adjust to the changes without feeling stressed. As soon as they start to feel comfortable in the crate when the door is open, try closing the gate and have them eat inside. Start off with small periods, for example 10 seconds or so, and gradually increase crate time. If your puppy gets upset, then you may need to slow down and have more patience with them.

 You should use positive motivation when you are training your dog. Rewarding your dog with praise is an important part of reinforcing desired behaviors. Using punishment and negative training techniques will only make the dog afraid of you and less likely to want to please its master.

 Effective dog training requires instilling good behaviors from day one. It is far simpler to teach a dog to do something the right way than to break bad habits. For example, if you are adamant about your dog not being a beggar, then never make any exceptions to handing him food from your table.

 Dogs generally focus on one thing while ignoring everything around them, unless something interrupts that intense focus. If you keep up with his training, your dog will look to you more often for direction rather than looking to the environment.

 Creating good behavior in your dog can be achieved by consistent treatment from all the people who interact with him on a daily basis. Your dog needs consistent lessons everyday. Make sure that everyone who trains your dog does it in the same manner as you in order to avoid confusion.

 During your training program, keep your dog interested by using many different types of treats. You can increase your dogs incentive to learn the desired behaviors by offering treats that are extra-special. This helps your pet to understand that this is no ordinary reward.

 Prepare your dog early on for veterinary examinations. Touch your dog gently down the sides of his body and tell him he is being good when he does not react. Prepare your dog to accept someone handling his paws or looking at his teeth. Your friends can help out, too.

 Providing your dog with food that it likes while training him or her will help give them incentive to do good. Offering your dog a truly special reward is an easy way to encourage them. Really pay attention to his reaction when he is given the treat and adjust your reward foods accordingly.

 To help you train your dog you should know what kinds of foods your dog likes to eat. Since these will be the rewards for good behavior when you are training the dog, it should be something that really motivates him. Make note of your dogs reaction when the reward is offered.

 Try not to use wee-wee pads as a tool in potty training your day. The problem with the wee-wee pads is that they leak and leave enzymes from urine and feces behind. The pads may also confuse the dog because of their shape. It could cause the dog to think that a bathroom mat or welcome mat is a place to go potty. The best option is to toilet train your dog outdoors.

 A clicker works well when training most dogs. Using a clicker is as simple as showing your dog that good things happen when the clicking noise is heard. Try using this technique right away, doing it frequently over a span of a few days. Your dog will soon know that the clicking noise means that they are doing a good job.

 As you have read, pet owners choose to train their dogs for many different reasons. The natural willingness of dogs in general makes most easy to train. It is hoped that you have found some helpful tips in this article that will aid your efforts to train your pooch..

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TRAINING YOUR PUPPY TO SIT

17.57 in bond, Dog, puppy, sit, to, training, use, with, your

TRAINING YOUR PUPPY TO SIT

A badly trained dog is an annoyance and can even be a threat to himself and others. A correctly trained dog, on the other had, is a fantastic and enjoyable buddy. In addition to assisting you to bond, it can even shield your pet from being harmed if he pays attention and will come when called.

When teaching always keep in mind that dogs react best to encouraging backing– shouting at your dog and beating him will not get done the job, in its place use rewards such as goodies and your appreciation – this will make the job much more enjoyable for both of you!

There is a general “process” to teaching, no matter what you want the dog to do. They solution is to get the dog to carry out the act and at that precise instant give the instruction for the act, then commend the dog and reward him with a goody. After a while, he will get the message and connect the act with the instruction.

Given below some ways you can make use of to teach your dog with the most fundamental instruction – Sit.

1. The first thing you have to do is to get your puppy or dog to connect the action of sitting with the instruction. To do this, merely spend time with your dog and when he sits give the “sit” instruction.

2. Going down to your dog’s height will let you to give his reward (goodies) faster so take hold of a handful of bite sized goodies and got down on the floor.

3. Take the goody up above the dog’s head. He will smell the food and go behind it with his nose. This act will compel him to sit - or backup, but apparently we are hopeful for the sitting act.

4. The solution to the teaching is to give the reward at the precise instant the dog sits, but you have got to also give the instruction at that instant as well so that he links instruction with act. Hence when your dog sits, you should say “sit”, following it up by right away giving him the goody.

5. Shower praise on your dog – demonstrate delight in your voice; this will actually make him act in response.

6. Go over three to five times at each sitting but no more than that. Training should be enjoyable and not an uninteresting odd job, so do not go over the top with it in one sitting. You might have more than a few sittings all through the day.

When you use up the time to teach your dog, you get much more than just a dog that does a number of antics. He is keen to do things with you. He grasps to pay attention when you say his name. He gets accustomed to being with you and doing things on your command. Through fine training your stance as a person in charge is made stronger. You ought to arrange to use up a couple of minutes every day on working his “tricks”. This sort of recurring reinforcement will help him to keep in mind and in addition generate the bond between you and him.

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Dog is Love Heath and Fitness Expo

08.52 in and, Dog, expo, fitness, heath, is, love

Splash did her Slumdog Millionare routine at the Dog is Love Expo, and I was very proud of her.  She funnily enough made up a new move while we were performing....

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Puppy Dog Training Class

19.04 in class, dog, puppy, training

 Puppy or dog  training easy steps that helps you to get more knowledge about how to train a puppy or a dog

Puppy or a dog training is no matter what youre trying to teach your dog, from house training to "heel," there are a few basic guidelines that will make the process easier: ok  Howto train a puppy or a dog,  

Training steps for a puppy or dog

 

1.Train by command

         Use the same cue for the same command, every time. If you use "come" one week, "come here" the next, and "come here, boy" the following, youll confuse your dog. If your dog is allowed to pull on the leash sometimes but is jerked by the collar when he pulls at other times, youll confuse him. Make sure everyone whos around your dog follows the same rules and uses the same cues.

2. Appriciate by  praise and rewards.

        Almost all modern dog trainers believe that dogs learn better and faster when we praise and reward them for getting it right, rather than punishing them for getting it wrong.

The best motivator is usually a combination of a small food treat--especially if you train before mealtime--and enthusiastic praise. Dont worry that youll wind up with a dog wholl only work for food. Once your dog gets the idea of what youre asking him to do, youll begin rewarding him sporadically, and eventually you can phase out the treats entirely.

If your dog isnt that interested in food, try offering praise without the treat, or a favoritetoy, or a physical reward such as a good behind-the-ears scratch or tummy rub.

The praise and reward need to come immediately after your dog does what you want if hes going to make the connection--"Hey, whenever I pee outside, I get a treat. Im going to do this more often!"

3. Keep it short and sweet.

      Training works best if its fun and you stop before either of you gets bored or frustrated. Keep the mood upbeat, not drill-sergeant serious, and make the sessions short. Five to ten minutes is plenty to start with, or you can do many mini-training sessions throughout the day, especially if you have a puppy--like kids, they have shorter attention spans.

4. Make it easy for your dog to get it right.

When you let a dog who hasnt pooped all day have free, unsupervised run of the house, youre asking for a mistake that can turn into a bad habit. When you start practicing the "come" command in a dog park, where there are a million distractions, youre asking for a mistake that can turn into a bad habit.

Train slowly, starting in a quiet, familiar place with no distractions, and gradually make it more challenging for your dog. Dont progress to the next step until your dog has mastered the current one.

5 Keep your cool.

         Yelling, hitting, and jerking your dog around by a leash wont teach him how to sit on request, pee outside, or do anything else you want him to learn. It will teach him that youre scary and unpredictable. Fair, calm, consistent training is the best way to get your dog to obey and respect you.

6. Keep practicing!

      Dont expect that once your dog has learned something, hes learned it for life. Your dog can lose his new skills without regular practice.

Now yow came to know how to train a puppy or a dog. The above easy steps helps your puppy training or dog training. If you want to know more join online training class

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Great Key Tips To Help Train Your Dog

10.07 in Dog, great, help, key, tips, to, train, your

A dog can be trained to stop negative behavior such as growling and barking. The information ahead will allow for not only correcting, but hopefully removing these bad habits as well. If you train your dog correctly, he or she will be the ideal pet.

Learn alternatives to treats as positive reinforcement when training your dog. You will find that treats do work. However, most people dont carry treats in their pockets 24/7. Learning to give praise or attention in the way of patting and hugging is a great way to reinforce good behavior, and can be a treat replacement.



 Dogs should always feel safe and secure while training them. When a dog is insecure about their safety, they could lash out with bad behavior. So this doesnt happen, make sure your dog is always safe.

 If you want to teach your pet to use a crate, first try these simple tricks. If your dog does not want to go into the crate but one of his favorite toys inside and close the door. They will want to get to the bone, which means going into the crate. When they go inside to get the bone, give them lots of positive reinforcement.

 It is important to avoid dwelling on one task for too long. Your dog is going to get bored doing the same thing over and over. This is why you need to limit the time of your training sessions to around 10 minutes.

 Give your puppy some toys to chew on so they do not hurt while teething, keep other things they might want to chew on out of their reach! Give it one of his toys instead. A wet frozen washcloth is great for a puppy, who has teething pain, to chew on.

 If you have to go to work, or something else that will keep you out of the house for more than a few hours, take your dog for a long walk before you leave. Wearing them out helps them deal with the anxiety they feel when youre gone.

 Your dogs diet should be healthy and balanced. Too many table scraps can unbalance your dogs diet. Not only does it affect the dogs health, but it can have an impact on its behavior. Simply improving their diet may have a bigger impact on how they respond to training.

 Keep count of the number of treats you feed your dog because you do not want him or her to get fat. It is easy to forget about treats when you consider how much you are feeding your dog. This can happen especially when you are training him.

 Depending on the personalities of your dogs, it may not be possible to train them at the same time. If your dogs fight or goof off instead of paying attention, it may be wise to do a bit of one-on-one training before training them together.

 Try a phrase that you will stick with to train your puppy when you are house breaking him or her. Use the same word or phrase each time you bring him out to go to the bathroom so that he understands what you want him to do and makes a memory link between the phrase and the act.

 While training your dog, make sure both of you are having fun. Taking some time to have fun with your dog makes your dog like you more, which means fewer problems when training him. Having fun with your dog during training is one thing, but playing and having fun with your dog outside of training is also necessary.

 You can train most forms of anxiety out of your dog. It is quite possible that if your dog frequently barks unceasingly or damages your belongings when you leave, he or she is actually suffering from separation anxiety. You can train your dog on acceptable behaviors that can be applied while you are gone. Also, give your dog lots of love, and show compassion to make him feel at ease.

 If you have to keep your dogs outside, never tie them up too close to one another. The chain of one dog could become wrapped around the other and, as the dogs struggle to free themselves, one or both could be injured. Particularly in the case of a large dog and a small dog, the animals may get so tangled that the smaller dog has his airway cut off and dies.

 If you are bringing a new pet into the family, make sure to introduce them to any existing pets slowly. Dont adopt a new pet without considering the temperament of your current pet or pets. In order to maximize bonding, a new pet will need a personality which complements the personality of the pet you already have.

 Use high-value treats when training for the best results. Cheese or hotdog pieces can be very effective because they are not something your dog usually gets.

 Use your dogs name when you can, as it will help to get your dog to pay attention. By using it as much as possible during the first weeks you own him, your puppy will learn that this sound is in reference to him. Choose a short name that is easily recognizable from other words.

 To help you train your dog you should know what kinds of foods your dog likes to eat. Since these will be the rewards for good behavior when you are training the dog, it should be something that really motivates him. Make note of your dogs reaction when the reward is offered.

 Do not tie a couple of dogs closely together. The dogs could get wrapped up and they may be injured. If one dog happens to be much larger than the other, the small dog could get tangled to the point that it could choke to death.

 A clicker works well when training most dogs. Using a clicker is as simple as showing your dog that good things happen when the clicking noise is heard. Try using this technique right away, doing it frequently over a span of a few days. Your dog will soon know that the clicking noise means that they are doing a good job.

 Now that you have received the helpful advice in this article, you should now be aware how easy it is to train your dog. With patience and a little research, you can train your dog. The right training can help every dog thrive and be well behaved..

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New Puppy Shopping List

22.50 in Dog, list, new, puppy, shopping

Here is a list of basic supplies you may need and in most circumstances want to have when you get your first dog or puppy.

Buckle Collar - This will be kept on your dog to hold its ID tags so in case you pup gets out it will be returned to you.

Harness - is good for training because it takes pressure off the puppys neck and makes it easier to control. I have used both the 2 step harness and the typical harness. I prefer the 2-step harness for my puppy because it is easy to get her into it.

Leash - I do not recommend a retractable leash. Well at least not for training. You dont have as much control over the dog and it makes it difficult to keep it close with its attention on you.

Retractable leashes are good for well trained dog that respond to voice commands almost immediately.

Tags - I think that every dog should have a tag. If your pet goes missing it is a lot easier for a shelter or a person to just call your number. Instead of driving around town looking for LOST dog posters. I recommend getting a GPS tag if your dog is prone to running. There are quite a few options out there for that.

Food Bowl - I recommend that if you have a dog that will be home alone and you want to have it on feed schedule that you get an automatic feeder. I enjoy having my dogs on a schedule because dogs like to have consistency in their lives and it keeps the dog more interested in treats when training because it is hungry. Stainless steel bowls are recommended because the scratches in a plastic bowl can harbor bacteria. 

 Water Bowl - I like having a fountain water bowl for my dogs because it keeps it fresh and cool for my pets. So, I can rest assured that there arent any germs in their drink.

Brush -  I like the FURminator. It removes the rough undercoat and keeps my pets fur super shiny. I like that there is a button to push the fur off the brush. There is also a vacuum attachment so the hair doesnt go every where.

Waste Bags - I take them with me on every walk because I know my little trickster knows exactly when we are going home and loves to place a mine on the way back. I usually just take one with me and leave the rest at home. 

Dog Food - I have been using Exceed, although I will be changing foods. I want to have a healthy dog to go run with me and I like to avoid high amounts of grain and by-products. Real food is the only way to go not a bag full of fillers. 

Canned Food - I feed my dogs both dry and wet food because dogs get most of there water from their food. I just mix in a little wet food with their night meal and call it a day. I again prefer more meat to by-products and fillers. 

Dog Bed - Dogs sleep 16 - 18 hours a day and need a place to rest and I am pretty sure I have spent a ton of money on dog beds. I would advice against getting a puppy an expensive bed because when it starts teething there wont be a bed there will be fluff all over your house. If you havent seen it yet I would look into the Dog Gone bed. It repels water mud and any bad smells that your dog may be carrying. 

Dog Crate - There are many different kinds of crates and deciding on one can be a pain. For a puppy I would suggest getting a plastic crate for two reasons. One they are easy to clean up and two when the puppy goes through the whining stage it is nearly impossible to get her to stop if she can see you through the wire walls. For a older dog that is house trained you can get a wire cage or a soft or wood cage. There are some dangers associated with a ire cage though as a  dog may try to fit his paw through the wiring and can injure himself in a panic. Wooden cages and soft cages are a pain to clean. Although wooden cages look very aesthetic they also come with a higher price.

Exercise Pen - I dont use mine as frequently as I used to as now that my dogs are house trained I dont have to worry to much about leaving them alone in a room and eliminating. I can just toss a few toys in there and leave them be a for a bit but I never leave them unattended for long.

Dog Gates - When bringing a new puppy home an entire house is a lot of ground to cover and it may make the dog feel overwhelmed. You can block of certain area from a dog or puppy with a simple gate or if you have a bigger entry way you can set up a fence of a sort. Then you can make certain areas ok and off limits to your new pet.

Odor Remover - Your new puppy is going to eliminate in the house. Its a guarantee she doesnt know any better she is just being a dog.  You probably should invest in something to clean it up though. And it should remove the pheromones so she isnt enticed to pee there again.

Dog Shampoo - Regular shampoo that we use has too high of a Ph for our pets and it can irritate their skin. There are special pet shampoos that can brighten their coat and keep its color looking nice as well as smelling good. Keeping everyone happy and clean.

Dog Treats - I have worked with many a picky dog and I can exactly recommend a "one treat fits all dog" treat. So instead I just tell people to keep it safe make sure that there arent a ton of toxic things that dogs can digest. I can say that small treat are good for teaching basics but for more complex things a dog should get a more enticing treat but not necessarily bigger. I use actual chicken only for when I teach a new dog agility because if the dog doesnt want to do something it is less likely to do it again later. Two treats that I use are Sniffers 101 and Crazy Pets training treats because they are small and have variety.

Dog Toys - I like to have a variety of toys just like treats each toy has a different value to a dog. I have a chest full of toys and toys get switched in and out of the chest every month or so. It keeps your toy budget lower so your dog thinks he gets a new toy every month just make sure you wash them when you put them in storage. Pick plenty of plush toys, tugs and balls.

Dog Frisbee - Some dogs love to catch a disk and other dogs have to be trained to catch it and bring it back to you. Have some patience with your dog and you can enjoy Frisbee with your dog. If you decide to play Frisbee with your dog invest in a dog Frisbee it is gentler on their mouth and you can get some that are puncture resistant. The Hyperflite Jaws disc is super puncture resistant and is sure to last with your pet.

KONG - I am sure you have heard of them. Kong are easy to use to occupy your dog and keep them entertained for a while. Just fill it up with a few treats and then give it to them. Or just throw it to them and watch them chase after it while it bounces left and right. For tough chewers there are special black KONG and KONG Ballistic.

Chews - Puppies that are teething or dogs that just like to chew need some way to outlet that. I recommend Nylabones because they are safer than real bones and dont shatter. Also you can pick what flavor you get the bone in as well as what size and know that your dog will love it. Beside which dog wouldnt love to chew on a dinosaur. And it cleans their teeth.

Doggie Dental - In my experience I have seen that most dogs dont like having their teeth brushed but that smell is terrible. So their are substitutes for a dog that hasnt been taught to brush his teeth. There are some water add as well as gels and bones that clean dogs teeth.


Eye Care - If your dog gets tear stains then you should invest in some sort of tear stain remover. I recommend wipes because they are there when you need them without any mess. And you can use them to clean up what you cant with the shampoo in the bath.


Ear Care - Dogs can get infections in their ears just like we can but with the proper care that stench can be avoided, trust me its bad. There are three things that you need to clean a dogs ears. One you need to get an ear cleansing liquid, two you need a ear powder to dry the ear out and three a wipe for the outer ear.

Nail Care - If dogs nails are not maintained they can cause a great deal of pain to your pet. But before cutting your dogs nails you should invest in some styptic powder in case the nail is cut to short and the nail starts to bleed. And then pick the nail clippers of your choice. I personally feel more comfortable with the guillotine clippers but if it doesnt feel right dont get them.

FLEA & TICK -  If you plan on taking your dog any where you should definitely invest in a flea and tick preventive mainly because they are not easy to handle after you have them in your house.

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