Just how much you need to love your Puppy

06.11 in Dog, heel, how, just, love, much, need, puppy, teaching, the, to, you, your

Of course this little monkey no

longer need bottles but think

back to the very beginning

Youve gone to the shelter and found the perfect puppy, the puppy you and your family just have to have and now have the need to take care of your new puppy at home. Or, your female dog has had a beautiful litter of puppies but for some reason or another is not nursing them.

Do these scenarios sound familiar? If so, or if youve found yourself in a situation where you have a puppy that cannot be nursed the natural way, you are going to have to feed him or her by hand. The most effective means for accomplishing this is via bottle feeding.

When you first take on the task of bottle feeding a puppy it is extremely important to remember that the younger your puppy is, the more often you are going to have to feed him or her. During the puppies first two or three days of age you will need to bottle feed approximately once every two hours and for the rest of the first week a minimum of once every three hours.

After the first week your puppy is going to need to be fed at least five or six times per day. As puppies get older the frequency with which you will need to hold a bottle feeding session will decline.

Youre first order of importance when considering to bottle feed a puppy, or making the preparations to do so, that what you feed him or her is nutritionally balanced to fit the puppies needs. There are a number of puppy milk formulas on the market that will take the guesswork out of mixing your own formula, three of the most common are: Esbilac, Puppylac and Hartz Advanced Care Puppy Milk Replacement.

Now that youve determined what youre going to feed your puppy, you need to have a bottle to actually perform the task of feeding. Most veterinary clinics, pet stores and pet departments in larger department stores will have bottles specifically designed for nursing puppies. If you are unable to procure an actually puppy nursing bottle you can substitute a human infant bottle equipped with a preemie nipple.

The actual bottle feeding process is really quite simple. First mix the formula and be sure that it is mixed well and without clumps as otherwise will cause the formulas nutrients to not be dispersed well and also bottle nipple will plug. While the formula is cooling to room temperature make sure you puppy is lying on his or her belly.

Gently insert the nipple into the puppys mouth. If youre puppy doesnt take the nipple directly let a small drop fall on his or her mouth and with an extremely gentle prying motion open your puppies mouth and insert the nipple that way. Once the nipple is in place your puppy should take to the nipple and begin sucking naturally.

Be careful to not overfeed your puppy, play it safe and allow them to only drink a little less than they desire. Overfeeding can result in a number issues that can be detrimental to your puppies health that may require veterinary assistance to correct. It is always better to feed a lesser amount but increase the frequency of feeding sessions.

Just as with a human infant, puppies need to be burped too. At the end of a feeding session hold your puppy upright against your shoulder and gently pat his or her back. By doing so you will decrease the likelihood that your puppys belly will bloat and will lower the chances for your puppy to become colicky.

By: MattR

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Matt operates the website A Happy Dog  hpp://www.ahappydog.com

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How long does it take to train my dog

00.29 in does, Dog, how, it, long, my, take, to, train

A FAQ I receive is: "How long will it take for my dog to be trained?" I hate to say it, but there is no simple answer...or magic wand. Every persons situation and dog is different. Whether it be a puppy that has been brought into a first time dog owners home, or a intra-familial dog-dog aggression case - all depend upon the humans that are taking care of the dog(s), and the dogs themselves. Some factors to consider are:

• Type of training - general manners, aggression/fear, guarding/predatory issues. 
• Human involvement - keeping up with the training plan, setting the dog up for success.

For "good manners" courses I currently offer 4-session "intensives" as opposed to the traditional 6 week+  classes. Why? I found that most people are more likely to commit to a shorter time frame if they are receiving the information they want. And that for those that are into keeping up with their dogs behavior modification, will return for additional class time (my ongoing classes provide this type of training plan). 

For the more difficult behaviorial issues, again it really depends upon the humans and dogs. But I would place more emphasis on the "humans" and their involvement. Think about how long it takes a human to change something about their own behavior? Something like smoking cessation takes quite some time to get over the "initial hump". Afterwards, the person will need to help maintain this behavior by setting themselves up for success - spend time around non-smokers, go to places that dont allow smoking etc... But its a lifelong process. With our dogs, there would be the "initial hump" - meaning more training. Once the dog is behaving in a way you want, you will still need to set the dog up for success, and help "maintain" the behavior by practicing elements of the initial training plan... Some of the dog-dog cases Ive worked took many many months - with multiple training sessions every day, for extended periods of time. 

So when I hear people asking me "how long will it take to train my dog?" I will ask "How much time, energy, and in some cases money, are you willing to put in?" and "How badly do you want it?" 

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Dog Behavior and Discrimination how come my dog listens to my husband but not me

16.55 in and, behavior, but, come, discrimination, Dog, how, husband, listens, me, my, not, to

I know, nowadays the word "discrimination" can be a negative thing. As socially conscious humans were not supposed to discriminate - at least when were talking about certain human characteristics. But trust me, we discriminate all the time - and its a good thing, as youll see below. How does discrimination relate to dog training? First a general definition of discrimination: 

• the recognition and understanding of the difference between one thing and another: discrimination between right and wrong | young children have difficulties in making fine discriminations.
• the ability to distinguish between different stimuli : [as adj. ] discrimination learning.

With consistency, and precise timing, we can actively teach dogs to discriminate. Check out the video of me and Poncho the dog. Im teaching him to discriminate when to jump through my legs. Turning my right leg out is the cue for him to jump through. Turning my left leg out, he isnt supposed to. He got his reward for staying put. 

Poncho learned pretty quickly that: right leg turned out = jump through = gets rewarded. Left leg turned out = stay = gets rewarded. If he didnt jump when he was supposed to, or jumped when I didnt want him to, then Id give him a "too bad", which is the cue for "no reward". The punishment is he doesnt get a food reward, and he has to wait to try again. 

Another human world example:

• Green light = "go", Red light = Stop, Yellow light = "slow down in preparation of stopping" (although some folks define the yellow as "speed up and get through the intersection"). 

In this example we, as humans, discriminate between the different colors of the traffic signal, and based on what weve learned, we know what to do for each one. I dont know about you, but when I was a child, I quickly learned which parent to go to for what, and when to ask. This is example of "discriminative learning".

As a certified pet dog trainer, I often hear comments or get questions, either from my manners class students or my Noozhawk advice column about "Why does a dog do one thing for one person and not another? Why does my dog pull on leash with me, but not my spouse?" Well, the simple explanation is: One person is more consistent with teaching and rewarding what they want and/or punishing out what they dont want. In a case like this, the dog in question has been able to discriminate which parent to go to for what! 

Dogs, just like small children, dont have the mental capacity to distinguish between right and wrong. They arent born with the section of the brain that is wired for it, and they never really develop it. However, they are very good at differentiating between safe and dangerous. Along with discriminating between safe or dangerous stimuli, they are masters at discriminating between finite cues - provided passively or actively. For example:

• Passive cue: sneakers = going for walkies, dress shoes = dog stays home while human goes to work. 
• Active cue: human places specific blanket (environmental cue) on couch = dog gets to hang out on couch. No blanky on couch, doggy isnt allowed on couch.

So, if your dog is behaving differently for you than they are for someone else, ask yourself: 

• What am I rewarding or not rewarding my dog for?
• Am I being consistent?
• What cues am I giving my dog?
  

Then, once youve answered yourself, you can then fix the problem, if there is one. 

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Demonstrate how it should have been done

22.37 in been, demonstrate, Dog, done, have, how, it, should

Dog training can be very intimidating to someone that has never done it before. 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.

The best way to teach a dog good behavior is to never let poor behavior take hold. Dogs find it much harder to break existing bad habits than to learn new, positive ones. For instance, a dog that is never fed table scraps is less likely to beg at the table.



 When training your dog, do not include any punishments. Taking preventative measures to avoid the occurrence of a bad behavior to begin with is always best, however, if your dog does get out of line, demonstrate how it should have been done rather than scolding him. Training your dog is a great way to develop a positive relationship with him.

 Dont give up on training your dog, no matter what. Through constant and positive reinforcement, you will be able to train your dog to retain the behaviors you teach them. Taking care of your dog must include instituting a training plan, as well as meeting his food and shelter needs.

 Everyone in the family should use the exact same commands when training your dog. If you mix up commands, like one family member saying "up" when another says "jump," the dog will have a more difficult time figuring out what you want. As long as you use consistency, then your dog has a great chance of learning all of the tricks and behaviors that you wish.

 If you catch your puppy chewing on things, stop him. By doing this, you are teaching him what is okay to chew on.

 If your dog suffers from separation anxiety when youre away, encourage him to bond with other members of the household. This will help it be less focused on the fact that you are not home.

 Get your dog used to the things they will encounter when going for a vet visit. Practice gently moving your hands all over your dogs body and reward him for staying calm. You also need to get him ready to have his paws held and looked at, as well as his teeth examined. Ask your friends to help out, as well.

 Dont be ashamed to ask for help if your training program doesnt change your dogs behavior. Particularly if you are struggling to achieve the results you desire, professional help may be just what you need. Professional dog trainers know the ins and outs of this better than you. This may be what to takes to get your dog started on the right foot.

 A trick you could teach your dog is to hold something in his mouth, such as a toy. Get your dogs attention with a clicker and reward him with a snack when he tastes or mouths the toy. When this has happened several times, hold off until the dog grabs the toy with his or her mouth. As this happens, press the clicker and then offer the reward. Also, rewards should only be given if the toy remains in the dogs mouth.

 Your dog needs to be mentally stimulated just like a human does. Visit your local pet shop for new and entertaining toys for your dog on a regular basis. If you neglect your dog, your dog wont neglect to chew up your valuable possessions.

 Have fun with your dog each day when training. A sense of play brings you and your dog together. This bond makes the dog more responsive to your commands and training him easier. Having fun with your dog during training is one thing, but playing and having fun with your dog outside of training is also necessary.

 Keeping your dog active is an important part of successful dog training and is also good for their health. Dogs are not made to sit around. The happiest, healthiest dogs run and work. Run with your dog, take it to the park or teach it to play Frisbee. Do not allow your dog to become bored and keep it entertained by keeping it active.

 Any complicated or multistage task you would like to teach your dog should be broken down into steps. A great example of a teachable command is having your dog get the paper in the mornings. You will need to teach him or her how to hold something first. Next, he must learn the name of the object. After that, you should teach him how to take the object in his mouth. Then, he should give it to you. Breaking a task into small steps will make the information your dog has to process much more digestible and consequently, more easily accomplished.

 Keep your dog well exercised and active. Dogs can get bored easily. A bored dog will try and find something interesting to do, and training is not usually interesting. When your dog is exercised and is happy, training will be easier. Walk or run your dog frequently.

 You will find dogs are simply dogs. Allow for activities that let him be himself and have fun. Dogs need to eat well, a spacious run, and lots of toys and interesting things to occupy their time.

 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.

 As with most things, and this goes with dog training as well, dont ever give up. Dogs need consistent reinforcement in what you have taught them so they remember the good behaviors and dont revert back to their old, disobedient ways they had before training. Training never ends. It is an important part of taking care of your dog.

 Dogs that have trouble with separation anxiety need to develop stronger relationships with others in your household. Allowing the dog to establish relationships with new people will lessen its dependence on the owner.

 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.

 It is hoped that you have found some guidance from these suggestions. Remember these tips as a guide to helping you train your dog, so both you and your dog will be very happy..

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Lets go surfin now everybodies learnin how

19.57 in bulldogs, Dog, everybodies, go, how, learnin, lets, now, surfin

Come on a safari with me!!!!


Pamela Johnson and I : the SD Canine Freestylers were helping out at a 4 H event teaching children how to teach their dogs in a humane respectful and safe way, as well as how to teach them some cool tricks!
At the next event booth over, they were teaching the kids how to teach their dogs to stand on a surf board. Splash and Pams dog Izzie gave it a try!!!

A fun day was had by all!

(it was a very muddy day- we had some unusual San Diego weather the night before)

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How To Get The Most Out Of Your Dog While Training

19.54 in Dog, get, how, most, of, out, the, to, training, while, your

Dog training can be one of the most important investments that you make in your dog. If you can instill obedience and loyalty in your dog as a puppy, you will have a family friend for life. You can learn more about how important training your dog is.

Everyone should treat your dog in the same way so as not to confuse him. Consistency is the best way to get your dog trained quickly. If people who are involved with the dog each have different methods of treating the dog, it will become confused.



 Have your dog learn to just hold one of his toys in his mouth, instead of chewing on it immediately. Every time he does it, give him a snack and use the clicker. After your dog succeeds in mouthing an object a few times, move on to rewarding the dog for picking it up with his mouth. When he does respond, click and provide a reward. Also, rewards should only be given if the toy remains in the dogs mouth.

 Always keep the atmosphere positive and motivational when conducting a training session with your dog. If your dog performs a task you ask him to, reward him. Negative reinforcement will only confuse your dog early in its training and is likely to make your dog afraid of you.

 You always want to make certain your dog has good leash manners. This helps keep both you and your dog safe when going on walks.

 A crate can come in handy when housebreaking a dog. To make crate training work, make sure you take your dog out often and on a stable schedule. If youre patient you will find a dog who has been crate trained will make less messes inside.

 If you want to be successful in house training an animal, make sure that you stick to a strict schedule for feeding times and elimination times. This gives both you and the dog a heads up as to when they need to go outside, and you can make sure that happens before they make a mess indoors. 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.

 Depending on the personalities of your dogs, it may not be possible to train them at the same time. Dogs have the tendency to distract each other. If you find this happening it is likely best to separate them.

 To teach or reinforce good behavior, you might try to introduce them to clicker training. In order to begin, simply create a happy mental link between the clickers sound and something the dog enjoys. Try clicking and treating immediately, and doing this several times over a few days. Soon, your dog will associate the click with reward or other positive actions, which can be very helpful in shaping the desirable behaviors you hope to achieve.

 Learning how to show authority is the foundation of all dog training. He needs to know that you are the authority before he will let you train him. Never allow your dog pull on the leash while you are on a walk.

 Take small steps when crate training your dog. Once your dog seems to have acclimated to the crate itself, close the gate and feeding him through it. Begin with small intervals, and work your way up to longer times. If the dog becomes upset, then you need to take a step back and slow down the training.

 Tell your house guests how to interact with your pooch. These things can lead to your dog trying to establish dominance, or he may jump on a guest.

 It is important to use a wide spectrum of treats when training your dog. Dont use your dogs everyday treats for training. You want to place special emphasis on their improvement in training.

 When your dog reaches six months, make sure that your dog is spayed or neutered. This should coincide with the beginning of obedience classes. A dog that has been spayed or neutered will be a more obedient dog. You and your pet will enjoy a longer and happier life together.

 Try to ensure that your animal feels safe. If dogs feel unsafe, they will likely lash out in some type of bad behavior. To prevent any aggressive behaviors, ensure you dog is in surroundings and situations where he feels safe.

 Crate training is very beneficial, but there can be difficulties that the following tips can help with. If your pet is nervous about the crate, consider putting a toy or treat inside to motivate them to go in. Temptation wins with this exercise; your dog will be eager to enter the crate when a treat is waiting for him. Give your dog some praise when he gets inside, so that he further associates being in the crate with good behavior.

 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.

 If your puppy is caught chewing on something unacceptable, stop him immediately. This will help your puppy understand what is acceptable and what is off limits.

 When training a dog it should always be done in a positive, motivated environment. Remember to reward desired behavior achieved by your dog while training, especially in response to specific requests. Using training techniques that are negative and based upon punishments will likely make your dog afraid, disobedient, and unhappy.

 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 this article has demonstrated, dog training is a very wise use of your time and energy. A badly behaved dog can destroy your house and stress everyone in the family; soon no one will want him around. By applying the information found in this article, youll be making a wise choice and helping your dog to be an enjoyable member of your family..

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How to teach your dog to scratch your back

13.50 in back, Dog, how, scratch, teach, to, your

Newbear95 from youtube has some really inventive tricks that she does with her chihuahua. Here is a tutorial on how to teach your dog to scratch your back.


I gave the trick a try with Kiko, she simply loves scratching my back now!

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GENERAL HISTORY OF DOGS

12.05 in bad, behaviors, Dog, dogs, general, history, how, of, stop, to

GENERAL HISTORY OF DOGS.

There is no incongruity in the idea that in the very earliest period of mans habitation of this world he made a friend and companion of some sort of aboriginal representative of our modern dog, and that in return for its aid in protecting him from wilder animals, and in guarding his sheep and goats, he gave it a share of his food, a corner in his dwelling, and grew to trust it and care for it. Probably the animal was originally little else than an unusually gentle jackal, or an ailing wolf driven by its companions from the wild marauding pack to seek shelter in alien surroundings. One can well conceive the possibility of the partnership beginning in the circumstance of some helpless whelps being brought home by the early hunters to be tended and reared by the women and children. Dogs introduced into the home as playthings for the children would grow to regard themselves, and be regarded, as members of the family

In nearly all parts of the world traces of an indigenous dog family are found, the only exceptions being the West Indian Islands, Madagascar, the eastern islands of the Malayan Archipelago, New Zealand, and the Polynesian Islands, where there is no sign that any dog, wolf, or fox has existed as a true aboriginal animal. In the ancient Oriental lands, and generally among the early Mongolians, the dog remained savage and neglected for centuries, prowling in packs, gaunt and wolf-like, as it prowls today through the streets and under the walls of every Eastern city. No attempt was made to allure it into human companionship or to improve it into docility. It is not until we come to examine the records of the higher civilisations of Assyria and Egypt that we discover any distinct varieties of canine form.

The dog was not greatly appreciated in Palestine, and in both the Old and New Testaments it is commonly spoken of with scorn and contempt as an "unclean beast." Even the familiar reference to the Sheepdog in the Book of Job "But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to set with the dogs of my flock" is not without a suggestion of contempt, and it is significant that the only biblical allusion to the dog as a recognised companion of man occurs in the apocryphal Book of Tobit (v. 16), "So they went forth both, and the young mans dog with them."

The great multitude of different breeds of the dog and the vast differences in their size, points, and general appearance are facts which make it difficult to believe that they could have had a common ancestry. One thinks of the difference between the Mastiff and the Japanese Spaniel, the Deerhound and the fashionable Pomeranian, the St. Bernard and the Miniature Black and Tan Terrier, and is perplexed in contemplating the possibility of their having descended from a common progenitor. Yet the disparity is no greater than that between the Shire horse and the Shetland pony, the Shorthorn and the Kerry cattle, or the Patagonian and the Pygmy; and all dog breeders know how easy it is to produce a variety in type and size by studied selection.

In order properly to understand this question it is necessary first to consider the identity of structure in the wolf and the dog. This identity of structure may best be studied in a comparison of the osseous system, or skeletons, of the two animals, which so closely resemble each other that their transposition would not easily be detected.

The spine of the dog consists of seven vertebrae in the neck, thirteen in the back, seven in the loins, three sacral vertebrae, and twenty to twenty-two in the tail. In both the dog and the wolf there are thirteen pairs of ribs, nine true and four false. Each has forty-two teeth. They both have five front and four hind toes, while outwardly the common wolf has so much the appearance of a large, bare-boned dog, that a popular description of the one would serve for the other.

Nor are their habits different. The wolfs natural voice is a loud howl, but when confined with dogs he will learn to bark. Although he is carnivorous, he will also eat vegetables, and when sickly he will nibble grass. In the chase, a pack of wolves will divide into parties, one following the trail of the quarry, the other endeavouring to intercept its retreat, exercising a considerable amount of strategy, a trait which is exhibited by many of our sporting dogs and terriers when hunting in teams.

A further important point of resemblance between the Canis lupus and the Canis familiaris lies in the fact that the period of gestation in both species is sixty-three days. There are from three to nine cubs in a wolfs litter, and these are blind for twenty-one days. They are suckled for two months, but at the end of that time they are able to eat half-digested flesh disgorged for them by their dam or even their sire.

The native dogs of all regions approximate closely in size, coloration, form, and habit to the native wolf of those regions. Of this most important circumstance there are far too many instances to allow of its being looked upon as a mere coincidence. Sir John Richardson, writing in 1829, observed that "the resemblance between the North American wolves and the domestic dog of the Indians is so great that the size and strength of the wolf seems to be the only difference.

It has been suggested that the one incontrovertible argument against the lupine relationship of the dog is the fact that all domestic dogs bark, while all wild Canidae express their feelings only by howls. But the difficulty here is not so great as it seems, since we know that jackals, wild dogs, and wolf pups reared by bitches readily acquire the habit. On the other hand, domestic dogs allowed to run wild forget how to bark, while there are some which have not yet learned so to express themselves.

The presence or absence of the habit of barking cannot, then, be regarded as an argument in deciding the question concerning the origin of the dog. This stumbling block consequently disappears, leaving us in the position of agreeing with Darwin, whose final hypothesis was that "it is highly probable that the domestic dogs of the world have descended from two good species of wolf (C. lupus and C. latrans), and from two or three other doubtful species of wolves namely, the European, Indian, and North African forms; from at least one or two South American canine species; from several races or species of jackal; and perhaps from one or more extinct species"; and that the blood of these, in some cases mingled together, flows in the veins of our domestic breeds.

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How to enhance any relationship

10.44 in any, Dog, enhance, how, relationship, to

Besides chocolate? Thats easy - through clear communication and realistic expectations! Then what are some great ways to build a solid relationship? Being a great communicator. Which means, communicating in a language the other person or animal understands - remember, with dogs their first language is body language - so be aware of what your body language is saying, not what is coming out of your mouth.... Secondly, be a good “listener” - watch your dogs overall behavior, especially their body language - are they taking food? Tail tucked? Growling? Barking while backing away? Jumping up while wiggling their rear end? Look at the entire picture, interpreting what they are "saying" from their point of view, not yours.

As for the expectations, let me first say: “Know Your Animal!” It is one thing to have expectations, but have realistic ones... Thinking otherwise can only lead to increased frustrations. Is it fair for us humans to expect dogs to behave like us? No. Just like it isnt fair to expect another human to think like oneself. 

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How We Change Dog Behaviour

01.40 in behaviour, change, Dog, how, we

How We Change Dog Behaviour

Prevent rehearsal:  Managing situations so that unwanted behaviours cannot or do not occur. Each time the dog does the unwanted behaviour, the “pathway” in the brain to that behaviour gets used and something like “muscle memory” is established.  These things make the behaviour a more likely option the dog will turn to when presented with similar situations in the future.  Not all behaviours can be prevented completely, but recognising what triggers the unwanted behaviour will help you prevent that situation from occurring.

Train a substitute behaviour:  If the dog is not doing the undesirable behaviour, he is doing something else.  If he’s being quiet, he’s not barking.  If his feet are all on the floor, he’s not jumping.  When behaviour gets a reward (either from you, the environment or the dog himself) it will be repeated.  You need to be sure that it’s the desirable alternative that gets the reward and attention from you.  Think about what you want the dog TO DO rather than what you want to stop.  Try to get the dog to do the desired behaviour in place of the unwanted one.  Be sure to reward heavily for the desired behaviour, especially if the dog chooses that behaviour on his own.

Understand normal dog behaviour:  Often, a behaviour people don’t like is perfectly normal for a dog to do (or for the breed of dog to do.)  In some cases, such as chewing, it’s a behaviour the dog NEEDS to do.  By giving the dog an appropriate outlet for these natural behaviours, the dog will be much happier and more relaxed.  You can use these highly desired behaviours as a reward for when the dog does something you like.  If your puppy is chewing on furniture (then you have not taken appropriate steps for management/prevention) but you can ask the pup to sit and then reward that desired behaviour with a Kong he’s allowed to chew on.  Often supervision and redirecting the dog to an appropriate outlet is the best solution for natural dog behaviours.

Be consistent:  Dogs learn much faster when the rules remain the same.  If you sometimes got a pay cheque for going to work and sometimes got it for staying home, but the rules about which was which weren’t clear, you would have some stress and confusion.  People do this to their dogs all the time!  Jumping up is OK unless I’m wearing nice clothes or your feet are dirty.  Barking is ok unless the neighbours have been complaining or a sleeping baby is visiting.  Sometimes it’s ok to get on the sofa, sometimes it’s not.  The problem is compounded when more than one person routinely interacts with the dog.  Make sure all family members understand and apply the same rules.  Dogs are often willing to follow the rules when the rules are clear and consistent.

 

Nothing in Life is Free:  The “Nothing in life is Free” program, when implemented in a reasonable manner, can greatly help increase the odds of good behaviour.  When the dog learns that the way to get what he wants is by doing something you like, your dog will start doing what you like more often.  This program also helps teach the dog the concept of self-control.  If mugging you for food works, why should he sit politely during meals?  If pulling on the leash works, why should he try to keep the leash loose?  But, if the dog has to sit before he gets a treat and has to keep the leash loose before you are willing to move a single step, he has more reason to try self-control.  This program goes hand in hand with helping the dog toward an acceptable behaviour and then rewarding that behaviour with something the dog wants.


Look for the good:  We are a punishing species.  It is a proven fact that when a person uses punishment and it gets results, the use of punishment is more likely.  However, the same can be said of using rewarding methods.  If you are watching for behaviours you can reward (& you reward them) those behaviours will become more frequent. This works better than always looking for what the dog is doing wrong so you can yell or jerk on the leash.  The punishment method will cause a dog to hide the behaviour from you.  The reward method will cause the dog to bond with you because he wants to figure out what you want him to do (so he can get what he wants.)  For some complex behaviours, you might need to gradually “shape” the behaviour of the dog to get it closer and closer to the desired behaviour.  You can do this by timing your rewards in a way that keeps the dog trying and moving toward the desired behaviour.

Be active:  Most dogs do not get the exercise they require.  Many are overweight and bored out of their minds.  By keeping their mind and body active, the dog will have less time to get himself into trouble by creating his own fun but often troublesome games.

Don’t mix signals:  As humans, we communicate primarily with words.  Dogs, however, are best at reading non-verbal signals like body language and tone of voice.  We also tend to use our words in a confusing way- saying “down” when we mean “get off” and repeating the cue so fast it becomes a new cue (“sit, sit, sit”.)  Now the dog waits to hear “sit-sit-sit” before he responds. Our message and tone can be confusing too.  Saying “come here!” in a rough and growly voice does not indicate to the dog that going toward you will be safe.  Dog’s are masters at reading our body language.  Even subtle changes like breathing patterns and raised eye brows are often noticed by dogs.  Be aware of what you are saying with your tone and body to be sure it’s not confusing the dog.  If your dog is not correctly responding to what you ask, check to make sure your body language and tone aren’t asking for something different (or indicating a bad mood that could make the dog hesitant to respond.)

Train, train, train:  Dogs do not come with “good behaviour” naturally.  In fact, most behaviour that DOES come naturally to a dog is in direct contradiction with what we want.  By looking for and rewarding the desired behaviours, and redirecting unwanted behaviours into ones we can reward, you will be teaching your dog what you like and expect.  Just as with raising a small child, teaching dogs what will make you happy and what will upset you is a 24 hour/ 7 days a week job!  Dogs and children are always learning.  You need to make a decision to be sure they are learning what you want them to learn.

Love your dog:  It is very easy to get frustrated, when this happens, take a moment to take a deep breath, then assess the situation.  What can you do to prevent it? What should you have done to prevent it?  What alternative behaviour can you try to get the dog to do so you can reward it?  Is it a natural behaviour the dog needs an outlet for?  Is anyone else allowing the dog to practice the unwanted behaviour?  Can you use the situation to teach the dog self-control?  Does the dog need more exercise?  Would the dog be doing this behaviour if he was tired?  Are your desires being communicated clearly to the dog?  When you answer these questions, it is likely that you will have something to work with.  You’ll have behaviour (or more than one) you can watch for and reward.  You will understand how to prevent the unwanted and reward the good dog.

If you are unsure how this advice applies to your case please discuss this with your trainer:

Miranda Sasse                  miranda@sussexcountydogtraining.co.uk           07958522732

Jeff Sasse                            jeff@sussexcountydogtraining.co.uk                    07861121079

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How Much is That Doggy in the Window What to Know When Getting a Dog

12.36 in a, Dog, doggy, getting, how, in, is, know, much, that, the, to, what, when, window

Honestly, the biggest problem I see when training dogs (and their owners!) isnt jumping up, running away or housetraining.  By far, the biggest issue is people getting a dog that wasnt a good match for their family. The article Getting a Dog addresses the important qualities to consider before selecting your next dog.

Learn when the perfect time is to bring a new dog into your home, based on your living situation, the time of year and more. Look at the pros and cons of getting a puppy, young adult or senior dog, as well as which is a better match for you - purebred or mixed breed.

Once youve determined that the time is right and youve closely considered what type of dog fits your life, its time to examine your options of where to get your new dog. Learn more about well-run animal shelters and rescue groups and how to identify and avoid rescue groups that dont act with the dogs best interest at heart. If you decide to purchase a dog from a breeder youll have lots of research to do, but our Selecting a Good Breeder article will help you ask all the right questions.

Lastly, learn why it is so important NEVER to buy a puppy (or anything else) from a pet store or a backyard breeder.

Once youve read about how to select a dog thats a good match for you and your family, you might find you still need some help. If thats the case, please dont hesitate to ask!  Email me or call me at 503.686.5890. The most important decision you make about your new dog happens before you even bring him/her home!

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How To Get A Well Trained Dog!

09.03 in a, Dog, get, how, to, trained, well

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.

 A dog needs to be trained from the outset. The sooner you start training the dog the better, because they have not learned bad habits that you will have to correct. If you never give your dog any scraps from table food, they will never start begging for it.

 You do not want to use wee-wee pads when potty training your dog. 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. Teaching your dog the appropriate place to go from the start is always the more practical idea.

 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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How to Train Your New Puppy

18.49 in Dog, how, new, puppy, to, train, your

When you get a new puppy, training can be very overwhelming. Sometimes the puppy is just so naughty and so mischievous that you might lose your temper. It is important to remember to keep your puppy training ethical. That means no hitting and trying not to raise your voice. A puppy does not understand what all of that is about. You have to train them in a way that they will be able to learn.

Start Young

You want to start training your puppy at about four weeks old if you have the puppy that early. The training at this point will just be to get them to respond to some sort of cue like a whistle, clap or snap. At six weeks you can start teaching them to walk on a leash and obedience training. It is also important to start crate training young.

Introduce Them to Stimuli

It is important to introduce young dogs to the outside world. You want them to be familiar with toys and floors of all different materials, used to getting touched all over and okay with loud noises of any variety. This will help them behave well even when in new conditions. Some children may approach your dog in the future and touch them on the head, and if your dog is not used to getting touched there it can end badly. It is important to get them used to loud noises for their own benefit. Otherwise they will spend every Fourth of July and thunderstorm cowering in the bathroom in complete terror.

Be Kind

You have to remember through all of your training to praise them when they do things right. You also have to remember that, if you get home and there is an accident, you cannot yell at them. They will not know why you are yelling and they may just get scared.

Difficulties

Training a puppy is not always easy, but you want to make sure that you are doing it ethically. You want to train a well-behaved, loved dog. You cannot do that by treating it improperly. If you need any guidance, there are puppy training courses that you can go to in order to learn tips and tricks to train your dog ethically.

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How To Train Your Puppy The Right Way – Introducing Your Puppy To Your Home And Family

06.39 in –, and, can, Dog, family, home, housebreak, how, introducing, pomerarian, puppy, right, the, to, train, training, way, you, your

Puppy training is very important, whether you are training your first puppy or your 20th. Properly training and socializing a puppy is vital to making it a valued member of your family and your community.



In some ways training a puppy is easier than training an adult or adolescent dog. One reason is that the puppy is essentially a "blank slate", untroubled by past training techniques and other issues. In other ways, however, the puppy can be more difficult to train than an older dog.



One challenge to training a new puppy is that puppies are more easily distractible than adolescent and adult dogs. Everything is new to a puppy, and every new experience provides a new chance for distraction. For this reason, it is best to keep training sessions short when working with a puppy, and to end each training sessions on a positive note.



It is also important to allow the puppy plenty of time to play, and to interact with other puppies and dogs. Socialization training is vital to making your new puppy a good canine citizen, as dog aggression is a growing problem in many areas. A properly socialized dog learns how to play properly with other dogs, and overly aggressive play is punished by the other dogs in the play group.



This type of play learning is something that happens among siblings in litters of puppies. As the puppies play with each other, they learn what is appropriate and what is not. Inappropriate behavior, such as hard biting or scratching, is punished by the other puppies, by the mother dog, or both.



Unfortunately, many puppies are removed from their mothers and sold or adopted before this socialization has fully occurred. Therefore, puppy play sessions are a very important part of any puppy training session. Most good puppy preschool training programs provide time in each session for this type of dog interaction.



Introducing your puppy to new experiences and new locations is also an important part of puppy training. Teaching your dog to be obedient and responsive, even in the face of many distractions, is very important when training dogs and puppies.



It is important for puppy owners to structure their pets environment so that the puppy is rewarded for good behaviors and not rewarded for others. One good example of this is jumping on people. Many people inadvertently reward this behavior because it can be cute. While it is true that jumping can be cute for a 10 pound puppy, it will not be so cute when that puppy has grown into a 100 pound dog.



Instead of rewarding the puppy for jumping, try rewarding it for sitting instead. This type of positive reinforcement will result in a well behaved adult dog that is a valued member of both the family and the community at large.



This type of reinforcement can also be used in potty training the new puppy. For instance, teaching a puppy to use a unique surface such as gravel or asphalt is a good technique. The theory is that the puppy will associate this surface with going potty, and therefore be reluctant to use other surfaces (like your kitchen carpet for instance) as a potty.


Copyright Jonathan Cheong - http://www.absolute-dog-training.com



Written by: Jonathan Cheong

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How To Train Any Dog Any Time Easily

12.25 in any, Dog, easily, how, time, to, train

Dog training often ends up looking more akin to human training. This can be said because before an owner can effectively train a dog, they must first train themselves on how. You need to learn how to properly train your animal first, and then start training your dog. The tips in this article can help you get started.

It takes small steps to crate train your puppy; they must become accustomed to it. Once he is comfortable walking in and out of the crate, try quietly closing the door and offering him a biscuit through the wires. Start small, like at 10 seconds per approach, and then gradually increase the times. If they become upset, you are moving too fast.



 For optimal dog training results, you must make sure that your dog is active at all times. Dogs are not meant to just lay around. To have an enjoyable life, they need to be able to get out and run and work. Train your dog for agility, jog with it or take it to the park. If you stay active with him, he is not likely to get bored.

 As with most things, and this goes with dog training as well, dont ever give up. Your dog will not remember his training if you are not there to constantly remind him of what you expect. In the same way that nourishing your dog with food and a safe place to live is a daily commitment, so is teaching and encouraging good behavior.

 Communication is one of the essential aspects of training your dog. Clear commands and consistency are necessary when you work with your dog. Your verbal commands and body language, along with the rewards you give out, should all be consistent. Pay attention to any cues that your dog gives you, as well. By watching and understanding the way your dog communicates, you can discover if your dog is getting fatigued, restless, or is happy.

 Stop your puppy immediately if he is chewing on something he shouldnt. This will help your puppy to learn what things he is allowed to chew and what he is not. He will then be less likely to chew on your belongings and instead will turn to his toys when he wants to chew.

 If you are training more than one dog, remember that some breeds of dogs can be trained together, but some breeds cannot. If your dogs cannot focus during training, you may need to start with one-on-one before training them together.

 For a happier and more content dog, be sure to provide it with things to do that will stimulate its thinking and keep its mind active. Some great activities to provide this mental stimulation could be a long outside walk, a favorite bone, or even a peanut butter-filled toy! If you dont keep your dog entertained, they will make their own fun by wreaking havoc on your belongings.

 When training a dog, you need everyone who takes care of the dog to treat him the same way. Consistency is important in your training method, as dogs respond the best when their training is consistent. If someone is training the dog one way and someone else tries something different, the dog will become confused on how to behave properly.

 Try to get your dog on a regular feeding schedule. This will give you an idea of when the dog is likely to have to go, so you can take it outdoors to take care of this matter before an accident occurs on your rug. Sticking to a schedule will teach your dog how to control himself until his next scheduled potty break.

 Try to teach your dog good habits right away. It is far simpler to teach a dog to do something the right way than to break bad habits. If you never give your dog any scraps from table food, they will never start begging for it.

 Keep count of the number of treats you feed your dog because you do not want him or her to get fat. A lot of people forget to account for treats given during training when considering a dogs diet plan.

 Get your dog ready early for his trips to the veterinarian. Move your hands across his head, back, stomach and legs, and give him reinforcement when he responds appropriately. Work with him so he is tolerant of having his paws touched and teeth examined. You could ask the assistance of your friends, too.

 Using a crate is an effective way to house train your dog. For crate training to be effective, you must make sure to let the dog out frequently. Dogs who are crate trained are often the best trained, having less accidents.

 Your dog needs to get plenty of exercise. Dogs can get bored very easily. Dogs that lose interest are hard to train. Dogs are more inclined to obey when they are regularly taken out for exercise and happily accepted as a member of your family. It is a great idea to take your dog out on runs or walks through the neighborhood.

 Do not tie up several dogs in close proximity to each other. One dogs chain might become entangled with the other, which could lead to serious injuries. If one dog is larger than the other, it could accidentally tangle the cord around the smaller dogs neck, causing it to become unable to breath, and possibly die.

 Large dogs that prefer to lie down on their backs or stretch, out should have a big bed to get comfortable in. Large, flat rectangle beds are made for large dogs. You can also get a little creative, and just buy a mattress made for a babys crib. Simply utilize fitted crib sheets to cover it. They can be removed and washed very easily. These mattresses are usually waterproof also.

 When you begin training your puppy, create a bond with him by first teaching him his name. Simply start by calling his name as often as possible. Once he learns his name, you can encourage him to come to you when called. Your dog should learn these items before any others as theyre the most important. Spend plenty of quality time with them, so that they know that they can trust you. In this way, he will be more receptive to advanced training later.

 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.

 Now that the people who are interested in training their new pet dog have, hopefully, learned some new tricks, they can proceed to pass them along to their pets. Once a dog is on its way to learning, the owner will begin to appreciate the dedication that he or she has shown for doing the right thing for mans best friend..

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How Comfy is Your Best Chair

18.45 in best, chair, comfy, Dog, how, is, your

Photo (c) 2012 Faith Hague

Leo, a Spinone Italiano mix, has learned to behave well when hes in a comfy spot, thanks to resource guarding behavior modification training through Bravo Dog Training (boy, thats a mouthful!).  Resource guarding is a natural behavior that occurs when a dog wants to protect something he finds valuable - like a great sleeping spot or a rawhide bone.  Dogs can resource guard any number of objects, including food, toys, beds, bones and even people.

Changing the behavior is about changing the dogs perception of our approach and interaction when the dog has something he feels is worth guarding.  Contrary to long held beliefs, the best way to stop resouce guarding behavior in dogs is not to challenge the dog and "put him in his place," but to make him see our presence as a good, safe thing.  Does Leo look like he feels safe?

For additional information on resource guarding, check out the January 2011 issue of The Bravo Bark: http://www.mybravodog.com/January_2011.html Thanks to Faith Hague of Camden, Maine for the great photo!

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