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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The adventures of Splasherpup and Keeks

21.22 in adventures, and, Dog, keeks, of, splasherpup, the

The faces of innocence! 

Until....

Grrrrrrr!...............

Keeks- How DARE you compete with my cuteness!

Splasherpup- "Take THAT to your cuteness!"

Keeks- "Im warning you!"

Splasherpup- "Ok! Ok! You win!

"Phew! That was exhausting!"

Kikopup- "Ha ha! I have this pup wrapped around my little paw!"

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Everything you can imagine is real Pablo Picasso

17.47 in advantage, can, Dog, everything, imagine, is, pablo, picasso, real, the, to, use, weather, you, your

"Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake."
-Henry David Thoreau

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Behaviors Are Like Notes on a Piano

10.58 in 4, a, are, art, behaviors, Dog, dogging, dvds, like, notes, of, on, piano, set, the, trick

“Think of your dog’s repertoire of behaviors as keys on a piano. To create variety you will need to play songs of different length, tempo, and tune- Never play the same song repetitively. Never play all the notes just because they are there!”- kikopup

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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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Training Your Dog The Right Way

17.31 in Dog, right, the, training, way, your

Training a dog really first requires the owner be trained as well. This can be said because before an owner can effectively train a dog, they must first train themselves on how. Dog training is not an innate skill people are born with, so do they need to do the research to train the dog properly. There is some solid advice in this article about how to do that.

If your dog possesses specific triggers associated to bad behavior, try to keep him busy while the temptation passes. For instance, if your dog reacts negatively to other dogs, you need to keep his focus on you as you come into contact with them. This will help him correlate the relationship between that stimuli and the positive things that come from it.



 Understanding the underlying motivations to your dogs behavior is crucial to successful training. It might take a little while to really get to know your dogs likes, but dont get discouraged. Positive reinforcement, while being put through a lot of different experiences and in different environments can help in the success of teaching obedience to your dog. The happier and more satisfied your dog is, the more successful your training will be.

 You should not take your problems out on your pet. If your dog has not misbehaved, you should treat him warmly.

 Many people are bitten by dogs because of their fears of that exact thing happening. A dog will bite if it feels unsafe or trapped. Force is not necessary to train a dog, and should never be used. Your dog might snap and bite you. By doing this, pleasing you will be one of your dogs life goals as it will see you as the pack leader.

 The first thing to do when training a dog is to establish that you are in control. Otherwise, the dog will think that he is in charge and will not respond to your training tactics. When you walk your dog, walk in front of him to establish leadership.

 Set the stage for success so that your dog will have little trouble learning what to chew and what not to chew. Excessive chewing is not only damaging to your precious objects, but dangerous to your dog. Things like brushes, small toys and nylons are common things around the house that pose a choking hazard.

 Giving your dog the favorite treat can assist you in training your dog. By giving your dog this food, they will want to follow whatever you teach them. Make sure you pay attention to how he responds when you offer him this reward.

 Get your dog the proper nutrition required for canine health. Too many table scraps can unbalance your dogs diet. A poor diet can affect their behavior as well as their health. Improving your dogs diet can make training him easier.

 Introductions to new dogs or any other animals should occur slowly and carefully. Consider your pet at home before adopting a new one. In order to maximize bonding, a new pet will need a personality which complements the personality of the pet you already have.

 Keeping your dog active is an important part of successful dog training and is also good for their health. Dogs are designed to keep busy and active. They need to get plenty of good exercise to be happy and fit. Look for a local agility class, go for a run with your dog or teach him to play catch with a Frisbee. Keep your dog well entertained and you will eliminate many of the common problems, such as chewing on shoes.

 Its a good idea to keep in mind the number of treats you are giving your dog throughout the day. Giving him too many will add unneeded calories to his diet and cause him to become overweight. Many people overlook treats when considering the animals diet, but they certainly add up, especially during active training.

 Understand when you cant handle your dog on your own, and use that knowledge to know when you need to call in a professional to help you. Training you dog can be tough, and sometimes you need a dog trainer if your dog is too hard to handle. Your trainer will pinpoint the problem areas and point you in the right direction.

 Consistency is very important when training your dog. Make a list of all your commands, and ensure that anyone who might have to control your dog has this list. Reward your dog for following commands. Do not reward your dog if he doesnt obey. When the people around the dog use different commands and responses, he may become confused and training could suffer.

 Try to use the same words or actions when you are training your dog. A dog will respond to this positively, as they will start to associate that action or word with each kind of behavior. Remember to be consistent about what commands you use and what behaviors you expect in every training session. The more consistent you are, the more likely you are to successfully train your dog to obey your commands.

 Make sure training has an element of fun incorporated into it. Taking time to play creates a strong bond between the two of you, and your dog will be more likely to respond well to training. Training is fun for the dog, but you should set aside some real "play time" as well.

 Keeping your dog outdoors when you are not home is a good way to prevent chewing. If you cannot put your dog outside make sure you do not leave anything out that your dog can ruin.

 Have your dog learn to just hold one of his toys in his mouth, instead of chewing on it immediately. When he puts the toy around his mouth, use a training clicker and offer him a treat. 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, just click and then give a reward. After that, only give the reward if he does hold the toy in his mouth.

 Just as a human likes to stretch out and lay on their backs, so do dogs. Therefore, it is essential to have a dog bed big enough for your furry friend. There are big, long dog beds around for larger dogs, or you could look for a mattress taken from a crib. This is a convenient and fun alternative because you have the opportunity to change the appearance of the bed and keep it clean by simply putting a new crib sheet on it every few days. The crib mattresses are also waterproof which means they are highly durable.

 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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The Obamas Narrow Down Their Decision which puppy is right for them

08.05 in decision, Dog, down, for, is, narrow, obamas, puppy, right, the, their, them, which

First of all, I think it sets a great example for the public that the Obamas are looking to adopt their dog from a shelter. Dogs are the products of their environment, and if a dog is raised in a loving home with loving hands, that dog can be a healthy, happy and loving member of their family, regardless of pedigree.

And its also great that the President-elect has been doing his homework. However, it is important for Obama to keep in mind that breed descriptions and terms used by the AKC are all very subjective. Yes, many dogs are bred for specific traits and for carrying out certain tasks and activities. Their breed specifics will make that DNA a little stronger in some areas than other. But a dogs breed wont dictate personality - just like how you wouldnt say a person is friendly, reserved or aggressive based on their nationality or ethnic background.

Ive said it before, and Ill say it again: Im not breed biased. First and foremost their doggy DNA makes them dogs. And I know that you can train and teach a dog to love or hate almost anything. In fact, you can train any animal to do anything they are physically and mentally capable of doing.

So the most important thing for the Obamas to consider is how the dog will fit in with their lifestyle. While they must be able to provide the dog with legal outlets for the innate behaviors that it was bred for, they must also remember that dogs are living breathing creatures that have individual personalities! Theyre NOT inanimate objects like furniture, cars and computers that you can shop for through a catalog. I am a strong believer that dogs should be adopted based on personality, behavior, and demeanor. How a dog reacts at your first meeting is a better indicator of how it will fit into your lifestyle than the history of how the dog was bred. Its best to pay attention to what the dog is doing, not what you think it should or might do based upon breed alone. 

And if they are considering adopting a puppy, they need to think about proper socialization and dog training focused on preventing behavioral issues. Its just like when the Obamas had their children, they had to think about consistency in parenting and all the various responsibilities associated with taking care of another life in the long term. They had to baby proof their home, among other things. And with a puppy, they will have to puppy proof their home and know how to manage the responsibilities of raising a healthy and happy puppy. 

From what I’ve seen, the Obamas seem like a real traditional family that’s big on responsibility (Malia and Sasha will be making their own beds in the White House!) and they will remain focused on instilling values in their children to encourage them to be productive. Kudos to them for being such responsible parents! 

So they need to think about the dogs needs - Will the girls be brushing and grooming the dog regularly? Will Barack Obama run with the dog 5 miles or have the Secret Service pulling doggy exercising duties?

And finally, they have to think about taking care of the dogs needs in the long run. The dog will likely outlive Obamas presidential administration, even if he serves two terms. So the dog will be with them long after they leave the White House. And if the kids leave for college, Barack and Michelle will have an adult dog to take care of even though their daughters have moved away. So its important for them to consider their immediate lifestyle as well as what their future holds.

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Splash! tests the waters

01.58 in Dog, splash, tests, the, waters

Splash! tries out dock diving at Wags for Wishes in San Diego.  The first day she had a blast, but the second day she jumped off and landed on the ramp. This scared her and we couldnt motivate her to jump from the dock again, so we went to fiesta island and practiced there where she really got into it again.  :) I believe she will be awesome at dock diving someday, as she loves to do crazy things. Kiko watched on with disgust. Sadly I have no video of her first jump. :( 

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Dog has the intellect of an animal

10.38 in an, animal, Dog, has, intellect, of, the

Remember that your dog has the intellect of an animal. You will be greatly disappointed if you think that they can. Read this article to understand a dogs psyche better, and know how to treat your pet.

When training your dog, always be sure that it feels safe. If your pet feels unsafe, it is more likely they will act out in a negative way. In order to eliminate this, you should ensure that you put your dog in a safe surrounding.



 To be the most successful in dog training, make sure your dogs need for exercise is being met before starting a new training project. Canines were meant to exercise regularly. They need to run and work in order to be healthy and happy. Register for agility classes, run with your dog, and teach him or her to play Frisbee to increase activity levels. Make the activity consistent and stimulating for your dog.

 There are a lot of tricks you can teach your dog to do; a common one is training him to hold a toy in his mouth without chewing it. Whenever he puts the toy in his mouth, give a treat and his clicker reward. After your dog succeeds in mouthing an object a few times, move on to rewarding the dog for picking it up with his mouth. Once he does, click and reward. As he gets even better, only give him a reward for holding the plushie in his mouth for a few seconds.

 Training should be an enjoyable activity for your dog. Try not to make training sessions any longer than 15 minutes. That will keep his attention. Keep your rewards coming and vary what you give them. Make sure you shower praise on your dog when they do well. When the dog enjoys their training, they will listen better.

 Accidents are bound to happen while housebreaking your puppy. Clean accidents right away to speed up training. Animals are inclined to eliminate repeatedly in spots where they can smell urine or feces, and carpets require special care. There are many products on the market that can help with this, so check with your local pet shop.

 When training a puppy or dog that is new to your family, it is a wonderful idea to keep the entire family involved during the training. You may have one member of the family that does much of the training with him, but by having the entire family take part in the training, he will learn that he must obey each person that lives in the home.

 Playing tug-of-war with your puppy makes training less effective. Games, such as wrestling, chasing or tugging, teaches the puppy to nip or bite at your hands. This behavior is very difficult to break, so you should avoid these games while they are still a puppy.

 One of the most basic dog training tips around is to use your dogs name to command its attention. This will direct his attention to you immediately every time, and especially right before you issue a command. Get your dogs attention this way ten times every day. Also, it is very inappropriate for you to call the dog over to you and then punish him, as this will teach him to fear you and discourage him from coming when called.

 Make sure everyone involved in a dogs training uses the same set of commands. Make sure everyone is on the same page with command words; if the command for being quiet is "quiet," dont let anyone use "stop barking." If everyone uses identical commands, the dog will learn much faster and you will have greater success.

 You can try a little bit of ingenuity if you are going with crate training for your indoor dog or puppy. If your puppy seems reluctant about entering the crate, place a chew toy inside and close the door to the kennel. The puppy will want to enter the kennel to retrieve the treat. Once in the crate, let them know they did a good job by praising them.

 Dogs have natural destructive behavior, so provide outlets for them to exercise their natural behaviors. Feed your dog a balanced diet, give them space to run, and provide them with activities that will burn energy.

 Limit the duration of training sessions. Your dog is going to get bored doing the same thing over and over. Try to limit initial training sessions to 10 minutes or less.

 Decide on a single phrase to use when housebreaking your new puppy. If you use the special phrase you have come up with each time you take him outside, you will get him to focus on what he is supposed to do.

 Teething is painful, and providing chew toys helps alleviate the pain. Keep items that are potentially more painful out of reach. Take it away, and give him a chew toy. A frozen washcloth can provide teething relief for your pup.

 Over-training your puppy will expose it to too much at once, rendering the training less effective. Brief, simple, positive training sessions are well-suited to the limited supply of energy and attention a pup has to work with. If you try to do too much, the puppy will probably not remember much except that it was an unpleasant experience, and that will make it more difficult when the time comes for the next training session.

 As with any professional, research their reputation to verify that you are getting the best animal behavior specialist out there. There are a lot of different approaches taken by dog trainers concerning how to correctly train a dog. Understand the trainers philosophy so that you can be sure the trainers approach is similar with your own views of dog training.

 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.

 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.

 After learning some helpful hints on how to get through to your dog and train it to behave to your expectations you simply need to follow what you have learned. After changing your dogs behavior to fit with the tips suggested you can properly train your dog..

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Dogs respond to training in the same way

08.37 in Dog, dogs, in, respond, same, the, to, training, way

All types of dogs respond to training in the same way. Once you get a better understanding of how a dog thinks, you will be more efficient in training yours. If someone doesnt understand this mindset, he or she can gain some knowledge by reading this article.

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. Dogs need to run around and do activities with their owners to be at their best. Try enrolling in an agility course, going for a run, or practicing Frisbee skills with your dog. Do not let your dog get bored, but keep it moving as much as you can.



 Training should be done when the dog is young. Much like human children, puppies learn faster than adult dogs. When you begin appropriate training early, it will be easier for your dog to grow up knowing the correct way to behave.

 If a dog is experiencing separation anxiety, you need to increase its base of social support. The dog needs to have other people around to get rid of its fixation with you.

 Challenge your dog frequently. While you may know your dog hasnt forgotten anything, try little tests to ensure he remembers all the commands hes learned up to that point.

 Dogs should never be tied up close to each other. This is due to the fact that they could become tangled in each others cords and end up injuring themselves when trying to get free. It can even be fatal if you tie a large dog up with a small dog, and the large dog ends up getting a chain wrapped around the small dogs neck.

 When dogs bite, it is usually from fear. This happens when a dog feels frightened, threatened, and trapped. Train your dog with praise and discipline, not physical force. The dog could get frightened and bite you. Dogs have a pack mentality, and naturally want to be lead.

 If you want a dog that is well-behaved, assure that everyone who interacts with the dog gives it the same treatment as you do. The most favorable results stem from keeping all of your dogs training consistent. Every person must have the same approach so that your dog will know what behavior is expected of him.

 Try using a clicker to help enforce good behavior. In order to begin, simply create a happy mental link between the clickers sound and something the dog enjoys. Attempt to click and treat immediately and do this several times for a few days. Soon, your dog will understand that the noise means "great", making the clicker to a tool that can shape desirable behavior.

 If at all possible, dog training should really begin as a puppy. Older dogs are trainable, but young dogs are more responsive to the lessons from training. Teaching your dog good behavior from a young age is great way to help it grow as a pet that becomes respectful.

 Use the dogs name as much as you can to make sure it pays attention. Make sure to use the dogs name constantly when you first have him, so he can make the connection with his name and paying attention. Put some thought into your dogs name, and choose one that isnt too long and that isnt too similar to other common words.

 To help you train your dog you should know what kinds of foods your dog likes to eat. If you know which treats really get your pet excited, you will find that he or she is willing to work harder. Pay attention to what treats your dog responds the best to.

 Dogs learn quickest through repetition and positive reinforcement. You need to make sure your dog understands what the expected behavior is, be consistent in your expectations and practice the behaviors daily. This is how a dog will learn to perform a trick. Show your pet the right way through rewards and repetition.

 It is crucial that everyone who interacts with your dog uses the exact same command phrases as you do. If you use one command phrase and your family uses another then your dog may get confused. By having every single family member use the same commands, better success will be achieved for training your dog.

 Triggers that tend to instigate inappropriate behavior in your dog can be diverted by redirecting his attention. For example, if it is difficult for your dog to be around other animals, you should distract him with praise and entertainment in order to keep him preoccupied when you walk past animals during your walks. By doing this, he will start to see that good things can happen even when he sees that stimuli.

 Teach everyone in your family to use the same commands to train 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. If everyone is consistent about the same words, it will be easier to train your pet.

 Dogs need routine, so feed your dog at the same time every day. This also helps with training. This will help you better understand when your dog needs to go outside, so he doesnt go on the carpet and ruin it. When a dog has a schedule, they also learn the valuable skill of "holding it" until you take him for his next scheduled trip outside.

 Use your dogs name often to ensure you have its attention. Use it constantly in the first few weeks that you have your dog: your puppy should associate this sound with paying attention to you. Choose a shorter name that can stand out from other terms.

 Use a phrase on your puppy to house train him. When you take your dog out, repeat this command. This will help him form an association between being taken outside and doing his business.

 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.

 Always use your dogs name when you need his attention. To have some good control over your dog, a solid response is crucial. Call them to you at least ten times a day. Try to avoid punishing your dog when it comes to you after you call out its name while using this technique.

 It is important for dog owners to realize that training no longer has to be a battle. With patience and a little research, you can train your dog. Dogs can rise to the occasion and thrive with training from their owner.

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Out of the Box Dog Training Game All About Skill Level

18.21 in about, all, box, Dog, game, level, of, out, skill, the, training

The following is a most excellent question from one of my wonderful inquisitive canine students - thought Id share it with everyone, just in case you have the same question.

Hi Joan - I have a question regarding your new Out of the Box Dog Training Game. 

When practicing with my dogs Ady & Ashley, Ill want to take them from beginner to intermediate (and eventually to advanced) for certain behaviors, BUT I cant remember what differentiated one level to the next, like the descriptions on the canine circuit training class posters. Are the cards detailed like the circuit posters? Thanks - Ady and Ashleys mom. 

This is a great question, as Im sure there are other inquisitive canine folks out there wondering the same thing. Id be more than happy to answer this, and describe how I teach my inquisitive canine students in the various dog training classes I offer, as well as private dog training clients to make the behaviors easier or more difficult for his or her dog(s). 

The concept I teach and often refer to is "3-D Training" - Distance, Duration and Distractions. Adjusting each element on its own will make a behavior easier or more difficult for your dog to perform. 

When teaching your dog a new behavior, youll want to make it easier and increase only one "D" at a time. Youll then either lower the other two Ds" or keep them the same level. To make it more difficult, or to advance your dogs skills, increase one "D" at a time. For those truly advanced dogs out there you can increase two "Ds" at a time while lowering or keeping the third one the same.  

I describe each "D" in the following way:

• Distance: the distance between you and your dog, or your dog and the object/person you want them to go to or target. 
• Duration: the amount of time you want your dog to hold a position. 
• Distractions: anything, and I mean ANYTHING in the environment that your dog can be triggered or motivated by - this includes anything that can stimulate at least one of his or her senses in some way. 

A few examples related to skill level would include:

• Distance using Recall (coming when called): Beginner level: Inside your home, no distractions, no other behaviors like sit-stay, from 5 feet away. Advanced level: 30 yards away outside at off leash dog park with a mid-way "stop and stay". 
• Duration using Waiting At Doors: Beginner level: Have your dog sit before being let outside, give release cue then immediately open door to let him or her outside. Advanced level, ask for sit-stay at door, open door, dog has to wait 5-10 seconds before release cue is given, allowing them to go outside. 
• Distractions using walking on Loose Leash: Beginner level: inside home. Advanced level is walking outside with every distraction in the world. 

As a gentle reminder, remember to reward everything you want, and to increase the value of the motivator when youre advancing those skill levels. (Motivation is another topic I bring up in the Guide Booklet" and throughout my dog training classes and private dog training sessions). 

This information can be found in the Guide Booklet of my newly developed Out of the Box Dog Training Game. Its also part of my various dog training class welcome packets and workbooks. The great thing about understanding this concept is it makes it easy for anyone to play the game, plus youll be able to play it over and over, all you have to do is to adjust the skill level as you go. 

Happy training to you and your dogs, and thanks again for the question! I love when people are as inquisitive as their canines. 

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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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EFFECTIVE METHODS OF TRAINING YOUR DOG

03.38 in Dog, effective, many, methods, moods, of, puppy, the, training, understanding, your

EFFECTIVE METHODS OF TRAINING YOUR DOG

Training your dog is something that each and every owner of a pet has to associate with. You have to use time doing what requires to be done and carrying it out efficiently. Pet owners who do not train their animals effectively will have to go through difficulty down the road with misconduct and distressed neighbors. It is worthwhile to get the dog training through as soon as feasible.

But how?

How can you successfully bring into play dog training? There are a number of techniques out there and you can make an effort to try all of them. You have these choices for the reason that every person has a distinct notion or apprehension in relation to which is the top technique obtainable. You will probably employ more than one technique before you can come across something that suits you fine. Even as all these techniques work, you are the person who should execute them successfully as the owner of the pet. Read on for a few opinions to mull over on the topic of dog training.

One alternative that you have is consenting to a proficient person to do the job for you. This is to a certain extent a helpful manner in particular when you are not at home or capable to give over the time and stamina required to train the dog correctly. It can be expensive however you can in addition find dog trainers who will do it for a lot less than others.

A different technique that can be thought about in dog training is that of making use of training collars. These do the job in a range of methods. A few work by sending out a sound that is painful to the dog, if he does anything wrong. Others function by giving off a small electrical shock to the dog if he goes out of line. These techniques, both of them, are certainly of use.

And, both of these techniques are absolutely safe and sound for your pet as dog training gadgets.
Of course, you can make use of your own techniques of dog training as well. One way to keep the dog inspired when doing the right thing is to give them an award. Dog training does not have to be hard when you give consent to others to assist you to come across the right way to get the job done.

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Abby and Splash play date at the beach

23.52 in abby, and, at, beach, date, Dog, play, splash, the

Splash taught Abby to swim! Now Abby can swim fearlessly like a true retriever!  Abby taught Splash (not previously a fan) that tennis balls are pretty cool!

Abby is very photogenic! 

Dirty dirty dog... 

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House Training Issues why do our dogs use the inside of our homes to eliminate

17.49 in do, Dog, dogs, eliminate, homes, house, inside, issues, of, our, the, to, training, use, why

Poncho and I have both been receiving questions regarding dogs - both puppy and adult- and house-training issues. Poncho answered one question more in-depth for our Noozhawk column, but I thought Id address it myself.

As we all know, or youll soon learn, dogs arent known to generalize behaviors we want - this includes "knowing" the proper place to go potty. Sure, theyve learned where to go where they live, but often times when you take them to a new location, they need to be re-taught. And, sometimes you need to re-teach those skills in even where they live. 

House-training basics should be instilled whenever a dog goes to a new place. Meaning, take the dog where you want him or her to eliminate, wait until they do just that, then reward them - using a yummy treat, petting, praise, and allowing them either freedom off the leash or getting to go inside the house/building etc... With consistency, the dog will learn that the trend of going outside is the better choice.

I have my students use this approach whenever they bring their dog to my Inquisitive Canine studio for classes or socials. Their dog is to go potty outside, and the reward is a treat and getting to come in for class. The first couple of times take a little longer (this is why I ask folks to arrive early), but once the dog "gets it", theyre more likely to get their business done so they can come in for class. Its nice to see pooches that excited about going to school.

One other topic Ill mention regarding house-training is "texture" or "substrate" of the type of surface where a dog will usually eliminate. If theyre used to a specific surface, then it changes, they might be "confused" and not "go potty" immediately. Take for instance wet grass vs dry. Its been raining out here (finally), so getting dogs out into the rain to potty may be a whole new experience for them - you might need to get out the treats, leash (to manage them from wandering off exploring other things) and take them outside yourself. Using some of your basic house-training techniques will help set them up for success - and help prevent you having to clean up.

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This Dog Trainer Can Trust Her Own Dog and the Dog Training

13.23 in and, can, Dog, her, own, the, this, trainer, training, trust

We had a little incident at our home this evening. Yep, I admit, this dog trainer isnt perfect and neither are the rest of the humans in the household. However, Poncho, my inquisitive canine and trusty dog behavior advice column sidekick seemed to be spot on tonight, (although I admit my fast twitch muscle fibers were working well).

What was the issue? We had a cookie malfunction: my darling husband was carrying a cookie and half of it fell out of his hand and flew across the slippery hardwood floor like a hockey puck on the way to the goal. Needless to say, Poncho McQuikie pants was right on its tail!

I was in the other room, watching the whole thing go down, envisioning Poncho consume his entire caloric intake for the week in one bite, but before his soft warm fuzzy lips wrapped themselves around the delectable molasses chew from Trader Joes, I yelled out "Leave it!" as I was flying out of the chair and across the room, while reaching in and grabbing the mouthwatering morsel up off the floor...AND BY GOLLY PONCHO THE DOG DID IT! Poncho actually backed away from it even BEFORE my hand was near it! I was so shocked I did the happy dance, said he was a good boy, then broke off a tiny, Poncho-sized piece for his reward of leaving it alone!

The "Leave it!" behavior is one of the basic cues I teach in many of my dog training classes here in Ventura. And I guess all the practice with him as my demo dog has paid off! During this more emotional time, I allowed all the training practice to kick in and lo and behold it worked! One of my dog training class mantras is "Train it before you need it!" or "Dont wait to need a behavior to train a behavior!" I always hope I never have to use this type of cue (usually indicates danger), but its nice to know I have it in my arsenal just in case there is a cookie incident.

Another point I make in my dog training classes is the concept of "trust". The use of food in dog training helps dogs develop trust between themselves and whomever is working with them, or with other humans. For owners, they need to trust that their dogs are actually going to perform the behaviors they are being taught. I guess Im the prime example of that!

Thank you my darling inquisitive canine Poncho! I hope I wont need to use that cue again, but its nice to know youre paying attention and that I can trust you know youre stuff - and the cues! What a good boy you are!

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The Best Gifts for Your Dog

05.24 in best, Dog, for, gifts, the, your

Christmas is a chaotic time of year for most families.  But throughout all the hustle and bustle your dog is still there for you – for a cuddle, for a walk or just for a moment of quiet.  Many people choose to show their love and appreciation for their dogs by getting them a little something for under the tree.  But what makes the best gift for your dog?  You might be surprised at what they would like.

Read the article: http://www.mybravodog.com/gifts.html

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The 12th Annual Pooch Parade Doggone Fun Outing This Sunday!

07.32 in 12th, annual, Dog, doggone, fun, outing, parade, pooch, sunday, the, this

Summer is in full swing and what better way to get those tails waggin’ than enjoying a fun-filled day of activities and treats for the whole family to support a good cause and celebrate all things dog. This Sunday, July 19, the Ventura County non-profit group Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) is hosting the Annual Fundraising Dog Walk and Pet Expo at San Buenaventura State Beach Park  in beautiful Ventura, California.

We hope you will join us this weekend for some doggone fun – Poncho and I would love it if you’d stop by our Inquisitive Canine booth so we could personally thank you for letting us be a part of your lives. Plus it’s the paw-sitively perfect way to spend the day with your canine (and human) family and friends. 

This Sunday will be the BIG unveiling of my new PAWsitively rewarding dog training card game! Its called "Out of the Box Dog Training Game" and I have to admit, it is a fun way to train with your dog! 

This years theme is: “Wags For Wellness: Protect, Prevent, Provide” and I have to say, the C.A.R.L. group has stood by their word. For over 12 years the volunteer-run non-profit organization has placed over 3,000 abandoned, relinquished and homeless dogs in pre-screened loving and secure homes.

At this dog-friendly festival, you can dress your dog up (you know you want to!) and then enter him or her in one or more of the many contests and competitions! Don’t feel like being part of the show? Then you can sit back and watch others partake in the competitions or watch those participating in doggy demonstrations such as Agility and Flying Frisbees. 

After showing off your dog’s loose leash walking skills in the parade, be sure to reward him/her with a tour around the Pet Expo  You and your dog will have an array of pet-related exhibits and vendors to choose from, as well as the silent auction that will have many items to tempt you (which may not be such a bad thing since proceeds go to a good cause!).

Love dogs but don’t have one of your own right now? Thinking about adopting or fostering a dog? C.A.R.L., as well as other rescue groups, will be on hand to introduce you to shelter dogs looking for loving homes.

Event Details:

• Registration begins 8:30 - 10:00 AM
• Hours: 9:00 AM - 4 PM
• Warm-up stretch starts 9:30 AM
• 3-mile Walk begins at 10:00 AM!
• Cost: $40.00 to enter Parade, Walk, Contests, Competitions.
• FREE: to observe, walk around, visit vendors and shop, and have fun!

For additional information, please check the Canine Adoption and Rescue League Pooch Parade website!

For all of you dog lovers out there that aren’t in this area, this is the perfect time to check your own community for pet-related fundraising events. Maybe your own local shelter is having it’s own Pooch (or kitty) event where you can go with your own dog, adopt a new dog, or volunteer to help animals in need. 

We had such a great time last year, and are looking forward to enjoying ourselves again this year! 

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Dog Breeds When is the Discrimination Going to Stop

06.25 in breeds, discrimination, Dog, going, is, stop, the, to, when

I know that dogs were bred for specific traits, and that is what makes each breed different. But there are days when I get a little vexed every time I hear someone say "My (insert name of dog breed here) is so: 

• smart
• stupid
• stubborn
• aggressive
• dominant
• talented
• lazy
• intelligent 
• scared of everything
• obnoxious
• and the list goes on and on... 

because s/hes a (insert name of dog breed here, again)."

UGH! Okay, yes, there are times when Ill look at my own dog Poncho and say "Oh, youre being such a terrier!" Why? Because his behavior displays more of the "grab-shake-kill" personality - which terriers were bred for and are known for, right? But hey, Im Irish and Russian - and Im not much different than most of my non-Irish non-Russian friends... except maybe I sunburn more easily. I do however know a few Irish and Russian folks with olive skin that tan beautifully! So there ya go, once again I cant discriminate. 

I think its important that we look at our dogs as them being just that: dogs. Yes, each were bred for specific traits - but that doesnt mean they will display those specific traits. It also depends upon environment, upbringing, how behaviors are learned and reinforced... which brings me to a very important question for you: if your dog is doing something specific, are YOU the one rewarding that behavior? And then, are YOU the one blaming the dog for behaving a certain way? Hold yourself accountable before blaming their breed. No excuses for your own behavior! 

So if your dog is "smart", then I can conclude that 1) your dog is motivated to learn 2) that youre pretty darn good at teaching them 3) maybe you took them to a dog training class and learned a few things. 

If your dog is "stubborn", then maybe its because 1) you havent taught them what you wanted in a way they understand 2) you have unrealistic expectations 3) you assume because they do something once that they actually know what youre asking them to do. 4) you need to take them to a dog training class 5) youre impatient and get frustrated - which is normal human behavior, therefore, I wont think youre "stubborn". 

So before you start labeling and discriminating against dogs and their breed, ask yourself these questions: is my dog just being a dog? Have I been the one rewarding the behavior? Have I not been rewarding a behavior? Is it MY fault my dog isnt doing what I want him/her to do? 

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Training Your Dog The Correct Way

17.26 in correct, Dog, the, training, way, your

Training a dog really first requires the owner be trained as well. This can be said because before an owner can effectively train a dog, they must first train themselves on how. Dog training is not an innate skill people are born with, so do they need to do the research to train the dog properly. There is some solid advice in this article about how to do that.

If your dog possesses specific triggers associated to bad behavior, try to keep him busy while the temptation passes. For instance, if your dog reacts negatively to other dogs, you need to keep his focus on you as you come into contact with them. This will help him correlate the relationship between that stimuli and the positive things that come from it.



 Understanding the underlying motivations to your dogs behavior is crucial to successful training. It might take a little while to really get to know your dogs likes, but dont get discouraged. Positive reinforcement, while being put through a lot of different experiences and in different environments can help in the success of teaching obedience to your dog. The happier and more satisfied your dog is, the more successful your training will be.

 You should not take your problems out on your pet. If your dog has not misbehaved, you should treat him warmly.

 Many people are bitten by dogs because of their fears of that exact thing happening. A dog will bite if it feels unsafe or trapped. Force is not necessary to train a dog, and should never be used. Your dog might snap and bite you. By doing this, pleasing you will be one of your dogs life goals as it will see you as the pack leader.

 The first thing to do when training a dog is to establish that you are in control. Otherwise, the dog will think that he is in charge and will not respond to your training tactics. When you walk your dog, walk in front of him to establish leadership.

 Set the stage for success so that your dog will have little trouble learning what to chew and what not to chew. Excessive chewing is not only damaging to your precious objects, but dangerous to your dog. Things like brushes, small toys and nylons are common things around the house that pose a choking hazard.

 Giving your dog the favorite treat can assist you in training your dog. By giving your dog this food, they will want to follow whatever you teach them. Make sure you pay attention to how he responds when you offer him this reward.

 Get your dog the proper nutrition required for canine health. Too many table scraps can unbalance your dogs diet. A poor diet can affect their behavior as well as their health. Improving your dogs diet can make training him easier.

 Introductions to new dogs or any other animals should occur slowly and carefully. Consider your pet at home before adopting a new one. In order to maximize bonding, a new pet will need a personality which complements the personality of the pet you already have.

 Keeping your dog active is an important part of successful dog training and is also good for their health. Dogs are designed to keep busy and active. They need to get plenty of good exercise to be happy and fit. Look for a local agility class, go for a run with your dog or teach him to play catch with a Frisbee. Keep your dog well entertained and you will eliminate many of the common problems, such as chewing on shoes.

 Its a good idea to keep in mind the number of treats you are giving your dog throughout the day. Giving him too many will add unneeded calories to his diet and cause him to become overweight. Many people overlook treats when considering the animals diet, but they certainly add up, especially during active training.

 Understand when you cant handle your dog on your own, and use that knowledge to know when you need to call in a professional to help you. Training you dog can be tough, and sometimes you need a dog trainer if your dog is too hard to handle. Your trainer will pinpoint the problem areas and point you in the right direction.

 Consistency is very important when training your dog. Make a list of all your commands, and ensure that anyone who might have to control your dog has this list. Reward your dog for following commands. Do not reward your dog if he doesnt obey. When the people around the dog use different commands and responses, he may become confused and training could suffer.

 Try to use the same words or actions when you are training your dog. A dog will respond to this positively, as they will start to associate that action or word with each kind of behavior. Remember to be consistent about what commands you use and what behaviors you expect in every training session. The more consistent you are, the more likely you are to successfully train your dog to obey your commands.

 Make sure training has an element of fun incorporated into it. Taking time to play creates a strong bond between the two of you, and your dog will be more likely to respond well to training. Training is fun for the dog, but you should set aside some real "play time" as well.

 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.

 You should not initiate a training session unless you are in a calm and patient mood. Be patient when training your puppy, so you can both stay focused.

 Just as a human likes to stretch out and lay on their backs, so do dogs. Therefore, it is essential to have a dog bed big enough for your furry friend. There are big, long dog beds around for larger dogs, or you could look for a mattress taken from a crib. This is a convenient and fun alternative because you have the opportunity to change the appearance of the bed and keep it clean by simply putting a new crib sheet on it every few days. The crib mattresses are also waterproof which means they are highly durable.

 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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