Archive for dog training

Housebreaking your beloved canine companion means deciding when and where you want your dog to eliminate. Once you have determined the type of routine you want your pet to follow, the next step is to select the specific spot where you want your dog to do his business. Having a designated potty area will help make the toilet training process a whole lot easier!

Whenever your dog goes potty, chemicals within his waste are released. These chemicals are called pheromones and are what tell him to poop again when he goes back to his potty area. These chemicals are also what let other canines know that this particular spot has already been taken and so they will have to find another one.

Establishing a potty area is crucial to housebreaking your dog. Now what if he is having difficulty understanding where his potty area is and is constantly eliminating inside the house or in places where he isn’t supposed to go? What you can do is try feeding him where he is having these accidents. Generally, dogs are clean animals and will not dirty the place where they eat or sleep, so by feeding your pet in the accident areas, you can reduce the chances of your dog peeing or pooping again in those spots.

As much as you want your pet to be accident-free from day one, you have to understand that all dogs have accidents, so expect one every now and then at first. Housebreaking your canine friend is a process, not an instant solution. It’s more like running a marathon than running around your block once.

Keep in mind that positive reinforcement will always give you better results than any other training method. Punishment does not work because your dog will be unable to make the connection between his mess and the reason for your anger. In fact, getting mad at him will only lead him to become afraid of you.

I highly encourage you to practice patience and be positive. Your dog will pick up on your positive energy and this will keep him from resisting your training or getting frustrated.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

Caring for a dog is much more than just feeding it daily. One of the saddest things in the world is a neglected animal – especially a doting dog. Dogs love and need bundles of attention and tender loving care. Their whole day revolves around when they can expect some love and attention from you, their owner. Basically, your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, friendship, and loyalty. In return for all of his/her love and affection he/she counts on you to provide all his/her necessities such as food, water, a safe shelter, exercise, veterinary care and much more.

A good place to start when caring for your appreciative pooch is with identification tags. Outfit your pooch with a collar and ID tag that includes all your vital contact information such as your name, address, and an easily reachable telephone number. No matter how careful of an owner you are, there’s always a chance your lovely companion may become lost at some point. A collar and ID tag will greatly increases the chance that you and your pet will be happily united again.

After you have collared and ID tagged your dog, you should think about vaccination. It’s extremely important to follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him/her for rabies – not only for your pooch but for your own well being too. A great place to look for information is your local animal shelter or humane society. These agencies can give you information regarding legal requirements, and where to have your passionate pooch vaccinated.

Not only does your doggie need vaccinating, it also needs regular check-ups with a veterinarian. A dog is just like you or I, it needs regular check-ups with his/her doctor to ensure the proper health of your pet. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or your loving pet-owning friend for a referral and check out the provided information on choosing a veterinarian.

Once you have found a veterinarian both you and your dog love, then it’s important to think about spaying or neutering your dog. This always makes me think of Bob Barker and his passion for spreading the importance of spaying and neutering through word of mouth on the hit game show The Price is Right. Dogs that have this routine and minor surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavioral problems such as biting, running away, and general aggression. By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the disheartening problem of pet overpopulation.

Now that we have addressed your pets’ medical needs, you should think about proper nutrition. It is vitally important to give your pooch a balanced diet with constant and consistent access to fresh clean water. Your veterinarian can give you information about the proper type of food, and the amount that will keep your companion healthy and happy. He or she can also give you information on how often to feed your dog, because various breeds require different amounts of food.

When caring for your dog you have to think of proper shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse is an ideal setting for your pooch. Remember that if your dog is large and active, it typically needs more space and room outside to run and play. However, dogs should never be left outside alone for extended periods of time. This all goes back to the deep down need dogs have for love and attention. Dogs truly need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with the family – since they are a vital family member.

Just like you or I, your dog needs plenty of exercise and movement to stay healthy. Make sure he/she gets enough exercise to keep him/her physically fit but not exhausted. Many dog owners agree that playing a game, or with use of throw toys with their canine companion, along with twice daily walks provide sufficient exercise for your pooch. If you should have any questions or concerns with this, once again it is wise to check with your loving veterinarian for their advice on the proper amount of physical activity suited to your dog.

Many experts agree there is also a simple rule to remember when thinking of care for your dog – off property, on leash! Even if you have a valid license for your dog, an official rabies tag, and a collar and ID tag, your companion should still be on a leash. Your dog should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard – ever. It may sound harsh but it is the best bet for you, your community, and your dog to keep control of your pet at all times. The old saying “it’s better to be safe than sorry” applies here.

Along with keeping your dog on a leash, many experts believe it is important to enroll your canine companion in a dog training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion’s behavior safely and humanely. Not only will this bring some control to your hands, it provides a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your pooch. The humane society, as well as your veterinarian, can provide information on reputable dog trainers.

Lastly and most importantly in thinking about proper dog care is love – and lots of it! Be loyal to, loving, and patient with your faithful canine companion. Your pet needs you and loves you – that is something you must remember. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and healthy. Also remember if you do encounter some behavioral problem, the vast majority of them can be solved with a little time, effort and supporting love. If at any time you are struggling to meet all the things that are required to love and care for your dog, you must contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice and direction. If for some reason you can’t handle the responsibility of loving and caring for your animal, someone else gladly can and will.

Christine Beals is a professional writer who provides information for dog training and German Shepherds for Savvy Cafe.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

Everyone is surely going to get excited when trying to adopt a dog. Truly a man’s best friend, you can rely on your pet dog in giving you company, cuddling up together and some can even guard your house. You need to review your personal lifestyle and needs when adopting a dog. It is a major decision whether or not you would choose to have a puppy or an adult as a pet. Before deciding on which dog to adopt, here is some useful information that might help you decide.

On Puppies

* Bringing up a puppy is an advantage because this means that you would guide its growth and well being. You would have the chance to raise it up according to what you want. This means you can ensure that it is properly nurtured with the right dog food, ensure that necessary dog shots are given and prevent heartworm at this early stage. Having your puppy personally trained is also a plus since you can teach him exactly what you want.

* You should adopt a puppy when it is at least 10 weeks old. Puppies need a lot of time to be cared for by their mothers. This is a crucial stage for them. They somehow gain a psychological advantage for both puppy and for the mother dog as well.

* A puppy can easily adjust to new surroundings as compared to an adult dog. Although most puppies may cause minimal to major damage to your personal stuff while they are in the stage of teething. They need to be housebroken and house training needs a lot of time, effort and patience from the owner.

* There is no assurance of what a puppy would look like when it gets old; especially if it is a mixed breed. Also, his temperament might change too when he grows up.

* Most pet owners love how puppies can be entertaining. They are very cute and adorable pets that is a hit for both children and grown ups. Puppies can be easily regarded as one of the family.

On adult dog 

* You would have less of a fuss taking care of an adult dog. They already have this established behavior that you can easily adopt too. By being with the dog more often, you would have more or less an idea of what its temperament is.

* You need to get as much information that you can when adopting an adult dog. Take note of its habits and mood swings. You can acquire these valuable data from the previous owners of the dog. Some adult dogs may have some behavior issues. It is important to take note of them.

* It may take some time and effort for an adult dog to be completely comfortable with a new owner.

* Take note that you need to introduce an adult dog to your children and other household members. This would help the dog be familiar with them and helps them refrain from biting or barking thinking that they maybe strangers.

* Adult dog may not need your full attention unlike puppies need and would require lesser trips to the veterinary.

* For a fully grown dog physique and behavior is basically not a variable anymore. What you see is basically what you get.

* Most dogs are housebroken already so they would cause lesser damage to your belongings and don’t wake up at night like most puppies do. They have over grown the impulse of chewing things he has his eyes on.

* An older dog can easily adapt to other pets, like other dogs or cats, if you have a group of them at your household.

Adopting a dog is not an easy task and choosing which one to adopt can be a little tricky too. Everyone loves sweet looking puppies, but not everyone can stand up to the tiresome house training. Though most would appreciate the bonding shared with them. Adult dogs need no great amount of guidance but can still turn out to be a lovable pet. Whichever you think is the right pet for you, just keep in mind that taking care of them needs a lot of time and effort. In return, they would always keep you company and has a ready smile with an excited wag of tail waiting for you everyday.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

If you just brought home a new puppy, you may have a few questions on your mind. Such questions may be:

• How should you go about potty training a puppy?
• What should you do when you are at work?
• Should you follow particular steps when potty training puppies?

Raising a new puppy is very similar to raising a child. It’s a lot of work and the puppies may keep you up at night. Puppies also have a tendency to get into things you don’t want them to touch and make a mess. On the other hand, your new puppy will also give you unconditional love and joy.

Training Steps

Potty training puppies can be easy if you follow these proven steps:

1) Buy a kennel or playpen.

2) Place a layer of newspaper at the bottom of the kennel or playpen. There should be enough room to put newspaper on one side and bedding on the other side of a playpen. If you are using a kennel, be ready for a few accidents at first because it’s a little small for your puppy. Dogs try not to potty where they sleep, but accidents can happen when they are very young and can’t hold it in for long.

NOTE: Playpens are a great way to potty train puppies. They can also provide your puppy with a safe place for them to play when you are unable to give them your undivided attention.

3) When you’re not home or are busy, keep your puppy in its kennel or playpen.

4) Ensure that your puppy has access to newspaper or puppy pads within 30 minutes of being fed.

5) If your puppy soils the carpet, immediately take him to the newspaper area so that he can finish his business there.

6) Avoid hitting your puppy. They will learn faster if you use positive reinforcement instead of cruelty. Reward your puppy with treats when they urinate or defecate in the appropriate potty area.

7) You can start taking your puppy out for potty training as soon as it has received its third set of shots. Start moving the newspaper outside to help them get used to doing their potty business outside.

8) Dogs will normally get trained to go outside after 4 to 6 months.

9) It may take a little while but you will be glad to have a well-trained and well-behaved puppy!

The first week of potty training will be little tough but you should keep in mind that you’re committing to a lifelong friend and you’ll appreciate the benefits of proper puppy potty training for a long time. Try to remember that your new puppy is doing its best while getting used to his new family.

Be consistent when potty training your puppy. It will be easier for both you and the puppy if you follow a routine. Without such a daily routine, your puppy may get confused, be prone to more accidents, and take longer to get potty trained. Remember that putting time and effort into your puppy right now will pay off in great behavior later.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

The task of housebreaking a new dog has always been a concern of dog owners around the world. Whether you’re preparing your canine companion to live indoors or just want them to understand the basic principles of your household, you must be ready to take control of your technique and practice the right methods that ensure your dog learns right from wrong when it comes to living in your home.

housebreaking tips for dog loversThe first concept involves a dog’s very nature. They love to please their companion, and that is exactly the angle you should work from during the process. You don’t want your dog to fear you or fear doing wrong. Instead, you want them to want to do the right.

It is your first task to watch your dog like a hawk. Don’t let them roam around the house freely without restraint. Instead, allow them to earn their privileges.

As far as instinct goes, dogs don’t want to eliminate where they sleep, eat, or otherwise live. If you confine them to an area, you must also take them to a place where they can regularly eliminate without violating your home, or as they consider it, their den.

Clean up accidents quickly and with enzyme-based cleaners. While ammonia and other associated harsh cleaners will get rid of the smell, they can also be a toxic hazard for a dog that is curious. Not only that, but ammonia-based cleaners often leave a scent that is similar to marking or urine, which can easily confuse a dog or entice them to urinate again.

You must also establish a specific spot to potty. For your dog, this is extremely important, because they are looking to you for guidance. Once you do select an area, preferably isolated without distractions (such as toys or playtime items), continue to stick with the same spot and don’t change it. Dogs love habit and will quickly understand what they’re supposed to do when they go to that area.

As far as habits go, you should also develop a standard feeding and watering schedule. When they eat, they’ll eventually have to take care of business. If they eat and drink on a schedule, you’ll have a general idea of when they’ll need to potty and you’ll be able to control their habits from there.

Housetraining your dog doesn’t have to be difficult. As long as you both work together, your dog will quickly make a habit out of the housetraining tactics you teach them.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

Rewards are perhaps the most compelling reason to do something. A little extra incentive provides that little extra push that is needed to accomplish a task. For a dog, rewards come in all shapes and sizes, like a sweet treat or a simple praise for doing a good job.

While treats are the most commonly regarded reward we think of when it comes to treats. Treats aren’t limited to just bacon or beefy flavored snacks. Treats can be a chew bone, some playtime, or a new toy. Be willing to change things up constantly so your pup doesn’t get used to getting just one type of treat when they’re being good.

As you switch among a variety of treats, you can actually get an idea of what your dog really likes. They may have a favorite that can provide the best incentive to get a job done. Try different snacks brands and styles, preferably healthy and wheat-free ones, so you get an idea of what motivates your dog the best.

Affirmation is the reward most dogs seek and is the easiest to deliver. When your dog does a good job, tell them that they did, combined with petting, stroking, and other verbal or physical forms of affection. In order to successfully develop a good bond, be sure to praise your dog just for being good. If they are lying down quietly, let them know that they’re being good. Displaying appreciation and affirmation for habits that are acceptable to you will help them avoid developing any habits that aren’t desired.

Shaping is done by giving a reward for simply trying. It is a motivational tool used to enforce what you are teaching to help them learn. When your dog is sniffing around their designated potty area, tell them they are doing a good job. As they get closer, reward them verbally and offer assistance and guidance, just like a teacher would do with students.

Rewards are incentives that drive a dog to want to do the right thing. As long as you are willing to give them a treat of any kind, your dog will have that extra desire to learn what they need to know to grow into a healthy and happy dog.

Nothing is worse than waking up to a wet bed. Many dog owners have at some point found their dog to be the culprit of a messy bed. It can be very frustrating, especially if you have to constantly wash your sheets every day. In order to find the solution, however, you must first find the reason.

Consider your housebreaking strategy. This plays a big role in how your dog acts towards your home, which is their home as well. Young puppies need to be granted frequent access to a potty area, especially if they are being crate trained. If they are left inside without an opportunity to potty, they will have to use their bedding. This begins to teach them that it is okay to potty on their bed, which can be extremely difficult to break them of. This can become a repetitive problem if the bed isn’t cleaned properly, since the scent of the urine will tell the dog that they should potty there again.

Old senior dogs may also have urinary problems. But, it isn’t necessarily something that you’ve done. Over time, a dog can begin to lose control of their bladder, resulting in wet bedding or other accidents. Dogs suffering from other ailments, such as diabetes or kidney disease, or may also have urinary issues that point to problems.

One of the best preventative methods you can practice is scheduling your dog to potty. Dogs love habit, and their body has habits of its own, so take advantage of them. Refrain from feeding your dog any less than two hours before bedtime, and let them have access to a potty area at least an hour afterward. If you find yourself working late hours or unable to let your dog out to potty frequently, you may consider utilizing an indoor grass litter box. This will enable your young puppy or senior dog to have access to a potty location when they need it, preventing any messy situations.

If you’re waking up to find a wet bed, just imagine that you’re dog has probably been sleeping in it for most of the night. Take some precautions and utilize a few handy tools to help give both you and your dog a good night’s rest.

Dogs like to keep a regular schedule. Eating, drinking, playing, and even potty time all come at regular times during the day. This often requires that we take our dogs for a walk late at night. Unfortunately, late night walks can leave us traversing dangerous stairs in the darkness.

Amongst the many hazards we face during the night, going down the stairs can involve tripping or slipping, especially if it is rainy or wet. These natural dangers may not even compare to the fact that an eager dog may try tugging on the leash to get to their potty zone, which can pull you down the stairs. All of these problems are a common danger to pet owners and dogs alike, resulting in late night accidents or injuries.

Fortunately, there are several precautions you can take to prevent these issues. Start by getting your dog on a regular potty schedule. Refrain from feeding them prior to bed time, especially since it can leave them scratching at the door after bed time. Because we’re sleepy or groggy during this time, traversing stairs can be a danger not only to us, but to our dogs as well. If you fell, it could pull your dog down the stairs, resulting in injuries for both of you.

Both senior people and dogs know that the stairs can be a difficult hurtle to manage during the night. You may consider utilizing an indoor potty for convenience if you live in a big city or an upstairs apartment. Indoor litter boxes would allow your pup to potty at their own convenience, which will prevent the necessity of having to take them out at night. Nor will you have to worry about the dangers of unlit stairs.

You can still provide your dog with the opportunity to potty, without putting yourself and your dog in danger of using the stairs late at night. While the outdoors can be fun for you and your companion, you don’t have to put yourself in a dangerous situation, especially when both you and your dog are a little sleepy and getting ready for bed.

Training your dog is an important part of owning a dog. It helps to keep them active, intelligent, and even out of trouble when done properly. This means that you need to train your dog for your dog’s benefit.

Tricks that are useful should always be your first priority. Sit, stay, and come are a must for any dog, and can help prevent situations where they may be inclined to run into the street or escape your grasp at the park if they happen to notice a squirrel run by. These basic tricks should be taught early on, are commonly the basis by which you would teach more advanced tricks.

But, you should be careful about any extreme training, such as jumping feats or advanced tricks until they are at least six months old. Their bodies aren’t fully developed yet, and their bones and ligaments can still be sensitive to heavy pressure. After your pup has a grasp on the basics, you can move onto these more advanced tricks since both their body and mind will be able to handle them better.

As with all training methods, you should never train your dog without rest. Five minutes to every fifteen of training should be spent relaxing and refreshing themselves. Plenty of food and water should be available to them during the period, especially for a puppy. This also helps to keep a dog to better absorb the information. Because their attention span is very limited, commonly for no more than fifteen minutes, training sessions should be taught in short lessons throughout the day.

You can incorporate your lessons into playful activities, such as playing ball. Here, basic techniques, such as sitting, staying, and returning can all become a part of a single lesson. When you throw the ball, tell them to get it. When they’ve got it, they will likely naturally want to come back to you. You can enforce the retrieval with your command words and or hand gestures. Once you have the ball, it is a treat to play, so use it to teach them to sit and stay. Your release command comes into play here as well, and should always accompany the “stay” command.

Training your dog isn’t just about how many tricks they can do, but also how well they listen to you and behave. Training teaches your dog how to behave, so make the best of it with the right methods.

Teaching your new puppy the rules of your home can prove to be a challenging task. But, many owners make the biggest mistake by making the training process even more difficult. The training process is a tedious, but important part of your dog’s life, helping them to develop the habits they will practice for years to come. So, we’ve decided to cover a few of the biggest training mistakes you need to avoid.

The most common, and quite possibly most irresistible, is the “jumping” mistake. Dogs are renowned for being excited to see you, or often anyone, which leads to jumping. For a small puppy whom weighs only four to five pounds, this can be cute and possibly encouraged. This is the first mistake made by many owners, because jumping at a young age carries over into adult age. A fifty pound dog isn’t as cute when it jumps on you or a child or knocking people down. Refrain from allowing young puppies to jump on you, others (even if they encourage it, which is often a problem), or even items such as beds, sofas, tables, or kitchen counters. You don’t want this habit to develop early on, or it will be difficult to stop later in life.

The biggest potty training mistake is common amongst new dog owners. Dogs develop their habits early on, so relying on your dog to automatically know where to go when they’re older is a mistake. Many owners will rely on scattered newspapers and puppy pads to soak up the mess until they think their dog is ready to begin going outdoors, but if you want your dog to use the yard, you need to begin teaching them from the start. Don’t expect your dog to instinctively realize that they should potty outside, or you’ll end up with a big mess.

Possibly the most detrimental to all of your work is the mistake of giving in to your dog’s will. Puppies will whine, cry, and whimper, but you can’t let yourself be swayed by it. This mistake often results from owners tossing a whining young puppy a few scraps of food, taking them out of their crate when they cry, or allowing them on the bed when they sleep. If you give in to your puppies will, they will quickly learn that whining gets them what they want, and the habits they develop, along with whining, will be difficult to manage at older stages in life.

Be sure to avoid these puppy training mistakes, or you may be in for some trouble when your dog gets a little older.