Monday Mischief – Go Kings!

Apache here!  Once again I get to take over the blog while my daddy gets some extra work done.  He says he has a case of the Mondays…I’m not too sure what that means, but he said it’s funny because he quoted some movie called Office Space.  I don’t get people humor.

Anyhow, I’m a huge Los Angeles Kings fan and over the weekend I was watching Kings beat up on the St Louis Blues!

Go Kings! On to the Conference Finals!

It was so much fun I told my daddy I wanted to see some live action hockey.  Lucky me I got to hop in the car and check out Ali’s roller hockey game.

Watching Ali’s roller hockey game was very much like a Kings game…maybe a little bit slower, but not much!  It was a defensive battle and my favorite girl’s team won 1-0!  Go Ali and Velda’s Avengers!  Those girls kick butt!

I love watching Velda's Avengers! They're the little orange specks on the hockey rink.

Speaking of the Avengers did anyone go see the movie this weekend?  I heard it made a record breaking amount of money!  Over 200 million dollars!  I’m not sure what that means…do you know if that would get me a lot of dog bones?

I was also super lucky because I got to say hi to baby Makayla!  I love kids they always have tasty stuff on their hands.  No one was quick enough to catch me and my mischievous ways, but that little girls hands are now clean!  Plus she gave me a few pets…my favorite!

I love kids! They always have something good on their hands!

I had a great weekend!  Especially watching the Kings sweep the Blues and get to the conference finals for only the second time in their franchise history!  Dad says he watched them get to the Stanley Cup finals back in 1993 when they had a guy named Wayne Gretzky.

I hope you had a great weekend.  Tell us about your adventures in the comment section below.

Linus, Stetson, and Apache write a guest post every Monday called “Monday Mischief“, where they talk about their mischief, antics, and adventures from the past weekend.

Related posts: Monday Mischief – March of Dimes

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Dog Training Part I

Dog training is the process of teaching a dog to exhibit certain desired behaviors in specific circumstances. Some examples are:

* Teaching a dog basic obedience commands (part of obedience training)

* Teaching a dog to perform tricks casually or for circus acts

* Teaching a guide dog to lead the blind

* Teaching a rescue dog to find victims of a disaster

* Helping a hunting dog learn to perform its instinctive behaviors at appropriate times

The specific behaviors taught in each case are different, but the underlying principles are similar.

In the wild as pack animals, canines have natural instincts that favor training. These instincts are manifested when the dog lives with humans as a desire to please a handler, as a dog would please senior members in a pack in the wild. The handler is simply whoever is working with a dog at the time.

Basic training

Most dogs, no matter their eventual advanced training or intended purpose, live with people and therefore must behave in a way that makes them pleasant to have around and for their own safety and that of other people and pets. Dogs do not figure out basic obedience on their own; it must be trained.

Basic training classes

Professional "dog trainers" usually do not train the dogs, but actually train the owners how to train their own dogs. Although it is also possible to send a dog away to a training school, the owner still must at some point learn what the dog has learned and how to use it and reinforce it. Owners and dogs who attend class together have an opportunity to learn more about each other and how to work together under a trainer's guidance. Training is most effective if everyone who handles the dog takes part in the training to ensure consistent commands, methods, and enforcement.

Formal training in classes is not always available until the puppy has completed all its vaccinations at around 4 months; however, some trainers offer puppy socialization classes in which puppies can enroll immediately after being placed in their permanent homes as long as disease risk is minimal and puppies have receieved initial vaccinations. In most cases, basic training classes accept only puppies who are at least 3 to 6 months old.

Next article: Dog Training Part II - Age for early training

Hagar lagarto is a long time Pet lover with many articles and websites on the subject. You can get lots of useful tips on pet training, pet care, pet health, breeds, toys , supplies and much more info at http://pet.freehostia.com.

Schutzhund Dog Training - 3 Crucial Schutzhund Dog Training Tips

When you are looking for training tips for your schutzhund dog, you need to do this from when he's a puppy. Training your schutzhund dog may seem like a hard task... but this is not true. If you train them from when they are a puppy and train them properly... it's not hard at all! So in other words.. it's all in how you approach the training of your schutzhund dog that makes the difference.

What I'd like to present you with in this article, is 3 crucial tips you need to keep in mind whenever you are training your schutzhund dog. Here it goes:

Schutzhund dog training tip nr. 1: Never lose your eyes off your puppy. Make sure he doesn't do things like:

- chew on things. This is something they do when they are still young and if you don't keep an eye on it and let them have their way in it... it'll be hard to teach them differently

- Never let him use the bathroom in the house.

- Make sure you can take your schutzhund dog out for a walk whenever he or she needs to go out for a walk. A schutzhund dog is just like human's... they eat, drink and... hey, they shit, too. You need to make sure you train them in such a way that they'll never do their needs inside

If you cannot be there all the time for your schutzhund to give him some good dog training... looking for a quality kennel is strongly advised!

Schutzhund dog training tip nr. 2: Let your schutzhund dog wear and drag a leash all the time during his training in his puppy years. And tie it to a door or a chair so you can supervise them whenever you are busy. Buy a 5 or 6 foot, nylon web leash and let him drag it around when he is still a puppy

Schutzhund dog training tip nr. 3: Don't be shy... touch them. Touch them everywhere, check their teeths and pick them up so they get used to be touched by a vet, caretaker, kids and grown ups.

Training your schutzhund dog takes time and care. If you do it wrong... you can raise a vicious little bastard. But if you do it right... you'll have a companion for life which will do everything for you and for the people in your environment.

Schutzhund dog training is not hard... but make sure you do it right straight from the start. If you aren't sure how to approach the training of your schutzhund dog... find a good trainer near you!

Dog training is a bitch? Not for me? find out how I do it by checking out my website right here http://schutzhund-dog-training.blogspot.com. Saves lots of aggravation too.

Dog Training - Secrets For Training Your Dog

There are certain secrets and tips which can prove to be handy while training your dog. These tips are practical and prove to be useful on a regular basis. One of the best time periods for training your dog is when it is a puppy. Ideally a puppy from 6 to 8 weeks of age is the perfect time to train it. Even though older dogs can also be trained the time required for the same can be longer. This mechanism is very similar to human beings learning abilities which depend on the motor skills. But it is never late to teach the dog a new trick.Most dog owners are curious and eager about learning new dog tricks and ways of training their dogs.

Various dog training tips can be useful for dog owners who want to train their dogs themselves instead of getting professional trainers. One of the most effective and useful tips for training dogs is to remember that they need positive reinforcement. Any negative reinforcement would require them a very long time to understand but positive reinforcement can be understood by them very easily.Dogs understand treats and rewards.

They are equally aware of the praises which their master showers them with. Rewarding the dog each time they obey your command successfully and perform an activity correctly helps the dog to perform the same with more eagerness the next time. The positive reinforcement helps them to associate the correct performance of a command with rewards. This reward can be the favorite food of the dog or a treat like ice cream or any food which it likes. Giving friendly but firm commands are another way to reinforce your command. These commands which come in a friendly voice are received positively by the dog. Though dogs are unable to understand the language of their masters they are able to identity the tones in their master voices.

The commands like sitting down, staying up or standing up should be given in a lower tone but firm voice. It is also important to remember that if there is an accident in the hose then the dogs nose should not be rubbed into the incident. It is also important to note that if the dog makes a blunder or an accident occurs due to the activities of the dog then the nose of the animal should never be hit with a newspaper. Punishment for a dog is a vital part of training your dog but these punishments often result the dog becoming scared of its master.

The use of consistent training techniques will help the dogs to understand obedience.Love and compassion are the biggest tools for training your dog. It is important that you train your pet instead of pampering it. Puppies are the easiest to train. Hence if you try at an early stage then there are better chances of the dog understanding your commands. Along with training it is essential to let your dog play. Try and spend some playful time with your dog also.

The life as dog owner is so much easier when you have trained your dog properly. Dog Obedience Training [http://www.review-blog.net/reviews/dog-obedience-training] is an important step to get a happy and nice dog, which will benefit both you and your dog. Learn more about training your dog [http://www.review-blog.net/reviews/dog-obedience-training]!

Simple and Effective Puppy Potty Training Guidelines

All dogs, just like children, may be different but they all go through the same basic phases in life. One of the more difficult phases in both dogs and kids, might well be the potty training stage. It must be done and it will take some time. Potty training does not happen overnight. If you want any success at all with your puppy, You will to need to take him out often.

Even and older newly adopted dogs, needs to know and get used to where it is you want them to go. Take them outside as much as possible and try to stay with them so they know this is where they are supposed to go. By staying with them you'll make them feel comfortable and safe. They will soon realize that this is the place to do their business.

Dogs have smaller bladders than us, and therefore have to pee more frequently. The smaller the dog, the smaller the bladder. Puppies cannot hold it all night. Even during the day, you must keep your eye on them, because it only takes a second to stain your carpet. Watch for any signs that they may need to go. These signs sometimes include, turning in circles or squatting. If you think they are ready to let loose, scoop them up and show them the right spot.

It is very important to keep their diet consistent during potty training. You want to keep their digestive systems as regular as possible in order to keep their bathroom cycle regular. This is true for dogs of any age. Consistency is essential in dogs.

Keep your treat giving to a minimum. I know that's near impossible to do with a cute new puppy, but treats will mess up their diets even more. Give them a small treat after they have a triumphant potty session, this will reinforce their notion that going in a specific area is a good thing.

Because dogs of all ages also need and love exercise, try to take them out for walks often. When getting ready, call them and say something like, "do you want to go outside" in a happy voice. In time they will associate those words with something happy. At the same time, use that same phrase when you want them to go out and do their business. Get them used to thinking that going outside is the fun place to be.

On the other hand, if they do have an "accident" inside, you should treat them to negative reinforcement. This can be done humanely by, not talking to them, pinching their ear a loud noise such as a clap, or my favorite, a water spray with a spritzer. They will in turn associate this negative behavior with their "accident".

A true accident is no one's fault but our own, if their diet was changed or were not let out in time, or were frightened by something, you can hardly blame the dog. Use your common sense, a few small, healthy treats and lots of love and you'll have your puppy poppy trained in no time.

Stay tuned for many more Tips and Tricks for training you dog from Henri's Online Dog Obedience School. Visit the site and sign up for your free e-newsletter. For all things dog, visit Henri the Hound where you'll find awesome stuff for your awesome pets.

The Akita. Everything you need to know

Everything you need to know about buying, training and owning an Akita dog. Discover how to avoid getting an aggressive dog. How to choose a dog that suits your personality. Learn how to establish your authority from day one.

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Important Dog Training Tips

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Puppy Crate Training Has More Than One Benefit

Puppy training utilizing a crate can put your puppy on a feeding schedule due to the fact you're in charge of when your puppy is fed. The great thing relating to this approach is you lay out the meals at chosen times during the day rather than leaving food out in the serving dish all day long. Together with getting the puppy on a bathroom routine, additionally you shall be determining your dog's diet. He'll be acquiring the correct amount and nothing more, which happens to be great because you won't need to panic about your puppy getting too large. Research has shown when you leave food out throughout the day for the dog she or he will end up consuming more than they need to which is not healthy for the puppy.

Along with getting on a bathroom timetable with crate training, additionally, it makes it much simpler to house break your puppy. The reason being dogs generally will likely not use the bathroom where they eat and sleep. Whenever your puppy is just about to go, he will show you so he doesn't mess his sleeping area. Furthermore, being a new dog parent you'll understand that when utilizing a crate it'll make puppy training a lot easier. However, you need to take full responsibility for keeping your pet on a beneficial routine otherwise your puppy will end up befuddled. They grow to be familiar with schedules fairly quickly, which means you only will likely be messing up the training.

One more reason why crate dog training benefits the master happens because you won't need to panic about your puppy chewing apart your entire household. The moment you observe him chewing something you simply tell him no and put him in the crate. The pretense of placing him inside the crate will trigger the dog that he did something wrong due to the fact usually he would not be in his crate throughout the day. Using this type of education is a superb factor for first time owners since it makes the complete training process a great deal smoother and simpler.

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Basics of Dog Training

Do You Make These 4 Common Mistakes in Dog Training?

Everyone begins training a dog with a number of unknowns. First, no one can truly know how a dog will react to training and even if you know the breed, there can be differences with each individual breed. Another unknown is the type of dog training that you use. Some dogs do well with food based reinforcement and some do not and owners will need to learn as they go along. While most of the unknowns with dog training can be overcome quickly, many owners make some pretty common mistakes while they are training your dogs. To avoid those dog training mistakes, it is important to be aware of them and that is exactly what I will be doing in this article; alerting you to common dog training mistakes that every owner has or will make at one time.

Mistake #1: Not Setting Firm and Consistent Rules: One of the most common mistakes that owners will make actually has nothing to do with the physical act of dog training and is actually a daily occurrence that usually plays in the background. As every parent will tell you, children require rules and dogs are no different. There should be rules set in place the moment that a dog is brought home. This means that if you have a rule for no dogs on the furniture, then you need to stick with it, regardless of how cute a puppy is. Not establishing those rules right from the beginning can lead to long term behavior problems and your puppy will quickly learn that he can ignore the rules and eventually simply ignore you. It is important that you avoid this dog training mistake right from the start and make sure that everyone in your house will follow the same rules with your dog to ensure the best success.

Mistake #2: Repeat, Repeat, Repeat: Okay, this may be a little confusing since dog training consists of the repetition of an action but while repeating an action over again is fine, repeating a command is not. When it comes to dog training mistakes, I would say that this is the biggest mistake that owners will make and I have been found guilty of this little offense myself. It is only natural to repeat a command when a dog doesn't listen but it is something that you should train yourself not to do. When you repeat a command, you are teaching your dog that he doesn't have to listen to a command every time. This means that a command stops having any affect on the dog and you end up having to retrain with a new command, which can take time and can be very frustrating for both you and your dog.

Mistake #3: Rewarding Bad Behavior: Although there are several types of dog training available, most trainers and owners will use positive reinforcement training, which consists of treating your dog, usually with food, whenever he does something positive. While this is an excellent way to train your dog, many owners make the mistake of treating the wrong behavior and end up reinforcing bad behavior. Bad behavior in dog training is anything that you don`t want your dog to do. So, for instance, your dog is in the kitchen while you are cooking a meal. At first it may not seem like he is doing anything but spending time with you and that may have been the case in the beginning but when you drop your first bit of food, or you toss him a little snack, he will quickly learn to beg whenever you are in the kitchen. Fast forward a year and you have a full grown dog under foot whenever you go to the kitchen simply because you have reinforced that begging in the kitchen is okay. To avoid rewarding a dog for a bad behavior, don`t praise him, comfort him or treat him when he is doing something you don`t want repeated. So if he barks at the door, don`t praise him for being a good guard dog and if you drop some food on the floor, pick it up yourself and take it to his dog bowl if you want to give it to him. By controlling the environment, you can quickly stop yourself from rewarding his bad behavior.

Mistake #4: Saving it for a rainy day: The last common dog training mistake that I am going to mention is the desire to put off training. Many owners feel that dog training should be done after a certain age but it has been shown time and time again that the longer you wait, the harder it will be to train your dog. Dog training should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home. It starts with establishing rules and house training first and then it quickly moves to basic training such as sit, down, stay. Puppy socialization class usually begins around 11 weeks of age and from there you will quickly start dog training. Never leave training until your dog is 6 months of age or older since many negative behaviors are established by that time. In the end, if you are aware of the dog training mistakes that you can make, you will find that you are less likely to make them and your dog will quickly respond to dog training with only a small amount of fuss.

Nancy Richards has been involved with dog training for several years. Her website gives step-by-step instructions on housebreaking, obedience training, companion dog training, grooming, diet and care for all dog breeds.

Dog Training - The Secrets For Dog Training

In the realm of dog training also there is the preponderance of tips and secrets. While to many these secrets and tips are needed to groom the dog, to others any dog training without these two is completely impractical. You can also apply this if you have a brought a dog to your house recently. When should you begin the dog training? There are many opinions on this. However, according to many the best time is when it is a puppy. The most perfect time to train a puppy is when it is at 6 to 8 weeks of age.

Well, you can train an older dog of course but that involves more time. On the contrary during this time a puppy is identical to a sheet and you can write on it anything you like. Now the method of training is ostensible and its learning process is almost like the human beings. But remember that the triumph of the training depends on the success of the trainer who is also the owner. The owner is the best person to know his dog and as a result can also be the best trainer. Nevertheless the adaptability of the dog also plays a crucial role.

For this reason, try to be knowledgeable of the dog from the very beginning. This is highly essential since like human beings no dog is similar. The behavior, attitude, approach of the dog depends its own gene. Hence the method of training also varies and it will be inappropriate to apply one method in case of the other one. Try to be cautious of all these from the commencement.

There is an assortment of methods of dog training. Among these there is a highly effective and proven method and that emphasizes the need of positive reinforcement. This helps to boost the energy of the dog and also forms a close relationship between the owner and the pet dog. You can also initiate the concept of positive reinforcement by means of introducing treats and rewards. Dogs are intelligent animals and so they remain always aware of their masters\' praises. If it realizes that it will get a reward against every good performance and at each time, it will do the same. But try to give the treat only if excels in performance. This should be given seldom. It may become equivalent to leniency if this is given frequently. This should never be done or else your dog may become more aggressive.

Each and every command during the command training should be unambiguous and also of one word. This helps the dog to comprehend the command and act in view of that. On the other hand never try to punish your puppy physically or even admonish. The same should be done even if it commits a blunder or destroys anything. In this case an angry attitude with a harsh voice will be enough for it. This will make it ascertain its offense.

It is also essential to establish yourself as the leader since dogs venerate the leader only and none else.

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Puppy House Training Schedule - Why You Cannot House Train Your Puppy Without One

Have you ever tried going on a trip without directions to get to your destination? The same level of frustration occurs when you try potty training without a written puppy house training schedule!

Why You Need A Written Plan

Three compelling reasons are as follows:

The goal is to house break the dog as quickly as possible. A puppy house training schedule will help minimize accidents. The fewer the number of accidents, the sooner he will be house trained.

A young canine does not have the muscular maturation to hold his eliminations until he is about 16 weeks old. Before that, a schedule will help develop proper house training habits.

If there is more than one family member helping out, a schedule enables communication. It will also minimize finger pointing and assigning blame for accidents.

Activities You Can Plan

The major objection to a written list of timed activities - "I don't know when the dog is going to pee or poop!" Yes, you do - and here is a list of the times when you know the pup has to go out to eliminate:

- When he gets up in the morning.

- After he eats.

- After a nap (they are predictable).

- After he plays or exercises for more than a few minutes

- Before he goes to sleep for the night.

Depending on his age, he'll need to go out at night (the formula is every (puppy age in months plus 1) hours). So a 2-month old pup will go out about every 3 hours over night. Don't be alarmed, this is only a guideline.

Now it's up to you - jumpstart potty training with a puppy house training schedule or leave it up to the canine gods!

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Tips for New Owners on Dog Training

Both young pet owners and experienced canine owners quite often fail to remember one of many important matters to being a canine owner, compliance canine training. They need to understand that it is possible to start out instruction anytime and also with any specific doggies of any age. However, do not ever worry as it's not always a bit too late to begin with your favorite pup's schooling.

The reasons why Compliance Canine Training Is Definitely Important:

An untrained dog is usually a big problem that disturbs peace, and will be an enormous distress to address. Quite often, house owners that poorly teach their personal dogs, or people that do not even train them in any respect, turn out dropping their particular pet dog off at the pound. This is a wretched end to what may have conceivably been an excellent and joyful relationship.

Training your dog encourages your flurry friend to recognize the foundations concerning the pack. It increases self-confidence along with you and your pet animal. It also offers you with the discern of well-being of knowing your canine friend is acting properly on your property while you are not around. Compliance dog training deems firm borders in your dog. In addition, it creates self-worth, and permits your canine friend to de-stress with the knowledge that you'll certainly look after it.

Puppy dogs Could Possibly Pick up Orders As Soon As 3-4 Months Old:

Age range is really an essential factor in dog instruction. Beginning off promptly through a baby dog is actually the easiest. But, this may not be usually the way it is. If you've just taken home a brand-new puppy, then you'll be in a good spot. Naturally, the very first thing the new puppy have to learn about is housebreaking. Once you've created a substantial platform with bathroom training, you'll be ready instructing that puppy dog a variety of simple commands equivalent to Take a seat, Stay, Come.

Learn how to housebreak a puppy. Potty training puppies no longer needs to be a nightmare. Sign up for our free newsletter lessons today.

Wordless Wednesday – Apache’s Favorite Dog Toy

We finally made it! Number 10, the final edition, the last puppy in the Cutest Puppy Ever series. I … [Read More...]

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Staffordshire Terriers' Puppies Crate Training Method

Having to crate train your Staffordshire Terriers' puppies will make life for both of you easier. Puppies are very curious about everything around them as they begin to explore their new world. Sometimes they go too far and explore a bit too much, giving way to your new comforter or shoes.

In the beginning your puppy might fight or resist going into his space that I will refer too as his room. But with time, they will learn to be happy there. NEVER use the crate as a source punishment for your dog if he decides to wet on your carpet or chew up your shoes. Making the crate comfortable for you dog is a must, especially if you are going to be away for awhile. A nice washable blanket, a few toys, and a chew bone will almost guarantee this.

Crate training your dog is more than just a housebreaking your puppy. If you would have to travel at some time your dog might need to be boarded or if he were to get sick and have to stay at a pet hospital. Even if you leave your dog at the groomers, your dog would not be so unsettled if he were to be crate trained.

Crate training takes time on your part and it is important when considering to bringing home a new puppy. When training begins, you do not want to leave your poor puppy in their crate for long periods of time (8 hours is a long period of time for a new puppy). This should be done is short increments. One hour one day, two hours the next, three hours the following.

You should allow at least four to six days where you will be home so that you and your pet can be safe and happy. Puppies like to feel confident that their owner will be back for them. The short time in the beginning allows them to feel more and more secure about the crate.

In all I encourage crate training for the safety of your pet.

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Crate Dog Training and Why You Should Definitely Do It

Review of Dog Training Collars | Learn about Training Collars

Dog training collars come in many styles and materials. Most are safe to use on your dog, but some can be dangerous if you don't use them properly.

Some training collars are made out of nylon, others out of leather, cotton, or metal.

There are electronic collars, collars that go over your dog's chest, collars that attach to your dog's face… 

Let's take a look at the most commonly used dog collars and decide when to use them...

This is the most common training collar on the market.

Flat and comfortable, it's usually made out of leather or nylon. Out of all dog training collars, this one is safe to leave on your dog at all times.

When you put it around your dog's neck, tighten it so that your dog can't remove it. At the same time, leave it loose enough so that you can insert two fingers between your dog's neck and the collar.

Let's take a look at some examples of a buckle collar...

Here is an adjustable nylon dog collar.

It's made of rugged nylon and has a touch-lock clasp that you can open and close with ease. It adjusts quickly for a perfect fit.

And, you can be personalize it with your pet's name and your phone number.

These Leather Dog Collars for Petite Dogs from Lil' Paw are made especially for petite dogs up to 10 lbs.

And if you (or your dog!) really want to make a statement, take a look at these Harley-Davidson Leather Dog Collars.

They are constructed of two layers of top-grain leather with nickel studs and spikes. They display the Harley logo medallion and…are made in the U.S.A.!

A Reflective ID Tag is a perfect companion for any buckle collar (don't use it on any other type of dog training collar). It helps your pet be seen at night and has space for you to write important contact or medical information.

A choke collar is made out metal links with a ring in each end. When used properly, you can correct your dog by a quick movement of the leash. This "snapping" movement will tighten and quickly release the collar.

To properly fit your dog's choke collar, stand on his right side and loop the chain through the link and hold the collar like a letter "P". Put the straight part of the "P" across the top of your dog's neck.

Unfortunately, this type of collar can easily injure your dog's neck. If you don't have any experience with it, don't use it.

A variation of a choke collar, this martingale training collar is designed to reduce the loss of neck hair or matting.

The choke chain features a unique limited closure that prevents it from becoming too tight.

It's a lot safer than a choke collar and a much better choice for a new dog owner.

There are several types of electronic training collars, but they all try to accomplish the same thing – to stop some unwanted behavior.

The most common uses of electronic collars are to stop excessive barking and to prevent your dog from leaving the boundaries of a marked area.

To learn more about electronic collars, visit electronic dog collar and dog shock collar pages.

Here is an example of an electronic dog training collar: Deluxe Bark Control Collar from PetSafe.

It features a vibration sensor that will be activated only by the dog's bark. It also offers 18 levels of correction.

Here is a short video with additional information about this training collar...

You use prong dog training collars on hard to control dogs.

Like a regular collar, it lies flat on your dog's neck but when your dog pulls or you give a corrective pull, a pressure causes blunt metal prongs to poke into your dog's neck.

If you don't use a prong collar correctly, you can easily injure your dog. My advice is not to use it unless… you really need to use it, and even then, get an advice from a professional dog trainer.

You strap a harness to the dog's body across his chest and around the ribcage. A leash attaches to a ring on top of the harness, usually located between your dog's shoulder blades.

One of the biggest disadvantages of harness dog training collars is that they make it very difficult for you to give a corrective action when your dog decides to pull.

If you have an adult dog, always check the collar for signs of wear. If you have a puppy, most breeds will outgrow their dog training collars pretty quickly.

To be on the safe side, make it a habit to inspect a training collar every couple of weeks. It does not take a lot of time and can prevent an injury and even save your dog's life.

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Teach Your Puppy Quickly With Puppy Clicker Training

Puppy Potty Training - Your First Steps

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Wordless Wednesday – Sachi Says: I’m Gonna Need A Bigger Pool

We finally made it! Number 10, the final edition, the last puppy in the Cutest Puppy Ever series. I … [Read More...]

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Dog Jumping on People? Here is How to Discourage This Behavior

In the past, a dog jumping on people was considered a dominant behavior from a dog attempting to rule the world. Nowadays, a better understanding of the way dogs interact with each other and humans has brought things back into perspective.

Most dogs love to jump. And similar to many other problem dog behaviors, dog jumping starts in puppyhood.

Jumping on people, however, is a behavior that should ideally be discouraged starting when the puppy is only a few months old and not 100 pounds later!

This is not a difficult behavior to get rid of, if you understand what causes dog jumping in the first place.

This article will help you learn effective strategies to stop your puppy or dog jumping on people in an easy, non-confrontational way.

If you watch puppies and small dogs, you will notice how they love to jump up enthusiastically to say hello to their fellow owners. But did you ever wonder why dog jumping on people behaviors are so common?

When dogs meet, they tend to initially sniff each other under their tails. If both are friendly, they may then proceed to sniffing each other's faces and even start playing. Because we are humans, dogs fortunately skip the "anogenital investigation" part and go straight to jumping up, possibly followed by some enthusiastic facial licking.

Puppies start the behavior of jumping on people at an early age. Most likely, dog owners reward such jumping up behavior by petting the puppy and talking to the puppy in an enthusiastic way.

Have you ever slapped your thighs while encouraging your dog to run to you and saying something like "Here, boy (or girl)! Come to…" and then stretching your arms in anticipation of catching him or her? With this encouragement and innate love of jumping, I would be surprised if our dogs did not jump up at us as much as they do!

Because dogs are opportunistic beings which tend to repeat behaviors that are rewarded, the dog jumping on people behavior will increase in intensity. And before owners realize it, they end up with a large, heavy dog leaving muddy paw prints on everybody's clothes!

Because of their eagerness to come close to their humans, puppies are number one candidates when it comes to jumping on people. But large dogs that have received little or no training on how to stop jumping are not that far behind. As you can see, any puppy or dog in good health is a candidate!

Many dogs with a jumping habit are high-energy, happy dogs eager to throw a party for the owner's arrival. These enthusiastic "dog jumping on people greetings" are often also reserved to other friends and guests.

While some dog owners are accepting of this dog jumping on people behavior, it is also true that guests and the occasional pedestrian may not be too happy of being greeted in such a boisterous way. Especially if the dog leaves paw prints all over their expensive business suits!

But dogs don't jump only on people. Some dogs jump over fences, furniture and other barriers. Follow these stop dog jumping fence to escape instructions for details.

Stopping a dog from jumping on people does not exclusively depend on training the dog. Indeed, for the most part it involves training the people interacting with the dog.

What usually happens when our dog jumps up at us? We say something like "Stop it, enough already, down boy…". Sometimes, we may pet him.  If he is lucky, he may even sneak in couple of quick licks while you are trying to get him down.

All this attention is very rewarding and encourages even more dog jumping in the future. Frankly, if I were a dog and getting all this attention, I would be jumping at my owner every chance I had!

As a general rule, the more the dog is allowed to jump on people and guests, the more the behavior will repeat in the future. The best way to stop your dog from jumping on people is to stop rewarding his jumping. For this approach to work, it is imperative that all people interacting with the dog abide to the following rules:

No more petting, talking or looking at the dog when it jumps.No more scolding the dog for jumping. Some dogs see this as a form of attention.No pushing, kicking or stepping on paws to stop the jumping behavior. These are outdated approaches that may stimulate defensive dog and puppy aggression.

So what to do to stop a puppy from jumping up? The best way to handle this is by ignoring him.

Try to immediately cross your arms and become as boring as a pole, possibly turning your back to your dog. Once the dog gives up jumping, you may then turn around and if your dog is calm enough, you may ask for a "sit" (visit training your dog to sit for step-by-step instructions). If your dog complies, then pet him calmly while sitting nicely.

If the dog continues to jump all over you, cross your arms and turn around again. If he still persists in jumping up at your back, leave the room and continue training once he is calmer.

Here is another technique you may find helpful…

Take your dog's favorite treat and let him see and smell it. Slowly raise your hand above your shoulders. Is your dog jumping up trying to get the treat? Good, let him jump as much as he wishes, but don't give him the treat just yet.

Offer him the treat only when all his paws are on the floor and he is no longer jumping up. Pet him. Tell him how good he is. You can't imagine how quickly your puppy will learn from this exercise!

Finally, keep your greetings very low key. When you return home and your dog jumps up at you, just ignore him. Greet your spouse or children. Only then turn your attention to your dog. By this time, he is not as excited as he was just a couple of minutes ago when you came in and is less likely to jump at you.

While jumping may look like a cute behavior in puppies and small dogs, it is important to realize that jumping can also create problems and even be dangerous at times. Small children can be easily knocked down, items can be broken and people may not wish to have their clothes ruined by muddy paws.

Dog owners must also consider that a jumping dog can cause a lawsuit to happen in today's litigious society.

Teaching a dog jumping on people an alternative behavior is an important part of your dog's training on how to become a great member of society.

Here is a brief video that talks about some of the things we just covered in this article...

For more advice on how to prevent dog jumping, I highly recommend you read and follow this dog training guide. You'll find lots of information on dealing with many behavioral problems, including jumping.

Find this article interesting? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments, and as always, your +1's, Shares, Facebook likes and retweets are appreciated.

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Use the Type of Dog Training to Determine What Products Will Help Get the Results You Desire

Teach Your Puppy Dog Not to Bite

Dog Training Tips - Equipment Needed

Top 2 Tips in Dog Training

Training a dog really is not a walk in the park but once he learn a trick or two and has become an obedient and trustworthy dog, every hardship and pain during training is very well worth it.

Here are other things that you can do in training your dog.

Reward system is constantly successful when coaching your dog, that is certainly every time he responds to a command that may be what you expect, you reward him with a treat. To be able to encourage your pet to complete the correct response, this is essential. Prior to you deliver you dog residence, you need to be familiar or know several distinct recommendations and strategies on pet and this will also make confident that you simply are ready in whatever scenario that may well come up. Potty instruction for instance, that's 1 in the most frustrating a part of home instruction a dog. It truly is crucial for the pup to learn the rules you set up correct from the begin this means you need to closely monitor and supervise the instruction of the Beagle pup.

Socializing with other canines and men and women is also a large a part of education canines. This might be with other canines, if you take it for walks, or could even be by permitting it to interact with other members of one's family. Permitting the puppies to play around is also element from the socializing education but make positive that you'll find limits. Another essential thing to complete and is equally crucial would be to groom your puppy frequently this way the puppy will know and keep in mind to maintain itself clean.

In conclusion, dog training is a difficult task but as long as you make it fun and enjoyable for your puppy.

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Dog Leash Training - How to Teach your Puppy to Walk on Leash

Among the many skills your dog will ever learn, there is no shadow of doubt that dog leash training is one of the most important.

Whether you are taking your dog for a jog on the boardwalk or a romp on an old country road, most likely your dog will be wearing a collar and leash.

Teaching your puppy to walk on leash is a skill that takes some time to master, but it is a great investment that will remain for the rest of the dog's life.

And while leash training is not complicated, to achieve the results in the shortest time possible, you will need to avoid some common mistakes.

The main purpose of puppy leash training is to provide safety to your pet. Civilization exposes dogs to many perils on a daily basis. For example, dog leash training can prevent your dog from escaping, chasing wildlife, injuring someone or crossing a road bustling with traffic. Not to mention the fact that in most municipalities it is even unlawful to keep a dog off leash in a public place.

Best of all, a dog trained to walk politely on a leash is a pleasure to take along for delightful strolls in the park or around the neighborhood. Dogs that are leash trained also get to enjoy many more privileges in life compared to dogs that were never trained to walk on leash or that have a tendency to pull on the leash.

Learning to walk politely on the leash is one of the earliest skills your puppy will learn. It is never too early to start the process of dog leash training your canine companion. Indeed, you can start introducing your puppy to a collar and leash right after he adjusts to your new home and family.

It is completely normal for your puppy to resist the collar and lead the very first time they are introduced. Don't give up. The rolling, pawing and scratching behaviors are only temporary and will subside once the puppy habituates to the new feeling. The secret for a fast adjustment is to not make a big deal about it while distracting the puppy with play and treats; indeed, sooner rather than later, wearing the collar and leash will become second nature.

You may need to have your puppy leashed when taking him outdoors to eliminate. This is another good reason why the earlier you start leash training your puppy, the better. The main advantage of training puppies good leash manners from the onset is that puppies are quick learners, especially when provided with gentle guidance and loads of praise.

Puppies learn at different rates, but generally, most puppies will learn the dog leash training basics fairly quickly within a week or two of walking several times every day on the leash.

Make your dog leash training sessions brief and rewarding; remember that puppies have short attention spans, so keep it short and sweet!

To start leash training your puppy, visit your local pet store and look at the aisle selling dog training leashes and collars. Invest in a buckle collar, a 4 or 6 foot leash and some small, bite-sized treats that your puppy loves.

The first step in leash training a puppy or dog is getting him used to a collar.

Start a play session or feed your puppy every time the collar is on. Once he gets used to wearing a collar, you can work on attaching the leash and allowing him to get used to the feel. It may help to use a drag leash for the very first days so the leash does not get caught on furniture and the puppy does not repeatedly trip on the leash. And make it clear from the beginning that the leash is not another chew toy!

Once your puppy gets used to the drag leash, you can then attach a regular leash to the collar and practice walking your puppy indoors.

Make sure you reward your puppy every time the leash is slack and he is walking right next to you. If your puppy pulls ahead, stop in your tracks and call him back to your side and reward him for being next to you and then resume walking. Alternatively, the moment your puppy pulls, you can head in the opposite direction and reward when he catches up and the leash is loose again. Make it clear that a tight leash makes you stop, while a loose leash makes you walk. Turn dog leash training into a fun game!

A collar and leash are mainly meant to promote safety, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind in order to use these items safely. Following are some considerations to keep in mind when leash training a puppy:

Never keep your puppy on a leash unsupervised; dog training leashes are safe only under close supervision.If you own a small breed predisposed to tracheal collapse, consider investing in a dog walking harness rather than a collar.When working on dog leash training, try to avoid using retractable leashes if possible; many have caused injuries to dogs and owners and they ultimately train a dog to pull.If your puppy has not yet completed his vaccinations, avoid walking in areas where many dogs aggregate.Once your dog leash training session is over, remember to remove your puppy's collar and leash upon being crated.Check you puppy's collar every now and then as puppies outgrow them quite quickly.Once your puppy is used to wearing a collar and leash, make sure to attach your puppy's ID tags.Skip any dog training collars such as choke collars or prong collars; your puppy at this stage should just wear a plain buckle collar.

It is a fact that dogs trained to walk politely on the leash face fewer dangers and get to have more fun. It is much easier to train a puppy to walk politely on a leash from scratch than teaching an older dog that has a history of having established certain behaviors. The time invested in dog leash training a puppy is well worth all the time and effort.

Here is a brief video that talks about some of the things we just covered...

If you are a new dog owner and want to learn more about dog behavior and obedience training, including how to walk your dog on leash, I highly recommend you read and follow this Secrets to Dog Training guide. It's written by a professional dog trainer and is full of techniques you can use to modify your dog's behavior.

Find this article interesting? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments, and as always, your +1's, Shares, Facebook likes and retweets are appreciated.

Return from Dog Leash Training to Free Puppy Training Home

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Boxer Dog Training - Top Tips

The Boxer dog by it's nature is very passionate and also very powerful.
How do you harness the powerful and passionate boxer - without upsetting the owner.
As an owner you need to understand and harness the courage, reliability and the loyalty of the boxer dog.

You need to learn that a boxer dog maybe stubborn but they are also keen to learn - but you need to start early.

A Boxer dog can make an excellent watchdog - due to the fact that they will not back down from anything.
They also make excellent family pets as they get on extremely well with children.
A Boxer dog is also an energetic breed so will need allot of exercise and encouragement - so a boxer dog will get you fit if nothing else.
With this in mind you need to make sure that you have time to walk and exercise your dog - otherwise you are asking for behavior and obedience problems in the future.

So How do you Train a Boxer?

You need to remember how stubborn the Boxer is as a breed and learn to work with this.
The most important aspect of training your boxer dog is - START EARLY.

One of the main components of boxer dog training is to start socializing the boxer dog as a puppy - EARLY.

A boxer puppies socialization starts at about 14 weeks - start the training early.
The more your boxer dog/puppy sees/hears/touches and tastes at this point in a boxer's life is vitally important.
This is a very important fact that many people forget when training a boxer - they are excellent family points but they need to be introduced very early to family and especially children.
There is no point in having a boxer dog and introducing him to children in later life - and expect him to be well behaved - it just won't work unless you introduce him very early to children.
Boxer dogs can become nervous - it's proven that if boxer dogs are not introduced early to everyday activities such as traffic - they can become nervous and fearful.
This is vital as we know that nervous and fearful dogs can become aggressive and have obedience and behavior problems

If you would like more information on boxer dog training then you may find this site useful

Wordlesss Wednesday – Apache, A Guide Dog Puppy In Training

We finally made it! Number 10, the final edition, the last puppy in the Cutest Puppy Ever series. I … [Read More...]

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Bark Busters USA Awards Kurgo’s Pet Travel Products Its Seal of Approval

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Bark Busters USA Awards Kurgo’s Pet Travel Products Its Seal of Approval

SALISBURY, MA. — Bark Busters Home Dog Training USA is thrilled to name Kurgo® a company of choice for travel-related pet products and award Kurgo the Bark Busters Seal of Approval. Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company with more than 500,000 dogs trained, is committed to dog-owner education, including recommending high-quality dog travel safety products.

“Traveling with your dog can be loads of fun, but it also brings added responsibility,” said Liam Crowe, Bark Busters USA CEO and master dog behavioral therapist. “Many dog owners are uninformed about potential dangers when traveling with four-legged passengers, and we support Kurgo’s mission to educate and inform so pets and owners can travel safely together.”

As more people than ever are traveling with their pets, there is a growing need for education on safety solutions while in the car or out of the house. In addition to using high-quality dog travel products, here are more tips from Bark Busters to help ensure a safe and pleasant journey:

Provide proper identification. Your dog should always wear an ID tag with your current contact information. A microchip (a permanent form of ID) gives an added layer of protection and increases the chances that your dog will be returned to you if he is lost or runs away.
Get training to help you understand your dog. Knowing your dog’s unique temperament and tendencies will help you to better control how he behaves, at home or when traveling. A well-behaved dog is less likely to upset people and other pets and will enjoy a better relationship with everyone he meets. Plus, his good manners will reflect positively on you, his responsible owner.
Restrain your dog. Keep your dog safe in the car by using a restraint, such as Kurgo’s Tru-Fit Smart Harness and Zip Line. Restraints help protect dogs in case of a collision and keep dogs from distracting drivers. Never let your dog ride free in the back of a pickup truck or allow him to hang his head out of the car window (a danger to his eyes).
Watch for temperature extremes. Never leave your dog in the car if it is extremely hot or cold outside. Just like humans, dogs can very quickly suffer from heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Your car is like an oven under the blazing sun and a freezer in the bitter cold.

“Bark Busters and Kurgo share a common mission to help dog owners keep their furry family members healthy, happy and safe by providing the highest quality products and services available,” said Gordie Spater, President of Kurgo. “We are honored to receive the Bark Busters Seal of Approval.”

For more information on pet travel safety, or to view the complete line of Kurgo® pet travel products, visit www.Kurgo.com. Download images and logos directly from www.Kurgo.net.

- ### -

Bark Busters, the world's largest, most trusted dog training company, started in Australia in 1989 and came to the United States in 2000. Since inception, more than 500,000 dogs have been trained worldwide using its dog-friendly, natural methods. With hundreds of franchised offices around the world, including locations in 40 states in the U.S., Bark Busters is continuing its mission to build a global network of dog behavioral therapists to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment and euthanasia of companion dogs. Bark Busters is the only international dog training company that offers guaranteed lifetime support. SPCA International selected Bark Busters dog behavioral training services as the “Best of the Best” in its category. No other training company or dog trainer received such a distinction. To fetch a trainer in your area, call 1-877-500-BARK(2275) or visit www.BarkBusters.com, where dog owners can complete a Dog Behavioral Quiz to rate their dogs' behavior.

Kurgo® (Motivation Design LLC) is dedicated to creating innovative, stylish and high-quality pet travel products that allow families and pets to travel comfortably to their end destination together. The Kurgo® product line currently includes convenient products for traveling with your dog such as the Backseat Barrier, Skybox Booster Seat, Wander Bowl, Wander Hammock, Tru-Fit Smart Harness, and the Auto Zip Line, recently named as a Consumers Digest Best Buy. In addition Kurgo® offers a line of tire storage and car organization products including the Tire Tote, Tire Garage, Auto Tray Table, and Trunk Cleat. You can see more about this ever-evolving line of products at www.kurgo.com or contact Jamie Brant at The Impetus Agency, 775.322.4022 or Jamie@theimpetusagency.com to request product samples, high-resolution images and videos or to schedule an interview with key principles within the company.

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3 Myths About Dog Training

How to Apply Extreme Red Eye Method of Puppy Potty Training

Using Electric Dog Training Collars for Remote Training

When it comes to electric dog training collars for remote training, the world appears to be split in half: those who swear by them and those who would never put them on their dogs' necks.

In case you don't know what it is, an electronic dog training collar is a device that gives you a safe way to control your dog off leash.

But whether you hate them or you love them, there is no shadow of doubt that electric dog training collars are effective and can really make a difference if you have exhausted other training methods.

If you are considering investing in an electronic dog training collar, you need to learn how to use such tool effectively. The best option would be have a reputable dog trainer demonstrate how to use the electric dog training collar correctly.

There are two ways electric dog training collars may be used: to correct unwanted behaviors through positive punishment or to reward wanted behaviors through negative reinforcement. In both cases, impeccable timing, careful observation of the dog's body language and some understanding of learning theory come very handy.

The first step in training your dog with a remote training collar is to get him used to wearing it.

Before you begin using it, you may want to keep the collar on your dog during such pleasant activities as walking or playing in the yard. After a short period of time, your dog will associate the collar with fun activities and will be prepared for the next step.

Your next step would be to decide if you want to use remote dog trainers to correct unwanted behaviors or reinforce wanted behaviors.

The choice of one or the other is important because they require a different approach and a different use of the collar. If you desire to correct unwanted behaviors, you may want to use a "nick", a brief static correction. If, on the other hand, you want to reinforce wanted behaviors, then you want to use continuous stimulation.

In order to correct unwanted behaviors, you need to find the correct setting. Most electric dog training collars offer various levels of intensity so you can customize them to your dog.

The art of training dogs with electric dog training collars requires you to be very observant so to recognize the ideal setting. The best way to accomplish this is by starting from the lowest level and working your way up. Look for the "recognition level" where your dog signals an acknowledgement of the static sensation. Most dogs will look around, appear slightly startled or may flick their ears to signal they are "feeling something".

Because every dog is different, this level of recognition will vary from one dog to another. Once you find the most appropriate "recognition level", you should then use it for your training sessions.

If your dog has developed a problem behavior, you need to put him in a situation where he is likely to exhibit such behavior. You can, therefore, use the collar to stop your dog from engaging in problematic behaviors such as digging, chewing and biting, nuisance barking, and several other unwanted behaviors.

Following is a step by step guide on reducing unwanted chewing behaviors using the short static correction known as a "nick":

Place your dog in an area where he has a history of engaging in the problematic behavior. If your dog tends to raid your trash can in the kitchen, keep him in that room. Ideally, stay at a distance from your dog so your dog does not know you are watching him. This will prevent him from associating your presence with the correction. The moment your dog starts to jump on the trash can or engage in any other unwanted behavior, deliver the static stimulation. If your dog ignores the correction, raise the setting to the next level.Continue correcting the behavior until your dog stops attempting to raid the trash. It is important to pay very close attention to your dog during this time as failure to correct the behavior will cause your dog to return to the behavior of raiding the trash. All it takes is just one mishap to cause a very big setback in training.

Because your dog will no longer associate the trash bin with eating goodies but rather with shock, the behavior of raiding the trash can will gradually reduce and eventually extinguish. Because the addition of shock has made a behavior reduce in frequency and eventually extinguish, in learning theory this is referred to as "positive punishment".

In this type of training, you will use the continuous stimulation option instead of the "nick" feature. This option is safe to use because many electronic dog collars come equipped with a shut-off feature. What this means is that the stimulation will stop automatically after being pressed for more than a handful of seconds.

In order to start reinforcing a wanted behavior, you must ensure your dog is already familiar with the behavior you want to reinforce. Good behaviors to teach your dog include coming when called, an emergency sit or a down. These behaviors must be taught using traditional training methods.

These learned behaviors will be used to teach the dog how to "shut off" the static stimulation. Because these behaviors are reinforced through negative reinforcement, they will increase in frequency, while the unwanted behaviors will gradually extinguish.

The following steps will guide you through the process:

Train your dog a command you want him to use to "shut off" the static stimulation. Make sure your dog understands this command well and responds to it with reliability. In this example, we are using the "come" command.Deliver static stimulation using the continuous correction option.Immediately call your dog to you. The moment he moves towards your direction, let off of the button.If your dog decides to abruptly stop coming your way, deliver the correction again and try to call him to you again. The moment he moves towards you release the button.Pet and praise your dog for coming to you.

With some trial and error, your dog will quickly learn that coming towards you feels good because the shock stops the moment he makes the slightest movement towards you.

You can then gradually apply this training in more and more distracting environments and ultimately use it when your dog engages in an unwanted behavior that can turn out dangerous. For instance, if your dog tends to want to chase squirrels and possibly cross a busy road to achieve that, you can apply continuous stimulation and then call your dog to you. Your dog should make a good choice by running towards you. The great part of this type of training is that your dog does not associate you with the correction.

Many electric dog training collars also offer vibration or tone modes as well. You can use these features to your advantage if you do not want to rely on shock most of the time. The vibration or tone can be used as a "warning" that a static shock will soon follow if the unwanted behavior is not stopped. Many dogs, with time, learn to attend to the vibration and tone options of their electric dog training collars without needing the shock.

While the terms "electronic dog training collar" and "shock collar" have assumed negative connotations, many people find their use very helpful. In some cases, electric dog training collars have saved a dog's life. Yet, as with most training tools, they should be used correctly and should not be used as a substitute for training.

Make sure your ultimate goal is to train your dog to obey regardless if he is wearing a remote training collar or not, however, consider that electronic dog training collars work best when used for at least four months.

Here is a brief video that provides excellent information on how to train a dog using a remote training collar...

If you are a new dog owner and want to learn more about dog behavior and obedience training, I highly recommend you read and follow this Secrets to Dog Training guide. It's written by a professional dog trainer and is full of techniques you can use to modify your dog's behavior.

Find this article interesting? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments, and as always, your +1's, Shares, Facebook likes and retweets are appreciated.

View the original article here

Dog Training - What You Can't Afford To Miss Before Getting Your New Puppy

Few things bring greater pleasure to a family than taking home a young pup. Even so, there are as well, fewer affairs that can cause a more immense headache at times. Choosing what sort of canine to take home may comprise an extremely difficult task.

You could choose on bringing home a big dog suchlike a Labrador retriever, which is highly popular and is well-known to act as an absolute good household dog. Or you could resolve to take home a little, lap dog as a Shih Tzu or an average sized dog similar to a Cocker Spaniel. As you consider what sort of pup to bring home, you want to consider your life-style and your livelihood arrangements. Do you reside in a flat, where small dogs suchlike the Shih Tzu would match fine, or do you require having a large fenced backyard for your large Labrador retriever?

A dog such as a Labrador pup would comprise a great alternative for an individual looking for a dog that may work easily with the household members, experience fewer health problems, and offer a life of companionship. Small dogs, similar like the Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso or Chihuahua appear more appropriate for households where they will be allowed indoors and where the owner will be capable to allow for an great amount of interaction and physical contact. These little guys are as well exceedingly lovable, devoting and are outstanding companions, but they're not equally as good, guard dogs as big dogs could be. It is crucial to determine early on about what sort of domestic dog you wish to have. Are you seeking a lap dog, a safeguard dog, a watch dog, a sporting dog, a hunting dog, or a working type dog?

Please think of the fact that your puppy will grow up and mature and will impart you for several years to come, with love, companionship, dedication and a great deal more. Arriving at your dog's pick decision ought to be an intelligent one whenever it suits your life style. Whenever the dog does not fit for your way of living, your dearest companion could become a big headache, and he is not to blame. Therefore, before adopting your new puppy or relocating to a brand-new living space, please be sure that, that it will be fine with your landlord if you rent, and if you own your home make certain that the dog have the space it needs and that he will be safe in the home.

If you want a big dog like a Labrador retriever, do you've the time to dedicate to the dog in order for him to get the proper amount of exercise? Do you have a large backyard where the dog can romp or play games with you? Big dogs, in particularly, necessitate tons of physical exercise or otherwise they'll show behavioral troubles. Labs, for instance, are extremely energetic and active, and are amenable to play catch with a ball or Frisbee for endless periods of time. Whenever they don't get the required physical exercise, they'll become bored and could make a great deal of damage to your home, particularly if the dog remains indoors for a certain amount of time.

The outdoors exercise that a big dog gets is what maintains it in shape. The owner must be ready to to play with it. For a big dog to stay fit and healthy, the owner must be amenable to spend time outdoors with it by playing the dog or taking him for long walks. A Labrador pup, for instance, will have an added up level of vigor and the owner must be gear up for that.

If you choose a small or medium sized dog, are you sure that you are willing to own a dog that might like to be sitting on your lap day in and day out or at a minimum very drawn to you? As a whole, small and medium dogs likewise require physical exercise, though not equally as much as bigger dogs. Will you be able to take your little guy or girl for a regular daily walks? Are you amenable to bring the dog for grooming if you get a long haired dog? Will you possess the time to brush your dog's coating on a daily basis or on a regular basis as a minimum? Will it be okay with you whenever the dog casts off a lot of hair?

These above-named factors and numerous others need to be taken into account prior to acquiring your new fellow. A potential owner must weight down all these dog's traits and decide which the right dog is for his or her, as that will determine the happiness of both the owner and the dog in the long haul.

Before acquiring your brand-new pup you'll like to perform an exhaustive and complete search on the final size of the dog when matured, how much dog grooming and dog training will it require? Will it need professional dog grooming and how often? You would like to know what diseases is the dog inclined to, how does the dog act with other dogs, with cats, with children? These are barely more or less illustrations of matters you must take into account before getting your new puppy.

Increase the happy years of your dog by checking out my free e-book. In it I reveal all the secrets I've used to develop a happy, healthier dog. Visit Dr. Alfonso's dog training blog [http://www.cooldoghalloffame.com/dog-training/dog-training-the-one-thing-you-dont-want-to-miss-before-getting-a-dog/2094] right now...

Using Fun Dog Games to Train your Puppy

There is no shadow of doubt that fun dog games can provide hours of entertainment and enjoyment for both canine companions and owners.

A vast array of benefits derives from playing fun dog games with your dog.

For instance, a simple game can provide your dog with the perfect outlet for pent-up energy while allowing a great opportunity for training, having fun and bonding.

You may wonder why dogs need to play when in the wild they typically do not have any toys. The answer to this is the fact that domestication has changed the way dogs live. Toys are needed for the purpose of replacing the normal activities dogs would have engaged in the wild. For the most part, play simply recreates the excitement and adrenaline-rush of a hunt.

When you watch a dog play, you will often see some segments of the prey drive behavior which includes searching, stalking, chasing, biting and killing. Puppies play to practice their hunting skills and adult dogs play to refine those skills.

Play also helps domestic dogs stay fit by burning off calories while keeping muscles, bones and organs in top shape. Last but not least, play provides dog with a good amount of mental stimulation which keeps Rover entertained and out of trouble.

While you will never find Rover playing with a Wii or a game of Monopoly, he will likely have his personal preferences when it comes to toys and games. Some dogs will wag their tails in excitement at the sight of a ball, while others could care less and will just give you a lazy look. In part, enthusiastic responses to certain games are based on the dog's breed and individual preferences.

For example, herding breeds may find a game of Treibball very enticing since they are allowed to "herd" big balls into a confined space. Retrievers, on the other hand, may be obsessed with a game of fetch. Hounds may enjoy using their noses to follow a trail of treats, whereas, terriers may love to dig up hidden treasures.

There are plenty of fun dog games you can play with your canine companion, and many of these games can incorporate some commands. These games are great for those rainy days or when you return home from a long day spent at work and your dog deserves some one-on-one attention. The following collection of fun dog games offers a great opportunity to train while allowing your dog to do what he loves best -- play!

This fun game incorporates some basic manners. Best of all, dogs seem to have a blast because they must use their senses to find you. Last but not least, since finding you is rewarding, this game helps increase the dog and owner bond. This game is best played outdoors in a fenced yard.

Ask your dog to "stay"Hide in a nearby place to make it easy at first.Say "OK" or the normal word you use to release your dog from a stay.When your dog finds you, reward him with a treat or lots of pats and praise. Make the game increasingly challenging.

If your dog knows how to fetch and loves balls, he may appreciate a change every now and then. A Frisbee moves in a different way than a ball causing many dogs to be attracted to its unpredictable movement. Just a few minutes of this game may tire even the most energetic dog. This game should be played strictly outdoors.

If your dog absolutely loves to play with a Frisbee, consider competing with him in the sport of disc dog. Because a game of Frisbee entails a lot of jumping, keep in mind that this can put pressure on your dog’s knees and spine. Make sure to also use a Frisbee that will not break and risk cutting your dog's mouth.

Among the many fun dog games, the game of Tug of War has been a subject of controversy for some time. Claims of people stating it promotes aggression abound. This is far from the truth when the right rules are applied. Dogs love this game so much, owners and trainers use it to reward their dogs for doing something good. This game is also great for teaching self-control.

You can play this game both indoors and out. Make sure your tug toy is made of a material that will not cause damage to your dog's teeth and gums and that it is long enough to not cause accidental injury to your hands.

Invest in a good tug toy.Train your dog to grasp the tug on command after sitting. The command "get it" or "take it" is often used.Initiate a game of tug.Ask your dog to drop the toy on cue. The command "leave it" or "give" is often used.

This game encourages your dog to use his sense of smell and apply some self control. To play this game, all you need is some plastic cups and tasty treats. This game is perfect for playing indoors, and it is also a great way to impress your friends! Just make sure Rovers is not tempted to eat the plastic cups too!

Ask your dog to stay in a room or to sit with his back to you. Make sure you remind him not to peek!Hide the treat under one of the cups.Call your dog.Mix the cups and tell your dog to "find the treat".When he finds the treat, praise him and let him have it.

A game of fetch can be quite addicting, and some dogs quickly become fetching machines. This game is great to play in a yard or at a fenced park. This version of fetch incorporates some training which is meant to encourage self control. Training your dog to fetch is fun and quite rewarding.

Ask your dog to sit.Once your dog is sitting, toss the ball. Tell your dog to "get it".When your dog returns with the ball in his mouth ask him to "drop".Repeat the sequence by tossing the ball again only once your dog is sitting.

This game is fun and it may turn helpful if you have a dog that tends to take off ignoring your recall command. Basically, instead of trying to chase your dog when he runs off, you change the rules of the game and entice your dog to chase you. Because you reward your dog for catching up, your dog learns that sticking by your side is rewarding after all. This game should be played outdoors in a fenced area.

When your dog is sniffing in the yard, become "it" by grabbing your dog's attention. Act silly, clap your hands and make excited, high-pitched voices as you entice your dog to chase you. You can give a command such as "play tag". Your dog should stop doing what he is doing and chase you.Start running away.When he catches up, stop, ask for a sit, and give your dog a reward. Once he is done, wait for your dog to get distracted again and start the game all over. Your goal is to become more interesting than anything else!

If your dog is quite active, you may also want to consider enrolling him in some sport.

Dog agility training may be a great way to build confidence and a dog and owner bond. You can even invest in some dog agility equipment and play agility games with your dog in the comfort of your yard.

Other great sports that are also fun dog games are the sport of Treibball, Disc Dog and Flyball.

If you own a dog that loves to dig, you can put his natural instincts to work by allowing him a place where he is allowed to engage in his favorite activity on cue. The best way to find a compromise with a digging dog is to give him a place to dig and call his own. Once you have selected an outdoor place he is allowed to dig, it is your job to make it enticing.

Ask your dog to sit and stay at a distance.Hide one of his favorite toys in the sand.Call him to you and ask him to "find".Once he finds the toy reward him with a treat or a game with his favorite toy.

Whichever game you choose, always make sure to play fun dog games in a safe area. Keep an eye on your dog for signs of tiring, and make sure your dog has access to a bowl with fresh water. Fun dog games are ultimately the best way to play, train and bond with your canine companion.

If you are a new dog owner and want to learn more about dog behavior and obedience training, I highly recommend you read and follow this Secrets to Dog Training guide. It's written by a professional dog trainer and is full of techniques you can use to teach your dog new tricks.

Find this article interesting? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments, and as always, your +1's, Shares, Facebook likes and retweets are appreciated.

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Shaffer's Coondog Heaven DVD

After 20 years of training coonhounds to be coondogs Jerry and Yvonne Shaffer are offering their BEST Coon dog training tips and dog behavior training techniques on DVD. Hot tried and true coon hunting tips and coonhound training.

Shaffer's Coondog Training Facility in Charleston WV was the FIRST complete Coonhound Training Facility in the United States, and are into their 21st year of starting and training coonhounds. Their facility offers a safe haven of 100 acres for training coonhounds. They use 4 wheelers, surveillance cameras and state-of-the art training equipment, which has made their training programs run like a fine tuned engine. Here at the head of Coopers Creek, Jerry and Yvonne Shaffer are training some of the top coondogs in the nation.

Shaffer's Coondog Training facility is a 100-acre compound protected by two miles of fence. Here, the soon to be top coondogs from across the country - as many as 50 at a time - hunt in ideal surroundings, under the watchful and loving care of the trainers. These coon hounds are here for an advanced education in trailing and treeing raccoons, and the Shaffers' finely honed coonhunting teaching methods keep the dogs' attention focused on their intended game,-raccoons- and away from all distractions.

The DVD contains experience from Jerry's 20 years in the business of training coonhounds from all over the United States. As well as using techniques he has used in his 55+ years of training his own coonhounds for pleasure and competition hunting.

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Puppy Raiser Questionnaire – In For Training

It’s been over a month since Dublin went in for formal guide dog training and I really haven’t done too much here on the blog, on his facebook page, his YouTube channel, or on his Twitter account.  However, that’s all about to change starting with this short blog post about one of the last reports we filled out before turning Dublin in for formal training.

A couple months ago we received a letter in the mail telling us that it was time to bring Dublin back to guide dog school for his formal guide dog training.  Included with that letter was a short questionnaire that we filled out letting the guide dog trainers know a little bit about Dublin, how he did in his dog obedience training classes, and anything that might be helpful during his stay at guide dog college.  Here are the questions and answers we provided.

Dropping Dublin off at Guide Dog School

Dear Puppy Raisers:

Listed below are some questions that will help the trainers in knowing a little more about your puppy.

Please fill it out to the best of your knowledge and bring it with you to the luncheon.

THANK YOU

Puppy’s Name: Dublin

1. How many family members worked with the puppy?: 1

2. Where does the puppy sleep at night?: Crate next to the bed

Have you ever used a crate?: Yes

3. What are the dogs favorite activities: he likes playing with my o

ther dog Linus or lay quietly chewing on a bone.

4. What is it’s favorite toy?: Kong

5. What reaction does your dog have to loud noises?: Startled or alert and recovers quickly.

Barking dogs?: Alert sometimes excited.

6. Has your dog been exposed to other animals?: Yes, horses, dogs, cats, birds, donkeys, llamas, snakes, lizards.

7. In what kind of neighborhood environment did your puppy grow up? (Sidewalk less areas, livestock areas, high traffic areas): Condo community with sidewalks on a golf course.

8. How is your puppy at being restrained?: excited, but ok.

During Vet exam?: excited, but ok.

While cleaning its ears?: Dublin has had many ear infections and will sit calmly to get his ears cleaned.

While on tie-down: he remains quiet on a tie-down.

9. Any chronic health problems?: Ear infections.

10. Any problem areas?: Over excited on meet and greets.  Mouthy behavior.  Doesn’t like getting his nails trimmed.

11. How much is your dog currently eating?: 1 1/2 cups 2x a day.

What brand of food?: Purina Pro Plan Chicken.

12. Please list anything you would like the trainers to know about your puppy?: He’s still a very mouthy dog mostly licking now.  On a couple occasions with other dogs on outings he’s been very excited and lacked focus, but when we’re not with other dogs on outings he usually does quite well. His obedience is good, but can use work on sit-stays and down-stays.

As I mentioned it’s been a little over a month since Dublin went off to college.  We still haven’t heard anything back from our little puppy in training, but at this point in time they always say that “no news is good news”.

As a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs of America I know we all receive this Puppy Raiser Questionnaire, but how about the other organizations?  Do any of you out their who puppy raise for other guide or service dog organizations receive a similar questionnaire?  Let us know in the comment section below.

Related posts: Guide Dog Training – How To Become A Guide Dog Puppy RaiserHow I Became A Guide Dog Puppy RaiserFormal Guide Dog TrainingAre You Interested In Becoming A Guide Dog Puppy Raiser?Top 5 Questions People Ask A Guide Dog Puppy Raiser

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10 Best Dog Training Tools for New Dog Owners

Now that you've decided to adopt a new puppy, or adult doggy, it's time to start thinking about the things you'll need to help you start training. But where do you even begin? Just walk into any pet store and you can find yourself overwhelmed. There are so many different kinds of leashes, collars, dog foods, not to mention isles of toys.

Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it seems! You'll just need a few essential items to begin with. Check out our list of the 10 best dog training tools for new dog owners to guide you through the process.

Treats - Treats are vital for training and serve as a reward. Make sure you choose a flavor that your dog really loves as it makes it even more effective. You'll also want to read the ingredient list to make sure they don't contain any soy, corn, wheat, or artificial colors/flavors.

Dental Chews - Dental chews are nice treats for your puppy or grown up dog. It helps satisfy their need to chew, keeps their teeth clean and their breath fresh. They often contain antioxidants and other nutrients that your pup needs.

Chew Toys - Chew toys are so useful for puppies that are going through their chewing phase. You may find yourself going through quite a few of them before he gets out of this stage. Try and purchase one that's heavy duty, so you can save yourself some money. Some of those heavy duty ones have holes in the bottom so you can stuff them with treats. This will help encourage them to chew on the toy as if rewards a really yummy treat!

Chew Deterrent Spray - If you've just adopted a new puppy, you'll want to be prepared for their chewing stage. Sprays, like Grannick's Bitter Apple, will deter them from chewing on inappropriate items. They are safe for furnishings, including wood. They're also safe to spray on your pup to stop them from chewing, gnawing or licking themselves. These would be especially useful if they have an injury, or engage in OCD behaviors that can cause them to chew themselves raw.

A Pooper Scooper - When you adopt your new furry friend, one of the first things that should be on your list is a pooper scooper! They make cleaning up after your dog so much cleaner and easier. Nobody likes to do it, but it's a necessity and, in some places, the law. Unless you prefer to have a yard full of 'you know what', you'll need one.

Waste Bags - Waste bags are also an essential. You can use them with your pooper scooper, or on their own. Either way, you'll have a nice clean yard!

Stain and Odor Remover - It's inevitable that your dog will have an accident or two in the house. There will also be occasions where their tummy's might get upset and make a mess on your carpet. Hiring a carpet cleaner each time one of these things happen can become costly and unrealistic. A good stain and odor remover can be a life saver! Many of these products also work well for food, blood, grease, dirt, smoke and even perspiration stains. Definitely something you always want to have on hand!

Harnesses - One of the first things you'll teach your dog is leash manners. A harness will gently discourage your dog from pulling while out on the leash. If you are the owner of a bigger dog, you're well aware of how powerful their tugs can be! Look for harnesses that have a front-chest attachment. They will tighten across the dog's chest and shoulders whenever they pull. Don't worry, it's a gentle, but firm grip, so your pup will experience no pain.

Leashes - If you prefer not to have a harness, or your dog no longer pulls, you'll need a leash. The retractable leashes give your dog some freedom while your on your daily walks. My dog likes to smell around bushes, so this gives her the freedom to do so without my having to follow her into them. Retractables come with a "brake" button to restrict the line when needed as well.

Walk Through Gates - Gates are wonderful tools for training, especially for puppies. They teach your pup boundaries by keeping them from going into unwanted places. The walk through gates allow you to easily move in and out of the space without having to hop around. One of the great things about investing in one of these gates is that they can also be used to keep children out of unwanted places, giving it multiple uses.

Dogs can bring a lot of happiness into a home. Learning the correct way to train a dog with various dog training tips will make the owner a dog have a much easier time with their training exercises. Knowing how to calm a dog and what tools to use is vital for turning a feisty pup into a well trained one.