Cedar Dog Houses – Find Cedar Doghouse Plans Or Buy Pre-built Doghouse

I'm not sure whether dogs like cedar dog houses but most doghouses are made of wood. Small dogs usually live indoors so there is no need to buy a doghouse. However, larger sized dogs will need their own place and most families usually put their dogs outside, therefore a wooden doghouse is needed.

Finding a large doghouse that can accommodate their dogs is often a problem. You can get find cedar doghouse plans online and construct your own doghouse. That way, you can customized the dog house to whatever you want.

However, if you want to save the hassle, you can always buy a cedar doghouse online or get someone to build it for you. Where To Put The Dog House Most people usually place their doghouse at the rear of the house.

It is not a very good spot because not only is it inconvenient for you, most dogs don't like to be located far from people. Dogs are sociable animals and prefer places where people congregate. Therefore, it is best to place your doghouse at the side of your house or the front porch.

If possible, the cedar doghouse should be lifted up off the ground with small blocks neighbouring the foundation. This provides a pocket of airspace that can help in insulation. To keep the doghouse warm in winter, you need to have a flap in front of the doghouse.

Regular maintenance is essential and it is important to keep the area around the doghouse clean. If not, you will find your dog not wanting to sleep in the doghouse. If you can build a dog runway, that would be ideal and it allows your dog to run and still be restrained at the same time.

Whether you choose to build your own doghouse or buy existing pre-built doghouses, be sure that your dog can live and move comfortably inside it.

Learn more about why cedar dog houses are the best. Check out whether to buy cheap wooden doghouse online.

How To Buy Pink Dog Bed From Discount Online Pet Store

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A dog should have a bed for napping during the day and sleeping in at night. A bed gives warmth and comfort to your dog. A proper dog bed supports arthritic joints, prevent calluses, gives comfort and a sense of security to your dog.

Are you wondering how to select a best dog bed and blanket for your pet?

You need to do some research on your dog sleeping habits and try to find answer to following questions.

1.Does your dog hang his head over the edge?

2.Does he like to be able to rest his head with a view of the entire surroundings?

3.Does your puppy sprawl and stretch out completely?

4.Does he like to stay warm under the blankets?

5.Does your dog shed or have any other disorder that will cause the bed to need constant cleaning?

6.Does he avoid the bed because he needs to cool off? In this case, you should buy cooling dog bed

Several varieties of dog beds are available. Your selection depends on your choice, budget and size of your pet. You can use your old pillow or fancy wrought-iron frame with a lace canopy.

Top dog bed styles

1. Inexpensive flat pads or mats

2. Doughnut-shaped beds are circular bolsters with a removable center pillow.

3. Waterproof beds are good for outdoor use.

4. Cot style raised dog bed is good for old and large dog

What are the features you should have for an old or ill dog bed?

• You should buy orthopedic bed with medical-grade foam and/or box-spring construction for old or very large dog.

• You can use heated bed which helps to maintain body warmth

Why you should have a washable dog blanket?

You also should use washable dog bed cover and blankets because it can keep your dog warm and you can wash it whenever it is necessary. Personally I like modern dog bed like memory foam dog bed.

You can visit online pet supply to find the best dog bed and blanket for your dog. Online shopping is also a good way to get all your other dog supplies as well from other dog furniture like dog houses to dog supplies, including treat and shampoo, and you can even purchase dog clothes and collars as well.

 

Great Tips for Dog Obedience Training

Dogs have a lot of loveable natural qualities, but they also have some not-so-cute behaviors. Digging is one of the latter, but it can persist as they bury bones, create impromptu shelters, and just feel the dirt between their paws.

This natural behavior can wreak havoc on your yard and garden if it goes unchecked. What is the best way to curb the digging impulse?

Why does your dog dig? Does he just like the action and feeling or is there another reason lurking underneath? Figuring out why your dog is engaging in this undesirable behavior is the first step in correcting it.

However, there may be other reasons including lack of attention or stimulation, storing food, or he’s building a den to cool off or stay warm. Alternately, he may be attracted to freshly turned earth or the scent of fertilizer.

If you have determined that your dog needs more stimulation and is digging as a way of getting attention, you can attack the problem by offering him more opportunities for exercise and interaction. Dog obedience training can be a nice technique for solving the problem.

If that doesn't help, your dog may have developed a digging habit! The following suggestions can help:

1. Bury inflated balloons in places where your dog likes to dig. One popped balloon can be a great deterrent.

2. When you refill the holes, add in some of your dog's own feces. The next time he digs there, he will be repelled by it. This may not be a fun way for you to teach your dog, but it is effective and humane.

3. Unpleasant sensations can also help keep your dog from digging. Bury some chicken wire just below the surface of the ground. When his claws scratch the wire, he'll often hate the feeling so much he'll stop.

4. If you catch your pet in the act of digging, spray him with a water bottle or hose. Dogs hate this (but it is not harmful). They'll get the message. Do not, however, spray him if you don't catch him actively engaging in digging. If you do, he won't understand why he's being punished.

Digging doesn’t have to be a part of your dog’s normal routine. With a little work and training, you can get past this behavior and have a hole-free yard. Just like with puppy training, poor habits can be corrected.

Clicker Training for Great Dog Behavior

The use of clickers in dog training has increased in recent years. It is a gentle way to condition your dog to repeat good behavior.

When you use clicker training, you teach your dog to associate good behavior with a treat or reward. This is known as the principle of operant conditioning. How does it work?

You hold a small plastic box in your hand. It has a metal strip which produces a clicking sound when pressed.

Ask your dog to perform a command, such as sit, stay, heel, etc. When he does, click right away and give your dog a treat. You are pairing the clicking sound with the treat.

Your dog will connect the clicking sound with the behavior he just performed. Since that behavior earned him a treat, he'll want to repeat it. As the training progresses, you can stop using the treat. The click will be sufficient reward. Soon, you don't even need the clicker either.

Clicking is immediate. Dogs need to know exactly what they are being praised for, and the clicking sound helps let them know. This is why the clicker method is so effective for training.

Trying the clicker method can lead to more effective, quicker training. It works with your dog’s natural urge to please you and earn a reward.

Get the information you need to take good care of your pet with dog obedience training.

Want a Great Family Pet? Choose a Labrador Retriever Dog

For those of you who are considering getting a pet dog, it would be a great idea for you to consider getting a Labrador Retriever dog for a pet. The popularity of this type of dog is on the increase and there are a multitude of good reasons for this including this breed’s very likeable nature. Besides their very likeable nature, the Labrador Retriever dog is also very well adjusted to being around children, who in any case would adore this particular breed, especially as they are quite gentle towards them.

Easy to Train

Another great quality of the Labrador Retriever dog is their ability to train well, they are willing to learn the basic rules of the house, and additionally, they are able to learn a a number of tricks to boot. There are no doubts that the Labrador Retriever dog learns very fast, and they are also a very dutiful animal that will always serve their master with great respect. Having such outstanding qualities, the Labrador Retriever dog is a terrific dog – both in the presence of adults as well as with children.

As the owner of a Labrador Retriever dog you will, of course, be required to shoulder a lot of responsibility regarding the care and well being of your pet. In fact, having a Labrador Retriever dog at home also gives you a good opportunity to impart a sense of responsibility in your children who must be taught how to correctly own as well as care for their dog.

You must make sure that your Labrador Retriever dog is given plenty of exercise as they have a lot of energy and thus will need to drain their energy in a productive way. They must also be given a lot of space to run about as well as be taken on regular walks. In addition, the Labrador Retriever dog wants and should be given a lot of attention and you must do your best, as their owner, to give them love and make them feel like they are your friend and not only an acquisition to the home.

It is in their character to crave companionship from people, and so it is never wise to abandon them on their own. If you are planning a vacation, make sure to leave them with someone dependable who will provide them with attention and care for them properly. Concerning a Labrador rescue dog, you need to be even more vigilant about how you keep them and you should ensure that they are given a lot of love and care, and they must be made to feel wanted at all times as well.

Overall, bringing home a Labrador Retriever dog will without a doubt be a boon for you and your loved ones who will soon fall in love with this lovable, intelligent and excellent pet Labrador.

Barking Dog Case Study

Teacup, a two-year-old mixed breed dog, has anxiety problems and relentlessly barks every time her owner Tom, is away at work. Tom recently transferred into a new house with a spacious fenced-in backyard. At this time, as Teacup would normally do while Tom is away, she would not stop from barking. The barking dog progressed so badly that neighbors in his apartment building regularly complained; forcing Tom to find a new place of his own. However, Teacup continues to bark and Tom is apprehensive about the complaints of his new neighbors. Teacup does not bark while Tom is home, so he must look for a way to stop the dog barking while he is at work.

Since Tom recently moved, he pointed out that the hindrance is from an outside source causing Teacup to become aggravated and to bark. With Teacup's current status, frustration is not an option, Tom has spoken to his neighbors and no person or animal provokes Teacup from over her fence. Moreover, since the change of atmosphere has changed the placement of things, Tom can be sure there is nothing that would cause Teacup to bark. Water bucket, and toys are all well within the dog’s reach.

Tom brought Teacup to his veterinarian’s clinic and any medical condition that may cause Teacup to bark has already been ruled out. Since Tom is always away from home every morning while he was still in his previous home, Teacup's veterinarian suggest that Tom look at the idea of boredom barking. Since the odd seems to make sense, Tom starts looking into this idea of keeping Teacup entertained during the day.

At the beginning, Tom calls a local pet sitting business that specializes in taking care of dogs during the day while their owners are at work. The staffs in this institution were very professional, they promise to visit Teacup twice a day for one-half hour at a fixed schedule. During Teacup's visitation, a person would walk the dog around the park and play with her most of the time. Though Teacup did not bark as much before and this situation worked out well, the dog still barked.

Tom decided to enroll Teacup in the “doggy daycare” provided by a local kennel to stop the incessant barking dog. Basically, this class acts as a dog version of conventional daycare and to prevent boredom, the employees let the dogs play together. Tom drops Teacup off on the dog daycare center on his way to the office and picks her up on the way home. This setup makes the dog and the owner happy, it works perfectly well for both Teacup and Tom. Even though the fees for the “doggy daycare” are more than leaving Teacup at home during the day or even hiring a dog sitter, Tom feels the amount is well acceptable when he sees how happy Teacup is at the end of the day and the reality that his neighbor’s complaints have ceased. Moreover, since Teacup was otherwise an only dog, this "doggy daycare" lets her to socialize with other dogs, ensuring she is well developed socially and emotionally.

Walking on a Leash and Staying: Two Important Commands

Dog Training Tips

You are walking down the street and the next thing you know, your normally loving dog becomes aggressive towards other dogs and people he sees. It’s enough to make you want to keep him inside all the time!

However, there are some ways to deal with leash aggression so you can both get some good quality time and exercise outdoors

Learn to anticipate your dog's behavior before he acts aggressively. If you see something that will trigger him, divert his attention. Tell him to sit or lie down. This will keep his mind off the trigger until it has passed.

If you are about to pass another dog, don’t tense up or pull the least taut. Your pet will be able to tell and he will think that you are scared, so aggression is much more likely. Animals pick up on our signals – just remain calm and relaxed.

Muzzles and gentle leader harnesses can be useful training tools for dogs who lunge. Gentle leaders are designed to keep a dog from lunging, and muzzles will prevent biting. If you use them, make sure to train your dog at the same time. Don't plan on relying on these tools indefinately.

If you have tried to curb leash aggression and your dog still misbehaves during walks, it is time to find a good trainer. You need professional help to stop this at once: not only is it disruptive to your own walks, it is dangerous to everyone and every animal you pass on the sidewalk.

Leash aggression isn’t uncommon, but it is a potentially big problem. Start taking measures to cure your dog of this bad habit before bigger fixes are needed.

The stay command is one of the most useful for your dog. While indicative of a well-trained dog, the stay command can also keep your dog safe in different settings. To help facilitate teaching this command, use treats and praise liberally. SitStayFetch can help you gain even better control over your dog.

To learn to stay, your dog first needs to know how to sit and/or lie down. When he masters this, staying is the next step. Begin by telling him to sit or lie down. As he does this, put your hand out and say, "Stay." Make sure you use a firm yet calm voice.

Your dog may only be able to stay for a second or two at first. No matter how long he stays, remember to praise him and give him a treat. He will be able to stay longer as he practices.

As well teach him the release command so he learns when it is time to get up. "Ok" or "Come" are often used. Again, praise and treats make training easier. Praise and treats help alot when it comes to puppy potty training.

As you work on the stay command, demand that your dog stay for longer periods of time. Don't give him his treat until he performs to your satisfcation. Have him do a little more each time.

Optimal training should last about five to ten minutes at a time. Any more than that will strain your dog's attention span and counteract your efforts.

Another way that dogs are like children is that they have short attention spans! If you require him to train for longer than ten minutes, he is likely to become obstinate and disobedient. Also keep in mind that he'll have to have a lot of practice in order to perfect the command. Repeat "Stay" several times and be prepared to reteach him the command a few times.

Soon, your dog will be able to stay even if you leave the room. Even if you phase out the treats, remember to praise your dog for this accomplishment.

Receive more information on Sit Stay Fetch.

Help For Making A Purchase Of A Dog Training Collar

When you are making a purchase of a dog training collar, the myriad differences in the specific brands and the choices of collars inside each brand can be overwhelming.  Sometime manufacturers tout their differences from the competitors and its difficult to tell how much is real and how much is advertising.  One of the ways to determine the real differences is to find and a read dog training collar review.  There are several such dog training collar reviews on the internet.

There are other resources to tap to help in making this choice. One of the resources is a local vet, could help you with their opinion.  They can give you a view of which choices you should most definitely not make, as not all collars are right for all dogs.  Also, many obedience class instructors have and use many of the dog training collars and could give you their opinion or allow you to try the different choices during a training class.  Each of these individuals could give you an opinion on the dog training collar review information that you obtained.

All dog training collar review information is not equal, as some are sponsored by the manufactures of the different collars.  Once you have your dog training collar reviews, read through consumer reports and customer’s comments on the products you are considering.  Amazon.com provides sales of an amazing amount of items, and they keep customer review and many of them, trying visiting their site to check.

Discount any collars which are clearly out of your price range.  Do not feel bad about this, there is absolutely no sense in spending more than you can afford when the simple collars can provide what you need.  Unless you have a disability that requires you to choice a very high-end choice, you can consider the dog training collar reviews inexpensive choices that may require a little more work on your part.

Check with a local vet or a local obedience trainer and see if they agree with the choice you made.  The most likely have experience with the products.

Don’t Do’s In Purchasing

Don’t buy the first dog training collar you see in a store, no matter what the store expert tells you.  Always do research in the information they provide, and don’t assume that you got all the salient facts.  Even if a dog training collar review agrees with the store expert, spend just a little more time.  Store experts may get a commission for certain manufacturers and a dog training collar review may be sponsored by a company.

A last note, if you have a smaller dog make sure what you are looking at is a small dog training collar.  You need it positioned correctly on a small dog.

 

Gasen Redeye is the webmaster of My Dog Collars where you will get more Dog Training Collar information.

 

SitStayFetch Review – How To Stop Bad Dog Behaviour

Dogs particularly from young should be trained to stop bad dog behaviour. I recommend SitStayfetch by Daniel Stevens if you want to learn how to train your dog fast and effectively.

Dogs are loyal companions though sometimes they can misbehave especially young puppies. This may be in the form of barking non-stop, biting things around the house, or digging holes in the back yard. No pet owner wants to have to deal with bad dog behaviors like this. It´s not only frustrating, but it´s time consuming as well, if you don´t know how to effectively correct the problem.

Adopting an animal when it is very young usually helps to initiate a lasting bond. Once a small puppy is taken from its mother, it relies on its owner for direction. It is at this stage that you want to start reinforcing certain things.

One of the most troublesome bad dog behaviors is playing with items the animal shouldn´t be. Typically this is slippers, or small kids´ toys, it can even be expensive purses or shoes. The dog has no idea what is and isn´t a toy, so it just assumes everything is.

The owner should be mindful of what it left within the dog´s reach and if he or she notices the dog picking up something it shouldn´t be, a firm "no" always helps. Repetition is often necessary to ensure the dog understands the rule and to correct this type of dog behavior problems.

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

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

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

I highly recommend SitStayFetch by Daniel Stevens if you want to put a stop to your dog bad behavior. It is one of the best dog training course I have brought.

Why Having A Backpack Dog Carrier Will Make Touring With Your Pet More Convenient

If you have a small dog and need a carrier, you no longer need to carry it in your hands.  There are now enjoyable backpack dog carriers on the market.  The first products of this kind are on the market and available commercially.  You can purchase backpacks which are collapsible, for easy storage.  Your dog will have a comfortable and convenient place to ride and you will have a cool, outdoor look.

Functions of Backpack Carriers

Good backpack dog carriers should have a bed that is removable and washable for easy cleaning.  There should also be a safety collar attachment clip to make sure that your pet will not jump out.  Some carriers double as car seats, for pets that have difficulty in the car.  Your pet’s carrier will be securely in place and then can be easily used as a backpack when you arrive at your destination.

Some backpack dog carriers are combined with a wheel around and car seat.  These are especially useful on commercial airlines if they are an approved carrier.  They are fairly lightweight, with most of them coming in at approximately eight pounds.

Backpack carriers are meant to keep your pet securely in place while you are traveling, without restricting the use of your arms.  Both dogs and cats may have difficulty with this process, because they are unfamiliar with the environment they are in.  Choosing a carrier with some luxury features may help ease their ride.  They will come in handy whether you are taking a long trip or just going to the store.

Materials and Design Concepts

Backpack dog carriers should be created of a soft yet strong material, such as nylon.  Frequently, a Denier nylon fiber is used.  This fabric is resistant to tears, abrasions, and breakage.  The fabric is sporty and water resistant, to protect your pet in case of problems.  Make sure that you choose a carrier with good shoulder straps, to protect your back and keep you comfortable.

When you purchase a dog carrier, consider any essentials that you would need to bring with you.  Many carriers come with pockets on the outside to store such material.  Make sure that the sides of the bag are a wide mesh, so that your pet has plenty of aeration and visibility.  See if the bag is constructed with a horizontal design, to ensure maximum comfort for your pet.

More luxurious backpack carriers can be found for your dogs and cats.  They are often made with materials like black Microfiber or cotton weaves.Liners can be made of a washable lambskin.  Check the entry to the bag before you buy.  Side entries are a convenient way to get your pet in and out.

Many commercial airlines have approved a pet backpack called the Sherpa Bag.  It resembles a normal sports backpack and comes in different colors.  It is a trendy and popular way to tote your pet.  Whichever you choose, keep the comfort and safety of your pet in mind.

Should you considered making a home for a former Greyhound Athlete?

Greyhounds are excellent animal athletes.  As they race and perform throughout their profesional careers, they usually race until they are between 1.5 and 4 years old.  During this time, they become accustomed to being walked and lead on a leash, so upon retirement from their profesional careers, they make gentle pets!

As a retired athlete, they are smart, quiet, calm, clean, gentle, and all around good-natured and happy to adapt to a new home life.  They respond well to positive attention and reinforcement and thus they are a joy to train and work with for the new homes they become a part of.

They love attention and while they do need exercise, they do not need as much room to run as many might think.  Inside the home, they prefer to curl up in a corner on a gentle rug.  They are quiet creatures and perfectly well behaved inside a house and around people.

Greyhounds spend most of their life with other dogs, people, and handlers, so they are very sociable animals and get along well with others.  Their personality makes them an wonderful breed to be near children.  Their intelligence and dedication make them an perfect companion.  And because they are well mannered, they are great around company and in public.

There is certainly a local Greyhound Pets of America club near you.  So think about adopting a former Greyhound athlete.  For more details, check out the Tucson Greyhound Park.  Various chapters have different requirements and costs, but each will encourage you to come visit and learn more about whether a Greyhound might be right for you!

Please help by volunteering your time.  All local chapters need volunteers to help with funding, veterinary appointments, or even just shopping for doggie supplies.  Of course, financial donations are also valuable, but your time and love is needed most!

Wooden Doghouses – Where To Place Your Dog House

Whether dogs in fact prefer wooden dog houses or a different material is unclear, however the most universal dog house is built of wood, the same as our houses!

Most little dogs live inside so a little dog house is not usually an issue. Medium sized and large dogs usually live outside in their own wooden dog houses.

Finding a large dog house or an extra large dog house is what most people have troubles with. You can find plans on the internet for wooden dog houses, as-well-as free plans for wooden dog houses. Acquiring the blueprints insinuates a do-it-yourself approach or obtaining an individual to put it together for you.

You can locate pre-built houses locally occasionally, like people houses. This is the preference of many dog owners, but it may take a little detective work.

The best location for an outdoor dog house is not always the most common location. Most people seem to locate their wooden dog houses toward the rear of their back yards. This is not only inconvenient for you, but it is very undesirable for the dog.

Dogs are extremely social creatures and rather than be placed in the back of your yard, you might consider close to a backdoor, a side yard or the front yard. The dog will mainly want to be anywhere that people often congregate, especially if the dog owners frequent that area of the yard.

The dog house should be raised up off the ground, maybe with bricks near the foundation, thus the wooden dog houses trap airspace below them to aid in insulation.

To keep winter chill off the dog, you should have some sort of wind block in front of the dog house entrance. An "L" formed dog house, or a flap which is minor may work suitably also, whatever thing that will deflect the bitter wind from your dog.

So the dog does not suffer a flea infestation and tick control is required. Consult with your veterinarian about methods to achieve this.

Dogs enjoy the dog house locality to remain orderly so getting rid of dog waste and keeping the locality tidy will leave your dog more contented. Always try to permit dogs to have a good view of the wooden dog houses section. These are many aspects that are essential to have a satisfied dog in a cheerful dog house!

Offering a dog runway is perfect, it allows a dog to run and still be restrained. Similar to two sizeable posts approximately 30 feet away from each other with durable rope extended between them. Fasten the dog harness to the cord so that it slides the whole length between the poles. Dogs love this extra freedom.

Keep wooden dog houses cool in the summer, warm in the winter, clean and dry, and no direct wind blowing in on them. Keep food and especially water near their wooden dog houses. Find a good dog food that keeps your dog nourished and healthy. Never feed him/her cooked chicken bones - they splinter.

Pay a visit to their wooden dog houses. What they like best is exercise and regular owner contact!

Allow dogs to have playthings and chew bones near their wooden dog houses. Have a happy dog - play with him/her often!

Learn more about why wooden doghouse are the best. Discover where to buy cheap wooden doghouse on my dog house site.

American Pit Bull Terrier Training: How To Train An Aggressive Dog

American Pit Bull Terrier Training: How To Train An Aggressive Dog

Aggressive Pit Bulls can become a very serious problem if not dealt with in a proper manner. New laws exist that state if a dog bites or attacks someone, the dog’s owner will be held responsible and the dog put down. This is just another reason that Pit Bull owners should invest the time and energy to properly train their dogs.

There are many different reasons why a Pit Bull terrier may become aggressive. Here are a couple of the most common that I see:

- Your dog may feel that his territory is being invaded
- Your dog may feel threatened

When a dog exhibits signs of aggression, they usually come from a lack of confidence and feelings of insecurity. Basic obedience training won't solve your Pit Bull’s problem with aggressive behavior, the only solution is serious dog training. Keep in mind that an aggressive dog doesn't just bite, he barks and lunges at people as well and he could also attack another pet.

I would strongly recommend seeking the services of a professional dog trainer if you're having a real problem with aggression. Training an aggressive dog is a challenge and can prove to be expensive, but it is a small price to pay when you consider you'll be saving your Pit's life and possibly the life of some other animal or individual. To find a professional trainer who handles cases of aggression, contact your local veterinarian and ask for referrals.

Be sure that you do your homework and thoroughly investigate the schools which are recommended. Look at their facilities and learn what methods they use when training dogs. The last thing you want is for your Pit Bull to exhibit worse behavior after going through training school than when he first entered.

I applaud your decision to be a responsible Pit Bull terrier owner and have your dog trained. An aggressive Pit can halter the relationship that you have with him, hurt other people, hurt other animals, and give this fabulous breed a bad reputation. After it is all said and done, I'm certain you'll agree that having your Pit Bull trained was a fantastic decision!

A Glimpse on the Various Terrier dog breeds

A Glimpse on the Various Terrier dog breeds

Whatever your dog preference is, you are sure to find terrier dogs among the candidates for a pal. You'll get energy you want with little grooming and added wit.

Basically bred for hunting and killing vermin, Terrier dogs are now known to offer wide spectrum of features and characters that you might find lovable. They are not as cuddly as toy dogs (while there are some terrier dogs in the toy and companion dog brackets) and they may not be as intelligent like other breeds but they set off these lacks with various things that only they can offer.

Let us discuss in brief some of the terrier dog breeds that you may find interesting:

Less aggressive but definitely not timid. This best describes Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. They are definitely alert and very spirited, but when the call for steadiness arrives, they are sure to show you some air of confidence and steady disposition.

This dog type too is gifted with intelligence which makes them very responsive with obedience training.

Parson Russell Terrier is a dog breed that exhibits boldness, cleverness, affection and exuberant disposition. While many may find this a playful pal, it is still not advisable for everyone to take Parson Russell home. In fact, formal obedience training is a must for owners since this dog type is more likely to display mischievousness and too much playfulness that make this a very independent pet. For people with active lifestyles and those who can tolerate explorative disposition, this scamp is the best for you.

The Norwich Terrier, on the other hand, is a type of dog that resulted from breeding small Terriers with other smaller breeds, possibly Yorkshire Terriers. Maintenance of Norwich Terrier is minimal and they are content with modest living quarters. They have active disposition though and can be affectionate and fearless. Additionally, they are also known to display stocky and happy personalities which make them ideal pals.

Much like the Norwich Terriers, Norfolk Terriers are also well-spirited, fearless, charming and always ready for game. While both may have some similar physical characteristics, Norfolks can still be distinguished through their folds in the ears.

Basically workman-like dogs, Kerry Blue Terriers are excellent watchdogs and work well in farm settings. This dog got its name from its blue-shade coat color which was originally black during puppyhood.

Wire Fox Terriers are of great interest since they display power through its excellent endurance capabilities and speed. Alertness and quick movements are the dominant expressions of this dog type. It is advisable though that the owner trains this dog and should be given enough doses of daily exercises.

Meanwhile, Smooth Fox Terriers are the frolic and lively types of dogs that are ideal in both country and city living. Displaying intelligence and cleverness, this dog makes good trainees and must be well credited by that. They are also likely to show great affection towards their owners.

These are just some of the many terrier dog types that can be considered as your next pets. In general, this dog type has good dispositions and makes ideal home pets. While some may display obscure aggressiveness, this still does not negate the fact that most types have the capacity to develop affection and keen expression of their attachment to their owners. Be warned though that some dog types in this breed can be very playful and should be given enough amount of attention and time during obedience training and exercises.

A Golden Retriever Might be the Right Addition to Your Family

A Golden Retriever Might be the Right Addition to Your Family

Selecting the right dog breed for you and your family is an important decision.  There are several hundred breeds of dogs from around the world so your choices are virtually limitless.

The American Kennel Club categorized the different breeds by groups with each group having distinguishing characteristics that are shared by all the breeds in it.  The Golden Retriever is in the Sporting Group.

The Sporting Group is made up of some of the oldest and most popular dog breeds.  Many of the dogs in this category were bred for hunting although most people who own sporting dogs only keep them as family pets, rather than hunters.  The hunting traits, however, create some of the most enjoyable aspects of owning a sporting dog.  Goldens are natural retrievers, so you can enjoy them fetching a tennis ball for what seems like forever.  Another trait is their outgoing personality, making sporting dogs enthusiastic and responsive partners.

The Golden Retriever was bred to be tough and strong.  Don’t let the happy, silly face fool you.  While any Golden will delight in lazing around the house or wrestling on the floor with your family, the dog breed is particularly adept in the field.

As puppies, Goldens are full of energy and can be especially mouthy. Make sure you direct your puppy's need to chew to appropriate chew toys. Remember, puppies aren't fussy and don't discriminate. A chair leg works as well for them as a sterilized bone. Goldens are very trainable, athletic, and good-natured. They have a keen desire to please. You can find them performing with tails wagging and eyes shining in the obedience, agility, and fly ball arenas. They are also excellent with children.
The Golden Retriever is generally light yellow to deep golden honey in color. The coat tends to get a little deeper in color after the first year. They tend to be about twenty-four inches tall at the withers (shoulders), with females being slightly shorter. Their coat should be long and either flat or wavy. They'll need to be brushed properly or their coat will form thick mats

So, if you are looking for a loyal companion that will be great with kids or adults, you should definitely find a local breeder and spend some time getting to know a Golden.

Dog Training Guides To Basic Dog Training

puppy training

Right from the beginning of your dog training routine, you need to focus on what you want to achieve, as against the patterns you're trying to eliminate. So when you're going through your training routines, think clearly of how you want your dog to react, and hold that image through the session. Don't waste any time pondering over what it is that you don't want to happen.

Without knowing where you're going, it's unlikely you'll ever get there. That's true of most things in life, particularly when it comes to dog house training also

It's very easy to fall into the trap of concentrating on things that we don't want. This is also the case with dog training too. We definitely don't want our pet to pee on the carpet, or chew our shoes, or to carry on running when we call him back to us, or bark like maniacs when we have friends come into the house.

But think about it. Especially if you're thinking of getting a new puppy in the home. Are you actually considering spending the next eight to fifteen years chasing your dog telling him off for things you didn't want him to do? Wouldn't it be better to guide your dog into behaviors that you want?

A perfect example is when you think, "The dog had better not chew my shoes, or furniture," try, "My dog will chew and play with his own squeezy toys." Instead of, "I don't want my dog to jump up on my guests," how about, "My dog should greet and welcome my guests controlled and quietly."

Simply by wording your aims in a positive manner, you will have a much clearer path to successfully training your dog. I can't think of a better way to get started with training your new dog.

Using Rewards

A crucially important area that people have finally realized in housetraining puppies just recently is a move in focus from highlighting corrective action, or penalties, and moving towards rewarding good behavior.

Using rewards is a whole lot smarter for most trainers - especially for potty train puppies. One of the critical reasons for this is that if you make a mistake using punishment, the effects are likely to be quite disheartening for your pet. Some dogs - not all, but it can happen - could possibly react to punishment by withdrawing and becoming frightened of you. Other dogs shut down. They simply lose their bounce and energy. Some may even appear completely broken spirited.

Many people also find that reward-based training feels better. It's nice to be a source of praise and treats, instead of a constant disciplinarian.

But regardless of how good it makes you feel, rewards based training actually works. Primarily because rewards training techniques build strong relationships which are key to good behavior. When he learns that a particular behavior gets rewarded, your dog is more likely to exhibit that behavior again in the future. As you practice how to apply that simple rule, using rewards will make your training days a lot easier and more productive.

A Guide To Dog Training

A Guide To Dog Training

Before starting dog training, it is best that you know your options well. These days you can find many types of dog training, in many different places. These trainings vary in price and each one them has something different to offer.

The first type of dog training is known as puppy preschool. This is a dog training course meant for puppies that are about 6 weeks to 5 months old. These puppy preschool classes generally last for no more than 6 to 8 weeks. In these training sessions, your puppy is essentially taught how to socialize with people and as well as other puppies. Here your puppy also begins to learn how to sit down, stay at a place, and how to come.

The second type of dog training course is meant for the dogs that are at least 5 months old. This type of dog training is known as the basic dog training. The duration of these classes is usually about 8 to 10 weeks. This is the basic course, where your dog is taught the art of walking properly on a leash, sitting, staying, coming and heeling.

The third type of dog training course is known as the intermediate dog training. This dog training aims at teaching the dog mostly the same things that are taught in the basic training course, in a more detailed form. Here the dog is trained to stay for a longer span of time, and is also taught to follow the orders given by other people.

The intermediate dog training generally lasts for about 8 to 10 weeks, and is meant for those that are no less than 5 months old. It is essential for the dog to have completed its basic dog training course, or to be accustomed to the basic commands that could have been taught by the owner.

The next type of training course is known as the advanced dog training course. Here, once again, the course is quite similar to its previous one, i.e., the intermediate dog training course, except for the fact that this time it is more detailed. Here, the dog is taught how to sit even without you in the view.

This training course is about 8 to 10 weeks long, and is meant for those that have completed their intermediate training. Here, they are also trained to walk beside their owners without a leash. Moreover, it gradually prepares the dog to take the Canine Good Citizen training course. The Canine Good Citizen training for dogs is the last course. To pass this course, your dog will be taught the 10 necessary aspects.

This course is strictly meant for those dogs that have completed all the previous courses. The test is quite tough and can only be passed if the dog is really well behaved. Depending on whether your dog can pass, the course can last for several weeks.

Keeping this information in mind, you should be able to decide the dog training course best suited for your dog. However, you may seek the opinion of your local dog trainers to know more. Many trainers consult for free. So now you should be at least a step closer to introducing your dog into a training course!

“Hybrid” dog – Isn’t that just another word for Mutt?

“Hybrid” dog – Isn’t that just another word for Mutt?

Every day we hear more about the new “hybrid” dogs, or “designer” dogs. Each feature is accompanied by pictures of adorable puppies that are examples of this new “breed of dog.”

Of course they’re cute! All puppies are! Should you pay hundreds, and in some cases, thousands of dollars for one? Certainly not! The offspring of a mating between two purebred dogs of different breeds is a mongrel, a mutt. And if you have one, you should love it, train it and care for it as if it had the bluest blood of the canine kingdom.

Every dog breed, and there are hundreds in the world, was “created” by humans. Each breed was developed for a specific purpose – whether that original job was guarding the flock or being the ideal lap-dog. There’s no reason that development shouldn’t continue. If there is a need for a dog with particular characteristics, enterprising individuals will come forward to fill that need.

However, it takes many generations to “breed true.” Compare yourself to your siblings. Do you all have the same looks, same personality, same interests and strengths? Chances are, you don’t. Each of you has some of the “best” traits of your parents. But those may not be the same traits. And each of you has some of the worst.

Two of the best-known mixed-breeds out there now are the “Golden Doodle” and the “Puggle.”  The thinking behind these crosses is fairly obvious: wouldn’t it be nice to have a Golden Retriever’s personality and willingness to please combined with the Poodle’s non-shedding coat and intelligence? Wouldn’t it be equally delightful to have a small dog without the breathing issues of a Pug, but quieter than a Beagle?

But there is no way of knowing you won’t get a high-strung, noisy, stubborn, slobbering mutt who sheds like the dickens!

If you are considering spending the kind of money that these “hybrids” are commanding, be sure to research all of the traits of the contributing breeds. You will get a mixture of the two. And an equally adorable mixture may be waiting for you at your local shelter – the size you want, with the coat you want and the adorable face that melts your heart.

If you require certain characteristics in your puppy – whether a family member has allergies, or you have a very small, or no yard, or your household requires a quiet, “easy keeper,” or if you wish to fully participate in the world of canine competition, consider a pure-bred dog. There are over 150 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. Research them at www.akc.org. Surely one of them is right for you.

'Sit Up' Buddy: Training Your Dog To Sit Like You

'Sit Up' Buddy: Training Your Dog To Sit Like You

The trick of “sitting up” is easily taught to small dogs, but should try not be included in a big dog’s education, as it is difficult for them to preserve their balance.

The training of sitting up is one of the first tricks to teach and forms the groundwork for many other dog tricks. To train a dog to sit up, prepare some treats as a reward, and set your dog on his haunches in a corner, so that he cannot fall either backward or sideways and has very little or no space to lose balance.

Keep him from pitching forward by holding one hand under his chin and with the other hand hold the treat above his nose and keep repeating distinctly and deliberately say, “sit up.” Do not make him sit up too long at any one time, but repeat the lesson frequently and reward him often with plentiful of praise and treats.

During his first lesson he will require considerable assistance from your hand to prevent him from pitching forward, but as he gets control of the balancing muscles and understands what you want, he will depend less and less upon your hand to keep him in position and you can gradually render him less assistance until you will only have to keep one hand in position two or three inches from his neck or chin, so as to be ready to prevent him pitching forward; later on you can withdraw this hand entirely and simply hold the treat just above the level of his head.

By constant practice he will sit up well after you set him up; then he should be set up against the wall, so as to afford him a support for his back only, and after he has been well schooled at this and can keep his position easily, practice him against chair legs, cushions or other objects that afford him less and less assistance, until finally he learns to preserve his balance and sits up without anything to lean against.

During all these lessons the words “sit up” have been impressed upon his mind by frequent repetition, and now comes the final lesson to teach him to sit up as soon as he hears the words, and the chances are, if he has been diligently drilled, it will be necessary only to call him out in the room, show him a treat, hold it up a suitable distance from the floor, say “sit up” and he will do so, when he should be given the treat while still in position.

The only necessity to perfection is to practice him several times a day until he will sit up at the word and without being shown a reward; that can be given him after he has obeyed.

You have now a foundation for many other tricks. He can be taught to beg by moving your hand up and down just in front of his paws, which he will move in unison with yours. He can also be taught to salute by bringing one paw up to the side of his head, or to hold a wooden pipe in his mouth, or to wear a cap on his head or other articles of wearing apparel.

In teaching a dog to submit to being dressed up, do not attempt to get him to wear too many things at once; try him at first with a cap and after he becomes accustomed to that you can put on a coat and gradually accustom him to the other clothing articles.

Enjoy teaching your dog the “sit up” trick and most importantly have fun along the way!

6 Great Tips For Getting Your Dog Toilet Trained

6 Great Tips For Getting Your Dog Toilet Trained

One of the toughest jobs that a family faces when a new puppy comes home is getting the dog housebroken. This means that the dog will eliminate outdoors and not use your home and furnishings as a toilet. Lots of people think that getting doggy toilet trained is a tough task, but it doesn’t need to be. If you arm yourself with plenty of information for the best ways to get your dog house trained, you are on the right path to having a dog that goes to the bathroom where you want him to go.

When to House Train

A dog can be toilet trained at any age, but the best age to begin is between eight and twelve weeks old. If you set up a housebreaking routine as soon as you bring your puppy home, before long he will get the right idea of where to do his business. A crate is a great tool for toilet training a puppy. It keeps him confined when there is no supervision and most dogs learn quickly that if they make in their crate they will have to sit in it. Most dogs are fairly hygienic and won’t enjoy having to sit in dog doody or urine.


The Advantages of Using a Crate

Be sure there is enough room in the crate for your pup to turn around, but don't leave so much room that he will be able to eliminate and lie down far away from it. Many dog owners view a crate as a jail cell or to use as punishment, but your dog will love having his own space where he can escape from the hustle and bustle of the household for some quiet time. Make your dogs crate a happy place and don’t use it for punishment. You can feed your dog in the crate, or while he is in there, offer him some treats. Place a favorite chewy or toy in there with him, add blankets and he will have a cozy den to escape to whenever he feels the need. Utilizing a crate for your dog can keep him out of trouble and not only in housebreaking.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

Keeping a close eye on your puppy is a key factor in getting him properly housetrained. Whenever you see that he is sniffing, circling or beginning to squat, immediately take him outside to the place where you want him to go and see if he eliminates. If he does, praise him lavishly. A good idea is to have a cue, such as “hurry up” so that your puppy knows what you want him to do. When he is going to the bathroom repeat the cue and then give your dog lots of praise for a job well done. It is better to take the dog out and nothing happens then take a chance of an accident happening.

Have a Schedule

Feeding, watering and walking your dog on a regular schedule will make housebreaking that much easier. Puppies are like children and they thrive on a routine. Try and take the dog out around the same time everyday so they will be able to adjust their bodily functions. The first thing you should do in the morning is take the puppy from the crate and don’t let his feet touch the ground. Bring him to the place where you want him to go, give the cue, and praise upon a successful completion. Take your puppy out at least every two hours, after eating or drinking and especially after play. Before you know it, your puppy will be letting you know it is time to go out and do his business.

Don't Let the Puppy Roam

Letting your puppy roam around the house is a sure fire way to have accidents. If you have decided you don't want to use a crate, and even if you do use one, confining the dog to certain areas of the house can make housetraining easier for everyone. It is difficult to keep track of a puppy when he has the run of the house, but if you gate him in the kitchen, he will still be able to be part of the action and can be better supervised in case of an accident.

Don’t Get Discouraged

There will be times when you first begin housetraining that you feel your pup is just not getting it. He may have accidents in the house as well on occasion. There is no need to be discouraged. If you stick to your routine, keep a good eye on the dog and make frequent outings to his outdoor bathroom, in no time your puppy will be housebroken. Another good idea is to use the same door all the time when you are taking him out so that when he has to go, he will scratch on the door to be let out. Once this happens, you can say hurray and know that your puppy truly is beginning to understand that going to the bathroom in the house is a no-no.

6 easy ways to find a good dog training professional

6 easy ways to find a good dog training professional

Finding a good dog training professional
With so many people advertising in the field of professional dog training today, trying to determine who's truly qualified to look after your dog can be overwhelming.  What to look for when choosing a professional to help you with dog training :

1) A good reputation, ask around and get recommendations from your vet, other dog owners, or local kennel clubs.
2) Experience. - Inquire about their background,  i.e. number of years experience.
3)A genuine love of and devotion to dogs.
4) Extensive and up to date knowledge. Dedicated trainers keep themselves updated by attending dog training and animal behaviour courses, conferences, seminars and workshops.
5) Their training methodology and handling skills. A good trainers first concern should be the dogs well being.
6) Memberships with reputable associations, organizations and training clubs.

General dog obedience tips

Training should be a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. If you are not in the right mood for training, don’t even begin. Always reward your dog for obeying your commands promptly! A reward is anything that your dog wants and is willing to work for. Treats are an obvious reward but other rewards could be verbal praise and toys. Several shorter sessions are usually better than one long one. Training should not involve any negative components or punishment . There should be no shouting, no hitting or smacking, no chain jerking on choke chains or collars, and absolutely no electric shocking! Each training session should be enjoyable and positive with rewards for jobs well done.

Training with head collars
Pulling on the lead is one of the few unpleasant experiences of bringing up a new puppy or dog. Using a head collar for dog training has become very popular over the last few years. Training with a head collar does have some advantages over the traditional training collar. Although very simple to use, it is important that head collars are fitted correctly and your dog properly introduced to the collar. Head collars are generally more intuitive to use than a traditional training collar. Head collars are very effective when controlling dogs in difficult situations.

5 Tips For Training Dogs Successfully

5 Tips For Training Dogs Successfully

Training dogs is not a hard. You just need patience, dedication and some simple tactics and you will teach them successfully.

Here are five top tips on how to train your dogs successfully:

1. To avoid your dog getting confused and so that they can learn to recognize commands easily only one person should be responsible for training the dog initially. If too many people are trying to train the dog at the same time this can stop progress in its tracks.

2. You should use positive reinforcements. If the dog does something good, you should reward this behavior so that he will know that what he did was right. If the dog cannot understand or follow your commands, never push him. Dogs are not as intelligent as humans, they make mistakes. What you should understand is that they won’t easily understand your commands in just one teaching, it takes repetition to train a dog successfully. Do not scold your dog as he might develop fear which will hinder his learning and willingness to be trained. You can use treats in order to encourage your dogs, although don’t overdue it.

3. Teach commands one at a time. Try to teach him one command after the other. If he cannot absorb it, try to stay on that command only because adding additional commands will just confuse the dog. Start with the basics.

4. In executing commands, you should keep your voice cheerful so that the dog will happily follow your commands. Dogs will respond to a low and coaxing voice. If you shout out loud, he may become startled and unresponsive.

5. Train your dog in various places. If you keep your dogs in a certain place like your home, he will not be able to adjust with the environment new people. Take him to the park or through the neighborhood. This will help your dog associate with other dogs and people.

Training your dog can sometime be tough, but it will be worth it. In the end, you will be the one to benefit when your dog is trained. You don’t know he might even save your life one day and pay back everything you taught him.

5 Great Tips On Building A Dog House

5 Great Tips On Building A Dog House

Over 50% of the population allows their dog to stay indoors and sleep on the couch or in their owner’s bed. For those of you who are interested in building a dog house for you beloved pet here are some simple rules to follow when considering what type of shelter you want to provide.

1. You should begin your dog house building process by making sure the house is big enough to accommodate your animal’s potential adult size. Humans enjoy having about 2 feet of air above us in a room in order to live without feeling claustrophobic. Your dog will probably also enjoy having that much room. The comfort zone for both humans and dogs is about 1/3 of their standing height. To figure out how much room the dog will need get out a tape measure and measure your dog. Measure him standing straight up, sitting on his haunches and above all measure the full dimension of the dog when he is the most comfortable, relaxed and stretched out position he can get into. Your dog should be able to look out the front entrance while both standing up and sitting. So the dog will not have to significantly lover his front shoulders or scrape his belly make sure that entrance is high enough. Stand over the dog and measure the width of the widest point of the animal’s shoulders.

2. Remember to raise the dog house several inches from the ground to allow air and water to flow underneath. To dissuade pests from invading the dog house and taking your dogs health into consideration remember how important ventilation is. Put in a few nickel-sized holes in the walls under the eaves. Install a wind block inside the house so the dog can use the heat of its own body to warm up the area if it is really cold or windy outside. Consider adding a partial wall which will allow your dog to escape the bad weather. Your animal can choose to just sleep in the entry room or go around the inner archway maze wall into the inner sanctum. Your beloved pet would probably love having a pillow or some sort of bedding to sleep on.

3. To avoid rain coming into the dog house make the floor just a bit slanted toward the doorway and build the roof a little bit slanted, as well. Make sure the house is well insulated but you should not paint the inside.

4. In the United States most storms come from the south and west so make sure the dog house faces a different direction. Most dog house plans suggest that the dog house door faces east. The cold air will not be able to whip through the entryway then.

5. It is suggested that you put hinges on the roof of the dog house. This makes it easier for you to clean out your dog’s home. You should clean the dog’s house as often as you give your dog a bath.

If your dog lives outside then he deserves to have a comfortable place to sleep and get out of harsh weather. Hopefully these easy tips on building a dog house will help you get started.

4 to 8 Dog Agility Jumps Makes Ideal Training

4 to 8 Dog Agility Jumps Makes Ideal Training

We are often asked, "How many jumps should I start with?"  You can never have too many single jumps to practice agility.  A good starting place is four jumps.  This is the absolute minimum number of jumps that we recommend. 

You can teach a variety of skills, drills, and exercises with four jumps.  Four jumps will allow you to work on a short jump chute or jump grid.  You can setup a "box" with your jumps and practice handling, collection, and 270 degree jumps.  You can teach your dog jumping left and right.  You can be outside the box and send your dog or you can handle from the inside of the box.  Your jumps can be setup in a horizontal line, so that you can practice serpentines and threadles.

Go the next step and get eight jumps.  Now you can setup two boxes with one introductory jump.  You've now multiplied your drills that you can practice with your dog. Your jump grids can be of recommended size and quantity of jumps.  You can also setup your jumps in a circle with the jump bars perpendicular to the circle or on the circumference of the circle.  This pattern also enables you to train a variety of skills.

Your next consideration is a double jump and a triple jump.  You could set two or three single jumps together to make your expanded jump, but having double and triple jump in your course work is really valuable to practice.  We've seen many dogs run a clean course and the last obstacle is a triple and the dog is not prepared for it, and bang, down comes the bar.

You can really be ahead of the pack and have two sets of eight jumps.  This is the ultimate in training because you can keep a jump grip up at all times that is separate from your course work, and have eight single jumps to have for course work.  And when you include your double and triple, you can really practice all the jumping skills and drills necessary to get you those "Qs".

3 Important Things To Remember When Training Your Puppy

3 Important Things To Remember When Training Your Puppy

There are as many ways to raise a puppy as there are to raising a child. In fact, one way per family in general! But most of us agree that when it comes to children, certain things are universal and undisputed. Here are three things that a lot of people just do not think of when it comes to raising their dogs, however. How many times have we heard, "My dog just won't listen to me", or "He just won't behave!"

1. Dogs do not understand English until we teach them.

The thing we all love about puppies the most is the way they live for us, the way they focus all they have on us, the way our lives become theirs. in the beginning, they study us to learn our body language, our facial expressions and our language. Until we teach them the English language, it's all they have. If we say, "Wanna go out?" one day, "Have to go potty?" the next day, and, "Hafta pee?" the third day, if they DO figure out what we want, it is because we have picked up the leash and moved toward the door with a happy face! If you want to speed up his training by three-fold, teach him YOUR language. Pick a command for EACH behavior and stick with it. Tell all in your family to use the same words and commands, and your puppy will amaze you at how much faster he learns.

2. A young puppy's metabolism is racing along faster than we think.

The younger your puppy is, the faster he is growing, the more food and water he needs to fuel his metabolism, and the more often he has to go potty. Do not punish your puppy when he makes a house-breaking mistake. These are YOUR fault. Your puppy's age in weeks and his breed size determine how often he must go out. Once an hour is not too often for a large 6-week old puppy, especially if it is summertime. Dogs love the exciting smells outdoors, so there is no excuse to not have him housebroken by 7-8 weeks of age. Right after a nap, after he eats and after grooming are the key times, and he will signal you. If he is happily chewing a toy and gets up suddenly with his nose to the floor, move quickly! And every time he goes potty outside, praise him to high heaven! "What a good BOYY!", "GOOD go potty!" and the like. Dogs love our happy faces, and they will do anything to get it.

3. Dogs live for our facial expressions and body language.

Because of this, the worst punishment you ever need to give your dog is a scowl and to turn away from him. You can see his tail fall down and his face get so sad. He will learn the lesson, I guarantee it. But his attention span is only 3-5 minutes, so do not scorn him any longer. Love him up and give him your happy face again. Physical punishment is never necessary. Use consistent commands and loving praise and he will know what you want of him before you know. He will become a master of your body language and facial expressions in no time at all.

Naturally there are many aspects of training your puppy well. Loving kindness works just as well for puppies as it does with children, creating a happy, well-adjusted and obedient dog for life. These three important tips, used consistently with confidence, will start him well on his way.

Tips for training your puppies

Tips for training your puppies

All of us dream of parenting the perfect dog, a pup that is a CGC or canine good citizen and is well behaved and dependable at all times. Well dreams do come true if the training is done with care and dedication. Remember pups learn from day one and need to be taught what is right, what is wrong, and proper socialization.

Pups are like children, they need constant supervision and training. Training a pup need not be an ordeal all you need to keep in mind are a few simple rules:

•    Until your pup learns you need to keep an eye on him at all times. When you cannot then you must crate him. Create a schedule for the pup this will help the pup settle down quickly. The schedule must include things like hourly bath rooming visits, eating times, rest periods, walks, play time, training, and so on. A pup that has a busy day has no time to be bored and get into mischief.

•    Teach the pup to respect you. Dogs live in packs and instinctively follow a leader. If you establish your leadership in no uncertain terms then training will become easy as the pup will obey you at all times and not challenge your authority.

•    Use only positive training methods. Never shout at, hit, or punish a dog. It is not just cruel but can lead to behavioral problems. Use of electric shocks, prong collars, sprays, and so on could hurt the animal.

•    Teach the pup “nothing in life is free.” This is a system that is widely acknowledged as a useful training tool. If you practice this, the pup will learn that to get something like love, a walk, or treat, he must behave well.


•    Teach the meaning of “No,” from day one. Do not encourage behaviors like jumping, mouthing, tug-o-war, barking, or running out of open gates and doors. Praise good behavior and ignore or walk away when there is bad behavior. The pup will learn that if he misbehaves he will loose his companion/playmate.

•    To correct a behavior you must catch the pup in the act and startle him by rattling a can of pebbles. Once you have done this make him correct his behavior and immediately offer him a treat and praise. Pups do not recall what happened earlier so scolding him after an event is of no use.

•    Always call/use his name positively. Never say “Bad TOM,” or “No Tom,” this will cause confusion and the pup will think that if you call his name then it is something bad. The pup must associate his name with happy events like hugs, petting, walks, treats, and such. If this happens he will come willingly when you call out his name.

•    Create a training schedule that is short and sweet say 10 minutes thrice a day. Long repetitive lessons can be boring and the pup will loose interest in learning. Make learning fun and use trick training to teach commands like sit, down, come and so on.

•    Bond with the pup and both of you will enjoy your lessons. The pup must look forward to spending time with you and not avoid you by running away or hiding. Be sure to socialize the pup early. Socialization is one of the most important lessons. The pup must learn to be around other animals, people, sounds, vehicles, and other activities. So, slowly introduce the pup when he is little to everyday activities and sounds. Take him to the mall/ park, introduce him to children and other pets, and make him unafraid of the vacuum and garden hose.

•    Learn all about crate training, leash walking, house breaking, as well as food training. These are kindergarten lessons that every pup must master. Know about all the idiosyncrasies as well as peculiarities of the breed this will give you valuable insights on how to successfully train the pup.

As a pet-parent you have many choices. You could choose to train the dog yourself or register at a professional training school. Training a dog has many stages: kindergarten, obedience training, doggy sports, showing and conformation, as well as other aspects like therapy dogs, hearing dogs, and so on. What level you choose to train depends on you as well as the learning abilities of your dog. As you know, different dog breeds like humans have varied talents. Choose well and both you and your pup will have fun times together.

3 easy to teach dog tricks

3 easy to teach dog tricks

To teach your dog tricks even easy ones you need to have some small reward treats, be in a quiet suitable place and keep the training sessions to 10 - 15 minutes or your dog will start to get board, remember when he gets something right lots of praise and a reward treat, just be careful not to get him over excited or he will loose concentration.

Getting your dog to give you his paw, first get your dog to sit, then as you say the word 'paw' take your dogs paw in your hand, give the dog a treat, repeat this, after a few times do not take his paw so quickly, say the word, count to one then take it, you should notice he is bringing his paw up as you say the word if he does not go back to saying it at the same time, do it a few more times then slow your response again. After 2 or 3 sessions most dogs pick this one up quite happily.

The high five, like a lot of tricks the high five is a progression of an earlier trick, in this cast the paw trick. Hold a treat in your fingers and raise your hand slightly higher than you would for the paw trick. You dog will think you want to do the paw trick and will reach for the treat with his paw as we taught him earlier, as he reaches up you say “high five” and give him the treat. Once your dog has mastered the paw trick this one should be very easy to learn and with just a few sessions he will be doing it on hand signal rather than voice control.

Getting your dog to jump through a hoop, before you start this one I would just like to ask you to be a little sensible and not hold the hoop too high as you do not want your dog to heart himself while doing the trick. Sit your dog on one side of a hoola hoop, get the dogs attention on your hand on the other side of the hoop take a treat in your hand and give the dog the command to release him from the sit, at first he may attempt to go around or under the hoop, if this happens start again, your dog wants the treat and will soon learn that going around or under does not get it so he will soon start going through it, when he does say hoopla and give him the treat. He will soon be jumping through the hoop on the command of hoopla. When I started doing this trick I had a medium sized dog (a Labrador) so I started with the hoop 6 inches from the ground and slowly raised it to waist height, if you have a smaller dog you might want to start with the hoop touching the ground so the dog just goes through the hoop and then slowly raise it as he gets used to the trick.

Dog Food - 10 Dog Food Ingredients You Should Avoid

What dog foods and food ingredients should you avoid feeding my dog?

Are you concerned about the health of your dog? I compiled a list of 10 foods and ingredients which you should not feed your dog.

1. You should not give chocolate to your puppy because it contains the alkaloid theobromine, caffeine which is toxic to dogs.

2.. Dog’s digestive system can not digest the protein and sugar in dairy products. Hence you should not feed dairy products like milk, cream, butter, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, whey, sour cream, kefir, casein, and ice cream.

3. Dogs are very sensitive to oils so always avoid the same. Even you should be extra careful before you apply oil to dog for aromatherapy or massage.

4. There is a recent report regarding toxicity due to grape and raisin ingestion so avoid them.

5. Some houseplants are toxic so you should avoid houseplants till you train your dog properly on chewing.  If you like, you can provide a pot of fresh wheatgrass for safe nibbling.

6. You should avoid onions and Garlic because they may also irritate the gastrointestinal system.

7. Salmon poisoning is an infectious disease caused by a rickettsia that uses a parasitic fluke on salmon as a host. It can cause serious illness and death.

8. Soy contains compounds that may harmfully affect dogs by interfering with nutrient absorption, normal growth, thyroid function, and hormonal development.

9. Sugar comes in many forms, including beet, raw, brown, cane, fructose, corn sweetener, corn syrupdextrin, dextrose, glucose, lactose, maltose, barley malt, molasses, honey, and maple syrup.  Sugar in any form should be avoided.

10. Most dogs can not tolerate Yeast. Yeast may cause allergic reactions, bloating, digestive and urinary problems.

What you should do?

Preparing dog food is not the simplest of solution because the nutrition needs for puppies and dogs are quite different from ours.  The most recommended solution is to find a dog food that contains only human-grade, natural ingredients.

Flint River Ranch offers dog food that is prepared under controlled conditions, resulting in a food that is easily digested, and has a high degree of absorption of vital vitamins and minerals. Flint River Ranch dog food is a premium quality pet food that your dog will love and keep them healthy.

Custom Cedar Dog House – Advantages Of Building Your Own Wooden Dog House

No one knows whether dogs actually prefer dog houses or not. But cedar dog houses are one of the most common materials used to build dog houses.

If you have a large sized dog in your home, then a custom cedar dog house is needed. However, buying large wooden dog house is often not easy as not many pet shops or online stores sell large custom dog houses.

The most practical way is to do it yourself. There are several doghouse plans you can find online. You can then simply pass it to your contractor to build one for you or do everything yourself.

One advantage of building your own custom cedar dog house is that you can decide on how big or small your doghouse should be. You can even build a custom cedar wooden dog house large enough to accommodate two or more dogs.

So after you build the dog house, where should you place it? Most people put their doghouse at the back of the house.

However, it may not be a good idea. This is because dogs are social animals and love to be near humans. By placing your doghouse at the back of the house or away from humans, most dogs may not even want to stay in their dog house.

That is why I recommend placing your dog house in front of your house or at the side of the home.

The dog house should also be jacked up off the ground, preferably with slabs underneath the foundation to trap airspace. It aids in insulation and can help keep your doghouse warm during winter months.

For wind insulation, you can install a flap in front of the dog house.

Lastly, make sure to keep the doghouse clean by making sure waste material and urine are not near the doghouse.

If you want a comfortable home for your large sized dog, then building and maintaining a custom cedar wood dog house is recommended.

Learn how to build custom cedar dog houses online at my wooden dog house site. Visit http://www.woodendoghouse.net for more information.

Some Straightforward Dog Behavior Training

Your dog's chewing habit will test your relationship early on

Dogs carry out destructive chewing for three main reasons, they are simply bored, they find it pleasurable to do so, or they find it helps get them through emotional times. The nearest human equivalent for which might be to consume a bar of chocolate!

Anything that gets in the way of this chewing normally ends up in poor state. If you think about it there are lots of sharp, pointed teeth in your dog's mouth and they generally get the better of anything put in their way.

Your prized possessions are a target for a dog that likes chewing, never allow her to chew anything other than her own toys.

How To Avoid Your Possessions Being Destroyed

The first tip for dog behavior training is to not place valuable objects in the way of temptation. If you have ev er baby proofed your house then you know what to do here. There is no need to tempt fate after all.

In addition, when hiding things be aware of just how agile your dog is. How high can she reach when standing on her back legs for example?

Consider that common targets in the home include books, eyewear, clothing, shoes, garbage, and small appliances like cameras, cell phones, and remote controls.

Getting food put away safely out of the way is always a priority. Put loose food in containers and into cupboards, rinse dirty plates soon after your meal and remember that low tables are easily reached for a quick snack, especially when having people round.

The phrase prevention is better than cure applies to dog behaviour training too, if your dog is not given the opportunity to discover the delights of chewing a forbidden item then it is a lot easier for her to learn your house rules.

Letting your dog go back some some old bad habits only undermines your training efforts. Once she has the taste do not be surprised to find shoes you care about being treated to the same destructive chewing.

Think about providing your dog with lots of alternative tasty objects that she can chew. Take a look around your local pet store for tough items such as rubber bones and balls etc. Buy a few and rotate their use as a way to keep your dog behaviour training interesting.

Some final advice on dog behaviour, when you catch your dog chewing something inappropriate be sure to interrupt her immediately and provide a suitable alternative and give lavish praise when this is accepted as a way of reinforcing good behaviour.

Leather Dog Collars Are They The Right Choice?

They're beautiful, stylish and sometimes controversial. They come mass made and some with designer labels. They also make incredibly high priced chew toys for some puppies and dogs. They're leather dog collars, once the norm for dog gear and now a luxury thing. Is a leather dog collars right for your pet?

Benefits

Some of the pros of using leather dog collars are that they last a long time provided you are going to take care of them correctly. Even though they cost more initially than other collars, they can sometimes last longer than the life of your dog. Many owners of dogs who get good and muddy like to use leather dog collars and leashes than of other materials because it is so sturdy.

Another benefit is that leather always matches your dog's coat, whether it is brown leather or black leather. Leather has a timeless look and a great smell, if you take care of the leather properly. There are now a big selection of leather dog collars in different patterns, colors, with rhinestones or other additions. There are even renowned designers of people fashions who are getting into pet couture.

Cons

The main drawback of leather dog collars is that it's made out of very tasty animal hide. At least, your dog thinks it’s tasty. You can’t tell your dog that it's not acceptable to chew on the $100 rolled leather dog collar but it is okay to chew on rawhide treats. They are made of nearly the same stuff. Dogs will chew on leather, although with patience and persistence, they can be trained not to.

Another disadvantage is having to clean and condition the leather dog collar and leash. You dont have these worries with nylon or rayon collars and leashes. You can throw them in the bath along with the dog. But prolonged exposure to soaking water will destroy leather. You need to get special soaps and conditioners for them. You might need to have the leather collars worn only on special occasions.

If you are a vegetarian or vegan, than you are already trying to cut out all animal-based products from your life. Killing cows for dog collars might not sit well in your mind. But there are attractive fake leather dog collars that are almost as tough as leather on the market. As an added bonus, they don't have the strong smell that attracts dogs looking for a quick treat.