Archive for category Dogs

Dog Training Advice That Make Training Your Dog Easier

Posted by Alfie Woda on Monday, 30 January, 2012

Dog Training Advice That Make Training Your Dog Easier

You really can train bad habits out of your dog. The tips in this article can be used to help train negative behavior out of dogs, and teach them positive behaviors. Any pet can be an ideal one with dog training advice.

Watch the tone you use when you discipline your dog. Dogs are in tune with human emotions and pick much of that up from your voice. An appropriately stern tone can reinforce discipline.

It is critical that you teach your dog the difference between correct and incorrect behaviors. This means that every member of the family must be willing to enforce these boundaries. This will undermine your efforts and make you work twice as hard to train your dog.

It is important to involve the entire family when it comes to training your puppy or dog. Having everyone participate in your dog’s training will make sure he obeys the house rules.

To make sure your dog pays attention to you, you should use its name as often as possible. Call your dog by name as much as possible when you are first getting to know your pup; this will establish a connection between hearing the name and giving positive attention to the speaker. A short name which sounds distinct from many other words is preferable.

Do not let the pressures of your day or life influence how you speak to your dog when you are training. The point here is that you should only reprimand your dog if he did something wrong a few seconds ago. Otherwise, keep things upbeat.

Make sure you take your dog through a step-by-step process when teaching it anything complex. For instance, maybe you are training your dog to fetch the morning paper. The first step is him holding an object. Then he should be taught to recognize that item by name. Picking up the object is the next part of the puzzle that needs to be practiced. And the final step is teaching the dog to bring the item to you. By breaking the task down into understandable steps, the dog will better understand what is expected of it.

When you are in the initial stages of training your puppy, teach him his name first to help create a bond. Call his name every time you do something or want him to do something. Teach him that he needs to run to you when his name is called. Your puppy’s name should be one of its first words learned. Spending lots of time will create a strong bond with your puppy, and will lead to unbreakable trust. When you set this trust early on, the puppy will be more open to the next steps in training.

Training a dog is easier than you might have previously realized. If the owner has the right mindset and good knowledge, they should be able to train a dog with no problem. Most dogs respond well to good training and will thrive under the direction of their owner.


Crate Train A Puppy At Night – To Get Some Sleep

Posted by Bob W on Thursday, 15 December, 2011

If you want to crate train a puppy at night you will need to patient as it won’t happen overnight but it will happen.

Have the crate where the puppy is for example if you are playing in the lounge bring the cage where the puppy can see it. Extend the game you are playing with the puppy and throw his toy inside the cage. At this stage never lock the puppy into it as it will be seen as a place to go for punishment.

What I have found that works well is to set the cage initially in your bedroom so he can smell and see you. Be strong at this point as he will whimper to be close to you as you are his new family. If you are not firm with him at this stage you will have him in bed with you every night!


Housebreaking a German Shepherd puppy

Posted by Hansen on Tuesday, 1 November, 2011

Housebreaking a German Shepherd puppy starts with the wrong premise – breaking. It’s as if you want to make the puppy stop being a puppy and function like a perfect little toy. That’s neither fair nor realistic.

A pet owner who wants to establish a positive relationship with the pet is focused on house training. This approach shows the puppy how to live comfortably in your environment.

Forget the old school methods that teach you to start paper training and swatting a German Shepherd puppy the first day it’s home. Whether you bring home a puppy or an adult dog, you’re taking this animal from the environment it knows and going into an environment that’s totally foreign to it.

The dog has no idea what room is okay to go in and what room is off limits. A shelter dog or crated German Shepherd puppy is so excited to have space to walk and freedom to roam that your home is a virtual theme park of wonders. Add to that the presence of other pets or children and the excitement is almost too much to contain.

House training takes a lot of your time. You need to work with your German Shepherd dog in every room. If the living room is off limits and you notice him sniffing for a place to potty, then gently pick him up, say “No” firmly without shouting, and then place him on the floor of the kitchen with his newspapers or take him outside.


Tips On How To Free Your Carpets And Your Furniture From Pet Odours

Posted by Jen on Sunday, 30 October, 2011

Although most people are very fond of their pets, they detest the way that their home always stinks of pet odours.One remedy to this issue could be to keep your pets as outdoor pets and not allow them to enter the house.But if you’re in any way like me, you would for no reason banish your dog to a life of outdoor living. Continue reading to find out some methods for reducing and removing pet smells from your living environment.

When you might be a cat lover, you probably know how dreadful it is to walk into your house and get a whiff of the litter box.Something you can do is actually to change the cat litter every number of days as this can really help to reduce the smells.Even though you use cat litter which is combined with baking soda, using more baking soda can help to further reduce cat smells.

There is a quick way to take away cat and dog smells from the carpeting in your home.You ought to locate a large spray bottle.Then, pour water in the bottle until it is completely full.Take a walk around the carpeted sections of your house spraying them with water.You never want to drench the carpeting only make it a little moist. Now take some baking soda and thoroughly sprinkle it all over the moist carpet. Understanding how to clean up after pet accidents is a vital part of learning to live with pets.

Afterwards, you might want to use a carpet brush on your carpet so the water and baking soda will cover it.If you’re not familiar with a carpet brush, this is merely a specially designed brush to use on carpets.It really more closely appears like a rake than a common brush.Many flooring and hardware stores carry this particular brush.

Let your carpet to dry out adequately and then vacuum it. While this works great for common pet smells, it will not be that effective on urine odor.You’ll want to get hold of a remedy produced to remove pet urine odours.Also make positive what ever they try to provide you has enzymes in it.Typically the enzymes disintegrate the urine which assists to get rid of the odor.Most of these odor elimination tactics can be used on the average piece of furniture.On the other hand be sure to read the labels on the furniture to ensure these processes won’t damage the fabric.On a concluding note about the furniture cleaning.If money is not a concern for you, you may opt to replace that old piece of furniture as an alternative to trying to clean it.Whether that or hire a professional to come in and clean it.


Good Ideas To Get The Most From Your Dog Training

Posted by Riley on Monday, 24 October, 2011

Knowing how to effectively train your dog is not an intuitive process. Many times, we fail to remember that dogs simply don’t speak English, and they often don’t know what we want them to do. This article details some easy-to-implement things that you can do as a pet owner to have a better behaved, happier dog.

Your dog’s behavior during walks should become habit through consistency. Teach your dog to focus on you and your physical clues about their behavior. Teaching them to walk with you should come naturally to them if you are leading and demanding the attention of your dog. If you are walking with purpose, it will be emulated by your pet.

When training your dog to specific commands, don’t mix in pleasantries and other extra words. Give the command word sharply and alone. Your dog doesn’t understand words like “please”, and won’t be upset at your lack of manners. Keeping the commands alone and clear makes it easier for your dog to understand and obey.

Most people find that, with a little bit of dog training, their relationship with their dog improves tremendously. And as you can see, training your dog, while not an intuitive process, IS a much easier process than most people think. So put some of our suggestions into practice, and you’ll see for yourself!

For similar articles, check out Information About Dogs. We also have info on Potty Training a Puppy.


Dog Barking Sounds

Posted by Bob W on Sunday, 2 October, 2011

There are people who use dog barking sounds to scare off burglars and would be thieves. The electronic device can be activated from any room of the home that detects movement. The beauty of this is that you can get the barking and growling sound of a Doberman or German Shepherd which scares off the intruder. The beauty of these systems there is not the upkeep or training involved for an actual dog and the system is easily installed.

Talking of dog barking sounds there are studies underway to try and understand the barking noises that a dog makes and to work out the language that they speak to each other. Can you imagine as a pet owner how wonderful it would be if you were able to understand what your dog was saying or know if he was not feeling well.


Pit Bull Health Care and Training Tips

Posted by Swing Dance History on Tuesday, 16 August, 2011

Much of your dog’s agility training must be done before you enter the very first show and your dog should have no trouble running the entire course. It is an extremely exciting and challenging activity and can certainly improve the bond between you and your best friend.

Keeping your Pit Bull healthy can be a full-time job. He requires lots of love and attention, routine well check-ups with the veterinarian, teeth cleaning, and training. A big part of your time will be spent on keeping your Pit Bull clean and neatly groomed. Grooming and cleanliness will not only make your Pit Bull more appealing to the eye, but can help make him healthier.

Jumping Courses – Jumping courses are full of obstacles which your dog must clear, such as jumps which your dog has to make it over without knocking down, and weaves which your dog must stay in until the very end. In dog agility courses there are contact points on the obstacles which your dog must touch with his paws.

If your puppy has difficulty controlling his bladder when getting excited, it is known as excitement urination. Again, never punish your puppy in this situation as it will only cause problems to get worse.

The fix for this problem is easy. Ignore it. Excitement urination usually disappears as a puppy matures and his bladder control strengthens.

For more information on best dog food, dog food coupons, dog health problems and dog health questions visit the links.


Pitbull Training Tips : Reward training methods

Posted by Trainer on Thursday, 21 July, 2011

Reward training is used in all forms of pitbull training method, including police work and military applications. Most scent detection, tracking and police pitbulls are trained using some form of reward training. Reward training is also a very effective way to teach many basic obedience commands.

Reward training in pitbull training process often incorporates the use of a lure in order to get the pitbull into the position desired by the trainer. The lure is used to get the pitbull to perform the desired behavior on his or her own and of his or her own free will.

It makes a great deal of sense to get the pitbull to perform the desired behavior without any physical intervention on the part of the handler. Getting the pitbull to perform a behavior without being touched is important.

After the pitbull has performed the desired behavior, it is given a reward, also called a positive reinforcement. Treats are often used as reinforcers, but praise, such as “good pitbull” or a pat on the head, can also be effective rewards.

Making a pitbull that has been reward trained a reliable pitbull is important, especially when the pitbull has an important job, like police work or drug detection, to do. For that reason it is important to get the pitbull accustomed to working around distractions, and to properly socialize the animal to both people and other animals.

Many pitbull trainers make the mistake of only training the pitbull inside the house or back yard, and only when the handler is there. In order to become a reliably trained companion, the pitbull must be taken outside the confines of its safety zone and introduced to novel situations.

It is also important to teach the pitbull to pay attention to the handler at all times. Having the attention of the pitbull means having control of the pitbull. Reward training is very effective at getting the respect and the attention of the pitbull when used properly.


Doggy treats and words of appreciation: the best way to train cocker spaniel puppy

Posted by Linker on Tuesday, 12 July, 2011

Some say that training a cocker spaniel puppy is very difficult. But it actually depends on how the dog is being taught. If a pet owner yells often or even physically hurt the dog, then surely it will not lead to any success. The best way to do a cocker spaniel puppy training is to use positive reinforcements like doggy treats.

Giving a doggy treat after the cocker spaniel accomplished a training task is a good way of showing appreciation and encouraging the pet to repeat the same activity. As in potty training, awarding the puppy his favorite dog food after pooping in the desired spot will make him realize that he has done something right. Further, saying “Good boy”, after the act will also make him want to release waste in that same area again. Plus, it is also good to play after teaching the puppy something. This will not only keep him fit, but will help strengthen the bond of the pet owner and the dog.

One of the most famous training for cocker spaniels is the crate training. This is intended to lessen the neurotic tendencies of this breed.Usually, the puppy will be left alone in a create with some toys and a bowl of water. Aside from leaving some water behind, one may also add a doggy treat there to a appease him more. So, positive approaches like this shall give a sign that he is well loved by his owner.


Why does dog sitting make sense?

Posted by Al on Wednesday, 15 June, 2011

That is a very good question. A question tha that more dog owners are coming to answer. It makes sense for many reasons. For one thing dog sitting isn’t very expensive. You can hire dog sitter for as littel as 35 dollars a day. Yup that’s it! Not only do you get a dog sitter but you get someone to bring in your mail too! A typical dog sitter can have a regular day job and stop by in the evening and do all the dog and house chores that need to be done. Dog sitting is extremely popular in the summer months when people want to vacation. Make sure you do your research and find an experienced dog sitter who is capable of taking care of your dog when you are away.


Are Labrador Retrievers Good For Search Dog Training?

Posted by J. R. Roshwood on Wednesday, 8 June, 2011

The Labrador Retriever is really a adoring, caring, adorable, patient canine. Extremely smart, devoted, willing, as well as high-spirited. Full of life and good-natured, they enjoy playing, specially in water for they love to swim and have for that reason been really suited for search dog training. They have an excellent, trustworthy, disposition and are friendly, outstanding with small children and equable with other canines. They will want real human awareness and need to believe that they are a part of the household. Labs can certainly be trained. A few may be reserved with unknown people unless of course adequately socialized as puppies. These dogs are usually watchdogs, not really guard dogs, however some have been known to defend as well as execute search dog training jobs. They might become damaging in cases where left a lot of to their own devices. Educate Labradors early not to ever draw on the leash, as they have got quite strong necks.


Dogs – A Gift that Keeps on Giving

Posted by Douglas Hammett on Monday, 16 May, 2011

Dogs Can be a Great Gift

There is nothing quite like a puppy to brighten the day for a friend. The very thought of how dogs greet their masters when they return is incredibly uplifting. Dogs never judge you or have hidden motives. They welcome you with all their body and dogs forgive you like no person ever could. They are warm and excited at the very thought of your presence.

Dogs have been found effective therapy for those that are lonely in nursing homes and hospitals. People in situations of loneliness have found that dogs are great listeners, have large hearts and are great companions.

Dogs Can be a Terrible Gift

Never make the mistake of purchasing a dog on a mere whim. This must be thought out carefully. Especially if you are getting this dog for another person. Dogs are a large responsibility and by giving a dog, you have just made a huge decision for your loved one. You should first make sure this is really what your loved one wants. Dogs are an ongoing responsibility. They must be trained, fed, cared for, walked and then when the person goes on a trip, they must be boarded. These are just a few of the responsibilities of dogs.

Dogs can be a great gift, but need to be very carefully considered before you purchase and give.


Dealing with Your Cocker’s Separation Anxiety

Posted by Linker on Thursday, 21 April, 2011

When you leave your pre-school child during their first day in school, they will usually bawl like crazy. It’s called separation anxiety and we all thank God for sweet kindergarten teachers who deal with it. When you leave your puppy at home, he or she will make a huge mess. Yes, they have Cocker Spaniel separation anxiety too so you need to combat this through Cocker Spaniel training.

When Cockers feel this sort of worry, they will forget everything that you have taught them earlier. They will urinate and defecate in areas they aren’t supposed to. They will chew your luxurious leather couch and gnaw your stilettos to shreds. Worse, this sort of stressful feeling may even lead to more aggressive behavior.

Telling them that you have to leave and making them understand this fact may be slightly impossible. However, you can slowly let them adjust to this. Leave them enough food and water in their bowls. Scatter as many chew toys all over your house (or the areas you allow them to enter) so that they can amuse themselves. Turn on the radio so that they will feel as if people are still around them. You may want to leave an old shirt of yours in their pen as well. The scent of it will somehow be a comfort for them.

There are various aspects in Cocker Spaniel training. Everything must be taken into account – this is definitely one of the most vital.


Big Dog Essentials

Posted by Aniston on Friday, 1 April, 2011

If you want to have a large house dog to keep you company, there are thing you need to consider. Big dogs are usually high maintenance and would need a big space. Dogs that fall in the category of the “large breed” are active and energetic. They also have a big appetite, so it is best to always go for the largest bag of dog food. Of course, an extra large dog bed would be the perfect dog bed for them to lay on. Big enough to support their body weight and size, it would allow them to sleep in their most preferred sleeping position. Always remember to keep your big dog clean and have them house trained. Big dogs can be very destructive and if they are not kept clean, your house could turn into a messy nightmare. Keep your big dog healthy, clean and happy. They are your house guard dogs and keep you safe, they deserve all the best care and love in the world.

Visit our Dog Beds store


What You Ought To Know Before Buying Dog Beds for Large Dogs

Posted by Aniston on Friday, 25 March, 2011

When planning to buy a dog bed for your dog, keep in mind that you need to buy dog beds for large dogs that can give comfort and ease the pain if your dog is experiencing joint problems or any other orthopedic problems. Also remember that these health problems intensify as your dog grows older.

When buying a dog bed, take into consideration certain factors such as the size of your dogs, what their sleeping habits, the kind of surfaces they would like to sleep on(hard, soft, etc.), and what place you want to use your dog bed (for travel, outdoor, waterproof, etc.).

When using heated dog beds for large dogs always carefully observe your dog’s behavior. The reason for this is simple – your dog might be persistent enough and determined enough to chew through the cord even if the electrical cord is covered with re-enforced sheath.


The Basenji Dog

Posted by Sandra Mobilson on Thursday, 16 December, 2010

These small dogs have many interesting features. They do not bark. Instead they make all kinds of sounds that might even be quite annoying to an owner. This is a very old breed of dog. It is represented in artifacts from 5,000 year old Egyptian tombs and is presumably descended from the Congo dog of Central Africa.

Considered a sight hound, the breed was used a lot to drive animals into nets for hunters. In terms of temperament, this is a breed that can be a bit standoffish at first. It isn’t recommended that owners try to have other species as pets when owning a Basenji. Since they don’t bark, one doesn’t think of them as guard or protection dogs. They are, however, very gentle and playful with young children.

People who have dander allergies or who don’t want to have to engage in a lot of grooming can really enjoy the Basenji. This breed has short hair and likes to clean itself like a cat. Unfortunately, that would probably be a problem to anyone who is allergic to canine saliva. It is a very attractive feature of this breed that it hardly sheds.

Basenjis need obedience training. Although they are small, they can be a handful if not exercised adequately and socialized well. They need owners who are consistent and firm. Otherwise the dog will adopt a position of dominance and create problems. This breed can be kept in an apartment but tends to be very active indoors. They do well when kept with another dog or two of the same breed.


Stop Puppy Biting before he gets out of hand

Posted by Internet Gateway Internet Gateway on Monday, 29 November, 2010

Puppy obedience training is a must especially if you have specific issues with bad behavior.

Getting to the bottom of the problem will help you immensely, but if you have a puppy that bites you and objects all the time, how do you stop puppy biting?

Well, most puppies will nip quite often when they are teething. This is normal and they are basically trying to relieve the discomfort that the new teeth coming through are causing.

As they get older though, this is not acceptable and should be nipped in the bud early on.

When they bite, just let out a loud ouch noise. This replicates the sound made by the pups in the litter and should be enough to stop them in their tracks.


Puppy Housebreaking Rules

Posted by Internet Gateway Internet Gateway on Monday, 11 October, 2010

Every action has a reaction, and when it comes to puppy housebreaking, your reaction to a wet carpet can frighten and confuse your puppy.

This is a bad thing because all you will achieve is a nervous dog that is likely to continue to evacuate in the house due to his confusion.

You need to firstly stay calm. I know it isn’t always easy, but you need to remember that this puppy is only an infant who knows no better.

Secondly, you need a plan than you can stick to. Follow the plan carefully and soon your dog will be going outside and he will let you know!

Start by taking him outside regularly and giving him 5 minutes every time. This is a pain at first, but like a child, you have to be persistent.

Take them out whenever they have had a sleep, just eaten or been for a walk.

You will soon start to see a pattern forming and your puppy will start to feel confident about his new role, and you will also feel confident in housebreaking your puppy.


Natural Dog Allergy Treatments Options

Posted by DealHunter on Saturday, 26 June, 2010

Are you a dog owner and are tired of all the prescription medications and antibiotics prescribed to our pets without even considering nutritional treatments or natural alternatives?

I was always amazed at how much vets are like regular doctors. They seem to have a playbook from the 70′s where the only treatment options they know are from the drug companies suggestions.

It’s a shame because there are many natural treatment options – especially for dogs with allergies.

Article with Natural Dog Allergy Treatment information. You may find some helpful information and ideas about allergytreatments.

More on Dog Allergy Treatments