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13 Tips on How to Train Your Dog

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how to train a dogExcept for maybe cat lovers, we can all agree that dogs are a man’s best friend. However without proper training a dog can cause absolute havoc and be more work than fun.

When approaching dog training it is important to arm yourself with a lot of patience and to not expect instant “dog whisperer” miracles. Learning how to communicate with your dog will help build a better and stronger relationship.

Here are thirteen dog training tips that will help you create a fun and obedient best friend. Read more

Are You Making These 10 Dog Training Mistakes?

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Are you making these 10 dog training mistakes?

Many people say that there is nothing better than having a dog. That is certainly true but do you know what’s even better? Having a trained dog. Many people try to train dogs themselves and that is perfectly fine if you know how to do it and how to avoid making some typical mistakes.

You should always be consistent! Avoid using various words for the same command. It will only confuse your dog and he won’t know what he has to do. For instance if you used “Heel” you can’t expect the dog to listen to you if tell him “Walk by me.”

dog training mistakesStart small. Just because you see a dog on TV do a trick doesn’t mean you can expect your dog to know it or learn it in a day. Be patient, start with some simple commands and then work toward the more complicated ones. And be realistic of your dog’s abilities.

In any scenario, not just dog training, one of the worst things you can do is to physically punish your dog. It will only make the dog afraid of you, start acting aggressively toward you or people in your surroundings,  and it will ruin your relationship.

Start early, when he is just a puppy. It will make it easier as you won’t have to put a lot of obedience training.

Don’t give up after one try. It might take some time but your dog will get the hang of the trick eventually. Look at yourself, you don’t learn everything at the same pace, some things you can learn faster and some take time.

Giving your dog treats when he does what he’s suppose to is the best encouragement. If you fail to reward him he won’t know if he did something right. Ignoring bad behavior is just as bad; you shouldn’t overlook it or even worse give him a treat while hoping he will do better next time.

Dogs pay a lot of attention to the sound of your voice and if you’re in the bad mood while training them they will notice. They will notice that your tone of voice and body language are different and he won’t be able to connect the command with the action.

Some people think that rubbing a dog’s nose in urine helps with the learning process but it doesn’t. The only thing it does is hurt your dog’s nose.

You want your dog to learn who has control so don’t let him eat at the same time you do, give him food after you’ve finished.

Puppies don’t have a large attention span so it is best to keep the lessons short. About 15 minutes a day will do the trick and make your dog learn its trick.

So, keep it short, have patience, talk cheerfully, do it consistently and your dog will in no time learn when to sit, be quiet and when to jump in your arms and kiss you.

 

how to bath your dog

The Psychology Study of Successful Dog Bathing

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How to bathe your dog? Sounds very simple but sometimes bathing doesn’t go the way you intended, especially if you’re bathing the dog for the first time. However, some little and practical things can be of great help.

Before bathing, place a blanket or some rag on the floor, you’ll prevent the water and hair getting on the carpet. Have everything you need – two towels, a shampoo and a conditioner – near the tub or shower. When it comes to bathing a puppy for the first time, put some of his toys in the tub, make it a game for him.

If your dog’s hair is all tangled up, it will be even harder to untangle it after the bath, so do it before.
dog bathingSome dogs get really scared when you put them in a tub full of water; they jump, slip, shake and look all together miserable and sad. During the bath you might even get wetter than your dog and you’ll spend most of the time trying to keep the dog in the tub. Instead of immersing the dog into water, it is much easier to give him a shower. The dog will feel safer if he’s standing firmly in the tub and you won’t be as wet. It is much easier to shampoo and rinse with a shower.

Before you start with bathing it is recommended to put a rubber mat in the tub, or at least a towel so that the dog doesn’t slip. Some people prefer drenching their dog in the yard using a hose and a bucket, but this is recommended only if it’s a warm and sunny day.
It is recommended to wash the dog’s head and snout with a sponge or a towel. Beside the fact that this is more comfortable for the dog than having water poured over the snout, you won’t get the inside of the ear too wet.

Ideally, wash the dog with a pet shampoo customized for his hair type. However, if you’re not currently able to obtain such shampoo, use that intended for babies. If your dog has long hair add some conditioner, that will help you comb his fur more easily.

After shampooing, it’s necessary to rinse and then rinse some more. Any shampoo residue will cause itching. Pay special attention not to get the shampoo in your pet’s eyes or snout. When you least expect it, your completely wet dog will shake and spray the entire bathroom, and you won’t be spared. To dry the dog and avoid wet-dog shake, place one corner of the towel over its head and use the other side to wipe him.

After you’ve dried him the best you could, put him on the blanket. Although he will try to get away and wipe himself on something, hold him gently, dry completely with a blow-dryer or towels and enjoy! You pet is gorgeously clean and ready to get dirty again.

Running and Biking Dogs

Let’s Exercise – Dogs For Running and Biking

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If you are searching for the best running or biking partner, look no further than your canine buddy. When it comes to exercise, you can’t think of a better workout partner than a dog. It is always a good idea to have someone to workout with, because exercising in pair means a lot more motivation and this way you will gain routine in your training program. Your friends, family, and neighbors can make you company sometimes, but your four legged friend will always be more than happy to workout with you whether you are running or biking. Dogs are, without a doubt, the most reliable training partners – they are never tired and they don’t have headaches when it’s time to go out.

Running and Biking DogBefore starting the training program it is recommended to visit a vet for consultation because not every dog breed is suitable for running the distance. Some breeds like retrievers, terriers or shepherds are definitely better for running than others. Pugs and bulldogs are not built as athletes because they overheat quickly. Also, if you live in a cold climate, the best choice for training partner would be some long coated Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky and Seppala Siberian Sled dog. All those breeds are naturally well-equipped for snow and their endurance is quite remarkable. If they can pull sled in freezing winters, they won’t have problems accompanying you on a bike.

As you have to know your potential, you should know the potential of your dog as well. Your training should go progressively, exercise your way up. Keep in mind that your dog doesn’t have sneakers for running but pads which will toughen over time and miles. Instead of retractable leashes, use leather leash (from 3 to 6 foot long) to provide the proper range between you and your dog.

Among dog breeds there are long distance runners and fast sprinters who can push the tempo real hard. If you are more of a marathon person, the breed who can run side by side with you is German Shepherd. Big heart, powerful legs and eagerness to run make this dog a perfect choice for you. Remember to bring right amount of water in a plastic bottle and a little dish, so both of you can stay hydrated. German Shepherds can be used for quick pace and for 10 miles runs. Doberman Pinscher has similar attributes.

Golden Retrievers belong to the group of humble dogs and if properly trained they won’t be distracted by surroundings, which makes them a great company while biking. Another people-oriented, non-aggressive dog is Border Collie, perfect for long and heavily used trails. Breeds that are literally built for speed are Greyhounds, athletic Pit bulls, Beagles, Vizslas, English Setters, Jack Russell Terrier (can be distracted easily by other dogs), German shorthaired pointers, American Staffordshire Terrier (always focused, won’t chase squirrels) and Airedale Terrier. A muscular body and energy make these dogs excellent companions for faster runs – 7 minute miles or more.