Browsing the blog archives for November, 2008.

Potty Training Your Puppy: Essential Dog Advice

Housebreaking

If you have ever brought a new puppy home from the shelter or a breeder, you know how essential it is to get that tiny ball of fur housebroken as quickly as possible. But potty training a puppy usually takes patience, consistency and – of course, time. The good news is that the more time you are willing to commit to the process at the beginning, the less time your puppy may take to learn his lessons well. Remember, before you bring your puppy home, prepare well for the process, and you and your puppy will be on the road to a long, happy life together.

The Advantages of Crate Training
Many dog owners have become quite partial to crate training as a means of potty training a puppy, and with good reason. A crate can perform a multitude of functions for your puppy. For starters, it will offer a secure place for your pet to rest and sleep. And, restricting your puppy to the crate when you are gone will ensure that your home will still be in one piece upon your return. And finally, using a crate for house training your puppy will teach your dog to hold his urge to eliminate until he is in the proper location to do so. Most dogs will not eliminate in their crate because they know not to go to the bathroom in the same space that they sleep in.

Before placing your puppy in his crate for a period of time, you must make sure that he has time outside to potty. When you let your pet out of the crate, you should always take him outside straight away. A crate can be a excellent training tool when you are away from home, or if you are involved in an activity for a period of time that will keep you from watching your puppy sufficiently.

Don’t forget that puppies should not be left in a crate all day, although they can sleep in one throughout the night. If you work all day, do your best to return home for lunch to give your pet a break, or have someone else come by your home to do so.

Paper Training
Paper training does not mean using a rolled newspaper to hit your pet when he potties in the house. This is without doubt the most ineffective means of house training a puppy that there is. Paper training actually refers to indoor puppy potty training, where you teach your puppy to go to the bathroom on papers or training pads that you put on the floor for him. This method of potty training for puppies is generally best done when you can restrict your puppy to one room in the house, such as the utility room. Whenever you see your pet begin to nose around the floor like he is looking for a spot, take your pup to the paper potty. When he gets this process down, move the papers closer to the door. With time your puppy will learn to go to the door when he needs to go to the bathroom.

Check out these aryicles for more practical advice
puppy crate training
how to housebreak puppy
Puppy potty training
Potty training your puppy may be challenging, but it is far from impossible. With a bit of patience and consistency, your puppy potty training will succeed much sooner than you might think possible.

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Do You Know These 3 Things About Choosing Your Puppy

Advice

As you start thinking about getting a new puppy it is important that you know what your expectations and requirements are when it comes to the personality and needs of your new friend. This step is essential if you are to have a long and happy relationship with your puppy and is an important piece of information about dogs.

Here are 3 factors to consider…

Do you have time for a dog?

Dogs are naturally social by nature. This is one of the main reasons that they are so popular as pets and companions. Knowing this, please do not get a dog if you plan on keeping her outside all day long. This is even more important if you are getting a puppy since they need much more attention and supervision. They also demand more interaction and regular training so that they can become a more socialized member of your family.

On an average, most dogs will spend at least eight hours a day home alone. This is usually the case at least five days of the week. Some breeds are better suited to this type of lifestyle. Most terriers, for example, will find ways to entertain themselves if you provide them with enough space to roam. Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes are also pretty adaptable.

Do You Have Children?

You should know the time commitment a young puppy demands. Quite often that amount of time may be more than the time your own child needs. And it can be difficult to have both a young child and a new puppy at the same time.

Having both of them together requires constant supervision. This is to make sure that none of them hurts the other. You should keep watch at all times to prevent roughhousing, pulling, biting, and other potential injuries.

Most experts - both trainers and breeders - do not recommend getting one of the toy breeds if you have a toddler at home. This is because a toy breed puppy is so tiny that they run the risk of being squeezed too hard, being stepped on, or being dropped. However, if you really have your heart set on getting a toy breed then just to make sure you choose one of the gentler and easy going breeds.

Are you looking for guard dog?

A dog that barks when someone approaches the door may be just enough for most dog owners. It provides them with a sense of security since a dog barking, whether she is a small breed or a large dog will serve to deter most burglars. Dachshunds and most other toy breeds make excellent watchdogs. Terriers are also good at being protective.

If you are looking for a dog that can provide protection through their bark as well as their appearance then consider choosing a puppy from the herding group or one of the working breeds. Dogs from these breeds are protective of their owners and have the appearance that will scare away a burglar. These breeds are usually high skilled and easily trained.

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Puppy Training: Practical Getting Through The First Week Advice

Puppy Training

There are few times in life that are more exciting than bringing home your new puppy. All the family will want to hold and play with that cute little puppy as often as possible for as long as possible during those first few days. The excitement is likely to wear your puppy clean out, and a lack of structure and boundaries may serve to confuse her and can breed insecurity as well. That is why it is essential to prepare for your pup’s homecoming by figuring out what the routine and house rules will be, and to stick with them as you start the process of puppy training.

The Importance of Routine
Bear in mind that your tiny pup has lived his entire short life thus far in the warmth and security of his mother and littermates. Suddenly, he is removed from his safe environment to go it alone in your home. What will help this little guy to feel safe and secure again? Besides plenty of love and care, your puppy will respond well to a routine that he can rely on. Consistency is the key here, whether it comes to his meals, playtime or housebreaking. Before you get your puppy home, determine which family member will be responsible for the feedings, and ensure that the designated person will be available to keep a regular feeding schedule for your dog. Talk to a vet or breeder about the best way to feed your puppy in terms of number and frequency of feedings. Your beginning puppy training will go much more smoothly if your puppy has a routine that he can rely on.

For more advice on house breaking your puppy check out these articles
tips for potty training dogs
tips on housebreaking puppies
house training a new puppy

The Importance of Rules
If is also a good idea to establish some house rules for puppy training before adding your pup to the mix. For example, where do you want your puppy to sleep at night? If your answer is his crate, you mustdo not let him sleep in your bed with you. Not once. Not ever. Not even if he whimpers and cries throughout his first night at home with you, unless you want to make a co-sleeping arrangement part of your normal routine. Dogs, as with small kids, require firm boundaries to live within for consistency and security. By sticking with the rules your puppy will know what is expected of him, and in most cases he will be happy to oblige. Consistency in rules is an important element of effective puppy training.

Your puppy will be a welcome addition to the family, as long as you prepare for his arrival by establishing some house rules and a routine that you can all stick with. Enjoy your new pup, and happy puppy training!

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Bichon Frise Dogs Come With A Plethora Of Problems

Advice

Have you ever considered adopting a Bichon Frise dog? Though there are many dog breeds out there that will make great pets, this particular breed stands out from the rest in many areas. Most importantly, this dog is ideal for families looking to adopt a family pet. Bichon Frise dogs are small, however they are not yippy. They have loving personalities and are agreeable with other pets, other people and especially children. Families with small children will be especially pleased with Bichon Frise dogs because they are small themselves, as they usually grow no larger than twelve inches tall.

For some potential owners, these positive qualities are enough to seal the deal. Yet, others are deterred by the tendency of Bichon Frise dogs to be high maintenance when it comes to grooming and exercise. Most of all, however, people have problems with the Bichon Frise’s reputation for being nearly impossible to train.
When you are trying to concentrate on raising a family, the last thing you want is a high-maintenance pet. The main problem with Bichon Frise dogs is that they are difficult to train. That is not to say that they are lacking intelligence; the dogs are smart and eager to please. However, housebreaking Bichon Frise dogs has proven to be problematic as they can be very stubborn and hardheaded. Part of the training process for this dog is cleaning up accidents. Yet, by utilizing several training strategies, the training process will go by in no time!

Crate training is frequently recommended for Bichon Frise dogs, and it can help you to keep an eye on your dog at all times. Also, start your dog’s training early so as to establish a routine. Finally, keep lots and lots of doggy treats on hand. When your dog makes an accomplishment, throw them a treat and a few words of encouragement. You’d be surprised at how far these simple acts will take you on the road to training you Bichon Frise dog.
It will be easy to get the impression that the Bichon Frise dog is high maintenance and not worth the trouble. After all, there are many Bichon Frise problems associated with training, including housebreaking. Additionally, the dog requires regular exercise and grooming routines. However, the dog’s sweet temperament and bubbly personality make all of these potential problems worth all your time and effort!

And remember, you don’t have to go through the training process alone! There are many resources available to anyone looking to train their Bichon Frise dog. General obedience training from a trained professional can make your job as the owner so much easier when it comes to housebreaking your pet. Additionally, you can seek advice from dog training books, which you can get at your local library or bookstore. Finally, ask your neighbors and friends with dogs what methods have worked for them. Don’t give up on your Bichon Frise dog—you’ll be missing out on a lot!

Bichon Frise training might seem like a waste of your time, but this is not true. Dog training books can be a huge source of guidance when training a Bichon Frise. A quick visit to the library or bookstore can get you well on your way to having a well-trained dog.

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The Key To Yorkshire Terrier Training

Small Dogs

No matter what breed of dog you own, you are going to want to make sure that they are properly trained so they will be obedient and have proper behavior skills. Especially if you have children you are going to need to make sure that they are going to be well behaved and not present any sort of danger.

There are some very important aspects involved with Yorkshire Terrier training, which you are going to want to be aware of and remember if you want to have success training your own Yorkie. Really the first step to Yorkshire Terrier training is getting your dog to respect you. Only once you have established this will you be able to get them to listen to you and obey your commands. You must make your dog understand that you are the leader, the one in charge, and not allow them to be the dominant one of the household.
Yorkshire Terrier training really does not have to be all that difficult. There are a few aspects in particular that you are going to want to take seriously when it comes to Yorkshire Terrier training, one being socialization. If you do not socialize your dog properly they are going to grow up to be timid and afraid, not only of other dogs but people as well.

To socialize them properly you want to care and adore for them, but at the same time make sure that you give them space and do not play with them constantly when they are young because they need a lot of time to sleep. Keep them to a schedule so that they know what to expect and when, as dogs will really abide by a given routine. It is good for them to know what time they should get up, eat and go to bed.
To avoid many Yorkie problems and also get a well-behaved and polite pet, then Yorkshire Terrier training is going to be a critical step of your raising them. There is a great importance to training your dog to be obedient, especially if you have children in the home. Yorkies are really adorable dogs and you want them to live up to their reputation as kindhearted and lovable pets.

Just remember that your pet is your precious companion, and they are really like another member of the family. They are a friend more than a creature to dominant and control, and remember to keep this mind the entire time that you are training them. Obedience training is critical when it comes to nurturing a healthy human-animal relationship between you and your beloved pet and also in terms of raising a socially adept pet. You will love your Yorkie even more if you train them properly, so it will definitely be worth all the time and effort you put into it.

Yorkshire Terrier training is going to be a vital step in the raising of your dog. Using dog training books can be very advantageous, especially if you are new to this and not sure where to start.

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How To Pick Out Beagle Problems

Advice

Owning a beagle is not always fun and games. From time to time you will encounter beagle problems that will require you to administer a little beagle training. Some of the best resources for ideas are dog training books written by experts or from websites run by other beagle owners with real life experience solving a variety of problems. Whatever resource you use be ready to be strict with your beagle, as it needs to understand who is in charge in your situation.

There are some classic tell tale signs of a misbehaving dog that some people think is just the dog being friendly but in reality is the dog developing bad habits that need to be stopped. If your beagle jumps on people constantly, will always avoid your touch, grabs things from you and then refuses to give them back without a fight, or constantly barks at you or any company in the house then these are signs of behavioral problems that need to be addressed right away.
Just like you would not expect a newborn baby to drive a car you cannot expect beagle training to happen out of order either. Look into some of the better dog training books to find out what you can realistically expect from your beagle at the various stages of its life and what you can do when various beagle problems arise. It takes a lot of patience to break a beagle of a bad habit so make sure you get a lot of good advice and then take a deep breath.

Probably the more frustrating behavioral issue in any beagle puppy is the refusal to be housebroken. Before you assume it is behavioral you should have your beagle looked over by the vet first and if the vet gives a clean bill of health then you have a behavioral problem. If you have been trying the standard housebreaking methods and they are not working then it is time to do a little research and find some alterative methods.
You could be dealing with beagle problems that have nothing to do with the environment you have put your beagle in or the way you are currently trying to conduct your beagle training. If a puppy is taken from its mother and siblings prior to seven weeks then it never gets the chance to learn the beagle basics and that can inhibit behavioral growth in the future.

If you allow a beagle puppy to stay with its litter past seven weeks old then there starts to develop a social order among the siblings and the puppy starts to get used to being their part of that order. If your puppy was used to being top of the litter for too long then that can affect their behavior their whole lives. It is essential to completely understand what goes into beagle training before you try and break your beagle of bad habits. What may seem bad to you could be something completely natural for your beagle.

You can find good beagle training advice in this article. You should use this article along with dog training books for great advice.

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Dog Training Methods Produce Results

basic

Dog training methods differ from one trainer to another, but they are all intended to produce results. Expert professionals for example, use dog training methods so these wonderful animals will not make messes in the home. They also use their dog training methods so a dog will learn to obey their owners. Different methods are used for different kinds of training, for example to stop a dog from being aggressive, or to stop a dog from barking when they shouldn’t. Some dogs get in the habit of just barking for no reason, but dog training methods will make sure that a dog knows this is not appropriate behavior. Dog training methods should provide each owner with a dog that behaves properly in all circumstances, especially the ones important to their owners.

One dog Obedience Training method commonly used, is to provide treats when the dog demonstrates acceptable behavior. This signals to the dog that the trainer approves of the behavior. If a dog is supposed to sit, the trainer will make this command. If the dog sits on the command, the trainer gives the dog some kind of a treat. If the dog does not sit, the trainer often repeats the command and provides some guidance to the dog. When the dog eventually follows the command, the trainer gives the dog a treat to reinforce this good behavior.

Some Dog Training Methods Have Different Tools

Some dog training methods use some specific tools to help the dog demonstrate appropriate behavior. The clicker method is a very interesting method that some trainers believe in wholeheartedly. This dog training method uses only positive reinforcement of good behavior and never any punishment for bad behavior. Owners can use this method at home once the technique is learned, and a clicker can be found at most pet shops.

Many expert trainers of marine animals such as whales use this method. The trainer for Dog Excercising makes the click when the dog does something right and then gives the dog a treat. The dog comes to associate the clicker with a treat and tries to repeat the good behavior to hear the click again along with a treat.

Some trainers use negative reinforcement to train their dogs, but many people think that this method is not very effective because the dog will only behave properly if the trainer is present. This means that a dog may learn to stop chewing on the couch if the trainer is present, but if the trainer is not present, the dog will chew on the couch. Many dog trainers avoid this type of training because they believe that this is not very helpful for the dog or the owner. However, you’ll need to make sure and create a list of questions important to you when looking for a dog trainer, to ensure you choose the right fit.

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What One Should Know About Poodle Training

Medium Dogs

Proper training is important for all dogs, but especially so with Poodles. These are really great dogs, amazing dogs, but if they are not trained properly when they are young they will end up developing poor behavior problems, such as barking incessantly and chewing destructively. They will attack shoes, clothing and other things around the home if they are not trained.

Poodles also tend to be quite stubborn and dominant, especially if they are not shown who is in charge of the home, and so this can also cause a damper in their training. It often takes a lot more time and effort to train a Poodle than another breed of dog, and any potential Poodle owner definitely needs to be aware of this before they go through and decide to get one of these dogs as a pet. It is important to start training the dog as early on as possible in order to get the best and most permanent results.
There are a few great tips in particular that are helpful for Poodle training. Basic dog obedience should be the first step, and then as the dog makes progress the owner can add in more lessons. The come command is one of the first and most important lessons that an owner should teach their dog, and to do this the owner needs to order the dog to “Come!” and right after they have given the command they need to pull the dog towards them and praise them. Praising the dog both verbally and physically is very important because this is going to make sure that the dog understands that they have done well.

Heel is another important command to teach the Poodle in Poodle training and to do this the owner needs to command them to “Heel!” while they are walking out with the foot closest to the dog. It is important for them to remember that if the dog’s head or neck is not level with their leg then they need to jerk the dog into this position, otherwise they will never learn.
The bottom line is that although a lot of time and effort has to be put into Poodle training, it is well worth it to stave off Poodle problem behaviors before they begin. Poodles are truly amazing dogs and make great pets, even in families with young children. They are loving and affectionate and although high maintenance very fun. Also keep in mind that there are many experienced and knowledgeable professional dog trainers out there who will be able to help out here.

Any owner, who feels uncomfortable training their dog or simply does not have the time or knowledge that is necessary, should absolutely consider hiring a professional dog trainer to help out here. Of course there is going to be a cost for these services but it will be more than worth it to have a polite and well-mannered dog. This is especially important with Poodles because they can be quite mean and domineering, especially if they are not trained properly.

The process of Poodle training is one that can definitely be trying but which is more than worth it in the end when they teach their dog to be polite and well behaved. Any Poodle owner who is planning to train their dog all on their own should read up on some Poodle dog training books first.

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Understanding Pet Information

basic

People who own pets can give their pet dogs a healthy lifestyle if the pets are put on a wholesome healthy diet. Wholesome and nutritious food is behind perfect health and a dog who is given healthy food would always keep good health. A pet dogs diet is very similar to what health experts recommend us to eat, foods which are fresh and high in vitamins and minerals. This diet alone can promote optimal health in your pet dog and increase their lifespan.

Pet Guide

If you wish to feed your dog right, you need to start with fresh natural ingredients that are full of life. Fresh foods have very little processing; the less processing, the healthier the food is because less nutrients such as vitamins and minerals are lost. These diets could also include some dog foods created in your kitchen, some raw foods or even dehydrated foods. Doctor Richard Pitcairn, who has done enormous research into the area of natural care for pets says that the best dog food is the one which is home-produced which contains all the specific requirements of the dog.

Dogs

Uncooked foods have took the fancy of many pet dog owners though the topic has evoked a lot of debate, but these dog owners are happy with the nutritive value of raw foods. These types of foods are showing to be good for the treatment of conditions like chronic allergic reactions as well as some other regressive ailments. The good news is that rather than feeding Fido a raw bone from your butcher, there are specialty stores that carry frozen natural foods that are balanced and safe. Raw foods are now created in freeze-dried form which way that the foods have undergone ‘cold processing’ and this ensures that some of the more important components like enzymes, amino acids and probiotics stay untouched.

Cat Training

Another form of natural dog foods are those which are dehydrated, and this ways that they are dried at very low temperatures, very similar to the soup mixes which are available at the food shops. Because the action is carried out at very low temperatures, the built-in enzymatic activity is temporarily kept on hold till the food is hydrated again. The process of dehydration results in a loss of 3 to 5% of the crucial nutrients unlike processes like canning or kibble creation which assures that food value is lost to the extent of 60%.

While home-cooked foods is a great healthy option for dogs, this may not always be possible since it is tough to keep the ideal ratio and balance between meat and vegetable components of the dog diet. The good news is that there are several pre-mixed foods available where you only have to add water and meat and your home-produced dog food is ready to be served. Just like a wonderful meal is a happy experience for us, it should not be any different for our four-legged friends. What is needed from us is a bit of care and concern to see whether the food served is fresh, whether there is adequate variety in his meals and whether we are providing the right kind of food, and if we do this, our best friends can live happily ever after.

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A Guide To Yorkshire Terrier Training

Small Dogs

As with any other breed of dog, Yorkshire Terrier training is extremely important. You want to make sure that you wind up with the best behaved and most obedient dog possible, and this means training them as early on as possible when they are a puppy. Many pet owners do not think that they can take on the challenge and that they would not be able to train their dog on their own, but you should know that it is really not as difficult as you may think.

The process of training a dog can actually be quite simple, and actually enjoyable, as long as you go about it the right way. It is very important that you always have consistency and use repetitiveness when training a dog, especially with Yorkshire Terriers because they have very short memories and are liable to forget everything they have learned if you let them.
There are basically two different dog training styles that you can choose to use including leash obedience training and reward training. Basically the first, leash training, is the harder style of training. You use the leash to show the dog what you want them to do and once the dog displays that it knows the command the leash is used to correct the dog for not obeying.

The reward style of training is much easier and more positive, and when the dog listens to you and makes progress you show him that he is doing well by giving him a reward. This is usually a dog treat, but you have other options as well. Even if you just pat him on the head this is a sign of affection and considered as a reward to the dog. You should choose the style of training that suits you best and which you think your dog is going to respond best to. Any successful training will stave off Yorkie problem behaviors before they arise.
Remember that Yorkshire Terrier training does not have to be difficult, but there are a few things that you are going to want to remember. Yorkshire Terrier problem behaviors are common because this breed is very domineering making proper training essential. For one, you really need to be consistent when you are training your dog, especially when you are working with a Yorkshire Terrier. This is because most Yorkies have very short memories and so if you miss a lesson then they are liable to forget everything they have already been taught.

Yorkshire Terriers can really make wonderful pets, but you need to make sure that you are fully prepared for the dog before you get them home. This means having a knowledgeable and experienced veterinarian ready, and the proper dog supplies and products on hand and ready to go. You also want to have your dog training process laid out in your mind so that you know how to get started and will have the most success with it.

Yorkshire Terrier training typically takes only a couple of weeks to complete, as long as you are consistent. There are many things to remember when it comes to Yorkshire Terrier training, one of the most important being that you need to use repetitiveness, and to help you with this you should get yourself some dog training books.

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