Visiting The Vet

Making the Vet a Dog's Best Friend
OK, it might be a bit much to expect a dog to become seriously fond of the the guy who prods him for no apparent reason, and inserts foreign objects into his genitalia. While you can't change the unpleasant nature of your vet's job, you can try to make sure your dog has as pleasant an experience as is possible when he goes to the vet's office.

Choose the Right Vet

Your vet is going to be the second most important person in your dog's life, after you. He's not just the guy who prescribes medication when your dog falls ill, but also helps prevent diseases by examining your dog, and catching an infection before its too late. Make sure you're comfortable with his vet.
When looking around for a vet, check his clinic and waiting rooms. Do they look clean and airy? Does the waiting room have separate areas for dogs and cats, or will your dog be sharing space with an entire posse of screeching cats? What about the staff? Are there enough vets and vet assistants, and do they seem professional and experienced? Does the clinic specialize in many different veterinary medicine fields, or offer just basic veterinary services? Do they have a diagnostic lab on site, to collect and examine stool and blood samples? Do they offer emergency services?


Taking Your Pup to the Vet
If your puppy is still just a few weeks old, you have either taken him to a vet for his first physical, or are planing on doing so. Keep these things in mind to have a pleasant vet visit.

Help your new puppy socialize with other people. This doesn't mean only members of your family, but also your neighbors, friends etc. A puppy who has very limited exposure to strangers is more likely to feel threatened and nervous in the presence of a vet.Practice mock physical examinations in your home. Lie your dog down, and examine his eyes, mouth, teeth, and paws. Rub his belly, and feel around his abdomen the way a vet does. Having all these things done in the security and comfort of home can make a dog feel less threatened when he's splayed out on the vet's table and being prodded with steel objects.
Practice having him on a leash. You will likely have to wait for your turn, and there will be other animals there. If he's small enough, put him in a crate, and carry him to the vet's office.
Take him for a walk, and try to collect a stool sample before you leave for the vet's office. If it's a first time visit, your vet will likely need a stool sample, and it saves you the trouble of having to visit again with a fresh sample.
If your dog still hasn't been socialized and is aggressive towards others, keep him in the car, and inform the staff that you've arrived for your appointment. You can take him into the office when your turn comes around.
Take him out for short drives regularly, or you risk having him think that you're off for a vet visit every time he gets in the car. Associating a car with unpleasant experiences is one reason why dogs develop separation anxiety. A dog who's afraid of cars needs a whole other regimen of training to recondition his behavior. By taking frequent joy rides, your dog doesn't become anxious as soon as he gets into the car.

Puppy Family

See more Puppies

Take along a few treats for your dog to snack on while he's in the waiting room. It helps kill off some of the anxiety he may feel. Keep a few chewy toys handy, so he can occupy himself.

At the Vet's Office

Talk to your pet throughout the examination in comforting tones, and reassure him.  If he needs an overnighter, make sure he has his security blanket or favorite toy to remind of home, and feel comfortable in an unfamiliar surrounding.

Visiting The Vet

Making the Vet a Dog's Best Friend
OK, it might be a bit much to expect a dog to become seriously fond of the the guy who prods him for no apparent reason, and inserts foreign objects into his genitalia. While you can't change the unpleasant nature of your vet's job, you can try to make sure your dog has as pleasant an experience as is possible when he goes to the vet's office.

Choose the Right Vet

Your vet is going to be the second most important person in your dog's life, after you. He's not just the guy who prescribes medication when your dog falls ill, but also helps prevent diseases by examining your dog, and catching an infection before its too late. Make sure you're comfortable with his vet.
When looking around for a vet, check his clinic and waiting rooms. Do they look clean and airy? Does the waiting room have separate areas for dogs and cats, or will your dog be sharing space with an entire posse of screeching cats? What about the staff? Are there enough vets and vet assistants, and do they seem professional and experienced? Does the clinic specialize in many different veterinary medicine fields, or offer just basic veterinary services? Do they have a diagnostic lab on site, to collect and examine stool and blood samples? Do they offer emergency services?


Taking Your Pup to the Vet
If your puppy is still just a few weeks old, you have either taken him to a vet for his first physical, or are planing on doing so. Keep these things in mind to have a pleasant vet visit.

Help your new puppy socialize with other people. This doesn't mean only members of your family, but also your neighbors, friends etc. A puppy who has very limited exposure to strangers is more likely to feel threatened and nervous in the presence of a vet.Practice mock physical examinations in your home. Lie your dog down, and examine his eyes, mouth, teeth, and paws. Rub his belly, and feel around his abdomen the way a vet does. Having all these things done in the security and comfort of home can make a dog feel less threatened when he's splayed out on the vet's table and being prodded with steel objects.
Practice having him on a leash. You will likely have to wait for your turn, and there will be other animals there. If he's small enough, put him in a crate, and carry him to the vet's office.
Take him for a walk, and try to collect a stool sample before you leave for the vet's office. If it's a first time visit, your vet will likely need a stool sample, and it saves you the trouble of having to visit again with a fresh sample.
If your dog still hasn't been socialized and is aggressive towards others, keep him in the car, and inform the staff that you've arrived for your appointment. You can take him into the office when your turn comes around.
Take him out for short drives regularly, or you risk having him think that you're off for a vet visit every time he gets in the car. Associating a car with unpleasant experiences is one reason why dogs develop separation anxiety. A dog who's afraid of cars needs a whole other regimen of training to recondition his behavior. By taking frequent joy rides, your dog doesn't become anxious as soon as he gets into the car.

Puppy Family

See more Puppies

Take along a few treats for your dog to snack on while he's in the waiting room. It helps kill off some of the anxiety he may feel. Keep a few chewy toys handy, so he can occupy himself.

At the Vet's Office

Talk to your pet throughout the examination in comforting tones, and reassure him.  If he needs an overnighter, make sure he has his security blanket or favorite toy to remind of home, and feel comfortable in an unfamiliar surrounding.

Visiting The Vet

Making the Vet a Dog's Best Friend
OK, it might be a bit much to expect a dog to become seriously fond of the the guy who prods him for no apparent reason, and inserts foreign objects into his genitalia. While you can't change the unpleasant nature of your vet's job, you can try to make sure your dog has as pleasant an experience as is possible when he goes to the vet's office.

Choose the Right Vet

Your vet is going to be the second most important person in your dog's life, after you. He's not just the guy who prescribes medication when your dog falls ill, but also helps prevent diseases by examining your dog, and catching an infection before its too late. Make sure you're comfortable with his vet.
When looking around for a vet, check his clinic and waiting rooms. Do they look clean and airy? Does the waiting room have separate areas for dogs and cats, or will your dog be sharing space with an entire posse of screeching cats? What about the staff? Are there enough vets and vet assistants, and do they seem professional and experienced? Does the clinic specialize in many different veterinary medicine fields, or offer just basic veterinary services? Do they have a diagnostic lab on site, to collect and examine stool and blood samples? Do they offer emergency services?


Taking Your Pup to the Vet
If your puppy is still just a few weeks old, you have either taken him to a vet for his first physical, or are planing on doing so. Keep these things in mind to have a pleasant vet visit.

Help your new puppy socialize with other people. This doesn't mean only members of your family, but also your neighbors, friends etc. A puppy who has very limited exposure to strangers is more likely to feel threatened and nervous in the presence of a vet.Practice mock physical examinations in your home. Lie your dog down, and examine his eyes, mouth, teeth, and paws. Rub his belly, and feel around his abdomen the way a vet does. Having all these things done in the security and comfort of home can make a dog feel less threatened when he's splayed out on the vet's table and being prodded with steel objects.
Practice having him on a leash. You will likely have to wait for your turn, and there will be other animals there. If he's small enough, put him in a crate, and carry him to the vet's office.
Take him for a walk, and try to collect a stool sample before you leave for the vet's office. If it's a first time visit, your vet will likely need a stool sample, and it saves you the trouble of having to visit again with a fresh sample.
If your dog still hasn't been socialized and is aggressive towards others, keep him in the car, and inform the staff that you've arrived for your appointment. You can take him into the office when your turn comes around.
Take him out for short drives regularly, or you risk having him think that you're off for a vet visit every time he gets in the car. Associating a car with unpleasant experiences is one reason why dogs develop separation anxiety. A dog who's afraid of cars needs a whole other regimen of training to recondition his behavior. By taking frequent joy rides, your dog doesn't become anxious as soon as he gets into the car.

Puppy Family

See more Puppies

Take along a few treats for your dog to snack on while he's in the waiting room. It helps kill off some of the anxiety he may feel. Keep a few chewy toys handy, so he can occupy himself.

At the Vet's Office

Talk to your pet throughout the examination in comforting tones, and reassure him.  If he needs an overnighter, make sure he has his security blanket or favorite toy to remind of home, and feel comfortable in an unfamiliar surrounding.

Protect Your Dog - Fleas & Ticks

A We all love our pets, but the parasites that they often pick up are not quite as welcome! One of the most common problems of pet ownership is that of fleas on your cat or dog. Often, it can seem that the only choice you have of tackling this problem is to use one of the many chemical preparations that are on the market, and whereas these are perfectly safe, many people do not like the idea of putting so many chemicals onto their pet. This can be of special concern if there are children in the household who are likely to stroke the animal.

If you would prefer not to use a chemical preparation to treat fleas, then there are non chemical methods available. As with most things, prevention is often better than cure, and this is true in the treatment of fleas, as once present, the lifecycle of a flea makes them very difficult to eradicate. A flea larvae can lie dormant for a few months, before hatching and re-infecting the pet.

Begin by making sure that you have a healthy animal, as this seems to have a bearing on how they deal with fleas. Animals that are sickly seem to have a greater disposition to harbouring flea infestations than those that are fit and healthy. Feed your pet a natural diet that is rich in yeast and garlic. For larger breed of dogs, use up to one clove of garlic in their food per day, as this seems to have a repellent effect on fleas.

Vigorous cleaning of the area that your pet uses in the house is essential. Vacuum floors and furniture on a regular basis, paying attention to nooks and crevices. Remember that you should also wash your pets bedding, using hot water with detergent at least once a week.

Bathe your dog once a week for prevention, or twice a week if they already have an infestation. Use an organic shampoo that contains citrus oils, and if possible, leave the shampoo on for as long as possible before rinsing it off. A good tip is to comb your dog while he stands in the bath using a flea comb. Make sure that you rinse any fleas off the comb with hot soapy water (not in the bath with the dog). Rinse the shampoo off your cat or dog thoroughly and finish the routine with a herbal rinse using one of the following herbs: pennyroyal, lavender, eucalyptus or lemon. It is easy to make your own herbal rinse by crushing the herbs and steeping them in one pint of boiling water. Leave this overnight, and when you use it, make sure that you rub it well into your pets coat. If you are treating a cat, then use eucalyptus or lemon in the rinse.

Dried herbs rubbed well into your pets dry fur are effective in repelling fleas. Use equal amounts of rosemary, eucalyptus, fennel, and yellow dock (or as many as you can find in a dried form), and rub them into dry fur once a week as a prevention, or twice a week if your pet already has fleas on their body.

If your pet is suffering from sore skin due to scratching from an infestation, then some homeopathic preparations often prove helpful in soothing the itch and the soreness. Try using ledum or caladium for flea bites, or sabadilla which has also been known to repel fleas as well as soothing sore skin.

Eradicating fleas without using chemicals requires patience and above all persistence. Make sure that you find a routine and stick to it even when it seems that all the fleas have disappeared. After six months or so, it should be possible to move onto a maintenance program that ensures that cleaning of furniture, carpets and pet bedding is carried out once a week, and that your pet is bathed using a citrus oil based shampoo. If the fleas return, then revert back to a fuller routine.

Protect Your Dog - Fleas & Ticks

A We all love our pets, but the parasites that they often pick up are not quite as welcome! One of the most common problems of pet ownership is that of fleas on your cat or dog. Often, it can seem that the only choice you have of tackling this problem is to use one of the many chemical preparations that are on the market, and whereas these are perfectly safe, many people do not like the idea of putting so many chemicals onto their pet. This can be of special concern if there are children in the household who are likely to stroke the animal.

If you would prefer not to use a chemical preparation to treat fleas, then there are non chemical methods available. As with most things, prevention is often better than cure, and this is true in the treatment of fleas, as once present, the lifecycle of a flea makes them very difficult to eradicate. A flea larvae can lie dormant for a few months, before hatching and re-infecting the pet.

Begin by making sure that you have a healthy animal, as this seems to have a bearing on how they deal with fleas. Animals that are sickly seem to have a greater disposition to harbouring flea infestations than those that are fit and healthy. Feed your pet a natural diet that is rich in yeast and garlic. For larger breed of dogs, use up to one clove of garlic in their food per day, as this seems to have a repellent effect on fleas.

Vigorous cleaning of the area that your pet uses in the house is essential. Vacuum floors and furniture on a regular basis, paying attention to nooks and crevices. Remember that you should also wash your pets bedding, using hot water with detergent at least once a week.

Bathe your dog once a week for prevention, or twice a week if they already have an infestation. Use an organic shampoo that contains citrus oils, and if possible, leave the shampoo on for as long as possible before rinsing it off. A good tip is to comb your dog while he stands in the bath using a flea comb. Make sure that you rinse any fleas off the comb with hot soapy water (not in the bath with the dog). Rinse the shampoo off your cat or dog thoroughly and finish the routine with a herbal rinse using one of the following herbs: pennyroyal, lavender, eucalyptus or lemon. It is easy to make your own herbal rinse by crushing the herbs and steeping them in one pint of boiling water. Leave this overnight, and when you use it, make sure that you rub it well into your pets coat. If you are treating a cat, then use eucalyptus or lemon in the rinse.

Dried herbs rubbed well into your pets dry fur are effective in repelling fleas. Use equal amounts of rosemary, eucalyptus, fennel, and yellow dock (or as many as you can find in a dried form), and rub them into dry fur once a week as a prevention, or twice a week if your pet already has fleas on their body.

If your pet is suffering from sore skin due to scratching from an infestation, then some homeopathic preparations often prove helpful in soothing the itch and the soreness. Try using ledum or caladium for flea bites, or sabadilla which has also been known to repel fleas as well as soothing sore skin.

Eradicating fleas without using chemicals requires patience and above all persistence. Make sure that you find a routine and stick to it even when it seems that all the fleas have disappeared. After six months or so, it should be possible to move onto a maintenance program that ensures that cleaning of furniture, carpets and pet bedding is carried out once a week, and that your pet is bathed using a citrus oil based shampoo. If the fleas return, then revert back to a fuller routine.

Protect Your Dog - Fleas & Ticks

A We all love our pets, but the parasites that they often pick up are not quite as welcome! One of the most common problems of pet ownership is that of fleas on your cat or dog. Often, it can seem that the only choice you have of tackling this problem is to use one of the many chemical preparations that are on the market, and whereas these are perfectly safe, many people do not like the idea of putting so many chemicals onto their pet. This can be of special concern if there are children in the household who are likely to stroke the animal.

If you would prefer not to use a chemical preparation to treat fleas, then there are non chemical methods available. As with most things, prevention is often better than cure, and this is true in the treatment of fleas, as once present, the lifecycle of a flea makes them very difficult to eradicate. A flea larvae can lie dormant for a few months, before hatching and re-infecting the pet.

Begin by making sure that you have a healthy animal, as this seems to have a bearing on how they deal with fleas. Animals that are sickly seem to have a greater disposition to harbouring flea infestations than those that are fit and healthy. Feed your pet a natural diet that is rich in yeast and garlic. For larger breed of dogs, use up to one clove of garlic in their food per day, as this seems to have a repellent effect on fleas.

Vigorous cleaning of the area that your pet uses in the house is essential. Vacuum floors and furniture on a regular basis, paying attention to nooks and crevices. Remember that you should also wash your pets bedding, using hot water with detergent at least once a week.

Bathe your dog once a week for prevention, or twice a week if they already have an infestation. Use an organic shampoo that contains citrus oils, and if possible, leave the shampoo on for as long as possible before rinsing it off. A good tip is to comb your dog while he stands in the bath using a flea comb. Make sure that you rinse any fleas off the comb with hot soapy water (not in the bath with the dog). Rinse the shampoo off your cat or dog thoroughly and finish the routine with a herbal rinse using one of the following herbs: pennyroyal, lavender, eucalyptus or lemon. It is easy to make your own herbal rinse by crushing the herbs and steeping them in one pint of boiling water. Leave this overnight, and when you use it, make sure that you rub it well into your pets coat. If you are treating a cat, then use eucalyptus or lemon in the rinse.

Dried herbs rubbed well into your pets dry fur are effective in repelling fleas. Use equal amounts of rosemary, eucalyptus, fennel, and yellow dock (or as many as you can find in a dried form), and rub them into dry fur once a week as a prevention, or twice a week if your pet already has fleas on their body.

If your pet is suffering from sore skin due to scratching from an infestation, then some homeopathic preparations often prove helpful in soothing the itch and the soreness. Try using ledum or caladium for flea bites, or sabadilla which has also been known to repel fleas as well as soothing sore skin.

Eradicating fleas without using chemicals requires patience and above all persistence. Make sure that you find a routine and stick to it even when it seems that all the fleas have disappeared. After six months or so, it should be possible to move onto a maintenance program that ensures that cleaning of furniture, carpets and pet bedding is carried out once a week, and that your pet is bathed using a citrus oil based shampoo. If the fleas return, then revert back to a fuller routine.

Use a Leash For the Love of Your Pet

Leash Training

How many times have you seen a dog on a leash bounding on ahead while his poor owner is dragged helplessly behind?  The dog-walking-its-owner situation is a common one, and it arises from a failure to train the dog to follow proper leash behavior.  

The Need to Have Your dog on a Leash

You might think leaving your pet to roam free and fettered is acceptable.  After all, he's well trained, knows not to eat rubbish, and is always well behaved around others, right? 

Wrong.  

A leash is not just an effective tool  for training your dog, but also a necessity for your dog throughout his lifetime.

Left alone without a leash, a dog can injure himself in your own yard or garden. If you allow him to bound about on the streets without a leash on him, he is exposed to the possibility of accidents.  Dogs have a nasty habit of eating garbage, and if your beloved pet has ingested even a tiny amount of rotting garbage from the neighborhood dumpster, he could fall seriously ill, with diarrhea being the least of his health problems.  If you live in the outskirts of town, with a lot of vegetation and trees around, you're likely sharing your surroundings with many small animals, insects and reptiles that can bite and injure your dog.

Then, there's the question  of your neighbors and the community. It's not civic sense to leave your dog free to roam about, trampling on others' flower beds, and soiling their property.  

And then there's the biggest and most serious danger of leaving your dog free without a leash.  With an unleashed dog, you have very little hope of control when he gets aggressive towards other people.  Remember, your dog is an animal, and its unrealistic to expect that you will be able to predict or control his behavior in every situation.  If you have your dog on a leash, you will be able to restrain him when he begins to get aggressive towards another person.  Without a leash, a dog can inflict serious injuries on others, putting you at risk for expensive litigation. There has been an increase in the number of dog attacks reported in the US, and a majority of these are committed by dogs who were not on a  leash at the time of the attack.  

Even if your dog has been trained to obey your commands, it might not mean much in the heat of the moment when all he wants to do is attack.  Having a leash will also prevent your pup from being involved in fights with other dogs.  Two dogs fighting is never a pretty sight, and depending on the size and breed of dogs, there can be plenty of bloodshed.  Dogs have a naturally competitive streak, and see other dogs as competition - for food, mates etc.  If you have your pooch on a pet, you can restrain him, and prevent a bloody dog fight.

In many ways, a dog is like a little child. They mean no harm, but let their instincts guide their actions.  It's up to you as the owner to have a leash on your dog always, and to teach him  proper leash behavior. Having a leashed dog is not going to be of much use if your seventy five pound German Shepherd is bounding after a poodle at the park, and you're being dragged right behind it!

Here's how you can properly train your dog not to pull at his leash:

First of all, make sure he's outfitted with the proper leash.  A retractable leash is not recommended by experts, because it teaches a dog that when he pulls hard, he can go further.  Body harnesses are equally undesirable, and actually encourage pulling.  Instead of being able to pull you along with the help of his neck muscles, a body harness allows your dog to use his shoulder weight to exert a stronger and more powerful force, and pull you right along!  A regular nylon collar attached to a six foot leash is ideal for leash training.

Once you have the leash on your pup, stand perfectly still.  When his excitement has subsided and he's calm, take a step forward and then, stop again.  Now praise him, and offer him a treat.  Continue the procedure - taking one step forward at a time, stopping, and then offering your dog a treat or praise.  As he gets used to stopping after one step, increase the number of steps to two, and then three, and so on.  

If he's mastered this initial lesson, walk around with him in your yard or garden, before moving out on the street.  If you feel him pulling forward, stop till you can feel some slack in the leash.  

Don't keep walking him when he's pulling.  This makes him think you're rewarding him for his behavior. You can also try turning around, and going in the opposite direction whenever you feel your dog pulling. 

Training Your Dog - Digging

  When your dog digs there is usually some underlying reason.  Consider that dogs dig naturally to reveal his prey or is used to bury his food to use later. Dogs might dig to build an underground shelter of sorts as a windbreak or to keep warm.  When it is warmer, a small hole may keep your dog a bit cooler.  Some dogs might even dig before they urinate or defecate.

     Many dogs, even indoors, simulate digging when they find a place to rest.  This type of digging behavior does not usually cause immediate damage, but it could wear down your carpet over time.  Generally speaking then, digging does not cause much of a problem until it destroys property.  In order to try and prevent the digging behavior, you should first try to prevent the opportunity for digging and find an alternative activity, one that your dog finds  physically challenging and fun.

  Generally speaking it is probably best that your dog not be left alone and unsupervised for a great length of time in the yard.   Your dog should be less likely to waste time and energy digging holes if you walk him regularly or provide productive physical activities or training time. Make sure to have daily play sessions that apply basic dog obedience skills.

Choosing a Dog Crate

 A dog training crate should ideally be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down in.  You certainly don’t want the crate to be too small as your dog will be uncomfortable.  But the dog crate can be too big as well. You do not want the dog kennel to be too large because then the dog or puppy will have space to go potty on one side and sleep on the other side of the dog crate. 
Make sure when you buy the dog crate that it will be the right size for you dog when he is fully grown not just puppy size.  If you get the dog crate when your dog is still a puppy, you can get a panel that divides the kennel and allows your puppy to grow into the dog crate.

You can buy a dog training crate in either plastic or metal, but each has a more appropriate use for your dog or puppy.  The plastic type of dog crate is more suited for travelling.  The are lightweight and allowed on most airlines.  The metal wire dog crate are more suited for your house.  They tend to last longer, usually have more room and better ventilation.  The metal dog crate is more of a long-term domicile for you dog or puppy.

Use a Leash For the Love of Your Pet

Leash Training

How many times have you seen a dog on a leash bounding on ahead while his poor owner is dragged helplessly behind?  The dog-walking-its-owner situation is a common one, and it arises from a failure to train the dog to follow proper leash behavior.  

The Need to Have Your dog on a Leash

You might think leaving your pet to roam free and fettered is acceptable.  After all, he's well trained, knows not to eat rubbish, and is always well behaved around others, right? 

Wrong.  

A leash is not just an effective tool  for training your dog, but also a necessity for your dog throughout his lifetime.

Left alone without a leash, a dog can injure himself in your own yard or garden. If you allow him to bound about on the streets without a leash on him, he is exposed to the possibility of accidents.  Dogs have a nasty habit of eating garbage, and if your beloved pet has ingested even a tiny amount of rotting garbage from the neighborhood dumpster, he could fall seriously ill, with diarrhea being the least of his health problems.  If you live in the outskirts of town, with a lot of vegetation and trees around, you're likely sharing your surroundings with many small animals, insects and reptiles that can bite and injure your dog.

Then, there's the question  of your neighbors and the community. It's not civic sense to leave your dog free to roam about, trampling on others' flower beds, and soiling their property.  

And then there's the biggest and most serious danger of leaving your dog free without a leash.  With an unleashed dog, you have very little hope of control when he gets aggressive towards other people.  Remember, your dog is an animal, and its unrealistic to expect that you will be able to predict or control his behavior in every situation.  If you have your dog on a leash, you will be able to restrain him when he begins to get aggressive towards another person.  Without a leash, a dog can inflict serious injuries on others, putting you at risk for expensive litigation. There has been an increase in the number of dog attacks reported in the US, and a majority of these are committed by dogs who were not on a  leash at the time of the attack.  

Even if your dog has been trained to obey your commands, it might not mean much in the heat of the moment when all he wants to do is attack.  Having a leash will also prevent your pup from being involved in fights with other dogs.  Two dogs fighting is never a pretty sight, and depending on the size and breed of dogs, there can be plenty of bloodshed.  Dogs have a naturally competitive streak, and see other dogs as competition - for food, mates etc.  If you have your pooch on a pet, you can restrain him, and prevent a bloody dog fight.

In many ways, a dog is like a little child. They mean no harm, but let their instincts guide their actions.  It's up to you as the owner to have a leash on your dog always, and to teach him  proper leash behavior. Having a leashed dog is not going to be of much use if your seventy five pound German Shepherd is bounding after a poodle at the park, and you're being dragged right behind it!

Here's how you can properly train your dog not to pull at his leash:

First of all, make sure he's outfitted with the proper leash.  A retractable leash is not recommended by experts, because it teaches a dog that when he pulls hard, he can go further.  Body harnesses are equally undesirable, and actually encourage pulling.  Instead of being able to pull you along with the help of his neck muscles, a body harness allows your dog to use his shoulder weight to exert a stronger and more powerful force, and pull you right along!  A regular nylon collar attached to a six foot leash is ideal for leash training.

Once you have the leash on your pup, stand perfectly still.  When his excitement has subsided and he's calm, take a step forward and then, stop again.  Now praise him, and offer him a treat.  Continue the procedure - taking one step forward at a time, stopping, and then offering your dog a treat or praise.  As he gets used to stopping after one step, increase the number of steps to two, and then three, and so on.  

If he's mastered this initial lesson, walk around with him in your yard or garden, before moving out on the street.  If you feel him pulling forward, stop till you can feel some slack in the leash.  

Don't keep walking him when he's pulling.  This makes him think you're rewarding him for his behavior. You can also try turning around, and going in the opposite direction whenever you feel your dog pulling. 

Training Your Dog - Digging

  When your dog digs there is usually some underlying reason.  Consider that dogs dig naturally to reveal his prey or is used to bury his food to use later. Dogs might dig to build an underground shelter of sorts as a windbreak or to keep warm.  When it is warmer, a small hole may keep your dog a bit cooler.  Some dogs might even dig before they urinate or defecate.

     Many dogs, even indoors, simulate digging when they find a place to rest.  This type of digging behavior does not usually cause immediate damage, but it could wear down your carpet over time.  Generally speaking then, digging does not cause much of a problem until it destroys property.  In order to try and prevent the digging behavior, you should first try to prevent the opportunity for digging and find an alternative activity, one that your dog finds  physically challenging and fun.

  Generally speaking it is probably best that your dog not be left alone and unsupervised for a great length of time in the yard.   Your dog should be less likely to waste time and energy digging holes if you walk him regularly or provide productive physical activities or training time. Make sure to have daily play sessions that apply basic dog obedience skills.

Choosing a Dog Crate

 A dog training crate should ideally be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down in.  You certainly don’t want the crate to be too small as your dog will be uncomfortable.  But the dog crate can be too big as well. You do not want the dog kennel to be too large because then the dog or puppy will have space to go potty on one side and sleep on the other side of the dog crate. 
Make sure when you buy the dog crate that it will be the right size for you dog when he is fully grown not just puppy size.  If you get the dog crate when your dog is still a puppy, you can get a panel that divides the kennel and allows your puppy to grow into the dog crate.

You can buy a dog training crate in either plastic or metal, but each has a more appropriate use for your dog or puppy.  The plastic type of dog crate is more suited for travelling.  The are lightweight and allowed on most airlines.  The metal wire dog crate are more suited for your house.  They tend to last longer, usually have more room and better ventilation.  The metal dog crate is more of a long-term domicile for you dog or puppy.

Use a Leash For the Love of Your Pet

Leash Training

How many times have you seen a dog on a leash bounding on ahead while his poor owner is dragged helplessly behind?  The dog-walking-its-owner situation is a common one, and it arises from a failure to train the dog to follow proper leash behavior.  

The Need to Have Your dog on a Leash

You might think leaving your pet to roam free and fettered is acceptable.  After all, he's well trained, knows not to eat rubbish, and is always well behaved around others, right? 

Wrong.  

A leash is not just an effective tool  for training your dog, but also a necessity for your dog throughout his lifetime.

Left alone without a leash, a dog can injure himself in your own yard or garden. If you allow him to bound about on the streets without a leash on him, he is exposed to the possibility of accidents.  Dogs have a nasty habit of eating garbage, and if your beloved pet has ingested even a tiny amount of rotting garbage from the neighborhood dumpster, he could fall seriously ill, with diarrhea being the least of his health problems.  If you live in the outskirts of town, with a lot of vegetation and trees around, you're likely sharing your surroundings with many small animals, insects and reptiles that can bite and injure your dog.

Then, there's the question  of your neighbors and the community. It's not civic sense to leave your dog free to roam about, trampling on others' flower beds, and soiling their property.  

And then there's the biggest and most serious danger of leaving your dog free without a leash.  With an unleashed dog, you have very little hope of control when he gets aggressive towards other people.  Remember, your dog is an animal, and its unrealistic to expect that you will be able to predict or control his behavior in every situation.  If you have your dog on a leash, you will be able to restrain him when he begins to get aggressive towards another person.  Without a leash, a dog can inflict serious injuries on others, putting you at risk for expensive litigation. There has been an increase in the number of dog attacks reported in the US, and a majority of these are committed by dogs who were not on a  leash at the time of the attack.  

Even if your dog has been trained to obey your commands, it might not mean much in the heat of the moment when all he wants to do is attack.  Having a leash will also prevent your pup from being involved in fights with other dogs.  Two dogs fighting is never a pretty sight, and depending on the size and breed of dogs, there can be plenty of bloodshed.  Dogs have a naturally competitive streak, and see other dogs as competition - for food, mates etc.  If you have your pooch on a pet, you can restrain him, and prevent a bloody dog fight.

In many ways, a dog is like a little child. They mean no harm, but let their instincts guide their actions.  It's up to you as the owner to have a leash on your dog always, and to teach him  proper leash behavior. Having a leashed dog is not going to be of much use if your seventy five pound German Shepherd is bounding after a poodle at the park, and you're being dragged right behind it!

Here's how you can properly train your dog not to pull at his leash:

First of all, make sure he's outfitted with the proper leash.  A retractable leash is not recommended by experts, because it teaches a dog that when he pulls hard, he can go further.  Body harnesses are equally undesirable, and actually encourage pulling.  Instead of being able to pull you along with the help of his neck muscles, a body harness allows your dog to use his shoulder weight to exert a stronger and more powerful force, and pull you right along!  A regular nylon collar attached to a six foot leash is ideal for leash training.

Once you have the leash on your pup, stand perfectly still.  When his excitement has subsided and he's calm, take a step forward and then, stop again.  Now praise him, and offer him a treat.  Continue the procedure - taking one step forward at a time, stopping, and then offering your dog a treat or praise.  As he gets used to stopping after one step, increase the number of steps to two, and then three, and so on.  

If he's mastered this initial lesson, walk around with him in your yard or garden, before moving out on the street.  If you feel him pulling forward, stop till you can feel some slack in the leash.  

Don't keep walking him when he's pulling.  This makes him think you're rewarding him for his behavior. You can also try turning around, and going in the opposite direction whenever you feel your dog pulling. 

Training Your Dog - Digging

  When your dog digs there is usually some underlying reason.  Consider that dogs dig naturally to reveal his prey or is used to bury his food to use later. Dogs might dig to build an underground shelter of sorts as a windbreak or to keep warm.  When it is warmer, a small hole may keep your dog a bit cooler.  Some dogs might even dig before they urinate or defecate.

     Many dogs, even indoors, simulate digging when they find a place to rest.  This type of digging behavior does not usually cause immediate damage, but it could wear down your carpet over time.  Generally speaking then, digging does not cause much of a problem until it destroys property.  In order to try and prevent the digging behavior, you should first try to prevent the opportunity for digging and find an alternative activity, one that your dog finds  physically challenging and fun.

  Generally speaking it is probably best that your dog not be left alone and unsupervised for a great length of time in the yard.   Your dog should be less likely to waste time and energy digging holes if you walk him regularly or provide productive physical activities or training time. Make sure to have daily play sessions that apply basic dog obedience skills.

Choosing a Dog Crate

 A dog training crate should ideally be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down in.  You certainly don’t want the crate to be too small as your dog will be uncomfortable.  But the dog crate can be too big as well. You do not want the dog kennel to be too large because then the dog or puppy will have space to go potty on one side and sleep on the other side of the dog crate. 
Make sure when you buy the dog crate that it will be the right size for you dog when he is fully grown not just puppy size.  If you get the dog crate when your dog is still a puppy, you can get a panel that divides the kennel and allows your puppy to grow into the dog crate.

You can buy a dog training crate in either plastic or metal, but each has a more appropriate use for your dog or puppy.  The plastic type of dog crate is more suited for travelling.  The are lightweight and allowed on most airlines.  The metal wire dog crate are more suited for your house.  They tend to last longer, usually have more room and better ventilation.  The metal dog crate is more of a long-term domicile for you dog or puppy.

Stop Your Barking Dog

Barking dogs are often a nuisance but it helps to understand why your dog is barking. Remember, there are many different reasons why dogs bark excessively.  Oftentimes some people use a dog barking collar to control the barking, but this is not necessary.

A dog will often bark to attract attention when they are lonely or bored, or sometimes they are simply overly sensitive to every movement or sound. It is possible that your dog has learned to bark as a means to get your attention. If he or she has been barking and you’re yelling “Stop Barking!”, he learns it’s an easy way to garner attention.

It is necessary to keep three objectives in mind when attempting to correct inappropriate or excessive barking. First, avoid the situations that tend to provoke the barking; secondly, reduce the number of barks when they do begin barking; and finally, increase the duration of the quiet times between barking sessions. It is usually very difficult to eliminate barking altogether. Remember, it is okay for a dog to briefly bark a happy greeting when you return home or “sound the alarm” when he sees something out of the usual.

There are also some basic training techniques that can be done to reduce excessive barking. First of all, do yourself and your dog a favor by learning some basic dog training. You will be able to establish yourself as the leader, so that when you give the command "No Bark!" he will instantly obey. And please, do not physically punish your dog for barking. It is very hard for dogs to understand, after the fact, what they being rebuked for. 

It is also a good idea to praise your dog when he is not barking. This might seem silly, but it usually works. As your dog is lying around quietly, say, "Good Dog!" After the third or fourth alarm bark, say, "NO BARK!" When he stops his barking, ask him to "Sit," followed with praise and a "Good Dog!" You have then given a verbal reprimand for excessive barking and followed it up with a command and praise which indicates what you would like him to do after he barks an alarm. Try to use a quiet, soft voice which will force him to listen to you. 

If your dog barks immediately after you leave your home, you might want to change the way you leave. Try to act unemotional, simply saying “Bye-bye, Rover” and then walking out. Practice this when you are not really leaving your house for good. Do so by leaving your house for a short while and then quietly returning. If he is not barking, go into the house and give him lots of praise. If he is barking, verbally reprimand him and leave again. Be consistent and persistent with your training and your dog will stop barking in no time.

Stop Your Barking Dog

Barking dogs are often a nuisance but it helps to understand why your dog is barking. Remember, there are many different reasons why dogs bark excessively.  Oftentimes some people use a dog barking collar to control the barking, but this is not necessary.

A dog will often bark to attract attention when they are lonely or bored, or sometimes they are simply overly sensitive to every movement or sound. It is possible that your dog has learned to bark as a means to get your attention. If he or she has been barking and you’re yelling “Stop Barking!”, he learns it’s an easy way to garner attention.

It is necessary to keep three objectives in mind when attempting to correct inappropriate or excessive barking. First, avoid the situations that tend to provoke the barking; secondly, reduce the number of barks when they do begin barking; and finally, increase the duration of the quiet times between barking sessions. It is usually very difficult to eliminate barking altogether. Remember, it is okay for a dog to briefly bark a happy greeting when you return home or “sound the alarm” when he sees something out of the usual.

There are also some basic training techniques that can be done to reduce excessive barking. First of all, do yourself and your dog a favor by learning some basic dog training. You will be able to establish yourself as the leader, so that when you give the command "No Bark!" he will instantly obey. And please, do not physically punish your dog for barking. It is very hard for dogs to understand, after the fact, what they being rebuked for. 

It is also a good idea to praise your dog when he is not barking. This might seem silly, but it usually works. As your dog is lying around quietly, say, "Good Dog!" After the third or fourth alarm bark, say, "NO BARK!" When he stops his barking, ask him to "Sit," followed with praise and a "Good Dog!" You have then given a verbal reprimand for excessive barking and followed it up with a command and praise which indicates what you would like him to do after he barks an alarm. Try to use a quiet, soft voice which will force him to listen to you. 

If your dog barks immediately after you leave your home, you might want to change the way you leave. Try to act unemotional, simply saying “Bye-bye, Rover” and then walking out. Practice this when you are not really leaving your house for good. Do so by leaving your house for a short while and then quietly returning. If he is not barking, go into the house and give him lots of praise. If he is barking, verbally reprimand him and leave again. Be consistent and persistent with your training and your dog will stop barking in no time.

Stop Your Barking Dog

Barking dogs are often a nuisance but it helps to understand why your dog is barking. Remember, there are many different reasons why dogs bark excessively.  Oftentimes some people use a dog barking collar to control the barking, but this is not necessary.

A dog will often bark to attract attention when they are lonely or bored, or sometimes they are simply overly sensitive to every movement or sound. It is possible that your dog has learned to bark as a means to get your attention. If he or she has been barking and you’re yelling “Stop Barking!”, he learns it’s an easy way to garner attention.

It is necessary to keep three objectives in mind when attempting to correct inappropriate or excessive barking. First, avoid the situations that tend to provoke the barking; secondly, reduce the number of barks when they do begin barking; and finally, increase the duration of the quiet times between barking sessions. It is usually very difficult to eliminate barking altogether. Remember, it is okay for a dog to briefly bark a happy greeting when you return home or “sound the alarm” when he sees something out of the usual.

There are also some basic training techniques that can be done to reduce excessive barking. First of all, do yourself and your dog a favor by learning some basic dog training. You will be able to establish yourself as the leader, so that when you give the command "No Bark!" he will instantly obey. And please, do not physically punish your dog for barking. It is very hard for dogs to understand, after the fact, what they being rebuked for. 

It is also a good idea to praise your dog when he is not barking. This might seem silly, but it usually works. As your dog is lying around quietly, say, "Good Dog!" After the third or fourth alarm bark, say, "NO BARK!" When he stops his barking, ask him to "Sit," followed with praise and a "Good Dog!" You have then given a verbal reprimand for excessive barking and followed it up with a command and praise which indicates what you would like him to do after he barks an alarm. Try to use a quiet, soft voice which will force him to listen to you. 

If your dog barks immediately after you leave your home, you might want to change the way you leave. Try to act unemotional, simply saying “Bye-bye, Rover” and then walking out. Practice this when you are not really leaving your house for good. Do so by leaving your house for a short while and then quietly returning. If he is not barking, go into the house and give him lots of praise. If he is barking, verbally reprimand him and leave again. Be consistent and persistent with your training and your dog will stop barking in no time.

Stop Your Dog from Jumping Up

How to Stop Your Dog From Jumping Up

Jumping comes naturally to a dog. It's how he shows his joy. In the wild, dogs greet others by rubbing noses. When you consider that your dog might be trying to connect with you or others by rubbing noses, this behavior becomes easier to understand.

When your pet is still a little puppy, all those enthusiastic displays of affection and joy can be gratifying and let's admit, more than a little flattering. Flash forward to a few months later, and your dog is now big enough and heavy enough to actually harm or injure you by jumping on you the moment you step in the door. A seventy pound dog jumping on you can easily knock you off balance.

If your dog is making your guests the focus of all this affection, you can't always be sure they appreciate all the loving. They might be afraid or feel uncomfortable. They might not like their clothes and hair being messed up by a big slobbering dog dribbling saliva inches from their face. If it's a person who doesn't have any experience with pet dogs, they could even panic leading to all kinds of undesirable consequences.

Teaching your dog to display acceptable behavior in the company of others is an important part of responsible dog ownership. You might think your dog is cute and smells great, but your friends or guests might not agree. When you invite guests into your home, you must be mindful that your dog doesn't make them uncomfortable, and a jumping dog actually makes more people uncomfortable than you think.

For a dog to be taught not to jump on others, you have to first train him not to jump on you. It isn't possible to teach him that a particular behavior is acceptable when it's displayed towards you, but completely undesirable when it's displayed towards others. Begin training your dog not to jump on you form the time he's a puppy. Bad habits left ignored only continue into adulthood, and you'll have a harder time getting your dog to stop his jumping behavior if you wait till he's seventy pounds of muscle and slobbering all over you.

Tips for Training your Dog not to Jump
Take a look at your current behavior with your dog, and how you react when he jumps on you when you walk in the door. Do you resign yourself to his affection and say "Ok" Ok, boy, down boy, down?" If this sounds familiar, you might know it, but you're actually encouraging his jumping behavior, and establishing it in his mind as desirable behavior. There has been no punishment, and no reason for him to stop his behavior. You haven't' been angry with him. In fact, you've done nothing to show your dog you don't approve of his jumping. Don't expect your dog to figure out what's in your mind. He needs to be taught that you don't encourage certain behaviors, and ignoring it and hoping he'll grow out of it doesn't help.

The next time you walk in the door, and your dog jumps on you, turn around before he has a chance to rest his paws on your shoulder. Ignore him till he stops the jumping actions,and avoid all eye contact. Then, once he's on the ground and calmer, turn around and pet him and praise him for being such a good dog. Remember, he shouldn't be jumping at the time of praise; he should be sitting and calm. Timing is crucial here.

Use the "sit command to distract him when he is about to begin his his normal jumping routine. This forces him to stop focusing on jumping, and begin obeying the "sit" command. He won't be able to jump when he's sitting. Now, pet him and praise him to reinforce the sitting behavior. Come down to his level, and interact with him, and return his greetings this way.

The "Off" command works fine too, if used instead of the "sit" command.

If you find using the "sit" and "off" commands isn't doing anything to calm your excited dog, throw him off balance...literally. When your dog is leaning on you with his paws on you, take a small step forward, so he is forced to retreat backwards. Don't take a step backward yourself; he'll think you're playing a game which only establishes the jumping behavior as desirable. When you move a step ahead, he will find it harder to walk backwards on his two legs. For smaller dogs, you might want to take a small step, so you don't risk completely throwing them off and on to the ground. You can also try leaning on the dog a little to throw him off balance.

Some dog training experts advocate kneeing a dog in the chest to discourage his jumping behavior. This might work in some situations, but the disadvantages are too many. Kneeing your beloved pet might not be easy to do, and you risk injuring your dog if you knee him too hard.

Remember, the longer your dog goes without learning to restrain himself with you and others, the harder you will find to get him to lose this undesirable behavior. If your dog is making a nuisance of himself in the presence of company, begin training him immediately.

Stop Your Dog from Jumping Up

How to Stop Your Dog From Jumping Up

Jumping comes naturally to a dog. It's how he shows his joy. In the wild, dogs greet others by rubbing noses. When you consider that your dog might be trying to connect with you or others by rubbing noses, this behavior becomes easier to understand.

When your pet is still a little puppy, all those enthusiastic displays of affection and joy can be gratifying and let's admit, more than a little flattering. Flash forward to a few months later, and your dog is now big enough and heavy enough to actually harm or injure you by jumping on you the moment you step in the door. A seventy pound dog jumping on you can easily knock you off balance.

If your dog is making your guests the focus of all this affection, you can't always be sure they appreciate all the loving. They might be afraid or feel uncomfortable. They might not like their clothes and hair being messed up by a big slobbering dog dribbling saliva inches from their face. If it's a person who doesn't have any experience with pet dogs, they could even panic leading to all kinds of undesirable consequences.

Teaching your dog to display acceptable behavior in the company of others is an important part of responsible dog ownership. You might think your dog is cute and smells great, but your friends or guests might not agree. When you invite guests into your home, you must be mindful that your dog doesn't make them uncomfortable, and a jumping dog actually makes more people uncomfortable than you think.

For a dog to be taught not to jump on others, you have to first train him not to jump on you. It isn't possible to teach him that a particular behavior is acceptable when it's displayed towards you, but completely undesirable when it's displayed towards others. Begin training your dog not to jump on you form the time he's a puppy. Bad habits left ignored only continue into adulthood, and you'll have a harder time getting your dog to stop his jumping behavior if you wait till he's seventy pounds of muscle and slobbering all over you.

Tips for Training your Dog not to Jump
Take a look at your current behavior with your dog, and how you react when he jumps on you when you walk in the door. Do you resign yourself to his affection and say "Ok" Ok, boy, down boy, down?" If this sounds familiar, you might know it, but you're actually encouraging his jumping behavior, and establishing it in his mind as desirable behavior. There has been no punishment, and no reason for him to stop his behavior. You haven't' been angry with him. In fact, you've done nothing to show your dog you don't approve of his jumping. Don't expect your dog to figure out what's in your mind. He needs to be taught that you don't encourage certain behaviors, and ignoring it and hoping he'll grow out of it doesn't help.

The next time you walk in the door, and your dog jumps on you, turn around before he has a chance to rest his paws on your shoulder. Ignore him till he stops the jumping actions,and avoid all eye contact. Then, once he's on the ground and calmer, turn around and pet him and praise him for being such a good dog. Remember, he shouldn't be jumping at the time of praise; he should be sitting and calm. Timing is crucial here.

Use the "sit command to distract him when he is about to begin his his normal jumping routine. This forces him to stop focusing on jumping, and begin obeying the "sit" command. He won't be able to jump when he's sitting. Now, pet him and praise him to reinforce the sitting behavior. Come down to his level, and interact with him, and return his greetings this way.

The "Off" command works fine too, if used instead of the "sit" command.

If you find using the "sit" and "off" commands isn't doing anything to calm your excited dog, throw him off balance...literally. When your dog is leaning on you with his paws on you, take a small step forward, so he is forced to retreat backwards. Don't take a step backward yourself; he'll think you're playing a game which only establishes the jumping behavior as desirable. When you move a step ahead, he will find it harder to walk backwards on his two legs. For smaller dogs, you might want to take a small step, so you don't risk completely throwing them off and on to the ground. You can also try leaning on the dog a little to throw him off balance.

Some dog training experts advocate kneeing a dog in the chest to discourage his jumping behavior. This might work in some situations, but the disadvantages are too many. Kneeing your beloved pet might not be easy to do, and you risk injuring your dog if you knee him too hard.

Remember, the longer your dog goes without learning to restrain himself with you and others, the harder you will find to get him to lose this undesirable behavior. If your dog is making a nuisance of himself in the presence of company, begin training him immediately.