To Train a Dog ~ Pawfect Dog Obedience

Train a Dog to Lie Down

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:17:00 +0000

How to Train a Dog to Lie Down

Training your dog to lie down is one of the most used commands that you will use. The lie down command is often a prerequisite your dog should learn before moving to more advance commands such as the stay command. Before training your dog to lie down your dog should be familiar with the sit command by reading how to train your dog to sit.

Things You'll Need:

A quiet room with little distractions to help your dog focus.
A handful of your dogs favorite treats.

How to Train Your Dog to Sit:

With a treat in hand, get your dogs attention.
Have your dog sit in front of you. Having your dog sit first will help prevent him from just walking to the treat in your hand rather than lying down.
Hold the treat in front of your dog's nose and slowly lower it to the ground in front of him.
As your dog begins to lower say your dog's name followed by the command 'down' (You are free to choose the down command to your preference as long as it is not overly long or confusing)
Once your dog has lied down, praise him enthusiastically and reward him with the treat.
Practice these steps several times, the goal is to have the dog lie down with just the use of the command or hand movement.

One thing to keep in mind, avoid pushing your dog down. If he doesn't lie down on his own, try again later. If you catch him laying down on his own, say your down command and praise him. Training your dog to lie down is one of the easiest commands to teach and sets up the foundation for further obedience training.

If this is your first time training a dog, you should review the Dog Training Basics before starting.

Train a Dog to Walk on a Leash

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:53:00 +0000

Train a Dog to Walk on a Leash

Taking a walk with your dog should be an enjoyable experience for you and your dog. Allowing your dog to pull you around by the leash enforces his bad walking behavior and can also be dangerous. An improperly leashed train dog can be a hazard to you, other people and quite often the dog himself which is why it is essential to train a dog to walk on a leash.

Choosing a Leash for Training Your Dog

A plain nylon or leather leash is ideal to train your dog. Avoid using a retractable leash until your dog is trained to walk on a regular leash. The reason is that retractable leashes give you less control over your dog as well as gives your dog mixed signals on how far ahead he is allowed to go. A plain collar leash no longer then 5 feet is the optimal tool to leash train a dog.

How to Train a Dog to Walk on a Leash

Eliminate all possible distractions. If your dog is not fully focused on you and the training then only part of the message will get through. Try to pick a quiet, secluded area to practice. Once your dog begins to show progress walking on a leash, slowly introduce more distractions.
Make sure you have your dog under control before starting to walk. When dogs feel pressure on the leash, they tend to pull away themselves. This is called opposition reflex.
Give your dog the 'let's go' command and begin walking.
When you start walking, your dog will start pulling on leash. Release the tension in the leash and walk in the opposite direction.
Once your dog notices you walking in the opposite direction, he will come to you. Once he comes to your side, praise and reward while gathering up the slack on the leash.
The idea is to make your dog comfortable on the leash and encourage him to walk with you naturally without feel like he is being forced to do so.
Reward and praise enthusiastically as much as possible. Your do g is more inclined to listen and do what you ask when there is treats involved.
Practice this routine several times until it becomes second nature to you dog. Your dog will soon learn that being next to you is the best place to be.

Once you have trained your dog to walk on a leash properly you will find that walking your dog will more enjoyable and even relaxing!

If this is your first time training a dog I suggest that you should also check out Dog Training Basics - Do's and Dont's

Train a Dog to Fetch

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:31:00 +0000

How to Train a Dog to Fetch

All dogs can be trained to fetch. It can come more naturally to some dogs depending if their breed is known for retrieving. Training your dog to fetch is a great way to exercise your dog while you do not have to retrieve the ball yourself!

What is needed to train a dog to fetch?

Many dog owners start off with a stick to fetch or a favorite toy. The stick resembles a bone which they may already be familiar with, plus it can be easier for your dog to pick up off the ground as opposed to a ball. Using their favorite toy also promotes familiarity and increases the chances that your dog will care enough to retrieve it.
Treats! Dogs love treats and will do just about anything to get their reward!
A long leash, preferably 8 feet or longer. This allows for you to maintain control and let the dog to fetch at the same time. A leash is can be optional, it all depends on how comfortable of confident you are with your dog.

How do I train my dog to fetch?

Follow the following steps below to train your dog into a fetching machine!

Start training in an area with little to no distractions. We all know how nosy dogs are, so try to remove all distractions by training in an empty backyard or field.
Get your dog to focus on the toy/stick and toss it a few feet away. Say "fetch" in a calm firm voice and let your dog chase after the toy.
Once the dog has picked up the toy, use the leash to gently guide him back to you. When the dog is within arm's length say "give" and take the stick/toy from their mouth. Your goal is to not fight the dog for the toy, you are trying to train your dog to fetch not play tug-of-war.
Praise and reward once toy is released. This is the most important step when training a dog. Plenty of praise and reward lets your dog know that he has done what you wanted him to do.
Repeat and be consistent. Continue to practice fetching and giving by using the same method each time. Changing your training methods midway through training can cause unneeded confusion.

Before you know it, you will have successfully trained your dog to fetch!

Dog Boot Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:13:00 +0000

Boot Camp for Dogs

Is it for your dog?

A relatively new training technique has been gaining popularity in the dog training world. Intense training programs that are commonly refereed to as dog boot camp. As the name suggests, these programs are aimed at dogs that are difficult to train and promise to correct behavioral problems. Dog boot camp programs, curriculum and costs vary from school to school.

Courtesy of www.tlck9academy.com

Most doggie boot camps focus on the basic commands such as sit, stay, and coming when they're called. Their curriculum is also likely to include teaching your dog to walk on a loose leash as well as good manners: not jumping on people, taking food/treats gently, etc. For the dog that requires special attention, custom programs to suit your dogs needs are often available.

There is often a debate on the effectiveness on dog boot camps. One of the reasons why dog owners do not approve of boot camp programs is that some schools have been known to use punishment-based techniques instead of positive reinforcement training. It is also argued that due to the intense boot camps cover too much with too little time and not enough focus on the core fundamentals. Perhaps the biggest reason why dog boot camps do not work for every dog is that some owners expect miracles and that their dog problems will be fixed over night. Dog training requires time and repetition, which is something that a dog boot camp may not be able to provide.

Many dog owners seek out obedience training and dog boot camps as a solution to training their dog. It is up to the dog owner to decide what is best for their dog, boot camp is not for every dog. Before enrolling in any sort of dog training, research the dog training school. Is the trainer qualified to conduct the training? Learn about the training methods used by the trainer, or if possible sit in for a few classes yourself. For good measure, ask for a list of references.

While professional obedience training can make a huge difference in your dog's behavior, you are perfectly capable of training your dog yourself for free! Your dog and wallet will thank you!

Do you have experience with or an opinion about dog boot camps? Please share!

Train a Dog to Shake

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 03:05:00 +0000

Train a Dog to Shake Hands

Training your dog to shake a paw is a great way bond with your dog and have some fun together. The shake command is one of the easiest tricks you can teach your dog. For whatever reason, most dogs are experts at shaking paws it just comes naturally. With a little time and repetition your dog will be a high fiving, hand shaking machine!

For your dog to learn the shake command. you must first train your dog to sit. I've written a post on teaching the sit command and you can click on the link above if you haven't already done so.

How to train your dog to shake hands:

Decide on the command you will be using. The most common used command is "Paw" but "Shake" "Shake a paw" or anything else you can come up with will work as long as it isn't too complicated. Commands should be short and direct, but feel free to use your imagination!
Treats are your best friend. Make sure to have a healthy supply of small treats available. Dogs learn to repeat a behavior when they associate it with a reward.
Get your dog's attention and have him sit. The best way to ensure your dog's attention is to let him see the treat. Now he will be more then happy to do what is necessary to get that treat!
Say the decided command and hold out your hand. Your dog my naturally let you take his paw. If he does, make sure to reward and praise. If he doesn't shake on his own, grab your dogs paw gently up by the elbow and put it into the hand shake position. While you are shaking hands praise and reward!
Phase out the treat. Once your dog starts to get the hang of the shake command, slowly begin to phase out the treats by replacing it with lots of verbal praise. Your goal is to have your dog eventually respond without the reward of a treat.
Practice makes perfect. This goes for any sort of dog training that you are attempting. You need to practice your dog tricks over and over again until they become automated responses to the verbal commands.

A word of caution! Use at your own risk, I used to have a Shih-Tzu that was quite the sneaky puppy. He became so proficient with paw shaking that he would plant himself right in front of us and extend his paw to anything he could get a grip on for that slight chance that he may be rewarded with a milk bone. It didn't take him long to figure out how to use his newly learned skills against us!

Breed of the Week - Silky Terrier

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:54:00 +0000

Silky Terrier - Breed of the Week

Thanks to Sandy Mesmer for this weeks dog breed spotlight on Silky Terriers. Sandy is an artist and has been breeding and showing Silky Terriers for over 25 years! I highly recommend that you check out Sandy's Small Dog Training blog which is full of great information.

"The little dog that fits into our hearts and homes, no matter how large the former nor how small the latter, none fit better of all the breeds than the Australian Silky Terrier." Frank Longmore, Australian All-Breed judge

The Silky Terrier is a 10 lb. silky-coated toy-sized dog. He is friendly, but forceful as only a terrier can be. He is agile and light footed, and looks out on the world with a curious air that would seem to denote a degree of intelligence seldom encountered in a dog so small. A toy, designed no doubt as a pet, still he has done his share of worthwhile work, for it is told that he has helped to control rodents on many an Australian poultry farm. (1)

What's the difference between a Silky and their more popular cousin, the Yorkshire Terrier?

Ash, a dog writer from the 1800’s, mentioned "bonnie wee Skyes with long silky hair." It can be postulated that at that time enterprising Skye breeders produced a miniature and soft-coated version of their breed. Denied recognition by the parent club, they went on to produce the now extinct Paisleys and Clydesdales, which looked like miniature Skye Terriers.

In the 1840's and 50's, the northern English pub owners latched on to these "mini Skyes". They needed small scrappy terriers for their rat pits (where dogs would be thrown into a pit full of rats and bets laid as to how fast they could kill). The smaller the dog, the greater the betting. Perhaps these small but tough dogs were bred together with the equally scrappy but slightly bigger Black and Tans (progenitor of the Manchester Terrier), to produce the blue, tan and fawn of the Silky Terrier and the blue and tan coloring of the Yorkshire we see today.

The father of the Yorkshire Terrier is Huddersfield Ben, seen here below in about 1865.

The Yorkshire then developed from Ben, but what about the Silky? Below is our Tessier Tagalong Heir Apparent, better known as "Albert". Interesting comparison, isn't it?

Also interesting is that Ben's grand-dam, Katie immigrated with her owners to Australia, where the Silky Terrier (also known as the Australian Silky Terrier) was developed.

The facts as we know them are these. Yorkshire Terriers and Silky Terriers are genetically just about the same.

But the Yorkie developed in an industrialized society -- northern England -- where tiny size, long flowing coats and the ability to hide in milady's sleeve were prized. Silkys were also developed as companion dogs, but their owners were mostly pioneers who prized the Silkys' joy of life, independent thinking and scrappy, terrier qualities, resulting in a somewhat larger and tougher breed.

But -- What's a Silky's Temperament??

Silkys, as mentioned above, are first and foremost a terrier. They love their own people. Other dogs, maybe not so well. They can be dog aggressive. Some do okay at dog parks, some don’t. In general, Silky Terriers and very young children do not mix well. Silky puppies are small enough to be easily damaged physically or mentally by even a well-meaning small child. But a sweet young adult can be fine. One incredibly long-suffering Silky boy was even willing to be dressed up and put in his adored four year old's baby doll's carriage. Silkys can make a wonderful companion for an older child, as they are always ready for an adventure.

Are Silkys yappy? While I have met the occasional dog that considers barking a recreational activity, Silkys will usually bark only for a reason and are good watchdogs. In general, Silkys have a high activity level. My Rocket visited my sister once for a week. Her husband was a bit concerned that Rocket would be bouncing off the walls. Rocket could certainly be enthusiastic, especially when greeting someone, but soon plopped down in the middle of the room, back legs straight out behind him, alertly watching his people for the next game to play.

Because of their high activity level, Silkys do best with their own enclosed backyard to run off steam and chase rabbits, lizards or squirrels. They can live in an apartment, but one needs to be prepared for lots of walks.

For more information about Silkys you can contact Sandy Mesmer at smesmer@yahoo.com.

(1) Reprinted from

"The Complete Dog Book"

Worlds Loudest Dog Bark

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:01:00 +0000

Worlds Loudest Dog Found

Guinness World of Records has recorded a dog bark of 108 decibels belonging to Daz the four year old German Shepherd giving him the title of the world's loudest dog. To hear a sample of Daz's record setting back, click here.

Peter Lucken is the proud owner of the world's loudest dog.

It is hard to imagine just how loud 108 decibels, below is a list of the decibel levels of common sounds to put it into perspective.

Fireworks (140)
Snowmobile (120)
Chainsaw (110)
Lawn mower (90)
Vacuum Cleaner (80)
Normal conversation (60)

In this story, the old cliche is true. This dog's bark is worse than his bite. I just would not want to be his neighbor! To read more about this record setting canine, click here for the BBC News article.

Train a Dog to Sit

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 03:08:00 +0000

Train Your Dog to Sit

Training your dog to sit is the typical pet-owner's trick of choice when venturing into the gratifying world of dog training. The sit command is one of the most basic training exercises but should not be underestimated or ignored. Many pet-owners do not teach their dog this simple task even though the use of the sit command with a properly trained dog can be used to keep them out of trouble.

Before you begin it would be a good idea to check out my previous blog entry about the Do's and Don'ts of Dog Training and outlines some basic tips to keep in mind while class is in session.

OK now lets get started. First off all, there is no denying that your dog knows how to sit. He has been doing this all his life. You could even all him an expert in the area. What you are trying to teach your dog is to sit on command, so no rewards for him sitting with out being told to!

Start your dog training in an area with little to no distractions. Once your dog becomes more proficient with the new commands that he will be learning you can start to introduce more and more distractions.
Make sure your dog is hungry. If your dog is full, chances are he will not be very interested in the treat dangling before him. Try to use small, quick to chew reward or treats so he doesn't lose his focus and concentration.
Get your dogs attention by saying his name in a normal voice. You don't want to get him all excited and jumpy while expecting full concentration.
Start with the treat close to the dog's nose and move it slowly backwards just above his head. Eventually he will have no other choice to sit; if the treat is too high he may opt to jump instead.
As soon as the dog sits, say 'Sit' in a firm but calm voice. Make sure to use the same command every time. 'Sit' is not the same as 'Spot, sit' or 'Sit Spot.' This will help eliminate any command confusion that may occur.
Once the dog is sitting, give him the reward and lots of praise for a job well done. If the landing is unsuccessful don't worry about punishing. Just ignore it and try again.
Practice, practice, practice! Like any training, repetition is vital to your dog's training success. Slowly decrease the food rewards by substituting them with an enthusiastic petting and a 'good dog!'

In closing, avoid pushing on the dog's bum to sit. He might start to associate your pushing this with the actual command and expect you to push his bum every time. Let him figure it out for himself and you'll both be happier in the long run.

If you have a technique that has worked for you, please share!

Free Basic Dog Training Tips - Dos and Don'ts

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:07:00 +0000

Free Basic Dog Training Tips

A well-trained dog will usually lead a happier and healthier life style, not to mention the owner will have an easier time with their furry family member. Dog training is more than teaching your dog to sit and roll over. Basic obedience, house training, and socializing all play an important part in your dog’s education. Before you begin the task of training your dog, a firm understanding of the fundamentals while help your dog start off on the right paw. This article’s goal is to list the common mistakes some owners make when they start out training their dog. Some of the information is common sense, and some of it we don’t realize just how much of an impact one little thing can have until you stop and think. Tricks aren’t the pinnacle of dog training although they do have their purpose. Usefulness is the goal sought after, good behavior that comes naturally from the dog should be developed and encouraged.

Don’t expect a miracle right away. Depending on the dog, it could take upwards of sixth months for your dog to show any measurable progress. Dogs aren’t dumb, some just have an easier time with training then others. Training never ends, so don’t give up.
While you are training your dog, don’t let everyone to give commands to your dog. In the early stages, consistency is the most important factor. Commands given from 2 different people could sound different to your dog and end up confusing the poor guy.
Include playtime while training, your dog will greatly appreciate a break from study. Even dogs need a recess to blow off some steam. Try for a 5 minute break every 20 minutes or so.
Be very patient especially if your dog is still a puppy. You don’t want to lose your cool and physically strike your dog. Dogs should never fear, or made nervous by their master. This lack of trust can eventually lead your dog to strike out in defense if provoked.
Don’t train your dog immediately after he has eaten. Dogs are like humans, they don’t want to have to run a marathon after Christmas dinner!
Be consistent! For example, don’t praise your dog when he is playing with your sandals today and think it’s fun then at a later time scold him for playing with your favorite pair of shoes. This only promotes confusion and distrust in your dog.
Don’t nag your dog with constant commands. No one likes working with their boss breathing down their neck, dogs are the same way.
For your safety and your dogs. Keep him on a leash while outsides at all times until properly trained. Your dog could get seriously hurt or hurt someone else if you cannot control him properly and gets away. So for peace of mind, keep him leashed up!

To end, try to keep these 8 tips in mind. It is a long process to train your dog, so enjoy it and have some fun along the way.

40 Dog Tricks in Nine Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:46:00 +0000

40 Dog tricks performed by Russell the dog!

Here is a video of one smart pooch showing off, a lot of hard work and dedicated by Russell and his human is clearly demonstrated. Just goes to show what our canine friends are capable of!

Train a Dog to Stop Barking

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 03:11:00 +0000

Train Your Dog to Stop Barking

Dogs bark for a variety of reasons:

Dogs bark to alert you that they have heard or seen something unusual.
Dogs bark when they're afraid of something to make it go away.
Dogs bark when they are stressed, frustrated, bored, and hungry.
...they will also bark out of sheer boredom!

How to Handle Excessive Barking

One thing to keep in mind when evaluating your dog barking problem is that barking is usually the symptom of another problem, for example; when hungry. If you fix the problem, the barking will most likely go away on its own.

Prevent and Stop Excessive Barking

Exercise. Release that pent-up energy otherwise used for barking by playing a few rounds of fetch or going for a walk.
A lonely dog can be a noisy dog. If you find your dog gets lonely, try not to leave him alone for too long.
Do not pet or comfort your dog when he is barking for attention, it will just reinforce the barking and possibly make it even worse.
Shouting at your barking dog can sound like more barking to your dog, and may cause him to bark even more.
Redirect and reward. Try to get his attention by snapping or clapping, then redirect him to something more productive and quieter! Reward with a treat once successful.
Teach your dog the speak and be quiet commands.

Remember, you can never eliminate barking completely. Dogs, just like people need a way to express themselves. Dogs are a lot like children in that they must be taught to use their inside voices which requires patience and consistency.

20 Unique and Creative Dog Names

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 04:09:00 +0000

20 Unique and Creative Dog names:

Hilo
Lansing
Oslo
Bonkers
Chuckles
Jiffy
Keebler
Sergeant
Mack
Manley
Bonsai
Crumbs
Goober
Rusty
Chip
Shade
Harlow
Pearl
Kewpie
Pixie

5 Ideas for Homemade Dog Toys

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:15:00 +0000

5 Ideas for Homemade Dog Toys

Homemade dog toys are a great way to save money and reuse everyday items that would have ending up in the garbage or collecting dust. Take a look at the list we put together below for ideas on how to make homemade dog toys that your dog will love. It should be noted that you must be careful when giving your dog an item that is not designed to be used in such manner and you should be supervising your dog during play. Only use items that are non toxic, never contained a toxic substance, do not pose as a choking hazard. With a little common sense in mind, you and your dog will have hours of fun from something as simple as a plastic pop bottle!

-Plastic bottle toys. This toy is defiantly a hit amongst dogs. Remove the label and cap and your good to go. Give the bottle a squeeze and the crackling noise will really get your dog going. It makes a great toy to toss around and play fetch with. Change it up a bit by tossing in a few dried beans and screwing on the lid tightly, or by tossing a few treats inside and leaving the lid off. The plastic bottle will probably only last for one play session, but good news you can still return it for your deposit! Click here for a video of the plastic bottle chew toy in action!

-Rope toy from old towel. By tying knots into an old towel you can make an excellent chew toy, or a rope to play tug of war. Be sure to use a towel that is clean and hasn’t been used for a toxic substance. To really drive your dog crazy, soak it in broth before giving it to them. A big old sock works just a good too.

-Treat ball. Cut a small hole in a tennis ball and fill it with treats. Your dog will be kept busy trying to figure out how to get the bounty inside!

-Bubbles! Dogs love bubbles. With a little dishwashing liquid you can make your own bubbles. Don’t get too carried away though, too many bubbles can give your dog quite the nasty tummy ache so don’t do this too often.

-Rope ball. Drill a couple holes in an old rubber ball and loop a piece of rope through. This makes a great toy for playing fetch as the rope is a great alternative to grabbing that ball covered in slobber.

Dog toys don’t have to break the bank, these cheap and easy to make toys are great alternatives that your dogs are sure to love. Dog toys are great for exercise and reducing bored for your furry friend, but it is also a great way for you to bond with your dog. Please feel free to share any of your homemade dog toys that you’ve made so we can continue to add to this list!

Breed of the Week - Labrador Retriever

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:17:00 +0000

The very first Breed of the Week from Dog Focus is putting the spotlight on the Labrador Retriever. Often called a Labby or Lab for short, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed of dog according to registered ownership. Labradors come in three colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. A full grown Labrador Retriever can grow up to 24 inches tall and weigh between 60-80 pounds.

The Labrador Retriever are great companions for people of all ages with their gentle, good natured and energetic personalities. With training, the Labrador is one of the most dependable work dog who are known for their retrieving abilities, often accompanying a hunter to retrieve birds or other pray without damage. It is said that Labs can carry an egg in their mouth without breaking it.

Labs are relatively moderate shedders. They have a double coat which they usually shed twice a year, and a little bit throughout the year if you live in a warm climate. With the short hair and moderate shedding groom your Labby does not take a lot of special work, and they do a pretty good job of looking after it themselves.

Labrador Retrievers are very social dogs. They are happiest when surround by their family or other dogs. They do not like to be left alone much. If they get too lonely, they may start to get into mischief. Labs are not nervous or shy dogs, and are usually not afraid of things.
A Labrador Retriever can truly be your best friend. Their gentle nature and easy of care means that a Lab would fit in with just about any family!

How to Control Puppy Biting

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 02:01:00 +0000

Before we get started, it should be noted that puppies bite, there is no denying it. The goal is to encourage play-biting so you can teach them how to stop. Puppies love to sink those razor sharp fangs into just about anything they can get their paws on, which most often includes your hands and feet.

Before you begin any sort of bite training with your new puppy you should keep in mind the following tips. Do not hit your puppy, as your puppy could become afraid of you or see it as a game and encourage biting. Playing rough, wrestling and chasing games can often encourage over excitement and lead to biting. The most important rule of all, no matter how you choose to train your puppy is to be consistent, this means that you and everyone else involved should be enforcing the same strategy when puppy takes a bite.

You goal to start with is to teach your puppy how to control the force of their bite. Play-biting should be just that, for play. It is not very playful when Patches sinks his fangs into your big toe. Here are some tips to help control your puppy's biting:

Redirect the biting from your flesh to a toy. This trick works great for young puppies and is often all that you will need to do. As soon as your puppy starts to bite your hand let out a firm (don't yell) "No" and replace your finger with the decoy toy. A great tip is to use an ice cube if your young pup is teething.
Make your puppy think it is hurting you. This is how dogs sort out biting themselves. Just like how a dog will yelp, you should try to startle your puppy with an "ouch" when bitten, and then pull away. Your puppy will soon learn that when he bites, his playmate will go away.
In more serious biting scenarios, place your thumb in the puppys mouth (not too hard) under the tongue and your other finger under the chin for a few seconds. This won't hurt your pup but it will not be very comfortable for him. Plus this way they will not be able to bite you.
Use a glove with a bad tasting substance. Your puppy will soon learn that biting leads to a foul taste in his mouth. One thing to keep in mind, is that these little buggers are smart, often figuring out when the glove is off and sink their teeth into you!
Use a small spray bottle. This may not work for all dogs, but giving them a spray of water can often deter them if they start to bite.

Above all, remember to be consistent and praise soft biting or withdrawing from inappropriate biting and nipping. With a little patience your little furry friend will know the difference between good play-biting and bad bites or nipping!

Picking a Dog Name

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 18:20:00 +0000

It’s amazing how little people stop to think about picking a dog name. This process is important as during the first few months that you are together you are going to use this name constantly, probably followed by “No!”

It’s been shown that dogs are pretty good at knowing when people are laughing at them and not with them, so picking a silly name may not seem very funny to your new puppy. Choosing an extraordinarily long name means that you have to get that tongue twister of a name out before the command. Chances are the puppy has tuned you out and has moved on before you’re past the fifth syllable. Try a stick with the shorter names that are easier to speak in a hurry.

Try not to pick a name that rhymes with your commands. For example, your puppy Joe isn’t really going to hear the difference between “Joe” and “No.” It is not the kind of misinterpretation you need as your muddy pawed friend is heading your way at mach 3. Names that end in a long E sound like Charlie make great names as the long E sound is more distinguishable to your dog and makes learning their name much easier for them.

Changing a dog’s name can be very confusing to your little friend. There are two good ways to do this to help alleviate confusing for your dog. The first is to try and match the vowel sounds and length of the name. By having the new name rhyme with the old, chances are your dog won’t even notice a difference. The second method is to use a hyphenated name. If your new dog is named Joe and you want to chance it to Charlie, start calling it Joe-Charlie. After about a week, switch the names around and after about two weeks try dropping Joe. If it doesn’t work, just repeat the steps as some dogs take longer to make the connection.

The most important aspect of picking a name is to find one that works for you. Generally, your dog won’t mind what you call him as long as you don’t call him late for dinner. So be creative and have fun, and make sure it is something you are comfortable hollering from the front door as Mr. Snuggles takes off after the neighborhood cat!

9 Tips For First Time Dog Owners

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 05:38:00 +0000

There is a reason why they say dogs are a man’s best friend, but the first time dog owner needs to understand that there is hard work and commitment involved with raising a well behaved furry friend. Your dog should be seen as a member of your family, and give them the love and respect they deserve. Owning a dog should be seen as a lifestyle as your furry friend will depend on you to take care of his needs, as well as teach them right from wrong.

Dog proof your house. An adult dog may not require much dog proofing if trained properly, but a puppy will see average everyday stuff of left about as an open invitation to play with and potential harm themselves. Keep electrical cords and other wires hidden as much as possible so they cannot be reached. Pick up any small and swallow-able items from the floor or from anywhere within your dogs reach. Avoid any houseplants that can be toxic to your dog. Some common houseplants that are toxic to dogs are: Aloe vera, Philodendron, and Caladium. A good rule of thumb is that anything left on the floor will be fair game to your puppy, so even that favorite pair of socks may not be safe.
Puppy vs full-grown dog. Generally speaking, puppies are easier to handle for the inexperienced owner because they haven’t received any training yet and are ready to be molded. An improperly-trained full-grown dog can be taught to behave, but it can be a more difficult task for the new dog owner. Puppies are defiantly a lot of work because they have no training, but it also gives you the chance to stop any bad habits before they get out of control.
Choose a dog breed carefully. Be sure to research various dog breeds before choosing your puppy. The first time dog owner should steer towards the breeds with a submissive reputation. Dogs with a more dominant reputation may be more difficult to keep under control and eventually control you! Submissive breeds are generally easier to control and train. When choosing your puppy, roll them onto their back and rub their tummy. Usually a more dominant puppy will resist; a more submissive puppy will allow you to do so.
Learn about the health of your dog. Research the various types of dog food available, and choose a brand that promotes a healthy immune-system and growth. You should take your new dog to the vet for a check up to catch any potential health problems.
Discourage the bad behavior right from the beginning. Puppies don’t know any better which means they will misbehave, or nip and bite a people. If you allow it do to this it will reinforce these behaviors making them harder to break. Even young puppies can be taught the basic commands like sit and down. It if possible, enroll yourself in a dog obedience course so you and your puppy can learn the proper way to deal with each other!
Socialize your puppy. Even your new puppy needs a change of scenery once in a while. By exposing your new puppy to new people, animals, and places while they are young they will be less nervous in new experiences as they grow older. Taking your puppy on car rides to fun places will help them to not associate the car ride with a trip to the vet!
Never hit your dog. Physically punishing your dog will make it fearful and distrustful of humans which can lead to an unwanted incident. Use a happy high pitched voice to give praise, and a low, short voice when it is misbehaving. Never yell, as it will provoke fear as well.
Be patient while house-training. Some puppies take right to house-training while others need a little more encouragement. You can help your puppy figure things out quicker by confining him to a small room, or crate when you cannot supervise. It is instinct for dog to not go in their own bed. You should clean up any accidents immediately with the proper cleaning products as it is in the dogs nature to go in a spot that has been previously soiled. Do not rub their nose in their mess or physically punish your puppy, be sure to praise and reward when they finally make progress.
Give your puppy its own toys. Puppies should have their own dog-safe toys to play with. Depending on their tastes, they may prefer hard or soft toys. You should experiment to find out which kind your puppy prefers. If you don’t want your puppy chewing on your new pair of slippers, don’t give it your old ones! If you catch your puppy chewing on something he shouldn’t be, replace it with its own toy until it learns the difference. Give lots praise when your puppy play with its own toys and be sure to join in. What’s the point of buying all those fancy toys if you can’t have a little fun!

About & Contact

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 03:50:00 +0000

My name is Chris. I am a pet lover of all kinds. I have owned dogs, cats, fish, and a bird. This blog is meant to be all about dog training with a little bit of dog tips, tricks and fun thrown in. The Internet is full of information when it comes to training your dog. My goal is to sift through as much as I can to bring you simple and clear instructions on what I feel is the easiest way to teach your furry friend how to behave and enjoy life. With a little time and patience you can get the same results as paying for obedience classes, so why not save a little money and have tons of fun along the way.

I live in Canada; born and raised Alberta boy! (Go Flames Go!) I work for the local telecommunications company in an office all day staring at maps and computer screens. In the evenings I enjoy surfing the Internet for articles and websites that I find interesting and hopefully you will too. I am a self proclaimed nerd at heart who has been known to spend my fair share of time zoned (my wife will agree) out playing a variety of computer games or Xbox 360.

Feel free to contact me anytime, I'd love to hear feedback from you guys, the readers! If you have questions, comments, or any other sort of inquiry drop me an email at pawfectdog@gmail.com