Puggle

The Puggle is a hybrid dog that is the result of crossing a Beagle with a Pug. They are a very popular breed that is quite cute, energetic and loving. They can have a very sweet-temper, and can be social, playful and intelligent. They are a wonderful small companion and possess many of the great traits that make the Pug and Beagle such wonderful canines.

They have a very curious nature and find various scents intriguing; they will follow their nose whenever they pick up an interesting smell. Puggles are truly a wonderful pet who are happy to please and are eager to be loved.

Puggles were first bred in the 1980’s in the U.S. State of Wisconsin, and are the result of crossing a purebred Pug with a purebred Beagle. Puggle breeder, Wallace Havens is credited as the person who coined the word "Puggle", and is also the first to register his dog with the American Canine Hybrid Club. The breed did not receive widespread popularity until 20 years later, when it became a favorite pet among many U.S. families across the nation. Today, the Puggle is recognized as the most popular hybrid dog.

General Appearance - Puggles are a crossbreed, and because of this fact, their physical appearance is difficult to generalize compared to that of purebred dogs, especially since they don’t have a breed standard. Though Puggles generally look alike, the appearance of these dogs is dependant on their parents. That being said, many of these pooches often have the fawn colored coat and wrinkled black masks that are characteristic of Pug’s but a body length, longer muzzle and floppy ears similar to the Beagle. It is not uncommon for this designer dog to also have a thickset body, underbite, short legs, and a Beagle-length tail with a Pug curl.

The Puggle coat is smooth, straight and short haired. It is available in a wide variety of colors, but fawn or tan with a black mask covering the muzzle and around the eyes is the most common. That said, fawn Puggles can have a varying degree of black coloring on their face, some feature full masks, while others have very small amounts. In addition to fawn, some dogs are born solid black, white, tri-colored or may have multi-colored coats.

Typical Temperament - Puggles are sweet tempered lap dogs, and yet are very playful creatures. They are energetic, affectionate and bright. They bond quickly with their owners and family, and are excellent companions. They are very social animals and require plenty of attention. and want to be involved in as much activity with their pack as possible.

They are friendly toward strangers, other dogs, household pets and children. Puggles have a keen sense of smell, like a Beagle, finding many smells very interesting, and will be inclined to track scents. They like to use their voice and will alert their owners to strange sounds and people, making them a good watchdog. Overall, they are a happy-go-lucky dog with a very friendly disposition.

Grooming - The Puggle coat is easy to care for and only requires a weekly brushing. It is important to brush him at least once a week, as this will help with the removal of excess hair and assist in controlling his overall shedding. This breed does shed their hair regularly. The coat only needs to be bathed when necessary.

Their facial wrinkles should be cleaned every few days with a damp cloth to make sure any trapped dirt is removed to prevent infections from occurring. Discharge should be wiped carefully from their eyes with a tepid wash cloth. Nails must be clipped on a monthly basis, ears should be checked and cleaned weekly, and teeth brushed every few days to help keep teeth and gums healthy.

Exercise - While he is a happy lap dog, not unlike the Pug, Puggles also have natural hunting instincts like Beagles. Since this is the case, they do have plenty of energy and need a certain amount of daily exercise to be happy. It is recommended that this breed receives a minimum of one long daily walk (approximately 30 - 40 minutes), in addition to other activities, that may include fetch, the freedom to run about a safe yard, and so on.

Note: Puggles are sensitive to extreme hot and cold temperatures. Furthermore, due to their shortened muzzle, they can have difficulty catching their breath if they are overly excited or exercised too much. When outside in warmer temperatures, they should be provided with a shaded area for rest, as well as water, as they can overheat and tire quickly when active.

Approximate Food Cost - Based on the health, activity level, weight, and other aspects of the Puggle’s life, a veterinarian will typically recommend that he or she consume between 1 ¼ to 1 2/3 cups of quality dry dog food every day. Depending on the brand and where the food is purchased, this should cost an average of $15 to $20 per month.

Puggles are a relatively healthy breed, but owners need to be aware that this dog is prone to any genetic illness that may affect their parents, and are also at risk for any disease that affects the Pug or Beagle breeds. Health concerns a Puggle may face include, cherry eye, entropion, skin infections, slipped stifles (dislocated kneecaps), back problems, epilepsy, lameness, respiratory issues, and Pug Dog Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) to name a few. This breed is also prone to overheating and is intolerant of extreme temperatures.

Common Illnesses include: eye problems, Pug Dog Encephalitis, lameness respiratory issues, skin infections.

Living conditions - This breed can happily live in an apartment and will do fine without a yard. They are active indoors and love to lie in the laps of their owners. Nevertheless, they still need a long daily walk and the occasional space where they can romp around in to release energy, have fun and to feed their natural instincts.

Training - Puggles are relatively easy to train. They are intelligent and are motivated by praise and treats. They respond well to firm, yet gentle training and will learn quickly if they are taught with persistence, consistency and repetition. They can be obstinate if the training sessions are boring, so they need to be interesting and short for best results. They need a reliable and solid leader, early socialization, and obedience training to develop a wonderful and healthy temperament.

Common Problems - Some issues that owners will experience with this particular canine is that they are difficult to housetrain. Patience, a consistent routine, repetition, praise and reward are key to making this training a success as quickly as possible. Crate training will also be helpful. Puggles are highly sensitive to temperatures and can overheat quickly. This can be a problem as this breed has Beagle instincts and likes to be active. Make sure he is never over-exercised and is provided with a cool spot to rest, as well as plenty of water. Some Puggles will howl, making a baying sound that is Beagle-like if they are excited. Finally, this dog is prone to separation anxiety.

Puggles are fantastic designer dogs that are very popular among dog lovers. They are incredibly social and are fabulous company for adults, children, seniors and other household pets. They are lively and have a joyful disposition that makes them easy to love. He is content with just about any living quarters and is happiest when in the company of those he loves. The Puggle is a beautiful crossbreed and a companion unlike any other.

Related posts:

PugDog Breed InformationBreed Specific Dog Training MenuPuggle Training - How To Do a Basic Sit-StayHow To Train A Puggle

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How To Train a Dog To Accept Other Dogs and People

Chances are your dog will spend a lot of time with you. But he’s also likely to come into contact with other people, and, of course, other dogs. Ideally, when these situations occur your dog will be confident and won’t exhibit inappropriate aggression or fear. Here’s some tips to help you train your dog to be comfortable in social situations.

Start Early

Trainers and behaviorists generally agree that dogs begin learning many responses when they are still puppies. So if you want your dog to be comfortable around other dogs and other people, you need to get started right from puppy-hood.

Give Your Puppy New Experiences

It’s important to get your puppy desensitized to a variety of experiences so that he’s used to all the many sights, sounds, smells, and other sensations that he’s likely to encounter at some point in his life.

The process, which people sometimes refer to as socialization, should include exposure to different surroundings (such as city streets, parks, waterfront locations, public buildings, various rooms in your house) and noises (lawnmowers, vacuum cleaners, motorcycles, children playing).

Give your puppy an opportunity to walk on different kinds of surfaces and observe a variety of moving vehicles, from bicycles and scooters to buses and trains.

You should also get your puppy used to a variety of people. Expose your dog to people of different ages and ethnic backgrounds, who may wear different styles of dress. Try to get your dog used to seeing people with umbrellas and people in wheelchairs.

Make Sure Your Dog Is Always Comfortable

Exposing your puppy or dog to a variety of experiences is very important. But you must make sure the experience is a positive one for your dog.

It helps to bear in mind that your dog is always learning. Therefore, anytime she has a nice, rewarding time, she’s learning to be more calm and confident. If, on the other hand, she becomes uncomfortable, you risk teaching her something else. She may learn that certain things or people are scary, unpleasant, or even dangerous.

Watch your dog. Use your understanding of her body language to tell if she’s relaxed, or aroused, or anxious. If she ever seems too anxious, or if she shows signs of fear or aggressiveness, that’s a sign that you’ve pushed her too far, too fast.

This is particularly important if your dog is on the timid side. Some dogs are inherently more confident than others. If your dog tends to be under-confident, take special care in exposing her to other dogs and people. Pushing a timid dog too fast can make her fearfulness become worse, instead of better.

Training A Dog To Interact With Others

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Portable Kennel – What’s The Best Portable Kennel

Portable kennels come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate practically any dog or area. Not to be confused with crates, a portable kennel is usually outdoor structures (although some people use them in garages or basements) ranging in size from about 4 feet wide by 6 feet long, to just about as big as you want to make them.

The actual portability of them depends on the finished size of course, but all portable kennels come apart and set up relatively easily if you want to change their location. Generally, they have the advantage of being large enough for a sleeping area (with a dog house, if you like) a play area, and a potty area.

A portable kennel can be used either as your dog’s main exercise and play area in the yard, to contain him if the rest of the yard is in use, or to visually and physically designate a potty area in your yard. They usually come with an attachable roof, so are generally a very secure option for containing your dog safely.

Dog Training

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Home Dog Training

Home Dog Training – Indoor Containment/Confinement

Home dog training means you’re going to need some decent dog training equipment to make your life easier. Indoor confinement options will help you housebreak your dog, as well as help prevent property damage from inappropriate chewing. You will probably want to crate train your dog when for you’re out of the house and when you’re home but can’t pay attention to what your dog is doing.

Gates can be used in home dog training to both to keep your dog in the same room with you and to keep him out of off-limits areas. Finally, tethers and draglines can help you control your dog by limiting his options and keeping him close to you.

A sturdy crate is your best friend (other than your dog, of course) when home dog training and the easiest way to keep your dog from being destructive. When it comes to housebreaking, a crate is practically an essential. Crates come in a few basic types. The most common are plastic airline crates and wire crates. Which type you choose will depend on your budget, decor, and to some extent, your dog.

If you don’t want to have to buy successively larger crates as your dog gets bigger, get the size that will fit him as an adult. Wire crates usually have panels that can be used to adjust the size of the crate. To determine what size crate to get, figure out how much space your dog needs to stand up, lie down, and turn around, without too much room to spare. If your budget allows, you might consider getting two or three crates, so your dog has a safe place to be in your car or in a second room, like your bedroom at night.

In home training your dog, gates are an easy way to give your dog a little more space without giving him the run of the house. Use gates to control space, keeping your dog in and out of specific areas you designate. Gates come in a wide variety of sizes, functions, and prices. From the simplest, old-fashioned, expandable baby gate you can get at your local box store for around $10, to a more elaborate gate with a door that opens when you step on a lever, there is a size and type to suit practically any need and budget.

If you’re home dog training and have an open floor plan, you may have to get creative with your gating choices. You can easily make custom gates from PVC lattice fence panels available at most major home-improvement stores. The panels come in several sizes, but the 4" x 8" sections are probably the most versatile. Attach them together with cable ties or cut them for a custom fit.

Dog Obedience Training

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Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small canine that is highly active, robust and is classified as a type of terrier. They are very busy dogs that like to play and are exceptionally affectionate, devoted and enthusiastic. Mini schnauzers are intelligent and very trainable. They are also quite alert and make fabulous watchdogs.

This breed has distinctive facial features including bushy eyebrows, beard and moustache, resembling their larger cousin the Standard Schnauzer. Mini Schnauzers are great companions and can be an excellent addition to a family. Overall they are a happy and hardy dog that makes a super pet.

Though the origins of the Schnauzer breed dates as far back as the 15th century, the Miniature Schnauzer was not established until a much later time. The Miniature Schnauzer originated in Germany. They are believed to be the result of crossing the Standard Schnauzer with the Affenpinscher and possibly the Poodle. The name of the dog is taken from the German word "Schnauze" meaning muzzle or snout. These canines were initially bred as small farm dogs to be ratters, hunting the grounds for vermin. However, they were also used as hunters, for tracking, as watchdogs and were companion dogs. The Miniature Schnauzer was recognized as a distinct breed in 1899. Today he is a popular pet (the most popular of the three Schnauzer breeds) and excels at performing tricks and in competitive obedience.

General Appearance - The Mini Schnauzer is a small but sturdy dog. He has a well built body that is square in proportion. His strong head has a rectangular shape, his muzzle ends quite bluntly and he has a black nose. He has small, dark brown eyes that are deep set. The ears of the miniature schnauzer are set high up on the head and can be cropped, tapering to a point, or they can be left natural, folding in a V-shape close to the head. The tail is typically docked and is carried erect. If left, natural, the tail is still carried high and arches toward the back.

This breed has a double coat that features a soft undercoat and a wiry outer coat. Their hair is stripped short, close to the body, except for the legs, eyebrows, beard and mustache. The coat comes in a few colors including salt and pepper, black and silver, solid back and solid white.

Typical Temperament - Miniature Schnauzers are smart, energetic and loving canines. They enjoy the company of people but also have an independent nature. They are very good watchdogs and are always on alert. They are suspicious of strangers and will bark to let their owners know of any strange sounds or sights.

These small Schnauzers love to play with and enjoy the company of children when they have been properly socialized with them. Although they can get along with other dogs that have been raised with them, they are not compatible with cats or other smaller pets, especially rodents. Since they were initially bred for hunting vermin the instinct to track and catch these creatures is very strong and cannot be trained out of them. That said, they make good family pets and are wonderful companions when properly socialized and trained.

Grooming - The wiry coat of the Miniature Schnauzer is not difficult to care for but it does need a daily brushing (short wire brush) and combing to prevent matting. In order to maintain their short cut look, they should be clipped or stripped all over twice a year, the hair on the legs and head is usually left a little longer than the rest of the body. They should be bathed only when necessary. Dogs with natural ears need to have their ears checked and the hair of the ear canal should be plucked. Nails need to be clipped monthly and teeth brushed every few days to help maintain oral hygiene. They shed very little.

Exercise - Mini Schnauzers are very energetic little pooches and will enjoy a long, brisk walk or jog. They like to play fetch and should be provided with the freedom to run around off leash whenever possible. He should be given 40 - 60 minutes of exercise per day. This will help to prevent behavioral problems and will allow the dog to expend the energy he has bottled up. Note: These canines should not be allowed off the lead in open areas as they will feel inclined to chase any rodents they happen to see.

Approximate Food Cost - A Miniature Schnauzer ingests about 1½ cups of dry kibble each day at a cost of roughly $15 per month.

Miniature Schnauzers are a healthy breed, but this doesn’t mean that they are free of health problems. Some of the illnesses they are prone to include liver disease, cysts, skin disorders, kidney stones, diabetes, von Willebrand’s disease and hereditary eye problems. Owners need to care that they do not overfeed these little dogs as they can gain weight easily.

Common Illnesses include: Skin disorders, kidney stones, diabetes, cysts, Von Willebrand’s disease.

Living conditions - This dog adapts well to apartment life and is calm and happy indoors as long as he is provided with adequate exercise, including a daily walk. That said, the Mini Schnauzer is especially pleased with a home and nice sized yard.

Training - This breed can be quite willful and independent and must have a firm and reliable trainer or they will choose to follow their own rules. Schnauzers need obedience training and need to be taught that when it comes to their pack, they are not the leader. If he does not recognize his owner as the alpha, he will assume this role and will develop Small Dog Syndrome. These are very bold, determined and intelligent dogs. They enjoy challenges and need a confident and consistent teacher. They are particularly skilled at learning tricks, obedience and agility. Socialization and training needs to be started at an early age.

Common Problems - Miniature Schnauzers are generally a happy and agreeable breed but in order to be well rounded and friendly pooches they need to be socialized and trained as puppies or they can develop a number of unwanted behaviors, such as guarding, separation anxiety, nervous and constant barking, Small Dog Syndrome and become anti-social toward humans and other dogs not in their pack. Furthermore, this dog is naturally inclined to chase rodents, other small animals and birds and needs to be kept on a lead when being walked, and is not suitable with these types of household pets.

The Mini Schnauzer is an excellent companion dog. He is a very versatile pet that is affectionate, playful, dedicated to his family, and posses both watchdog and guarding skills. He has plenty of energy, likes to be active and is happy to go for a walk, a car ride or on any other adventure with his owner. Miniature Schnauzers are very agreeable, happy and an independent breed that matures with a super personality when they are well socialized and provided with consistent obedience.

Related posts:

CockapooDog Breed InformationBreed Specific Dog Training MenuMiniature Schnauzer Training - The Down Command In 5 Easy StepsMini Schnauzer Training - Understanding Your Dog

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Standard Poodle

The Standard Poodle is a lovely dog, and is the original and largest in size of the three Poodle varieties. He is a proud and graceful pooch that is good natured and dignified. He enjoys life, is very intelligent, and is considered to be one of the most trainable breeds. They can be taught many skills and talents, and particularly excel at obedience and tricks.

Standard Poodles are very vivacious and playful. They have plenty of energy, are rather graceful, agile and love to participate in a variety of sports. They are always ready to enjoy whatever life has to offer them, and are pleased to go with their owners just about everywhere they go.

To this day, it is not known where the Standard Poodle originated, but many believe that his development took place in either France or Germany. However, since no one can prove or agree on a country of origin, the breed is considered to be tied to both. Despite the debate over his roots, the Poodle has been in existence for well over 400 years and can be seen in paintings that date back to the 15th century. The dog’s ancestors are believed to be the French Water Dog (a breed no longer in existence), the Barbet and the Hungarian Water Hound. Their name was likely taken from the German word "Pudel", which essentially means "one who plays in water".

In their early days, Standard Poodles were used by German and French hunters for retrieving water foul and sniffing out truffles that were underground in the woods. In fact, the popular Poodle look with the pom-poms and bracelets of hair around their ankles was originally intended for the purpose of allowing the dog to be more agile during hunting, and to keep the joints warm and protected from the cold and the sharp reeds in the water. The French eventually began to use the canine as a circus performer because he was very intelligent and easily learned tricks.

In the 18th century, as the Poodles popularity grew, two new smaller varieties were added to the breed - the Miniature Poodle and the Toy Poodle. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887.

General Appearance - The Standard Poodle is medium to large in size. The skull is fairly rounded with a definite but slight stop. His muzzle is long and straight and he has oval shaped eyes that are dark in color, either brown or black. His ears hang close his head, are flat and long. His legs are proportioned to his body and his webbed feet are oval shaped with arched toes. The topline is level, and the tail is carried straight, up, and is set high. The tail is often docked to half or less than half its length to give the dog a more balanced look.

The Standard Poodle coat can be wiry or curly or soft and wavy. Since it does not shed, the hair can be clipped in diverse styles, such as the "Pet Clip", "Puppy Clip" or "Lamb Clip" (trimmed short all over), "Continental Clip" (The hindquarters, upper portion of the legs and part of the tails is shaved, but bracelets of hair are left around the ankles, while pom-poms are left on the tail and hips), and the "English Saddle Clip" (Virtually the same as the Continental Clip, except the hind quarters are not shaved). The coat comes in solid black, blue, silver, gray, café-au-lait, brown, red, apricot, cream and white. Some breeders even breed parti-colored poodles, though they are not recognized as part of the standard.

Typical Temperament - The Standard Poodle is a proud, intelligent, and noble dog with a gentle nature and a pleasant personality. He is cheerful, devoted, affectionate, and is highly social. Though he is a loving companion, this breed does require exercise and will not be content remaining indoors and sitting at his owner’s feet all day. Due to their active nature, they can become high strung if not provided with the proper mental or physical stimulation.

Poodles are natural born barkers and because of this, make excellent watchdogs, alerting their family to both sounds and strangers. Although they typically enjoy human company, Poodles are not always compatible with very small kids, especially those who do not know how to interact with the breed. They do better with older and more sensible children. They do, however, get along well with other dogs.

Grooming - No matter the type of "clip" a Poodle’s coat is styled in, their hair requires a comb and brushing every day to keep it free of mats. When grooming the coat, you need to be very careful and gentle, and any large knots or mats that are found should be cut out.  Since they don’t shed, they will need to be trimmed every six to eight weeks. While Poodles participating in shows will need to be bathed regularly, the average family pet should only be bathed every few months or when necessary to avoid drying out their skin. Note:  Owners who would like to keep grooming as hassle free as possible, will find that the Pet Clip is the easiest to manage.

In addition to the coat, Standard Poodles need to have their teeth brushed a few times per week and have their teeth scaled regularly. Their ears should be checked frequently for infection and mites, and any wax should be cleaned out. The hair inside the ear canal will also require regular plucking.

Exercise - The Standard Poodle has natural sporting instincts and requires daily activity. He has plenty of stamina, and needs about 30 - 60 minutes of good exercise per day. He can burn his energy in a variety of ways, including walks, fetch, jogging, swimming, and agility sports. He will also enjoy the freedom to run around off lead, and should be provided this pleasure whenever possible in a safe and enclosed space. Note:  while he can obtain his exercise in a variety of ways, it is important to take him out on at least one walk every day for his mental wellbeing.

Approximate Food Cost - The Standard Poodle typically consumes 3 to 4 cups of dry food per day which costs approximately $20 to $30 per month when purchasing a typical quality chow.

Standard Poodles are relatively healthy and can live a long time. Nevertheless, they are prone to illnesses like cataracts, runny eyes, and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), which can lead to blindness. Other problems include allergies, hip dysplasia, skin issues (often the cause of poor or excessive grooming), ear infections, Von Willebrand’s Disease, Addison’s Disease, Epilepsy, and Bloat (the stomach expands and fills with gas and can twist). Since Standard Poodles are prone to Bloat they should be fed 2 - 3 small meals per day instead of one large meal, and should not be exercised directly after eating.

Common Illnesses include: PRA, cataracts, ear infections, allergies, hip dysplasia, runny eyes and Von Willebrand’s Disease.

Living conditions - Though they are well suited to a house with a good sized yard, Standard Poodles are very adaptable to just about any living quarters. They can live happily in an apartment, because while they do have plenty of stamina, they are relatively inactive indoors. That said, despite their inactivity, they will still need to be provided with adequate exercise outdoors, including a daily walk and the freedom to run off lead to prevent destructive behaviors, and the potential for them to become high strung.

Training - Standard Poodles are very easy to train and are exceptionally bright. That said, they need a dedicated and consistent teacher in order to learn and remain obedient. These dogs should be socialized and trained while they are still in the early stages of puppyhood, and need to be provided with firm, yet gentle teachings. They respond well to positive reinforcement, not harsh discipline. This breed is highly sensitive to the tone of a person’s voice, and if they sense that their mind and will is stronger than their owner’s, they will attempt to take charge. Owners must be patient, reliable, confident and unrelenting on rules. The dog must respect you as his leader or you will have no control.

Standard Poodles are exceptionally skilled at competitive obedience, performing tricks, as watchdogs, agility sports and retrieving.

Common Problems - Persistent barking can be a problem with this breed, as they were bred for hunting and are born with the natural inclination to bark. Though you cannot stop your dog from barking, you can control it and prevent it from becoming an incessant habit by providing him with a command that instructs him to be quiet. This should be taught at an early age, and it is essential that you are consistent with this teaching in order for it to work.

Another problem is the Standard poodle can become high strung, which can be very troublesome. To prevent this, simply make sure the canine is provided with plenty of mental and physical stimulation daily. This can include walks, playing, training, and so on.

Standard Poodles are wonderful and unforgettable pets that have plenty of personality. They are graceful, animated and have a lust for life. They are not for owners who want to laze around all day. These dogs need activity, challenge, and full-time companionship. Furthermore, while they are an ideal breed for allergy sufferers, as their hair virtually doesn’t shed, they do require daily grooming because they have a high-maintenance coat. Overall, the Standard Poodle is a noble and cheerful dog that possesses both brains and beauty.

Related posts:

Toy PoodleMiniature SchnauzerLabradoodleToy Poodle Training And Excessive BarkingStandard Poodle Training - Stop Your Dog From Jumping

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Tips For Using A Dog Training Leash

Here we are going to look at some specific exercises for using a dog training leash and training a dog to walk on a lead.

Your dog or puppy’s safety and wellbeing depend on you. A dog should never be allowed to run free unless it is under your supervision in a protected environment, away from danger. You should have already trained your puppy to sit and lie down while wearing a dog training leash and to walk with you without wearing a lead. Now you can teach it to walk on the leash without pulling.

Training a dog for this exercise should start indoors. Let the puppy look at and smell the dog training leash – especially if it is new to him so that he can get accustomed to it. Then attach the lead to the puppy’s well-fitting, comfortable dog training collar.

With the puppy on your left side, hold the dog training leash and a food reward in your right hand. Your left hand holds the slack, ready to slide down to the collar. Give the puppy the “Sit” command.

Begin to walk with your left foot first. As the puppy walks beside you, give the command “Heel”. If the puppy surges forward, slide your left hand down the lead to its collar and gently pull backwards.

When the puppy is in the heel position, give the reward and verbal praise. Then command the puppy to sit. Slowly increase the distance you cover as the puppy obeys the sequence of commands.

Once the puppy is able to walk to heel and sit obediently as you go from room to room, you can train it to turn right. Guide it around to the right with your left hand, and give the command “Heel”.

To make a left turn, increase your own speed and hold the food in front of the puppy’s nose to slow it down. Keep the puppy close to your left leg and give the “Steady” command as it slows down.

Dog Training Tips and Troubleshooting

Climbing up the leash

If the puppy tries to jump up or climb the leash, sternly say “No” or “Off”. Move away, give the “Sit” command, and start again. Do not train on outdoor walks at first – they can be too distracting. Train indoors, and slowly try busier locations.

Collapsing

If the puppy refuses to move, gently and patiently entice it with a favourite squeaky toy.
Do not pull the puppy, or become angry with it. Instead, you should encourage the puppy with praise, and allow it to build up its confidence.

Pulling forwards

Every time the puppy pulls on the dog training leash, stop. Lure it back beside you before stepping off. Neither you nor the puppy should lose concentration. If your dog is particularly boisterous, use a head halter instead of a dog training collar.

Hands-Free Dog Training Leash Tips

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Sit and Stay Commands

The commands “Sit” and “Stay” form the basis of responsible pet ownership and are useful forms of control during outdoor activity. Begin training in a quiet indoor area, such as a hallway, and limit each session to 15 minutes. Once your dog has learned to respond consistently to your word commands, you -will be able to advance to using simple hand signals.

Hold the telescoped lead in your left hand and a treat in your right. As the dog sits, concentrating on the treat, command it to “Sit”.Maintaining tension on the lead, step forwards with your right foot. Give the “Stay” command as you move forwards.Move your left foot to join your right foot, remembering to keep gentle eye contact with the dog at all times.Exerting light pressure on the lead, held over the dog’s head, turn to face the dog. Keep its attention by holding the food up high.Reward the dog for staying. Now slowly walk around the dog, holding the lead above its head. Issue as few commands as possible, so that you do not confuse the dog.After several sessions, the dog should sit and stay while on the lead. Now drop the lead and repeat each of the previous five steps, always praising the dog for good behavior.When the dog sits and stays with the lead dropped, give it the treat. Reward the dog while it is doing what it is told, not afterwards. End the training by opening your arms and saying “OK”.

Problem solving

Greedy dog

Some dogs are very food-oriented. If this is the case with yours, you may find that using food in the stays is too tempting. You will need to judge when and when not to let the dog know that you have a treat.

If the dog moves

You are teaching your dog a completely new language. Do not expect it to understand the commands immediately. If the dog moves, hold it by the collar with your left hand and tuck its bottom down with your right.

Dog Training Tips - Teaching Sit and Stay Commands

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Setting Boundaries Won’t Fence You In

When it comes to our beloved pets, many folks don’t love to set too many boundaries.

Even the most stern of pet owners will typically admit that they like to occasionally pamper their pets, and naturally, a little spoiling is okay. However when not enough boundaries are set, many issues can arise. Firstly, the proven fact that a dog who is given "full run of the house" is sometimes a dog who causes aggravation and isn’t enjoyed as much as those that respect their limits. Whilst no-one is advocating that your dog should have to live a militant lifestyle or not be permitted to have fun, it’s not irrational to have certain expectancies for your pet. As an example, the begging at the table that customarily appears so lovable and leads to you giving your dog human food is bound to lose its charm when guests are attending. Not to mention the jumping you will overlook when your dog is pleased to see you arrive home from work, not quite as amusing when Aunt Sarah is coming in the doorway carrying a cake and wearing vacation clothes.

If your dog could use some work on jumping, begging, barking, taking, play biting, bolting out the doorway or any other behaviors, a little obedience coaching can go a ways toward sharpening up his manners. By teaching your pet some straightforward commands,eg "heel" ( walk at my side ), "sit," "down," "stay" and "come," you can then use the commands in daily life to coach new, good manners when you need them. The down / stay command is useful for working on things like begging, stealing and play biting, whilst the sit / stay is extremely beneficial in working on not jumping, bolting out the doorway or licking visitors. Naturally, there’s also the additional benefit of having your pet respect you more sometimes, so when you are saying "no," he’ll feel more like he needs to listen. If you teach your dog on your own or with aid from a pro, it’s so far easier to enjoy your pet when you have established boundaries for your dog companion. Who knows, by setting those boundaries you just might discover a new found freedom.

Dog Leash Training Tips

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Teaching The Roll Over

With your dog in the down position, you can move on to the roll over exercise.

Because exposing his tummy makes him feel vulnerable (to potential attackers), your dog will lie on his side or back only if he feels safe.

Teaching The Roll Over

1. Show your dog a treat

2. Move the treat closer to his nose, then move it slowly around towards his shoulder, over the back of his neck and then down.

3. The dog’s head will follow your hand until he has to lie flat on his side to keep the treat in sight.

4. At this point say ‘roll over’, and give your dog the treat and stroke his tummy. Practice until he learns that ‘roll over’ is a rewarding command to follow.

Dog Obedience

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Top Dog Training Tips - Training Dogs Not to Bite

Have you tried everything you can to stop dogs from biting? Are you scared that one day your dog may bite a young child? Is your dogs anti-social behaviour affecting YOUR social life because nobody wants to come and visit? If you've answered yes to these questions then you've landed on the right page because here are the top tips for training dogs not to bite.

WHY DO DOGS NIP OR BITE?

Biting is a canine dominance behaviour used to communicate a dogs standing within a pack. A pack can be the other puppies in the litter, a wild group of dogs or you and your family. Allowing your dog to bite will make him/her believe they are leader of the pack.

FEAR - If a dog is cornered or surrounded by people, he/she will be defensive. Children especially should not put their face up close to a dog. The face is the most common area for dog biting injuries.

TO PROTECT - Dogs like to protect things they care about. This could be their toys, their own space or their owner.

SICKNESS - A sick or injured dog could be irritable and should be left to recover, especially by children.

SOCIAL SKILLS - It's important that you choose a breed that is going to suit your environment. If your dog is going to be around children, he/she must be able to tolerate some level of rough treatment without snapping.

THEY'RE GETTING OLD - Older dogs will be more sensitive to touch so may get startled easier.

SO WHAT CAN BE DONE TO STOP DOGS FROM BITING?

IF YOU HAVE A PUPPY - Training dogs not to bite is far easier if you can deal with the problem when he/she's a puppy. They will probably start play biting or nipping. You need to stop this before it develops into a more serious problem. Never allow your puppy to playfully use their teeth on human skin. Ensure you socialize your puppy so he isn't as easily frightened when he/she meets new people.

IF YOU HAVE A TEENAGE DOG - At this age, your dog is still unsure of their rank in the pack. If your dog nips or bites you, try yelping loudly once and then turn your back on your dog and ignore him/her. They will soon take the hint that they will NOT get your attention by biting. Enjoy fun games with your dog and reward them with chew toys (rather than taking a chunk of your hand).

IF YOU HAVE AN ADULT DOG - This is more serious but you CAN still stop dogs from biting when they are older. Seeking professional help is a good option here. The 'Yelp and ignore' method can work on older dogs too. Use your hand to mimic a bite on the scruff on your dogs neck to remind him/her that YOU are the leader of the pack.

Discover how a dog owner on the verge of giving up her dog managed to finally get his biting under control by clicking HERE!

For all dog training problems you need to practice dog obedience training daily. Visit FREE DOG TRAINING to get your FREE 6 DAY COURSE and get one to one personalised consultation with a trained dog professional.

Good Luck!

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Useful Tips on House Training Dogs

We all know that at the heart of any cost-efficient house training strategy lies prevention. Punishment can never be part of the equation, so to speak.

But what are the key ingredients of a good plan anyway? Here are some of those advice on house training dogs.

1) Be consistent in giving your dog high-quality puppy food.

Feed your dog only high-quality premium brand dry (kibble) puppy food. Two things that you will need to limit (if you still do them) are giving your puppy table scraps or switching to a different dog food brand  unnecessarily. In case you see the practical need to prioritize a different puppy food, gradually mix the new puppy food into the current food over a period of 4 to 7 days, until the old food has been exhausted. Now, is there a dietary detail that can affect the stool of the dog and even make him a challenge to housebreak? The answer is yes, since feeding instead your puppy plenty of canned dog food can loosen his stool, thus taking you back to square one in terms of training.

2) Designate your puppy's safety zone, grey zone and danger zone.

A good tip here is to maintain a journal of your puppy's urinating and defecating times for a week or so. You need to estimate the minimum interval between elimination. Deduct 15-30 minutes from this average amount of time and call this your puppy's indefinite "Safety Zone". This zone is a period of time wherein the dog can somewhat be capable of keeping his urine secure after he is taken around the neighborhood, or has visited his bundle of newspapers, unless he gets hold of a huge amount of water during this time. You need to ensure however, that he is still being watched over any time he is not confined to his crate or confinement area.

3) Early interactive socialization among people is an important start.

For a good start to house training dogs, Early, consistent and persistent interactive socialization with plenty of friendly new people (plus calm friendly children and adolescents) is very important. However, it is also important that your puppy be fully immunized to have a safe and worry-free walk. In this case the alternative is to encourage friends to drop by and visit your puppy and you at home. You can also bring your dog to public places to help him to be more familiar of the sights, sounds and movement of the outdoors (especially the hustle and bustle of the streets) a while after he got at least two series of shots, as long as he is not made yet to walk on the sidewalk or streets, and he is not brought near other dogs.

4) Get rid of urine odors using an enzyme-based deodorizer.

If your puppy can't help escaping with one or two house soiling accidents in spite of your best plan to house training dogs, you can neutralize any soiled areas (whether on carpet or floor surface) using pet odor neutralizers like Nature's Miracle, Nilodor, Fresh 'n' Clean, or Outright Pet Odor Eliminator. Ammonia-based cleaners are not worth it when it comes to getting rid of your puppy's urine, since ammonia can decompose into to urea, which is an ingredient of pee.

5) Diarrhea can dampen any progress the dog has gained in house training.

Any less-than-solid type of stools will not help in house training.

Richard Cussons wants to share his knowledge on house training dogs. Check out bedogsavvy.com to discover more tips on how to house train a dog.

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Oct 18, Dog Behavior Training | Solve Dog Behavior Problems With Latest Training Techniques

At some point in time all of us dog owners need to administer some dog behavior training. This is sometimes called "behavior modificaton" and it basically means solving your dog's behavior problems.

There are loads of dog behavior problems, they can affect all dog breeds, at any time throughout your dog's life. I've listed some of the more common dog behavior problems below, and importantly some proven dog behavior training methods to correct them. I will continue to add to this resource over the next few months. Hopefully this information proves to be a valuable resource for you - and your dog. I expand further on these rules within the specific dog behavior problems listed below. It's a sad fact of life that the vast majority of dogs that end up in animal shelters (or worse) are there because of a bad behavioral problem. It doesn't have to be this way, most problems (like aggression and destructive behavior) are at the very least manageable, through proper dog behavior training.

If you consistently apply the proper training techniques and add some commitment and patience, you are sure to achieve pleasing results with your dog.

Click here to join the internet's largest community of dog owners and trainers who are dedicated to solving common dog behavior problems such as excessive barking, digging, whining, puppy biting, aggression and pulling on the leash.

Does your dog have a specific behaviour problem that you just haven't been able to tackle on your own? You can ask a leading Certified Professional Dog Trainer here by email.

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Sep 4, Puppy Socialization and habituation is a crucial part of your puppy's development and training

When people talk about puppy socialization they are generally referring to the first 16 weeks of a dog's life. This is the window of time in our puppy's lives that determines who they will become as adult dogs.

The temperament, character and behavior habits of your puppy are developed during this socialization period - and will last a lifetime. It affects how your puppy will relate to his family, strangers, animals and the environment in which he lives.

Puppy socialization stimulates the five senses of your young dog. It is the introduction, exposure and desensitization to the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touch of everyday life. The socialization period conditions your puppy to the many different situations he needs to be familiar with and comfortable around. It also prepares him to deal with the new experiences and challenges which inevitably arise throughout life in an appropriate manner.

Puppy socialization is the crucial stage where you begin to build the close bond you share with your dog, one that will last forever. It's up to you - any puppy can become a well adjusted and trusted member of society through proper socialization.

We owe it to our puppies to provide them with thorough socialization and training - all dogs need to be socialized regardless of breed type, where you bought the puppy from or anything else you may think of.

There are two main types of puppy socialization:

Active - Things we purposely introduce to our dogs like obedience training, visiting new people and rides in the car.

Passive - What your puppy comes across in her own time like exploring the plants in the back yard.

Note: Always check with your Veterinarian prior to starting your puppy socialization. Socializing your puppy is a balancing act between the need for your puppy's education and experience against the necessity of safeguarding him from disease. Pretty much the moment your puppy comes into this world the socialization and habituation window is open. The mother of your pup begins the socialization process through massaging your puppy with her tongue to control his elimination, also through sound, smell and body language. She is also responsible for giving your puppy his first lesson in discipline. Litter mates (siblings) learn from each other through play time and social interaction. They discover many aspects of being a dog including how to inhibit their bite and also the language of dominance and submission. The breeder plays a crucial role in the first 7-8 weeks of your puppy's life. He/she should handle the puppies during this critical period, getting them used to human scent and touch. A good breeder will also begin to get your puppy accustomed to proper household etiquette, noises and basic training. Ideally at about the 8 week mark your puppy will arrive at your home, which will be his home for life. Your responsibility to provide him proper socialization starts immediately, you're in control, it's in your hands. This is the beginning of the primary socialization window - make the most of it!

Note: Avoid any situations during this first couple of weeks at home that will scare your puppy (often called the fear impact period). Any major scare (like an aggressive dog approaching) can emotionally damage your pup forever.

Apart from all of the puppy socialization tips listed above it's important to remember to always have fun with it. Puppy socialization is a fun time, you'll get great pleasure out of watching your pup experience new things for the first time. Enjoy it. An Introduction To Puppy Socialization Video - Visit clickertraining.com website here

Some other pages you may be interested in:

What should you feed your puppy - What is the best dog food?

Need some puppy supplies? Discount dog supplies store.

Good article about your puppy's developmental priorities.

How to socialize your puppy written by respected clicker trainer, Aidan Bindoff.

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