How to Raise a Well-Behaved Puppy

By Ana Walsh

When it comes to getting and raising a puppy, there are a few crucial things you need to do so your puppy grows up to be a well-behaved dog. Too many people let their puppy get away with things because it's 'cute' when they're little. But they don't think about the fact that they're forming habits that will stay with them even as grown dogs, and when they're grown, it's not cute anymore.

First of all, you shouldn't never bring home a puppy that is younger than eight weeks. During the first eight week of their life, they go through many development periods that are crucial to their long term well being. Removing a puppy from its mother and littermates too early causes behavior problems down the road.

Second, begin housebreaking your puppy right away. Don't wait. Even if it's only for a few days, your puppy can develop some bad potty habits that are hard to break. Also, avoid paper training if possible. I recommend teaching them to go potty outside right from the start (if that's where they'll be going potty in the long run.)

Third, don't allow your puppy to playfully nip at you. This mistake is fairly common, and one you will regret. Puppies should not ever be allowed to bite hands or feet, even if it's just playing. This includes playing underneath blankets or pillows.

Fourth, establish yourself as the leader of the pack right from the start. This is also know as the alpha dog. Although dogs are domesticated pets now, their natural instincts are still very much a part of them.

If you don't show them you are the pack leader from the beginning, it can cause serious problems down the road when they begin to believe 'they' are the pack leader. If you're unfamiliar with what any of this means, do an online search on the topic and read up on it. It's very important to know and practice.

Last but definitely not least, you must gradually and carefully socialize your puppy for at least the first year of their life. You need to expose them to new and unfamiliar people, places, things, sounds, etc. Make sure the socialization experiences are pleasant. Carry along treats and make sure to provide plenty of praise and encouragement along the way.

I hope this article has given you some valuable insight on how to raise your puppy. Follow the advice provided and I know you'll do a great job of raising a happy, well-behaved dog that will be a loyal companion for years. - 31866

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Dog Training: Back to Basics Does the Trick

By Melanie Brooks

Dogs are smart, making them easy to train. Whether training a puppy for the first time, an adult dog new to your home, or revisiting training with your resident dog, getting back to basics is the most efficient approach to assuring you have a well-adjusted, well-behaved pet.

Those of us who have learned a second language know all too well, if you don't use that second language regularly, you will eventually forget the language. Training your dog is the same as teaching him a second language. Without consistent reinforcement throughout the dog's lifetime, even the smartest of dogs will forget even the best training. When this happens, it is best to go back to the basics. Training commands are a form of communication. If your dog is forgetting to listen, go right back to ground zero. Start training as if your dog has never been trained before.

For instance, if your dog is no longer coming when you give him the command, dust off the long lead and start over. Use a 40' lead (available at your local pet or feed store). Tie knots in it at 2' and 5' before the end. Add a tied handle and you have your training lead. Begin by calling your dog: name and come. While saying the command, quickly begin by running backwards After about 5 feet, stop once the dog has caught up to you. Reward with a snack. Repeat a few times.

After about 5 or 10 minutes of training, do a bit of agility, play with your pup. It is very important to remain cheerful, and get excited when they perform the behavior correctly. The dogs forget the repetition. Many breeds get bored with repetitive activities such as ball chasing. So it is important to play a little bit, do about 10 minutes of training and play some more. Puppies especially have a low attention span and get tired after about an hour of training. Also, when training a dog to come, you should never ever ask the dog to come from a sit-stay command. This will contradict the stay command.

When teaching a dog the sit-stay command, hold a favorite treat out in your fingers and have the dog sit. Reward with a small piece of the treat. With the dog still in sit, make a stop hand signal and simultaneously say the word stay. Once the dog has performed the command correctly, take a few steps back to the dog to reward him with the treat. Never have the dog come to you to retrieve the treat once you have put him in a sit-stay. The simpler, the better; back to basics dog training will do the trick. - 31866

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Dog Training Collar

By Paul Hamilton

Possibly the pet dog in your own life is a bit naughty, he does not heed you when you direct him to do something. Are you looking for a way to rectify this bad behavior?

A dog training collar of some kind could be the solution to your problem. They come in heaps of diverse sorts. There are martingale collars, sort of choke chain idea lacking the chain, they tauten up a little if the dog drags far too much.

There are dog collars that work by way of a remote command gadget which gives a combination of sound and pulsation or shock correction. These more often than not contain a great quantity of settings of sound and pulsation so between the two you own a vast quantity of improvement choices.

If your pet is awful to take for walks because he chases cats, other dogs, people, automobiles in reality everything and any other thing which moves then he definitely has to have schooling.

Walking with a dog similar to that is exhausting and quite honestly I do not consider the animal gets much out of it whenever you are constantly having to scold him.

Are you aware of your animal's strain for sure? Possibly he is pedigree and in that instance there could be no issue regarding it, but if he is a mixture, do you know a mixture of what?

Do you know that it is achievable to get a DNA test done on your animal, needing about a 7 days to sort out, that will notify you simply whatever strains are in your own dog.

This could be a vast advantage to you to be aware of whichever kind of teaching procedure might suit the animal best.

Possibly you own a gun dog who you use for recovery when you have been shooting. This type of animal has to be well controlled.

These type of mixture sound and pulsation dog collars are customarily totally water-resistant so that is first-rate information for animals that require to be in water from time to time.

If your pet trouble is that the dog drags badly whilst walking there is an additional revolutionary appearing dog training collar that I have lately discovered. This consists of a portion of lead that reaches around the snout of the animal and joins under the chin to one more part which joins the dog lead but at the back the skull, not the neck.

Vets, trainers and people similar to the RSPCA all think that dogs respond faster to this type of curative leash than other kinds of dog education dog collars.

As with any merchandise there is a gigantic variety of these collars to pick from. You only have to determine which characteristic of the dog's behavior you want to modify then start your search. - 31866

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The Use Of Kennels And Cages In Training Dogs

By Graham Smith

When you are searching for a dog kennel for your pet, remember that there are certain ones that are made for different types of dogs, and not every cage will be correct for your particular situation. There are kennels which are designed and made strictly for the comfort of small animals which are being transported. There are also the kennels which are designed with security in mind, made especially for the larger pets.

Dog cages come in many different sizes, and have many styles that serve various purposes. Make sure to get one that suits your exact needs and specifications.

If it is for traveling with your pet, you may want to get a cage that is fabric with a door of mesh and a roof that is zippered; or you may want to invest in the hard plastic type of cage with metal doors, or a kennel which is totally metal mesh save for a solid floor. Any of these are appropriate places for your pets safety and comfort while you are on a trip, be it for a vacation or going from one show to another. Also, these are ideal when you are not allowed to have your pet roaming free in a facility.

Most cages and kennels for training are designed to be used inside as a way of either housebreaking your animal, punishing him for bad behavior, or keeping him from running loose when nobody is around to keep an eye on him. If you can keep your dog in the cage at night when you are sleeping, they will learn to wait to use the bathroom until you are able to let them out, and this will help you with getting them on a schedule.

When he does something wrong, you can put him in his cage as a way of solitary confinement. Before long he will associate the confines of the kennel with the bad behavior and will adjust his behavior accordingly to avoid the punishment. This is also a wonderful way to keep your dog from tearing up the house when there is no one there to play with him.

There are also cages made for outdoor use, like kennels, wooden floor cages that are a part of a doghouse, or dog runs, that are much like cages but have legs above the ground, and are stronger. Lastly, there are walk in cages which are much larger cages that can fit several large dogs in. - 31866

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Here's How To Get Started With Training Your Dog

By Bella Smith

There's nothing more irritating than a naughty boisterous dog. Just like a disobedient, naughty child, a badly behaved dog can drive you round the bend. If you have recently acquired a new puppy, you really need to know about the basics of dog training.

Every dog can be trained, despite the fact that many believe that some dogs are beyond training. Sure, some dogs are harder to train because they may have deep-rooted bad habits, while other dogs take to training like a fish to water. In actual fact, it depends on how good the trainer is.

When a dog has been trained, it is secure, happy and relaxed. Every dog wants a leader just like their ancestors who hunted and lived in packs. There was always the 'alpha male' that was respected and obeyed by every dog in the pack. Your dog will look to you to fulfill this role.

Teaching your dog his or her name is the first thing to do. This will enable you to get a response from the dog every time you call its name. This forms the basis to all other dog training lessons.

The first important command is 'come'. Hold a small treat near the nose and firmly call its name, for example 'Fluffy, come!' The puppy will immediately come forward to get the treat. Continue the process by stepping a bit further back each time. When the dog responds and comes to you, lavish it with lots of praise and affection.

The SIT and STAY commands can be taught in the same manner. Be sure to speak in a firm manner when giving the commands. Your dog needs to learn how to differentiate the varying tones of your voice. He needs to understand when you are addressing him in a serious manner.

Be cautious however about how many treats you dish out. While a treat is necessary in the early stages, you don't want the dog to obey commands simply because she or he can get a treat. You want obedience on command, with the reward being praise. Only use the treats while training. Don't give treats in between training sessions, because the dog will get confused.

If you want to enter your dog in shows or training competitions, you should seek some professional help. Join a training clinic where you can learn all the formal requirements that go with dog shows. You can get lots of information online about this form of dog training. - 31866

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Anti Bark Collars Do Just That!

By Paul Hamilton

When you took on your new pet dog, did you inquire regarding it's woofing? I would not assume so. You decide first by the size of the dog, then by the look of it and does it seem to like you, nevertheless I'll wage you never considered to ask concerning barking.

A great deal can be put down to your living situation. Do you have to go elsewhere to work and leave the dog alone? That may provoke separation fear in your dog.

Possibly the animal is merely basically bored stiff which may be why it woofs to receive some sort of feedback from somebody, anyone would do.

Even when a dog is being reprimanded for barking it does not differentiate between other sorts of notice. He most likely does not mind that you are scolding him at least you are present and you are talking to him, that's all that is important.

It is not all that is important though. He needs to be taught that this is simply not the way to behave. He could not expect to merely woof and everything would be as he wishes.

You understand how dogs in general bark at anybody who arrives at the home, not of the family? Your dog will normally yap at the mailman, however when he was small in what way did he begin to do that? I imagine that he did it once since he didn't recognize who it was and after that he considered that the mailman departed once more because of himself. He could have it fixed in his brain that he could be answerable for removing strangers.

One way or another you require to get it across to him that the mail delivery man is not a danger to his family. Obviously you don't intend to curb his protecting instincts. After all, in a quantity cases that is the reason individuals use animals, especially if they need to leave their home with nobody about during the day.

If you possessed a remote control instrument you could give him a slight shock whenever the mail delivery man came, of course you definitely would have to be home to accomplish that. If you are not at home you should have an automatic shock collar which could only recognize that he was woofing and instruct him not to, regardless of why or who he was barking at.

It is an unfortunate thing but it seems that complaints regarding ceaseless dog barking to the police is the second most frequent report, this is second only to burglar alarms going off.

If your barking dog is described to the law repeatedly then you are liable to get quite costly fines and this will be painful to the wallet. At the very least it might lead to awkward relationships concerning you and your own neighbors this could be very uncomfortable and totally unnecessary.

You just have to get down to solving this woofing difficulty and perhaps purchasing one of the anti bark collars on the market. - 31866

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Stop Dog Jumping

By Matt Closson

If you have ever owned a dog, one time or another you have probably dealt with this problem. Your dog is so happy to see you that he jumps up on you getting his muddy paws all over your new suit or dress. Or even worse, during his excitement he jumps on a smaller child and knocks them down or scratches the child's face, arms or legs.

Well guess what? Its all your fault.

Many unsuspecting dog owners encourage this behavior way before it be comes a problem and the next thing you know you have a dog with an unacceptable behavior problem. You see, you would encourage your cute little fluff ball of fun (when he was a puppy) to come running to you and jump on your leg. At that time he could barely reach your knee cap, if that. And then, like most everyone, you would reach down and pet him of maybe pick him up.

You have just taught your puppy a very nice lesson, if he runs up to you and jumps on your foot or knee he can get praise and affection. Fast foreword a few months and now that little puppy is as much as 5 or 6 times the size that he was, but still thinking like a puppy, ("if I jump on my owner he will give me love"). He does not know the difference between his puppy size, of say 4 or 5lbs and his new size of maybe 30 or 40lbs or more, not to mention he is taller now and can reach up to your arms or chest. All he knows is that he wants the praise and affection that he has missed all day long and you taught him how to get it, by jumping.

Is jumping ever acceptable?

You have to put your foot down and make it clear that jumping is no longer an accepted behavior. When is jumping O.K.? Many owners of toy breed dogs or smaller dogs expect their dog to jump up. This is totally up to you. But, when any dog jumps on an unsuspecting guest, it can cause a bit of an awkward moment. This is why teaching your dog the "off" command is also a good idea. You can train your dog to jump on your command; we will get into that later.

For larger dog breeds, there really is no debate on this matter. You should either never allow him to jump or at the very least work the "off" or "no jump" command in to their regular training. After all it is one thing to have to deal with scrapes or soiled cloths due to your own dog, it is quite another to have to deal with him jumping on a guest or stranger.

Why does dog jumping happen?

The number one reason dogs jump is most likely out of pure excitement after a long separation (returning home from work) or during playtime when adrenaline is running high.

A much more serious problem is when a dog jumps to display his dominance over you or whatever he is jumping on (another dog, a child or guest). Hailing from a pack mentality, dogs live by a hierarchy of social ranking and order. One of the behaviors a dog will use to exert his dominance over a lesser animal is to show his physical superiority by jumping up on or placing his paw or paws over the other dog's shoulders.

You can identify the reason for your dogs jumping by taking note of the circumstances surrounding the event. If he only jumps when extremely excited, such as playtime or upon your return home from work, then he is only showing how much he missed you.

Stop your dog from jumping on you.

Your actions are key to eliminating this annoying and possibly dangerous habit of your dogs. As with most all dog training consistency in your training will speed up his learning curve and prove to be more reliable. To stop dog jumping you have to make it clear to your dog that jumping is no longer tolerated.

This means sticking to your training plan every day until there is not longer a problem. Your dog will not stop jumping on you if you allow it one day and not the next or allow him to jump on you but not your children. If you send this message to your dog he will jump when ever he feels like it.

This means that you must fallow your stop jumping techniques always. You can't expect your dog to understand the difference between playtime and greeting, nice cloths and play cloths, rainy days or sunny days. If you let your dog jump at anytime, he will feel free to jump whenever he feels like it.

Stop dog jumping forever.

Let your body do all the talking. When your dog jumps on you or is about to jump on you, turn your back and face way from him...i.e. the cold shoulder. Dogs understand your body language much more then the spoken word, so use your posture to get the message though loud and clear.

When you turn away from your dog, cross your arms and advert your eyes, totally ignoring his jump. You will see, by giving him the cold shoulder how quickly he will calm down.

Turn your back, cross your arms and turn your eyes and face away from your dog. Giving your dog the cold shoulder is very effective and he will calm down rather quickly.

Dogs inherently want to please you and it want take long for him to figure out that four on the floor pleases you. - 31866

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