How to Properly Walk Your Dog
Walking your dog is one of the many joys of being a dog owner. It is a chance for you to spend time with your furry friend and bond. Unfortunately, for many of us dog owners, taking our pups out for a stroll can be a nightmare. Does your dog pull? Does it feel like he is walking you, instead of the other way around? With just a little training, you can curb this negative behavior, and enjoy, rather than dread, your walks together.
The easiest way to introduce a leash and encourage good walking habits is to start when your dog is a puppy. Get a light-weight dog leash and attach it to your puppy’s collar . Drop the leash on the floor and let your puppy drag it around. Talk to him, pet him, whatever makes your puppy feel comfortable. Leave the leash on for a few minutes at a time, several times a day, to help your pup get used to having a leash attached. Never leave the leash on your puppy when he is unattended- he could get tangled around something and get hurt.
If your dog is used to wearing a leash, you can move forward with training. The most important thing to remember when walking your dog is to never let them walk in front of you- always on your side or behind you. When you allow your dog to walk in front of you, you are giving him the message that he is the pack leader, over you. In a dog pack the leader always goes first. The reason dogs pull is because when they walk in front, they feel that they are the leader. To your dog, this is a big responsibility and will make him anxious, and in turn, pull on the lead. If you train your dog to “heel”, or walk beside you, he will view you as the leader and can then relax and enjoy his walk.
“Heeling” means that your dog walks beside your knee and matches your pace, then immediately sits when you stop. The heel position is on your left side. To train your dog to “heel”, begin with the dog on your left side. Say “heel” and begin to walk forward. If your dog pulls ahead, spin around suddenly and begin walking in the opposite direction. The dog will follow you, naturally, and this will put him right back at your side. Again, say “heel”. When he is back in place, praise your dog and give him dog treats . Repeat this action every time he pulls ahead. It may be frustrating for a while, and take a bit to get where you are going, but it will be rewarding for both you and your dog in the long run.
Fun Tricks to Teach Your Dog
Teaching your dog tricks isn’t only cute and fun; it’s also an excellent way to bond with your puppy and give him the one on one attention he craves. Once your pup has the basic obedience commands down, you can really branch out and get creative. The most important thing to remember is to make sure your dog is having fun. As long as he’s having fun, he will be willing to learn. If you give him lots of dog treats and praise he will learn that performing certain actions will get him rewards, and in turn will obey your commands. As with most all things, repetition is the key.
Teaching your dog to “Shake hands” or “Give paw” is a very simple trick to start with. All you have to do is have your dog sit. Once in the sitting position, take his paw in your hand. Hold his paw and say “Good Boy, Shake” (Or “Give paw” – you can use what ever phrase you want, but once you pick a command, stick with it!) Do this a few times every day and soon he will give you his paw on command.
“High Five” is very similar to “Shake”. Once your dog has “Shake” down, and willingly gives you his paw every time, you can move on to “High Five”. With this trick, you do the same thing you did for “Shake”. Have your dog sit and start with having your dog “Shake” a few times, raising your hand higher each time. Once your hand is high enough use the “High Five” command, and reward your dog every time he does it.
If your dog knows the “Down” command, you can teach him to “Crawl”. To teach this trick, start by having your dog lie down. Hold a treat just in front of his nose and say “Crawl”. If he starts to stand up, say “No, down… Crawl”. Pull the treat away, keeping it near the ground and say “Crawl”. When moves even an inch or so without standing up, praise him and give him treats, saying “Good boy, Crawl”.
The trick “Beg” can be a little difficult for some dogs. The sit up position can be hard for them to stay in. Be careful to never let your dog fall over back wards, or he could hurt his back. To get started with this trick, have your dog sit, facing you. Hold a treat just above his head and say “Beg” (You can also use “Sit Pretty” or “Say Please” – whatever works for you!) Your dog will probably lift his front feet off of the ground naturally, to reach the treat. As soon as his feet are lifted, even a little bit, give him the treat and shower him with praise. Each time you try this trick, make him wait a little longer, so he can practice his balance.
New tricks are fun for everyone- especially your dog! Dogs need a great deal of mental stimulation, and teaching your dog new commands is a perfect way to exercise his mind. Two of the most important factors in training are treats and praise – shower your dog with rewards when he obeys you and he will associate obeying you with good things. Try doing a short training session everyday, around 5 minutes. Always try to end on a high note- end sooner, rather then waiting for your dog to become uninterested. He will be more interested in training if his sessions end with him doing something well!
Top 10 Gifts Under $10
With Christmas just around the corner, time is running out for you to get your gifts! Are you unsure of what to get your pooch this year? Whether your pets have been naughty or nice, there are millions of gift options out there to choose from, making shopping a nearly impossible task. Here at Doggie Vogue, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 gifts under $10, to help make your holiday shopping a breeze!
Help your dog get into the Christmas spirit with these fun dog toys that look like real Christmas cookies! This adorable toy comes in 4 fun holiday styles, each with crinkle material inside to drive your dog wild!
Price:$2.99
2. Enamel Bone Dog Charm
These cute charms make great stocking stuffers! Each of these crystal studded pendant style charms has a sturdy metal clasp for durability and is lead free. Best of all- it comes in 8 different colors, so you’re sure to find one to please your pup!
Price: $5.99
3. Rawhide Holiday Stockings
These treat filled stockings make doggie gift giving a breeze! Each stocking is filled with assorted treats in holiday shapes and colors. These stockings come in two sizes, making them the perfect gift for good dogs of all sizes!
Price: $6.49 - $7.49
4. Handi-Drink
The perfect gift for dogs on the go! This compact and portable water bottle keeps dogs supplied with fresh water on walks or trips to the dog park. The patented rubber flow-control valve in the cap prevents leaks, spills, and contamination. Has an easy-to-use, handheld design that includes a water bottle and dispenser tray. Comes in three different sizes.
Price: $6.99 - $8.99
5. Holiday Cookie Treats
‘Tis the season for special treats! These all natural dog treats are sure to get your pooch into the holiday spirit! This 13 ounce tub of hand baked dog treats features layers of assorted holiday-themed bone treats with two snowball cookies with sprinkles and a yogurt-dipped tree on top!
Price: $9.99
6. Nylon Dog Collars
A great gift for the active dog! These nylon collars are durable and fashionable, featuring plastic quick-release buckles and nickel plated D-rings for leash attachment. Comes in 9 colors sure to please any fashion hound!
Price: $4.99 - $7.99
7. Santa Hats for Dogs
These adorable hats are perfect for holiday parties and photos! Made of soft fleece, these hats comfortably stay on with an adjustable, elastic chin strap and come in 3 sizes to fit every pet with a snowball pompom that adds a cute, jaunty touch!
Price: $3.99 - $5.99
8. Designer Doggie Colognes
Perfume and cologne has long been a standard Christmas present- Don’t let your dog miss out on the fun! Our creative designer inspired dog colognes are patterned after real designer fragrances and smell like the real thing. These quality colognes keep dogs smelling fresh and clean between baths and visits to the groomer. They are safe and easy to apply, and the fragrance won’t fade fast. Comes 12 scents.
Price: $9.99
9. Red Shimmer Holiday Dog Scrunchies
This splendid and sparkling accessory is festive and fun! Made of shimmering red fabric, these scrunchies have bells at the tips to create a merry sound wherever your pup goes! Its elasticized design adjusts to fit pets comfortably!
Price: $7.99
10. Latex Dog Toys 2-Pack
These brightly colored two-packs of latex dog toys are available in three styles. Each toy contains a squeaker for added fun! Perfect for all of the dogs who made your “nice” list this year!
Price: $3.99
Want to see more? Check out all of our items for under $10 by clicking here!
Ear Care For Dogs
Ear care is a very important part of your dog’s health. Your dog’s ears must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent injury resulting from infection. If an infection is left untreated, it can escalate in severity, causing a great deal of pain for your dog, and eventually causing deafness. A healthy dog’s ears are pale pink and have no odor. It is normal for a dog to have a little bit of wax or dirt in the outer portion of the ear canal and ear leather, however if the canal is inflamed, red, has an accumulation of brown waxy debris, or smells bad, there is probably an infection and you should take your dog to a vet.
Dogs with hairy ear canals should have excess ear hair removed either by you, a groomer, or a vet prior to cleaning. Keeping your dog’s ears clean and dry is the best way to avoid infection. Before you begin, gather your supplies and apply the ear cleaning solution to cotton balls or swabs. This will make the process much simpler. Hold your dog’s ear up in a way that allows you easy access. Inspect the ears for infection before cleaning. Use cotton balls to clean the inside of the ear flap and the outer ear, getting all of the debris out of the grooves and creases. Wipe around the inside of the ear, not going any further than the inner canal. If you find that your dog’s ears are still excessively dirty, apply some of the ear cleaning solution inside of the ear canal. This will provide deeper cleaning. Massage the base of the dog’s ear between your thumb and index finger until you can hear it making a squishing sound and then let your dog shake his head to release the wax and dirt. Clean any left over discharge with cotton balls.
Most dogs need their ears cleaned once a week. Some breeds have waxier ears and may need cleaning twice a week. Routine cleanings will keep your dog healthy and happy. Reward your dog and praise him, making ear cleaning a positive experience for both of you.
Crate Training Your Dog
When you have to leave your dog at home for an extended period of time make sure you crate them. If you leave your dog unsupervised you may come home to a chewed up carpet or worse. Crating may seem unpleasant at first but as long as you train your dog well and refrain from using the crate as a form of punishment your dog will not mind being in the crate. Dogs want to feel secure and will view the crate as their secure place as long as they are trained properly. If you leave your dog’s crate open you might be surprised to find that they will nap or relax in their crate on their own. For added security you may want to drape a blanket over your dogs crate when they are napping.
It is important to make sure that you get the right size crate for your pet. A dog should be able to stand up and turn around comfortably in their crate. It is important to measure your dog’s height and length before you purchase a crate to ensure that they will be comfortable. To properly measure your pet you should measure from the base of the tail to the tip of the nose and add 9-12 inches to determine what size crate they will need. When choosing a crate you can pick a conventional metal fold-down crate or a soft-sided collapsible crate. Soft-sided crates are generally made of water-resistant nylon and feature mesh windows for ventilation. These crates usually weigh less than metal crates which make them ideal for travel or camping. Traditional metal fold-down crates are ideal as a durable long term solution. They usually feature a removable plastic pan for easy clean-up. Make sure that the security door closes securely. It is best to purchase a crate with slide bolts to ensure that you dog cannot get out of the crate while you are away. Doggie Vogue has a wide selection of both soft-sided and fold-down crates for you to choose from. We also provide a sizing guide for each crate to assure that you are able to make a well-informed decision when choosing a crate for your pet.
Crate beds are a great way to make your dog feel comfortable and secure in their new crate. The ideal crate bed features bumpers on the side to give your dog a nestling area and soften the edges of the crate. The bed dimensions should be slightly larger than the crate dimensions so the bumpers are supported by the crate sides. You should select a bed that is made of easy to wash fabric that is also sturdy enough to resist tearing. When crate training it is important to provide your dog with an appropriate fitting crate and make sure to emphasize in training that the crate is a safe, secure place for your pet. Doggie Vogue has everything you need to begin crate training and we’re happy to help you select the right crate and accessories for your dog!
How To Eliminate Unnecessary Barking
Barking is a perfectly natural, normal behavior in dogs- it is how they communicate. Of course, that’s not a good enough explanation for neighbors or relatives of a yappy dog. There are many reasons a dog will bark unnecessarily. Loneliness and boredom are two of the top reasons. Dogs who bark due to boredom are not sure how to behave when they are alone. They are used to being lavished with attention and when it is not provided, they bark because they are upset and unsure of what to do. Some dogs bark just to get your attention. Your dog learns that if he barks and you give in, that barking gets results. Other dogs are territorial and bark to alert you when they see strangers or other animals outside. Some breeds naturally bark more than others. The list goes on and on. You would never want to eliminate barking completely, but your dog can be trained to control unnecessary barking, which will help your dog’s ability to communicate and bark at the proper time if a problem arises. Training your dog to curb unnecessary barking requires you to stay calm and takes lots of patience, but with time, it can be done.
Before you begin bark training, you want to try to find the source of your dog’s barking. Is he hungry? Thirsty? Does he need to go outside? Your dog might just be trying to tell you something simple. If he is barking at people or animals outside, close the blinds or shades to remove his motivation. If your dog does not get enough exercise he will be more prone to behaving badly, therefore barking more. When you leave, give your dog something to do to avoid boredom, such as a Kong dog toy stuffed with treats or plenty of chew toys. If your dog is occupied, he will not think about barking. Make sure your dog gets plenty of brisk exercise every day. There are quite a few methods of teaching a dog not to bark. Some, such as spanking and shock collars are inhumane and ineffective and should not be used. You can purchase a citronella no-bark collar. This method is effective and not cruel. If your dog barks, the collar sprays a small amount of citronella which dogs find very annoying. He will learn not to bark to avoid the spray. Another way to stop barking is to use positive reinforcement to teach your dog to bark on command and this will in turn help him to learn to be quieted on command. You could find something to make a loud noise when your dog is barking, such as a can full of pennies, to get his attention. Every time your dog barks, shake the can and eventually he will learn to stop barking to avoid the noise. Using a clicker to train your dog is effective as well. When your dog is good, always praise him and give him dog treats as a reward.
How to Safely Dye Your Dog’s Hair
One of the latest trends in dog fashion, as well as one of the most controversial, is coloring your dog’s hair. Many people are extremely offended by this practice because they think that it is harmful to dogs, but that is not true. Human hair dye is very harmful to dogs and should never be used, but there are many other options that are safe and harmless to dogs.
Safe options you can find in your kitchen are food coloring and Kool-Aid. You can mix these with water and either spray them on with a spray bottle, sponge on, or fill the bathtub or sink with the colored water and pour over your dog. These are not very long lasting and usually wash out after the first or second wash. This would be a good option for a one time event, such as Halloween or St. Patrick’s Day.
Vegetable based dyes made for humans like Manic Panic come in a variety of colors and are pet friendly. However, for best results, I would suggest using hair dye made specifically for dogs. They are completely non toxic and will not harm your dog in any way and most are CFTA certified.
Before you dye your dog’s hair, brush out the coat to remove any tangles or mats. Test the dye on a small patch before proceeding, to ensure that your dog will not have an allergic reaction. Shampoo your pet and then apply the dye to wet fur and leave on for 15 minutes. Do not get the dye in your dog’s eyes and avoid dying areas too close to eyes. If the color is not dark or bright enough, leave it on for more time to increase color intensity. Rinse thoroughly and dry your dog’s coat. You can use a hair dryer on a low setting to quickly dry the hair and set the color. If you are coloring limited areas such as just the ears or tail, you can apply the dye directly to dry fur. Make sure that you wear protective gloves to prevent staining of your skin. This dye should last between 4 to 6 washes, though results will vary with the type of coat and the breed.
Simple Tricks To Teach Your Dog
There is nothing more frustrating than a dog who just won’t listen to you. Rather than get angry when he chews up your couch or runs wild, why not try obedience training? Though this will not solve all of your behavior problems, it is a great first step to opening communication with your dog. He is not listening to you because he has no clue what you want him to do! Training allows you to successfully communicate your commands in a way that your dog will understand and comply with. Some people may think that training is difficult and best left to professionals who get paid a lot of money, but that is not true. The most basic and necessary commands are really quite simple and you can teach them in only 5-10 minutes a few times a week!
If you have a small puppy, the first thing you should teach him is his name. Once he knows his name, he will know that when he hears it he needs to pay attention to you. To teach this, you will need treats, a leash, and a collar. Put on his leash and dog collar and call his name in a happy and interesting voice. Puppies love to hear the sound of your voice and will naturally look at you when you speak. When he looks towards you, give him a dog treat and praise him. Repeat this a few times every day until he consistently looks towards you every time you call his name. Only use his name once and if he doesn’t respond, give a very gentle tug on his leash so that he will look at you, and then treat and praise.
Once your dog knows his name, the next step is to get him to come to you when called. This command is very important as it could some day save your dog from a life threatening situation. Once again, you will need your dog to be on his leash. While he is not paying attention to you, say his name followed by “come” in an excited tone and tap your legs or move backwards to get his attention. As soon as your dog comes to you, praise him lavishly. If he does not come, tug on the leash lightly to encourage him. Always keep your voice upbeat, making him think that coming to you is the most exciting thing in the world. Repeat this 5 or 6 times a few times a week, and gradually move to getting him to come to you with no leash on. With this trick, it’s better to use treats either sparingly or not at all. If you call your dog in an emergency situation and he sees that you have no treats, he may not come to you.
The sit command is perhaps the easiest one to teach, because dogs sit naturally. Also, once your dog knows to sit on command, it sets the ground work for other commands like “stay” and “down”. All you will need for this trick are treats. Get your dog’s attention and show him that you have a treat in your hand. Hold the dog treat just above your dog’s nose. Don’t hold it too high or he might just try to jump and get it. Say your dog’s name followed by the word “sit” in a firm tone. Move the treat back towards your dog’s ears. He will naturally look up to try to see the treat and this will make him sit down. As soon as his back end lands on the ground say “good sit” in an upbeat tone and give your dog a treat and lots of praise. Repeat this 5 or 6 times a few times a week. If your dog doesn’t sit, try to avoid pushing him into a sitting position or at least do it lightly. His hips can be damaged by too much force. You could try observing your dog and praise him whenever he naturally sits down, saying “good sit”.
Teaching your dog to lay down on command is almost as simple as “sit”. It’s a great way to get your dog to calm down when he is over excited or for when he has to remain in the stay command for a long period. You will need treats for this trick too. Get your dog’s attention and show him that you have a treat in your hand. Hold it in front of his nose. Say his name followed by the word “down” spoken clearly and firmly then slowly move the treat towards the ground. He will follow the treat down and as soon as he is lying, say “good down” in an upbeat tone, followed by treats and praise. Repeat 5 or 6 times a few times a week. If your dog doesn’t lay down on his own, resist pushing him down. Wait until he naturally lies down and then say “down” then praise and treat him.
The stay command is as important as coming when called- it can protect him from dangerous situations. It can also keep him still and calm when you take him in public, do housework, or have guests. A successful “stay” occurs when your dog doesn’t move at all from the original position. You will need his collar, leash, and treats for this trick too. With the leash on, tell your dog to sit. Give treats and praise once your dog sits, but keep them in the sitting position. Say your dog’s name followed by the word “stay” and hold your hand up, palm out (as if to motion stop) for 1-2 seconds. Say “good stay” in an upbeat tone and give your dog a treat. Release your dog from this command by saying “okay” and then encourage him to move. Instruct your dog to sit again and give the “stay” command again, but wait 2-3 seconds. If he stays, say “good stay” and give him a treat. If he moves, start over at 1-2 seconds again. Over time, gradually increase the time and once your dog has the concept of stay, increase the distance. Eventually you will be able to give the command and leave the room. Then you can try it with your dog lying down or with distractions.
These tricks aren’t really cute or fun, but they are a huge step towards teaching your dog to behave, and they are the cornerstone to more complicated tricks. Once your dog has these mastered, the others should be just as simple!
Car Safety Harnesses
Unrestrained pets can be a dangerous distraction while driving. They may jump around and distract you. Then, what happens if you get into an accident or have to brake suddenly? AAA recent found that pets and loose objects were the third worst distraction to drivers. To avoid something happening to you or your pet, your dog should be safely restrained in your car at all times when traveling.
Conventional car seat belts are designed to protect people, not pets. Crates will keep your pet from roaming around, but will not protect them in an accident. Dog car harnesses are made specifically for dogs are the best way to keep your pet safe while traveling. The harness is a series of straps and buckles that fasten to the seat belt in your car and retain your pet like a normal safety belt. A good harness should be made of nylon webbing and retain your dog around their body and neck. Make sure it’s comfortable! While wearing the harness, your pet should be able to sit, stand, and lay down while strapped into their car harness. Check to see that the buckles will not catch in your pet’s fur or pull on it.
Your dog will need time to adjust to wearing a car harness. If you are planning a long trip you should make a few brief trips first, to give your dog time to get used to wearing the harness. Once he becomes accustomed to wearing his safety harness, car rides will be both pleasant and safe, and should and accident occur, you will both be protected!
Doggy Dental Care
Stinky dog breath isn’t just a nuisance- it’s a sign that something is wrong. Dental disease is the most common disease in canines. Dogs don’t get cavities but they do get plaque, tartar, and gingivitis which all cause foul breath and tooth problems. Poor dental care for your dog can lead to dental infections that travel to your pup’s heart, causing major problems or even death. One quick, simple way to try to avoid this is by brushing your dog’s teeth.
Before you start brushing your dog’s teeth, you should have a vet examine the dog for loose teeth, abscesses, etc. If your dog has gum disease or damaged teeth brushing will be very painful and your dog may associate this pain with teeth brushing. You could even be bitten. Before you start brushing, you’ll want to buy a few things from a pet store or a vet. You’ll need a toothbrush made for dog’s teeth. You can use a regular one with soft bristles, but the brushes made for dogs are much longer and you will be able to reach the back teeth much easier. There are also tooth brushes that fit over your finger and dental wipes for dogs who will not allow a traditional brush. You’ll want to buy a tooth paste made especially for dogs. Do not use human toothpaste. The fluoride compound in human paste can harm your dog and make him ill. There are multiple flavors available like mint, poultry, and beef. Try to find one your dog likes. Also, keep some treats handy so you can reward your dog for good behavior. This will also present teeth brushing as a positive experience.
You should get your dog used to looking in his mouth before you start brushing his teeth. Give him lots of praise and reward him with a dog treat every time he lets you look into his mouth. When you are ready to begin brushing, put your dog on a comfortable surface. Put some toothpaste on your dog’s toothbrush. Gently hold his muzzle and lift his lip on one side. Gently brush in a circular, all the way to the gum line. Make sure you get the back teeth! You can always add more toothpaste if you need to. When you are finished, clean the tooth brush and store it somewhere sanitary. Lavish your dog with praise and give him treats. He’ll probably want to get a drink to rinse out his mouth.
Try to make teeth brushing a daily habit. If you can’t brush everyday, try every other day. You may have a hard time at first, but the more you brush the easier it will be. With a little time and patience, you will find that though your dog doesn’t like having his teeth brushed, he will at least cooperate. His clean teeth and fresh breath are worth the effort!!!