Helping a People Shy Pooch
Typically an excessively shy dog stems from a lack of positive exposure as a puppy. The socialization period is an important time for young pups when their confidence is infused. While some dog breeds are naturally coyer than others, an overly shy pooch can develop into serious behavior issues with any under socialized dog. One common fear a timid dog may suffer from is that of people. Thankfully this dilemma may be corrected with patience and understanding. If your furry friend is apprehensive around people, help your hound conquer their fear by taking baby steps in the right direction; start by inviting over a friend (preferably another dog lover). Inform your guest prior to their visitation about your canine’s fear, if your friend acts in a passive manner it will show your pooch there is no threat. Keeping your bashful buddy in their own environment will assist in easing their discomfort a bit. If your pooch insists on retreating to a trusted hiding spot during your guest’s visitation then allow them time to regroup and keep your conversation cheerful to demonstrate a safe environment to your hiding hound. Depending on the level of fear your canine contains they may need further attempts; most timid dogs are interested and are just too uneasy to approach. Try to entice your furry friend to come out using a dog treat – distract their attention from your guest to the treats, tossing a treat their way and then ignoring them as they make their way out to indulge in the bait. Keep with this process, tossing dog treats closer to you and your guest each time, until your pooch is out of their safety zone. It is also suggested that you have your guest pet your pup. Although if your friend does go in for a pet be sure that they reach under to stroke your dog’s chest rather than over the dog’s head so not to scare them more. If your canine still displays trepidation then back off a bit, forcing the situation may only worsen the fear, and ask your guest to try again another day. Continue this routine fairly regularly with different people until your canine feels more comfortable. In time your dog should be able to overcome their people fears and live a healthier, more sociable life.
Three Fun Indoor Tricks to Teach Your Dog
Make these colder months productive by teaching your dog a new trick for great mental stimulation and entertainment. Take advantage of the indoor time spent with your pooch by expanding their knowledge while bonding together. Try these three fun indoor tricks out with your canine:
1. Hide Your Eyes – The dog can sit or lay for this trick, which will train your pooch to cover their eyes with one paw on command. Keep a treat in your hand while you tell your pup to “cover their eyes”. Physically lift their paw over their muzzle and then use the treat as reward. Most dogs will swipe at their face when you gently blow on their nose, if your pooch does this then reward them and continue the command and movement until the dog understands what is required to acquire the treat.
2. Circle Me – This trick is beneficial considering that circles improve turns and help keep canines focused on their handler; it also assists in direction changing. Begin by heeling with a tasty dog treat in hand that you will use as bait as you say “circle me” and draw your pooch around your body in a circle. After they complete a circle, give the treat for praise and repeat.
3. Light Off – Hold a dog treat in one hand above a light switch in the house (if your dog isn’t able to reach the switch on hind legs then place them on a sturdy table under the switch), and give the command “light off”. When your furry friend jumps up to retrieve their treat, be sure their paws flick the switch and then reward with “Good light off” and then continue the trick over. Eventually start standing away but have your pooch stay under the switch and then toss the treat when the trick is completed.
January is National Train Your Dog Month
The beginning of the year is full of resolutions and personal goals, but don’t forget to include your furry friend in the mix. January has been officially dubbed National Train Your Dog Month, and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) is aiming to help squash pet disobedience with patient owners. It is sad but true; hundreds of thousands of canines are brought to shelters because owners feel like they have lost control of behavioral problems their pet may be exhibiting. Luckily this problem has been acknowledged and National Train Your Dog month has been proclaimed as an educational experience to assist in nixing behavior problems, as well as help owners and pets alike meet in the middle. During January the APDT will provide free webinars and live chat sessions with professionals that pet owners are welcome to utilize for advice and knowledge on handling certain behavioral concerns. Topics to be covered consist of leash etiquette and an educational session on pet adoption, as well as many other available events throughout the month. Join in the discussions and view the insightful webinars to gain added knowledge on training your pooch and promise to make 2012 the best year yet for you and your playful pal.
Exercising Your Dog’s Mind and Muscles Indoors
Dog Housebreaking & Cleanup
Importance of Dog Crate Comfort
Dog crates should be a comfortable place for your pup to relax and feel at home. What better way to make it comfortable than with a plush, soft place to snuggle up? Our Plush Cratewear Sets not only provide comfort, but also can help reduce barking and stress. Do you generally find your dog sleeping under a favorite table or next to a couch? It’s generally because dogs are pack animals and prefer a den to live in. With the crate cover securely fitted over the crate, your dog will feel safer and protected much like the feeling of a home. This in turn reduces stress and provides relaxation for your pet.
These covers not only provide comfort, but also reduce light, heat and drafts from coming through the crate, allowing your pup to rest longer and stay safe. The safety bumpers protect your pup the same way bumpers protect a baby in a crib. Available in four fashionable colors, you are sure to find the perfect fit for your home! So spoil your pooch rotten with this luxurious Plush Cratewear Set!
How to Teach Your Pet to Walk on a Leash
Taking your dog for a hike around the neighborhood is one of the many pros of being a animal owner. It is a great experience for you to bond and spend time with your dog. Unfortunately for many dog owners, taking their dog for a stroll around the park can prove to be a conundrum. Training your furry friend to walk on a dog leash can prove to be very helpful to both of you. The simplest way to introduce a dog leash to your dog and encourage acceptable walking behavior is to start when he is a puppy. Get a small leash and attach it to the puppy’s collar. Drop the dog leash on the floor and let your pup drag it around in the house to make him feel comfortable. Leave the leash on for a few minutes at a time for several times a day to help him get used to wearing the leash. If your dog is used to wearing a dog leash, you can move forward with your training.
The most important thing you must remember when walking your dog is to never let them walk in front of you. They must always walk beside you or behind you. If your dog walks in front of you, the message he is receiving is that he is the pack leader because in a dog pack, the leader always goes first. If you have a dog that pulls, train them to walk beside you. This can be done by keeping your dog on a shorter dog leash at first, but still allowing some slack in the leash. One easy way to make your dog walk next to you is by holding snacks in your hand and casually giving them to your dog as you walk. This will reward your dog for walking beside you, and in turn make walks more pleasant!
How to Tame an Aggressive Dog
With temperatures climbing and summer quickly approaching, it’s important that dogs get ample exercise during those long summer days. However, many pet owners avoid taking their pets on walks and to family outings because of aggressive behavior previously displayed by their dog. Keeping your dog cooped up during summer months because of the fear of running into other dogs can be damaging to both owner and pet. Exercise is a key step in taming an aggressive dog; they need an outlet for that energy. Even dogs that were socialized as a puppy can develop aggressive, hyper behaviors later on. Make sure to consult with an expert or your vet before trying these methods if you do not feel comfortable.
Teaching your dog to walk calmly on a leash, as discussed in the last blog is a key first step in the process of taming your dog, but there are other tricks and trades one can try to promote a calm, submissive behavior. First, it’s important to fit your dog with the proper collar, or harness before beginning the walk. A dog harness may be more appropriate for dogs that pull, because it gives the owner more control over the dog’s chest area, which is their main source of strength. After fitting your dog with the proper attire, you’re ready to move forward with the walk. Make sure to keep treats on you during an outing with your pet, as most dogs respond well to food.
Most owners tend to avoid the other dog approaching during the walk, but this only prolongs the issue instead of dealing with it head on, so to speak. If you have a friend with a calm, submissive dog, you may want to ask for their help in dealing with the issue. Using a dog you know will not provoke aggressive behavior from your pet can be extremely helpful. As the other dog approaches, make sure you have a firm grip on the leash, but do not hold it with too much tension as dogs can sense your feelings, and your tension and nerves can be transferred to their mentality. Dogs have unbelievable senses of when their owner feels threatened or nervous, so maintain a calm attitude. Taking a deep breath can be very soothing for tension.
Make sure you put enough space between the dogs eliminating the chance of attack. Place your dog in a sitting position, with their butt facing the other dog. This is a submissive position and will help break their aggression. As your dog struggles and gets worked up, give them a touch on their chest, just forceful enough to break their concentration on the other dog. Remember not to push the dog, just a firm touch. Breaking the dog’s focus on the other is crucial to taming aggression. Once the mind is not consumed by thoughts of the other dog, your pet will calm down and learn to ignore. After this process is finished and your dog is cooperative, make sure to reward with lots of praise and even a few little dog treats. By trying out these few methods, you can make socializing your dog with others a much calmer experience, which leads to a happy dog and owner.
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!
