Praise & Treats: The Major Advantages of Positive Reinforcement in Training of Dogs

Time is very important when it comes to the use of positive reinforcement as a training method for dogs. Firstly, the reward, whatever it might be, should come immediately, within a few seconds. Otherwise, your dog might fail to associate it with the proper action, for which he has been rewarded.

Clicker training is another good tool to mark the time of the good behavior. It can also improve the timing and help your dog connect the action with the behavior. Once he hears the sound of the clicker, he will know that the reward will follow soon.

Using Positive Reinforcement to Train

Positive reinforcement can be used for various forms of dog training. Using positive reinforcement during crate training or potty training is usually a good idea. This will help him to shape his behavior just like the way you want it.

You can also reward your dog for simple behaviors like learning to remain seated when you are opening the gates of your garden to let him out or even before coming in. But, make sure that you do not reward him for bad behaviors. For instance, if you let him out, every time he starts barking, then he will get the wrong message.

Keep it Simple and Consistent

The rewards should be simple like praise or a treat that your dog likes. Often a pat along with a verbal praise of "Good Boy!" works well with dogs. Also, at the same time, you can offer him treats like food or playthings he likes.

The treat you choose should be very enticing. It can be things that your dog actually loves. It should be simple and easily acceptable. Do not offer him something which he will take time to chew because it will beat the purpose of getting a quick reward. Also, do not bore him with the same treats over and over again. This might bring down the motivation level.

Shaping Desired behavior

Positive reinforcement helps in the shaping of a good behavior. In this way, you can push him a bit every time he reaches the desired level or expected level of the behavior, by increasing the amount of reward. Make sure that your furry buddy understands that the rewards are increasing each time he is getting a step closer of reaching the goal.

For instance, if you are planning on positively reinforcing the behavior of shaking hands then you should start rewarding or parsing him when he first lifts his paws. Then you should help him shape his behavior furthermore by rewarding a bit more when he touches your hand. After that increase the reward when he lets you hold on to his paw and finally giving him the ultimate reward once he actually learns to shake hands.

Positive reinforcement by means of giving rewards is certainly a good ploy. It helps your dog understand the things expected out of him and the things you desire him to do.

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5 Nutritional Tips to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Fit

It can be very overwhelming when it comes to selecting the dog food. With so many different forms of dog food available in the market, it becomes overwhelming to make a selection decision based on whether to feed a grain-free food, canned food or raw food. Also, remember that every dog is different. The healthiest diet for one dog might not be best for another. While selecting the dog food it is important to consider various factors, including the dog's age, weight, activity level, and breed. While there are other dogs that are suffering from allergies or sensitive stomachs. So, how would you determine whether your doggy is eating proper food?

To help you make an informed decision, we have enumerated certain nutritional tips to keep your dog healthy and fit:

Inquire from your veterinarian about nutrition

If you want to gain some clarity about your dog's nutrition, the very best person to answer your queries is your veterinarian. But the problem is most of the veterinarians in our country recommend a standard dry food like Science Diet. This diet is fine, but remember, Science Diet is a corn-based food that also comprises of animal by-products. Hence, try to discuss some meat-based alternatives for your furry pal. You can even ask questions pertaining to the dog food brands that you have zeroed in and ask specific questions pertaining to them.

Give multi-vitamins to the dog

Liquid Dog Vitamins

Ensure that you consider serving multi-vitamins to your doggy. Hopefully, your tyke might be getting requisite vitamins from the food he is eating. But just like taking a daily vitamin does not hurt us, the same way extra vitamins can be beneficial for your fur baby.

Switch to a natural dry food

Since you would be considering adding natural dry food to the diet of the doggy it will cost more than a standard dry food. The reason for that is it does not contain any animal by-products, chemical preservatives or corn. But if you can meet the budget, it is one of the easiest ways to enhance your dog's nutrition. If you think the cost is a problem, try mixing a natural brand with a standard brand.

Feed canned or raw food on a weekly basis

It has been researched and found that canned food is more expensive than dry dog food. But it can add variety to your fur baby's diet. There are a wide array of natural and organic brands of canned food available. You can even consider feeding commercial raw dog food. Raw food comprises of organs, veggies, bones, and raw meat all ground up in a patty format. Not every dog owner is comfortable serving raw food to their pet, but it is an option.

Supplement with digestive enzymes

Liquid Dog Vitamins
Containing Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics

Digestive enzymes and Probiotics can aid in supporting a healthy digestive system of the furry pal. These enzymes can be found in fruits, veggies and raw meat. But these enzymes get lost during the heating process while cooking the food. The dog owners who are not in favor of serving raw food to their pet can consider supplementing the diet with digestive enzymes. With the presence of Probiotics and enzymes, your dog can properly absorb nutrients.

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Tips to Avoid Pet Health Hazards in Fall

Fall is one of the favorite seasons for furry pals due to its crisp air, colorful foliage and sweet aroma of the seasonal plants lingering in the environment. Though the season is welcoming, it has potential health hazards for your furry pals, about which you may not be knowing. It is essential to learn about these dangers and protect your pet from the unconditional situations.

Let us look into some of the major things that you need to take care of in Fall.

Less Hours Of Daylight

Shorter days mean fewer hours of daylight and we have to cut short some of our day activities when visibility is poor. Dog owners have to take their furry pal on walks either during the dusk or dawn. This brings in the added risks of accidents due to low visibility.

During winters, when taking your furry pals on walks in the darkness of early morning or evening, it is crucial to be careful of your pet. Reduced light means it is challenging for drivers to see animals, which may lead to accidents at times. Therefore, it is crucial to keep a close observation on your pooch on a walk and control by having a leash and collar or chest harness. Make him wear reflective collars as well as a tag with a microchip for a safe return in case of missing incident.

Leaves - A Catastrophe to Handle

It's a pleasure to just move around and listen to that rumbling sound coming out of the dried leaves. Dogs love to run about the foliage and have fun time. But the furry animals are not aware of the danger of this debris. These dried leaves are the source of toxicity if your fur pal licks any substance from the ground or their paws.

There may be fleas, ticks as well as bacteria and mold growth on these leaves. And, if your pet ingests any of these micro-organisms, it would be creating dangerous condition including vomiting, diarrhea, sickness or even tapeworm infection.

It is better to remove the foliage and cut short the dried grass in the lawn to keep away those nasty parasites. Moreover, ensure that your pet remains indoors, separate from the yard work.

Plants and Mushrooms

Mushrooms and other toxic plants are seasonal plants of the Fall and they are wildly found during this time. Your furry pal may succumb to toxicity if any of the part - leaves, stem or flower, any of these is ingested by them. Mushrooms are wildly found in yards. Though most of the wild mushrooms are non-toxic, there are a few which are highly toxic, and when ingested cause challenging situations.

Therefore, try to remove any unwanted plants and mushrooms from your yard and avoid your pet from moving around in the yard until you remove it.

Fatality due to Rodenticides

Falling temperatures drive rodents out of their shell in search of shelter for cold into your homes. People mostly use rodenticides to kill these creatures and keep them away from their homes. However, at times your dog or cat are likely to feast on these chemicals, and may encounter grave danger. Rodenticides cause critical conditions like hemorrhages, uncontrolled bleeding, and blood in vomit.

If you suspect that your cat or a dog has ingested rodenticides and find any toxicities, immediately contact your vet or poison emergency center for immediate help.

Before your dog or a cat fall to any of the dangers of the season fall, ensure all the care and take precautions to avoid any unfaithful circumstances.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-to-Avoid-Pet-Health-Hazards-in-Fall&id=9708492

Dog Grooming Tips - 5 Things You'd Better Know

So you've decided to go the home dog grooming route in order to save bucks, right? Well, you'll need some good dog grooming tips before you even go near your dog with a pair of clippers or scissors! While dog grooming looks easy, there are some serious pitfalls you need to avoid so that your dog doesn't end up with a bloody paw because you clipped his nail too low. I'll show you the right equipment to use and share 5 dog grooming tips so that your dog is groomed safely and comes out looking pristine.

Dog Grooming Tips: #1 - Equipment

For the absolute best results, you need the right equipment. In fact, use the same equipment the professionals use. Some of these tools should be used on smooth coat dogs. And some should be used on long coat dogs.

· Slicker Brush - The slicker brush is used on long coat dogs. It's designed to prevent matting and remove tangles.

· Bristle Brush - The bristle brush is used on both type dogs. This brush is coarse and is used to remove finer foreign matter off your dog's coat.

· Pin Brush - The pin brush is used for long-haired dogs to remove tangles.

· Stainless Steel Combs - Stainless steel combs are great because they don't rust. They also last a long time. They also come in a variety of sizes and lengths.

· Stainless Steel Scissors - Scissors are used for those hard to reach areas. Buy safety tip scissors if you're trimming in sensitive places or if you have a dog that fidgets.

· Dog Clippers - Specialized clippers have an advantage over barber clippers in that specialized clippers have snap-on attachments which allow for accurate length.

· Rubber Brush - this brush is best used for short-haired dogs. You use it against the dog's hide.

· Stripping Knives - this instrument is used on dogs with wiry coats. Wire haired dogs need their coats stripped every few months. Go in the direction of your dog's grain when using the stripping knife.

Dog Grooming Tips: #2 Nail Clipping

Buy a solid pair of clippers. Flimsy ones will only break after a few uses. When clipping your dog's nails, pay attention to the coloring of his nails. You'll notice that at some point, the nail turns pink. That's called the "live" part of the toe nail. Never clip past that part of the nail, or your dog will bleed.

Dog Grooming Tips: #3 Smooth Coats

When grooming smooth coat dogs, use a rubber brush and bristle brush. Always brush against the dog's grain. Use the rubber brush to remove large foreign matter from your dog's hair. Then us the bristle brush to remove finer particles of hair and dirt. Then use the chamois to polish the dog's coat and give it a glossy sheen.

Dog Grooming Tips: #4 Long Coats

Long coats require grooming twice a week or their hair will matt. Use a slicker brush, bristle brush and steel wide tooth comb. Use the slicker brush daily to ensure the coat doesn't get tangled and matted.

Then use the pin brush, which penetrates the hairs more deeply. Make sure you untangle your dog's hair underneath his legs. Most people neglect that part.

Finally, use the wide-tooth comb to take out any left-over tangles. You can also use a finer tooth comb to give him a glossy finish.

Dog Grooming Tips: #5 Warnings

If you use these dog grooming tips regularly, you'll be able to notice warning signs that your dog may have health problems. For instance, pay attention to your dog's stomach. Make sure there's no flaky, red dry skin or lumps. Wouldn't you rather learn how to deal with minor dog health problems before they become major ones?

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Training Tips To Make Your Dog Your Running Partner

If you're physically active and fond of exercising or running, you can involve your pet so that he also gets the right amount of physical activity each day. Dogs make great running partners - they won't bother you with talk plus it's a great way to bond with your pet. But like you did in the beginning, your furry friend needs training until he reaches your pace. It may take a while, but with the right approach, you'll soon have the best running partner!

Follow these simple tips to turn your pet dog into your running partner:

Start with leash training

Start by taking your dog on a walk using a short leash, ideally 2 to 3 feet to help him stay by your side. Walk slowly side by side. If he does this with no problem, reward him with treats. If he gets distracted and starts to pull-away, stop walking until he stops - this will let him know that walking will stop whenever he pulls. Leash training may take a while, especially if your pet isn't used to daily walks so just be patient. If you're uncomfortable with using a leash (which pulls on the neck), a harness is a good alternative.

Check with your vet

Experts recommend that a canine must be at least a year old before he starts with a running routine as puppies can easily get injured if exposed to rigorous physical activities too soon. If your pet is old enough, it is still idea to confirm with your vet if he's both mentally and physically ready to begin a running program.

Take the first run slow

When your dog is used to your walking routine, you can slowly introduce the first run. Begin with an average speed walk, inserting a few minutes of slow run from time to time. Stop totally if your pet tries to pull-away and continue rewarding him with treats if he does well. Keep the first run less than a mile and be observant about your dog's condition. If he is panting heavily or lays down in exhaustion, it's time to stop. It's also important that you have water ready at all times.

Build up endurance

Like us, our furry friends need to be properly conditioned to build up endurance for daily runs. As your pet gets used to your running routine, walk less and run more until walking is no longer needed. Pick up the pace as time goes by.

Turn your beloved dog into the best running partner by following these easy training tips!

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Training-Tips-To-Make-Your-Dog-Your-Running-Partner&id=9726192

Tips For Bath Time Fun With Your Pets

Pets hate baths, period. There may be some dogs that could come to love bathing, but then again they are quite rare. There is nothing worse than a bath for your pets. Most doggies simply hate getting wet.

Although bathing is a big problem for your puppy, there are some ways to make your puppy fall in love with the entire process of bathing. Here are some tips for turning the disastrous bathing time into a pleasure time for your dog:

Invest in pet-friendly products

The worst thing you can do to your puppy is to offer them products, which do not suit them. Some products may irritate your dogs or cat's skin and some may make your pet itch. To make sure that your dog has the best bathing experience, invest in some good products, which suit your doggie's requirements to avoid discomfort for your dog.

Anti-Slip Mats

Once you begin bathing your pet, your pet's paws and the floor will become wet. The pet may accidentally slip and hurt itself. And as pets' behavior goes, then to get a bit too excited and begin running. Running on slippery floors will turn out drastically dangerous for your pet and may cause them to get hurt.

Bathing Accessories

To make your dog's bathing experience especially enjoyable; invest in good bathing designer pet accessories. Offer them the best bath care you can afford. Trying getting them comfortable towels and robes. Comfortable towels and robes will allow your pet to feel your love and will help them calm down after the bath.

Clothes

Depending on the time you wish to bathe your dog, buy apparel sets. If you tend to bathe them in the evening, get them cute pyjamas and shirts to set the mood. However, if you bathe the pet in the afternoons or mornings, get them day clothes, which go with their style.

Grooming Products

The bathing experience for your dog will always be incomplete if you do not invest in good grooming products. Offer your dog or cat the best hair conditioner and best brushes. There are some products, such as the flea removal comb, which helps the owner remove fleas from their pet's fur. Furthermore, you could also invest in some powders and perfumes.

With many brands coming up with specific clothes and products, a pet parent can even buy designer products for their pet in case they feel like pampering the dog or cat.

When it comes to bathing, most pets will run away from you at first sight. It takes some time for your doggy to become used to bathing. You may bathe your pet in a separate inflatable pool or choose to bathe them your bathtub, but always remember to bathe them properly. Offering your pet the best dog clothes and accessories will, perhaps, make your dog fall in love with the process of bathing.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-For-Bath-Time-Fun-With-Your-Pets&id=9889336

Dog Lovers Who Travel

There are endless adventures you can take with your family and your dog. If you are going don't leave your "Man's Best Friend" at home. Our pets are already major companions in our lives, so it's all the more fun to make memories away from home with them.

Camping is one of the oldest pastimes that people like to do during the summer months. They can load up and take out on an adventure with the family and with the dog. If taking the dog is not an option you can look into a dog sitter. I know that leaving the pooch behind can be a stressful situation. There is nothing better than finding a good reliable person to take care of the dog. But if not you can take he or she with you and consider a few options I have listed to make your adventure a fun and safe outing for you and your dog.

Dogs love to travel - outdoor vacations are their favorite! Dog travel accessories will make sure your pooch is comfortable and secure during your next road trip. From hikes to boat outings, the right travel gear will help your pet be prepared for it all. Anytime you travel with your dog you should have a car seat. There are many different kinds of all sizes so be sure and get one that will keep your pet safe.

Anti-Spill Dog Bowl

One accessory would be a travel dog bowl. Maybe an anti-spill bowl would be beneficial for all concerned. It is a bowl that doesn't allow water or food to spill out. There are a variety of bowls available, I'm sure you can find one that is right for your pet. Always having water for your dog is a must.

When camping you will want to keep your dog away from other campers. Not everyone is a dog lover. There are hands-free belts that convert into a leash. This will also keep your dog safe will being away from home. You may want to consider a portable dog pen so your dog can enjoy the outdoors just as much as you do.

Keeping your dog safe is a priority especially when outdoor adventuring. Another way to be sure your dog is safe is to consider a dog life jacket. Even if your dog loves the water there may be an incident that would require your dog to need a like jacket. There are several different styles and sizes to pick from. There are raincoats and warmer jackets available also, all designed to keep your dog safe and comfortable.

GPS Dog Tracking Device

You may want to consider picking up a GPS dog tracking device to have in the off chance your pooch goes missing. These devices are a great way to keep track of your dog when traveling away from home. They let you locate your pet on demand, monitor their activity and record adventures on a smartphone. This device will come in handy if your dog gets lost.

Be sure and check the weather before you leave, not only will this help you be prepared for conditions like rain or snow that could slow your travel, you'll have a better idea of what to pack for your dog. Keep them comfortable in conditions they aren't used to.

Having fun and making memories with your dogs is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Take pictures, share them on social media, whatever helps you remember these trips. Don't forget to bring your furry friend along for your next road trip.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Dog-Lovers-Who-Travel&id=9947179