5 Ways To Make Dog Training Easier on You (and Your Pet!)

Whether you've adopted from a shelter, a breeder, or somewhere in between, the joy of bringing a new pet into your home can feel like bringing a baby home from the hospital. Like babies, new pets can come with new responsibilities, like training them to fit in your environment. Some new pet owners don't realize this until they're stressed and dealing with a confused dog. The good news is that dog training doesn't have to be as stressful as you think! Check out these five ways to make it a breeze.

1. Make a Schedule

Remember that we're all creatures of habit, so setting aside 15 to 20 minutes every day (or at least on a regular schedule) can make all the difference. Making dog training a habit will help you and your new pet succeed, so pencil it into your schedule ahead of time and commit to making it a priority. If you aren't able to commit to a regular schedule, try to involve other family or household members in the dog training so that a consistent regimen becomes part of the routine.

2. Prepare Mentally

You can't teach an old dog new tricks-unless you have the patience to keep at it! Proper dog training is a marathon, not a sprint, so make sure to prepare yourself mentally for the long haul. Try to remain calm, patient, and avoid showing signs of frustration, which your new pet may pick up. Don't forget to go slow and repeat commands until they get it right multiple times.

3. Have the Proper Equipment

Talk with a trainer about what tools are available to you as you begin creating new habits with your pup. Chances are, the trainer will want you to work separately without the pet so that you're able to build a bond that isn't reliant on outside help.

4. Manage Your Expectations

Remember that canines vary in intelligence and temperament, especially when it comes to the wide spectrum of breeds available. Make sure you set realistic expectations for your dog training based on breed traits, as it will be harder to teach a Chihuahua herding commands than it would be a Shepard.

5. Give Immediate Positive Feedback and Rewards

We all do better with positive feedback, and animals are no different. Make sure you offer rewards or treats immediately after a job well done so that the animal learns right away which habits are good and which offer no rewards. This will help them learn faster and easier-besides, who doesn't love treats?

Teaching your new family member how to get along in their new environment can feel like a monumental task, full of frustration and stress, but it doesn't have to be that way. Practice patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency, and your new best friend will fit into the family in no time.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Ways-To-Make-Dog-Training-Easier-on-You-(and-Your-Pet!)&id=9515053

A Beagle On Steroids - The Harrier!

Harriers were bred as scent hounds for hunting. This means that they were bred for stamina, endurance, and independence. These traits are the most difficult parts to deal with as a dog owner. They have a strong prey drive and while they get along well with other pets, they can view them as prey, if not socialized properly. Because of the stamina built into the dog, it requires regular, prolonged exercise, so this is not for an apartment dweller. A large yard is helpful, however, Harrier's may bay when bored, so the neighbors may complain. The endurance of the dog is legendary, a Harrier has been known to track a rabbit or a fox till the prey basically gives up and lies down! This independence and singlemindedness can be an issue when training the dog. The owner must also find a way to keep the Harrier occupied mentally as well as physically. The good news is that they enjoy playing, jogging, running along as you bike, or hiking.

A sturdy dog, the Harrier stands about 19 to 21 inches tall, weighs between 45 to 60 pounds, and has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. They love children and have a sturdy bone structure that allow them to interact without fear of the dog being hurt. In fact, the only problem commonly reported is hip dysplasia and this is rare. As with all breeds, the dog should be socialized to interact with children and other pets. This is a pack dog, so the family become its pack. Harriers are comfortable being with you, but do not demand attention. They can tolerate hot and cold, if protection is provided, but they are much happier in the house with the family (pack). Due to the hunting nature of the dog, it should remain on a leash when in open areas to prevent it from chasing squirrels and rabbits. If you plan taking your Harrier jogging, start after they are a year old and gradually increase distances. this protects the developing bones and joints. Once done, you will have a happy companion on those jogs!

The Harrier coat is smooth and relatively short. They do shed, but not excessively. Taking care of the coat requires brushing and an occasional bath. As with all breeds nails may need to be clipped, if these are not worn down during activity. Teeth should be brushed a couple times a week. The ears should be checked for redness or foul smell on a regular basis. Because of the flop over hound ears, there is limited air circulation and this can lead to ear infections.

Harrier's make good watch dogs, but poor guard dogs. Don't expect to protect your valuables, but it will let you know someone is in the driveway. They are welcoming of strangers, children, and other pets. They will not demand attention, but love to play a good game of fetch or chase! You will need a good fence about 6 feet tall to keep the dog enclosed. The more time you spend with the dog, the more it will be a happy family member and not be destructive.

While a rare breed, the Harrier could be a good family companion for an active family. The breed quickly identifies with the pack (family). Grooming is not a major issue with the Harrier. With some socialization and effort, you can have a great family companion for all those activities you enjoy! A warning though, people will think you own a beagle on steroids.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Beagle-On-Steroids---The-Harrier!&id=9494353

How To Stop Your Dog From Chewing EVERYTHING!

Destructive chewing can be a problem if the cause is not found and eliminated. The video outlines how one can stop this behavior.

5 Ways to Eliminate Boredom From the Lives of Your Doggie

In this crazy world that we live in, it becomes very difficult to take our pooches everywhere we go; as not all places are dog friendly. Hence; this gives our tykes little scope to enjoy their day to the fullest. So, how will you come to know whether your dog is feeling bored? There are different cues that dogs give like:

· Chomping the garden instruments, sprinkler and lawn furniture

· Whining in your absence

· Gnawed furniture, tattered clothing or trash can contents spread in the entire house

· Shaking, trembling or extreme drooling behavior

· Urinating, vomiting, or leaving feces in the house

If your dog is giving these cues he is definitely feeling jaded. So what is the best thing that you can do to eliminate this dullness from his life? Quite simple... Give him some tools to kill the time in a productive manner.

Ways To Eliminate Boredom From The Lives Of Your Doggie:

Plenty of exercise

Remember a tired dog is a quiet dog; and so give your doggie plenty of exercise. Utilize the space of your yard or a portion of your house to exercise your pet.

Play games with the pooch

There are plenty of games that you can play with your pooch. One amazing game is hide and seek; wherein you hide the dog's favorite treat in the room or the yard, and then ask the pooch to find it. The key here is to show the location where you are hiding the treat a couple of times so that your tyke understands and sees that you are hiding their favorite treat. Always hide treats in places where it is easy to find for the dog. This will not only keep him active, but also entertained.

Get dog toys

A favorite way to get undivided attention from your doggie is to get dog toys which will keep him mentally stimulated for long periods of time. You can even stuff in your dog's favorite treats in it. Buy the best toys from the top-grade stores and keep your furry friend occupied.

Hire a dog walker

A dog walker will ensure that your doggie will have a routine to follow. It will be a perfect way to set up an exercise regimen for him. You can even ask the dog trainer to spend time in the backyard to play with the tyke, and spend quality time with him.

Get another furry pal

This is totally dependent on your financial situation; and the way you think about it. Initially, ask your friend to drop by with their tyke and see how your doggie reacts in front of the other dog. If the response is positive; then think about getting another furry pal.

It may take some doing, but ultimately when your dog gets enough activity and is tired he will eventually be nice and calm thereby forgetting about the boring old days in the past!!

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Ways-to-Eliminate-Boredom-From-the-Lives-of-Your-Doggie&id=9470318

A Great Medium Sized Companion - The Field Spaniel

The Field Spaniel is a fun, athletic, water-loving companion. Typically, they are 16 to 19 inches tall and weigh about 35 to 45 pounds. They are a sturdy dog that enjoys playing games and doing activities with the family. As a hunter, they do require a good fence to keep them in, as they will follow their nose and wander away. This breed is very child-friendly, however, it does not like rough and loud play. During these times, it will move to a quieter location and watch the activity till things settle down a bit. If you have a pool, watch out! The Field Spaniel loves water and to play in water. They will be happy to swim with you and the family! They have even been known to play with water in the water dish! An alert dog, the Field Spaniel will let you know when a stranger approaches, but should not be considered a watchdog. They may be aloof with strangers until they see that they are accepted by the family and then join in the fun.

With the typical spaniel coat, many people are concerned with grooming requirements. The Field Spaniel requires the least amount of grooming of all the spaniel breeds. That does not mean, no grooming! They do not have an undercoat, so the only fur is the long outer coat. this should be brushed a couple times a week, just to keep it tangle free and looking nice. The breed does not shed excessively, despite the long coat. Because of the flop over ears, you should check the ears for smells and redness about once a week. Brushing teeth two to three times a week will keep your Field Spaniel in top condition. Toe nails may need to be clipped, if the dog does not get enough activity to wear the nails down. The breed is an overall healthy breed, without any major medical concerns. The typical life span is about 10 to 12 years.

Field Spaniels are intelligent dogs and have an independent streak. This was developed to assist the hunters and allow the dog to perform well in the field. Since the Field Spaniel is now more of a family pet, they need to be socialized early and consistently into the type of companion you want. They enjoy playing, running, swimming, and expending energy with the family. This means that they are probably not a candidate for the apartment dweller. They will enjoy dog parks, where they can run and utilize their hunting instincts. This dog does not do well being in a kennel in the back yard, it requires interaction with people on a regular basis during the day. If left alone, it can become neurotic and destructive to property. A well socialized Field Spaniel is a great family companion.

The Field Spaniel is a medium sized dog, with lots of energy and loyalty to the family. It also loves water, so be prepared to get wet occasionally. The breed requires less grooming than most spaniels.

Six Tips For Better Walks With Your Dog

Between working as a dog walker for years, owning two dog walking companies and teaching countless dog owners how to leash train their pups, I've learned a thing or two about how to solve leash-related problems and improve the walk experience. If your walk could use a little work, read on because this one's for you!

1. Treat walks as a training session, not a free for all. Your dog is always learning - learning how to do things you like, or learning to do things you don't like. But either way, learning is taking place. If you are not intentional about your walks and let your dog do whatever she wants, she is probably picking up some bad behaviors. Pulling, chasing, barking, stopping/starting frequently, zigzagging, jumping at other dogs or people, lack of focus - all of these behaviors can result from being lackadaisical in your approach to walks. A better approach is to make your walks a structured experience with clear instructions and rules. This means that you make decisions about what you want the walk to look like. For example, you want your dog to walk loosely on the leash, stop and look at you at streets and sit before going to sniff something interesting. When you know what the rules are, you know exactly what you need to teach your dog or instruct your dog to do. And when you know what instruction to give and how to give it clearly, now your dog can start to understand the rules as well. Over time, you stop having to give instruction because the behaviors have become habitual, and your neighbors will start asking you "What happened to that crazy dog you used to have?".

2. Play Red Light/Green Light. This is really more of a rule than a game, but games are fun and rules aren't, so let's call it a game. Every time the dog pulls and the leash gets tight - stop abruptly. That's your red light. Now do absolutely nothing and wait for your dog to slacken the leash on her own. This means no giving verbal cues, manipulating the leash or prompting in any way. Wait it out. The dog will eventually either shift her body back, turn to look at you, circle behind you or sit down, and the leash will slacken. The moment the leash is loose, mark the behavior verbally ("yes") or with a clicker and begin moving forward again. This is the green light. The consequence for pulling is we stop and remove the reinforcer (moving forward). The reward for putting slack on the leash is we resume moving forward. This technique works wonders on even the worst pullers, but it does require a bit of patience.

3. Use life rewards. Life rewards are simply things that your dog enjoys and finds rewarding that are part of daily life. The life rewards that you may encounter on walks are things like greeting dogs and people, sniffing interesting smells, playing with or carrying sticks or having the freedom to choose which direction to go in and what area to explore. One of my favorite life rewards combines sniffing and exploring. When I notice that the dog I'm walking is drawn to a particular area, I will stop, have her sit and give me eye contact and then say "free" and point to the area. At first, the dog usually needs a little coaxing since they know I make decisions about where to go on the leash, but once they get the hang of it, they learn that 'free' means "OK, take a moment to sniff around and explore freely." I make sure to follow the dog closely wherever she wants to go so that we keep the leash loose. After 30 seconds or so, I'll give a command that indicates to the dog that free time is over and I expect them to follow me again. Usually that will be a heel command. The beautiful thing about this is that we teach the dog that they can have their cake and eat it too. They can have what they want, they just have to ask nicely for it and earn access to it. In this case, the dog did it by sitting and giving me attention. Life rewards are everywhere. Use them.

4. Reward natural behaviors. Dogs are always doing awesome things that usually get completely ignored. When I'm training with puppies, I'll make a huge deal about it every single time the dog looks up at me while we are working on lead. Attentiveness on the leash is a wonderful behavior to reinforce, and when you do, you'll get a lot more if it. If you notice that at times, your dog walks easily at the heel, make sure to let her know that you like what she is doing. You can praise, treat, and/or use life rewards.

5. Be decisive. This is a big one for many dog owners and it raises the question, who's walking who? So often, it is the dog making all the decisions on the walk while the human trails along. This is no good. At best, it's simply giving your dog the wrong idea about who is in charge and can lead a dog to ignore attempts at leadership in other situations. At worst, it could mean a dog being hit by a car or a fight that ends in a vet or hospital visit. So let's make the decision to make more decisions! You will make the decisions about which way to go, where to stop, how long you wait, when the dog can greet, how the dog can greet, when the dog crosses streets and goes through doors, how fast or slow you move, and what behavior is acceptable on the leash. This is a far safer approach to walks and it is also an approach that teaches your dog that you are the decision maker. Our dogs need that from us - particularly the working breeds. Teach them to defer to you and to follow you, and life with your dog will be far easier and more enjoyable.

6. Use the right tools. The kind of leash/harness/collar combo you use is dependent on your particular dog's needs. Pretty much any dog can walk nicely on a standard flat collar if taught how to do it using techniques such as the red light/green light game. Front-attaching harnesses and head halters can be helpful for pullers. And back attaching harness are good for small dogs with a delicate trachea, or for doing behavior modification work such as BAT. But no dog, I repeat - NO DOG - should be on a retractable leash. Please, if you have one, throw it in the can right now. I have seen retractable leashes snap in two more times than I care to recall. They are a major safety hazard. In regards to teaching your dog to walk nicely, they will do the exact opposite by encouraging pulling, lack of focus and disengagement with the handler. When it comes to retractable leashes, just say no.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Six-Tips-For-Better-Walks-With-Your-Dog&id=9469892

Teaching Your Dog to "Drop"

This video takes a look at an alternative way of teaching a "drop" compared to the usual swapping based techniques.