Dog Behavior Training - Understanding How Your Pet Learns

Dogs are creatures of habit. They like consistency. They like praise. They need repetition. They need predictable outcomes for their behaviors. In many ways dog behavior training is a lot like training children. Without the proper guidence children can become out of control. Dogs are the same way. Without the proper training dogs will quickly become a source of frustration rather than a source of joy and love. But the vast majority of the time it’s only because your pet does not understand what is expected of him.

See the complete article at: Understanding Dog Behavior Training

SitStayFetch Dog Training Review

If you’ve been researching the top options for dog training products online, chances are you’ve come across the SitStayFetch dog training guide more than once. Below we have reviewed the truth about this guide, who it is best suited for and what type of value SitStayFetch actually offers to help you with your training goals.

The SitStayFetch training manual is written by dog training expert Daniel Stevens and is sold through the Kingdom Of Pets Website.
First let me say this is not a complex training bible for the experienced dog expert. If you already have a comprehensive understanding of dog training and have successfully trained dogs in the past, what you will learn from SitStayFetch is limited.

If, however, you’re a rookie owner, green and anxious at the prospect of rearing your very own puppy, not sure what you should know and what kinds of situations you’re likely to encounter, then rejoice: you’ve struck gold.

What Does SitStayFetch Teach?

SitStayFetch is a training manual and information compendium for brand-new dog owners. Dog ownership and training is an incredibly complex subject, further complicated by hundreds of contradictory theories and methods, many of which are disseminated by well-known celebrity veterinarians and trainers. This handbook sifts through all the dogma and takes the guesswork out of dog ownership for the inexperienced by offering basic, tried-and-true training methods coupled with solid, relevant information on the start-to-finish process of selecting and training a dog.

Working on the assumption that an ounce of prevention is both much easier to deal with and less time-consuming than a pound of cure, the manual is pretty thorough in its coverage of each stage of dog ownership. The first two chapters are devoted entirely to the absolute basics of ownership: starting off with a checklist of what to consider before actually making the decision to purchase a puppy or dog, we quickly move on to breed information, tips on how to select the right individual dog for you, dealing with breeders, basic information for responsible dog ownership, ‘puppy-proofing’ your home and garden, basic training recommendations, nutritional advice, appropriate toys, and how to select a vet.
The remainder of the book’s contents include – but aren’t limited to – training, the tools of the trade, basic commands, housetraining, using body language as a communication tool, dog behavior problems such as aggression and dominance, how to both prevent and deal with unwanted behavior; nuisance behaviors such as excessive barking, digging, chewing and destructiveness; a 12 week training program to take you from beginner status to reasonably advanced; and alternative training methods, such as dog-whispering. Not one of these subjects is covered in any great depth; but all topics are dealt with in a clear, non-nonsense manner which removes the daunting aspect of secrecy from their subject-matter.

The real strength of this book lies in its general, widespread approach to dog training and ownership advice. No brand-new owner is going to be ready to delve into – for example - the complex issues of dominance-specific aggression, or is likely to devote hours to the single topic of housetraining. What the authors of this manual have so cleverly struck upon is the perceived need for a ‘blanket-course’ in dogs, including their mannerisms, basic training and handling: a book which deals with most of the issues relevant to first-time dog ownership, but which doesn’t risk confusion by probing too deeply into any particular subject. This makes SitStayFetch a potentially very handy tool in the new owner’s catalog of resources.

The book comes complete with several tempting freebies: ‘bonus books’, or additional chapters, which provide extra information on communicating with your dog, gaining and maintaining alpha status, advanced housetraining methods and tricks, and a chapter devoted to security training for potential guard dogs. When considered in addition to the information already provided by the previous chapters, these bonus books make for a nicely-rounded tome of canine information covering virtually every subject relevant to the first-time owner.

All in all, SitStayFetch has all aspects of the new-owner arena nicely covered. The right balance has been struck between colloquial, friendly how-to tips and professorial practical advice, without resorting to intimidating esoterica or confusing and difficult directions. Training instructions are dealt with in a logical, step by step manner, and include numerous and helpful photographs. For all intents and purposes, both new and would-be owners will likely find this handbook an invaluable training tool, both as a stepping-stone in their dogs’ obedience training and as a shaper of expectations and necessary mindset for the owners themselves. SitStayFetch is highly regarded as one of the most valuable dog training products available online, if you would like to know more go now and read comparisons of SitStayFetch and other top dog training products.

Tips for Tropical Fish

Learning how to care for a relatively hardy, but beautiful, tropical fish like this will allow you to learn about the care and needs of fish before investing a lot of time and money.  Tips for starting out  keeping tropical fish.

Choosing Dog Training Methods

Before choosing a particular training method, carefully examine the technique to ensure that it will communicate proper associations. Certain methods may not communicate what you intend. A dog-aggressive Akita was enrolled in a training program that his owner thought was reputable. The trainer convinced the owner that the only way to break the Akita of aggression toward other dogs was to let a more dominant dog put him in his place. The trainer’s dog displayed dominance toward other dogs, so she placed him in a room with the Akita and left the two dogs to work things out.

Choosing Dog Training Methods

Putting An End To Your Puppy’s Biting

Puppies that bite with intent to injure/protect themselves - i.e., that are not just play biting due to a lack of bite inhibition training - are generally quite a rare phenomenon. It’s fortunate that this is true, because a young puppy (under the age of 6 months) that bites is most likely beyond salvation.

The reason for this is simply because, at such a young age, the concept of aggressive self-defense and/or dominance over others should be beyond a puppy. It’s similar to the thought of a four year old child picking up a hammer and deliberately hitting you on the head with it - it’s just not within the realms of their comprehension.

It’s an all to common scenario that a young dog that becomes aggressive and bites has at some stage been exposed to abuse, severe trauma or neglected. Just as with you or I, this can dramatically change your dog’s temperment and personality. This behavior can often be ignorantly put down to the puppy simply being a “bad dog” - possibly one from savage genetic stock, or from an inappropriate environment such as a pit bull puppy mill (where dogs genetically predisposed towards extreme aggression are raised badly and are lacking in maternal guidance).

Puppies like this are generally euthanized, on the advice of a specialist - sadly, this is usually the only humane option for a damaged animal which will retain its savagery for life.

Acceptable Biting

The usual age for puppies to begin demonstrating the first signs of aggression is around 9 months of age. This is because they are approaching puberty, and with it, sexual maturity. Hormones are flooding your puppy’s endocrine system, encouraging experimental behavior, the development of individuality and independence, the first signs of dominance testing and, if allowed to continue unchecked, aggression will develop and become out of control.

Learn more about what is acceptable behavior for your puppy and read reviews of top guides for dealing with a biting-puppy (link opens in a new window).

Controlling Your Puppy’s Biting

Fortunately, all this is preventable - by you. You need to be the boss around your dog, and teach it in a variety of ways that it is lower on the chain of command than all other humans in the house.

Here are some tips for doing so:

  • Discuss the issues with your household, and people who will be regularly visiting your home, and make sure everyone is willing to enforce the fact that all humans are above the puppy. Do not do anything for your puppy without him doing something for you first: for example, don’t let him outside without having him sit and stay until you give the OK.
  • Give, remove, and give again. Practice giving a toy to your puppy, removing it from his mouth, and then giving it back to him. This is also a good way to initiate the “drop it” command, as well as reinforcing the notion that it pays to do what you want (if he complies, he gets his treat back; if he doesn’t, he gets the cold shoulder or a stern rebuke).
  • If your puppy misbehaves, do not use corporal punishment (apart from a quick and mild shake by the scruff of the neck for repeated and deliberate violations). As soon as he misbehaves, get up, fold your arms, avert your face and eyes, and ignore him. Get everyone in the room to do the same. The cold shoulder is an extremely effective manner of communicating to a dog that his behavior is inappropriate: social isolation is a powerful tool, and instinctively puppies and dogs associate it with potential danger (a lone dog is a vulnerable target).
  • Humans control all the food. Practice removing your puppy’s food bowl as he eats. Reward him with a treat, and then return the bowl to him. Once he is accustomed to this, any children in the house can practice this as well. Another idea is to add a small handful of dog biscuits to the bowl as he is eating. Both of these techniques encourage your dog to welcome a human approaching as he eats, rather than treating the situation as a potential threat and reacting as such.
  • Your puppy must NEVER bite you. No matter what the circumstances, it must be corrected instantly and on the spot. Playful mouthing is acceptable, but when you feel a deliberate bite - no matter how tentative - your puppy is testing the waters and must be shown the error of his ways. Correct it straight away with a deep, stern, growly “NO!” and wait a moment until replacing the hand/hair/hem that he has been nipping with a more appropriate toy. When his jaws close around it, pet him and praise him.
  • Be aware that you yourself can be responsible for much of your puppy’s bad behavior: rough games like tug of war and wrestling encourage your puppy to attempt to physically best you. This is all well and good during the young-puppy stage, but if you have a large breed, it may be difficult to win once the puppy hits adolescence and begins to fill out. Once your puppy has won, he will never forget that he has managed to “beat” you - he won’t think of it as a game and will lose respect for your authority. Games like fetch are much more favorable: still fun, but also reinforcing the concept that you are in charge (the puppy must do as you wish in order to continue the game).
  • Growling is the first warning sign, this is time for you to step in and let your puppy know that aggression will not be tolerated. Never allow your dog growl, even once, without being corrected - Firmly say “NO” back at him instantly. Make sure your growl is deep, stern, and louder than his - the idea is to scare him a little bit, and show him that you are the alpha, not him.

Taking Responsibility For Your Puppy

Training your puppy from a young age is vital for his development into a socially acceptable dog. You want to be able to take your dog for walks on the beach, in the park, and down the street - on or off the leash (where appropriate, of course) - without fearing for his safety or the safety of any one of the numerous human and canine pedestrians sharing the neighborhood with him. YOU are responsible for your puppy’s future status in canine and human society - make the most of your puppy’s impressionable early months and train, train, train……Click here for more information on dealing with puppy aggression and biting issues.

Dog Obedience Training

Dog obedience training is a major issue if you want a steady and pleasant relationship between you and your dog. The fact is that it is not that difficult to teach your dog of basic obedience as well.

Dog obedience training consists of various training lessons designed to teach your dog how to obey your commands. It might be something simple – as teaching your dog to come when you call him (or her). It can be something more complicated such as not to bark when you walk him out in the morning or how to chase cars of bicycles.

Whatever is the case you should prepare yourself first.

To find out more about dog training obedience visit our website.

A Dog Boarding Kennel is a Great Choice for Your Next Vacation

Well, work has finally slowed down enough that you can actually think about taking a vacation. You’ve got the whole trip planned out, right down to the flight number to whisk you off to the Florida Keys; however, one small detail still needs to be resolved. What to do with the family dog. Below are a few reasons why a dog boarding kennel is a great choice for your pet while you are away.

Consistency

Dogs in general need a solid routine. If the pet were to accompany you on you grand adventure, chances are they would end up being a nervous wreck and getting sick on a regular basis.

To find out more about dog health problems visit our website.

An Overview of Various Types of Cat Flea Medicine

If you have cats, you should read this article. Here’s a sample:

I try to keep my pets chemical free so I avoided getting cat flea medicine in order to try natural methods instead. Nothing really worked. Most of the home remedies for these pests are lacking and they are basically ineffectual. One item did a little better than the rest.

Click the link to read the full article about Cat Flea Medicine.

Caring For Betta Fish

After reading the Caring For Betta Fish: An Insider’s Guide For Betta Lovers ebook and putting the information into action you will find yourself with Betta fist that are healthy and alert! You will know how to provide the care that every good Betta parent needs to provide and that care is not prohibitively expensive!

Dog Training Los Angeles Style

If you have decided that your lovable but strong minded dog could use some training and you live in the Los Angeles area, there are several ways you can find the right obedience school for your beloved pet. Here are some tips on how to find effective dog training Los Angeles facilities. Dog Training

Cat Condos And Cat Trees

Cat Condos As actual cat owners, we have a good idea of what your kitty likes. All of our cat condos are designed with your cats likes in mind. From multiple cat household’s to one cat households, we carry cat condos for everyone. There are plenty of ramps, ladders, lounging pedestals, hiding spots and sisal posts in our kitty condos. Not only that, but our cat furniture is constructed from quality durable goods.

Your Pet Could Have a Low Whiteblood Cells Count

Great article about whitebloodc cells!

If your pet white blood cells count is low, that means something in its body is stopping the production of these white blood cells, and the body will not be able to fight off infections or illnesses. You should always make sure you pay attention to what tyour Vet tells you if this is a problem for your pet and…

Read Full article about WHITEBLOOD CELLs

French version available at Systeme Immunitaire

Dog Indoor Litter Boxes

This pet potty training system is easy to use and easy to clean. UGODOG indoor dog litter box has a solid base made for any canine, regardless of breed or size. There are two removable fitted grates on top. Keeping the smallest of dogs and puppies in mind, UGODOG constructed grates that are specifically sized so that dogs and puppies do not get their paws trapped. With this design, your pet’s paws (and your furniture) will remain dry as the urine passes through the cubed openings and on to the base below where canine pee pads, or more preferably newspaper, absorbs the urine and odor. The grates should be removed and the newspaper can be thrown into the trash or recycling bin daily. The dog pooh settles on top of the grates so that clean up is easy and mess free. Simply lift the grate with the pooh on it and drop the pooh in a recycled waste bag and drop in your waste basket. UGODOG dog litter box utilizes two smaller grates in lieu of one large grate in order to make cleanup of the grates easier and more convenient. Wipe down with a wet paper towel every evening

Affordable Dog Clothes That You Can Buy

Looking for Affordable Dog clothes, Big dog sweatshirts, yorkie clothes, a chihuahua or a maltese, our xs dog clothes or xxs dog clothes fit the bill. Shop for the hottest designer dog clothes or some precious pet apparel to appease the yorkie or maltese in your life. For practical puppies, we have fleece lined dog coats and warm dog sweaters, but we also have dog costumes and fun small dog clothing and dog costumes for the party animals.

Pet Training Is A Must

Pet owners are very loyal to their pets and there is nothing a pet owner will do to make sure their pet lives long and is healthy. Instead of buying a more than one puppy it is better to purchase a single puppy this way the puppy will have a better chance bonding with the owner and it will be easier to will bond to its owner better and will be easier to train than having many puppies. Avoid the temptation of buying two or more puppies. Depending on the breed, the best time to purchase a puppy is between 7-9 weeks of age. The puppy should get used to being around people and other dogs. Your puppy should not be allowed to roam the house freely until he is properly housetrained. A common misconception is that healthy dogs and cats must eat every day when in fact they do not. Smaller breeds are an exception, but even then pet owners must take care not to overfeed. See Full Article at Dog Training

More Summer Safety Tips For Your Dog

Do you clip your dog in the summer, thinking he will be better off in the heat? It may be counterproductive. Your dogs coat holds heat near the body in the winter and is meant to insulate against the heat in the summer. Your pet’s fur also works as sunscreen! But not all pet’s fur, dark haired dogs are more easily affected by the heat and you may still want to clip this kind of pet. Not only do you want to protect your pet’s skin from harmful ultra violet rays, their eyes should be protected as well. Yes, even doggy sunglasses, with adjustable straps, of course, are available.

Remember to groom your pet well year round, especially in the summer months. Matted coats are an excellent breeding ground for skin infections.

In closing, your pets can enjoy the summer months with the proper care and pet products. Your vet can provide you with more information on how to care for your pet in the summer.

Leigh Adams is an avid dog owner and trainer. She is a frequent contributor to this Pet Supply Store.

Keeping Fido Cool This Summer

If you and your dog are outdoors, make certain he has access to water and shade. Collapsible water bowls or dog hydration systems are excellent for insuring your pet has water. There are many types of portable dog bowls. There are collapsible bowls and no spill bowls that dual as a container for your pet’s food. If you bring your dog on long excursions, consider a portable water pack. Water packs are made from durable nylon and are constructed like a harness for big dogs. There are many products on the market today that may help cool your pet in warm weather. Try a cool dog bed for him to lounge on while outdoors. Mats such as these are so versatile; they even insulate dogs from cold floors in the winter! Water-activated crystals keep the mat cool for days with one 30-minute soaking in cold water. Portable pet tents are even available these days to protect your dog from the sun!!

Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer

With summer fast approaching, your pooch won’t be able to do without one of our Cool Dog Beds. These dog pads can be used by themselves or you can put them on top of our Outdoor Canopy Dog Bed . With this combo you can shade them from the sun and keep them cool!

Dog Obedience Training Do’s And Don’ts

Do not under estimate your dog. Dogs are very intelligent and that means that training your dog basic obedience techniques will not be too difficult if you follow, and stick to, a proper plan with your goals in mind.

Read about solid dog obedience training advice

A Dog Health Emergency Can Happen At Anytime

You never now when you will have a dog health emergency. Your dog could suffer scolds or burns in the house or escape from the garden and be involved in a motor accident. What would you do?

read more about dealing with dog health emergencies

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