May 15th, 2009 by traveler
Dogs love to dig. Some do it because they are bored or seeking attention. Some try to find shelter or a place to bury food. For some dogs, freshly turned dirt is simply irresistible. One way to control your dog’s digging problem is to bury balloons or some chicken wire in the area he likes to dig. Noisy popping balloons and paws getting caught in wires can discourage him from digging again.
Your dog might have developed a penchant for digging because he saw you doing it. Keep him confined to a crate or kennel while you are gardening. If he digs through your flower bed, reprimand him and spray him with a garden hose. Repeat this method each time he tries to dig holes.
Fill all gaps under the fence to take away any visual temptation. If you have enough space in your house, designate a digging area where you can fill a sandbox with all your dog’s toys and treats inside.
Tags: dog digging problems, dog training tips, excessive digging, tips on dog training
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May 13th, 2009 by traveler
A leash is not just a training tool. It can protect your dog from injuring himself as well as others. If you let him roam around the neighborhood without a leash, he could ingest toxins from the dumpster and bring home a host of health problems. He might dig through soil and trample flower beds on other people’s gardens. Or worse, he could attack someone or another dog if he is not restrained by a leash.
The first time you put a leash on your dog, he could get really excited. Stand still and wait for him to calm down. Tell him to sit and stay as you put on the collar.
Take one step forward, stop, give treat, one step again, stop again, reward again. As he gets used to stopping when you are still, you can increase the number of steps. If your dog pulls, stand still. Let him bounce around at the end of the leash but hold your position. He will eventually calm down when he realizes that you are not going anywhere. If you walk while your dog is pulling, he could interpret that as a reward for his behavior.
Tags: dog training tips, tips on dog training
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May 5th, 2009 by traveler
Before you bring your new puppy home, you have to safeguard your possessions against the imminent damage he could cause. Put away expensive breakables and other items which your puppy might find interesting. Dangling drawstrings from indoor blinds or curtains are very attractive playthings, so keep them tied and well out of reach. Trash bins should always be locked away.
Puppy proofing your home is also important so your little one doesn’t injure himself. Cable organizers are great for stowing away electrical cords and wires that your teething puppy might chew on. Fence off or install barriers on balconies, patios, fireplaces, and swimming pools. Mothballs, rodent poison, insect repellants, and fertilizers should be inaccessible to your puppy. Indoor or garden plants should be nontoxic.
Before you let your puppy out of the house, make sure the garage and shed are locked. Check for nails, screws or any sharp object protruding from the fence or gate. Provide him with chewing toys and a sandbox where he can dig and bury bones.
Tags: bringing your puppy home, dog training tips, puppy proof homes, tips on dog training
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May 4th, 2009 by traveler
Crate training helps establish good habits in your puppy and prevent common behavioral problems that may develop as a dog grows. Crate-trained puppies are less likely to get into trouble, so there is less need to discipline them.
One of the most invaluable benefits of the crate is teaching your puppy to do his business outside the house and keeping him from chewing on things that are outside the crate like furniture, shoes, and curtains.
If you don’t want your puppy running around the house when you have visitors or jumping all over your car seat during long drives, you can keep him safely confined to his crate for a few hours. A crate-trained puppy is more likely to behave at places such as the vet clinic and dog groomers than those who had never used a crate.
The crate is also a great place to confine your dog during breaks from obedience classes. He can rest, eat, drink and toy around without the constraints of a collar.
Tags: crate training, dog crate training, dog training tips, puppy crate training, tips on dog training
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May 1st, 2009 by traveler
There are three common reasons why dogs bark incessantly. Your pet may be bored, anxious, or overly sensitive to sounds. Playtime usually prevents boredom, so keep your dog occupied with toys that could feed his curiosity. Your dog could use a change of scenery and a good dose of exercise. Hire someone to walk him when you are not around.
Excessive barking can also be attributed to separation anxiety. Dog breeds such as golden retrievers, Yorkshire terriers, and pugs get stressed when they are left alone so they bark nonstop and scratch on doors as you leave. Separation anxiety must be treated by a vet.
Dogs can get excited over the slightest of sounds. To desensitize your dog to sounds, take a can filled with pebbles and throw it next to your dog. Once he is distracted and stops barking, you may reward him with a treat. After several repetitions, ask someone to knock on your door while you are doing a session. If your dog remains focused on you and does not bark at the door, give him another treat.
Tags: dog training tips, excessive barking, tips on dog training
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April 30th, 2009 by traveler
Whether you’re using a litter box or paper, the most important thing in housetraining your puppy is consistency. Use one method and stick to it.
In paper training, your objective is to make your pet develop a habit of doing his business on paper and not on any other surface. Pick a room in your house where you can confine your dog together with his bed, toys, and food and water bowls. Cover the entire floor with newspaper and note the places where he prefers to take a leak or go. Don’t get upset if he eliminates everywhere or chews on the papers during the first few weeks. Replace dirty papers as soon as possible so your dog develops a preference for clean surroundings.
Remove small areas of the newspaper after every few weeks. If your dog goes off the paper, recover the floor and try again after a few days. Make his paper area smaller and smaller until he is left with a very small potty area that he will eventually adapt to.
Tags: dog training tips, housetraining dogs, tips on dog training
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