Secrets of Dog Training

All dogs need some grooming. Show dogs need more than others.

And to further state the obvious, a long-haired dog will need more grooming than a short-haired one! But even the short haired dog should accept being groomed as a regular part of his or her life. When you are grooming you can also check over your pet for any problems... like fleas, ticks, or lumps - even for excessive loss of coat [this could be a thyroid problem].

As a pack animal, a dog would be groomed daily by its friends within the pack, and would enjoy the experience. Teach your dog to enjoy the experience, give treats at first if they should find it hard to accept grooming. You can check their feet and ears too whilst grooming them.

If your pet requires specialist trimming and grooming try to keep to the same person so that they can become confident about the experience.

See this Pet Grooming blog for loads more information, plus tips on pet grooming.

Labels: grooming your pet, pet grooming, thyroid problems

Probably THE most popular dog training product on the internet! And rightly so, it covers just about everything you could possibly need to know about training your dog... and then some! It evolves in a simple to understand and practical manner, which explains the 'why' of dog behavior, and what you should do to make it work towards what you require.

This simple step-by-step approach will correct any behavior problems... as long as you apply it.

You will need to start with the Alpha Dog lessons and get across to your pet that you are the Alpha.

One happy SitStayFetch owner said... "I had no idea that doing something as simple as making him sit before I put his bowl of food down would make a difference in how my dog viewed me".

Dogs become more confident, and are happy to know that we are the pack leaders who protect, feed and love them.

You will learn comprehensive information on all of the following subjects and aspects of dog training:-

fixing any dog behavior problem
tips and secrets to use in your everyday dog obedience training
specific commands and tricks to teach your dog
the best way to select, buy and raise a new puppy or older dog.


The best part about this information is that anyone can do it and it’s easy!
Whether your dog is a puppy or an adult, it doesn’t matter, you'll learn, in minutes a day, how to transform your dog’s behavior.

The information and techniques apply to all breeds and all ages of dogs. Forget hiring a professional dog trainer. Save hundreds of dollars and learn their most guarded secrets here. Best of all, the information and techniques are easy for anyone to use.

For more information Click Here! to view SitStayFetch: Dog Training To Stop Your Dogs Behavior Problems

Labels: dog training, SitStayFetch

Now that your dog has succeeded in so much of his or her training schedule... the next most important step, after training and socialization [and regular exercise] is to spoil them and show you love them!

Why not hold a party for your pet. For brilliant ideas, look no further than the following link...

Dog Birthday Parties - Discover grrreat dog birthday party ideas, dog party themes, dog birthday cakes, dog party planner, dog birthday treats, dog party games, dog gifts and so much more!

The first and most vital thing you must do is decide if DOWN is the word you want to use to get your dog to go 'down'.

There is a possibility of confusion if you aren't careful in choosing a different word for if you want your pet to get off something... for example, if your pet has got up on a chair or sofa and you want it to get down... it will be no good saying 'down', or it will do as it is told, and lie down!

[So if you want down to mean 'down', you will have to use 'off' for getting off something.]

Now on to teaching your pet to 'down'... and once your dog will happily do this, you will be on the way to curing an overly dominant dog [in the down position your dog will feel at its most vulnerable].

Treats in the form of your dogs favorite titbit are a good lure to get your pet into the 'down' position. Hold the titbit in front of your dog, and lower your hand to the floor whilst saying down - don't release the titbit until your pet is down. Give the titbit and plenty of praise when the required position has been attained!

Sitting on the floor, making your leg into a ^ sort of shape [with your knee as the top of the triangle]... then using your opposite hand to encourage your dog through the triangle with a titbit, is a way of getting them into a down position, if they are amenable to that, as a type of game!

Labels: commands, down

Dogs with sensitive stomachs... our rescue Ridgeback came to us at approximately 2 1/2 years of age, and he was on dog food specifically created for dogs with sensitive stomachs. [Shortly after we had him that particular food was discontinued - but that's another story.] We were told he had an allergy to gluten... that's why he likes to pinch sandwiches off people!

Then again, with people, it is often the food which we like the most which is bad for us!

We weren't expecting to get another dog quite then, and had arranged to have two weeks holiday about 500 miles from home, so one very nervous dog had to come too!

The day before we were to go I made a large fruit cake to take with us... we left it on the table unguarded for a few moments, and he ate more than half of it!

We had visions of disaster on the drive up... considering the gluten allergy, plus all the dried fruit. But, amazingly, he was fine... no sickness, no upset stomach. Dogs seem to manage to eat all sorts of things they shouldn't and get away with it when they want to!

For more information on 'sensitive' dog foods just click on the links to Dog.com for the USA, or PetPlanet.co.uk for the UK... see the links in our right-hand margin.

Labels: gluten allergy, sensitive dog foods, sensitive stomach

Massive Pet Food Recall

Menu Foods has issued a large-scale recall of their "cuts and gravy"-style canned pet food, due to reports of renal failure in pets that consume this food. For a complete list of the brands affected, and more information, please check out the Menu Foods website.


I found the information at the following website, so to check for further details and other useful info just visit About dogs

Labels: pet food recall, pet food scare, renal failure

Help wanted, please

No secrets of dog training post today, just a plea on all my doggy blogs for you to visit the BUKEA Horoscopes page then go to the Animal Rescue graphic, then just below that there is an article I would LOVE you to read. Then, if you haven't already clicked on the Animal Rescue site button for today, please do it.

We have been dealing with a rescue case recently which was most distressing... for both a little girl and the 5 year old dog... what I wouldn't like seeing done to the callous male in the case!

If anyone complements you on your well-trained dog... please help spread the message of responsible ownership... the 'Dog is for Life, Not just for Christmas' message still doesn't seem to be getting through... with, sadly, even more dogs in rescue homes now.

Anyone with any bright ideas for increasing awareness of this problem... PLEASE POST THEM HERE...

Labels: animal rescue, dog rescue, dog training, puppy rescue

Be consistent.

If there is one thing which will help in all training it is consistency.

Think about things from a dogs point of view... if you take him or her to a beach and they dig, you are happy that they are enjoying themselves. If they do the same in your prized flowers or vegetable patch... all of a sudden you aren't happy!

If you can, do set aside a portion of your garden for them to have as their own, where they can dig, wander about, go to the toilet, or do whatever they choose.

Digging is an instinct which dogs have... some exhibit this trait, whilst others will never, ever, dig.

And, according to sods law... it is most often dogs long and pale coloured coats which are difficult to keep clean who dig, and those with short, dark, and easy to manage coats who don't!

Train your dog to go to the area which you have designated as his or hers... keep taking them to that area, until they realise it is 'their' area... and if they go elsewhere say 'off' and remove them from that area and take them back to their own area.

Consistency will pay off in the long run... if you need more help, just Click Here! to check out this remarkably highly rated training program... SitStayFetch: Dog Training To Stop Your Dogs Behavior Problems

Labels: consistency when training, digging, dogs digging

My idea of a short post on feeding suddenly brought to mind a post I made to Dog Agility Training on Bloat/Gastric Tortion.

So, first the feeding information, then a copy of the Gastric Tortion article...

Feeding... always make sure you feed your dog the food type and amount which is appropriate for his or her age, type, size, and work load. Your breeder or vet will be able to help. See my advice below on regularity of feeding. Do not feed scraps or titbits from the table.

Always make sure you and your family eat before your pets... this will help to show who are the 'top dogs'. Make sure you are able to approach your dog whilst it is eating, and are able to take its food away from him or her whilst they are eating... this is an ideal opportunity to add titbits to the dogs bowl when it is returned to your pet.

Well behaved pets shouldn't pester for food whilst you are eating, nor growl when people approach whilst it is eating itself... use the tips above to help stop these behaviours.

"Gastric tortion is, thankfully, not that common a problem. But then forewarned is forearmed, and the more people who understand the symptoms and causes, the more dogs can be saved by prompt action.

If your dog is fed at a level which eliminates the need for it to bend down to eat, then proper digestion and a comfortable eating posture for dogs [and cats too] can be maintained. Eating when they are bending over helps make dogs gulp their food. In the process, the dogs swallow more air. An elevated pet feeder helps ease the swallowing of food.

Swallowing an increased amount of air can result in a condition called gastric tortion or bloat. This happens most commonly in large breeds of dog, and is life-threatening. Some vets recommend elevated feeders for dogs susceptible to bloat.

Bloat is usually the result of eating too fast. The dog's stomach fills with gas or fluid, causing gastric dilation or gastric tortion. Always make sure your dog has a period of REST after a feed. Vigorous activity, running, jumping, etcetera, immediately after food, can cause the stomach to swell and rotate.

As well as feeding at the optimum height another tip, which should help avoid bloat, is feeding small meals instead of one large meal a day. Feed at least twice a day, up to four meals daily... just divide the amount for the day into the number of meals you choose to feed. We have found four small meals, spread out over the day, suits the delicate digestion of our rescue dog best.

Excess salivation and retching, abdominal distention, restlessnesss and agitation, weakness, lethargy, a rapid heart rate - are all symptoms of bloat. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms after eating, even mild ones, seek immediate vet care, day or night. Though bloat is usually associated with large deep-chested breeds, smaller dogs can also become victims.

You will find that feeding at a raised level will be more comfortable for arthritic or senior pets too. If eating is uncomfortable, some pets may be inclined to eat less and so may not fulfil all their necessary nutritional needs.

If you think a raised feeder may not be strong enough for your particular dog breed, just improvise, even put the feeder on an old chair, or make a wooden box and put 'retainers' round the sides.

You might find raised feeders suitable for your pet at one of our recommended pet stores... just use the links on the left-hand side of this page."

Labels: abdominal distention, bloat, feeding, gastric tortion

I have just added the following post to my Puppy Training Secrets blog. Hopefully, by adding it to both blogs more people will see it and be able to watch and see just what can be achieved with a little proper training.

Incidentally, some of the celebrities knew virtually nothing about dogs and one was actually scared of them before they agreed to do this show!

The Puppy Training Secrets article follows:-

"New to TV in the UK this week [Tuesday] was the Underdog Show... the first of six programs.

The format for the show was to partner eight celebrities with a rescue dog and to partner each celebrity and their dog with a professional trainer. Then they had three weeks of training to get their dogs to do an agility type course. Three judges gave marks to each pair... their combined mark made up half the total vote... the public were encouraged to vote for their favorite, the money raised by the phone vote going to Children in Need.

Julian Clary and his dog Valerie fronted the show. What was on offer was a delightful hour for dog lovers and then the results show was another half-hour later in the evening, which included a display by Mary Ray with her dogs dancing to music... totally brilliant!

The dog which comes last, after combining both judges and public votes, at the end of each show is eliminated... last night it was the Afghan and Theo from 'Dragon's Den' who were eliminated... but there was a happy ending for the dog as he chose to adopt it and take it home!

The dogs who progress to the last show will be expected to do some dancing to music.

The dog which was placed last by the judges was really only a puppy... just eight months old... I think it was a bit much to expect it to concentrate for the full amount of time allotted especially with so many distractions of audience, lights, noise, etcetera.

But in reality I thought it did brilliantly. It just shows what can be achieved in such a short space of time with proper training of both dog and handler.

If you can, make a date in your diary to watch The Underdog Show next Tuesday!

And if you are looking for training books, courses, or videos... just check our left-hand margin for the very best in training! Don't forget to check the FREE video at the Dove Cresswell link... your dog will love the training it offers."

Labels: dog training, professional trainer, puppy training, The Underdog Show, Underdog Show

Don't dismiss your dogs musical talent!

We really HAD to laugh at Loki last night... he is well known for getting up to go to the kitchen for his evening meal as soon as the music starts for the end of 'Eastenders' and if you move or take glasses off near feed time... but last night he excelled himself...

It was nowhere near feed time, we were searching various video tapes to find a film which we hadn't watched, though it had been taped weeks ago. We always seem to lose the tape we want, and have to check through several before we find what we are looking for!

After several had been tried, another was put into the player, set to play, and up came the first two notes of the signature tune for 'Eastenders'... he absolutely leaped up and dashed for the kitchen at full speed!

Your dog can learn so much, and quickly too! Do try clicking the link in our left-hand margin to Dove Cresswell, listen and watch the FREE video and find out how clever YOUR dog can be.

So your dogs thieve food in the kitchen.

It is NOT their fault.

It is YOUR fault.

I well remember our first rescue dog and the first night we had him... we had three stacking cake tins and they were in a cupboard... he still managed to get at and eat the chocolate cake which was in the bottom tin! The resultant upset stomach was not a pleasant experience!

He was amazingly quick too if you happened to drop anything somehow he always managed to appear from nowhere and eat whatever before it touched the floor.

We'll never forget about the 'almost frozen' sausages which I'd taken from the freezer for lunch... the 'phone rang, and I had to rush to answer it... he must have had a very cold spot in his tummy. Mind you he didn't mind cold things, and adored ice-cream, he could persuade anyone to give up their ice-creams to him - just by sitting in front of them and gazing longingly. Those eyes!

It is no good chastising them after the event, even seconds after... it is too late then.

You must clear away all food, close all doors. Close the door to the kitchen if necessary.

If they have learnt to open any of these doors... you MUST make the actual opening of the door an unpleasant experience. Get a noisy alarm set up on the door which you can set each time you leave them alone.

Once they learn it is unpleasant to thieve when you are away you will be able to reinforce their good behaviour [of not thieving] with a treat when you return.

Labels: preventing stealing, stealing food

If you are looking for an answer to the above question... read on!

Some people may even ask... what is 'mouthing'?

The answer to the second question - mouthing involves excessive grabbing of your hands or clothing.

A secondary problem to this is the fact that if your dog does this to 'non-doggy' people, they may accuse you of having a dog which bites.

The dogs mouth is his or her most effective means of communication - if you have ever watched a litter of puppies playing together, you will have seen them pulling and tugging at each other... if one bites too hard the bitten pup yelps and goes away from the pup who bit him.

We need to replicate this behavior. Stop playing with him or her immediately, yelp, and pretend to lick your wounds even, whilst ignoring the dog entirely.

Never use physical punishment like hitting the dog... it may think that is part of the game.

Labels: Biting, Mouthing

No training tips today, just a plea for all the poor pets who are in need of rescue. I have posted this message on my other 'doggy' blogs too... to get it before the eyes of as many people as possible.

I have mentioned somewhere within my blogs that we have a rescue Ridgeback... beyond that we support the Ridgeback Rescue Trust. Many of the rescued Ridgebacks meet twice a year at club functions held for them... the Christmas Party and the Summer Fun Day... both held to raise funds for the Trust. Other than that, you can help by visiting and assessing the dogs in need of rescue in your immediate area... I must warn you that some of the tales are extremely sad.


If your particular breed has a breed rescue trust see if you can help there, even by just visiting and assessing dogs which need re-homing you are helping animals. It is extremely sad to see but it has to be done, some are victims of cruelty, others may have been bereaved, or be the victims of family breakup... many sad reasons, many sad dogs.

Heartless describes many of these people... and the cruelty some of these animals suffer is appaling, our rescue Ridgeback was a victim of cruelty from just four months old.

Now with more and more family breakups some extremely sad cases exist which make you wonder at the state of 'human nature'... well some parts of it anyway.

Whilst some people have the money to waste to fight in court for custody of the dog... others are left as total paupers with young children to look after and not enough money to keep their beloved family pet.

So, how can you help animals... just do what you can, please!

I expect most of my readers will have heard of this already... but I wanted to just mention it, in case there is anyone out there who can help too, once they know how to!

If you want the answer to the query posed in our title 'How can YOU help animals?' Then there is a simple way, which won't cost you anything apart from a few seconds, in which you can help animals in need... just click the link to The Animal Rescue Site.

Your daily click will help fund food for the increasing number of animals having to be looked after in rescue homes. If you decide to shop through the website too, that will give even more... they have a wonderful selection of items, many of which are individually made. So if you are looking for a gift which not only does good, but also, is different, individual and reasonably priced this could be the ideal place to look.

Having purchased many different items from them I know the value... there is clothing, jewellery, pottery, even fair trade food items... some items are available in the USA only, but many are available internationally. Give it a try... you might find the ideal gift for that person who has everything!

Whilst Crufts is still fresh in the memory of most dog lovers... on TV in the UK we are being treated to another series by Victoria Stilwell of 'It's Me or the Dog' fame. This time some extremely unlikely pooches are being trained for Crufts.

The problems featured in the first show were:- a hyperactive dog. A dog who refused to have anyone anywhere near its mouth. The third dog had no official pedigree so was unable to attend the breed part of the show, but was 'renowned' for its addiction to food! Boredom can be a problem for some dogs. So the idea was for it to do dancing to music... and it performed brilliantly.

All three dogs showed remarkable progress and the owners were extremely happy with the difference in their dogs.

A small note... if your dog is hyperactive... first look at the food they are fed! [I'm sure that is the problem with most kids too... the food they eat and the junk they drink... but we won't get into that subject!]

The dancing/heelwork to music has been the real eye-opener at Crufts this time with the popularity vastly increasing... and when you can see what can be achieved in such a short amount of time, I'm sure it can only get bigger, and bigger. You basically need a dog which is food motivated... aren't they all? Well there are a few exceptions, but with professional tuition there must be a way round this problem.

For more information on heelwork to music visit your national Kennel Club website... the UK site has an extremely interesting and informative article on 'heelwork to music' and there are also many useful links. It also stresses that if you want to progress in the 'sport' you should consider doing 'Obedience' FIRST. [Somewhere within our blogs you WILL find National Kennel Club addresses!]

[Remember to check out Victoria Stilwells book below to sort out ANY obedience problems you may have.] Another web address you may find interesting is Victoria ... here you will find an actual transcript of a webchat with Victoria Stilwell... amongst the interesting topics covered were... dogs jumping up, socialization, destructive behaviour, and recalling your dog.

If you are looking for informational videos and Mary Ray, try the following web address...Agility Net.

Now for a link to the brilliant book by Victoria Stilwell... armed with this book, you, too, could be performing miracles of training...

Some dogs want to be 'on the go' ALL the time.

A simple tip is to get them involved in agility training, or how about the new craze at Crufts... heelwork to music? It seems, from the TV mentions and coverage, that the interest in this form of dog training has increased exponentially!

Why not check out our Dog Agility Training information site for details on how to get involved?

Another tip, for if you lead too busy a life to keep your dog from being bored, is to employ a professional dog walker.

Is a happy healthy dog more likely to be obedient? If it is suffering from skin irritations it surely cannot concentrate... I know people who have eczema suffer in this way... why not dogs?

What attracted me to the Dog Skin Solutions book in the first place was the mention of oatmeal for doggy dandruff!

Do you know that oatmeal [placed in a bag] is often recommended for people with eczema? They are advised to use it in the bath, partly as a water softener. I was aware of this natural remedy, so using it for dog skin problems attracted my attention.

The Dog Skin Solutions book has even been recommended by vets. The book comes with a generous full two month guarantee. What is more it could save your pet days of distress, and at the same time it will save you loads of money!

Included are bonus books on 'Coat Shedding', 'Home Remedies', and 'How to Save a Fortune of Pet Supplies'.

Check Dog Skin Solutions out at this link... Click Here! Dog Skin Solutions... before your next expensive trip to the vets.

Obviously, there are times, as the website cautions, when it is vital to consult your vet. This book does not try to replace your vet in any way. And natural remedies cannot treat everything. You need a good working relationship with your vet to preclude serious medical problems for your pets.

Click Here! Dog Skin Solutions

Do not worry if your dog has to take a course of tablets. When your vet prescribes a course of tablets, or even if your pet has to take tablets for the rest of his/her life [for example, if there is a thyroid problem]... offering tablets to a dog is far, far, different to the challenge of offering just one tablet to a cat!

With a dog their natural 'greed' will normally get you through! Just think what foods they love, then disguise the tablet in that. Marmite worked a treat for one of our dogs, another loves butter, or try whatever fruit is their favorite. Banana is normally a good choice, or baby tomatoes... a bit messy but perfectly possible.

Right from the beginning when you first meet your dog, whether as a young pup, or a rescue dog [of any age], trained or untrained... you must begin your own personal obedience training with the puppy/dog. They need to know you as the 'leader of the pack'.

Obviously there will be great differences between 'training' a fully grown dog, a puppy, or a 'mentally scarred' rescue animal which has suffered previous cruel treatment.

Training time scales will be entirely different, as will what can be expected. But one thing should be consistent... you should always act as leader of the pack!

Should you require further reading on becoming the leader using positive reinforcement training, I will add a link to a first-class book. I would recommend this book to all animal lovers.

It is a real boon in helping to understand ill-treated rescue dogs too. You'll find the link at the bottom of this page... do check it out, I wouldn't be without it!

Basic obedience commands come first for the sake of your pets own safety, enjoying further activities together [like dog agility training, flyball, or obedience itself] cannot be safely undertaken until you have control of your dog... and for all of this to occur your dog will need to recognise you as the leader of its pack, and will need total confidence in you as its leader [and boss].

Reward based training methods are the method of choice for handlers who want to get the best out of their companions.

Who would you want to return to, someone who shouted at you when you eventually returned, or someone who gave you a treat? And if you got a treat, wouldn't you return sooner next time?

Reward training works best for your dog and it will cement a lovely working relationship between the two of you within a short period of time.

The next question which is often asked is... what form of reward or treat is best?

The answer, I'm afraid, is that there is no one 'one size fits all' answer to that question! All dogs are different, some are food motivated, some go for toys, others just love to go a walk, still others will love kind words and praise or being stroked, patted, and rubbed, or you could try clicker training. For many though a bit of praise which is reinforced by a food treat is the ideal.

The only thing to bear in mind when using food as the reward is that you don't want your dog to get overweight... so take care in the selection of your treat food. It isn't wise to use dog biscuits or similar commercial treats - it is far better to go for something like cheese, liver, or sausage.

Choose something which it is practical and hygenic to carry around with you... I know of dogs who love baby tomatoes, and we have had dogs who just loved blackberries, another who could never resist rosehips, and also a 'bananaholic'.

If you are looking for a video course, rather than a book, just look for the link to Dove Cresswells course, or for another highly recommended online course check out SitStayFetch... you'll find links to both courses in our left-hand margin. If you bought all three you'd be set up for life... and would soon be teaching other people yourself!

Check out this brilliantly helpful article which I have found... I don't think it could have been put better by anyone...

Secrets of Professional Dog Trainers: Top 10 Tips to Successfully Training Your Dog Yourself

Secrets of Professional Dog Trainers: Top 10 Tips to Successfully Training Your Dog Yourself
By Nicholas Dodman

Dog obedience training is one of the best things you can do for your dog and yourself. Obedience training doesn't solve all behavior problems, but it is the foundation for solving just about any problem including soiling your house, destroying your belongings, barking excessively, digging holes in your yard, fighting other dogs and even biting you.

For most dog owners, dog obedience training is a daunting task. However, training your dog is about to get much easier, if you follow my advice below.
Here Are My Top 10 Tips for Training Your Dog

1. Dog training should be an enjoyable experience for you and your dog. If you are not in the right mood for training, don't even start.

2. Keep dog obedience training sessions short (5-10 minutes) to maintain your dog's motivation. Dogs will learn much more from regular short sessions than from longer, less frequent ones. Once the dog has learned several useful commands on the continuous reward schedule, the schedule should be changed to one of intermittent rewards.

3. Always end training on a positive note. Ask your dog to respond to a command you know he or she will obey. Then reward your dog for a job well done and issue a finish command such as “free” or “release.” Avoid common words such as “okay.” Following a training session, both owner and dog should be left with feelings of accomplishment.

4. Keep in mind that your dog's motivation to respond to a command decreases as the complexity of the task increases. If your dog doesn't respond appropriately to a command after several attempts, don't reward him or her. Resume training a few seconds later using a simpler command. Return to the more complex task later.

5. Remember, the odds of success hinge not only on the degree of sophistication of the task, but also your dog's motivation to respond. From a dog's perspective the question is, which is more rewarding: chasing the squirrel or returning to the owner? Understanding this aspect will increase your patience and chances for dog training success.

6. Training should not involve any negative or punishment-based components. There should be no yelling, no hitting, no chain jerking, no hanging, and absolutely no electric shock. Remember that the opposite of reward is not punishment; it is no reward. If you ignore unacceptable responses, your dog will not be rewarded for his or her failed response. Most dogs want to please their owners or, at the very least, to obtain highly valued resources (food, attention and toys).

7. Ensure that your dog's motivation for reward is highest during a training session. If food is the reward, train before a meal, not after. If praise, petting and other aspects of your attention are to be used as a reward, schedule the training session at a time when your dog hungers for your attention (for example, after you have returned home from work).

For complex tasks, such as the off leash down-stay, your dog will be more motivated to comply if he or she has received moderate exercise before the training session. Asking a dog that is bursting with energy to remain in a prolonged reclining position is asking for failure during the early stages of training.

8. Make sure the reward you offer in training is the most powerful one for your dog. Food-motivated dogs work well for food, but the treats used should be you dog’s favorite food. If praise is used as a reward, deliver it in high singsong tones, which are most pleasing for the dog. Also, enthusiasm in your voice will be much appreciated. If petting is to be used as a reward, it should be in a way that the dog enjoys, such as stroking the dog's hair on the side of his or her face in the same direction that it grows, or scratching him or her on the chest.

9. After a correct response, reward your dog within ½ second of the command. This will ensure your dog makes the connection between the behavior and the reward.

10. Use short commands such as sit, down, leave it, quiet, out, and off. Say the word once. Do not repeat the command. Dogs will remember a command for about two minutes before the notion is lost. Shorter words are better than longer words and words that end in a hard consonant (C, K, T, X) are better than those that end in a vowel because you can “spit” them out.

A Bonus Dog Training Tip:

The “Holy Grail” of training is to have the dog reliably obeying commands off lead, even when other things are going on around him or her. This level of training can be achieved, but only after a lot of hard work and investment of time. It's something to strive toward.

Keyword:


As a Petplace.com columnist, Dog behavioral specialist, Dr. Nicholas Dodman has provided thousands of pet owners just like you with valuable insights in keeping their dogs obedient, healthy, and happy. Get your free daily dose of pet crazy stories and access to over 8000 veterinarian approved advice articles guaranteed to help you train your dogs and keep them living longer, stronger lives at: href="http://www.petplace.com/dogs.aspx">http://www.petplace.com/dogs.aspx

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Have you got a good, helpful, and convenient pet store which is local to you? Does it stock everything you need for your pet? If not I have the ideal solution...

I am delighted with the two stores I am about the recommend! One based in the UK, which also supplies goods to Europe. The other based in the USA.

I will review each store separately, with the United Kingdom [and Europe] store first...

PetPlanet is a veritable Alladin's Cave of high quality supplies for your pet.

It stocks goods for Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Fish, Guinea Pigs and Hamsters and other small animals. But, not only does it stock an outstanding range of 'basics', it also has many extras, a Petplanet Clearance Department,
a household and clothing items area, books and multimedia, plus some delightful gardening items which really took my fancy.

The selection is far superior to any other store I found online... I was particularly checking out good quality dog beds and found their selection fantastic.

Add to all this a particularly good Breed Profile section, and an Insurance section which gives you all the information you'll need to make an informed choice on which policy would best suit you and your pet, and a delivery promise you surely couldn't beat.

Check it out for first class service, and read their complaints and return and refund policy statements... see how committed they are to complete customer satisfaction. You could save a lot of time and money whilst getting the best for your pet.

Petplanet.co.uk - All Your Dog Needs In One Easy Online Shop





Dog.com is the USA store I'm recommending, a quote from their website states... "We believe that the customer is higher than the dollar, and it shows in our stellar customer service and everyday low prices." So you know that customer care is at the top of their agenda.

Dog.com was built up on the idea of delivering only top quality supplies at fantastic prices. Over 10,000 Dog Supply Products. Order Today for Huge Savings!


Yes, you did read that correctly! It did say over 10,000 DOG supply products... they also cater for cats, and have separate websites for horses, birds, ferrets and fish!

Delivery is free for orders over $49 and their price protection promise is unbeatable... check it out at the store!

Add to this first-class service, a comprehensive selection of premium goods... everything your pets could need... and you have the ideal online shopping experience for both you, and your pet.