Confessions of a weak willed dog trainer

This is a horrible photo I know. I took it with my phone. I should know better than to be without my real camera I guess. I'm sure if I knew how to photo shop at all I could at least fix the glowing eyes.
*
This morning a co-worker friend called and said she was going to train at Lowes with her dog Ryka, did I want to join them? Hell ya. I've decided to take part in an upcoming dog training flash mob so we definitely need to practice a few skills. If anyone is interested, you can join the Positive Dog Training Flash Mob group on facebook here:  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1170300640&ref=tn_tnmn#!/groups/338885719459292/ There is video being posted of the routine and training tips as well as a list of participants so you can find others near you to train with.
*
I admit that I have been slacking lately with Jenny because Zola has been taking up all of my energy. Of course that is partly due to my own idiocy. Zola is still waking up in the middle of the night for a potty break. Now what I would tell a client to do, and I started doing myself, would be to take the puppy out and then re-crate and ignore any barking til they went back to sleep. What am I doing? Well after the potty break I am laying down on the couch with a pillow, blanket and puppy tucked up next to me under the blanket for the last few hours before I have to get up for work. Yeah I know. Epic fail. It actually isn't bad IF I can get back to sleep. Thing is sometimes she moves around or wakes up to go out again. I am a person that doesn't do well on limited sleep so it catches up with me. I am hoping that at some point she will sleep later and it won't be an issue anymore. Tho sometimes I think about getting her a bigger crate and putting a potty pad in one end so she has a different option than waking me up. However that could definitely set her back in the whole house training process. At the moment she usually starts circling (sometimes near the door) if she needs to go out. Do I want to ruin that progress? And what if she poos and then walks through it? I would need to add a puppy bath to my morning routine. I. Just. Need. More. Sleep.
*
~Sigh~ I suppose I should just do the back in the crate thing and let her bark herself back to sleep. The only thing is, I kinda like the cuddling. So that is the real confession. I have become soft and helpless to the charms of a 10 pound puppy.
*
The good news is that she seems to be doing very well. Her ammonia levels were high when we checked them last week so I had to increase her lactulose. Thankfully it hasn't caused any diarrhea which can be a problem. We will check it again in another week. I really need to get video of her and Jack on here to share. They play SO well together. It is really fun to watch. Jack is such a great big brother for her.
*
By the way Ryka is a stunning Blue Heeler Cattle Dog from Cattle Dog Rescue. We had a good time at Lowes today. I am very lucky to have such a great training space close to home for when it is to chilly to work outside.

Puppy Dog Obedience Training Tips

Today's puppy dog obedience training tips - Obedience training is basically training your dog to be obedient. It includes training them the basic commands including: sit, stay, heel, come and so on. There's basic approaches to obedience training. school of though employs negative reinforcement techniques like choke collars and electric shocks while the other utilizes a simple clicker and rewards. Which do you think works best? Clicker training and rewards, here's why?


Negative reinforcement breeds fear. It makes your dog afraid of you and of others. Fear causes aggression and unpredictable behavior. The results are a dog which bites, destroys your property and barks incessantly.
While negative reinforcement behaviors may work in the short run, they are not predictable. For the best dog training results you need to make sure that the behaviors are predictable and repeatable. 

happy dog obedience training

Dog Obedience Training using a clicker is a training method which makes use of a device, a clicker. The clicker tells your dog the instant it's performed an correct or desirable behavior. The sound is their signal that they've done it right.


Dog training with positive reinforcement creates bond that will last a lifetime and using a clicker is the most effective and efficient device to accomplish the task.

happy puppy obedience training

This clicking sound combined with positive reinforcement like verbal praise and food rewards is an amazingly effective way to train your dog to perform any behavior including sit, stay, heel, fetch, speak, assault, roll over, play dead, lay down and any behavior or trick you can think of. Before you start with clicker training there's some tips to make the most of your clicker training sessions.


Schedule Training
Making training sessions a part of your every day life helps your dog know what to anticipate. They'll actually anticipate this time with you. In the event you schedule training sessions before meal time they'll be additional motivated to learn the obedience behavior you're trying to train.

happy puppy dog obedience training

Keep Obedience Training Sessions Short
Canines only have countless attention spans when it involves a ball or chasing a cat. Actually, they lose focus for those fun activities . Keep training sessions to around minutes and your dog will be attentive and engaged. Drag the session on long and your dog may lose interest in training all together.



Don't Punish Your Dog for Bad Behavior
This may appear contrary to how training ought to be handled however punishment like yelling, hitting or time outs in their crate actually may cause more harm than nice.
It causes your dog to be fearful, stressed, and destructive. In lieu, fix bad behaviors by rewarding nice behavior. It may take them a small longer to catch on but the rewards are worth it and the training will last. You won't must retrain and retrain and retrain.

puppy dog obedience training tips

Practice Using the Clicker Before You Start Training Your Dog
In case you click after your dog has performed the correct behavior they may not make the association. click when your dog is performing the correct behavior. To be an correct clicker, practice.
A clicker is a simple gizmo, you pinch it and it makes a clicking sound. However it isn't as simple to make use of. Because the sound is the cue to proper obedience behavior it must be correct.


Plan Your Obedience Training
Before you start to train a behavior think about exactly what you require your dog to do. For example if you're training your dog to sit think about the following questions:

What will you do to cue the command? Will you give your dog a verbal cue, a physical cue or both?
How long ought to they sit for?
Would you like the dog to sit in front of you or to sit where they stands no matter where you are?

This is important because you will click and reward for progress toward the final behavior. For example, in case you require your dog to sit on command until you release him there's commands you will teach however your first step is to basically get them to understand the idea of sitting. Every time they sit you will click and reward. Finally, through progression, you will add a cue, a release command and so on until you have achieved the desired result.


Dog Obedience training is important for lots of reasons. It keeps your dog safe. It ensures your dog won't adopt undesirable behaviors like tugging on the leash, leaping on people and begging in the coursework of dinner, not to mention destructive tendencies. It gives your dog structure and expectations which make them feel secure.


It also provides you and your dog quality time as well as a positive owner and dog relationship. Whether your dog is young or elderly, large or tiny, quiet or hyper, obedience training is a positive step toward lifelong dog and owner happiness, let's just make commitment and make sure this puppy dog obedience training tips will help us all ^_^

Puppy or Doggy's New Year Resolutions

Not only us people who can celebrate new years and have a new year resolution each time, but puppy or doggy are also qualified to have a new year resolutions too you know?

With cooler temperatures outside, no huge events on the horizon, and not much else to do to fight the winter doldrums, this is a nice time of year to focus on training your dog. Whether a brand spanking new pet who joined your relatives, an elderly pet who has a few naughty habits, or a pet who has been downright driving you crazy, making a brand spanking new year's resolution to train your dog can be that leads to years of enjoying your pet more.

With holiday festivities coming to a close and a brand spanking new year beginning, this is a common time of year to set new goals and resolve to accomplish them.

With the average life span of a dog being about 15 years, it is no doubt a wise investment of your time to prevent or alleviate behavior issues, whether you have a tiny puppy or a dog who is more advanced in years.

Those with puppies will likely need to focus on house training, socialization and chewing as well as basic obedience and manners. By taking steps now to prevent issues before they start, you are much more likely to enjoy your dog over the plenty of coming years.

There's plenty of resources available right in your own community, ranging from individual in-home training, to group classes, socialization opportunities and educational seminars. Whether you work with a trainer or by yourself, training your dog is definite to lead to a well-behaved pet that is a pleasant addition to your relatives.

In case you have an older puppy or an adult dog with ongoing behavior issues, there is no better time than the present to work on assuaging the issues. Whether by yourself or with a trainer, a tiny work together with your dog now will pay off in years of enjoying your pet and not having to worry about repurcussions that could be caused by definite behavioral issues.

Whether a puppy or an adult dog, a brand spanking new pet or elderly, having a new year resolution for them that the fact the new year can be a nice time to make a fresh start and get things heading in the right direction. Happy New Year!

Preying on the ignorant ~ Puppy buyer beware!

So last week at work a new client came in with a "Buttercup" puppy. What is a Buttercup you ask? I have no idea. The puppy cost $1200 so it must be a real breed though right? Google wasn't much help either. Tho I did find a discussion of the "breeder" in question. First here is a link to her website: http://www.buttercuppuppies.com When some people asked her a few questions on her "breeding practices" in an online forum here is what she replied:
"This is for people who think I am a bad person for breeding dogs and even for "mixing" them. Believe me, I hear from them. This is America and we have the freedom to choose whatever kind of dog we want. Many mixes are very beautiful as you can see on my Previous Puppies Page. Many people think they are better than pure breeds. They are not raised "puppy mill" style as you can read on some of my other pages. I am free as an American to pursue happiness and this is what I enjoy doing. To these people, please don't bother emailing me or calling me. "

Sincerely,
Maryjo
*
Wow, way to make being an American and the pursuit of happiness look super awful. Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. Oh wait, but if it makes YOU happy........ (and fattens your wallet)
From her website the breeds she currently raises and their "adoption" price:

Maltipoo (Maltese/Poodle) $900.
Maltichon (Maltese/Bichon) $900.
Also known as Teddy Bears!
Maltese/Westie $700. (my husbands
favorite!)
English Munchkins $900. (small)
Maltese/Doxin $900. (very tiny)
Maltese $1200. purebred (can't live
without them!)
Buttercups $1200. (can't live without
them either!)

Maltese and Buttercup teacups are
$2000.
*
Yegads!! People are spending ALOT of money for a mixed breed dog they can find on petfinders and in shelters! But wait, HER dogs are healthy, non-shedding and hypoallergenic. They also don't bark, love kids, NEVER growl and don't need ANY vaccines. They sound magic don't they? I'm sure if you ask her she also has a bridge somewhere for sale.
*
It is frustrating because people these days have SO many ways to do their research when it comes to buying a dog from a breeder. WHY do we need to keep pointing out what a back yard breeder is? She says she isn't a puppymill but with all those "breeds" she has available she must have quite a few dogs at her home. I know a REAL holistic/natural breeder. I can guarantee you she does vaccines on her puppies. (appropriately) They are just so many things on that website that raise red flags it is incredible that people buy from her. And they must or she wouldn't be able to continue doing it!
*
We see people at my job all the time who seem to be well educated fall for these breeder scams. That is what astounds me. Is it because surfing the internet is so easy? What part of give me your credit card number and I'll ship you a puppy sounds ok to a person?? Do you want fries with that? I honestly can see why so many shelter people hate breeding. Breeders like this give responsible breeders a bad name.

The Best Collar for Your Puppy Dog

Looking for the best collar for your puppy dogs, and while doing that also making your puppy dog training works like no other? well here is the place.
Your dog needs a collar for several purposes, but importantly to hold his identification and rabies tags. Even if your pet has been microchipped, it is a responsible idea to have him wearing identification at all times.


With so lots of types of collars to pick from, it can be confusing to figure out which is best for your dog or puppy. You'll need to keep in mind your dog's health and safety, while also having some control over your pet in the coursework of walks.


In case you have a child puppy, the best type of collar is a lightweight, flat nylon collar that is adjustable in size. With the quick growth of puppies, it will be necessary to check and readjust the collar on a regular basis.


Another reason for a collar is so that you have some way to physically manage your dog. When you go for a walk, you'll need to attach a leash to the collar, while around the home you may need to hold your dog's collar for a reason such as stopping him from walking out the door.

As your dog matures and grows, you may feel the necessity to move to a different collar for training purposes and walks. Ask somebody who has ever been dragged down the street by their exuberant pet and they'll surely tell you that you'll need some better way of controlling him. Often, when walked on a regular flat collar, canines will pull so hard that they are choking themselves, coughing and wheezing the whole way.


One option is to make use of a training collar which looks like a chain. Regrettably nicknamed a "choke" collar, it is not intended to choke a dog at all. , it ought to be kept loose at all times and only tight for fast second at a time in order to regain your dog's attention. This process can be difficult for owners to create, so it may be wise to learn from a professional trainer before using.

Another option is the prong collar. This collar looks like a medieval torture tool which can sometimes make people afraid to make use of them. However, medical studies show that this type of collar, when used properly, is healthier for a dog's neck than any other type of training or flat collar because it does not permit constant pressure on the dog's neck.


Harnesses are another option, although not the most suitable choice for those who don't require their dog to pull. By nature, canines are far more likely to pull when wearing a harness, which fundamentally "harnesses" the strong musculature of the dog around the chest and legs, giving him all the more traction to pull you with.


The head halter is yet another option. This type of a collar is similar to a halter you would put on a horse. It goes around the dog's face, allowing you to control his movements, thereby limiting pulling. However, they can be confusing for pet owners to put on and difficult for canines to get used to. Most canines will quickly learn not to pull when wearing the head halter, but the large majority of pets will go right back to pulling as soon as they're not wearing it.

Overall, when choosing the right collar for your pet, it is best to take all safety and training factors in to consideration and then select from there. For most canines, a sensible choice is to have a regular, flat nylon collar with tags for everyday wearing, as well as another collar used for training until they learns to walk without pulling.

In case you are uncertain what type of collar is right for your pet, consult with a knowledgeable, educated trainer. With a small forethought and obedience practice, your dog can be safe, good-looking and well-behaved with whatever collar is right for them, you see to get the best collar for your puppy dog, you'll have to sacrifice something by searching for the ones that have the better knowledge, it's more like a puppy dog training actually ^_^

Labrador Puppy Dog Training Tips

Labrador Puppy Dog Training
You are now the proud owner of a Labrador puppy, and likely have plenty of questions about what to do next. Training Labrador puppies is best started around two months of age; the same time as they has been weaned from his father. This life-long dedication is the beginning of a amazing relationship between owner and dog. Our objective here is to make sure you have adequate and correct information for you to make use of in the work of your Lab puppy training. 


1st Steps When Training Labrador Puppies
Labradors love to play and can be energetic, both as puppies and adult canines. They objective to commercial their owner and surrounding relatives members. They require plenty of exercise to continue to be happy and healthy animals. 

Being smart beyond that of most canines, they are of the best breeds to have with kids in the house. To keep having an obedient Labrador, it's time to start puppy training. 


The preliminary part of Lab puppy training involves getting in to the every day swing of things. Knowing where his food and water dishes are is a great place to start.


Following that will be learning when they eats, when and where they sleeps, puppy potty training and what toys belong to him, and not you. Also needed is clarity in what is expected of your Labrador, and what is not acceptable. It is important to make use of clear and concise commands. 

It's more consistent than a word or phrase from the owner and faster which means it's simpler for your dog to understand when they've performed the correct behaviour. Follow the click with a reward, like a tasty treat, and you're off to a great start.


Before dog training starts, you require to think about the training technique you intend to make use of. This technique needs to be consistent, so making the decision is that requires some research. Plenty of professional animal trainers use what's called positive reinforcement. 

This philosophy believes that animals are much better behaved and simpler to train when they're earning rewards and praise than if they're being punished. 
Punishment and negative reinforcement training has actually been proven to cause aggression and undesirable behaviors. 


Common device used in positive reinforcement training is the clicker. It's a little hand held tool which makes a clicking sound when pressed. It can be found at most pet supply stores for a couple bucks. The purpose of the clicker is to mark the correct behaviour with a sound.



Labrador Training Tips

Now that you have a plan for positive reinforcement it's time for housebreaking or potty training. When it comes to potty training there's some specific Labrador training tips. Labradors are larger canines and that means they'll be able to start holding their bladder earlier than lots of smaller canines. This is lovely news because it means you can start potty training  from the day you bring your Labrador puppy home. 


The size of the crate need only be giant for him to turn around and lie down. In lieu of having to make multiple crate purchases as your Lab grows, you could buy a immense or additional giant crate now, and basically block off the space they doesn't need with the use of sturdy cardboard or a well-sanded piece of plywood. 


When it comes to Labrador training tips, of the quickest ways to potty train your Labrador puppy is to make use of a crate. Crate training not only makes housetraining simpler, it provides your Labrador puppy with a structure as well as a safe place to go in the work of the day. 

Canines have a natural instinct not to mess where they sleep, therefore in case you leave much free space, they will be able to do his business in the cage but still sleep far away from it. As your Labrador grows, keep moving the barrier until it is no longer needed.


Never use the crate as a technique of punishment for your dog. Your aim is to provide a safe and secure area that your Lab can turn to for rest and reprieve when needed. Using it as a punishment will basically defeat its purpose. You need to introduce the crate from day as being related to safety. 


Labrador training tips for the use of a crate in a positive nature are simple to follow. It is a gradual training that ought to only be used for short periods of time at first. However, one time your pup becomes accustomed to this you will find him going to his crate on his own for a nap or a time-out in the work of situations they finds uncomfortable.


When you being to make use of the crate for longer periods of time such as while you are at work or out for any length of time, you need to teach him when you open the door to his crate it's time to go outside. 


It's best to already have leash in hand before you open the door because it won't take your Lab long to discover a different place for elimination. You are still trying to reinforce the lovely behaviour of him doing his duties outside, so make positive you have your clicker as well as a treat on hand to praise him again for a job well completed.


Training Labrador Puppies begins with the right training technique as well as a plan. Know the rules and what you expect from your puppy before you start training so you can be consistent. Lab pups are smart and keen to , a small love and patience, as well as a few Labrador training tips, will go a long way with this breed and he'll grow in to the wonderful dog you know they can be. This should be not a very hard thing to do eh? just follow this simple labrador puppy dog training tips and you and your dog will be okay for sure ^_^

Boxer Puppy Dog Training

It's time to do a great boxer puppy dog training, because big Congrats! You have selected a Boxer puppy as your new relatives addition. In the event you have researched your choice to any extent you know that Boxers have multiple positive traits. These include loyalty, intelligence and excitability.

They are often used as service canines within police departments or equally used as therapy canines. With these traits comes a dedication necessary to successfully be a Boxer owner. Being massive, playful canines training boxer puppies can be the task, and there is also the cost of food and energy needed to care properly for a such massive dog.

Common Boxer puppy behavior includes playfulness, an intense curiosity and an energy level beyond that of most other breeds.

In the event you neglect this, your boxer puppy will gladly take over as the boss of your home.

They are know to become attached to the other relatives members, and have a sure need for you to establish household rules and structure.

Training Your Boxer puppy properly, with quality time and bonding together, puts you on the road to prepare him for lifetime companionship. Consistent commands, structure, praise and reward are all aspects needed to have your Boxer puppy think about you as the leader of the pack.

Boxers are affectionate towards babies and older adults. Most of them can recognize the necessity to be more patient and gentle with individuals who are of a more fragile nature. However, seldom risk the health or well being of someone because most boxers exude this quality.

In addition to boxer puppy training basic commands like sit and stay through positive reinforcement training techniques it is important to immediately start housetraining your boxer puppy.

Of the best ways to go about this procedure is to make use of a crate that provides  room for your Boxer puppy to turn around and lie down. Growing to become massive, you may think about purchasing an additional massive crate from the beginning in lieu of having to buy multiple cages in the work of your dog's lifetime.


As he grows, move the cardboard or wood expanding the space he's until he does not need it anymore at all. The same applies in case you choose to buy a wire cage in lieu of a crate. The only difference would be adding a thick or dark blanketed covering over the top of the cage to give it the feeling of being your Boxer's den.

The general rule is that canines won't do their business where they sleep. There's simple ways to modify the amount of space available to your dog. Basically by inserting a piece of strong cardboard or a well sanded piece of wood in to the crate, you can minimize the space your Boxer has access to.

When start to crate train your Boxer, there's likely to be some episodes of whining and crying. Don't let your Boxer out of its crate or cage until the crying has subsided and your dog is calm.

This is a key element of training Boxer puppies. You can start crate training while being in the same room together with your puppy, allowing yourself to be seen. Keep practicing this until there is no whining or barking coming from the cage.

Then it's time to leave the room, or at least stay out of eyesight. Again, practice this until you can do it without tantrums from your Boxer. In no time at all, it is possible for you to to leave your dog in its cage while you are away from the home, and you will actually find him heading to his crate all by himself if he feels the necessity to rest or get away from situations he feels uncomfortable in.

As soon as you open the crate, be at the prepared with leash, clicker and treat, prepared to take your puppy outside without having to wait long. Be prepared before opening the cage or crate so as to not give your puppy time to discover a different location to do his business.

In case you find your Boxer circling or sniffing the floor, take him immediately to his potty place. If he's not began to relieve himself inside (accidents do happen), there is no reason for reprimand, and the click and treat ought to still apply. If, however you find your puppy has already began to relieve himself inside, pick him up, with a firm voice say "NO!" and bring him directly outside.

You ought to make use of a mark or cue word from the beginning to make positive your dog knows what to do when he gets outside. This can be any key phrase or word to be used consistently along with the Clicker technique, such as "Go potty" or something of your own choosing.

When he does go potty outside, promptly praise and reward him so he knows he's done something right. He'll need to repeat the behaviour to earn more treats. It is even recommended that you save the best treats for potty training so they work additional hard to earn them. That's all we have to say about boxer puppy dog training, ciao ^_^