More exercise for dogs
There are many reasons to buy a dog backpack. The biggest reasons are to get your dog tired out and to give him a job to do. Taking care of these two issues will lead to a better behaved dog. That means both dog and owner will be happier.
Think about it, if your dog walks 30 minutes while wearing a pack, he is going to be more tired when he comes home. If you walk your dog before work, then he will be less likely to get into trouble while you are gone. Walking your dog every day with the backpack on will help get rid of unwanted behaviors over time as the dog’s energy drains.
The pack also gives the dog a job to do. Carrying a dog backpack gives a dog a sense of purpose. A dog that gets enough mental challenges throughout the day will not create his own challenges such as raiding the garbage, chewing shoes or barking and scratching at the door.
Dog backpacks come in all sizes, colors and prices, so shop around to find the pack that fits your budget. Any breed can benefit from wearing a pack, but especially dogs that are very high energy and need a job to do such a springer spaniels and Labradors. Working and sporting breeds can really benefit from a pack.
Essential Dog Training for Every Dog
January 4, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
Brining home a new dog or puppy is always an exciting time. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with owning a dog. You have to feed her, groom her, provide her with proper health care, and give her a safe place to call home.
One of the best things you can do for your new puppy is to make sure that they have essential dog training.
Discipline and Behavior
Having a dog that is alway misbehaving is not something that you want. They can an be an embarrassment and in worst cases, they can be dangerous.
Training can be a lot of hard work and require a lot of time and patience, but the end result is a well behaved dog that you can be proud of. Training will also strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Take the time to train your dog and set the rules for appropriate behavior. Start as early as possible for the best results.
Dog Obedience Training
Obedience training is also an important part of your dog’s overall training program. There are different levels of obedience training – from very basic training to advanced training.
At a minimum you should make sure that your puppy goes through basic training. Commands like sit, stay, and come, are all part of basic training. So are house training and leash training.
Of course, you can always progress to a more advanced level. Training should continue to make sure that you always have a well behaved dog. You can include training to prevent destructive behaviors like barking, digging, chewing, and aggressive behaviors. Just find a program that meets your needs and provides a results such as Sit, Stay, Fetch.
Puppy Training
Start puppy training from an early age. Some people wait too long to start training their puppies and it makes it a little more difficult and frustrating. Some people believe that it is not possible to train a puppy younger than six months old, but I assure you that is a myth.
Of course there are some skills that are beyond a puppy, teaching many of the commands and appropriate behaviors can start right away. Just do some research to make sure you follow the proper techniques.
There are many different sources of information available – dog training books, ebooks, websites, and even complete training programs. Another alternative would be to enroll in group training classes. You can also hire an experienced dog trainer if your budget allows.
Group Training Classes
Pet stores like PetsMart offer regular training classes. They are usually cheaper since they are in a group setting. You can also ask around as your local area animal shelter or other animal groups may offer free or discounted group training classes.
One added advantage of group training, in my opinion, is that it gives your dog the added benefit of socializing with other dogs and their owners.
Professional Trainers
With a professional trainer you get the benefit of one on one attention. Just be sure to ask around for recommendations so that you can find a trainer who is know to provide results.
In my opinion I recommend hiring a professional dog trainer for major issues such as dealing with an aggressive dog. This is definitely not something you want to deal with by yourself.
Conclusion
Being a dog owner is a huge responsibility. It is also our job as responsible dog owners to make sure that we have well behaved dogs. Just be sure that you go into any training program with an open mind and the right attitude and you will find that it is a rewarding experience.
And remember, you can always search for more information about dogs.
Dog Training: Deterring Negative Habits and Promoting Better Ones
January 3, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
Dogs have a lot of loveable natural qualities, but they also have some not-so-cute behaviors. Digging is one of the latter, but it can persist as they bury bones, create impromptu shelters, and just feel the dirt between their paws.
Digging can not only ruin your yard, but it can ruin your relationship with your pet. Can you stop this behavior before it gets out of control?
The first step in stopping your dog from digging is to determine why he is doing it in the first place. Some dogs just love it.
Some dogs do enjoy the act of digging, but others use it to communicate with you. They may be crying out for attention or more exercise. They may need a shelter to stay warm or cool. They may be burying food. If you’ve recently put down fertilizer or dug in your garden, your dog may be responding to the scents.
Knowing the reason behind the digging can help you stop the behavior. For instance, if it is due to boredom or lack of attention, you can start to offer your dog more play time with you. SitStayFetch can go a long way in deterring the behaviour.
If this doesn’t help, you can give one of the following techniques a try:
1. Dogs can often be deterred from undesirable behavior if there is an unpleasant consequence. Try burying a balloon in your dog’s frequent digging spots. Once he pops one balloon, he may be over his habit.
2. Along the same lines, you can mix in his feces when you refill a hole he’s dug. Dogs will often return to the same spots, and when he discovers the feces, he’ll be turned off digging.
3. Chicken wire is another thing you can bury in your yard to deter your dog from digging. He’ll hate the feeling of his claws against the wire and will be prompted to stop.
4. Spray him with a hose. Dogs hate being sprayed, especially in the face. Make sure if you do this that you have caught him in the act of digging or he won’t know why you’re spraying him.
Digging is natural, but it doesn’t have to ruin your yard. Figure out why your dog is engaging in this behavior and take a little time to work on it with him. You’ll both be much happier. Not unlike puppy potty training, negative habits can be corrected with a little education.
Clicker Training for Great Dog Behavior
The use of clickers in dog training has increased in recent years. It is a gentle way to condition your dog to repeat good behavior.
Operant conditioning is the repetition of a behavior when a reward is given. This is the premise behind clicker training. How does it work?
You hold a small plastic box in your hand. It has a metal strip which produces a clicking sound when pressed.
The key to clicker training is to teach your dog to associate the click with the reward, such as a biscuit. After your dog successfully performs a command, you click. Offer the treat at the same time.
The dog learns to associate the click with the behavior and the click with the treat, which makes it more likely that he’ll repeat it. Soon, just the click will be enough, and eventually, it can be phased out altogether.
Because clicking is quicker than speaking, the dog learns exactly which behavior he is being rewarded for, so clicker-trained dogs tend to learn more quickly.
Your dog really wants to make you proud. Using the clicker method is a great way to teach your dog in an effective and humane manner.
Take your pet’s education to the next level with Sit Stay Fetch.
