Archive for » August, 2010 «

How to Train Your Dog for the Outdoors

By Jeffery Andrew - K9 Korral
09
Aug 2010

We love taking our dogs out on hikes.  It is a great time to be outside.  And in this setting your dog can roam around freely without too much worry.  But before you go on an outdoor adventure with your pet, it is wise to prepare your dog beforehand.  Your dog needs to be well-trained in different commands ensuring the safety of your dog during these hikes.

Review “Sit and Stay”

Not everyone is a dog lover.  There are hikers, cyclists, and runners who would prefer to avoid your pet, especially when your dog is off-leash.  Therefore, teach your pet how to sit and stay.   That way if someone is coming across your path, you could walk to the side of the path with your dog and use the command in this situation.  Your dog will just move to the side, sit and stay until the other person, animal or traveler passes.  It keeps your dog safe and out of harm’s way.

Master “Come Here”

When you are outside with your dog in the wilderness, you want to give your canine a bit of freedom by having your pet wander off-leash but only if your dog has mastered the come here command.  With your dog knowing how to “come here”, you are able to relieve yourself of the stress of having to hold on tight to your dog’s leash.  In addition, if you prefer to keep your dog next to you on a leash, the “come here” command still needs to be taught.  Reason being is in case the leash accidentally slips out of your hand, you will still be able to call to your dog and your pet responds accordingly.
For more tips on how to prepare your dog for outdoor adventures, talk to a Florida dog training or k9 obedience professional today.  He/she will be able to guide you on how to teach these commands through positive reinforcement.

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The Benefits of Dog Agility Training

By Jeffery Andrew - K9 Korral
06
Aug 2010

Dog agility is not just for competing canines.  Your canine can partake in agility training on different levels.  It is a way for your dog and you to become involved in a positive activity together.  And if you are not an exercise enthusiast, don’t worry.  Agility training is about having fun, bonding and being with your dog.

It is important to your dog’s overall health to take a closer look at agility training and the advantages for enrolling in a Florida dog agility class today.

Dogs Get Bored

Dogs need activities.  They need to be busy and expand lots of nervous energy.  Boredom in dogs appear in destructive means such as chewing, biting and excessive barking.  With agility training, there is running, thinking and tons of fun ensuring your dog never reaches that level of boredom where negative behavior occurs.

Canine Agility Training Creates Quality Time

Agility training produces the perfect opportunity to bond with your dog.  It gives you and the family a chance to run around with your dog in a fun setting.  And sometimes, even the most lovable dog owners take their pet for granted over time.  Agility training can be used as a reminder not to neglect your dog.  You are able to dedicate that time and attention to your dog.

Agility training is a great way for your dog to attain exercise and positive attention.  To find out more, talk to a Florida dog obedience professional today.

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A Basic Overview of Dog Arthritis

By Jeffery Andrew - K9 Korral
04
Aug 2010

Your pet is susceptible to the same diseases as humans.  Your dog is capable of developing and suffering from arthritis.  It is a debilitating disease if not addressed properly.  And by no means is this information a substitute for having your pup examined by a veterinarian.   This is just basic information on dog arthritis.

Many different breads develop degenerative joint disease causing major discomfort and issues in their movement.  The hip is the most common joint attacked by the disease.   It is a problem for it slows down dog activity, and causes pain with mobility.  But there are treatments to control the pain and reduce the damaging process caused by the disease.

One treatment available is to prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.  It is what humans take too for the same medical issue.  Aspirin falls into this category of drugs and is the most popular aid relieving the symptoms.  However, it does cause gastrointestinal side effects.  Other drugs available may be more potent than Aspirin with less problems on the digestive system.  You need to ask your veterinarian what options are available to you today.

But there is something you can do now to prevent this disease from occurring.  You need to keep your dog on a proper exercise regimen and diet.  Your dog needs to maintain positive reinforcement activity.  And if the disease does strike have your canine engage in low or no impact exercise such as swimming and/or walking.  Every little bit helps.

To find out more about the proper way to exercise your pup without injury, talk to a Florida dog obedience and a k9 obedience instructor today.

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Office Manners for Your Canine

By Jeffery Andrew - K9 Korral
04
Aug 2010

Taking your pet to the office is a privilege most people cannot claim.  It is fortunate to be able to have your dog alongside while at work all day long.  Your pet does not get lonely, has your companionship and the setting is stimulating.  But before you dive right into bringing your dog to the office, you should review these tips.  They will help you make the transition for your pet and co-workers go smoothly.

Find Out About Your Co-Workers First

If you have co-workers who really don’t want your dog to be around the office, then reconsider.  You do not want it to become a hostile environment.  And even though you love dogs, do not assume everyone else does too.  In addition, perhaps your co-worker does not want your dog’s fur getting all over their work clothes.  It is difficult to be fashion forward with dog fur stuck to your brand new designer suit.  Therefore, be prepared that not everyone will see the dog being present in the same light as you.  Bring a baby gate to work or some type of play pen for your dog.  This will keep your dog from running all over the place.

Dog Proof the Area

You know the drill.  Get down on your hands and knees, crawl around on dog level and hide anything that would be toxic, harmful and/or damaging to your dog.  Tie wires up out of the way.  Put writing utensils away in drawers.  Empty out the garbage cans ensuring the temptation for your dog to peak in there is gone.

To find out more about what needs to be done in regards to brining your pup to the office, talk to a Florida dog obedience trainer or a k9 obedience instructor today.

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An Inside Look at Behavioral Meds for Dogs

By Jeffery Andrew - K9 Korral
04
Aug 2010

Family behavior has changed.  Instead of one person working in a home, there are two out of the house all day long working fulltime, and in some cases more than one job.   In addition, the idea of being able to afford a big house with a backyard is gone.  Some families now live in a tiny one-bedroom apartment.  It is all some people can afford.  And if you are a dog, then this is a big adjustment.

A dog is used to running around freely, chasing after wildlife in the backyard, and interacting with someone throughout the day due to one parent staying home.  But now everything has shifted.  A dog is expected to stay in a house for eight or ten hours a day with no other interaction.  And then being cooped up with family members and no room to roam or space solely designated for your canine, may cause mental issues in dogs opening up the door to taking a closer look at behavior meds in dogs.

Some experts do not believe in providing a dog with mood altering medications.  It cost too much, and there is a belief that the situation may be fixed with proper dog training and interaction.  However, in some cases, this is not always the case.  There are times when a dog has an unsettling fear towards other humans and animals.  A medication along with positive reinforcement could reduce these fears easing the stress on your dog’s body.

It is a tough road to adjust your dog’s behavior regardless of the method utilized.  But perhaps there is something to be said for providing medications alongside positive reinforcement to help your dog remain calm, peaceful and happy.

For more information talk to a Florida dog training or a k9 obedience training instructor today.

Category: Florida Dog Obedience Training, Florida Dog Training, Pet Care Tips, k9 obedience  Tags: , , , ,  Leave a Comment

Common Dog Medical Care

By Jeffery Andrew - K9 Korral
03
Aug 2010

A responsible dog owner needs to provide lots of love and care to his/her pet.  Provide a safe environment and plenty of exercise and nutrition.  But this also means you need to pay attention to common medical care for your dog.  Here is a list of things to look out for regarding your dog’s health and advice on how to manage these situations.

Spaying and Neutering

If this is the first time for you to own a pet, then you may not be aware of the benefits of spaying and neutering your pet.  Spaying your dog erases the risk of an infected uterus from occurring at a later stage in life.  And neutering male dogs prevents prostate4 and testicular diseases from developing.  It also reduces certain types of aggressive behavior.

Heartworms

Heartworms are a parasite that needs to be treated right away.  It is passed along amongst canines through mosquitoes.  It can be fatal if left untreated.  Take precautions by giving a monthly pill to your dog during mosquito season.

Bad Breath

A dog’s breath is a symptom not to take likely.  It may be a sign of something terrible unfolding within.  For instance, if your dog’s breath smells like urine, then your loving pet could be suffering from a kidney disease.  If you suspect anything going on with your pet, then take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.
To find out more information about what you need to know regarding owning a dog, talk to a Florida dog trainer or a Florida puppy class instructor today.

Category: Florida Dog Training, Florida Puppy Training, Pet Care Tips  Tags: , , ,  One Comment

Why Socialization in Puppies is Ideal

By Jeffery Andrew - K9 Korral
03
Aug 2010

It is essential to your puppy’s development to be handled and trained by you and other people.  It allows your puppy to understand that humans are not something to fear, and begins the socialization skills off on a positive start.

Puppies need nail trimming, grooming, shots, and training.  And sometimes these tasks are not always completed by you.  There are professionals who handle these duties with ease.  But if your puppy is not common to new environments and other people, then your canine could react in a negative manner to these fresh elements.  Socialization is a means of making certain that nothing bad occurs when placed in an unfamiliar setting.

Why Puppy Socialization is Essential

The more exposure your pup has to various environments, the easier it will be for your pup to remain calm or at ease during hectic situations.  For instance, let us say you are taking your dog out for a walk.  Along the sidewalk there is construction unfolding with jackhammers, traffic build-up, loud noises, lots of people and pedestrian congestion.  But you need to give your dog’s daily exercise.  You are not going to turn around and go back home.  If your dog has a certain level of socialization experience, then it will not be a problem. Your dog will adapt by ignoring these factors regardless of the sound level.  If your dog is not able to adapt to the situation, then your dog may react with undesirable behavior.  It could lead to aggressive interactions, fear, insecurities, and the desire to runaway.

Avoid any negative situation from unfolding by properly socializing your pup to a wide array of people and settings.

Learn Socialization in Puppy Classes

To find out more about your puppy’s needs, enroll in a puppy kindergarten or puppy preschool today.  An expert will be able to guide you on socialization and other necessary elements for proper puppy training.

Category: Florida Puppy Training, Puppy Classes, Puppy Kindergarten, Puppy Preschool  Tags: , , , ,  Leave a Comment

How to Prepare for a Storm

By Jeffery Andrew - K9 Korral
03
Aug 2010

Hurricane season is approaching.  Tropical thunderstorms keep showing up on radar in clusters and we need to prepare for the worst.  That means buying bottled water, canned foods, batteries, and more.  But within the midst of your preparations, did you remember to purchase items for your pets?  Do you have pet supplies to ride out a storm?  Here is a storm checklist for pet owners.  Be sure you go through it and start planning from now.

Create an Emergency Pet Storm Kit

You have an emergency storm kit for you, so why isn’t there one created for your pet?  Start by packing a full week or two of pet food.  You need to have it on-hand in case your pet gets hungry.  Also, pack a few garbage bags in case there is any waste or clean-up needed after a storm. You don’t want your pet to catch something from the post-storm debris.  The garbage bags will help achieve this goal.  Also, you need to have the pet carrier ready to go.  Make sure it is in good condition and lasts through a storm.  You don’t want anything to break off of it endangering your pet further.

In addition, always keep your pet’s papers up to date, including identity tags, medical records, and your contact information.  Be certain these items are secure with your pet.  You need to be certain your pet is easily identified if for some reason you were forced to evacuate.

To find out more about how to handle a storm as a responsible pet owner, talk to a Florida dog trainer or a k9 obedience instructor today.

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Dog Walking Tips

By Jeffery Andrew - K9 Korral
03
Aug 2010

There are ways to make dog walking not seem so much like a chore, but rather time you both may enjoy together.  Here are some basic tips to keep you on the right track.

Choose Your Leash Wisely

You need to be sure to select a lease that coincides with your dog’s personality and habits.  If your dog is easy to walk even during high traffic, then a flexi-leash is fine.  It allows your dog to explore surroundings without feeling confide.  If your dog has the bad habit of biting on the leash, a chain leash may be more appropriate.

Stay Off the Lawn

Pesticides, fertilizers, various plants and flowers may all be dangerous to your pet’s health.  Stay away from these areas.  In addition, you don’t know what type of bugs or creatures could be looming within the grass.  There may be a poisonous snake or spider.  Just steer clear to keep your canine safe.

Allow Your Dog to Say Hi…Within Reason

If along the path other dogs and people wish to pet your dog, then wait and see how your dog reacts.  If your dog is known to remain calm and allow people to greet, then great.  Encourage it.  If your dog does not get along with others avoid the contact altogether.  You don’t want a negative situation to ensue.

To find out more dog walking tips, talk to a Florida dog obedience professional or enroll in a k9 obedience class today.

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How to Train a Chihuahua

By Jeffery Andrew - K9 Korral
03
Aug 2010

This little breed of dogs needs some extra care when training.  Of course, each dog has its own personality, but there are a few things to keep in mind regarding all Chihuahuas across the board.

Adapt to Size

Chihuahuas are tiny dogs, so when training use a leash and collar that won’t injure the neck.  Their necks do damage easily.  It is wise to avoid choke collars.  Try out a harness instead.  It would be safer on your canine and may assist in implementing dog training smoothly.

Socialize Your Pup

A small dog tends to react in an aggressive manner out of fear towards other animals and people.  However, this may be rectified by socializing your puppy at a young age.  Do this by taking your small dog around town during errands and drives.  Allow your puppy to interact with others.  Your dog will become accustomed to others preventing a negative behavior from developing.

Use Treats, Patience and Love

First, never attempt to train your dog if you are feeling anxious, tired or short-fused.  It won’t help the training session.  Your dog is an extension of you, and if you carry any of these negative emotions into your lesson, then the dog will react poorly.  But if you are positive, happy, and a good leader, then your dog will react accordingly.

For more tips on how to train your Chihuahua, talk to a Florida dog training instructor or a k9 obedience professional today.

Category: Florida Dog Training, Pet Care Tips, k9 obedience  Tags: , ,  One Comment
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