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Common Mistakes When Training Your New Pup

By Jeffery
26
Dec 2011

Puppies are capable of learning simple commands from a very young age. Don’t try to give your puppy a meaningful training session if he is highly excited, occupied with exploring, or tired. You need his complete attention. Otherwise you’re wasting both your time and his. You can build up to training sessions in more distracting environments once your puppy is reliably responding to your commands when at home.

When it comes to home training, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to understand the concept, what goes in must come out. If you feed your puppy a quality, nutritious and balanced dog food and stick to regular meal times (3 times a day for young puppies, dropping down to twice a day for older dogs), then your puppy is more likely to have regular potty habits which means you’ll have a much better idea of what time to take him out. If, on the other hand, your constantly offering your puppy with treats and tidbits and feed him at random times of the day, you can expect your puppy to need to potty at any time of day too.

If you’re expectations are too high of your puppy to master all of your commands in the first couple of weeks, you are sadly mistaken and will be disappointed. Young puppies, in particular, have a lot of information to take in the first few weeks as they get settled into their new home away from their mom and siblings. Try to start off with two or three commands at the most sit. “Come” and “down” should be of top priority. Don’t move on to new commands until you are confident enough that your pup has mastered the basics.

Like an adolescent child, puppies have short attention spans and get tired very quickly. Remember, when training your puppy, keep sessions short. 5 to 10 minutes should be sufficient enough time. Two or three short training sessions every day is ideal. You can build in the command “come” throughout the day such as when you want to feed your puppy or take him outside.

A pup will learn much faster and affectively through the association of an action with a positive reward. However, our attention can also be very rewarding to a puppy. This can also include negative attention such as yelling, scolding, or punishment.

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Effective Training Techniques for Dogs of all Shapes and Sizes:

By Jeffery
30
Nov 2011

The term obedience training is generally used for the various methods of helping your dog to behave in a more expectable manner. There are many different methods in dog training techniques such as positive reinforcement, reward training, collar and leash, marker training, dog whispering, and clicker training.

Accomplish the following with the right dog training:

Your dog wasn’t born programmed to meet your behavioral standards.  So don’t expect your dog to know everything right away!The key to training your dog to respond to verbal commands is repetition and consistency. He is looking to you as a guide to lay a good foundation for behavior.

The best corrective measures are rewards and praise. Unlike children, dogs don’t have the mental capacity to fully understand the consequences of their actions. Time outs and repeating “NO” may not be as effective as you would like. Instead, praise your dog when he has done what you have asked of him or her, and offer an appropriate reward. When your dog doesn’t follow commands, provide appropriate correction. Balance is a strong key when doing this.

Don’t punish for unacceptable behaviors your dog has committed when he has no way to know any better. Punishing your dog for a behavior that you have not spent time on or he has not been properly trained to do, if you ask me, this is unfair to your dog.

Make obedience training sharp and short for the both of you to enjoy. So take things slow. Having your dog to follow commands and respond the way you expect doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time. It’s easier for your dog to master one command at a time then move to the next one, and build on the foundation you all have established. Stimulate and challenge your dog throughout the obedience training process.

The Benefits:

Effective dog training is the best possible thing you can do for you and your dog. This will allow for a very rewarding relationship. With the right kind of obedience training can make your dog an absolute joy to be around. When well trained, he is more trustworthy, and you as the owner can feel confident in your dog and his abilities as you extend more and more freedoms to your canine friend. Trust, respect, and boundaries are all keys for unlocking a healthy owner-dog relationship.

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Dog Pregnancy Care Tips:

By Jeffery
28
Nov 2011

A pregnant dogs body is going through many changes as the puppies are growing inside her therefore her needs are going to increase. They need special care to ensure they are in tip top shape before the big day. A dog’s pregnancy generally last from 60 to 63 days.

The symptoms and signs of a pregnant dog:

Three weeks after mating, the female dog may have an upset stomach and not want to eat for about a week to 10 days. One way to tell if your dog is pregnant is to check her vulva. The swelling would not have gone down after her heat and looks enlarged. Thirty days after being bred a blood test can be done by a veterinarian to confirm pregnancy. At 21 days an ultrasound can be done to confirm pregnancy and at 45 days radiographs can be taken for an accurate count of puppies inside.

During the first 30 days of pregnancy she can eat her normal diet, only as long as it is a high quality dog food. This food has plenty of nutrients. During the last month of pregnancy start switching her over to a high quality puppy food, make the diet change over a week’s time. Also, be aware that there are some vitamin supplements that can cause birth defects so check with your veterinarian before choosing the wrong one. Do not give her any vitamin supplements.

Try to take her on several daily walks for a good source of exercise. It is important that she does not become overweight during this time and the walks will keep her in shape for delivery. Letting the dog run in the backyard is not equal to a walk, a walk is mental and physical exercise. During the last 3 weeks of gestation do not take her out and do not expose her to other dogs as added protection against disease.

Never give a pregnant dog any kind of vaccination. Some vaccines can cause still births. Vaccinations should be given prior to breeding so that the protection can be passed to the puppies by the mother’s milk.

One week prior to birth, start taking the mothers body temperature. A normal bodily temperature for a dog is about 100.5 – 102.5. About 24 hours before giving birth, her temperature will drop a few degrees. This will give you time for necessary preparations.

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Safety Precautions – Inside and Outside the Home:

By Jeffery
21
Nov 2011

With all the everyday things that humans come into contact, such as certain foods and common household products. Many can be toxic to your dog or puppy so be sure to take necessary safety precautions.

Garden and lawn hazards such as more then a few plants, given a nibble or two, can turn your dog’s day upside down. Most just cause an upset stomach, but some can be fatal.  Make sure that if you do choose to have these plants that they are out of the reach of your dog at all times.

Play dough consists of just a few ingredients. Though, two of the three ingredients are perfectly harmless, the third worth mentioning is salt. Dogs may enjoy the play dough’s salty taste, just remember that if too much is consumed, it can cause salt toxicity, which unfortunately, there is no antidote for this reaction. So just be careful and stay observant the next time you catch your pup rummaging through your children’s things.

Splintering bones such as from a chewed chicken bone can be very hazardous to your canine. Pieces of the bone can get stuck causing damage in the dog’s intestines and throat. When a dog is given any type of real bone including cow leg, supervision of course, is always recommended as pieces of the bone can break off. So just stay cautious and be sure to pick up and take away any small pieces so they are no chances they can be ingested. A safe bet is to purchase a
bone specifically intended for a dog to chomp on.

Antifreeze is perhaps the number one hazard to a dog. Less than one tablespoon of anti-freeze could be lethal to a dog 20 pounds and under. Your dog will smell the sweetness and may want to lick it up. This is dangerous for your dog if ingested, so when storing antifreeze, keep it far and well out of reach. Check under your car every now and then to make sure it is not on your drive way, just to be safe.

Chocolate is another common household hazard for your dog. Although it may be one of your favorite thing to eat, it can be very dangerous for your dog. Chocolate contains caffeine which can make your dog very ill. This stimulant can raise the hearts rate, unfortunately to the point of being fatal. The effect it has depends both on the dogs size and the amount of chocolate that the dog has consumed.

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Bulldogs

By Jeffery
25
Feb 2011

Bulldogs of all breeds are known for their adorable features, but what’s underneath all those wrinkles?  The characteristics of a bulldog can be a big factor in considering if the breed is right for you and your family, and can make all the difference in your relationship with your dog.

Temperament

Despite the slightly intimidating look that some bulldogs have (such as the English bulldog),they are actually very well tempered dogs.  Bulldogs rank very highly in dog socialization skills,  and are known to continually act like puppies, even in their elderly years.  Bulldogs are easily well-behaved family dogs, and do very well around children.  Most of the dogs in this breed are lovable attention-seeking dogs that need constant interaction with people, and they are especially good for families of four or more.  However, bulldogs often become attached to one owner just as many other dogs do.

Obedience

Bulldogs are infamous for being stubborn, but this is only because they are often improperly taught.  Bulldogs respond best to positive enforcement rather than punishment.  Constant rewards for good acts, and light punishment for wrongdoings will straighten out a bulldog much faster than negative treatment will.  Bulldog training is not a fast process.  Bulldogs take constant reinforcement to good treatment to form a habit, and generally take longer to train than other dogs.  Thusly, it is best to begin dog obedience classes when it becomes a family member.

Health Issues

Bulldogs, no matter how adorable, have a large variety of possible health problems.  Dog care is something that you have to be very willing to see as a regularity if you get a bulldog, because they can be very needy. Some of these problems include allergies, dermatitis, eye lid anomalies, hip dysplasia and heart problems.  The most common issue with bulldogs however is their low tolerance to heat.  Bulldogs can not be left outside in hot weather ever, and are almost permanently inside dogs.  For many people, all this means is that a doggie door is necessary, but for others it means that they will be responsible for taking their dogs in and out of the house.  This is very important to consider if you are thinking of adopting a bulldog.

For more information on bulldogs and dog adoption, contact our Florida Dog Training center or ask your local dog trainers.

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Foot Booties For Dogs

By Jeffery
16
Feb 2011

What are Foot Booties?

Foot booties are basically shoes for dogs.  These ’shoes’ can service many different uses, and knowing these can make all the difference in your opinion on the product.  Foot booties have been known for their big variety of uses on dogs, but what exactly are they used for? There is no singular reason to get your dog booties, but there are rather a variety of different booties for different situations.  Foot booties can have an enormous impact on dog health, and foot booties can be a big part of proper dog care.

Temperature

Many dogs hate snow because the pads on their feet aren’t as thick as some other breeds, and it makes them cold to walk on it.  Foot booties protect their feet from the cold of snow making it more fun for them to romp around in.  The same goes for if the temperature where you live is very hot.  Dogs with sensitive paws will greatly benefit from foot booties because they protect their paws.

Surgery

Some dogs tend to pick at stitches after surgery, which can be dangerous to their health.  Foot booties make it nearly impossible to undo stitches or remove needed bandages.  Foot booties are therefore a good idea for fussy dogs that pick at stitches.

Dogs With Medical Issues

Many of us have seen dogs that roll around on wheels due to paralization in their legs or lower body.  In these circumstances, the wheels work wonderfully, but some dogs unknowingly drag their back feet when they roll around, damaging their nails and toe pads.  Booties protect dog’s back feet from being damaged when they are lightly dragging on the ground, helping them stay healthy.  Another medical issue that booties help with is when a dog is missing a foot, and yes it happens.  These booties can be custom made to act as a clip-on foot for disabled dogs, getting them up and running again!

For more information, talk to your local dog trainers, or contact our Florida dog training center.  We have a list of recommendations for dog booties if you need help finding some!


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Different Dog Collars

By Jeffery
09
Feb 2011
When choosing a dog collar, many people do not understand that the collar you choose could heavily effect dog obedience and health.  Your specific type of dog should have a specific type of collar or harness, and this choice, having such an impact on dog care, should be something that more people are aware in the importance of.  Here are a few types of dog collars.
Old Fashioned

The original buckle collar is the one you see on most dogs.  These collars are adjustable and don’t pinch or pull.  leather is the best choice when considering the buckle collar because they don’t tend to chaff or break hair as much as the nylon types. Plus they last longer
Break collars

Break collars were invented to let a dog escape from it’s collar to avoid being strangled by accident.  These collars will release their clip if the strap gets stuck on something, which could save your dog, and also work so that when you put a leash on, the clip will not open.
Chokers

Chokers, also called slip collars, are generally used for training or for generally unruly dogs.  this metal chain tightens around a dogs neck if they pull on the leash, teaching them not to pull you when they walk.  If you plan on getting a choker, you should ask for the specific type for your dog, because the wrong type could get caught in their hair, or choke them.  However, this isn’t a problem if you get the right type and size.  These should never be used on puppies.
Pinch Collars

Pinch collars have a shockingly gory appearance, but don’t be fooled by it! Despite the looks of the pinch collar, they are actually a safer training method than using a choker.  These collars are typically metal, and pinch the dog when they pull on the leash, making training faster, and teaching your dog never to pull.  These leashes, however, can never be left on your dog when they are unattended and should also never be used on puppies.

Harnesses

Harnesses are a type of leash that distribute pressure equally throughout the dogs chest and make walking little dogs and non-pulling dogs easier.  Harnesses have a strap that go over your dogs chest and stomach.  These were originally made in order to allow your dogs to pull heavy weights, and are still today used on sled dogs.  However, they are now also used as a way to protect dogs because of the way they spread the weight of your pulling on the leash.  Many trainers believe that this collar influences pulling, but some find it quite effective in different cases.

Head Harness

I’m not going to lie, these look a little funny.  This harness goes on the dogs face right above their nose, and right under their neck.  The head harness was created for dogs that pull, and make most dogs very uncomfortable, however they are very effective.

Shock Collars

We won’t give out much information on this type of dog collars, because they tend to have more negative than positive effects on a dog, but they basically shock your dog when they go out of the perimeters you set around your home, or shock them when you press a button.  We personally do not recommend this collar for any dog.

If you have any additional questions, contact our Florida Dog training Center, or talk to your local dog trainers.

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What to Avoid in Dog Food

By Jeffery
04
Feb 2011

There are many contributors that lower the quality of dog food, such as by-products, fillers, non-specific meat sources and preservatives, but what are they?  Many people know that these ingredients are bad for your dog, but we’ll explain what they are, and why they’re bad for your dog’s health.  Follow these simple dog care tips, and your dog will easily live a longer happier life.

Fillers

Fillers are simply cheap tasteless ingredients that are put into most commercial dog foods as a replacement of actual nutrition and quality.  Fillers can be many things, such as crushed peanut shells, straw, corn, crushed corn cobs, weeds, or even feathers. Fillers do not ‘fill’ in for anything but size.  Not only do they have no real purpose besides making the quantity of food larger, but they can additionally harm your dog.  Fillers can cause issues with a dogs digestive process, allergies, and even cause severe medical problems in puppies and older dogs.

By-Products

By-products are (in summary) animal parts that should not be eaten.  Meat by-products despite their name, do not contain actual meat, but rather animal parts such as leftover animals heads, feet, internal organs, intestines and other carcass parts that are not healthy for dogs.  There are four D’s in the manufacturing business, which are Dead, diseased, disabled and dying, which are all okay by them to put into our dogs food, and it’s gross.

Un-Specified Meat

Whenever you look at the nutrition ingredients and it has ‘meat’ listed as protein, stay away from that food.  When there is no specification to the type of meat being put into the food,it means that there are many things that could be considered as meat to the manufacturers and they don’t want to tell you what types of ‘meat’ there is because it’s unhealthy.  This ‘meat’ can include feet, skin, hair, joints, and even animals that have died from diseases.  All of these materials are ground together and labeled as ‘meat’ on their products, because they aren’t proud enough of their food to tell you whats really in it.

Preservatives

Preservatives are simply a substance that extend the shelf life of a product.  This means that it keeps the food from spoiling for a longer time than usual in order to keep to food fresh.  There is a downside to the preservatives used in all food, but specifically in dog food, the ingredients can cause cancer.

Dog care is important to us at our Florida dog training center, so if you want to learn more, give us a call or ask a few of your local dog trainers.  Love your dog!

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Misleadings in Teacup Puppies

By Jeffery
31
Jan 2011

Many people love tiny dogs, and Teacup puppies has become very popular in dog adoption.  Not only are these adorable puppies seen as a best friend, but additionally  a fashion trend all over the world. But as we all know, to every good thing comes something bad, so this is written as a warning.  No matter how insanely adorable these puppies may be, there are a few dog adoption tips you may want to read about before getting them.

‘Teacup’ Title and Breeding

Dogs come in many breeds; hounds, mutts, toy’s, and more.  If you have ever watched a dog show, you would notice that there is no competition in the teacup category.  This is because the ‘teacup’ title does not qualify a different type of dog, but rather refers to the size of a dog.  These dogs generally weigh from four to seven pounds, and are extremely fragile due to their size.  Teacups are easily injured, if you even accidentally step on them, it could be fatal simply because of their size. It is never safe to breed a dog under five pounds, but these breeders are playing with genetics, and the faults in these puppies are proof of their wrongdoing.

Fragility and Diseases

These puppies (as mentioned before) are uncommonly fragile due to their small size and unconventional breeding.  ‘Teacup’ puppies often encounter respiratory problems, and often do not live past a few years.  many other diseases and issues that are often contracted in these small dogs include hypoglycemia, cardiac problems, collapsing trachea, luxating patellas, Leggs Calves Perthes disease, seizures, blindness and digestive problems.

The Undertaking

We are not trying to decrease the adoption of small puppies, but we are merely trying to warn you of the drawbacks that are commonly included in these small dogs, and what it could mean for your future.  These dogs become a huge responsibility despite their size, and may take a lot of time and money to keep.  With this in mind, remember that when it comes to dog care, a Teacup may not be the best idea if you want an easy dog.

Category: Florida Dog Training  Tags: ,  One Comment

Dog Medication

By Jeffery
28
Jan 2011

Often times we need to give our dogs pills for whatever reason it may be, and it is important to go about it the right way.  Making dogs swallow pills can be hard, but it is essential for the health of your dog, and is a big contributor to dog care.  Dogs are like little kids, and will most likely have issues swallowing pills without being tricked, so here are a few dog owner tips for getting your dog to take their medication!

Food

Putting your dogs pill in their kibble will often work, but with my friends dog who eats like a monster, the Labrador somehow manages to eat all of the food within a minute and still avoid the pill.  If you have a dog who somehow never eats the pill within their food, then you might have to be a little sneakier…

Roll it up!

Rolling up a piece of cheese or lunch meat around a pill is a good way to get your dog wanting to take the pill.  They take one look at your ‘human food’ and the attraction is usually strong enough to make them eat the food along with the pill without difficulty.  However, be cautious, because some peoples dogs see them putting the medication inside the mushy food and refuse to eat it.  If your dog is that smart, you might need to wrap up the pill in private.

Tips

If your dog still will not swallow, here are a few quick easy ways to get the medicine in their tummies! If you put the pill in their mouths and gently stroke their throat while holding their mouth shut, it stimulates the swallowing reflex forcing them to swallow. (What’s funny is this works on humans too)   There are also ‘pill pockets’ available at pet stores which you can stick pills in.  These pockets work on all dogs big and small, and are a great way to go for dogs who can’t swallow pills.  For additional help or information, consider calling a few dog trainers.

Love your pet!

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