Tag-Archive for » Florida Dog Training «

Taking Care of Your Dogs Teeth

By Jeffery
14
Feb 2011

Dental diseases are common in dogs, especially periodontal disease, so prevention is the biggest step when you want to take care of your dogs teeth.  There are many ways to keep your dogs teeth clean and healthy, so if you want to learn a few dog care tips, keep reading!

Food

Giving your dog dry food instead of canned or creamy food will help prevent tooth decay.  The dry products are specifically made to scratch and cleanse your dogs teeth in order to clean them.  The canned foods may seem more appetizing to your dog, but remember that this food easily gets caught in their teeth, causing issues with their teeth and gums, so unless you want to learn how to brush your dogs teeth, we suggest you stick with dry.
Vets

Every time you go to the vet, make sure you have a professional cleaning done.  A professional cleaning will keep your dog’s teeth healthy, and doing this every once in a while will keep you updated on your dogs dental health.

Brushing Advice

If you want to brush your dogs teeth as a last resort, there are a few things you need to consider.  Never use a human toothpaste on your dog.  Our toothpaste doesn’t work the same on dogs as it does on us,an additionally,  veterinarian offices generally have a suggested toothpaste that have flavor that is more appealing to your dog than ours.  Another thing to think about is the actual brush.  You never want to use a hard bristled brush on a dog.  Unlike the toothpaste, you can use human products when it comes to tooth brushes, but make sure the bristles on the brush are soft and gentle on your dogs teeth.  Vet’s usually have toothbrushes that come along with their toothpaste, so ask next time you go in.

For more information, contact our Florida dog training center, or locate some local dog trainers.

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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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Dog Bonding Time

By Jeffery
26
Jan 2011

Dogs are a common household pet today, and being so common, they are often neglected.  In some peoples lives, free time is a rarity, but spending some quality time with your pet can make all the difference in both of your lives. For many of you, your dogs get a kick out of going on a walk every day, or even just playing around the house, and if this works for you and your pet, great! If it doesn’t than you’re probably looking for some new things to try.  Quality time with your dog is positive reinforcement for them to act well, and it lets them know they’re loved, so for some of you who want new ways to spend time with your dog, here are a few good ideas.

Doggy Dates

Doggy dates are simply when you bring your dog over to a friends house to have a play date! Doggy dates are an especially good idea for people with only one dog. This is because without a friend in the house, they could easily be ignorant in the subject of dog socialization and not know how to act around other dogs.  Letting your dogs play with your friends dogs will let them have friends away from home, creating an outside life for them!

New Terrain

There are many places that your dog has probably never been to, so why not explore a little? Bringing your dog to farms, beaches, the woods, the desert, or anywhere they haven’t had the chance to go on an adventure will give them a chance to experience new things and new places.  You can take your dog hiking, swimming, boating, walking, and easily enhance your relationship by including them in your adventures.  Additionally, always consider bringing your dog on vacation with you, when you’re traveling.  Not only do they make great companions, but they’ll be thrilled at the chance to go somewhere :)

Going Out

I have a friend who takes her dog everywhere with her, if she’s going to drop her daughter off, her dog goes on a car ride with her, if she’s going on a walk, you know she brought her dog, and this is a great relationship.  Taking your dog wherever you go with you will give you some great bonding time without you having to make much time at all for them.  They’ll enjoy your company, and they’ll enjoy yours!

In all, just make time for your dog, weather it be a dog training class, or an off road excursion, they’ll love spending time with you! For more information on Dog obedience classes, take a look at our Florida Dog Training website.

Love your dog!

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Basic Things all Puppies Should Learn

By Jeffery Andrew - K9 Korral
21
Jan 2011

Dog training is a necessity, and it especially helps if you do it when they are young.  it is very important to teach puppy commands in their first year; it will form good habits that will come in handy with basic dog care, and keep the both of you out of trouble!  Here are a few basic things every puppy should learn.

Potty Training

It seems that all people should know to teach their dogs to go to the bathroom outside, but it is equally important for you to teach them to alert you when they have to go.  Unless you have a doggy door, you need to know when they have to go or you’ll end up with a soggy carpet, and that doesn’t smell so good.

Stop and Stay

Training your dog to stop and stay is very important when considering dangerous situations and manners around others.  If your dog runs off when you open the door or if they get off their leash, you need to have the control of making them stop and stay.  This also comes in handy when you have guests over and your puppy is pestering them.

NO jumping

Jumping may be adorable when they are puppies, but you don’t want your full grown dog jumping on children or elderly friends, so break the habit!

Puppy Socialization

Let your puppy be friendly and be around other animals, but know when to limit them.  It is fine to let your dog play with other kitties or dogs, but don’t let them start chasing, biting, or harassing the other animal. Don’t eliminate dog play, just watch over how your puppy acts around other dogs.  Basically, teach them their limits of puppy socialization in order to be polite around others.

Dominance

Many dogs mistakenly believe they are the alpha of the house and take over the space as their territory.  This is a horrible thing to let your dogs do.  Letting them think that they are in charge will make them lash out and become violent in situations that are not appropriate.  If your dog starts growling at you as a puppy, it is a good idea to take them to a dog obedience class.  One of my puppies used to growl, and a good way to show them that you are in charge is to simply flip them onto their back.  We repeatedly flipped him on his back whenever he acted out, and now he is now the nicest family dog you could ask for!  Doing this a few times will send the message that you’re the boss.

If you have any questions about puppy training, ask, message, or call our Florida dog training center.

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

Pet-Friendly Home Decisions

By Jeffery Andrew - K9 Korral
17
Jan 2011

Sooner or later everyone needs to do home renovations, so why not make them good for your pet too?  Making pet friendly home decisions won’t only be good for house care, but also good for dog care.  Here are a few ways in which you can redo your home that will benefit you and your dog!

Carpet

When getting new carpet, it is important to consider if you will be able to tell if your pet has an accident.  Not being able to see where your dog has urinated will make the room smell horrible, and you won’t be able to tell where it’s coming from.  Also keep in mind that white carpet is generally a bad idea.  Many people adore white carpet for looking so clean, but that’s because it is clean.  Keeping a white carpet in it’s natural state is back-breaking, and with a pet, it is best to go for a different color.

Furniture

Dogs and cats love to lie on the couch and relax, but shedding can be an extreme issue.  Your dog’s behavior should depend on what you find acceptable, but if you have issues with pets lying on your furniture, you might want to look into Florida dog training.   I think I’m right in saying that everyone has been to a  house in which the owner lets their dogs hair stay all over their couch, and let me tell you…  it’s gross.  Not only do you get dog hair all over your clothes but it can be very smelly, itchy, and uncomfortable.  With this in mind, try to pick a couch that has a color similar to your dogs hair, and that is easy to clean.  Leather and materials of that kind are easy to clean, but if you have a leather couch, remember to trim your dogs nails regularly; dog’s nails are infamous for effortlessly scratching up pricey leather couches.

Decorations

Many people (including myself) have playful dogs.  This being said, anything within their reach is fair game for play, including household decorations.  Try to keep things away from where they can reach, so if you buy a nice vase, when placing it in your house, remember that your dog could easily run into the table it’s sitting on.  This is especially true with hanging curtains.  Dogs (and especially cat’s) can easily tear up curtains and ruin them.

Making pet-friendly home decisions will make life easier for you and your dog!

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Why to Train Your Dog

By Jeffery Andrew - K9 Korral
07
Jan 2011

Dogs are notorious for peeing on floors, chewing up clothes, barking at neighbors, and so many other unfortunate qualities they hold.  Dogs are animals, and unless they are properly trained, they’ll act like a one.  Obedience training can improve your dogs behavior by setting a standard for them. Training sets a foundation to solve problems so that you can keep them out of trouble and handle them with ease. Florida Dog Training will also open up communication between you and your dog so you can understand each other.  This will benefit you by keeping them from becoming a job instead of an enjoyment, and will help you understand how to interact with your pet.

Puppies

When you first get a dog, you begin to learn how they act and cope with your home surroundings.  Many people automatically notice behavioral problems in their pets, and think that they will work them out in time because it’s a puppy and they can’t help it.  But beware, because what you initially see as a small issue can become a BIG problem.  Puppy training, as opposed to training them when they are grown, can be very beneficial.  It will insure that your pet will not become aggressive when they grow up along with establishing that they are indeed not the alpha in the house.  By taking a few classes, you can easily solve future behavioral problems, and make having a dog more fun and less work.  Teaching your dog while they are young will also help your dog interact with others and learn how to handle unfamiliar situations without feeling threatened.

Family

A dog should be not only a pet, but also essentially a family member.  Classes can help them become a well-tempered friend for you, and will make your dog safe and appropriately friendly around children.  Obedience classes will teach your dog to obey simple orders, such as sit, stop, and lay down.  These easy commands will save them from potentially dangerous situations such as darting out into the street when you open the door, slipping out of their leash when you go on walks, or chasing wild animals as a back-yard game.

Keep your dog safe and happy by enrolling them in an K9 obedience course today!

Category: Florida Dog Training, Florida Puppy Training, Puppy Classes, k9 obedience  Tags: , , ,  Leave a Comment

Want to be Healthier in 2011? Adopt a Dog!

By Jeffery Andrew - K9 Korral
31
Dec 2010

The health benefits of owning a pet are well known – even watching a fish tank or stroking a cat can help lower blood pressure and create a sense of calm.  However, when it comes to the health benefits of having a pet, nothing is better than owning a dog!

According to the well-respected resource WebMD, the health benefits of owning a dog include:

1. Lower blood pressure
2. Reduce stress
3. Lower your risk for heart attacks
4. Lower your risk for strokes
5. Prevent and cure depression
6. Help keep you physically fit
7. Develop fewer allergies
8. Strengthen your immunity to allergies
9. Improve mental health
10. Build stronger bones

An overlooked way that owning a dog can help keep your wallet healthier is the savings in prescriptions and health care costs associated with illness.  Additionally, if you walk your dog twice daily, you’ll receive your daily recommended dose of cardiovascular activity.  To ramp up  that activity level, consider engaging in Florida dog obedience training, or even Florida Dog Agility Classes.  Both you and your pet will benefits from the physical activity involved in these training courses, and have fun while doing it!  Like any form of exercise, the key to keeping it up in having fun while doing it, and engaging in these types of activities with your pet are definitely enjoyable!

Whether you are a senior citizen living alone, a stay-at-home-parent, or a young single person, your health and happiness can increase considerably by bringing a canine companion into your household.  Don’t delay…  it’s just what the doctor ordered!

Category: Florida Dog Obedience Training, Florida Dog Training, agility classes, k9 obedience  Tags: , , ,  Leave a Comment

A New Years Resolution for You and Your Dog

By Jeffery Andrew - K9 Korral
29
Dec 2010

Like most people, you may be considering making a New Year’s Resolution about losing weight or becoming more active.  Take a good look at your beloved canine companion…  does he or she need to lose weight or become more active as well?  Doing it together could be just the ticket for both you and your dog, and it can be extremely fun as well!

Enrolling in dog agility classes is a great way for both you and your dog to spend more time in physical activity.  Come learn how much fun your dog can have crawling through tunnels, tipping a seesaw, scrambling over an A-frame and jumping over hurdles and through a tire.  Both you and your dog will spend the entire class period running, jumping, and having a FUN, exciting, active time together.  Moreover, you will be helping create a more responsive, well-trained dog while you’re having such a good time bonding together.

If you’re a Florida resident, make sure to check out Florida dog agility training.  By the end of the course, you will learn to teach your dog to pay attention when asked, greet strangers and known visitors alike politely, come when called, walk on a loose leash, lie down, wait and stay. If you’ve ever encountered problems at the dog park or while out on a walk, you’ll be happy to know that agility classes also stress management skills, socialization, “MANNERS” and problem solving.

Best of all, the human companion also benefits from the physical activity of dog agility training!  Make 2011 the year for a fit, healthy You and a fit, healthy, happy pet as well!

Category: Florida Dog Agility, Florida Dog Obedience Training, Florida Dog Training  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment

New Year’s Eve Safety Tips for Pets

By Jeffery Andrew - K9 Korral
28
Dec 2010

Just like the 4th of July, New Year’s Eve is a fun holiday for people but a difficult one for our pets. Fireworks, which are common on New Year’s Eve, can cause even a dog who has been through k9 obedience training to run away from the scary, loud sounds and sparks. The fun and frivolity of a party can also be dangerous for your pet.

A few common sense tips can help keep your dog safe on New Year’s while still allowing you to have your fun:

1. Keep your dog inside on New Year’s Eve. Period. Even if your city doesn’t have scheduled fireworks, many individuals in your neighborhood may be setting them off, and some people even have the frightening and dangerous tradition of shooting firearms into the air at midnight. Keep your pets inside to help ensure their safety.
2. Don’t take your pet with you on New Year’s Eve, even if you usually allow them to tag along. This will help ensure that a random frightening event won’t make them bolt away from you.
3. Make sure your dog wears an identification tag. Even with your best efforts, if your dog gets out when friends are letting themselves in and out during a party, he may bolt. If your dog doesn’t have an id tag, write your phone number with a permanent marker on his collar.
4. If you’re hosting a party, make sure that your guests keep alcohol and other dangerous foods away from your dog. Chocolate, raisins, and many varieties of nuts can be toxic to dogs, so keep your dog safely away from the temptation by crating them or locking them into a room where guests won’t be allowed.

To help keep your dog safe on New Year’s Eve – and every day of the year, you should also strongly consider Florida dog obedience training.  There’s no substitute for a well-trained pet in a potentially dangerous situation.

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