How To Train Your Puppy Not To Bite

Dogs-Dogs-Dogs

What a wonderful thing to have: a new puppy at home. They look so lovely, real heartbreakers.However, it is not only sunshine when we get a new dog. Dogs need to be trained, else things may happen that will upset the family where they live. How to train the dog in general and what the differences are between the several dog races, is essential to study as soon as possible. The rewards will be great: when a dog is well trained it will be your best friend for many years to come! Read more »

How To Home Train a Doberman. Five Little-Known Secrets

There are secrets to dog training? .. Not really, most of it is common sense. However, many people do not know where to start when it comes to dog training.

A friend of mine recently got herself a Doberman puppy, which is about 8 weeks old. The dog will be a fantastic watch-dog and is a beautiful dog. Read more »

Stanley — The Great Pretender

How much instinct rules a dog’s existence. Is it instinct that makes Stanley let his sister be Alpha instead of himself?

It has always been this way in the wild. The largest and strongest take what they will and the rest exist with the ‘leavings’.

To bring you up to speed: We are raising littermate Miniature Schnauzers. Stanley is a gorgeous Salt and Pepper boy and Steffi is morphing from a pure black into a stunning black cut with silver. I think it is cruel to try to raise one small puppy by himself if you are not going to be there in that crucial ’socializing’ time. Read more »

Box Training Starts Your Puppy Off Right

Box training is the best start to training a puppy and leads into the long training period as he grows toward maturity.This is by far the best start to the puppies training and makes more advanced training that much easier. It is a firm basis for his future training.

Box training your young puppy will make you his pack leader in his eyes. Box training also benefits the pup, because he gets to know the routine and loves to have a schedule which he understands. He knows what is happening and that it is predictable, which he loves. This also produces a really well behaved pup. Read more »

Training a Puppy Not to Nip

Like all baby creatures, puppies learn through play. Training a puppy not to nip is best done in a game. It’s fun for the puppy while setting the boundaries that the puppy needs to learn.

When playing with your puppy you can teach him at the same time. One of the first things your puppy needs to learn is that your are the alpha dog. The most effective way of teaching him that you are the alpha male is by gently rolling him over onto his back when playing. This reinforces that you are the alpha male to the puppy. Do this as often as possible. Do it firmly, not roughly. Read more »

Going on a Trip? What about your dog?

When the time comes to leave your dog in the care of someone else, there are many options for dog owners to choose from. Some dog owners arrange to bring their dog to their veterinarian who will not only board the dog but during that time take care of all the routine vacations and grooming needs. Other dog owners prefer a boarding place with promotional products where the dog has his own kennel and is taken on walks. Other boarding places have indoor facilities where the dog exercises all the time. There are also a lot of pet sitters who will take your dog into their home. Other sitting services will send someone to take your dog for walks and give the dog food and water. All these services will charge various fees. Many of these services demand that your dog has all his shots, especially Bordetella to prevent kennel cough. Some lucky dog owners can also rely on friends and relatives to take of their pooch for a while. But those who do not have the financial resources to board the dog or do not have friends or relative close by should explore the internet, because help could be right in your neighbor.

Whatever arrangement you choose, of course, depends on you. What is important, however, is to leave critical information with the dog’s care giver.

Make sure you spend a little time thinking about the things that make your dog (and you!) most comfortable when you are apart. Discuss these needs and wishes with the dog care provider beforehand. Most dog care providers ask the dog owner to fill out a questionnaire. However, in case you find someone who does not do this professionally, a list with facts about you and your pet should be provided. Here is a suggested checklist of information you might want to prepare for yourself and for the dog care provider. It’s not meant to be complete list – the more information about your dog you can give, the better!

1. Give a copy to your care giver. Ask if they have any questions

2. Take a copy of this list with you on your trip so you have the contact information of the care taker.

3. On the day of your trip or time away, review the list and gather everything the care provider will need for your dog.

You should call the caregiver immediately if your plans change like to return early or late!

Information you need to have:

Telephone number of owner, veterinarian and caregiver

Eating Habits (Measuring cups, pails, bowls, food, treats)

Toilet Habits (leave enough refuse bags)

Grooming needs (grooming utensils)

Exercise and play routines (leashes, toys)

Medications (pills, directions, dosing tools)

Fears the dog might have(i.e. fire works, sirens)

Copy of shot records

Other things the care provider must know about the dog

The right planning and the right caregiver can make this time enjoyable for you and your dog. Of course there is nothing better than coming home to a happy and healthy dog!

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Betty started her online community http://www.PetWatchClub.com in 2006. On her website pets and their owners connect with thousands of other members in their local area and beyond. I you like a check list as outlined in this article go to: http://www.petwatchclub.com/Checklists/PetWatchClub-general-checklist.pdf