Doggy Mentor

Archive for the ‘General’ Category

Some Labrador Retriever owners talk about discouraging their dogs from playing tug games at home. This is understandable, since tug games seem to indeed heighten the excitement of dogs. Furthermore, a simply tug of war game almost always leads to the dog wanting to play more of it, pulling and biting your shirt, mouthing your household items and provoking you to run and tug at it, etc.

First of all, a little background on goldie tugging. The golden retriever is a mouthy by nature, and if its mouthiness is left unchecked, the dog’s crazy antics will continue and may even get reinforced. Add to this the energies of the growing adolescent dog, and there you have the basic recipe of the typical dog addicted to tugging.

On the other hand, tug of war games are considered by some veteran owners to be good for the dog. So in general, if you have a tugging problem at home, the trick is to know how to do tug games the right way. How? Check out the labrador retriever training tips below.

1. First of all, it is important that the puppy know how to stop tugging when you show that it is time to stop. With a pup, tugging only needs to be played bit by bit, a minute or less. An overdose of tugging may result to an excited and agitated dog that will want to use its ferocious shark teeth instead.

2. At their age, it is quite normal for puppies to want to hold practically everything inside their mouths and to tug. But ignore all suggestions of play if it is not time yet, or if you do not initiate it yourself (otherwise the dog will think anytime it wants is a good time). Tugging also ought to be limited to only one object, e.g. the tug rope. As a result, never also use the tug rope for any other activity.

3. Do you have a way of calming the dog down when play time is over? This is an important labrador retriever training step, no matter what game is being played.

4. Of course, there is always one drastic measure for some cases. Teach the dog how to “leave it”. If it refuses, use a squirt bottle to spray some water on the dog.

Today, we are learning more and more about training hunting dogs using the relatively new technology called electronic dog training collars. These collars have changed the way that working dogs are trained, especially hunting dogs.

One of the greatest values these collars give to the trainer is the increase of interaction between the trainer and the dog.  They allow for remote training, without a traditional leash, which greatly increases the options a trainer has in training a working or hunting dog.  Let’s look at why these collars are so effective.

The main components of electronic training collars are transmitters and receivers.  The transmitter is completely controlled by the trainer while the receiver is easily worn in a specially designed collar by the dog.  For the trainer, correcting a dog whether at home, during a show or while your dog is hunting is done through sending a signal that issues a small electrical jolt to your dog.  Before you become concerned let us put your mind at ease – these corrections do not cause pain to your dog, they merely provide a distraction so that your dog can be quickly corrected.  It’s been well documented that those who use these electronic methods of training their dogs have had great success in training their dogs at a quicker pace and that the dog remembers the training for longer periods of time than other training methods.

When you are searching for an effective electronic training collar for your dog, you want one that is reliable and safe.  Innotek is the premier electronic dog training collar supplier.  Whether you need a backyard system that allows you to train more than one dog or you want a simple system to train your pet at home, Innotek has a product that will meet your needs.

In addition to the high quality that is guaranteed by the use of top of the line components, Innotek products offer long-term durability.  Innotek’s Ultra Smart Training collars also offer a variety of options including 15 levels of stimulation, allow for multiple dogs to be trained and options to use sound as well as electronic reminders for your dog.      

Innotek UltraSmart training collars provide the best value through the IUT 300 series.  This system is ideal for those who need to train two dogs at once and at a distance.  These collars have a range of up to 300 yards via either electronic or sound correction.

Thanks to the IUT300 collar, you can enjoy unique features like self-diagnosis, electronic fit testing, battery strength indicator, built-in receivers, as well as lithium-ion technology which is not available in other collars. With up to nine levels of stimulation, this training collar is one of most function collars out there for trainers looking to train with sound reminder or electronic stimulation.

Extra-long probes for long-haired dogs are also available as well as lanyards, test lights, and instructional DVDs.  Innotek is committed to ensuring that you and your dog get the most from their products when training.

Some other popular brands of dog training collars include SportDOG and Dogta. Some of there most popular models include: SportDOG SD 800 and Dogtra 3500 NCP.

Although they will be YouTube, Video or videotape, instructional suggestions of dog training that you can watch above as well as more than once more are usually named canine training videos. There are many specialty videos or DVDs made for particular jobs your dog might have, plus becoming your police canine, display dog or drug- sniffing puppy. However most canine training videos are made for the normal dog owner in mind.

Like Recipe Books

Dog training videos might be to be used a merely tips and useful hints and not taken such as gospel. Your dog may usually not behave like the dogs within k9 training videos. If you have a toy dog, it’ll be very hard to find dog training videos just for toy puppies. So, you have to acquire videos of teachers working with large canine breeds and have to improvise. It’s a little like a cookbook, wherever following your recipe to the letter is just optional, not a need for a good dinner.

However there are some fundamental ingredients that need to be a part of each dog’s life to assist any advice from dog training videos to run. Your dog needs to have regular exercise, eat quality food(and not a lot of of it) , possess only occasional human being food as treats, needs normal veterinarian check ups as well as actually needs to be spayed and neutered. Lacking the sex hormones running amuck in a dog’s brain, they’re more prepared to pay attention to you as well as to let you be the boss.

Positive Reinforcement

Regardless of whether you need a video on housebreaking, general obedience or for dog agility training videos, you need to pay the most care to people which feature positive reinforcement as the main instruction way. Should you be given dog training videos featuring punishment or the use of gadgets such as prong collars, chuck them in the trash. All you are learning from individuals videos may be tips on how to terrorize as well as misuse your dog. Your dog next gets terrified of you and can be more prone to bite as well as disobey.

Ways of good reinforcement include clicker training and shaping. This is where undesired behavior training can be ignored as well as positive behavior rewarded using a click(or other marker sound) and a deal with. Finally, you won’t need to offer a treat every single instance you give a command. Although in the beginning, it sure helps. You need to be patient, persistent and have a big sense of humor.

Please visit my website to find out more about dog training videos at http://dogsology.com, thank you for reading!

How To Select The Right Dog Training Care Center

Now-a-days, many people have to hold jobs that take them away for many days and which also involve having to travel out of their city which in turn means that they have little or no time available in which to take good care of their pet dogs. For such people a dog training care center is the only solution and though there are numerous such centers it is important that they realize that not all such centers are the same and so it pays to pick and choose the right dog training care center with utmost care.

Is The Dog Training Care Center A Facility?

The first consideration that you must take into account as far as selecting the right dog training care center goes is identifying whether the center has a facility or does it only provide care and training for dogs during the day. In addition, certain dog training care centers are actually a physical location while some are those that only offer to take your dog out to a local park so that your pet can get his exercise. To decide which type of dog training care center will suit your dog the best you need to take into account your pet’s personality to see whether he will be happier in a park or in an indoor facility.

Weather is an important consideration when selecting a dog training care center as you don’t want to risk your pet catching a chill on a particularly chilly day and nor do you want him getting too dirty during bad weather conditions. For dogs that do not handle rough and poor weather well you would want to choose a physical dog training care center and not one that involves taking the dog out to the park.

You should also establish whether a dog training care center provide pick up and drop facilities which is a feature that will suit those people living in metropolitan cities. Next, you will need to check out the dog training care center by asking for referrals to find out more about what kind of service such centers have been providing to previous clients. Lastly, you should physically inspect the dog training care center to ensure that the facilities are clean and hygienic and that it is safe to leave your dog at such a center.

Dog owners can offer free dog care at their homes without any problem as dogs like it more when they are handled only by their master or family members. You can do simple things to maintain your pet’s health and this in fact this can often mean having to do simple things such as cooking proper and nutritious meals for your pet, bathing him, brushing him and taking care of his dog house.

I have always struggled to keep my weight under control. Being over-weight affected my whole life, I was unable to wear the clothes I wanted to and I often felt guilty after eating certain foods. I was adamant that if only I could lose a couple of stones my confidence would increase and that I would ultimately be a lot happier.

I guess that I had problems with my weight mainly due to comfort eating – I was quite a depressive person you see due to the fact that I had a stuttering speech impediment.

One day I was talking to a neighbour who was not only very nice but also quite thin. She was the picture of good health and rather fit; I asked her how she managed to keep so fit.

This neighbour who is called Gillian seemed quite taken aback and even flattered by my question and went quite coy. She stated that at one point in her life, she had also had a weight problem and had not been happy about it. What she was about to say was quite a shock to me, however would eventually change my life.

She went on to say that wherever she went to at this stage of her life, she would travel to by car.She then decided to purchase a dog and started to take her on quite a few walks each day. Previously, Gillian had seen exercise as a hassle and very time consuming but on various days she would take her dog on four walks, she enjoyed it that much.

Gillian quickly noticed that not only was she losing weight but that she also felt a lot healthier. It was not long before she was at a weight she was happy with.

I decided to try out Gillian’s methods or weight loss system. Yes I went and bought a dog and am happy to report that it has also worked for me.

I have top say that I am now a much more content guy. This has helped me to have a successful career selling composite doors for a local composite door company. I also have a little part-time role working for a team of business cost cutting.

You can lose weight; you just need to eat healthier and exercise more.

The key to house training your puppy to make the transition from going to the bathroom on paper indoors to holding it and waiting until it can go outside is a bit of common sense and outdoor manners. Going from the papers to the outside means you need to carry your puppy to the right area. Small puppies are easy to carry outside, but you may need a carrier of sorts for bigger dogs if you are not strong enough. Once you have taken the dog outside without any accidents occuring and you are face to face with city block after block, where do you begin to go?

It should go without saying, that all areas frequented by people, including flower beds, children’s play area, city trees and other landscaping are all off limits. Letting a male dog lift his leg on somebody’s garbage can or other things that might be touched by humans is not very nice. Make sure you are properly prepared to invest a lot of time outdoors with your puppy potty training. A fearful puppy won’t be relaxed enough to want to potty and the puppy can be so distracted by all the stimuli that it won’t want to go outside.

Will your puppy ever learn to go on concrete amid the commotion of people and cars? With training, yes. One method for outdoor potty training sessions is called ‘curbing’ which is where your dog eliminates over the curb into the gutter. Position your puppy’s rear end over the curb and let it eliminate. Give gentle and somewhat quiet praise to your puppy while he is going then praise with exuberance afterwards. It is important to understand that overly praising the puppy while he is going can be distracting and cause him to wiggle around, which is never pleasant while in the act.

If your dog makes an error, just pick up the mess and don’t be perturbed about it, just smile and nod. Don’t drag the pup over in mid-poop and scold it for going in the wrong place, instead get it to the right place next time. Make it a habit and praise your dog and very soon your pup will catch on with his dog potty training. Life will be easier if you teach your pup to potty on cue. Once it’s about to start urinating or defecating, calmly say the cue words and praise your pup and after it’s done, praise it once again.

A Few Other Potty Training Choices

Those who live in cities and other restricted spaces may have other potty areas they hadn’t even considered, such as a walled or fenced rooftop area might actually be quicker to access than the street. Be sure the area is secured with a strong fence that pups can’t wriggle through. If there is a wall, you may want to keep the dog leashed to prevent the puppy from exploring the other side. A terrace is one other option that works well for larger dogs. Also, there are buildings that have storage or basement areas that can also be used as a potty place, just ensure it is a surface like concrete or tile that can be easily washed off.

A few people have installed graveled pits or grass strips, fake and real, on their patios for dogs to use, however, these tend to get dirty quickly. You must be extra vigilant about cleaning up and replacing the grass when needed to keep those pristine enough for your dog to want to use them. The last point is to remember your neighbors as the smell can become pretty intolerant especially through the hot summer, so cleanliness is key. Dog house training, inside or out needs a little bit of time and patience, but it is well worth the effort.

Dog crate covers are essential to require when you are traveling. Dog crate covers vary from simple and economic to luxury and designer. Customized materials draped over dog crates that tie with elegant cording offer dog crates a fashionable, decorative appearance.

Designed for performance, the wire spacing combines strength and stability, the durable, black coating can not show wear and will look great for years to come. The durable latches are straightforward to control with one hand and give security and safety for dogs of all ages. Designed with a full ventilation port at the bottom, it provides for most air-flow and straightforward pan removal. The exceptional canine cabana sun shade dog crate cover protects against mosquitos and alternative flying insects, too!

Dog crates are the best housetraining tool available. They supply a area for your dog whereas protecting your home furnishings from damage. Dog crates are an excellent coaching tool for puppies and adult dogs, and they also represent a ‘den’ which their wolf ancestors used for comfort and shelter. A crate ought to be large enough for the dog to face up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Dog crates are nice training tool for dogs in the first stages of growth and are suggested by most breeders and dog trainers. Dog crates are obtainable in 2 basic styles–plastic and wire. Plastic dog crates are made of a polypropylene plastic with a chrome-plated steel door. Dog crates also are a safe approach of transporting your dog within the automotive, with a approach of taking him places where he may not be welcome to run freely. If you properly train your dog to use dog crates, he’ll suppose his dog crate is a safe place and can be happy to pay time in his dog crate when needed. Dog crates also are an amazing approach to easily housebreak a puppy. On the whole, a sensible dog crate is an invaluable training tool no matter what sort of puppy you own.  Select dog crate covers here.

The pet industry is always growing. One can purchase many items to make the family dog feel more comfortable. These products such as toys, treats, apparel and bedding come in every shape, color and size. There are so many options.

If a dog bed is on your list, there are many ways you can accommodate your furry friend. There are some things you need to consider first. For example, there are many bedding collections in the marketplace these days.

Some beds are made for orthopedic reasons and provide extra support for the dog. Others can be medical grade for the disabled dog and waterproof and others can be rugged enough for life outside.

For just as many types of beds, there are just as many types of filler to choose from. An owner needs to consider that also. Some of the beds are filled with a polyester blend much like a typical pillow. Others have more specialized features like cedar filling to control odors and repel insects. A foam dog bed is an orthopedic type that can help with arthritis. They are manufactured with regular foam or memory foam. Memory foam gives the dog superior support.

Once the filling is decided upon, size is the next matter that needs to be considered. There is an easy way to help with the decision in this department. First, take a tape measure and measure the dog. The dog should be lying down and measure from the nose or front legs to the rear legs or rump. Once you have that number, add nine to twelve inches to that. The final number is the one you will need to help figure out which bed to purchase.

Weight should be considered. Estimate it. It is better to overestimate than underestimate. If you have an extra large breed like a Great Pyrenees, go ahead and purchase the extra large dog bed. Most of the time you will find a chart that you can compare and decide which one to buy to fit the dog.

Buying a dog bed is an investment and one should consider. Do not forget that cheap is not always best. Shop around as prices will vary. The internet makes it a lot easier to be able to compare prices and get the best deal. Remember why you are looking for the bed. Is there a medical purpose? Does the dog require any extra support? Do your homework and that will help make the decision clear and help you find the bed that will do the right job for your dog.

It became evident that we needed to contain our dog when the dog pound brought him home one day. The lady was nice and gave us warning. She also explained about the leash law.

I purchased this unit to contain our dog for a few weeks while we built a fence. Worked well when used in the front yard where there is flat level ground. The back yard is 80 feet long and has a 10 foot drop over about a 30 foot span, right in the middle of the yard and we found that the system did not work well where the ground drops so dramatically. We were able to walk the collar out of transmitter range, without any correction response, simply by walking down the hill. Apparently the signal does not detect the collar when it drops below a certain line.

I programmed the units to match the yard, ie, one unit at the skinny part of the yard is on less than full power so it gives coverage in the yards and to the street, the other unit is at full power so it gives as much coverage as possible into the wide part of the yard. This one also covers the driveway on the front of the house.

Something to watch out for when buying one of these. The price at a (well known) pet supply store was 0. We found the exact item at a home center one mile away for 9. It’s worth shopping around.

All you need is a wall inside your house or garage to mount it on with the (included) mounting screws with plastic drywall inserts, and an available, standard household electrical outlet.

Now, I can open the door and let him out without fear that he will run off. I would highly recommend this product for anyone who has a defiant dog. It will keep the dog in the perimeter.

Once I figured out the lowest correction level I could use for each dog it has worked flawlessly. The dogs learned that the beep means “Uh oh!” so they will even jump back out of my truck if they jump in with a collar on, the metal body blocks the signal and the beeps start. Taking them for walks with the collars off is fine which is one thing that I had worried about, ie, I did not want them to be spooked about going past the boundaries. Car rides are fine when their collars are off since they are used to being in the driveway.

Another recommendation would be to purchase extra batteries for the collar and have them on hand. The collar will let you know when the batteries are running low. The batteries are cheap and I replace mine every 3 or 4 months.

You can find much more training collar guide advice at trainingcollarguide.com. Check out the guide on the Petsafe training collar discount there as well. Don’t forget to grab your free bonus while checking out the training collar guides!

A dog is a man’s best friend.  Yes!  The affable dude is your best companion.  If you have got a dog, you definitely love to shower him with affection.  Anything you do for your dog, even a little attention, brings him happiness.  And you adore him like a baby.  Don’t you?  you spend lots of cash on quality dog food, biscuits and vet bills.  But does your dog possess an adequate assortment of clothing?  Why it wanders stark naked at certain times. It’s time you get some really cool dog garments for your favorite friend this season. The clothes your dog wears reflect your personal fashion statement. 

Are you aware of the fact that dog clothing is readily available in the market?  The range varies from dog coats to dog hats, dog formal wear, dog collars and lots more. 

One of the essential items of dog clothing includes dog coats.  Dog coats are used to guard your dog and enhance its living quality.  Dog coats provide necessary warmth for your dog during cold weather.  Dog coats also
protect the important organs of dog such as his heart and lungs from getting impacted by the cold weather.  Coats for dogs, besides keeping your dog warm, keep your dog clean and dry.  It can even shield your dog from skin disorders and allergies. Dog coats are available in various designs and styles.  They are available as denim coats, hooded coats, coarse style coats and in numerous more patterns. 

Dog T-Shirts are intended for well-dressed dogs.  When your dog wears a pretty T-shirt he looks special and nice.  Dog T-shirts too are essential for your dog A good quality T-shirt can help prevent
dangerous sunrays affecting your dog.  Dog T- shirts also help in keeping your dog warm when it gets cool during at night.  T-shirts are available as cotton T-shirts, velour T-shirts and in numerous more fabrics. 

Dogs can develop skin cancer!  If your dog is outside in the sunlight a lot there is the risk of him developing epidermal carcinoma.  Carcinoma of the epidermis is understood to affect a major percentage of dogs more than any other type of cancer.  So it becomes classic for you to protect your dog against carcinoma of the skin.  Provide your dog with a dog sun suit.  Dog sun suits are made using UV resistant fabric.  This fabric greatly decreases the possibility of skin cancer in your dog.  Now you can leave your dog in the sunlight or play with him for hours in the sun without the worry. 

Dog pajamas and playsuits for your dog are also freely available.  These are favorable if you want to play with your pet within the house.  These pajamas for dogs and playsuits act as necessary and natural dog coats.  It even keeps your home furniture and bed clean from unwanted doggy hair.

If it is raining outside, and you wish to take your dog along for a stroll, what would you do?  You have a raincoat for yourself.  What would your dog wear?  Do not worry at all! A range of dog raincoats are available.  Dog raincoats are especially made from polyester backed vinyl and are available in all sizes.  They even have a hole for the lead too.  Now you can take your dog out, without getting him wet in the rain, making him the envy of other dogs. 

Dog hats are another classy clothing item for your lovely dog.  These hats come in varied shapes, sizes and fabrics.  Dog hats help to shade the eyes of your dear budd.  Hats also provide your dog with great sun protection.  Slip a hat onto your dog, making sure it is well protected and looks smart and cool too. 

Doing a little shopping for your dog can improve his living style and protect him from many sicknesses and perils.  Go on, be indulgent and buy something for your four-legged buddy today.