5 Key Training Tips for First Time Dog Parents

1. Be the alpha.

Dogs are wired to follow a leader, so it is important to establish your role as leader right away. Tone and body language are perceivable by dogs, so they may test certain behaviors such as barking or chewing if they observe your demeanor as weak and persuadable.

Take initiative in showing confidence from the early stages of your relationship. It may seem natural to constantly shower your pet with affection, but remember to remain stern on house rules and assertive in your training approach.

2. Consistency is key.

One of the most influential principles in learning how to train your dog is consistency with rules and commands. Stay firm on what is allowed and not allowed by deciding on "house rules" as soon as your new dog arrives. If your pet sees inconsistencies or receives rewards for unwanted behavior, it may confuse him and result in picking up bad habits.

Your dog will notice who allows him to get away with different behaviors. Make sure to alert all household members and house guests of the rules to create a support system for your furry loved one.

3. Make a dog nest.

Pets, like humans, need a space of their own. Set up a place where your dog can sleep and rest undisturbed by other pets or other family members. This is their comfort zone, so try adding blankets or her favorite chew toys for that extra coziness. If you're training your dog to stay off the bed, keep her spot close by so she knows where to go during bedtime while still feeling the security of being close to you.

4. Be mindful of your dog's name.

Picking a name for your new puppy or dog is something you may love to do, but make sure to look for names with a strong consonant ending for easier training. Though Trixie may sound cute as a pet name, dogs respond better to names such as Amber, Morgan or Peanut.

If your pet previously came from a shelter, chances are he has a temporary name that he may be used to. Thankfully your dog is an adaptable creature and will likely respond to his new name over time.

5. Have fun!

Learning how to train your dog may seem daunting, but think of it as precious bonding moments you will never forget. Make it enjoyable by holding training sessions outdoors or in your favorite spot of the house. Your dog will associate happy times with training times and a more pleasant experience for you both. To end sessions on a positive note, add some loving praise on a job well done so your pet comes back excited, ready for more.



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Dog Training Tips That Work Best For Smart Dogs

Just because some dogs are hard to train doesn't mean that there is something wrong with them. Contrary to what most people believe, these dogs are not in any way stupid. In fact, these dogs might even possess quite a high level of intelligence - high enough to let them get what they want when they want it!

Aside from independence and dominance, there are some other traits that might get in the way of your dog training efforts. A dog with a high level of intelligence and determination may also be hard to train. Here are the reasons why:

Smart Dogs Are Hard To Train Intelligence, not stupidity, makes dog training quite a difficult task. Why? This is because most of the hard-to-train breeds are natural born hunters and fighters. They must rely heavily on their brain power in order to survive.

These dogs might be too intelligent for our own good. They can easily see through us - they know our moods and know just how far they can push us around. Intelligent dogs can easily manipulate things and even us owners to get just what they want. You can tell whether your dog is a genius if he or she displays these characteristics:

.Intelligent dogs find a lot of new ways to get into trouble

.They quickly find an exit even when presented with a see-through barrier such as a chain-link fence

.They have the ability to understand your words quickly

.They respond to your commands based on their evaluation of your moods

A Dogged Determination Can Also Hinder Your Dog Training Efforts

Determined dogs can be difficult to train especially when they have already set their hearts and minds on something. Once this happens, say goodbye to your dog training efforts for the meantime - you would find it quite difficult to divert your dog's attention to the exercises anyway!

How would your know that you have a determined dog? Here are some signs that will tell you whether your dog has this trait:

.Your dog's attention might be temporarily diverted by a special treat such as a toy or a cookie but once he or she is through with it, the dog will return to fulfilling his or her original goal. Whether it might be digging flower beds or anything that might be buried underground, munching on your sofa or chewing cords, you can count on your determined dog to get what it wants and have it his/her own way no matter how long it may take!

.Your dog shows a marked obsessive behavior and ignores physical correction.

Dog Training Techniques For These Types of Dogs

If your dog shows any of these traits, training can be difficult but not at all impossible to accomplish. You just need to know what attitudes and exercises work with them best. For example, in working with intelligent dogs, be sure to include a lot of variations in your dog training sessions. Also include activities that will stimulate your dog's brain. You should devise new ways of hiding toys and following trails to encourage the animal to use much of his or her brain power and keep his/her interest in your dog training sessions.

For determined dogs, however, you should do just the opposite. These animals get the most from their dog training exercises if there are fewer variations and more repetitions of the same routines. Showing that you are having fun during your dog training sessions may likewise do determined dogs a lot of good!



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Dog Training Tips - Dogs and the Newborn Baby

How to introduce your dog to the newborn baby

There's a baby on the way and everyone in the family is excited - the nursery is being painted and decorated, the house is being child-proofed and your stomach is growing bigger by the day. The only one who isn't quite involved in this major event in the family, is your family dog. While it's easy to get lost in the initial euphoria surrounding the baby's arrival, it's important that you prepare your dog for your newborn baby. While dogs are naturally protective of family members, it will be your job to make your dog understand that the newborn is a part and a very cherished part of the family. So take a look at these tips on how to introduce your dog to your newborn and gear up for the big day.

First, it would be a good idea to reinforce the basics - get your dog to sit, stay, come, heel etc. on a daily basis. Take him to the nursery and get him to obey you though. This might seem absurd, but it's one of the best ways to introduce your dog to the newborn baby - by getting him familiar with his surroundings.

Next, take a doll and use it like a fake baby - cuddle it, caress it, feed it, change its diapers, do everything that will be a part of your routine once the baby arrives. If your dog gets excited and tries to jump on you while you do this, ask him to stay or sit. When he's calm and you're sure of his temperament, allow him to sit. This way of introducing your dog to the newborn, makes him prepared for what is to come instead of making him jealous and angry.

When the baby finally arrives, make sure you keep the baby and the dog in separate rooms initially. While you may have trained your dog thoroughly, it is better if the transition is gradual. It is normal for your dog to get curious about the newcomer and the sounds he makes and he would want to be a part of it. Make sure you don't ignore your dog. He's been the centre of your life for so long and it's not going to be easy for him. So make sure you spend enough time with him, petting him and letting him know that he's important. Slowly, give him a baby blanket or one of the baby's toys to sniff. This is because dogs become familiar with people by their scents and it's one of the best ways of introducing your dog to the newborn baby. In no time, the dog will recognize that baby as one of the family and it's only uphill from there.

The important thing to keep in mind when introducing your dog to the newborn, is to remember that he needs and deserves your attention, love and care too. Once you've assured him of this, he'll never see the newborn as something that's taken his place in the house. And you can all live happily ever after!



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Dog and Baby - Preparing Your Dog to Meet Your Baby

Introducing the family dog to a newborn baby takes time and careful planning. Up to now your dog has had your sole attention. It is only natural that he may feel some jealousy with the arrival of your newborn baby. This is why it is important to prepare your dog for your newborn's arrival.

If you have trained your dog well, in other areas, it will be much easier to introduce him to your baby. He will already see you as the leader in the family and be willing to take cues from you as to how he should behave. If you feel you have been lax on training your dog it would be a good idea to start a training program before your baby arrives.

Part of your training program should be acclimatizing your dog to the changes that will be taking place within your home. One way you can do this is by inviting friends to visit who have babies and young children. In this way you can help your dog become accustomed to the attention given to a baby and young children.

Take time before your baby arrives to acquaint your dog to the new smells of a baby. This is important since smells are a major factor in how your dog investigates his world. There will be many new smells with the arrival of your baby, her furniture and other baby items. Take time to introduce your dog to the baby's room. Allow your dog to explore the smells of the new furniture, clothes, baby powder and lotion. As your dog becomes accustomed with these smells it helps him accept your new baby because she will smell familiar. In this way you help your dog understand that your baby will be part of the family.

A word of caution, when you introduce your dog to your baby's room don't let him become too familiar with it. Make sure your dog is not allowed to jump up on the furniture. Obviously it will be dangerous if your dog jumps on the furniture when your baby is there. Prevent a bad habit from forming by keeping your dog off of the baby's furniture from the beginning.

Besides new smells a new baby also introduces new sounds. The cries of a baby can be rather alarming. Often a dog will become anxious when he hears the cries of a baby. Purchasing a recording of baby sounds and playing it occasionally will be very helpful. New sounds will also be introduced by your baby's toys and equipment. Plan the time to acclimatize your dog to these sounds as well.

After your baby's arrival there will be times that your dog should be kept at a distance. One such time is when the baby is napping. You should have an expandable baby gate to keep your dog out of the baby's room when she is asleep and you're not with her. Your dog should be able to see through the gate. Your baby's cries will cause unnecessary anxiety in your dog, especially if he cannot view the area.

Be sure you enthusiastically praise your dog when he comes to warn you about your baby crying. This act of praise will help facilitate a watchful and protective nature in your dog.

Your dog and baby should never be left alone unsupervised. This is especially true if you are unsure of your dog's reaction to the new household changes. A loving dog, by trying to cuddle close to your baby, may accidentally hurt her. A baby cannot move her face or body away from your dog if he is too close and a young child does not have the physical strength to move a dog.

Carefully watch your dog's reactions when your baby is brought home. Introducing your dog to your baby is a slow and deliberate process. Watch your dog carefully for negative or aggressive behavior. If negative behavior occurs place your dog in another room to calm down. Reintroduce your dog to your child after he has calmed down. If aggression reoccurs place your dog back in the other room. Repeat this as often as needed until the situation is calm and relaxed.

It is a good idea to have someone available to hold your baby when you come home from the hospital. This will give you an opportunity to greet your dog. Your dog was the center of your attention before your baby's arrival so set a few minutes aside each day devoted to your dog. This will help him adjust to the new situation much faster.

Your new household environment will definitely be hectic. Work at establishing set routines. Household routines make it easier for your dog to adjust to the new environment. All of these ideas will help establish a happy and harmonious family.



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Hip Dysplasia Symptoms in Dogs

The abnormal development in hip-joint of dogs causes hip dysplasia. This causes excessive pain. The problem is more prevalent amongst pure breed of dogs.

The hip joint is similar to the ball and socket arrangement. The upper end of the thigh bone fits snugly into the hip socket. When this fit is incorrect, the rubbing of the thigh bone end improperly in the socket causes the cartilage of the hip joint to get worn out. This results in swelling and pain.

Some of the causes for this condition include:

• The larger sized doge like Doberman, Labrador or German shepherds are genetically prone to this problem.
• Excessive amounts of calories in the diet cause obesity, which will eventually lead to degeneration of the hip joint.
• When the rate of growth in puppies is very fast between 3 to 10 months it cause hip joint problems.
• When the dog has been over-exercised in the younger days, this can affect the joints adversely.
• Arthritis.
The earliest symptom of this condition at the age of 5 to 6 months is hopping instead of running. They might also exhibit stiffness in the legs while walking or post exercise routines or inability to stand up briskly.

When this condition worsens, the dogs find difficulty in walking short distances, and will avoid jumping during play time. Later, the gait of the dog gets altered.

In severe condition, they will refuse to climb stairs or indulge in activities where they would have to stretch their hind legs fully and will need assistance for standing and walking.

Kum Martin is an online leading expert in the animal care. He also offers top quality articles like:



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The Purpose of Crating a Dog

Crate is a portable kind of kennel that is used to hold doge for a specific period and reason. It is usually easily carried around and it's made of plastic or metal. It is not a permanent condition but for a brief period.

The purpose of crating a dog is for training the doge in a specific task. It could be for security reasons or for recreational reasons.

Even though this purpose is basically accepted by majority, it is rather the act of holding the dog that a lot of people do not accept. For these people crating the dogs takes away its liberties and makes them powerless. But on the other hand a lot of people also think that this is probably the right way to train the dog.

The two views can all be right when considered but the truth; there is a way one can engage crating by considering all the concerns raised.

Firstly it is important to state clear that doge are social animal who enjoy being around humans. So if you are thinking of a perfect way to do the crating, it should be at a place where there are people.

This is to make the point clear that the crate does not restrict him and keeps it away from people. When you are able to make you animal accept the carat as his zone, it will certainly not feel intimidated by the crate and will feel free to accept it when ever the need be.

But there is a thing line that can easily be broken. If you are not able to handle crating well enough, it turns out to be an abuse. All you have to do is make sure there is more room to allow the dog to relax, stand and even stretch his body. This can make sure your dog is not abused in the name of crating.

For the health condition of, your dog, it is not a good practice to allow the dog be in the crate for long. Improper management of the crate can easily make the dog feel abused and this can very much affect his health and perfect living condition.



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Exploit Your Dog's Personality Wisely

Exploiting your dog's personality wisely and positively will bring effective results. Harnessing dog's natural tendencies and reinforcing them into proper channels will helpful to modify your training and achieve a happier, healthier bond between you and your pet. As personality varies from dog to dog so is their training.

It is easy to train a Curious dog than an Aggressive dog because curious dogs by nature are inquisitive and love to learn and perform. They are most easily trained by giving them a challenge to work out and once they are trained to focus their attentions then these dogs prove themselves excellent in tracking whereas unlike curious dogs, the Aggressive dog are difficult to tame and are very defensive of its master's belongings. This personality trait of this type of dogs should be reinforced in a positive way that is by teaching the proper outlet for its aggression otherwise there is the risk of finding this dog attacking a neighbor's child for getting too close to the fence.

The Friendly dog are wonderful companions and are amazing when trained for specialized purpose for example visiting hospitals in a pet therapy usage. These doges are easy to handle because they are very obedient and will do anything to please you and to gain your attention and approval. These friendly attitudes need a little bit of modification which involves how to control their over friendly advances as their warm personalities can be a bit overwhelming for some peoples liking.

Patience and Understanding are the key factors to train a Shy or Reclusive dog as well as The Nervous or Easily Frightened dog. Shy dog by nature will always try to stay out of your reach and sight and can be stubborn during the training process but the trainer needs to be patience and understanding. Even the Nervous dog must also be treated carefully with patience because they have worst, abusive and neglecting past records. Therefore it is strictly recommended to avoid using negative reinforcements unless a particular behavior could prove harmful to you, the pet or another individual. Learning the past of the animal and finding what behaviors activate the fear reactions of the animal will help you to work accordingly. Leash training with a lot of rewards for appropriate behavior will help you to establish a healthy relationship with your dog. Trust between you and your dog must be established before you start any training.



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Dog Obedience Training - Mistakes While Training Your Dogs Obedience

"To Err Is Human, To Forgive Divine". We all are well acquainted with this age-old adage. However to my knowledge mostly human beings are prone to mistakes and this is repeated in every respect. What is most striking is that they are repeated in the sphere of training a dog also. But this should never be. Are you an owner of dog? If you are, you should know that a dog has awful habit and that needs to be changed. Besides it is also necessary to groom your dog. This indicates that any mistake in dog obedience training is undesirable.

But still they are prominent and are exercised adamantly. The result is apparent. You have failed and also will not be able to control the dog or impart the necessary dog obedience training in your life. What should you do then? It's necessary for you to mull over the mistakes at this very moment. Moreover, if you become successful to identify those, you should rectify those from this very moment. Well, if you are still unsuccessful, you should go through the following lines.

What is the first mistake in general? We people simply keep off from inquiring the lineages of the dog. You should always remember that dogs like human beings are variable and as a result there exists a great difference between them. It is found at several times that some dogs are born as aggressive while the others happen to be reticent. This is due to the influence of the gene and that makes a considerable influence on the generations of successors. Hence you must be cautious in applying the doge obedience training or else the omnium-gatherum may nip the bud of any prospect at the beginning.

It is not easy to teach dog obedience. We do believe, unless a friendly relationship grows between the trainer and the pet dog, no coordination can take place. It is not correct in this context and is another stubborn mistake. Dogs in essence are wild animals and for this reason prefer to live in packs. In each pack there remains a leader who is omnipotent and executes authoritarianism. This notion of power makes others bow down before his stature. The dogs through generations are acquainted with this and they cannot cope with any other form of training. Now since you are the owner you can only be the best trainer. The reason is quite simple. As the owner you are following each movement, reaction and also the temperament of the dog. This gives you an upper hand to understand the dog and act in view of that. No other trainer can match you in this respect especially in your dog's case.

The inclusion of the reward training is also necessary but we forget. You shall have to understand that dogs are living organisms and not machines. As a result it is necessary to motivate them and this can be done by means of giving the treats. This can be anything like food or plaything. You can also pat on its neck and head.

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Dog Training Tips for the Holidays

Although dog training can take a back seat to other activities during the holidays, it's important not to let your pet become anxious or develop bad habits. While your family may enjoy a busy schedule, your dog prefers routine and predictability, and therefore may find this time of year to be stressful.

Traveling and having strangers in your home are also challenging for your pet, especially if he's not used to these activities. Try the following dog training tips to keep your pet safe and happy throughout the holiday season.

Preparing Your Home

When decorating your home for the holidays, keep your pet in mind. Christmas trees can be enticing to dogs, and whether you choose live or artificial, you must take safety precautions. Many pets will want to explore the entire tree area, perhaps even jumping up at the tree or trying to climb the trunk. To address this behavior, try a dog training redirection method, commanding your dog to sit. In the meantime, make sure your Christmas tree is stable and that fragile ornaments are out of reach.

Avoid using food items as ornaments, and never use tinsel, as it can get caught in a dog's intestinal tract, which can cut the intestine or cause a bowel obstruction. Be cautious about leaving presents under the tree as well, as they can be tempting even to pets that have completed dog training.

Certain household plants that are commonly seen around the holidays are poisonous or toxic to dogs. To ensure your pet's safety, refrain from decorating with holly, poinsettias and mistletoe. And, if you are gifted with a floral arrangement containing lilies, daffodils or amaryllis flowers, place them where your dog cannot reach them.

Get Ready for Visitors

Many households enjoy visitors during the holidays. It is a good idea to develop a dog training strategy for when guests arrive. You may want to try leashing your pet to stop it from bolting out the door and to keep its behavior controlled.

Or, you could try crating your dog or confining him to a separate room until everyone is settled. After the activity has calmed down, you can allow your pet to join the party.

It is wise to note, however, that as much as you love your dog and want it to be involved in your celebrations, your guests may not be so enamored. Dressed in their holiday best, they may not want to entertain your pet. If that's the case, consider boarding your pet, placing it with a pet sitter, or if he can handle it, have your dog wait out the party alone in a different part of the house.

Traveling with Your Dog

If you plan to take a trip with your pet, plan ahead. When traveling by car, use a crate or harness to keep your pets secured for the ride. Dogs can get motion sickness, so avoid feeding your pet while the vehicle is moving. Take breaks often, making sure your dog is well exercised.

When your travel plans include a plane ride, be sure to check the airline rules for pet travel to make sure you understand the restrictions. It will be easier for your dog if you don't offer food for six hours before departure. Regardless of how you travel, be sure to take along your pet's favorite bedding, bowls and toys, as they will help it feel more comfortable and secure.

Caring for your dog and providing for its needs during the holiday season is about preparation and planning. Some pet owners find this time of year to be ideal for enrolling their canine companions in a dog training or boot camp program. For little more than the cost of boarding, you and your pet can enjoy the benefits of expert, professional training.



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Understanding Dog Clothing

When we wake up each day, one of the first things we do is get dressed. Clothing, a must wear each day. Now, for our four-legged friend, Fido; not all doges take readily to the wearing of dog clothing or dog apparel. You can't expect your dog to be excited as you to put these dog outfits on. This process may take some time, but there are probably many dogs that will not have a problem with dog clothing. Start with some inexpensive garments, such as a dog hoodie or dog sweater. If your dog tolerates his/her new dog outfit, leave it on for a while. Then repeat the process a few times each week. If your dog becomes upset or irritated, remove the dog apparel immediately. Finally, once your dog is accustom to getting dressed, get ready for the thrill and excitement. For they will know it means all your attention is coming to them.

Always consider your dog's comfort and safety before purchasing dog clothing or apparel. All clothing should not restrict movement in any way and make sure the outfit does not impede his or her ability to answer natures call. We as humans don't like to put on clothing that is to tight (we get overheated or start sweating) and clothing that is too large (as it will be bulky and in the way), makes us look funny or could get caught on anything causing possible injury. All the before mentioned items are exactly true for all our dogs as well. Remember always make your dog cozy and comfortable. More than likely, over time, they might be standing in front of you waiting on you holding their dog apparel in their mouth. Fido says, "Come on, Let's Go!"

Cool weather dog apparel: During the early spring and early fall, you would probably choose a sweater, hoodie, vest or some other type of medium weight clothing.

Hot/Warm weather dog apparel: During these days, your best bet for your four-legged companion would be a t-shirt or jersey. Something lightweight that doesn't over heat them. Don't forget above all the dog accessories, some hair clips to keep the hair out of their eyes or visor to keep the sun out of their eyes.

Cold weather dog apparel: Now, it is absolutely cold and freezing, you must choose a heavy dog coat, sweater or hoodie.

Our little pups tend to get cold faster so bundle them up. If you really want something unique or even different fabrics, colors, sizes and designs; go on-line and look around. It's a doggie dog world out there.



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Looking For Dog Training Help? Look No Further

Dogs can sometimes take over in a home when they are not trained well. People inadvertently make their pets the ruler of the house because they are not sure how to train them to be good pets. This is a bad situation for both the dog and the owner. They need dog training help to become good owners.

One suggestion is to get dog training help from an actual trainer or someone who has done it before. Mentors can help point out mistakes when taking care of or training a dog. Different breeds need different kinds of care so it essential to read up on the particular breed for obedience training dogs to be sure what it needs.

Some dogs are easily frightened, which causes them to bark in an aggressive nature. This is dangerous for the dog, other dogs and small children. No one wants to be bitten by a frightened dog. When dogs look like they are going to attack, they need to be taken out of control by their owner and put back in their proper place. Confused dogs can be violent and frightening. Learning when to spot this is when dog training help comes in handy.

Dogs can give owners an idea what they want if the owner is in tune with the dogs needs. Treating a dog as a toy or as a human are both incorrect methods. Neither of these methods will train a dog. Dogs become confused when owners treat them in odd ways, even if it is not physical violence. Most do not understand why they are being dressed up in strange material.

Punishment should not used when a pet is frightened. Like children, dogs need to be directed down the correct path and shown how to get there. They cannot know something they have never been shown. They should be disciplined instead of punished. The two are vastly different things, as discipline involves teaching while punishment is an afterthought. Any dog can learn to sit, speak or stay with a little kindness and a little treat.

An owner needs to be aware of what is frightening their dog and what is making it become aggressive or barky. They should not be teased because this is something that will sometimes scare a dog into biting, not because they are bad doge, but because it is their instinct to protect themselves from possible harm.



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