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Crate training
Crate training should be easy and fun for you and your new baby. New puppies bodies have not formed sufficiently enough to hold bodily functions for hours on end. When you buy a crate make sure you don't buy one to big. Get one large enough that when your puppy is full grown it will have room to stand up, turn around and lay down with room to spare. There is a training crate that's more like a cage, and a pet carrier or kennel cab. Both work fine. I have dogs that like one better than the other, or the other way around. This is going to be the puppies new bedroom. I put the crate in the room the puppy will be staying. Like the kitchen. Put his food and water dish next to the crate. Put newspaper on the bottom of the crate. Make a nice little bed in the back of the crate. Put a few toys in there as well. Most puppies will go in on their own to check things out. It also helps when you go and pick up your puppy take a towel with you to wrap around the puppy. This helps comfort him. When you get home put that same towel in the crate so when he goes in his smell is already in it. A small stuffed animal helps as well. Let the puppy go in and out with out shutting the door. When you do start shutting the door do it for a few minutes at a time. Never let the puppy out when he cries only let him out when he is quiet, because he will think that he has trained you to come to him when he gets loud. Never leave your puppy in a crate for long periods of time. All night is all right but its way to long to let him out in the morning to go potty and then put him back in there for you to go to work. Buy a baby play pen to keep him in if you can't lock him your kitchen. Put down newspaper or you can buy wee wee pads. Make crate training a positive experience. You can find great training books at most all book stores. I hope this helps with your new baby. Good Luck!!
 Training Your Dog To Sit
By Lee Dobbins
A poorly trained dog is a nuisance and can even be a danger to himself and others. A properly trained dog, on the other had, is a wonderful and pleasant companion. In addition to helping you bond, it can even protect your pet from being hurt if he listens and will come when called. When training always remember that dogs respond best to positive reinforcement - yelling at your dog and hitting him will not accomplish the task, instead use rewards such as treats and your approval - this will make the task much more pleasant for both of you!
There is a common “process” to training, no matter what you want the dog to do. They key is to get the dog to perform the action and at that exact moment give the command for the action, then praise the dog and reward him with a treat. After a while, he will catch on and associate the action with the command.
Here's some steps you can use to train your dog with the most basic command - Sit.
1. The first thing you need to do is to get your puppy or dog to associate the act of sitting with the command. To do this, simply hang around with your dog and when he sits give the “sit”
command.
2. Getting down to your dogs level will allow you to present his reward (treats) quicker so grab a handful of bite sized treats and get down on the floor.
3. Bring the treat up over the dogs head. He will smell the food and follow it with his nose. This action will cause him to sit (or backup, but obviously we are hoping for the sitting action).
4. The key to the training is to present the reward at the exact moment the dog sits, but you must also give the command at that moment as well so that he associates command with action. So as the dog sits, say “sit” and then immediately give him the treat.
5. Give the dog praise - show joy in your voice and he will really respond.
6. Repeat three to five times at each session but no more than that. Training should be fun and not a boring chore so don't overdo it in one sitting. You may have several sessions throughout the day. When you spend the time to train your dog, you get much more than just a dog that does some tricks. He loves to do things with you. He learns to listen when you say his name. He gets used to being with you and doing things on your initiative. Through good training your position as leader is strengthened. You should plan to spend a couple of minutes every day on practicing his “tricks”. This type of repetitive reinforcement will help him to remember and also create the bond between you. Lee Dobbins is a pet owner and writer for train the dog.com where you can learn more about training your dog and which breeds are
Training Your Dog To Lay Down On Command
By Lee Dobbins
Training your dog to obey commands is an important part of pet ownership. When your dog is properly trained, it is much easier
for you to communicate with him and this enhances your relationship. In addition to making him mind you, it may even
help save your pet from harm or danger.
Dogs want your praise, so using positive reinforcement when training your dog or puppy is the best approach. Hitting or
yelling rarely works, and besides who wants to hit or yell at their dog anyway?
The “down” or “lay down” command is one of the basic commands and should be one of the first things you teach your dog once he
learns to sit on command. It is not hard to train a dog to obey commands and once you have done one command, it gets even easier
as the process is basically the same for each. Here's some steps you can use to teach your dog to lay down on command:
1. Get the dog to sit (you should have already trained him in this command).
2. Firmly give the “down” command while gently forcing his legs out in front (this will cause him to lay down).
3. Give your dog praise. Show him you are really happy with your voice and body language.
4. At first the dog will get right back up, but as time goes on you can lengthen the time the dog stays in the down position by waiting to give him praise.
5. Repeat three to five times at each session. Repetition is important but you don't want to do too much at one time.
If you really want to drill it in, you can have several sessions spaced out throughout the day. There's more rewards than meets the eye with training your dog. For one the dog gets used to listening to his name. He also will get used to doing things on your command. All in all, training strengthens your positions - you as leader and helps the dog feel secure. Spend a couple of minutes each day training your dog.
This will help cement your friendship.
Lee Dobbins is a pet owner and writer for train the dog.com where
you can learn more about training your dog and which breeds are
Preparing Your Home For A New Puppy
Simon Harris
While excitement and anticipation may be at the top of the list when bringing home a new puppy, preparing for him should rate
highly on the list. Just as you would need to prepare a home when you have a baby, pet owners also need to take special
precautions when “puppy-proofing.”
Before you start preparing your home for a puppy, you should take into consideration the yard and garden. First, check fences and gates to be sure there are no holes large enough for
him to get his head stuck in. Watch for litter and/or trash cans, which can be tipped over, giving your new puppy the chance to eat things that he shouldn't. And finally, know where you are treating your lawn and garden with pesticides, and then forbid your puppy from going there. In addition, make sure that
all chemicals and other harmful products are put away out of your new friend's reach.
Next, you will need to investigate your home and pretend that a small toddler is coming to live with you! Like toddlers, puppies will find everything new and exciting. They don't know when something is dangerous or can't tell if that “interesting” remote control will get them into trouble.
In addition, when preparing your home for the new puppy, you should keep these tips in mind:
Be sure all electrical and cable wires are either in a space your puppy will not be or hide them under rugs or carpets. Do not keep wires where your puppy could chew and gnaw on them. Just like a toddler, your puppy will explore every element, including low cupboards. Just when you thought having a puppy was easier than a child, he will learn to nudge those cupboard doors open! Consider installing locks or sort through them and only keep safe objects in low areas.
So far, so good, right? Well, that's only if you remember that in reality your puppy has the mind of a small child. Soon you'll be getting ready for afternoon walks to the park, 3 a.m.
trips to the bathroom, (more officially, outside) and lots of cuddling. So, while preparing your home for your puppy, think
of him as a member of your family. Buy him a bed made from plastic, which is more resistant to chewing. Line it with comfortable bedding-washable of course-and then place it in a special place just for him. Make sure it is somewhere he will be safe and comfortable.
Preparing your home for your new puppy is a lot of work, so you may consider buying a puppy pen until everything is taken care
of. Just like a baby's playpen, a puppy pen will offer an area for him to play without roaming the house. By doing this, you are also saving your furniture and other objects from being
chewed on. (Don't worry-he'll eventually grow out of this!)
Another important thing to think about when preparing your home for your puppy is any stairs that you may have in the house. If
you have an open basement or second floor, use baby gates to confine his run area to prevent harm. Babies and puppies alike
are not aware of danger and don't realize that they could fall down steps and hurt themselves.
The most important thing to think about while preparing your home for the new puppy is just like a child, they will need cuddling, attention and there will definitely be a lot of wet kisses!
About The Author: This article courtesy of
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Time For A Dog Bath? Dog Bathing Tips For You And Your Dog
Teresa James
Cleanliness and proper grooming can be very important to the continued good health of our beloved pets. But bathing our puppy or adult dog can often prove to be a challenge. There are many questions, myths and opinions floating around when discussing the best care for different dog types and temperaments. Check out these dog bathing tips to get some
great ideas so you'll be prepared for your next dog bath and grooming session.
How often should you bath your dog?
How often your pet will need a dog bath will depend on the breed and what type of activities the dog is involved in. It's best to bathe your dog only when your dog is really dirty. Just
use your nose - that tell tale doggy smell will let you know it's time for a bath. If a dog is bathed too often the skin will be stripped of its
natural, protective oils. This will result in dry itchy skin, which will cause your dog to scratch, further irritating the already sensitive skin. If you need to bathe your dog more
frequently make sure to use a pet shampoo that will also moisturize your dog's skin. You may also want to follow up with an after bath pet coat conditioner specifically formulated for
dry skin.
Where's the best place to bath your dog?
In warm weather you can bathe your dog outside. Pick a place that will not turn to mud when it gets wet. It's a good idea a have a washtub large enough for your dog to stand up in and fill it with a few inches of water. Water straight from a garden hose may start off warm, but usually gets cold very fast. If your dog starts to resist and shiver, as the water gets colder, you may want to consider another option. Many pet owners have overcome this problem by purchasing a
raised dog bath. This convenient, back-saving dog bath is often used with a water temperature mixer valve assembly that
completely solves this problem. With the proper equipment set up you'll be able to save your back and control the water temperature of your dog's bath. Some temperature mixer valve assemblies hook up to your existing washing machine water supply. At bath time just connect an ordinary garden hose to
the valve assembly and run it outside to the bathing area. This convenient type of back-saving dog bath can even be used for
bathing your dog inside. If you choose to bathe your dog inside, regulating the water
temperature shouldn't be a problem. But deciding where to bathe your dog might be. Small dogs and puppies can usually be bathed
easily in a sink or a washtub. For bigger dogs you will need something bigger like a bathtub or a large shower stall. And of course, the bigger your dog is the bigger the potential hassles.
Are you tired of chasing and wrestling with your dog at bath time?
Many dog owners solve this problem by purchasing a raised dog bath. An ergonomically designed dog grooming bathing tub elevates your dog to a level that's comfortable for you and keeps your dog securely contained, taking the hassle out of
washing your dog. You'll get the job done in half the time, save your back and stay dryer. The raised dog bath that is available in most pet shops and online stores will also save
your dog stress at bath time. No more slipping and sliding. Your dog will really feel secure standing on the padded non-slip surface. This type of raised dog bath has been
recommended by Dog World Magazine in their "Notable Products for the New Millennium".
Does your dog tend to get away from you during a bath?
Bathing your dog is a challenging, but essential, part of dog grooming. It's funny how your dog will cleverly evade you when you try to get him into a dog bath, but will be just as determined to get past you when you don't want him to jump into the water at the beach.
If you're washing your dog in a room with a door make sure to close it so that your dog will not see an escape route or get very far if he prematurely gets out of the bath. This way
you'll have an easier time getting him back in the tub to finish the job. It can be a challenge bathing a dog that's wiggling around but the challenge gets a little tougher when your dog is an escape artist. If your dog takes any opportunity to get away from you at bath time you may want to consider restraining your dog. Restraints are used during bath time to avoid injury to you as well as your pet. Some pet bathing tubs come with restraints
included. With these your dog will be safely and securely restrained and you will be able to give your dog a quick and hassle-free bath.
Is your dog slipping and sliding in the bath?
Slipping and sliding can be the most stressful part of bath time for a dog. Put a rubber mat down on the bottom surface of the tub to prevent your dog from sliding and getting hurt. A sure-footed dog will be less resistant and much more at ease during bath time.
Things to have on hand at bath time:
Raised Dog Bath - This is a fantastic idea for a dog bath. It's ergonomically designed for both you and your dog's comfort. Your local pet groomer is likely to have just such a bathing station set up in their shop. If you're thinking about buying a tub or basin to bathe your dog in, ask them if you can check out their tub set up. If you have the room or more than one dog, you may find it worthwhile. Pet Shower or Plastic Pitcher - A Pet Shower is great, but if
that's not possible make sure you have a large plastic pitcher for wetting and rinsing your dog. Drain Screen - Make sure to protect your plumbing from hair clogs with a simple to use drain screen. Cotton Balls - Can be placed in each ear to prevent water from running into your dog's ears.
Pet Shampoos - There are many different pet shampoos each formulated to work on problems such as dry itchy skin, inflamed
or dry scaling skin, fleas & ticks, doggy odor, skunk odor, abnormal shedding, quick rinsing for dogs that don't like to take a bath, whiteners for white coats, color intensifiers for
dark coats, and coat shine to bring out the natural luster of your dog's coat. You may want to try a hypoallergenic shampoo/conditioner that will gently clean and conditioner your pet's coat in one step.
Coat Conditioners - There are many pet coat conditioners that will help manage and or improve the appearance of your dog's
coat like crème rinse, grooming spray, after bath dry skin treatment, and herbal mist conditioner that will soothe, re-moisturize and detangle your pet's coat.
Pet Drying Towels - If you want to get your dog dry faster check out a specialty pet-drying towel. Some are available that will absorb 10 times its own weight in water!
Eye Protective Gel - Are you concerned about shampoo making its way into your dog's eyes? Just put a little protective eye gel in each eye just before bath time to prevent burning and
redness.
Ear Drying Solution - If your dog is prone to ear infections make sure you have some ear-drying solution on hand. Using an ear drying solution will assure that the ear canal is nice and dry after bathing.
Brushes/Combs - There are many different styles and sizes of traditional dog grooming brushes and combs that you can choose
from. If your dog has very sensitive or irritated skin you may want to consider a higher quality brush that will not scratch the skin or aggravate existing skin irritations.
Pet Dryer - If your dog has a thick, long or double coat it's best to use a pet dryer. Unlike “people” hair dryers, pet dryers are designed to use less heat and more air volume so they quickly and safely dry a dog without damaging the coat or burning the skin. If you use a "people" blow dryer be very careful since you can easily burn your pet!
Plastic Bucket - It's very convenient to have a waterproof container that will keep your dog grooming supplies close at hand.
Remember to get all your dog grooming supplies ready before hand and let your dog sniff everything. Why you should brush your dog thoroughly before bathing.
Depending on the type of coat your dog has you may need an assortment of grooming brushes and combs to properly care for
your dog's skin and coat. Before you bathe your dog it's always a good idea to brush your pet's coat thoroughly to remove any
tangles or matted areas as well as any other foreign debris. Many dog owners know first hand that if they don't spend time
removing old, established tangles and mats before bathing many times they just get worse. If your dog's coat tangles and mats
easily make sure to look for shampoos and conditioners that are formulated to prevent and break up mats.
If your dog has gotten into any sticky or gooey substances like tar or gum never use commercial solvents or industrial cleaners on your dog's coat. Many of these are toxic to your dog. Try dissolving these substances with mineral oil. If you're unable to remove something from your dog's coat carefully snip away the affected area. It's always best to
sacrifice some hair or fur since it will grow back rather than risk damage to the skin. Brush your dog thoroughly between baths, daily if you can, to distribute the natural oils and remove tangles, mats and foreign matter.
Choosing the best pet shampoo/coat conditioner for your dog.
Always use a pet shampoo that is specially formulated for the pH of your pet's skin. Never use “people” shampoos since our skin pH level is much more acidic than our canine friends and could irritate your dog's skin. Start bathing your dog at the beginning: Your Dog's Head. A popular bathing technique is to start at your dog's head and work your way toward the tail. This is especially the case if it's possible that fleas are present. If you know that your dog has fleas you may want to use a flea & tick shampoo. Starting at your dog's head forces any fleas to gather away from your dog's face, eyes, and ears. It is much easier to dunk the rear of your dog into the tub than your dog's face. As you may imagine, your dog is likely to be much more cooperative by following this simple bathing technique.
Let your dog get used to the sound of the running water. If you're using a tub or basin fill it with a few inches of warm water. Then get your dog into the bath. If you're using a
raised dog bath just secure your dog into the dog bath. Starting from the head thoroughly wet your dog with warm water. You can use a plastic pitcher or a spray nozzle for this task.
If you're using a spray nozzle make sure the spray is not too strong. Never spray water directly onto your dog's face or genitals.
Apply a pet shampoo/coat conditioner. Follow the instructions on the package. Work it in from the head to the tail. Be sure to get all those nooks and crannies; like the rectum, between the toes, behind the ears and under the chin. Be careful not the get shampoo in your dog's eyes. If this is a concern you
can protect your dog's eyes by putting some protective eye gel in each eye just before getting your dog into the bath. Rinse your dog thoroughly with warm water. Shampoo residue can cause skin irritations so make sure you give your dog's coat a thorough rinsing. Towel drying your pet's coat in the dog bath will remove some of the excess water before you take your dog out of the tub. Some breeds should never be rubbed, only patted, since their coats easily tangle. Dog owners often prefer to use dedicated pet towels. There are pet drying towels available that will absorb 10 times their weight in water. These are very handy towels to use for a dog bath and can also be used any time your pet gets wet.
Although many dog owners think of bathing their dog as a challenge, with the right approach, supplies, and equipment, you can get through it relatively unscathed. And don't forget to reward your dog's good behavior in the bathing process with treats and plenty of loving kindness.
Copyright 2004, Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com, all rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission.
dedicated to providing quality dog care advice on a broad range of dog-related topics. Includes articles, frequently asked questions, recommendations, and Free Ezine.
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