How to Teach Your Dog to Play Tug-of-War

Benefits of Playing Tug-of-War

Playing tug-of-war with your dog is an immense exercise teaching your dog to play nicely, listen to you during times of excitement, and allow your dog to release canine instinct of pulling and tugging in a fun atmosphere. The first thing you need to do is get a suitable toy.

Appropriate Tug-of-War Toy

Find a toy that is soft, comfortable and easy to hold. Do not get anything that will snag in the dog’s teeth or snap out easily. Some experts suggest using toys made from bungee material. There are also toys with handles. Choose one that is suitable for you and your pup.

How to Teach Your Dog to “Drop It”

This part matters significantly when playing the game tug-of-war. It teaches your dog the “give” or “drop it” command. It helps your pup understand these commands while having fun. One way to get your pup to understand to release the toy is by using treats.

Treats are a necessary item to keep on-hand when teaching commands. This is how it works with “drop it.” While you two are playing tug-of-war, say the command, “Drop it,” and let go of the pull on the toy. Keep holding the toy but do not place any tension on it. Now, this is where the treats come in. With your other hand, place a treat in front of your pup’s nose. Do not give it to your dog. Just place it in front of the nose. The dog will drop the toy to focus on smelling the treat. Once the dog drops the toy, reward your dog with the treat and lots of positive reinforcement. Then, repeat the same action again until your dog understands “drop it” command.

This is only one tip on how to play tug-of-war with your dog. To find out more about the benefits and teaching your dog these healthy, interactive, physical activities with positive reinforcement check out Florida dog obedience training or k9 training today.

By ABC7|February 26th, 2010|Dog Care Tips, Dog Training Classes, Obedience Classes|Comments Off

What is a Dog Park?

Dog parks are a safe, happy, friendly place created for dogs to socialize, exercise, and roam freely off a leash. A well-designed dog park is a positive environment to take your pup. It encourages physical activity, bonding, and interacting with other dogs and people. These are all factors you wish to incorporate into your dog’s life to make your pup live a healthy and joyful life. However, you need to make sure the dog park has certain elements before selecting to take your dog into this new environment.

Check out the Space

Dog parks should have plenty of space for your pup to roam freely. A dog park built with distance, wide openings, and many areas to run may be the perfect location for you and your dog. If there is not enough room, then be cautious. Overcrowding influences bad behavior with dogs. For example, if it is overcrowded, tension arises within dogs resulting in possible fights. Thus, make sure the dog park has lots of room for your dog to run around without worry.

Examine the Fencing

The fencing in a dog park should be secure. A reputable dog park would not have holes where dogs are able to escape. Furthermore, make sure there is an entry area where you are able to enter with your dog before stepping into the dog park. Generally, this is a double-gated area preventing other dogs from sneaking out while you are walking in.

Dog parks also need to supply water, shade, and a designated section for small dogs only. Dog parks are an excellent place to bond with your dog and allow your dog to bond with others. You just need to be sure your dog is up-to-date on k9 training and Florida dog training. For both of these classes would be able to teach you how to handle unexpected situations.

By ABC7|February 24th, 2010|Dog Care Tips|Comments Off

Watch Out for Dog Poisons

Many ordinary, household items, if ingested by your dog, may cause your pet to turn fatally ill. You need to be careful of what you leave laying around the house, and keep things out of your pup’s reach. Here are a few items to keep stored away and inaccessible to your dog.

Human Food

When the whole family is sitting around the dining room table, and you have not taught your dog to exit the room during dinnertime, you leave your dog at risk. For you leave your dog available to eat scraps off the dining room floor. By doing so, your dog may be in danger. For example, if someone at the table is eating chocolate brownies for dessert and your dog eats up the leftover chocolate left on the floor, then you may be putting your pup’s life in danger. Chocolate is the number one killer of dogs. It causes excessive diarrhea, vomiting, abnormal heart palpitations, and seizures. You should teach your dog how to sit in his/her own spot during human mealtime preventing your dog from ingesting table scraps.

Human Drugs

Human medications may cause your dog to die. You need to keep all medicines off countertops and away in high shelves unreachable to your pup. If you do not take these precautions, your dog may ingest whatever liquid, pills, tablets left in plain sight without knowing the risk involved. You are the responsible, loving pet owner. Therefore, ensure your actions reflect this and provide your dog with a healthy and happy environment.

Pet owners across the world, would love to keep their pets around as long as possible. Thus, be responsible and do the right thing. Keep the human food and medications away from your dog ensuring your dog’s health remains intact, not faltering due to the presence of these harmful elements.

To find out more about what household items may harm your dog; check out Florida dog training classes and puppy preschool today.

By ABC7|February 22nd, 2010|Dog Care Tips, Dog Training Classes, Obedience Classes|Comments Off

When Dogs Play Nice

When your dog is socializing with other pups, it is important to understand what cheerful play between two pups is and when it is time to step in.

What is Upbeat Play?

Some inexperienced dog owners have difficult knowing when two dogs are having fun interacting. Here are a few traits allowing further comprehension regarding what is all in good fun.

Watch Body Language

When dogs are in a playful mood, their bodies are in a relaxed state. They tend to jump around with each other taking turns playing various games, such as chasing one another around and wrestling. It is harmless play, as long as you notice the dogs are taking natural breaks in-between games. For example, if two dogs are chasing one another, stop to drink, resume with playtime, stop again for a breather, resume with wrestling, pattern repeated, then it is safe to notate it is solely amusement. The breaks are a means for dogs to lower the heightened level of excitement preventing it from growing into aggressive behavior. It is something a dog initiates on its own. However, if the dogs do not stop and pause in-between sessions, then this could translate to a negative situation escalating quickly. This is when you intervene immediately before something tragic happens.

It is difficult to control a negative situation between two dogs unless you have the proper training. Florida dog training professionals are available to help you ensure your dog is not involved in such terrible situations. Florida dog obedience training prevents the risk of this occurring to your precious pup.

By ABC7|February 19th, 2010|Dog Care Tips|Comments Off

Air Travel with Your Dog Made Easy

Some dog owners become anxious with the idea of traveling with a pup. It is natural to feel a bit nervous. But if you take the proper steps to ensure your dog is safe and comfortable during travel, then there is no reason to fret.

Freeze the Water

One trick to successful air dog travel is the evening prior to departure, freeze a tray of water for your dog. The frozen water translates to no spilling during loading. As a result, by the time your dog has settled down, the water will melt away becoming available to quench your dog’s thirst when needed.

Compare Shipping Crates

Not all shipping crates are created equal. You need to find a USDA-approved shipping crate before taking your pup on a flight. Look for a crate that has plenty of room for your dog to sit, stand, and turn around comfortably. Line the crate with towels to absorb any accidents that may occur. Dogs do not discard of waste where they sleep, but you need to take precautionary measures for possible mishaps during long flights and delays.

Make Credentials Visible

Securely attach identification tags to your dog’s collar. Place a photograph of your dog on top of the crate ensuring recognition is straightforward. Also, alert all traveling personnel that your dog is in cargo. Therefore, if a delay occurs, an airline representative will remember to check up on your dog instead of leaving your dog alone.

For more tips on air travel with your dog check out Florida dog training today.

By Mark S.|February 17th, 2010|Dog Care Tips|Comments Off