Blog – Page 50 – K9 Korral

Stop Your Dog from Begging at the Table

When you sit down to eat with company, it is not pleasant to have your dog continuously pestering everyone seated. Generally, if your dog has not modified this behavior, then your puppy is instinctively moving back and forth between the table members until the dog finally gets something to eat from someone’s plate. It is a good idea to stop this behavior from the start.

Choose a Spot and Distract

The first step is to decide where your dog’s spot will be during your mealtimes. For instance, if you are getting ready to eat lunch, show your pup a designated spot where it can lie down and rest while you eat your meal. Normally, this is an area where you have a doggy bed or mat. Then, to make certain your dog does not get up from the chosen area; give your pup something to play with or a bone to chew on. Anything to distract the dog ensuring you, and your guests, will be able to eat in peace. You will have to teach your dog the “stay” command before achieving positive results. It will take lots of repetition, treats and reward methods. Florida dog training classes may help you achieve this goal.

Remove the Puppy from the Room

If you do not want your dog to be in the same room as you during meals, then choose a spot to move the dog and teach your dog how to settle in and relax in that chosen area. This is a great option for people who like to entertain but do not want the dog roaming around inside the exact area as the party guests. Select a room the dog is comfortable in or a portion of the house or yard; provide the dog with plenty of toys and other objects to remain occupied. Thus, your dog will be happy and relaxed while you get a chance to enjoy time with your houseguests.

Sarasota dog training is available to help you with the “stay” and “settle in” commands. They also are able to teach you pet care tips to keep your dog living a healthy and happy life.

By Mark S.|February 1st, 2010|Dog Care Tips, Dog Training Classes, Obedience Classes|Comments Off

Ways to Change Excessive Barking

It is commonsense that dogs bark to communicate ideas to others. Dogs bark to greet, alarm, and to establish territorial area. But what happens if your dog barks excessively for attention-seeking purposes? This can become a huge headache, literally, for the entire household. So why not teach your loving pup other behaviors to notify you of the same needs. It is possible with K9 private lessons and here are a few tips to start you off in the right direction.

Teach Your Dog to Ring a Bell

When a dog needs to go outside, it instinctively barks. It is a way of notification that works. However, why not teach your dog to ring a bell instead. It is possible with patience, repetition and body language. For instance, if your dog barks to go outside, but you do not wish to encourage this behavior then do not yell or physically touch the dog in any manner. Instead, use body language. Stand and do not make eye contact. Stare at the wall or ignore the dog completely. This will teach your dog to stop barking quickly. Encourage the dog to nudge a bell hanging by the door or install a doggy door. After repetitive practice, and proper training, the dog will be able to do this in no time and the house will return to its peaceful state.

Distract with Toys

If your dog has a habit of barking while you are on the phone, computer and/or trying to complete work then distract your dog with treats, toys, or a bone. For example, if your dog barks while you are trying to talk on the phone, then give your dog a chewing toy. Your dog will become distracted and will not bother to make noise. It is a good way to show your dog another method of keeping busy while you complete your work.

For more tips on how to teach your dog positive techniques to replace excessive barking check out Sarasota dog training and K9 private lessons today.

By Mark S.|January 29th, 2010|Dog Care Tips, Dog Training Classes, Private Lessons|Comments Off

Hiking with Your Dog

This time of year is when people are trying to stick to New Year’s resolutions of staying in shape. And there is no better way to enjoy accomplishing your goals than partaking in hikes with your dog outdoors. However, you need to keep your dog‘s safety in mind while experiencing such activities. Here are a few guidelines ensuring you and your dog will have a pleasant adventure while exercising together.

First Things First, Update Vet Records

This is more of a precautionary step, but you never know what you shall encounter along the walk. Therefore, check to make sure your dog’s vet records are up to date. There are wild plants, shrubs other animals that may scratch your dog or injure it in some way. If the vaccinations are up to date then you do not have to worry about it.

To Leash or Not to Leash

If your dog is speedy in response to your calling commands then it is okay to allow your dog to wonder around during a hike. However, be careful and considerate when doing so. Some people are not comfortable when seeing a dog off a leash, and it makes them uneasy. Thus, if it is a crowded hiking location, do not allow your dog to go without a leash. In addition, if there are other dogs on the trail, then be prepared. Bring treats to distract your dog for whenever other dogs cross the same path. By preventing a negative encounter from occurring, you enhance the level of enjoyment you both share.

Hydrate

Just as you would with yourself, make sure you bring plenty of water for your pup too. You both need to stay hydrated. It is a good rule of thumb to avert your dog from drinking from natural lakes, ponds, and streams. For you do not know what may be contained in those natural bodies of water. There may be parasites or toxins putting your four-legged companion’s health at-risk.

Remember, if you have a dog, and wish to stick to your fitness goals, bring your pup along. Dogs need the exercise too. For more information check out Sarasota dog training classes and Florida k9 private lessons today.

By Mark S.|January 27th, 2010|Dog Care Tips|Comments Off

Training a Puppy to Walk on a Leash

Teaching a puppy to walk on a leash is not that difficult. It just takes patience and lots or persistence. If you teach your puppy how to walk properly on a leash from a young age, then it will keep your dog safe while on walks and makes it an enjoyable experience for the both of you to share.

Familiarize Your Puppy to Wearing a Collar

A puppy has no clue regarding the correct way to respond to a collar. Thus, introduce the idea of wearing a collar from the very beginning. A good way to do this is while the puppy is eating, slide a collar on. The puppy will be distracted making this an ideal time. Once the puppy does realize what you have done, it will probably try to rub it off by sliding itself against the floor or scratch it off. It is important not to take it off. It needs to get used to the idea of a collar on so it becomes second nature.

Introduce the Leash

Once your puppy is comfortable and happy wearing a collar, then it is time to clip on a leash. It is not necessary to use a heavy-duty leash on your puppy at this time. Choose a lightweight, thin leash. And once the leash is clipped on allow the puppy to walk around with it. As a result, the puppy will be accommodating when it is time to put on the leash later.

These are only the first steps to teaching a puppy to walk on a leash. To find out how to implement the rest just check out a puppy preschool or a puppy kindergarten near you.

By Mark S.|January 25th, 2010|Dog Care Tips, Dog Training Classes, Obedience Classes, Pet Supplies|Comments Off

Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

There are dog owners who still wonder why in the world they need to brush their dog’s teeth. Pet owners do not realize this is an important care tip to implement for it is not solely designed to make your dog’s breath smell good. It is essential to your dog’s overall health. Gum disease is a familiar, grim problem in dogs and the best way to prevent it is through brushing.

Oral Care Issues in Dogs are Serious

Just as in humans, if you do not brush your dog’s teeth, food particles and bacteria along the gum line build and form into plaque, which when left untreated turns into tartar. Tartar is the number one problem causing severe mouth pain, teeth falling out, and bacterial infections. The reason it is serious if left untreated, the bacterial infections seep into the bloodstream affecting the rest of the body. Therefore, brushing the teeth is vital to your dog’s overall health.

How Often Should You Brush

It is recommended to brush your dog’s teeth on a daily basis. If your dog is of a small breed, where teeth are generally crowded together, brush frequently. For the plaque collects more often on teeth set closely together than on a widely spread mouth. You need to keep an eye on your dog’s teeth.

What to Use

To carry out pet care tips properly, many stores carry products to make these jobs easier. Check out the oral hygiene products section at pet stores. There is normally an area dedicated to doggy toothbrushes. There will be different types available and the best way to discover what works is to try it out at home. Some dogs may prefer dental sponges to doggy toothbrushes, but you will not know without testing.

Regarding toothpaste, there is one main rule to follow; do not use human toothpaste. Pet stores and your veterinarian have pet toothpaste created specifically for dogs. The flavors may range from chicken, peanut butter, liver and mint making it appealing to your dog. And, if your dog likes it, then brushing your dog’s teeth will be less of a chore than it initially sounds.

By Mark S.|January 22nd, 2010|Dog Care Tips|Comments Off