Making man's best friend even better II

Does your dog still:

• Bark excessively?
• Pull on the leash?
• Destroy household items?
• Jump on people?

Advanced Obedience

For owners who would like to continue beyond Basic Obedience training, an advanced class may be available.  This should cover in-motion commands and commands from a distance.  This sets the foundation for your dog’s off-leash conditioning.

Your dog should learn:

• Proper behavior and socialization
• To heel by your side
• Automatic sit and hold the sit
• Down and sit by your side
• Down and sit from a distance
• Down and stay command
• Come
• Place
• Down and sit in motion

Residential Training Program
Some dog trainers offer a "sleep over camp," where your dog stays with a certified trainer, taking care of your dog's daily needs along with advancing his training during the course of his stay.

Your dog should learn:

• Proper behavior
• Socialization skills
• Crate training
• House breaking
• On leash commands with hand signals
• All basic obedience commands and in-motion commands

Be sure to find out if your dog trainer offers follow-up training sessions or additional help for unique circumstances. 

Making man's best friend even better I

Does your dog:

• Bark excessively?
• Pull on the leash?
• Destroy household items?
• Jump on people?

Training is your dog's education on how to co-exist with humans. It establishes a line of communication between you and your pet. Training forms a special bond between owner and pet because of that line of communication. An important goal in all programs is to help your dog understand what pleases you and what doesn't.

Look for a personal trainer with years of experience. Programs should not be a textbook format. Your trainer will show you techniques that will be tailored specifically for your dog's personality. With that in mind you will see fast results that will last.

A good trainer will provide private classes with purposeful distractions, such as toys and other dogs on site so your dog will have positive experiences with another dog.

Puppies, dogs that are under 20 weeks of age, are at the most impressionable time in their lives.  It is much easier to teach good behavior than it is to break bad habits.  In a 45-minute consultation you should learn how to prevent bad behaviors from starting and to stop current negative behaviors.
The initial consultation should help you learn about your puppy’s personality. Basic commands such as sit, come, place and how to walk without pulling on the leash would be reviewed. Behavioral problems along with house breaking would be covered as well.

When a dog is at least 16 weeks old, basic obedience training is the first step in solving a behavioral problem.  Obedience training is your dog's education on how to coexist with humans. It establishes a line of communication between you and your dog.

A basic training program should cover basic commands like:

• Sit
• Down
• Place
• Heel
• Come

A premier training school will encourage the whole family to come and handle your dog, thus allowing everyone to learn the skills needed to keep everyday life with your pet consistent.

Caring for your dog in the summer II

Sunscreen
Boston or Bull Terriers, and other white, shorthaired dogs or dogs with pale ears or noses need special care in the summer months.  If your dog is white or has a pale nose or ears, buy some sunblock for your pet. Apply it to vulnerable spots every day. Because dogs have a natural inclination to lick off anything that is applied to their fur and skin, use a sunscreen that is known to be non-toxic to dogs. Your vet will be able to advise you if you are not sure which product to buy.

Swimming
Many dogs love the water. If your dog has never been swimming, try slowly introducing him to a lake, a pond or a pool. Get in the water with your dog as he builds confidence. Throw a toy or a stick a small distance away from you and encourage him to retrieve it. Or, bring another dog with you who loves the water and watch as your pet learns to swim by keeping up with his friend. If you want to be even more comfortable, purchase a life vest made especially for pets. The vest has handles to help you lift your dog into and out of the water. Finally, don't forget to rinse your dog with clean, fresh water after he's been swimming to be sure to get off any chemicals or bacteria.

By following these simple guidelines (including those regarding heat and hydration), you and your pet will surely have a more fun and safe summer!

Caring for your dog in the summer I

With summer just around the corner, it's important to know how to best care for your dog.

As the weather becomes increasingly warm, many dogs like to lie in the sun, swim, or play freely with their owners. Heat exhaustion, dehydration and sunburns are common and can become serious very quickly.

Heat and Hydration

Pay special attention to your dog’s food and drink during the summer. On hot days, when dogs lose more moisture through panting, dogs may drink more than usual.  Keep checking that your pet has plenty of fresh, clean water. It's probably a good idea to put an extra bowl of water outside if your dog spends time in the yard. Remember, water will evaporate more quickly from bowls when the weather is hot, so always be sure there's plenty of water and that it's changed frequently.

When you take your dog for a walk in the summer, particularly when the weather is hot, carry some extra water for your dog, and a bowl. Stop frequently to allow your pet to have a drink. Wrapping a cool pad or wet bandana around your dog’s neck before heading outside can help her stay cooler and avoid heat exhaustion.

Never, ever, leave a dog in the car when it is hot, even with a window open. Don't be fooled into thinking you can quickly pop into a store and your dog will be fine in the car. In the summer, parked cars, even if they are in the shade, can heat up like ovens in a very short time. Panting is not efficient enough to cool the dog in such conditions. Dogs can quickly suffer from heat exhaustion if they are exposed to extreme heat for too long.

Strenuous exercise in hot, humid weather can also cause heat stroke. The symptoms are obvious – restlessness, panting excessively, and drooling. Dehydration is another severe condition if not treated immediately. Dogs suffering from dehydration may have a loss of skin elasticity and their mouths may become dry and tacky with thick saliva. If the dog is not treated immediately it can become a very serious condition.

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, lower its temperature by bathing it in cool - not cold - water and wrap a damp towel around the dog. This is a serious medical emergency and you must seek veterinary attention immediately.