This is a fun picture. The dog (Bailey) is acting like he doesn’t even notice the bunnies eating the carrots. Lilly and Ben love carrots — but Bailey likes them just as much
Don’t Worry…the dog doesn’t go hungry.
Collection for December, 2009
Bunnies Munching on A Carrot
Dec 28
Relaxing at a Dog Show
Dec 26
We were at a Saint Bernard Dog show the other day and there was a fun little (it is relative right) St. Bernard that was full energy. He was doing his best, but had a lot of fun the process. Here’s a shot from one of the final line-ups.
A good day of playing hard makes for a tired puppy. His feet are either moving around like he is chasing something or bunched up in a pile. Check out this pile of puppy feet!
The Ultimate Doggie House Training Guide
This handy manual is a comprehensive guide to what’s arguably the most widespread, challenging and frustrating issue faced by any and all dog-owners: house training. Has any aspect of dog ownership ever been so widely misunderstood and unanimously dreaded?
Theories both unhelpful and just plain wrong positively abound on the topic. You can find a veritable vortex of conflicting arguments almost anywhere you choose to seek information on the subject, whether it’s online (o, the staggering variation on the “The Only Way To House train Your Dog!? theme to be found here!), at your local library, through contact with dog trainers, or through the (less reputable but nevertheless prolific) ranks of “quack? dog trainers : aka, those frustrating people sans qualifications, but with enough smugness and pseudo-savoir faire to fool the less suspicious of us into handing over our hard-earned dosh.
What Sets This Book Apart?
After several confounding and increasingly-frustrated hours spent trawling through the virtual minefield of conflicting information on this subject, it was with a heady mixture of joy and near-tearful relief that I stumbled across an online book entitled “The Ultimate House Training Guide?, by Martin Olliver. As the title suggests, literally all aspects of the subject are covered, and in a manner both chatty and educational – it’s kind of like having a friendly conversation with a knowledgeable canine behaviorist (with the added benefit of being able to refresh your understanding of the matter at any given time, simply by scrolling back to the relevant section!)
The tone of the book presents a welcome contrast to the illogicalities so freely available elsewhere on the Net (and, indeed, in most repositories of canine “expertise?): it’s friendly, informative, and above all, commonsensical. No gimmicky recommendations, poorly-disguised marketing ploys, or too-brief Q&A sessions here: you don’t have to be experienced in canine behavior and training to see that this guy knows what he’s talking about (and did I mention he’s a vet?)
What’s Actually Included?
There’s a quick section on the tools of the trade (“patience, persistence, consistence, and common sense?) along with some morale-boosting advice on how to keep your cool through the training process, and then it’s straight into the meat of the matter: the nitty-gritty on how to house train, with a detailed section (one for pups, one for older dogs) on each of the three methods recommended (paper-training, crate-training, and the direct method.)
Common house training problems are dealt with next – this is particularly handy! A huge variety of issues are covered, from territorial marking to poop-eating; and on top of that, each problem comes with a case study, which helps you to put the information into context.
Next, health-related problems are covered in some depth. There’s a section on congenital problems (problems your dog was born with); a section on the disease-related problems that develop later in life; and a section on other problems related to house training, like inappropriate outdoor elimination, or lawn-burn from urination.
Finally, there’s the Top Ten Tips for hassle-free house training, which is essentially a recap of the most helpful and necessary attitude adjustments, practical tips, and useful nuggets of general knowledge which will come in most handy in your dog’s training.
Just Because It’s Detailed Doesn’t Mean It’s Confusing
Sound like a handful? It’s actually very user-friendly. Not only is this book packed with sound practical advice, but the whole thing is laid out in a very logical and easy-to-understand format: the tone is light and non-threatening (no confusing terminology or strange gaps in logic here!) and it proceeds in a logical manner from step to step, with the assistance of helpful how-to illustrations from the book’s charming mascot (a pooch called, of all things, Spot-Less).
Troubleshooting
In my opinion, one of the best parts: a free, personalized email consultation with the team at Kingdom of Pets. If you’d like additional help with your own dog’s toilet-related vagaries, just flick them off an email and you’ll get an individualized professional opinion on how best to handle the problem – plus any additional tips and strategies necessary to get your house training under control.
The Verdict
House training a dog is an intimidating task for most people, but the author’s depth of knowledge is pretty reassuring; and he certainly knows how to break it down for even the greenest of owners. In addition to the main sections detailed above, there are plenty of tempting extras included to make the process as easy and effective as possible: checklists, do’s and don’ts, how to appropriately deal with “accidents?, even a list of the more helpful training products available!
All in all, two thumbs up from me: when the information on hand is as detailed, easy to absorb, and – above all – reliable as The Ultimate House Training Guide, you really can’t go wrong. May your dog’s initiation to house training proceed Spot-Lessly!
Secrets to Dog Training
Dec 23
Secrets to Dog Training – Stop your Dog’s Behavior Problems!
What Is It?
Secrets to Dog Training presents an unusually detailed and thorough look at how to both prevent and deal with the more common problem behaviors exhibited by dogs. As the owner of a moderately troublesome mutt myself, I’ve spent a fair amount of time searching the Net for reliable resources on this topic, and I have to say that the level of knowledge and detail contained within the pages of this compendium is unusually exacting for an online book.
Not only that, but – again, unusually for this medium – the information at hand is actually (gasp!) reliable. Yes, that’s right – this one’s a whole new kettle of fish. Written by a seasoned dog trainer, you can relax in the knowledge that all the tips and advice included are tried and true, and come from Stevens’ real-life experiences as a professional dog trainer. There is also a straight-talking, easy to follow 30-minute downloadable video which provides real-life examples of doggy bad behavior along with solutions and remedies to change them.
What’s Covered?
There’s a pretty impressive range of information packed into this guide. It’s not just the problem behaviors that are covered: the book starts off with new-owner advice (how to choose a puppy/dog, the best places to get one from, breed information, puppy/dog-proofing your home, the first vet visit, housetraining, etc) and then moves on to the more advanced stuff: behavioral problems (such as aggression, dominance, chewing, digging, excessive barking, separation anxiety, to name a few), intermediate-level obedience commands, health-related dog problems (allergies, cat/dog coexistence, fleas, heatstroke, and so on), and advanced commands and tricks.
The 30-minute downloadable video gives a great insight into a dog’s quest to be the alpha dog and how you can prevent this. Its quick steps to stop bad behaviors such as housebreaking right through to leash pulling are so simple you can start trying them out on your dog straight away.
Particularly Good Parts
In addition to the contents listed above, there’s also a pretty impressive section on dog whispering, which – in case you haven’t heard of it already – is a method of dog training based on a philosophy of clear communication and mutual respect. It’s been popularized in recent years by Cesar Millan (“The Dog Whisperer”), and is becoming increasingly well-known as an alternative and humane method for disciplining and training your dog. Secrets to Dog Training has dedicated an entire section to dog whispering: Daniel Stevens explains the background of the technique, how to utilize voice and body language to your best advantage, and how to use the technique to calmly, assertively, and effectively correct and train your dog. Step-by-set instructions are included for the common commands (sit, down, come, stay, quiet, etc).
It makes for some pretty interesting reading – and, after trying out the basics on my own recalcitrant pooch, I was amazed at how effective the techniques suggested are. Highly recommended!
I Love Freebies (Who Doesn’t?)
There’s just something about getting something for nothing. And, although my magpie-like acquisitiveness may have led me into less-than-productive purchases in the past, in this particular case I’m happy to report that Secrets to Dog Training hasn’t let me down: the freebies included with this book are not only numerous, they’re actually useful(wow!)
The book itself costs $39.95. For this price, you get a complete and detailed manual on training your dog, preventing and handling behavioral problems, and a whole bunch of general-knowledge tips and advice.
You also get a handful of practical freebies: four bonus books, dealing respectively with advanced housetraining how-to’s and troubleshooting (including both the crate- and paper-training methods); a detailed study on resolving canine aggression; how to effectively groom your dog (including information on coat care for specific breeds, dental care, and nail-clipping how-to’s); and finally, how to begin training your dog for security work.
As mentioned earlier, there is a bonus 30-minute downloadable video which takes a no-fuss approach to practical solutions for dog obedience issues.
Another particularly useful freebie: a personalized consultation with a member of the Kingdom of Pets team. If you’ve got an issue with your dog that you’d like some individual attention on, you can flick them a quick email and receive a personalized, thorough reply packed with expert advice and practical tips.
Secrets to Dog Training: A Thumbnail Sketch
Altogether, I’m pretty impressed with this package. I’ve owned dogs on and off my whole life, starting from when I was ten – I would have thought that I was better-prepared than most to handle the quirks and caprices of my canine friends.
But since reading this book, I think my pre-Secrets to Dog Training self was (embarrassingly) perhaps a trifle more complacent than knowledgeable – I’ve learned more since reading this manual than I’ve picked up in a near-lifetime’s worth of contact with dogs (do you know how to stop your dog from tugging on the leash, without using a check-chain? Well, I do – but until I got my hands on a copy of this book, I certainly didn’t!)
Several of the training techniques present a refreshingly common-sense, down-to-earth approach to dog training; others require a little more effort (take dog whispering as an example) but yield some pretty dramatic results. I liked the way that more than one training technique is detailed, to allow the reader to pick and choose the techniques that best suit themselves and their individual dogs.
I have no qualms in recommending this package to anyone who owns, or is thinking about owning, a dog. You don’t need to have a “problem pet” for the manual to be of assistance: there’s information included that’ll be useful to any and all dog owners.
In a nutshell: highly recommended.
Puppy Potty Training
Dec 23
Housebreaking a puppy using paper is a consideration, but can cause some other problems in the future. When you decide to paper train a puppy, you have to use a specific method in order to eventually get the puppy to use the outdoors to relieve him or herself.
This can be a little frustrating if not done correctly. You need to start paper training the puppy as soon as you bring him or her home. Place the paper somewhere close to a door that the puppy will eventually go out when they learn to relieve themselves outside.
You will need to place the puppy on the paper when you think it is time to potty. This should be done quite often so that the puppy realizes that this where they should go to the bathroom.
It is best to use about three pieces of paper to start. As the puppy becomes accustom to going on the paper, you will eventually start taking away a piece of paper while moving it closer to the outside door.
Keep in mind that taking the dog outside is also recommended when paper training. The paper is for times when you cannot get to the puppy and take him or her outside. As you move the paper closer to the door and take a piece away until you are down to just one piece, you should move the paper outdoors.
The puppy should have learned where to go and will ask to go out the door to reach the paper. When the puppy has accomplished asking to go outside for the paper, you can then take the paper away and allow the puppy to use the yard to relieve him or herself.
There are some downsides to paper training that you must be aware of before starting. If you lay a piece of paper down anywhere in the house, chances are that the puppy is going to use this to relieve him or herself.
Potty training puppies to use a newspaper has its upsides, but you do have to be careful not to leave paper on the floor anywhere else in the house. If the puppy is a fast learner, this process should only take a month or so. Some dogs however will need longer.
You have to have patients when potty training a puppy with paper.
Potty training puppies with paper can be easier on people who have bust schedules, but you will have to change the soiled paper many times a day. This is important when potty training a puppy.
If you have a puppy that pees a lot, you may want to use plastic under the newspaper so it does not soak through to the floor. You can also place the newspaper on a vinyl floor so that it is easier to clean after every paper change.
You should take the shortest amount of time to paper train a puppy, but do not rush the puppy when you are moving the paper closer to the door.
For more helpful dog training help, please visit the Complete 7 DAY Dog Training Guide.
This dog potty training package can help you with toilet training your dog quickly and easily. It’s called “The Complete 7 Day Potty Training Guide“.
The publisher, Sharda Baker, has been around for a while and is well known on the internet for her top quality dog ebooks. She has put together a thorough and easy to follow dog training resource again. The downloadable ebook and audio package consists of a comprehensive potty training ebook and mp3 audio, plus several other free bonuses.
If you have a puppy, an older dog, or shelter rescue, you will find everything you need to get your dog toilet trained quickly!
The bonuses alone offer terrific value and include
- an mp3 audio interview with a Vet,
- a homemade dog food recipes ebook that contains a massive 60 pages of 101 yummy, very healthy, lovingly home prepared and cooked meals for your dog.
Here’s what one person had to say about Sharda’s potty training ebook package.
Until I found Sharda Baker’s Potty training website, I had bought 3 dog training guides that each were reasonable in what they contained, but none that taught potty training in the same detail that Sharda’s does.
The other difference is that Sharda’s Potty Training guide is so easy to follow. It is clearly explained and most IMPORTANTLY…it works!
Don’t waste your time with other training guides.
I recommend you look at Sharda Baker’s Complete Guide to Potty Training Within 7 Days.
It worked wonders for my doggie.
Thank you.
Cheri Taylor
Los Angela. USA
Check out the Sharda Baker’s Complete Guide to Potty Training. There’s absolutely no risk because it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee for a full 60 days- so if you are not 100% happy with the package for any reason, you can get all your money back!
Find out more about the Guide to Potty Training.
Potty Training a Older Dogs
Dec 22
Potty training is not just for puppies. Some older dogs that may have been outside dogs or were never housetrained will need some special considerations. Older dogs that have been outside or were allowed to use the indoors for relieving themselves will need a little more time.
You can use a crate for potty training or use command training. Keep in mind that older dogs have already developed a personality and they can be strong willed when it comes to change. Take your time and spend time with the dog so they know you are in control.
Since older dogs can go for longer periods without relieving themselves, you can use the command method for housebreaking. After the dog eats, you can expect that within a hour the dog will have to go potty. This is not always true for drinking water. Most dogs will be able to drink water and not have to use the potty for a while. You will have to get to know that dog’s routine.
This means that you will spend some time outdoors until you figure out when the dog needs to go.
You can figure that the dog should go outside every hour for the first few days. If you tell the dog to go potty, they should catch on relatively fast. Give this command as they are going and then praise them and give them a treat. They will learn quickly that praise and a treat come when they go potty. If the dog goes potty in the house, you do not want to yell or punish the dog.
You will need to tell the dog no and take them outside and tell them to go potty.
What you must do until the older dog or even a puppy learns that they should go potty outside is to not play with them outdoors. The dog must learn that the reason that they are outside is to relieve themselves. After they learn, then you can offer play when they are done going to the potty. The older dog can be the same way. In some instances, you might want to put the dog on a leash in the yard and leave them for about fifteen to thirty minutes.
This can help for dogs that were treated badly for going to the bathroom in front of people.
Even though the older dog is not housetrained, you can change this around with a little work. The best way to do this is on a weekend when you can be home all the time to work with the dog. You will need to reinforce good behavior, which should be done in the first few days of bringing the dog into the house.
You will find that whether you crate train or command train the older dog, they will be quick to learn and eager to please you if you treat them with love and give praise and treats for doing well.
Even the worst dog can be transformed with love and training.
For more helpful dog training help, please visit the Complete 7 DAY Dog Training Guide.
You may not believe it, but you can train puppies and older dogs to go to the bathroom on command. Many puppies can hear words that are repeated and associate them with what you want them to do. For instance, when your puppy is outside relieving him or herself, say go potty.
If you do this enough, the puppy will soon associate the phrase ‘go potty’ with relieving him or herself. This will train the puppy to go potty on command. Word association is the best way to train your puppy.
If your puppy goes to the bathroom in the house, you can say, “No, go outside,” then take the puppy outdoors. After a while, the puppy will use this word association with something they should not do indoors but outdoors.
There is never a need to spank a dog when you are using command training. The puppy will associate the word ‘no’ with bad behavior and will learn to go outside rather than indoors.
The first thing that you must do is take the puppy outside and tell it to go potty. The puppy must stay outside until he or she goes. You will continue to instruct the puppy to ‘go potty’ until they finally do. Then you should praise the puppy for a good job. After a while, the puppy is going to learn that going potty outside makes you happy.
You should choose one specific spot for command training to relieve themselves. They will associate this spot with going potty.
The way you praise your puppy and treat them will have a positive affect on command potty training. If you use the phrase ‘go potty’, be precise and clear. Some puppies may hear the word as ‘no’ if you are not clear.
You could also choose a different phrase such as ‘potty’ or ‘do your job’ and make it sound less like ‘no potty’. You can command train your puppy for any word command and they will eventually learn it.
The one thing you must do is be consistent. Do not use different phrases or words that should mean the same thing, the puppy does not understand this and will become confused.
When using any type of command training, you should use praise as well as little puppy treats. This just helps reinforce a good job and the puppy will associate the command with what you want them to do so they can have a treat.
A puppy as well as an older dog wants to please their owners. You just need a little patients and understanding to accomplish this.
Command housebreaking a puppy can be done indoors or outdoors. If you prefer the puppy to urinate outdoors, this will work well. If you prefer the dog to urinate on paper or puppy pads indoors, you will place the puppy on the pad and instruct him or her to potty. This has to be done all the time.
Many times, after a puppy is completely potty trained, you can stop the commands.
For more helpful dog training help, please visit the Complete 7 DAY Dog Training Guide.
Potty training a puppy does have some common problems, but if you have patients, things will work out well.
Marking the territory is a problem with males dogs more so than with a female dog. This is unfortunate for the owner, but this can be stopped by spaying and neutering the dog as soon as possible.
If your dog does have an accident in the house, you will have to remove the urine and eliminate the smell or the dog will continue to go back to that spot. Try a product that has active enzymes rather than something that will only mask the smell for a short time.
Keep the dog on a regular feeding and drinking schedule to prevent any accidents in the home. If your dog is not house trained, you would not want to leave food out all day long. The dog should be on a timed feeding routine until he or she is properly potty trained. This can be a breakfast, lunch and dinner feeding. Then you will have control over when the dog will need to relieve him or herself.
The same will go for water. Do not give large amounts of water if you are going to be gone to work.
Time in the crate can pose some problems for young dogs that do not have a large enough bladder. You can figure that a dog that is two months old can hold their urine for two hours and a three-month-old dog can hold it for three hours and so forth.
If you are leaving the puppy in the crate for eight hours, use a puppy potty pad because they are going to have an accident. This of course is different with every dog and dog breed.
Even the best-trained dog can have an accident if you leave him or her along for long periods of time. If the dog is on a regular schedule and you miss that potty time, they may have an accident. If you are going to be long for a long time, you may want to provide a puppy potty pad for the dog.
Dogs can also get bored when left alone all the time and may strike out at you by urinating in the house. This unfortunately is a behavior problem you have to deal with by training the dog to do something else while you are gone.
Provide dog toys and keep the TV on while you are gone and the dog will always feel as if someone is home. Many people laugh when you tell them the dog needs to have a TV on, but the truth is that a dog will feel more comfortable. You may also want to leave a light on if you will be gone at night.
The more you may the dog feel at ease, the more they will want to please you and not urinate in the house while you are home or gone. It is their nature to please their owners, but they can also show you they are upset by breaking the rules.
For more helpful dog training help, please visit the Complete 7 DAY Dog Training Guide.
