Guess what?  Were you aware that once you have taught your dog the basics of obedience training, it is actually not a very big step to teaching your dog a couple of tricks.

Nearly all of the nifty “tricks” that people teach their dogs, including those that professional dog actors are taught, are simply based upon the very rudimentary skills that your dog learns at a young age.

Remember that if you want to engage your dog in learning a behavior that might otherwise be outside of his normal actions and behaviors, it is in your best interest to make it somewhat of a game, at least at the start.

A successfully taught trick hinges predominantly on consistency, rewards and ultimately shaping your dog’s behavior to the desired cues in order to do the trick well. 

If you offer your dog a treat for each approximation to the ultimate desired behavior, the dog will quickly learn what to do.  Gradually you are able to get your dog to perform more directly to your commands and if you are patient, your dog will be a grrrrreat showman!

Dog Training: How To Train Your Dog To Change Direction When Walking

An Exercise in Training and Practice

Teaching your dog to walk on a lead or leash is an exercise requiring training on the part of both you and your dog.  You must have the dog walking beside the owner without overtaking him or pulling.  Walking your dog should definitely not be an exercise in stretching or pulling, but rather a simple task.

The dog lead or leash is an ideal way in which to maintain control of the dog and communicate information to the dog.  Each and every movement, your change of direction and the contraction in your arm are all ways in which you can signal directions to the dog without it looking at you or even having to take a verbal instruction, once the animal has been properly trained.

You can begin the lead training when the dog is a puppy, getting the dog used to wearing of a collar first and then adding the leash to the combination.  Practice this at home, associating it with pleasant and playful times such as petting, games and rewards.  Try to avoid having the dog wear a collar and leash when you are away from it, as this association will consequently associate the restrains to its freedom with your departure from the home.

Once the puppy has achieved a level of comfort with wearing the collar and leash, and is able to walk about comfortably, you can move the next phase of the training in which you are able to make corrections to the dog’s actions.  If your dog pulls too strongly this will indicate a needed correction with a verbal correction,"NO."

You should not pick a retractable dog lead that would prevent a proper avenue of communication with the dog.  In the initial stages of training, a longer lead might be more appropriate and as the dog advances, the lead can be shortened.

Be patient, kind and consistent during all phases of the collar and leash training.  With time, rewards and consistency, your dog will be well behaved and safe.

Don’t forget to visit Leads and Leashes.

A Well Behaved Dog Guest is only SOMETIMES Welcome

Often we become so attached to our canine companions that we don’t think about NOT taking them along with us when we travel.  But, there are times when it is just better to consider traveling by yourself and making the holiday season with your beloved canine friend, something that you share in the comfort of your own surroundings.

If you do plan to take your furry friend for visits at the holidays it is prudent to check ahead with your host.  Not everyplace that welcomes you will do the same with your dog, even it the dog is very well behaved.

Better Left at Home, Sometimes
Crowds often annoy a dog and they may find themselves getting snappish, growly and short tempered when otherwise nicely temperamented.

Fancy holiday foods, while they are treats for us, can make a dog very ill.

Decorations may end up being tempting treats for your dog and ribbons, cords and tinsel pose health threats.

If They Go With You…
Pack a "Dog-E Bag" that includes every possible essential that you can think of for your dog friend and try to remember to include a special surprise, whether a toy or a small treat.

Take medications, vet records, leash, collar and additional identification.

Pack a gift for your dog hosts, both human and canine.

Don’t leave your dog unattended in the house with the host dog.  Things can happen and the results may not be what you had anticipated.

Happy howl-i-days and remember to give your dog a bit of extra attention at this time of the year.

Walking Your Dog: City Dog Walking

Special Care for Grooming Sensitive Skin: Part I

Why do they Do That?

One of the most obvious reasons that dogs hump is sexual.  Males that have not been neutered are able to perform humping as displaced sexual behavior.  Some dogs continue to hump even after having been neutered, possibly for purely pleasurable reasons.  However, there are actually other reasons that dogs do this.  It may be either some genetic background or else, it is a display of dominance.

The humping behavior is seen in both genders of dogs and is sometimes merely a sign of aggression or a desire for dominance in the hierarchy of the family, whether human or canine.  It is the dominant dog who gets the right to breed with receptive females.

Females that display this behavior is something a bit less common but not to be overlooked. 

As early as possible, if this behavior is evident, it should be corrected.  The "object" of the dog’s affection should be removed and the dog should be distracted.  This may take consistency and patience.  In extreme cases, it is essential that the human establish a dominant role to make sure that the dog understands who is in control of the situation.  In the early stages of this training, you may also have to resort to ignoring ALL inappropriate behaviors.  After a few weeks of consistent distractive techniques and the dog learning who is in charge, the canine should become oriented to more socially acceptible ways in which to play.

Read on in Chew toys for Dogs.

Dog Tricks – Teach Your Dog To Retrieve

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Teaching Your Dog To Heel: A Few Ideas