When it comes to dog training, crate training is a safe, effective, and humane way to go. It is as far from animal abuse as you can get. Crate training owners are not negligent in any way, as is often the criticism. They simply want the best for their dogs, and they recognize that crate training is a great method for teaching a variety of desired behaviors.

Far from being "locked up in a cage," crates provide a needed sense of safety for dogs. And they are multi-purpose. From helping with house training to quelling separation anxiety, crate training is one of the most effective training methods available.

Dogs like small, safe places, which is why their ancestors made dens. A crate recreates this feeling, which is why so many dogs respond favorably to them. It also gives them a space of their own, which everyone needs and appreciates.

Because of this, your dog will be much less anxious when you are away from home. You will return home to find a happy dog instead of chewed on furniture.

When you are away from home for short periods of time, you can put your dog in his crate. Soon, you'll find that he is less anxious and displays far fewer undesired behaviors even when he is not in his crate. Your dog will progress to the point where going into the crate when you're gone or sleeping is optional. But you may be surprised to find that your dog wants to go into his little space.

Because dogs are so resistant to soiling their own sleeping area, crates can help with the house training process. If left in their crates for small increments, they will develop greater control over their bladders and bowels. If you have a puppy, remember that they may be too young to hold it, so only keep them in the crate for little stints at a time.

Puppies want to please you, but their bodies may not be developed enough yet. When you keep your puppy in his crate at night and for periods during the day, ample exercise will help with house training. They need enough time and opportunities to relieve themselves. They also need to stretch their legs and expend some energy.

A dog crate can be a great tool in training your pet - just never use it for punishment. It can really help your dog feel secure and safe while you're away.

Crate training can take a little time, so let's get started.

You can choose crates that are made from plastic or metal, depending on how you will use the crate and what works for you. The important thing is to choose the correct size. Your dog should be able to turn around and lie down. You may think that a bigger crate is more comfortable, but it just allows him to create a space to relieve his bowels and bladder without soiling his sleeping area.

If a dog has more space than that, he can create a separate area for going "to the bathroom." If he has room only for sleeping, the puppy house training process will be much more effective.

Now, you have to acclimate your pet to his new crate. If you keep it in the living room or kitchen, he can feel free to explore it while not isolating himself from you and your family. Keep the door open so he can come and go. Don't force him in at this point.

Get him to go in by dropping treats or a favorite toy inside. You can also try feeding your dog next to or in his crate so he will have good associations with it.

Let him go in and out. If you feel he's ready, close the door. Once he realizes he's closed in, he may whine. This is a normal and understandable reaction. Think of it like putting a baby to bed.

Like babies, puppies will want to get out and return to you. If you cave in with a baby, he won't learn to sleep on his own. If you give in to your pet, he won't learn to stay in the crate. Ultimately, it is very beneficial to him, so stick with it. When he stops whining, you can let him out for a walk or some play time. Start with several minutes of crate time and progress gradually. Always take him for a walk or let him out to play before and after crate time.

If your dog is reluctant to go into his crate, try encouraging him with a treat. Once in, leave him for a few minutes while you go into the next room. Let your dog remain in the crate while you are out of sight.

Stay in the next room for about ten minutes, and then come back and resume your position near the crate. Increase the time you are in the next room until your dog is comfortable with about thirty minutes. At this milestone, you can begin leaving him in his crate while you are not home.

Dogs are very adaptable, especially when they find something enjoyable. While you may have to work a little to get your dog into his crate, you may find that he really likes it. Many dogs even go in on their own when they want some down time. It is worth it to invest some time now because the benefits are so great for you both.

Find some great resources to begin exploring puppy aggressive training and effortlessly review websites such as this sit stay fetch results.

by Brad Morgan

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing they all have in common is the love of digging. From burying bones to making cool dens for shelter, dogs in yards will inevitably turn to this favorite past time.

While it is a natural instinct in dogs, digging can be detrimental to your yard and to your dog's discipline. How can you get your living breathing shovel to stop?

Why does your dog dig? Does he just like the action and feeling or is there another reason lurking underneath? Figuring out why your dog is engaging in this undesirable behavior is the first step in correcting it.

There are reasons why your dog may dig in your yard: he may need more exercise and stimulation. He may be hoarding food or trying to cool off or stay warm in the ground. He may be trying to investigate the smell of fertilizer or fresh dirt.

Knowing the reason behind the digging can help you stop the behavior. For instance, if it is due to boredom or lack of attention, you can start to offer your dog more play time with you.

If the problem persists, try one of the following:

1. Bury inflated balloons in places where your dog likes to dig. One popped balloon can be a great deterrent.

2. Along the same lines, you can mix in his feces when you refill a hole he's dug. Dogs will often return to the same spots, and when he discovers the feces, he'll be turned off digging.

3. Chicken wire is another thing you can bury in your yard to deter your dog from digging. He'll hate the feeling of his claws against the wire and will be prompted to stop.

4. Spray him with a hose. Dogs hate being sprayed, especially in the face. Make sure if you do this that you have caught him in the act of digging or he won?t know why you?re spraying him.

Digging doesn't have to be a part of your dog's normal routine. With a little work and training, you can get past this behavior and have a hole-free yard

Another Great Way to Modify Your Dogs Behavior - Training With Clickers

You want to teach your dog acceptable behavior in a gentle, humane way. Many people have found success with the clicker method.

Clicker training works on the principle of operant conditioning. This is when a behavior is repeated because a reward is associated with it. Here is some more on how clicker training works:

A clicker is a small plastic box with a metal strip. When you push and release the metal strip, it makes a sharp clicking sound.

Ask your dog to perform a command, such as sit, stay, heel, etc. When he does, click right away and give your dog a treat. You are pairing the clicking sound with the treat.

The dog learns to associate the click with the behavior and the click with the treat, which makes it more likely that he?ll repeat it. Soon, just the click will be enough, and eventually, it can be phased out altogether.

Clicking is immediate. Dogs need to know exactly what they are being praised for, and the clicking sound helps let them know. This is why the clicker method is so effective for training.

Your dog really wants to make you proud. Using the clicker method is a great way to teach your dog in an effective and humane manner.

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by Don De Good

Know your options well before you start dog training. There are now quite a variety of dog training methods available. Each of these training courses offers something different, with different price levels.

The first type of dog training is known as puppy preschool. This is a dog training course meant for puppies that are about 6 weeks to 5 months old. These puppy preschool classes generally last for no more than 6 to 8 weeks. In these training sessions, your puppy is essentially taught how to socialize with people and as well as other puppies. Here your puppy also begins to learn how to sit down, stay at a place, and how to come.

The second part of the dog training focuses on ages 5 months old and up. Basic dog training is the name of this particular program. These classes are in session for eight to ten weeks. The basic course teaches dogs to sit, stay, heel, come, and walk on a leash.

Intermediate dog training offers a third dog training course. This dog training reinforces what was already learned in the basic training with more detail. Because your dog was trained it will be able to focus better and follow orders better.

The intermediate dog training generally lasts for about 8 to 10 weeks, and is meant for those that are no less than 5 months old. It is essential for the dog to have completed its basic dog training course, or to be accustomed to the basic commands that could have been taught by the owner.

Advanced dog training is the second training course available. Here, again, the class is very similar to the prior one, I.E., the mid-level dog training program, besides being more thorough in this case. In this program the dog will learn how to not rely on seeing you in order to follow a sit command.

It was about training intermediate course is from eight to ten weeks long. Another thing they will learn here is how to stay with their owners even when they are not on a leash.Furthermore, this slowly gets your pet ready for the Canine Good Citizen training program. The final instruction plan for pets is called Canine Good Citizen training program. After your dog learns the 10 necessary steps it will pass this course.

Dogs should not take this course unless they've completed all of the other courses. This is by no means an easy test and it takes a really obedient dog to do well with it. The length of the course depends largely on how your dog does.

When you put all of these things into consideration it should be rather easy for you to find the right dog training course for your dog. To learn more, you may also speak with local dog trainers. A lot of trainers offer consultations at no charge. Now that you know enough, you she be a step high to having your dog into a training course!

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by Don De Good

I know I know, you probably think any sort of training will interrupt the wonderful relationship you share with your dog. Sure it does yell rather annoyingly when you take it out on walks, and you do have to lock it up during dinner parties given how it snarls and growls at your friends four year old, but that's all ok, because that's what dogs do right? Ummm... not really. Sorry to burst your bubble but in spite of not being a human being your dog too is expected to be polite. Sure his antics might seem adorable to you, you might think it's cute when he jumps up at neighbors and scratches up doors, but your dog's victims sure as hell wouldn't agree with you.

You may not like the idea of asserting authority over your dog to make him behave properly. That is perfectly alright. Some dog owners have the pathetic idea that you must be established as the "boss" over your dog. Kudos to the dog owner who does not fall a victim to this idea. Unlike the ringmaster who quickly snaps his whip, you do not have to assert your authority through aggression.

Where you are wrong, however, is in your basic understanding of dog training. You need to realize that training your dog is not about proving how much better you are than it, you are not trying to teach it 'human rules' and thereby attempting to make it more 'human', training is not a method of 'humanizing' a dog. What it is, in fact, is a way of improving the relationship you share with your pet, and of course a means of making it more sociable.

You may be curious, "How will this really impact my life with my pet"? This is why training is important! The bulk of our lives are spent in the office, drinking our lattes, in front of the computer screen. The short amount of time we are able to spend with our loved ones and pets is often merged with a social activity. On beautiful nights after work we go for a stroll in the nearby park, or down the road to watch the latest blockbuster at our friend's house. When our dogs behave poorly, we are hesitant to take them along on these outings. We proceed to leave our pet at home more and more, until finally, it ceases to be a part of our lives.

Not unlike human beings, dogs are prone to becoming sad, lonely, and even depressed. They thrive on interaction with their owners, and become dejected when they are left alone in a dark house.

So, it seems that your avoidance of training your dog has actually isolated your pet, and kept them from taking part in pursuits that would build your bond together.

Dogs who have gone through obedience training are better able to contend with their immediate environment. A trained dog is a happy dog! Dogs who are trained have structure in their lives that is good for them, and makes them easier to live with as well. Give your wonderful dog the gift of your companionship. Train your pet so that it can go along for fun regardless of where you are going or who will be there.

So, prove to your dog that you truly care by taking it out for obedience training today. Once they learn the magic words: heel, stay, sit, come, down, you and your best buddy will be inseparable. Happy training!

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by Alicia Ainsley Summers

When House Training Puppies, crate training is the quickest way to get the job done. It works so well because when crate training puppies, it's very simple to get a handle on your dog's eating and toilet schedule, while making it very clear to your puppy where the toilet area is.

Many inexperienced dog owners are uncomfortable with the idea of crate training, as it might seem harsh or cruel. Dogs enjoy having a private den area, and the crate becomes a safe space for your puppy that he knows is his "home" and he can go to when he's tired. The way crate training basically works is that a puppy is resistant to going to the toilet in his own space, and will try to hold off on relieving himself until he can get to another location-this is why crate training works.

The crate needs to be large enough so your puppy can comfortably walk around in a circle and then lie down. As he gets older, upgrade to a larger crate if necessary. Crate training puppies works basically because dogs want to avoid lying in their urine so they hold off on using the toilet when in the crate for as long as possible.

Keep track of the times each day your puppy drinks, eats and goes to the bathroom throughout the day. Then put together a toilet break schedule based on the times of day your puppy might need to go potty. Potty times usually happen first thing in the morning, after vigorous play, about 30 minutes after eating, and just before bedtime. For very young puppies a few nighttime time trips might be needed if they cannot hold it all night long.

The first thing you do when you take your puppy out of his crate is take him right to the toilet area. If he gets easily distracted, simply carry him straight there and set him down in the toilet area. Be prepared to watch and wait for 10-15 minutes, especially in the beginning. Once he has finished his business, immediately give lots of verbal praise and offer him a treat. If nothing happens, take him back to the crate, and try again in about 20 minutes. Repeat until successful, and then reward the good behavior with playtime, as well as lots of praise and affection. It is important to teach your dog that he needs to go potty first, then he can have playtime. This sets him up to expect and understand that he should get his business done and then he gets playtime.

Crate training puppies can take a lot of time in the beginning, but be patient with your puppy. Crate training works. Your puppy should be kept in his crate throughout the day and night but with frequent, regular breaks for playing.

You must keep your eyes on your puppy at all times when he is out of the crate. If you see him about to go on the carpet, say no firmly and pick him up and immediately take him to the right area. This can be somewhat awkward, but it is really the only opportunity to help your puppy understand where his toilet area is.

When you are house training puppies, be patient and understanding, because accidents will happen. What you should do is quietly clean up the mess without letting your dog see, so you aren't drawing any attention to it. Be sure and use a proper cleaning product to remove the urine smell. And remember, your puppy is just a baby and doesn't know any better, so take the time to teach him what to do, and your patience will be rewarded!

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Small dogs are easy to care for. Having said that, there are certain points they need to be made aware of when looking after a small dog.

There are a few things that will need to be carefully considered before you proceed to buy one.

What you need to feed them: You must consider the size of the food you buy them from the grocery store as they won't be able to eat the normal type of food ordinarily purchased for a regular size pooch. Buying a kibble for example must take into consideration the size of their jaw so a smaller one will be required which you may not find in just any store. Fortunately, canned food should not be a problem and will definitely be easier to obtain.

How to contain them: All dogs need exercise and a safe place to potty outdoors, and a fenced-in yard provides all the security they need, right? Smaller dogs are much more nimble that larger dogs and what might be a secure environment for one is not necessarily for the other. It is also important to remember that fences can not provide top protection where you might find hawks eyeing your tiny pet as they are known to come down fast and sweep away minute dogs and puppies. A simple answer to this problem is to construct an enclosed play area which should stop this from happening.

Dog training: While the training methodologies may be the same for large as well as tiny and are not any harder, but canine experts confirm that more often than not, the smaller counterparts are usually over-mothered. Although your pet might indeed fit into your pocket (and some breeds can), they still see the world in relation to pack mentality and someone has to be the leader so if you are weak, they will govern you. One of the most important aspects of training is that the dog must imperatively be house trained even if the mess seems insignificant. Dogs are naturally working creatures with many types bred purely for this function so this should also refer to your pet too. for a small reward or treat.

Grooming: Keep in mind that grooming a small dog is slightly different to larger ones and cater for this. These diminutive pets usually require more frequent nail trimming than larger dogs, because they typically spend less time on rough surfaces wearing them down. If you want to ensure they have healthy teeth and gums you will have to brush them at least a couple of times each week as their main diet will consist of soft food from a can. The above makes it clear that it does not matter whether you are taking care of a small dog or a large dog the methods are pretty much the same. The differences between each dog, may look minor and insignificant, but when you pay extra attention to each one aspect, it can provide the correct answer to a dog's specific requirements.

For more info and to get a complimentary Dog Training Course visit tclarkpetsolutions.com

by Robert Hart

Buying a puppy can be likened to buying a used car. When the cars history is not known, smart shoppers demand a Car Fax report. Whether you are buying a used car or a puppy, the less educated you are, the more likely you will have expensive problems. The only way you will know for certain how a puppys mother was cared for; before, during, and post litter is to know the Breeder. Alas, buying direct from a Breeder is no guarantee that your puppy will be healthy! Breeders are often as ignorant of how to properly feed and supplement, as is the majority of MDs and Veterinarians in this country.

Just how high is the risk when you buy from a Pet Store and Rescue Facility? Most of the animals sold in rescue facilities were poorly cared for. Feral females are often impregnated when they are quite young, and are often impregnated while caring for a litter! Feral dogs must scavenge for food, which usually is loaded with bacterium that causes diarrhea. Diarrhea quickly causes dehydration, and leads to more advanced illnesses, which compromises the milk the pups rely on to develop strong immune systems.

The unquenchable appetite of Empty Nesters to buy puppies for companionship has resulted in an out-of-control business known as Puppy Mills. They are Big Business, and as such are run like businesses whose prime interest is stock-holder profits. The living conditions in puppy mills has been documented, but nothing has been done to legislate and monitor their facilities. Breed dogs are often treated like feed animals. Instead of getting proper nutrition and supplements to keep them strong, so they can produce and nurse healthy pups, they are fed lowest quality food and shot full of medications when they are sick, which is most of the time. They are highly stressful environments.

Puppies must be very resilient to survive being brought into the world in a Puppy Mill. We all know that stress can take its toll on human health. Well, pups are no different. When you add up all the levels of stress they and their mother are exposed to, from the time the mother is bred until the time the pups leave, it's amazing how many survive. Even the time at the pet store until they get acclimated to your home is stressful. All that stress adds up to undiagnosable illness and disease and shortened life expectancy.

Bringing Your Puppy Home No matter how healthy your puppy is, they will succumb to emotional stress; imagine the effect on a puppy with a weak immune system. New puppies experience stress on many levels; Meeting you, leaving the store, traveling and adjusting to your home, new people, new sounds, new smells, new food, other pets, and all the attention Any one of these can cause your puppy to have diarrhea. First time puppy owners often panic, and run to the vet, where they will likely come home with antibiotics and steroids, and told to withhold food and water for 24-48 hours. Thats rough for a full grown dog, let alone a puppy. Stress related diarrhea can be quickly, and safely resolved by administering soil-based probiotic organisms (SBOs), clinically to restore bacterial balance.

Contrary to what you have been lead to believe, The Best Food For Your Puppy does not come in a bag, or in a can, unless you are shopping in a holistic pet store, and even then Buyer Beware! Two important nutritional facts to know and act upon are (1) 90% of your puppy's total immune system is located in their digestive system, and (2) 80% of all chronic disease is caused by an unhealthy digestive system.

Your puppy is a meat eater. Manufactured dog food lacks human-grade animal protein and digestive supplements any dog needs to grow up healthy, and stay healthy. If your puppy is already weaned, the best food to help their young bodies and immune systems to develop properly is food that comes as close to their wild relatives diet as possible- high-quality animal protein. People who have switched to a raw diet report improvements in health, energy, and behavior: however, no matter what diet you choose, it needs to be supplemented with digestive enzymes, soil-based probiotic organisms (SBOs) and a complement of omega 3-6 oils; all are essential to develop and sustain a strong digestive/immune system.

Hopefully, this article is a wake-up call. Owning a puppy is a huge responsibility that should not be taken lightly. All one has to do is look around at the millions of sick pets and ask "What do they have in common?" The answer is manufactured dog food, and a lack of digestive aids needed to break food down into absorbable elements. The knowledge you need to make sure your puppy grows up to be healthy and happy, as well as live a full life is very simple.

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by Paula M Bryant

It is exciting to get a new puppy but before he comes home you will need to get a few things to help you to train him to be a respected member of your family unit. It is easier to have the stuff you will need on hand than to try to get them afterward.

If you go to the pet store you will see that there are plethora of dog products that you can buy. Some of these are valuable to have and others are just a waste of money.

The most critical item that you need to have is a crate. All of your training will go better if you use a crate. Also dogs like to have their own space that is pleasant and secure for them. Make sure that you get the appropriate size, not too large and not too small. You may want two if you take your dog in the auto very often.

A collar and a leash are also imperative. Get one everyday collar that fits well and save any special training collars for later. One six-foot, possibly retractable leash that is comfortable for your hand is also vital.

Plan what your puppy will eat and get some food and water dishes. Stainless steel is commonly best. Try to find out what brand of food your puppy has been used to eating and get enough of that for at least a few weeks. All dietary changes should be made little by little.

In order to be equipped to start your training immediately you will need to have some soft treats to reward your puppy and also some type of aversive. An aversive will deter your dog from disobedient behavior as it is something that is totally harmless but your dog doesn't like it and will do everything he can to stay away from it. A clicker that makes a noise or a squirt bottle that squirts water are examples of dissimilar types of an aversive.

Young puppies need to chew so you will want to get some proper chewing things. Start with just a few until you know what your puppy likes. The same thing goes for toys, get a few toys but wait until you know his personality to get very many.

When you are prepared you will be able to have more enjoyment with your puppy, schooling him to stroll on a leash and play. All of your training will be easier also if you are prepared.

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by Chad Murray

The American Kennel Club registers dogs and provides a certified printed or electronic paper that displays the pedigree of a dog and all of the other important information concerning the parentage of a dog. The AKC has long been the promoter for dogs and dog owners throughout the country.

There are over 160 breeds of recognizable purebred dogs that the AKC recognizes. There are the common breeds that are familiar to very nearly each person like the Labrador Retriever or the Cocker Spaniel and there are some very little known breeds that are much more infrequent like the Borzoi or the Petit Basset Griffon Venden.

Each one of the documented breeds is part of a larger category or group, which signifies the original breeding purpose of the dog and recognizes their distinct individuality. Some dogs were bred for herding or hunting while a few were just bred for pets.

A important group is the sporting group, which includes retrievers, setters and spaniels. Members of this group need ordinary and stimulating exercise. Many of them have inherent instincts in the water and woods and they are often good at hunting and other field activities.

The hound groups of breeds were generally used for hunting in the past. Many of them have an keen sense of smell to follow a trail of prey. They also have great endurance to further hunt down their game. This grouping includes Basset hounds, Beagles and Bloodhounds.

The working group was dogs that were bred for working such as pulling sleds or performing water rescues. The next group is the Terrier group and they were formerly bred to chase and kill vermin. Terriers usually have uniquely lively and spunky personalities.

The toy group was primarily bred as a pet and as true to their label they tend to be petite but lively. There are little dogs in every group however, so all small dogs are not categorized into the toy group. Some of the toy breeds include the spunky Chihuahua and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The next group is the non-sporting group and it includes such breeds as the Chow-chow and Dalmatian. The Poodle is also part of the non-sporting group.

The newest categorization group is the herding group. These groups were previously part of the working group. These are the dogs that were bred to herd other animals such as sheep or cattle. A Shetland sheepdog or Sheltie and a Corgi are representative of the herding group. Each of the groups has their own exceptional individuality and you will find the character you are looking for in a dog.

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by Joe R. Hilliard

No matter how fun and rewarding having a puppy may be, its going to be a nightmare without proper training " especially when it comes to biting. There are a lot of techniques out there on how to stop puppies from biting, and people come to me to ask for advice. Basically what I tell them is that puppies, at a young age, are always apt to bite and chew.

However, if your puppys biting tendencies get overboard, you should now probably think about how to get it to stop biting.

You can use water as a simple obedience training to get your puppy to stop biting. Basically what you do is get a water gun or sprayer, catch the dog doing something wrong, then lightly spray it. Its effective, especially when the puppy is caught off-guard.

This will only work if you are around the house a lot, and can be around your puppy enough to keep an eye on it, and punish it the moment it behaves badly. Also make sure that you catch the puppy in the act of biting before spraying it, otherwise it wont work, and the puppy wont understand the punishment.

Another good technique to stop puppies from biting is called the yelp approach, and is used to make the puppy stop biting you or other people and not items around the house. Basically, instead of saying NO or getting angry at your puppy, you yelp when they bite you.

This makes use of the pack mentality, and it makes the puppy think that by yelping, they bit you too hard and will stop biting. This is very effective in getting puppies to stop biting, and it also doesnt confuse, pressure or intimidate your pet.

Yet another technique is to use orange peels to keep your puppy from biting. Dogs dont really like orange peels, so you can put orange peels on whatever items your puppy likes to bite, and those will make your puppy keep away from that item. If you dont have orange peels then white pepper can do the job too. After your puppy has been experiencing orange peels for some time, it will learn to keep away from these items.

After a while of doing this, your puppy will learn to not bite item seven when no orange peel is present. Anyway these techniques are effective, but remember that these are just supplements; most puppies outgrow the biting stage of their puppyhood, and these techniques are only to make sure they do outgrow their tendency to bite.

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