Basic Dog Obedience Training Command by Leo Enoch

I cannot stress more the significance of obedience training for your dog. Besides it is very big factor to the well being of your dog and your own pleasure in owning a dog.
Dog owners would absolutely enjoy more sharing a house, a car or even spending the time together walking your dog in the public, when your dog can be told to eliminate outside (house training), to come, to sit or to stay easily at your say.
Obedience Training also proved to be a very clear sign of responsible ownership, it is so generally known that if your dog can demonstrate these basic obedience commands as well as walking on leash with ease and some other simple assignment, your dog can receive the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen Certification.
This Certification is an evidence that your dog is sociable, well behaved and reliable to people in general. In some state this CGC Certification is a benchmark of your dog behavior and responsible dog ownership.
Dog owners in particular those who are new typically faces difficulty in training their dog, it is because they do not recognize that dogs think and act different from us. They failed to make much advancement in dog training because they failed to realize that dog communicate differently from us.
The major fault made by new dog owners is having too many command and inconsistency in their training routines. Remember that consistency is very crucial, do not say 2 words for the same of action that you want your dog to obey.
Here below are some commonly used basic dog obedience commands that you should start with prior going to other more more difficult command, that will help you as dog owner to feel good taking your dog for a walk in the park or in public areas.
Come: this command is used to recall your dog
Sit: this command tell your dog to be in sitting position.
Stay: the dog must keep still in any position whether it is sitting, down or in that location where the command is given until released by you
Down: this command tells the dog to go down with its front feet and rear legs are touching the ground.
Here are some information how you can actually increase the effectiveness and the pace of your dog training:
1. Always use the same command words and in the same tone or speed of speaking
2. Have tolerance, your dog will fail you.
3. The dog has single track mind, teach one thing at a time, do not try to teach too many command in one single training session
4. When your dog did anything right or wrong, your rewards and punishment should come almost at once. Do not punish or reward after a long delay from the act itself because your dog will not be able to connect the two.
5. Increase bonding with your dog by taking him out for an exercise or play with him. All training session should be based on this bond.
6. Before teaching your dog, you should get trustworthy dog training manual and go through it thoroughly before starting your dog training session. It is harder to ask your dog to unlearn wrong things than learning new things
7. Never call your dog to come to you to punish, you will give them wrong understanding that the word come means punishment.
8. Do not permit other people to give any command to your dog more so when you are training him.
9. Do not train your dog when you are not in the mood or when you are not feeling well.
10. Never get violence with your dog.
Obedience Training is a clear indication of responsible dog ownership. Every responsible dog owner should endeavor to train his/her dog to at least acquire these basic obedience skills.

About the Author

Leo Enoch Provide Free Info and Tips on Effective Dog Training Solution, you can visit:
http://www.DogTrainingSolution.com

Adopt A Shelter Dog by Kelly T

You can find a good companion in a dog from a shelter. You first need to clarify what traits you want in your new dog, as well as evaluate what kind of home you can provide.
A Compatible Dog
Most dogs available for adoption at a shelter are adult dogs. I am going to inform you about them because they are easier to care for than a puppy; and there are so many staying in shelters that need homes. If the dog will live inside pick one that is housebroken. That is something you couldn't find in a puppy. As far as intelligence, trainability and friendliness there appears to be no difference between males and females. Males, however, tend to be more territorial. They mark and defend territory, though neutering helps this behavior. Medium to large dogs are alway more plentiful.
Long-haired dogs not only shed but they get hot under that coat in the summer. Did you know that they hide more parasites and even infections? Collies and huskies have a double coat for cold weather. I suggest that you not look for a breed but look for an individual that most closely matches the qualities you believe will mesh with your lifestyle. Shelter employees are a good source for estimating what breeds appear to have most strongly contributed to a specific dog there.
Three aspects to consider about a dog follow. Decide which is most important.
physical: weight, food requirements, exercise, health and coat.
temperament: emotional reactions to what causes fear or makes the dog happy
behavioral: tricks and commands the dog performs, habits of the dog
Here are some questions to ask yourself to narrow down what dog is right for you before you step foot into any shelter.
Do you want a dog that is consistently fired up?
Do you want a dog that plays with other dogs?
Do you want a dog content to sleep during the day?
Do you want a dog that can go the distance with you when jogging?
Do you want a dog that barks very little?
Do you want a dog that already knows commands?
Do you want a dog that likes kids?
Do you want a dog that wants lots of your attention?
Do you want a dog that is curious and mischievous?
Do you want a dog that is friendly to strangers or protective of you?

I don't recommend that you bring home a dog that is very dominant or, at the other end of the personality spectrum, very submissive. A dominating dog may occasionally challenge authority and needs more solid corrections at these times. A submissive personality may be quite sensitive, especially if you are loud and vocal yourself. You know who you are! These meeker dogs are not likely to be highly protective of you and your home.
Classes of Dogs
Dogs are such interesting creatures. This is in large part because of their diverse natures.
Sporting dogs were bred to find, flush or fetch game and tend to take well to training.
Scent hounds can't seem to help but press their snouts to the ground and follow wherever the scent leads. Sight hounds are lanky and speedy dogs using their keen vision to spot prey. They usually have a rather quiet temperament.
Working dogs were used mainly as protection and are good at focusing on the job you've trained them for. They are known for their intelligence and courage.
Herding dogs have a similar work ethic with an added dose of energy. You've probably seen dogs that love to chase--if only they had a flock of sheep to herd and protect! Terriers are smaller dogs with a bold attitude and short or wiry hair. They were trained and bred to hunt small ground-dwelling animals. Toy dogs are the smallest dogs. They fit on your lap and make good company. There is a lot of energy as well as intelligence packed into their little bodies.
These distinctions should get you started on the general type that would be right for you. Ask the staff how long the dog you like has been there and how many hours of human contact he has had. If the staff has done formal temperament testing that is ideal. Be sure, at the least, the shelter has met the following basic medical needs before you adopt:
Has the dog been wormed?
Has his blood been checked for heartworm?
Have his ears and skin been checked for parasites and mites?
Some shelters spay and neuter, but not all. The shelter may not release a dog to a home that doesn't meet high standards. They usually have very good reasons for this. Expect that they will ask a lot of questions of you too. Timing is also a factor in deciding to adopt. Don't do it before or during a holiday season or vacation. Don't do it at the start of a school year or during a stressful time in your life such as a divorce. You want to be happy so your dog can be relaxed too.
Have these items on hand for when you bring your lucky dog home: a crate, leash, collar for training,collar for wearing around the house, food and water bowls, food, grooming comb and brush, bed, pooper scooper and toys. Keep the attitude that your new dog will take time and effort on your part to adjust. Enjoy each other!
Written by Kelly T. at http://www.zestbit.com http://www.zestbit.com/search/searchresults.aspx?q=Adopt%20A%20Shelter%20Dog"> www.zestbit.com

About the Author

Written by Kelly T. at http://www.zestbit.com http://www.zestbit.com/search/searchresults.aspx?q=Adopt%20A%20Shelter%20Dog"> www.zestbit.com

Crate Traing Your Dog - FAQ'S

Why should I crate train my dog?

There are several reasons why crate training your dog is important. For starters, I believe that it is only fair to properly crate train your dog. Dogs have a natural den instinct. They desire a place that is comfortable and secure. A crate provides this location. It is also fair to you as a dog owner. Crate training is the best way to house train and teach your canine friend house manners.


Is crate training cruel?

This is somewhat of a trick question. Done improperly crate training dogs is cruel. Some dog owners use the crate as a method of punishment, definitely a no-no. Others use the crate as a means of 'doggy babysitting' when they are too lazy or annoyed to deal with their dog. This is not what the crate is for.
Crate training your dog properly is not cruel. Proper crate training is humane and enjoyable for your dog. Your dog learns that he has a safe zone, or area that he can always feel comfortable and secure. As I mentioned above, dogs have a natural instinct to den. Sometimes this instinct is so overt that crate training your dog is easy, and other times you must bring that instinct out through good training. Either way, all dogs can be properly crate trained and learn to enjoy their crate.


Why does crate training your dog work?
Crate training your dog works because it provides a system for supervising your dog when you are not around. If you are house training your dog you can leave him in a crate and know that he won't go to the bathroom. He won't go to the bathroom because he views the crate as his den, and dogs avoid using such locations to relieve themselves. Crates can be means to supervise your dog when you are absent to prevent other behavior problems such as chewing, separation anxiety, and getting on the furniture. Crate training combined with vigilant supervision conditions your dog to have the behaviors that you desire.


Is crate training just for puppies?

No. Even an adult dog who has never been inside a crate can quickly be crate trained.


What type of crate should I use?
There are two main varieties, the all wire crate and the plastic crate. I recommend the plastic crate because it is enclosed and better mimics a den.


How long do I have to use the crate?

Crate training your dog can span many different lenghts of time. A crate is a dog training tool that can either be used for the life of the dog or phased out gradually. Depending on your dog and your diligence in training you could crate train your dog and then phase out the need for crate in as little as a month. Some dog owners like to keep the crate for some maintenance training. I like to keep a crate around because my dog will often go there when he feels stressed or just wants to take a nap.

About the Author

Author Ty Brown is a renowned dog trainer whose training adventures and clients have taken him to 18 states and 5 countries to teach others how to properly train their dogs. Go to dogbehavioronline.com for more dog training articles, advice, tips, and answers from a professional dog trainer.

How I Stopped My Barking Dog - Dog Obedience Training by Marshall Crum

Dogs are wonderful companions. They are always cute when they are puppies and usually they grow up to be great companions that always make you feel special. But, sometimes while growing up, they develop habits that are annoying that make them less than desirable as family members.
Consistent or excessive barking and jumping on people lead the list, especially in areas where people live close together or when traveling. A barking dog can be most annoying in a crowded RV park. Usually, it is not the dog's fault, but a lack of training. These are habits that can be easily corrected.
The best way to control excessive barking and jumping is with dog obedience training. The problem is that dog training takes time and a lot of patience. Two things that most of us don't have a lot of. Training a dog is a behavioral change project and requires commitment, time and patience and will not get immediate results. One good source of information for problem dogs is your veterinarian.
There are many products on the market that can provide immediate solutions to control excessive barking. These usually involve ultrasonic devices that attempt to distract the dog or electronic collars that deliver an electric shock or unpleasant spray when the dog barks.
Unfortunately, collars and sprays can also prevent the dog from barking when it should. Product reviews indicate that ultrasonic and spray systems do not work well for most dogs. Probably because they pay no attention to the distraction when their attention is focused on something else. Electronic collars that deliver a shock are more successful and can provide immediate results, but some people object to giving their beloved dog an electric shock.
We teach our dogs learn to jump on people at an early age. As a tiny little puppy, he would come running and jump against your leg, you would pet him or pick him up. At the same time, you were teaching him that it was okay to jump on people. He loved to be picked up and adored the attention and petting and he learned this lesson very quickly and continued it as he grew bigger and stronger. Dogs get excited to when they see new people or someone they haven't seen for a while and one of the ways they show it is to jump. What is okay for a puppy might not be okay for an adult dog.
How you react to jumping will determine whether or not your dog continues this unwanted behavior. Training takes a strong commitment, consistency and patience in dealing with the problem. You have to make it clear to the dog that jumping on someone is not acceptable. If you don't take time to correct the behavior, he will feel free to jump whenever he wants to.
Most trainers I have talked to or watched seem to feel that the most effective way to stop unwanted jumping is to ignore him when he jumps. Try not to yell or make any actual correction, just an effort to ignore the behavior. It seems that dogs can understand body language better than the spoken word. So if you turn your back on the dog or ignore him it will have a greater impact than all the yelling in the world. Reward the dog when he does something good, like getting his feet back on the ground when he jumps. You may have to repeat this cycle of ignoring the jump and rewarding him when his feet get on the ground several times and for several days before he finally gets the message and the behavior changes for good.
I know from experience that training a dog can be a frustrating experience. We have had to correct excessive barking, jumping, chewing and digging as well as leash training and just teaching our dogs how to be socially acceptable.
We had problem dogs and I was lost until I found aDog Trainer that had techniques that I could see and hear. I didn't care about being a certified trainer, I just wanted to stop some unwanted dog behaviors. Click Here to find out what I used to correct unwanted behaviors and training your dog today.

About the Author

The author has two dogs that are wonderful traveling companions with pleasant personalities and dispositions. It was not always the case. He has learned that keeping well-behaved dogs takes commitment and consistent correction.

How often should I wash my dog? by Alex Valentino

Most advice you find on the internet recommends washing your dog just several times per year!
Either these people have outdoor dogs or the articles were written a long time ago when the quality of pet shampoos was very poor! Times have changed! Today, dog's enjoy shampoos and conditioners that are on par with the best human shampoos- that don't have harsh chemicals and that don't strip the hair of all of it's oils.
The arguments against washing your dog too often are generally about stripping the coat of natural oils. The more often you wash something, the more often the sebum (oil) is going to be removed. Think about your own hair. If you don't wash it, what happens? It gets oily. Is the oil good for your hair? Probably, but we wash our hair everyday anyway so that it's clean!
There are several factors you should consider when deciding how often to wash your dog which include:
1. Does your dog live indoors or outdoors, and does your dog sleep in your bed?
If your dog lives in your house with you and more importantly, if he/she sleeps in your bed, then you are probably going to wash your dog regularly-depending on the breed anywhere from once a week to once a month. I know this is radical thinking, but, if your dog sits on your sofa, you probably don't want him dragging in dirt, poop, insects and other grime onto your sofa. So, the trade off is that your dog's coat might be marginally drier but you will have a fresh smelling dog that you can cuddle without the fear that gross stuff is getting into the sheets.
2. Breed of dog
Dogs that have dry skin can be bathed less frequently than dogs with oily skin. Harsh-textured coats repel dirt pretty well so they don't get as dirty as a soft-coated dog. Dogs like Maltese, Yorkies, Afghans and Shitzus should be bathed once a week. Harsh-coated breeds, like Shelties and Collies, can be bathed once a month. If you're not sure, remember, a clean dog is a happy dog!
One of my dog's is a Maltese and I can't imagine washing her less than once every week. Little white dogs pick up lots of dirt and by weeks end they are looking brown instead of white. Also, I hate to mention it but long-coated dogs get those famous cling on poops stuck to their bottoms.
My other dog, a Westie, who has a thicker coat, doesn't lget so dirty, but, I have to wash her every week due to the next point- allergies.
3. Is anyone in your household allergic to dogs?
If so, you SHOULD groom & bathe them as often as possible. According to the American Lung Association, doing so will help remove the dander that accumulates on a pet's fur.
I am allergic to one of my dogs and when I don't wash her once a week I get wheezy and sneezy.
4. What activities does your dog partake in?
Do you take your dog to the dog park? Does you dog play in the sand or dirt? Does your dog roll in the grass or go swimming or hiking? What about sniffing butts, eating poop or drooling?
Well, if you have a normal dog, she probably partakes in several of the above activities- all of which warrant regular bathing. Again, you have to think of the trade off. Your dog's coat may be marginally drier HOWEVER, he will be cleaner, smell better, and most important you will be more likely to give a clean dog lots of love. Those smelly dogs we tend to keep at arms length.
5. Does your dog suffer from itchy skin?
Unlike humans who absorb most environmental allergens through their noses and mouths, dogs tend to absorb allergens through the skin. Weekly bathing can prevent itchiness, washing allergens away before they get a chance to penetrate the skin.
So at the conclusion of all of this - the answer for MOST dogs is to wash them once every week to once a month, depending on the above circumstances.
But remember, use a gentle pet shampoo and conditioner. Do not use your own shampoo. Click here for an article of why you should not use your own shampoo on your dog.
Also, if you simply can't wash your dog for a prolonged period of time you can use a dry shampoo, like Dry Dog Instant Clean - This is a really effective spray on bath replacement that helps to get rid of bad odors. Also, if you feed your dog a non-commercial, all natural and organic diet chances are your canine companion will be less smelly. Our favorite is a dehydrated raw pet food from the Honest Kitchen
Happytailsspa.com provides you Wholesale Dog Supplies, wholesale shampoo, and spa products, dog's dry skin care, itchy skin remedies, tear remover, odor remover, arthritis remedies and many more natural dog products at wholesale prices.

Dog Pregnancy - Caring For a Pregnant Dog

Signs Your Dog is pregnant
Once you have bred your bitch you will eagerly look for signs of canine pregnancy. Seeking more attention than usual, feeling hungrier and nipples and vulva that are somewhat enlarged could be some of the early signs. Visiting a vet will confirm it. More obvious signs of dog pregnancy, which generally manifest after three weeks of initial breeding, are:
· Vomiting due to hormonal changes.
· Listlessness and avoiding food.
· Weight gain, distention of the uterus. May require being relaxed with a drug.
· Nipples turn more pink.
More feeding may be required during dog gestation. It could last 56 to 69 days from the date of first breeding and could be slightly longer for larger breeds and somewhat shorter for smaller ones. Accessing a dog pregnancy calendar through the Internet will help you to track the stages from the date of the first mating right up to the day of whelping and help you prepare in advance. It will also suggest procedures for care of your pet throughout canine gestation and what to expect when whelping is near.
Special Care During Pregnancy:
Pregnant bitches love being pampered with more stroking! Regular walking, or some running within limits, will help maintain muscle tone and prevent overweight. Dog food generally has the required supplements. Give extra supplements only if the vet suggests, as excess could harm the litter. Excess calcium could even cause eclampsia. Provide extra protein every alternate day with a boiled egg or some cottage cheese. Frequency of meals can be increased midway through the dog gestation. Hair round the nipples gets thinner and may need trimming. De-worming before whelping is a good idea. Discuss treatment with the vet. Regular visits to the vet are necessary but expensive: it's wise to save for them.
Preparing for Puppies:
A whelping box can be expensive. Save for one and buy in advance. The Internet will provide information about availability and about making or assembling one. Pet shops are good sources. Keeping in mind the size you require, ensure that the whelping box is:
· Preferably made from double-walled rigid cardboard.
· Easy to assemble.
· Properly lined, insulated and comfortable.
· Provide puppy protection.
· Requires no disinfecting
· Can be discarded.
If you make one, line it with newspaper sheets and cover with a whelping blanket of soft thick fur. Use heavy drop cloths of plastic to hang from the walls or ceiling so that the whelping box is both safe and warm.
Encourage your bitch to sleep and sit in it so that she gets used to it prior to whelping. Keep the whelping box in a quiet room or basement where it is warm and cozy.
As whelping draws near your bitch will become more active, quieter, restless, and display her nesting instincts. She may scratch the floor or her bed and refuse food. Children and visitors are best kept out during whelping.
Natural instincts in bitches help them care for themselves during whelping: your aid may therefore, be unnecessary. Just be around in case a vet is required. Once the puppies are born, she will lick them clean and bite off the umbilical cord. Closely watching nature at work through the miracle of birth can be one great experience of a lifetime!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jyoti_Shah

How To Train A Puppy - 7 Common Mistakes To Avoid

The web is filled with tips on how to train a puppy and no doubt you have found many contradict one another. However, there are some things which you will find most dog trainers and behaviorists agree upon and that is the many mistakes you can make training your puppy. All your time spent teaching your best friend to follow your commands can come undone by making a few mistakes. Hopefully this list can guide you against making some common mistakes as you learn how to train a puppy.
1. Being Inconsistent With Commands
No doubt you have found many command words in your search for how to train a puppy. There are the common ones such as sit, stay, fetch etc. However which word you use doesn't matter as much as how you say it and what you associate the word to. A common problem is that people don't continue to use the same word and tone of voice with a command. If you teach your dog to sit using the word "sit" and use a low tone of voice, it is not a good idea to then try to get your puppy to sit by saying "sit down" in a high tone of voice. This is likely to confuse your pooch and create unwanted results. If you train your puppy to sit by saying sit, stay consistent with the word and how you say it.
2. Using Food As A Reward Every Time They Follow Your Command
Sometimes it is extremely difficult to resist those big wide eyes staring at you when your puppy wants a treat. However rewarding your dog for every correct command followed is a sure way to make your puppy training harder. There was a study a while ago where researchers trained monkeys in two groups to follow commands. The first group received a treat as a reward every time they followed a command and the second group was rewarded randomly with treats for following a command. The researchers found that the first group became dependent upon the reward and only would follow a command if a treat was offered for doing so. The second group however would follow the command every time because they didn't know whether they would get a treat or not. How does this relate to training your puppy you ask? The same thing can be found with your pooch. Instead of giving a treat for every correct command followed, only reward them with food some times. Of course this doesn't mean that you can't always praise them with a pat for following your command.
3. Don't Ignore Bad Behaviors
You may have found information informing you to ignore bad behavior and reward good behavior when you learn how to train a puppy. This is poor advice as your puppy needs to know right from wrong. Should you never correct them, the bad behavior will become an acceptable behavior to them. By all means this does not mean to hit or use any harsh punishment on your dog for a bad behavior. Simply telling your dog "no" and showing them the correct behavior is a simple way to remove bad behaviors. Things such as chewing your favorite shoes or barking unnecessarily can become a large problem should you leave it go without correction.
4. Hitting Your Dog Or Using Harsh Corrections
Quite simply put, this is a quick way to lose trust with your puppy. There is a big difference between your dog following your commands out of respect and trust as opposed to out of fear. The old ways of learning by hitting the nose of your puppy or spanking are out of date. In fact it is the cause of many dog attacks as irresponsible owners have hit their dogs as a teaching method. When another person attempts to pat the dog it becomes fearful and attacks the person out of defense. So if you want your dog to know they have done something wrong, correct them verbally and then show them the correct way of doing things. If you don't know how to train a puppy without using violence then it might be a good idea to find a professional trainer to help.
5. Patting Your Dog Or Praising After Correcting Them For Doing Something Wrong
A very common mistake made when people learn how to train a puppy is to pat their dog after they have just corrected them for doing something wrong. In fact who can blame you for feeling bad about correcting your dog when they look at you with their gorgeous puppy eyes. However by patting your pooch directly after correcting them, it provides a mixed message. In fact your dog may associate doing something wrong with being patted after they are corrected. Instead it is better for you to correct your dog and then show them the right way to do things. Should they do this right, then it is a good idea to praise them so they associate the new behaviour with being rewarded. This doesn't mean scolding your dog for misbehaving and then ignoring them for the rest of the day. Your puppy will know pretty quickly when you are displeased with them, just make sure you help them do the right thing and then offer praise.
6. Punishing Your Dog For Doing The Right Thing Without Knowing
You might look at this common mistake and think what on earth are we talking about? An example to use is when you walk your dog off lead and then for some reason you need them to come. You call your dog and then their reward is being put back on the lead. Obviously you are putting them on the lead for good reason however your puppy will associate being called with being told off. This is a problem. To counter this, use a similar solution to the rewards one mentioned above. If every time you call them they go on the lead, obviously they won't come because they assume they will be put back on the lead. Instead call your dog on walks and when they come praise them and give them a pat. Maybe take a couple of treats with you and randomly give those as well. This way your dog doesn't always think they will be put on the lead when called. This also applies for many other things so it is important to always think about how your dog would associate your commands.
7. Rubbing Your Dog's Nose In His Latest Toilet Mishap
Surely this mistake would have been removed from the basic trainer's handbook on how to train a puppy. Unfortunately this very old school method of training still exists and is practised in some places. Rubbing your puppy's nose in the mess they left behind hours earlier is not going to accomplish anything a part from irritating your dog. Surely you wouldn't want to pat your dog after their nose has been in their left behind mess either. Showing your puppy the right place to go to the toilet is the best way to potty train your dog. The hard part is that the only way to show them is by catching them as they do it and taking them to the right place to go. It is hard work but worth it.

Shelley Davies and Jason Turnbull, passionate dog lovers and creators of http://www.suitable-puppies.com/how-to-train-a-puppy.html, are striving to educate people on the keys to owning a puppy. Knowing how to train a puppy, how to take care of your dog and how to have fun is essential for your new best friend. Learn more tips on how to train your new family member by visiting http://www.suitable-puppies.com/how-to-train-a-puppy.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Turnbull

How To Treat Your Puppy From Day One

There are some things to carefully consider before buying a pet dog. Dogs can live up to fifteen years and more, are you ready for that kind of commitment? He will need obedience classes and potty training before he learns not to mess in the home. Then there are vets fees and the cost of a bed, toys, collar and leash etc; all not cheap. Do you have an area where the dog can play outdoors that is fenced off if not you will need to take him for daily walks.
Try to get your new puppy in the morning as this will give him the day to get used to his new surroundings before bedtime. Let him explore his new home. Start to teach him the basics straight away such as potty training and where to sleep. Exercise and play are good for your dog, he needs it to stay healthy.
Potty training is one of the first things you will want to do but remember that your puppy is a baby that doesn't yet have complete bowel control.. Get into a routine of taking your puppy outside at regular intervals. Never yell or punish him for having an accident especially if you don't catch him in the act, otherwise he will not know why you are angry. If you catch him in the act say "No", pick him up and take him outside to finish his business. Never yell or get angry. Every time he does it in the proper place praise him, pet him and reward him. Potty training shouldn't be a hassle, rather its one of the first bonding experiences between you and your puppy.
Generally it is best to start formal training at four to eight months. You will need to be consistent and patient. Losing your temper will just frighten him. When your dog does something right then in a cheerful tone praise him. Rather train in short sessions than long ones otherwise you will both get bored.
Your dog will eat most things but you should be careful what you feed him e.g. chocolate is a definite no no as it contains a substance that can be toxic to dogs. Do not let him over eat and become overweight this causes joint problems and other illnesses.
Make sure your vet gives him his vaccinations. Its best to spay or neuter if you are not planning on breeding. And finally, grooming your dog is important, not only will he look healthy he will feel healthy.

Derek is an online entrepreneur who has had a life long love of pets both big & small.


Derek Jenkinson has been brought up with dogs from his early years to now. Go to http://derek893.bezoogle.com/pp/dog-training/ for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derek_Jenkinson

Fat Dogs: Healthy OR Not by Ricardo Lumbardo

The Danger of Obesity in Dogs
Obesity in dogs is a common problem, which may come as a surprise to many dog owners. One of the top reasons, however, why obesity in dogs became common is that dogs cannot control their own weight. They rely on their owners for that. So if you, as a dog owner, do not pay much attention to your dog's weight, the next thing you do, you might see an obese dog having difficulty moving around. And since your dog's eating habits and the amount of food it is given depends entirely on you, if your dog gets obesity, it means that it is you who actually has a problem. Preventing obesity is easier than trimming your dog down to a normal weight. So as much as possible, you should try to pay attention to your dog's weight as much as you can. A fat dog may look cute or funny, but when your fat dog starts suffering because of the extra weight, you will have a bigger problem. Obese dogs are in greater danger of suffering from various types of dog diseases than healthy dogs. Dog obesity is also closely associated with the shortening of your dog's overall life span. Thus, if your dog is beginning to look round, it's time to start worrying. It doesn't really take that long and that much food for your fat dog to become an obese dog.
Solving Your Dog's Weight Problem
When you decide to try and solve your fat dog's weight problem, you are doing it a huge favor. So make sure that you are serious about it in every way. Consult your veterinarian for how much weight yourdog needs to lose. In obese cases, you would need a veterinarian's help. But if your dog is just a bit on the heavy side, you can do the weight control on your own. It's pretty much like weight control for humans. Here are some things you can do. Avoid dog biscuits that come in larger sizes. In training, don't use treats as incentives every time. Try to come up with various options. The same goes for other occasions as well. For example, your dog does something you liked. Your dog is being good. Your first instinct may just be to feed him, which is wrong. Consider other forms of reward, those that won't cause obesity in your already fat dog. Also, it is a common practice to give unwanted leftovers and table scraps to your dog. If your dog already has its allocated doggie meal, every piece of table scrap is already something, especially to an already fat dog. If you expect that there will be leftovers that will most likely go to your dog, lessen the amount of dog food that you give your pet to eat.
What Else Do You Need to Solve Your Dog's Weight Problem?
Your dog is cutting back on food. There is one more thing to do. Your dog needs to burn calories as well. This can be done through exercise. But dogs, no matter how intelligent they are, cannot simply exercise on their own without any guidance. What this means is, self-control, in terms of what food you give to your dog, is not all that you need. You also need to be committed to the task, and allot enough time to take your dog out for a regular exercise session. Don't worry. Surely, the exercise is going to do both you and your fat dog a lot of good. With the proper diet and the right exercise, your fat dog can eventually turn into a healthy dog. If your dog, however, has a serious dog obesity problem, then treatment is going to take a bit longer.

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