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A Few Tips Demystifying Proper Dog Training


When talking about dog training, there is a controversial aspect of debarking surgery, which purpose is to lower the volume of the dog’s barking. The procedure is used not only on dogs with especially loud barking, but also on dogs that bark constantly.

The controversial issue of debarking

Debarking does not stop the barking completely; it only reduces the volume. Still, as an aspect of dog training, debarking has been extensively discussed by animal lovers as well as experts. Many find debarking to be a practical and convenient method to quiet loud dogs. The opponents see it as a process that is both unnecessary and cruel.

Making your dog behave properly and also happy

Debarking aside, there are other aspects to dog training that dog owners need to look at if they want their dogs to behave properly and also stay happy. Of course, there are many people who don’t even consider dog training, while others believe that dog training should involve fear and punishment. Thus, there are many different dog training philosophies, which can often cause much confusion in the minds of dog owners.

Consider these common mistakes when training your dog

Before jumping into a dog training exercise, you need to realize that your dog is pack animal and his world is a lot more structured when he’s following a pack rather than the dog owner. Next, you should remember that dog training is not about yelling and hitting the dog every time he misbehaves. Punishment only puts fear and anxiety in the dog’s mind, and it will only bring the opposite from desired result – your dog will hate the training and will be resistant to learning. Still, negative reinforcement (different than punishment) is recommended when your dog behaves badly – do not give him any treats and withdraw any affection toward him for a while.

Another common mistake committed by dog owners in dog training is to attempt to train their dog in a busy place. They believe that the dog will be able to concentrate better in surroundings full of distractions. You should also avoid teaching your dog too many commands because he can easily loose his focus and become bored with the training.

For more information on effective dog training click here.

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Tips For Potty Training Your Puppy Dog

Puppy dogs are very cute and irresistible, but if they are not properly trained, they could ruin your home. While it is far from a pleasant experience, dog potty training is necessary.

Puppies are like children and just like children they have a very short attention span, so make sure that the potty training sessions do not last longer than 10 minutes. Puppies should be introduced to proper potty training at an early age when they are most receptive to learning.

How to avoid “potty” accidents?

Dogs have a really good sense of smell, and they like to pee in the same spot over and over. When your puppy has an accident, clean the spot promptly and thoroughly! By eliminating the smell, you guarantee that your puppy will not pee in the same spot again.

The most important thing when potty training your puppy is to keep a close eye on him. So, do not leave your puppy inside unsupervised. You might want to cage him when you are not around, but do not leave him there for too long. Keeping a close watch on your puppy will eliminate accidents in hidden areas; but, it will also give you a chance to learn your puppy’s habits. Watch your puppy closely especially after meal time. You can put him in a closed area (kitchen, bathroom) where it is easier to clean. Try to encourage the puppy to pee in a particular spot by placing newspaper on the floor. You can also take him outside after his meal; this way he will associate this action with relieving himself.

Healthy diet helps puppy potty training

Proper diet is quite important in puppy potty training. The food your puppy eats will affect the outputs considerably. If you choose to feed your puppy a high quality, balanced food it will make cleaning up after him much easier. Your veterinarian can definitely help you choose a diet that benefits your puppy best. Remember that keeping your puppy’s meals on a schedule plays a major role in effective potty training. Consistent mealtimes will make predicting your dog’s potty schedule an easier task.

Another important aspect to consider in puppy potty training is the schedule of his meal times, as well as the times when you serve him water. To avoid accidents limit snacks and water before his scheduled sleep time.

Be consistent and be positive when training your puppy

No doubt, dog potty training requires a lot of time and patience. The most important thing is to be consistent. This means consistently taking him out at the same time, to the same spot, with the same command and always positively reinforcing good behavior. If you follow these steps you will have a wonderfully well trained dog in no time.

For more information on puppy potty training click here.

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Preparing Your Home for Your New Puppy

Getting a new puppy is one of the most exciting events for a person or a family. But before you bring him over, you’ll need to prepare your house for his arrival. Check out the video for some helpful tips on how to “puppy proof” your home.

Puppy Care – Preparing Your Home for a Puppy by monkeysee.com
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Lilah: Warrior Princess

Anyone familiar with Jack Russell Terriers knows that beneath that charming little package lives the heart of a natural born killer.

And no dog I know exhibits a stronger prey drive than my Warrior Princess, Lilah.

Just this week, Lilah did battle once again with some poor ground hog who made the mistake of taking a short cut through our fenced-in back yard.  And it wasn’t pretty.

THE FIRST VICTIM

It was less than a year ago that Lilah killed a ground hog nearly her size in almost the exact place in our yard.  The vision of Lilah laying calmly in the grass in our yard like a lioness savoring a kill, with the dead body of the poor unfortunate ground hog beside her, was a site I wouldn’t soon forget.  Until it was replaced this week by her latest adventure.

SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER AT 6AM

It was 6am and my wife is screaming for me to wake up and help!  I scrambled out of bed, my heart in my throat, not knowing if there was an intruder in the house or somebody was murdering someone, which wasn’t far from the truth.

Following my wife’s screams I bolt out into the yard and see Lilah wrestling with this ground hog, easily her size, with  my other Jack Russell, Yogi, right on my heels who immediately goes to join in.

Pulling Lilah off and yelling at Yogi to “stay”, we’re able to get the dogs inside.  The ground hog is on his back in a defensive position, but alive, and I see blood on his stomach but no visible damage.  Lilah has blood on her own face and neck.

Eventually the ground hog rolls over and crawls out of the yard.  I have no idea what state it’s in but I’m really upset to think that it’s out there maimed and suffering.  It would have almost been better if she killed it, I think for a second, but who knows?  It’s lucky to be alive.  Those things are tough.

FRANKENDOG

Anyway, back to my Warrior Princess.  When we take a closer look at Lilah she looks pretty nicked up so we take her to the vet and they find all kinds of bites and punctures.  Nearly a dozen in all.

Here’s she is, over $700 in vet bills later with nearly 20 stitches on her muzzle, neck and chest:

Stitches on neck & chest

As my vet said when I went to pick her up after the surgery to stitch her up, “She’s probably proud of them.”  And you know what?  He’s right.

Because as soon as I got her home she went right back out in the yard looking to finish the job. 

By then, the ground hog was long gone.  Hopefully not too bad off, with a story to tell his ground hog friends about the day he tangled with the Warrior Princess and lived to tell about it.

Lilah getting a sniffing from Yogi

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