What Makes Quality Dog Kennels?

Are you looking for a kennel that will be ideal for your pet dog? If the answer is yes you will probably have thought of looking in pet stores for the best kennel around. While this is an option that is very popular with pet owners you could be overlooking some excellent deals and some top dog kennels. Many people will automatically think that buying a kennel in a store means that they are getting the best quality kennel possible, but this is not always the case. So if you are looking for a kennel for your dog you need to know what makes a quality kennel and what doesn't. Take a look at some of the features that you should be looking out for.

The kennel should be made from a suitable material. In most cases this is timber that has been treated so that it can be left out in all weather conditions. There are dog kennels available that are made from plastic and some people will always choose these. However you should be aware that these kennels can become very uncomfortably hot when the weather is warm and this can affect your dog. With this in mind it is always a good idea to choose dog kennels that are made from wood as this natural material is better for the making your dog comfortable.

Next you need to carefully consider the size of dog house that you need. Dogs come in all different shapes and many sizes, so you will need to buy a kennel for your pet that is the most suitable. Most dog kennels will come in small, medium and large sizes so you should not have too much difficulty in finding one that is the best size for your pet. Remember that your dog must be comfortable in its kennel or it will not want to go into it and you might have to purchase another one.

Keeping dog kennels clean is also very important and you should always make sure that you are choosing an item that will facilitate easy cleaning. This means that you will need to be able to have access to the kennel without any problems so you can clean and disinfect the inside of the kennel on a regular basis. You might want to put down a mat on the floor that you can easily remove whenever you want to give the kennel a deep clean.

The construction of dog kennels is also another key consideration that you need to keep in mind. Kennels that have been poorly constructed and have gaps in them will have a greater chance of warping and allowing rain and wind to get inside them. These are also more likely to come apart and need replacing, so keep this in mind.

Understanding more about what makes a kennel a good item is important before you start searching for one as you will be able to avoid certain kennels and go for others that are better.

How to Train Your Dog to Retrieve His Toy

My dream as a young boy was to get a dog that retrieved, yet when I got my first dog, she wouldn't retrieve anything. The problem that I was experiencing was that my dog was interested in the toy, but her enthusiasm would fade immediately after I threw it. So I finally had enough, and started to research how to train my dog to retrieve, and I've found the answer!

Here is exactly how I've taught my dog to retrieve:

=> The first thing that you want to do before you attempt any type of training is to get your dog a toy that he absolutely loves. There are dozens upon dozens of different types of toys being sold on the market and in pet stores. Your dog will most likely prefer one type of toy over all of the others. Think about what type of toy your dog loves the most. Does he prefer squeaky toys, fuzzy toys or rubber toys? By choosing a toy that your dog loves, he will be much more enthusiastic to retrieving it.

=> Once you've gotten your dog a toy that he loves, you will need to associate massive pleasure to playing with it. You can achieve this by praising him with high energy whenever he plays with the toy. But in order to create a meaningful association, your level of energy and enthusiasm must be through the roof. By doing this, your dog will see his toy as something that makes you happy and interact with him and he will want to play with it more each day that goes by.

=> The final piece of the puzzle is to train your dog to retrieve. The best way to do this is by rewarding your dog for partially retrieving his toy. That's right! You don't need to wait until your dog actually retrieves the toy before you can reward him. Start by rewarding your dog for biting and picking up the toy. Then as your dog becomes more enthusiastic about picking up his toy, wait until he walks with it. Then as your dog learns what is required of him, encourage him to walk over to you with the toy. Once he's accomplished this, give him a big jackpot of four to five treats in a row.

To summarize, the goal is to create a positive association to retrieving. This is accomplished by your dog feeling your enthusiasm and getting yummy treats. The only way your dog will ever retrieve anything for you is when he thinks that it will be pleasurable to do so.

This method has proven to work with my dogs and my friend's dogs. Remember to be persistent, cheerful and enthusiastic when training your dog to retrieve.

Practice this with your dog every day, and sometimes several times a day. This will work as long as you keep practicing it! I hope you will have lots of fun with your dog and that you teach him to retrieve lots of different toys.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Dogs

Plaque and tartar on your dog's teeth can build up over time if not cleaned off, causing infection that can eventually lead to tooth loss. This infection can also spread to the dog's kidney, liver and heart and cause even more severe problems.
You can prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease (infected gums and tooth support area) in dogs by practicing the same kinds of oral hygiene techniques that you use for your own teeth. Regular teeth brushing, eating foods that prevent plaque build-up and routine dentist visits are simple steps you can take to keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy and strong.

Steps

1. Begin with a visit to a veterinarian skilled in pet dentistry. Your vet will check for tartar buildup and signs of periodontal disease and will conclude with a thorough cleaning. If you have never practiced oral hygiene on your dog this first visit will be expensive, but it will result in clean teeth that gives you a good base from which you can begin practicing dog tooth hygiene at home.
   
2. Check your dog's teeth regularly. Check your dog's teeth every time you groom her. The more she is used to you checking them, the more responsive she'll be and the easier it'll be for you to spot anything unusual.
   
3. Brush your dog's teeth on a regular basis. Dog tooth brushing is the primary way to break up deposits that form on your dog's teeth soon after eating. Brushing your dog's teeth should be done on a nightly basis or a few times a week at a minimum.
   
   • Introducing tooth brushing to your dog should be done over the course of a few weeks (and the earlier in her life, the better). The process begins by familiarizing your dog with the sensation of having your fingers in her mouth and ending with stress-free brushing using a dog toothbrush and using a toothpaste designed specifically for dogs (don't use human toothpaste). Alternatively, use a gauze pad, a washcloth or a child's toothbrush in place of a large toothbrush.
     
4. Consider feeding a bones-and-raw-food diet, also known as a "BARF" diet or "Biologically Appropriate Diet." Advocates of this diet feed daily servings of raw, meaty bones to address nutritional needs as well as help keep teeth clean through chewing action.
   
   • Select the most organic bones you can find to minimize exposure to pesticides.
     
   • Choose hard bones such as bison bones, which take longer to disintegrate.
     
5. Provide some hard toys to chew on. These can assist in keeping the teeth in great shape. Ask at the pet store or at the vet's for suitable toys.
   
6. Consider adding tartar removal products into your dog's water dish. Tartar-control products are available in liquid form and are designed to remove food deposits throughout the day.
   
   • If tartar build-up is severe, your vet will need to perform a professional clean. This may have to take place under anesthesia.
     
7. Take your dog for regular oral health checkups, at least yearly. Save time by combining the tooth checkup with your pet's annual physical at the vet's.
   

Video

Tips

• Anesthesia-free dog dental care performed at grooming shops is generally more affordable than having a veterinary professional clean your dog's teeth. However, this procedure only cleans the visible surface area of the teeth; it does not address tartar below the gum line, which is the primary cause of dog periodontal disease.
  
• Periodontal disease is reversible if caught early enough. The first signs include bad breath (doggy breath), drooling, nasal discharge and a swollen jaw or neck.
  

Warnings

• Never feed cooked bones to a dog. Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking. Uncooked bones have a different molecular structure that does not allow the bones to shatter upon chewing impact.
  
• Use toothpaste specifically designed for dogs to swallow. Human toothpaste has chemical agents that are hazardous if ingested.
  

Things You'll Need

• Dog toothbrush or gauze pad, washcloth or child's toothbrush
  
• Dog toothpaste (flavored for dogs)
  
• Regular checks
  
• Regular vet visits (having an established relationship with one vet is a good idea when you have a pet)
  

Related Contents

• How to Brush a Dog's Teeth
  
• How to Determine Your Dog's Age By Its Teeth
  
• How to Floss Your Dog's Teeth with a Coconut
  
• How to Care for Your Dog's Teeth
  
• How to Add Fiber to a Dog's Diet
  
• How to Treat Dog Splinters
  

Sources and Citations

• http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/dental-disease-in-dogs/742 – research source
  
• http://articles.sfgate.com/2007-05-15/news/17242477_1_pet-s-teeth-anesthesia-dental-technician/5 – research source
  
• http://www.barfworld.com/html/barf_diet/barfdiet_faq.shtml – research source
  
• Amy Marder, The Complete Dog, p. 47, (1997), ISBN 1-875137-83-1 – research source

Dog Litter Box Training in 3 Easy Steps

It really is quite simple to litter box train a dog. Most people dread this aspect of being a dog owner. These days it is almost as easy as a litter box for a cat. Before reviewing the 3 steps to successful litter box training for your pooch, there are a few things that you always need to keep in mind when training or disciplining a dog. Always consider the previous training level and habits of your dog. Remember that trainability does range greatly by breed. Some breeds are extremely easy to train while others are some what stubborn and a bit more difficult to train. These dogs may take a little more work but they are trainable.

Lets talk about the litter box system itself first. The Ugodog dog litter box is made of sturdy material that can handle a great amount of weight. What sets this system apart from other ones is that its grates are specifically designed to be kind to sensitive doggy paws. The way the grates are made is specific as to not cut the bottom of the paw pads. Also, the openings are small enough so that even the tiniest dogs will not get their paws trapped. The grates also are two separate pieces to allow for easier clean up. This system is eco-friendly, durable, inexpensive and no replacement parts needed! That is why this is my pet potty pick.

When potty training your pooch, remember that age can be a factor. That said, even older dogs can be trained to use a dog litter box. All you need for this system to be effective is the system itself, some newspaper or paper towels. You can use pee pads underneath the grates but this is expensive and not very environmentally friendly. Newspaper works just as well. Once the dog is trained to use the system, you do not even need newspaper. You can just dump the urine at the end of the day in the toilet and discard any poo that is on top of the grates.   

Training tips as easy as 1-2-3:

1) Place the dog litter box in a spot that your dog is used to going on pee pads or if they are use to going outside, place it where you would like.

2) Use a paper towel or newspaper that is soaked with you dogs own urine and place it underneath the grates.

3) When your dog needs to go lead them to the litter box and they will know their own scent and begin to go potty there!

Make sure when you are training your dog that you use repetitive words like, go potty, and positive reinforcement. Some dogs may be shy at first and have accidents. If they do, when you clean up the accident use that urine under the grate and lead your dog over too it after an accident. This should make for an easier life for you and your pooch. No more wet paws or torn up pee pads. Do not forget that furry little friend still needs exercise. So do not eliminate walks. 

The Dog Whisperer Tips

Have you watched the Dog Whisperer? It is amazing to see these unruly dogs become well-behaved members of the home. The Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan, uses certain techniques and attitudes (he calls it "calm assertive energy") to gain control over the dogs. He says he "rehabilitates dogs and trains humans." I think what he does is also applicable to parenting.

The most important advice he has for humans is not to let your emotions get in the way. He says that we humans often "feel sorry" for the dog and that prevents us from dealing with the dog in the way that is appropriate for the dog, and us, to enjoy the relationship.

The Dog Whisperer also points out that dogs live "in the moment." They respond to strong leadership and require "rules, boundaries and limitations" to feel secure and part of the "pack."

He always begins his rehabilitation with observation of the relationship between the dog and the humans. He finds that the humans are the ones that must learn a different way to handle their pets.

Jo Frost, also known as the Supernanny, performs a similar function for families with unruly kids. What she most often discovers is that the root of the problems with the kids comes from the parents.

She usually begins her visit by observing the family in action. What she most often finds is a lack of leadership from the parents. They are failing to provide structure for the kids. In some cases, the home is total chaos from the parents' inability to assume control (or leadership) over the behavior of the children. The children do only what they want, do not comply with parental requests and treat their parents disrespectfully.

The Supernanny emphasizes that the home must have rules and there must be consequences for breaking the rules. Jo Frost also advocates maintaining a calm assertive energy when dealing with children.

Family rehabilitation usually starts with a chart for daily structure for the family and some specific techniques, such as "time-out" for the kids. You could almost say that Jo Frost "rehabilitates families and trains parents."

It truly amazing to see the difference in the family once Jo has helped the parents understand the importance of structure and leadership - the same concept as the Dog Whisperer's "rules, boundaries and limitations.' Neither dogs nor children can learn the structure or the rules, boundaries and limitations without the pack leader or parents formulating them and communicating them. 

I find that with our very busy lives and our desire to raise our children and our pets with compassion and understanding, we have forgotten the important basic foundations of raising children and having pets. They both need structure and framework to give them a secure foundation. They need us to assume leadership so that they feel safe and cared for.

They also need us to keep our cool and be responsive rather than reactive. When your child is being disrespectful or just not doing what you want, it is common to get angry and lose that calm, assertive demeanor.

The next time your child (or even your pet) doesn't seem to be responding to you, ask yourself if you have provided the structure - the rules, boundaries and limitations -- for this particular instance. If you find you haven't, figure it out what you want, and then communicate it! Also check your emotions - are your buttons being pushed? Remember to maintain calm assertive energy.

Home Dog Training - The Clicker Method

With an abundance of information available via the internet, more and more do-it-yourself projects that may have once been mere fantasy are now becoming reality. This is especially true for home dog training, as people have learned that with a little bit of 'know-how', anyone with the time and love for dogs can not only save money, but learn valuable skills that transcend being simply a 'pet owner', but a trainer as well. All that it takes is a bit of time and enthusiasm, allowing anyone with a healthy dog to happily train at home.

Sure, there is the option to spend thousands of dollars for a professional trainer. Still, consider the difference between a professional trainer and yourself. What skills do they possess that you could not learn and apply to fit your own home? The answer is that there really are none. In fact, by training your own dog at home, you are already a step-ahead in the process because you will be training the animal in a familiar environment. This is especially important and certainly not an option at any obedience school for animals. The home training will likely lead to not only quicker results, but will be a more comfortable experience for the pet that you love and care for. The fact is, there's a basic, easy-to-use method that invariably works for virtually all canine breeds: clicker training.

So what is clicker training?

Clicker training is the simple act of using a reward in order to get your dog to perform a desired action. The reward can vary, but usually is something simple like a small treat or toy - nothing extravagant or expensive. A small treat to reward a dog for sitting on verbal command is probably the most common method, and the most successful. Dogs are smart animals, and they are quick to learn new things. You can teach an old dog new tricks - or simple manners - by using the clicker method.

So why the name 'clicker' training?

You want to use a clicker, or any small device to make a low pitched, metallic clicking sound. A good example is the end of most leashes with a retractable end that you can open and let close, causing a slight 'click' sound. These metal parts connect to the dog collar, but you just need something of that nature to make the a similar sound. A small bell would also work. Anything that is not too loud, or high pitched that would hurt dogs' eardrums.

What are the advantages to clicker training?

There are many advantages. First and foremost, you can train your dog in your own home, at relatively little cost. Secondly, the training will incorporate only the things that you specifically wish to train you dog to do - or not do. So if you allow your animals on your furniture, a regular obedience school would be unlikely to change it's curriculum to suit your wishes. That's the true beauty - you are in complete control. As the master, your dog will inevitably respond more affectionately to you than any 'professional' to begin with anyway, so you already have a head start compared to a stranger starting from square one.

Dogs are not exclusive to this method of house training. Cats and other animals can also be trained to varying degrees with this method. True, dogs are more loyal and obedient than their feline counterparts, but contrary to common belief, the feline family is also trainable as well - litter-boxes would not exist otherwise, right? The thing that clicker training relies on, and a great advantage is that you are teaching the animal directions in phases. There are some misconceptions that there is no discipline when using clicker training, but that is simply over-looking the obvious. Physical reprimands are not needed - nor encouraged - as a verbal command, such as a simple, "No" is a workable platform to discourage behavior.

Once the animal is familiar with the clicker- reward response, it can be applied to an unlimited number of situations, going beyond simple commands and into the fun world of tricks. This will happen in phases, of course, and you do need some patience at first. Once the association has been initially made, however, the rate in which the dog will learn to adhere to a directions will be quite fast and impressive - especially for puppies. Essentially you are just establishing your own 'house rules' with the animal, and helping him/her learn what boundaries are in place.

What happens after clicker training? Won't my dog always respond to the any clicking sound?

No, not after a transition from the clicker to verbal commands becomes established. This can be accomplished only after combining the two and forming the association first, however. Once the reward is known to result from a command - and click - the dog will respond to the verbal command alone. It may be easier to do this by slowly weening the clicker away from the association, but this doesn't take long. Or, likewise, you can maintain the clicker throughout, and by combining it with verbal commands not worry about the jingle of your car keys giving your dog a false impression when not training. Additionally, the dog will have come to recognize that a reward is part of the program, so random sounds reminiscent to the clicker will not have any effect without any reward.

So only dogs and cats will respond? What about my pet "..."?

Actually, this is the biggest misconception. Dogs and cats are the most common animals that clicker training is used for at home because they are the two most common pets. The list of animals that respond to clicker training is virtually limitless though: dolphins, birds, ferrets, hamsters, etc. all respond to clicker training. Sure, it's true that dogs are probably the most responsive, but that is just their canine nature. The real truth is, you can train any animal to adapt - within their own respective cognitive abilities - by using clicker training. So teaching your parakeet new words is certainly an option, as well as showing your hamster how to use an exercise wheel or maze. Anything that professional trainers are capable of achieving can be learned through this easy, simple, and downright fun house-schooling.

Not only will clicker training give you confidence as a pet owner, but it will help give your pets the easiest transition from improper behavior to acceptable behavior. The best part is that you get to be the one in charge of making such decisions, and not invest hard-earned money on the good faith that a professional will have the same pet ethics as you do in your own home. In summary, clicker training is by far the most productive and adaptable way to train any pet, regardless of age or species. All that is needed is a clicker, a reward, a pet(s) and a bit of time to invest in the process. To be honest, clicker training actually turns out to be a fun experience for pets and pet owners alike, while also building a stronger relationship between you and your furry, feathered or fuzzy loved ones.

how 2 train a dog

If you have a puppy, then you should make an effort to learn how to train it. Many of us love dogs and they are fun to have around. If you want to make the best companion out of the dog, you should train it. You can get the necessary information of how to train it to be friendly and playful in a great way, even more so, to take your orders. A well socialized dog can easily communicate with the owner. This is a very important part of the training process. You have to be patient with it. You should start with simple things that have some instructional value to the dog. You have to be good at creating a common pattern of communicating. Here is the process that you can use to train your dog:

1. Train the dog to sit: This is the simplest and most important step in training your dog. Achieve this and you will improve communication and strengthen the bond between you and the dog. The sit command can help build your dog's confidence and keep him/her out of trouble. It will take several days before the dog can learn to follow the instruction but eventually, you will be successful.

2. Train the dog to stay: Most of the times, you may want your dog to stay still, say if you are cleaning the house or relaxing. You should ensure that he knows how to follow your instruction to sit still. This is necessary to prevent the dog from straying when you are outdoors. Do not forget to applaud the dog for following your command. With every successful lesson, you should give out a reward.

3. Train the dog to come over or follow you: At this point, you should use the instruction to come along with the ones to sit and stay. You can use a lead to show that you want him to follow you. This will create a visual sensation and the dog will follow you. Keep using the word and repeat it severally until you are successful. You can use a playful idea such as pulling a string and the dog will follow you.

4. Train the dog to tell when you mean no. This is not very hard. You can use a simple gesture when uttering the word. You should be firm but do not change the tone of your voice. Avoid being harsh. You should use practical examples to teach the dog the meaning of no. If you are not realistic in your methods then the dog will be mislead and may cause confusion with him/her in trying to understand the meaning of no.

Training dogs should be fun as long as you are interested in them. If you are short of ideas, you should take time to learn how to train dogs. You do not have to train for many years to learn this. Read the right publications and you are set to go.

How Long To Toilet Train a Puppy

If you are wandering how long does it take to potty train a puppy you have come to the right place. In this article I will show you some of the most effective ways to speed up the housebreaking process and have your pet house trained within a few weeks time. Majority of new dog owners does not invest their time and effort into researching this subject and they end up with a pet who keeps relieving himself indoors for months!

How Long Does It Take To Potty Train A Puppy Part 1 - The Attitude

The most important thing in potty training is your attitude. You need to understand that your pet will have to eliminate indoors couple of times first before he can realize that it is not exactly what makes you happy. That is why you will have to arm yourself with plenty of cleaning liquids and be patient and consistent in implementing the methods outlined below. No dog has ever been housebroken overnight!

How Long Does It Take To Potty Train A Puppy Part 2 - Show Him The Toilet

One of the first steps in toilet training is to take your dog to the place that will serve as his toilet for the next few weeks. It is your job to bring your pet to the same location every time he feels the call of nature. This way he will start to link the process of elimination with being outdoors and will be less likely to relive himself in your house.

How Long Does It Take To Potty Train A Puppy Part 3 - Get A Crate

In order to reduce the amount of stinky spots on the carpet and stimulate your pet to learn how to control his physiological mechanisms you will have to prepare a small living area designed specifically for him. The easiest way to do that is by purchasing a crate but if you cannot afford it you can isolate part of a room with a baby gate. Because dogs are naturally clean animals your four-legged friend will resist from soiling his new home and hold it till you let him outside.

How Long Does It Take To Potty Train A Puppy Part 4 - Schedule The Meals Regularly

Not many folks out there know that canines can eliminate within the first 20 minutes after the last meal. You can use this knowledge to your benefit and monitor your pet's behavior in search of such signs of coming poop as circling or sniffing. As soon as you spot them take your dog to the yard where he can do his business. It is much easier to avoid stinky surprises if you are able to specify when was the last time your four-legged friend ate.

How long does it take to potty train a puppy? Well, it is an individual thing for each dog and varies according to the his breed, age and history. However, if you implement the tips mentioned above you can significantly speed up the housebreaking process and have your pet house trained in just a few weeks.

Dog Shock Collars For Training

Shock collars for training dogs are becoming one of the best options for owners of large and unruly dogs who want to keep their pet under control. These devices are remote controlled like a garage door opener. They provide a mild electric shock when the animal exhibits negative behavior and he associates the shock with the bad behavior. The shock collar eliminates the need for strong force and helps the dog to understand the difference between right and wrong immediately and without doubt.

These shock collars for training dogs are great for the older owner or female owner who has a large dog who is difficult to control. It is good idea to purchase a collar, which has an adjustable electrical level and an audible tone as an alternative to the electrical stimulation. Depending on where you will be using the collar you may want to get one with a long ranger transmitter.

Begin by placing the collar on the charger and charge the battery. It is important to review the instruction manual before beginning. Guidelines for use vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. So it is important to read the manual thoroughly. The manual will most likely offer advice on care and maintenance of the device and how to use it properly.

Put the collar on for a few days to get him accustomed to wearing it without correlating the collar to correcting behavior. You don't want the dog to get the idea that he only has to behave when wearing the collar. Adjust the tightness of the fit. You should be able to place your fingers between the collar and his skin. Don't get the collar too tight.

A voice command should accompany the electrical stimulation. When he misbehaves give the voice command just before the shock. You want the dog to associate your voice with good behavior. If he does something wrong say "No!" and then apply the electrical stimulation. The dog may be a little confused at first but praise him for corrected behavior and call him to you. He will come to you for safety.

Never misuse the collar or allow it to be used for any purpose except for training. It is not a toy and should be used only by a responsible person. Only use correction when needed. After all this is a training tool.

Keep the remote transmitter out of your dog's sight. He should not associate the shock with you. He should associate you with safety and security.

Dog Shock Collars For Training are intended as a temporary measure. After his behavior has been corrected it is time to switch to another type of collar for further training and to reinforce his good behavior.

DT Systems Inc. Ultra Min - e No - Bark Trainer... delivers quick, 1/2 - second stimulation. Keep friends and family comfortable in your home, and keep the neighbors off your back with this No-Bark Trainer. Quick correction helps hasten the learning process. Waterproof for outdoor wear. The digital system delivers a small shock you choose from 8 levels when it detects vocal chord vibrations from your pup. That means no more annoying barks early in the morning or when fido goes outside to take care of business. Bark buster: Digital system with microprocessor Adjustable collar fits extra-small to extra-large dogs Automatic 3-second safety delay Vibration sensor ONLY picks up vocal cord vibrations to eliminate unnecessary shocks from extraneous noises or the dog's tags Data memory system saves last-used intensity setting Uses a replaceable 6V battery (not included). Act fast... order ONLINE today. Please Note: This item is shipped directly from the factory. To see the expected ship, Visit: D.T. Systems Inc. Ultra Min - e No - Bark Trainer 

Dog Trick Training

I want to teach you a little bit about dog trick training. No, I don't want to teach you how to train your dog to speak, beg, shake, or roll over. I want to teach you how to use tricks when you train your dog. I call it canine entrapment, and no, it is not as mean as it sounds.

Allow me to explain. Typically when you train a dog you spend time in distraction free zones communicating certain commands to your dog such as 'sit', 'lie-down', 'stay' etc. You usually want to start in distraction free areas so that you can focus all of your energy on training the dog and not worrying about what is going on around you.

This approach is good, but it will only get you part way. You need trick training or canine entrapment to get you the rest of the way.

What trick training involves is putting your dog in various, distraction-full situations where it is difficult for him to obey, and show him that he still must obey. Let me give you a couple examples.

I have recently been working with a dog on his 'down-stay' behavior. Essentially what I want is for him to lie down and stay there. He does really well, except he recently learned something about me. I often train this exercise while I am working in my office. It is easy for me to send emails and write articles all while the dog lies down on the other side of the room and stays. Basically I am killing two birds with one stone; I train the dog while I take care of business. While I am in my office, however, I often talk on the phone. This dog quickly learned that whenever I am on the phone that I am too distracted to pay attention to him. He has learned that as soon as I start talking that he is free to get up from his 'down-stay' and roam the room. This is where trick training came in. As soon as I realized what he was doing I changed how I trained him and decided to start tricking him. What I would do was pick up the phone at random intervals and pretend to start talking. As I would talk he would get up except on these occasions I wasn't too distracted to address his disobedience. I could immediately grab his leash, administer a correction, and get him to lie down and stay again. Problem solved.

I often deal with dogs that have issues with cats and refuse to be obedient around them. The first thing I do is teach the dog to be obedient while the cats aren't around. Then I start tricking the dog. I bring the cats into the room and allow the dogs to see them and get interested. Then I apply the exact same principles that I used to train the dog from the beginning. Initially the dogs resist and want to get to the cats. With patience, work, and consistency it is a short time before the dog realizes it does not matter if the cat is there, obedience is still necessary.

Is tricking your dog mean? No. It is merely a way to show your dog that he needs to be obedient regardless of the circumstances. Good luck and good training.

Dog Training Games

Dog training games are always fun for both your dog and you. I know from experience that this is a great way to help speed up your training program that you are using and make it even more enjoyable. If you consider that your children learn much quicker about some of the basics and rules of a game because it is fun. The same can be said for your pet because if something is fun to them then they are going to want to keep doing this action. Here are some games that you can play with your dog that can help them learn.

The first game that you can use to help teach your dog is fetch. I know that this is an old one that you might not think about using to help your pet learn, but it is possible. You see playing this with your dog will teach them to go get things and to give the item to you after they bring it back to you. This will teach them to release and leave the item behind which will help you teach them the leave it command.

The second game that you will want to use is the name one. Now with this one it sounds kind of silly, but it will help them learn their name because you will keep repeating their name. When they look at you then you will praise them. Then something that I do is mix in some other names so they recognize there own in a group of words. However, this is something that I do after they get the basics down.

Dog training games are a great way to help your dog learn. I know that for my kids they learned more about stuff when they had fun and a dog training game is a great way to help your dog learn.

How to teach your dog to listen: Video Tips

How To Train Dogs - 5 Tips That Make It Easier To Train Your Pet

Learning how to train dogs properly is important if you want yours to be obedient and fun to be around. Dogs are simple, loving creatures that want to please their owners. In order for them to fulfill that desire, they need to have the proper tools and education. When dogs do not receive training, they are never sure exactly what it is that you want them to do or not do. Dogs with alpha tendencies may even try to take on the alpha role in the absence of a clear leader.

Unless you have previous experiencing handling and training dogs, it is best to enroll your dog in private or group obedience classes. This is a good way for both you and your dog to learn the basics, and you can continue to work together between classes. If classes are not available in your area or if they are simply not affordable, you can still train your dog in the comfort of your own home.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Any professional trainer will tell you that positive reinforcement is the only technique that will work on your dog which is why it is a key method taught when learning how to train dogs. You should praise Fido when he does as asked, and avoid the temptation to scold when he does not. Dogs are naturally smart animals, and yours will learn very quickly that doing what is asked means rewards and good energy, while ignoring your requests won't get him anywhere. The trick here is to find what truly motivates your dog to get the most of the training. Some dogs respond best to food rewards while others are more motivated by a ball or toys.

Get Noisy

Consider adding a clicker or other sound into the mix when your dog is in training. Many professional dog trainers use small clickers combined with a treat reward when a dog performs as asked. Your dog will soon associate both the sound and the treat reward with specific commands and actions, allowing you to eventually eliminate the treats.

Nothing in Life is Free

There's something that people learning how to train dogs discover early on and that is known as NILIF in dog circles, the theory that "nothing in life is free" should be at the core of your dog training. This means that your dog does not eat, get up on the couch or bed or go outside unless he has earned it. This can be as simple as putting your dog into a stay after putting his food bowl down or making him shake to earn his meal. As soon as your dog completely understands that you are the center of his universe, training will become that much easier.

Redirect and Refocus

We are not perfect and neither are our dogs. There will be times during your dog's training when he gets distracted and begins to focus on everything but you. It is your job to quickly redirect his attention and bring it back to the job at hand. Avoid the temptation to tug on the leash or touch your dog's flank. Instead, call his name and put his favorite motivator in front of his face. When he notices the reward, quickly draw it up to your face until your dog is once again looking at you. Don't worry if this happens frequently when you start the training. If you are doing everything else right, it will diminish over time.

It Takes a Village to Train a Dog

The most important aspect of proper dog training is consistency, and that means involving your family as well as guests in your home. Make sure that everyone that is involved with your dog knows the basic rules, and make sure that they stick to them. This not only ensures that your dog gets a consistent message, but he will be more willing to obey commands from everyone instead of just you.

The last thing you need to remember when learning how to train dogs is that you must practice, practice, practice, and always start the training as early as possible. Although it is best to train your dog when it is still a puppy, even old dogs can learn new tricks.