Edie MacKenzie On Dogs

Posts Tagged ‘Dog Training’

Dogs have probably been pulling on the leash since the first time someone thought it might be a good idea to loop a rope around one. They don’t like being restrained. So when you pull them back they instinctively pull the other way.

In most cases, the dog isn’t being dominant, or trying to make you mad. It’s just that there are so many interesting sights, sounds and smells to explore. He can’t wait to see what’s up ahead, so he pulls to get there faster.

And therein lies the secret to stopping your dog pulling. Start to teach your dog that, until he calms down and stops his pulling, he’s going nowhere. Here’s how;

Laying the Ground Rules

Dogs are creatures of habit so they are very observant when it comes to routines. You’ve probably noticed that, even before you pick up his lead, your dog is already getting himself worked up. I’m sure you’ve wondered how he knows what’s coming.

Most likely you have some pre-walk routine that you’re not even aware of, but that your dog has picked up on.

If you want to improve your dog’s behavior on the walk you should start right here. Don’t put up with any misbehavior. Specifically, don’t allow any boisterous behavior – barking, running, jumping up. Get him to calm down before attaching the lead. If he get’s out of hand, stop, get him to sit, then start over.

At first this can be very frustrating, but you need to be firm and consistent. It gets easier.

When the dog is calm, and you’ve attached the leash, leave the house right away. If the dog gets over-excited again, make him sit, and wait for him to calm, before proceeding.

The dog will likely want to relieve himself as soon as he’s outdoors. Allow him to do so. Once he’s done, control and limit the amount you allow him to sniff around and mark territory. Ideally you do not want to allow this at all for large sections of the walk. Allow him to explore only when you say so.

The Best Way to Stop Your Dog Pulling

If you want to stop your dog pulling, you need to stop pulling back. The way to control this behavior is to teach the dog that pulling has a negative rather than positive result. When he pulls, stop the walk and get him to sit. Only carry on with walking when he has calmed down.

At first, this will be incredibly trying. But dogs are quick learners and he’ll soon make the connection. In a short while he will understand that his walk gets interrupted every time he pulls.

Once he breaks the pulling habit start getting him to walk beside, instead of in front of you. This will also help to curb the inclination to pull, especially if a cat suddenly darts across his path!

It is also a good idea to take some of his favorite treats along while he is in training. Give a treat whenever he is walking calmly beside you and you’ll further re-enforce his good behavior.

To read more about dog training, dog care, dog health and other useful dog info drop in at dogsanddogtraining.com

A holiday with your dog can be a really fun time for both of you. But it requires foresight and a bit of planning to make it so.

To begin with you’ll have to research the requirements for taking a pet to the destinations you’re interesting in visiting. With some countries, like the UK, these make traveling with your dog a virtual impossibility unless you’re on the PETS scheme.

But all countries, even pet-friendly ones, have importation laws you’ll have to comply with.

Then there’s the accommodation issue. If you are planning on staying at a hotel or resort, you’ll want to find a pet-friendly one at your destination and book early.

The good news is that more and more hotels are accepting pets these days.

And then there are the travel arrangements. Traveling with a pet by air or rail can be quite a challenge, so use a specialized pet travel company to make the arrangements for you. This will ensure that you avoid costly, and possibly even tragic mistakes.

If however, you are going to be traveling by car you can make the arrangements yourself, and there are quite a few things you’ll have to take care of.

For starters, you’ll need a way of restraining your dog in the car, either a dog carrier, or a specialized doggy seat belt. This not only makes sense, but is a legal requirement in some countries.

Also remember that dogs dehydrate very easily. Have plenty of fresh water, and his water bowl at hand. And never leave your dog locked in a car in warm weather.

Also, remember to pack leashes, harnesses, collars, toys, dog bed and anything else your dog will need.You will also have to plan where you will overnight on your trip, and check out local accommodation that allows dogs. And while we’re on the subject of breaks, remember to make regular bathroom and leg stretching stops.

And there’s even more to be taken care of. When you are at your holiday destination, ensure that your dog wears an id tag with your local contact details, at all times. For international travel you will have to have your dog micro-chipped, but extra precautions are never a bad thing.

It’s also a good idea to have a photograph of your dog with you, just in case your dog becomes lost.

Find out where the local vet and animal emergency center are. In case of emergency you’ll need this information close at hand.

Obey all local animal regulations and laws. This will normally mean that you have to pick up after your dog, as well as keeping on a leash in public places. It is just good manners to do this anyway, even if the law doesn’t require it.

By now you’re probably wondering if all of this is worth the trouble. Well, ask yourself how much a trouble free, unforgettable trip with your dog is worth. The likely answer is, priceless!

To learn more about dog travel, dog care, dog training tips and other interesting dog information go to dogsanddogtraining.com

Dogs communicate using a rather unique language. Learning to understanding this “language” will greatly improve the relationship you have with your dog. Not only that, but when it comes to training you will seriously turbo-charge your results by communicating to your dog on his level.

Unfortunately, no-one has yet written a handy reference guide, but by following the guidelines set out below you’ll quickly be up to speed on what your dog is trying to tell you.

Here are some of the most common dog language cues you’ll need to know.

Standing Rigid – When a dog adopts a very rigid stance, he could be telling you to back off and leave him alone. He may also adopt this stance when he is protecting some possession. Give your dog a bone or a biscuit when there are other dogs around and you’ll see what I mean.

Showing the Teeth – Dogs don’t just attack out of the blue, they normally give a warning first. Flashing the teeth may be first warning that a dog is about to attack. Your best bet when this happens is to stand down.

Growling – Showing the teeth will often be accompanied by a low, rumbling growl. If that doesn’t work the dog make well bite.Many people scold or punish the dog for growling or showing its teeth. This is dangerous because if the dog is not allowed to give a warning he may escalate straight to an attack.

Raising the Hackles – When a dog raises the hair on his back, he is trying to look bigger in order to scare off a threat. It is often a sign of heightened fear, and means to dog may attack.

Tail between the legs – Typically, this indicates, timidity, fear or anxiety. There may be a number of causes for the behavior, such as separation anxiety, or being introduced to an unfamiliar person or dog. Often the behavior will be accompanied by submissive urination.

Putting the head down – Depending on the context this could be a attempt by a submissive dog to avoid eye contact. Or it could be a playful gesture.

Raised Paw -A raised paw is a playful gesture, which means, “ let’s be friends”.

Wagging the tail – The tail is one of the dog’s most important communication devices, and the one that is most often misinterpreted. A common belief is that a wagging tail suggests happiness, but this is only true if the tail is being wagged loosely.A tail that is flicked side to side in short rigid movements suggests agitation. And if the tail is tucked between the legs and wagging slightly, the dog is insecure and fearful.

Dogs rely greatly on body language and gestures for communication. A dog may learn to obey voice commands, but in their world body language will always mean more.

Learn to interpret their language and you’ll understand your dog that much better.

Want to discover more about dog training tips, dog care, dog breeds a-z and other interesting dog info? Stop by at www.dogsanddogtraining.com