The history of using canines for police and military work goes back to the Romans using Neapolitan Mastiffs on the battlefield as “dogs of war.” However, police dogs are now an integral part of law enforcement, taking on the duties that they outperform humans in. Canines originally became our guardians and livestock herders through the ages. But when necessity required it, they acted as police dogs to ensure law and order while assisting in apprehending those lawbreakers.

The term “K-9” is a homophone for the word “canine.” Its first formal but unofficial use was during World War II. Its popularity undoubtedly rose from its ease of use instead of spelling out the word.

The Beginnings of Canine Training Units

Using dogs in police work is a no-brainer. They can smell and detect things better than we can. They can run faster than any human, with Greyhounds clocked at a blistering 45 mph. Canines are also better equipped, with the word “canine” meaning “pointed tooth.” Our early history with these animals is chock full of stories of dogs fighting alongside humans, but they found their way into law enforcement in the late 19th century.

The Belgians recognized the potential for using dogs in this capacity, with the first training facility opening in 1899 in Ghent, Belgium. They didn’t recruit the typical canines we think of for these roles. Instead, wolfhounds and sheepdogs stepped up to the plate. Their size was undoubtedly a point in their favor. It didn’t take long for others, including the NYPD, to learn about their potential.

The trainers used a unique approach. They taught the pups to associate uniformed police officers as friendly and anyone else as hostile. These dogs were the ultimate multitaskers, detecting and bringing down their quarry. Unfortunately, the dogs’ training backfired after many complaints and an accidental shooting. The NYPD disbanded the country’s first canine unit. Several other cities also tried and failed.

The Quartermaster War Dog Program

Police dogs didn’t go away despite the charges of being overly aggressive. Private agencies still used them during the early 20th century. The military also had canines. Law enforcement in London kept dogs as companions when doing their rounds. Germany opened a training facility in Greenheide in 1920, making the German Shepherd Dog their star pupil. Scotland Yard got into the act in 1938.

Then, World War II started. The military saw the potential for the trained canines and secured them for the war effort. An organization called “Dogs for Defense” teamed up with the American Kennel Club to encourage citizens to donate capable canines to join the Quartermaster Corp K-9 Corps. That’s where the police dogs came into their own, and where the first unofficial use of the term “K-9” appears.

The animals adapted well to their new roles after training with the US Armed Forces War Dog Program. More than 10,000 canines went on to serve all branches of the military in 15 War Dog platoons. In London, law enforcement used dogs in recovery missions to locate victims of the Blitz. The K-9 units’ service during the two world wars cemented their use in law enforcement.

They would find similar duties stateside after the war. March 13, 1942, is the official founding of the US Army K-9 Corps.

Resurrecting Canine Use in Law Enforcement

The London Metropolitan Police recruited dogs for their regular duties after the end of World War II. Similarly, the United States resurrected canine use in various capacities, including security details in department stores. These efforts stalled in some areas for the same reasons they failed earlier. However, proponents recognized the need to refine the training methods and capitalize on the dogs’ strengths.

Several cities began training programs, including Dearborn, MI, Portland, OR, and Los Angeles, CA. The Baltimore City (MD) Police Department was the most successful, thanks to the efforts of a veteran of the US Marine’s K-9 Corps. Presumably, the use of the term “K-9” segued into law enforcement because of the widespread attention Baltimore received. Other nearby cities began their own K-9 units.

Modern-Day Police Work

Modern-day police work has led to specialization with K-9 units. Law enforcement had previously used Bloodhounds for search and detection. That usage goes back hundreds of years. However, their tasks have evolved with the times and technology. Police dogs are typically single or dual-purpose animals. Jobs include detection or patrol.

The former involves tracking or finding explosives or narcotics. The canines only train with one type of detection. The latter works with security, clearances, and officer protection. Interestingly, one task resembles the role of guardian dogs, which historically would capture intruders and keep them at bay until the landowner or groundskeeper arrived. Today, we call it suspect apprehension.

The term “K-9” has stuck with law enforcement and the various organizations working with these animals, including the National Police Dog Foundation and the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA). They use multiple breeds in these roles.

Even the unlikely Labrador Retriever has found a spot on the police K-9 units. The London Metropolitan Police used them in the mid-1940s to accompany bobbies on patrol for purse snatchers in Hyde Park. The military continues to use dogs for various duties based on the unique talents of the breed. They have a permanent place alongside soldiers on and off the battlefield.

Final Thoughts

While the formal history of police dogs started rocky, canines have proved themselves to be valuable companions for law enforcement and the military. They are courageous and loyal companions. Many personnel can thank their K-9 units for protecting them during difficult and dangerous times. That day when a wild canid first approached a human was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

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The post Why Are Police Dogs Called K9? History & Facts by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Dogs thrive with routine and predictability in their life, which is why training rituals can be beneficial. Rituals are predictable for dogs because they are based on repetitions. Dogs like to know what to expect during training and what behaviors to show during different training events. Rituals can help establish a routine your dog is familiar with.

So, how do training rituals help your dog learn? This article has the answers for you.

How Does It Work?

A training ritual is a repetitive routine or cue that is established to communicate with your dog. Once the ritual is established, it can be repeated to signal different training events at any time. It provides dogs with structure and consistency so that training can be predictable and make them feel confident. Dogs learn best when they feel confident, and a training ritual can help achieve this. Making the training fun and engaging for your dog is the key to a training ritual working well. At the end of the training, you can also “release” them with a key word, which lets them know their time is their own again.

Dog training rituals can be used to signal the start or end of training using cues. This is important for canine sports or competitions as dogs need to know when to perform. The cues could be phrases such as “Let’s start training” or “Stop training” that dogs have been trained to respond with the appropriate behaviors following each cue. You don’t need to use these specific cues for training rituals and can adjust the wording to your liking. However, it’s important to keep the cues short and consistent so it is easy for your dog to understand.

You don’t necessarily need to use a verbal cue to signal the start of training, as dogs can easily associate a certain location with the start of training. You could also create a training ritual in a specific location where your dog usually trains or needs to perform for competitions. Taking your dog to a specific tree in the garden could be a signal they associate with the start of training. You don’t even need to give any verbal cues for them to make the association.

Some dogs can associate accessories with the start of a training session or ritual too. This could be a collar they usually only wear when training and when you put it on, you signal to them that training has begun.

What Are the Different Types of Dog Training Rituals?

1. Starting Training Rituals

This type of dog training ritual involves giving your dog cues to signal the start of training. It can either be a verbal or environmental cue, such as a specific location or accessory. However, you will first need to help them learn what your cues mean and what behavior you expect from the cues.

For example, if you take your dog to the backyard after breakfast to train every day, you have created a training ritual that signals to your dog the beginning of training.

 2. Ending Training Rituals

This is a cue to signal the end of training and it can be verbal or environmental. If you were to start your dog training session by saying, “Let’s start training”, your dog will know it is time to train and give you their focus. When you say, “Stop training”, you signal that training is over and they can relax. Another way to signal the end of training is to call your dog to you and place their leash on them.

Over time, they will associate their leash as a signal that training has ended.

3. Competition Training Rituals

Training rituals are important for dogs in competitions or canine sports. You will need to give them a cue, so they know when to perform and when to stop and return to you. This can be done using cues that signal the start and end of training rituals.

4. Routine Training Rituals

Dogs enjoy routine and it helps them feel more comfortable and secure. If certain daily activities lead up to your dog’s training session, your dog can associate the repetitions with the start of training. For example, if your dog eats breakfast and gets a brush right before training, then they anticipate training to follow as part of the routine.

The training ritual could also begin at a specific time your dog associates with training.

Why Is It Used?

Training rituals are used to create structure and routine in your dog’s life which can help them learn better. They are most useful to signal the start and end of a training session. When your dog gets the signal that training has started, they will hopefully give you their focus for the remainder of training, in anticipation of games and rewards. If your dog didn’t have a signal that training has started, they probably won’t be as focused during training. You want your dog to be focused during training so that they can learn better.

Furthermore, training rituals are beneficial for competitions as your dog will await your cue to signal that they must start performing or exit the ring.

Advantages of Dog Training Rituals

Disadvantages of Dog Training Rituals

Does Every Dog Need a Training Ritual?

Not every dog needs to have a training ritual and it is up to you to decide if you want to establish one. However, there are numerous advantages to establishing a dog training ritual that make it worth considering.

Training rituals can help your dog learn better during training. It encourages them to focus on training and allows you to communicate with them. Sometimes, training rituals can be established unintentionally. This naturally happens when dogs associate specific things with training. For example, they might notice that when you put your shoes on and take them outside training is starting. Furthermore, training rituals are comforting because they are predictable and repetitive.

Conclusion

Training rituals offer dogs a familiar routine and cues, which make it easier for them to focus on training. Dogs benefit from the structure a training ritual provides and tend to learn better when they know what to expect. Training rituals help signal the start and end of training, which is useful when dogs are performing in competitions.

Although many training rituals are often established unintentionally, you can create one with specific cues you want your dog to associate with training.

• See also: What Is Schutzhund? A Comprehensive Guide to the Incredible Dog Sport

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The post 4 Dog Training Rituals: Vet-Approved Tips to Help Your Pup Learn by Sarah Psaradelis appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Newfoundlands are large dogs that can challenge even experienced dog owners due to their size and rapid growth rate. However, training these smart dogs is not difficult. If you are thinking about getting one of these dogs but are worried about training them, keep reading for several tips and tricks that you can use to make the process a little easier and improve your chances of success.

Before You Begin

Gather necessary training supplies like treats, a clicker (optional), a leash, and a collar or harness. You can find all these supplies at your local pet store or online. You also need a calm and comfortable environment for training sessions, like an out-of-the-way room, garage, or quiet part of the yard. Ensure that your Newfoundland has had enough exercise and mental stimulation before training to help them focus on you and the training commands.

The 11 Tips on How to Train a Newfoundland Dog

1. Desensitize Them to Touch

Keep in mind that one of the most important and often overlooked training with large dogs is getting them used to being touched. Ideally, you would start this process when they are puppies or as soon as possible. If your pup allows you to check their paws, mouth, ears, etc., your life will be easier once they are fully grown. If your Newfoundland is already fully grown, please make sure you focus on working on them getting used to being touched by pairing it with positive stimuli, such as their favorite treats.

2. Establish Basic Commands

You can also begin gradually introducing some essential obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.” These will help keep your dog safe when you are away from home. Walking on trails and enjoying your local dog parks and dog-friendly areas will also be easier and more fun. Use positive reinforcement by rewarding your Newfoundland with treats and verbal praise when they perform the desired behavior correctly. Be consistent in your commands and hand signals, using the same cues each time so your dog can easily understand the messages that you are trying to convey.

3. Socialize Your Newfoundland

When your dog is still a puppy, introduce them to various people, animals, and environments as often as possible to promote good social skills, and continue to do so as they age. Ensure your Newfoundland puppy has at least the first round of vaccines before introducing them to healthy pets with a complete vaccination schedule.

Once the vaccination schedule has been completed, you can also take your Newfoundland on walks, visit dog parks, go swimming, or enroll them in obedience classes to expose them to different situations. The more they are exposed to a variety of stimuli and situations, the more comfortable they will be in new, strange environments.

4. Train for Loose Leash Walking

Teach your pet to walk on a loose leash without pulling, as this can be a major problem for many owners, especially older people. A Newfoundland is a large dog, so you want to be able to control them without the need for physical strength.

Start in a low-distraction environment, and gradually increase the length of your walks as your dog learns the rules of the game. You can also walk in more crowded environments when your dog is behaving. Use treats and rewards to reinforce the behavior of walking calmly beside you.

Please never use a retractable leash with a Newfoundland, you want a secure and strong leash for these big boys or girls.

5. Train for Recall

Recall is one of the most important behaviors for a dog, especially one this large as this that can unintentionally cause injuries to smaller dogs, kids, etc. who are trying to play with them. Practice the “come” command in a safe, enclosed area where your dog can focus. Use a long leash to maintain control while giving your dog freedom to explore. Reward your Newfoundland with high-value treats every time they respond to a recall, as you really want this behavior to become second nature to them.

6. Practice Patience and Consistency

Newfoundland dogs are known for their calm and gentle nature, but they can be slow learners if their attention is elsewhere or you find it hard to find a quiet area to hold your sessions. Be patient, as it can take several weeks for a dog to learn a new trick, and avoid punishment-based methods, which can make your dog less interested in attending your training sessions. Keep the sessions short, frequent, and consistent in order to maintain your dog’s attention and progress.

7. Teach Proper Social Behavior

Train your Newfoundland to be polite and well-mannered around people and other dogs. Discourage jumping, mouthing, or unwanted behaviors by redirecting their attention and rewarding appropriate behavior.

Also, be a mindful owner, and set your pup up for success by avoiding potential accidents and injuries that they could unintentionally cause on toy or small breed dogs while innocently trying to play with them. Size is important, so always keep a close eye on your Newfoundland interactions.

8. Introduce Distractions Gradually

Once your Newfoundland understands basic commands, gradually introduce distractions during training sessions. Start with mild distractions, and progressively increase their difficulty as your dog learns to ignore them. This training helps your dog learn to focus and obey commands even in challenging situations.

9. Keep Training Sessions Fun and Positive

Make training sessions enjoyable for your Newfoundland by incorporating games, toys, and playtime. Use an upbeat and enthusiastic tone to convey your excitement during training, fostering a stronger bond between you and your dog. It will also help your dog look forward to the next training session and can help speed up learning.

10. Do Advanced Training and Activities

Once your Newfoundland has mastered the basics and you have improved your training skills, you can also consider advanced training, such as agility, water rescue, or therapy dog work. These activities provide mental stimulation and help channel their instincts, which can help them behave better throughout the day.

11. Hire a Professional

Hiring a professional can be a great option if you are struggling to train your dog or it is taking longer than you think it should. A trainer will help not only your dog but also help you to improve the way you communicate with and handle your dog. This should be a no-brainer if you are struggling with a bigger size dog since you want to quickly overcome any hiccups and prevent undesired behaviors from turning into hard-to-break habits. Professional trainers have the experience and skills to train the dog quickly and can provide tips and tricks specific to your pet that can help you get better results at home.

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Summary

Training large dogs is vital because they can easily get out of hand as adults. However, starting early with their desensitization to touch and social scenarios by exposing them to as many new people, places, and other animals as possible can help them feel more comfortable in any environment.

Obedience is extra important with large-sized dogs. Start with simple but important commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” to help keep everyone safe when you are out walking, and add distractions as your pet gets the hang of following your commands. Above all, be patient and consistent! Don’t hesitate to get a professional to advise you, as this can help you better understand and get your pup to the next level.

Featured Image Credit: Anton Pentegov, Shutterstock

The post How to Train a Newfoundland Dog: 11 Vet-Recommended Tips by Dr. Paola Cuevas MVZ (Vet) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

People keep dogs for all sorts of reasons, from companionship to having a work partner or an excuse to get them out of the house more often. Dogs have also been kept as guardians for livestock and humans for centuries, and many people still keep dogs for protection today.

The belief that all dogs will protect their owners is a bit of a myth, though. Many people believe that their dog will rush to their rescue whenever they need it, only for said loyal pup to turn tail and hide instead. This doesn’t mean that your dog doesn’t love you or that a protective dog won’t defend you to the best of their ability. It all comes down to the dog’s breed, temperament and their training.

To clear up the confusion, we’ll explore the reasons why some dogs protect their owners and others don’t. We also examine common ways that dogs try to protect you even if they do run away or attempt to make friends with your attacker.

Do Dogs Protect Their Owners?

The question of whether dogs will protect their owners is one that’s asked frequently and many people assume that the answer is always, “Yes, absolutely!” In practice, however, this is rarely the case. Most dogs won’t protect you at all if you’re attacked. This can be due to many reasons.

Breed

Perhaps the biggest factor in whether your dog will protect you if necessary is their breed. While all dogs have a natural protective instinct, some breeds were developed with a stronger guard-dog temperament than others. Well-known guardians include livestock guardians like the Anatolian Shepherd Dog or ancient war dogs like the Cane Corso.

That said, having a guardian breed doesn’t necessarily mean these dogs will protect you. There are plenty of other factors to consider, too. A key point to keep in mind is that your dog’s personality will play a huge role in this as well. In addition, there are many large breeds that are notoriously terrible in the context of being guard dogs. Despite their size and stature, they’re often very friendly toward strangers and don’t seem to mind their approach.

Temperament

Although breed plays a huge part in the reason that some dogs are more likely to protect you than others, you also have to consider the temperament of the dog as an individual. For example, German Shepherds might be well-known for being excellent police dogs, but not all of them make it through K9 training. It’s similar to how not all Labrador Retrievers have the focus and dedication to make good guide dogs.

They’re still good dogs even if they don’t meet the standards required for police work or other jobs. They simply don’t have the right temperament for a job that someone wants them to do. Your protective German Shepherd might be terrified of loud bangs or not have the confidence that makes them an excellent guard dog.

While you can train a dog to protect you if they don’t already have that spark, they’ll struggle to excel as much as another dog would.

Training

Something you do have to remember about dogs is that from a very young age, they learn that humans are good. They might be wary around strangers or aggressive toward everything that they’re unfamiliar with, but with proper socialization and obedience training, people are seen as good things. Most of all, they’re a source of food and ear scratches.

This is partly what makes small dogs more likely to snap at threats than large breeds. Large dogs are more likely to be taught good manners and to be gentle when they’re puppies because they quickly get bigger, stronger, and harder to control. Small breeds stay small and cute, and their aggressive behavior isn’t seen as a problem by most owners until it already is one.

Unfortunately, your dog’s good behavior often leaves them confused about how they’re supposed to protect you. If they’ve been taught not to bite, bark, or jump up at people, they won’t know how to protect you. However, you can train dogs to protect you on command. This gives them a direction to follow that will tell them when and where their protectiveness needs to come into action and when to back off.

However, some dogs are excellent at discerning a person’s actions and interpreting their approach as friendly or not. This is, after all, how guard dogs assess a situation before they decide to attack or stay put.

How Do Dogs Protect Their Owners?

Most dogs might be inclined to run the other way or sit and watch when someone attacks you, but many of them still protect you. They might not be the dramatic, snarling, and biting heroes that you imagine them to be, but they can and do protect you in their own way.

Presence

The fact that there are so many misconceptions about dogs shows that they can be effective in protecting you from attackers. Perhaps not in the way that you imagined them to be, but their presence can be a deterrent alone.

Take a breed like the Great Dane, for example. Their size is intimidating, even to people who are familiar with dogs. Even if you didn’t know that they once hunted wild boars and are dedicated home guardians, they are likely to scare away an attacker simply by bounding up to them and barking.

That said, if you’re attacked by someone who knows that Great Danes are massive softies, their presence won’t be much of a deterrent at all. A kind word, a treat, and ear scratches are often more than enough to make a new friend. This is why training your massive guard dog to use their instinctive protectiveness can help.

Watchdogs

Dogs are equipped with impressive senses that help alert them to trouble. Their nose, ears, and eyes all work together to observe their surroundings and keep them safe. Your Basset Hound might become best friends with a burglar, but they also won’t be quiet when the burglar walks up to your back door.

In many cases, a dog’s bark might be worse than their bite, but it can also be a good deterrent. If your dog isn’t known for making excessive noise all the time, the more noise they make when they need to, the more attention they’ll draw. For an attacker who wants to make a quick stop and an easy getaway, attention is the last thing that they’ll want.

Don’t rely on this alone, though. Unless you train your dog specifically to react to certain triggers, it’s difficult to say what sets them off. It’s also easy to quiet them down. After all, few dogs will say “no” to a handful of treats or a juicy bone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can You Protect Yourself from Attackers?

Hopefully, you and your dog will never experience a situation where you’ll need them to protect you. There are a few ways that you can defend yourself and your dog without relying solely on them to protect you. Here are a few quick tips:

What’s the Difference Between Protection and Aggression?

Many people don’t realize that there’s a big difference between protective behavior and aggression. This is often why a dog owner will let their tiny Chihuahua “guard” their lap by snapping at anyone who comes close—the tiny dog’s overprotectiveness is adorable.

Unfortunately, this behavior often isn’t a response to an actual threat to you; it’s your dog’s response to their jealousy or possessiveness toward you. It can also escalate until your dog is reacting to everything with snarls, bites, or other unwanted behavior.

When your dog reacts aggressively to everything, even when it’s not a threat, they’re not being protective, they’re just reacting. Aggression is a common problem in dogs and needs to be corrected through training and socialization.

Conversely, protectiveness is an instinctive behavior that all dogs have, especially the breeds that are bred for guarding. Most of the time, it isn’t a bad thing either; it’s just your dog being loyal, observant, and dependable. Dogs will also react to your emotional response to situations.

Protectiveness can lead to aggression in certain cases, but with the right training, you can teach them to assess the situation and decide whether there’s a threat before they overreact. Protective dogs will also back down and relax as soon as they realize that there isn’t a threat. This can be after they’ve assured themselves that everything is safe or with a command from you.

Conclusion

Despite popular belief, many dogs won’t protect you if you’re attacked, and these can include breeds that are known to be naturally protective. In many cases, dogs that protect their owners are trained to do so and will respond to a command that tells them to act in a certain way. It’s rare for a dog to protect their owner instinctively, and many are happy to make friends with your attackers.

Even if your dog is a well-known guard dog breed, don’t rely on them to protect you. Invest in guard dog training, but also take steps to protect yourself by carrying pepper spray, learning basic self-defense, or walking with a friend.

• See also: Why Do Dogs Guard Their Food? 5 Vet-Verified Reasons & Treatment

Featured Image Credit: SasaStock, Shutterstock

The post Will My Dog Protect Me If I Am Attacked? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

If you are already the proud owner of an Airedale Terrier, you already know that your furry friend isn’t like other dogs and requires a lot of training. While these gorgeous dogs are intelligent, they can also be very stubborn.

The Airedale Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a life expectancy between 11 and 14 years. They are loyal but headstrong and can be difficult to train. They respond best to positive reinforcement and praise. You should never scold, yell at, or hit your Airedale Terrier, as that will only make it harder to train your furry friend and might even make the dog resent you. In this article, we provide tips for training your Airedale Terrier.

Can an Unruly Airedale Terrier Be Trained?

Yes, you can train your unruly Airedale Terrier, but it will take consistency, patience, determination, and a lot of love. It’s important to note that training this breed can be challenging and requires time and training skills from a pet parent.

If you give them half a chance, the Airedale Terrier will quickly start thinking they are the boss. You must be a calm, patient, loving leader to bring out the best in your Airedale Terrier.

The 6 Tips for Training Your Airedale Terrier

It’s important to note that Airedale Terriers are prone to digging and are extremely curious, which means they can get into trouble if left unsupervised. Let’s get into the tips we promised for training your Airedale Terrier.

1. Positive Reinforcement Is Best

Your Airedale Terrier will respond much better to positive reinforcement than being punished or scolded. This breed is headstrong and prideful, so scolding or punishing the dog will have the opposite effect. To train your Airedale Terrier with positive reinforcement, you’ll reward them when they do the right thing and withhold that reward when they fail to respond to the command.

As you consistently train your pet, vary the treats to keep them from becoming bored and uninterested in training. While this can be a frustrating and challenging task, it’ll be worth it when your Airedale Terrier listens to your commands.

2. Be Patient and Consistent

Patience and consistency are vital to training your Airedale Terrier. For example, you can’t teach the dog one day to do a trick and then wait 3 weeks to try again. It’s best to develop a step-based training plan and dedicate time to it every day.

Being patient is also crucial because your Airedale Terrier isn’t going to learn to behave, do tricks, or come when called overnight.

Be patient with your pet, and provide plenty of praise and positive reinforcement if you want to train the dog properly. If your Airedale Terrier is getting headstrong during a training session, take a deep breath and try another tactic. You may need to take a break and wait until your Airedale Terrier calms down to resume training. They will do best if they perceive training as a positive and enjoyable activity, so make sure you set them up for success and reinforce every small achievement.

3. Be Clear and Precise

While you want to be positive, patient, and loving, you must also be clear if you want your Airedale Terrier to learn and not be confused. Set up clear rules and expectations, stick to them, and avoid any gray areas. You also need to be precise with your timing—reinforcement needs to be delivered at the moment. Your Terrier’s behavior will be either more or less frequent depending on the consequences they get immediately after a behavior.

Punishing an Airedale Terrier for something they did in the past is ineffective and confusing to the dog. However, you have to say “No” immediately when they misbehave. You still don’t need to hit or punish your dog, but you should be firm so they understand what is allowed and what isn’t. A firm and calm “No” is enough; you just have to be consistent.

Keep in mind that as a positive reinforcement trainer, you should mostly focus on what you want, so never miss a chance to reinforce your dog for behaviors that you wish them to repeat in the future.

4. Start as Soon as Possible

Ideally, training an Airedale Terrier needs to start when they’re young and continue throughout their life. While training any dog early is important, it’s even more essential with the Airedale Terrier because they can be stubborn and willful.

Failing to train an Airedale Terrier as a puppy can result in them developing bad habits that you’ll have a harder time breaking as they grow to adulthood.

5. Be Accepting

While you can train your Airedale Terrier with patience, firmness, and positive reinforcement, there are some things you will have to accept. There are certain instincts you won’t be able to break. For example, you’ll never fully train your Airedale Terrier to not have a strong drive to chase small furry creatures, but you can fix that by keeping them on a leash when you’re out and around other people and animals.

6. Try Obedience School

If all the previous techniques don’t work, it’s time to send your Airedale Terrier to obedience school. This works well with adult Airedale Terriers because sometimes you don’t get your pet as a puppy, and the dog is already set in their ways.

Most Airedale Terriers are incredibly energetic and have a hard time sitting still. For first-time owners, that can make training frustrating and unproductive. However, a professional trainer has the experience and patience to handle challenging pups, and they can show you how to properly handle, communicate with, and train your Airedale Terrier to be a loving, well-behaved canine.

What Can I Train My Airedale Terrier to Do?

As previously mentioned, the Airedale Terrier is a brilliant breed, so there are many things the dog can learn and will pick up on quickly if they are trained to behave.

What Can I Not Train My Airedale Terrier to Do?

Although they’re smart canines, there are a few things that you probably won’t be able to train your Airedale Terrier to do.

The Airedale Terrier is a natural digger, tends to wander off because of their intense curiosity, and is determined to be wherever their pet parents are, usually on the furniture. It’s best to concentrate on what you can train your Airedale Terrier to do, but keeping them on a leash outside can prevent them from digging or running away.

Conclusion

Airedale Terriers are loyal, loving, energetic dogs that are good pets if trained and socialized properly. However, they have a stubborn streak and can get into trouble if they’re not controlled. Training the dog at an early age will keep them from developing bad habits.

If you feel that you can’t train your Airedale Terrier correctly, it’s best to send them to obedience school and let the experts assist you with training. After training your Airedale Terrier, you’ll have a well-behaved, loyal friend that will stay by your side for several years.

Featured Image Credit: Kseniia Kolesnikova, Shutterstock

The post How to Train an Airedale Terrier: 6 Vet-Approved Tips by Patricia Dickson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The Samoyed is a loving, playful, and fun dog. They make excellent pets, but they’re perhaps more suitable for an active family who can give them plenty of attention and outdoor exercise. They’re also prone to being very vocal and might not be the best option in areas where noise is a concern. 

Like all puppies and dogs, a Samoyed needs to be properly trained when you first adopt them. Though they’re very affectionate toward just about anyone and get along well with children, their tendency to be so “happy-go-lucky” can lead to some owners overlooking their training needs. This can result in a dog that refuses to listen or follow basic commands. In turn, this can get them in trouble. 

There is no secret unlock code for training a Sammie. The best results come from patience, persistence, and consistency. Below, we provide 12 tips on how to train a Samoyed to help ensure you have the best chance of success when training this working breed.

About the Samoyed Breed

The Samoyed is an ancient breed, first reared by the Samoyede people of Siberia. The dog was raised to herd cattle, pull sleds, hunt game, and perform other tasks required by families. As a working dog, the Samoyed also had to live in very close quarters with the family, often sleeping with their handlers to keep the family warm at night. While the Samoyed’s duties may differ today, the breed has retained many attributes that made it such an important part of the Spitz family.

Are Samoyeds Easy to Train?

Having been raised as sled-pulling dogs, Samoyeds are full of energy. They are also very receptive to training, typically looking to help with jobs and tasks to entertain themselves. This combination means training needs to be well structured, and owners need to provide tasks and reinforce positive actions with positive rewards. 

They are intelligent and loving and will work for their owners. Therefore, Sammies can be trained relatively easily. The AKC ranks their trainability at four (on a five-point scale) 1, leaning heavily towards being “eager to please.”

The 12 Samoyed Training Tips

Correcting unwanted behavior, rewarding positive behavior, and persisting with your training efforts are considered the “holy trinity” of training dogs, and Samoyeds are no exception to this rule. Below are some Samoyed training tips to help ensure that your efforts are properly rewarded.

1. Start Young (For Puppies)

Dogs are at their most receptive when they are young puppies. They will be more likely to learn and remember the commands you teach, and the training you undertake when your Samoyed is young will set you up for a lifetime of positive behavior.

Ideally, you should start basic training as soon as a puppy leaves their mother and you take them home. Failing this, start as soon as possible, even with basic training. House training, crate training, teaching your puppy not to jump up, and discouraging unwanted behaviors are some of the first training steps you will take.

2. Socialization

Socialization means introducing your puppy to other dogs, new people, and new situations. This not only helps your dog get used to other types of animals and people, but they are less likely to become scared or anxious when they encounter something new.

Like training, socialization should start when your puppy is young and continue throughout your pup’s life. Puppy classes are a great place to start. However, keep in mind that if you adopt an adult, they may have a personality that doesn’t easily warm up to other dogs.

3. Regular Exercise

Samoyeds have a lot of energy, and if you don’t exercise your Sammie, it can lead to behavioral issues that are difficult to train out of your dog. As the saying goes, a tired dog is a good dog. Ideally, you should aim to provide around 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day for a healthy adult Samoyed. While some of this can include intense indoor play, Samoyeds will appreciate time outdoors, and they’ll likely be very appreciative of a long walk. 

Samoyeds are athletic dogs that were raised to pull sleds. Some people even enter their pets in sled-pulling competitions, while others take their dogs for ski excursions. However, such athletic endeavors do require some conditioning, and they’re best undertaken by healthy adult dogs. 

Puppies do best on exercise centered around training and multiple play sessions. They shouldn’t be taken for fast-paced runs, and they shouldn’t be tasked with pulling sleds (or other heavy objects) when they’re still growing.

4. Be Consistent

Consistency is critical to positive training. If you want to stop your dog from getting up on furniture, you need to consistently tell them no and praise them when they sit or lay calmly next to the furniture. Similarly, you must praise positive actions like sitting and being patient consistently.

5. Be Clear

Your commands need to be clear, and you need to stick to the same commands each time. While “sit” is a joint command most dog owners use, confusion can arise around other commands. If you use “down” as a command to have your dog lay down, you can’t use it as a command to get off furniture or stop jumping up.

Choose your commands, use them consistently, and ensure you speak them clearly so they are easy to understand.

6. Be Honest With Yourself

Most owners who struggle to train their dogs often pass the blame to the dog being stubborn or not adept at picking up a command. However, it’s important to note that many training shortcomings are not the fault of the dog but of the trainer. It’s perfectly fine to seek out professional trainers if you’re not confident in your abilities as a trainer for your dog.

7. Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement involves praising your dog when they do something you want to encourage. This includes rewarding and praising your puppy when they respond to commands, but you can also reinforce any positive action. If your dog sits when meeting a new person, praise the action even if you didn’t ask for it. Eventually, your dog will associate that action with getting a positive reward.

8. Don’t Punish

You can teach “no” and “stop” commands and use them when your Sammie is doing something you don’t want, but they shouldn’t be used as a punishment. Rather, they should be used as a correction and a means of encouraging positive behavior that can be rewarded. Don’t scold your dog, and don’t punish them.

9. Utilize Treats

Treats aren’t just there for when your dog looks adorable. They can be a very effective training tool when used properly. However, it’s important to keep in mind that they contain calories, which can quickly lead to an overweight pet if you’re not careful. It’s important to adjust the rest of your dog’s meals by the amount of treats you offer them.

10. Keep It Short

Embarking on a long training session may at times set your dog up for failure. They may become distracted and bored, eventually looking for other things to do or just walking away from you. When starting with your dog, it’s sometimes better to engage in multiple short training sessions throughout the day instead of a single long session.

11. Consider Veterinary Input

Not all training hurdles are due to your dog being difficult to train. At times, your dog might be unwell and therefore not responding well to training sessions. If you wake up one day and realize that your dog doesn’t seem to be their usual self when it’s time for their training session, it’s important to not immediately conclude that they’re being stubborn. Your dog might be unwell, so it’s usually best to seek veterinary input if your dog just isn’t acting like their normal self.

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Click to Speak With a Vet

12. Have Fun!

Above all, whenever you embark on a training journey with your dog, it’s important to keep in mind that you should embrace the challenges as they present themselves and have fun. It’s a learning experience to figure out what your dog’s idiosyncrasies are, what they enjoy most, what they excel at, and how they respond to certain situations or stimuli. 

It’s also just as important to celebrate the milestones you achieve with your dog throughout the training process. Don’t lose sight of the fact that this entire process isn’t linear. You will have good days and bad days. You’ll also have great days. At times, you might not be in the mood to train your dog. At other times, it might be your dog who cuts a training session short. 

Ultimately, the time you spend with your dog is forming memories and a bond for both of you. Therefore, always remember to take it easy, keep it simple, and have fun!

Final Thoughts

The Samoyed is a working dog breed with a very highly trainable streak, and as such, they’re considered very receptive to instruction. Nonetheless, training does take time, patience, dedication, and compassion. 

With the correct forms of training and lots of love, your beloved Samoyed will likely be your favorite walking companion who heels on command, and they may even accompany you for athletic endeavors, such as flyball, agility, or sled pulling!

See Also: 

• Samoyed Health Issues You Should Know Before You Get One
• How Much Exercise Do Samoyeds Need? Vet-Approved Care Facts

Featured Image Credit: Evgeniia Shikhaleeva, Shutterstock

The post How to Train a Samoyed: 12 Vet-Reviewed Tips by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Whippets are charming, loving dogs that look like miniature Greyhounds. They make excellent family dogs, bond deeply with children, and get along well with other dogs if socialized early. They’re agile and fast, and you cannot stop them when they get going. So, what do you need to know when training a Whippet?

Whippets are intelligent but have a stubborn streak that can sometimes make training a little tricky. So, we’ve put together 10 expert tips and tricks to make your training journey easier.

The Trainability of Whippets

Before we discuss training, we thought it was a good idea to look closer at the temperament and trainability of the Whippet. Whippets are generally quiet and don’t cause much fuss or bark. They’re incredibly loyal, but also prone to separation anxiety.

Whippets have a strong prey drive, so they tend to view cats and smaller pets as prey; it isn’t uncommon for Whippets to attack and kill cats entirely out of instinct. This makes early socialization essential for Whippets. They do well with other dogs in the house and are great for motivating older dogs and children to exercise.

A Whippet’s intelligence and stubborn streak combined can mean they recognize exactly what you are teaching them, but they might choose to do the opposite. Training your dog is a crucial part of being a responsible owner, so while it might be a challenging journey you’re about to embark on, it’s for the best.

Top 10 Tips on How to Train a Whippet

1. Start as Soon as Possible

Many owners think they must wait to start training when they bring a new puppy into the home, but you can begin training as soon as possible. Early training and socialization are crucial for your Whippet’s development, as they won’t have time to learn bad habits that you will have to train out of them. It is also a wonderful bonding experience for you both.

2. Be Consistent and Patient

Everyone in the home must be on the same page so your Whippet isn’t getting mixed signals. Confusion can lead to frustration and make teaching your dog more challenging. Whippets are intelligent but stubborn, which means they will test your patience.

Stay calm and avoid getting frustrated or resorting to harsh corrections. Positive reinforcement like praise and treats will yield far better results.

3. Provide Stimulation and Exercise

Whippets are relatively calm but need exercise to avoid developing undesirable behavior, such as becoming destructive. They need a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise daily. If you attempt to train them before letting them burn off this energy, chances are they won’t pay you any attention. As an intelligent breed, ensure exercise is varied and keep their mind busy with playtime.

4. Leash Training Is Important

Whippets need a fenced-in yard to run free and get rid of all their pent-up energy. If you let your Whippet run free in an unsecured environment and they catch the scent of something that interests them, getting them back will be challenging as they can reach speeds up to 35mph.

Use a harness and leash to keep your Whippet safe from giving into their high prey drive, and teach them to walk at your side with positive reinforcement techniques.

5. Don’t Forget Socialization

Early socialization is critical for your Whippet. Introducing them to different environments, people, and animals from a young age will ensure your adult dog is comfortable with variation and is more well-rounded, reducing the likelihood of becoming anxious, fearful, or aggressive when faced with new situations.

6. Teach Them House Training

Puppies are messy initially, and your technique for house training will dictate how messy an adult they are. This can’t be rushed; remember to keep calm when mistakes happen.

It’s important to note that puppies can’t hold their pee for as long as adults. Typically, the rule to follow is they can hold it for an hour plus one for every month of their age. So a 2-month-old can hold it for 2  to 3 hours, and so on.

7. Teach Them Obedience Training

Basic commands will make both of your lives easier. Start small with commands like “stay,” “sit,” and “leave,” and work on recall. This is still important even if you will be using a leash because they will be out in the yard, and you want to be able to call them back in. After you’ve mastered the basics, you can move on to more advanced commands like handshakes and “wipe your feet.”

8. Consider Crate Training

Many people view crates as a punishment, but that isn’t their purpose. A crate provides your Whippet with a safe place that belongs only to them. It also aids with potty training and reduces destructive behaviors or the likelihood of getting into trouble when alone in the house. Introduce the crate to them gradually and use positive reinforcement to get them to associate the crate with positive experiences.

9. Keep Sessions Short and Fun

Short training sessions are usually far more successful than long ones. Five to 10 minutes per training session might not feel like a lot, but it prevents your dog from feeling frustrated and bored.

Always try to end training sessions positively, even if you’ve been working on something small. Praise your dog and let them know what a fantastic job they’ve done. If your Whippet enjoyed their session, they’re much more likely to want to try again and try even harder to impress you.

10. Revisit the Basics

Occasionally, you’ll need to take a step back in training if your Whippet isn’t progressing. This isn’t an indication of failure. When learning something new, some dogs take longer to catch on. Training is also never completely over, and you might find you have to refresh your Whippet’s memory, especially with something they haven’t used for a while.

Conclusion

Whippets are intelligent, loving dogs that make remarkable family pets. Their intelligence helps them learn fast, but they are known for having a stubborn streak, so you must be firm and patient. If you struggle with your training journey, remember it isn’t one you need to go on alone. If you need a professional trainer to provide guidance or address a specific behavioral problem, there is no harm in asking for help.

Training doesn’t have to be all work and no play. It’s an excellent way to bond with your new pet, and in no time at all, you’ll both be having the best time together, learning new tricks to impress the rest of the family!

Related Reads:

• How Big Do Whippets Get? Average Weight & Growth Chart
• 14 Surprising Whippet Dog Facts You’ll Love to Know

Featured Image Credit: Dora Zett, Shutterstock

The post How to Train a Whippet: 10 Vet-Approved Tips by Kerry-Ann Kerr appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Training your dog is a vital part of being a dog owner. Without early training and a firm yet kind hand, your Bloodhound may become self-willed and set in their ways. Therefore, proper training is essential to ensure your dog is well-behaved and agreeable.

Each breed comes with unique training needs and challenges, and the Bloodhound is no exception. To learn more about how to train a Bloodhound, take a look at these seven crucial tips.

Before You Start

When training a dog, it isn’t wise to dive in without adequate preparation. Before you start, you must understand how Blooshounsa think and have treats on hand.

Understand How Dogs Think

Dogs don’t understand prolonged cause and effect like humans do. If your Bloodhound does something good and you give them a treat 10 minutes later, they have already forgotten the good thing they did and don’t know what you are rewarding them for. Therefore, you need to provide them with immediate consequences, whether positive or negative, for their actions.

Remember the Treats

Reward-based training is the ideal method for dogs. Punishments are less effective and do not contribute to a strong bond with your pet. To encourage your dog toward desired behaviors, purchase treats ahead of time and have them ready. Give them to your dog when they perform a task correctly.

The 7 Crucial Tips to Train a Bloodhound

1. Start with Early Obedience Classes

When your Bloodhound is still a puppy, getting started on obedience classes is important. Bloodhounds are not particularly self-willed, but their dedication to tracking a scent can distract them during training.

Without early training, they may become stubborn. However, Bloodhounds are eager to please their owners, so with a confident and steady trainer, your dog can be an attentive student.

2. Understand Your Bloodhound’s Personality

Bloodhounds are inquisitive yet independent dogs. They like to take charge, so you must show them you are the boss as their owner. At the same time, owners who are too harsh with their Bloodhounds will not see much success.

Bloodhounds thrive off of positive reinforcement, such as treats and pets. If you use punishing methods with your Bloodhound, they may become distrustful or uncooperative.

3. Keep Lessons Short and to the Point

No matter how intelligent your dog is, it is essential to remember that they do not have the same attention span as a human. While humans can dedicate several minutes or hours to a task, dogs need lessons in much shorter bursts, or they will lose interest.

Therefore, keep all training sessions to 15 minutes or less. During this time, focus on only one task to prevent your dog from being confused.

4. Use Consistent Commands

Consistency is vital when training your dog, so always use the same commands for the same task. For instance, if you are trying to teach your dog to sit, you should not say “sit” once and then “down” the next. Instead, pick one command and stick to it. This will instill the command in your Bloodhound’s mind.

At the same time, avoid using too many words. When commanding your dog to sit, simply say, “Sit.” Don’t say, “All right, now it is time for you to sit if you want the treat.” Your dog can pick up simple verbal commands, but that doesn’t mean they understand your language. The easier you make it for your Bloodhound to understand you, the more successful you will be.

5. Start with Basic Commands

Don’t bite off more than you can chew when you start training. It may be exciting to think about all the neat tricks you could teach your dog, but rather than rush in, first focus on the basics. The basic commands you should start with are as follows:

You can graduate to more complex tasks once you have mastered these commands with your Bloodhound. But without this basic foundation, you will not set your dog up for success.

6. Be Consistent With Your Expectations

Consistency with your commands and consistency with your expectations are important. For instance, if you are trying to train your Bloodhound to stay off the couch, do not give your dog “cheat days.” Anytime your Bloodhound is on the couch, you must reinforce the appropriate boundaries.

Your Bloodhound will never learn if you pick and choose when to enforce your demands. All you will accomplish is confusing your poor pup when you randomly decide a certain behavior is an issue again.

7. Be Patient

Training a dog is not an easy or quick task. It is an endless process that requires regular work. It can be easy to feel exhausted or frustrated when your dog does not immediately understand your commands but don’t allow your composure to slip. Dogs are clever animals, and they can understand our emotions fairly well.

They may associate training time with negative emotions if you become angry with your Bloodhound during training. This will only make them unhappy and unwilling to train. Instead, focus on developing your patience. Take breaks when needed, and remember that your dog is trying their best, too.

Bloodhounds are eager to please their owners, so there is no malicious reason why they do not immediately understand your commands. Give it time and focus on the positives, such as the time you spend with your dog. If you consider training a time to strengthen bonds, your sessions will likely be more fruitful.

Final Thoughts

Training a Bloodhound requires a firm and steady hand and a lot of love and praise. Bloodhounds are curious, independent dogs that can be biddable if their owners properly engage with them. We hope that this article has helped you to understand how to approach training your Bloodhound. Remember that no matter what happens, you and your dog are a team, and your Bloodhound wants to learn just as much as you want to teach them.

Related Reads:

• How to Tell the Age of a Wild Rabbit (With Pictures)
• How Long Do Bloodhounds Live? Vet-Reviewed Average Lifespan, Data & Care

Featured Image Credit: markfizzwig, Pixabay

The post How to Train a Bloodhound: 7 Crucial Tips by Jordyn Alger appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

As a dog owner, dealing with drool is simply a part of the job. Drooling is a normal, natural behavior that cannot always be stopped. However, if you want to minimize the amount of drool your dog produces, there are some steps you can take to do so.

In this article, we will discuss eight tips and tricks that you can follow to reduce the amount of drool your dog creates. Furthermore, we will talk about how to know when drooling is excessive and concerning, as well as when you should contact your vet. But before we start, let’s talk about why dogs drool.

Why Do Dogs Drool?

Drool is saliva that is dripping from your dog’s mouth. It is a necessary part of your dog’s digestive process and a product of the salivary glands in your dog’s jaw and neck area. Typically, your dog can contain all of their saliva in their mouth, but if they salivates excessively, they may drool. A good example of this is when your dog sees you pull out a tasty treat and anticipates eating it.

In most cases, drool is not a huge issue. However, some breeds, such as the Saint Bernard and the Mastiff, are prone to drooling excessively. If you own a breed predisposed to drooling, there may not be much you can do to cut down on the drool they produce. Still, it is worthwhile to take a look at the tips and tricks in this list to see if any of them work for you.

Top 8 Tips to Stop Dog Drooling

1. Be Diligent About Your Dog’s Dental Hygiene

One of the simplest ways to prevent your dog from drooling is to be diligent about their dental care. Without proper oral hygiene, your dog may accumulate tartar, potentially irritating their gums. Both tartar buildup and gum irritation can cause your dog to drool more often. Additionally, if something is stuck between your dog’s teeth, it may cause them to produce more saliva, leading to drool.

To properly care for your dog’s oral hygiene, brush their teeth daily with a canine toothbrush and toothpaste. Watch out for plaque deposits, especially if they are yellowish or brownish, as well as inflammation of the gums. Likewise, take your pet to regular checkups so that a professional can examine their teeth.

2. Keep Choking Hazards Away From Your Pet

Keep small items away from your dog. This is a good safety protocol to follow and can prevent your dog from producing excessive saliva. Foreign objects stuck in your dog’s teeth or mouth can cause them to salivate excessively to remove them. Examples include a fractured piece of a toy or a splintered bone.

In addition to foreign objects, there is the possibility that a tumor inside the mouth, throat, or esophagus can also cause your dog to salivate more than usual. If you notice anything strange in your dog’s mouth or throat, do not try to remove it yourself. Instead, reach out to your vet right away.

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Click to Speak With a Vet

3. Make Sure Your Dog Doesn’t Eat Anything They Shouldn’t

Although cats are heavily stereotyped as curious animals, all dog owners know that canines can be just as inquisitive. It’s an endearing quality that can sometimes endanger our pets, especially if a dog eats something they shouldn’t have. This can be a foreign object, such as a sock or a toy, which we’ve already established can cause your dog to salivate. In addition, toxic substances may also lead to drooling.

If your dog gets into cleaning chemicals, toxic ingredients, or poisonous plants, they may be drooling due to the exposure. In this instance, you may notice other signs, such as vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, or other worrying issues. If you believe your dog has gotten into something they shouldn’t have, do not delay getting them the professional help they need.

4. Pay Attention to the Weather

Sometimes, your dog’s drool has little to do with what’s in their mouth. For instance, hot weather can cause your dog to suffer from heat stroke. As a result, they may salivate excessively to try and cool themself off.

Heat stroke is a concerning health issue that requires urgent care. On the spectrum of heat-related conditions, heat stroke is the most severe. If your dog continues to be exposed to heat after suffering from heat-induced illnesses, they may progress from heat exhaustion to heat stroke. Heat stroke is characterized by disorientation, increased body temperature, and seizures. If the condition worsens, they may suffer from organ damage and even organ failure.

Of course, this is the most extreme scenario. If your dog is even a little bit hot, they still may drool to try and regulate their temperature. Limit their outdoor time during the warmer seasons to prevent them from drooling excessively.

5. Feed Your Dog When You Eat

A common reason dogs salivate is the desire for or anticipation of a meal. If you and your family sit down for a meal, your dog may sit at the edge of the table and drool. To prevent this, you can feed your dog at the same time that you eat your meals. That way, your dog does not have too long for their meal.

6. Use Puzzle Feeders

If your dog drools a lot during mealtime, using puzzle feeders might save you a lot of cleanup afterward. Food puzzles lengthen the time that your dog takes to eat their meals, so they don’t produce as much saliva as quickly. This reduces the amount that they drool. There are plenty of puzzle feeder choices on the market, so take your time to look through them and see which might be the best fit for your dog.

7. Redirect Your Dog’s Attention When They Drool for Food

If your dog drools whenever they see food, feeding them to stop the drooling will only reinforce the behavior. Rather than feeding your dog every time that they want it, you can try to redirect their attention instead. Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your dog occupied and distract them from their desire for food. It may take some time to train this habit out for your dog, especially if they have learned that begging will give them the food they want.

8. Avoid Triggers that Cause Them to Drool

There are many reasons why a dog may drool, not just for the anticipation of a snack. If your dog has specific triggers that engage their salivary glands, you must avoid them whenever possible.

In the example of food, if your dog salivates when you start cooking dinner, you can remove them from the room when you prepare your meals. You can do so by placing them in their crate or sending them to another room. This works even better if your dog has something to occupy themself with when you are apart, such as a favorite toy.

When Is Excessive Drooling a Cause for Concern?

Although drooling is a natural behavior, there are times when it is a cause for concern. If your dog’s excessive drooling comes with any of the signs below, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Conclusion

While drooling is a natural behavior in dogs, that doesn’t mean most dog owners are thrilled to see slobber running down their dog’s face. Salivation is not something you can prevent your dog from doing, but there are steps that you can take to reduce the amount of unnecessary drooling. We hope these tips and tricks have helped you minimize the drool in your household. If you are ever concerned about how much your dog is salivating, do not delay contacting your vet.

• See also: 13 Boston Terrier Health Issues to Look Out For (Vet Answer)

Featured Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock

The post How to Stop Dog Drooling? 8 Vet-Approved Tips by Jordyn Alger appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Dogs scratching at doors is a common behavior, but it can ruin your once attractive and clean doors. Eventually, your doors will wear thin with repeated wear in one spot, not to mention the annoying sound of dog nails scraping. Dogs also run the risk of getting nail injuries from scratching, especially with interior wooden doors.

Fortunately, it’s simple to train your dog not to scratch at doors. The key is incentivizing proper behavior and discouraging unwanted behavior—in this case, scratching at doors. Here are some tips to teach your dog not to scratch.

The 7 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Scratching the Door

1. Give Your Dog Outlets for Energy

Some dogs scratch because of boredom, anxiety, frustration, or attention-seeking behaviors. If you work long hours and your dog is alone, it’s likely that they’ll find outlets for their excess energy. Often, this means destructive behaviors like scratching at doors.

You can prevent this behavior by taking your dog for long walks. A tired dog is a calm dog that is less likely to channel energy into ruining your things. Walking your dog is also good for bonding, especially if you allow your dog to sniff and explore their surroundings.

2. Prioritize Playtime

Exercise can help your dog, but they need more than just physical stimulation. Playtime and training help tire your dog out mentally, helping to prevent boredom and improve your bond. Play sessions like fetch, tug-of-war, a challenging puzzle game, or even going through some basic obedience and tricks will give your dog the attention they need while also sparing your doors from damage.

3. Redirect the Behavior

Dogs are great learners. You can reinforce the behavior you want—both intentionally and unintentionally—in how you react. For example, if you ignore your dog until they scratch at the door and then yell or scold, they’ve succeeded in getting your attention. Even negative attention is an improvement over no attention.

The goal of redirecting behavior is rewarding the behavior you want by substituting good things for bad things. With scratching, you can redirect your dog to scratch a scratch pad instead of the door. Interrupt your dog while scratching by calling them over and offering the alternative, then rewarding them when they engage with that instead of the door. Over time, your dog will learn that the new behavior (scratching a scratch pad) is preferable to the door.

4. Leave Them With Fun Distractions

Some dogs don’t like to be alone. If you have to be gone for a long time, give your dog something to take up the time and focus their energy. For example, hiding treats around the house and allowing your dog to search for them while you’re gone takes a lot of mental focus and energy. Puzzle toys or lick mats are also good options to keep your dog occupied.

It’s important to be careful with what you leave while your dog is alone, however. Some toys or chews shouldn’t be given unsupervised, such as deer antlers or squeak toys if your dog is a destructive chewer. Also, if you have multiple dogs in the same household, avoid toys or activities that can cause them to fight over resources.

5. Don’t Reward Bad Behavior

Consistency is key to dog training. Even if you don’t mean to, you can accidentally reinforce the scratching behavior. For example, if your dog scratches and you immediately take them out for a walk or to play, they will connect that scratching gets them what they want.

Instead, wait until your dog stops scratching the door for a moment. Then, you can engage and reward a new behavior. You want to reward them by stopping, not accidentally connecting the scratching with fun activities and rewards.

6. Don’t Punish the Behavior

Punishment like yelling at or hitting your dog doesn’t teach them to stop. It has a negative effect, especially if your dog is anxious, as it only worsens the feelings of stress, anxiety, and fear. It could also be reinforcing a behavior since your dog gets some attention. If you catch your dog in the middle of scratching or any other destructive behavior, interrupt them by calling the dog’s name and redirecting them.

7. Identify Underlying Causes

A dog that scratches at a door could simply be seeking attention or trying to get to you, but there could be other causes. Part of correcting the behavior is managing triggers. Sometimes, a dog will scratch at a door because there are other dogs, cats, vermin, or wildlife outside that they want to get to. Managing this behavior could involve putting up barriers so your dog can’t see outside or playing music while you’re gone to minimize outside sounds while also training your dog to prefer alternative behaviors.

If your dog scratches the door out of separation anxiety, that can be more challenging to correct. Dogs that have separation anxiety will also pant or pace while you’re gone. Separation anxiety only worsens with time and without treatment. It’s best to consult with a veterinary behaviorist to get a behavior modification plan that may involve medication to alleviate anxiety while working on training.

If you concerned about your dogs behavior we suggest speaking with a vet

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

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Should My Dog Be Crated?

If your dog shows destructive behaviors like scratching the door, a crate or X-pen can be a lifesaver for your home. You can keep your dog away from triggers and protect both them and your door from damage while you’re away.

That said, it’s not enough to put your dog in the crate and leave them for hours on end. Crate training properly takes weeks or months of effort. Take your time with introducing the crate and using crate games to build a positive association. Eventually, your dog may prefer to sleep in their crate with the door open.

Also, avoid using the crate as a form of punishment. If your solution is to put your dog in the crate as a “time out” for bad behavior, they’ll never associate it with a place of comfort or security. Worse yet, their anxiety will only increase whenever you try to put them in it.

That said, in some cases, the easiest solution to this kind of behavior is to make it physically impossible for the dog to reach their target of destruction so a gate or barrier might be something to consider.

Summary

A dog that scratches at doors can be annoying at best, but they can do serious damage to your doors or injure themselves at worst. With consistent training, enrichment, and positive reinforcement, you can train your dog to stop scratching your doors and develop a stronger bond in the process.

Featured Image Credit: Vineyard Perspective, Shutterstock

The post How to Stop Your Dog From Scratching the Door: 7 Vet-Approved Tips by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Being a dog parent is a rewarding but often tough job. There are numerous things that you need to do to keep your pet content. While you need to ensure that your canine gets a well-balanced diet, proper healthcare, and adequate exercise, one other thing should be on your to-do list: training your dog.

However, many people tend to forget about this essential step of canine care. That’s why the whole month of February is dedicated to educating people on why dog training is so vital for us and our four-legged companions.

This festivity is known as Dog Training Education Month: It is all about spreading awareness of the importance of dog training and its benefits for dogs, dog parents, and the community.

Let’s talk more about Dog Training Education Month, what it’s all about, why dog training is necessary, and how to commemorate this event!

What Is Dog Training Education Month All About?

Dog Training Education Month is celebrated every February, starting on February 1 and lasting until the end of the month. One of the most important aspects of Dog Training Education Month is teaching others why training is meaningful for dogs and their owners.

All dogs can sometimes act poorly and engage in behaviors that they shouldn’t, whether that’s excessively barking, jumping around, and running to attacking other animals. However, such behaviors are less common in well-trained dogs. While training can be tiring and expensive, it’s essential for preparing your furry companion for the real world and strengthening your bond.

Dog Training Education Month is all about spreading awareness of the importance of dog training, teaching people how to train their dogs, and sharing experiences and advice to help the canine community and dog parents throughout the world.

How Can You Commemorate Dog Training Education Month?

1. Train Your Dog

One of the best ways to commemorate Dog Training Education Month is to train your dog! If you and your furry friend have already trained together before, you can continue your usual routine. Otherwise, you can try your hand at training your new puppy.

Either activity is a great way to commemorate this dog-friendly holiday and strengthen your bond with your pet. The training session will keep your dog engaged while providing mental and physical stimulation for both of you.

2. Spread Awareness About Dog Training Education Month

An excellent way to celebrate Dog Training Education Month is to spread awareness about this amazing holiday. You can do that by spreading the word to your friends and family and posting online using the hashtag #DogTrainingEducationMonth.

3. Teach Your Dog a New Trick or Skill

Since this event is all about promoting dog training and educating people on why it’s important and how to do it, you can spend the month teaching your dog a new skill or trick.

You can also commit to learning more about how dogs function and what you can do to make training easier for your pet.

4. Visit a New Dog Park

If you’re looking for a simple way to observe Dog Training Education Month, you can visit a new dog park with your canine. Most dog parks allow dogs to walk freely off-leash, so this will be an excellent way to socialize your dog and train them at the same time.

The Benefits of Training Your Dog

Dog Training Tips That Every Dog Parent Needs to Know

Dog training is essential for dogs and their owners. It keeps your furry friend safe and engaged, which is a win-win situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Early Should I Start Training My Dog?

Most dogs are fast learners that are eager to pick up new tricks and spend quality time with you. However, to unleash your dog’s true potential, you’ll need to ensure that your dog starts learning from puppyhood.

It’s best to start training your dog as soon as you get them home. Typically, this is when a puppy is around 8 weeks old. At such a young age, your pup will be able to learn many different age-appropriate commands and tricks.

Final Thoughts

Dog Training Education Month is celebrated every year in February. Training is an essential part of dog ownership, so during this time, be sure to train your pet and spread awareness about the importance of dog education.

Featured Image Credit: sergey kolesnikov, Shutterstock

The post Dog Training Education Month 2024: What Is It & How to Celebrate by Visnja Radosavljevic appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Potty training can be challenging for novice dog parents, but it shouldn’t be too overwhelming, and it mostly involves sticking to a schedule and giving your Chihuahua plenty of learning opportunities. When it comes to potty training, always remember to be consistent and persistent.

So are Chihuahuas easy to potty train? In this guide, we’ll share all you need to know about potty training to get your Chihuahua peeing outside in no time.

Chihuahua Potty Training

Potty training is necessary for ensuring your Chihuahua develops good bathroom habits, and it’s far easier to instill these good habits while your Chihuahua is a puppy. However, if you’ve adopted a non-housebroken Chihuahua adult, they can be potty trained, too. Do not believe the saying; you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. It may take some time and work to break the habits they’ve learned, but it’s certainly possible.

One of the things that makes toilet training your Chihuahua more complicated than with some other breeds is their size. It’s much easier to spot a large dog going to the bathroom behind the couch than a Chihuahua!

Learning how to train a Chihuahua not to pee or poop in the house will save you a lot of accidents. So, let’s dive into toilet training a tiny Chi. Here’s everything you’ll need before we get into the tips:

The 8 Tips & Tricks on How to Potty Train a Chihuahua

1. Pick a Spot

Whether you have a yard or your Chihuahua is a city pup, pick an outdoor area where your dog can pee. You’ll use this spot to help your dog develop a sense of routine around using the bathroom. If you live in an upstairs apartment, you may wish to invest in an indoor grass training patch for your home or balcony until your Chihuahua learns to hold it long enough to get downstairs.

2. Give Your Chihuahua Plenty of Bathroom Opportunities

The key to teaching your Chihuahua to go to the bathroom outside is to ensure they have plenty of opportunities to go. Puppies simply can’t hold their bladders for as long as adult dogs. Adopted adult dogs may never have been taught to use the bathroom outside and will need the new routine reinforced with lots of consistency.

All you need to do is take your puppy or adult Chihuahua outside on a leash several times a day to the spot you’ve chosen for them. For very young puppies under 12 weeks, you’ll need to do this every hour or two, and you can extend the time as the puppy gets older.

Even if it doesn’t seem like your puppy needs to use the bathroom, take them outside on schedule to get them into the routine. Good times to take your Chihuahua out are first thing in the morning, after playing, after a meal, after drinking water, and before bed.

3. Praise & Reward

To motivate and encourage your Chihuahua, reward them with a tasty treat (or whatever motivates them most, like a toy, play session, or praise) every time they use the bathroom outside. This creates those all-important positive associations. Offer the reward just after they’ve finished doing their business rather than during to prevent them from stopping.

As we mentioned earlier, it’s easy to miss your Chihuahua going potty indoors. If you don’t reward them for going outside, all they are receiving is neutral reinforcement for both; there is no reaction when they toilet inside and none when they go outside. Going potty outside must become more appealing than going inside.

4. Learn the Signs

It’s important to tune in to your Chihuahua’s signs that they need to use the bathroom. Signs include whining, circling, sniffing around, and scratching at the door. If they have a spot indoors that they keep using, keep an eye out for them heading in that direction and intercept!

5. Consider Crate Training

Crates get a bad rap, but when used correctly, they can be useful and help your pet feel more secure when you aren’t there. The trick is to turn the crate into a bedroom and make it cozy with comfortable bedding and toys. A crate should be where your pup wants to spend time and shouldn’t be used as a punishment. A puppy will avoid going to the bathroom in their crate if it’s the correct size, so it makes it much easier to potty train them when you use one.

Put a puppy training pad under the bedding and blankets in case of accidents, but don’t designate it as a toilet area. This will encourage your puppy to wait until they leave the crate to go to the toilet. If there is an area to go potty inside the crate, they will not learn to hold it.

Every time you let your puppy out of the crate, go straight to their toilet spot. They will soon learn that there is a predictable pattern to follow, which makes it much easier for them to learn to hold on just a little longer.

Using a crate also helps pups avoid separation anxiety. If they have a safe bedroom to go to when you are out, they won’t feel like they are all alone in a big house.

6. Be Understanding

It’s impossible to get through potty training without accidents happening sometimes. This is completely normal, and your dog isn’t doing it out of spite or to misbehave. Avoid being harsh or punishing your dog for peeing or pooping in the house, as this will make them anxious or scared around you. If you catch them going indoors, just make a sharp sound, like “ah!” to get their attention, then calmly take them outside to their bathroom spot.

This should happen as quickly as possible to help your Chihuahua make the association between using the bathroom and going outside. They may have already finished, but going straight to their toilet spot will still help them identify the appropriate area. If they finish outside, reward them! They must be praised when they do the right thing, even if they have just peed on your favorite rug.

7. Take Them Out, and Then Take Them Out Again

The outside world is exciting and interesting, especially when you’re a puppy. But when you let your puppy outside to go potty, that’s not always what they’ll do! Or, they’ll start going but then get distracted. You might think they’ve gone to the toilet and decide to take them back inside, only to have them go potty five minutes later, which can be really frustrating!

Until they’re trained, take them out and bring them back inside when they seem to have finished, and then five minutes later, take them back out again. You’ll be surprised how often they go potty again!

8. Stay With Them

As discussed above, puppies (and dogs) don’t always go to the bathroom as soon as they’re let outside. Some need to sniff and play before they feel ready to go potty. If you just let them out and don’t watch them, you are setting yourself and your puppy up for failure. You need to watch them go to the toilet so that you can reward them, and know that they have actually been. This is essential and where many people fail.

Final Thoughts

If your Chihuahua puppy or adult seems to be taking a little longer than you’d expected to learn the basics, don’t panic. Dogs aren’t the same; some will learn quickly, while others will need more time. If the problem persists, however, you might want to have a vet check your dog out to rule out medical causes, like urinary tract infections.

It’s also possible that your Chihuahua suffers from anxiety, especially if they’ve had a harrowing past. If you suspect this might be the cause, please see a vet and consider working with a professional trainer. But if you follow the tips and tricks above, your Chihuahua should be potty trained in a jiffy!

Featured Image Credit: Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

The post How to Potty Train a Chihuahua: 8 Vet-Approved Tips & Tricks by Kit Copson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The Shar Pei is a strong, confident, and loyal dog. Hailing from China, they have an imposing demeanor, a witty brain, and an affectionate heart. But they can also be incredibly stubborn. For centuries, this dog has been serving as a guardian, always relying on themselves. That’s exactly why obedience training is essential for this breed!

If you skip early socialization, the Shar Pei will grow into a dominant, bossy beast with little respect for the rules. On the bright side, if you raise them right, your dog will be a docile, even-tempered, and faithful protector. So, how do you potty-train a Shar Pei? How do you make them stop biting and barking? Read on to find out!

The 12 Tips to Training a Shar Pei

We begin our deep dive into Shar Pei training techniques with the basics. Being positive, steering the pup in the right direction with a calm yet firm voice, and keeping the sessions short are how you earn a Shar Pei’s trust. This is an obstinate, highly intelligent breed that only responds to a friendly and confident leader. Here’s how to train them.

General Recommendations

1. Put Positive Reinforcement to Good Use

This is the golden rule of dog training. Whenever the pup does something right, be quick to praise their performance. The biggest motivator is going to be a tasty snack, but the Shar Pei appreciates petting too. Don’t pat them on their back or head, though; instead, go for the chin and chest. Be generous with these reinforcements to create the right associations.

The puppy needs to learn that as long as they do what you want, there’s going to be a treat at the end. Even if the dog only gets half of the assignment right, you should still encourage them. However, never give the dog treats, hugs, or cuddles if they refuse to follow your lead.

2. Don’t Scold or Shout at the Shar Pei

Some pups take forever to learn a simple command, and that can be frustrating. Thankfully, that’s not the case with the Shar Pei. They are much smarter than the average dog and can master new moves in 3–10 days or even sooner. They do tend to be stubborn, though, and even a bit aggressive at times.

But no matter how anxious your furry friend is, never raise your voice at them, let alone use curse words. Treat the dog like a little kid (a very talented one), and try to be the adult in the room. If the dog is attached to you and gets a negative attitude from their human parent, that might break your bond. So, be calm and understanding!

3. Use Your Voice to Guide the Dog

Dogs are gifted with a great sense of hearing and can easily recognize human voices. Call to them from a dense crowd, and your pup will come running. More importantly, our four-legged buddies are capable of processing the differences in tone. That’s why in many ways, the tone of your voice is more important than the actual words you’re saying. In this regard, puppies are just like little kids.

For example, a soft, calm voice makes a dog feel safe and encouraged. In contrast, a firm tone has more authority and is best when teaching commands like “No” and “Quiet.” So, practice a bit before getting started with the dog. Otherwise, you might sound a bit too angry when saying these words, frightening them.

4. Keep the Training Sessions Nice and Short

Shar Pei get distracted easily and don’t like to participate in boring, repetitive activities. Therefore, long training days are a bad choice for this breed. Instead, keep the sessions short (5–10 minutes, three to five times a day) yet exciting enough for the dog to look forward to the next day. Also, try your best to make the training diverse by changing things up.

Shar Pei are smart and catch onto things quickly, so think about incorporating more fun elements into each session. Ideally, the routine should focus not only on the pup’s physical condition but also on their mental capabilities. That said, teaching a dog different commands simultaneously is not a good idea.

5. Start Obedience Training at a Young Age

We can’t stress enough how important it is to start “working” with the Shar Pei while they’re still a puppy. Most behavioral patterns in dogs are established at a young age (when a pup is 7–8 weeks old). Some dog experts recommend postponing the first training session until the pup reaches at least 10–12 weeks of age and letting them develop on their own.

But with a Shar Pei, the sooner you start, the better. The same goes for early socialization. Puppies are capable of exploring the world at a tender age and happily making new friends. If you let your fluffy friends develop the wrong patterns early on, it will be much harder to fix them in the future. Also, be sure to find a quiet place where you can train the dog in peace.

Potty-Training a Shar Pei

Now that we’ve covered the essentials of training this Chinese guardian, it’s time to talk about an essential topic: house-training the pup. The good news is that the Shar Pei is a witty, quick-to-catch-on dog and likes learning and sticking to a routine. So, if you use the following tips and tricks, it shouldn’t take much effort to get there.

1. Practice Patience and Reward Proper Behavior

This is the best advice that any trainer will give you: Be patient! Sometimes, it may feel like your dog will never learn how to do their business outside. But if you give it time, eventually, your pup will master this oh-so-important skill. To get the best results with a Shar Pei, start potty training them when they’re 3–4 months old. Take the dog outside, and give them 2–3 minutes to make up their mind about doing their business.

If nothing happens, repeat in an hour or so. The idea here is to let the puppy know that the only place to go potty is the outdoors. Always take them to the same area/spot and use the same route. The moment that your pup understands the assignment, give them a treat. Over time, you can make the outdoor visits less frequent until they learn to always use the outside for bathroom breaks.

2. Learn to Recognize the Signs

How do you know exactly when the dog wants to relieve themselves? If they’re approaching the exit door, staring at it, barking, and circling, that means they want to go outside. Sometimes, pups also smell the floor and scratch the door. That’s your cue! We also recommend installing a doggie door. Teach the pup how to use it, and you won’t have to be involved in the process anymore.

Tips for Dealing With the Dog’s Aggression

A loyal protector, the Shar Pei doesn’t take kindly to strangers because they were bred to guard and push trespassers away. That’s why they won’t hesitate to put their teeth to good use when dealing with a potential threat. So, how do you tackle this issue? Neutering/spaying is always an option, but it would be best to minimize the aggression and biting via socialization. Here’s how you can do that.

1. Put a Stop to Biting With Early Socialization

Dogs bite because of fear and aggression, and if an adult Shar Pei puts enough force into it, the bite can bruise and even break the skin. A loyal Shar Pei is unlikely to do that to their owner, of course, but they might bite another human or an animal when provoked. To avoid that, invest heavily in early socialization. The goal here is simple: to let the dog communicate with as many strangers as possible.

When they’re still growing, take them to various places (like a dog park or beach) and help them have different experiences. This way, they will become more confident and less prone to aggressive behavior like barking or biting. Canines become hostile when they feel threatened, and this mostly happens when they face something unknown.

2. Consider Sterilizing the Shar Pei

Sterilization helps dogs live longer, happier lives. On average, the life expectancy of neutered males is 13.8% higher, while females enjoy a 26.3% boost. It’s also a great “tool” for keeping aggression to a minimum. This is especially true for the boys: After their reproductive organs are removed, they become less territorial and aggressive toward fellow canines.

You should, of course, consult with a veterinarian before you go ahead with this procedure. It might be that your dog has a medical condition that doesn’t go well with sterilization. But most pups will benefit greatly from neutering/spaying. Also, for dogs suffering from testicular, ovary, or breast cancer, it’s often the only available remedy.

If you are concerned about your dogs behavior, we suggest speaking to a vet

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Click to Speak With a Vet

How Do You Train a Shar Pei to Stop Barking?

For a watchdog, being vocal is a good thing. First, it scares stray animals and intruders away; second, the bark lets the owner know that something’s wrong. However, this also means you might have to deal with angry neighbors or even distant relatives whom the dog mistakes for violators. Thankfully, there are ways to fix this unwanted behavior.

1. Set the Right Mood and Use the “Quiet” Command

If your pup is a bit grumpy today, resist the urge to follow their lead. With the Shar Pei, it’s vital to act like a true leader and serve as an example. Dogs can easily “read” human emotions. So, if your fur baby is barking all the time, don’t shout back at them. Instead, try to counter that by creating a chill environment. Chances are, the pet will want to copy your mood!

Also, use the “Quiet” command to stop the barking. Practice a calm, reassuring tone, and don’t be afraid to repeat yourself. Mastering this will take time and dedication, but you can speed up the process via positive reinforcement. Applaud and treat the dog every time they become quiet after this command.

2. Wear Out the Dog With Exercise

The Shar Pei is an intelligent, adaptable, and flexible dog. They like to stay on their feet and won’t mind joining you on a long walk/run or an agility/tracking class. So, one way to put a stop to all the barking is to get the dog so tired that they don’t have the energy to be vocal anymore. On top of that, once they burn off the excess energy (which a Shar Pei can have plenty of), they will have no reason to bark.

3. Read the Shar Pei’s Body Language

Since our four-legged companions don’t speak English (or any other language) yet, they use body movements to communicate. When Shar Pei are stressed, startled, or scared, the fur on their backs goes up. They also tend to show their teeth as a way to say, “Don’t mess with me.” So, if you’re seeing this type of behavior, that means something’s bothering your dog, and a bark is about to follow.

Be quick to assess the situation, and try to make the environment more welcoming. Are you in a crowded place full of unfamiliar people? Are you in a park filled with bigger, stronger dogs? Early socialization does help, of course, but sometimes, dogs can get scared for no reason. In that case, just take your pup back home.

Conclusion

The Shar Pei is an affectionate, protective dog that’s quick to adapt yet aloof with strangers. In the right hands, they can be an exemplary canine citizen, with a big, loving heart, friendly attitude, and perfect manners. Start the training early, use positive reinforcement, and keep the sessions short, and the Shar Pei will be a pillar of the community.

Patience, consistency, and plenty of love: That’s the “secret formula” to training this Chinese beauty. Never push the dog to their limit, do your best to keep the training fun and exciting, and be generous with the treats, hugs, and kisses. Lastly, speak to the dog in a calm, cheerful tone, and they will happily follow your commands!

See also:

• Facts About the Chinese Shar-Pei Dog Breed
• 200+ Popular Chow Chow Dog Names: Unique Options For Your Adorable Pet

Featured Image Credit: Natalia Fesiun, Shutterstock

The post How to Train a Shar Pei: 12 Tips & Tricks by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and heartwarming experience, but potty training can sometimes feel like a daunting task, even for highly intelligent dogs such as the Shiba Inu. Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through 15 easy steps to successfully potty train your adorable Shiba Inu. These intelligent and independent dogs have their unique personality, but with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you’ll have your furry friend going potty outside in no time!

Shiba Inu Personality and Temperament

Before we embark on the potty training journey, let’s take a moment to understand the Shiba Inu’s personality and temperament. Shiba Inus are a Japanese breed known for their fox-like appearance, spirited nature, and independent streak. While they are incredibly loyal and affectionate with their family, they can be aloof and reserved around strangers. Their intelligent and strong-willed nature can make them a bit challenging to train. But with the right approach and lots of positive reinforcement, you can win their hearts and successfully potty train your Shiba Inu.

If you are concerned about your dogs behavior, we suggest speaking to a vet.

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Click to Speak With a Vet

Shiba Inu Trainability

Shiba Inus are highly intelligent dogs, but they are also known for their stubbornness. This combination of intelligence and independence can sometimes pose a challenge during potty training. However, it’s essential to remember that Shiba Inus respond best to positive reinforcement and consistent training. With patience, love, and understanding, you can harness their intelligence and teach them proper potty habits. As with any dog, the key to successful training lies in finding what motivates your Shiba Inu and tailoring your approach accordingly!

How Soon Can You Start Potty Training Your Shiba Inu?

Potty training should start as soon as you bring your Shiba Inu puppy home, typically around 8 weeks of age. At this stage, they are beginning to gain control over their bladder and bowel movements. Starting early will set the foundation for good potty habits and create a smoother training process. Keep in mind that young puppies have limited bladder control, so be patient and expect some accidents along the way. Now, let’s get into the steps for potty training your Shiba Inu.

The 15 Steps to Potty Training Your Shiba Inu

1. Create a Schedule

Consistency is the key to successful potty training. Establish a daily routine for your Shiba Inu that includes fixed feeding times, play sessions, and designated potty breaks. A regular schedule will help your pup anticipate when it’s time to go outside to relieve themselves, reducing the chances of accidents indoors. As you adhere to the schedule, your Shiba Inu will learn to associate specific times with potty time.

2. Designate a Potty Area

Choose a specific spot in your yard as your Shiba Inu’s designated potty area. The familiar scent will help them understand that this is where they are supposed to go. Take them to this spot every time they need to relieve themselves, whether it’s during scheduled potty breaks or when you notice their cues. Repetition and consistency are key to reinforcing the desired behavior.

3. Use a Leash

During potty breaks, keep your Shiba Inu on a leash to keep them focused on the task at hand. Shiba Inus can be easily distracted, so having them on a leash ensures they stay on track and do their business without getting sidetracked by other things in the environment. By using a leash, you’ll be able to guide them to the designated potty area and establish a routine.

4. Look Out for Potty Cues

Learn to recognize the signs that your Shiba Inu needs to go potty. These cues may include sniffing around, circling, or whining. When you notice these behaviors, act promptly and take them outside immediately. Praise them when they go to the right spot to reinforce the association between the cues and the desired behavior.

5. Take Them Out Frequently

During the initial stages of potty training, take your Shiba Inu outside every 1–2 hours, as well as after meals, playtime, and naps. Young puppies have small bladders and need more frequent bathroom breaks. As they get older, you can gradually extend the time between potty breaks, but always be attentive to their cues and adjust the schedule accordingly.

6. Give Praises and Rewards

Positive reinforcement is crucial during potty training. When your Shiba Inu successfully goes potty outside, shower them with praise, affection, and treats. Create a positive association between going outside and receiving rewards, which will motivate them to continue the desired behavior. Remember, rewards don’t have to be extravagant; a simple pat on the head or a small treat can go a long way in reinforcing good habits.

7. Stay With Them While They Do Their Business

While your Shiba Inu is outside, stay with them during potty breaks. This allows you to monitor their behavior and ensure they stay focused on the task at hand. Additionally, being present during potty time allows you to praise and reward them immediately after they’ve done their business, making the association more effective.

8. Use a Command Such as “Go Potty”

Choose a specific phrase, like “go potty” or “do your business,” and use it consistently during potty breaks. As you repeat the command each time your Shiba Inu goes potty, they will start to associate the phrase with the action. Over time, using the phrase will become a cue for them to go potty when you take them outside.

9. Supervise Them While Indoors

While potty training is ongoing, it’s essential to keep a close eye on your Shiba Inu while they are indoors, especially during the early stages. Supervision allows you to catch any signs that they need to go potty and take them outside immediately. If you can’t watch them directly, consider using a crate or confining them to a small, puppy-proofed area to prevent accidents.

10. Avoid Using Puppy Pee Pads

While there will be certain situations where it is unavoidable, ideally don’t provide puppy pads indoors for your Shiba Inu to pee on. This can confuse them about where they are supposed to do their business and slow down the potty training process.

11. Recognize Mistakes

Accidents are a normal part of the potty training process, so don’t be discouraged if your Shiba Inu has an accident indoors. Instead of scolding or punishing them, remain calm, and clean up the mess with an enzymatic cleaner to remove any lingering odor. Avoid using harsh discipline, as it may lead to fear and anxiety, hindering the training progress.

12. Adjust Schedule as Needed

If accidents become more frequent, it may be an indication that you need to adjust the potty schedule. Pay attention to your Shiba Inu’s behavior and make changes accordingly. For instance, if they consistently have accidents shortly after eating, consider adding an extra potty break after meals.

13. Be Patient

Potty training takes time and patience, especially with Shiba Inus that can be a bit stubborn. Expect some setbacks along the way and be patient with your furry companion. Keep in mind that each dog learns at their own pace, and consistency in your approach is vital for their progress.

14. Stay Positive

During the training process, it’s essential to remain positive and use positive reinforcement techniques. Praise your Shiba Inu for their efforts, even if they make mistakes. Positive reinforcement encourages good behavior and fosters a trusting and loving bond between you and your pup.

15. Celebrate Progress!

As your Shiba Inu starts to grasp the concept of potty training and consistently goes outside, celebrate their progress! Recognize their efforts with verbal praise, treats, and perhaps a little playtime. Positive reinforcement for their achievements will motivate them to continue their good behavior.

Final Thoughts

Potty training a Shiba Inu may have its challenges, but with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can successfully teach your furry companion to go potty outside. Understanding their unique personality, using a regular schedule, and establishing a designated potty area are crucial steps in the training process. Along the way, be attentive to their cues, praise their successes, and remember to stay positive even when accidents happen.

As you celebrate each milestone, your Shiba Inu will become a well-mannered and house-trained family member, strengthening the bond between you and your beloved four-legged friend. Happy potty training!

Featured Image Credit: TOM KAROLA, Shutterstock

The post How to Potty Train Your Shiba Inu: 15 Vet Approved Steps & Tips by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) are specially trained dogs that help to assist their handlers with at least one task. They are different from emotional support animals in that they are granted public access. PSDs are extremely invaluable dogs that assist people with mental illnesses in numerous ways. Some of the things they can be trained to do include alerting to anxiety attacks, providing medical assistance or medication reminders, bringing their owners back to the present, providing a physical barrier for their owner’s personal space, and waking people up from night terrors.

Fully trained service dogs can cost tens of thousands of dollars, even from non-profit organizations. It’s not uncommon for people to train their own service dogs, but you will need some advanced dog training skills. If this doesn’t sound like you, you can use online courses or reputable dog trainers. An Australian study showed that all psychiatric service dogs were trained by the owner, with or without the help of a trainer.

In this article, we will provide some guidelines for molding your perfect assistance dog from puppyhood and discuss what it means to be a psychiatric assistance dog.

The 8 Tips For Training A Psychiatric Service Dog

There are a few ways to go about getting a PSD. Adopting a PSD is one of the easiest ways, but they’re often very expensive, and you can end up being placed on a waiting list. Training one on your own can be one of the most cost-efficient ways, but you must be prepared to spend a lot of time and commitment on training.

1. Find the Right Dog

While it’s possible for any dog breed to become a PSD, certain dog breeds tend to be better candidates than others. This is because they tend to have temperaments that are a better fit for PSD tasks. When looking for a PSD candidate, it’s important to look for dogs that are sociable and sensitive to human emotions. They should also have a calm temperament and not be easily distracted. They should have a good work ethic and be intelligent enough to learn the tasks required.

For dogs needing to perform physical tasks like blocking people, you should consider the dog’s size. While bigger is not always better, it really depends on your goals.

Typical dog breeds that end up being successful PSDs include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Poodles, Boxers, Great Danes, Border Collies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Pomeranians, and Portugese Water Dogs.

Since training your service dog is a big investment, you want to ensure your pup is bred for a high standard of health and temperament. You should avoid backyard breeders and instead use a registered breeder, with parents of excellent temperaments, and health screening as advised by The Canine Health Information Center.

2. Good Early Socialization

Now that you have a canine with outstanding potential, you need to raise them into a confident and well-adjusted dog. The critical socialization period in puppies, from ages 3 to 14 weeks, represents a window where your pup is open to new experiences. Once this window closes, your dog can become fearful of new things, unfortunately leading to behavioral problems later in life.

Service dogs need to be comfortable in unfamiliar situations. As pups, you need to expose them to different people, places, car rides, noises, grooming, vet visits, other animals, and everything else you can think of. Most importantly, your pup’s experience should be positive. Negative experiences can leave lasting impressions on puppies, so get out the treats and let your pup’s behavior guide you on how to proceed.

Talk to your vet about safe outings for your puppy, but experts recommend that they meet at least 5 to 10 new people and experience one new area every week. You don’t need to force your dog to interact with other dogs; in fact, it’s better to avoid this unless you know the dog is friendly. Simply tolerating the presence of other dogs is enough for most service dogs.

3. Learn Non-Aversive Training Techniques

Training a service dog can only work through non-forceful techniques. Providing detailed instructions is beyond the scope of this article, but some behavior concepts to learn about, which will help you on this journey, include:

4. Consistency and Timing

It’s important to have realistic expectations when training your dog to become a PSD. It’s going to take some time for your dog to learn basic obedience skills, pass a General Public Access Test, and learn specific tasks for mental health needs.

Consistency is going to be crucial with training. Training your dog multiple times a day will help them to remember all the things that they’ve been learning more quickly. Make sure also to keep training fun in order to keep your dog interested. Use treats and plenty of praise and other rewards to encourage your dog. The timing of delivering the reward is important so your dog understands which behaviors lead to the desired outcomes.

If you sense that your dog is getting bored at any time, it’s helpful to take a break and reduce the duration of training sessions while increasing the frequency of sessions throughout the day.

5. Train in a Variety of Places

Dogs often need to be trained to perform the same tasks in different environments and situations to learn that the same training rules apply to all situations. Taking dogs to different places indoors and outdoors will help them get used to all kinds of surroundings. Adding distance and distractions into your training routine will cement your dog’s lessons. However, if they are not coping with lots of distractions, start with just a few and build their tolerance gradually.

6. Keep a Training Log

Keeping a training log will help you to track the progress of your dog’s PSD training. A training log will include the frequency and duration of training sessions you have each day. It’s also helpful to make quick notes about how well your dog is performing a skill or how quickly they’re learning a new skill. This will help you to make any necessary adjustments to your training. A training log should also record your dog’s rate of success with each task. This is helpful in determining if your dog has adequately learned a skill or still requires some additional training.

7. Train for General Public Access Test

PSDs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This act, not a qualification, grants a service dog access to public spaces. While there aren’t specific requirements that dogs must meet to be categorized as PSDs, the ADA does state that PSDs must be trained to help people complete tasks that they wouldn’t be able to do on their own, remain under control and non-disruptive, and be potty trained.

Dogs don’t have to pass specific tests or receive certifications to qualify as a PSD. However, as a general rule of thumb, your dog should be able to pass a General Public Access Test. General Public Access Tests are a standard that proves your dog is ready to be granted public access.

They examine your dog’s ability to follow basic obedience commands and test for additional skills. Some examples include dogs being able to enter and exit a vehicle in a controlled manner, approach and enter buildings with focus and attentiveness to their handlers, demonstrate restaurant manners, obey recall commands, and remain heeling throughout a building.

8. Work With a Professional Trainer

While there aren’t a whole lot of specific requirements for PSDs, it’s still essential to ensure that they’re well-trained and equipped to perform their tasks consistently and reliably. Working with a professional dog trainer can be a great way to get started and build a strong foundation for you and your dog.]

A professional dog trainer can help with teaching your dog basic obedience skills and exposing them to different environments and situations in manageable increments. Some dog trainers are also experienced in training and working with service dog candidates and can provide a lot of advice on the training process. It’s much easier to have someone walk you step by step in training your dog, especially if you have little experience in training dogs to perform specific tasks.

If you are struggling with your dogs behavior, we suggest speaking to a vet

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What Makes a Service Dog?

There is a lot of confusion about what precisely makes a service dog. So, we have broken it down to make it easy for you to understand.

A service dog needs the following:

A service dog does not need:

Psychiatric Service Dog vs Emotional Support Animals

The main difference between PSDs and emotional support animals (ESAs) is that PSDs are trained to perform specific tasks, while ESAs provide comfort and companionship. PSDs typically require more training because they must accompany their handlers everywhere and perform more complex tasks. While establishments can’t refuse PSDs, they can refuse ESAs from entering their property.

A PSD is also different from a therapy dog. A therapy dog is trained to provide comfort to multiple people in various settings, such as disaster areas, hospitals, schools, and hospices. A PSD can provide emotional support, but they’re trained to help one person rather than multiple people.

Conclusion

Training dogs to become PSDs will take a lot of time and patience, but it’s always worth the effort because of the amazing help and relief they can bring. Start by looking for a dog that has a temperament that best matches the tasks they’ll have to learn to do. It’s often helpful to work with a professional dog trainer to ensure you and your dog get a strong start. As you stick with training, your dog will eventually become a well-trained PSD and have an important job in helping people who really need it.

Featured Image Credit: PEPPERSMINT, Shutterstock

The post Tips For Training a Psychiatric Service Dog (8 Important Factors) by Jessica Kim appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

If you’ve noticed your dog becoming anxious around other people, sticking close by you wherever you go, or becoming uncomfortable in certain situations, you might wonder if they’re not as confident as they could be. A lack of confidence in dogs is more common than you might think; some breeds are naturally more confident (like the Labrador Retriever), while others tend to be shyer.

Fortunately, there are games and activities that you can do with your pup to enable them to build confidence and feel secure! In this article, we discuss seven confidence-boosting games, giving you the tools to help your dog feel bold.

Top 8 Confidence-Building Games for Dogs

1. Positive-Reinforcement Training Games

Training your dog is one of the best things you can do to help boost their confidence. Playing and learning come naturally to canines, so having lots of positive interactions and playing with your dog can strengthen the bond between you.

This, in turn, will empower your pup to use those skills when interacting with the world around them. Training them with easy-to-learn tricks like a high-five or spin is a great way to boost confidence. Each time they get it right, they’ll feel good, and positive reinforcement from you will further amplify this effect!

2. Fetch

Fetch is a classic game played by dogs everywhere and is something that comes very naturally to most of them. Interactive and rewarding games like fetch will strengthen the bond between you and can be a great confidence booster.

Rewarding your dog and praising them for bringing back their “prey” will boost their mood and help them feel accomplished by catching and retrieving it. Remember that some dogs like to fetch toys more than others, so discovering your pup’s “toy drive” will give them an extra rewarding experience.

3. Nose Work (Find the Treat)

Nose work games like “find the treat” are a great way to get your dog moving and boost their confidence. Not only will they get to flex and hone sniffing skills that come naturally to them, but the mental stimulation and physical exercise they’ll get will also keep them happy and calm. Working together means you’ll build on the bond between you, and you can offer verbal praise (alongside the treats they find) to help them feel great!

A game of hide the treat can be as simple or as complex as you want and involves hiding a treat in a room your dog is not in (such as behind or underneath something) and allowing them to sniff it out. You can start easy by allowing them to see you placing the treats, and you can progress from there at your pup’s pace.

4. Touch-Training Games

Touch-training games teach your dog to follow your command and hit their nose against a target, usually your hand or another object. This game is a great way to boost your dog’s confidence in various situations, as it improves focus and reduces their vigilance toward distractions.

It also helps them feel less nervous about approaching hands, which is invaluable when teaching them to be confident around strangers! Touch training is easy to start: Simply hold a treat in your hand and allow your dog to sniff it. As soon as they touch your hand, give them the treat! Repeat this (with or without a clicker), and you can begin introducing the “touch” command.

5. Free-Shaping Games

Free shaping is a training and confidence-building technique that enables your dog to interact with their environment and learn new skills without worrying about being wrong. Free shaping encourages your dog to be bold and explore, and you can shape their behavior in a series of smaller steps.

This ultimately leads to a rewarding and confidence-boosting experience for your pup and a better-behaved dog for you! An example of this would be training your dog to go underneath an object. You’ll give them a treat when they perform a desired behavior, such as sitting or lying next to the object and ignoring any other behavior.

6. Walkie-Talkie

Using a walkie-talkie is a great way to ensure that your dog is tuned in to you if they’re less confident than you’d like them to be. The constant checking in and reconnecting it also builds confidence. Training collars with walkie-talkie functions enable you to talk to your pup when you allow them to run freely.

7. Exploring

Allowing your dog to explore their environment without fear of reprimand is a great way to help them build their confidence. You can use boxes, toys, paper, or anything else your pup might find interesting (and is safe for them to be around). You might reward them for sticking their nose in a paper bag or turning a box over; the trick is to be there with them to give them bravery and security to explore!

8. The Engage/Disengage Game

The engage/disengage game is a great way to help dogs build confidence while teaching them to put their focus on you whenever they encounter a trigger. The result is a reduction of a dog’s stress or reactivity around different triggers as they learn the skill of self-interruption. This ability to self-interrupt and disengage is similar to the practice of mindfulness; it provides the dogs with the skills to shift their focus by the opportunity to get reinforcement.

What Does a Confident Dog Look Like?

Confident dogs will display confident and assertive body language, similar to how nervous dogs display nervous and sometimes placating or threatening behavior. A confident dog will most likely display the following body language and behavior:

Confident dogs often surge forward to greet people or other animals without fear, whereas nervous dogs may stay closer to their owners.

Conclusion

Playing confidence-building games with your dog helps them face the world with a bolder outlook and navigate certain situations in a much more pleasant and calm way. Most of the games we listed are also great opportunities to bond with your pup, so try a few and see which you and your dog enjoy the most!

Featured Image Credit: Stenko Vlad, Shutterstock

The post 8 Confidence-Building Games for Dogs: Vet-Approved Activities by Beth Crane appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Small dogs are notoriously hard to potty train. Potty training a French Bulldog can seem daunting, but with patience, consistency, and the right approach, it can be a smooth process. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step plan to successfully potty train your French Bulldog.

The 8 Tips to Potty Train a French Bulldog

1. Preparation

Understanding your dog’s behavior and needs is crucial. French Bulldogs are known for their stubbornness, but they are also eager to please their owners. Recognizing these traits can inform your training approach.

Before starting the training, set up an environment conducive to learning. Choose a specific outdoor spot for your dog to eliminate and keep the indoor area clean to discourage accidents. Invest in essential supplies like a quality leash, treats for positive reinforcement, and cleaning supplies for any accidents.

2. Establish a Routine

Start by taking your French Bulldog to the designated potty area. Let them sniff around and get familiar with the site. Establish a routine by taking your dog out to the potty area first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and after meals or naps. Puppies may need to go out every 2 hours or so.

3. Use Command Words

As your dog starts to eliminate, use a command word like “potty”. Use a consistent word or phrase each time.

4. Provide Positive Reinforcement

Immediately after your dog has finished eliminating, reward them with praise, a treat, or a favorite toy. Make sure the reward is immediate, so they associate it with the correct behavior.

5. Indoor Supervision

When indoors, keep an eye on your dog for signs they need to go outside. These could include sniffing around, circling, or whining. Try to take your dog out one last time before bed to reduce the chances of overnight accidents.

6. Dealing with Accidents

If your dog has an accident, don’t punish them. They won’t understand and it could create fear or confusion. Clean up any mess right away to remove the smell and discourage your dog from using the same spot in the future. If accidents are happening regularly, consider what might be causing them. You might need to adjust your routine or consult with a vet to rule out any medical issues.

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7. Gradual Independence

As your dog gets older and better at controlling their bladder, you can gradually increase the time between potty breaks. Start giving your dog more freedom around the house under less supervision. If they’re consistently going to the door when they need to go out, you’ll know your training is working.

8. Advanced Training Techniques

Crate training can be an effective potty-training tool. Dogs don’t like to soil their sleeping areas, so they’ll learn to hold it until they’re taken outside. Bell training involves teaching your dog to ring a bell when they need to go outside. This requires patience and consistency but can be very useful.

If you’re struggling with potty training, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional dog trainer. They can provide personalized advice and strategies.

Other Things to Keep in Mind During the Training Process

Potty training a French Bulldog, like any other breed, is a process that involves a learning curve for both the dog and the owner. Here are some other things to keep in mind.

Unsuccessful Early Days

In the early days of training, your puppy will not have much bladder control. Expect to take them out every 1–2 hours, as well as after meals, naps, and play sessions. During this period, accidents are frequent. It’s important to remain patient and remember that your puppy is still learning.

Progress Over Time

As your French Bulldog grows and their bladder control improves, they’ll start to understand the routine. You’ll notice fewer accidents and more instances of your dog eliminating in the correct spot. This is a sign that your consistent training efforts are paying off.

Setbacks

Setbacks are common during the potty-training process. Your French Bulldog might have several good days followed by a day with multiple accidents. This is normal and does not mean your training efforts have failed. It’s simply part of the learning process.

Consistency Is Key

Throughout the training process, consistency is key. The more consistent you are with your routine and responses, the quicker your French Bulldog will understand what is expected of them.

Why Yelling and Punishment Are a Bad Idea During Potty Training

Understanding why yelling and punishment are counterproductive during potty training involves understanding a dog’s psychology and learning process. Here’s what you need to know.

Fear and Confusion

Yelling or punishing your French Bulldog when they have an accident can create fear and confusion. Dogs don’t understand the concept of punishment in the way humans do. They won’t associate the punishment with their accident, but with whatever they were doing at the moment of the punishment, which could be simply being near you.

Negative Association

Punishing your dog for accidents can lead them to associate elimination with negative experiences. This can result in dogs becoming afraid to eliminate in front of you, even outside. They might start hiding or sneaking away to go to the bathroom, making the problem worse.

Stress and Anxiety

Harsh reactions can cause stress and anxiety in dogs, which can increase the likelihood of accidents. Stress can disrupt a dog’s digestion and bladder control, leading to more frequent elimination and potential accidents.

Damage to Relationship

Yelling and punishment can damage your relationship with your French Bulldog. It can break down the trust between you and your dog, making them less likely to want to please you – a key motivator in dog training.

Instead of resorting to yelling and punishment, opt for positive reinforcement methods. When your dog eliminates in the correct spot, reward them with praise, treats, or a favorite toy. If they have an accident indoors, calmly clean it up and return to your routine.

Other FAQs About Potty Training French Bulldogs

Q: At what age should I start potty training my French Bulldog?

A: You can start potty training as soon as you bring your puppy home, usually around 8 weeks of age.

Q: How long does it take to potty train a French Bulldog?

A: On average, it takes 4–6 months to fully potty train a French Bulldog, but every dog is different.

Q: My French Bulldog keeps having accidents. What am I doing wrong?

A: Frequent accidents could be due to a variety of factors like insufficient breaks, medical issues, or stress.

Q: Can adult French Bulldogs be potty trained?

A: Yes, while it’s easier to train puppies, adult dogs can also be successfully potty trained with patience and consistency.

Conclusion

Potty training a French Bulldog requires patience, consistency, and understanding. While it can be challenging, the reward of a well-trained dog makes the effort worthwhile. We hope our tips and tricks in this guide help make potty training your French Bulldog easier.

See Also:

• Why Does My Dog Poop Immediately After Eating? (5 Potential Causes)
• 11 Best Canned & Wet Dog Food Options for Sensitive Stomachs

Featured Image Credit: Peebs, Shutterstock

The post How to Potty Train a French Bulldog: 8 Vet Approved Tips & Tricks by Oliver Jones appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Most dogs love going outside. However, when your furry friend suddenly avoids the outdoors, you may have reason to worry. Often, dogs have a reason to avoid going outside, even when it may not seem like it to us.

Of course, avoiding the outdoors altogether isn’t usually possible for our dogs. Not only do they have to go outside to potty, but they also need to get exercise. Plus, not going outside at all just doesn’t seem like a very full life for our best friends.

The first step to solving this problem is to figure out why your dog won’t go outside, and that’s exactly what we’ll help you do in this article.

The 5 Possible Reasons Your Dog Doesn’t Want to Go Outside

1. Medical Reasons

Sometimes, dogs may not want to go outside due to an injury or illness. Most of the time, these health issues make it harder for the dog to get around, which prevents them from heading outside. Any condition causing pain and discomfort might remove your dog’s motivation to go outside. The same happens to us humans when we do not feel well.

In many cases, the only way to get your dog up and moving again is to get treatment from a vet. You may need to provide your dog with lots of assistance getting outside until they are healed. For instance, you may even need to carry them outside to use the bathroom, especially if their condition is more serious.

If you are worried about your dog, we suggest you speak with a vet

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2. Fear

Dogs can become fearful of things outside. There are often more noises, people, and animals outside than inside our homes. Therefore, the outdoors can be a source of anxiety for many canines. Even if your dog wasn’t scared of the outdoors before, they can become anxious due to a scary event that occurred outside.

Even things that don’t seem that scary to us can cause anxiety and fear for our dogs.

If your dog is afraid of something outside, it’s important to identify their source of fear. Once you know what they’re scared of, you can slowly desensitize them to it. Often, this involves gently exposing them to whatever object or situation they’re scared of until they no longer fear it. While this is a long process, it’s essential to conquering your dog’s fear.

3. Trauma

If your dog suffered a negative experience, like a trip to the vet, being attacked by another dog, or being run over by another car, they are likely going to link the experience with going outside. As a result, the dog will refuse to go outside in an attempt to protect themselves and avoid living the negative experience again. Traumatized dogs need to learn to trust and feel safe, and they will need a lot of hard work, patience, dedication, love, and positive reinforcement-based operant conditioning techniques to help them recover from their extreme fear.

4. Weather

Sometimes, dogs don’t want to go outside due to the hot or cold weather. Some dogs don’t like the rain, while others may refuse to touch snow. Either way, many dogs will dislike certain weather conditions, just like us.

If your dog is reluctant to go outside because of the weather, your best option is usually to wait it out. If it’s raining or snowing, you may be able to wait until the weather passes. Sometimes, you can dress your dog to make the weather less of a concern.

Luckily, all weather conditions do pass eventually.

5. Boredom

Sometimes, dogs may not like being outside because it’s boring or unrewarding. This is especially true if your dog is often alone outside on a patio for several hours. Once you let your dog in, they may be unwilling to go out again.

There are several things you can do to make outside a bit more interesting to your canine. Firstly, try playing some outside games that your dog may like, such as fetch. Just getting outside with your dog can help reduce boredom. You can also put items outside that may make your dog more interested, such as puzzle feeders or new toys.

6. Lacking Attention

Most modern dogs are bred to be very people-oriented and function as companion animals. In the past, some dog breeds were able to spend all of their time outside with their flock and never wanted human interaction. However, most modern dogs don’t fall into this category.

While having a person-oriented dog means you get lots of attention, it also means that you have to give your dog lots of attention. If you don’t, they may develop bad behaviors in an attempt to get the attention they need.

How to Tell if a Dog Is Scared to Go Outside

Dogs have lots of signals that help them communicate with us. However, some of these are easier to read than others. It’s easy to mistakenly believe that a dog is scared of going outside when they’re really scared of something else.

For instance, your dog may actually be scared of noises, other dogs, or wild animals—not the outdoors itself. Figuring out what exactly your dog is scared of can be a bit difficult. However, with some work, you can often determine the underlying cause.

Approach it a bit like an investigation. Is your dog scared to go outside everywhere? Do the fear signals start when you get out the leash? Try taking your dog outside at different times of the day. Aging dogs may experience vision loss that makes it harder to see at night, which may cause fear.

If you usually take your dog outside on a leash, try using a different collar or leash. Invest in a harness. Sometimes, dogs can be fearful of how they’re taken outside, not necessarily the outdoors.

If you need help, a professional behaviorist can sometimes be helpful. If you can not figure out if your dog is truly scared of the outside by yourself, as well as the possible triggers, a professional trainer has the knowledge and experience to help you find the cause and make a management plan for your dog.

Tips to Help Dogs Who Are Reluctant to Go Outside

If your canine seems reluctant to go outside, it is completely possible to get them excited about their outdoor trips again. However, this does take plenty of time, patience, and the right technique. It can depend on the underlying cause, too. If your dog is injured, they may feel ready to go outside as soon as they are healed.

However, if their uncertainty is due to a traumatic event, it may take much longer before they’re comfortable being outside again.

Conclusion

If your dog is scared of going outside, it can be a bit confusing. Often, it’s a stereotype that dogs love being outside, so it can seem strange when our dog suddenly wants to stick inside.

Sudden changes in behavior should always call for a vet trip. Even if your dog looks fine, sudden behavioral changes often mean there is an underlying health problem that needs to be solved. You need to ensure your dog has a clean bill of health before moving forward with desensitization.

If your dog is healthy, then their sudden (or lasting) fear may be due to all sorts of reasons, such as a traumatic event or boredom.

• See also: My Dog Doesn’t Like to Be Touched: What Should I Do? Vet-Verified Tips

Featured Image Credit: candy candy, Shutterstock

The post My Dog Doesn’t Want to Go Outside: 5 Vet-Verified Possible Reasons by Kristin Hitchcock appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

If you’ve ever owned a herding dog, you know how intelligent they are, how easy they are to train, and that they usually have a pretty even temperament. However, you also know that all of these things can lull you into a false sense of security when it comes to your furry pet.

The same good qualities that make these dogs great at herding can also put a damper on them when they are pets and expected to live the family life. Whether it’s a Corgi or a Collie, nipping is a real concern regarding herding dogs. If your furry friend has a problem controlling their urge to nip, you’ll need some help. Luckily, we have a few tips to help you stop your herding dog from nipping at you, the kids, and everyone else.

The 7 Tips on How to Stop Herding Dogs from Nipping

We’ve gathered tips from veterinarians and trainers to help you resolve your dog’s nipping issues.

1. Use Basic Commands

The first thing you want to do is make use of some basic commands. Whether your dog is a working dog or a family pet, every herding dog should know a few basic commands. Try starting with the “come” command, which will stop your dog in his tracks when he goes to nip someone. Telling the dog to “sit” or “stay in place” will also work.

2. Keep a Look Out for the Triggers

There are cues that indicate your dog is on the verge of nipping at someone. If you can spot them, you’ll be able to stop your herding dog before he starts to nip someone to begin with.

Some of the most common triggers include kids running around together or cyclists riding by the house. If you see your dog get excited by your kids running or strangers, instruct him to sit and stay before he approaches them.

3. Train Slowly and Patiently

It’s best to train slowly, patiently, and consistently when it comes to weeding out the nipping instinct in your herding dog. You need to maintain dedicated training sessions if you want to stop your dog from nipping and biting.

Never have training sessions that last over 15 to 20 minutes to keep your dog engaged. You can increase the length later on but start slowly.

4. Keep a Toy at the Ready

It’s important to keep toys on hand to distract your dog when you’re in the park, on walks, or even in the backyard with friends and family. If the dog starts to nip or bite someone, you can distract him with a favorite toy before the behavior even begins.

5. Try Ignoring the Behavior

If your dog is nipping you, you could try ignoring it when it first happens. Many times, a herding dog will think that it’s a game if you acknowledge the behavior. Ignoring your dog when he goes to nip will teach him that he isn’t going to get your attention that way, and he’ll stop all on his own.

6. Try Socializing Your Herding Dog

Helping your herding dog overcome his instinct to nip often requires exposing him to more people, kids, and other pets. Take your dog to the park, around friends and family, and anywhere else where he’ll be in a social situation. This is easier if you’re raising the dog from a puppy, but it can still be done just as well with an adult. When your pup engages in several games with other dogs and people, he’ll learn there are other ways to participate besides nipping.

7. Use Patience and Positive Reinforcement

Patience and positive reinforcement are vital for teaching your herding dog not to nip. It’s best to keep treats on hand when you’re training and even when you’re not, so you can treat the dog when he doesn’t nip at anyone in social situations. Never yell at, hit, or punish your dog in any way if you want to stop the nipping, instead of making it worse.

Final Thoughts

If you have a herding dog and he’s never been around many children, guests, or others in your home, the nipping behavior can be scary for everyone involved. The last thing you want is for someone to be bitten by your pet.

When herding dogs see a disorderly group, they want to restore order, and nipping and biting is how they control farm animals. If you have a herding dog, he’ll be easier to train and socialize when he’s young. However, you can train an adult, but it just takes more time and patience.

Featured Image Credit: Melounix, Shutterstock

The post How to Stop a Herding Dog from Nipping: 7 Important Tips by Patricia Dickson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Bringing home a German Shepherd puppy is exciting! These dogs are among the smartest dogs on the planet, ranking third overall in obedience and work intelligence, but they still need your training and guidance to be well-behaved and house-trained, which is where potty training comes in. Even though they are smart, they still need to learn acceptable potty behaviors, but how do you potty train a German Shepherd puppy?

In this guide, we’ll list seven tips and tricks to set your German Shepherd puppy on their way to being housebroken. Let’s begin!

A Step-By-Step Guide for Potty Training Your German Shepherd Puppy

Before You Start

Keep in mind that consistency is key in potty training. You should also use positive reinforcement while potty training your German Shepherd and any other training you engage in. Never yell or hit your dog when they have an accident (which will happen)—the key is to keep the environment calm and redirect unwanted behavior.

You’ll need to buy an appropriately sized crate before you start the potty training process. A dog crate is an effective tool in potty training, and it gives your pup a safe place to retreat if they feel stressed or tired. Never use the crate as punishment; your pup should always feel safe in their crate.

Without further ado, let’s get to the tips and tricks of how to potty train your German Shepherd.

1. Choose a Potty Area

German Shepherds are creatures of habit, like most dogs, so having a designated spot for your puppy to poop and pee is ideal. The area should be easy to access and a place you can keep clean.

Tip: Remember that consistency is key in any dog training method, and always bringing or guiding your pup to the same spot each time will only reinforce what is expected of them. Be sure to praise them when they go potty.

2. Establish a Schedule

Remember discussing how much your puppy should be taken out each day? This is why establishing a schedule is a must. While in the 8–12-week range, take your puppy out every hour to the same designed spot. As your puppy grows, you can slowly add one hour at a time; for example, your German Shepherd puppy should be able to hold their bladder for 4 hours at 3-months of age. Continue to increase until your puppy can hold their bladder for up to 8 hours.

Tip: German Shepherds thrive on routine, so try your best to stick to a routine each day.

3. Determine a Potty Command

You’ll need to come up with a word or phrase to consistently use each time you take your German Shepherd puppy out to potty. Some people choose something like “Do your business” or “Go potty.” Whatever you choose, be sure to stick with the same command each and every time, and use the command when you approach the designated potty area. Over time, you’ll learn to recognize right before your puppy needs to poop, and you should take this opportunity to repeat the command to reinforce the acceptable behavior.

Tip:  Once they go potty, give tons of praise! You can even say “good boy” or “good girl” afterward and be excited for your pup! Your intelligent German Shepherd puppy will understand they did something right and will strive for praise. You should also refrain from talking so you don’t distract your puppy; only talk when using the potty command.

4. Stick to a Feeding Schedule

Establishing a mealtime will not only teach your puppy a routine but will also help you predict when they’ll need to go potty. Try to avoid free-feeding, which means your puppy has access to food 24/7. This will only cause inconsistency with potty training.

Tip: You should feed your puppy three times a day while they’re less than 6 months old. After that timeframe, you can feed your German Shepherd once in the morning and once in the evening.

5. Always Use Positive Reinforcement

We cannot emphasize this enough: Always use positive reinforcement while training your puppy. If you yell or react negatively when they have accidents, they’ll only become afraid of you and will likely develop anxiety later in life. Instead, provide praise, treats, or even a favorite toy when they successfully go potty.

Tip: When your German Shepherd puppy has an accident (and it will happen), be sure to clean the area thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to deter your puppy from going in the same spot again.

6. Try to Avoid Using Potty Pads

Using potty pads may seem like a great idea, but in actuality, they can confuse your puppy about where to go potty. Potty pads can make your puppy feel it’s okay to potty inside the home, which is what you don’t want.

Tip: While you should avoid potty pads if you want to successfully potty train your German Shepherd puppy, there are times when it may be necessary, like if you live in a high-rise condo or have mobility issues, for example.

7. Be Consistent

The key to successful potty training is consistency. You can’t expect your German Shepherd puppy to learn what is acceptable behavior and what is not if you’re not consistent. This is why it’s crucial to stick to a potty and feeding schedule to get your puppy nestled into a routine.

Tip: Once your puppy becomes acclimated, there will be times they may have to go potty apart from the routine. In this case, you should learn and observe your puppy’s behavior, as they’ll probably whine or may even paw at the door if they need to go out. Don’t forget to praise them when they do!

Conclusion

We hope our tips and tricks on how to potty train your German Shepherd helps you in successfully potty training your intelligent pup! German Shepherds are one of the smartest dogs in the world, and with consistency and positive reinforcement, your puppy will be well on their way to being potty trained.  We wish you much success and many happy years with your new German Shepherd!

• See also: European vs American German Shepherd: The Key Differences (with Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Alexander Naglestad, Unsplash

The post How to Potty Train a German Shepherd Puppy: 7 Vet-Approved Tips & Tricks by Rachel Giordano appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Do you have a pup that you feel would excel competing in a dog show but have no idea what that entails or how to get started? If this is you, we’re here to help guide you through the basic process.

We discuss the different types of dog shows, how to train a dog for a show, how to get into one, the classes that you’ll need to take, and other valuable information regarding conformation¹ and dog showing for beginners.¹ Let’s begin!

What Is Conformation, Anyway?

Conformation is the official term for dog shows, which is the act of conforming. Dogs entered into dog shows are measured by how they conform to their breed’s standards. For example, the American Kennel Club (AKC) describes the breed standards for any purebred dog, such as acceptable colors, markings, anatomy, etc. The purpose is to establish a guideline describing a breed’s ideal characteristics, appearance, and temperament and to evaluate breeding stock.

Dogs entered into shows are not compared to the other dogs in the show; they are measured by how well they conform to their own breed’s standards. Why is this necessary? It’s to ensure that future offspring will meet the breed’s standards. This is why you’ll never see mixed or hybrid dogs registered under the AKC, nor will you see them in dog shows.

What Are the Different Types of Dog Shows?

There are three different types of dog shows. They are as follows.

1. All-Breed Shows

All-breed shows are the ones that many people are familiar with and that are shown on television. These provide competition for more than 175 breeds and various dogs recognized by the AKC.

2. Specialty Shows

Specialty shows only allow specific breeds or varieties of specific breeds. For example, the Boston Terrier Club of America is for Boston Terriers only, and the Poodle Club of America allows different varieties of the Poodle: mini, toy, and standard.

3. Group Shows

What Is Best in Show?

Best in Show is selected from the dogs that have won in their particular group, which is one of the mentioned seven groups designated by the AKC. Best in Show is the highest award that your dog can achieve in a dog show, and dogs can compete for the coveted award by the process of elimination in all-breed shows and limited-breed shows.

While Best in Show is the highest award, other titles are also involved, such as Grand Champion, Select Dog, Select Bitch, and others, along with a new series called the AKC Owner-Handled Series. This is a non-titled competition for dogs shown by handlers who are not professionals. In other words, this new event allows non-professional owners to handle and show their dogs in shows to compete against other non-professional handlers/owners. In this event, one has the opportunity to win at Breed, Group, and Best in Show levels. 

How Does a Dog Show Work?

Each dog is handled (or exhibited) by a professional handler to a judge. Most dogs are competing for points toward their AKC championships. To become an American Kennel Club “Champion of Record,” a dog must gain 15 points, which must include two major wins awarded by three different judges. The maximum number of points awarded to a dog in any show is five points. The number of points awarded in a show depends on how many males and females of a particular breed there are in a show; the larger the entry, the greater the number of points each sex can win.

Dog Classes

Essentially, dog shows operate by the process of elimination, with judges selecting a first-place winner in each class. Think of it as climbing down a ladder: The more first prizes in each class, the further the dog moves in the show under the different titles, with the chance of competing in Best in Show.

How to Train a Dog for a Dog Show

While watching a dog show, the process may seem easy; all the dogs have to do is stand still, let the judges touch them all over and look into their mouths, and prance around the ring. It seems simple enough, right? Most people don’t realize that quite a bit of training is involved in getting the dog to be still and walk/trot appropriately in the ring. Let’s examine the steps for success.

1. Touching

The first step is to get your dog acclimated to being touched all over. Males will have their testicles handled by the judges to ensure that they have descended, so getting your dog used to this seemingly uncomfortable act will go a long way.

Your dog’s mouth will be examined, so getting your dog used to having the lips raised and mouth opened is something that you don’t want to skip during training. You should have other people touch your dog to get them used to different hands, especially in places away from home or the vet’s office, such as at dog parks or other local places. Remember that different judges will be touching your dog all over.

2. Stacking and Baiting

Stacking and baiting are important terms to know before even considering entering a dog show. You may notice the handler giving treats to the dog as the judge touches and examines them, which is called baiting. Most dogs expect a reward for doing something right, and a dog in a dog show is no exception.

Stacking is the term used for the pose that a dog holds on their own without the help of the handler while a judge examines, touches, and observes. The dog must stand squarely and still on a table and the ground. Training classes will teach the methods of teaching your dog how to stack.

3. Lead Training and Gaiting

The dog must be trained to walk with an appropriate gait on a lead, which will be on the dog’s neck, rather than a harness. Training classes will show you tips and tricks on how to get your dog to learn multiple gaiting patterns and show ring procedures.

4. Grooming

Depending on the coat, some dogs do not require as much grooming as others. Some dogs can do fine with a quick brush, but others may need a more involved grooming session before entering the ring, such as dogs with longhaired coats. The breeder from which you acquired your dog or a mentor can give you advice on grooming tips.

Keep in mind that the teeth should be in tip-top shape and the nails should be trimmed, so getting your dog acclimated to having the teeth brushed and nails trimmed is a necessary factor in keeping them looking acceptable for a dog show.

How to Get Started in Dog Shows

You’ve completed all the training, and you feel your purebred dog would do well in a dog show, but how in the world do you get your precious pup in one?

For starters, your dog must be registered with the AKC under the respective breed. They must also be 6 months of age or older, be a breed recognized under a class offered in a show, and meet the eligibility requirements laid out by the breed standard. Note that spayed or neutered dogs are not allowed to enter because the purpose of the shows is to evaluate breeding stock.

After you’ve completed the steps, the first recommended form of action is to join a local club specific to your dog’s breed for tips and information on training classes. You can check out the AKC’s website and search local clubs by state.

Another recommended step is to get involved in the AKC New Exhibitor Mentor Program, which connects experienced handlers or breeders with newcomers to AKC sporting events. If you don’t want to handle your dog yourself, you can hire a professional handler for a fee.

It can be overwhelming at first when you’re a newcomer, but joining the mentor program can be beneficial and is an excellent resource to learn the ins and outs of the shows and rules.

Summary

For newcomers, dog shows can be a little intimidating at first, as you’ll see more experienced handlers around you, but everyone is a beginner at some point. Dog shows should be enjoyable, and if you decide to handle your dog yourself, you and your pup will gain a unique bonding experience during the training process.

If you are a newcomer and get eliminated early on, stick around and watch the rest of the show; in doing so, you’ll learn even more tips and tricks by watching experienced handlers work their magic.

Featured Image Credit: LRuss, Pixabay

The post Training a Show Dog: A Beginner’s Guide by Rachel Giordano appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Dachshunds are small and adorable with the attitude of a large breed. They may seem playful and friendly at first glance, but as you begin to know them, you will find that they can be quite challenging to train due to their stubborn and independent nature. So, if you’re planning to adopt a Dachshund, be ready to invest a lot of time and effort in their training.

Don’t be afraid, though! Training a Dachshund won’t be too difficult if you know how to do it correctly. The key is patience. Since these dogs are quite willful, you need to be gentle and find their motivations for training.

If you’re new to dog parenting, this guide will discuss some helpful tips to help you easily train your little Doxie. So, let’s dive in!

How to Train a Dachshund Puppy

Before you start your Doxie’s training, break it down into smaller sessions to gradually make your pup accustomed to this new thing. This method will ensure your puppy enjoys their training without getting too tired.

Here are some tips for training your young pup.

1. Allow the Puppy to Get Familiar With Your Home

Before you bring your new dog home, make sure to puppy-proof your entire house beforehand. This includes decluttering the rooms, removing small items your pup may swallow, hiding kids’ toys and electrical cords, etc. Simply eliminate anything that could risk your pup’s safety. At first, you must confine the dog in a small room and then introduce them to other parts of the home. This way, they won’t be overwhelmed.

Remember, you can’t train a dog that isn’t comfortable in their environment. If you force your pup for training right after bringing them home, they may feel threatened and show destructive behavior.

Dogs need time to build habits in their new surroundings, especially a puppy, as they are going through a huge change in their daily life without their mother and siblings. So, you should be patient and gradually let them discover their new home and understand they’re completely safe here.

2. Train Your Pup Early

Once your puppy is familiarized with their new home, you should begin their training as soon as possible. The ideal age to train a Dachshund puppy is 8 to 12 weeks. That’s when the pup has been weaned from their mother and is ready to enter the real world.

An 8-week-old puppy is also curious enough to experience new things, making them receptive to training. Potty training, crate training, name recognition, learning “come” and “sit,” and socialization should be the first goals on your training schedule.

3. Discourage Chewing

Teething puppies chew anything they get their paws on. The same is true with Dachshunds, as these dogs love to chew household items like shoes, books, and furniture. This destructive behavior is instilled in them naturally, so don’t discourage them harshly.

Instead, be gentle, firmly tell them ” No, ” and take the item from them. Make sure to do so when they’re chewing. If you do it once they are done, they won’t understand what you are correcting them for.

Provide your pup with chewing toys to help them satisfy their urge. Praise them when they chew on the toys, so they know that they are doing the right thing.

Scolding your dog physically or verbally will make them scared of you, which may make your training sessions a headache.

4. Make Them Sociable Through Puppy Kindergarten

Learning socialization is important for Dachshunds, especially in their puppyhood. You can enroll your Doxie in a puppy kindergarten 1 week after they have had their first set of vaccines and deworming. These classes can help them learn how to coexist with other dogs and people. Puppies should be kept up to date with the rest of their vaccination schedule throughout the classes.

These classes will also teach basic obedience skills to your pup in an enjoyable manner. They will learn how to respond when someone commands them to “stand” or “stay.” To get maximum results, you must choose the best trainer for your puppy.

Once your Doxie knows how to get along with other dogs and a week has passed after the entire puppy vaccination schedule is completed, you can take them to your nearby dog-friendly park to help them socialize. This will help them become comfortable with this new life experience.

How to Crate Train a Dachshund

Crate training is essential for Dachshund puppies, as they can spend time in their designated space. This way, they won’t chew household items and can relax in their crate when the outside environment becomes too much for them.

5. Select the Right Crate

To make your dog comfortable, you must get a crate according to their size. It must have enough space for the Doxie to move around easily, but it shouldn’t be too big to give them room to poop or pee inside.

You will find many crate options in the market for your Dachshund, making it hard to choose one. If your dog is curious, you should get a wire crate, as it will enable them to see what’s happening in their surroundings.

The ideal crate for a Doxie puppy is expandable and can be adjusted as they grow. For an adult Mini Dachshund, a 24″ x 18″ x 21″ crate usually works well, and for a Standard, you will probably need a 31″ x 21″ x 24″ crate.

6. Put the Crate in an Activity Room

Dachshunds like to be around humans, particularly their owners. Crate training can make them lonely, encouraging them to resist living in their new home.

To prevent this, you must place their crate in a room with plenty of human activity. It could be the living or family room. Doing so will help your Doxie keep an eye on the activities of other members without feeling like a stranger in the home.

7. Make Your Dachshund Comfortable

Your dog’s crate must provide comfort to them, or it won’t be useful. Place a soft bed or blanket inside the crate to make them feel at home. They will also need access to a water bowl to stay hydrated.

You can put safe toys in their crate that they can play with. Since dogs love to chew, you should also include chew toys to satisfy their urge.

Remember, your Doxie needs to feel safe and comfortable inside their crate, not perceive it as punishment. The crate is just a training tool, so your pup shouldn’t be left inside for extended periods. Dogs are social creatures that do best when in the company of their human pack members.

8. Train Your Dog to Live in the Crate

Your Doxie will need your help to stay in the crate for extended periods. At first, they may show resistance to entering their new home. So, begin with short periods and then extend the duration gradually.

The best way to tell your dog to go inside the crate is through a one-word command. For instance, you can say “crate.” You can also entice your pup through their favorite treats so they can establish a positive association with their new home.

When you leave them alone, your Doxie may whine or cry in the beginning. Don’t pick them up for consolation. Instead, act like you didn’t hear them, and let them understand that crying won’t help them in this case.

Once your dog seems comfortable, you can give them a treat in the crate before allowing them out. Ensure to take them out often enough to empty their bladder.

If you are worried about your dogs behavior, we suggest speaking with a vet

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How to Potty Train a Dachshund

House or potty training teaches a Dachshund how and when to use the bathroom. It becomes easier if you have already crate-trained your puppy. Generally, dogs take several weeks to complete their house training, so be patient.

9. Establish Your Dog’s Feeding and Bathroom Routine

Whether you have an adult or a puppy, you can potty train your Dachshund at any age. That said, it is easier to do in their puppyhood. Start by setting their feeding and bathroom schedule.

If your dog eats three times a day, you should take them outside to go potty about 15 minutes after they are done eating. This way, they will learn to eliminate outside the house and not inside. Your pup will also need to go to the toilet first thing in the morning, before bedtime, and after they have spent a long time in the crate.

Remember, puppies younger than 4 months can hold their bladder for only an hour every month of their age. For example, a 3-month-old Doxie may need to pee after every 3 hours. However, that’s just an estimate, and your pup may require peeing sooner or later than that.

10. Give Your Dachshund Treats When They Pee Outside

Positive reinforcement goes a long way in training a Dachshund. The best way to make your adorable pup accustomed to outside peeing is by asking them to choose their elimination spot. Once they’re done, reward them with a treat and lots of praise.

Reward your pet whenever they go to the bathroom outside to let them understand that it’s a good thing.

Never rush your Doxie to eliminate outside, as it will make them anxious. They may start to avoid peeing outside by holding their bladder for extended periods. That’s quite unhealthy for the dog and can lead to a mess inside the home.

11. Don’t Scold Your Pet for Accidental Messes

Your Dachshund will take time to learn to eliminate outside, so don’t expect them to be pro in a few days. They may urinate or defecate inside the home in the beginning. Instead of punishing or scolding them out of frustration, be patient and clean up after them without making a fuss.

Use a strong pet urine cleaner to clean the soiled area. If it keeps smelling like urine, your dog may urinate there again.

To discourage this behavior, tell your pup a firm “no” when they are urinating or defecating inside the home. Then, pick them up and take them outside. Scolding your dog for such innocent accidents will only make them fearful of you.

How to Train a Dachshund for On-Leash Walks

Last but not least, your Daschcund must learn how to walk on a leash, since these dogs have a strong prey drive. This instinct becomes even more active when they grow older. Leash training will also enable you to manage your dog in public places.

Here are some tips to help you train your Dachshund for on-leash walks.

12. Get the Right Harness and Leash

With so many harness and leash options on the market, it can be hard to buy a suitable one for your dog’s size. Simply measure your pup first to ensure that you find a well-fitting harness and leash for your Doxie.

13. Allow Your Dog to Get Calm Before Going Out

Before putting the harness and the leash around your puppy’s neck, allow them to sniff the tools to know they aren’t in danger. You must also ensure that the leash and the harness are not too tight around your pup’s neck and that these fit them comfortably.

However, there is another thing to consider before going out for an on-leash walk. Never put the harness on your dog when they are too excited for the walk. This can teach them they can do this anytime they want your attention.

So, whenever you see your pup getting too overwhelmed, drop the leash and the harness, and leave. Only return when the dog seems calm, and then you can put on the tools.

It’s recommended to anchor the leash in your left hand and hold the excess in your right one.

14. Discourage Leash Pulling

Sometimes, Dachshunds get so excited for outside walks that they start pulling on the leash. You should discourage this behavior, as it will only worsen. To cope with this, you must stand still.

Once your Doxie is calm and stops pulling, you can relax the leash and continue walking. They will soon learn that pulling gets them nowhere.

As your Doxie learns good leash etiquette, you should give them their favorite treats during the walk to encourage good behavior.

15. Teach Heeling to Your Dachshund

Heeling is when your dog walks beside you without pulling the leash. To help your Doxie learn it, you must make them walk on your left side while on the leash and harness. Keep the leash in your left hand and your pet’s favorite toy in the other hand.

Now, cross your right hand around your body so the dog can see the toy. Immediately say “heel” and walk forward while positioning the toy before the Doxie.

You can also use your pet’s favorite treat instead of the toy. As your dog learns how to heel, reward them with kibbles and verbal appreciation to encourage this behavior.

Conclusion

Training a Dachshund puppy helps the dog become a well-behaved adult. You can train your Doxie at any point in their life, but the best time is when they are in puppyhood. At this time, they are quite energetic and open to new challenges. Puppies are also easier to manage than adult dogs.

You should practice potty and crate training with your Dachshund puppy to help them adjust to living in a home. They must also learn how to listen to your commands and walk on a leash.

Just be patient with your pup and take time for their daily training. Your intelligent Dachshund will likely learn everything in only a few weeks!

See also:

• Are Dachshunds Good With Kids?
• Dachshund Grooming Guide

Featured Image Credit: congerdesign, Pixabay

The post How to Train a Dachshund: A Vet-Approved Guide by Jeff Weishaupt appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

If you’ve ever been captivated by the fascinating world of sled dog racing, then you’ve probably wondered what it takes to train these incredible animals. Well, look no further as we unveil the secrets to mastering the art of sled dog training. In this article, we’ll equip you with some essential tips that’ll help you forge a strong bond with your team of four-legged athletes and unlock their true potential. So, let’s take a look at how to train your dogs to become amazing sled dogs.

By understanding the unique characteristics of each sled dog breed, you can tailor your training methods to suit their individual needs and maximize their potential. This will help you build a stronger bond with your team and ensure their overall well-being and success on the trail.

The 12 Tips on How to Train a Sled Dog

1. Establish Leadership With Your Sled Dog

In order to have a successful sled dog team, it’s important to establish a strong sense of leadership (and trust) with your dogs. Dogs are pack animals by nature and look to their leader for guidance and direction. By establishing yourself as a confident and reliable leader, you can build a stronger bond with your team and ensure their cooperation and obedience.

2. Consistent Discipline

One of the most effective ways to establish leadership with your sled dogs is through consistent and fair discipline. Dogs thrive on clear boundaries and expectations, so it’s important to set and enforce rules consistently. This can be done through positive feedback, such as rewarding good behavior with praise and treats, and discouraging unwanted behaviors through verbal commands and physical cues.

3. Establish Effective Communication

Consistent and effective communication is also key to establishing trust and leadership with your sled dogs. Dogs are highly attuned to body language and vocal cues, so it’s important to use clear and consistent signals to convey your expectations. This can be achieved through training sessions that focus on teaching your dogs basic commands, such as “go,” “stop,” “left,” and “right.”

By practicing these commands regularly and rewarding your dogs for their correct responses, you can establish a clear line of communication and ensure that your team understands and follows your instructions on the trail.

4. Build Trust

Building trust with your sled dogs is another important aspect of establishing leadership. Trust is built through positive experiences and consistent care. It’s important to spend quality time with your dogs, providing them with regular exercise, affection, and mental stimulation. This not only strengthens the bond between you and your team but also ensures their overall well-being and happiness.

Training a sled dog requires time, patience, and a lot of dedication. Sled dogs are highly intelligent and energetic animals, so it’s important to perform their training with a systematic and consistent approach.

5. Bond With the Dog

First and foremost, it’s crucial to establish a solid bond with your sled dog. This can be achieved through regular interaction, playtime, and positive feedback. Spend time with your dog outside of training, get to know their personality, and build trust. A strong bond will lay the foundation for effective training.

6. Start With Basic Obedience Commands

The next step is to introduce basic obedience commands. Start with simple commands like “heel” and “come.” Use positive reinforcement such as treats or praise to reward your dog when they successfully follow the command. Consistency is key here – repeat the commands daily and gradually increase the difficulty level.

7. Desensitize to Wearing the Harness

Sled dogs need to get used to wearing a specialized harness that allows them to pull while moving freely and without hurting themselves. It is crucial to gradually desensitize them to wearing the harness to create a positive experience with it from day one.

8. Introduce the Sled Dog to Pulling

Once your sled dog has mastered basic obedience, it’s time to introduce them to pulling. The pulling is usually trained by attaching the end of the leash and reinforcing the dog for pulling and creating tension in the leash. It is not complicated, as you can lure the dog with a treat while introducing the cue “pull” and reinforcing them if there is tension on the leash.

Once the behavior is under signal control without the need to show the dog a treat, you can then move to give the signal from behind the dog. If needed, toss a treat in front the first couple of times to get your dog to understand that they should pull in the opposite direction.

9. Teach Them to “Hike”

The cue “mush” or “hike” is used to give your pup an indication that they can start moving. Since walking is a natural behavior for dogs, introducing this cue is easy. If you have access to another sled-trained dog, yours will first naturally follow and then learn to associate the cues. However, this is not a necessary step, and training this behavior should be easy. Remember to reinforce your dog for their attention and prompt responses to your commands.

Once your dog understands the concept of “hike,” you must also teach them a command for “left” and “right.” Again, you can choose any cue here, but ensure it is consistent so that your dog can learn exactly what is expected from them.

10. Teach Them to Stop

Before venturing on a sled, you want to make sure that your sled dog will constantly stop when requested. To train this, it’s easier to do it while walking your dog on a leash. All you need to do is stop and say the cue words, which are usually “whoo” or “stop.” Either will work, but you must choose one and stick to it. Continue stopping and giving the cue while slowly moving the cue to just before stopping. If your dog stops before tension is created, praise and reinforce this. This is exactly the goal!

Acing this behavior is incredibly important, as this is a safety feature during the actual sledding, so make sure your dog has a very positive response to this command before introducing the sled.

11. Introduce the Sled

Start with a lightweight sled or a cart and attach a harness to your dog. Begin by walking alongside the sled or cart, gradually increasing the distance and speed. Use verbal cues like “hike” or “mush” to encourage your dog to move, and the cue “pull” for them to understand they should be moving even if there is some tension on the leash. Reward them with treats or praise when they exhibit the desired behavior.

As your dog becomes more comfortable with pulling, you can start adding weight to the sled or cart. Gradually increase the load over time, making sure not to overload your dog. It’s important to monitor their physical condition and not push them beyond their capabilities.

12. Seek Professional Training

It can be difficult to train a sled dog especially if you’ve never done so. There’s no shame in reaching out to a professional for help with training obedience commands and the act of pulling the sled as well. In fact, many sled dogs are professionally trained. A quick Google search will yield plenty of results for professional sled dog training as well as plenty of resources and videos if you want to give it another go yourself.

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Essential Equipment for Sled Dog Training

When it comes to sled dog training, having the right equipment is as essential as training. Not only does it ensure the safety and comfort of your dogs (no matter the breed), but it also enables you to effectively communicate and control your team.

1. The Sled

One of the most important pieces of equipment for sled dog training is the sled itself. There are several types of sleds available in the market, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Traditional wooden sleds have been used for centuries and are known for their durability and strength. These sleds are typically made from hardwood like ash or hickory, and they can withstand the rigors of rough terrain. However, they tend to be heavier compared to modern lightweight designs.

But on the other hand, modern lightweight sleds are also gaining popularity among sled dog enthusiasts. These sleds are made from materials like aluminum or carbon fiber, which significantly reduce their weight without compromising on strength. The lighter weight of these sleds makes them easier to maneuver and control, especially when navigating challenging terrains such as mountains or forests. Additionally, these sleds often come with adjustable features that allow you to customize the sled to your specific needs and preferences.

2. Harness

When it comes to sled dog racing or recreational mushing, having the right equipment is essential. Along with a sturdy sled, you will also need a set of harnesses for your dogs. These sled dog harnesses are specifically designed to distribute the pulling force evenly across the dog’s body, ensuring their comfort and safety during the activity.

The design of sled dog harnesses takes into consideration the unique anatomy and physiology of these working dogs. The harnesses are constructed in a way that allows for maximum efficiency in pulling, while minimizing any discomfort or strain on the dogs’ bodies. The pulling force is evenly distributed across the chest, shoulders, and back, preventing any undue pressure on specific areas.

Choosing the right sled dog harnesses is crucial to ensure the well-being of your dogs. Ill-fitting harnesses can cause discomfort and restrict their movement, which can lead to injuries or hinder their performance. It’s important to measure your dogs accurately and choose harnesses that provide a snug fit without being too tight. Adjustable straps and buckles allow for customization, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for each individual dog.

3. Gangline

In the world of dog sledding, the gangline plays a crucial role in connecting the sled to the dogs. This essential piece of equipment serves as the lifeline between the musher and his team of dogs. The gangline must be constructed using strong and durable materials that can withstand the immense pulling force exerted by the dogs as they race through the snow. It’s not uncommon for a team of dogs to generate tremendous power, and a weak or faulty gangline could definitely result in accidents or injuries.

Regular inspection and maintenance of the gangline are of utmost importance to ensure its integrity. The musher should regularly check for any signs of wear and tear, such as fraying or weakened areas. Any damaged sections should be promptly repaired or replaced to avoid potential failures while on the trail.

4. Accessories

Other equipment that may be necessary for sled dog training includes booties to protect the dog’s paws from ice and snow, a snub line for securing the sled, and a sled bag for carrying essential supplies. It’s important to invest in high-quality equipment that is suitable for the specific needs of sled dog training, as this will contribute to the overall success and safety of your team.

Wrapping Things Up

Training a sled dog requires a systematic and consistent approach. Building a strong bond, instilling discipline, and training them in the basic commands before even trying the sled is what works to create an effective dog sledding team. With time and dedication, you can successfully train your sled dog to be a reliable and well-behaved team member.

Featured Image Credit: Beate, Pixabay

The post How to Train a Sled Dog: 12 Vet-Approved Tips & Equipment Essentials by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

One of the most important considerations when welcoming a new dog into your home is not only size and personality but trainability. Some breeds are more willful or stubborn to learn than others, but the Westie is a fantastic breed that catches on quickly. You will need to curb their penchant for barking early on, but otherwise, training a Westie uses the same training foundation as any dog out there. For the step-by-step on how to go about it, read on as we break down everything you need to know.

Before You Begin

There are plenty of expensive dog trainers out there that will gladly help you train your Westie, but you don’t actually need to spend a lot to train them at home yourself. Westies are highly food-motivated, so you will need to arm yourself with lots of dog treats. It is best to choose a healthy, protein-rich treat, and your Westie must consider the treat to be high value.

You will also need a few other essentials, but we bet you have them on hand already. A crate, leash, harness, and puppy pads for accidents should work to get you started.

The 6 Tips on How to Train a Westie

1. Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the bedrock of all dog training—reinforce good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. For example, never punish your Westie puppy for bad behavior like chewing up your shoes or having accidents in the house. Punishment makes your dog afraid and can exacerbate bad behavior. Punishing your pup for chewing your shoe, for instance, won’t work and they might just do it when you’re not looking. Instead, redirect them to a safe, acceptable toy for them and heavily reward your dog if they engage with it.

Good behavior often equals a good consequence, and bad behavior should get no reaction from you. Punishment isn’t only mean, but it doesn’t work and even sets your training back by damaging your dog’s trust in you. Strive to only use positive reinforcement in your training and you’ll have a much easier time.

2. Start Early

Like young humans, puppies are sponges that learn best when introduced to concepts like training early on. At 8 weeks, your Westie can start housetraining and basic commands, but don’t expect them to learn everything overnight! Their brains are working overtime already to learn about the world, you, and their new home, so be patient. Some pups simply need more repetitions to learn than others, but starting early will set you both up for the best chance of success.

Especially at a young age, Westies have very short attention spans and won’t be able to focus on training for very long in one session. We recommend starting with two, 5-minute sessions every day, but you can shorten that if your Westie gets bored or loses focus too soon. Like with kids, puppies learn best with consistent repetition over time.

3. Socialization

Westies are friendly, playful dogs, but they need socialization from an early age like any breed. Socialization involves carefully exposing your dog to new places, people, and animals while reinforcing calm behavior and ignoring bad behavior. For example, rewarding your Westie for being calm while people or dogs walk by them will teach them to behave in public.

At the same time, you want to avoid reinforcing any fears or undesirable behavior by staying cool and collected. For example, comforting your dog when they’re scared can actually reinforce bad behavior. Instead, stay calm, collected, and confident to show your dog that there’s nothing to be scared of.

4. Teach Essential Safety Commands

The most essential commands your Westie should know are sit, stay, come, leave it, and drop it. The names are self-explanatory, but you may not know that each of these are vital in keeping your Westie safe in potentially unsafe situations. If, say, a house fire breaks out and you don’t know where your dog is, the “come” command is literally life-saving.

5. Bark Training

Like some other small breeds, Westies have a bad habit of barking that can drive unprepared owners and neighbors crazy. You’ll want to nip this in the bud immediately. Calmly but firmly tell your dog “no” when they decide to continuously bark for no reason. They may not stop at first, but when they are calm and not barking, lavish them with praise and rewards.

Bark training is a lot easier if you make sure your Westie is getting enough exercise during the day. In a lot of cases, a yappy Westie could just be bored or restless, so try to increase playtime or walks while you tackle bark training at home to weed out all potential causes.

6. Crate Training

Crate training gives your Westie a dedicated private space they can retreat to for naps or when they get overwhelmed. Like all dogs, they’re inclined to seek out dark, enclosed spaces to feel safe, and you can use that to your advantage with crate training. You’ll need an appropriately sized crate that gives your dog room to lie down, stand up, and turn around comfortably.

First, place your crate in the designated area with the door open. Your Westie will be naturally curious about this new spot and may check it out of their own free will. If not, you can help encourage them by putting treats and favorite toys in the crate, or try feeding meals in the crate.

7. Potty Training

You can start potty training as soon as you bring your Westie home for the very first time. Take them to the spot you want them to do their business, let them check it out, and see if they use the spot. If so, shower them with praise and treats. If not, that’s fine; you need to keep trying.

Track when your Westie needs to go potty by knowing that puppies have no bladder control and need to be taken out in hourly intervals no longer than their age in months plus one. So, a 2-month-old puppy needs to go out every 2 to 3 hours, a 3-month-old puppy every 3 to 4 hours, and so on.

You should also pay attention after their mealtimes and when they drink water. Young puppies need to urinate very soon after drinking, so 15 minutes later is a good time for a potty break. If they don’t go on your first trip out, try again every few minutes while watching them like a hawk in your home. Getting familiar with their behavior when they need to go potty, such as sniffing around or circling, will help you prevent accidents.

An important part of house training your Westie is to promptly clean up accidents and not punish them for accidents. Punishment can make them fearful or anxious, and they could start hiding and go potty indoors. It can seem impossible at times with a young puppy, but patience and consistent positive reinforcement always win out. Puppies will develop bladder control at about 16 to 20 weeks old.

Conclusion

West Highland White Terriers or Westies are one of the most good-natured, loving, and playful companions you can welcome into your home, but training isn’t always easy. Your pup may try your patience sometimes, but remain calm and fall back on positive reinforcement to win the day.

Featured Image Credit: BIGANDT.COM, Shutterstock

The post How to Train a Westie: 6 Vet-Approved Tips by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Herding dogs are instinctive and thus have fantastic herding abilities. While they are excellent working dogs, many people also keep them as companions. If you’ve decided to give a herding dog a forever home, it’s important to note that even with their instinctive herding abilities, you still need to train your dog and make sure they know the key herding commands.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common herding dog commands you should know.

The 15 Key Herding Dog Commands

1. Come or Bye

The “come” or “bye” command instructs your herding dog to move clockwise. It is the opposite of another term we’ll discuss later in the list. It also means that your dog will be going to the left of the livestock instead of the right. In most cases, the herding dog will follow the commands by staying far away from the stock but still moving in a clockwise position.

2. Find

The “find” command instructs your herding dog to find a missing member of your livestock. Some well-trained herding dogs will bark to let their owners know they’ve found the missing animal.

3. Cast or Flank

You’ll, at some point, need all your stock gathered into one group. That’s where the “cast” or “flank” command comes in. This command will cause your dog to circle the herd at a safe distance. They’ll move in a circular motion while moving the herd closer together until they’re all in one place.

4. Bark or Speak Up

The “bark” or “speak up” command works for herding any animals, but it is extremely important to teach your herding dog these commands if you work with cattle or sheep. For example, if your stock is stubborn and you’re having a problem herding them from one area to another, this command will be forceful, and they will move a bit quicker. It instructs your dog to bark to move the herd faster.

5. Away to Me

“Away to me” is a command that is used to tell your dog to circle in a counterclockwise motion. It’s the opposite of the “come” command we talked about earlier. This command instructs your dog to face the stock, then turn squarely as they keep a consistent distance from the herd.

6. Get Back or Get Out

The “get back” or “get out” command is used to tell your dog to move away from the animals if they’re getting too close. It is used as a reprimand and prevents the herd from getting stressed or anxious. However, make sure that you don’t stress your herding dog or be too tough on them.

7. Look Back

The “look back” command is often said to be overrated and is very similar to the “find” command. It’s used to tell your dog to leave the herd and look for other animals that might have been left behind. It’s different from “find” because you’ll use it when you’re unsure if an animal is missing. It’s more advanced than other techniques and may be unnecessary if your dog is talented at keeping the herd together.

8. In Here

The ”in here” command is intended to tell your dog to start separating the animals in your herd. If a few animals need to be separated from the others, this is the command you’ll use to get your dog to do it. Once the animals are separated, normally sheep, you say “in here” to your herding dog so that the dog will move into that gap and keep the animals separated.

9. Hold

Giving your dog the command “hold” means that the dog should hold the stock where it’s at until you’re ready to start moving again. Make sure you’ve taught the dog the other commands on our list so that they’ll know what to do when the herd is ready to move again.

10. Take Time or Steady

“Take time” or “steady” are commands that prompt your herding dog to tell the dog to slow down, especially if the “stand” command doesn’t work when you try to teach it to your pet. You can use either of these commands to prompt the dog to slow down and put more room between them and the herd. This is often used if a dog doesn’t know the difference between a sharp and a gentle command.

11. That Will Do

“That will do” instructs your dog to stop what they’re doing right away and come to where you’re standing. It is the top command you should teach your dog when they’re in training. Dogs who are in training are apt to veer away from the line and need to be called back.

The dog is much more likely to respond to “that will do” than the “flank” command if they’re in training.

12. Walk or Walk Up or Walk On

The “walk,” “walk up,” or “walk on” commands are used to put your herding dog nearer to the stock instead of moving the dog further away. The trick is to avoid scaring the herd when the dog gets closer. Your dog will know to move slowly and steadily toward the herd if you give them one of these commands. It’s much better to not scare or spook the herd, which can cause panic.

13. Wait or Down or Sit

The “wait,” “down,” or “sit” command may seem obvious, but it’s also an important command for your dog to know. Sometimes the “stand” command doesn’t work for your dog, and these commands can be taught instead.

14. There

“There” is a command that lets your dog know they’re done flanking. While this one isn’t used by owners very often, it is a good one to teach your herding dog. It also lets the dog know that they need to turn squarely toward the herd.

15. Stand

The last command on our list is the “stand” command, which means to stop or slow down. If you give the command sharply, it means to stop. If you give a gentle command, it means to slow down. You just need to make sure that your dog knows the difference in your tone.

Conclusion

You’ll use several commands to control and train your herding dog, and the 15 we discussed are considered to be the most common. The best thing to do to train your herding dog is to have patience, make sure that you are consistent, and never punish your dog.

If you’re looking to give a forever home to a herding dog, whether as a working dog or as a companion, it’s best to train them so they can follow basic commands when needed.

• See also: 5 Small Herding Dog Breeds (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Luca Nichetti, Shutterstock

The post 15 Key Herding Dog Commands: Essential Verbal Cues by Patricia Dickson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Scent training is exactly how it sounds: training your dog to detect and react to different scents. Since dogs are renowned for their superior sense of smell, scent training (also known as scent work and nose work) is a great way to engage your dog in mental and physical exercise.

You can enroll in classes with your dog to teach you both the basics, but with a few tools, it is quite easy to get started with scent training.

How Does It Work?

All dogs have instinctive sniffing abilities and can be trained to detect specific smells and alert their owner and/or handler once they have located them.

Training a dog to sniff out a scent can be done with a variety of different essential oils and teaching your dog to alert you to the specific scent.

Benefits of Scent Training

Scent training can be as casual or as serious as you want; either way, it will benefit your dog. You can use it casually at home or train your dog for competition.

Other than giving your dog a fantastic energy outlet, it also helps them focus, calms them, and literally makes them happier. It’s also perfect for senior dogs starting to slow down, as scent work doesn’t have to be arduous. It can engage them physically and mentally and give them confidence.

How to Start Scent Training Your Dog

Before you begin scent working, your dog should be housetrained and obey basic commands like “come” and “sit.” Scent training is a more advanced form of training, so it’s essential that the basic skills have been mastered.

Materials

Essential oils are most commonly used to get a dog started on scent work, but speak to your vet so you can determine which ones are safe to use around your pet.

Alternatively scent training starter kits are available.

1. New Command

You’ll need to teach your dog a new command for scent work. You can make up a phrase or use something like, “find it,” so your dog knows that it’s time to find the scent.

2. The Scent

Set up the scent for your dog far from where you’ll be doing the training; this can be in a different room or outside. Be sure your dog is kept out of the area. The disposable gloves are useful here, so you don’t get the scent on your hands, which will confuse your dog.

Place a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball, and then place it in a glass jar. You can take off the gloves at this point; just be sure to throw them in the trash right away, and cover the garbage so your dog won’t immediately detect the scent.

Then, use the tweezers to take the cotton ball out of the jar, and place it in the ventilated container (this can be another jar with holes in the lid).

3. Introduction

This next step requires your ventilated scent container and a few treats that your dog loves. Start by placing a treat in one hand and the container in the other, and reward your dog with the treat and plenty of praise when they investigate the scent.

You’ll want to repeat this several times and always switch the container and treat. If your dog doesn’t seem invested in this process, be sure to use treats that you know that your dog will adore. This might mean using something that your dog rarely has, such as small pieces of plain, boiled chicken.

4. Verbal Cue

This is where you’ll need to start using a verbal command, which you’ll say just before you show your dog the scent container. This can be something simple, like “find” or “search.” Continue rewarding your dog when they go for the container.

Following this, try placing the scent container on the floor and saying the verbal cue. Hopefully, your dog will go to the container once you’ve issued the command. Praise them if they do so successfully, but it’s likely that you’ll need plenty of repetition and patience.

5. Challenges

Your dog should be getting the hang of it at this point, so put the scent container in another room or in a box. When your dog successfully locates the container, start putting extra empty boxes around so your dog can identify the correct box by its scent.

Keep these training sessions short—no more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. When your dog seems to lose interest, stop and try again later. The takeaway here is to keep the training sessions enjoyable.

Scent-Training Tips

Scent training should be a fun experience for your dog, so here are a few tips to ensure that it goes smoothly:

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Where Is It Used?

Other than using nose work as a way to keep your dog from becoming bored, there are many avenues where scent work comes in handy. For some dogs, scent training is necessary to do a job. Many dogs sniff out weapons, contraband, and narcotics in airports, in addition to bomb detection. They are also commonly used for search and rescue, which can include finding living people or working as cadaver dogs. Many work with the police, security, and the military.

Some service dogs can detect cancer and help diabetes patients by detecting troubling scents that the dog will then alert their handler to. There are even truffle-hunting dogs!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where Can My Dog Compete for Scent Work?

The AKC Scent Work sport, the National Association of Canine Scent Work, and the United States Canine Scent Sports all offer competitive scent work trials in the U.S. Most countries should have equivalent trials designed to test a dog’s nose work skills.

What Dog Breeds Have the Best Noses?

The best noses in scent work include Bloodhounds, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Belgian Malinois. Beyond these specific breeds, most spaniels, pointers, and hounds have excellent noses for sniffing out scents.

It’s also safe to say that mixed breeds with parents that are a combination of any of these breeds will likely have excellent scent-detection skills.

What Are the Scents Commonly Used for Scent Training?

For most scent-training professionals and in most scent trials, birch, anise, and clove essential oils are commonly used. Additionally, a few organizations also use cypress and wintergreen oils. Remember that these oils are potent, so one or two drops on a cotton ball are all that is necessary, and they must not be consumed by the dog.

Conclusion

Scent training is an excellent way to give your dog confidence and utilize their natural ability to detect scents. It can also help form a stronger bond between you and your dog.

It will likely take time before your dog will get the hang of it, but the benefits are worth it, particularly for senior dogs or dogs that need their confidence built or need help reducing stress and anxiety. So, if you’re considering scent training your dog at home and are wondering if you should, the answer is a resounding yes!

Featured Image Credit: Ryan Brix, Shutterstock

The post Scent Training for Dogs: Where & How to Start by Kathryn Copeland appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Like babies and young children, dogs naturally have little impulse control and generally just do what they want, when they want, without any concept of delayed gratification. Also like kids, dogs can be taught to master this crucial emotional skill through cleverly designed games. For ideas on how you can do this with your dog, check out the best impulse control games here and get started ASAP!

The 7 Impulse Control Games for Dogs

Impulse control can be taught from a young age, but it’s not something that all dogs master. How exactly do you know that your dog is struggling? Things like pulling on their leash, rushing to greet people, barely waiting for you to open the door before running outside, and snatching snacks from your hand are all perfect examples and are good signs that you need to try some of these impulse control games.

1. Leave It

“Leave it” is a common but essential command for establishing impulse control boundaries with your dog. First, select a high-value treat that your dog will go bananas over, like a piece of lunch meat. Leash up your dog, then clearly show your dog the treat while holding it out of their range. Tell them to leave it, and ignore their initial tugs at the leash. Once they settle down and let the leash go slack, you can praise them and give them the treat.

This command can be used with lower-value treats or toys to redirect their attention, and that’s very helpful for many dogs. However, we suggest starting with this method and removing the leash as they learn the command better. “Leave it” proves especially handy when you drop food on the ground and you don’t want your dog to immediately scarf it down!

2. Red Light, Green Light

Yes, the classic children’s game can be adapted for canine impulse control training! The only thing you need to get started is a leash. Leash your dog up for a walk along a preferably familiar path, then suddenly stop while saying, “Red light!” Your dog will probably be confused at first and maybe tug on the leash, but you should stand firm and ignore the tugging while also ignoring them. Wait for them to let the leash go slack before continuing.

When you resume walking, first say, “Green light!” By teaching them that “green light” means go and “red light” corresponds to immediately stopping, you can make your dog stop what they’re doing on cue. This is super useful for safety purposes, such as if your dog runs in a crowded street to retrieve a toy.

3. Drop It

“Drop it” is similarly important to “leave it” since both are important to keep your dog safe and keep them from putting harmful objects in their mouths. That doesn’t mean it can’t be fun, though! Take an ordinary old toy of theirs that’s not really anything special, then choose a really delicious high-value treat your pup loves.

First, show them the toy and encourage them to play with it for a few seconds while concealing the treat. Then, show them the treat and say your command as they immediately ditch the toy for your super awesome treat. Repeat this regularly in short sessions every day to reinforce the command, and soon enough, you can apply the command to more advanced training methods.

4. Puzzle Feeders

Puzzle feeders are the perfect solution for those dogs that swallow their food too quickly, and they help reinforce your other impulse control lessons too. Snuffle mats are good options, forcing your dog to search through a mat for treats or kibble, but there are tons of puzzle-feeding options out there. Stuffing a Kong with peanut butter or cream cheese is always a fan favorite for the peckish pup and offers a healthy way for them to get mental enrichment during downtime.

Used as incentives or just passively with other techniques on this list, puzzle feeders are a great way to help turn your extremely restless food-motivated dog into a patient problem-solver.

5. Wait for Food

One of the simplest yet most effective impulse control games can be done at your dog’s mealtimes to teach impulse control around food, which helps further discourage idle grazing because your dog’s first instinct is no longer to devour every floor crumb.

To start, take your dog’s food bowl at mealtime, and slowly lower it to the ground while saying, “Wait.” If your dog acts excited and starts moving around or jumping, raise the food bowl back up and ignore them. When they’re calm, it’s chow time. Repeat this at every mealtime to further strengthen your dog’s impulse control.

6. Settle on Cue

Teaching your dog to settle on cue can be done as early as puppyhood and in fact, works best when you start early. Select a comfortable blanket, mat, or bed to be your dog’s settle spot, and put it where you want your dog to settle. Now, the fun part begins!

Start slowly but generously with treats. Show your dog the spot, and heavily shower them with praise and a treat when they show the least bit of attention to it. When you’re doing this, use your chosen command. “Settle” works fine, but “Go to your bed” can work too. Settle is handy for when you want to keep your dog out of the way when you host an event or have people over and provides you with more control over their safety.

7. Tug & Settle

For this game, your dog will need to know a settle and release command already. To get started, take their favorite rope toy, and start a rousing game of tug of war. After a few seconds to a minute, drop the rope while saying your release command. Repeat this step until your dog understands that the game is over when you say the release command.

Next, start adding in your settle command after the release phase to tell your dog to go to their settle spot learned earlier. When they go to lie down, immediately start the game back up again. This game helps keep your dog calm in very exciting situations, which you can imagine potential uses for at the dog park or on walks.

Conclusion

Impulse control doesn’t come naturally to dogs, but they’re fast learners with enough patience and plenty of treats. Start with simple commands, and you can then help reinforce that foundation with puzzle feeders and advanced games like Tug & Settle.

Featured Image Credit: Galina Tsyrulnik, Shutterstock

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Saint Bernards adore humans and are eager to please, but this doesn’t mean they’ll always know exactly what you want them to do the first time that you ask them to do it. Fun training sessions and quick corrections will help you speed up the training process, but it’ll still take time. You might find yourself with a more stubborn dog than you expect.

There are also the inevitable mistakes to keep in mind. Sometimes, it’ll be the same ones repeatedly. But mishaps will make the successes that much sweeter.

To help you get started, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to train your new Saint Bernard puppy. These tips will work for adult dogs too.

Before You Start

Training takes a great deal of effort, and it can be difficult to figure out where to begin.

The 10 Tips on How to Train a Saint Bernard

1. Make a Training Plan

Saint Bernards love being around people, so they enjoy big families. When it comes to training, though, it can be a challenge to keep everyone on the same page. If two members of the family are trying to train the dog to do a specific trick or behavior, you are likely to end up confusing them.

The rules of accepted and not accepted behaviors for the dog need to be consistent among all family members. This is where a training plan can be a lifesaver. Before you bring home your Saint Bernard, decide on a training regime, and make sure everyone in the family is aware of the rules. Don’t forget to let your children get involved, too, if they’re old enough. You should supervise them, but letting them know the do’s and don’ts allowed for the new puppy will help them learn to respect each other.

2. Start on Day One

Many new dog owners put off training their new puppy because they feel that they’re not old enough or that they need time to settle into the house. But whether you adopt an adult Saint Bernard or an 8- or 12-week-old puppy, you need to start training them on day one.

This doesn’t mean jumping straight into the difficult stuff. You shouldn’t expect your Saint Bernard to understand where to go to the bathroom immediately. However, taking steps to introduce where they should go to the toilet and even how they should behave at mealtimes will help ease their transition to your home.

It’ll also prevent them from learning bad habits as they work things out on their own, saving you from having to correct them later.

3. Do Leash Training

There are two reasons that leash training is essential. The first is that it can go a long way in helping you keep or regain control of your Saint Bernard while you’re training them. Once you move on to introducing distractions, a leash will function as a safety net to keep your wayward puppy out of trouble as they learn how to behave.

The second reason is to ensure good behavior on walks. Saint Bernards are big dogs and strong. Good leash habits will ensure that they’re not at risk of putting themselves or you in danger, especially if you live by a busy road.

4. Do House Training

Perhaps the messiest part of puppy ownership is house training. Saint Bernard puppies are not exempt from the frequent need to go outside, and your technique for house training is essential. It’s also not a process that can be rushed, and you should be prepared for lots of potty breaks outside and some accidents in the house, even when you think that your puppy is finally getting it right.

Take your Saint Bernard outside or to their potty spot first thing in the morning, last thing at night, about 15 minutes after meals or drinks, and every 3 to 4 hours throughout the day. Try to establish a routine, but never scold your puppy for making a mistake. Instead, focus on when they get it right.

5. Teach Obedience

Like socialization, obedience isn’t something that you can skip with your Saint Bernard. You might not be interested in winning obedience competitions, but basic commands will benefit your daily lives. It’s also a key part of the rest of their training. Leash training, socialization, and house training can all benefit from your dog’s understanding of obedience.

To start, focus on basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and their recall. After that, you can progress to more advanced commands, like “off,” “leave it,” and leash training, or “heel.”

6. Don’t Skip Socialization

The Saint Bernard might be one of the friendliest breeds on Earth, but their size can make them intimidating, especially when they get over-excited. Socialization is a must for all dogs, but it’s particularly important when it comes to large breeds.

Once they’ve had at least the first round of their vaccination schedule, puppy classes can be an excellent resource. You will meet other dog owners and their puppies, and you’ll also learn a few training tips in the process.

Don’t forget to take your Saint Bernard to dog-friendly places to introduce them to strangers and other dogs. Reward their good behavior, and remember to reinforce their obedience commands too. The more socialization you do, the more likely your puppy will grow into a self-assured adult.

7. Keep Sessions Fun

Whenever you’re learning something new, it’s always better when you’re enjoying yourself. Dogs can benefit from fun training sessions too, even if they’re as eager to please as the Saint Bernard. The more fun your dog has, the more they’ll associate the behavior that you’re asking for with good things, and the more likely they will be successful next time.

You might use treat rewards or end the session with their favorite game of fetch or tug. Whatever you do, always make sure you and your dog both enjoy the training. If either of you gets frustrated at any point, it’s time to take a step back.

8. Correct Unwanted Behavior

To prevent your Saint Bernard from developing bad habits, correcting unwanted behavior as soon as they do it is essential. This is why supervision is crucial during training, whether you’re training a puppy or an adult dog.

You need to be close by to monitor your dog and be ready to redirect their attention to the correct behavior. This way, you can praise them for being successful rather than scold them when they get it wrong. When it comes to house training in particular, catching your dog before they pee on your carpet and taking them to their potty spot or outside is more effective than yelling when they make a mess.

9. Go Back to Basics

Every so often, you’ll need to step back in your training. Maybe your puppy just isn’t having a good day or what they’re learning hasn’t quite clicked yet. This can be devastating and confusing if they’ve had a string of successes over the past few days, but it’s still an important part of training your Saint Bernard.

Don’t let their mistakes disappoint you or make you angry. Stay positive and just take a step back. Return to what you know your dog understands, even if it’s something super simple, like lying down when you ask. Praise the effort that they make to follow your instructions, even if they don’t quite get it.

Slow and steady is vital when it comes to training. With positive reinforcement and reassurance, your Saint Bernard will be well-trained in no time at all.

10. End With Success

Besides keeping the sessions short and fun, you need to end with success every time. Don’t worry about how big it is. As long as your Saint Bernard has made even the tiniest amount of progress when the session is over, it’s a good time to stop.

By ending sessions on a positive note, you’ll be encouraging your Saint Bernard to enjoy their training with you. They’ll try just as hard next time and might even surprise you!

Final Thoughts

As with all dogs, training takes time, effort, and patience. It can be incredibly tiring but also rewarding when your Saint Bernard finally understands what you’re asking for. Take your time, stay positive, and most of all, have fun! Training will help you build and strengthen your bond with your Saint Bernard and help them become a wonderfully behaved, super-friendly giant.

Featured Image Credit: Rita_Kochmarjova, Shutterstock

The post How to Train a St Bernard: 10 Vet-Approved Tips by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Akitas are notoriously challenging to train. However, that doesn’t mean they’re completely untrainable. It just takes a bit more time and skill to teach them to behave.

As protective canines, Akitas can become reactive and overprotective if not trained and socialized properly. Therefore, while this breed may be challenging to work with during training, they need it more than most other dogs.

Fortunately, training an Akita isn’t impossible if you know what you’re doing. Here are a few tips and steps to help you on your journey.

The 7 Tips to Train an Akita

1. Start With Socialization and Desensitization

As soon as possible, begin socializing and desensitizing your Akita. Any quality breeder will begin socialization before they send their dogs to their forever homes. Ensure that the breeder you adopt from does this, and ask them what exactly the dog has been introduced to so you know where to begin. ​​Getting them used to having their paws, ears, and body touched while they are a puppy is crucial. Starting early will help ensure that they will allow it when they’re older.

Much socialization can take place at home. For instance, you can invite friends over to play with your puppy. Aim to introduce your pet to as many people as possible, including children. You want your dog to know that people come in many shapes and sizes, and that’s normal. Also, introduce your pup to unusual household objects, like umbrellas and vacuums.

Once your dog has had their first round of vaccinations,1 start taking trips outside of the house. Puppy classes can work wonders, as they provide your pet with a place to socialize with other dogs and people. Take your pup to pet-friendly stores, dog parks, and anywhere else they are allowed. The more places you take them, the more experience they’ll have.

We cannot overstate how essential socialization is for Akitas. Without it, they may see everyday events as threats, making them become protective when they don’t need to be.

2. Start With Basic Commands

Once your Akita is in your home, start with basic commands, like “sit,” “stay,” and “lie down.” Dogs can start learning these commands at a very early age, though it may take them many months to master them. It’s important to get them used to training, though, even if they don’t pick up on the commands right away.

If you’re taking your puppy to training classes, your trainer should walk you through the main commands. If not, you’ll need to make a schedule for your puppy and train every day to accomplish your goals. Everyday training is vital to making these dogs manageable as adults.

Don’t use harsh training methods, as these can make your pet protective and fearful. Instead, work with your pup’s natural devotion to their family to make training easier. When Akitas have a good relationship with their owners, they often want to make them proud, which makes it easier to train.

Be consistent, and use positive rewards to slowly train your Akita on all the basics.

3. Work on Leash Training

Your Akita can get fairly large and powerful, so you must train them to walk on a leash properly. This breed can be stubborn, especially when it comes to walking on a leash. Therefore, this act can be more challenging than it may be for most other dogs. It’s important to start early and walk your dog every day. If possible, work with a trainer to get your dog properly walking on a leash.

Don’t allow your Akita to pull on the leash. If they begin pulling, stop and draw their attention back to you. Once they stop pulling, reward them by walking again. Once they pull, stop. You’ll need to repeat this over and over again. Don’t expect much progress at the beginning. You may only make it a few feet.

Teaching your dog to “heel” can make leash walking a bit easier. Whenever they pull, you can tell them to “heel” again before resuming your walk.

4. Keep Sessions Short

Because there is so much training to do, it can be tempting to make training sessions long. However, Akitas have short attention spans, especially as puppies. When you first begin training, sessions should last between 3 and 5 minutes—that’s it! You can train two times a day if you’re trying to train faster, but you shouldn’t make sessions longer.

Encourage your dog’s natural problem-solving abilities too. Make training enjoyable—not a chore. Akitas often like training sessions that challenge their mind, and they like being praised by their family. Emphasize these two factors in your training sessions, and you’ll find training much more straightforward.

5. Don’t Forget About Crate Training

Akitas are naturally protective, which can also make them naturally anxious. They may worry about things that other dogs wouldn’t care about. Therefore, they must have somewhere safe and comforting to go. A crate fulfills this role.

Think of your dog’s crate as their “den.” Yes, it does provide them with a place to stay when you are gone. However, it should also be a place they like to be.

You should start by making your puppy remain in their crate for short periods. Make it comfortable, and cover all sides but one with a towel or blanket. Alternatively, you can put the crate underneath a table or desk. Give the dog special treats and toys to reward them for crate time.

Then, slowly work up the amount of time that your dog spends in the crate. Allow them to access the crate whenever they want to, and make it a household rule that the dog is left alone when in the crate.

6. Respect Your Dog

Akitas are aloof dogs that tend to be reserved around strangers. There is nothing you can do to change that; it’s simply how this breed is built. It’s important to respect and accept this temperament trait and never force your dog to interact with strangers. A well-behaved Akita respects a stranger’s space and isn’t aggressive toward them—but they also don’t want every stranger to pet them.

Akitas are not like many modern companion dogs. They aren’t going to rush up to strangers and demand attention. Forcing socialization and expecting your pet to love everyone will only cause them to become stressed or fearful. Forced interactions might lead to aggression.

If you’re concerned about your dogs behaviour, we recommend you speak with a vet.

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If you’re looking for a friendly, outgoing dog, an Akita is not for you. It’s important to respect their innate personality when training and to not expect things that just aren’t going to happen. Japanese Akitas, or Akita Inus, are particularly known to value their personal space and might not enjoy being constantly touched, even by their owners.

7. Be Assertive

Akitas are intelligent, independent thinkers and strong-willed. Training them will require consistency and a confident, assertive trainer who is not intimidated by their size and physical capacity. Likewise, you should know that Akitas might need to repeat the same lesson a few times before it sinks in, so patience is a quality that you will need to nurture and develop.

In Conclusion

Training your Akita can be more challenging than training many other dogs. However, it isn’t impossible. You just need to be a bit more intentional and careful with the process. We highly recommend enrolling your dog in group puppy classes as soon as possible. These provide training and socialization with other dogs, which is vital for Akitas. Furthermore, we recommend beginning socialization and training as soon as you bring your puppy home.

Hopefully, you find these tips helpful when training your Akita. Training is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency goes a long way when it comes to training dogs, so be sure to practice at least once a day.

Featured Image Credit: Volodymyr, Shutterstock

The post How to Train an Akita: 7 Vet-Approved Tips by Kristin Hitchcock appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The Dalmatian is known for their adorable, unique appearance, which has made them loved worldwide. Their coat has made them particularly popular in movies and cartoons, and their charming, gentle personality has made them adored by many families and children.

While this breed is known for their intelligence and affection, there are times when they can be stubborn. Due to this trait, learning how to train a Dalmatian properly is essential. Training a Dalmatian puppy will be not much different than training other breeds, though you’ll need to devote plenty of time to the process. Staying patient and consistent is crucial, but here are other valuable tips that we’ve gathered for you.

Dalmatian Temperament and Personality

Other than being beautiful, Dalmatians are energetic and playful dogs. Even with their large size, they are affectionate, gentle, and excellent with children. They need companionship and plenty of vigorous exercise, though. Dalmatians can quickly become bored, frustrated, and even destructive without enough physical activity throughout the day. Their social manners vary from dog to dog; one Dalmatian can be extremely outgoing and excited when meeting strangers, while another can be reserved and shy.

They are extremely friendly with other dogs and have even been known to make friends with horses.

The Importance of Training Your Dalmatian

Training a Dalmatian is the first and most important thing you can do to ensure a healthy and strong bond between your pet and yourself. Properly training your Dalmatian from an early age will ensure as few conflicts as possible and your pet’s safety. There are many benefits to training your pup correctly from the start.

The most important one is keeping your pet safe at all times. If your pet is properly trained, you can leave them unattended when you leave the house or safely let them off the leash at the dog park. Properly training your Dalmatian will ensure the best possible communication between you without using harsh methods, such as punishments.

The 8 Tips on Training Your Dalmatian

Properly training a Dalmatian is the key to having a strong bond with your dog filled with mutual trust. Here are the most valuable and critical points in training your Dalmatian. Remember to always stay consistent during training.

1. Choose the Ideal Time to Start Training

The first tip you should consider is picking out the right time to begin your training. The ideal timing is from the first day you get your new Dalmatian pup. Consider this puppy a new family member who has yet to learn all the rules and manners around the house. Potty training would be your first important lesson.

Teaching your puppy to go potty in designated places will save you plenty of time. It is always easier to teach your dog to behave correctly from the beginning than to change already set habits.

2. Pick Out the Perfect Location

When first training your Dalmatian puppy, we advise you to choose where your dog feels safest. Since a dog park or any other public area can distract your pup, it is best to learn basic commands from the comfort of your home. If you’re training your dog to go potty outside, having your training lessons outdoors is best. The backyard is also an excellent place to teach your dog to walk on a leash. You can safely let your dog off the leash for the lesson without worrying about them running away from you and getting hurt.

3. Reward Good Behavior

Remember that your pup will need adequate motivation depending on the command you’re trying to teach them. If your dog performs a task exceptionally well, you’ll want to offer a treat to motivate them for the next time. Offer the simplest treats for everyday tasks such as sitting, and for more complex tasks, such as going potty, offer a treat you know your Dalmatian will adore.

After spending some time together, you will learn what type of food is your dog’s favorite, and you can use it to train them.

4. Do Short and Frequent Sessions

Short training sessions are the best way to go, especially when you have a puppy that still has a short attention span. Rewarding your dog immediately after performing the task right is essential, as they might lose their focus. Several short training sessions throughout the day will keep your dog excited and ready instead of draining their energy with longer lessons.

5. Use Positive Reinforcement

The most important tip when training your dog, whether a puppy or an adult, is always to use positive reinforcement. Reinforcing positive behavior with praise and treats is the best motivation for your pup to perform well. Anytime your puppy does something right, reward them, even if it’s the smallest, most ordinary task. Make sure to repeat these training habits frequently when they’re still young, as they tend to forget or even try to test you by not following your commands.

6. Avoid Punishments

Avoiding punishments is another extremely important tip to follow. Punishing your dog for a task they haven’t performed well will only harm your further training. It can cause anxiety in your pet and even make them fear you in the future. You want to base your relationship on mutual trust, so punishment is never the right choice.

7. Socialize Your Dalmatian Puppy

Certain Dalmatian puppies have a timid and somewhat shy temperament, so it is crucial to start socializing them early. Dalmatians also have a reputation for being stubborn sometimes, so keeping them around other pets and strangers will ensure they become as friendly as possible.

8. Stay Consistent

Our last tip, which ties in with all the previous tips, is to remain consistent. If your dog spots a weakness in you, they will try to avoid performing the task next time because they know you won’t mind. If you decide your dog should go potty in one place, stand your ground, and don’t change your mind later because it’s convenient for you at that moment. This will only confuse your dog.

Final Thoughts

Dalmatians are amazing, energetic dogs with a quirky spirit and a sometimes stubborn temper. They are incredibly intelligent and affectionate, making it easy to train them, though their stubbornness needs to be addressed early. These tips will help you train your Dalmatian most effectively, avoiding conflict and unnecessary punishments whenever possible.

See also:

• Are Dalmatians Aggressive?
• 20 Essential Dalmatian Supplies to Get You Started: Guide

Featured Image Credit: Arthur Bargan, Shutterstock

The post How to Train Dalmatians: 8 Effective Tips by Jana Blagojevic appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.