Howling is a communication tool used by some dogs.  It is sometimes used as a warning sign to alert others about a dangerous presence in the area.  But there are other dogs that use howling as a means of desperation.  It can be a sign of separation anxiety or a means to inform of pain from an injury.  But what do you do with a dog that howls too much?  How do you get your dog to stop?  A Florida dog obedience instructor would be able to guide you through on the positive reinforcement techniques discussed in today’s blog.  In the meantime, use this as a guide to get you started in the right direction.

Stop Howling with Positive Reinforcement

If your dog howls as a means to seek attention, then use positive reinforcement to reward desired behavior and ignore the negative.  For instance, whenever your dog howls, ignore your pet.  This is tough for your dog could continue to howl.  However, as soon as your dog stops howling and is silent, reward your dog with pet treats and praise.  Keep repeating this technique until your dog starts to remain silent.  Your dog will catch on that remaining silent equals positive rewards.  It won’t take long for your dog to figure this out.

The key in stopping howling is to remain consistent in implementing positive reinforcement.  To find out more about how to stop your dog from howling, enroll in a k9 obedience class today.

In yesterday’s blog, we talked about the dos and don’ts of how to feed a puppy.  Today we shall continue that discussion and give you further tips to provide your puppy with a strong foundation to grow up and be a healthy adult dog.

When puppies reach three or four weeks old, they start to eat puppy food.  And the first time they see it, do not be surprised if they solely play around with it.  Puppies are not used to getting their food in such a manner.  Do not fret.  It does not take long for a puppy to understand the food is there to eat not to play around with.  Just allow your puppy time to figure it out.  Keep in mind, by the time a puppy reaches around eight weeks old, then dry puppy food should be eaten on a regular basis.

For medium, large and giant breed puppies, the food should be administered in a portion control technique.  It helps keep a puppy’s weight at a healthy number.  For if puppies develop too quickly then there are issues with growth spurts.  Too many calories taken cause a puppy to grow too quickly and develop bone growth issues.  However, if you notice any issues with your puppy be sure to consult with a veterinarian.

To find out more about how, when and what to feed your puppy and other puppy care tips, enroll in a puppy kindergarten or puppy preschool class today.  Florida dog training experts are here to help.

Do Not Over Exercise Your Dog

There are different dogs that need various amounts of exercise.  But one problem, believe it or not, is over exercising your puppies and certain breeds.  You need to be careful when deciding to take your dog on your next run.  Here are some tips to remember ensuring your pet stays healthy without overdoing it.

Exhaustion Causes Dog Injuries

It is possible for your dog to be harmed during over exercise.  For when you exercise your dog, the dog’s body automatically becomes heated.  The danger occurs when the heat-stress becomes too much.  Your dog could become over-heated internally.  It happens.  When this occurs, it could cause internal organ damage.  It is fatal to your dog.  So if it is warm outside, hold back a bit on the outdoor running.  And always keep plenty of water ensuring your dog stays hydrated.

Start Canine Exercise Slowly

If your dog is starting a new exercise routine, start gradually.   Go a little bit further with each walk, but do not go all out at once.  This could cause hip issues with your dog.  And dogs tend not to show the injuries for they believe if they stop, the fun interaction will come to halt.  Thus, dogs tend to continue even if in pain.  Therefore, take it easy.  Pay attention to how your dog acts and moves.  And do not do too much.

For more information about how much exercise is appropriate, talk to a Florida dog training or k9 obedience professional today.

Some dogs are fearful of certain spaces.  It may be associated with something negative that occurred to your dog in the past.  Alternatively, be aware that some dogs do act afraid for no apparent reason at all.  No matter what the scenario is with your pet, as a responsible pet owner you need to be mindful of this and help your dog overcome the problem.  Here are some tips on how to do this.

Do Not Punish

When dogs are truly fearful it is sometimes exhibited in aggression.  For the stress is too much for a dog to handle the situation.  But the important thing to remember is do not punish your dog for acting in such a manner.

Stay Calm

If your dog becomes scared, but it is a necessity to visit the area of fear, like the veterinarian’s office, then remain steady and calm.  Do not make any quick movements.  Keep your voice in a relaxed state.  The next step is to desensitize your dog to the area.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Desensitization takes patience on your part.  So be prepared to do this slowly.  First, take your dog to the feared area.  Then show your dog that this place conjures up positive interaction via using treats and your dog’s favorite toy.  Play with your dog in this space.  Your dog might take a while to inch towards where you are located, but once your dog associates the positive interaction with this space, then the dog will no longer be afraid of the locale.

For more information on how to handle this situation properly and with care, talk to a Florida dog obedience or Florida dog training professional today.

Adding a dog into your home is a joyous occasion.  But there are essentials needed to maintain your canine’s health besides Florida puppy kindergarten and Florida dog obedience classes.  Here is a brief overview of these items.

The Fur Needs Attention

Research the type of care your dog’s coat needs for each breed is slightly different.  However, there are basic tools you need across the board.  For instance, normally a brush or comb is suitable to eliminate knots and keep your pet’s coat polished and untwisted.  In addition, look at a shampoo and conditioner for your dog’s fur and skin.  Find one that is adequate for your dog’s breed.

Pest Prevention

Another aspect of keeping your dog healthy is to provide the right flea and tick prevention measures.  There are sprays, powders, shampoos, and medications that help keep these unwanted pests away.  But if a problem does arise, take your dog to the veterinarian.

Do Not Forget to Clean the Ears

Dog’s ears are one of the most common areas on a dog that becomes infected.  And this is something you need to avoid at all costs.  The best way to do this is to include cleaning the dog’s ears as part of regular bath time.  Furthermore, there are ear wipes, drops and other ear dog products that would be good to keep on-hand if need-be.

To find out more about what you need to take care of your canine properly, talk to a Florida dog obedience instructor today.

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We love taking our dogs out on hikes.  It is a great time to be outside.  And in this setting your dog can roam around freely without too much worry.  But before you go on an outdoor adventure with your pet, it is wise to prepare your dog beforehand.  Your dog needs to be well-trained in different commands ensuring the safety of your dog during these hikes.

Review “Sit and Stay”

Not everyone is a dog lover.  There are hikers, cyclists, and runners who would prefer to avoid your pet, especially when your dog is off-leash.  Therefore, teach your pet how to sit and stay.   That way if someone is coming across your path, you could walk to the side of the path with your dog and use the command in this situation.  Your dog will just move to the side, sit and stay until the other person, animal or traveler passes.  It keeps your dog safe and out of harm’s way.

Master “Come Here”

When you are outside with your dog in the wilderness, you want to give your canine a bit of freedom by having your pet wander off-leash but only if your dog has mastered the come here command.  With your dog knowing how to “come here”, you are able to relieve yourself of the stress of having to hold on tight to your dog’s leash.  In addition, if you prefer to keep your dog next to you on a leash, the “come here” command still needs to be taught.  Reason being is in case the leash accidentally slips out of your hand, you will still be able to call to your dog and your pet responds accordingly.
For more tips on how to prepare your dog for outdoor adventures, talk to a Florida dog training or k9 obedience professional today.  He/she will be able to guide you on how to teach these commands through positive reinforcement.

Your pet is susceptible to the same diseases as humans.  Your dog is capable of developing and suffering from arthritis.  It is a debilitating disease if not addressed properly.  And by no means is this information a substitute for having your pup examined by a veterinarian.   This is just basic information on dog arthritis.

Many different breads develop degenerative joint disease causing major discomfort and issues in their movement.  The hip is the most common joint attacked by the disease.   It is a problem for it slows down dog activity, and causes pain with mobility.  But there are treatments to control the pain and reduce the damaging process caused by the disease.

One treatment available is to prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.  It is what humans take too for the same medical issue.  Aspirin falls into this category of drugs and is the most popular aid relieving the symptoms.  However, it does cause gastrointestinal side effects.  Other drugs available may be more potent than Aspirin with less problems on the digestive system.  You need to ask your veterinarian what options are available to you today.

But there is something you can do now to prevent this disease from occurring.  You need to keep your dog on a proper exercise regimen and diet.  Your dog needs to maintain positive reinforcement activity.  And if the disease does strike have your canine engage in low or no impact exercise such as swimming and/or walking.  Every little bit helps.

To find out more about the proper way to exercise your pup without injury, talk to a Florida dog obedience and a k9 obedience instructor today.