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  • An Inside Look at Dog Leashes: Part 2

    Dog leashes vary depending on your dog’s behavior, breed and size.  Some people prefer masculine looking dog leashes, such as chains, with large breed dogs ensuring it stays intact when a strong dog pulls.  A chain leash may also help control a strong dog, but the best way to ensure your dog stays under control is through a Florida dog obedience training class.  In the meantime, check out this breakdown of three more dog leash styles available to you.

    Bungee Leashes

    The idea of a bungee leash is great for a dog that pulls on the chain and needs to be pulled back.  It is stretchy and soft minimizing injury to your pup’s neck.  It is standard for a dog that needs extra help remaining under control.

    Slip Lead Leashes

    A slip lead is designed to provide the ability to walk your dog without a collar.  It just slips right around your dog’s neck as suggested by the name of the leash.  The slip lead has a metal ring on the end of it.  You pass the handle part of the leash through the metal ring creating a loop.  The loop goes right over your dog’s head.

    Long Line Leashes

    A long line leash is as the description implies.  It is a very long leash created to help train your dog in long distance areas, such as your backyard.  It helps keep your dog from running away while learning the “come” command.  It also provides much distance providing your dog freedom.  Thus, once training is completed, the dog will “come” to you from various distances without hesitation.  The length of a long line leash is anywhere from ten to sixty feet.

    Leashes are as individual as your pup.  Find a leash suitable for your dog.  If you need additional assistance, talk to a k9 obedience training professional today.

  • An Inside Look at Dog Leashes: Part 1

    Who knew there were so many leashes to choose from?  There are basic, retractable, bungee, long line, and slip lead style leashes.  But what is the difference?  How do you know which leash is most suitable for your pup?  Let’s take a quick look at retractable leashes and why it may or may not be the best choice for your dog.

    Pros and Cons of a Retractable Dog Leash

    Some dog owners prefer retractable dog leashes.  It provides your dog with much freedom.   For when your dog wanders, the cord automatically extends.  It gives your dog the ability to check out his/her settings without difficulty.  In addition, you may control how far the leash may be extended with a push of the button.  It sounds great but it depends on your pup.

    A retractable leash is not good for an untrained dog.  If your pup is not yet used to coming when called to or under control amongst other animals and people, then this leash is not right for you.  The cord could snap and a strong dog could take off without any constraints.  In addition, another dog may view the retractable leash as an aggressive dog coming straight on.  For the retractable leash puts your dog in an aggressive physical posture sending out the wrong message to other dogs passing by.

    To find out more information about what leash is suitable for your dog, talk to a Florida dog obedience training or k9 obedience professional today.

  • Choosing the Right Male Dog Name

    After adopting your new pup the next step is to name your dog.  Take into consideration the breed, traits, and color of your pup.  Think about what suits your dog best.  If you are about to adopt a dog and wish to consult with someone regarding popular names talk to a Florida dog obedience professional.  He/she handles numerous dogs a day, and with this gained experience, a dog-training expert will be able to supply you with a plethora of male dog names.  In the meantime, here is a list to help spark the perfect name for your pup.

    Most Common Male Dog Names

    If your dog is a large breed, then names featuring superheroes, historical and/or mythological figures come into play.  For instance, Zeus, Hercules, and Genghis are great names for large breed dogs.  Other popular masculine names include Buddy, Jake, Rocky and Buster.

    If you are looking for less traditional names, then think about naming the dog after your favorite website or electronics, such as Apple, Amazon or EBay.  If you prefer a kid-friendly name, children love to call dogs Bingo, Milo and Gruff.  These names all relate to something children associate with famous dogs from childhood stories, commercials and songs.

    There are many different directions to go with naming your dog.   Ask the entire household to participate in naming him.  Consider the pup’s attributes before choosing.  Decide democratically and vote for the house favorite.

    The pup is part of your family.  Thus, provide him with a great name to go with his new role.

    For information on how to train your adopted dog, see a k9 obedience training class today.

  • How to Help Your New Puppy Sleep

    Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting, yet, anxious moment for you and the pup.  It may be the first time your puppy is away from the litter and his mom.  So create a healthy, happy, and calm sleeping area for your puppy.  Puppy preschool instructors are able to guide you with insight on how to attain this type of atmosphere.  A professional will be able to provide specific advice. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help direct you down the right path.

    Tire Your Puppy Out with Play

    A puppy needs lots of playtime and sleep.  Thus, before it is time to put your puppy down to sleep for the night exhaust your puppy out with play.  You want the puppy to go to sleep naturally.  You do not want to force your puppy to lie down when not ready.  Any excitable energy remaining from the day will create an anxious moment.  Thus, continue playing until it is time to go to sleep.  In addition, be sure to take your pup outside to use the bathroom.  Take care of all the necessities before bedtime.

    Put the Puppy Sleeping Area in Same Room

    For the first few nights, it is a wise idea to keep your pup in the same room as one of the family members.  You do not want your pup to feel isolated and away from the rest of the family.  A dog needs to feel like part of a pack.

    There are many other tricks on how to ease your pup into his new home.  Talk to a Florida dog training professional today.  He/she will be able to provide you with further techniques to assist in helping your puppy sleep restfully at night.

  • 3 Tips to save money on your vet bill

    Visiting the veterinarian is expensive.  There is no way around it.  When your pet needs treatment you can’t do anything but pay for the medical bills.  Thus, how do you keep your vet bills down to a minimum throughout the year?  Here are a few tips ensuring you keep the bills as low as possible.

    Spay or Neuter Your Pet

    By implementing these two procedures, you save money in the end.  For there are many health issues specifically affecting reproductive organs, such as testicular and ovarian cancer.  Hence, by taking your dog to get spayed or neutered you are preventing these complications from arising in the future.  There are many local shelters offering this procedure at low or no cost.  It is worth it.  It maintains your dog’s long-term health and happiness

    Stop Smoking

    Smoking does affect everyone living under the same roof, including your pup.  It causes your dog to develop asthma, bronchitis and nasal cancer to name a few.  It is a terrible thing to force your dog to be susceptible to, therefore, just quit.  You will be saving money on vet bills by stopping this habit immediately.

    Do Not Skip Out on Vet Visits

    Taking your pup to the veterinarian on a regular basis keeps away expensive treatments and illnesses that may pop up without detection.  The idea is to practice preventive medicine rather than wait for something tragic to occur.  It will not ward off everything, but every little bit helps.

    If you have any questions, talk to a Florida obedience training professional.  He/she will be able to provide more money saving tips and vet advice.  If you need additional assistance, talk to a k9 obedience trainer about puppy preschool classes today.

  • Children and Dogs Live Happily Ever After

    The idea of children and dogs living together does not bring forth the idea of a harmonious home.  But if you talk to a Florida dog training professional, he/she will inform you that it is possible.  It is does not come about naturally, but with proper socialization taught to the pup and the child, then the two are able to live under the same roof without any biting or negative incident occurring.

    Teach Your Child about Dogs

    If your child is a toddler or younger, then it is advised to supervise interaction between the two.  Once the child reaches beyond toddler age, then it is essential to teach your child the basics about dog care.

    For instance, teach your child not to touch the dog during feeding time.  A dog is instinctively aggressive while eating.  Thus, if a child, teenager or young adult approaches the dog during these times, then the dog will nip, bite and act in an aggressive manner.

    In addition, teach your child not to attempt to separate two fighting dogs.  Educate your kid to ask an adult or someone else to break-up the situation.   There are many incidents reported annually where young adults are injured due to this exact scenario.  Thus, it is important subject matter to address with your children.

    Break Bad Habits Immediately

    Little kids exhibit specific bad habits when around dogs.  One display of common, negative behavior is children tend to pull on a pup’s ears.  Teach your child that it is not appropriate and stop it immediately.  A negative behavior acted upon between a child and a dog needs to be broken as soon as possible.

    If you have any questions about how to introduce a dog to a new baby in a home talk to a k9 obedience professional today.

  • How to Find a Lost Pet

    Losing a pet is a nightmare striking the entire household.  It causes panic to resonate throughout the home.  But the best thing to do is remain calm.  You will not be productive if you act out of fright.  Hold the emotion in and think about what steps to take to find your lost pet.  Here is advice on what steps to take in aiding you to find your pup quickly.

    Look Through the House

    This may sound silly, but sometimes smaller breeds hide behind a piece of furniture or under a blanket.  Thus, thoroughly examine the house and make sure your dog isn’t hiding inside the house before extending the search outside.  If you are positive the pup is not present, start combing the neighborhood.

    Contact Your Neighbors

    While you are out walking around the area looking for your dog, call your neighbors from your cellular phone and see if your pup has been seen or found.  Your dog may be playing with a neighbor’s dog.  Thus, ask your neighbors.  In case your neighbors find your dog, provide them with your contact information.  Also, give your neighbors a picture of your pup.  A picture is a key tool to ensuring a lost pup is yours and not someone else’s.

    Call Animal Shelters

    It is a good idea to contact local animal shelters.  For some people may not be aware the dog is missing and take it directly to an animal shelter unsure of what to do.

    For more tips on how to find a lost pet, talk to a Florida dog training professional today.  He/she will have experience in this subject matter and will be able to provide sound advice on how to proceed from here.

  • How to Find the Right Doggy Daycare

    Away from Home Too Much?  Find a Dog Daycare

    When you are working away from home, it is difficult to keep your dog active, social, and happy.  Your dog needs to expend energy throughout the day to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  Your dog should not be cooped-up in a confined area for long periods.  An experienced, reputable doggy daycare is the answer to this problem.  But how do you discover the perfect doggy daycare suitable for your pup?  Here are a few tips to steer you in the right direction.

    Check Out the Dog Population

    A doggy daycare should consist of spayed, neutered, healthy and well-socialized dogs.  Ask the facility what type of dogs are permitted.  Visit the facility to witness it firsthand.  If the daycare tends to bend the rules regarding what type of dogs are allowed, then move on to another doggy daycare.  This is not appropriate for any pup.

    What About Numbers?

    A popular doggy daycare is a great thing.  It means the staff and facility are doing something right.  But if the center is overly crowded, there may be a problem.  This is similar to trying to find a daycare or school for your child.  You do not want the ratio of child to teacher to be off scale.  The same rule applies to your dog.  Plus, if the facility is overcrowded it is difficult to maintain a high level of cleanliness required to run a proper dog daycare.

    Finding a doggy daycare is a stressful situation.  Thus, ask a Florida dog training professional.  He/she will be able to provide solid advice on the subject and guide you in the appropriate manner.

  • How to Teach Your Dog to Sit

    Teach a Dog to Sit and Life Becomes Peaceful

    Teaching a dog to sit may be utilized for various scenarios.  For instance, when people come to the house your dog may greet other people while sitting.  It provides a calm state for your dog whenever company arrives.  Your pup no longer jumps on company but rather greets your guest in a mild manner.  This behavior enhances your loving home decreasing any stress that may arise from a pup’s behavior.

    Teach Your Dog the “Sit” Command

    The steps to teaching a dog to sit are not complicated.  It solely takes repetition and positive reinforcement ensuring your pup understands the verbal command.   The way you begin is to stand up, say, “Sit,” and place a treat within one inch of your dog’s nose.  The treat has to be placed near the nose or else your dog may jump to reach the treat.

    Next, move the treat toward the top of the head, arching it up over the nose.  This allows the dog to back up and raise the snout.  Once the snout is raised up in the air, the behind sits down.  It is natural behavior in dogs to display such a reaction.  As a result, you now have a seated dog.

    Once your dog sits say, “Yes,” in a delighted tone, give your pup the treat, and provide lots of loving praise.

    Talk to a Florida dog training professional today to find out the further steps regarding how to teach your dog to sit in such an affirmative manner.  A professional dog trainer will be able to guide you through the process ensuring you are implementing the instruction properly and in a loving, accepting technique strengthening the bond between you and your pup.

  • How to Choose a Puppy from a Shelter

    Rescue a Puppy, Adopt

    Puppies left in shelters have been abandoned, left behind, and sometimes abused by prior owners.  Maybe the puppy was a victim of a puppy mill or left to fend for him/her self on the street.  Thus, why not adopt the puppy into your loving, healthy, happy home ensuring a wonderful experience for you and your family?  Adopting a puppy is a mutually beneficial experience.  You just need to be sure to pick the right puppy.

    Think about Dog Size

    Puppies are adorable.  There is no question about it.  But you need to think about what type of adult dog are you looking for and able to accommodate into your lovely home.  Are you looking for a jogging companion or a family friendly dog?  This may be tricky if the breed of the dog is unknown. However, look at the puppy’s paws.  The size of the paws tells how big the pup will grow up to be.  Ask the shelter volunteers if they know the breed.  Find out if the pup is friendly around kids and other adults.  Do you already have pets in the home?  Discover if the pup is friendly with other animals in the shelter.  All of these questions will help guide you into finding the right dog for you.

    Evaluate Puppy Personality

    Take the pup outside of the kennel into a space allowed to visit with the pup at the shelter.  Try different tests to find out the pup’s personality.  For instance, pick up the puppy in your arms, cradle the pup in same manner as you hold a baby and see if the pup relaxes.  Is the pup struggling to jump out of your arms?  If so, then the pup may need additional training, which is simple when working with a Florida dog training professional.  If the dog relaxes in your arms, then the pup is familiar with being held and may be a quick study when it comes to puppy preschool classes.

    Talk to a k9 obedience training professional before adopting.  He/she will be able to guide you in the right direction.