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Posts Tagged ‘dogs’

The dog is never really bad; they are just reflecting the behavior of their owner. When you are taking a walk down a sidewalk, it is indeed disturbing when a dog grabs at your clean clothes. When your front yard turns into a ready made toilet for your next door neighbor’s dog, it can be equally irritating. Just like the kid next door who has not been taught any manners, these dogs can be compared to them.

What is wrong with the kids or the pet when the concerned adults are not doing their duties? Ask any smart owner and he would tell you that it is wise to take the help of a dog trainer to learn the handling methods without dampening his natural spirits. To get to know a good trainer approach your vet or pet store; these trainers often hold private lessons with the pet and the owner but it is just as easy to solve your pet behavior problem by attending any online course on pet management or get some ideas and help from a dog training book or from online dog training tips. This training could teach owners how to be in command of their pets.

There is a saying amongst trainers however that it is far easier to train dogs than the people that own them! When you want the dog to be leash trained, make them practice in a small area away from other distractions. Both owners and neighbors get angry when they hear barking which although irritating is quite normal behavior. When they bark, they are simply communicating with us; a reprimand him might give them the wrong signal and confuse them.

So why does a dog bark?
Well, just like a young child or baby, it needs attention, food or something to drink. The noise of a dog barking can alarm the owners of a burglar intrusion so attempting to stop him from doing this may work against you. Many owners make the mistake of letting a puppy bark as they please but change their attitude when they grow older. You could learn from your trainer how to reinforce certain behaviors in a puppy, which you desire, by giving them the occasional gift for being good.

How do you make your new puppy stop the undesired behavior?
Well, simply learn to reward your new puppy when he does something which is ‘desired’ behavior. Most important to note: you can not expect a dog to learn certain behaviors which are against his genetic behavioral pattern. The best option for getting certain specific behavior is to acquire your pet from a breed which displays those traits.

When does a dog become good?
Good dogs are developed by patience, persistence and kindness.

Grooming and caring for your dog isn’t pampering, it’s essential. This is an important part of keeping your dog well and healthy and shouldn’t be skipped. 

Taking the proper steps to board your dog when you have to travel is another important consideration for dog owners.  Giving proper thought to these vital aspects of dog ownership can make all the difference in your pet’s life.

While we all tend to pay attention to the basics such as feeding, walking and playing with our pets, we sometimes overlook the other responsibilities that come with owning a dog.  Dog boarding and dog day care is as important as finding a place to stay for yourself.  You want someplace clean, safe and well appointed…why would you settle for anything less for your dog?

And keeping your dog’s coat clean and free of matting can be just as crucial to maintaining its health as a proper diet and plenty of water.Grooming a dog isn’t all about surface and beauty – it actually stimulates blood flow.Having a dog’s nails clipped isn’t pampering, it’s an essential grooming step that will keep your dog walking and moving comfortably.

While most owners can handle standard brushing and bathing, some prefer to use the services of a professional groomer when it comes to more extensive care.  Some dog boarding facilities will include grooming as part of their services.  Just like choosing a veterinarian, it is important that you exercise proper caution when selecting a groomer.  Make sure they are licensed and their facility is clean and well maintained.

Dog grooming can be a good way for pet and owner to bond.  Dogs will often equate daily brushing with petting and showing affection.Dogs that are started early with regular grooming, become comfortable with the process and can really enjoy the entire experience.  But grooming doesn’t stop with the coat…the eyes, ears and nails also require regular maintenance to ensure proper health.

Careful dog owners will not only pay attention to grooming but also ensure that their dog is well cared for when they are away.  Dog boarding can be hard on both pet and owner, but if you do your research and find an establishment with good facilities and proper licensing it can also be a positive experience.Before choosing, you should always make a physical visit to any facility your considering leaving your dog at.  

Some facilities offer full service boarding, including special diets if your dog requires one, walking and playing on a regular basis to ensure your dog gets proper exercise, and even dog grooming to keep pets looking and feeling their best.  One of the best ways of finding a good boarding facility is by asking other dog owners you know.Referrals and recommendations are usually the best way to find good prospects for a boarding facility.

We all love our pets and want what’s best for them, so why skimp when it comes to grooming and boarding?   Take the time to find a facility that you and your dog can be comfortable with and you’ll be able to breathe easier knowing your best friend is getting the best possible care.

You are probably here because you care about your pet and want to make sure that his eyes are well cared for just as you do for you and your family.Could you put your eyes in danger by not wearing sunglasses while outdoors.  You know that it’s not good for them.  So if you think about it, your dog should also be wearing sunglasses for pets.  He has eyes too that should be protected just like yours.  Most dogs at first will probably keep pawing at them.  It’s not that they annoy him, it’s just something new to him and with time, he will accept them.  And, I know that you love your dog.

I have a Scottie and she wears her sunglasses when we are outdoors.  When we go to the park, the kids all love to see her with them on.Friends giggle at the site of her with them on.I’m glad to see that the mothers at the park have taken their children’s eye care more seriously by having them wear sunglasses while out playing.  We had all just never thought about how much the bright sun damages your eyes without a good pair of sunglasses on to protect them.

We had gone to the animal playground the other day when I observed other dogs with sunglasses protecting their eyes and decided my dog should wear them too.  I talked to his daddy about where he bought them to fit so well.  He gave me this terrific online site that he bought his dog’s sunglasses.Find out where to buy the outstanding values for your pet on the net.  When you get to my site, just go to the search button at the top in the middle and put in the search box “sunglasses”.There are excellent pet sunglasses there and you’ll be able to find some for yourself, too.  Make sure you click on the “Doggles” button.  They are a brand of sunglasses, top of the line, but a little bit expensive.Having Doggles on your pet is the right decision when planning anything you want to do in any environment.

Maybe you and your dog go boating on the weekends.Wearing a life jacket for your pet and the doggles for their eyes is the smartest way to protect your animal from harm.  Since they come in a variety of colors and sizes, I hope you would also consider having him wear them.  I have a pink pair of “Doggles” for Kisa with the hot pink lenses.  Since she is a Scottish terrier, she wears the medium size.  And with her black coat, the pink are great looking on her.The boat that we use for recreation is in much use on weekends and holidays.

During the winter time when we have a lot of snow, she wears them outside when we are sledding with the kids down the hills in our neighborhood.  A couple of other neighbors have gotten their dogs some, but one got the black with the smoke lenses.  Their dog, Buddy, is a miniature Schnauzer, so he wears the medium size sunglass too. The other dog, Shadow, is an older Labrador and she wears the large sunglasses, but they got the blue with the blue lenses for her.  You’ll be able to see all that is available, including the interchangeable lenses when you go to my site to look at them.

I hope this has helped for you and your dog’s needs and why sunglasses for pets are so important.  Thank you for stopping by.The number of items that are out there for your pet, it’s really a unique time that can be had to find some you’ve never thought of.  Now go play fetch outside with your most trusted friend and have some fun!

I got a call today from one of my partners, who wanted to tell me about what one of the participants in our test group had told him. Our test group took my ultra pure pharmaceutical grade fish oil for a couple months, before we released it, and the female participant that had spoken to my partner was, for lack of a better term, our guinea pig.

The woman works as a nurse at a dialysis clinic, is over 50 years of age, widowed, and has two dogs, (real dogs…not those miniature rats that are so popular today), and the dogs are somewhere between 8 and 11 years of age.

She started to take my pharmaceutical grade fish oil, because the stuff she was taking gave her “fish burps,” which she didn’t like, and she was attracted to the greater levels of EPA/DHA in my formula, which she wasn’t getting in the stuff at the supermarket.

Her primary reason for using fish oil was to relief arthritic pain. She’s a nurse, and on her feet for many, many hours at a time, and it’s taken its toll on her.

She had been taking my special fish oil formula for a month, when she told us that she had felt a substantial decrease in her pain level. She said it was like having new legs!

Here’s where the story goes to fish oil for dogs.

Her dogs, named Shaggy and Shea, weren’t pups anymore and weren’t as active as they were in their younger days, and Shea seemed to have a bit of limp. After being on the fish oil formula for a month and feeling great, she had the idea to give the dogs one soft gel at the same time as they got their doggy treats. In just two weeks, the dogs had higher energy levels, and Shea was walking without a hitch.

Now I know this isn’t exactly scientific, and I’m certainly not a veterinarian. I’m at a loss for words – a rare thing for me. However if it works…I’m not going to stand in the way of her giving fish oil for dogs.

Shea and Shaggy’s mom is certainly not the only person who has reported that fish oil is a great method for reducing pain associated with common arthritis. Taking pharmaceutical-grade fish oil is a tremendous help for battling joint troubles.

I saw a study from Columbia University Medical Center that said omega 3 fatty acids may help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s by 19 to 24%. Pharmaceutical-grade fish oil can also help with the function of your heart, joint, and brain.

Alzheimer’s is the greatest health fear of my generation, and the one that follows, too.

Leptospirosis

If you work or play outdoors, you and your pet may be at risk of exposure to an old bacterial disease that is getting a lot of new, and news attention recently. Leptospirosis, commonly called “Lepto”, is a bacterial disease that was first identified in the late 1800′s. Veterinarians are finding Lepto more commonly because of an increased exposure of our pets to wildlife. It is rarely fatal, but can seriously damage the liver, kidneys, and eyes.

Veterinarians have used vaccines to protect dogs against Lepto for a number of years and these vaccines were successful in decreasing the incidence of the disease caused by the two most common strains of the bacteria that affected dogs. But two other strains of Lepto have become more prevalent in dogs, so new vaccines have been developed.

With recent public awareness of possible side effects of vaccines in general, these new vaccines have met with mixed emotions from some veterinary practitioners, but most agree that the severity of the problems associated with Lepto infection may outweigh possible vaccine-related risks.

“Should we do it?” asks Dr. Katherine Lunn, PhD, MRCVS, DACVIM of the Veterinary Referral Center in Waukesha, Wis. “I think so, as long as we evaluate the potential risks and discuss them with our clients. As with any medical procedure, vaccinations have risks and benefits. The client and the veterinarian have to weigh these. If the vaccine were 100% safe, I would recommend vaccinating every patient. Sudden renal failure due to Leptospirosis is devastating. I would not want my dog to experience it. But if side effects are common, then that’s a different story.”

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease- a disease that can be passed between animals and people. It is spread by spirochete bacteria in the urine of infected rodents, wildlife, and pets. The leptospira organisms enter the body through mucous membranes or through abraded skin. People and pets can become infected from direct exposure to infected urine, but also through contaminated environment, such as water or damp soil. People can even become infected at certain high risks jobs if they handle animals or animal products. The Lepto organism depends upon wet conditions for survival, therefore increased caution is advised during times of increased rainfall or when there is any standing water.

Leptospirosis is on the rise due to urban sprawl and an increased exposure to wildlife that can carry the disease. People and pets may be exposed to more animals such as raccoons, skunks, opossums, coyotes or deer that are infected with Leptospirosis. Livestock owners protect their animals such as pigs, cattle and goats with vaccinations and good husbandry.

Dr. Kenneth Harkin, a veterinarian and infectious disease specialist with Kansas State University says “While people may think of Lepto as a disease spread by wildlife, it can come from backyard wildlife, including raccoons- even city dogs can get Lepto.” He cautions that every pet owner needs to be aware that “Lepto is everywhere.”

People and pets can also become exposed to Lepto while camping or participating in outdoor recreational activities. Drinking or swimming in water that is infected with Lepto is the most common exposure, but wet soil can be contaminated as well, so be cautious when digging in damp ground. And don’t let living in a city be your dog’s only protection against a serious disease.

The signs of Leptospirosis can mimic many other diseases and illnesses. A loss of appetite, vomiting, depression, weakness and generalized pain may be the first signs of disease in the dog. Signs of infection in dogs may include execssive thirst and urination and may have swollen, red and painful eyes. Because these signs are common to other diseases and non-specific, owners may try to treat their pets at home for such problems as an upset stomach or arthritis. This delays proper diagnosis and treatment for their dog, as well as increasing their own exposure to the disease. If caught early, treatment is usually effective and the survival rate is good. However, time is of the essence.

Dr. Harkin warns, “If you let it go for three to five days, or treat it with the wrong medication, it can cause irreversible kidney failure.”

Talk to your veterinarian about the risks of Leptospirosis for your dog. Ask if vaccinating your pet is appropriate. Lepto is extremely rare in cats, but can infect horses and there is no vaccine at this time to protect them. Leptospirosis in people can often begin with vague, flu-like symptoms. If you engage in outdoor work or activities, ask your doctor about protecting yourself.

Preventing Leptospirosis
Dogs should be routinely vaccinated against the Leptospira bacteria. Unfortunately, there are many subtypes of the bacteria and vaccination against one subtype will not protect against another. Talk to your veterinarian about the most effective vaccine for the subtypes prevalent in your area.

Avoid drinking or swimming in water that is likely to be contaminated with wild animal urine. Keep your dog from drinking this water as well.

Control rodents and clean up areas where mice and rats have urinated.

Wear protective clothing if working with contaminated soil or other material on farms, in sewers, or during rodent control. Wash your hands after handling animals or possible contaminated material.

For more information on dog health and care as well as dog supplies and gifts, visit LuvUrDog.com

ear video

The most common ear problem in dogs is inflammation of the outer ear, technically termed otitis externa. The area between the outside opening and the eardrum can be irritated by infections, parasites, allergies and foreign objects.

Symptoms of Ear Problems
Signs of irritation include scratching, shaking the head, and reacting painfully when the ears are touched. There may also be a discharge coming from the ear canal. Ear hematomas, (a rupturing of the blood vessels in the ear flap causing the ear flap to swell) are common if irritation goes untreated. Depending on the cause, one or both of the ears may be affected.

How Ear Problems are Diagnosed
Your veterinarian will use an otoscope to look into the ears. She will also take a sample of ear discharge and examine it microscopically to check for signs of infection or ear mites. If infection is present, the sample may be sent to a lab for culture. Culturing the ear can give the veterinarian information about the kinds of bacteria and what type of antibiotics will best treat the ear.  During the examination, the veterinarian may also see foreign objects such as fox-tails or ticks in the ear canal. If your dogs ears are very painful, sedation or anesthesia may be required to fully examine and treat the ears.

Common Causes of Ear Problems
Some pets are prone to ear problems due to anatomy, allergies, or skin conditions. Air ventilation to the ears is poor in dogs with long, floppy ears which results in a warm, moist environment which is perfect for the bacteria and yeast to grow. Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to allergic skin disease and skin problems such as seborrhea. These skin problems affect the ears too, causing chronic inflammation and susceptibility to infection.

The lining of the ear canal, like the rest of the skin, normally contains small amounts of bacteria and yeast. These organisms at normal levels are harmless and only cause problems when they multiply out of control. Overgrowth of these organisms causes irritation, inflammation, foul odor and discharge. Long standing infections can lead to damage of the tissues surrounding the ear and can cause the ear drum to rupture. If the ear drum is ruptured, the infection can gain access to the middle ear, causing serious problems like head tilt, loss of balance, and inability to walk normally. Chronic ear infections may require surgery to remove the diseased ear canal (ear ablation) or to improve air flow to the ear (lateral ear canal resection)

Parasites that can infect the ears include ear mites and ticks. Ear mites are tiny creatures that are just barely visible with the naked eye. You can view the ear video to observe the mites magnified. They are quite contagious between dogs and cats. Ear mites cause intense itching and can produce a thick, black waxy discharge. Pets with ear mites scratch their ears incessantly. This can lead to ear or skin infections as well as damage to deeper ear structures. Sometimes ticks will attach themselves inside the ear. They may irritate the ears or obstruct the canal, preventing normal ventilation and interfering with hearing.

The most common foreign bodies in the ears are fox-tails or grass awns. These pointy seeds get caught in pets fur and gradually work their way into the skin, nose, ears, and paws where they can cause major damage. Fox-tails in the ear canal are very irritating. If they are not removed, they can penetrate the ear drum.

Treatment for Ear Problems
The first step in treating ear problems in your dog is to thoroughly clean the ears. This may require sedation or anesthesia. Once the ears are clean, specific medications are prescribed. Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections, anti-fungals for yeast, anti-inflammatories for irritation and allergies, and insecticides for ear mites. Most of the medications are administered directly into your dogs ears proper administration is crucial for effective treatment. Medication must be given exactly as instructed and continued for the full duration prescribed, even if the pet seems to be fully recovered sooner. If the ears were particularly full of debris, weekly flushing may be needed to get all the debris out of the ear.

The final step is to minimize the factors that can put pets at higher risk for ear problems. Skin problems and allergies often respond to dietary supplements, antihistamines or anti-inflammatories. Routine ear cleaning with a product recommended by your veterinarian can also help. It is vital that the ears stay clean and the pH of the ear corrected to minimize the return of the yeast or bacteria. Avoid allowing pets in areas that contain fox-tails and check for fox-tails when they return from outdoors. If the ear problems return, seek treatment quickly before the ears get worse.

For routine cleansing of your pet’s ears, we commonly use T8 Ear Solution.

If your pet has a discharge, pain or itching of his ears, please take your pet to your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Using the improper medication will only prolong your pet’s problem and take longer for the ear to heal.

For pet supplies, tips and more health care articles, visit LuvUrDog.com

They are a naturally feisty breed.Bred to hunt badgers, they had to be resourceful and tough.  But that assertive nature should not be allowed to turn against you.You need to be the top dog.

Individual dogs will vary in degree, of course.  There are submissive Doxies though fewer than other breeds, on average.Some will try to demand on having their own way at all times, much like most terriers.But training can reform their behavior, especially if you start when they are young and stay consistent.

Zero tolerance should be the rule for all aggressive behavior, whether toward you, a family member, or strange people and animals.Chewing the leash during training is one mild demonstration.

Discourage it by stepping on the leash close to their head.Then with the other foot, slowly pull the lead down to the ground closer and closer to the collar.Take care not to stress their neck, as Doxies are inclined to back problems.When they have released the leash, praise them generously.

To discourage biting or snapping or excess barking a squirt bottle comes in handy.Give him a little squirt against the muzzle when your dog shows this behavior.  Avoid the eyes.That scares your dog and it is unpleasant besides.Repeat, when needed, but avoid making it a contest of wills.That only tends to make it seem to the dog that you are a competitor.Being consistently firm is preferred to counter-aggression.

If your Dachshund continues, seperate your dog and be prepared for some barking.Like spoiled young children, a dog will sometimes try to whine or shout its way out of chastisement.Assign your dog rugged chew toys and allow him to work out the aggression on those while he’s in the “time out” box.

Follow this negative reinforcement with some positive reinforcement.Look for illustrations of good behavior and praise it profusely.Use a modest amount of treats if needed.The point is to help the dog see for itself the different outcome of its own behavior in terms of your response.They are resourceful.  With persistence, they will catch on.

For instance, one may become moderately aggressive in the middle of fetch by refusing to give up the ball.Try to discern between genuine willfulness and a simple desire to play a different game, tug.  Make the difference clear by using a rope for tug, which they love.

It is key to tread a fine line, though, since tug can lead to encouraging aggression.Exercising them a little harder than you would a more frisky or serene dog will help.Aggression is partly caused by the frustration of repressed energy with no positive outlet.

An aide can be a big help here.Throw the ball to a friend several feet away, along the ground.Make sure the partner is the first to get the ball when the Doxie gives chase.Repeat the exercise a few times, then permit the dog to win.

With patience and a little creativity, you can channel your Dachshund’s aggression into more positive directions.

LuvUrDog.com

Like any breed, Dachshunds are at risk for an abundance of diseases and conditions.But because of their short legs and long bodies they are most at risk for spinal problems.One of the most common forms is a condition called Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD), actually an umbrella phrase for a number of problems.

Vertebrae are the hard bones that make up the spinal column support.They envelop the spinal cord and are separated by soft tissue called intervertebral discs, which provide a cushion between the bones.IVDD endangers a Dachshund’s health in many different ways.

Excessive leaping and other forms of back stress can cause a rupture of one or more discs, usually toward the rear.  IVDD and other back problems occur most frequently by age four but can happen earlier, sometimes as young as two.Simple age can cause the disc to reduce its fluid level, making it less extendible.That furthermore increases the odds of herniation or rupture.Often the spinal column becomes more brittle.

An abundance of serious possibilities exist if that occurs.

As a fragment of the spine loses vital support, the spinal cord can be put at risk.In the event compression occurs, paralysis is not far behind.Impediment of spinal fluid can have similar aftereffect.Loss of circulation leads to nerve death, because the nerves are cut off from essential nutrition.

Look for any instance of incapability to raise the rear end off the ground or lowering near the tail.Some other signs include loss of bladder control or weakness in the rear legs.

In these extreme occurrences, treatment – usually surgery – within 24 hours is critical.If left untreated, the result is commonly permanent disability.

Even in less serious incidents back pain is evident.It can be difficult to ascertain when a dog is in pain but symptoms include lethargy, difficulty walking up stairs and similar signs in an otherwise active dog.

Therapy with corticosteroids (such as Prednisone) is sometimes recommended but entails risks.  Apart from the usual risks of long-term steriod use, it is possible to overdo care.  Lessening pain is desirable, but if it is eliminated the dog can become too active again, leading to more injury.Injections of Adequan can aid in promoting disc healing.

Whether treated with steroids or just Rimadyl, it is advisable to cage your Dachshund or otherwise keep him calm, reducing physical activity.Given the Dachshund’s confident and energetic nature that is difficult, but it is essential.

Do not let the dog to stand on its hind legs, which compresses the spine.Do not allow the dog to jump down stairs.  Yard play should be restricted until the dog has fully healed.Always support the complete length of the spine when picking up your Dachshund.

With the right kind of care many Dachshunds recover completely to lead active, healthy, normal lives.But formal diagnosis as early as possible is essential to improve the odds.

More tips, information and dog supplies can be found at LuvUrDog.com, just for Dog Lover’s

The advantages of owning a dog are many. Dogs are an unequivicable source of companionship, they can significantly lower your stress levels, improve your blood pressure, they love unconditionally, are a source of joy, and provide an excellent incentive to exercise more. If you want to meet more people, nothing beats a dog for a conversation opener when you’re at the park, particularly fellow dog lovers. And if you’ve got kids, dogs can be excellent at teaching them about being responsible and aware of someone other than themselves.

But, what type of dog breed should you get – large or small?

Obviously, if you don’t have a big yard or live in a condo where they regulate the size dog you can keep, your choice will be made for you. But even if you have a large backyard, there are many benefits to getting a small dog that bear weight on other issues than the size of your home.

Smaller dogs won’t feel as threatening to cats or young children do make great family pets, even better than some small breeds. Breeds like the Tibetan Spaniel dog breed, chihuahuas, miniature poodles, and maltese, and similar breeds, are not really suited to families with children who aren’t old enough to know how to behave around dogs.

For older people, a small dog is a more realistic choice. The same is true for people who are frail or sick, or not particularly strong. Large dogs will be more difficult to physically handle. To illustrate, walking an excited, large dog on a leash is not going to be easy if your dog becomes impervious to anything but the pursuit of a car or another dog. And of course, there will be occasions when you’ll have to lift your dog. If you don’t have someone readily available to do it for you, this could become a issue, particularly when your dog gets old. Will you be able to handle him to check his teeth, and be able to provide a strong pack structure by being the top dog.

Another factor to think about is that large dogs need more exercise as a rule, although a few smaller breeds also need a lot of exercise as well. This is very true for working dogs, irrespective of the size they come in, such as the border collie dog breed. Border collies have a lot of energy. They are very intelligent and active dogs. They have been – and still are – used to herd sheep and cattle, and consequently have particularly high endurance and stamina. As pets, they need physical and mental exercise. A couple of hours a day as a rough guide, although if you mentally stimulate them during that time, that will wear them out more quickly. So, for a particularly busy person, and therefore unable to devote the time to your dog, a breed like the border collie would be an inappropriate pet.

If you’ve got a family with kids and you’d like a small dog, you could consider: {border terriers, boston terriers, bichon frise, English Cocker Spaniels, Kerry Blue Terriers, Miniature Australian Bulldogs, Miniature Australian Shepherds, and Miniature English Bulldogs}. And small breeds like the French bulldog, which are happy and easygoing dogs that love their humans, and do not require much exercise, are best for the elderly.

Dog Training

Dog Training

As humans and the more intelligent of the species, we must learn how dogs communicate in order to communicate with them. The human half of the pair is usually the smarter party, but watching the usual training sessions one can have legitimate reason to wonder.

Dogs understand and respond at roughly the mental level of a human two-year-old, but there the similarity ends. Their senses operate differently – their color vision has a different response pattern to reds and greens, for example, and obviously their noses are infinitely more sensitive – and their minds process information differently as well. Anyone training dogs has to take this into account in order to avoid human frustration and canine misbehavior.

Dogs are by nature pack animals. Descendant from wolves – where even the ‘lone wolf’ is an anomaly – they’re social and function best with active interplay and within a strict hierarchy.

So, set aside half-an-hour per day, an hour would be better, for at least the first few months of training. Start your training as young as possible. Four weeks is not too early with some breeds, provided one doesn’t expect too much.

Elimination (‘potty’) training details we leave for elsewhere, but all training follows similar guidelines.

Establish your pack dominance early on. The Law of the pack – there are alpha dogs, beta dogs and on down to the omega. For a sane household, and a well-adjusted dog, the human (whether male or female) must always be the alpha male of the pack.

This will be easier or more difficult depending on breed and even with individual dogs. Like humans, some are simply more assertive than others. Leashes, collars, commands and other training aids are all highly useful but most important is attitude. Never let your dog be the alpha.

You do not have to enforce your dominance with physical force. Sometimes, used appropriately, that will be necessary. Usually, simply being firm and willing to wait for compliance will be enough.

For many, placing them on their backs when young and placing a firm hand in the middle of the chest until they lower their paws – a sign of submission – will be enough. With some, reinforcing this by putting your face close to theirs, emulating dominant dog behavior, can help.

Start on a short leash to restrain the dog’s natural tendency to run and scamper. Allow plenty of time for free running behavior, essential to dog health, but that’s before or after training, not during. At least, not at first.

Start simply by choosing short, clear commands that sound distinctly different: sit, stay, down, come. Use a firm voice when addressing your dog. You’re in charge, but not angry. Avoid double-word commands like ‘sit down’ or ‘stay down’. These sound too much alike and quickly confuse the dog.

Accompany each verbal command with the same tone, look and hand gesture. Eventually these can separate, but at first it’s essential to provide the simplest, most consistent form of communication.

Just like two-year old humans, dogs have limited capacity for grasping the subtleties of language. Assist their understanding by rigid consistency. Don’t use a single command word to mean more than one thing. ”Down’ needs to mean only one thing, you must choose if it means ‘don’t jump on me’ or ‘lay down on your belly’.

Be clear, be patient and be committed and the result will be a dog who trusts and listens to you. And that makes it worth the effort. Find more on dog training at Luvurdog.com/dogtraining