Teaching the “Down” Command
Once the sit and stay command have been introduced and are somewhat solid, it is time to move on to the “down” command. This command is so useful. It can be used when guests arrive to deter jumping and licking and barking. It can be used during vet visits in the waiting area. It is great to use while walking your dog if you stop to visit. It is a great way for your dog to meet small children. This is the way I teach this command. You will need small, soft treats. With your dog in the heel position (on ...
Getting your dog’s attention: Teaching the “Watch” command.
One of the most useful commands I have ever learned to use is the “watch” command. In obedience it is so important because if your dog does not keep it’s eyes on you, it will miss a command or signal. The easiest way to introduce this command is with food. I use Biljac Minis to train with and to reinforce this exercise. Have your dog sitting in the heel position or facing you. Give your dog the stay command and reward them, verbally or with food. Then take a small treat, put it up by your eye and say “Name, Watch.” ...
Overexcitement in Dogs when a Visitor Arrives
Lately a couple people have expressed concern about excitement in their dog when visitors come to the home. I read a few of my favorite sources and this is how I would handle this problem. Bruce Fogle, D.V.M., M.R.C.V.S, author of “The Dog’s Mind, Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior”, tells us that the dog’s mind enters a state of conflict when visitors arrive at home. He does not know whether they are member of his pack or not, friend, or foe. If they are friends, then it is exciting that they have arrived. This can lead to jumping, excessive licking and badgering ...
Teaching Your Dog to Sit
One of the most useful commands your dog can learn is the sit command. I like to teach this two different ways simultaneously. The first way is to teach it while you are teaching your dog to heel on a leash. Use the method mentioned in the previous blog, “Teaching Your Dog to Heel”. Each time you stop, the dog should ideally sit beside you with his shoulder blades lined up with the seam of your pants. The way to accomplish this is not difficult, you just need to be diligent until your dog is conditioned to the command. As you are ...
Games for Dogs: The Shuttlecock
I have written a few times before about how much I appreciate games and activities we can do with our dogs. They range from throwing the Frisbee or ball to something that works the dog’s brain, like hide and seek (we call it “find the duck”). By participating in canine obedience and I can attest to the link between loyalty and overall happiness and with you providing ways to integrate mental work with physical work. Remember that we, mankind, domesticated the dog. In return for food, we asked the dog to work for us in many different ways, and thus the ...
Socializing a new puppy
Socializing a new puppy is as vital to your new addition as food, water and a safe place to live. Socialization is vital to produce a well balanced, happy adult dog that is at ease in public places and around large or small groups of people and other dogs. Investing this time will also lessen the chances your dog is in an altercation with another dog or may “have a misunderstanding” with a human. (See my blog entry on misunderstanding signals) The best way to socialize your puppy is to start on day one. Make sure you have a secure collar and ...
Featured
Teaching the “Down” Command
Once the sit and stay command have been introduced and are somewhat solid, it is time to move on to the “down” command. This command is so useful. It can be used when guests arrive to deter jumping and licking and barking. It can be used during vet visits in the waiting area. It is great to use while walking your dog if you stop to visit. It is a great way for your dog to meet small children. This... [Read more]
Getting your dog’s attention: Teaching the “Watch” command.
One of the most useful commands I have ever learned to use is the “watch” command. In obedience it is so important because if your dog does not keep it’s eyes on you, it will miss a command or signal. The easiest way to introduce this command is with food. I use Biljac Minis to train with and to reinforce this exercise. Have your dog sitting in the heel position or facing you. Give your dog... [Read more]
Overexcitement in Dogs when a Visitor Arrives
Lately a couple people have expressed concern about excitement in their dog when visitors come to the home. I read a few of my favorite sources and this is how I would handle this problem. Bruce Fogle, D.V.M., M.R.C.V.S, author of “The Dog’s Mind, Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior”, tells us that the dog’s mind enters a state of conflict when visitors arrive at home. He does not know whether... [Read more]
Teaching Your Dog to Sit
One of the most useful commands your dog can learn is the sit command. I like to teach this two different ways simultaneously. The first way is to teach it while you are teaching your dog to heel on a leash. Use the method mentioned in the previous blog, “Teaching Your Dog to Heel”. Each time you stop, the dog should ideally sit beside you with his shoulder blades lined up with the seam of your... [Read more]
Games for Dogs: The Shuttlecock
I have written a few times before about how much I appreciate games and activities we can do with our dogs. They range from throwing the Frisbee or ball to something that works the dog’s brain, like hide and seek (we call it “find the duck”). By participating in canine obedience and I can attest to the link between loyalty and overall happiness and with you providing ways to integrate mental... [Read more]
Socializing a new puppy
Socializing a new puppy is as vital to your new addition as food, water and a safe place to live. Socialization is vital to produce a well balanced, happy adult dog that is at ease in public places and around large or small groups of people and other dogs. Investing this time will also lessen the chances your dog is in an altercation with another dog or may “have a misunderstanding” with a human.... [Read more]
Teaching your Dog to Heel
One of the most frustrating parts of dog ownership, from what I hear from so many people, is controlling the dog on the leash. This should be a pleasure and a time for you and your dog to exercise, explore and bond, never a chore. If you make the decision to work on heeling, you will find walking your dog much more pleasurable and something you do much more often, which is great for both of you. To... [Read more]
Labs and Baby Kittens
A couple of years ago, I had the blessing of nursing several sets of newborn kittens. It was hard work, but I had help. Besides the obvious sources of help, kids who liked to bottle feed and coddle, my yellow lab was irreplaceable during this time. The first set that I was presented with had just opened their eyes and had been without their mother for several hours. I opened the box they were in... [Read more]
