The Advantages of a Mobile Veterinarian

It's been a while since I posted but today I want to talk about something different. Instead of talking about how to train a dog I would like to discuss the option of having a mobile veterinarian come straight to your house.

Have you ever wondered about getting a mobile veterinarian to come to your house? Maybe your dog gets anxious when going to the vet or maybe every time you take your pet in the car they get car sick! A mobile veterinarian will solve all your troubles and here are some more reasons why you should consider a mobile veterinarian.

Making multiple trips to the vet

Many people have more than one pet and that could mean multiple visits to the vet. You’re car may not be big enough to have all your pets in there at the same time. Multiple visits also means more gas and with gas prices being so expensive, it may not be the wisest idea.

You don’t have a car

If you don’t have a car than a mobile veterinarian can be a life saver. If you are lucky enough to live in an area where you can walk to the vet then it may not be a big hassle but if live far away then a mobile vet can be a solution that you may want to consider.

You need a vet to come in odd hours of the day

With our busy life, you may not be able to take your pet to the vet on the regular 9 to 5 basis. Many mobile veterinarians are flexible as to when they can come to your house. We had a vet come to our house at 10 pm and if you are one of those people that is really busy then the advantages of a mobile veterinarian speaks for it self.

If you live in the GTA area and would like a mobile veterinarian to visit you at home then please visit Toronto Mobile Vet to see if this service is right for you.

How to Train a Dog to Roll Over

Today I’ve decided to write about some dog tricks so get ready to learn how to train a dog to roll over. It’s a really cute trick! If you haven’t already done so you should read my post on how to train a dog to sit and how to train a dog to lay down. This will really help you when trying this trick. While some dogs can learn this trick all in one time most dogs will need to learn it in stages. Personally I would rate this roll over trick as an easy to moderately difficult to learn.

How to tell if your dog is ready to learn how to roll over

Before you learn how to train a dog to roll over you need to see if your dog is ready. If your dog has mastered the sit and lay down command then they are probably ready to learn this dog trick. In my opinion these commands should be taught to all dogs while the roll over trick is not necessary but fun.

How to Train a Dog to Roll Over

The first step to teach your dog to roll over is to get her to lay down. Once your dog is in the lay down position you should put her on her side by pushing her at the shoulders while also luring her with a treat. As soon as your dog is on her side, you should give her the treat and lots of praise. This is positive reinforcement at its best. Repeat this until you see that your dog is getting it. Don’t worry if it takes a bit. My Boxer took a few sessions to learn this. You can use any verbal command you like to associate lying down. Some people will use “bang bang”. The reason for this is because this is actually the “play dead” trick. For example, you say bang bank to your dog and he lays down on his side… very cute.

The next step to learning how to train a dog to roll over is rather simple. You need to train your dog to lay on her back. You can do this using the same methods described above. While your dog is on her side you can push her on her back and also use a treat. Again you can use any command you want for this.

Now for the moment you’ve been waiting for… drum roll please … teaching your dog the roll over command. Once you can get your dog to consistently go on her back you can use the treat to lure the dog to whichever side you want. This step is probably the easiest one for your dog to learn. By simply moving the treat to one side your dog should naturally roll over. You will wan to use a verbal command and in this case I usually use the obvious one (Roll Over).

Remember that these are 3 separate commands that you are teaching your dog. On do get her on her side, the second on the back and the third on it legs. By practicing this trick a few times you should eventually be able to just use the roll over command on its own. In reality you’ve taught your dog a few other cool tricks such as play dead.

I think this post was probably one of the shortest post I’ve written in a while (lucky you). Do the steps described above and you will learn how to train a dog to roll over in no time.

Berto

How to Train a Deaf Dog

I was debating whether to put this How to Train a Deaf Dog post on a separate blog on it own but decided to keep it here on my main blog. After all, you're here to learn about how to train a dog and training a deaf dog is a part of that. In case you are wondering the picture to the left is my Boxer dog and no he is not deaf. I only mention this because there are lost of white boxers who are deaf but they are usually the all white boxers and mine has those two cute black marks on his head :)

While you may think that training deaf dogs is a bit different (and in some respects it is), it does share some similarities with learning how to train a dog that can hear. The difference is simple; instead of using your mouth to communicate you will use you hands.

Before I get into the actual training I want to discuss the reasons why dog may be deaf. Other than the obvious, (ear injury or infection) you dog can be deaf from a genetic defect. You can read more about it in this awesome deaf dog site and here is a short part of why they state a dog can be deaf:

"The most common cause of congenital deafness is pigment related. (There is some talk about a recessive gene as well, but most researchers do not believe this is the case.) Some dogs have white coats, but still have pigmented skin (Samoyeds, West Highland Terriers, and White German Shepherds fall into this category). Although they have white fur, they have black noses and eye rims (their fur is actually not pure white, but a very light buff color). Other dogs normally have colored coats, and white trim (this includes Dalmatians; the white is actually not their real coat color, the "spots" are). The "trim" comes from areas of unpigmented (pink) skin, which produces white hair. If there is unpigmented skin in the inner ear, the nerve endings atrophy and die off in the first few weeks of the puppy's life, resulting in deafness. Please note that you cannot tell the color of hairs in the inner ear by looking at any visible part of the dog's ears (including the hair around the ear canal). Although many dogs with white hair on their ears will be deaf, many deaf dogs have colored ears as well."

How to Train a Deaf Dog - Hand Signals

When training a deaf dog you will communicate with your dog through hand signs. It is important for you to think about what signs you will use before you begin the training routine. Here are some tips to help you:

• You should make sure the hand signs you are going to use are distinguishable from other commonly used gestures.
• The hand signs you use to train a deaf dog should be visible from a distance
• Just like training a dog that can hear, you have to be patient and consistent
• Facial expressions and body language can also be used. Remember that your dog can read these signs.

How to Train a Deaf Dog - The First Step

When beginning a training regime with a deaf dog you gotta establish a sign that means "yes" Many trainers prefer to use a thumbs-up to tell their dog that they have done the right thing. You can easily establish this be connecting your "yes" sign with your something your dog likes. While food will usually work well in the beginning stages of training a deaf dog you should not neglect the use of toys, petting and exciting games. Remember that just because your deaf dog can't hear, it doesn't mean that they wouldn't understand your facial expressions. So when you give your yes sign be sure to say "yes" or "good boy". Your dog will lean your facial expression.

How to Train a Deaf Dog – An important command

A very important command you need to be aware of when learning how to train a deaf dog is the pay attention command. You have several options when it comes to this. Many dog trainers like to sweep their index finger up to the front of their face while others tap their finger next to their eye. No matter what you use it is important for you to be consistent.

To train your deaf dog watch you will need to reward her every time she watches you. When you hand signal your dog (using the sweep or the tap) and your dog looks at you, you should immediately give your "yes" signal and reward her for doing so.

One thing you can do to train your deaf dog to look at you is to lure your dog with her favorite treat. Simply wave the treat in front of her nose and bring it up to your face. As soon as she looks at you, you should again give your "yes" signal and reward her.

Now I know what some of you past dog owners are thinking. Your dog is probably going to be to busy staring at the treat to notice you. Don't worry. If your dog seems to be too stuck staring at the treat then simply bring the treat from your face and hide it behind your back. Your dog will eventually glance at you and as soon as she does then you will do your "yes" command and reward her with the treat.

How to Train a Deaf Dog by Catching him in the Act


Keep in mind that these methods will also work for a dog that can hear.

Training a Deaf Dog to Sit

The method is called luring and it's especially useful for teaching hand signals to a deaf dog. Let’s assume you want to train a dog to sit. Here is what you want to do. Hold a treat or your dog's favorite toy in front of your dog's nose and then begin to move it slowly over the top of her head stopping once you get to the space between her ears. If your dog is interested enough your dog will follow the treat or toy by lifting her head up while following with her nose. Most dogs at this time will lower their butt to the ground as they follow the treat with their nose. As soon as they do, you should immediately give the "yes" command and reward your deaf dog with the treat or by playing with the toy you have in your hand. If you practice this method, you should be able to learn how to train a deaf dog in no time.

Also, by practicing this technique a few times, you will be on your way to training your deaf dog to sit without the treat. How do you do this you ask? Simple! Once your dog has learned to sit with the treat the next time you do it, you will do the same actions but with nothing in your hands. Remember to always give the "yes" command and give your dog a special treat the first few times they sit without you actually holding anything in your hands.

Training your Deaf Dog while by catching (or luring)

The training methods described above can be used to train a deaf dog to do just about anything. For example, you can train your dog to "lie down", not jumping while greeting visitors, not pulling on the leash etc. Simple catch your dog performing the desired behavior and give them the "yes" command and a treat. Soon you will become an expert in training a deaf dog.

I hope you found this how to train a deaf dog article informative and stay tuned for some more deaf dog training tips.

Berto

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How to Train a Dog to Lay Down

Today I wanna talk to you about how to train a dog to lay down. The reason for this post is that it will set the pace for you to train a dog to do other tricks such as roll over. Here is the story behind it… I’ve decided to write about this because I was at my buddy’s house and she had a Pomeranian who was doing the roll over trick. So I thought I would write about it but then realized that I don’t have a post on here about how to train a dog to lay down.

Once you’ve got the basic dog training commands like sit, stay etc, all taken care of, its time for some tricks. Learning how to train a dog to do tricks will help strengthen the bond between you and your dog and will also give your dog some confidence.

Once your have taught your dog to sit you can begin training your dog to lie down. It’s actually a fairly easy command for your dog to learn although I must admit it did take my Boxer dog a longer time to learn it.

How to Train a Dog to Lay Down

Here is a basic overview of how to train a dog to lay down. First begin by getting your dog to sit (see how to train a dog to sit). Give the “down” command and gently force his leg out in front towards you. Once your dog is in the down position give your dog a treat and praise him for a good job. You will probably notice that your dog will get pretty quickly in the beginning. This is normal so don’t be discouraged. Remember that learning how to train a dog to do anything takes some time.

Repeat the above steps several times a day in 3-5 minute sessions and your dog will catch on rather quickly. If they don’t I have another method to training a dog to lay down.

How to Train a Dog to Lay Down
– Method 2

Bring a chair or a stool and have your dog sit in front of it. Go to the other side of the chair and show your dog that you have a treat. The idea here is that you are going to give your dog the treat but from under the chair. By passing the treat from under the chair you are actually going to train a dog to lay down. Again you have to give the down command while passing the treat so your dog will begin to understand the command.

Learning how to train a dog to lay down for longer periods of time is actually an extension of the actual commands. When you dog is in the “lay down” position continue to give her small treats and praise. This will prevent your dog from getting up as she will be busy eating the yummy treats.

Just like when you are training your dog to do anything, you should repeat this exercise in different places and with more distractions. I caution you to add these distractions only after you see that your dog has a firm grasp of the lay down command.

I must also stress that the key to learning how to train a dog to lay down is timing. You must give your dog the down command as soon as you see that he is about to lie down. If your dog is in the lay down position and you give the command then it won’t be effective. Also, I know that I’ve mentioned it before but I’ll say it again: if your dog hasn’t learned the sit command then it will be extremely difficult to train your dog to lay down.

Stay tuned for my post on how to train a dog to roll over which was the main reason I wrote this article on how to train a dog to lay down.

Berto

How to Train a Dog not to Bite

In my quest to teach you everything I know about how to train a dog, I forgot a very important lesson about how to train a dog not to bite. Sure young puppies can be cute when they are 8 weeks old but what’s going to happen when your cute little Boxer or cuddly German Shepherd is 80 pounds and still in the habit of playing biting? Don’t get me wrong, even small dog like a Yorkshire Terrier or a Jack Russel Terrier can really hurt if they bite so you need to learn how to train a dog not to bite no matter what the breed.

Learning how to stop a dog from biting or nipping can be a challenge for owners, especially if you have a young puppy in the house. Puppies love to sink their teeth into anything they can get their mouth on. As a responsible dog owner, you must train your dog not to bite as soon as possible. Don’t let the cuteness fool you!

Why do puppies and young dogs bite?

Biting and mouthing are absolutely normal for puppies. Remember that they don’t have hands to investigate and use their mouth just like a human uses his hand. So when your dog sees something new, he will use his mouth to determine if it’s food, toy or something that he’s not interested in.

Play fighting is also normal for puppies. This is where they learn coordination and other physical skills. This is also where (if they are with their pack) they learn how to socialize among their pack. So while it may seem abnormal to you that your dog is play biting and nipping at you, it is a perfectly normal behavior. It is up to us to train a dog not to bite.

One thing I would like to point out is that puppy bites can be a result of a dog being taken from her mother too soon. The mother and the littermates have their ways and actually train each other not to bite excessively. If they do they will be reprimanded by their pack.

How to Train a Dog not to Bite

Here are a few things you can try when training a dog to stop biting. First, you should purchase some chew toys, preferably with something tasty inside. Encourage your dog to bite on it. Your dog will eventually learn that biting, nipping or chewing on you has no rewards and biting on his chew toys will get him something tasty.

If your dog still insists on biting you can do exactly what his littermates do. Make a loud noise that will startle your dog (other puppies yelp loud if they are bit too hard) and show them that you are hurt. You can do this even if she is chewing on your shoes or pant bottom.

How to Train a Dog not to Bite

A few guidelines

1. Never hit or physically punish your dog. Hitting or slapping your dog simply doesn’t work. In fact, it can create future problems for you and your dog may get a case of fear biting where a dog may bite when he or she is startled or afraid. Even if you are joking which means you are “rough housing” with your dog can cause your dog to bite.

2. Encouraging desirable behavior is very important when learning how to train a dog not to bite. Encourage and praise your dog when they are chewing and playing with their toys and discourage undesirable behavior such as when your dog bites/nips at your hands and feet.

3. Don’t play rough games with your dog, especially during the puppy-hood stage. Games such as tug of war and wrestling may get your dog too excited and she may be more inclined to nip or bite. When training a dog not to bite, avoid these games early on until your puppy is more mature.

4. Expecting a young dog not to bite is not realistic. Remember that this is normal behavior for a dog and if he was with his natural pack, he would be taught his limits from his mother and his littermates. Now it’s up to you to show your dog his limits, just like his natural pack would have.

5. Enroll your dog in socialization classes. Dogs need to play with each other and when they do, they nip and bite when they are playing. If your dog is too rough the other dogs will tell him. He will learn to inhibit his biting during these socialization classes. Believe, other dogs can train a dog not to bite more than us humans can.

6. If you feel that your dog is biting to try to assert dominance over you, you must act fast and stop her immediately to prevent this from becoming a bigger problem in the future.

Stay tuned for some more posts about this topic and remember that the steps outlined above will help you learn how to train a dog not to bite.

Cheers,

Berto

How to Train a German Shepherd Dog

Today’s post is about how to train a German Shepherd Dog. The German Shepherd Dog is a popular dog that is well proportioned and comes in various colors. This breed is often used as working dog as they are alert, bold and carry an unmatched loyalty to their owners.

In terms of learning how to train a German Shepherd Dog, you will be delighted to hear that they are highly intelligent dogs who are eager to learn. You may sometimes hear of German Shepherd attacks but what you should know is that the aggression and attack are only a result of poor breeding, handling or socialization. Because these dogs have a highly protective instinct, they do need a firm dog trainer who will also socialize them, preferably at an early age. Training a German Shepherd should involve positive reinforcement. With this positive reinforcement you will find that this breed will learn so easily it will surprise you (I often hear people learning how to potty train a German Shepherd in less than two weeks while other breeds may take up to 6 months).

Because of the ease of training a German Shepherd they are often used in numerous fields and activities including police dog, sniffing out drugs, agility, flyball and obedience. Aside from dog training, the dog has become an extremely popular show dog and family companion.

How to Train a German Shepherd Dog

Learning how to train a German Shepherd Dog is a must! This is not a small dog that can be left to its own wits with minimal (often annoying consequences). Because they are naturally dominant dogs, if you don’t control them they will control you.

Consistency is of up-most importance when training a German Shepherd. I know, you are probably getting sick of hearing me mention this on every how to train a dog post I write but that doesn’t change its importance. Because this breed is extremely smart, training is rather simple and pleasant task. If you reward your dog every time she does something right and correcting her every time she does something wrong is often enough to train this dog.

When learning how to train a German Shepherd Dog, you must also establish yourself as the pack leader early on. All dogs are more comfortable when they know their place in the pack and when you are on top, they will to your for guidance when needed. Just remember that this dog will test you position as the pack leader at one point or another. This can happen during training or any other time. The do have an instinct to try to better his pack position. During your dog training sessions, your dog may misbehave or ignore your commands. Use positive reinforcement and you’ll find your dog training sessions to be way more effective.

How to Train a German Shepherd Dog – Aggression

German Shepherds make great family pets when they trained are socialized properly. Dog aggression is not a usual characteristic of any breed but usually a result of lack of socialization and dog training. Having said that, German Shepherds are not Chihuahuas! They require a firm and consistent training to become stable adults.

A German Shepherd Dog may become aggressive due to its protective instinct. They can become suspicious and wary of strangers. If someone approached his territory un-welcomed by the owner, they maybe in for a surprise. Also, fear can manifest itself in snapping and biting. While some dogs may be submissive when afraid, the German Shepherd can often become more aggressive.

The best way to deal with German Shepherd aggression is training them at an early age. Learn how to properly train a German Shepherd Dog using the techniques found in this blog. Not only will they serve as basic dog obedience training commands, they will create a stronger bond between you and your dog and they will grow up to be stable family pets.

If you encounter aggressive behavior, don’t use rough methods to try to correct your dog. You need to correct the behavior using gentle techniques. Remember that when your dog is behaving calmly, reward her with treats and lots of praise, especially during the dog training session.

Socialization is an absolute must when learning how to train a German Shepherd Dog. A lack of socialization is one of the main reason why dogs may become aggressive. Enroll your German Shepherd in socialization classes, preferably at an early age. Make sure he meets lots of people, dogs and situations.

How to Potty Train a German Shepherd Dog

Potty training a German Shepherd dog is often easier than potty training other breeds. Having said that, the techniques are pretty much the same so I suggest you read my post on how to potty train a dog.

Using a crate will help reduce the amount of time it will take to train your German Shepherd. You can crate your dog at night and when you are not at home. Crate will teach your dog how to hold their bladder and as soon as you take out your dog from the crate, take her to the designated potty area and praise her when she does her business. If your dog does make a mistake, don’t punish her. Just show her the designated spot and you’ll be on your way to potty train a German Shepherd. Believe me, this dog can be potty trained in a matter of a few weeks.

How to Train a German Shepherd – A few steps to consider

I've listed a few steps that you can use to train your German Shepherd. Please note that you can you use these when learning how to train a dog, not just this breed.

1. Become the Alpha Dog as soon as possible. You need to establish yourself as a the pack leader as the German Shepherd is a strong willed dog who will try to assume this role if it’s filled.

2. German Shepherds are eager to learn in if you get their attention you will be surprised how quickly they learn. When learning how to train a dog (including this breed), start in an area free of distractions so you can have your dog’s undivided attention.

3. Be consistent when training your German Shepherd. If the rules are constantly changing it will slow down the dog training process because your dog will be confused and possibly even frustrated cause they can’t figure out how to please you.

4. Begin informally training your German Shepherd Dog as soon as they bring him home. At 8 weeks old, he should still be able to learn the basics of going to the bathroom outside and not biting etc.

5. You can begin leash training your German Shepherd at ten weeks old. She must learn to accept the leash at an early age to avoid leash training problems when she is an adult.

6. A part of training a German Shepherd Dog is going to obedience and socialization classes. This can be done when your dog is 4 months old and has had his vaccinations.

If you are looking for some more German Shepherd Dog information such as how to train a German Shepherd Dog to Fetch or how to train a German Shepherd Dog to sit then read the various posts found on this blog as they will help you.

Hopefully you’ve enjoyed reading my how to train a German Shepherd Dog article and stay tuned for some more great posts.

Cheers,

Berto

How to Train a Dog not to Bark

Okay, so your dog yaps like crazy and you want to learn how to train a dog not to bark. Best case scenario your dog barks when she is excited or sees something passing by through the window. Worse case scenario your dog barks all the time and during the nights. You and your neighbors can’t sleep and you get complaints all the time. If this sound familiar then read this how to train a dog to stop barking post. Before I get into the actual training I’ve chosen to list of some of the top barkers. Please note that most of these breeds are smaller dogs.

Dogs that are known to be more vocal:

1. Beagle
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Crain Terrier
4. West Highland Terrier
5. Chihuahua

Why do dogs bark excessively?

While dogs are vocal animals, they are not excessive barkers unless there is an underlying factor. Many dogs will bark when they are bored, want attention or anxiety problems when they are left alone. Sadly enough, dogs barking is usually something that us humans have unintentionally nourished. By understands why your dog is exhibiting this behavior you will learn how to train a dog not to bark much faster.

Understanding your dog’s bark

While this lesson is about how to train a dog not to bark, you are not trying to completely eliminate a dog from barking. Your dog may be trying to warn you of some danger, they may be distressed or something else.

How to train a dog not to bark for attention

Some dogs will bark when they want attention. For example, let’s assume you notice that your dog wants to go outside but you are busy. Eventually your dog starts to bark and you take him outside. In this case you’ve just taught your dog to bark when they want something. Even yelling at your dog can teach him to bark some more. If you’re dog is not getting any attention and begins to bark for it and you yell, you are actually “not” training your dog not to bark. You are telling him that barking will get him noticed (whether bad or good). This is the first step to training a dog to stop barking… to actually completely ignore your dog when they are yapping and praise them when they are quiet.

How to train a dog not to bark when alone

Dogs that bark when left alone can a bit more tricky to handle. Some dogs simply didn’t learn how to be left alone. Finding out why your dog is barking is the hard part. First, make sure that you have all the necessary items such as food, water and a nice place to relax. If you’re dog goes hysterical every time you leave her alone she may anxiety problems that require the help of a professional. This is why it is important not to pamper your dog when you first bring her home. If you spend the first few months with your puppy without giving him any alone time you may have some problems later on.

How to Train a Dog not to Bark

Okay now for the part you’ve been waiting for… how to train a dog to stop barking. When your dog begins to bark you should use a stern and loud voice and give the “NO” command. Be sure to make eye contact with your dog so they understand that you are talking to them. It helps to also hold your hand out in front of you.

Just like most of how to train a dog posts I write, positive reinforcement works best. Once your dog stops barking after you tell him to stop you should give your dog some praise and a treat. If you have a problem dog that barks a lot, this means you have to carry the treats with you all the time so you can reward your dog as soon as he does what he is suppose to do (ie. stop barking).

A different approach to stop a dog from barking

Sometimes, just telling your dog to stop barking will not work. In extreme cases you can use a short “time out” session. What you are doing here is placing your dog in a room all alone as dogs are pack animals and will not like that. Keep these time outs short. After all you are not trying to be cruel but trying to prevent your dog from barking… remember the task. I should also mention that it’s important that when doing these time outs you should be silent. Don’t say anything when you’re doing it. Just take him to a room. If he quiets down then you can bring him back.

Just like other dog training techniques, you should remain patient and consistent and ask other family members to do the same. This is vital when training a dog to do something (or not do something).

A note about anti-barking collars and learning how to train a dog to stop barking

Here is a little something I found on Yahoo! Answers when someone asked about the use of the anti-bark collar and other similar devices that are meant to train a dog to stop barking…

“I don't like them at all either, but one of my dogs needed to use one. She barked all the time-day, night, it didn't matter and would just start barking at nothing. We tried everything for about 5 years. The cops were even called on occasions and the last time they said that the dog was becoming a nuisance and if she kept barking then she would have to be put down. That is when we tried the bark collar. It only did a shock when she would bark twice in a row. After about a day of having it on she barely barked. I tried the amount of shock on my wrist before I put it on her and it was more uncomfortable than painful. She only had to wear it for about a month. I would only use that type of collar as a last resort. Try everything possible first. There is also a surgery that can take out that part, but that seems way worse.”

I hope this helps answer any concerns about the anti-bark collar. Personally, I would only use it in extreme cases. If my Boxer wouldn’t stop barking for example, and my choices were to give him up, put him down or use an anti-bark collar… I’ll let you answer this one as it should be obvious.

Hopefully you’ve found my how to train a dog not to bark article informative and stay tunes for some more great posts.

Berto

How to Train a Yorkshire Terrier

Today I want to talk about how to train a Yorkshire Terrier (aka Yorkie). I’ve decided to tackle certain dog breeds and you will see many more how to train a dog posts that address certain dog breeds. The Yorkshire Terrier is a fantastic small dog with a lot of great qualities. In fact they have consistently made the list of top ten most popular dogs registered by American Kennel Club and currently hold second place.

A Note about Yorkshire Terriers in General

You’ll often hear dog breeders advertising Teacup, Mini, or Teenie Yorkies. Just keep in mind that essentially all these size variations are the same and when it comes to learning how to train a Yorkshire Terrier, size doesn’t matter. The only thing that I would watch out for is that extra small Yorkies may have or be more susceptible to more health issues. First of all, tiny dogs are easily injures but also seem to have more issues in terms of diarrhea and vomiting. They can also have problems with anesthetics. Many proffesiional dog trainers recommend Yorkshire Terriers in the range of 4 to 7 lbs.

Brief History of the Yorkshire Terrier

Before I get into training a Yorkshire Terrier, let’s talk a bit about this breed's profile. The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in England as mainly a small vermin hunter, a role in which they excelled at. In terms of the actual breed origins, it is unsure exactly which dogs were bred to create the Yorkie but it is believed that the Sky Terrier, Waterside Terrier, and Maltese among others helped create the Yorkshire Terrier.

Yorkshire Terrier Appearance

Although the Yokie is small dog, it is a terrier which means they have a big and often dominant personality. These dogs are athletic and muscular and despite their size, you need to learn how to train a Yorkshire Terrier to avoid problems with this breed as adults. Their eyes show a ton of expression and intelligence. Yorkies have a long silky coat but contrary to popular belief they shed very little. So other then the dog training aspect, this breed may be a good choice for individuals with allergies. Their coat does require some grooming and brushing to keep it shiny and healthy.

The Yorkshire Terrier Temperament

Yorkies are great dogs with awesome temperaments. Be forewarned however that this is a terrier breed which is extremely active and intelligent. If you are considering this dog as a companion then learning how to train a Yorkshire Terrier should be at the top of your list. Without proper dog training and socialization Yorkies can become aloof, suspicious and even snappy with other people and dogs. Socialize and train these dogs early and you will reap the benefits. Obviously, as a small dog, they don’t make great guard dogs but excel as watchdogs. If someone approaches, you will hear about it.

How to Groom a Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkie’s coat is smooth and silky. Young puppies are born with a black and tan coat that is usually darker that what their coat will be when they are older. The single coat is easy to groom but does require some time and needs to be brushed on a regular basis. This breeds ears are erect but if you don’t trim the top of the ears every few weeks, then their ears will fall down as they get older from the weight of the hair. Some Yorkies need professional dog groomers to maintain their coat.

How to Train a Yorkshire Terrier

Training a Yorkshire Terrier is similar to training a dog of a different breed. One thing to keep in mind is that there are two main reasons why Yorkshire Terriers end up in shelters. The first is due to excessive barking (despite the Yorkie’s small size you’d be surprised how loud their bark can be) and the other is potty training the Yorkshire Terrier.

Yorkies want nothing more then to please their owners and do best in a training environment with plenty of encouragement, repetition and positive reinforcement. The one thing you’ll notice when training a Yorkshire Terrier is their rather quick response to obedience training. Learning how to train a Yorkshire Terrier to sit, stay, fetch and come and be done in a reasonable time frame. In terms of potty training or toilet training they can be a bit more stubborn and do require some patience and consistency.

How to Train a Yorkshire Terrier – Some More Tips

1. Understand your breed’s personality. This dog has a mind of it’s own and although they are quick to learn, if they decide to ignore you then you’re out of luck. Keep your training sessions fun to keep their attention on you. Stop the dog training session if your dog loses interest.

2. When training your Yorkshire Terrier try to keep distractions to a minimal. This means no other animals or people around and only focus on one command per training sessions. Later when your dog begins to learning some of the training commands, you can slowly introduce distractions during the training.

3. Positive reinforcement works best. When you are learning how to train a Yorkshire Terrier use lots of treats and toys. Verbal praise also works great with these dogs as they love the attention.

4. Learning how to potty train a Yorkshire Terrier dog can be a challenge. Start from the moment you get home. Take her outside shortly after eating and drinking and offer a ton of praise when they finish their business. Also remember not to punish your Yorkie if he makes a mistake. Remember… when training a dog, positive reinforcement works best.

5. The Yorkshire Terrier is a dog! I know this sounds funny but you’d be surprised how many people treat small dog breed more like babies than dogs. If you spoil and pamper them too much they will become more of a problem in the long run. If you understand that you need to learn how to train a Yorkshire Terrier just like you would any other larger dog, then you’re off to a great start.

How to Potty Train a Yorkshire Terrier

The key to potty training a Yorkshire Terrier is similar to training others breeds. First, don’t expect a perfect potty training routine. Remember that young puppies can only hold their bladder for an hour for every one month they are alive until they are about 6 to 8 months. So don’t expect no mistakes from the beginning. My personal recommendation for potty training a Yorkshire Terrier is crate training. In terms of the actual potty training you can read my article on how to potty train a small dog. I don’t want to rehash or the info but you will find a lot of great dog training tips and techniques.

If you are planning to use some newspaper or puppy pads when potty training a Yorkshire Terrier I suggest you place an object such as a large coffee can so you’re dog will eliminate in that area. This technique works especially well for male dogs that lift their leg to eliminate. The coffee can will serve a reference point for your dog.

I'd also like to notes that the articles found on this blog (ie. how to train a dog to sit, how to train a dog to come etc.) can be used to train a Yorkie so I encourage you to read them. Thank you for reading my rambling post about how to train a Yorkshire Terrier and stay tuned for some more great posts.

Berto

Dog Tear Stain Remover

So I’ve decided to take another break today and instead of talking about how to train a dog I’m gonna write about dog tear stain remover… yes there is such a thing called dog tear stain remover. I know that tear stains have nothing to do with dog training but it has to do with the overall health of your dog so I've decided to write about it.

Tear stains are common especially in light colored and white breeds. If you don’t clean around your dog’s eyes regularly then they could be left with some tear stains that can only be removed with using dog tear stain remover product.

Before I get into the meat of post I’ve just wanted to list some breeds who are commonly effected by tear stains. It is important to note that almost all dogs can be affected by tear stains but some breeds are more susceptible than others.

1. Maltese
2. Poodle
3. Bichon Frise
4. West Highland Terrier
5. American Eskimo

If you notice the breeds I’ve listed are white dogs and more fluffy. Other not so fluffy breeds such as the Bull Terrier, Bulldogs and Boxers can also be affected and may need a dog tear stain remover to eliminate those unsightly stains.

There are many products on the market that can help minimize the staining. You should however be picky about the dog tear stain remover you choose as they are applied so close to your dog’s eyes.

How to Choose a Dog Tear Stain Remover

The ingredients in a dog tear stain remover should be considered carefully. Harsh ingredients can end up irritating your dog’s eyes which will only make the problem worse. Make sure that the product you but contains not alcohol or bleach. You can also smell the product and if it’s harsh to your nose it may not be the best product to purchase.

It may take some experimentation to find a dog tear stain remover that doesn’t bother your dog. If your dog is squirming every time your try to apply the remover than it may be bothering her and you may want to try another product. You should make sure that the product you but contains a conditioner. You don’t want the application to leave your dog’s fur dry and dull and conditioner in a dog tear stain remover won’t have this undesirable effect.

I’ve should of mentioned this earlier but you should make sure that the tear stains are not from an underlying hearth problem. If you suspect the your dog may have an eye infection you should consult a veterinarian. You want the remover to work but you don’t want to keep using it. You should also be very careful not to get the stain remover in your dog’s eyes so take care when you apply it.

I know this wasn’t one of my regular posts about how to train a dog but you’ll see me do this from time to time. Stay tuned for some more dog training posts such as:

How to train a dog tricks
How to train a blind dog
And much more

Thanks for reading my post about dog tear stain remover.

Berto

How to Train a Dog at Home

I’ve been writing a lot about specific issues in terms of how to train a dog, but today I want to talk about how to train a dog at home. The reason being is that even if you take your dog to a professional dog trainer of dog training sessions, you will still need to learn how to train your dog at home.

For you to be able to train a dog at home successfully, you need to be aware of your dog at all times, especially when you first bring your dog home. Before we get into specifics about how to train a dog at home, here are some tips that everyone looking to home training their dog should be aware of.

How to train a dog at home – General Tips

1. When you are training your dog at home, there should only be on trainer at any one time. More than one will confuse your dog and make the training less successful.

2. For you to effectively train your dog at home, or anywhere for that matter, you should always be prepared with lots of rewards. Rewards will motivate your dog and she will more likely listen to you when you have something waiting for her. While yummy treats are probably the best motivators you shouldn’t underestimate the power of toys and praise as they will go a long way when you are training your dog at home.

3. Before learning how to train a dog at home, you should always remember to keep your training sessions short and sweet. Five to ten minute sessions work best especially for young puppies that have a short attention span. When I was training my boxer dog, I was training him in five minute sessions.

4. A very important part of dog training is becoming the alpha dog. Dogs are pack animals and without a firm leader they will try to fill that slot themselves. You must show the dog who’s the boss by always being consistent. Sure, your dog will try to push the boundaries to see how far they can push but consistency will help you train a dog at home. It is important to also remember that all members of the family need the same levels of consistency. If you are telling your dog one thing and someone else something else, you dog will never understand what is right and what is wrong.

5. Patience is very important when learning how to train a dog at home. Your dog will make mistakes… believe me, my Beagle made tons of mistakes in the house but I was eventually able to train him by being consistent and patient. During any training sessions at home you find yourself getting frustrated or angry, stop the training session. Even if you don’t react your dog will sense your frustration and may not respond as well as if you were calm and relaxed.

I also want to touch on some of the most dog training commands you should begin to teach your dog.

How to Train a Dog at Home – Most important dog training commands

1. How to potty train a dog.

2. How to train a dog to sit.

3. How to crate train a dog.

In my opinion when these are the most important dog training issues you need to address, especially potty training. Many dogs end up in shelters because they are not potty trained. Some people who didn’t take the time to learn how to potty train dog will end with months and months of frustration.

Don’t worry about the more complicated dog training commands or tricks in the beginning. You are learning how to training a dog at home you should focus all your efforts on dog training that will set the base for other not so important dog training such as training a dog to fetch. While these fun tricks and games can be fun, you can focus on them as well but not in exchange for the other more important dog training commands.

How to Train a Dog at Home – More Tips

1. I wrote about this in some of my other posts but I thought it’s worth mentioning again because I hear it over and over again and frankly it pisses me off. DO NOT rub you dog’s nose in his own mess thinking that you will accomplish anything. Some people think that doing this or hitting their dog with a newspaper will actually help,but it actually only does one thing… make your dog afraid of you. My advice? Don’t do it.

2. When training a dog at home keep distractions to a minimum. Pick a quiet spot in your home to do all the training. Once your dog has learning a command and is responding to it on a consistent basis you can try it in other places and around more distractions.

Well I hope you found this post informative and stay tuned for some more posts such as:

How to train a dog to heel

How to train a dog not to bark
and much more.

Thanks for reading this post on How to Train a Dog at Home.

Berto

How to Train a Dog that won't Fetch

Although I’ve already written an article that talks about how to train a dog to fetch, I’ve been getting a few people asking about how to train a dog that won’t fetch. Although they almost mean the same thing the first one talks about starting from scratch and the second one implies that you tried to teach your dog to fetch and weren’t successful.’

Before I get into some methods that may help you train a dog that won’t fetch I just want to touch a bit on my first lesson (read the full article on how to train a dog to fetch). If your have read then just skip over it. I mainly want to touch on the first part where I mention:

First it is important to understand that some breeds have an innate “fetching” behavior and will naturally bring back anything you throw. Other dogs will chase anything you throw and then drop it as soon as they pick it up. Heck, some breeds may not even chase, never mind fetch!

The reason I bring this up again is just so you are aware that there are those few dogs out there that may never pick up on the game. I found this to be a few (percentage wise) but just thought that you should know that even though you may be doing everything by the book in terms of training your dog to fetch, some may never do it.

Okay, so let’s begin… How to Train a Dog that won’t Fetch

Suggestion 1

If you are having trouble training a dog that won’t fetch, try to use an object that your dog adores such as her favorite toy. Once you have your dog on a long leash, gets your dog’s attention by wiggling her favorite toy in front of her face to get her excited. Once you know that she is paying attention throw her toy a few feet away and she will probably start to run to grab the toy. Once your dog has the toy in her mouth gently pull the leash and draw you dog back to you and offer lots of praise and a yummy treat.

Suggestion 2

If the first method doesn’t work and you are still having trouble with training a dog that won’t fetch try the “2 identical toys” approach. Again pick a toy that your dog loves and go our and purchase a second identical one. Tease your dog with one toy to get her excited while keeping the second one hidden. Throw the first toy a few feet away and your dog will naturally run to grab it. Once your dog has the toy in her mouth, get her attention and show her the seconds toy that you had hidden. More than likely you dog will run back to you to get the second toy (hopefully with the first toy still in her mouth). Praise your dog when she comes back to you. This methods works really well when learning how to train a dog that won’t fetch.

Suggestion 3

If your dog still doesn’t get the fetch method you may want to use a completely different approach just to see if your dog will fetch. Instead of throwing a toy try to throw a bone or something tasty to see if your dog will chase it. You can even slap some peanut butter on a kong toy and use that. That’s what I did when I was learning how to train my boxer dog to fetch. If your dog responds you can do this a few times before reverting back to a regular toy. In terms of how to train a dog that won’t fetch, try this method as some people have had some success.

Suggestion 4

I should’ve mentioned this earlier but if you are having problems training your dog to fetch it maybe because of too many distractions. Try to play the game in a hallway or in a closed room with minimal distractions. This maybe all you need to do to get your dog to play fetch.

Okay, if I think of any more suggestions I will post them but for now try these methods and hopefully you will have success with learning how to train a dog that won’t fetch.

How to Leash Train a Dog

Before you learn how to leash train a dog you should ask yourself, are you walking your dog or is your dog walking you. If your answer is the latter than read this article and you will learn how to train a dog to walk on a leash. Leash training a dog will make you begin to enjoy your walks with your dog and form a stronger relationship between the both of you.

Before I get started I just want to point out that learning how to train a dog to walk on a leash not only allows you to walk your dog comfortably, it also keeps your dog safe from traffic and other harms that can occur when you have an uncontrolled dog.

If your dog hasn’t been leash trained yet, you maybe be frustrated to the point of not wanting to take your dog outside anymore. Believe me, I know. I once adopted a Beagle who would begin to pull as soon as I would go outside. Before I knew how to leash train a dog I spent the first 10 – 15 minutes of our “walk” running as fast as I could so I can tire my Beagle out and then he wouldn’t pull so hard! I got a six pack that summer just from running but my dog was still not able to walk on a leash.

If you were or are in a similar situation you have probably tried a few things such as choke collars, negative reinforcement and body leashes. Choke collars are often used by people who have larger dogs who aren’t well trained to walk on a leash. However, it’s often misused and should only be used by experienced individuals to avoid injuring your dog. If you are really adamant about using a control method, I recommend using something like the Gentle Leader. In a nut shell it pulls your dog’s head down and toward you and makes it difficult for your dog to pull on the leash. If I were you I would seriously start to train a dog to walk on a leash instead using positive reinforcement than turning to other leash training methods.

A note about how to leash train a dog

While it’s important for you to learn how to train a dog to walk on a leash no matter what breed, you should know that leash training is absolutely necessary for larger dogs such as the Boxer, German Shepherd, Mastiff, Doberman Pincher, Labrador Retriever etc. Even medium sized dogs such as the Basset Hound, Shiba Inu and Bulldogs may become impossible to walk if they haven’t been properly leash trained.

How to Leash Train a Dog using Positive Reinforcement

When you are learning how to train a dog to do anything, you should be using positive reinforcement. It has been used by dog training experts and is often one of the most recommended techniques because it helps built trust between you and your dog and make them look forward to training sessions where they can be rewarded for doing the right thing such as learning how to walk on a leash.

In the beginning, your dog leash training sessions should be very short. This goes for all dog training but is especially true for young puppies who tend to have a short attention span. When learning how to train a dog to walk on a leash I usually recommend 5 – 10 minute session or you may find that your dog may begin to dislike the training.

You should schedule your leash training sessions at the same time daily. This way your dog will be expecting the lessons and will be looking forward to them. I like to schedule them before meal time. This way my dog will respond more effectively to food and treat rewards and will motivated to do what I want him to do (in this case learning how to walk on a leash).

Before you even begin to learn how to leash train a dog I suggest you learn how to train a dog to sit and stay. When your dog to start to pull on the leash you can give the sit and stay command and hold for a few seconds before continuing your walk again. If you haven’t already done so you can read training a dog to sit and training a dog to stay by clicking on the links.

How to Leash Train a Dog – Choosing the Right Leash

Not all dog leashes are created equal. For training purposes, the best one to train a dog to walk on a leash are the traditional six foot leash usually works best. Don’t get me wrong, long leashes are good but for different training commands such as training a dog to stay and come. Also retractable leashes are usually too weak especially for larger dog’s that haven’t been leash trained yet. Before my Boxer dog was leash trained, he actually pulled so hard when he saw a dog at the park and completely ripped the leash. Stick to the standard leash when you just starting.

Well I’ve just introduced you to learning how to leash train a dog and stay tuned for step by step methods on how to train a dog to walk on a leash.

Berto

How to Crate Train a Dog

When it comes to learning how to train a dog, one very important lesson you need to learn is how to crate train a dog. Every year thousands of dogs that had the potential of becoming great pets are given up by their owners who weren’t able to properly learn how to train a dog.

Given the right tools and dog training techniques any dog can become an excellent family pet. Whether you have a Poodle, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Boston Terrier or Mastiff (I think you get the point), they can all be crate trained. Today’s lesson is about crate training a dog. A crate, if used correctly can be an excellent dog training tool which will give your dog an excellent opportunity to become an awesome family companion, especially in the area of house training / potty training.

How long does is take to crate train a dog?

Before I actually get into some of the techniques you can use to crate train a dog, I want to discuss the length of time is will take to crate train a dog. I wish I had a concrete answer for you but to be honest, it really depends on the dog and its upbringing. It is important to understand that while some dogs may take a few weeks to get used to the crate, others may take a few months and some dogs may never accept the crate. Although your chances of success increases tremendously if you have a puppy. So the answer to your question “how long does it take to crate train a dog” I can only say it depends! The only way for you to know is to try crate training your dog.

How to Crate Train a Dog - Introduction

I first want to discuss how to crate train a puppy. A younger dog will usually adjust to the crate and see it as her own place where she can escape the busy life and get some rest. In order to crate train a dog you need to first start by picking an ideal location. Keep the crate in an area where your dog can still see the family but make sure to keep it away from cold or hot drafts. The bedding for the crate is also very important and you can use something washable like a towel or a small blanket. This way if a potty accident occurs you can easily wash the bedding.

When learning how to crate train a dog, it is also advisable that you throw in something with your scent on it such as an old t-shirt. By doing so, your new puppy or dog can get used to your scent. If you had your dog for a while and she is already used to your scent then you clothing will comfort your dog and may increase the “crate train a dog” success. Many dog trainers also prefer to place a toy and some water in the crate. Do not put any food in the crate. Remember when you are crate training a dog, the crate is a get some rest place and a place to sleep, not to eat. If your dogs wears a collar indoors I suggest you remove it as it can get stuck on the bars of the crate. When I’m crate training my Boxer dog, I always remove the collar

You should teach everyone in the house how to crate train a dog. If you have any children in the house you should make it clear that when your dog is being crated, they should leave the dog alone. The crate isn’t a play area but a place of rest. When you’re crate training a dog, everyone in the house should respect the rules and boundaries or else you’re gonna have a hard time in the dog training process. What you want to do however, is learn how to train a dog to accept the fact that people can reach into the crate. By doing so, your puppy or dog will not become overly protective of his personal area.

How to Crate Train a Dog – the difference between using and abusing the crate

I really want to stress on this part because I know that the crate is probably one of the most abused dog training tools. A crate is not a jail for your dog and if used properly your dog won’t see it as such. I know that as humans we value our freedom and may see the crate as a place of confinement. To put the dog crate into perspective think about what you would do if your young child didn’t have a playpen or a baby crib to sleep in.

Professional dog trainers who know how to train a dog all use crates to effectively and humanely train their dogs. Even dogs see the crate as a place they can call their own. All dogs have a natural den instinct and the dog crate will satisfy this innate instinct while also serving its purpose as an effective potty training tool.

How to Crate Train a Dog – Crate Location

When you are beginning to crate train a dog, the location is very important. Placing the crate in the family room is a good idea. It should be in a corner away from drafts with only one end not being covered. This will give your dog a sense of security just like they would have in a den with their mother. You can cover the sides with some towels and if it’s not by the wall you should also cover the back. Keep the front area visible so your dog can see.

Crate Training a Dog

You should establish a dog crate routine as soon as possible. You can begin by placing your puppy or dog in the crate for short intervals, preferably 10 – 15 minutes. The best way to begin to crate train a dog is by letting her nap times guide you in establishing a routine. By doing this, you will get your dog accustomed much faster to the crate than if you were to place your puppy in the crate when she is hyper and wants to play.

How to Crate Train a Dog – Success

A puppy or dog may not be comfortable the first few times you put them in the crate but if you remain consistent you should start to see some good results. Again remember that different dogs may react differently and some may take longer that others and some may never accept the crate. When it comes to learning how to crate train a dog slow and steady usually wins. I must add that if you see that your dog is completely rejecting the crate than you should never force them.

I hope you enjoyed this lesson and stay tuned for some more detailed posts on how to crate train a dog.

Berto

How to Potty Train a Small Dog

The lesson today is about how to potty train a small dog. If you look at my archives in this How to Train a Dog blog you’ll find 2 out of my first 12 posts are about how to potty train a dog and another one about toilet training a dog. The reason being is that I think it’s really important and you’ll here me say it again and again that potty training a dog is one of the biggest favors you can do for yourself.

My other 2 potty training posts: How to Potty Train a Dog – The Basics & How to Potty Train a Dog.

What small dogs are people usually looking to potty train?

I did a few searches to see what people were looking for and found that many are looking to learn how to potty train a Yorkie, Bichon Frise, toy poodle among others.

Learning how to potty training a small dog will take some patience and consistency from your part. If you stick to a proper training schedule you’ll have your dog potty trained in no time.

Before I get into the actual dog training techniques I want to touch on why potty training a small dog can sometimes be a bit more difficult than potty training a larger breed. In other words, why do some people find it harder learn how to train a Yorkshire Terrier than training a Boxer dog for example.

Why potty training small dogs may be harder...

Many small dog breeders, especially the ones who raise toy breeds such as Pomeranians or Chihuahuas begin by raising them in small whelp boxes. As a result, these young pups learn to eat, sleep and eliminate in the same place. And because of their size they can sleep and eliminate in separate areas of the box. Once you get these puppies you will have to begin to teach them to potty training process from the beginning.

Another factor that may contribute to a longer period when learning how to potty train a small dog is picking them up and taking them to the place where you need them to eliminate. Many owners will pick up their smaller dogs instead of letting them walk to the area they need to go and do their business. Carrying your dog to the potty area should only be done if you catch your dog doing it in the wrong area. Other than that you should always let your dog walk to the potty area just like they would as an adult.

How to Potty Train a Small Dog

Now that we talked about the causes of why smaller dogs like the Shi Tzu may be more difficult in terms of potty training lets talk about some steps you can take to potty train a small dog. Please keep in mind that most of the techniques can be used to potty train a large dog as well.

A crate will go in a long why when it comes to potty training a dog (when learning how to train a dog a crate is one of your best friends). You should buy a crate that is big enough for your dog to be able to comfortably stand and turn around in. It should also allow enough room for you to have a toy or two and a water bowl. When you have a small dog, find the right size crate is actually harder but in a different way. Most crates will be too big and you probably will need to close off an area so it’s not too big. Learning how to potty train a small dog will be easier if your crate is just the right size because your dog will learn to hold it for longer periods of time as they don’t want to mess their sleeping quarters.

You should also line the crate with some newspapers just in case of accidents. Having said that, allow your puppy dog ample opportunity to go outside and relief himself. Take your dog outside after he eats or drinks or after strenuous exercise and if they go praise them lavishly and enthusiastically and you will have your small dog potty trained in no time.

How to Potty Train a Small Dog – Picking up on the signs

I though I should mention this here but keep in mind that applies to both small and large dogs. If you ever see your dog sniffing around or going in circles this is a sure sign that your puppy needs to eliminate.

Also you should know that young puppies no matter what size cannot hold their bladder for too long. As a general rule for every month the puppy is alive you can expect your puppy to hold his bladder for an hour. For example, if your puppy is 3 months old he will probably be able to hold his bladder for 3 hours. By knowing this valuable piece of information learning how to train a dog to potty in the right place should be a bit easier.

Thank you for reading about how to potty train a small dog and stay tuned for some more great posts!

Berto.

Secrets to Dog Training | SitStayFetch

Secrets to Dog Training Online Course

People who have been following my blog know that I don’t usually promote any products and post a ton of free information that will help you learn how to train a dog. I’ve decided to write this post as Secrets of Dog Training is an online course that has gained a ton of popularity in the past few years. People who have been looking for dog training information have probably came across this book (It was called SitStayFetch until the beginning of 2009).

The aim of this post is to provide all you dog lovers out there with a review of dog training books which use proper and humane training methods. Initially, I was going to review a few books but then I thought hey, why waste your time showing you a few books when there was only one which really impressed me.

If you want to know what criteria I used to come up with a book which everyone can benefit from and learn how to train a dog then read on. First and probably the most important, I looked for a book that only promotes humane methods of dog training based on consistency and positive reinforcement. After reading a few books, I’ve also noticed that many only focused on aspect of dog training like obedience training. What I really wanted is a book that will show you how to train a dog from the beginning. That means a book that starts off at the puppy hood stage and works its way into more complicated scenarios that will help you solve any dog behavioral problems you maybe facing. To this day, I haven’t found one like the Secrets to Dog Training.

I then went out to see if people were happy with SitStayFetch Book – Secrets to Dog Training. Although I tested out the techniques myself, I had a background in dog training (heck, I should if I own a blog about how to train a dog), so I wanted to see if people who didn't have a clue when it comes to dog training were happy with the results.

Now for the actual review of Secrets to Dog Training

Although I solely purchased this book to see what the big fuss was about, I was really surprised by it size and quality. Man was this book meaty! The book is over 200 pages of dog training methods and techniques and is one of the most comprehensive online books I own.

The main Secrets to Dog Training book is compromised of nine chapters all which are dedicated to different dog training tips and techniques. I use “main” because you do get some extras and bonuses when you purchase this book.

1. It's A Dogs Life
2. Caring for Your Dog
3. Training Methods Revealed
4. Secrets To Understanding Your Dog
5. Dog Problems Solved
6. Commands To Start With
7. Dog Whispering Uncovered
8. More Dog Problems Solved
9. Advanced Commands and Tricks

Within these chapters you will find that you will be able to learn how to train a dog and solve any dog behavioral problem you may come across. Here is some of the stuff you will learn about in SitStayFetch, Secrets to Dog Training.

• Dealing with aggressive behavior
• How to stop your dog from thieving
• Stop your dog from biting and nipping
• How to travel with your dog
• Stop poop eating (coprophagia)
• Having more than one dog in the house
• Eliminating destructive behavior
• Helping your dog deal with a death in the family
• How to train your dog to stop digging
• Bad breath
• Stop your dog from chasing your cat
• Dealing with disobedience
• Working to eliminate your dog’s dominance aggression
• Flatulence
• How to train your dog to stop being afraid of a leash
• Overall health including fleas, worms and more
• How to stop your dogs from fighting
• Is your dog jealous?
• How to train your dog not to jump on people and furniture
• Training your dog off leash
• Preventing heatstroke in how weather

Daniel Stevens, the author of Secrets to Dog Training also goes to great length to help you learn how to train a dog. Keep in mind that my blog does have a lot of the ways you can train your dog but Daniel Stevens offers more detailed lessons as well as videos that will really help you. With SitStayFetch you will learn how to train a
dog to:

• Sit (basic and advanced)
• Come
• Okay (also known as release) and No
• Sit & Stay
• Down
• Wait
• Hold & Leave
• Heel

You will also learn some awesome tricks including how to train a dog to:

• Roll over
• Seek (basic & advanced)
• Beg
• Fetch & Retrieve
• Shake Hands
• Climb
• Stand
• Jump

Who is likely to benefit from Secrets to Dog Training?

After reading SitStayFetch I really wanted to write a review because it was such a great book. I thought to myself, would my readers really benefit from an online book, after all there was a lot of info on the net that you can get for free. Because the book is cheap (in terms of cost) and is easy to read and understand, I found this book very useful for people who have just got a puppy or dog and really want to train their dog to the maximum. The book will become an awesome reference for you when ever you need it. Remember that your dog may not have a specific problem when you get her, buy may develop something later on (ie, aggressive behavior in adulthood). I also found this book particularly useful for those who want to jump into advanced training with their dog.

Secrets to Dog Training – Bonuses

Secrets to Dog Training also came with a few bonuses that will I found very useful. I decided to give you a basic overview of what they are as this may help you decided if this book is right for you.

Bonus 1 – A Quick Guide to Aggression in Dogs

The first bonus is a 28 page book which discusses the fact that there is more than one type of dog aggression and how to prevent them. Secrets to Dog Training also discusses which breeds are more prone to aggressive behavior and how to identify the early warning signs that your dog may be aggressive. Of course it also talks about how to train a dog not to be aggressive.

Bonus 2 – How to House Train a Dog

People who read my blog know that I’m a big advocate of house training and potty training a dog as soon as possible. SitStayFetch goes into detail about how to potty train a dog using the two most popular and effective methods. It also lists 10 helpful tips to make toilet training a dog a success.

Bonus 3 – How to Become an Alpha Dog

This one is also very important. If you want your dog to listen to you, you will need to learn how to become an alpha dog… you know the big kahuna! If you haven’t dealt with a dominant dog yet, this bonus book may come in handy. Some dogs will begin to test you as they get older and same may outright try to take over your as Boss of the house. I once read about this family how had a Rottweiler who started being so dominant that he eventually started standing in front of the door and growl every time a member of the family wanted to leave the house!

Bonus 4 – Dog Grooming

Some people may benefit more than others with this bonus Dog Grooming Made Easy book. Secrets to Dog Training talks about bathing, grooming, dental hygiene and nail clipping.

Bonus 5 – How to Security Train a Dog

SitStayFetch includes this book which will be helpful for people looking to train a guard dog. It will tell you which breeds are best for the job and how to pick the right puppy for the job. Although I personally recommend getting the help of professionals if you are to security train your dog, I found this book to give a nice introduction of the topic.

Bonus 6 – Food and Recipes

I’m one of those people that would rather feed my dog a nice healthy home cooked meal, especially after the 2008 dog food recall so was all over the media. Having said that I did really enjoy this bonus which gave me some nice fresh homemade dog food recipes…175 in total! It was also a wonderful resource for what not to feed you dog.

Please note that the next four bonuses are only available in the Premium package of Secrets to Dog Training.

Bonus 7- Pro Software of Secrets to Dog Training

The pro software of SitStayFetch Premium package will help you keep track of important dates/details of your dog. You will be able to keep track of things like registration, birthday, medical history, vet appointments and any other important information. Although this bonus is not necessary, it is particularly useful for people with more than one dog in the household.

Bonus 8 – Secrets to Dog Training Online Videos

If you are one of those people that prefer to learn by watching you will really like the videos by SitStayFetch. All the material can be viewed on your computer screen and covers an array of topics and video demonstrations.

Bonus 9 – Unlimited Access to a Member’s Only Dog Community

Also part of this premium package is this member’s only dog community full of dog trainers, owners and anyone else that loves dogs. If you have any questions about your dog this is where you can ask them.

Bonus 10 – Dog Training Video Files

I know I mentioned some video material before but that’s because there is just so many. These videos were put together by two professional dog trainers and can be instantly downloaded and viewed on your computer. There is a total of 6 videos which are close to 5 hours in this Secrets to Dog Training premium package bonus.

Here is a basic overview of what the SitStayFetch videos cover:

Video 1: Alpha Dog Training

The first video discusses the importance of become an alpha dog and to become an alpha dog. It also talks about how to train a dog to listen to you and how to avoid a conflict with your dog.

Video 2: How to Train a Dog not to Bark

You will begin this video by learning about the different types of barks and what they mean. You will also learn how to pick up on the signs that your dog is about to go on a barking spree so you can prevent it before it happens. This video also has a neat little section about dealing with dogs who become aggressive on a leash.

Video 3: How to Train a dog not to Bite or Chew

If you are dealing with a young puppy who is mouthing, nipping or play biting you will find this video very useful. This Secrets to Dog Training video also shows you how to socialize your dog, deal with food possession and aggression, teething puppies and much more.

Video 4 & 5: Dog Aggression Training and More Dog Aggression Training :)

These SitStayFetch bonus videos have everything you need to know about how to train a dog not to be aggressive. Whether you have a puppy and want to prevent aggression before it starts or you have a problem dog that is already aggressive you will find these videos invaluable and I highly suggest you go for the premium package.

Video 6: In Field Training

Secrets to Dog Training’s final bonus video you will see some real training in action and a few other training techniques you can use to train your dog.

Okay this must be the longest post I have ever written in my entire life! If any of you have gone this far then you are probably seriously interested in learning how to train a dog. If you are go check out the Secrets to Dog Training site here.

Berto

How to Toilet Train a Dog

I’ve decided to write a short post about how to toilet train a dog because it’s a question I get asked all the time. If you haven’t already done so, please read my posts on the basics of potty training a dog and how to potty train a dog as it will have the info you are looking for.

If you are one of those people who got a young puppy then there is no excuse for you dog not to be toilet trained when they are older. If you have an older dog that is not yet toilet trained then just know that there is no such thing as “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. Here are some things to remember when toilet training your dog.

1. Don’t punish your puppy or dog for any mistakes. Just a simple know and taking her outside to finish her business is all you need. This is especially true if you don’t catch your puppy in the act. Even a simple “no” at that point is inappropriate as your dog will not understand what you are objecting to.

2. Consistency is the key to dog training but this is especially true when you are toilet training a dog. This just doesn’t go for you but rather for every member of the family. If you are doing on thing and another person is doing another then your dog will not know what’s right and what’s wrong. Consistency is something that every family member must have.

3. A crate cannot be stressed enough and will be discussed in later posts. A crate is an awesome tool when you are learning how to toilet train a dog. For the simplicity of this post, just take my word for it. Not only does the crate become your dog’s safe haven when your dog just wants to escape the busy life, it’s also a place where your dog will not want to mess and will learn to control their bladder.

Stay tuned for some more posts including crate training a dog which in turn will help you learn how to toilet train a dog.

Berto

How to Train a Dog to Stay

So you’re learning about how to train a dog and now you want to learn how to train a dog to stay. Let me start by saying that training a dog to stay involves the same general techniques used in most dog training methods. For this command to be effective, you’re dog should have already trained your dog to sit.

After your dog has understood the sit command, the next logical extension is the stay command. After all, if your dog only sits for a few seconds then there isn’t really much value.

Learning how to train a dog to stay may be difficult at first as it goes against what your dog is generally used to, that is follow you around everywhere and being close to their pack leader. This is why when training a dog to stay you should keep it very simple at first and only have your dog stay for a few seconds.

Before I get into the actual technique, I just want to discuss the handiness of training a dog to stay. It’s actually one of those commands that is very useful. For example, what if a visitor comes to your door and is a bit scared of your dog? There are many other examples and I’m sure you can think of some on your own.

How to Train a Dog to Stay

So let’s get started. When training a dog to stay you should first begin the training by making sure that your dog is calm and not overly excited. A good time to train a dog is after a walk. You should also begin the training in a familiar environment for your dog in order to keep distractions to a minimum. When learning how to train a dog, you should always begin the training in familiar environments and then you could move to other places once your dog understands the command.

Now for the actual training. Give your dog the sit command while standing directly in front of her. If your dog stays in that position give her lots of praise and a treat. This is the beginning and you introducing your dog to the stay command and she will begin to associate it staying with praise and treats. Once you give your dog the treat and lots of praise, it’s okay for her to get up so don’t worry.

After repeating the training a dog to stay exercise a few times you should lengthen the time between the stays and the rewards. At first this will only be 3-5 seconds but when training a dog how to stay you have to be patient and take it slow. Just remember that if your dog breaks the stays without you giving her the command she doesn’t get the treat.

Okay, so now your dog has a general understanding of the stay command but you haven’t yet introduced the verbal commands and the hand signal. Now, when learning how to train a dog to stay using verbal commands begin by getting your dog in a sit position and hold your hand palm open in front of your dog’s nose and give the “STAY” command. Again you should praise your dog for doing the right thing. This will further strengthen the association in your dog’s mind between the verbal command stay and the actual act of staying in the same spot.

Now that you have a general grasp of how to train a dog to stay it’s time to add a few variables. Up until now, you’ve probably only practiced this method in one area that is distraction free and you stood right in front of your dog while he stayed for a few seconds. Begin by only adding one variation at a time. When I was training my Boxer dog to stay, I began taking a few steps back after giving him the stay command but instead of calling my dog to come to me, I returned to my dog and gave him a treat for staying.

My next step in this dog training method is to increase the distraction. I began to do it in different rooms, in the backyard and outside. Of course once I did it outside, I used a long leash so be sure to do that too. The final part of my training was to increase the length of time my dog stayed and this will be the real measure of success. If your dog can only stay put for 5 seconds then what’s the point?

Another method I use to train a dog to stay is hide and seek. I basically put my dog in the sit and stay position and then run and hide. Then I call out for my dog and he runs to find me. Remember that games are really a great way to train a dog and should be used along with treats and praise to have optimal success.

One final thing I would like to point out is you should never keep your dog in the sit and stay position for more then 2 minutes. If you want a dog to stay for a long period you should have them lay down and not sit.

How to Train a Dog to Stay – Simple Step by Step

1. Have your dog sit down in front of you

2. Place your hand in front of your dog’s nose with your palm open and give your dog the
“stay” command.

3. If your dog stays give the good command right away.

4. Wait for a few seconds and then give her the release command and then praise your dog enthusiastically and give her a treat.

5. At the beginning, your dog may only stay for a second or two and you should still reward her. Gradually increase the length of time your dog stays in the stay position.

6. After you see that your dog understand the stay command, begin taking a few steps back before giving the release command.

I hope you learned how to train a dog to stay and stay tuned for some more great posts.

Berto

How to Train a Dog to Come

Learning how to train a dog to come is actually a simple task. Just remember, the tone of voice you use will play a big factor in training a dog to come. Learning how to train a dog to come when called will serve as a basis for numerous other training commands and this is why you should teach it to your dog as soon as possible.

Training a dog to come is often referred to as recall so keep that in mind when reading this post. In my opinion this is one command that you should make sure you’ve mastered. After all, you want your dog to come when called no matter what the distraction. But in order for you to learn about the recall command let me first touch on some dog psychology 101.

Many people start off by letting their dog do what ever they want off leash (whether it be fenced area or not). You maybe in a dog park, on a beach or doing another fun activity. Here is when the mistake happens. Your dog is having fun which doesn’t include you and then you call her to come. When your dog obeys, most owners will put the leash on their dog and head home. What many people don’t understand is that they are inadvertently teaching their dog that the fun is over when they are called to come. Your dog will pick up on this rather quickly and will begin to delay coming each time they are called.

Do you see what’s happening? Instead of learning how to train a dog to come you are indirectly teaching your dog that coming to you is a bad thing. What ends up happening is that you have to call your dog a gazillion times before he comes and your pet begins to understand that prolonging the time he will take to come will increase the length of time he is going to have fun. What is really happening in this situation is your dog learning that he is self rewarded for not coming to you when he is called because if he comes then the fun stops.

Another outcome in this situation is that you punish your dog for taking a long time to come when called. In this case you are further reinforcing the undesired behavior of not coming when called.

How to Train a Dog to Come

Okay now that you know what not to do if you want to train your dog to come, its time lo learn what you should do. In order for this training to be successful you need to have a motivator for your dog to come. Wait until your dog is hungry and is ready to eat. Wait until its your dog scheduled meal time and take a few kibbles in your hand and wave in front of your dog’s nose and then give it to them, Now that you have their attention take a few steps back and give your dog the “come” command while holding the food at your dog’s nose level. When you’re dog starts to come praise her enthusiastically and give her the food as soon as she comes to you.

You should repeat this exercise a few times before every meal time. If at any time your dog begins to lose interest you should stop the training immediately. You may even want to skip the meal all together. Don’t worry your dog won’t starve and remember if she was really hungry she would have been still motivated to come every time you took a few steps back.

After your dog has began to pick up on the come exercise you can take the “how to train a dog to come”: to the next step. What you want to do here is basically repeat the same steps as above (holding the food and taking a few steps back). Only this time you will should get your dog on a “sit” position and grab a hold of her collar.

Once your dog begins to respond regularly to the “come” command you can begin to lesson the food portions that your give your dog when he is called to come. A good way when you are training a dog to come in the later stages is to only give a food reward when your dog comes quickly and happily. You can even begin to give your dog some tasty treats instead of his own food (at a different time than meal time) to further reinforce the behavior.

How to Train a Dog to Come – Step by Step

I know this was a long post so I though I’d put it into a small step-by-step process for all you people that like order :)

1. This exercise should be first attempted in the house with minimal distraction.

2. When its meal time, hold some of your dog’s food in you hand and give your dog just a bit.

3. Immediately after your dog takes the food take a few steps back and then call your dog to come. You may want to do this by name (ie. Sparky, Come)

4. When your dog approaches you praise him and give him the treat as soon as he comes to you.

5. Continue to increase the distance you take back before calling your dog and attempt the exercise in different rooms and also outside.

There is one more thing I wanna mention when it comes to learning how to train a dog to come. The people who paid attention to this post would have probably noticed that we are still left with the original issue of your dog learning not to come to your when called because the fun stops. In this case you have to train a dog to come using what is known as distraction training. When you dog is doing something fun like having some nice outdoor exercise you want to show your dog that when she comes she will be rewarded and then allowed to play again. By continually doing this your dog will begin to learn that coming when called is not such a bad thing.

Wooof… long post. Well I think I rambled long enough on how to train a dog to come but I hope you enjoyed and learned something from it.

Berto

How to Train a Dog to Stop Jumping

So I was just browsing the net today trying to see what people are concerned about when it comes to their dogs and noticed that a ton of people want to know how to train a dog to stop jumping. Here is what people were exactly writing all over the net:

How to stop a dog from jumping?
How do you stop my dog from jumping?
How to keep a dog from jumping?

Okay, so I think you get the point! While many people are flattered when they receive an enthusiastic greeting from their dog, too much enthusiasm that results in your dog jumping on you can be a bit too much. As an owner you may be able to put up with it, even if it annoys you, but what about friends and family that may come and visit? Will they like your dog to jump all over them? And what about if they have young children in the house? These are just some of the reason why you may want to learn how to train a dog to stop jumping.

There are two ways to help keep a dog from jumping on people. One is known as the ignore method while the other is a plain prevention (or stop) method. I’ll start with the ignore method.

How to Train a Dog to Stop Jumping

The Ignore Method

This method is rather simple yet effective. When your dog begins to jump, just turn your back to the dog. When the dog’s back paws are on your back ignore your dog completely. If your dog stops and tries to come to the front to jump again, do the same thing; simply turn your back to your dog while he is jumping.

In the early stages of this method, your dog will eventually stop and may be even sit or stand still. She may even just begin to leave. As soon as your dog one of these behaviors you should immediately give your full attention to your dog and praise him and even give him a treat.

In some instances, especially in the beginning of the stop your dog from jumping routine, your dog may begin jumping again once you give her some attention again. If this does happen then you should again begin to ignore your dog and turn your back when necessary.

The reason this method of dog training is so effective is because you are not giving your dog any attention (even negative) when he starts jumping on you. By ignoring your dog, you are teaching him that jumping on you does not get him any kind of attention.

How to Train a Dog to Stop Jumping


The Stop Method

The Stop Method is also another dog training technique that will help keep a dog from jumping on you. Every time your dog begins to jump on you, gently push your hand downward against their face towards the ground. Be repeatedly doing this your dog will eventually stop jumping as they will not be happy with your reaction. I understand that many people will not prefer this method and to be honest I don’t use it either. I prefer the Ignore Method when I was training my Boxer dog not to jump up on me.

How to Train a Dog to Stop Jumping

The Sit Method

The Sit Method is another way you can train your dog not to jump. If you haven’t already done so please visit my post on how to train a dog to sit. Please keep in mind that for you to be able to keep your dog from jumping using this Sit Method, your dog must have mastered the “sit”. If they haven’t then this technique probably won’t be effective.

The idea here is to stop your dog from jumping before he even does so. What you are really doing is replacing a behavior (in this case jumping), with another desired behavior (sitting). When you think that your dog is about to jump up on you, when you come home for example, give your dog the “sit” command. It is important that you do this before your dog even begins to jump or it won’t be effective.

If your dog does site then give her lots of praise so she know that sitting when you come home will get her lots of praise and attention If you give your dog the sit command but she ignores you and starts to jump, then simply revert to one of the other methods like the Ignore Method.

So are just a few of the more popular methods that will help you keep a dog from jumping. I personally recommend the Ignore method as I find it to be the most effective. If you follow the methods above you will see that learning how to train a dog to stop jumping is rather easier than it sounds.

Berto