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10 Best Dog Training Tools for New Dog Owners

Thu, 23 Feb 12 01:00:00 +0000

Now that you've decided to adopt a new puppy, or adult doggy, it's time to start thinking about the things you'll need to help you start training. But where do you even begin? Just walk into any pet store and you can find yourself overwhelmed. There are so many different kinds of leashes, collars, dog foods, not to mention isles of toys.

Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it seems! You'll just need a few essential items to begin with. Check out our list of the 10 best dog training tools for new dog owners to guide you through the process.

Treats - Treats are vital for training and serve as a reward. Make sure you choose a flavor that your dog really loves as it makes it even more effective. You'll also want to read the ingredient list to make sure they don't contain any soy, corn, wheat, or artificial colors/flavors.

Dental Chews - Dental chews are nice treats for your puppy or grown up dog. It helps satisfy their need to chew, keeps their teeth clean and their breath fresh. They often contain antioxidants and other nutrients that your pup needs.

Chew Toys - Chew toys are so useful for puppies that are going through their chewing phase. You may find yourself going through quite a few of them before he gets out of this stage. Try and purchase one that's heavy duty, so you can save yourself some money. Some of those heavy duty ones have holes in the bottom so you can stuff them with treats. This will help encourage them to chew on the toy as if rewards a really yummy treat!

Chew Deterrent Spray - If you've just adopted a new puppy, you'll want to be prepared for their chewing stage. Sprays, like Grannick's Bitter Apple, will deter them from chewing on inappropriate items. They are safe for furnishings, including wood. They're also safe to spray on your pup to stop them from chewing, gnawing or licking themselves. These would be especially useful if they have an injury, or engage in OCD behaviors that can cause them to chew themselves raw.

A Pooper Scooper - When you adopt your new furry friend, one of the first things that should be on your list is a pooper scooper! They make cleaning up after your dog so much cleaner and easier. Nobody likes to do it, but it's a necessity and, in some places, the law. Unless you prefer to have a yard full of 'you know what', you'll need one.

Waste Bags - Waste bags are also an essential. You can use them with your pooper scooper, or on their own. Either way, you'll have a nice clean yard!

Stain and Odor Remover - It's inevitable that your dog will have an accident or two in the house. There will also be occasions where their tummy's might get upset and make a mess on your carpet. Hiring a carpet cleaner each time one of these things happen can become costly and unrealistic. A good stain and odor remover can be a life saver! Many of these products also work well for food, blood, grease, dirt, smoke and even perspiration stains. Definitely something you always want to have on hand!

Harnesses - One of the first things you'll teach your dog is leash manners. A harness will gently discourage your dog from pulling while out on the leash. If you are the owner of a bigger dog, you're well aware of how powerful their tugs can be! Look for harnesses that have a front-chest attachment. They will tighten across the dog's chest and shoulders whenever they pull. Don't worry, it's a gentle, but firm grip, so your pup will experience no pain.

Leashes - If you prefer not to have a harness, or your dog no longer pulls, you'll need a leash. The retractable leashes give your dog some freedom while your on your daily walks. My dog likes to smell around bushes, so this gives her the freedom to do so without my having to follow her into them. Retractables come with a "brake" button to restrict the line when needed as well.

Walk Through Gates - Gates are wonderful tools for training, especially for puppies. They teach your pup boundaries by keeping them from going into unwanted places. The walk through gates allow you to easily move in and out of the space without having to hop around. One of the great things about investing in one of these gates is that they can also be used to keep children out of unwanted places, giving it multiple uses.

Dog Barking Solutions: Why Do Dogs Bark in the First Place?

Tue, 21 Feb 12 18:38:34 +0000

Nothing reminds me more of summertime, barbeques and American suburbia than the quintessential sound of a barking dog. I'm sure that most people don't share my sentiment, but for me it invokes this strange feeling of comfort and care-free laziness. This goes to show that not all barking is bad. In fact, sometimes it's a great thing that our furry companions can alert us to things we really need to give our attention to.

Remember that dogs are very social and, therefore, can be vocal about things they want to communicate to their "pack." Unless you are the proud owner of a Basenji dog, which does not bark in the traditional sense, you're going to have moments where your pup will speak their mind. There may be times when you find yourself scratching your head, wondering what on Earth her problem is. Dogs have an amazing sense of hearing (as you already know) and might be able to pick up on the things that you can't. It helps to have an understanding of what different barks and/or body language means.

Why Do Dogs Bark?

Warning/Alert: This is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you hear your dog bark. Who's at the door? Is someone trying to get into the house? Dogs are awesome protectors and will often alert you if there is a stranger in the yard or near the windows. Barks intended to alert are usually continuous and rapid. Warning barks are a little more low pitched and are meant to warn others that the intruder is close. Be on your guard!

Boredom/Anxiety: This is common in dogs that have separation anxiety. The act of barking is actually soothing to some pups. Another reason why dogs bark, or whine is because they are bored. Even if you are at home, if you're not giving her any attention she will eventually get bored and lonely. Wouldn't you? This kind of bark is usually persistent and goes on for long periods of time. They'll usually whine along with the barking.

Communication with Other Dogs: If another dog is fussing about something, your dog may want to respond. She might be sick of hearing it, or maybe she has something to say back. Either way, she is under the impression that she's communicating with the other dog. Before you know it, all the dogs on the block are barking!

Excitement: Dogs will often bark while playing with either people or other dogs. They're just letting you know that either they want to play or are having a great time doing so.

Attention: Some dogs will start barking if you don't give them attention right away. She's trying to tell you,"Hello! I'm here! Please pay attention to me!"

Pain: If your pup is yelping continuously, she may be trying to tell you she's hurting. If you're unaware of any injury, be sure to give her your immediate attention and take care of whatever is ailing her.

Dog Barking Solutions

Try to remember that not all barking can be stopped. It's completely natural and you wouldn't want your dog to be afraid to open its mouth would you? For those moments where barking is not necessary, there are some things you can do quiet her down.

First, you should try to decipher what the problem is. Is your dog lonely, or full of pent up energy? If she's barking persistently for long periods of time, this might be the case – especially if she's whining as well. Chances are she needs some more exercise. Most dogs need around an hour of exercise a day. If you're having trouble fitting in this time, try waking up earlier and taking her for a 20 minute walk. You may consider hiring a dog walker if this is impossible.

If she's barking for any other reason, you may try making a loud noise, such as clapping, to grab her attention. Once you have it, try practicing basic commands like sit, or lay. This will keep her attention away from what was agitating her and focus on a rewarding activity. Having treats on hand will really reinforce this.

If you're looking for a short term fix, you may want to try this tip from Dog Training Secrets. First, give her a moment to bark and express herself. If she doesn't calm down on her own, clasp her muzzle gently, but firmly with your hand. You're not trying to hurt her, and this is completely humane. She will probably try to shake you off, but stand your ground. This will stop the barking, as she can't physically do this with her mouth shut, and reinforce your authority. Hold onto her muzzle until she's stopped trying to get free and once she has been calm for a moment or two, let her go and praise her.

Teaching your dog the Speak and Quiet commands may really help you stop the barking when needed.

I'm not a huge fan of the dog barking collars. Some owners swear by them, but since I have such a small dog I feel it borders on inhumane. An alternative might be to try a Citronella Anti-Bark Dog Collar. These devices are similar to the no bark collars, but rather than shocking the dog, they spray a burst of citronella whenever they misbehave. The citronella is completely harmless and painless.

Try to remember that dogs are just going to bark sometimes! You certainly want her to voice her concern if there's an intruder, right? Working with her and helping her understand when it's time to stop barking is key. A little patience and time will render you a well behaved, and quiet pup.

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Thu, 09 Feb 12 02:30:27 +0000

One of the most common and disheartening problems that dogs develop is separation anxiety. This is more of an anxiety disorder where the dog is left in a state of intense panic that is brought on by separation from their owner(s). To put it into perspective, if your dog is suffering from this disorder they will fall into a state of nervous anxiety each time you leave the house.

Part of this is because dogs are naturally social animals and need lots of interaction to keep them content and happy. While no dog likes to be left alone for long periods of time, some have an even harder time. These are the ones most likely to develop separation anxiety.

Factors that Cause Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Breed – Certain breeds are predisposed toward anxiety or insecurity. This is definitely something you want to consider when you decide which breed of dog you're going to go for. This becomes especially true if you're going to be gone for long periods of time.

Weimaraners, Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds, and Airedales are some of the breeds that are prone to separation anxiety.

Abandonment - It's also important to note that a good portion of dogs from shelters develop separation anxiety. This is because they've experienced significant trauma in their lives. After all, they've been abandoned by their previous owners, so they have very little trust that their new owner (which is you) will not do the same.

Early Separation – A dog who has been separated from its mother or siblings too early are especially prone to separation anxiety. Puppies sold in pet stores are usually a good example of this because they're taken from their mothers well before 8 weeks, which is far too early. Couple this with the confinement of a small, glass box for long stretches of time and you have a recipe for insecurity. This is certainly psychologically traumatic for a dog.

Neglect – The number one reason for separation anxiety is neglect. This includes spending more time away from your dog than with them. Remember your dog needs affection, company and attention in order to be happy. This is really no different from humans.

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety

The symptoms of dog separation anxiety are pretty easy to identify. At some point your dog will learn to tell when you're about to leave – she may hear the keys jingle, or see you putting on your jacket. This will usually make them anxious. They may follow you around from room to room, whine, tremble or cry. Some may even become aggressive in an attempt to stop you from leaving.

After you have left, the anxiety will rapidly get worse and will generally peak within 30 minutes. She will probably bark incessantly, chew on inappropriate items, scratch or dig at windows/doors. Some dogs have accidents inside the home. In extreme cases, dogs will self-mutilate by licking or chewing their skin until it becomes raw, pull out their fur or engage in obsessive-compulsive behaviors like spinning or tail chasing.

When You Return

When you finally return, they may be excessively excited. They may leap around you in a frenzy or delight in your presence for an extended period of time (more than 30 seconds to one minute). Often times owners will be unaware of the fact that this behavior could actually be the effect of a psychological disorder and encourage the dog to get worked up upon their arrival. It may seem harmless to shower your dog with affection when they are purely delighted to see you, but you may actually be encouraging her anxiety. Remember that when it comes time for you to leave again, her over excitement at your presence will only add to her disappointment when you are gone.

Minimizing the Anxiety

Thankfully, there are some things that you can do to minimize your dogs anxiety.

Exercise your dog regularly and make sure to do it well. Wear her out! The longer you expect to be gone, the more exercise she should get. Try giving her a vigorous walk (15-20 minutes minimum) before you head off to work. The more time you can spend, the better.

Make sure she has lots of things to distract her from boredom, loneliness and anxiety. Because all dogs love to chew on things, try giving her a couple marrowbones. You can find them at your local butcher. Bake them for 20 minutes to ensure they get crunchy and to prevent her from getting marrow all over the place. Slice them up into chunks a few inches long. Give her one 15 minutes before you head out the door. This will keep her happy and occupied.

You may also try leaving a radio on while you are gone to soothe her. Classical music and talk radio shows are great for this! There's no need to blast the radio, they just need to feel as though they have some company.

It may also help to supply her with a nice view. If she can see the world outside the window, it's the next best thing to being out there.

Get her used to your departure. Take things slow and practice getting ready to leave. Jingle your keys around, put on your jacket and then open the door. Rather than actually leaving, sit back down and don't go anywhere. Keep trying this until she no longer has a reaction to your routine. When she fails to react, immediately praise her and reward her with a treat. The next step is to practice actually walking out the door (and returning immediately) until she no longer reacts to that. Take things slowly and work your way up to being able to leave the house without any signs of stress from her.

Try not to overreact to her crying, or be overly sympathetic. While this may sound cruel, by bathing her in affection you're actually validating her concerns. Don't let her know that you feel sorry for leaving. Avoid saying, "It's Okay, good girl."

If you're interested in getting a more detailed look at how to deal with your dog's separation anxiety, you might like to check out Secrets to Dog Training. It's a great learning tool for anyone who wants to learn how to constructively deal with their dog's problem behaviors. All of the common behavioral problems are dealt with in detail, and there's a great section on obedience commands and tricks too.

How to Stop a Dog From Chewing

Mon, 06 Feb 12 00:27:10 +0000

Whether or not a dog engages in destructive chewing behaviors is really a matter of individual preference. There are some dogs who have this innate desire to chew out of sheer pleasure, while others have no need whatsoever unless they are driven by mere boredom.

When you hear the phrase "destructive chewing" you may find it to be a bit redundant. After all, isn't all chewing destructive? A dog has strong jaws with sharp teeth. Anything they decide to munch on will no doubt show signs of destruction. So, really when I use the phrase "destructive chewing," what I really mean is inappropriate chewing. This is the kind that focuses on your possessions and household items rather than their toys or bones. If you're dog is exhibiting these behaviors, you most definitely have dog chewing problems.

The Three Reasons Dogs Chew

Pleasure - Dogs naturally have the desire to chew. Not only is it fun, but it can be rewarding if they're chewing on something that tastes particularly good.
Comfort – A dog who is nervous, bored or even lonely may use chewing as an outlet for their emotions. The repetition from chewing is soothing to them, just like comfort food soothes humans.
Boredom – A dog who isn't exercised enough will use chewing as a way to burn nervous energy. It gives them something to do.

How to Stop a Dog From Chewing

You can most certainly teach your dog not to chew on your things. All you need to do is put in some good old fashioned effort.

Dog Proof Your Home – You should begin by dog proofing your home. What does this mean? It's rather simple. Gather all the things you don't want to wind up in your dog's mouth, and make it inaccessible to them. Put them in a closet, in high places, drawers, etc. Make sure you consider the size of your dog and their agility. Will she be able to reach the item while on her hind legs? Can your dog climb, or jump to the object?

Some common objects that dogs like to chew on are books, glasses, clothes, shoes, garbage bags, cameras, cell phones and even remote controls. Of course any kind of food should be put away. Counter tops may not even be a safe place if your dog is a jumper. Containers are the best way to go.
Prevention – If you can prevent your dog from chewing things in the first place, it will make things much easier. The more times she can get a hold of a chair leg, or shoe to chew on, the harder it will be to stop her behavior. Realistically, this would mean confining her to a dog-proofed area of the home until you are sure she understands the rules.
Make the Boundaries Clear – Don't give your dog an old shoe to chew on, or t-shirt to pull apart. The truth is, she won't be able to differentiate between an old shoe, and the nice new pair in your closet. This will only set her up for failure and/or confusion.
Toys, Toys, Toys – Make sure you have lots of appropriate chewing objects around. If your dog's environment is void of fun, attractive toys she'll undoubtedly target your possessions. Keep in mind the need to chew is natural, especially if they're an adolescent (under 3 years) or a puppy (under 1 year). Try buying a good amount and giving her 3 toys at a time. Rotate them around and it will keep things interesting for her.
Actively Supervise – While it may seem easier to keep her penned up in a crate, or in the yard, it is not only boring and detrimental to your dog, but also for yourself. You want to interact with your dog, right? She'll only be able to learn if you spend time with her and allow her to explore boundaries. If she crosses a boundary, you can correct her behavior and she will in turn learn not to do that in the future. If she stays locked up, she'll never get the chance to make mistakes.
Catch Them in the Act - If you catch her chewing something inappropriate, interrupt her by making a loud, unpleasant noise. You can clap your hands, or tell her firmly "No!" Immediately after the noise, be sure to give her an appropriate alternative (rawhide, chew toy). Once she starts chewing on the appropriate object, praise her. She will begin to equate chewing her own toys with praise from you. Anything else would mean trouble, or loud noises.

Be Positive

Remember to stay positive and keep realistic expectations. Both you and your dog have imperfections and there may be an incident or two where one of your prized possessions will be damaged. In the early stages she'll still be learning the ropes and it will take some time before she fully understands all of the house rules. Give her time to learn the rules and be sure to devote some of your own time to help her learn. Keep things out of her reach and it will make things go much smoother.

To find out more information on dog training methods and how you can deal with problematic dog behaviors (like chewing), be sure to check out Secrets to Dog Training. This is a complete manual for dog owners and is designed to speed up your dog's learning.

Click Here to Visit Secrets to Dog Training

Learn the Secrets to Dog Training - Stop Bad Doggy Behavior!

Tue, 31 Jan 12 01:02:54 +0000

The Secrets to Dog Training program offers a highly detailed and in-depth look at how a dog owner can cope with and prevent common problem behaviors that dogs often pick up. I came across the program because I, myself, am the owner of a rather troublesome pup myself. You name it, she did it. Barking at any and everything, digging, chewing, jumping up on guests – she loved all of these behaviors.

What came as a nice surprise was the reliability of the information. I'm serious - this one's a whole new kettle of fish. What makes it reliable is the fact that it was written by a veteran dog trainer, so you can rest assure that the knowledge, tips and advice included are tried and true. They come from Stevens' first hand experiences as a professional dog trainer.

What You'll Find Inside

The Secrets to Dog Training guide is pretty extensive and covers just about anything you'll need. They don't just stick to problem behaviors. They also give advice to new owners - like breed information, how to choose the right dog, dog proofing your home, how to deal with the first vet visit and, of course, housebreaking. From there the author moves on to more advanced things like behavioral problems (such as aggression, dominance, chewing, digging, excessive barking, separation anxiety, etc.), intermediate-level obedience commands, health-related dog problems (allergies, cat/dog coexistence, fleas, heatstroke, and so on), and advanced commands and tricks. This is something that you can use at all stages of your training experience.

There's also a 30-minute downloadable video that's easy to follow and to the point. It also demonstrates real examples of bad do behavior along with real solutions and the proper way to change them. You'll also learn about a dog's mission to become the alpha dog and steps you can take to prevent this. The basics of obedience training, housebreaking right through to leash pulling are so easy that you can start implementing them right away.

Now Here's The Good Stuff

Additionally, there's a rather impressive section on dog whispering. What exactly is “dog whispering”? It sounds a bit out there! This is actually a method of dog training based on a philosophy of clear communication and mutual respect. This has been popularized recently by Cesar Millan (“The Dog Whisperer”). Dog whispering is becoming increasingly well-known as an alternative and humane method for disciplining and training your dog. There's an entire section inside Secrets to Dog Training dedicated to dog whispering. Daniel Stevens gives details on the the origins of this techniques and how you can use your voice and body language to your advantage. With this technique you can calmly, assertively, and effectively correct and train your dog. There's a step-by-step guide included for basic commands (come, sit, down, quiet, stay etc).

How About Some Freebies?!

Free? That's totally for me! Most packages have them these days, but they're usually pretty disappointing. The freebies included with this book are actually useful and there's quite a few of them to boot.

The guide itself costs $39.95. I'd say that's a fair price tag, especially when you consider the costs of obedience classes, gas, etc. You don't even have to leave the house for this one. At this price, you get a complete and detailed manual on training your dog, preventing and handling behavioral problems, and a lot of general-knowledge tips and advice.

You'll also get a handful of practical freebies, which include four (that's right four!) bonus books. One discusses advanced house-training how-to's and troubleshooting (this includes both the crate and paper training methods) another includes a detailed study on resolving canine aggression. There's even a book on how to properly groom your dog (coat care for specific breeds, caring for their teeth, and how to cut your dog's nails). And finally, there's a neat book on how to begin training your dog for security work.

Like I said earlier, there is a great, bonus 30-minute downloadable video with a straight forward approach to practical solutions for dog obedience problems.

Of course I can't forget another really useful freebie: a personalized consultation with a member of the Kingdom of Pets team. Do you have an issue with your dog that you'd really like some individual attention on? You can simply send them a quick e-mail and in turn you'll receive a personalized, thorough response filled with expert advice and practical tips.