Posts Tagged: Dog Training
Dogs Like to Work! Your Dog Wants to Earn Their Treat
Do you enjoy giving your pup a treat now and then – or more often? Treating the ones we love makes us feel good, but did you know your dog may get more satisfaction from having to work a bit to earn that treat? It’s true!
Many of us have experienced the satisfaction and pleasure of figuring out a difficult problem and reaping the reward of our hard work. It turns out that dogs are no different. A dog that earns treats also receives satisfaction from learning and earning their rewards.
Basic Commands Every Well-Behaved Dog Should Know
In a perfect world, our clever canines would innately understand what we want them to do and respond accordingly. However, training and socialization are crucial tasks to be undertaken during puppyhood and reinforced throughout your dog’s life.
Having an understanding of basic commands and the rules of the home (and the world) can keep your dog safe and makes him or her more enjoyable. Teaching your dog basic commands can also help prevent an accident or tragedy from befalling your fur friend. Continue…
Why Scoop the Poop? More Than a Matter of Cleanliness
It seems dog parks, community parks, and sidewalks can be dangerously rife with dog poo. We have to shake our heads and wonder why some owners just can’t seem to scoop the poop. Aside from the disgusting experience of stepping in a fresh pile, there are numerous health reasons for cleaning up after our pets.
Health Reasons for Cleaning Up Pet Waste
Although the task is a stinky one, cleaning up after a pet is a necessary part of being a responsible pet owner. It also helps minimize the spread of illnesses and parasites, some of which can be transmitted to humans as well (i.e., zoonotic). Continue…
New Tricks: How Dog Training Increases Health and Happiness
We all have at least one “bad dog” story to share at parties or around the water cooler. True, the behaviors of some dogs may drive you absolutely bonkers. From incessant barking at the resident backyard squirrel, to gnawing open the cushions of a brand new leather sectional, have you reached the point of… bewildered frustration?
This critical mass may lead you to finally consider training your dog, and we applaud your decision. After all, dog training is a fantastic common denominator for the ultimate in dog health and happiness (not to mention preserving your sanity!). Continue…
Crate Expectations
First, let’s dispel with the common crate training myths right away; crates are not cruel, and are not a punishment. Instead, crates are modern dens for modern dogs. And, as most of us know, it is inherent to a dog’s nature to live in dens.
There are a lot of great reasons to encourage crate training. Most importantly, perhaps, is that a properly crate-trained dog is a happy and confident dog. The crate can be your pup’s happy place, ideal for bone chewing, comfort, and security. Not only is the crate a safe way to travel, but a safe place to be out of the way, too. Continue…