Do you realize that dogs often look for cues from you to see what they should do? For instance, if you don’t seem like a confident leader, they may not be inclined to follow your commands. Some dogs need a little extra training to learn how to pay attention to their trainer when they are starting off. And positive training always has the longest lasting results, so the faster your dog learns to pay attention, the happier you’ll both be with your dog obedience training. Check out the short video below to get some quick tips on cues you may or may not be giving your dog.
Teaching a puppy not to snatch food away from people can be one of the most important things they learn! Especially if you want to use treats to reinforce good behavior in your dog, it’s best that they know how to get a treat without snapping your fingers.
One of the best and easiest commands to teach your dog is “Sit.” Until your dog is fully trained, the “Sit” command can be used to help avoid things like puppy jumping on people, straining on the leash when you’re stopped, and many other things. It’s the first thing I teach my dogs, and while they may not do it perfectly all the time when they’re very young, if you use positive training techniques it an be used to help get their attention and then to learn a wider variety of commands. One of my favorite trainers has this great video on teaching puppy how to sit.
If you’re a dog owner who is considering a move to an apartment there are certain things you must be keep in mind. First, whether or not your pet will be accepted by most landlords may depend on the breed, size and personality of your pet. Sometimes a landlords insurance will prohibit them from having certain breeds on their property. It’s much more common to run into weight restrictions, though, and many apartments will have a weight limit of around 25 pounds.
If you own a large dog, you may have better luck renting a single family home from an individual. A more involved landlord is usually ore willing to rent to someone who has a larger dog, plus, you can have the added benefit of your own yard if you have an energetic large dog. While some large dog breeds seem to be very calm and laid back, some are pretty active and just will not get enough activity if they are confined to an apartment.
If you do plan to move to an apartment, make sure your dog can adapt to this type of environment. If your dog barks or whines a lot you may well find yourself at odds with the landlord, as well as with other tenants. Your dog may only make noise because he’s lonely or bored, but may also bark at strangers that he hears nearby until he gets used to the new people all around him. If you’re gone during the day, you can sometimes alleviate these problems by hiring a pet walker to come in and give your dog some extra attention and exercise.
You must also keep in mind that most apartment complexes have leash laws, so you will have to leash walk dog each time it goes outside. Since most complexes don’t have areas where it’s safe for your dog to run free, this is as much a matter of your dog’s safety as it the protection of other tenants. ANd most apartment complexes also require that you clean up after your dog immediately.
Landlords who do accept pets often require a pet deposit. This is intended to cover any damage your dog or cat does to the premises, as well as additional cleaning that may be necessary when you leave the apartment.
If you’re searching for apartments that accept pets, there are many places to go for help. You’ll find lots of websites and message boards dedicated to this subject. You can also enlist the help of a local realtor or relocation specialist who usually have lists of “pet-friendly” apartments. Just make sure you’re clear on the policy regarding pets before you sign any rental agreement.
If you take into account your pet’s needs, as well as your landlord’s rules, you’ll be much more likely to find a rental that meets your needs.
Before you go out and buy a dog there are a lot of things to consider. Is the garden big enough? Is there always someone around to take it for walks? Are you going to take it on holiday with you, or put it in kennels? A happy dog can give you years of happiness. Dogs can be expensive to keep, injections when they’re puppies, then a booster every year. If you’re not going to breed from your dog, neutering it is also expensive. Don’t overfeed your dog with scraps, cheese, chocolate and milk isn’t good for your dog. If you take your dog out in the car, always keep a window slightly open; take a bowl and plenty of water with you, especially if it’s hot.
Before you get a dog, there’s actually a lot of things you should consider. First, do you have a yard for it, or will you have to leash walk your dog for him to get some exercise? Will your schedule allow for enough walks and exercise? Will you take your dog on vacation with you? Can you afford vaccinations and other vet care?
And one of the most important factors in owning a dog: Do you have the time and dedication to put into training? Just like parents and children, dog owners love to show off well behaved dogs. And a few tricks like giving high fives or dancing for treats are usually considered cute bonuses. On the other hand, an untrained dog can make both your life and the dog’s life a nightmare.
Imagine this: your mother comes over with your small niece…and your 105 pound Labrador tries to jump up on this small child! Now, he’s not being mean – just interested and happy to see a new person! The problem, though, is a large dog like this can unintentionally hurt an adult by jumping up on them. If a large dog gets overly exuberant with small children, kids can be hurt simply because of the size of the dog, especially if they get knocked down. And if you’re having guests for dinner, or trying to sell your home…well, you get the idea.
Now imagine the same dog, who is well behaved and does basic things like “Sit” on command. That kind of dog is a true joy to be around. With the proper training, a dog can be welcomed just about anywhere. That’s the kind of dog that becomes a true family member. The kind of dog that can be around children and guests without being mortified at their bad behavior.
