Pet Articles

Easy to Teach Pet Behavior Lessons

There is nothing worse than coming home and realizing your dog has destroyed yet another pair of your favorite shoes. Your feel like you are at your wit’s end with this dog. But do not give up on Fido just yet. There is hope.

The first step in teaching a dog behavior lessons is to remember who is in charge. A dog is naturally programmed to listen and obey a leader or master. If you do not provide him with knowledge that you are the master or leader, he will try to take over. In order to show him that you are the master, do not let your dog tug on the leash. If you are going for a walk, make the dog sit quietly before you put the leash on him or her. Never allow your dog to bite anyone. Whenever you enter a room, be sure to walk through a doorway before the dog does. Once your dog sees you as a strong leader, he will quickly learn to respect you. Along with respect will come the desire to want to please you.

Next, train your dog daily. Like humans, the more your dog practices a new behavior, the quicker he or she will learn it. Try working with your dog around 15 minutes a day. Stick with one area of learning for approximately a month. Most dogs are born with a need to work. Therefore, if you don’t give your dog something to work at, he will quickly become bored. A bored dog will eventually get himself into trouble.

When teaching your dog obedience, give him praise and treats. Whenever your dog acts in an appropriate manner, it is important that you praise him and let him know he has done something right.

Never yell or hit your dog. Kicking and hitting a dog has the same effect that it does on a child or spouse. It will quickly ruin your relationship and break down any trust your dog has with you. No matter how upset you become with your dog, it is important that you never hit him. Yelling at your dog stresses him out, which, in turn, can make the behavioral problems even worse.

Appropriate medical care is crucial for your dog. Be sure to get him regular checkups with your veterinarian. By taking him to the vet annually, you are helping to keep him healthy and free of diseases. It is important to see the same vet when you go. By seeing the same vet regularly, he is able to monitor your dog closely and can take note of any possible problems.

Dogs are naturally quick learners. So the next time you come home and your favorite pair of shoes has been gnawed on, remember there is hope. There are some simple steps you can do right in the comfort of your own home to change your dog's behavior for the better.

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Looking to Shed a Few Pounds? Have Your Pet Help You!

It is that time of year of again. It is the time of year when people make resolutions to lose weight and become more fit. If you are looking to get in shape, why not consider making your dog a part of your exercise routine. Yes, your dog. If you begin an exercise regimen with your dog, your best friend will not let you become a slacker and both of you can benefit greatly.

Dogs have a natural love of running. For many dogs, a great day is that of fetching balls, chasing squirrels, romping with other dogs or running along side their owners. For a dog, this is the life. They have nothing more important to do than run around outside.

Humans, on the other hand, tend to have good intentions to get off the couch and go jogging or walking. However, humans have so many other distractions that keep us from making that commitment. Whether our favorite show is on television or it is too cold or you need to catch up on your emails, there always seems to be something more pressing to do. Often, we try to find excuses not to get off the couch and exercise. This is where your loyal best friend comes into play.

By simply resolving to take your dog on regular walks, you are inadvertently making your dog in charge of your exercise regimen. Whenever you think you will skip exercising, you will have your faithful friend to answer to. Your dog will quickly remind you that you need to go out for a walk. That hysterically wagging tail and those deep brown eyes will be hard to turn down. If that doesn’t get you off the couch, he will begin running back and forth from the door to you, turning around in circles, whining and he may even bring you his leash. Your dog will do whatever it takes to get you to take him outside. You will find it hard to let your dog down.

Thankfully, taking a walk with your dog for your exercise is not labor intensive. Therefore, you are more likely to do it and less likely to try to avoid it. Who knows, you might even enjoy yourself. More than likely, your dog’s enthusiasm will transfer to you. This will also be a great chance to get to know your pooch better while enjoying your time with him.

By walking with your dog, your focus will remain on him and not your discomfort or fatigue. Walking your dog will also give you the opportunity to interact with others who are also out walking their dogs. Before long, you should find that you are wearing smaller sizes and have more energy.

You may find that a couple of walks a day are enough for you, but not for your dog. If possible, find a area where your dog can run free for a period of time. Bring along a Frisbee or stick for an energetic game of fetch and chase.

There are many ways to include your dog in your exercise routine. Once you find one that works for the both of you, it will be hard to back down. Your dog will help to keep you motivated while helping himself stay healthy.

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