Rewarding Good Dog Behavior

We know the benefits of positive enforcement during training but how can we add some variety to our rewards? There are many ways to reward your pet and they vary a great deal. These range from simple things such as petting the dog or scratching her ears to more elaborate treats such as home cooked gourmet treats. The rule regarding behavioral rewards is this: Always be certain to provide the reward immediately after the desired behavior is carried out.

One great idea for a reward is play time with your pet. Most dogs enjoy a brisk game of tug-o-war or chase. Some dogs will even show creativity and turn the game of chase into hide and seek, ducking behind bushes, trees or other obstacles and then timidly peeking out from their hiding places to see if you are following. Your pet enjoys spending time with you, so make this a reward that is used often as it greatly increases the bond between you and the animal.

Another great idea for rewarding your dog is time with a favorite toy. One of my dogs' personal favorites is the Kong toy line. These are a great toy as they are very durable, dishwasher safe and are great for teaching your dog problem solving in themselves. This hard rubber toy is shaped like a pyramid of balls balanced one atop the other and hollow in the middle. The hollow part is where the problem solving skills come into play. Many trainers will stuff these toys with all manner of goodies and treats before giving them to their pets. Depending on how tightly they are stuffed and what items you use, unstuffing them can be an all day project for your pet. ( A side note: Stuffed Kong toys can be a bit messy, it is recommended that they be kept as an outdoor reward or on easily cleaned surfaces such as vinyl or tile floors. ) Would you like some recipe ideas for stuffed Kong toys that can also be used as treats in absence of the Kong toy?

Is your dog a fan of your Philly Steak sandwiches? Does he sit raptly at your feet, eyes focused and mouth watering, just praying that you will drop a small bite so he can lunge in and grab it? Perhaps he would like his own doggy-safe version? To do this, hold the Kong toy upside down with the large hole at the top and fill it with small steak scraps or the thinly sliced beef used by Philly steak connoisseurs. Next we need to add approximately one ounce of cream cheese to the top of steak, thus sealing the steak inside of the toy with a tasty treat. You may also add vegetables, if your dog likes them. For variations on this recipe consider using lean beef stew meat, chicken or turkey for a little venture off the beaten path.

Perhaps you and your dog are morning people. While I'm not going to join your clique, I will share with you an idea that my dogs like for breakfast, though it isn't usually served in this house until after one in the afternoon. It's comprised of eggs, cheese and vegetables along with a large helping of love. Again we invert the Kong toy and stuff the large opening with the foods. I usually start with scrambled eggs and a bit of whatever meat we might have had for breakfast such as sausage, ham or bacon. My dogs also like a few vegetables, such as carrots and peas. This mixture is then topped with cheese to hold all the ingredients together and melted slightly in the microwave. After microwaving, be certain to allow sufficient cooling time to make the treat safe for your pet. For a bit of variety try different vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower, or perhaps add some mashed potatoes and gravy for a really messy treat.

During the dog days of summer what could be finer than a Puppy Popsicle? These are quite easy to make. First, seal the small end of the Kong toy with some small treat such as a bit of meat like a hot dog or some Braunschweiger and then invert they toy. Support it inside a heavy coffee mug and fill it with chicken or beef broth and perhaps small tidbits of meat. Then place the whole thing in the freezer overnight and voila! You have a cold treat that will last all day long.

If we treat our pets well and reward them often, then they will be eager to make us happy by providing whatever behaviors precede our attention. These treats and rewards do much to add to our relationships with our pets and the time spent in preparation of these morsels shows them we care.

Problem Dogs - Dealing with a Nuisance

You love your dog, but sometimes he can be a real pain! If you know what might be causing his annoying behavior, though, you might be able to do something about it.

Digging

Some dogs just love to dig holes! Their reasons for doing so, however, will vary depending on the breed and the situation. Your dog might be digging holes out of sheer boredom. If you suspect this might be the case, simply exercise your dog more frequently. He'll be too tired to dig. Maybe your male dog is digging in order to get to the female dog that is in heat next door. In this case, having your dog neutered will solve the problem. If your dog is digging holes to bury items or just for the sake of digging, then set aside one area in which he can engage in that behavior. Protect the rest of your yard by spraying a non-toxic dog repellant in and around the off-limit areas.

Barking

A dog that barks all the time, for no apparent reason, is not only a nuisance to the owner, but can be a nuisance to an entire neighborhood as well. The most common reason for consistent barking is boredom and loneliness. Have your neighbors told you that your dog barks all day long while you're at work? If so, then you should consider enrolling your dog in doggie day care. There will be plenty of activities to keep him busy all day long and he'll have lots of other dogs to play with. If day care isn't an option, make sure that your dog has plenty of toys to keep him occupied while you're away from home. You might also try leaving the radio or television on while you're gone - hearing human voices might help your dog feel less lonely.

Destructive Chewing

Most dogs engage in destructive chewing for one of three reasons: teething, attention or boredom. If your puppy is chewing up everything he can sink his little teeth into, there's a good chance that he is simply teething. Make sure to provide the teething puppy with lots of chewable toys so that he won't go after your shoes or other household objects. If your dog isn't teething, then perhaps he's engaging in this destructive behavior in order to get your attention. If you don't spend a lot of time with your dog, but will chase him around for hours if he has your favorite shoe in his mouth, then your dog will understand very quickly that this is an effective way to get you to "play" with him. Spend more time with your dog and you may get him to stop chewing up things around the house. Bored dogs are also inclined to become chewers. If there's nothing or no one to play with, they'll make their own fun at the expense of your furniture and clothing. Provide your dog with plenty of toys and activities to keep him occupied.

Jumping

You might think its adorable when your big dog greets you at the door by jumping up on you and licking your face, but most of your guests probably won't get the same kick out of this behavior. When a small puppy jumps on you it's cute because you can control him and he's not heavy enough to knock you over. Not so with adult dogs. Having a large dog hurl himself at you is not an experience that most people, even dog lovers, enjoy. So, how do you get your dog to stop jumping as a way of greeting you and your guests? Consistent training is really the only way. Ideally, you should begin discouraging this behavior when the dog is still a puppy. If you are unable to get your dog to stop jumping up onto people, then a stint at obedience school is highly recommended.

Disobedience

Most of the time, dogs disobey their owners because they're not sure what is expected of them. In order to get your dog to be consistently obedient, you have to spend lot of time training him. Obedience training should start when the dog is still a puppy and be reinforced throughout the years. Some owners can train their dogs without any outside assistance; however, most will need to enroll themselves and their dog in a local obedience school. You and your dog will enjoy your time together much more once you can communicate effectively with each other.

Putting An End To Digging

Dogs have a natural inclination to dig holes. It is instinctive behavior, but can be extremely destructive and inappropriate for dogs that spend a great deal of time in yards. A digging dog can ruin a great landscaping job, creating both great annoyance and expense for his owner. If your dog is a problem digger, there are three effective means by which to combat this frustrating behavior. These three guidelines, used in concert, will often eliminate digging behavior in dogs.

Address Your Dogs Comfort

First, it is important to realize one of the most common motivations for digging. Dogs often dig holes as a means of personal climate control. On hot days a dog may dig himself a cooling well. His newly dug hole will be a place for him to rest on a surface that is cooler than the rest of the ground.

If your dog's digging habits seem to be related to heat, it is easy to solve the problem simply by addressing his needs. By providing a cool, shaded location in the yard, your dog may no longer feel a need to dig. Many have found that the use of a kiddy pool or other larger tub containing some water may also be of use in this endeavor. By making the dog's surroundings "cooler," you can easily eliminate his need to remove chunks of the yard to relax.

Likewise, dogs will sometimes dig to create a warm space during cold weather. By digging a small pit in which they can rest, the dog creates a space removed from brisk winds. Again, it is relatively easy to address the situation. Providing a warm space, such as a well-insulated doghouse can reduce the dog's need to dig holes throughout your lawn.

By tending to a dog's comfort, one can reduce a prime motivator of digging behavior. Keeping a pet adequately cooled during the summer and sufficiently warm in the winter is one of the most simple, yet effective, means of eliminating digging.

Exercise Your Dog Adequately

Dogs will also dig when they are inadequately exercised or are overly confined. A dog with excess energy to burn may turn to digging as a means of release. A dog who feels confined in his yard and yearns to run free will be likewise attracted to the prospect of digging those annoying holes.

This cause for digging can be addressed simply by making sure your dog is adequately exercised. Regular walks, play opportunities and other exercise outlets will leave your dog better rested-and less inclined to dig. The value of exercising a dog is immeasurable. It produces a happier, calmer dog who is more receptive to training and who is likely to be considerably more healthy than his under-exercised brethren. Thus, exercise should be pursued in all cases with all dogs. However, it brings with it the additional advantage of decreasing a dog's interest in digging.

Keep Your Dog Entertained

Digging can also be symptomatic of boredom. A dog with little to do may find the instinctive behavior of digging holes to be a great way to occupy his time. The bored dog is more likely to seek solace in the instinctive act of digging holes than is the appropriately engaged pet.

As such, one can combat digging simply by making sure the dog has sufficient alternative sources of entertainment. As previously mentioned, regular exercise and activity offers hope in reducing digging behavior. Additionally, the presence of attractive and entertaining toys can provide a dog with other ways to spend his time and can reduce the likelihood that he will dig holes.

Dogs who are simply left alone in a yard with little else to do are, not surprisingly, apt to invent their own diversions. As digging is an instinctive activity, it is often latched upon as "something to do" for an otherwise bored dog. By providing more attractive play activities, one can remove this frequent cause of destructive digging behavior.

There are certainly other reasons why dogs dig and there are certainly problem dogs whose digging behavior will not immediately cease simply by following the three rules covered here. However, most dogs will curtail their destructive digging if their climate is appropriately managed, they are adequately exercised and they are provided with alternative diversions.

Though instinctive, digging is not necessarily inevitable. By tending to a dog's needs, one can reduce instances of inappropriate digging.

How To Stop The 3 Most Annoying Dog Behaviors

As any dog owner will tell you, their pet has some habit that just irks them to no end and most likely this same trait is common amongst many of their fellow dog owners animals. There are three traits people find totally horrid that most dogs seem to find great joy in performing. In this article, we will discuss the three worst behaviors for annoyance factor and how to stop them.

When you ask around regarding the most annoying dog behaviors known, this one is sure to come up. Dogs are known for this behavior around the world and still they persist. What behavior are we discussing? You guessed it. Dogs like to drink from the toilet and just do not seem to grasp the point that you find this behavior disgusting. To be fair, they probably wonder how you can stand to drink bottled water and sodas as, to them, this would appear a stagnant pool. Dogs prefer fresh, cool, running water and, unfortunately for those who really wish their pet would find a different fountain, the modern toilet provides just that.

Thus dogs the world over seem drawn to this bottomless water dish and while, with the exception of cleansers and household poisons, this is fairly harmless to the dog, humans the world over are in an uproar. So how do we fix this problem? Well, the first step is an easy one. Break the pattern of the behavior by closing the toilet lid or the bathroom door. This will remove the temptation and force the dog to look elsewhere for water. In conjunction with this step, be sure to provide your dog with lots of clean, fresh water at all times. The dog should always have a readily available water source unless a veterinarian tells you otherwise. By closing off access to the toilet and leaving alternate water supply, you are retraining your dog towards a more suitable water source.

But what of the second most irritating behavior, jumping on guests. Luckily for the trainers of the world, this is almost as easy to correct as the first problem. Dogs are friendly and gregarious creatures. When they see a new playmate, they naturally want to start playing right away. Unfortunately, your well-dressed guest might not feel too inclined to play with the dog that has just been rolling in the mud puddle in the back yard. So how do you teach your dog to mind his manners and save your guests prom dress at the same time?

Well, just as with everything else, it all goes back to the training. Teach the dog while it's a pup and it will remember its whole life. If you thought it was cute for a fuzzy little pup to try and jump up and greet you, guess who is responsible for the one hundred pound mud monster that just ruined your prom? Or you could have avoided this tragedy by starting small and ignoring a pup that jumps. After a while, the animal realizes that this action gets no attention and is not really worth his trouble. Instead reward the pup for not jumping with copious amounts of verbal praise and treats.

This teaches the dog that not jumping is the reward getter. Also try introducing your dog to new faces while the animal is on a leash or harness as this provides more control for the handler and a properly placed "no" will tell the pup that this behavior is inappropriate. If your dog has gotten past the puppy stage before you try to correct this situation, things may be a bit tougher but take heart. With persistence and patience, you can still have a dog that minds its manners.

The third most annoying behavior we will discuss is Face Licking, which is especially annoying if your pet also has the first behavior. Licking is a way for dogs to show affection and also to be comforting to their masters. If your dog is licking you, it is probably for one of these two reasons or maybe just because your dog likes the way you taste. The problem most people encounter is when the correct the dog for this behavior, the animal either sees it as a game or thinks it is not getting its message across and comes back stronger. So how do we correct this?

Again the key is consistency and starting with a younger dog will make this much easier. Remember to use your "no" commands and give the dog some other outlet for expressing affection. Perhaps let the dog lick the back of your hand or give the dog treats for not licking. If the dog persists in licking your face, a light but firm slap to the nose should calm the even the most amorous pooch. Or if the dog seems it will never give up, just smile and be happy that at least he doesn't drink from the toilet anymore.

How To Prepare Your Dog For The Boarding Kennel

It's time to head to Las Vegas for your long awaited week of vacation. But, what do you do with THE DOG? Some people are unable to face the prospects of boarding Fido and therefore, they stay home. Others either impose on their friends or hire "pet sitters" to come into their homes. And finally, a vast number of people choose to board their pets in kennels.

Before committing your dog to a particular kennel, you should visit the facility for a personal inspection. Does it appear to be clean, does it smell clean, is it well lit and ventilated? How is the temperature? Are the cages and runs of adequate size? A phone call to the American Boarding Kennels Association (719-667-1600) will determine if the kennel under consideration meets accepted standards and is accredited.

After you've made your final kennel selection, it's time to prepare your dog for its visit. First and foremost, make sure your dog's vaccinations are up to date. A kennel will reject your dog if his rabies vaccination isn't current. Furthermore, even though you've selected a sparklingly clean boarding facility, your dog is subject to any number of communicable illnesses always present in a boarding population. A current shot record is good insurance against some of these diseases.

If at all possible, you should consider stopping by the kennel with your dog for a brief visit. He can meet the staff and become somewhat familiar with the surroundings. An overnight stay will do wonders to prepare the dog for his longer visit.

Always provide as much information as possible to the kennel staff. Obviously they will need to know about any medications they'll have to administer, food allergies, whether or not the dog socializes well with other animals and what, if any, particular fears or phobias he might have. If you happen to be boarding more than one dog, you might want to request that they be housed in the same pen or allowed to exercise at the same time in the same run.

If Fido requires a special diet, the kennel may request that you provide them with a supply of his food. This will usually depend on the extent of the dog's special requirements and will be settled in advance of the dog's visit. Make sure the kennel has the name and phone number of your veterinarian and a phone number where they can reach you in case of an emergency.

Most dogs will benefit from bringing familiar items with them. A special toy, their blanket, or even one of your slippers will comfort them and stave off feelings of being abandoned. By all means, don't wash the item; familiar smells are half the battle, so don't destroy them.

When packing and preparing for your trip, try to go about it as calmly and casually as possible. Hectic packing and rushing about will alert Rover that something is amiss and by the time you're ready to transport him to the kennel, he'll already be under stress. Gather his kennel items and have them in the car prior to loading Rover.

When dropping him off at the kennel, try to remain as nonchalant and as calm as possible. Don't be overly affectionate or do anything that might cause Rover to attach too much significance to his plight. The objective is to minimize, rather than exaggerate. Keep it low key - no long goodbyes, no tears and no emotion. After handing Rover's lead to a kennel staffer, allow the staffer to distract the dog and quietly slip out.

If you're a frequent traveler, Rover will get used to being boarded and in most cases will look forward to the experience, especially if he gets an opportunity to mix with other dogs at the kennel. He'll get to know the staff and look forward to seeing them.

Once both dog and owner get used to the idea of boarding and become completely comfortable with the experience, being separated will become much less stressful. While away, the owner will be at peace, confident that his faithful friend is safe and being well cared for. And, Rover will be able to lay back and enjoy his vacation as well.

How To Keep The Peace Between Your Child And Dog

How will my dog and my new baby get along? Will I have to get rid of my loyal, furry companion in order to ensure the safety of my child? These are the questions that plague many dog owners as they anticipate the birth and homecoming of their first child. The good news is that even though the process of introducing your dog to your newest family addition is a careful and cautious one, it's not impossible. With some pre-planning on your part, you can train your dog to get along with your child and can raise your child to respect and love your dog as much as you do.

Getting Your Pet Used to a Baby

So, you're expecting a baby. Congratulations! This is a time of change, discovery and joy like no other. If you are a dog owner, however, your happiness may be tempered by thoughts of your dog and how your "fur baby" will react to all of these monumental changes. Fear not! If you start preparing your dog for the baby's arrival well in advance of the baby's due date, you should be able to minimize any associated conflicts or problems.

If your dog currently has access to all rooms in the house, get him used to not entering which ever room will serve as the nursery. Keep that door closed so your dog will not consider it part of his regular territory. Then, get the dog used to your being in the room without him. Keep the nursery door closed while you're assembling baby furniture or decorating the room. This way, the dog will learn that even though there is activity there, he is not a part of it. Make sure, though, to pay a little extra attention to your dog once you leave the nursery and return to his territory.

Has your dog been to obedience school? If not, now is a great time for you both to go. Not only will it allow you to spend some quality time together before the baby comes, it will give you the tools necessary to control your dog's behavior. It will also help your dog get used to being in a room full of activity, other dogs and (maybe) children. This aspect of obedience school is an especially important one if your pre-baby household has been a relatively quiet one.

Another way to get your dog used to some of the noises a baby brings is to buy some tapes of babies crying. Start playing the tapes at a very low volume until the dog seems not to notice the sound anymore. Then, gradually increase the volume until it reaches a realistic level (the process should take place over days and weeks, not all in one day). When your baby cries at home, your dog will be less startled.

When your baby finally comes home, keep the dog away from the infant for the first few days. He should already be used to baby noises, but get him used to the baby's smell by putting one of the baby's blankets in his resting or sleeping area. When it's time to introduce your baby and dog to each other, keep the dog on a short leash and reward him during the introductions. This will reinforce the idea that the baby is a positive thing. Also, pay attention to your dog while he and the baby are in the same room. This will help your dog avoid seeing the baby as a threat or something that is taking you away from him. No matter how well trained your dog is, though, never leave the baby alone with him.

Take extra care as your child enters the crawling and walking stage. Depending on the breed, your dog may be absolutely terrified of this little crawling creature or he may view your child as prey. Neither of these scenarios is permanent, though. Your dog just has to get used to your baby moving itself around as opposed to being carried around. Keep your dog next to you while the baby is crawling or walking and reward him for being still (this is where the obedience training comes in really handy!). Your dog will most likely get used to your child's new movements in no time at all.

Teaching Your Child How to Properly Interact with the Family Dog

As your child grows, it's important to teach him or her how to properly deal with and treat the family dog (or any dog, for that matter). Teach your child from early on to "play nice" with the dog. Teach him or her not to pull the dog's fur, strike the dog or startle the dog on purpose. Dogs are animals and their first instincts, when faced with a threat, may lead them to bite or growl.

Your child should also be taught not to chase a dog when it's running away from them or to bother it when it's sleeping or eating. Teaching your child that a dog is a living creature, not a toy, will go a long way toward preventing some avoidable acts of aggression.

How To Improve Your Dog's Behavior Through Exercise

We've all heard the old saying "idle hands are the devil's tools." The popularity of the adage stems from its validity. Those who are not able to keep themselves busy are far more apt to fill their time with inappropriate acts. If re-written to apply to man's best friend, the notion that "idle paws are the devil's tools" would ring true, as well. A dog who is not sufficiently engaged in physical activity is far more likely to present behavioral challenges.

Often, we hear complaints about dogs who are simply uncontrollable. They engage in destructive behaviors without any apparent or obvious reason. They may dig the dreaded backyard holes, destroy property or simply be difficult animals with whom to get along. These problems can be the outgrowth of any number of things, but quite often the root cause of such difficulties nothing more than idleness. A dog that is not sufficiently exercised will find other outlets for his energies. Unfortunately, when left to his own devices to find an outlet, a dog may very well choose less than appreciated activity.

Professional trainers have long understood the value of exercising a dog. Not only is the physical activity beneficial to the animal's health. Regular exercise in a controlled manner also serves to decrease the likelihood of destructive and inappropriate behavior. Instead of needing to invent means by which to expend his energy, the dog is exercised in a directed manner and incidents of inappropriate behavior decline.

Put simply, if you don't find a way to wear out your dog, your dog will find a way to wear you out! His idle paws will become a source of great frustration if not otherwise occupied. Thus, exercising your dog consistently will improve his behavior a great deal.

Many dog owners, however, find it difficult to find ways to sufficiently exercise their pet. This could be due to schedule or space limitations. Fortunately, there are a variety of means to exercise a dog.

The most traditional means of dog exercising remains one of the most effective: simply walking the dog can do wonders. We too often have a tendency to reduce walking the dog to a jaunt as short as is necessary for him to tend to his elimination needs. Although dog walking certainly serves this purpose, it is important to recognize that the act of walking one's dog also holds the promise of improving his behavior through exercise. Instead of cutting a walk short once his "business" is done, it is better to continue the walk for a longer period of time. Use the walk as exercise-as well as a great bonding opportunity.

Playing fetch is another great means by which a dog can be exercised. Even in an enclosed space, a smaller dog can get quite a workout from a brisk game of fetch. For those owners who are not feeling particular active, it is a great alternative to an extended walk, as it requires little or no real effort on the part of the owner. One can play fetch indoors with a smaller dog while watching a television program or simply relaxing in an easy chair.

Some have found they are able to train their dogs to walk on an indoor treadmill. If your dog is receptive to utilizing a treadmill, you can gain all of the advantages of lengthy walks without having to leave your home. Using a treadmill may not interest all dogs, however, and one is advised not to purchase a treadmill solely for use by a dog for that very reason.

There really is not limit to the number of ways one can find to exercise their dog. Every dog and every situation is at least slightly different, but all hold in common the presence of opportunities for quality exercise. These opportunities cannot be overlooked. Regular and significant exercise will improve a dog's health, create more opportunity for dog and owner interaction and can lead to amazing improvements in behavior.

You can recapture your dog's paws from the hands of the devil! If your dog tends to be difficult, implement a regular exercise regime. There is a strong chance that simple change will have a profound impact on his behavior.

Housebreaking Your Puppy

You're the proud owner of a new puppy. Unfortunately, you are also the not so proud owner of a soggy living room carpet. It doesn't take long to realize this can't keep happening. So what do you do? It might just be time to housebreak your new pet.

Housebreaking may sound painful but relax. It really isn't all that difficult. It is your dog's natural tendency to want to keep its living area clean so once the home is firmly established in your pets mind the problem will be resolved. There are several ways you can assist the process to move faster.

The first thing you want to do is be sure your pet is healthy to start with. If your pet has not been to the vet already, make an appointment. Your dog should be checked for overall healthiness and for conditions that would make house training difficult, such as cystitis and kidney or bladder dysfunction. While your pet is visiting the veterinarian, ask to have them checked for worms and parasites also by way of a fecal exam. Also bear in mind the truthfulness behind mothers' wisdom when she said "You are what you eat." A poor quality dog food, in addition to contributing to a poor nutritional state, can cause digestive problems resulting in loose stools, thus contributing to your pup's inability to control itself.

The most important part of housebreaking your pet is close supervision. This is necessary because your puppy learns by repetition. If you see your dog showing signs of needing to relieve itself, then immediate action must be taken to get the animal outside to its designated area. Consistency in training is critical. Do not think being lax because it's cold or dark outside is acceptable or your pet will adopt these same attitudes.

Close supervision during housebreaking is also necessary because it gives you time to learn your dogs special quirks such as needing to urinate right after eating or a certain action they take prior to soiling the floor so you can watch for these actions and respond in the future. Also it allows you to correct a situation while it is still fresh in the dogs mind. While being very intelligent creatures, short term memory is not the strong point for most animals of this species and correcting them after more than a few minutes have passed serves no real purpose.

Another key to Housebreaking is giving your dog a limited amount of space. Baby gates across doorways or a pet crate help to make a more confined area and help your pet to recognize this as his living space. Their natural tendency is to go outside of their own living space to urinate so making this association for your pet will make your job easier. Lining this space with old news papers is a good idea at first as it facilitates a much easier cleanup of any accidents your pet might have. Also be aware that some surfaces are more pet-friendly than others. Try to confine your new pet to areas of the home with tile or vinyl floors which are much easier to clean. Avoid letting them have access to carpet or hardwood floors which retain odors and can be extensively damaged by an errant pup.

Remember to limit the amount of water your dog has access to at the end of the day as you will otherwise be making a walk with your pet in the middle of the night. A quick walk outside at regularly timed intervals is advisable to training as this helps your pet to set an internal schedule. Be certain to use a consistent keyword to tell your pet why you are out in the yard such as "potty" or "toilet" or anything you choose and do not return indoors until they have relieved themselves. Also remember to give praise when your dog relieves itself in appropriate places such as on newspapers or outdoors.

Again consistent training is the key. If your pet does have an accident indoors, correct the animal immediately and then clean the area using non-ammonia based products. Instead use an Enzyme based deodorizer to clean the area and be sure to remove all odor of the accident or the animal will repeat the behavior again.

How To Housebreak Your Dog

First, don't think that you are being mean to your dog by training him or her. Dogs are pack animals by nature. They need to belong to a pack. When your dog became part of your household your dog became part of your pack.

That makes you the Alpha Dog - the Leader of your pack.

Your dog wants you to be the leader. Your dog wants to know that there is a strong Alpha Dog giving orders and keeping the pack in line.

The very first thing you need to do as the leader of your pack is to housebreak your dog. In the wild, dogs (wolves) are trained early not to do their business in the pack's den, and it is vital that you train your dog not to do its business in your den (your house).

Most dog experts agree that the best age to housebreak a puppy is between 8 and 12 weeks old.

If you are housebreaking a puppy, one of the best ways is to use a crate. Believe it or not, puppies like crate training. For a dog a crate is like its ancestral den and the confined space in a crate gives your puppy a sense of security and safety.

NEVER use the crate to punish your puppy. The crate is NOT a jail. Your puppy's crate is its happy and safe home. Never lock a young puppy in a crate for more than 2 hours - three hours tops in an emergency.

Puppies won't make a mess in their sleeping area unless you leave them locked up for too long at a time, which is why the crate makes such a good tool for housebreaking. Leave your puppy in its crate for two hours and then take it out of its crate and lead it outside to the area where you want it to do its mess.

As it does its mess say the words "Hurry Up" and then praise your puppy, possibly even give your puppy a small treat on occasion. By using the words "Hurry Up" as your puppy is doing its business you train it to associate the words "Hurry Up" with doing its business. Later, especially on cold, dark winter nights you'll appreciate the fact that the words "Hurry Up" will shorten your "walk" time considerably!

Always take your puppy out the same door and to the same area each time. This will teach your puppy to scratch at the same door when it needs to go out and it will make your future clean ups quicker and easier.

Try to take your dog outside to do its business at the same time each day. Dogs, like most humans, feel most comfortable when they have a routine to follow.

Unless you catch your dog in the act of making a mess, do NOT scold your dog for making a mess in the house. Rubbing your dog's nose in a puddle of pee even a few minutes after the act does NOT teach your dog not to pee in the house - it only CONFUSES your dog.

If you CATCH your dog IN THE ACT of making a mess in the house grab the dog's collar and yank on it, saying the word "NO!" in a DEEP and STERN voice and then lead your dog to the outside area where you are training it to go to the bathroom. When your dog does its business, praise your dog (and don't forget to use the words "Hurry Up" as it is doing its business).

If your puppy is running around the house free keep an eye on it and learn to recognize the signs when it is about to make a mess. It might start circling an area, or it might start sniffing its nose close to the floor, or it may begin walking in a different way. Almost all dogs give some kind of a signal before they are going to mess. Learn to pick up on your dog's signal and then pull them by the collar to the outdoor area where you want them to go.

You're going to have to be a little patient. Your puppy will have accidents. Your puppy, after all, still has puppy-brains and it will take a certain amount of time before the neurons begin to click in that little brain and the light bulb suddenly lights up and your puppy says "Oh, that's what you want me to do!"

Dealing With A Difficult Dog

When you brought him home, you just knew that cute little puppy was going to brighten your family's life in many different ways! You visualized him running with the children in the backyard, curled up at your feet on a winter's night in front of the fire, and as an always-cheerful companion for everyone in the house.

You didn't expect biting. You certainly didn't anticipate his aggressive personality. You never dreamt he would make it his life's mission to destroy clothing and furniture. You didn't plan for the random barking or the wanton disobedience. Whether you were ready for it or not, you own a difficult dog.

There is undoubtedly a temptation to give up. You may feel as though you are simply trapped with a "naughty dog." Some may even consider the highly inappropriate route of abandoning a pet under these circumstances. Neither of these solutions, however, is good for the dog or the owner. Instead, one must be determined that they will work with their difficult dog to improve the situation. Making that commitment is the essential first step in dealing with any difficult dog.

But then what? There is no one-size-fits all solution for handling a difficult dog. Like people, each dog's personality and needs are unique. There are four overarching things you need to do, however, if you want your dog to live a happy life and to be a pleasurable companion for you.

Seek Out Information

That small ten-page dog-training pamphlet you picked up at the pet store along with the leashes is not going to enough of a guide to training your difficult dog. Seek out detailed and expertly written information about dog training and specific methods to assist you in training your difficult pet. Canvass the library, bookstores and the internet in the pursuit of knowledge and tips that can help you deal with your specific pet problems. Although one must avoid researching at the expense of doing, it is important to have a strong understanding of your dog, his problems, and potential means of addressing his behavioral deficiencies.

Make Sure Your Dog Is Healthy

Often, behavioral problems can be a manifestation of an underlying health problem. Consider the possibility that your dog's behavior issues could be symptomatic of a physical problem. Make sure your dog is thoroughly checked out by a veterinarian. If a medical issue is underlying his poor behavior, proper treatment can rectify many of his problems-as well as helping to insure a long healthy life for your dog. Too often, medical causes of poor behavior go overlooked.

Be Patient

Don't expect your problem dog to transform overnight. Changing the behavior patters of difficult dogs can take some time. If you expect the quick course that worked in training your neighbor's non-problem dog to be successful for your difficult pet, you will be disappointed. Brace yourself to commit a great deal of time to correcting your dog's errant behavior. Additionally, impatience increases the risk of inconsistency in training and the likelihood you may lose your temper or act inappropriately in handling your dog. This type of behavior on the part of an owner may not only be cruel, it can also reverse any gains made and make quality training even more difficult.

Seek Assistance

Sometimes a dog simply requires professional training assistance. If you have tried to manage the situation unsuccessfully and feel you are at a dead end, you must consider utilizing a professional dog trainer. Quality professionals have wide-reaching experience and may be able to isolate training methods that will be effective for your particular dog. You may need to hire a trainer on a regular basis. At there very least, you may plan on consulting with a trainer regularly.

By learning more, keeping a close eye on your dog's physical health, remaining patient and seeking professional guidance when necessary, you can improve the quality of life for your behaviorally challenged dogs. The little puppy you brought home in hopes of having the perfect pet still has a chance at that happy life if you follow these recommendations and commit to treating the dog properly and training him effectively. By committing yourself to your dog's training and well being you may end up with just the happy, content and cheerful companion you wanted all along.