Puppy potty training 101 – Part 5

Potty training a puppy can be a frustrating and challenging experience. However, if you do it correctly, it can be rewarding and bring you and your puppy closer together.

I highly recommend crate-training at first. Most dog training sites on the Internet say that crate-trained dogs are easier to house break and more likely to stay house broken than other dogs. Dogs do not like to eliminate where they sleep. The crate you get should be big enough for the puppy to turn around and lie down in. For a very young puppy, do not leave him in the crate more than 2-3 hours. A young puppy’s bladder is too small and the puppy can not hold it. During the day, someone needs to be able to come by and let the puppy out a few times. As the puppy gets older and its bladder gets bigger, it will be able to stay in a crate for up to 8 hours.

At first, you can line the crate with puppy pads or newspapers in case the puppy has an accident. This makes it a little easier to clean up. For overnight times, I always put water in the crate with the puppy, though it is entirely up to the owner. If the owner is going to get up every 2-3 hours, give the puppy water and take it outside, then no water is required. However, if you are going to accept that the first few weeks, the crate will be messy in the mornings, then allow water in the crate at night. For the water, I use a dog water bottle or dish that can hang on the side or front of the crate.

Before crating the puppy, take it outside. It is imperative that you stay with the puppy to watch it. As you are going outside, give the puppy a command like, “go outside” or “outside.” Once outdoors, give the puppy a command like “go potty.” Be patient. The puppy has no idea what you want it to do and is easily distracted.

When the puppy urinates or poops outside, immediately give it praise, like “good girl” or “good boy.” When you come inside with the puppy, you may give it a treat, water and play with it. After drinking, the puppy will likely have to potty again in 15 to 30 minutes. Take the puppy back outside to potty before putting it back in the crate.

When removing the puppy from the crate, the first thing to do is give the outside command and you start the process all over again. If the puppy has an accident in the crate, do not punish it. After all, the puppy can’t hold it and the timing for taking it out is just off. Just clean up the mess and try to time when to take the puppy out better.

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Things to consider when choosing a dog

In recent years it has become increasingly common for dogs to be seen as more than just pets. Dogs have become family members. From haute couture fashions to massage therapy, the options for spoiling these canines are endless. Dog lovers everywhere are spending loads of money and getting more involved with daily doggy life to ensure their dogs are treated as genuine family members.

To maintain the ultimate comfort of these spoiled pooches dog owners tend to go all out. Dog-sized baby cribs, plush sofas, and heated dog beds make lounging and sleeping a breeze. There are even bed ramps for the ease of climbing into bed and eliminating the need to jump up. Of course, this is quite helpful for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia. Doggy spas that offer massage therapy are also a popular option for comfort. Message therapy can reduce the stress and tension of everyday doggy life and ease muscle and joint pain. Riding in the car can often be a bit frustrating for small dogs that are too short to look out the window. To remedy this, many owners purchase doggy booster seats that can be installed in the passenger seat to give those little guys a well padded lift.

Not only do dog lovers take their canine family members on car rides, but they also take them along to just about everywhere else dogs are allowed. This is usually pretty easy for dogs that have lots of energy and can keep up with the family. There are options other than walking for less athletic dogs. Dogs in strollers, bike trailers, and dog carriers can be seen out and about on the streets of most metropolitan areas.

Many dog owners would never let their pampered pooch out on the town without up to the minute fashion. Pet stores carry clothing for all dog sizes and all occasions including formal wear, t-shirts, hoodies, leather jackets, and even socks and boots to keep those paws warm. Holiday appropriate outfits are also available, especially during Halloween when costumes are available for dressing dogs up as just about anything imaginable.

Providing entertainment for dogs is also becoming a regular occurrence among dog families. Off leash dog parks are popping up everywhere, some of which have access to bodies of water for a nice swim, fully fenced areas for dogs that tend to wander, and separated areas for small dogs that get intimidated by the larger breeds. Owners are throwing parties to celebrate their dogs’ birthdays, doggy weddings, and to welcome new dogs to the family. Dog parents that are unable to be with their dogs during the workday have also been taking advantage of daily dog walkers, dog specific DVDs to keep them engaged, and doggy daycare.

As family members, there is just no end to how we can spoil and show our love for our dogs. The best part about that is there is no end to how much unconditional love our dogs can show us in return.

Hunting Dogs Make A Better Outdoor Experience

The use of hunting dogs for the pursuit of game has been in practice ever since man and dog discovered they made great companions. Whether opting for sight hounds, scent hounds, pointers or retrievers the relationship between a hunter and his canine counterpart is a special one. While they are companions, in the field there is a working relationship between hunters and their hunting dogs. Dogs can be trained to obey verbal commands, hand gestures and whistle signals. A hunter who trains his or her dog well has the advantage of depending on their companion to get at game that the hunter cannot.

Because dogs are pack animals and eager to please, they often enjoy hunting just for the chance to be included. While hunting dogs work hard to please their masters, certain breeds have characteristics that naturally fit many types of hunting. Retrievers or water retrievers are unrivaled in their ability to recover downed ducks or geese from ponds at any temperature. Scent hounds are spectacular at trailing game by smell even in the most extreme of conditions. Pointers are fantastic in their ability to track and establish the specific location of small game. While these dogs love to please, their instinctive characteristics often make training and hunting much easier.

For small or large game hunters, a hunting dog is a multifaceted asset to a hunt. Not only can the animal be an essential tool all at the hunter’s command, a good hunting dog is also a faithful companion. The personality of a dog tends to be one that is eager to please with an earnest passion for doing their job right, whether it’s retrieving ducks or flushing quail. The working relationship between the two takes much in the way of time, patience and training. There are many techniques and methods for training dogs but a seasoned hunter knows that understanding the way a dog thinks is key to training success.

When a hunter decides that he or she has the time necessary to contribute toward the training of a hunting dog, the decision must be made as to what type of dog will be the right option. This is mainly decided upon what type of hunting is involved. Those who hunt ducks and geese are likely to need a water dog such as a Labrador retriever. Pointing breeds are the perfect choice for quail hunters. When hunting coyotes or raccoons, a hunter should opt for scent hounds. Terriers are known for being great at flushing animals that live in burrows while curs are the best choice for larger animals such as boars.

Training hunting dogs can take skill and most importantly, patience. There are many resources available to help hunters through the process of making their dog field ready. Those who have not had much experience when it comes to training a hunting dog would do well to first seek out the guidance of a professional. A trainer who specializes in hunting dogs can make for a much smoother training experience. The relationship between a dog and a hunter has strict boundaries. Many times, a dog is not just a hunting companion but a family pet, meaning expectations and lines of communication can get crossed leading to frustration for both the hunter and the dog. Trained and seasoned professionals can help a hunter and the dog swiftly move past these issues with ease.

A professional trainer can help a hunter to understand what he or she sees versus what the dog may be seeing. It can save a lot of frustration and, in the long run, make for a better working relationship between the hunter and his or her four legged hunting buddy. A hunter and dog that work well together in the field makes for a hunt that is both successful and satisfying.

While hunting dogs can be found for sale just about anywhere, there are those who breed dogs for hunting from very exclusive bloodlines. These dogs are often registered and carry quite a heavy price tag. While it is not necessary to buy a dog from this type of breeder, all reputable breeders will be able to show purebreed documentation to prospective buyers with ease. When purchasing a certain type of hunting dog, it is important to ask the breeder specific questions about their dogs and their experience breeding them. It is also wise to take note of the surroundings and the condition of the kennels. In fact, good dog breeders are very hygienic and quite picky about to whom they sell their dogs.

When out in the field, there is nothing better than watching a well trained hunting dog working with its master. The sheer excitement and joy of being out in the field is evident in the wagging of tails and bright shining eyes. With a few verbal commands, hand gestures or short whistlebursts a dutiful dog will head out to do his or her job with apt attention. The well trained hunting dog expertly flushes game and retrieves fallen ducks in places a hunter could not get to alone. At the end of the day, there will be the unspeakable bond only hunters and a four legged hunting buddy can share.