How To Choose A Dog Trainer

Although many dog owners successfully train their pets without outside assistance, some benefit greatly by using a professional dog trainer. A quality dog trainer can help instruct the dog while also providing the owner with invaluable guidance and assistance. Very problematic dogs-those who seem inordinately aggressive or unruly, for instance-often pose training problems that outstrip the ability of even a relatively well-informed dog owner and a finding a great dog trainer becomes essential.

Dog trainers do not require specific licensing. Any person with a desire to do so can simply proclaim himself or herself a dog trainer, hang up a shingle, and begin soliciting customers. The bar for entry into the dog training profession is set so low that it is no surprise that there are many inadequate trainers trying to do business.

When choosing a dog trainer, how is a dog owner to decide who they should trust with their pet's care and education? Choosing a dog trainer can be a very difficult proposition but separating the untalented and amateurish from the truly gifted is essential to your dog's well being. Making a mistake in hiring a dog trainer will not only fail to help your dog, it could worsen his behavior and make it harder to correct later.

There is no magic formula for choosing the right trainer. There are any number of factors you may want to consider to find someone with whom you can successfully work and upon whom you can truly rely. However, there are at least two considerations that should guide most any selection of a dog trainer: Experience and reputation.

Experience

One should try to search out a trainer with significant experience. Experienced trainers are more likely to be able to successfully deal with the unique circumstances of your pet based on their track record with other animals.
Additionally, experience inherently communicates at least a reasonable likelihood of talent. One is not likely to have stayed in business as a dog trainer for any significant period of time if they lacked talent and failed to produce desired results. Experience, in essence, is also a proof of at least some ability.

What about new trainers? After all, even the most veteran and experienced trainer began as a rookie. Does this mean one should pass over every trainer who lacks a long track record?
You may be able to find a truly great trainer among the ranks of the less experienced. There is, however, the increased risk that the trainer will be unable to satisfactorily train your dog. If you are considering a novice trainer, grill them about their past experiences prior to entering the profession. Find out what kind of dogs they have dealt with, if they have a more experienced mentor, and how they feel they have qualified themselves to work with your dog. Picking a rookie trainer could work out perfectly, but it does increase the chances of dealing with someone who is woefully unprepared to handle the job responsibilities of training.

Reputation

Experience is an indicator of talent, but it is not a foolproof way of assessing a trainer's talents. It is possible for a crafty marketer to stay in business a long time, after all, regardless of the quality of their work. As such, it is appropriate to inquire about the reputation of the dog trainers you are considering. Solicit opinions and references from a variety of sources in order to find the right trainer for you.

Great sources for information regarding wonderful trainers and those you should avoid might include veterinarians, breeders, pet storeowners and close acquaintances who have used a dog trainer. By asking around, you can find out which trainers are most highly regarded.
Ask the trainer himself or herself, too. See if they will provide some references you may contact, preferably past clients. Any trainer who is unwilling to do this should be eyed with some degree of suspicion. Most qualified and talented traders will be happy to give you references to contact. Be sure to follow through. Talk to the references and find out all you can about the trainer and the quality of training the former customers and their dogs experienced.

There are a variety of factors that one may want to consider when seeking out a trainer for their dog. The importance of a trainer to a dog's life is significant and great care should be taken during the selection process. Two things that must be kept in mind when seeking a trainer are the trainer's experience and reputation.

3 Common Dog Training Mistakes

There are many different approaches to dog training and many different ways of implementing each of those approaches. Most techniques utilized today however, are premised upon the idea that positive reinforcement is likely to create the best results. Virtually every truly functional dog training system is outgrowth of positive reinforcement thinking.
Regardless of which specific program a dog owner may choose to adopt, there are common pitfalls that can be avoided. Dog owners are particularly susceptible to making three critical errors, which if avoided will make the training process far more enjoyable and effective. Three of the most common mistakes are inconsistency, impatience and treating the dog as a subject instead of a training partner.

Inconsistency

Consistency may be hobgoblin of little minds in terms of the need for human creativity. With respect to dog training, however, inconsistency is the quickest way to reduce the experience's effectiveness.
Dogs thrive on predictability. In fact, their ability to grasp cause and effect is at the very root of training. Operant conditioning is predicated on the fact that dogs will begin to associate events with consistent outcomes. This notion of consistency's importance must be extended to the overall process of dog training.
A dog is likely to best respond to a system in which regular actions produce regular results. Too often, dog owners fail to be entirely consistent. In the dog's mind, these lapses in regularity convey a sense of randomness to the process and make it difficult for the pet to associate his specific behaviors with specific results-the key to training. Dogs will excel when they are taught that things happen for specific reasons. When surprises occur it undermines the whole of the training process.
A successful trainer will retain consistency and will not deviate from an established course.

Impatience

There can be a great deal of frustration in dog training. Concepts we believe dogs should be able to grasp easily often escape them completely for quite some time.
We live in a world that is so often focused on immediate results. We learn to expect that our actions will be met by prompt, anticipated responses. Dog training runs counter to this societal trend toward speedy, immediate gratification. Training is an extended process that can require a great deal of patience from the trainer.
Impatience results in unpredictability on the part of the owner as they hastily cease a training session or abandon positive reinforcement techniques in hopes of finding a shortcut to desired results. Patience is, indeed, a virtue when one considers the role of the owner in a dog training situation.
A successful trainer will master developing a patient outlook throughout the extended process of dog training.

Treating The Dog As A Subject Instead Of A Partner

Dog training requires two participants: the dog and the owner. Frequently, however, owners tend to perceive the process as being uniquely about them. They fret over their techniques, equipment and strategies without giving real consideration to their training partner, the dog.
When an owner approaches the dog as a simple subject for experimentation, they lose track of what makes the dog unique and denigrate the always-important dog/owner relationship. Training becomes a chore, rather than a joint activity. What might have been a pleasurable chance for interaction becomes an un-enjoyable task.
Dogs are sufficiently intuitive to be attuned to a trainer's attitude and are less receptive to learning when they are treated merely as a subject instead of as a complete being. Owners who fail to see their pet's identity during training are unable to pick up on subtle clues and possible means to improve their techniques.

The successful trainer will treat his dog as a full partner in training, not merely as a subject.
By avoiding these three common pitfalls, a dog owner is more likely to be able to implement a training strategy that produces results. Additionally, the training experience is likely to be enjoyable for both the dog and owner, giving them a tremendous opportunity to build their relationship. Regardless of the exact methodology adopted by the owner, the training process will benefit extraordinarily from avoiding the mistakes of inconsistency, impatience and treating your pet as a subject instead of as a partner.

Bye-Bye, Bad Breath

Dental health is very important to dogs, especially since they use their mouths for just about everything. To help keep their mouths and teeth as clean and healthy as possible, brushing should occur regularly. For instructions on how to brush teeth click here.

Dog toothpastes, sometimes referred to as dental pastes or dental cleaners, are an essential part of hygiene. Dogs can suffer similar dental problems as humans, including tartar and periodontal disease; these can be avoided by regular brushing.

There are several new products on the market that help pet owners care for their pet's teeth. Products include various types of toothpaste, styles of toothbrushes, and multiple products that minimize tartar. There are several brands and types of dog toothpaste products to choose from. Here are some tips to help you choose the right toothpaste for your dog.

Remember that you should always use a canine-specific type. The product must be safe to swallow and ingest because dogs are unable to rinse or spit after brushing. Never use human dental care products! Some human toothpastes contain detergents which can irritate a pet’s stomach; also, large quantities of ingested fluoride can be harmful to pets.

When buying toothpaste for your dog, consider the ingredients, size of the container (a sample size may be a good idea), flavor, digestibility, form (paste, liquid, gel, pads, spray, sponges, rinse, etc.). It may be helpful if the products are easy to use. Ideally, your choice should be something your dog likes. For some dogs, a beef or chicken flavored paste works very well. It may take a few trial and error sessions before you find something that works for your dog.

Brush-Up On At-Home Dental Care

Annual dental exams with a veterinarian are necessary for your dog’s optimum oral health. Although some procedures should only be done by a professional, you can still take advantage of an at-home dental health care program for added assurance and prevention. Brushing and routine examinations are two preventative measures that can easily be done at home.

While performing oral exams, look for warning signs like bad breath, red or swollen gums, a yellowish-brown crust of tartar around the gum-line, or pain or bleeding when you touch the gums or mouth. These signs are all expressive of gingivitis and other gum diseases. Watch for discolored, fractured or missing teeth. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any bumps or masses forming inside the mouth.

Step-By-Step Guide to Brushing Your Dog's Teeth

Here are some easy-to-follow steps to brushing your dog’s teeth. This process will start off gradually, but will pick up in no time. Try not to overly restrain your dog because it may imply something negative. Be positive and excited during the process and your dog will be positive and excited as well.

1. It’s all about introducing something new and having a positive response. Dip your finger into some beef bouillon and call the dog as if you had a treat. Let your dog lick off the liquid, then proceed to gently rub the teeth and gums. Keep it brief. After a few sessions this will be a welcomed occurrence and you can move on.
2. Repeat the first step, but this time; wrap a small strip of gauze around your finger to let your dog become familiar with a new texture. Rub the teeth in a circular motion. Again, keep the sessions brief to avoid discomfort or disinterest. Praise your dog to let them know they’re doing well.
3. After your dog is used to the gauze you can switch to a toothbrush. Before actually brushing, let your dog get used to the texture of the bristles. You can do this by applying something that tastes good to the bristles and having your dog lick it off.
4. Once your dog is used to the brush you can introduce a toothpaste or rinse (use pet specific products, DO NOT use human products). Dog toothpastes are generally flavored with poultry or something your dog will immediately enjoy. Let your dog lick it off your finger, then gently rub it over the gums like in Step 1.
5. The hardest thing is getting started. Once you and your dog have gotten used to the routine, make it a daily occurrence. If you can’t do it daily, every other day will still keep plaque from materializing and will have an overall positive effect on your dog’s oral and dental health.

At-home dental health care is not only limited to you – your dog can also participate while having fun. A number of toys are designed specifically to reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Become familiar with your dog’s chewing habits to help you pick out an appropriately sized and textured chew toy

4 Steps to Successful Crate Training

Crate training can be useful for a number of things. It you have a new dog or puppy, a crate can limit your dog’s access to your house until he learns your rules; this will impede unwanted items from being chewed and will also cut down on house-wide accidents. It also serves as a way to safely transport your dog by car or taking him to places that running around unattended may not be an option. If you properly train your dog, the crate will be thought of as a safe and welcome place. Water should always be available when your dog is in the crate; spill-proof bowls are a good idea.

Types of Crates:

Crates can be plastic (also known as “flight kennels”), or collapsible, metal pens. Collapsible fabric kennels are designed to be used when the owner is present and should not be used for long periods of isolation. Crates come in many different sizes and are available at most pet supply stores. It is important that the crate is large enough for to allow the dog room to stand and turn around.

Starting the Training Process:

The length of the training process depends on individual factors (i.e. your dog’s age, temperament and past experiences). Always remember that the crate is supposed to be a place your dog will want to go, so don’t use it as a form of punishment. Start off slow and work gradually.

STEP 1

Put the crate in an area of the house that the family spends a lot of time. Put a towel or blanket in the crate and, in a calm and reassuring voice, coax your dog into the crate. Make sure the door is securely fastened open, this way it can be somewhere the dog doesn’t feel trapped and you won’t have to worry about it hitting and possibly scaring the dog. Place treats near the crate to encourage your dog to spend time around it. Then start placing treats near the front of the crate, eventually move the treats further into the crate. If your dog doesn’t go all the way inside don’t force him. Stop laying treats around the outside of crate to persuade your dog in if it wants a treat. If treats aren’t working, try using a favorite toy.

STEP 2

Once the introductory phase is over, start placing the dog’s regular meals near the crate; this will reinforce the idea of a welcome place. Start placing the meals further inside the crate, just as you did with the treats. When your dog is comfortably entering the crate and eating meals you can start closing the door. At first, only keep it closed while he’s eating. Leave the door closed a little longer with each successful feeding. If he starts to whine, you may have increased the time too quickly. If this occurs shorten the time, if he continues to whine DO NOT let him out until he has finished, otherwise he’ll think that whining is a way out.

STEP 3

After your dog has been eating meals while confined without any fear or anxiety you can move on. Start putting him in the crate for short periods of time while you’re home. Use a treat and a command to let him know to enter the crate; once he has, praise him and give him the treat. Sit quietly near the crate for 5 to 10 minutes (don’t give the dog attention), then move to another room for a short time. When you come back to the crate sit quietly for another 5 to 10 minutes before opening the door. Repeat this a few times a day, each time increasing the periods of time you’re gone. Once your dog will sit quietly with you out of sight for 30 minutes you can begin leaving him in the crate for short periods while you’re gone or letting him sleep there at night.

STEP 4

Once your dog is spending 30 minute intervals without getting anxious, you can start leaving for extended short periods of time. Follow the basic idea featured in Step 3, Part I; use treats and stay near the cage for 5 minutes or so, then leave. Refrain from making a big deal when you leave and try not to be gone for extended periods of time. Also, don’t make a big deal about returning and keep him crated for a few minutes after you return so he doesn’t associate the crate with being alone. Use the same command and treat routine at night. It may be a good idea to put the crate in your bedroom or nearby in a hallway for starting nighttime crating, especially if you have a puppy because they sometimes need to be let out at night. You also do not want to imply social isolation. Once your dog has a few successful nights, gradually move the crate to your preferred location. Potential Problems

Too Much Time in the Crate:

Don’t depend on the crate or expect it to be a solution to unwanted behavior. If used improperly, your dog may feel trapped, neglected or frustrated. Don’t keep your dog crated for too long. For example, don’t leave him crated all day while you’re at work and then again when you’re sleeping. Puppies under 6 months shouldn’t be crated for more than 3 hours because they have limited bladder control.

Whining:

It may be hard to tell, at first, if your dog is whining to be let out or whining because it needs to be let outside – there’s a big difference. Try to ignore the whining; yelling or another aggravated response will make the situation worse. If the whining continues after a few minutes of you ignoring him, use your “go outside?” phrase; if he responds excitedly, take him out. Make sure the trip is only a bathroom break; do not allow the dog to play. After you determine whether or not he has to go, put him back in the crate and ignore the whining; giving in will teach your dog that whining will get him out, the whining may get louder in that case. If this is a repeated problem you may need to start the whole process over again.

10 Rules to Successful Agility Training

1. Teach your dog how to play. Add rules to games so they learn while they are having fun; this is the start to successful enhancement in agility performance.
2. 
   Supervision is vital. This will allow you to monitor your dog’s progress and will also allow you to correct any reoccurring mistakes in the course run.Use your pet’s name. A command followed by their name is very powerful.
3. 
   Use it only to get their attention or to turn them; don’t use it on a straightaway or in a situation that you do not want them to display a strong response to you.
4. 
   When instructing your dog, tell them what you want them to do, rather than what you don’t want them to do. The directional commands, positions and object names should be more intense than the reprimands.
5. 
   Be sure to work extensively through every part of the obstacle. This includes jumps, tunnels, contact approaches, contact zones, poles, etc. Look at, signal at, and command every obstacle. Be clear and deliberate with your instructions.
6. 
   Give directions before you reach an object. Always tell your dog where to go and what to do before it is expected to occur.
7. 
   Make sure your dog is approaching contacts and weaves at the correct angle. This may take an extra moment to straighten out, but will make your pet run more efficiently and will cut down on lost time on future runs.
8. 
   Never show anger on the course. As the instructor it is your job to properly teach the dog on how to execute the movements and directions. Always reward your dog and praise them for a job well done. It is a game. And never punish your dog for your lack of enthusiasm.
9. 
   Work every course to the sometimes rigidly, never give up. Even good judges miss calls for bars down or contacts you may think you've missed. The official judging will not be made by you, so don’t stress about it when you should be focusing on working your dog through the course.
10. 
    Be courteous when interacting with fellow competitors, students, teachers and friends. Never discuss events that you may believe are the fault of someone else. Be pleasant and mature.

Unique Names for Female Puppies

If you look for a name for your female puppy, you should be able to find a good name suggestion for your girl dog in the list below.

Abby
Annie
Bandit
Bear
Bo
Brandy
Chelsea
Coco
Daisy
Dakota
Ginger
Katie
Lady
Lucky
Lucy
Maggie
Missy
Molly
Murphy
Pepper
Princess
Sadie
Sandy
Sasha
Shadow
Sophie
Tasha

Dealing with Dog Allergies

Dog allergies are very similar to human allergies and also produce the same symptoms as human allergies. There are 5 types of dog allergies: food allergy, flea allergy, bacteria allergy, contact allergy and atopy. Here are some basic facts about each of these allergies.

Food Allergies

The most common symptom of food allergies is scratching, due to skin irritation. Dog foods contain a host of ingredients which can cause an allergic reaction to your dog. Some of these ingredients are:

Meats: Beef, Chicken, Pork, Lamb, Fish, Eggs
Diary products (Milk)
Grains (Wheat, Whey) Corn

Most dog owners often scold their dog for scratching too much. Any obsessive behavior your dog demonstrates, such as constant scratching, chewing, licking, requires immediate attention. Never assume that this is just a new habit your dog picked up. Dog allergies can make your dog very uncomfortable.

Aside from scratching, some of the other symptoms dogs can experience are:

Sneezing
Coughing
Eye and nose discharge
Itching around the anus
Hair loss
Loss of appetite
Pawing at their ears or head shaking
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Breathing problems

Isolating the allergen which causes the allergy is not easy because the dog is usually allergic to one specific ingredient in the food. Therefore, it is a matter of isolating that ingredient. You can try doing this with an elimination diet, which most people don't have the time or energy for. The elimination diet requires preparing specially-cooked meals consisting of a more exotic meat, like rabbit or venison, mixed with rice or potato, which wouldn't normally be found in dog food.

An easier and more modern approach to test for the presence of a food allergy is to try a dog food which contains hydrolyzed proteins, such as Purinas HA or Hills z/d. Hydrolyzed proteins are broken down into molecules so small, they can't affect the immune system, which is what causes the allergy. If the allergy goes away while your dog is on this diet (which would take about 8 weeks), then he most likely is suffering from a food allergy. At this point, you would start to re-introduce the possible allergens one by one (individual meats, wheat, corn, milk, etc.) for a period of two weeks each. If the symptoms return, it is most likely due to the ingredient being introduced at that time. You should look out for that ingredient on dog food labels in future purchases.

Atopy (inhalant allergy)

Atopy is the most common of all dog allergies, which is caused by environmental factors, such as dust mites, molds, house dust, human dander, feathers or pollen.

Signs of atopy include excessive chewing, licking and scratching at the face, paws, abdomen, armpits and genital area. Evidence of this behavior can be found in examining your dog's paws, armpits and genital area. Reddish-brown stains develop in these areas due to excessive licking. This may not be evident in dogs with dark coats.

Atopy is not easy to diagnose due to other dog allergies having the same symptoms. Once these other dog allergies (food, flea and contact) have been ruled out, your vet can proceed with testing for the root cause of the atopy. The most accurate method of testing for atopy is Intradermal Skin Testing.

There are many different treatment options for atopy. The best treatment would be avoiding the allergen altogether. If this is not feasible, other treatments include cool water baths with medicated shampoo, antihistamines, allergy shots, corticosteroids or a diet rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Flea Allergies

Dog allergies to fleas are not caused by the flea itself, but rather the flea's saliva. A common symptom of flea allergies is scratching at the tail area which causes hair loss, scabs and sores. Your vet can easily diagnose a flea allergy by checking for the presence of fleas in the coat. Fleas can be seen by the naked eye. Intradermal Skin Testing can also be used to test for this type of allergy. The most effective products for eliminating fleas are:

Advantage - Flea control for your Dog & Cat Frontline - Flea & Tick
Medication for your Dog & Cat
Capstar- Flea infestation on Dog and Cat
K9 Advantix Flea and Tick Medication (based on dog's weight)

Bacterial Allergies

A dog's skin normally harbors Staph bacteria. Usually, this bacterium does not have any affect on your dog but some dogs develop sensitivity to it causing an allergic reaction. Your dog may develop crusts on the skin and patches of hair loss due to scratching, similar to ring worm. If these patches become infected, your dog will need to be treated with antibiotics.

Contact Allergies

Contact allergies are the least common of all dog allergies. This type of allergy produces swelling, redness, itching and hair loss. Common contact allergens include flea collars, plastic food bowls, pet sweaters, plants, grass or wool bedding. The best way to diagnose this allergy is if the symptoms continue after ruling out all other allergies. If this is the case, then you must pinpoint the allergen and remove it from your dog's environment.