Training Your Dog to “Come” When Called

The starting place to train your dog to come when called is your home or yard. Use an extended leash. This will control the distance you allow him/her to go before you command him/her to come. Let him wander off then call his name followed by the command. Use one word commands like “Come” or “Here” and not “Come here” and be consistent with your commands and their tone. Don’t be impatient give the dog a chance to respond before you call again. This time should be decreased and will decrease as he/she learns to respond.


When the dog is almost at the designated distance you chose give the command - ” (His name) Come”. When he/she returns, reward him/her with a lot of praise and a treat. This associates obeying you with a good thing.

If he/she does not return, issue the command again. Remember he/she can only go as far as your lead permits. Part of his/her reward is being able to go off again and explore until you call him/her again. Never call him/her to you to hit (which you should never ever do) or punish him/her – why would he/she want to come if that is what is in store for him/her? The goal is to make your dog want to return to you more than anything else.

Does Your Dog Pull You For A Walk?

A dog’s pulling can be related to his/her ancestry or his/her personality, Dominant dogs are often “pullers”. For sled dogs, like Malamutes and Huskies, that is what they were bred for and it is their natural instinct to do. A dominant sled dog is a commanding leader that always wants to be in front.

There are several things that you can do to keep your dog from pulling on a leash and dragging you down the block. It is best to start teaching him/her from when he/she is a puppy. If he/she charges ahead, snap the leash and say a firm “No”. This will not hurt him/her, just adjust the strength of your snap to the size of the dog – you don’t want to have him/her take flight backwards. After a couple of times he/she will get the idea. Expect it to continue for a few more walks but it will stop.

If you have a dominant dog he/she wants to be the boss at all times. You need to start within the home and you be the dominant one - show him/her its’ place. Feed him/her after you have eaten, never let him/her walk ahead of you up the stairs or through a door.

You can satisfy the instinct of a sled dog by teaching it to pull a wagon and help you unload the groceries from the car, take the little ones on a sled ride in the snow and reward him/her for a job well done.

You can purchase a head collar at your local pet supply store to control a dog that pulls on a leash. This collar is designed to put pressure on the back of the neck instead of on the front of the throat like a standard neck collar does

News Bulletin – Dog Obesity Pill Available

Obesity affects joint and respiratory problems, can cause heart disease and increases cancer risk for your dog. The Food and Drug Administration has approved Slebtrol made by Pfizer. It is the first obesity reduction drug for dogs in the US. The prescription drug is given once a day to reduce the dog’s appetite and blocks fat absorption. The amount of food given the dog should be reduced since his appetite will be decrease.


Of course, just like people, if the dog stops taking the pill and returns to it’s previous lifestyle he/she will probably gain back the weight. Coupling this pill with an exercise program is the best suggestion here. Once the exercise becomes a normal active routine in your life, your pets the medication can be stopped and the weight gain will not recur if the food quantity remains the reduced amount.

Male Dog Paper Training

For the first few months, "Boy Puppies" as I call them, will urinate by squatting like "Girl Puppies" but as they mature they desire to go like a "Big Boy" goes. A chair leg, a wall  or anything upright becomes fair game to their urge.

If you are unable to walk your dog during the day due to work or for any reason or you just prefer your dog to be house trained and not have to be a human 'pooper scooper' outside, here is a tip that will satisfy his natural need to lift his leg.

Take an empty clean bleach gallon (wash it thoroughly so there is no chlorine smell), remove the label  and fill the gallon with sand. Place it in the center of the training pad or newspaper. Since he is already trained to use the paper in it's location, he will use it. It serves as a tree or hydrant for him.

Once a week, take it outside and wash it down with your hose, dry it and return it to his place. You may want to change the gallon once every three months to keep it fresh and tidy.

Help For Hip Dysplasia And Joint Injuries

If your dog has arthritis, hip dysplasia, tendon and ligament injuries or other joint pain there is help for you and your dog.


The treatment uses a dogs own fat taken from the abdomen or shoulder blade to obtain adult stem cells. It is sent to a Vet-Stem lab in Dan Diego where it is treated and sent within 48 hours to your local vet or veterinary surgeon in syringes. The cost is expensive (around $2000), however the expensive joint drugs like Rimadyl and others will no longer be required Nor their side effects be a concern.

Of course herbal remedies that contain collagen, chondroitin , glucosamine and herbs like devils claw, licorice, dandelion and boswellia will also help your dogs joint pain.

Consult your vet before you decide on a treatment for your bundle of love.

Flying With Your Dog

Whether it be a family vacation, a visit to an out-of-state relative or moving to a distant state there are reasons when you need to fly your pet . If it is a mid-size to large dog he/she can not travel with you in the cabin. Do you wonder how they will be treated? How safe will they be? After all they are not luggage but a member of the family.
Before you book your flight visit the website www.petflight.com. The site reports the total number of incidents by airline of Pet Injuries, Pet Losses and Pet Deaths. Log on to the website and select "Airline Information" on the left side. Click the airline you are considering. You will be brought to a listing of all the pet travel incidents for that airline enabling you to make a knowledgeable decision.

The site also lists "Potty Places" for your dog to potty your dog at various airports.

Also always, always reconfirm your flight reservations for your pet, (especially in-cabin pets), take the names of the agents you speak to and have the information with you at your departure.

Easter "Grass" Hazard

With Easter only a few days away be aware that the "fake grass" used in Easter baskets and flower arrangements is appealing to your dog (and cats too).  It can cause choking and intestinal obstructions which at can require serious surgery and even death.  Enjoy the holiday but protrct your pet.

Introduction

On this blog I will be posting information, advice, tips, products and supplies to aid you in caring, training and raising your dog or puppy. I will be dealing with training techniques, behavior problems and modification, and health issues to make your dog's and your training experience a rewarding one for both of you.

If you have a question or problem I will be happy to share my advice. Post your question or email me if you wish but all questions and answers will be posted to help others with the same question. I will do my best to answer your concerns. Check back often!