Jul 9, Dog Training History, A Look At The Origins Of Dog Training

Here's a brief look at dog training history and the pioneers who developed modern, positive techniques which changed the way dogs were trained.

As an organized activity, dog training traces its origins back as early as the 1700's. Informal dog competitions and shows gave rise to kennel clubs, and organized dog trials and competitions.

In the 20th Century, dog training became more organized when military and law enforcement agencies began using canines in their programs. This was particularly evident in World War I, II, and the Korean War, when dogs were trained to serve alongside soldiers, and perform specialized tasks and missions. Unfortunately, much of their learning regimens often involved the use of harsh training techniques.

Most of the dog training advancements took place in the mid-to-late 20th Century, as dogs became more regarded as pets and companion animals. As a result, dog training began using more humane learning techniques, and formalized classes were developed and taught to eager dog owners.

Prominent trainers who emerged in the field of dog training, include Conrad Most, William Koehler, Winifred Strickland, and Barbara Woodhouse. They developed their own particular style of training techniques, and made lasting contributions to the field of organized dog training.

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Jul 8, Beginners Dog Training Blog

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If you're looking for help to train your dog, here's the basic dog training tips and information you need.

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Ask Maggie, our resident canine, your dog-related training and behavior questions.

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Before your buy a dog crate, here's a look at some of the different varieties.

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Looking for info on the Working Group dogs? Here a list of the AKC breeds.

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Looking for dog information on the Herding Group dogs? Here's a list of the AKC Herding Dog breeds.

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Looking for dog information on the Toy Group? Here's a list of the AKC toy dog breeds.

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Looking for dog information on the Hound Group? Here's a list of the AKC hound dog breeds.

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Site Map for Beginners Dog Training

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With The Chuckit Ball Launcher Dog Toy, you'll never have to pick up a slimy, slobbery ball again!

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Here's a profile of the Chihuahua Dog Breed, including compatibility and training facts.

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A dog crate is a valuable training tool. Teach your dog to be comfortable in a home of his own.

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The Cost of Owning a Dog Can Really Add Up. If You're Looking for Dog Ownership Costs, Here's the Low-Down.

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Here's a look at some of the advantages of crate training for your puppy.

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Dog training history dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Here's a brief look at some of the pioneers who changed the way dogs were trained.

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Apr 3, Lifestyles and dogs, pick the right dog to fit your lifestyle

 

     

When it comes to lifestyles and dogs, compatibility is very important. Dogs are social animals and thrive on being with you. Some dogs enjoy relaxing with you at home, or hanging around while you do chores. Most dogs enjoy outdoor activities and trips. Whenever we ask "who wants to go out?" or "who wants to go for a w-a-l-k?", both Maggie's and Toby's ears pick up, their tails wag, and they're ready to go. It never fails. They love to drive around the neighborhood, or go to the petstore. They've been to the car wash, and on ferryboats. Away on vacation. Even into the office for a day-now that was a real adventure. The list goes on and on.

"Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear".
-Dave BarryTake a look around outside, and you'll see dogs everywhere. walking in parks. Dogs jogging with their owners, or walking with mom and the baby carriage. Dads walking their young daughters to school, with the family Dachshund leading the way on leash.

And it seems that the smaller dogs can be "smuggled" into stores pretty easily. I've seen a Yorkie riding in a shopping cart at The Home Depot, and a Shih-Tzu in the carriage at the grocery store. Then there was the time, a woman had her small dog tucked under her arm in the drugstore.

The most unusual sighting? A miniature dog sitting in a woman's handbag on the counter at the phone store. Definitely, a double-take moment. The point? Dogs want to go just about anywhere and do anything with you.
Okay, maybe not shopping for a new cell phone.

Your lifestyle is a big factor to consider when deciding on the type of dog to choose. A key to success between lifestyles and dogs is to find a dog that's compatible with you and your way of life....Like most things in life, you just need to know what to look for!

City or country?Urban or suburban?Big house, small apartment, or something in between?
While it's true that small dogs can live in large houses, large dogs don't necessarily fit very well in small apartments. They need room to romp, play, and stretch. A Chihuahua can feel at home in a large house, but what about a Greyhound in a small apartment? While they make wonderful pets, these dogs need large amounts of exercise, estimated at a staggering 13 miles a day! If you live in a condo or apartment building, do you have stairs or an elevator? With a dog, you'll be using them at least a couple of times a day.Neighbors? Do you have neighbors living in close proximity? Will a dog disturb them or be a potential problem? Are you single without any commitments?
How will your new dog fit into your lifestyle? You can't drop everything to run out with friends for the day or evening without walking and feeding your new dog! Do you live with others? Have a spouse? Partner? Roommates? Other family members? How will a new dog fit into this living situation? Do you work long hours or travel frequently on business? You'll need to find a breed that can handle you being away from home, or be boarded.Are you retired and like to travel? You'll want to bring your dog with you whenever you can.Do you already have other pets? If you have cats or other dogs, how well do you anticipate that your newcomer will be treated?

What's the predominant weather climate in your area?Hot and humid? Sunny and dry?Temperate or cool and damp?Or perhaps you have four distinct seasons?
Some dogs are better suited to certain climates, including weather extremes and altitude. During the "dog days" of summer, some breeds find it harder to stay cool. Short-coated dogs will find it easier to tolerate the heat than long-haired dogs. For example, a Bernese Mountain dog which requires a lot of exercise, and doesn't tolerate heat well, wouldn't make a good city dog. Remember, dogs don't perspire the way people do. They cool off through their tongue by panting, and by sweating through the pads of their paws. What do you do in your leisure time?Are you a homebody, or always on the go?If you're an avid gardener, consider a breed other than Terriers who enjoy digging!Like to go for walks? Or jogs or bike rides? Hiking, or hunting, or to the cabin in the mountains? Cross-country skiing? Consider a dog that is bred for the outdoors such as Spaniels, Setters, or Retrievers to accompany you on your outdoor activities.

Do you have children or will you have them someday? If so, choose a dog that is kid friendly and expose your puppy to children when he is little.Maybe you have young children? Generally if they are under age 5 they will regard their puppies are playthings, someone to dress up, and sit at their tea party! Look for a breed that can handle this type of activity.With school age children, consider a dog that can tolerate alot of activity and is used to the hustle and bustle of kids and their friends. Children of this age can also learn the responsibilities of dog ownership, including walking and feeding. The affable Labrador Retriever makes a wonderful playmate for children, as does a Golden Retriever, also known for its pleasant, gentle nature.

Once you evaluate your lifestyle and living situation, identifying the best dog for you and your family will be much easier.

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Apr 6, Tips For Crate Training, Crate Training Basics

One of the best tips for crate training your puppy is to use a crate.

It's an excellent, useful tool for housetraining and preventing unwanted and inappropriate behavior. It's also great home for your dog to retreat for a nap, get away from the family, or play quietly by himself. Dogs enjoy the secure feeling that enclosed crates provide. To help your puppy develop a positive association with his crate, toss a few treats and a toy inside, and let him explore and play on his own.

Traveling by car and air in their own crate is less stressful to dogs. And local trips to the vets and groomers is often more comforting
to a dog while in his own carrier.

Crates are available in sizes ranging from small to extra large. That means there's an appropriate crate size to accomodate the small toy breeds as well as the very large breeds weighing over 100 pounds. When it comes to crating your puppy, choosing the proper size crate is important.


Crate pads make a comfortable sleeping environment for your dog.

Crate Pad

Partitions, or divider panels are useful in crate training. They will reduce your puppy's sleeping area
in a crate that's too big. Dog's won't soil the area in which they sleep. Adjust the size of the crate as your puppy grows. Panels can either be made from wire, or even wood.

divider panels


Stuffed Kong Toys make great crate training aids. They teach appropriate chewing behavior,
and keep your puppy busily occupied and quiet.

When filling the Kong, add apple or carrot pieces, hard cheese, peanut butter, and even small dog biscuits.

To your puppy, this will certainly seem more appealing than chewing on a chair rung.

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Jul 13, Beginners Dog Training Site Map

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

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Aug 15, Dog Crate, Here's a look at different dog crates for your puppy.

How important is a dog crate, and how do you choose one? Cages and crates are used indoors to teach your puppy housetraining, give him his own space, and help with behavioral issues. Outdoors they're used to transport your dog. Crates are generally plastic, and that makes them more portable, while cages are made from wire, and can either fold or be stationary.

You want to choose the correct size crate for your dog. As the old saying goes, it should be not too big, not too small, but just right. After all, the crate is going to be your dog's quiet, private haven when he's sleeping and resting. The correct size dog crate should allow your dog to lie down, and turn around. When he's sitting or standing, he should have about three to four inches of extra head room.

Before you buy a dog crate, you'll want to measure your dog to get the right fit. Measure your dog from floor to his shoulder and add about three inches for extra headroom to get the crate's height dimension. Then measure your dog from head to his tail base and add three inches to arrive at the width dimension. These dimensions equal the minimum size for your dog's crate. If your dog is fully grown, consider a larger crate size if you're not sure of the fit.

For growing puppies, consider a divider panel, so that you can adjust the area to your puppy's growing size. Some crates already come equipped with a divider panel. This is great for housetraining, because too much room would be a temptation for him to soil the furthest area. Dividers can also be purchased to add to your crate if needed, or you can make your own partition using a piece of wood.

Well, I went to two local pet stores today to check out the latest variety of dog crates and carriers, and did my best to take photos (cell phones are great for this). The most numerous crates I found were the standard plastic crates (also called kennels). They're mostly used for air travel, and are great for trips to the vet, groomers, etc. This is especially handy for smaller dogs in the small-mid sized crates because they have handles. All crates have wire front doors, and vents for good air circulation. The larger, heavier crates (without the handles) require wheels or a crate dolly to move the dog. These crates are very durable and can be used in the home for crate training, outdoors, or for air and ground travel. Some owners prefer plastic kennels because they offer more security with door locks and walled privacy.

This is a plastic kennel from my personal collection. It's all ready for puppy, with a blanket, stuffed toy, and chew toy.

Looks pretty inviting, I'd say.

Add the puppy, and you've got a comfortable, quiet retreat.

Some plastic models such as these, have doors on the front and the top.

They provide easier access to your dog. And from the looks of them, these crates really allow for alot of air ventilation.

As you can see, the tops come off, so that bottom of the crate can be used as a dog bed.

Wire crates/cages are popular and can be used at home, in the kennel and at dog shows. They're made of wire on all four sides, with a comfortable pad at the bottom. There are two basic types of wire crates: folding and non-folding. Folding crates come with a carrying hand, can be folded into a suitcase shape, stored away. The non-folding crates are stationary, but can be taken apart and stored, and are mostly used in the home, especially for crate training. Many of the wire crates have single or double doors and often come equipped with a removable divider panel to adjust the crate size for a growing puppy. Wire crates obviously provide more ventilation and visibility to your dog, and are easier to clean. Most wire cages have a cam lock-a good way to provide dog-proof security. The soft carriers are designed for carry-on airline travel. Many are approved by major airlines for under-seat travel, so your dog is right there with you! They're also a great way to carry your dog around in your regular activities.
This is one from my personal collection, and is a typical soft-sided carrier, with mesh ventilation panels and three zippered openings. It has a shoulder strap and carry handles, and is a good size for pups and dogs up to about 15 pounds. Looks pretty comfortable doesn't it? Some of the newer models I saw included soft-sided crates which are made of canvas with metal frames, and mesh panels. They looked pretty stylish and modern, almost like a tent. These crates are portable, lightweight, washable, well-ventilated and the best part-they fold up for storage. These are used for shows and outdoor activities, like camping and travel. They can be used indoors for crate training. During the warmer weather they can also double as an outdoor doghouse.

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Apr 5, Hypoallergenic Dogs

There's been alot of interest in and discussion about hypoallergenic dogs. Some of this buzz centers around the "designer dog", which is claimed to cause few or no allergic symptoms for their owner. This new "breed" commands top dollar, and has created high demand. If you're looking for such a dog, please remember that no dog is allergen-free. A dog that is considered hypoallergenic generally produces less allergens.

Did you know that all dogs produce allergens? And when dogs go out-of-doors they can also pick up natural allergens, which can contribute to your allergic symptoms.

If you're a pollen, ragweed, or grass allergy sufferer, can you picture your dog rolling in the grass, picking up allergens on his coat and bringing them indoors to you? Are you sneezing yet?

There's an old saying..."don't get your dander up"...meaning don't let things bother you. In this case, animal dander is one thing that can bother you. All dogs produce dander...those tiny bits of dead skin cells that the animal constantly sheds. You can't see the dander, but those pesky particles can go just about everywhere; on surfaces, bedding, clothing, and furniture.

Dander is sticky and can even be found on wall surfaces. It floats in the air where it can mix with other particles to form dust. If you've ever seen dust particles floating through a shaft of sunlight, there's a good chance that dander is in the mix!

Even the breeds which are touted as hypoallergenic dogs and have less fur or are hairless, can still carry around allergens. What most people are allergic to is the protein secreted by the sebaceous glands, found in saliva and dander. Another point to keep in mind is that individual dogs can produce individual amounts of allergens.

People with allergies tend to have more sensitive immune systems to these allergens, and allergic symptoms can develop. My allergist explained that you can compare your tolerance to a "bucket". If you keep filling the bucket with exposure to different allergens to which you are allergic, pretty soon the bucket will overflow, and your tolerance has been exceeded. That's when you start showing allergic symptoms. The idea is to minimize your exposure to these allergens, so that your "bucket" doesn't overflow.

Regular dog brushing to reduce dander and other allergens on your dog's coat.Regular dog bathing to wash away dander.Wear a dust mask if needed while brushing your dog.Feed your dog a balanced diet with natural fats to prevent dry skin and shedding.Wash your bedding and dog bedding frequently.Groom your dog at frequent intervals to remove loose fur if needed.Keep your dog off the furniture! Those upholstered chairs will collect dander. If that's not possible, spread a towel or blanket on the chair, and wash it frequently.Try a room air purifier in the bedroom to trap airborne dander.Install an air filter in your furnace or A/C.Keep your dog out of the bedroom (that's not always possible!)Vacuum frequently with Allergen or HEPA bags.Remove animal dander from carpeting and furniture with specially formulated cleaners.If your dog rides in the car frequently, spread an old sheet on the back seat to collect fur and dander. Wash it periodically.Dust your furnishings and house with dusting products to help reduce dust and dander.The American Kennel Club suggests that allergy sufferers consider these dog breeds. While not true hypoallergenic dogs, they should be considered for their low allergen production:
Read the American Kennel Club's article on hypoallergenic dogs.

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