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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Aug 15, Working Group, a listing of AKC Working dog breeds

We're the Working Group, some of the largest, strongest, hard-working dogs recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club). Most of us dog breeds in the Working Group were bred to perform specific jobs as we worked with man. Some of us were bred to be cart dogs, some bred as sled dogs, some bred as guard dogs, some bred as rescue dogs, and some bred as protection dogs.

Our group contains some very large and powerful dog breeds who can weigh well over 150 lbs, and our common trait is our need to work. These days with jobs for working dogs not as plentiful, some of us still do work, pulling wheeled carts, racing in dog sled team races, and assisting people in their daily life. Many of us are now enjoying life as companion and show dogs.

Some of our roots of origin, can be traced back to Canada, France, Japan, Germany, Siberia, Hungary, and the Swiss and Italian Alps. We've been linked to Julius Caesar of ancient Rome, the Celts of 4,000 years ago, and the Eskimo Malamute tribe of Alaska.

We're dog breeds that are pretty well known. Most people can recognize the Boxer, Saint Bernard, and the Great Dane. We've been part of popular culture for quite some time. For instance, we have a long-standing newspaper comic strip featuring "Marmaduke", the Great Dane.

We're involved in organized dog sled racing, the most famous race being the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, an 1150 mile trek across the frozen Alaskan terrain from Anchorage to Nome, held each year in March.

And there's the cartoons and drawings of the huge Saint Bernard rescue dog, who (for some reason) is usually shown with a small brandy keg around its neck. But perhaps the breakout star of the Working Group has to be another Great Dane, cartoon character, "Scoobie Doo", who's been depicted in books, movies, television, and mass merchandising.

We take our celebrity status and notarity in stride because we're some of the largest and strongest dogs in the canine kingdom.

As sled dogs, we were bred to pull sleds and haul cargo over long distances. Our travels have taken us over the frozen terrain even up to the North Pole. Our group of Nordic breed dogs includes the Siberian Husky, and we just love the cold weather and outdoor activities. We're very strong and require a great deal of physical exercise.

As cart or draft dogs, our breeds originated in the Swiss Alps, and were bred to work as all-purpose farm dogs. We learned to guard livestock flocks and pull carts of food to market. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, or "Swissy", is one of the largest and oldest of the Swiss dog breeds.

As rescue dogs, we were bred to find and rescue people in precarious situations. Two of our group's best known heaviest and mightiest rescue dogs-the Saint Bernard and the Newfoundland-are large and in charge. The Saint Bernard, originally from the Swiss Alps, was bred to perform rescues on land, aiding lost travelers in snowstorms and avalanches. Folklore suggests that brandy kegs around our necks were standard equipment. In addition to its work hauling nets, or pulling carts, the Newfoundland, named for its country of origin, is best known for performing water rescues. The "Newfie" with its webbed feet and water-resistant coat is well-equipped for the task.

Livestock, and property, and homes, oh my. As guard and protection dogs, we were bred to look after just about everything. The Rottweiler is one dog that was orginally bred to drive cattle, or serve as a watch dog, police, or guard dog. Need some help guarding the flocks of sheep? No problem-the Hungarian Komondor, with its heavy, rugged coat, was bred to protect livestock against predatory wolves, bears, and other menacing animals.

As Working Group dogs, with our high activity levels and large, powerful sizes, structured training and, early socialization is a must. You wouldn't want us to bowl over visiting Aunt Edna with one swish of our large tail, would you?
We're intelligent, hard working, breeds who are easy to train. Many of us are strong-willed, affectionate, and we're also very loyal and devoted to our owner and family.
If the thought of copious amounts of dog fur sends you running and screaming from your vacuum cleaner, then we may not be the breeds for you. Many of us have a thick double coat of fur which gets shed. Some of our breeds may not be suitable for first-time owners, as we're very large and powerful. Most importantly, without proper training and proper exercise, we can become aggressive, unruly, or destructive. Oh, and then there's the dog drool that some of us produce...
Some of our breeds, especially the Boxer, Saint Bernard, and the Newfoundland are very fond of children and make good family dogs, who'll tolerate pretty much any kind of activities. But because we are so large, you'd want to supervise us around your young ones-we wouldn't want to knock them over!
Some of our breeds in the Working Group are prone to a lot of shedding, which might cause allergy sufferers to experience symptoms. The AKC has mentioned the Portuguese Water Dog, and the Standard Schnauzer as two dogs that allergy sufferers might want to consider.
Here's a listing of dog breeds in the Working Group:Anatolian Shepherd Dog (Guard)Black Russian Terrier (Protection)Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Cart)

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Jan 15, Train Your Dog, Basic Dog Training Tips to Teach Your Dog

Let's face it. At times, trying to train your dog might feel like you're both lost in a fog. Your dog seems confused and uncooperative. You're becoming frustrated and feeling at your wit's end....training just doesn't seem to be working.

Now, think how great it would be to have a well-trained and well-behaved dog. Imagine, no more behavioral worries...you'd feel confident that he'd behave in most any situation.

Are you ready to get a dog? Did you just bring home a puppy? Maybe your dog just needs a refresher course in doggy manners, such as walking on a leash, or obeying basic commands?

Well, just so you know...it's never too late or never too soon to start to properly train your dog.

Beginners Dog Training will help you learn basic dog training techniques such as crate training, puppy training, obedience training, and housetraining. All presented in an easy-to-follow format to give you confidence to train your dog.

No matter what size, shape, breed, or color, all dogs have one trait in common...they all need and deserve to be trained.

A well-trained dog is an essential ingredient in a happy and healthy companion. Train your dog well, and he'll become a well-behaved member of your household, and accept you as his leader.

When you train your dog you'll be in control and able to protect your dog in any situation...an important safety issue.

Because a dog's natural instinct is to live in a pack, they look to someone to be the leader. You'll learn to be the alpha dog, in control to train and shape their behavior, which is so important when establishing your relationship.

Some of training techniques you can learn: Housetraining-Train your dog where (and where not) to relieve himself and establish a regular schedule. Puppy Training-Nip any potential bad habits while they're puppies. Obedience Commands-A necessity to control your dog in many situations. Socialization-Expose your dog to many new experiences to build his confidence. Problem Solving-Put a stop to your dog's negative behavior. We focus on dog training tips for beginners, but our site is also a great resource of all kinds of dog information for all dog owners, no matter what your level of experience. Friendly Tips-Why do dogs bark? Dog Hand Signals-What signals should you use? Helpful information on Choosing a Dog Crate Assessing your Lifestyle Tips on Crate Training Resources on collars, leads, and supplies-Leashes? Harnesses? Nylabones? So many choices...

Pull up a chair and start to learn easy, dog training tips for beginners. Learn the necessary skills to raise a well-trained dog, who'll reward your efforts with loyalty and devotion. We'll be adding more information on techniques, tips, and equipment, so please check back often.

Discover the fun and satisfaction you'll get as you train your dog. Learn dog training tips for beginners. Ready? Let's go! And leave that fog for the weather reports.

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Jul 10, What Is Crate Training?

So, what exactly is crate training? As many people know, dogs are den animals by nature. If you already own a dog, have you noticed his favorite napping spots? Some dogs seek out cozy, enclosed spots, and they can be found resting under tables, chairs and beds, or nestled into pillows.

When Maggie and Toby are sleeping, they will seek out their own cozy places. They'll sometimes sleep on "their bed" in the guest room, but more often they find separate locations. For example, Toby will often sleep on his pillows on the floor, or on his favorite ottoman. He doesn't tend to sleep under furniture.

On the other hand, Maggie will sleep behind the couch, or in the corner of the living room.

Maggie's most interesting sleeping location, is in the corner of one bedroom, with only her head hidden under the bed. Who knows why she doesn't put her entire body under the bed....but that's her natural instinct on display!

A dog crate is a very useful tool, when you're training your puppy. One of the important keys of training is to remember that puppies don't want to soil their sleeping and living area, and will gradually learn to "hold it", until they eliminate outside.

This den substitute can also serve as a useful home in which to safely put your puppy when you're not able to supervise him. It will also provide your dog his own relaxing haven, where he can get away from everyone and sleep.

Another key point about crate training is the importance of your dog's positive association with his den. Because you want to take advantage of your dog's den instincts, he should never be punished or scolded while he's in his enclosure.

It's okay to put your puppy in there because his behavior is unacceptable, whether he's chewing a slipper, jumping on people, or generally getting into mischief.

When you're taking him away from being around the family and his "pack", that is his punishment. At the same time, by being placed in his carrier, he is learning and reinforcing his safe, positive feelings about being in there.

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Jul 9, About Us....Who Is Beginners Dog Training?

If you're wondering just who we are, please read on.
Hi, my name is Susan. I'm the creator, webmaster, and voice of Beginners Dog Training.

While growing up, our family always had a dog, and pets were always treated as part of the family. So, as you can probably surmise by now, one of my passions is dogs. And another passion is writing about them.

When I was thinking of a theme on which to develop a website-well, it just clicked. Dogs! You'll find alot of personal dog references in this site, as I weave ownership and training episodes, to give the "we've been there" experience, and make it more realistic for you, the reader.

So who are we? We're dog owners and dog lovers. We're family and friends, who love our dogs, and enjoy their company. We brag about them, show off their photos, and call them our "kids", "children", and other affectionate names. Doesn't everyone?

We fuss over them, pamper them, and indulge them. Doesn't everyone?

When I'm writing about our dogs, I'm writing about their dogs too. We've grown up always having dogs in our lives, and these pets were our family members. It only seemed natural that I'd want to write and share our dog ownership and dog training experiences.

Let's see. As I mentally tally up all the current dogs among family and friends, there's quite a listing. It's interesting to note which breeds and names are popular now. Quite a mix of older and younger dogs that we love and enjoy having in our lives:

George, the rescued Greyhound. Trixie, the rescued Beagle. Andy, the Standard Poodle, and his older sister, Nikki, the Standard Poodle. Then there's Brady, the Yellow Labrador, and Love, the Golden Retriever.

Then there is Heidi, the older Dachshund, and her younger sister Hayley, a long-haired miniature Dachshund puppy.

The gang also includes sister Leela, another mini Doxy.

Last but not least, there's Penny, the yellow Labrador mix, and Gracie, the Bichon Frise.

Finally, we have Penny, the Standard Poodle, and Butchie, the white Greyhound.

And of course, our very own dogs, Maggie, the Yorkshire Terrier, and Toby, the West Highland White Terrier, who you can read about below.

As much as this website is about our dogs, it's about your dog too. It's my sincere goal to provide you with quality, useful information that you can apply to your own dog training and dog ownership experiences.

And it's my hope that you'll come back often and make this site one of your favorites. You and your dog are also part of this website!

Meet Maggie, our 10 year old Yorkshire Terrier. Before Maggie came along, my brother-in-law Sam was at the local library, where he met a man walking a Yorkshire Terrier. They got to talking, and the man mentioned how he had gotten his Yorkie from a local breeder.

Sam called the breeder, and told her he'd be interested when the next litter was born. Almost a full year passed before she called to announce the birth of the new arrivals.

When it was time to go see the litter, Sam noticed this one particular puppy who was clearly "leader of the pack". She came running over to greet him, tail wagging, showing off her stuff! For Sam, it was practically love at first sight. He brought Joanne over for a second visit to further evaluate Maggie and make sure she was the dog for them. She's proven herself to be the dominant top dog in the family ever since.

Meet Toby, our 8 year old West Highland White Terrier. Toby is a special dog with a special story, who arrived as a somewhat older puppy, about 9 months old. He was a "puppy mill" dog, who rode all the way from Kansas to a New England pet store to eventually be adopted. Toby had already had two prior owners, who returned him to the pet store for unknown reasons before Sam and Joanne adopted him.

The trainer who helped with Maggie knew about Toby, and mentioned that he would make a good companion for her. Despite his rough beginnings, Sam and Joanne agreed to take him in a foster basis and brought him home. Toby was somewhat scrawny, in need of a good haircut, and a better diet, but they could tell that his easy-going personality would complement Maggie's.

When he first arrived, he went right over and sat on the metal air duct vents on the dining room floor, in a truly heart tugging moment. Was this a reminder of his early living conditions as a puppy mill dog in Kansas? While most purebred puppies begin life in the comfortable surroundings provided by breeders, we can only imagine the tough conditions he endured as a very young puppy. In Toby's case, little was known about his background or "parentage", but he was thoroughly vet checked, and recommended. He couldn't be more loved and has turned into a wonderful dog.

Thanks for taking the time to visit Beginners Dog Training. Please feel free to send your comments, questions, or suggestions. I'd enjoy receiving your feedback.

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Apr 6, Your whining puppy, can puppy crate training correct this behavior?

Is your new dog having a problem with crying or whining? With proper puppy crate training, this is a behavior that can be easily corrected. When it comes to puppy training, the advantages of crate training are numerous. Puppy and dog crate training offers advantages to both you and your dog.

Crates offer comfort to some dogs who don't know how to handle open spaces like rooms, and are still being housetrained. Crating your puppy helps to curb these unwanted behaviors, and offers a safe place for sleeping and confinement.

If your new dog is experiencing crying/whining, here are some crate training tips that can be useful for controlling this behavior.

Your new dog is home at last, and how exciting for everyone! After a busy and stimulating day, filled with new sights, sounds, and people, he's ready for bed. He may begin to wimper the first few nights, as he is likely feeling separated from his pack.

One of the best ways to get your puppy used to his new surroundings is to crate him at night.

As owner and his leader, you are now part of the pack. To comfort and reassure your puppy, put the crate in your bedroom, next to your bed so that you can reach the crate. If he does starts to fuss, put your hand on the crate, or your fingers through the crate bars, to reassure him that you're there and he's not alone. If he doesn't quiet down, use a firm, comforting voice and say something like "No-quiet", or "Shh-sleep".

If your puppy continues to wimper, place a chew toy in the crate so he can play quietly.Take him outside to do his business, then quickly back to his crate, so he knows that it's bedtime.Don't give in to the fussing and put him on the bed with you.Don't yell, as that can frighten your puppy.Some owners wrap a wind-up alarm clock, or warm hot water bottle in a towel and put it in the crate, to simulate littermates. The sound and warmth often soothes a lonesome puppy.Before your puppy's bedtime, play with him to make sure he's good and tired. That's one of the best ways to insure that he'll sleep well and not cry.Sometimes while puppies are being housetrained and placed in their crate, they will cry, usually for attention, as they are missing their littermates. It's important to follow consistent action to curb this behavior. Don't open the crate door if he is fussing. If you give in to this behavior in your puppy, and let him out of his crate, you are rewarding this unwanted activity.A better way to quiet him is to use a treat, and praise him, then open the crate door.If you hold a treat in your closed hand against the crate bars, your dog will stop fussing and sniff your hand. He can't do both at the same time!Count for a few seconds while he's sniffing, give him the treat with lots of praise. And then you can open the door.

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