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DOG OWNER'S MOST IMPORTANT TRAINING TOOLS

1) Comon Sense - it's a beautiful "thing"! There is an entire world of training between just bribing a dog and punishing a dog. Dog owners should not be fooled into thinking there is nothing else.

2) Patience in Training - if you find yourself getting frustrated during training sessions, STOP the training and go back to it later on.

3) Consistency in Training. Teach commands (cues) until the dog learns - every day - over and over again. Every dog learns at its own pace and owners must not compare their current pet with the previous or someone else's pet.

4) Persistence in Training - DON'T give up on your dog. He will eventually get what you are trying to teach him. It will also make you a better leader.

5) Dogs do NOT speak our language. Because they use their bodies to communicate with us, dogs react to the position of our bodies, our hand gestures, and the tone of our voices..

6) Use an even toned voice. Eliminate a frustrated tone, yelling, or screaming!!!!

7) Expert timing for praise and yes, even mild appropriate corrections! A correction can be as simple as time out in another room for a young out-of-control teen (5-9 months old).

8) Body Language is important. What is your body language really telling your dog? This is the manner in which most dogs can read us better than we can read them!!!

9) Simplicity of Verbal Commands (Cues). No sentences. Make it short and sweet. Because dogs don't speak English, the more you talk, the less the dog will do, and the longer it will take you to be able to praise your dog.

10) Don't tell a dog "NO" when it is doing something inappropriate or unacceptable ("No" is an everyday word). Say "Eh-Eh"--short and simple, then repeat what you want the dog to do.

11) The correct physical training tools for YOUR dog! Every dog will train a bit different and may use many different tools, so be flexible.

12) Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and do them several times a day.

13) Have fun.

There are three things dog guardians should give their dogs in the following order:

1. Exercise - physical and mental every day.

2. Leadership - training will help you to communicate with your dog and make you the pack leader.

3. Affection - most dog owners put this one first and neglect #1 and #2.

In order to form a bond with your dog and gain his trust and respect, you must follow the order above. Your dog will love you for it.

SUMMER TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PUPPY/DOG SAFE AND HEALTHY

Most are no-brainers. Don't leave dogs in hot cars or let them walk on hot asphalt, play too hard or get too much sun. Apply flea and tick repellents, and if you're in a mosquito-prone area, talk to your vet about heartworm prevention pills. Take dogs on walks early or late to avoid midday heat, and provide ample drinking water. Dogs are sensitive to heat and excessive exertion.

But there are other risks that come with heat, vacations and outdoor play. Here are some ways to keep dogs healthy and comfortable this summer:

Grooming: A dog's coat is like insulation, warding off cold in the winter and heat in the summer. Trim, but don't give your dog a crew cut or such a close shave that it takes away that protection.

Dogs get sunburn and skin cancer, so never cut fur shorter than an inch. (In some breeds, even an inch is too short.)

Dogs shed more in summer, so brush to get rid of extra fur along with fur that is matted from water play.

Heat relief: Most pets find cool, shady spots to lie down, but some, especially animals that are overweight or can't tolerate heat, might benefit from cooling beds, mats or vests.

The mats get filled with water, which mixes with a high-tech gel to create a cool, waterbed-like cushion. Consumer reviews are generally positive, but caution that some beds spring leaks (or are chewed by dogs).

Food: No food will keep your dog cooler, but food helps keep body temperature up, so dogs may not need to eat as much in the summer.

If your dog stays at a dog-friendly hotel with you or at a kennel, consider bringing food from home. A change in diet can cause diarrhea.

Barbecues and picnics are a veterinarian's nightmare. Keep pets in the house or on a leash to prevent them from being fed or lapping up things that are bad for them, whether it's spilled alcohol or onion dip. Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins and chocolate are the most toxic foods for dogs.

Vacations: Dogs can get carsick if they're not used to driving, so go for small trips before a road trip.

On boats, consider a doggie life vest. Protect the dog from gasoline and other toxic products. At the beach, provide drinking water so the dog does not drink saltwater.

On planes, if your pet is small enough, keep it in the cabin with you. Call ahead because some airlines limit animals per flight. Be prepared to pay a fee and check on necessary paperwork.

If your dog must fly as cargo, note that the U.S. Department of Transportation says short-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs die during air transport at much higher rates than other breeds.

If you're boarding your dog, remember that many kennels require proof of vaccines such as rabies and kennel cough (Bordatella).

Lawns: Some lawn products are toxic to dogs and cats. Weed killers and herbicides are the worst -- some cause cancer. Some fertilizers are also toxic. All a dog or cat has to do is walk on the lawn and lick its paws to be exposed.

In 2010, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center received more than 4,000 calls related to garden toxins. These include herbicides, plants (hydrangea, tulips, azaleas, lilies), insecticides, mushrooms, fertilizers and cocoa mulch.

Heatstroke can be the serious and often fatal result of a dog's prolonged exposure to excessive heat. Below are the signs of heatstroke and the actions you should take if your dog is overcome.

Early Stages:

Heavy panting.

Rapid breathing.

Excessive drooling.

Bright red gums and tongue.

Standing 4-square, posting or spreading out in an attempt to maintain balance.

Advanced Stages:

White or blue gums.

Lethargy, unwillingness to move.

Uncontrollable urination or defecation.

Labored, noisy breathing.

Shock.

If your dog begins to exhibit signs of heatstroke, you should immediately try to cool the dog down:

Apply rubbing alcohol to the dog's paw pads.

Apply ice packs to the groin area.

Hose down with water.

Allow the dog to lick ice chips or drink a small amount of water.

Offer Pedialyte to restore electrolytes.

A lot of dogs will just keep running until they drop because they have so much heart and so much energy. You have to be proactive.

Animals with flat faces, like Pugs, French and English Bull Dogs, Shih Tzus, and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively.

Sponge the animal with lukewarm water, and seek veterinary care if you suspect overheating.

Windows: Many veterinarians see two or three pets a week that have fallen or jumped from apartment windows, roofs, balconies or fire escapes. Multiple limb fractures or potentially deadly internal or brain injuries often result. Use window screens, open windows from the top instead of the bottom, and consider child-safety window guards.

WINTER TIPS FOR YOUR PUPPY/DOG

Dogs still need to exercise during the winter. Use common sense by taking shorter walks during freezing temperatures.

Remove any snow on your dog’s paws to prevent frostbite. You can spray your dog’s paws using unflavored non-stick cooking spray (such as Pam) or wipe on Musher’s Wax (available at some pet stores and online).

Thoroughly clean your dog’s paws after walking on wintry roads treated with salt. If your dog ingests a small amount, he can suffer serious health complications. Use “pet friendly” salt (Morton Safe-T-Pet Ice Melt) on your property.

Make sure your dog drinks plenty of water before and after walking.

Put a dog coat or sweater on shorthaired dogs before going outside.

Get your dog used to wearing bootees prior to walking outside.

Don’t leave your dog in the car.

Watch your dog’s weight, especially around the holidays. Too many human food treats can cause pancreatitis.

Remember: a dog is for life, not just for Christmas.

10. Teach your puppy/dog how to live successfully in your environment by participating in training classes.

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DOG'S BILL OF RIGHTS

We have the right to be full members of your family. We thrive on social interaction, praise, and love.

We have the right to stimulations. We need new games, new toys, new experiences and new smells to be happy.

We have the right to regular exercise. Without it, we could become hyper, sluggish.....or fat.

We have the right to have fun. We enjoy acting like clowns now and then; don't expect us to be predictable all the time.

We have the right to quality health care. Please stay good friends with our vet!

We have the right to a good diet. Like some people, we don't know what's best for us. We depend on you.

We have the right not to be rejected because of your expectations that we be great show dogs, watch dogs, hunters, or babysitters.

We have the right to receive proper training. Otherwise, our good relationship could be marred by confusion and strife - and we could become dangerous to ourselves and others.

We have the right to guidance and correction based on understanding and compassion, rather than abuse.

We have the right to act like dogs and roll on our backs on the grass.

We have the right to live with dignity and to die with dignity when the time comes.

PAWS-I-TIVE BEHAVIOR DOG OBEDIENCE TRAINING

Think Pawsitive: Think how you want your dog TO behave. Not how you want your dog NOT to behave.

Paws-E-Bytes

PAWS-I-TIVE BEHAVIOR DOG OBEDIENCE TRAINING

Think Pawsitive: Think how you want your dog TO behave. Not how you want your dog NOT to behave.