Know These 3 Things While Training Your Puppy

Puppies just don’t understand, as children don’t until we teach them. How many times have we heard, "My dog just won't listen to me", or "He just won't behave!". Most of us agree that when it comes to children, certain things are universal and undisputed. Well, here are three things that a lot of people just do not think of when it comes to raising their dogs.

1. English 101

In the beginning, they study us to learn our body language and our facial expressions. Until we teach them the “our” language, it's all they have. If we say, "Wanna go out?" on Monday, "Have to go potty?" on Wednesday, and, "Gotta pee?" on Friday, it is most likely because you have picked up the leash and moved toward the door with a happy face that the puppy understands.  If you want to speed up his training, teach her YOUR language. Use one command for EACH behavior and stay with it. Tell all in your family to use the same words and commands, and your puppy will amaze you at how much faster she learns.

2. Your puppy is growing faster than you think.

A young puppy grows fast, so the more food and water she needs to fuel her growing body and metabolism, the more potty breaks she will need. If there is an accident in the house, do not punish her. It is YOUR fault. Depending on how old, what breed, and how big your puppy is will determine how often she will need to go out. A few key times are right after a nap, after she eats, and after grooming.

There are signs, when you see them move quickly! Always give praise for going potty outside.
Remember to try and use your single command word in your praise. “Good potty, good girl!”

3. They can see it in your face.

A puppy or a full grown dog, all it takes is a scowl from you and the ears go down, the eyes get sad. They know and the lesson will be learned, but their attention span is only 3-5 minutes, any longer is unnecessary. Follow it up with some love and a happy face.

Physical punishment is never necessary. Constant commands and adoring praise and she will know what you want of her before you. She will become a master of your body language and facial expressions in no time at all.

Of course there are many phases of training your puppy. If your goal is a happy, well-adjusted, loving, obedient dog for life then be consistent, confident, and most of all loving.

Silly McKitty

Silly McKitty a video by Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center on Flickr.

Silly McKitty just loves being boarded at Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center.

Endless Pool

Endless Pool, a photo by Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center on Flickr.

Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center is one of the animal hospitals that offers an Endless Pool for aquatic therapy and animal rehabilitation on site. Our pool is fully secured and closely monitored for the safety of all animals that board with us.

Kennel and Boarding Facilities

Kennel and Boarding Facilities, a photo by Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center on Flickr.

Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center offers our clients safe and superior facilities for your pets on short or long term stays. Our grounds are fully secured and monitored, have large indoor/outdoor pet runs and webcams. We offer extensive exercise space covered with K 9 Grass artificial turf.

Surgical Facilities at Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center

Surgical Facilities at Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center, a photo by Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center on Flickr.

Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center offers surgical services including orthopedic, laser and therapeutic laser surgeries. Also, we provide advanced dental care including digital dental radiography.

Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center

Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center, a photo by Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center on Flickr.

Our new state of the art veterinary center located in Boynton Beach and serving all of South Florida. The facility is a fully equipped animal hospital that includes grooming, boarding and rehabilitation.

Can I Have A Puppy?

"Please, can I have a puppy?" As a parent, we've all been asked.

Rather than dodge the question, parents should consider whether their family is ready for a pet, says Sharon Bergen, senior vice president of education and training for Knowledge Learning Corporation, the nation's leading provider of early childhood care and education.

Bergen suggests that parents weigh the pros and cons of adding a pet to the household before agreeing to a child's request. "A pet can teach children responsibility and become a wonderful addition to a family-or it can be a burden," she says. Bergen recommends families consider the following before deciding.

Who will care for the pet? Families should agree beforehand who will be responsible for feeding, walking, bathing and cleaning up after the pet.

Do you have space for a pet? Families living in apartments or townhouses may prefer a cat, a bird or fish, rather than a Labrador retriever. Check the library or Internet to learn more about different types and breeds of pets to determine the one most suitable for your family.

Owning a pet is time consuming and may be expensive. Family members should realize that they may have to give up other activities to properly care for a pet. If the prospect seems too daunting, parents may suggest waiting until the child is old enough to help care for an animal.

Bergen recommends the whole family meet the animal before deciding to take it home. Owning a pet is a long-term commitment, so think carefully before adopting a furry new family member.

Waterdog!

Waterdog!, a photo by Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center on Flickr.

Just enjoying a swim on a hot afternoon in Boynton Beach, Florida

Leash Training Your Dog: Dog Training Advice

As a responsible and caring dog owner, you will undoubtedly spend a lot of your time in training your puppy. You will probably do some crate training, obedience training, maybe even agility training. But, one of the most enjoyable things you can do for your companion is leash training. He may not think very highly of it at first, but once he has the hang of it, your outside time with him will be much more enjoyable for you both.

Most experts recommend that you begin leash training your dog when he is around six or seven weeks old. Usually at this age, he will have a better attention span, and will be up for walks with you.

When you first start walking with your puppy, you may want to allow the puppy some freedom at first, so that he can explore his area and play. The training at this time will be teaching your puppy to stay with you during your walk, and come when you call him. By letting the puppy explore, and then calling his name, he will learn that you want him to come back to you. It is important to praise and reward your puppy when he does come when you call him. Some trainers will use treats to get the puppy to follow them at first. Due to his short attention span, you should not expect this to work for long. You should give the puppy a treat, and let him go play, then try again a little later. By using treats and rewards, and being patient, your puppy will catch on fairly quickly.

When your puppy has mastered the walk without a leash, and coming to you when you call him, you can probably begin training him on a lead. Most veterinarians will recommend starting with a nylon collar before trying a choker collar. Most of the time, the choker collar is not needed, unless you have a very strong willed puppy.

Usually the best place to start leash training is your own backyard. The puppy is probably already very familiar with this area now, so he will be less focused on exploring, and more on training. You also don’t have to worry about other animals on the scene, as you would at a park or local walking track.

Again, when you have the collar on and are ready to begin, bend down and offer a treat to get your puppy to come to you. After successfully doing this a few times, start to walk a little with the puppy on the leash. If your puppy follows you, praise him and give him a treat. In the event he does not follow, which often is the case the first time around, start all over again. Once he starts to follow you without resistance, try walking a little bit further each time. Your puppy will soon learn to be lead, without him even noticing he is doing something he may not want to do.

Continue working with your puppy often, as any training should be ongoing. The more training and practice your puppy gets, the more accustomed to the leash he will become.

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