Give the Dog a Bone…

A bone is and always will be a special treat in your dog’s eyes. They love bones, big beef bones. You can pick them up at the grocery store when you do your grocery shopping.

Not only does your pet feel extra loved, but the bonus is that while he is chewing and gnawing on the bone, his teeth are getting pearly white.

There are a few precautions to take to ensure that only enjoyment comes from this treat and not a trip to the vet’s office.

Safe bones for your dog:

• Edible bones: hollow, non-weight bearing bones of birds that is soft and pliable. They do not contain marrow and can be crushed in a meat grinder
• Recreational Bones: big chucks of beef or bison femur or hip bone filled with marrow.

Bone Safety:

• Feed them the bone in their crate, outside, or somewhere the bone will not make a mess
• Supervise your pet while he is working on the bone
•  Separate dogs in a multi-dog home

Avoid giving bones to dogs that…

• Have had dental work done (restorative)
• Are susceptible to pancreatitis
• Could possibly attempt to swallow hole
• May be able to bite it in half

When you give your dog a bone, LEAVE HIM ALONE!

Dogs can get very possessive about their bones. Bones are one of those things that will make a dog growl when you try and take it away from him. Bones are a very special treat and your dog wants to enjoy that treat in a relaxing place where he can truly enjoy it.

Possible Dangers include

•  Broken teeth
•  Mouth or tongue injury
• Gets stuck in dogs esophagus, windpipe, or intestine
• Peritonitis
• Constipation due to bone fragments

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.

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

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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.