Socializing a New Puppy: The Complete Guide for a Well-Adjusted Dog
By: Nelson Ansah Why Puppy Socialization Matters Pro Tip: The critical socialization window is between 3-16 weeks old. During this time, using the right tools can make a big difference. We recommend this puppy training kit that includes everything you need for early socialization. When to Start Socializing Your Puppy For puppies older than 4 months, consider using this anxiety relief spray to help them adjust more comfortably to new experiences. 5 Effective Ways to Socialize Your Puppy 1. Gradual Exposure to New Experiences Reward calm behavior with these high-value training treats, specially formulated for puppies. 2. Use Positive Reinforcement A good training clicker like this one from Amazon can help mark desired behaviors effectively. 3. Arrange Controlled Playdates For safe outdoor socialization, use this adjustable puppy leash that grows with your dog. 4. Introduce Various Sounds & Surfaces This sound training CD includes common noises to safely desensitize your puppy. 5. Prepare for Vet & Grooming Visits Make handling easier with this grooming glove that feels like petting. Helpful Puppy Training Products Best-selling puppy training book – Over 5,000 5-star reviewsPremium training treat pouch – Convenient for on-the-go rewardsCalming pheromone diffuser – Reduces stress during socialization
Can Dogs Learn From Games?
BEST DOG GAMES By: Nelson Ansah Have you ever wondered how your dog can identify you? If you’re thinking by your scent, you’re not wrong. But it goes beyond that. Dogs are constantly on alert about their environment. They want to know everything about it and, of course, about the people around them. Who is a friend? Who is a threat? You can say it’s their survival instincts. For dogs, all time is learning time. Whether you’re walking them to the park or watching a movie indoors, they’re looking for visuals and cues that tell them how to behave in that setting. You can take advantage of this trait to train your dog the way you want. One of the best ways to do that is through games. Games are an excellent way for you to train your dog while having some fun. So, we’ve gone ahead and found four amazing games that can teach your dog a lesson or two. The Name Game Dogs are adventurous. They love to go out and explore their environment, seeing, smelling, and hearing some unusual things. You probably have no problem with that, but you’ll want your dog to return at your beck. That’s where the name game comes in. The name game involves getting your dog’s attention by mentioning its name and giving it a treat for every response. Essentially, a response to a call = treat. Once your dog gets the routine, you can change it. For instance, you can add a distraction. Let someone else walk by as you call your dog’s name. If your dog responds, you can then reward it. It’s vital to not set your dog up to fail. It’s training, and your dog isn’t going to get it all on the first try. Begin with little distractions and routines, then work your way up. You can find more step-by-step instructions on the name game here. The Hot and Cold Game This next game is excellent for clicker training your dog. First, figure out what you want to teach your dog. It can be anything at all-maybe picking keys up from the floor. What you do then is to sit back with your bag of treats and wait for your dog to try its luck. If your dog moves towards the keys, shout a hearty “hot” and throw some treats near the keys. If it moves away from the keys, shout a less excited “cold” to acknowledge that as the wrong direction. Finally, if your dog edges back to the keys, shout a more excited “hot” again. Don’t forget to toss a treat in there as a reward. This game helps you teach your dog some tricks and whatnot. Pretty easy, right? The Shadow Game It’s a joy to have your dog walk by you without the need for a leash. That’s not an easy place to get to, but luckily, the shadow game can help. Begin by walking with your dog on a leash in a quiet environment. You’ll need to have some treats handy here. Start walking in any direction, and if your dog catches up with you, reward it with a cookie. Now, your dog can get ahead of you during the walk. When this happens, turn a slight 180 degrees and drop some treats near you. You then call or pull your dog back into munch on your goodies. While your dog is busy with its treat, take a few paces away and wait for it to catch up. Give your dog a goody every time it catches up with you. You’ll have to repeat this game for your dog to begin following you willingly. The goal here isn’t to drag your dog by the neck. Then, you’re simply teaching nothing. The You’ve Got a Friend in Me Game As the name suggests, this game is more of a trust-building technique. It helps you connect with your dog and build a lasting bond. Plus, it’s quite easy to pull off, so many dog owners like this technique. Here’s what to do. First off, you have to get your dog to lie on the floor. If your dog is able to do this, you need to heap some praise on it. Next, walk around your dog to its rear and gently outstretch your legs so you have one on either side of it. This move can freak your dog out, so be gentle and don’t stay in that posture for long. You can now return to facing your dog and give it a treat for good behavior. Repeat this for a while until getting behind your dog doesn’t alarm it. Now, instead of going head to tail, go side to side. Make sure your dog is still quite comfortable while you do this. Keep this routine up until you can move all around your dog without it fidgeting. Also read: best-ways-to-have-you-dog-make-you-breakfast-this-is-a-test/
Stopping Puppies From Jumping
By: Liaba Tariq Puppies tend to jump on people, furniture, and other animals because it is a natural instinct for them. Jumping is a way for dogs to express their playfulness and excitement towards playmates, including people! However, letting your dog continue this behavior can be dangerous in the long run. Here is a guide curated to help you train your puppy to stop jumping. It is quite easy to teach puppies at a young age because they adapt quickly and are fast learners. So let’s get you started on how to stop your puppy from jumping! How to stop your puppy from jumping 1. Use the leash to your advantage Leashes can make up a great training session as they allow you to be in true control. Leashes can help teach your dog what submissions mean because when your dog leaps up, you should tug the leash very lightly, enough to send a message that what they did was not appreciated or encouraged by you. When you are using an instrument such as a leash, always remember that puppies are very delicate and you do not want to cause harm to them. If you tug strongly, it can seriously damage your dog’s neck and breathing. So be very careful and give them a small tug. 2. Follow through with verbal commands Verbal commands can make every training session so much easier because, in a sense, it allows you to verbally communicate with your dog. These commands can be used in public to tame your dog quickly when needed. If your dog jumps on you or other people, tugging the leash might not be the most effective way to get them to stop. But the stop command is! Follow up with commands such as “no” or “stop” and convey the message effectively. Repeatedly doing so with a small tug of the leash can help them remember and understand their actions better! 3. Reward your dog well Reward systems are your best friend if you are trying to encourage behaviors. It makes sense for puppies to get something in return when they do something you want them to do. If your puppy is a fan of food, give him its favorite treats when it listens to your commands and stops jumping. Similarly, if your dog likes to cuddle and play, you can offer extended playtimes and affection to your puppy so they can form a connection with their actions. You should reward your dog as soon as he listens to your command. Once this is done, it will make training easier for you as well as your dog! Conclusion Jumping can be cute when puppies do it, but when they grow up to be muscled and strong dogs, things can become scarier. That is when correctional training comes in handy. If you don’t wish your dog to grow up and have behavioral problems, follow this guide that we have curated for you and train your puppy to stop jumping before it is too late! Just make sure to get your hands on some treats, a durable leash as well as a lot of patience!
How To Properly Socialize Your Puppy
By: Liaba Tariq Every puppy has to build their life around many social moments. Socialization can mean everyday walks, a run to the grocery store, and welcoming family members to their territory. Their ability to manage these social queues lays a great impact on their obedience and that is why you must learn the proper ways to socialize your dog! In this blog, we will equip you with all the necessary information you need when you expose your dog to minimal social settings. So when you train them to be more obedient in front of social obstacles, it is a successful session! With that said, let’s get to the dos and don’ts. Socializing Your Puppy The Right Way 1. Playdates Can Be Productive Playdates can be fun ways for you and your dog to socialize with new people and puppies, especially if there are well-behaved dogs. It makes for a strong socializing foundation for your dog as it can learn skills faster in a safe and healthy environment. Arranging for playdates can be made easier if you have friends, family, or colleagues who are also pet parents. Ask them if they would be interested in coming over for tea and biscuits while your dog socializes in front of your eyes. It is worth mentioning that playdates let your dog learn the right behaviors when it comes to humans and dogs! 2. Practice Commands Before you begin socializing your puppy, it should be able to pick up on basic commands. That will help you prepare for any horrible scenario where you are required to take control of your dog’s actions. For instance, if your puppy starts barking at passerby children, you should be able to make them stop by using the stop and sit commands. It keeps your dog from becoming a danger to other people and animals. So you should always make sure that your dog knows all the basic commands that are needed to keep him in control! 3. Take Them Out To New Settings Once your dog knows the basic commands and does well at home, it is time to take him out to different settings. This can be a morning jog companion or even running errands with your dog by your side. What this does is normalize different conditions, weather, sensations, and people to your dog’s mind and he is better able to behave himself! Make sure you invest in a good quality leash and that your dog is encouraged every time he socializes correctly. Whenever your dog misbehaves in any scenario, do not misunderstand the root cause of that reaction. Once you can identify whether your dog is acting out of fear or aggression, it will make for a smoother recovery to obedience! Conclusion As a puppy owner, training can become a tiring routine, especially if you don’t know what to do. Socialization training is one of those but we hope this article has proven to be a helpful and easy-to-follow guide to training your dog in the correct manners of behavior. We wish you a happy training session!
How To Perfect The Leave It Command In One Training Session
By: Liaba Tariq Leave it commands are essential when you are raising your puppy. There are many situations where you will have to use this command to teach your dog to leave things he picks up. It can be somebody’s belonging, a dead animal, or even poisonous objects that he sees on his daily walks. What this command focuses on is your dog’s ability to control impulses and allow you to be in control of such situations. Our blog will help you teach your puppy the “leave it” command in the first training sessions. Get ready and read on! Train your puppy the “leave it” command 1. Bring out a reward system Rewards can create an incentive for your dog to participate. It helps them focus on your activity and polishes their skills in training sessions faster than any other way. So show your puppy that you have a prize for cooperating with you. Begin by placing a favorite treat on the ground for your dog as bait and then continue with step number 2. 2. Put on a sturdy leash Sturdy leashes come in as a great help when you are teaching impulse control to your puppy. Strap a leash correctly on your puppy and toss a treat on the floor as an attraction. The second your puppy rushes towards it, tug the leash slightly so your dog is taken away from eating the treat. Combine this with the verbal cue of “leave it” so your dog can learn the signal that their action was discouraged. It creates a connection in your dog’s mind and they will be able to learn faster than picking up items from the ground is a no-go when they are told to leave them. 3. Reward good behavior To solidify these concepts, make sure you are communicating with your dog. This can be done in terms of behavior. When your dog does as you want it to, you should reward that good and obedient behavior by feeding them a treat from your hand. 4. Repeat the pattern Repeat these steps to get the right grasp on impulse control for your dog. When your dog obeys you by discarding a treat on the ground, verbally praise him, and give him a treat. Repeat this process multiple times so that your dog learns this behavior once and for all. Once your dog listens to you without breaking position many times, it is time to slowly reduce tugging on their leash because the goal is to train them to listen to a vocal command rather than physical restraint. When you notice your dog redirecting his attention to your verbal commands, congratulations on a successful training session! Conclusion Leave it command is a basic training command that comes in use many times throughout your dog’s life. We combined many techniques and came up with the most effective ones in this blog post so you can teach your puppy the leave it command in simply 1 easy session! Get your hands on a double-duty leash which is a perfect tool for training sessions. Have a happy training session!
Why Does My Dog Poop in the House
Dogs are amazing creatures. They’re great companions, joyous, and extremely loyal, hence their appeal. But of course, they’re not all perfect. Like your best friend, your dog can break your heart occasionally. Only this time, the experience smells pungent. Here’s what that means: your beloved pup may sometimes poop in the house. You can laugh about it if it’s once in a blue moon. But you may have a severe problem on your hands if it happens consistently, especially if your dog is housetrained. Why does your dog poop in the house, then? Let’s find out! Anxiety If your dog is experiencing separation anxiety or is afraid, it may poop in the house as a way of self-soothe and consoling itself. When under stress, dogs tend to have trouble holding their stool, leading even highly trained dogs to poop in the house. Luckily, you can spot separation anxiety. If your dog behaves nervously anytime you get ready to leave the house, they suffer from separation anxiety. It can be more severe if you spend extended times with your dog and now change your routine. Medical issue The poop problem may be medical as well. The most common medical issue that arises with house pooping is from intestinal parasites. If the problem truly is medical, there’s little your dog can do to prevent it, as your dog may find it difficult to control its stool. Intestinal parasites are a major medical problem that causes dog diarrhea. When this happens, you need to visit your vet immediately. Why? It’s usually a sign of a more significant health issue. Lack of proper house training Proper house training goes beyond getting your dog to eat from a particular bowl, sleep in a specific kennel, or poop in the right places a few times. Proper house training is more extended, especially if you’re dealing with a pup. You may have your dog pooping in the house if you don’t do that. After all, it takes time to etch a routine in anybody’s brain. You can train your dog with a poop schedule as they can adapt to them quickly. However, you must see the vet if you’ve housetrained your pup. Age As a dog ages, the muscles responsible for controlling its poop weaken. This means your dog cannot hold its poop long enough to go outside and poop. As a result, an old dog tends to poop in the house by mistake. Fear of going outside Your dog may fear going outside to poop, mainly if other animals attack it. Some dogs would even rather poop in the house than go outside for fear of certain sounds they hear. Diet change Did the poop problem begin after introducing your dog to a new food? If so, this may be the reason. An abrupt change in the diet leads to loose stool, which is hard for your dog to hold, making it poop accidentally in the house. Solutions to Your Dog Pooping in the House Now that we know the possible problems, how can you fix them? Seek medical attention – Visit your vet for checkups to ascertain if there are any medical problems. We even recommend visiting a behaviorist to help your dog overcome anxiety. Train your dog correctly – Train your dog thoroughly on how to use a potty. A routine takes longer to sink into your dog’s brain; hence, continue training it after it has pooped in the right place several times. Slowly introduce your dog to new foods – A sudden change of diet for your dog can cause medical issues that make it poop in your house. Introduce it to new foods gradually and see how it responds. Entertainment – Toys could help reduce your dog’s anxiety while you are away. Ask someone you trust to check on it or turn on your radio before leaving. This helps address anxiety problems, preventing your dog from pooping in your house. Introduce a schedule – Create a reliable timetable for your dog. This will help it hold its stool until it is pooping time. In addition, you can ask a friend to ensure you don’t interrupt the schedule when you are not home. Final Thoughts Your dog’s indoor pooping is undesirable. However, they may not have a say in it. Why? The problem may be medical. Even if it’s not, it may be from a rapid diet change, separation anxiety, or aging. You can address this trait by gradually introducing new foods, proper training, and health checkups. If you are unsure about the problem, visit a vet or behaviorist for help. Hopefully, you’ve understood why your dog poops in the house. Did we miss any reasons? Do you have a solution we haven’t mentioned? Be sure to tell us in the comments.