Handy Tips For Your Dog
Tips & Advice
Knowing the 4 Levels of Heat Exhaustion
Knowing and reading your dog can save their life. Heat exhaustion comes in waves, first the dog will open their mouth to regulate their body temperature by taking air over their tongue. Stage two, the dog’s tongue will swell increasing the surface area of their tongue, this allows them to cool off more air at a faster rate so they can regulate their body temperature faster. Stage 3 is when the tongue starts hanging out to the side and they start to lose muscle control to bring their tongue back to the front of their mouth. Stage 4 the dog will start staggering before they collapse, monitor your dogs and don't let it get to this point.
Puppy Potty Training
Puppies bladders aren’t fully developed, so they can’t hold it as long as they can when they are adults. Puppies don’t have the muscle control to empty it in one pee, that’s why they go outside and pee then come inside and pee 5 minutes later. Let your puppy stay out a 5-10 minutes and not just rush in the house once they pee. When you are at home try to make it a habit to take them out every 30 minutes and walk them until the puppy goes pee. While doing this see if you can pick up on the puppy's cues even the slightest ones that he or she might be doing, notifying you that he or she needs to go. When you get a crate make sure it’s adequate to their size, if the puppy has to much room to move around where thy can lay down in one spot and pee somewhere else they will, and the crate at that point is too big for them. As far as pooing in the house, you can control how often they poo. If you have the puppy on a feeding schedule then you can put them on a potty schedule. They should be needing to go potty about 30-45 minutes after eating. If you can stay consistent with this you will have them house trained in 7-10 days.
Tips to Make Dog Training Fun
If you are NOT having fun, your dog is NOT having fun! Have some excitement in your voice and body. Sometimes turn training into games for your dog. An example of this can be luring with food or a toy. Do not get complacent and do the same routine, change the training routine and location for both of you.
Answering Concerns About Prong Collars
When used and sized properly, prong collars are the safest correctional tool for a dog. They are designed to allow the pressure to be evenly distributed around the neck versus pinpointing it on one area. Herm Sprenger is absolutely the only brand we use or will recommend. They are designed and functional for safety.
When Should An E-Collar Be Used
In my career I have only had to use an E-Collar on a handful of dogs. Most dogs don’t need an E-Collar to learn. E-Collars are a good tool when used correctly, but that requires proper training, timing, and usage.
Tips For Kennel/Crate Training
You want to start off first and make sure you have the correct crate that is sized properly for your dog and also matches the sturdiness needed for your dog. Having a crate to big for a dog will lead for them having accidents in the crate with pee or poo. Crate training starts with short intervals of introduction to the crate . Usually, putting a sheet over the crate will help settle the dog down. You can also use music in the background to make the dog think they are not alone. Don’t let them think they can cry to just come out. They will think every time they cry they will get their way. But, that doesn’t mean ignore their cries if they need to go potty. Don’t use a crate as a punishment because you will build a negative connotation to the crate.
Free Range Vs. Portioned Meals
Free Range basically builds spoiled dogs because the main necessity they need is always available to them. Portioned and scheduled meals allow you to regulate their potty schedule, allows you to build value in you, allows you to regulate you dogs body score/weight, and also allows to insure that your dog gets the nutrients they need.
Tips For Leash Walking
Work on structured walks, use the leash as a reward, work through obstacles and moments of reactivity instead of trying to teach your dog to avoid it.
Pros on Socializing Your Dog
Most people think socializing is only about teaching your dog to play with people and other dogs. However, true socialization is having a dog confident enough to display complete neutrality in any environment. Meaning, they know how to stay neutral through distractions thrown their way (other animals, people, noises, bikes, etc.).