Make Your Dog The Neighborhood's Favorite Pet

Make Your Dog The Neighborhood's Favorite Pet!

Training your dog might seem like a difficult, intimidating task to take on. Many pet owners choose to send their dog to a professional trainer. This is a good option, but the following article has many tips that will help you train your dog on your own, in your home.

Dogs who are afraid of thunderstorms or have some other specific phobia can be calmed with kava-kava. This is a natural, herbal supplement that has a calming effect and acts as a muscle relaxer. Consult your vet about the amount of kava-kava that is safe for your dog. Generally speaking, a large dog can take a single 325 mg capsule.

To teach your dog not to chew inappropriately, be sure to provide him with plenty of appropriate things to chew. Make sure they are dog toys, not cast off human belongings. Whenever your dog begins to chew inappropriately, redirect him by giving him one of his own toys and taking away the inappropriate item.

If you have an older dog, get a nice bed made of memory foam to ease the stress on old bones. It's also good to get a bed with a Mylar backing to help older dogs stay nice and warm. A removable synthetic fleece cover will also add extra padding and warmth for older dogs.

It's maddening to come home to a house full of chewed up couch cushions and tipped over waste baskets! If you have to leave your pooch alone all day, he can become bored and lonely. Try exercising him more in the morning and at night when you get home. You may even consider a pet walker to walk him during the day if finances allow. You can sometimes train your dog to stop destructive behavior just by tiring him out!

If your dog is a big bruiser, be easy on your hands and certain of having a good strong leash by using a horse lead rope as a leash. These come in a standard 6' length in soft cotton or synthetic rope with a very sturdy snap attached. They come in lots of pretty colors and are durable and strong.

Repetition is one of the most important aspects of training your dog. Whether you are teaching obedience or a new trick, it is important to repeat the command to your dog on a regular basis. Eventually, your dog will catch on to what you mean when you say the term and begin to act accordingly, especially if you are able to provide an action to go along with your repeated term.

Big dogs that like to stretch out or lie on their backs need a big bed. There are large, rectangular beds available for big dogs or you could just get your dog a crib mattress! This has a lot of advantages since you can change the cover on it easily and often by simply using fitted crib sheets. Additionally, crib mattresses are waterproof!

Remember to praise for good behavior. If your dog is doing what you want him to do, praise him. Don't make the mistake of only giving your dog attention when he is misbehaving. When you do that, you are training your dog to misbehave. Dogs like attention, and negative attention is better than no attention at all.

If you have an old dog, he may become grouchy and nervous. This is because older dogs often lose their vision, hearing, and/or sense of smell. This can cause them to feel uncertain and vulnerable. Be sure to keep things consistent for your old dog. Set up a comfortable area where he can always count on finding his comfy bed, favorite toy and a dish of food and water.

Use the same simple words in a low, firm tone of voice every time you give your dog a command. Don't shout or repeat the command multiple times. Say it once, firmly and assist the dog in complying if he doesn't understand (e.g. press down firmly on the hindquarters while saying "Sit" if he doesn't sit the first time you tell him).

When you train your dog, you don"™t have to train him to do exactly what your training book or video says he should do; however, you must train him to behave in a way that will fit in well with your family. You must train him in such a way that you can take him for a walk or to the vet without a lot of drama. By determining exactly what sort of behavior you need from your dog and then working consistently to attain that behavior, you will support your dog in having a happier and more successful life.

Following the tips in this article will ensure you have a well trained dog. There are many options for training, including using professionals or doing it yourself. Whatever path you choose, you will know that your dog can understand your commands and be in control in any situation you are in.