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7 Must-Have Dog Toys To Keep Your Pet’s Mind Active

By Hope Hammond

7 Must-Have Dog Toys To Keep Your Pet’s Mind Active

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Courtesy: dfaen @ Pixabay

They say that idle hands are the devil's playthings. The same could be said of an idle dog. When they are left in a nice, safe, but empty house for most of the day, it's bound to make them a little stir-crazy. This can cause your pet to get into trouble, such as tearing up the couch or going through the garbage. How can you stop this from happening? Keep your pet's mind engaged and distracted with some great dog toys.
There are very clever toys on the market that can be used as part of your bonding time or even given to pets before you leave for work.

#1 Interactive Treat Dog Toys

One of the best ways to give treats to your dog is through an interactive toy. These toys are designed to work like puzzles, giving treats a little at a time as a reward for your dog's persistence. One of the most popular on the market is the classic KONG rubber toy. This interactive treat toy looks a bit like a squashed red snowman with a hole on the side. Your dog can chew on the toy, nose it, flip it around, and anything else he likes to do. Every now and then a treat will fall out of the hole and give your pet some incentive to keep playing.
These work well as solo toys for when your pet is alone or when you want to keep him distracted, such as when you have guests over.

#2 Ball Launchers

Extend your reach beyond your grasp with a ball launcher. There are a wide variety of these simple devices available on the market. Most commonly seen launchers are just long rods with a cup on the end to hold the tennis ball. These launchers allow you to throw balls much further and really give your pet a workout. There are even a few set up to look like Nerf guns that shoot Multiple balls out of the barrel, which is a great feature for those with more than one dog.
Of course, this is an essential tool when playing with your pup down at the dog park.

#3 Balls

Some breeds have a ball obsession going on and pet owners need to keep lots of these toys on hand. If you have a Border Collie, German Shepherd, or golden retriever, it's likely you have several torn up tennis balls lying around the house. Pick up a few different kinds to give your pet some variety. There are specialty squeaking tennis balls to help keep your pet engaged and also very durable rubber balls that have a lot of bounce. But, these won't break apart as easily when your pet feels like chewing.

#4 Comfort Toys

From puppyhood to old age, every dog needs a comfort toy to drag around the house. You could give your pet a traditional stuffed animal, but they aren't as well-stitched as these dog toys. Plus, comfort toys are made with very little to no stuffing so you don't have to deal with clean up in case your pet inadvertently tears his toy apart. Comfort toys are available in a variety of styles and designs from bears to chickens and a few even have squeakers inside that make noise.
This is a great solo toy that will help your pet feel more secure when sleeping or left alone in the house during the day.

#5 Knotted Rope Dog Toy

There's nothing like a tug-of-war with some knotted rope to really strengthen the bond between human and dog. These dog toys are made to last and certainly to resist being pulled or chewed on. Some also help to keep your pet's mouth clean by acting as a flosser when they chew or gnaw on the specially made rope material. Look around for knotted rope toys that are aimed at dogs. Homemade rope toys can break easily and small pieces may hurt the soft tissues inside your pet's mouth.
This is a lovely toy to keep on hand for trips to the park, but if your dog really enjoys chewing it may also work well as a solo toy.

#6 Nylon Dog Bones

If your pet loves chewing it may be time to give him or her a nylon dog bone. These are ideal because they last a long time as opposed to a rawhide chew. You won't have to keep running to the store to buy a new chew toy for your pet. Nylon bones are also made in a variety of sizes and flavors. Some are meant to taste just like jerky, mint, or peanut butter. Even better, nylon bones also help keep your pet's teeth clean. During chewing, the nylon material breaks up into bristle-like projections that act to scrape tartar off of your pet's teeth.
This is a good toy for pets to work on solo whether you're at home or out for the day.

#7 Rubber Frisbees

Some dogs just love to run and the best way to work off all of that energy is to get a game of frisbee going. Frisbee is a more advanced sport, so it may take some time to teach your dog how to play. However, the effort is well worth it to see your pet leap up and snatch that flying disc in mid-air.
Do your furry friend a favor and pick up a specially made rubber frisbee. Hard plastic frisbees can cause your pet's mouth some damage when he chomps down on it. These are flexible, but strong discs that won't crack and break in a dog's mouth. Frisbees are a good toy for bonding at the park.
Toys are just the start. It takes practice and some training to really enjoy play time with your pet. If you're having some trouble mastering games, consider getting some help. The Training an Untrained Dog Series includes lessons on Playing Games with Your Dog. Learn how you can interact with and communicate with your pet on a deeper level.

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How to Socialize a Dog from Puppy Days to Maturity

By Hope Hammond

How to Socialize a Dog from Puppy Days to Maturity

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Courtesy: Spiritze At: Pixabay.com

All pet owners dream of being able to take their dog to a park. Allowing them to play freely with other dogs, off-leash. But, this may not be possible. For some, it's even difficult to walk their dog on the leash without them barking at or lunging towards other people and animals. Naturally, this isn't ideal. So, you may be wondering how to socialize a dog like this or even prevent this from happening to your beloved puppy. Let's take a look at some ways to socialize pets.

The Hands-On Approach

It's important that your dog becomes used to being touched and handled. This allows you to put their leash on, bath them, and pet them. It also helps your dog relax when being pet by other people or examined by the veterinarian.
Ideally, you will start handling and touching your dog when they are puppies, but you can work on this with older dogs. Don't just limit physical contact to petting their back and sides. You'll want to regularly touch their:

  • Ears
  • Muzzle
  • Tail
  • Belly
  • Feet and toes

Try not to scare your pet and certainly do not pinch or pull on their skin. You want this to be a gentle and comfortable experience. Otherwise, your pet may view it as a negative experience and fight or nip. This doesn't usually cause problems when they are puppies, but when an adult dog bites it can hurt.

Engage in Playtime

Start socializing your puppy from an early age by playing with him or her frequently. This is a time period when many dogs love playing, as it helps develop certain skills. So, you should have no problem engaging with your puppy.
It's also a good idea for other people and animals to play with your puppy. When they are young, they are more likely to want to be around others and not see them as potential threats. Set up playdates and visit the park as often as you can, so your furry friend learns that these are good things.

How to Socialize a Dog with Others

We've already touched a little bit on socializing your dog with others, including other dogs. But, there's much more that can be done to ensure your pet has happy and healthy interactions.

Lots of Variety

Part of socializing a pet involves exposing them to multiple environments different people, and new experiences. When your dog is younger, it's easier to do this because they are more open to new things. It's still possible to expose an old dog to a variety of environments and people. You'll just have to take it more slowly.
Make a point of introducing your pet to new people. You can actually start with those daily walks. Every time you leave the house with your pet you are bound to see someone jogging, taking a walk, working in their yard, or walking another dog. Even just seeing and hearing these other people helps your dog with exposure. Instead of taking a secluded route or keeping walks short, try to go places where you will at least see other people. Vary those walks from time to time. Take a different route every week or so. This helps keep your walks from becoming boring and continually exposes your pet to a bunch of different places and people.
If your dog can handle it, you may also want to make a point of taking him or her along with you on outings. Even if you're only planning on heading to the nearest fast food drive-thru, your pet can still take in new sights and sounds in the car with you.

Be Calm and Relaxed

When you aren't certain how your dog will react to others, you may tense up without realizing it. However, your dog will notice. Pets pay a lot of attention to their human's body language. When you are tense, it can send a false signal to the dog that there's something to be on guard against.
Fido may misinterpret the approach of other dogs and people as an aggressive act or something that they should be afraid of based on your body language.
Remember, keep your shoulders and back relaxed. Walk slowly and confidently with your head upright and eyes forward. And, keep the leash slack, as tension in the leash can also make your dog tense.

Problems with Dog Aggression?

After a dog matures, it's very normal for him or her to be a little stand-offish with other dogs during first introductions. It's an instinctive behavior that has helped their wolf ancestors survive in the wild. Dogs can also be possessive or territorial of their people and space too.
If the dog hasn't really been socialized, or has had a bad experience with another dog previously, the problem can be magnified. Your dog may display the following signs of aggression:

  • Growling
  • Barking
  • Lunging
  • Nipping

Should the other dog persist in greeting or trying to interact with your dog, it could escalate to a full-on fight. The best option when the signs of aggression are displayed is to quickly and calmly remove your dog from the situation.
Don't yell at your pet. Avoid making him lie down or take a submissive position when feeling threatened. This can actually make it worse. Try to keep the leash relaxed if this occurs during a walk. It may not be possible to have a relaxed leash when trying to get your dog away from another dog, but relax the leash as soon as possible. When the leash is slack it helps relax the dog faster.

Tips to Encourage Positive Interaction with Others

Now that you know the signs of aggression and what to do when it occurs, let's see what you can do to encourage positive social behavior.

  • Give plenty of rewards: As soon as your dog notices another dog on a walk, call his or her name to get your pet's attention. This helps change their focus. Once your pet responds, reward him or her with a small treat or other positive reinforcement.
  • Avoid a head-on collision: In the wild, dogs and wolves tend to approach each other from the sides rather than head-on. When you are walking a dog towards another dog it can cause discomfort and anxiety for an unsocialized pet. If you see another dog heading your way, move around that dog in a big half-circle, or else go across the street to avoid the head-on collision.
  • Don't hesitate to turn around: When your pet starts barking or lunging as soon as you head out the door or get to the dog park, turn right around and head back. Get back in the car or head back inside and wait until your dog calms down. Repeat as necessary until your dog knows that he won't get anywhere until he stops the bad behavior.

If you are still unsure how to properly socialize a dog, consider looking into an obedience course. The video series, Training an Untrained Dog, is a great place to start.

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10 Ways To Become the Alpha Dog In Your Home

By Hope Hammond

10 Ways To Become the Alpha Dog In Your Home

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Courtesy: Phebe77 at Pixabay.com

Are you worried that your pets are slowly taking over? Does your dog bark and behave badly in spite of your commands? Well, you might need to work on being more alpha dog and less underdog. Here are ten ways you can help reestablish a more respectful relationship with your furry friend.

#1 Be in Control of Resources

As the human in the relationship, you are naturally the one who has access to most of the resources. You buy groceries at the store. Turn on the tap for water. You can also open the door to go out. So, you are already in an alpha or 'parent' position with your dog.
However, keeping control of certain resources in the home can help your dog with manners, such as waiting quietly for their food. You should also minimize the amount of human food they have access to and don't feed pets at the table. It's bad for their health and encourages begging.
Side Note: Avoid trying to keep your pet away from food that has already been served in an effort to be more dominant. This can lead to 'resource guarding', a bad habit of growling, barking, and guarding. It may even result in a bite if you try to push your pet away from his dish.

#2 Maintain a Calm, Confidence

Alphas are confident because they know that they are the leader of the pack. There is no need to be aggressive or angry. So, whenever dealing with your pet, especially when giving commands, be calm and collected. Speak with a firm voice and make eye contact. This helps your pet know that you mean business.

#3 Go First

Make a habit of going out the door first when you leave the house. You can also do other things this way, such as making your food and then putting down the dog's dish at mealtime. Being first establishes your position and ensures that the dog is paying attention to your actions. Also waiting to give your dog his food until you are eating keeps him from begging at the table as much.

#4 Establish the Areas You Want to be Dog-Free

Many pet owners have fought with pets over chairs or beds, and even had dogs scratching at the bathroom door! Your furry friends just want to be with you, on a comfortable bed, and don't mind sleeping in a dog pile.
However, it's perfectly normal to want some space for yourself. Start establishing pet-free areas now. If your dog is in them, confidently order them off or out. It may take some repetition, but eventually, they will understand that you don't want them in those areas.

#5 Ignore Bad Behavior

When dogs beg, nip, bark, or generally behave badly, sometimes, the best thing to do is ignore it. This is most effective when you are trying to do something that has the dog's interest, such as getting ready for a nice long walk. If you would like your pet to calmer while you put on the leash, just stand and wait until they calm down. Don't yell, talk to them, or even try to grab them. Just be still until they are still.

#6 Create a Fixed Routine

Animals thrive when they have a fixed schedule. It helps to soothe anxiousness as they know what to expect from day to day. Try to establish a routine for daily walks, meals, and even bedtime. Regularly scheduled walks can also do much to improve efforts at housetraining.

#7 Nip Rough Housing in the Bud Early

It may be cute when puppies bark, crawl all over you, and nip at your fingers. Unfortunately, these can become bad habits in an adult dog. Playing with your pet is a wonderful way to bond and use up some of that excess energy. The problem occurs when your dog starts to bite too hard or jump up on you. Get this under control, so your pet doesn't accidentally hurt someone. Give teething puppies a chew toy to cut their teeth on. Stop playing and ignore a puppy or an adult dog until they calm back down again.

#8 Leash Train Your Pet

Some dogs want to take off as soon as they get outside. However, they are usually attached to a lead and end up pulling you along too! Build good habits with regular leash training. This includes making sure your pet knows that they can't drag you along.
How can you do this? One method is to set up a practice walk with a treat or toy at a short to medium distance. Start walking towards the goal, as soon as your pet pulls, turn around and go back to the starting point. Repeat this practice until your dog picks up on the idea that the leash must remain loose. It can take a lot of practice as this isn't a natural way for dogs to walk. So, be patient.

#9 Keep Up With Training Sessions

Of course, it's useful to keep up with all of your dog's training. Make it a habit for yourself too. Say once a week pick an area that you want to focus on with your pet. Then, set aside some time for a short training session with your pet's favorite treats.

#10 Don't Worry Over It

More and more people are starting to realize that a relationship with your dog doesn't have to be maintained by strict social roles. Dogs aren't always vying for dominance or looking to take over the pack. Sometimes, they only want to have good food, a comfy sleeping spot, and someone warm to snuggle. If you're still working on training or give in every now and then with a snack, it's okay. You haven't irreparably harmed your position in the pack. Your dog will still look up to you for guidance on how to behave.
If you are still having trouble with an untrained dog, it may be time to start some obedience training! The RAPT (Reinforce-Alpha-Positive-Training) method is designed to help lost pet owners find their way into a better relationship with their dogs.

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How To Teach Your Dog To Come

By Hope Hammond

How To Teach Your Dog To Come

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Courtesy: 2843603 At: Pixabay

Taking your pet out for a walk or a visit to the dog park without the leash is a wonderful way to spend time together. Your dog has a chance to roam. You can even play challenging games, like Frisbee. However, there are also times when your best friend manages to slip away from you and get into trouble off-leash. A little obedience training can go far in protecting your pet.

Why Should You Teach the Come Command?

There are so many dangers of being off-leash in the human world. Dogs could accidentally run into traffic and get hit by a car. They could get picked up by another person, who may not have their best interests at heart. Your pet could even get lost and hurt out there...Where you can't help.
The come command is a great way to encourage your dog to return when he or she gets away from you. It's even useful in non-hazardous, but still immediate situations. For instance, you may be looking for your dog in the house and just want to know he or she is okay. Or you could be ready to go on an outing with your pet and want to the dog to come to the front door in a calm manner.
Of course, before you can do any of that you have to start the process of training your dog to come when called.

Training Your Dog To Come

You'll find many different obedience training techniques for this command. But, the most effective ones use positive reinforcement. The key is to get your dog to associate returning to you with good things.
Here's how to get started.

  1. Purchase a long training leash to use for your practice sessions. Some leashes can be up to 20 feet long, or more. This allows you to teach your dog the command at a distance without actually taking the leash off.
  2. Select a high-value treat to give when your dog successfully responds to the obedience training. This could be something that your dog really likes, such as cheese, chicken, beef, or even package treats. Dice the treat into small pieces. You'll be practicing the command over and over again and don't want to give a big treat every single time your pet responds.
  3. Start with the dog just a few feet away from you. Put the leash on and take up the slack so that the dog can wander a little bit, but not far.
  4. Wait until your pet gets distracted by something and wanders away. Call out your dog's name. Keep calling until your pet turns and looks at you. Say, "good," or "yes," and give your pet a small treat as a reward. Repeat this a few times.
  5. Increase the distance your dog can roam by letting some slack out on the training leash. Allow your dog to get distracted again, and call out his name with the word "come". When your dog responds and comes over to you, reward with a treat.
  6. Keep this up, while gradually increasing the distance, until your pet has a good understanding of the command. Eventually, you may want to practice with your dog off the leash in a safe, pet-friendly area.

A Cautionary Note

No dog is too old to learn this trick. As long as you have a strong enough reward available for your pet, even older dogs can learn to come when called. Although, it's best to reserve this command for emergencies or hazardous situations. You don't want your dog to associate it with anything negative, such as going to the vet or getting a bath right afterward.
It's also important to remember that this command won't work all the time, even after you know your dog has the command down. Your dog is a living, breathing, thinking creature with his or her own desires. So, there may always be something so exciting and distracting that your dog won't come back when called.
With regular practice of the command and continued positive reinforcement, the chances of that happening are greatly reduced. So, it still serves as a great item to have in your pet owner's toolbox.

Ways To Maintain the Obedience Training

This is not a command that you can teach to your pet once and forget about until you need it. To make sure the come command is strong, you'll need to test it with your dog at random times. One way to keep your dog interested is by turning it into a game, which only furthers the positive association with this command. Here are a few variations to try out.

Hide and Seek

Have a friend or family member distract your dog while you go hide somewhere in the house. To start, it could just be the next room, but feel free to get creative later on. Once your pupper is good and distracted you can call out his or her name with the come command. Be sure to reward your pet when they do find you with treats, playtime, or plenty of affection.

Distraction Busters

It's also a good idea to build up your dog's tolerance to distractions. Make up a list of things that distract your dog when outside and set up a targeted practice session. For instance, if your dog is always going after the mailman, have a friend pretend to be the mailman putting some letters in the mailbox or through the door slot.
Then, start calling your dog with the come command to get them to come back to you. Practicing with distractions can be time-consuming. So, you'll want to go slowly and start with the least distracting things or people before building up to the biggest distractions.

Ping-Pong Game

If you are trying to train a puppy, this is a fun game to help them learn to come to you when their name is called. You'll also need a friend for this one.
Start by holding your pet back while your friend calls the dog by name in a positive and energetic way. Your friend may even offer a little treat or have a toy that the puppy likes to entice him or her. When the puppy is completely focused on your friend, let go and, hopefully, he or she will run to your friend for playtime. Afterward, switch roles, with your friend holding the puppy back while you call to him or her by name. The puppy should start to associate your calls with your desire for them to come to you, and will also start to recognize their own name through the repetition of it.
Your dog is a smart and vibrant animal. It deserves a full range of obedience training to better interact with you and the rest of the world. If you're looking for better ways to interact with your pet, consider teaching your dog how to socialize through the Reinforce-Alpha-Positive-Training (RAPT) method today.

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4 Ways To Stop Your Itchy Dog From Scratching and Biting Their Skin!

By Hope Hammond

4 Ways To Stop Your Itchy Dog From Scratching and Biting Their Skin!

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Photo by: Katrina_S Pixabay.com

No one wants to watch their itchy dog suffering from and scratching at their skin. All too often it leads to them tearing out their fur and biting the patchy skin until it turns red and raw. These 'hotspots' can take weeks or even months to heal.
Thankfully, there are ways for you to make life a little easier for your pet. But first, you'll need to identify what is making the dog so irritated.

Seasonal Allergies = Dermatitis

Every summer, my dog, Lucy, would develop hotspots and start scratching and biting like crazy at her hindquarters. She suffered terribly from seasonal allergies and the fleas loved her. She was one of the many dogs with allergies to pollen, grass, mold, ragweed, and even trees.
If your dog develops any of the following symptoms in spring, summer, or fall, it's likely that he or she suffers from allergies to:

  • Biting Or Scratching Excessively
  • Rubbing Against Vertical Surfaces and Corners
  • Inflamed Skin
  • Soreness To the Touch
  • Hair Loss
  • Odor Discharge From the Ears
  • Shaking Their Head

Food Allergies Can Show on the Skin

Another issue that causes itching could be food allergies. Although, dogs don't develop these as often. According to Web MD, some of the foods that dogs are most likely to be allergic to include:

  • Pork, Beef, Chicken, Fish, Rabbit, or Lamb
  • Dairy and Egg Products
  • Wheat
  • Soy

If your itchy dog is sensitive to what they're eating, you'll most likely see them licking at their bottom, hind end, or their feet. They may also have other symptoms, such as inflammation, gas, or diarrhea.

Fleas and Ticks Having a Feast

If your itchy dog starts biting in summer or spring, it may not be allergies but a parasite feasting on them. Fleas and ticks can hop up on your furry friend during their daily walk and settle in for the long-term.
Signs of fleas are fairly obvious. You need only sepa is rate their fur to look for the small black specks that are roughly the size of a pinhead. On the other hand, ticks get larger the longer they are attached. They can start out the size of a pinhead and increase to the size of a marble when engorged. If it's a tick, your dog likely limits scratching and biting to one area of their body.

Anxiety Needs an Outlet!

Dogs can also develop anxiety and even express obsessive compulsive-like symptoms. They may have an initial itch or seasonal allergies, but the biting becomes something that they do to relieve anxiety over time. They can even develop these symptoms out of boredom.
You may notice your dog returning to the habit when they become visibly upset, bark a lot, or if you have to leave them alone for long periods of time.

Ways To Stop an Itchy Dog From Scratching!

Now that you know what the cause of an itchy dogy is, let's take a look at some tips and tricks to help stop the scratching and biting.

  1. Address Seasonal and Food Allergies

The simplest way to stop your dog from scratching at allergy affected skin is to start medication. Your veterinarian should be able to recommend several oral and topical treatments that relieve seasonal allergies. If food allergies are the problem, your vet will likely recommend a special diet that doesn't include the trigger ingredient. After a few weeks on the new diet, symptoms should improve.
Also, give your pet frequent baths to remove pollen or mold from their coat. This can keep their reaction down some.

  1. Give Your Dog a Nice Chew Toy or Bone

Anxiety prone and bored dogs just need something to do! If you can get your pet in the habit of using chew toys or chewing on bones, their urge to bite themselves may have a more appropriate outlet. Take your dog to a pet store that allows animals and let them pick out the toy or bone that they like best.
If your dog is food focused, you may also be able to use some KONG chew toys. These are natural rubber objects with small holes that you can place food inside. Your dog works to get the food out of the toy, which can distract him or her from biting and scratching. On a side note, try putting peanut butter inside the toys and freezing them so that the peanut butter is harder to get out. It will make the food part of the toy last a bit longer.

  1. Keep an Itchy Dog Distracted

Beyond toys, you have the power to help keep your itchy dog distracted from biting

Itchy dog at the park
Photo by Show 131/ CC
and scratching. If the issue is related to anxiety or boredom, a lot of that can be worked off via a long walk or a trip to the park a few times a week. Teach your dog new tricks or play catch to help keep their mind challenged.
If there is some separation anxiety going on, you may be able to keep your dog distracted with a food filled chew toy, like the KONG toy, while you're gone. Only put out the toy right before you leave and make sure to put it away when you get home. This is a kind of counter-conditioning that helps the dog associate being alone with receiving a special treat. However, it only works if the dog is still willing to eat when you are gone.

  1. Apply a Bitter Spray to the Area

Sometimes, bitter sprays help keep an itchy dog from biting their skin. This is a useful option for those who are suffering from anxiety, compulsive, or allergy related issues. There is a wide array of options on the market, be sure to speak with your veterinarian before purchasing one. Some are designed for use on furniture and flooring, and others may irritate broken skin.
When you first buy the spray, put a small amount of it on a piece of cloth or a cotton wipe and put it in your dog's mouth. This will help them associate the smell and look of the spray with an unpleasant taste. Don't try to force the dog to keep it in its mouth. Allow them to spit it back out again. In fact, that is the ideal reaction.
If an itchy dog doesn't like the spray, then you should make sure to apply it to the areas of the skin that they tend to bite or scratch according to the instructions on the container.
Scratching and biting are just a few of the many bad habits your dog can pick up. Teach your dog better coping mechanisms and new skills with the techniques available in a free set of Reinforce-Alpha-Positive-Training (RAPT) videos!
 

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How to Train a Dog Not to Jump

By Beth Frumkin

How to Train a Dog Not to Jump

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Your tiny puppy jumps on any- and everything he comes into contact with and, because he’s little and cute, no one minds. Plus, he’s too short to really reach anything of consequence on countertops.

However, when your tiny puppy turns into a full-grown dog and hasn’t been taught to stop jumping, he’s going to create some stress — and possibly some damage as well!

It’s essential to learn how to stop a dog from jumping on the counter, guests, and anywhere else you don’t want them. At a minimum, your pants (or shirt depending on your pup’s height) may end up covered with muddy pawprints. Learning how to train a dog not to jump prevents this unwanted behavior.

Even worse, lovely meals and birthday cakes end up as goners if your pup spends time counter surfing. Learning how to keep your dog off the counter helps curb these incidents. Teaching your young pup to keep all four paws on the floor is a critical part of having a well-trained dog.

Three Tips to Stop Dog Jumping

Try these tips to learn how to train a dog not to jump on people and to stay off of your counters.

  1. Curb that Enthusiasm

Your dog jumps when they’re excited. Even if a jumping dog doesn’t bother you, this habit comes across as very rude — or even scary — to many other people. Dogs can’t distinguish between the different people they jump on, so you must train them not to jump at all, no matter who it is.

This excitement is also caused by forbidden — and often delicious — items on kitchen counters. Learning how to stop a dog from jumping on the counter not only preserves your food but helps keep your dog safe from ingesting potentially toxic items.

long-haired Dachshund jumping on grass
Photo by Show 131/ CC
The first step in how to train a dog not to jump is to train yourself. Never touch your dog unless all four of their paws are on the ground. Because they crave your affection, your dog learns quickly that they don’t get a pat if they’re jumping.

Cuddling or petting them when they’re jumping is a reward and teaches them that this is acceptable behavior. If your dog jumps up on you, turn your back and completely ignore them. You can use your leg to gently shove them off, but for a lot of dogs, this quickly turns into a fun game of “shove.” It’s best to simply ignore your pet while saying a firm, calm “down” command.

Once your pooch sits down with all four paws on the floor, calmly offer them praise. When learning how to train a dog not to jump, keep your voice and actions devoid of excitement. If your dog acts overly excited, ignore them again until they calm down. Using a loud, booming voice will only excite them more, so keep it low. Give them attention only when they’ve calmed and are showing less interest in you.

These tips also work if you want to know how to keep your dog off the counter. The difference is you can use your body to gently move them off the counter while giving that same firm “down” command. Don’t shove and turn it into a game. Move gently sideways into them until all four paws are on the ground and then calmly praise.

  1. Teach a Polite Greeting

Many times dogs use jumping on people as a way to greet or say hello. Dogs whose owners haven’t learned how to train them not to jump don’t realize that this is rude and unacceptable. As the owner, you must make sure your dog’s manners are polite.

Teach your dog to sit prior to greeting someone, which will ensure they’re calm first. If your dog hasn’t yet mastered the sit/stay, don’t attempt to teach them not to jump. Avoid the temptation to simply hold their collars to keep them sitting; this can excite dogs the same way walking on a tight leash does. They need to have a solid sit before learning the more complicated task of not jumping.

When introducing your dog to a new person, ask the person to calmly and slowly approach your pup while completely ignoring them. Firmly use the “sit” command while ensuring your dog obeys.

Learning how to train a dog not to jump needs persistence. Require your dog to sit until he can calm down, otherwise, they don’t get to say hello. If you find it difficult to keep your dog seated, explain to the person that your dog is still learning. Tell them that saying hello is a reward and your dog must earn it by being calm. If your pup simply won’t behave, tell the person that they aren’t allowed to greet them right now and ask them if they can try again another time. Eventually, your pup will begin to understand your expectations and obey.

  1. How to Stop a Dog from Jumping on the Counter

Golden Retriever puppy lying calmly on kitchen floor
Photo by Show 131/ CC
Another vital thing to master is how to train a dog not to jump on the counter. Jumping on people and jumping on counters come from very different motivations for dogs. Dogs who jump on people simply want to give a happy greeting. Dogs who get on counters usually do so because they’re looking for something they aren’t supposed to have.

The fact that your dog tries to do this in secret makes it one of the most difficult behaviors to stop. In the case of counter surfing, your goal should always be prevention. Because many human foods actually make dogs sick, it’s best to simply keep your counters free and clear of food in general. This negates the need to learn how to train your dog not to jump on counters in the first place.

However, if you need to learn how to keep your dog off the counter, seek to use food as “bait” and set them up - a sting operation! It may sound mean, but it’s the best way to teach them.

Put a leash on your dog and place some tasty (but not dangerous!) food near the edge of the counter. No doubt, your pup will go for it! When they begin to jump, immediately tug on the leash. At the same time, firmly tell them “no” or “down.” Once they get down off of the counter, praise them.

In the process of exploring how to train a dog not to jump, there may be a time or two they successfully get the food item. If this happens, immediately take it out of their mouth, even if you need to put your hand in their mouth to do it! There’s no use in your dog receiving a reward for doing something they shouldn’t. Otherwise, this exercise produces positive reinforcement for negative behavior.

If they have a tendency to get the food when you practice how to stop your dog from jumping on the counter, try using food that doesn’t taste as good as they expect. For instance, a piece of bread with chili paste might seem appealing. But once he eats it, he’ll instantly regret it!

Again, persistence reigns supreme in how to train a dog not to jump on people or counters. Work consistently for a little bit of time every day. Teach your dog the rules, and make sure your dog knows who’s in charge. Be patient and you’ll find that they’ll eventually respond with the appropriate behavior. Before you know it, you’ll have a well-trained dog with all four paws on the ground!

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Do You Make These 4 Mistakes When You Stop Your Barking Dog?

By Beth Frumkin

Do You Make These 4 Mistakes When You Stop Your Barking Dog?

Photo by Show 131/ CC

If you’ve ever lived next door to someone who has a barking dog, then you know how absolutely annoying it can be. And if you’ve ever tried to train a dog to stop barking, you also know how much of a challenge it is. So you might have more sympathy for your neighbor with a barking dog!
One of the more common training points that frustrates dog owners is loud, annoying barking. As a dog owner, you probably know that barking is a natural reaction that dogs have. They bark when they are afraid, seeking attention, trying to play, or alerting you to something that isn’t right.  Barking, whining, howling, and growling are all common forms of communication that dogs use. But you can teach your dog that there are better ways of communicating with you.
When you first notice that incessant barking is turning into a habit, it is best to address the situation right away. Even before it gets worse. Some dog owners who want to keep their dogs from barking actually end up making the problem worse with certain unhelpful behaviors. These are common mistakes that should be avoided at all costs when working to train your dog to stop barking.
There are 4 common mistakes that most dog owners tend to do. Here are some details of what NOT to do when you have trouble with a barking dog:
 

Don’t Misunderstand Your Dog’s Motivation

If you don’t make an effort to try to figure out why your dog is barking you’re much less likely to get him to stop. These are some common reasons that your dog may be yipping or yapping away without ceasing.

  • Physical need (cold, heat, hunger, thirst, or exercise)
  • Improper confinement, restrictive tethering, lack of shelter
  • Fear or feeling unsafe (exposure to another dog, mailman, garbage truck, etc.)
  • Isolation (dogs are social creatures and need “friends”, human or canine)
  • Working to be the “Alpha” with owner or with another dog
  • Simple curiosity
  • Lack of self-control
  • Genetics (some dog breeds are simply more prone to barking than others)

 
Just like parents seek to do with crying babies, the first thing to discover in order to stop a barking dog is to find out what it needs. This can be a fairly simple process of elimination. For instance, first consider if all his physical needs are met (food, water, shelter, and exercise) . Then consider what types of emotional needs he might have that are going unmet. If he barks out of fear when he encounters other dogs, help him to overcome it by making him meet calm, well-behaved dogs. This will show him that it’s safe to meet other dogs, relieve his fears, and reduce his need to bark. If your dog is looking for attention, teach him that you’ll ignore barking by leaving the room. Then show him that quiet, positive behavior is the best way to be rewarded with attention.
Barking often comes with other annoying behaviors such as jumping, yanking on the leash, and trying to get away. Address the core issue of the problem first. Then you’ll not only keep your dog quiet, but you’ll likely be able to quash other negative behaviors as well.
 

Don’t Yell At Your Barking Dog

Using a loud voice to yell at your barking dog is counterproductive. In fact, it may be the very worst thing you can do! If your dog is barking and you start yelling, you are just telling him that you are now in some sort of a yelling contest. He’ll only be motivated to bark more. The better response would be to use one phrase such as “quiet” or “calm” and speak it quickly and firmly (without yelling!) so he knows that you mean business. If you use a sticky sweet voice then you will confuse your dog into believing that he is in charge because he is louder. Of course, once you get him to stop barking, it’s critical to praise your dog immediately.
 

Don’t Give Comfort

If you give your dog comfort when he barks, you are rewarding his bad behavior. Calmly saying “thank you” or “yes, I hear you” in a regulated tone may get your dog to calm down and stop barking. Don’t speak harshly or too sweetly, and avoid sounding insecure. Your calm tone will remind your dog that there is nothing to fear. Another option is to use an isolation zone that will help your dog realize he isn’t going to get what he wants by barking. But only when he stops barking, he will be free to join you again.
 

Don’t Offer Attention

If your dog is seeking attention, then the very worst thing you can do is to reward the barking by giving in to his demands. If your dog is barking while you eat, you certainly should not reward him by giving him scraps from the table. If your dog is barking to get attention, simply get up and walk away. This is the very opposite of what he wants. If your dog barks when he is excited because he wants to go on a walk, make him wait calmly before you leave to show him that calm behavior is what you expect. Anytime your dog is calm and not barking, feel free to reward his positive, calm behavior with praise, playtime, a treat, or a walk.
 
Training a dog to refrain from barking is easiest done at the beginning, rather than trying to help your dog unlearn a bad habit. Even so, if you are firm and careful, paying attention to what motivates your dog to bark, you can certainly teach your dog to be calm and quiet. You’ll be happier, your dog will be happier—and your neighbors will be happier!

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