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6 Common Dog Training Questions Answered

By Alina Jumabhoy

6 Common Dog Training Questions Answered

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Do you have any dog training questions that you want answered?

Chances are, they're on this list...

1. Why Does My Dog Keep Pulling on the Leash?

Dog on leash sitting and looking up, asking dog training questions
Photo by Show 131/ CC

This is one of the most common dog training questions out there, and is also a simple one to answer.

A dog will pull on the lead if he has learned that that is the easiest way to move forward. When your dog pulls, and you move forward with your dog, you reinforce that behavior by showing your dog that pulling works.

How do you stop your dog from pulling on the leash?

There are several ways to do this, but each one will take quite a bit of time. Training a dog to stop pulling on the leash can be a long process, so be patient!

The most common method is:

  • Stop walking when the leash goes tight

  • Stand still and don't move until the leash has gone slack again

  • Continue walking

What do you do if the lead doesn't go slack?

You turn around and take a few steps in the opposite direction. This will help your dog to focus on you again.

2. How Do I Stop My Puppy From Biting?

Biting is natural for puppies. They use their mouths to explore the world, and to communicate with their mother and littermates.

Of course, this isn't how you want to communicate with your pup...

So, the best way to get around this is by teaching your pup new ways to communicate.

How?

Use a toy instead of your hand when playing with your puppy. Don't roll your puppy around or play too roughly, as this will only encourage the biting.

When your puppy does bite...

Stop playing immediately and walk away.

It won't take long before your puppy realizes that biting isn't a good way to communicate with you.

3. My Dog Gets Plenty of Exercise, But is Still So Hyper Around the House. What Do I Do?

Many people think that exercise is all a dog needs in order to quieten down, but this isn't true...

While exercise stimulates your dog physically, you still need to provide your dog with mental stimulation. This will keep their brain challenged, preventing them from getting bored and minimizing any destructive behavior.

Wondering how to mentally stimulate your dog?

Try an interactive dog toy. You could also try creating your own brain games for your pup, in the form of a treasure hunt, hide and seek, or anything similar. Trick training is another great way to keep a dog mentally stimulated, no matter their age.

Don't forget to also take a look at the food you are feeding your dog...

Some commercial foods contain numerous additives that can contribute to hyperactivity. Ideally, opt for something as natural as possible.

4. How Do I Get My Dog to Come to Me When I Call Him?

how to get a dog to come running, like in this photo, is one of the most common dog training questions
Photo by Show 131/ CC

Recall-related dog training questions are so common. This is one of the most basic commands, and it goes without saying that it is something that every dog and owner should master.

Of course, this is easier said than done in many cases...

The main thing to remember is – every time you call your dog over, you need to make sure he listens to you. If he doesn't, then you are reinforcing the idea that it doesn't matter what you say, and that he doesn't need to come when you call.

How do you do this?

A long line will make your life so much easier. This is basically an extra-long, lightweight leash. You leave the leash slack at all times, so that your dog feels as though he has freedom.

When you call your dog over, give the leash a little tug to encourage your dog to come to you. Use treats to provide some extra motivation, and to reward your dog for listening.

Do this over small distances at first. You can then slowly increase this, adding in more distractions.

Once your dog gets the hang of this, you can then practice it without the long line. 

5. How Do I Stop My Dog From Going to the Toilet in the House?

Toilet training problems tend to be at the top of the list when it comes to the most common dog training questions out there.

There are a few key points to keep in mind when house-breaking a dog:

  • Consistency – you need to be 100% consistent when it comes to taking your dog outside at regular intervals. Begin by doing this every hour, and slowly increase it as your dog's bladder strengthens

  • Positive Reinforcement – every time your dog goes to the toilet outside, you need to reinforce this. Use high value treats, as well as plenty of praise

  • A Verbal Command – each time your dog goes to the toilet outside, say your toilet command, whether this may be “go to the bathroom”, “potty time” or anything else. This will help in the future when you need your dog to go to the toilet on command

What should you do if your dog does go to the toilet in the house?

Don't tell him off. Instead, clean it using a solution that completely removes the odor. This will prevent your dog from using that same spot again. Dogs live in the moment, so shouting at them for something that has happened in the past will not help with your training. 

6. How Do I Get My Dog to Stop Barking at the Doorbell?

It can be quite frustrating when your dog goes crazy each time the doorbell rings.

So, what can you do about this?

You basically need to teach your dog to do something else each time the doorbell rings. The best thing to teach them would be to lie down quietly in their bed.

How?

Use treats to encourage your dog to go to bed each time the bell rings. Have a friend ring the bell each time your dog is settled, while you praise your dog for remaining in his bed rather than barking.

This does take time and plenty of practice, so be patient!

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How to Put Together a Dog First Aid Kit

By Alina Jumabhoy

How to Put Together a Dog First Aid Kit

Photo by Show 131/ CC

No matter how careful you may be with your dog, accidents and emergencies can always happen. This is why it is always best to be prepared with a well-stocked dog first aid kit.

Don't have one yet?

Here is everything you will need to put one together.

A Sturdy Box or Bag

Before you begin to put your dog first aid kit together, you will need a container to hold all of the items. A plastic or metal box should be strong enough, and will be easy to pack.

Alternatively, go for a bag, especially if you and your dog frequently travel. You could also purchase a pre-made human first aid kit. Then, simply add your dog first aid kit items to this.

Bandages, Tape, Scissors and Rubber Gloves

If your pet is ever injured and starts to bleed, bandages are a must. These may be enough to stop the bleeding completely. If not, it will still slow the bleeding down enough to buy you some time to take your pooch to the vet.

Many different items can be used as a bandage, whether this may be a roll of gauze, a strip of cloth, or even some socks. Whichever you choose to include in your dog first aid kit, make sure that the bandage material is clean.

The tape is necessary to enable you to hold the bandage in place, while the scissors mean that you can cut the bandage and tape down to the perfect size.

Why do you need rubber gloves?

Because it is always best, for both you and your dog, for you to be wearing rubber gloves when handling blood. It will help to keep the wound cleaner, preventing an infection from setting in.

Medications

If your pet is already taking medication for an illness, make sure that you have some spares in your dog first aid kit.

Even if your pet is currently medication-free, there are a few over-the-counter drugs that may be worth including. Here are a few ideas:

  • Antihistamines for an allergic reactions

  • Antacids for stomach irritations

  • Approved sedatives for travel

  • Approved pain relief medications

  • Sugar tablets for low blood sugar

A Gallon of Water

Water is always so important in a medical emergency. You can use water to clean a wound, flush out the eyes, calm a burn, wash off allergens, and so much more.

A gallon of water should be more than enough for a dog first aid kit, but make sure that you also include a collapsible dish that you can pour the water into.

A Tick Remover

While ticks aren't necessarily an emergency, these pests are easy enough to remove on your own, saving you from having to make a trip to the vet.

Many of the home remedies you read about online when it comes to tick removal can actually be quite dangerous. For example, smothering a tick in Vaseline to suffocate it can sometimes cause the tick to regurgitate its contents back into your dog. This can lead to even more problems. Similarly, pulling a tick straight out can result in the head being left in your dog.

This is where a tick remover tool comes in...

These are so easy to use. You simply place the small tool over the tick and twist the tick out. Try to get a small and a large size to ensure that you are covered for all tick types.

A Dog First Aid Book

Do you know how to administer CPR on your dog? Or how about stopping a strong bleed?

Even if you already know all of this, a serious emergency can cause you to panic, resulting in your mind going blank.

This is why it is always handy to keep a dog first aid book in your dog first aid kit. This way, if there is ever an emergency that you aren't quite sure how to deal with, you will always have something reliable to refer to. It also wouldn't hurt to read this book in advance, just to brush up on your general dog first aid knowledge.

A Muzzle, Leash and Blanket

Your dog may be the tamest and friendliest pooch you know, but an injured animal can be so unpredictable.

For this reason, it is always advisable to make sure that your dog first aid kit contains a few restraints. A muzzle and a lead will give you some extra control over your dog if he becomes aggressive from pain. A blanket is also useful. You can use this to wrap your dog up, making transportation so much easier.

Treats and Home Comforts

While you will always want to tend to a medical emergency as quickly as possible, it is also important to take the steps necessary to ensure that your dog is feeling as comfortable as possible throughout all of this.

Treats are a good way to relax a food-motivated dog, and to encourage them to focus on you. They can also be used as an intermittent reward while you are performing first aid on your dog.

Other home comforts, such as a toy or your dog's favorite blanket, will also help to keep your dog calm and happy.

Paperwork

There are a few different pieces of paperwork that you should include in your dog first aid kit.

The first is your dog's medical history and vaccination records. These may not seem important right now, but if your dog has a serious medical emergency, it always helps to have these easily to hand.

A list of emergency phone numbers can also be useful.

Whose phone numbers should you write on the list?

Your vet's number is crucial, along with the number of an emergency vet if your regular vet doesn't provide this service. Animal poison control numbers, along with animal control, should also be listed.

When a dog is hurt or injured, this can be frightening, not only for your dog but also for yourself. In order to prevent more damage, it always helps to deal with the problem as quickly as possible, which is why a dog first aid kit is essential for every dog owner out there.

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Get Your Dog’s Prey Drive Under Control

By Alina Jumabhoy

Get Your Dog’s Prey Drive Under Control

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Prey drive varies hugely in individual dogs. While some dogs naturally have a low prey drive, others simply cannot resist chasing every moving thing around them.

It goes without saying that this can be extremely difficult to deal with...

Fortunately, you don't need to worry too much. By putting some time and effort into training your pooch, you will soon be able to get that prey drive under control.

KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEASH

It may be tempting to un-clip that leash so that your dog can have a good run, but this is something that you need to avoid doing until you have managed to gain some control over your dog's prey drive.

Keeping your dog on a leash gives you much more control to begin with. You should also make sure that your dog does not have any access at all to prey animals.

Each time your dog chases an animal, this reinforces the behavior. This means that your dog will be even more likely to do the same thing again in the future.

By putting a stop to this right away, you will notice results from your training much faster.

REDIRECTION

Redirecting your dog's attention is one of the most important strategies to learn when trying to control prey drive.

What exactly is redirection?

It means being able to shift your dog's attention away from the prey and onto yourself. It is much easier to do this before your dog fixates on the prey, or very soon after. If you wait too long, it will be difficult to break your dog's focus.

So, how do you redirect?

Each time you notice a prey animal in the distance, simply go in the other direction. Keep things positive, rewarding your dog for following you.

What happens if you have no choice but to go in the same direction as the prey animal?

Make sure you have a squeaky toy or a high value treat to hand. Use this to distract your dog, making sure that you only pass by the animal once your dog is fully focused on you. Once you have made it past, you can then reward your dog with the treat or toy.

Ideally, you should work on redirecting from a distance. Once your dog understands that it is more rewarding to stay focused on you rather than the prey animal, you can then shorten this distance and practice this at a closer range.

A clicker can help your dog to pick this up even faster. Simply click and treat each time your dog focuses on you rather than on the distractions around him.

BE AWARE OF YOUR DOG'S BODY LANGUAGE

As mentioned above, you will have much more success at controlling that prey drive if you catch it in its early stages.

There are five main stages to prey drive:

  • Searching for the animal

  • Stalking the animal with the eyes

  • Chasing the animal

  • Grabbing the animal

  • Biting to kill the animal

Ideally, you want to get yourself involved at the very first stage, before your dog manages to latch his eyes onto the prey. This means that you will need to continuously be looking around you, so that you can spot any prey animals before your dog does.

You will notice your dog's eyes scanning the environment when the two of you are out. Keep interrupting this, encouraging your dog to focus on you instead. Make sure that you reward him heavily each time he does.

If your dog's ears have pricked up, and his eyes are focused on something in the distance, then this means he has moved on to the eye stalking stage. You will need to tighten your hold on your dog's leash and work even harder on redirection.

WORK ON IMPULSE CONTROL

Prey drive is an impulsive behavior.

Fortunately, impulse control is something that dogs pick up on quite quickly.

There are certain commands out there that are really useful for this, such as:

  • Leave it

  • Look at me

  • Place

  • Come

  • Drop it

These are vital commands to teach to a dog with high prey drive.

You will need to begin by working on these commands in a calm and controlled environment. Slowly introduce distractions, such as balls and frisbees. Dogs with a high prey drive will want to chase these just as much as they will want to chase a prey animal.

Once your dog has mastered the above commands, you can then move on to practicing them around a wider range of distractions.

One thing to keep in mind...

Make sure that you remain calm throughout your dog's prey drive training.

If you end up shouting a command or getting too excited, your dog will quickly pick up on this energy. It will likely lead to over-excitement and hyperactivity in your dog, which will only slow down his progress.

KEEP YOUR DOG MENTALLY STIMULATED

Many people think that if they exercise their dog enough, then prey drive will be reduced.

However, physical activity alone is not enough to help with this...

Instead, you need a good mix of both physical and mental stimulation.

When it comes to mental stimulation, nose work is always beneficial. Even hiding treats around your house or garden, or providing a sandbox for your pooch to dig in, can help to tire that brain out. There are plenty of other mental games out there too, especially if you get creative. 

You should also be opting for plenty of variety when it comes to the physical, in addition to walks. Try taking your dog swimming or hiking uphill, as these are great forms of exercise. Keeping the physical activities varied will mean that your dog gains mental benefits from them too.

If you do not do anything about your dog's prey drive, it will not be long before this gets out of control. Make sure that you start managing these behaviors as soon as you notice them, because this will give you a much happier and more well-balanced dog in the long run.

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How to Choose a Dog Breed That Suits Your Lifestyle

By Alina Jumabhoy

How to Choose a Dog Breed That Suits Your Lifestyle

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Thinking of adding another pooch to your family?

While every dog is individual when it comes to their personality, different breeds usually have distinct traits that are unique to them. It is always a good idea to keep this in mind when choosing a dog breed, so that you can ensure that the dog you pick is one that will easily fit into your life.

What Sort of Home Do You Have?

This should be one of the first questions you ask yourself when choosing a dog breed...

If you live in a small apartment, then it goes without saying that giant breeds, from the Great Dane to the Great Pyrenees, would not be a good choice. You would be much better off with a smaller breed.

Having said that, terriers are popular small breed dogs, but they are also known for being quite noisy. If you live in a crowded area, you would be best off with a dog that doesn't have that same predisposition to excessive barking.

Yes, many giant breeds can actually be quite sedentary in nature, but they do still need space to move around. Think about when they get excited – you don't want a giant dog racing in circles around your small apartment!

Do you live in a rural area?

This does give you more choice when it comes to choosing a dog breed. However, keep in mind that you may find it harder to keep your dog clean. From dirt to bugs to sticky plants, a long-haired dog can sometimes be a nightmare to care for in a rural environment.

How Big is Your Family?

If you live on your own, and know that your family is not going to be expanding in the future, then this gives you quite a big choice of breeds.

However, if you have a large or growing family, then you need to take this into consideration.

Certain breeds are known for being better with kids than others. Labradors and Golden Retrievers are known for being fantastic family pets, but they do also have quite a bit of energy...

You may want to choose a dog breed that does not require an excessive amount of daily exercise, since your human family will be keeping you pretty busy too. However, if you know that your entire family will be chipping in when it comes to looking after the dog, then you may want a more energetic breed to be able to cope with all of those walks and games!

How Active Are You?

Are you generally quite active?

If so, you need to choose a dog breed that can keep up with this. Border Collies are known for having an endless amount of energy. The same applies to Spaniels, Huskies and Australian Shepherds.

However, even if you are quite active on a daily basis, you do still need quite a large home and garden for a high-energy breed. They require this space through the day to burn off excess energy.

If you are not very active but have enough space at home for a giant breed to roam around, then this may be the dog for you. Breeds such as Mastiffs and Irish Wolfhounds are surprisingly low-energy. Greyhounds are similar in a way – many require a speedy ten minute run before happily curling up on the sofa for the rest of the day.

How Often Do You Travel?

Do you travel frequently?

If you plan on leaving your pooch at a boarding facility, you need a breed that would be happy with this.

Some breeds, such as the Bichon Frise, are more prone to separation anxiety than others.

Alternatively, if you plan on taking your dog with you while you travel, you need to choose a dog breed suitable for this.

Are you and your pooch going to be flying quite regularly?

Make sure that the size and weight of your chosen breed fits in with airline regulations.

How Much Time Do You Have for Grooming?

Those long-haired and ultra-fluffy dogs may look adorable, but they do require quite a lot of upkeep.

Certain breeds, such as Poodles, the Bichon Frise and Cocker Spaniels require daily maintenance when it comes to their coat. You will need to keep them well-brushed to avoid mattes. They also require regular grooming sessions, which is an extra financial investment.

How Much Money Are You Willing to Spend on Your Dog?

Let's face it, health issues can affect just about any dog out there, no matter their breed.

However, some breeds do tend to have more health issues than others.

Fallen in love with a flat-faced breed?

Keep in mind that these breeds often have breathing problems, as well as skin and ear issues.

Other popular breeds, from Boxers to Labrador Retrievers, are also known for their health problems.

If you have an endless amount of funds to put towards veterinary care, then this may not matter. However, if your budget is limited, then look into some of the healthier breeds out there.

Are you willing to spend money on grooming?

As mentioned earlier, grooming costs can quickly mount up over a dog's lifetime.

If you are not willing to spend money on this, then choose a dog with a low-maintenance coat. Alternatively, you could also look into grooming your dog yourself. You will need to invest in some initial supplies, but these should more than pay for themselves over time.

Make a List

As you work your way through these questions, write your answers down in list-form.

You will then have a list of requirements and specifications to help you to choose a dog breed that will suit your lifestyle. You will need to spend quite a bit of time researching various breeds, and also speaking to owners that own dogs of those breeds.

However, all that effort will be worth it, as this is what will ensure you choose the perfect breed for you.

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6 Tips for Walking a Reactive Dog

By Alina Jumabhoy

6 Tips for Walking a Reactive Dog

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Is your dog reactive when the two of you are out and about?

Whether this reactivity may be triggered by other dogs, people, cars, or anything else, here are six tips to keep in mind when walking a reactive dog:

1. Set Off With a Calm Frame of Mind

Do you often feel stressed and tense before you even begin walking your reactive dog?

Well, this is something that your dog will be able to pick up on. This will put your dog on guard, making him worried that there is something around him that is concerning.

Beginning your walk in a calm and positive frame of mind can really make a difference. This may seem easier said than done, but this just means that you will need to spend some time finding a few ways to instantly de-stress. For some, this may be listening to music while others may find deep breathing exercises helpful.

Of course, the calm frame of mind applies to your dog as well as to you...

Make sure that your dog is calm before the two of you set off.

If your dog is over-excited or showing signs of anxiety, work with your dog to deal with these issues before you begin your walk.

2. Avoid Triggers When Walking a Reactive Dog

Yes, you do need to teach your dog how to overcome the obstacles that trigger his reactivity, but you need to do this gradually, in your own time.

In the meantime, avoid those triggers as much as possible.

If your dog is dog-reactive, try to walk your dog in places where other dogs don't frequent. This may also require you to adjust the times at which you walk your dog in order to avoid others.

Of course, completely avoiding all triggers is near impossible...

So, what do you do if you unintentionally come across a trigger when walking your reactive dog?

You put as much distance between that trigger and your dog as possible.

Try to block your dog's view of the trigger, whether this means turning around and walking the other way, or even darting behind a tree for a minute or two.

3. Turn Triggers Into Positive Experiences

Turning a trigger into a positive experience takes quite a bit of time and effort, but it really does pay off.

The key is to take things very slowly, beginning with a large distance between your dog and the trigger. Practice teaching your dog to focus on you, rather than on the trigger ahead.

How?

You can do this in a number of ways. Treats are great for food-motivated dogs, while a squeaky toy is a great distraction for toy-motivated dogs. You could also teach your dog to target your hand or another object, as this can be a very effective method for diverting their attention.

As soon as your dog focuses on you, provide plenty of praise and rewards.

Work on this for a few more sessions, before gradually decreasing the distance between your dog and the trigger.

What happens if your dog starts reacting again?

Then this means that you are moving too quickly in your training. Take a step back, putting more distance between your dog and the trigger, and work from this distance again for a while.

4. Enlist the Help of a Friend

If walking your reactive dog is something that you usually do on your own, it will surprise you how much of a difference it can make when you have another person with you.

So long as you choose the right person, they will likely have quite a calming influence over both you and your dog, while also instilling a greater sense of confidence in yourself.

Try walking your reactive dog in between you and your friend, so that you are both on-hand to reassure or distract your dog when you see an approaching trigger.

5. Keep Walks Fun and Interesting

Since your dog's reactivity will likely limit you when it comes to your choice of walks, you need to make sure that your walks are still fun, exciting and relatively unpredictable for your pooch.

How?

There are a number of ways you can do this, even if you can't take your dog to many new places.

Try simply switching up your pace on your walk, sometimes going slower and sometimes going faster. Changing directions at random times will also keep your dog guessing. Don't forget to shower your dog with plenty of praise whenever he follows your lead.

You could also try bringing a new toy on your walk with you. Stop at a random point for a quick play session.

Treats are also great, especially if you use a mix of both high value and low value treats. These are pretty much a necessity anyway when walking a reactive dog, but you could also stop mid-walk for a quick training session, using the treats as motivation.

6. Don't Be Afraid to Stand Up For Your Dog

When walking a reactive dog, there will be certain situations in which you will need to stand up for your dog.

For example, if your dog hates strangers touching him, you may need to be quite firm when it comes to well-meaning dog lovers reaching out to stroke your dog. In the heat of the moment, this could even come across as you being rude, especially if you need to raise your voice to get your point across. However, don't be afraid to do so – you are the only person who can really advocate for your dog.

The same applies with dogs who are dog-reactive, and are being approached by an off-lead, out of control dog. Even if you need to shout across a long distance at that other dog's owner, do what you need to do to keep your own dog safe and protected.

Walking a reactive dog is rarely easy, but, so long as you take things slowly, there will be plenty of small victories along the way. Make sure that you celebrate these as a reminder of how far you and your pooch have come, as these moments will provide motivation for all of your future walks.

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How to Safely Cut Your Dog’s Nails

By Alina Jumabhoy

How to Safely Cut Your Dog’s Nails

Photo by Show 131/ CC

While some dogs are able to naturally keep their nails quite short, others need to have their nails clipped on a regular basis.

Why?

Because when a dog walks with long nails that touch the ground, this causes the nail to be pushed back upwards into the nail bed, placing unnecessary pressure on the dog's toe joints. This can lead to quite a bit of pain, along with arthritis in the toes.

Nails that are too long can also affect your dog's posture and gait. This can then cause problems in the future when it comes to the muscles and joints in the legs.

Wondering how to safely cut your dog's nails?

Here is everything you need to know...

Begin By Handling the Paws

Before you can even think about starting to cut your dog's nails, you need to make sure that your pooch is happy having his paws handled.

This is a process that needs to begin long before the nail clipping. Ideally, it is something that you should start when your dog is young.

All you need to do is handle and touch your dog's paws as often as possible. Praise him for good behavior, offering up treats too.

Once your dog is comfortable having his paws touched, you can then introduce the clippers. You don't need to cut anything just yet – simply show your dog the clippers and regularly place these next to his nails. Don't forget to keep praising and treating!

Make Sure That You Have the Right Tools

In order to cut your dog's nails safely and efficiently, you will need the right tools.

Dog nail clippers come in a few different styles. The one you want to use is the scissor-style of clipper.

Why?

Because these give you better control. When compared to the guillotine-styled clippers, they don't crush the toe either. This makes the process more comfortable for your dog.

Clippers are also available in different sizes. You need to use a size that is suitable for the size of your dog and his nails.

Make sure that your nail clippers are sharp too. If they aren't, you will need to sharpen them or replace them.

One more thing to keep nearby when you start to cut your dog's nails is...

Corn starch!

Why would you need corn starch?

Because this is what you should apply to the nail if you cut the quick. The quick is the blood vessel that runs through the nail, and you should be able to see it if you look at the nail closely. You should always cut above the quick, because cutting the quick will cause it to bleed.

The corn starch will stop the bleeding, enabling you to get on with the rest of the nails.

Can't see your dog's quick?

If your dog has black nails, the quick will be harder to spot. You will need to take things slow, cutting in small amounts and keeping an eye out for a white color on the area that has just been cut. As soon as the white gives way to a darker circle in the center of the nail, stop cutting, as this is the quick. 

Getting Started with Cutting Your Dog's Nails

Ready to get started?

You will need to hold your dog's paw in your hand. Make sure that you have a firm grip, but are being gentle too. Try not to squeeze the toes either, as this will only be painful for your pooch.

Then, hold the clippers at a 45 degree angle over the nail.

Rather than taking a large chunk off on your first go, start with small amounts.

As you cut, make sure that you keep inspecting the nail. As soon as you see the inside of the nail looking white, with a small black dot in the middle of it, it is time to stop, as you are reaching the quick.

You would probably be best off starting with the hind legs rather than the front. Those nails tend to be less sensitive, making them easier to cut.

Can't get your dog to stay still?

Even when dogs are used to having their paws handled, they may still struggle when it comes to having their nails clipped.

You need to be gentle but confident while doing so. Your dog will pick up on any nerves you may have, and will only struggle even more.

Giving your dog a treat each time you clip a part of his nail can help to build up positive associations with the process.

If you really can't manage on your own, don't battle your way through. You want this to be a calm and quick process that doesn't stress your dog out too much. Consider enlisting the help of a friend when it comes to restraining your dog, so that you can get the job done quickly.

You could also take things even slower, cutting just one nail a day. So long as you keep the experience positive, it won't take too long for your dog to grow accustomed to the process, and he will soon allow you to clip his nails without any problems.

Need to Cut Your Dog's Nails Even Shorter?

If your dog hasn't regularly had his nails clipped, then the quick within them will be quite long.

However, if you need a shorter cut, don't worry, as this will come with time.

Each time you cut your dog's nails, the quick will recede a little more. This means that the next time you go to cut your dog's nails, you will be able to cut them a little shorter.

Perfect Your Technique

If you have multiple dogs, or if you simply want to learn how to get better at cutting your dog's nails, you can always ask a professional for some extra advice.

Your vet or your groomer will be able to talk you through the clipping process, arming you with plenty of additional techniques to ensure that the clipping goes smoothly.

Cutting your dog's nails can seem frightening at first, especially if you have never done this before. However, so long as you take things slowly and calmly, the process is easy, and is something that you will be able to repeat every few weeks.

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Training Your Dog to Be an Emotional Support Animal

By Alina Jumabhoy

Training Your Dog to Be an Emotional Support Animal

Photo by Show 131/ CC

An emotional support animal, also referred to as an ESA, can truly transform the life of someone suffering from a mental disability. Many people get ESAs confused with service animals, but there are a few differences between the two...

One of the main differences is that a service animal is trained to carry out specific tasks. This could be anything from helping a person be more mobile to retrieving items from around the house.

On the other hand, an ESA doesn't need to be trained to carry out specific tasks. Their presence alone is enough to provide that emotional support.

While that may be the case, if you plan on taking your ESA onto a plane or into accommodation that usually has a no-pet policy, some training is definitely required.

Here are a few commands and behaviors to get you started...

SIT

It goes without saying that an ESA should understand the “sit” command.

Why?

Because your ESA will be accompanying you while you're out and about. You will likely need your ESA to sit multiple times through the day, whether this may be at the side of the road to wait for traffic to pass, while the two of you are queuing up for something, or even while you've stopped to talk to someone.

Fortunately, “sit” is an easy command to teach.

It's easiest with puppies, but dogs of any age tend to pick this one up very quickly.

LIE DOWN

Teaching an emotional support dog how to lie down is almost as important as “sit”.

Again, this is a part of basic obedience that dogs learn quite fast.

Once you have mastered this trick at home, make sure that you practice it outdoors too. Some dogs are great at lying down on command at home, but, once they're faced with distractions from the outside world, everything they have already learned can seem to fly out the window.

STAY

It is unlikely that you will be leaving your ESA unattended anywhere, but “stay” is still a great command to teach.

This is one that can take a little time for your pooch to master, so be patient!

Begin by practicing it with short distances. Once you have done that, you can extend the distance, as well as the duration, of the “stay”.

SOCIALIZATION

Socialization is important for any dog, but even more so for an emotional support animal. In fact, many would say that socialization is even more important than the commands listed above.

Why is socialization so important for an emotional support animal?

Because your ESA will be coming across so many new people and dogs each day.

You need your ESA to be comfortable and friendly with them all. A reactive dog will only end up giving you more stress than support, which you definitely don't want with an emotional support animal.

Socialization is best done when a dog is young.

However, if you have adopted an older dog, it's never too late. You will probably need to begin quite slow, gradually increasing your dog's exposure to people and other animals as you progress.

What should you do if your dog really doesn't like other people or other animals?

This can be changed, but it takes time. It can sometimes take a few years.

If this is the case, you may be best off looking for another animal to be your ESA, and keep your reactive dog as juwst a pet.

TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

Many people really rely on their emotional support animal while traveling.

Traveling can be stressful at the best of times, and this can seem even more so for people who are dealing with a mental disability.

However, if you want your dog to support you while you're traveling, this is something you will have to teach him.

How?

Begin by slowly exposing him to different travel environments, such as:

  • Car parks

  • Bus stops

  • Train stations

  • Airports

Give your dog time to have a good sniff around, exploring each environment.

If you know that you will need to keep your dog in a crate while traveling, this is something else that you should practice.

How?

After your dog has explored a certain place on foot, return there a few days later with your dog in a crate. Take your pooch around while he is in his crate, praising him whenever he behaves well.

Repeat that a few times before your day of travel. This will make the actual travel experience much less stressful and overwhelming for your pooch.

NO BARKING

One thing that many people with ESAs struggle with is the barking.

One of the laws that protect ESAs is the Fair Housing Act. This states that landlords must allow an ESA to live in their accommodation, even if they don't usually allow pets.

However, if your pet is not well-behaved and disturbs other tenants, then your landlord does have the right to ask you to leave. The same applies to planes – although you can take your emotional support animal onto a plane with you, any barking or excessive noise means that you and your ESA may be asked to leave the plane.

It goes without saying that you want your pet to be well-behaved as possible...

Basic obedience is one thing, but if you have a dog who is a big barker, what are you meant to do?

The answer is...

Teach your dog how to stop barking on command!

This does take quite a bit of time, especially if your dog has been a barker for years. However, it can be done, and there is plenty of information out there to help you with this.

Although an emotional support animal does not require any specific training, it really does pay to ensure that your dog is well-behaved and attentive if you plan on using him as an ESA. It does take time and effort to get to this stage, but so long as you are working with your dog daily, you will experience consistent results as his training progresses.

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8 Ways to Keep a Dog Cool in the Summer

By Alina Jumabhoy

8 Ways to Keep a Dog Cool in the Summer

Photo by Show 131/ CC

While some dogs take the summer heat in their stride, others really struggle with this.

Wondering how you can keep a dog cool in the summer?

Here are 8 ideas to try:

1. Cooling Mats and Damp Towels

You want your pooch to be able to comfortably relax in the summer, which is where a cooling mat comes in.

These mats contain a special self-cooling gel that draw heat away from a dog's body, helping to keep their body temperature down.

Don't want to splurge on a cooling mat that your dog may not use?

Try placing a damp towel down instead. If your dog gravitates towards this and seems to enjoy lying on it, then, chances are, a cooling mat will go down well too.

Of course, you can skip the cooling mat altogether and just use damp towels. However, keep in mind that you will need to continuously dampen the towel in order to keep it cool throughout the day.

2. Provide Some Shade

When trying to keep a dog cool in the summer, it is essential that you provide plenty of shade.

An outdoor thermometer can help you to identify the coolest spots around your house, and you can then work on adding a bit more shade to these areas.

Natural shade, such as trees and shrubs, are great. However, if you don't have any of this in your garden, it may be worth investing in a collapsible shading tent, or even an umbrella, for your hot pooch to lie under. Bonus points if you also place a cooling mat or a damp towel in this area too!

3. Icy Treats

You probably love cooling off with an ice cream in the summer heat...

Well, your dog would enjoy something similar too!

Yes, there are many ice cream brands out there designed just for dogs. However, if you want to save some money but still treat your dog to an ice cream on a regular basis, you could make your own instead.

Try freezing some blended bananas, mixing this in with a dollop of peanut butter for extra flavor. You could also make icy treats with meat, kibble, or anything else you have to hand. Simply place these into a mold, add some water, and then freeze.

Don't have time to whip up some icy treats for your pooch?

Try adding a handful of ice cubes to your dog's water instead. Many dogs also like playing with ice cubes, making this another great way to keep a dog cool in the summer.

4. Cold Water

Speaking of ice cubes in water...

Make sure that your dog always has cold water available in the summer.

It is so much easier for a dog to dehydrate in the heat, meaning that your pooch will need plenty to drink to keep his hydration levels up.

If the two of you are out and about, make sure that you bring a few bottles of water with you so that you can keep your pup cool on-the-go.

5. A Cooling Dip

Many people think that the best way to keep a dog cool in the summer is by putting that dog into some cold water, whether this may be a pool, a pond or a lake.

This does work quite well, but, it can also be dangerous if your dog is too hot...

How?

Because this will lower your dog's surface temperature very rapidly. This may sound like a good thing, but it is actually your dog's core body temperature you want to lower, not the surface temperature. Lowering the surface temperature too quickly only causes the internal organs to heat up even more, which is where the danger comes in.

If you think your dog may be over-heating, allow him to stand in cool water for a couple of minutes, rather than placing his whole body into it.

Wading pools designed for children are great for this. They will help your dog to regulate his temperature safely, without the chance of over-heating.

You could also try creating a mist for your dog to lie in. This can easily be done if you have a hose pipe – misting attachments are readily available and reasonably priced.

6. A Light Breeze

If the air around you is extremely still and muggy, then chances are that your dog would benefit from a light breeze.

Wondering how to create that breeze?

All you need is a fan!

This will help to keep your dog cool, and can be used both indoors as well as outdoors.

7. Shave Them Down

If your dog's coat could do with a trim, this is a great way to keep a dog cool in the summer.

However, not every dog should be shaved...

Does your dog have a double coat?

This means that there is a dense and woolly coat close to the skin, with a longer coat above this.

If your answer is yes...

Then shaving isn't the answer for your dog. That double coat helps your dog to regulate his body temperature, keeping him warm in the winter but cool in the summer. If you shave it off, you interfere with this process, and your dog may end up feeling hotter than ever.

If your dog has a single coat...

Go ahead and get those clippers out! Your pooch will likely thank you big time once all of that extra hair is off.

8. Don't Over-Exercise

Yes, exercise is so important for a dog, but, if you are trying to keep a dog cool in the summer, you need to make sure that you don't overdo this.

Save the exercising for early in the morning or later in the evening, once the sun isn't quite as strong. Make sure that you also allow for plenty of breaks to prevent your pooch from over-heating.

Want to do a quick dog walk in the middle of the day?

Make sure that you check the pavement first.

How?

Simply place the palm of your hand down onto the pavement and hold it there for a while.

Does it feel too hot to handle?

If so, then it will be too hot for your dog's paws too.

Don't worry if your dog seems to really be struggling with the heat – it really doesn't take much at all to keep a dog cool in the summer. Simply give some of these eight tips a try, and you will soon find that your dog is looking and feeling much more comfortable!

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How to Teach a Dog to Stay

By Alina Jumabhoy

How to Teach a Dog to Stay

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Looking for how to train a dog to stay?

The “stay” command may seem simple, but there are actually several steps involved when it comes to teaching this. It does take some time and effort, but this is a part of basic obedience that is definitely worth mastering. From choosing cue and release words for dogs to an advanced stay, read our guide to perfect your technique.

Choose Your Cue and Release Words

Before you begin training a dog to do anything, you need to decide on your cue words. In terms of the “stay” command, this means having a distinct beginning and end.

Examples for beginning to learn how to teach a dog to stay would be, simply, “stay” or “wait.” For the release, you could use “okay,” “done,” or “release.” A hand signal to accompany each cue word is also useful.

Once you’ve decided on your cue and release words, you’re ready for the next step in how to train a dog to stay.

The First Steps

To start, put your dog into a sit or down position.

Then, give your dog your stay command. Immediately after this, say your release word for your dog and then reward them. Encourage your dog to move around after you say the release word using praise, treats, or whatever motivates them most.

How to Reward Your Dog

When learning how to teach a dog to stay, the reward is important. The specific reward depends on what motivates your dog the most. Some dogs are happy with praise and attention, while others need a treat to convince them to listen to you. You could also try a quick game as a reward if your dog is toy-oriented.

Another important part of how to train a dog to stay is keeping the training durations short. Dogs have short attention spans, especially puppies, so practice the stay for one minute at the most when you’re just starting out. As they learn, you can gradually increase the time of training, as well as the duration, distance, and distractions.

Increasing the Stay Duration

fluffy white dog sitting on tile
Photo by Show 131/ CC
When you’re learning how to teach a dog to stay, you need to gradually build up the amount of time for which your dog is staying.

Begin as above, putting your dog into the sit or down position, and then telling them to stay. Then, count to three in your head before saying the release word for your dog and rewarding them.

Then slowly increase the time in two-second intervals. Make sure you don’t go too quickly; it’s important to set your dog up for success, not failure! Adding too many seconds to the stay can lead them to frustration, which is not good for either of you.

What to Do if Your Dog Moves Before You Say the Release Cue

As you teach a dog how to stay, it’s inevitable they’ll get up before you say the release word. The key is to not get frustrated. Simply put your dog back into the sit or down position and start again. However, this time, don’t leave them in the stay for as long before saying the release word.

Extending the Stay Distance

The distance as you train a dog how to stay refers to how far away you are or move from your dog while they’re in the stay. You can teach your dog to stay while you walk hundreds of meters away, but it all starts with just half a step.

Position your dog in the sit or down position and then give them the stay command.

To teach a dog how to remain in the stay, move just one foot backward and lean back slightly before stepping forward to your dog again. Immediately give the release word for your dog and reward them.

The next time you do this, take a full step back before immediately returning to your dog and releasing. Carry on in this way, just one step at a time.

While you may be tempted to call your dog over to you to release them, avoid doing so for now. It’s fine to do this once in a while, but make sure that you also practice returning to your dog before releasing them, too.

A Note About Using Treats

If you’re using treats to teach a dog how to stay, make sure that your pooch can’t see these while you’re walking away from them.

Why?

Because the treats will act as a lure, encouraging your dog to stand up and follow you rather than remaining in their stay position.

Working with Distractions

As you train a dog how to stay, they’ll likely pick up on all of the above pretty quickly, especially if you’re working on this in a calm and quiet environment. However, add some distractions and everything could change. It’s important to add distractions because there will be many natural ones when you use the stay command in a real-life setting.

When you are learning how to teach a dog to stay, you should only start working with distractions once your dog has a pretty solid understanding of the stay command. Also, ensure they obey the release word for dogs you chose.

Types of Distractions to Add

pack of dogs sitting in park with leashes held by walker
Photo by Show 131/ CC
If you’ve been working on the stay command in the house, move outside.

Once your dog is responding well outdoors, ask a friend or family member to do something around the yard while you’re training. Your dog should be able to listen to you while completely ignoring the distraction.

You can then start working on how to teach a dog to stay in different environments. However, make sure that any setting you choose is a safe one; you don’t want to be training this command by the side of a busy road, for example.

The Advanced Stay

You’ve already worked on duration, distance, and distractions when learning how to train a dog to stay, but there are always ways in which you can improve on each of these. This will help to cement the stay command in your dog’s head.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Duration – have your dog stay while you’re doing different activities around the house. Try watching TV, cooking, or anything else. Make sure that your dog only moves upon hearing their release word.

  • Distance – teach your dog how to stay with varying distances. Try moving behind them or diagonally away from them and going completely out of sight.

  • Distractions – try providing a few distractions yourself while working on stay. You could run circles around your dog, or even throw a ball around. It may also help to ensure that your dog knows the “leave it” command before trying this.

It does take quite a bit of time and patience to teach a dog to stay, but this is a command really worth working on. Not only is it useful, but it could also prove to be essential to your dog’s safety if you’re in an environment in which they shouldn’t run freely.

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5 Homemade Dog Treats Your Pooch Will Love

By Alina Jumabhoy

5 Homemade Dog Treats Your Pooch Will Love

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of PourquoiPas @ Pixabay

Store-bought dog treats are often filled with nasty additives and chemicals – ingredients that you definitely don't want your dog eating!

While they may take a little more time and effort, homemade dog treats are so much healthier. They also give you the opportunity to get creative and cook up something that your pooch will really love.

Here are five homemade dog treats to try making:

1. Doggy Ice Cream

The hot days of summer can really take their toll on your pooch. What better way to cool your pup down than with a scoop of doggy ice cream?

This frozen treat is so easy to make, and you can really have fun when it comes to adding in different ingredients and flavors.

The method is simple...

Place half a frozen banana, or some plain yogurt, into a blender. Add in a dollop of peanut butter, along with any other ingredients you think your dog may love, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

Once you've blended this all together, it will look just like ice cream!

2. Quick and Easy Baby Food Dog Biscuits

Looking for some homemade dog treats that don't take hours to prepare and make?

This is a recipe that you will love...

All you need is two cups of an organic whole wheat flour, along with two four-ounce jars of pureed baby food. Yes, you can use other flours instead – spelt and wheat germ, and even rolled oats, work well.

When it comes to choosing the baby food...

Pretty much any flavor will do, so long as it doesn't contain any onions or preservatives.

Then, mix the flour with the baby food to form a stiff dough. Roll this out and either cut it into cubes, or use cookie cutters to create more elaborate shapes.

Then, place the treats onto a tray lined with baking paper, and bake them for about 20-25 minutes. Leave them to cool before storing them away.

Want to make these homemade dog treats a little more exciting?

Feel free to add a few other ingredients into the mix! You could try some fresh herbs, grated carrots or even a handful of berries.

3. Liver Cake

Ok, so liver cake probably doesn't sound very appealing to you, but this is something your dog will go crazy for! Liver cake makes a great training treat too, with many dogs considering this to be a high value food.

How do you make liver cake?

You need about a pound of liver (it doesn't matter which animal this comes from). You will then need to blend this up in a food processor.

Then, crack three eggs into a measuring jug, before adding in an equal amount of water. Whisk this together before mixing it in with your blended liver. Add in one pound of flour too, preferably an organic, whole wheat variety. Continue blending until the consistency is similar to that of a sponge cake batter.

Pour your mixture into a greased tray and then bake at 350F for about 40 minutes. Then, remove your cake from the oven, leave it to cool, and cut it up into bite-sized pieces.

Make sure that you don't go overboard feeding this treat to your pup. Too much liver can lead to diarrhea.

Just like with the other treats on this list, you can put your own spin on liver cake too. Add in a crushed garlic clove to give your pooch an immune boost, or some fresh herbs to give it some extra flavor. 

4. Dehydrated Meats

If you prefer your homemade dog treats to be hard and chewy, dehydrated meats are definitely worth considering.

You can pretty much pick any meat you have available to you, whether this may be chicken breast, liver, turkey slices or anything else.

Simply slice these up thinly and then place them into a dehydrator.

How long do they need to dry for?

This varies greatly depending on how thick your slices are. It can take anywhere from three hours to 12 hours. Keep checking on them during the dehydrating process – once they are fully dry, even in the middle, and snap rather than bending, then they are ready.

You can try this method with different fruits and vegetables too – sweet potatoes, apples and bananas all work well when sliced thinly.

Don't have a dehydrator?

You can use your oven instead. Simply turn the heat down to its lowest setting and make sure that you leave the oven door slightly ajar. This will allow the moisture in the meat to evaporate properly.

5. No-Bake Oat and Peanut Butter Balls

Hate baking?

Then you will love these no-bake homemade dog treats. They set in the fridge instead, and stay fresh for up to two weeks. You can prolong this even more by storing them in the freezer.

Wondering how to actually make them?

Mix together the following ingredients:

  • ¾ cup peanut butter (make sure that the peanut butter you use is made from 100% peanuts, without any additives)

  • ¼ cup water

  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (you can add in other beneficial herbs and spices too, from oregano to ginger to mint)

Keep mixing until you have created a thick batter. You may need to add a little more water to get to this stage. Then, slowly add in one and a quarter cup of oats.

You can then use your hands to form your batter into balls. Choose the size of these balls depending on the size of your dog. Then, place the treats into the fridge to set. If you are feeling extra creative, try forming the batter into different shapes, but remember that the setting times for these may then vary. 

Homemade dog treats really are so much better for your pooch than store-bought versions. This is especially true if you are in the midst of training, and need to turn to treats on a frequent basis. Not all homemade dog treats take ages to make – the ones on this list are extremely simple, and your dog will definitely be thanking you once he has a taste of what you have cooked up!

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