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5 Dog Training Tools Worth Owning

By Alina Jumabhoy

5 Dog Training Tools Worth Owning

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of JenReginer @ Pixabay

Training is an ongoing part of owning a dog, which is why it makes sense to invest in some quality dog training tools when you are first getting started.

Wondering what you would need?

Here are five dog training tools that will make your training journey so much easier:

1. A Clicker

When training a dog, no matter how old the dog may be, a clicker is one of the best dog training tools to have.

Never used a clicker before?

It's a small training tool that makes a clicking sound whenever you press it. The idea is that you press it each time your dog does something right. Marking the behavior with this distinct clicking sound helps a dog to learn so much faster.

Don't want to buy a clicker until you know for sure that it will be useful to you?

Try downloading a clicker app on your phone. This works in the same way, playing a clicking sound whenever you press the button.

2. High Value and Low Value Training Treats

Giving a dog a treat
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Treats are usually an essential part of dog training, but it isn't quite as simple as grabbing any old bag of doggy biscuits.

Ideally, you should be using a mix of high value and low value training treats.

What's the difference?

High value treats are something that your dog really loves, be it cubes of cheese, dried liver, cooked chicken, or anything else. Low value treats would be items such as carrot slices, kibble, fruit, or any other treats that your dog likes, but is used to having on a regular basis.

The high value treats are what will really motivate your dog. However, it won't take long for your dog to get bored of them. This is where the low value treats come in. By mixing them up, you keep your dog guessing, keeping motivation high.

You can also use the high value treats to reward especially good behavior, and the low value treats for smaller accomplishments.

3. A Long Line

Recall training is something that so many owners struggle with.

Even if your dog has perfect recall now, this can often change for a number of reasons.

This is why it is always useful to have a long line in your bag of dog training tools.

What is a long line?

It's basically an extra long leash. It is lightweight but strong, and means that you will always have control over your pooch.

How long should your long line be?

They come in various lengths, ranging from 10 feet to 50 feet, with some even longer. 30 feet is usually enough for training.

A long line can be used for things other than recall too...

Owners find it useful to keep their dog on a long line when training their dog not to eat things when out on a walk, or when introducing their dog to new animals. It gives the dog a sense of freedom, while giving you full control.

4. A Crate

Some dog owners believe that a crate is cruel, but this couldn't be further from the truth.

Your dog's crate should be his safe place. It should be comfortable, and your dog should enjoy spending time in there.

It is so useful when training a dog, as it enables you to prevent a dog from misbehaving, while also helping with toilet training. A crate is helpful when traveling too.

Don't want to crate train because you think your dog will never need to use a crate?

You never know what could happen in the future...

If your dog were to get hurt in any way and end up at the vet, chances are that he will be placed in a crate. You want your dog to feel happy and secure in there, rather than scared and anxious, which is why crate training is a must for every dog.

Wondering how to crate train your dog?

Begin by feeding your dog his meals in his crate, along with special treats through the day. You can hide these treats in the crate at random times, encouraging your dog to explore the crate on his own. Make sure that you have plenty of comfortable bedding in the crate, and praise your dog every time he lies down in there himself.

It won't be long before your dog thinks of the crate as his safe haven, and will voluntarily spend time in there. You can then start closing the crate door, doing this for just a minute or so to begin with. Extend the amount you keep the door closed for, until your dog is happy to remain in the crate for a couple of hours.

5. A Whistle

While working dogs tend to be trained to a whistle, pet dogs are often not.

However, if you let your dog off the leash in open areas, a whistle can be so handy.

It enables you to call your dog back over long distances, when your voice simply wouldn't have been loud enough.

How do you train a dog to respond to a whistle?

Begin when your dog is near you. Blow the whistle and then immediately call your dog over. Give your dog a treat as soon as he comes to you.

Keep repeating this until your dog begins to associate the whistle with returning to you.

You can then increase the distance over which you call him with the whistle. Don't forget to also practice this in different locations. Dogs are contextual learners, meaning that they need to master a trick or command in a variety of places, with different distractions, before it is properly cemented in their heads.

There are so many different techniques and methods out there when it comes to dog training, but just about all of them will require the use of the above dog training tools. From clickers to mark positive behavior to a long line to reign in any negative behavior, these dog training tools are all worth investing in.

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Training Tips for Traveling With Your Dog

By Alina Jumabhoy

Training Tips for Traveling With Your Dog

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of StockSnap @ Pixabay

Planning on doing some traveling with your dog?

Whether this may be by car, train, plane or anything else, these training tips will help to make the journey go so much more smoothly.

MASTER BASIC OBEDIENCE

Traveling with your dog instantly becomes so much less stressful if your dog has some basic obedience skills.

What Exactly is Basic Obedience?

It refers to the essential commands that every dog owner should teach their dog.

The list includes:

The first few commands on that list are ones that most dogs out there know. However, it's the last command in particular that you should focus on before traveling with your dog.

The Settle Command

So, why is the settle command especially important when traveling with your dog?

Because, no matter how you may be traveling or where you may be traveling to, there will always come a point when you need your pooch to just lie down and relax.

There are several ways to teach your dog the settle command. One of the easiest is by saying your cue word, such as “settle”, every time your dog settles on his own, and then rewarding him for this. Make sure that your dog remains settled until you say your release word, such as “okay”.

As you continue to do this, your dog will soon learn the connection between the action of settling down and the command itself, meaning that he will then be able to settle on cue.

Once you have mastered this command at home, make sure that you practice it in busier places with more distractions, such as train stations, shopping malls and restaurants.

BATHROOM CUES

Is your dog able to go to the bathroom on command?

This may sound a little militant, but it is quite an important skill to teach your pooch if you plan on traveling with your dog.

Unless you are traveling by car, there are likely to be long stretches in your journey during which time your pup would need to hold his bladder. If you get the chance to take your dog out for a bathroom break, you need to make sure that he will actually go to the bathroom, rather than waste those few minutes sniffing around.

How Do You Teach a Dog to Go to the Bathroom on Command?

This is actually quite an easy one...

Keep a jar of treats near your door. Every time you send your dog out to go to the bathroom, keep an eye on him and wait until he is just about to go. Then, say your cue word, such as “go bathroom”, and give him a reward as soon as he's done.

Those steps will require quite a bit of repetition, but your dog will soon associate the command with the action required.

CRATE AND HARNESS TRAINING

two bulldogs show that harness training is important when traveling with your dog
Photo by Show 131/ CC

When traveling with your dog, you need to have some form of control. This would usually be in the form of a harness and leash, or a crate.

Of course, the method you choose does depend on your mode of transportation. While a leash and harness may be enough for a car or train journey, you may be required to crate your pooch when traveling with your dog on a plane.

Harness Training Your Dog

Harness training a dog is pretty easy, especially if your dog loves walks.

Begin by measuring your dog and making sure you get a harness that fits. Comfort for your dog is key here! The harness should also not affect your dog's gait and range of motion.

Then, when introducing your dog to the harness for the first time, have plenty of treats and praise available. Keep treating and praising as you place the harness onto your dog.

Allow your dog to wear the harness around the house for a while. Then, attach a leash to the harness and let your dog go outside, with the leash trailing behind him.

You can then start to pick up the leash and lead your dog around.

Crate Training Your Dog

Your dog needs to think of his crate as a safe and happy place.

Begin by making the crate comfortable and inviting.

Then, start feeding your dog his meals inside his crate. The same applies for any snacks or treats you give your dog during the day.

Try to encourage your dog to spend more time in the crate, and praise him whenever he goes into his crate on his own.

Once your dog is comfortable inside the crate, shut the door and keep it shut for a minute or so. Then, open it and let your dog out, giving him plenty of praise.

Keep doing this, extending the amount of time you shut your dog in the crate for.

It won't be long before your dog is happy and comfortable in his crate for extended periods of time.

Of course, keep in mind that you should never leave a dog in a crate for more than a few hours a day.

Planning on traveling with your dog by plane?

It would be worth taking your dog to the airport, in his crate, beforehand. This will allow him to get used to the many sights and sounds around him, as there will be so much new stimuli for your pooch to soak up.

Doing this will help to prevent your dog from feelings stressed on your actual day of travel. Make sure that you keep things calm for your dog, giving him enough time to adjust to his surroundings.

Traveling with your dog can be such a fun experience, but you do need to make sure that you have some training under your belt in order to make the journey stress-free. A well-trained dog will be so much more receptive to the traveling experience, and the two of you will be able to make some long-lasting memories together.

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Dealing With Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

By Alina Jumabhoy

Dealing With Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of dramitkarkare @ Pixabay

One of the most common behavioral problems that dogs experience is separation anxiety. This disorder affects between 20% to 40% of all dogs, and can be quite challenging to treat. However, separation anxiety will only worsen when left ignored, making it important for you to take the steps necessary to deal with your dog's separation anxiety as soon as possible.

WHAT EXACTLY IS SEPARATION ANXIETY?

Separation anxiety is exactly what it sounds like – anxiety experienced by a dog when he has been separated from his owner.

Dogs are social animals. They naturally want company, whether this may be from a human or another dog.

This means that life can seem quite difficult for them when they are left alone, leading to them becoming extremely anxious.

This anxiety can manifest in a number of different ways, with the most common symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs being:

  • Going to the toilet in the house, even if the dog is toilet trained

  • Destructive behaviors, such as chewing, digging or destroying items around the house

  • Pacing around the house

  • Escaping, whether this may be from a cage or from the house itself

  • Excessive panting

  • Excessive barking, whining or howling

As you can see, separation anxiety isn't much fun for your dog. It causes so much distress to both dog and owner, making this a problem that needs to be solved quickly.

GETTING YOUR DOG USED TO BEING ON HIS OWN

Dog at home without separation anxiety
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The first step in tackling separation anxiety requires you to go back to basics.

Before your dog can be comfortable with being left on his own for a few hours, he needs to be happy being left on his own for a few minutes.

Begin by preparing the area you normally leave your dog in, in the same way you would when you leave the house. Put your dog in the area, preferably with a tasty treat, and then leave him to it.

Give him two to three minutes on his own before returning. It is important to ensure that you return while your dog is still quiet and happy, before the anxiety starts to build.

Repeat those steps a few times each day.

Once your dog is okay with being left alone for a few minutes, you can gradually increase this time. Go from five minutes to ten, and then twenty, before working your way up to an hour.

What should you do if your dog starts showing signs of separation anxiety while you are following the above steps?

This just means that you need to slow down a bit. Take a step back and go back to the amount of time your dog was comfortable being left alone for. 

Keep working on this and increase it at a slower rate than you did before.

COUNTER-CONDITIONING

As mentioned above, leaving your dog with a treat whenever you leave the house can be quite a useful little trick.

How?

Because this helps your dog to associate you leaving with something more positive.

Ideally, you should try to use a treat that will keep your dog occupied for as long as possible. Stuffed Kongs or food puzzle toys are great for this.

However, keep in mind that this will only work for dogs with mild separation anxiety.

Why?

Because severe separation anxiety causes too much stress for a dog to eat.

CRATE TRAINING

Research suggests that it only takes between five and ten minutes for an anxious dog to calm down when placed inside a crate.

When used in the right way, a crate is a cozy little den in which a dog will feel completely safe in. Placing your dog in a crate before leaving him alone can help to keep your dog calm while you are away.

Is your dog not crate trained?

This is usually something that they pick up on quite easily. Make sure that your dog thinks of the crate as a positive place, rather than as a punishment. Try feeding your dog in his crate when crate training, and make sure that any special treats are given in the crate too. All of this will help your dog to associate the crate with positive feelings.

DE-SENSITIZING

If your dog has separation anxiety, you will likely have noticed that symptoms begin showing before you have even left the house.

How does your dog know that you are getting ready to leave?

Because there will be a number of cues that tell him so, and this then triggers the anxiety to begin. Anything from putting your shoes on to picking up your keys can cause worry for your dog. This will then escalate as time goes on. 

The best way to put a stop to this is by de-sensitizing your dog to these cues.

This means that you may need to put your shoes on several times a day for a few weeks. You may also need to keep picking up your car keys before putting them back down. You should also practice leaving your dog in the place you keep him while you are away. However, make sure that you do not actually leave your dog alone when working on de-sensitizing him.

MUSIC

There is quite a bit of recent research out there that shows how music is able to really help calm a dog down.

In fact, it does this to such an extent that many dog shelters are now playing music to help keep their dogs happier. This also means they are more likely to be adopted. 

Calming tunes tend to be best, but just about anything will do. Try leaving the radio or TV on before leaving the house. This should provide enough background noise while you are out to help your dog settle. 

It can be easy to try to ignore separation anxiety at first, believing that your dog's behavior will get better on its own. However, more often than not, the opposite is true, and symptoms will only get worse as time goes on. Although there is no quick fix to dealing with your dog's separation anxiety, consistently working with your dog on this by following the steps above can really help your dog slowly adjust to being left on his own.

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Crate Training a Puppy: Suggestions for Success!

By Hope Hammond

Crate Training a Puppy: Suggestions for Success!

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Courtesy: PourquoiPas @ Pixabay

You have a new puppy. Great! Now, you need to give your canine friend the love, attention, and training needed to thrive. However, introducing a puppy to the domesticated lifestyle takes time and patience. Your new pet has a lot to learn about living in a human household. There may even be multiple steps involved in learning the basics, such as housebreaking. Sometimes, pet owners opt for crate training a puppy to teach them bladder control and keep them from destroying the house.
When done properly, crate training can be a positive experience and beneficial process for pets.

Create a Den-Like Space

The key to making your pets crate a place they want to be is to turn it into a den. Animals naturally want to have a hideaway where they can seek shelter and feel safe. This is true even for domesticated pets within your home.
Think about the placement of your pet's crate, how big it is, and what kind of objects you'll put into the crate. It's a good idea to put your pet's crate in an area of the home that is used frequently. Dogs often like to spend time with the pack and you are part of their pack. If you stick them in a crate in the back room. The dog will feel left out and may whine more.
Of course, where the crate is positioned within the room is also important. You don't want the dog to feel exposed or trapped. Consider putting the crate along a wall or in a corner where they can observe the entire room.
Ideally, the crate should be large enough for your pet to enter and exit freely, and even turn around inside. However, you don't want it to be so large that they can move around. The extra space may seem like an optional area where they can go to the bathroom. This is a big no-no when you're trying to house train your pet.
Give your pet some nice bedding to sleep on, such as a comfy blanket or even pillow. You may also want to pick up a light throw or blanket to place over the top and sides of the crate. This will create a more protected and cozy feeling when crate training a puppy. Just remember to leave the front exposed so your pet can see what is going on in the room.

Make Slow Introductions When Crate Training a Puppy

Avoid bringing the crate home and just shoving your pup into it right away. This is a scary new experience for dogs who are only familiar with cages at the pet store or animal shelter. Instead, take the time to introduce your pet to their crate.
Try setting the cage up and leaving the door open. Then, walk away and let your puppy investigate this new object at their leisure. You might want to give them in a day or two to get used to the presence of the crate before moving forward.

Make a Positive Association with the Crate

The next step is to help build a positive association with the crate for your pet. Try placing a few treats inside the crate to lure your pet in for a snack or their favorite toy. Remember not to close the door or force the puppy to stay in the crate. At this point, you're simply getting them used to being inside and thinking of the crate as a place where they find good things.
Every time your pet enters the crate or when you place a treat inside, you might want to associate this act with a command, by speaking it out out loud. The command can be 'go to your crate' or something as simple as 'kennel'. This helps gradually train your dog to recognize the word or phrase with entering their crate.
Be careful not to give the puppy rewards for leaving the crate. For instance, praising your dog after they come out of the crate. Instead, put the focus on entering the crate and being inside it.

Gradually Increase Time in the Crate

As your dog gets used entering the crate, you can start increasing the time they spent inside. Begin with short increments, such as 10 minutes or so. You might even want to give your pet his meal in the crate and close the door while they are eating. Be sure to stay close and open the door as soon as the dog finishes, so he or she is free to leave.
Increasing time in the crate is a tricky process. If you push too far, your pet gets upset and starts crying. He or she may even start to associate the crate with negative things, such as being restrained. When this happens you might want to cut the time back until your pet feels comfortable again.
Ten minutes at a time can gradually be increased to 15 minutes, 30 minutes, an hour, and so on. You may need to practice crating your pet several times a day at first. Feel free to experiment with leaving the room for a few minutes at a time to see how your pup does. Just remember to stay close enough that you can hear and let your puppy out if they get upset.

How Much Time is Too Much?

There are people who leave their pets crated all day when at work. However, leaving the dog crated for up to eight hours at a time is not good for your pet. Dogs can become anxious, upset, and even go a little stir crazy when trapped in a confined space. This tool is really meant for crating rambunctious pets overnight, when guests are over, and for short periods of time when you are housetraining a puppy.
Well-behaved, house-trained adult dogs probably don't need to be crated when you are at work. However, it is always a good idea to teach them the command and have the crate available should the need arise for visitors, or trips to the vet.
To ensure that your pet grows up to be a truly happy, friendly dog, you might want to consider further training. The Obedience Training video series uses the RAPT training method to show you specific techniques and methods for a better human-dog partnership. You'll even receive a bonus 30-minute video, the "Secrets Behind Crate Training" when you order.

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