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How to Groom an Aggressive Dog

By Alina Jumabhoy

How to Groom an Aggressive Dog

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Oritslama @ Pixabay

While some dog breeds barely require any grooming at all, others need this very regularly, and they don't all enjoy having this done.

So, how do you groom an aggressive dog?

Here are a few tips to keep in mind...

Learn the Dog's Triggers

Dogs are aggressive for different reasons.

For most dogs, the reason behind their aggression will be fear. This means that it is up to you to eliminate that fear if you want to groom an aggressive dog.

How do you remove that fear?

You need to take things slow.

Begin by giving the dog time to get used to you, as well as your touch. You can do this by slowly running your hands over their body, paying particular attention to sensitive areas.

Once the dog is happy with you touching him, you can then start to introduce some of your grooming tools. Let the dog have a good sniff of these first. Then, run them gently over the dog's body, making sure that the tools are turned off.

Use these tools to pet the dog, and give the dog a treat each time he does not react. Ideally, you should be treating the dog throughout the whole process.

What should you do if the dog is still uncomfortable?

Stop, and take a step back.

This whole process of acclimatizing a dog to being groomed can take weeks. This can seem frustrating, but it is so much better to spend this time encouraging the dog's comfort, rather than forcing the dog into a negative situation.

Restraints, Muzzles and Medication

You are probably thinking...

What if I don't have weeks to acclimatize a dog to the grooming process?

This is common, especially when it comes to rescue dogs who are in a bad way with their coats.

Well, in these cases, you will need to use restraints and muzzles.

Now, most groomers already use restraints on their grooming tables. These help to keep dogs still while they are being groomed, ensuring that the result is neat and even and that the dog doesn't run the risk of being cut by the clippers or scissors.

However, when trying to groom an aggressive dog, you will likely need a few extra restraints, as well as a muzzle.

You should always be careful when muzzling an aggressive dog, once again taking this as slow as possible. The muzzle you use is important too – it should be one that still allows the dog to pant, drink and accept treats, but should not enable the dog to bite. The muzzle should also be the right size for the dog – a muzzle that is too big or too small can result in even more discomfort and injury for the dog, which will only make him act more aggressively.

Try not to leave the muzzle on for too long. After all, you want to try to build up positive associations with the grooming process as much as possible.

Is the muzzle not helping you to groom an aggressive dog?

In very serious cases, you may need to turn to medication, usually in the form of a sedative.

However, this is something that should only be done under the advice of a vet.

Long-Handled Grooming Tools

Grooming tools are available in so many different shapes and sizes, with many of these featuring long handles. These are most commonly found in the form of combs and brushes.

These long-handled tools are perfect when trying to groom an aggressive dog. They allow you to reach those sensitive spots while keeping your hand far enough away to ensure that you don't end up bitten.

Don't forget...

You will still need to spend some time at the beginning allowing the dog to sniff your long-handled tools. This will make him much more receptive to the tools touching his body.

Short Grooming Sessions

Trying to groom an aggressive dog can be difficult, especially since you need to try to keep the experience as positive as possible.

One way to do this is by keeping the grooming sessions short and sweet.

You don't need to do a full groom the first time around – instead, pick an area of the dog and focus on getting that part groomed. This could be the face, the paws, the stomach, or anywhere else.

Make sure that you end each grooming session on a positive note. This usually involves plenty of praise and treats.

The more you do this, the more you will notice that the dog becomes increasingly receptive to the grooming process with each session.

Enlist the Help of an Assistant

You don't have to do it alone when trying to groom an aggressive dog.

In fact, finding someone to help you can make the whole process so much easier.

Your best bet would be finding someone who has experience in handling aggressive dogs. There are certain ways in which an aggressive dog can be held by your assistant, so that you can carry out the groom without having to worry about being bitten.

However, as you can imagine, this can be dangerous unless your assistant is well-experienced in this.

Stay Firm and Calm

Dogs quickly pick up on the emotions of the people around them.

If you are feeling nervous or unsure, an aggressive dog will take advantage of this, and will likely intimidate you even more.

While it may be difficult, it is so important that you remain firm and calm throughout the whole process.

What should you do if you are feeling nervous?

Take yourself out of the situation and give yourself a few minutes to calm down. Only return to the dog once you are feeling confident again.

If you can't seem to find that confidence, you may need someone else to do the grooming for you.

It can definitely be difficult to try to groom an aggressive dog, but it can be done. It does require plenty of behavioral knowledge, along with patience and determination, but, so long as you take things slow, it won't be long before the dog soon becomes accustomed to the grooming process.

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How to Bond with a New Rescue Dog

By Alina Jumabhoy

How to Bond with a New Rescue Dog

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Purchasing a young pup from a breeder usually means that you begin with a relatively clean slate. However, adopting a rescue dog, even if that dog may be quite young, means that that your new pooch will likely come with a bit of baggage.

This can make bonding with a new rescue dog quite challenging, so here are a few tips to speed that process up.

SPEND TIME WORKING ON OBEDIENCE TRAINING

Even if your rescue dog is already trained in the basics, spending some time going over obedience training together can really help you and your pooch to bond.

How?

Because obedience training requires two-way communication. This makes it a great method for teaching a dog and a new owner how to work together.

The two of you will be fully interacting when training, and this is something that will help your rescue dog to feel more comfortable in your company.

COMMIT TO PLAYING

Just about every dog owner out there is guilty of sitting back on the sofa and watching TV, while absent-mindedly tossing a ball around every few minutes for their dog to catch.

Well, don't kid yourself...

Your dog knows very well that he doesn't have your full attention!

This may not seem like a big deal, but playing is an activity that enables your dog to let loose and really enjoy life. You want your dog to associate this with you as much as possible.

So, make sure that you commit to properly playing with your dog a few times a day. Get moving with your pooch, giving your full attention to the game the two of you are playing.

Showing your new rescue dog that his happiness is important to you will help your dog to associate your presence with happiness and fun.

DAILY WALKS

Woman with her rescue dog on top of a mountain above the clouds
Photo by Show 131/ CC

Walking is one of the best ways for an owner to bond with their dog. The fact that daily walks tend to be the best part of a dog's day is an added bonus for your pooch!

Dogs love being able to explore new places and sniff exciting scents. Having you at the other end of the leash will help your dog to feel safe and secure with you around.

Of course, off-leash time is important for your pooch too. However, you never quite know what may trigger your rescue dog to go speeding off into the distance, so keep your new pooch on a lead for at least the first few weeks. Making sure that your dog has a solid understanding of the recall command is also vital before unclipping that leash.

Getting bored of your daily dog walks?

Try mixing things up a bit!

Take your dog along different routes as much as possible. Not only will this be more interesting for you, but it will also help to keep your dog more mentally stimulated. 

If you aren't able to keep trying new routes...

Make your own route more exciting!

How?

Try hiding some treats along the way for your pooch to sniff out, or invite another four-legged friend to join you on your walk.

THE IMPORTANCE OF POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT WITH A RESCUE DOG

Positive reinforcement means rewarding your dog when he has done something good.

When it comes to a new rescue dog, emphasizing these positive reinforcements can really help to strengthen your bond.

How should you go about doing this?

Try rewarding your rescue dog for all of the small, but good, things that he does.

This could be any of the following, plus more:

  • Sitting down to wait for something

  • Not barking

  • Being affectionate

  • Showing confidence

  • Being calm

What should you be using to reward your dog?

Treats are usually the best thing to use. Make sure that you hand feed these rather than tossing them on to the floor. This will encourage your dog to trust you and be more comfortable around you.

The treats could be anything from dried liver bites to pieces of your dog's usual kibble. Try to keep your treats varied, as this will ensure that your pooch stays interested and alert.

Physical touch, from a belly rub to a pat on the head, can also be a good way of positively reinforcing certain behaviors. This is also a key aspect of bonding, but make sure that your dog is comfortable with this first.

DEVELOP A ROUTINE

Dogs thrive with a routine, making this so important when it comes to helping your new rescue dog settle in.

Try to involve your dog in your own routine as much as possible, while also setting aside set times for dog-related activities.

This could mean:

  • Feeding your dog at the same time each day

  • Walking them at the same time

  • Playing with them at the same time

  • Cooking your own meals around the same time each day

  • Leaving for and returning from work at the same time each day

It won't be long before your dog knows what to expect from each day. This will help them to understand your needs too, which will enable you to bond so much better.

KEEP YOUR EXPECTATIONS LOW

No matter how much success you may have had with dogs, or even rescue dogs, in the past...

It is important to keep your expectations low when adopting a new rescue dog.

Why?

Because every dog is unique, meaning that every relationship will take its own individual length of time to build.

Feeling disappointed that your experience is not going how you expected it too will only be a barrier when it comes to bonding with your rescue dog.

Many rescue dogs have gone through tough times in the past. This means that they require so much more time and effort when it comes to bonding, compared to other dogs who will immediately give you their whole heart.

With some rescue dogs, owners form an instant bond, but, with others, the bonding process can take quite a bit of time and effort. It is important not to give up, even if progress seems slow, because your dog will eventually come around and start to see you as his new best friend.

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How to Teach a Dog to Pose for Photos

By Alina Jumabhoy

How to Teach a Dog to Pose for Photos

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Have you ever looked at photos of dogs posing beautifully, and wondered how on earth their owners managed to get them to sit so still?

Well, the steps to teach a dog to pose for photos are actually quite simple...

Here is everything you need to know to get started:

MAKE SURE THAT YOUR DOG KNOWS HOW TO “SIT” AND “STAY”

There are a few essential commands that a dog needs to know in order to teach a dog to pose for photos.

The first is the “sit” command...

How Do You Teach Your Dog to Sit?

This is one of the most basic commands, and is so easy to teach.

Simply hold a treat just in front of your dog's nose. Then, bend your elbow so that your hand, and the treat, moves upwards and towards you.

As your dog's eyes and nose follow this action, he should automatically sit down.

Make sure that you reinforce this command by saying the word “sit” while he is in the process of sitting down.

Then, give your dog lots of praise and a treat, before repeating those steps multiple times over several days.

How Do You Teach Your Dog to Stay?

Once you have the “sit” command mastered, teaching a dog to stay becomes much easier.

Begin with the “sit”, and then say the word “stay”, holding your hand out in front of you as a visual cue.

Wait for a couple of seconds, and then say your release command. This could be anything from “good boy” to “okay” to “free”.

Keep repeating those steps, but slowly increase the amount of time you ask your dog to stay for. You should also start taking a few steps backwards, ensuring that your dog stays rather than following you.

Keep working on this over a few days, increasing the distance between you and your dog, as well as the “stay” duration.

Make sure that you are patient. Even if your dog is taking a while to get the hang of these commands, they are essential basics for those who want to teach a dog to pose for photos.

Once your dog has a solid understanding of these two commands, you will find it much easier to get your dog into position. It also makes it easier to actually step back and take the photo. 

HOW TO TEACH A DOG TO LOOK AT THE CAMERA

Teach a dog to pose for photos by training him to look at the camera when on the beach
Photo by Show 131/ CC

Now that you have your dog sitting and staying nicely, how do you get him to actually look at the camera when you want to take the photograph?

There are a few ways of doing this...

The easiest is by using whatever it is that motivates your dog the most.

For example, some dogs are highly food-motivated, while others tend to prefer toys.

If your dog is food-motivated, simply ask your dog to sit and stay. Then, hold a treat above your camera, repeating the stay command. Your dog will most likely have his eyes fixed on the treat. This will make it easy for you to get a good photo.

If your dog is toy-motivated, repeat those steps but hold a toy above the camera instead.

The “Look at Me” Command

Another way to teach your dog to look at the camera when you need him to is by teaching him the “look at me” command.

Every time your dog looks into your eyes, say “look at me” and then give him a treat. After doing this multiple times, your dog will soon automatically start looking at you each time you say the command.

Use this command only when you are ready with the camera. This will ensure that your pooch looks over at just the right moment.

GO SLOW WITH THE FLASH

The flash on some cameras can sometimes be a blinding shock to humans, let alone dogs.

Allowing your camera flash to scare your dog will make it much harder to convince your dog to sit still for the camera in the future.

When you first begin to teach a dog to pose for photos, make sure that you keep your flash turned off.

You can then start to train your dog to get used to the flash by incorporating it into other activities.

For example, let the flash go off while you and your dog are playing. Or, try doing this before feeding your dog a treat. Take your time with this, especially if your pooch seems jumpy at the flash.

Ideally, try to keep your overall use of the flash to a minimum anyway. The flash can often be damaging to a dog's eyes, making other forms of lighting more appropriate.

REINFORCING CAMERA CONFIDENCE

Is your dog still a little wary of the camera, even after following all of these steps?

One way to reinforce that the camera is nothing to be afraid of is by tossing a treat to your pooch while you are standing behind the camera.

Soon, your dog will associate the camera with tasty treats. It won't be long before he looks up expectantly with a cute look on his face each time you bring the camera out! It is so important to ensure that your pooch is camera confident if you want to properly teach a dog to pose for photos.

TO LEASH OR NOT TO LEASH

It can be tempting to unclip your dog's leash to get a good snap while out and about.

However, make sure that you do not do this unless your dog has a solid understanding of the “sit” and “stay” commands, as well as good recall.

You should also never unclip your dog's leash in areas where dogs are required to be kept on a leash, such as national parks.

Plus, there is nothing wrong with including a leash in your photos. This just shows the world what a responsible dog owner you are! It can also make it easier to teach a dog to pose for photos with the use of a leash. 

Just make sure that you have untangled any knots in the leash and have straightened it out before snapping away. This will prevent it from looking too untidy in your photos.

Some dogs love to be photographed, while others will run and hide. Of course, if you have a dog that does the latter, this does make it much harder to teach a dog to pose for photos, but don't give up! Take your time with your training, making sure that you and your pooch have plenty of fun along the way!

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Muzzle Training Your Dog

By Alina Jumabhoy

Muzzle Training Your Dog

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Pranidchakan @ Pexels

The majority of people out there who own a friendly, happy dog think that muzzle training is pointless, because muzzles tend to be associated with aggression. However, there are a number of reasons as to why your dog may need to wear a muzzle at some stage in his life, making muzzle training one of the best things that you can do for your pooch.

WHY WOULD MY DOG NEED TO WEAR A MUZZLE?

Even if your dog may not be aggressive, you may need to turn to a muzzle at some stage in your dog's life.

Reasons could include:

  • An injury – a dog may bite when in severe pain

  • Grooming – even if you desensitize your dog to the grooming process, he could still experience a negative situation at some point in his life that may require you to keep him muzzled when being groomed

  • Laws – these could be due to breed specific legislation, or even geographical location

  • Preventing unwanted eating while out – many dogs love to eat the strangest things while out on their walk, but this can often be dangerous. A muzzle prevents this from happening

If, for whatever reason, your dog does need to wear a muzzle, you want this to be something that your dog is happy to do.

Don't think that your dog would ever be happy wearing a muzzle?

Think again...

It all comes down to how you muzzle train your dog.

CHOOSING A MUZZLE

Before you begin muzzle training, you need to first choose a good muzzle for your dog.

There are several different types out there, but the best tends to be the basket muzzle. This is usually made from plastic or rubber, and fits like a basket over the dogs nose and mouth.

Why are these muzzles best?

Because not only can you easily slide treats through the gaps in the muzzle, but its shape and size enables your dog to drink and pant as well. Panting is extremely important, as this is how your dog cools down. 

Whichever type you choose, you need to make sure that the muzzle fits your dog properly. Check that it isn't rubbing against your dog's face anywhere, especially the nose and the eyes.

If you are buying the muzzle online...

Make sure that you take the time to properly measure your dog. The wrong size could lead to painful chafing.

GETTING STARTED WITH MUZZLE TRAINING

There are a few different stages involved when it comes to successfully muzzle training a dog.

Keep in mind that all dogs progress at different rates, so be patient and consistent in your methods.

Begin with Treats

High value treats are key when it comes to muzzle training. Make sure you have something that your dog absolutely loves, such as cheese or meat. This is important when it comes to helping your dog associate the muzzle with positive experiences.

Then, follow these steps:

  • Show your dog the muzzle and then immediately give him a few treats

  • Hide the muzzle behind your bag for a few seconds

  • Bring it back out, show it to your dog, and give him more treats. Verbal praise is also important. Repeat this a few more times

  • Place some treats inside the muzzle and allow your dog to eat them from within the muzzle

  • Once they are finished, repeat that step a few more times

Keep going over those steps over several different training sessions. This will really help to cement your dog's positive reaction to the muzzle.

Adding in Vocal Cues

As your dog slowly begins to learn that the muzzle leads to treats, you can begin to add in vocal cues.

Say the word “muzzle” when your dog is about to place his face into the muzzle. The more you do this, the quicker he will learn what you want him to do when you say the cue word. This will make it so much easier to place the muzzle onto your dog in the future.

Securing the Muzzle

Once your dog gets excited at the sight of the muzzle, you can then move on to the next stage.

After your dog has placed his face into the muzzle to eat the treat, gently fasten it behind his head, but then unfasten it and take it off straight away.

Repeat this a few times, making sure that you are still placing treats into the muzzle for your dog. It could be worth mixing up the treats that you are using at this point, adding in a few different high value treats to keep your dog interested.

As you continue on, slowly start leaving the muzzle on for longer periods of time. Begin with 15 seconds, then 30, then 45, and so on.

Aim to have your dog happily wearing the muzzle for around 15 minutes by the end of your training. However, make sure that you always do something fun with your dog, whether this may be a walk or play, while he is wearing the muzzle. This will help him to see the muzzle as a good thing.

SHORT BUT SUCCESSFUL TRAINING SESSIONS

Whether you are muzzle training your dog or trying to teach your dog anything else, it is important to keep your training sessions short and sweet.

Why?

Because you don't want your dog to get bored or frustrated. This will only bring negative connotations to whatever it is you are trying to teach.

You don't need to muzzle train for more than a few minutes at a time. You can then repeat these sessions several times throughout the day.

Don't forget...

Always set your dog up for success. If you don't think that he is progressing enough, start again and go back to basics. It is so important to make this fun for your dog throughout the whole process.

You never know what may happen in life, which is why it is always important to be as prepared as possible. Muzzle training your dog may not be something that you have considered, but could really make a huge difference in your dog's life further down the line. Muzzle training is easy, as well as fun, so go ahead and give it a try!

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Dog Training Treats: High Value vs Low Value

By Alina Jumabhoy

Dog Training Treats: High Value vs Low Value

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Nicooografie @ Pixabay

While just about every dog loves to learn, training treats give them that extra bit of motivation. Whether you’re working on basic obedience training or something more advanced, understanding the difference between low- and high-value dog treats for training can make all the difference when it comes to your dog’s success.

What Are Training Treats?

Let’s begin with a quick look at training treats in general (later on we’ll give you examples of low- and high-reward dog treats).

In general, low- and high-value dog treats are ones you can use to help train a dog, meaning that they need to be quick and easy for a dog to eat.

They also need to be portable so you can carry them around to train in a variety of locations. As a bonus, they should be relatively tidy, especially if you’re going to keep them in your pocket.

Ideally, a good training treat should also be one that the owner physically delivers to the dog, rather than dropping or crumbling it onto the floor. Why? Because the drop or crumble distracts your dog and prevents him from fully focusing on you.

What’s the Difference Between Low- and High-Value Dog Treats?

side view of brown and white Chihuahua wearing a blue sweater straining for a treat
Photo by Show 131/ CC

Place a piece of meat in one hand, and a slice of carrot in the other. Hold both hands out to your dog, and see which one your pooch picks.

Chances are, they’re going for the meat, meaning that the meat would be an example of a high-reward dog treat.

In a nutshell, that’s the difference between low- and high-value dog treats for training.

Low-value treats are ones your dog is used to. While your dog will still work for them, their motivation will be less and they may lose interest over time.

High-value dog treats are ones that your dog absolutely loves, and will pretty much do anything to get. They should be treats that your dog doesn’t get on a regular basis, so they’re exciting each time.

Of course, every dog is different and will have different tastes. What may be a high-value treat for one dog could be a very low-value treat for another.

When Should You Use Each Type of Training Treat?

After reading the differences between the training treat values, you might be wondering why you’d use low-value treats at all, if high-value ones motivate your dog more?

Well, if you’re only giving high-value dog treats to your pup, then it won’t be long before these become low-value to them. The novelty wears off, and your dog will get bored.

Plus, you don’t need to be giving your dog an extra-special treat each time. Using these to mark significant learning moments will be much more rewarding when it comes to teaching new things.

So, when’s an example of a time to use high-reward dog treats?

When you’re first beginning to shape a certain behavior, stick to high-value treats only. After your dog has begun to get the hang of it, you can then switch to a mix of low- and high-value dog treats. This means that your dog will never be quite sure as to what treat they will get next, giving them plenty of motivation to keep trying.

What Are Examples of Low- and High-Value Dog Treats for Training?

outdoor photo of woman in red vest bent over holding out treat to shaggy black dog
Photo by Show 131/ CC
As mentioned earlier, training treats need to be quickly and easily eaten, as well as portable. These requirements can sometimes make it difficult to find a wide selection of both high- and low-value treats.

Mixing things up and keeping your dog guessing is always a good idea when it comes to training treats. Here are some ideas to incorporate low- and high-value dog treats into your training routine:

Low-Value Dog Training Treats

Low-value training treats could include:

  • Dried dog food: if you can find these in small sample bags, then you can mix and match different brands and flavors to keep things more interesting

  • Fruit and vegetable chunks or slices: if you find yourself having to use a lot of treats, healthy raw bites of a fruit or vegetable could be a good low-calorie option

  • Dog biscuits: many people use dog biscuits as a daily snack for theirdogsg. While your dog will still enjoy these as a training treat, they’re low-value because your dog is used to eating them

High-Value Dog Training Treats

Examples of high-reward dog treats could include:

  • Sausages or hot dogs: make sure you choose ones free of nitrates/nitrites, as well as low in sodium. Cut sausage up into multiple pieces to make it last longer

  • Freeze-dried meat: this is something that just about every dog loves. You can find them in both training treat sizes as well as larger pieces that you can cut up yourself

  • Cheese: mix a few small chunks of different cheeses into your dog’s training treats. You don’t need to use much as the smell from the cheese will rub off onto the other high-value dog treats. This will give even the low-value treats a cheesier appeal. Alternatively, opt for cheese in a tube, giving your dog a small lick as a reward

  • Dehydrated meat: you can easily do this yourself at home by placing thin slices of meat into the oven or a dehydrator for a few hours until they’re brittle enough to be easily snapped into small, training-sized pieces. You can do this with just about any cut of meat

  • Liver cake: this may not sound very appetizing to you, but it’s something your dog will definitely work hard for

There are many low- and high-value dog treats available at pet stores too. As you’re shopping, how do you know if the treats are high- or low-value?

This is completely up to your dog. If you’re doing a lot of training, it’s worth purchasing a selection of different treats to see how much your dog actually likes each one.

Understanding how to mix-and-match different low- and high-value dog treats for training is crucial when it comes to succeeding in training your dog. No matter what type of skill you’re trying to teach your pooch, the reward you provide them for learning new behaviors will help to speed up the rate at which they learn, while also keeping their enthusiasm at an all-time high.

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