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Dog training simple commands work the best. Complex commands are harder for dogs or especially puppies to understand. If you go to an obedience training class, this point will be made, but it can still be a while till you really have the habit down.

For instance, let’s say you want your dog to lie down. You say the command once but if the dog doesn’t immediately hit the floor, the temptation will be for you to say it again… and again. Sometimes dog owners will say something like “Hey, get down now! I already told you! You know what I mean!” All this language does not further the cause of obedience training.

What you are trying to do in using simple one-word commands is to create a habit in the dog. Canine behavior, like that of humans, has a lot of habitual aspects to it. When you train dogs with simple commands, they are easier for the animals to hear and recognize the meaning than if they have to pick out the words from your steady flow of speech.

Of course, dogs can pick out words that way if they want to, as anyone knows who has had a conversation with another human is which they said something like, “Shall we take Buddy to the park?” Buddy may easily pick out his name and perhaps the word “park.” The domestic dog has had a lot of practice in listening to human speech!

So use one-word, easily pronounced commands — which, by the way, are also sometimes called cue words. That expression gets away from the idea that you have to be the boss and the dog has to obey! While there are certainly times that do call for obedience, such as when you need the dog to come rather than go into the street, by and large the best dog training evokes willing compliance from the dog.

When you are teaching your new puppy, do use simple terms like come, sit, stay, and down. These are time-tested training commands that work well.

By the way, since “down” means something like “Get onto the floor,” what do you say when your dog is jumping up on people and you want him to stop? A good word is “off.”

* Question: What is the best way to select the pet that is best for our family?

First and foremost, never purchase your new pet on impulse. Bringing a sweet little fur ball home just because it was adorable is rarely the best way to find a new pet.

Discuss the matter of pets together as a family before making the purchase. Remember to consider the following important issues: personal attention, grooming, playtime, daily feeding, vet care and house and potty training (if pet will be indoors). Consider asking each person in the household why they want a pet. Be sure your children understand that a pet is an important member of the family, not a toy, and that the pet’s needs must be considered just as much as the humans’ needs.

Next, review your lifestyle. Let’s say, for example, you have a downtown apartment and have a rigorous work schedule. In this case it may be best to consider a pet such as a bird, a cat or maybe even a fish. If your daily routine includes jogging or running, then a dog might be a good choice for you.

To better understand the needs of a potential pet, you can talk to breeders and other pet owners. Attend local pet shows and talk to the judges. Surf the internet for specific breeds to learn more about the pet you want to add to your family. Also, consider the ages of your children when planning to put a pet in the home. Also, consider the life expectancy of the pet, itself.

* Question: Should I get a pet from a shelter or a pet store?

Some people swear by animal shelters, while others prefer pet stores. Weighing the two, I feel it is recommended to look for a pet (especially dogs and cats) at a shelter. You’ll find that animals at a shelter are well-cared for by the staff and having had much interaction with the staff, the animals are well-adapted to people. The shelter’s staff can tell you quite a bit about the animals to help you find the pet that will be well-suited to you and your family. The staff can tell you which cat likes to curl up on your lap, which dog enjoys long walks and which animal will be good with children. In addition, animals from a shelter have already been checked and have received all of their needed immunizations and have already been neutered or spayed.

If you decide instead to get a pet from a pet store, be sure you spend time with the store owner about that particular animal’s temperament, particulary for dogs, cats and other animals that will have plenty of interacation with a variety of people.

* Question: How do I determine what type of dog is best for me?

Use the following as a guide for finding the perfect dog for you:

- Read pet guides to learn about a certain dog breed’s background, personality, tendencies and temperament. Browse the internet for more details of those family-friendly breeds of dogs.

- Consult a veterinarian to discuss details about the characteristics and temperament of the breed you are looking for. Ask questions to understand more about it.

- After weighing all your options you plan to find a puppy at your local pet store, remember to ask for the dog’s background — things like from where the dog originated, anomalies of that particular dog’s breed as well as behavioral and physical problems. If you prefer not to use the local pet store, you can also look for a puppy or dog at a local animal shelter or from a private party.

- Of course, one of the very best methods (though not very scientific) is to find out from your friends’ and associates about their own experiences with various types of dogs they have owned in the past.

Dog training is a fine art process, not a science. Many educators and their facilities produce an instruction technique. Dogs will always be dogs and humans will continually try to make their dog into a furry person. Dog Training is as important as feeding and watering. That small, beautiful, loved, huggable, kissable, lovely puppy, could turn into a big nightmare if not shown the proper guidance.

Dog training is a tremendously rewarding career. One should remember first of all that, for the most part, training is a “service” profession and that one is usually working with people who happen to have dogs. Dog training is more than just telling your dog to stop doing what he’s doing, it is the process of teaching a dog to exhibit certain desired dog behaviour in specific circumstances. Proper dog training is not a “quick fix” - it is an ongoing, life-long process.

Dog training is not necessarily a difficult process but it is a process which requires a great deal of patience as well as the ability to interpret which types of training techniques are most effective for the particular dog you are training. There are a number of different methods which can be used to train a dog.

One of the principal needs for dog training is Aggression. Aggression related dog behaviour problems include biting, jumping, barking uncontrollably and not obeying commands. Once a dog maturates from a puppy to an adult, it will become much more difficult to train. Aggression includes any behaviour that is meant to intimidate or harm another animal or person. Snarling, snapping, barking and growling are all examples of aggressiveness.

Obedience training would have prevented many of these issues and can aid solve the bad conducts that may exist. Many people consider that obedience training is something that is done to a dog to make it perform some artificial activity on command. Obedience is a part of the cultural setting defined for your dog in your house. Obedience is about you having a relationship with your dog and the dog responding to you. It doesn’t matter if the dog trainer can train your dog; what matters is that the dog responds to your instructions.

The process of training a dog is something we do with our dogs not to our dogs. Both you and your dog will love the reward-based training ways you will learn jointly. Dog training is unquestionably not rocket science and is easier than you would anticipate particularly if you can get help from a expert dog training book or guide. Maybe the most crucial point with dog training is to keep a level head.

Dog training is supposed to be a fun process, believe it or not.

Dog training is critical, so a dog can learn what is acceptable and what is not. A dog that hasn’t been given any directions or restrictions can’t know what is to be expected of him. Both you and your dog will love the reward-based educating techniques you will learn collectively.

Obedience is more than just directions - when taught correctly; it gets the common nomenclature between you and your dog. It changes your relationship from one of frustration, to one of harmony.

Have fun with your pet-friend!

Dog aggression is a major problem everywhere, sometimes between dogs and sometimes resulting in dog bites on people. A high percentage of the people who get bitten are children, often quite young. In this article, I’ll give you three tips for handling it if your dog should become aggressive and I’ll give you a resource for more tips and information on all aspects of this problem.

The first thing to do if you have an aggressive dog is to manage his living arrangements. You need to create a situation where everyone is protected from further harm: you, your family, the dog, and any other people or dogs who come in contact with your dog.

If your dog is already used to a crate, you can use it as part of your plan to manage where he is. If he is not accustomed to a crate, you can try teaching him to use it, by enticing him in with food or dog toys, but be sure that he is okay in it before you leave him alone. Even then, devise a way to check on how he is doing, such as looking in a window. Don’t just dump him in the thing for hours on end, or he may injure himself or do damage to the crate. You can’t leave him in it for many hours.

If you are not using a crate, consider enclosing the dog in some part of your home, whether a dog kennel in your yard or a less-used room in your house. This is a good plan in addition to a crate, as well. If your problem is between two dogs you own, at least at first you will want to have them well separated. One door between them may be okay, but two doors makes it much easier for you to get around.

The second step is to have a good veterinary exam for your dog. It may be that your dog is in pain or has some other physical condition that led to his bad temper. If so, once you get it solved, the aggressiveness itself may cease. If your veterinarian finds nothing, then you know that anyway.

Third, begin writing down short notes about the aggressive incident and what has happened since. Use a little notepad or some paper that you can keep in a convenient place, so it’s easy to make these notes. If you try to go back after a few days to reconstruct what happened, you may find that your memory is a bit unreliable about the timing and other details. This is normal, and all the more so when a situation is stressful. But these scribbles will have a place as you begin to create some new habits for training the dog and managing the situation.

Longer-term planning is the next step, or actually several steps. It may not be easy, but there have been studies done which show that when people who have an aggressive dog are diligent about care and training, the future is much rosier for the dog and all around him.

There are millions of English Mastiff owners in America but the vast majority do not have English Mastiff insurance, these animals are however, generally considered a part of every family. We all know just how important it is to have health insurance, if that is the case, our English Mastiffs should be looked after as well.

Many do not consider this an important matter, English Mastiff owners soon learn how costly it is when they require treatment. Like many other areas, the cost of vet fees has increased as well, the result of this has meant that English Mastiff insurance premiums have also risen as well.

American Bandogge health cover costs, like many other types of insurance plans, are on the increase, this should really be enough to make you think twice about delaying but this isn’t the only reason. Anyone who owns a domestic animal needs to be prepared for health problems occasionally, when this happens, the cost of treatment may even cause financial strain.

When a situation like this happens many people find themselves in an awkward position, the last thing you should have to deal with is the stress over the expense of saving your animal.

This situation happened to me a couple of years ago when I was looking at spending one thousand dollars to save my dog, the agony of making a decision like that is something I hope not to repeat. To make matters worse, there is always a chance you English Mastiff still won’t survive, there are no guarantees as complications are not uncommon.

The average person does not always consider the costs involved with owning a mastiff dog, these additional costs can place a person in debt. You may have other pressing financial commitments to attend too so raising further capital can sometimes be a problem.

If you love your English Mastiffs then they deserve the best medical treatment, setting up a English Mastiff insurance plan, will provide peace of mind, as this will never be a problem again. Vet bills could escalate but English Mastiff healthcare insurance policies are still the best option, these plans can be purchased from anywhere between twenty to forty dollars a month which could save a fortune in the long term.

American Bandogge healthcare insurance can usually be purchased relatively inexpensively despite recent rises, plans are still affordable, especially when you consider the alternative.

For most Pugs, the opportunity to run around in a big yard just can’t happen. Pugs are more likely to spend their days cooped up in the house while their owner or family goes out. This makes creating a potty schedule difficult.

A combination of crate and leash training works for some Pugs. If the adult Pug is new to your family or returning home after time in a kennel while you were away, you may have to reinforce his potty training.

One way to train is by using a crate during the day and incorporate a leash that isn’t too restricting when you are at home with your Pug. Keeping your Pug locked up and unable to roam around all day is not really the best answer - but it is a part of the training process.

Start as you would with a puppy and set up regular potty breaks. Make sure that you time the elimination breaks with enough time after feeding so the Pug can do something meaningful on the trip outside.

Start by devoting a whole weekend to observing your Pug on a leash when he is out of his crate so that you can learn the signs that he needs to use the bathroom. Your Pug might act shaky or agitated and may even squat down. Take these signs as your cue to take pup outside.

Remember to praise him lavishly when he does his business during the potty break. That’s the positive reinforcement needed to show your Pug where he’s supposed to do his business.

If, during your absence, your Pug stayed in a kennel where he eliminated, ate and slept in the same area, then he may have lost his earlier training. He’s also probably very depressed and dejected.

Pugs don’t like to mix potty with living space anymore than you want to eliminate on the floor in your kitchen. So he needs to start again and build up confidence in his potty skills and in the willingness of the adult on duty to take him out when he needs to go.

For older Pugs, holding urine is a much easier task because their bladders are much more developed than a puppy’s. However, if your Pug experiences a lot of potty problems he may have diarrhea, a urinary tract infection or one of many medical problems that lead to frequent accidents.

If you see a noticeable change in your Pug’s potty behaviors and there are no other apparent reasons for it, then you want get him checked at the vet. The potty problems may be a symptom of a greater problem.

If it turns out that your puppy has a medical condition, take it easy with the potty training. Your Pug needs lots of love and affection and may not be able to control his urges or be able to focus on them. Keep your Pug on a leash when he’s not in the crate and keep a close eye on him for signs that he needs to potty while he is recovering.

When new trainers start the training process, they tend to make a lot of mistakes in their techniques and approach. There are few mistakes that are fairly common among most trainers.

Expecting too much- The individual who makes this mistake is usually a true dog lover. The problem steps in only when they see all the tricks their neighbors dog can do, watch the well trained pets of their favorite TV show characters or when they go to the park and see all the pet owners enjoying the company of their dogs that are obedient and well trained. At this point, they tend to forget all the time, patience and money that has been spent to train these dogs.

Giving Up- This is also a common mistake done by novice dog trainers. Just because the dog cannot learn to play Frisbee in an hour or so, the owners conclude that the dog would just not learn at all.

Positive reinforcement- Many frustrated trainers go home with deprived results because they forget to reward their dogs for doing well. Rewards must be consistent, just like the training. The dog which always receive only correction and never gets rewarded will get frustrated.

Not Following thoroughly- Dogs love to learn and will learn through repetition and consistent lessons. However, these lessons must be followed correctly. If you happen to train him only for few hours on Monday and totally forget to train him for the rest of the days then it is very obvious that he would not remember anything at all.

Different techniques- This is also another common mistake done by novice trainers. They use different techniques to train their pets. Seeking other trainer’s experiences can be useless. By doing this, you and your pet will frustrated, as each trainer has different techniques to train their respective dogs. Perhaps, choose a best and easy method that works for you. Be consistent and you will see much better results from your dog.

Training Period- After certain period of training, most people assume that the training is over. Training is a learning process and there is no end to it. The dog can learn so many commands and behavioral lessons if you will be training them in a good manner. So why do you want to stop? Dog would love to learn more and more! So keep training.

With the knowledge of these mistakes trainers often make, you can recognize some of the common feelings which you might have encountered for yourself. You can now stem these mistakes before they become a problem.

Despite the fact that Yorkshire Terriers make small messes, when it comes to cleaning costs you will still pay the same thing to clean up urine stains whether your dog is small or large. Yorkshire Terriers have to be potty trained just as much as any other dog.

Size does however play an important factor when it comes to the size of a dog’s bladder - the smaller the dog, the smaller the bladder. Dogs with small bladders will need to use the potty more frequently and won’t be able to hold it in as long as big dogs.

Living in an apartment or home without a big yard is no problem for the Yorkshire Terrier. These pets only need a small space to do their business which means that a flowerbed can work wonders.

Some people make fun of little dogs in their knit sweaters, but it’s more than just a fashion statement. During the winter months in cold climates, the change from heated indoors to freezing outdoors is very harsh on a Yorkshire Terrier’s body.

The sudden chill can also distract them from the potty business and cause them to run back inside. Once warm again, the urge hits and there’s nowhere to go but the rug. You can make this easier on your Yorkshire Terrier by getting him a warm sweater for cold weather.

Some Yorkshire Terriers will not budge off their hind legs until they see the sweater in your hands. Your Yorkshire Terrier may totally refuse to go outdoors in rain or cold, even with a sweater on.

Other options include having a box ready lined with newspaper in the garage for a backup potty spot during inclement weather. Be careful to only use this spot during emergencies so that your pup will continue using his regular potty spot.

If your Yorkshire Terrier goes outdoors in a yard or in the park, be alert as to where he’s walking. Keep your dog away from tall grass or bushes. While he’s busy trying to sniff out the right spot, he’s easy prey for snakes in tall grass.

Yorkie owners need to remember to be courteous to their neighbors. Just because your dog’s feces is small does not mean your neighbor will not mind if it is laying in their yard. Clean up after your dog!

This is also true when it comes to tracking dog poop in the house on your shoes. You won’t notice it until it’s all over your carpet and the same goes for your neighbors. Be responsible and clean up after your pup.

Housetraining works just the same for large dogs as it does for small ones like Yorkies. You can start with crate training and work to establish a routine for potty breaks. Many little dogs are spoiled because they constantly sit in their owner’s lap. This is where your positive reinforcement, praise and affection can come in handy.

Prior to entering yur dog in an agility trial or fun match, try and attend one on your own. This will enable you to see how the event is organized and what is required as an entrant. As this will be your first time, do ensure you visit the Novice ring. Is your dog up to the standard of the others? If not, then maybe it would be wise to spend some more time on training your dog on the commands required. The majority of dog trials are held in the open with no fenced areas. If your dog cannot respond to the basic “Come” command, that could cause problems. It is far better if you are confident of your dog’s obedience.

Contact the host organization beforehand for a copy of the official rules and regulations. Go through them carefully to make sure you are in compliance with all of them. It would be very disappointing to enter your first trial only be disqualified due to a technicality with a rule.

The easiest method to find a fun match or agility trial is to talk with people in your area who are involved in this fun activity. Maybe you know a trainer from classes you took your dog to, or maybe there is an obedience club in town that knows about agility trials. These resources will provide you with all you need to know. Check their websites too you may find announcements, a calendar or other information you need there.

Trials and fun runs are long events that can last anywhere from eight to twelve hours. If your dog is competing, he or she will only be performing for about five minutes of that time, so you will need to have their pen or crate ready to keep them safe and relaxed. You will also need some sun protection of your own (a canopy-type tent is perfect) and a comfortable folding chair. It should go without saying that you will need a good supply of water (for both of you) and dog treats (you’d be surprised how many competitors forget them).

If it is possible, volunteer as a pole setter during the event. You will learn plenty of tips and tricks this way. It will also enable you to see the obstacles and courses. There is a lot to take in so make sure you don’t neglect your dog. It is a social event too so do try and meet other dogs and spend some spare time playing catch or Frisbee with your own dog.

Keep a journal of all the agility runs you and your dog perform. Include your total points, any faults, and the times for the course. Make sure you keep track of whether it was a qualifying (”Q”) run. If possible, see if you can get a copy of the course map to keep. This will help you evaluate problem areas and determine what you and your dog need to work on.

If you have taken out dog insurance to cover the veterinary costs you may incur for your dog or puppy, then you’re in the minority. The majority of pet owners never think about dog insurance - until, that is, they receive a vet bill in the hundreds, or thousands, of dollars. And to think that dog health insurance would have covered those fees!

And how easy is it for a dog to break his or her leg, do you think? Well, just as with humans, bone breakages in dogs happen every single day, and they can occur in your back yard and inside your house, as well as outside while exercising your dog in the park or at the beach. So how much do you think that broken bone might cost in veterinary fees? Well, the average vet cost for a broken bone is $900.00. By comparison, the monthly premium for dog insurance is just a few dollars, and you’re covered for every eventuality.

Dog Health Insurance

Look into the different types of dog insurance plans available. The same as with other types of insurance, dog insurance policies do vary, so it’s wise to compare a couple before you buy. All good dog insurance policies should cover the following items:

Spaying/Neutering: Unless you are a serious breeder then it is only ethical that you have your dog spayed or neutered. Your dog health insurance plan may cover up to 100% of the cost. And remember, having your dog fixed helps keep animal population under control and reduces the chances of dogs roaming the streets looking for a mate, often resulting in injuries due to fighting or other accidents.

Prescription Flea Control: Most dogs remain flea-free with Frontline and similar flea control products that are available over the counter at your veterinarian (or at pet stores or online). But a few dogs have ongoing problems with fleas such that prescription flea meds may be required. Most dog health insurance plans cover these prescription flea control meds.

Annual Veterinary Examination: This is essential for all dogs, even if you think your dog is in peak health. The annual checkup can identify illness and disease before it progresses into something much worse, so that treatment can start at the earliest opportunity. Many dog insurance policies cover the annual veterinary examination costs.

Heartworm Medication: Should your dog be diagnosed with heartworms, the medication needed may also be covered by most dog insurance plans.

Lab Fees: Blood tests and other lab work should also be covered by most dog health insurance plans. Such tests may include blood work for worms, diseases, and abnormalities with pregnancy.

Teeth Cleaning: If your dog suffers periodontal disease, or you are unable to keep his teeth clean by other means, surgical teeth cleaning is often required. And because it’s performed under anaesthetic, it’s pretty expensive. Good news - your dog insurance should cover this, too.

Hospitalization Fees: Accidents and illnesses do have a habit of occurring when you least expect them. And they can be very expensive, as already noted. There is also the possiblity of complications of other procedures, such as de-sexing procedures or even teeth cleaning. Complications of surgery may require that your dog have blood transfusions or be monitored in intensive care. Now that’s a big expense. So instead of being landed with an exorbitant vet bill, your dog insurance will cover you.