How to Train a Dog to Stay - Even If He Sees a Squirrel

How to train a dog to stay is a life-saving tool. Imagine your dog bolting out into the street after a squirrel and getting ran over by a truck! If you don't teach your dog to stay, you're running the risk of him getting hurt or killed. Teaching your dog to stay is a fundamental behavior that all dogs should learn and practice often. The following tips will help guide you towards a more obedient dog.

What You'll Need

Training your dog or puppy can be incredibly challenging and requires a great deal of patience. Your dog should already know how to sit and lay down before training a dog to stay. Some dogs respond very well to treats, and positive reinforcement is the key to success.

Low-calorie training treats are recommended, and bigger rewards like pieces of meat should be used when your pooch does something really spectacular - like... staying in a position even when he sees a squirrel!

But make sure whatever the reward is, it's motivational. It must be something your dog really, really likes. Meaning, he would jump through hoops to get his paws on!

Your Frame of Mind

Make sure that you're in a calm frame of mind before beginning. Dogs pick up on human emotions. And if your dog senses that you're angry or irritable, you'll end up having an unproductive session. Remember, your dog doesn't understand what you are asking of him.

So you've got to practice two things: clear communication and consistency.

How to Train a Dog to Stay

Gather a few treats in your hand and ask your dog to sit. After you reward the sit and he's waiting for your next command, introduce the new command, "Stay." Holding your palm out as though you were telling your pup to stop is a good way to communicate your intentions.

As you're holding your palm out, repeat the word "Stay" and take a step backwards away from your dog. If your dog follows you and gets up from the sitting position, tell him, "No!" then ask him to return to a sit.

Once your dog is sitting, again tell him to stay and take a step backwards. Keep repeating the word stay with every step back. As you learn how to train your dog to stay, you will have to come up with a term to release him from the stay position, such as "okay," or "come here."

The only time to reward the dog with a treat is if he stays, and comes to you when you release him.

Consistency is Essential

Practice for fifteen minutes daily. Break up the sessions so that they're short and productive. Practicing several times a day helps you bond with your dog and reinforces the behavior you expect from him.

Teaching a dog to stay doesn't have to take weeks or even months. Follow these tips consistently and patiently and you'll have your dog in a stay position in no time.

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Dogs and Joint Pain - Natural Relief

Dogs who suffer from joint pain generally favor a certain leg, limp, or walk stiffly. They may be hesitant to climb stairs, run, or jump. From there it progresses to overt lameness-holding the limb funny, or holding the limb up.

Types of Joint Pain

The two major categories of joint pain are developmental and degenerative problems. With developmental problems you have things like hip or elbow dysplasia, where the joint does not develop properly in a number of different ways. Degenerative problems cover several areas. The most common are ligament problems, where ligaments degenerate over time. In general, increased size and weight are determinate factors related to joint problems in pets. Bigger dogs are the poster children for joint problems.

Rehabilitation/Physical Therapy

Physical therapy with professional rehab therapists is really exploding. Many private practices and academic centers have these employees on staff in their practices. The therapy can include underwater treadmills, electric stimulation, and ultrasound therapy. Everything we humans think about physical therapy is being applied to our pets.

Surgery

On the surgical side, more minimally invasive procedures that employ different types of injections or replacements of tissues. Surgery is the most expensive treatment, and sometimes the only option. Surgery used to be more common, however today that is not the case because more options for treatment are available.

What you can do to help prevent joint injuries in your dog.

Keep your dog at the right weight and in good body condition throughout its life. Feed your dog good food and keep them lean. Always provide your pet with plentiful exercise. Keeping your pet in good condition is key. If you are buying a puppy, especially a pure breed, investigate known health problems in that breed. If you don't care about the breed, purchase a mutt. With a mutt, there is less chance of joint related problems. The genetic diversity seems to limit joint related problems overall.

Dog owners can help make pet companions more comfortable with soft bedding, massage, gentle play, and by providing ramps to make it easier for pets to get up and down from high places. Some pets can benefit from shedding excess pounds. Shedding pounds can also reduce their risk of weight related issues, such as heart disease and diabetes. Dogs and cats from 1 to 100 pounds or more can experience relief with a natural plant base homeopathic blend that contains ingredients historically used to help pets with the discomfort, swelling, and stiffness associated with pet joint pain.

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Things Needed While Travelling With Your Dog

Are you thinking of going on a business or pleasure trip with your beloved four legged friend in tow? There is a whole assortment of items that you should take along to keep your dog comfortable and secure at all times. Here is a helpful guide towards a better and more fulfilling traveling experience:

Always carry a proper dog diaper for your trips

A must have for every pet owner on a trip, the dog diaper is immensely helpful whenever your dog needs to poop all of a sudden. This will avoid multiple embarrassing situations and help your dog stay comfortable and secure most of all.

Carrying your own dog food bowl is handy too

Do not rely on plates and bowls served up by hotels and restaurants. Decrease the possibilities of germs and infection and also make your dog feel more at home with the dog food bowl that he/she uses on a regular basis. This will be a very helpful travel accessory for your companion on four legs and will help him/her settle in faster.

Keep your dog snug and comfortable at all times

A good dog blanket helps your pet relax and snooze in absolute comfort. He/she may be uncomfortable with or have a problem adjusting to blankets and other wraps offered by hotels. Most importantly, not many hotels are attuned towards receiving pets and hence the lack of proper apparel and accessories on their part. A soft and comfortable blanket will help your dog sleep soundly and comfortably at night.

Carry proper apparel in winter

If you are going to cooler climes, make sure that you pack extra dog jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts and booties. This is a must as you will rarely find proper dog apparel at hotels and other supermarkets outside. Keep at least a sweater handy for usage whenever your pet feels a little too cold.

Do not rely on hotel meals at all!

Allowing your dog to binge on hotel meals and snacks will not be a good idea and lead to sudden stomach upsets and other ailments that will disrupt your trip altogether. Take along your prescribed supply of dog food without any hesitation. This will help you keep your dog's dietary regime in check and avoid any unnecessary incidents or even food poisoning.

Do not forget to take along a handy leash or collar

While travelling, your dog must be kept on a leash or collar at all times except night times in your room. As a result, do not forget to take along an extra collar or leash. There are many bright and attractive ones available online for your perusal in this regard.

A few toys also come in handy with regard to keeping your dog entertained especially while you're away meeting clients or simply finishing that last minute presentation!

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Winter Tips for Your Dog - Dog Care

Winters are quite demanding and can take a toll on your precious four legged friend too if you are not careful! Your dog requires proper care during the entire winter season if you want him to stay healthy, strong and happy like always. Here are some basic tips that you should always keep in mind:

Keep him/her indoors as much as possible

You should endeavor to keep your dog indoors as much as possible if you live in extremely cold and frosty areas. Outdoor activity and exercise would simply lead to possible congestion, colds and other ailments in addition to a numbing sensation that your dog will not love at all!

Buy proper outdoor gear online

Dog Jackets and Dog Sweaters are must haves if outings and walks cannot be put off altogether. There are multiple options available online in this regard, including attractive striped and cable sweaters in addition to sweatshirts in a variety of colors. There are lovely and bright jackets including the Supaw, Royal Chocolate and Quilted jackets which are made of the warmest and most comfortable materials and promise to protect your dog from the common vagaries of the season. Always check for a proper fit when you shop for winter wear for your dog as this can otherwise lead to unnecessary discomfort.

Tucking up your pet in winter

Tuck up your pet each day with the finest dog blankets and related accessories. Invest in decent dog beds that can hold your furry friend in comfort and buy blankets and wraps online. Some options that you can take a look at include ones made of fleece with cool design motifs including paws and others. Ensure that you get the right blanket size from your dog as these come in all standard sizes including XL and medium. These blankets will help your pet curl up in comfort on the sofa or on his/her own bed at night.

Dog food and personal care tips

Winter is one season where you will have to regulate your dog's diet very carefully owing to the absolute lack of exercise and considerably longer snooze times. You do not want your pet to pile on the pounds rapidly and this necessitates a proper consultation with your vet ahead of the onset of winter. Expect dog food consumption to increase in winter and ensure that your dog drinks only fresh water. All bowls have to be examined for fleas and other elements that might stick to frozen water. Keep your dog at arm's length from sources of heat like lamps and room heaters to avoid sudden burns and injuries. Never leave him/her alone in your car and check for any illnesses. Groom your dog properly and keep him/her hydrated properly in winter.

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How to Choose Perfect Dog Collar for Your Puppy

Confusion is pretty common when it comes to finding out the right collar for your dog. After all, there is a huge variety available online and this often serves to spawn such indecisiveness. Yet, there are some basic principles that should determine your choice of collar including comfort, fittings, material and of course, color and other aesthetic variables. However, choosing the right small and big size dog collars is a matter of utmost importance as they go a long way towards determining behavioural training of your dog.

When it comes to innovative dog collars and dog leashes, you might want to check out collars with special tags for identification. These are attached to standard collars for dogs which are mostly created from fabrics, nylon or even leather at times. These are usually worn by dogs on a regular basis and are standard purchases for pet owners. Alongside, you should also look to buy dog collars that offer a quick and seamless release for your pet. This comes in handy in situations where dogs feel undue pressure on their necks and need to release the same swiftly in order to avoid strangulation. It is better to use these collars for daily wear especially if your pooch is immensely active and naughty!

Martingale collars are also revered for walking and have a unique dual mechanism that fits the dog loosely while on a stroll but also tightens if he/she suddenly attempts a release. This tightening is done in a manner that is not harmful to your pet and will definitely keep him/her safe for sure. There are various other medical and correction collars which should only be used in consultation with your dog training and medical expert for specific purposes. There are various dog harnesses that can be used in tandem with small and big size dog collars but make sure you choose the right one to avoid potential injuries.

You will find Martingale collar and leash sets online in various sizes. Be sure to choose one that fits your pet best. Collars today are necessities for pet owners and help with regard to training purposes. You will also find collars that help immensely when it comes to dogs with throat or other respiratory issues. In addition, there are various stylish and attractive collars that really make for fashionable acquisitions for your dogs. Some popular picks include collars and leashes from brands like Fifth Avenue, Aloha, The London Style, Chewy Vuitton, The Four Paws and many more!

Take the advice of experts if you are still confused on the right collar to purchase for your dog. You can take your pick from bright and personalized collars of multiple kinds. Apart from being a necessity, new age collars can actually make your dog look really stylish and attractive!

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Important Dog Grooming Tips

Proper grooming should be a priority for keeping your bundle of joy healthy and safe without any hassles. There are a multitude of dog training equipment and other grooming solutions that are available online for pet owners and you need to keep yourself abreast of the same on a regular basis.

Here are some basic tips that you definitely need to know:

Hair brushing sessions are a must on a regular basis

There are multiple dog combs & brushes available that you can use to keep your pet's coat in a healthy condition. Your four legged friend will definitely enjoy brushing sessions with products like the Furminator tool, Slicker brushes, double sided combs, double sided brushes, De-shedders and of course, comprehensive grooming kits that make your life easier on a regular basis. Bear in mind that long haired pooches should be brushed each day while weekly brushing sessions are mandatory for dogs with short or medium hair.

Have monthly bathing sessions for your dog

Let your dog have a ball in the bathtub with special Dog Shampoo and other Tick solutions that keep him/her clean and healthy at all times. You can even opt for once a week bathing sessions if your dog enjoys it. There are various shampoos and conditioners that you can choose from online.

Use Dog deodorants and other accessories

You can opt for wonderful dog deodorants and other grooming accessories. These keep him/her safe from foul odours and also contribute towards creating a better ambience at home. Take your pick from various fragrances and sprays available online.

Always keep your dog's ears clean

Use soft and sensitive buds or other dog training equipments to keep your dog's ears free from dirt, grime and other filth. This is a necessity in order to combat the growth of yeast and bacteria in your dog's ears which can subsequently lead to a multitude of health problems in the long run.

Get periodic haircuts for your fur ball!

Is your dog immensely furry and long haired? Dogs like poodles, Lhasa's and Shih Tzu's should definitely get bi-weekly or monthly haircuts. This is best done by qualified and trained groomers and maintenance specialists though you can definitely undertake some basic cutting techniques on your own.

Other grooming essentials

Pet owners should definitely consider dog diapers especially if your ball of mischief has a naughty habit of urinating or pooping all across the house or if he/she is prone to related medical disorders. Alongside, a handy set of dog wipes works well with regard to keeping your pet clean on trips and outings. Quality wipes also help immensely with regard to drying your dog in an appropriate manner.

Follow these grooming tips religiously and give your dog a healthier and cleaner life!

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