Doggykingdom Blog

When using positive reinforcement, you must always show consistency. Your dog shouldn’t have to wonder if he will be praised for an action one time but on another occasion, you ignore the behavior. Dogs thrive with consistency. 

Positive reinforcement is the foundation for any training success with a canine. Your dog is your best friend and wants to please you so let Fido know exactly how well he is doing and how you feel about his actions by giving him ample positive reinforcement! 

If you have found a couple of promising dog trainers then you will want to meet with them for a short interview. Ask each trainer about their education and credentials. Some trainers have served apprenticeships and have years of experience. A few trainers might hold certifications from organizations which show their dedication to the profession. 

Speaking with the trainer will give you a feel for their personality and skills. You want to know that the trainer’s philosophy fits your own unique beliefs on how a dog should be trained. Ask to observe a training class or two so you can watch how the instructor interacts with the dogs and students.

Let’s find out why dogs do certain strange things!

Butt Sniffing

Canines often great each other by butt-sniffing. The behavior seems embarrassing, but it actually tells your dog a lot about its canine counterpart.

A dog’s nose is loaded with 150 million olfactory receptors. Within the anal cavity of a dog are small oil glands the aroma is a type of identification. When a dog sniffs another pooch’s rear, they learn vital information from the smell of the anal secretions. 

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever ranks as the number one breed in the United States. They are friendly and versatile.  Many use Labs for hunting but they also make excellent members of the family.

Typically, Labs get along well with humans (especially children) and other dogs. They are active but eager to please. 

Golden Retriever

The medium-sized Golden Retriever is highly intelligent with a mellow personality that most families find appealing. The dog thrives on daily exercise and being a true member of the family. A versatile breed, they are also in the field when hunting upland game and waterfowl. 

Poodles

Highly intelligent, Poodles might be known for their good looks, but they should be appreciated for their brains too. Poodles respond well to new commands.

Like all dogs, they need patience and consistency, but it won’t take them long to learn where the bathroom is. Poodles are a little more stubborn than Labs, but they can be very obedient with the right trainer. They are easy to housebreak and will usually pick up the process within just a few days. 

Grapes and raisins are favored snacks for young and old alike, but they can lead to kidney failure in dogs. When consumed, a dog often experiences vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy within 12 hours of ingestion.

The symptoms often progress to dehydration and increased urination followed by decreased urination as the kidneys start to fail.

If your dog consumes grapes or raisins then you need to seek the immediate advice of your veterinarian to avoid long term kidney damage or failure.

• Orthopedic Dog Beds: A senior dog with hip or joint problems will definitely enjoy a supportive orthopedic dog bed. 
• Heated Dog Bed: During the winter months, a heated dog bed is very much appreciated by senior or short-haired canines. Electric dog beds can carry some risk, so you won’t want to purchase one if your pup is a chewer. However, for older dogs, an electric bed is often ideal. 
• Memory Foam: Memory foam dog beds have become immensely popular in recent years. The foam is great for arthritic canines. The foam prevents pressure sores, calluses, and hygromas. Memory foam beds are wonderfully durable and retain their shape nicely. 
• Crate Bed: Many dogs adore their crates because they are natural den animals so the enclosure gives them a feeling of added security. You can purchase a crate that fits perfectly inside of the dog crate to provide maximum comfort to the pooch. 

A shock collar should never be used to punish a dog, but as a deterrent. Advocates of the collars say that an uncomfortable jolt deters the dog from unwanted behaviors. The shock acts as a reminder to stop as it grabs the dog’s attention while leaving no lasting physical harm to the animal. 

Most shock collars have several types of enforcement and stimulation levels. You use the controls to pick the reprimand you want. Some collars will make a loud buzz/beep and others will vibrate so you can alert the dog that if the animal does not cease the unwanted action, then a shocking jolt will come.