Crate training your dog is one of the best things you can do — not only is it an extremely helpful training tool for potty training, it can also help provide a safe place for your dog to retreat to when they're anxious. It also gives you a positive management tool when you need to prevent unwanted behaviors (like jumping on guests), and can also be used for safe containment while traveling.
Topics: Crate Training, Puppy Training, Puppy, Dog, Crates, Crate training your puppy, Puppy crate training, Crate training dogs, Crate training puppies, Puppy crate training tips, Crate training tips, Crate training a puppy, Crate training your dog, Dog crate training, new puppy, puppy tips
Counter surfing can be one of the most frustrating behaviors for dog owners to deal with — you might have spent hours on that perfect pot roast, only to have your pup sneak into the kitchen behind your back and pilfer it off the counter.
Not only is this annoying, but it can be dangerous for your dog if they steal food that is toxic or contains xylitol (which is highly toxic to dogs!) Some dogs scarf the item down so quickly that they choke or it causes an obstruction in their gastrointestinal system.
Let's look at why dogs counter surf in the first place, and what you can do to stop it.
Read MoreTopics: Dog Safety, Behavior & Training, Puppy Training, Puppy, Training, Dog, counter surfing
When choosing what walking tools and supplies to outfit your new pup with, the variety of options seems endless! Leashes are an important training tool, and something that you’ll use almost every day — which means it’s important for you to find one that matches your needs and preferences.
You’ll see dog owners walking their pups on lots of different widths and lengths, styles, materials, and even different clasp and handle types. Which is best for you and your dog?
Read MoreTopics: Leashes, Loose-leash Walking, Puppy Training, Puppy, Walking on a Leash, Dog, Are retractable leashes safe, Dangers of retractable leashes, Dog Leash, Retractable Leash, new puppy, puppy tips
Imagine walking with your dog around town and coming up to a crosswalk at a busy intersection. Your dog sits automatically with no verbal cue or prompting from you when you stop at the curb — not only do you and your pup look like obedience rockstars, but your dog is safe since they aren’t walking straight out into traffic.
Now imagine you encounter a friend while on your walk around town. Instead of rushing up to them and jumping, your dog sits politely at your side and waits while you two humans stop and chat. This can be your reality with some easy and consistent training!
Read MoreTopics: Dog Training, Dog Safety, Loose-leash Walking, Behavior & Training, Puppy Training, Puppy, Training, Walking on a Leash, Dog, Benefits of training, Sit & Stay
We’ve all been there – tapping our foot waiting in the dark or the rain for our dog to do their business. Don’t they know we’ve got things to do and people to see?
Teaching your dog to go to the bathroom on cue can be helpful in saving you time, as well as helping you potty train your pup. It’s easy as a puppy to get distracted by the sights and sounds outside and forget the purpose of the outing in the first place; sometimes they need a little reminder. Let's put it on cue!
Read MoreTopics: Dog Training, Puppy Training, Puppy, Dog, Pee-Pad Training, Potty Training, new puppy, puppy tips
Swimming is a great form of exercise and entertainment for your dog. And if you live near a body of water such as a river, lake, or ocean (or are visiting one), the water can provide hours of fun for you and your dog.
It’s a good idea to get your dog used to the water at an early age, since not every dog naturally knows how to swim. You can help your pup get comfortable with the water by introducing them to it early and safely — whether it be in the local lake, at the beach, or even a pool in your own backyard. Learn more about teaching your dog to swim.
Water can also carry its own share of significant hazards for dogs that you should be aware of and keep an eye out for to prevent problems. Below is a list of the most common and serious water and swimming-related hazards for pups swimming in rivers, lakes, and oceans. After all … knowing is half the battle!
Read MoreTopics: Puppy Training, Puppy, Dog, Swimming, Water, new puppy, puppy tips, Water hazards
I don’t know about you, but I’d probably accept bacon as my preferred currency. Maybe that’s where the saying bringing home the bacon came from … but I don’t think bacon would pay the bills. (And please don't ever give your dog bacon... it's a sure recipe for painful and expensive pancreatitis!)
Thankfully, almost every dog I’ve met is willing to do things for a piece of kibble, and even more excited to work for a little piece of chicken or cheese. You can take full advantage of your dog's desire for food, if you go about it the right way. Treats are just one tool in our dog training toolkit, and a very powerful one.
Read MoreTopics: Puppy Training, What are Good Training Treats for Dogs, Puppy, Dog, Dog Treats, new puppy, puppy tips, Puppy treats, Dog treats for training
Attention is an important part of your relationship with your dog, and you can create a simple way to get your dog’s attention by teaching them their name.
This can be useful in a variety of situations; it’s a wonderful way to prevent unwanted behaviors, such as barking at a passing bicycle or grabbing a piece of trash off the sidewalk. If your pup is too busy looking towards you, they can’t be barking at things or chewing on inappropriate items.
Read MoreTopics: Puppy Training, Puppy, Dog, Dog Behavior, new puppy, puppy tips, Dog communication
Now that you've found a great puppy training class, it's time to get the supplies you'll need to be ready for the fun! The more prepared you are, the more you'll be able to focus on learning with your puppy.
Below is a list of what you'll need and some of our favorite product recommendations. Be sure to check with your dog trainer about what else you might need to bring along, or their preferences for what types of leashes, harnesses, etc.
Let's first look at some easy tips on how to set your puppy up for success in a class environment with things you can do before and after class:
Read MoreTopics: Puppy Training, Puppy, Dog, preparing for a puppy, new puppy, puppy tips, Dog treats for training
Dogs who live in the same home can benefit from the company of their housemate while the humans are away, but it can be nerve-racking to leave two dogs (or more) alone together for the first time. Unless you plan on keeping them separate whenever you aren’t around to supervise, it’s important to get them used to spending time together alone!
Consider how you can set them up for success by providing the appropriate room set-up, addressing any individual problem behaviors, and slowly introducing periods of alone time together.
Read MoreTopics: Puppy Training, Puppy, Dog, Multi-dog household, new puppy, puppy tips
Please do not ask emergency or other specific medical questions about your pets in the blog comments. As an online informational resource, Preventive Vet is unable to and does not provide specific medical advice or counseling. A thorough physical exam, patient history, and an established veterinary-patient-client relationship is required to provide specific medical advice. If you are worried that your pet is having an emergency or if you have specific medical questions related to your pet’s current or chronic medical conditions, please contact or visit your veterinarian, an animal-specific poison control hotline, or your local emergency veterinary care center.
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