Just a fun little retrieve game that you can play in any parking lot that have any sort of barriers in the middle. It’s just a fun thing on teaching the dog to go straight. In this set up, a young dog like this (1 1 years old) may have a tendency to go around the break in the surface to get to the bumper, but it’s fun to train him to go straight through anything, and the hoop can play a role as an initial training aid. I try to teach my dogs not to see anything as barriers, and to only see straight lines. This can come in handy in a lot of different dog sports.

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Bringing a new puppy home means dealing with new responsibilities.  You are responsible for her care, well-being and her manners.  After all, you are the leader of her pack.

It is important that you are ready to help your puppy become accustomed to her new home as quickly as possible.  By doing this, stress is minimized and happiness is the watch word.  Here are some new puppy tips that will help you make it past those first few days.

If at all possible, take some time off from work or at least schedule your new puppy around a long weekend.  Many people do not understand how involved you have to be to successfully transition your puppy to his or her new home.  Also, spending a lot of time with your puppy during the first days significantly strengthens your bond with her.  It makes for easier training and life long leadership.

If possible, put a blanket or stuffed toy that contains the mother’s scent with your puppy at night.  This may help to calm her in the beginning.  How do you do this?  Take the blanket or stuffed toy and have the breeder place it with the mother or rub her with it.

Invest in a dog crate for your puppy.  I believe every dog’s life with a new owner should start with a dog crate.  A crate saves you in time and stress when dealing with potty training your puppy.  It will also save your furniture and belongings from detrimental behaviors that puppies are known to do.  A puppy should never be outside of her crate unless you are prepared to watch her or you and 100% trust her actions.

One thing that may help with her whining or yelping at night is the use of a ticking alarm clock when it time to go to bed.  This will help your puppy relax as the ticking sound emulates the heart beating of her mother and/or her siblings.  Be sure to place the clock in a safe place.

Buy a bottle of pet waste odor removal cleaner.  Make certain this cleaner is marked as an enzyme removal cleaner.  It is only natural for a puppy or dog to eliminate where it has gone previously.  Cleaning the area with soap and water will not completely remove the odor.  The odor will remain behind.  The enzyme cleaner will actually consume the odor, thus removing a likely spot for a puppy to look for in the future.

Get a bottle of bitter apple spray.  Puppies love to chew and be destructive.  This is how they investigate their world.  Bitter apple spray is an excellent deterrent.   Spray the bitter apple on the belongings you want to protect 2-3 times per week in the beginning.  Warning.  This does not work with all puppies/dogs.  If this occurs, contact me for more suggestions.

You absolutely have to puppy proof the areas your puppy will be allowed to roam.  You do this just as you would baby proof your home.  Electrical cords, items left on the floor, open cabinets are just a few things you have to watch out for.  Visually inspect the area your puppy will travel from her point of view.

Hopefully, these puppy tips on puppy behavior will help you endure the first few days after you bring your new puppy home and set the stage to a fantastic life together.  Consistency and a watchful eye are keys to making it through this time period.  Good luck and have fun.

Want to read more about puppies?  Click on New Puppy Information.

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Have you ever noticed how hindsight makes such a clear vision of the things that you wish that you had made previously? Dogs behave too-territorial are one of the most common moments that we see at work in hindsight. This problem, then that easily prevented before, can be difficult to mitigate once underway.

One of the things that makes if difficult is that very often, pet owners who love their pet difficult to imagine that their sweet puppies could never have to be aggressive in any way. If they see developing small signs of such behaviour, they do not worry because they are only it if will be never become a real problem.

Other times, people think they want their aggressive dog and protect the House, but later realize that bite the friends of their children or other visitors invited does was not what they had in mind.

For years, I told people not to encourage or accept any aggressive behavior of their pet all the. Most of the time, listen to people and all ends well. Other times, people stick to their guns, saying things like “the reason we received this type of dog is because we want him to protect the House.”

Remember, most dogs have a natural instinct to protect their house. Believe me when I tell you that your dog can be friendly, well socialized and sweet to all visitors. An incident should occur (as a masked man break in your window), dogs instinctively recognize what that “not right” and they will bark, growl and you protect to… timely.

This is not appropriate or useful, is to have a dog who is timid, fearful or aggressive towards visitors, repair men or children playing football in your court. In these situations, your dog behavior is not helpful to everything… you will have to lock him away so the repair man be willing to come inside and do the work, other visitors will feel uncomfortable and certainly, it is a huge problem if your dog becomes aggressive when your children and their friends start fight.

The best way to avoid this problem is to examine the behavior of your dog in advance the problem. As soon as you see a sign of aggression, such as your dog growling, barking, mounting, getting stiff or otherwise acting as these normal occurrences are a problem, you must indicate your dog “not!”. The worst thing to do in this situation is the animal of your dog to try to appease him. Instead of feeling mollified, your pet will feel as if you say “Barking good.”

Timid, capricious or fearful dogs are also at risk of developing a too-territorial behaviour. Strengthen the confidence of your dog in obedience training and small exercises of agility at home, working on extensive socialization and teaching your dog not step to be afraid of things of every day.

An ounce of prevention is better than cure, and this situation is certainly this expression. If you are not sure how to prevent this problem or if your dog is already behaving aggressively (or from) to the visitors, you will need to work with a competent and experienced trainer to alleviate the problem.

Lori lacquer is a Certified Master Trainer, freelance writer and author of “Everything you need to know about Dogs Puppies & adult training House.” Keep an eye on for his novels, too! To buy his book/s, visit Amazon.com or Lulu.com/dogtraining.

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Once upon a time, there was a Grandma. She has always loved golden retrievers and has enjoyed their exuberant, loving personalities throughout her lifetime.

Unfortunately Grandma’s latest golden retriever passed away at the age of 14. She loved that dog so much and was heartbroken at the loss. She cried for quite some time and continued to always seem a little wistful whenever she spent time around other family members’ pets.

Her children and grandchildren, concerned for her feelings, decided to surprise her with a special gift… a golden retriever puppy! “What better,” they figured, “than to get her a new, cuddly bundle of joy to help her once again experience the love of a breed she’s always enjoyed.”

Not only did they buy her a puppy, but they also purchased a plethora of dog toys, bowls, leashes and a big bag of food. They expected Grandma to be thrilled and of course, gracious as grandmas are, she certainly seemed to be.

The phone rang at Best Paw Forward. “My family got me this puppy as a gift and she is just wearing me out!” lamented Grandma. “My Bridge Club ladies are afraid to come to my house because she jumps on them, I have scratches and bruises all over my hands from her play nipping, and she’s chewed up my slippers! I can’t even walk her because she’s so excited and pulls so much, but she really is a sweet, adorable and lovable dog. I don’t know what to do!”

Of course Grandma was sure to point out that she appreciated the gift, and that she does love the dog. But at the same time, she was finding it very difficult to manage and probably wouldn’t have gotten this pet if it were her choice. “I have always loved golden retrievers but I really didn’t want another dog just yet. I have thought about it a little, but I was considering a different, probably smaller breed this time around.”

While this story is presented in a fairy-tale format, I have chosen to tell you this tale because in reality I have had this conversation with dozens of Grandmas over the years. Of course it’s not always a golden retriever. Sometimes it’s another big breed or mix of breeds, and sometimes it’s even a small dog.

The moral of the story is, if a person really wants a dog, they will get a dog. Or at least express that they definitely want a dog and also what kind. With a pet dog being a huge responsibility as well as a commitment of about 15 years, it is always better for each person or family to go into pet ownership at their own discretion.

Of course, we have trained many grandmothers’ dogs and it usually all turns out fine in the end. Grandma may be a bit tired from all of the puppy care, but once the dog settles down, things are usually okay.

However, keeping in mind the above story, it is my hope that this holiday season, people will keep in mind that pets are not intended to be gifts. Whether for a grandparent, niece, child or whomever, it is always better for that person or family to make their own decision, participate in the selection and be completely ready for their new pet.

Need a replacement gift idea? If you suspect that the person would want a dog, why not make up a home made gift certificate on your computer offering to help them find just the right pet, and purchase it or pay the adoption fee? You could include some books about dogs and dog training, and it would likely make an even better presentation than being the recipient of an actual pet that they didn’t get to pick.

A little responsibility and the old adage of “putting yourself in someone else’s (hopefully not yet chewed) shoes,” can go a long way when it comes to considering pets as gifts!

Lori Verni is a freelance writer, Certified Master Trainer and owner of Best Paw Forward Dog Education, along with husband Frank. She is also the author of “Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies & Adult Dogs.” To purchase the book, or for local training info, visit www.BestPawOnline.com or (919)557-2853.

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Are you planning to go away for a trip or a vacation?

If you have a dog, you are probably looking at some sort of dog boarding or dog kennel place to leave your dog.  I have an alternative. Why not get your dog trained instead of paying a doggie boarding kennel to keep your dog in a cage all day long.

I am not a dog boarding or kenneling facility.  I am a professional dog trainer that trains dogs in Winston-Salem and the Triad.   I have been training dogs professionally for almost 20 years.  I believe in the Leader of the Pack dog training philosophy.

My dog training includes me keeping a limited number of dogs in my home for training.  The scope of the training depends on your needs and how long your dog will be staying with me.

I have a farm off of Robinhood Road in Winston-Salem that is accessible by major highways.  We have plenty of distractions for your dog including other friendly dogs, horses, cats, peacocks, squirrels and other animals.

So, if you think you may be interested in a quick starter dog training program instead of kenneling your dog or boarding him in a kennel, call me today at 336-945-3232.  I am not a hard sell kind of guy.

You can view the rest of this site (including my other dog training packages) to get a better idea about my style of training.  Good luck and thank you.

Call Jim Hodges Dog Training today at 336-945-3232. These training spots are limited!

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With all the holiday festivities we all enjoy this time of year, it’s important to remember your pet when you do your holiday shopping.

Not only will your dog enjoy a nice new toy or two from Santa on Christmas morning, but from a practical viewpoint, making sure your dog has a toy to keep him busy can help reduce mischief and excitement during holiday gatherings.

“A tired dog is a good dog” can go a long way toward preventing your dog from jumping on visitors, barking excessively or being mischievous with the gifts, food and Christmas tree.

However, “tiredness” does not only mean taking your dog for a long walk or a run around the yard. Mental stimulation will also exercise your dog’s brain, helping him to feel more calm and enabling him to use more self-control during exciting situations.

The best way to provide mental exercise is through obedience training. Spending just a few minutes practicing the basic commands of “heel,” “sit,” “down,” “stay” and “come,” can really help your dog to feel much less excited. By exerting your leadership, your pet is more likely to respond to your commands when you ask him to “sit” as guests arrive, to “leave it” when wrapping paper is on the floor, and just remain more calm in general.

Dog toys, such as sterilized natural bones, Nylabones, squeaky toys and dog stuffed animals are other things that can help your dog to feel like he has his own activity to do. Instead of his “old, boring toys,” a nice new one on Christmas morning is sure to hold his interest much longer.

During this season of joy and festivities with family and friends, be sure to remember your furry friend too!

Lori Verni is a freelance writer, Certified Master Trainer and owner of Best Paw Forward Dog Education, along with husband Frank. She is also the author of “Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies & Adult Dogs.” To purchase the book, or for local training info, visit www.BestPawOnline.com or (919)557-2853.

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A duck hunter in Utah was shot in the buttocks by his partner’s dog, law enforcement authorities said Thursday.

The incident occurred last weekend when several duck hunters and their canine companions were preparing for a day on the water, near the Bear River Bird Refuge north of Salt Lake City. A loaded 12-gauge shotgun was left by one of the hunters, across the bow of the boat, while he went to attend to some decoys in a marshy area, according to a Reuters report.

“The dog jumped into the boat and was stepping over the shotgun and made it discharge somehow. The guy was still walking away from the boat and he took it in the buttocks,” said Box Elder County Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Potter.

After the shooting, the hunters called 911 and walked to a nearby road to meet emergency workers. The victim, identified as Robert Cottingham in a Los Angeles Times report, was taken to a hospital where he had 27 shotgun pellets removed from his rear end before being released. He wasn’t too seriously injured because he was wearing waders or thick, waterproof trousers.

The incident was labeled a “fluke” by Sgt. Mitch Lane of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Neither the dog nor any ducks within range at the time of the accident were injured.

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Forty beagles used in laboratory testing have arrived in Los Angeles to find foster homes after having been freed by the Beagle Freedom Project in Spain.

The dogs, aged between four and seven years, had never seen the light of day before their release. Beagles are used in university and other research facilities to test medical and pharmaceutical products, household products and cosmetics.

“They’ve been in kennels since they were rescued, but aside from that, they’ve spent most of their lives locked up,” said Gary Smith, a spokesperson for Animal Rescue Media Education and the Beagle Freedom Project.

When the beagles are no longer wanted for research purposes, some labs attempt to find homes for them. The Beagle Freedom Project works with the laboratories to remove and transport beagles to their new homes. All of the Beagle Freedom Project’s rescues are carried out legally with the cooperation of the facility.

Beagles’ docile and loving nature make them perfect pets. But, unfortunately, their easygoing temperaments also make them the ideal candidates for lab testing.

In June last, the organisation filmed nine lab beagles leaving their cages for the first time. Watch the video:

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Great Tips for Dog Leash Training

Many people fall in love with dogs and puppies while visiting their local shelter or pet stores. Many people think that bringing up a puppy is an easy task.

Raising a puppy is not as easy as one may think. No matter what breed of dog you get, puppy training is hard work. You should start the training process as soon as your bring the puppy home. Remember it is never too early to start training a puppy.

This article will discuss Dog Leash Training. It will go over how to get a dog to wear a leash. It will also talk about ways to get the dog to walk properly on a leash.

The first think that you will have to do is put a collar on the dog. This could be difficult or easy. It just depends on the temperament of the dog. You should get a collar that fits the dog well and will not easily come apart. The clip on collars are nice because they can come off and on easily, however make sure they do not break easily.

When you first put the collar on the puppy he will probably try to do anything to remove the collar; however some puppies don’t mind at all. Most puppies will scratch or dig at the collar for a while. This is nothing to be concerned about. The collar will not hurt the dog and the dog will get used to the collar eventually.

After your puppy has had a few days to get used to wearing the collar, then you can introduce the leash to him. Leashes are a great tool for dog owners, but you should never leave your puppy alone with a leash on. Always supervise him while he is wearing the leash. Your supervision will make sure that the puppy does not get hurt by getting tangled in something.

The following are some great tips for Dog Leash Training:

1.) You should start training your dog as early as possible. Puppies are much easier to control on a leash than adult dogs. Don’t worry if your dog is no longer a puppy, he can still be trained, but if at all possible it is best to start when the dog is very young.

2.) Be consistent in your Dog Leash Training. Remember you are the owner and you are the one in control. Always remember that. Don’t allow the puppy to pull on the leash one time and the next time tell him no. It is important that you tell him No and Stop walking every time. If you are consistent your puppy will learn, much faster, exactly how you expect him to behave on a leash.

If you have a hard time training your dog, find a professional to help you. Although dog training can be expensive, it will be worth it in the end. You don’t want to be stuck with a little demon dog!

Dog Leash Training

Dog Training Barking Issues

Dogs are wonderful balls of fur who love to warm your heart and feet, however they only have one mode of vocal communication and that can become a real problem. Dog training barking issues, are common problems, that any dog lover will tell you, can quickly become beyond frustrating. Training your dog to stop barking can be difficult, but not impossible, and is very rewarding.

Why Dogs Bark
Before looking for ways to curb your dog’s enthusiastic, vocal expression, it is important to understand why dogs bark. In some cases, your dogs barking can be simply solved by removing stimuli, or by reducing their anxiety. Below are a few of the many reasons dogs bark and ways you can address the issue.

Talkative
Some dogs simply bark because they can, and dog training barking issues are addressed by retraining your pet. This can be done with a variety of tools available at your local pet supply or online retailer. Training collars, designed to correct excessive barking can be quite effective. Some people are not fond of these training aids, and if you are in this camp, you can also seek training advice or talk to your veterinarian.

Fearful- Anxiety
There are times when dog training barking issues are directly related to how fearful your dog is, or how much anxiety they feel. Dogs truly are a lot like humans, in that they each have personalities, and at times various fears. Is your dog barking primarily at night, or only when you place them outside? This could be an indication that they are dealing with some anxiety.

If it is possible to keep your dog inside at night, you may cure the barking problem instantly. Something your neighbors will thank you for. Other times you may need to spend more time with your dog, walk them around the neighborhood, or backyard, allowing them to see there is nothing to fear. When these techniques fail, you may need to speak with your vet about possible anxiety medication for your pet. When dog training barking issues are directly related to fear or anxiety, there is a good chance a training collar will only make matters worse.

Aggressive
Dogs will also bark to announce to the world that they are the alpha animal, sometimes this can become aggressive. Many people enjoy having a good guard dog, however you must understand that a guard dog, will not incessantly yap and attack all moving objects. If you truly feel you need protection, you should consult a qualified dog trainer, who will guide you in appropriate behavior for a guard dog. Remember an uncontrollable aggressive dog can be dangerous and cost you in the long run.

In the Beginning
To avoid dog training barking issues it is important that you do not allow the problem to get out of hand in the first place. It is easy, to inadvertently train your dog to bark, by responding immediately to every “woof”. Prevent this from happening by consulting a dog trainer from day one. A well-trained dog and owner makes for a long prosperous relationship.