SD Canine Freestyle Meetup June

Izzie milliseconds from licking me in the face!


Wataru doing rear end awareness! He looks so happy!

What Splashers thinks of the other members! A big star!
Spirit does a downward dog
Rallys cute mug
Angelo struts his stuff
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Why Your Dog Doesnt Really Want to Bark All the Time

In terms of evolution, you can say that dogs bark because we want them to. When we began domesticating dogs somewhere between 15,000 and 150,000 years ago, we saw the potential advantage of a very loyal and very vocal companion, so we selectively bred barking into domestic dogs from wild wolves, which dont bark. We also selected for all the sorts of traits we thought were cute, such as big eyes and flat faces. Im not sure who was on the job when they decided "loud" should be in this category, but thats what happened. Vocal dogs were prized and thus their genes were privileged.



Consequently, certain breeds of dogs, such as those traditionally selected as

watch dogs, are known to be heavy barkers. You should always consider the breed

proactively when getting a new dog to possibly avoid barking related problems.



In any case, even when your dog seems to be barking at nothing, you can bet theyre barking for something, even if theyre only barking for your return. (Continual barking that kicks in after you are gone for 20 minutes or so and continues incessantly could be an indication of separation anxiety, a psychological condition that will require some extra attention and training).



Rule out the obvious first: if they start to bark toward the end of the day, they could be hungry. If they bark after being left contained for a few hours, they could need exercise (or perhaps a bathroom break). As many dog behaviorists stress, dogs are social, pack-oriented animals, and since you (and family) now comprise the dogs pack, you can expect your dog to make some noise if they are left alone for long periods of time.



Once you have ruled out the obvious, and given your friend enough exercise and attention, you can start to zero in on training a dog that is still barking. You should try to identify causes. Barking will be caused by either an external or internal stimulus. An "attention-getting" bark arises from an internal distress. A bark meant to sound an alert arises from a passing person, or dog, or insect as the case may be.



You can address internal stimulus through training, such as either ignoring an attention-getting bark until your dog settles, then rewarding his ability to quiet down, or holding your dogs snout firmly and asking it, gently, to "Shhh." Again, reward the right response.



In addition, you can often eliminate external stimulus through common sense. For example, I dealt with a dog that moved with its owner from a house with a door knocker to one with a doorbell. The dog was well-behaved and generally quiet. But the doorbell drove it into a barking frenzy. I suggested he remove the doorbell and ask visitors to "Please knock" by way of a small sign where the doorbell used to be. Problem solved.



If your dog barks "at you" immediately after youve given them a command, then you have some dominance training to do. They are talking back.



Nuisance Barking When You are There


When you need to curb your dogs barking, it can be a real challenge if the only time they do it is when youre not there. Often, these dogs need a training program that will not only address the barking, but possibly a general case of separation anxiety. However, youre in luck if they bark in your presence, as you can correct the barking with the right timing, correction, and praise. Dealing with a barking problem when youre there may also help prevent it from happening when youre away. There are several methods discussed, which each have varying degrees of merit:



Ignore, wait, and reward method. This is good for attention seekers, but youll need some patience, and perhaps a good set of earplugs. The important thing is to reward them immediately after they stop.



The squirt gun method. I personally dont enjoy carrying around a gun (how un-American of me!) even if that gun is filled with water. It can be a hassle, and if youre not a quick enough draw, it diminishes the effect. Note: a mixture of Citronella or water and vinegar solution (one part vinegar to eight parts water) can be more effective than straight water when using this approach. Aim for the chest, not the face.



The collar and leash method. Effective for dogs on lead that have been trained to respond to a tug and a corrective, "Uh uh" or simple "No." You may find it easy to suppress barking through the same means. This is a good method.

But heres the absolute best and quickest:



Physical correction method. No, it is NOT the least bit violent, painful, or inhumane. When your dog barks, meet them at their level, firmly wrap one or both of your hands around the snout (dont shake it), and repeat your corrective command. I use a continual "Shhh" or a repeated "Uh uh uh uh." The idea is to hold on not only until they stop making noise (they obviously cant bark with their mouth closed) but also until they stop resisting the placement of your hand by jerking back or wriggling away. This method is effective also because it asserts your dominant role in the process.



Because it involves a physical correction, it may not be a favorite option for owners uncomfortable with this sort of interaction. But I can only emphasize that dogs are not children and they feel more secure with a clear idea of a pack leader they can trust.



Whatever method you choose, only repetition will do the trick. Never yell. Its like barking back at them. It just makes more noise. Though its easy to tell your dog to shut it through an open window, its lazy, and if your dog is barking because it needs to tell you something, even if its just that they want a bit more attention, then yelling will upset and confuse them more. Expect more barking. As always, give praise when the barking stops.



All in all, you still need to allow your dog times to fully express themselves and their beautiful voice. It is not realistic that you always ask your dog to stop barking every time they start. In fact, this can have dangerous consequences if the dog needs to alert you to something but they have been discouraged from speaking up. Remember, if they are barking to indicate the arrival of someone trying to sell their Tupperware or their religion, let them go for an extra minute, and thank them after your visitor has made a hasty exit.



Nuisance Barking When Youre Away


Ok, now its time to talk about that difficult situation of a dog that only barks when youre away. Obviously, most problems with barking dogs result from dogs that dont have their owner around to quiet them down. In fact, the owners absence in many cases is whats rousing the dogs vocal chords.



A lonely dog barking or whining can be a nuisance and difficult to address, but there are still some things you should be doing. Try to come home more often, or try to arrange for a friend to visit, ideally with their friendly and energetic dog. It may nip the problem right in the bud. Enough said.



If you know youve got a barking dog problem that has the potential to anger neighbors, a little public relations work can go a long way. If possible, ask your neighbors if there is a barking nuisance coming from your place and, if there is, tell them youre working on it. Then work on it.



You might also try staging a false exit. Walk once around the house or whatever it takes for your dog to think youre gone. When your dog barks, correct the behavior with a "Quiet" command (though your sudden reappearance will likely be enough to stop them anyway).



You can use special bark collars, that either use sonic or electric power to correct your dog. Other collars squirt a substance such as citronella when they bark, a scent they despise. I dont use them, and the ones I have seen in use were awkward and not 100 percent effective. But I stay away from them less because they train through discomfort (they do not harm your pet), and more because they displace the source of authority from you to some device that they dont really understand. Furthermore, they dont differentiate between acceptable - even necessary - barking on one hand, and noise pollution on the other. And thats not good. Theres also a medieval-like procedure whereby the dogs voice-box is removed to render them barkless, or at least takes the bite out of their bark. This is abhorrent.



A better option for desperate dog owners is arranging some form of doggy day care, whether its a professional service or a personal arrangement. Some dogs simply do not get enough stimulation during the day, and they will let the world know about it until they do.
To your success in dog training
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The Good News And the Terribly Sad News

     Okay, so, first the good news: Tiger Lily has made a full recovery, and is doing GREAT! All of her sores have healed, she has gained lots of weight, and she seems no worse for wear and tear. Id never seen a sicker dog, ever, so it is really amazing that she pulled through. Thanks to everyone who was rooting for her--especially Dr. Lynn!--supplier of IV fluids, medicines, and TONS of bandages; and what a great suggestion, to use honey wraps to debride her injuries! I dont have a photo handy, but Ill find one and edit this post so you can see the difference.

      And now, the sad, sad, really bad news: My horse, Fancy, had to be put down early Saturday AM, after an eight-hour fight to save her life in response to a bout of colic. She had a total bowel obstruction, was in a ton of pain, and began to bloat and develop toxemia. My vet gently informed me there was nothing else to be done, so while I petted her and told her goodbye, the vet administered a lethal injection of barbiturates. This is similar to putting a dog to sleep, but--and I wasnt expecting this--a lot more (horrifyingly) dramatic. I take comfort in the knowledge she is not in pain now, and that, though her life was cut short (she was 12, and the average horse life expectancy is more like 25-30,) she had a great life enjoying her pasture and hanging with her best friend, my daughters horse, Phoenix. Ive had Fancy since she was a yearling; Monica and Stephanie (with Daves help) bought her for me as the BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER!

     I had really looked forward to bringing her home to our new property one of these days, but such is life. Here is a video of Fancy in happier days, with her sister, Phoenix. They were both really muddy (evidence of a good horse life full of fresh air and freedom :) from playing outside at the farm in Marseilles, where Ive been boarding them. Also, you wont be able to help noticing me speaking my version of horse baby-talk to them. Yeah, I do that ;)

 
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Help During the Grieving Process With the Loss of a Beloved Pet

My friend Colleen Mihelich is an animal lover and pet loss expert who founded Peternity - a company dedicated to helping others celebrate the life and love of their furry friends. She also has the wonderful and informative Peternity blog, where she offers heartfelt stories, along with enlightening guidance on how to cope when you do lose a beloved pet. I know I dread the day, but I am comforted knowing she will be there for me if and when that day comes.

One of her latest posts was on Pet Loss Tips for Getting Through the Holidays. A few pet loss grieving tips she talked about were:
  • How to spend your time.
  • How to help others while helping yourself grieve.
  • How to honor your pet.
  • How to deal with your emotions.
After reading through the content, Id say one can use this information any time of the year - although, I know the holidays can be quite tough - especially since our non-human family members mean so much to us.

To read more about pet grieving tips from Colleen, please click here to see the Peternity blog post - You can also check out her Peternity website to share, heal, and help - both yourself and others.
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What gets my goat The County Fair!

Not Such a Ba-a-a-a-a-d Day!


Hello fellow dog-bloggers! I hope you are all practicing training and enjoying an improving relationship with your pets. We had a busy Sunday, here at my dog school, as usual. Puppy play class was exceptionally fun, and all of the dogs were well mannered while enjoying playtime and socialization with both pets and people. I was really pleased to observe how cooperative you all are, and I think your good attitudes are rubbing off on your pets!

Anyway, after my long day working with pets and their people, we headed off to the DuPage County Fair. Today was the last day and I was eager to see...what else?--the animals! Actually, I fell in love at the fair, with some...

GOATS!  They were so sweet, friendly, and dignified (yes, goats can be dignified!) They were a breed that used to be known as Alpine Goats, but are now referred to as Oberhasli Goats. They are very cool and pretty! I hope to have a nanny goat one day, and this is the type Ill get. No worries--this wont happen until we live out at our new property, probably not for another couple of years; but still, I can daydream! The goats and I bonded pretty hard, and I spent more time in the goat barn than the rest of my family and Gisela may have enjoyed. (Sorry!) They were just so snugly and affectionate...  :)

Here are some pictures of my new favorite goat breed:







Arent they cute and pretty?? Even if you are not so enamored, Ill bet in no time youll be placing orders with me for goat cheese... :)





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How To Teach A Dog Trick To Roll Over

How to teach a dog trick to roll over is the next easiest thing you could possibly try to teach your dog with, especially after our last lesson which is How To Teach A Dog Trick To Play Dead. Why? because if you have already teach and succeeded in teaching your dog to lie down or play dead, it must be not that hard for your to just push your dog a little bit more to try and implement this lesson of how to teach a dog trick to roll over. Other how tos you should check out includes How To Train Your Chihuahua or Chiwawa Dog BreedHow To Potty Training A PuppyHow to Stop Dog from Digging HolesHow to Stop Dog Fighting, Attack or AggressionHow To Stop Puppy Biting ProblemHow to Stop Dog from Jumping Up on People, Furnitures or Anything, and How to Stop Dog Food Aggression.
How To Teach A Dog Trick To Roll Over
How To Teach A Dog Trick To Roll Over
How To Teach A Dog Trick To Roll Over
How To Teach A Dog Trick To Roll Over 
When it comes to training dog tricks there are many ways to approach the subject. In training a dog trick to roll over there are a few methods we can go and try about it, but this is where you should found the most effective way to do so, it is just below.

Catch The Dog In The Act
How To Teach A Dog Trick To Roll Over
How To Teach A Dog Trick To Roll Over
How To Teach A Dog Trick To Roll Over
How To Teach A Dog Trick To Roll Over
Do you really think that people could just force a dog to do those dog trick in acting? This is the real deal behind this how to teach a dog trick to roll over topic. I mean have you ever wondered how they train dogs for movies? For example, you should have ever seen a dog in a movie do things like yawn, hide their face, or do some other sort of interesting behavior, right?

How To Teach A Dog Trick To Roll Over
How To Teach A Dog Trick To Roll Over
Many of these dog tricks are taught by ‘catching the dog in the act’. For example, if you hang out with your dog for some long enough of time, then at some point he’ll yawn. The idea with this method is that as he starts to yawn you speak out loud ‘yawn’ or some other sort of command that you liked. As he does it you reward him with a treat. Catch him in the act enough times and most dogs will learn to do this trick on command. This is how you teach your dog trick to roll over.
How To Teach A Dog Trick To Roll Over
How To Teach A Dog Trick To Roll Over
How To Teach A Dog Trick To Roll Over
How To Teach A Dog Trick To Roll Over
So we are back with the main discussion, which is How to teach a dog trick to roll over? Easy, because you see with training a dog to roll over you can do the same thing. When your dog gets on his back and starts itching back and forth you can tell him ‘roll over’, give him a little nudge or push to help him get all the way over, and then reward him with a treat and praise.
How To Teach A Dog Trick To Roll Over
How To Teach A Dog Trick To Roll Over
If you do this enough most dogs will soon be rolling over on command, you could even teach others in learning and mastering this tips, all because of the truth, then these tips could brought up this specific ways and learning of How to teach a dog trick to roll over, it is a very simple and implementable methods, and of course a very useful dog trick addition too ^_^
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Splash learned to say No!


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Countdown to Dog School Moving Day!

Big changes are coming, and preparations are keeping me very busy. Most of you know I am living in Manteno part time, switching off with Dave who stays in Lemont while I am at our farm. Once our new kennels are built, we will hopefully sell our Lemont home and live out here full time. In order to continue to offer my training services in the Chicago suburban area, on May first I am moving my training business into a storefront in Bolingbrook on Boughton Road, subletting space from a dog grooming boutique called Bellas.

Despite the excitement about new opportunities, Im feeling a little nervous about the whole thing. I am not used to sharing space. It will be weird, and will take some getting used to!

And despite our Lemont house being a "knock down/ handyman special", I am going to miss the familiarity of the old place and especially the ease of walking from bed to work. Luckily life on our little farm is so wonderful I wont spend much time looking back.

As part of all of my planning, Ive been designing and ordering signs for the store; but I have not been sure how to decorate inside. I cant get too creative, because I have to stay within the style boundaries of my new host, the owner of Bellas. The place has a sort of upscale boutique feel (yeah, that sounds like me...not even a little!).

I had the thought it would be nice to feature photos of my students dogs. Id want all the pictures to match in some manner, and I was thinking about those photos on canvas, that wrap around a base so they dont need a frame. If any of you want to donate an image of your dogs, past or present, to our decor, feel free to create a canvas photo of your dog, any size, which I will proudly display. If you do so, please be sure to use a high-quality image so it maintains its resolution, and Id prefer portrait style photos. You can get these things made at either Walgreens or Walmart, and there are also some discount companies online. Dont feel obligated, but if you want to do it Id love to feature some of my star students on the walls!

See you soon at our Grand Opening; stay tuned for more details :)
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Torturing Jack for a good cause


Saturday evening was the Festival of lights parade in Rockland. I decided to take Jack and walk with the local shelters float as support. Of course this meant doggy torture before hand for poor Jack. First he needed his feet trimmed, a nail trim, a brush out and then a bath. (followed by more brushing out) He is shedding so the brush out before and after the bath is definitely a must. Even his muzzle sheds! I am SO grateful we have a self serve dog wash at the Loyal Biscuit Co. in town. My own bathroom just wouldnt be the same after a Jack bath. Not only do I not have to clean anything afterwards but the raised tubs, and ladders to get the dogs in and out, save my poor back. They also have a dog blow dryer which also makes life easier. For him to dry all on his own takes HOURS!


He got a nice walk after the bath to burn off the pent up energy. Thats when I snapped the pics at one of our local art museums. I didnt get any photos from the parade because I am still learning how to use my camera. Thankfully the weather was perfect for a night parade, cool as expected but not freezing. Tho Jack would have been fine with freezing with his coat. We were one of the "reindeer" pulling the "sleigh". If I come across photos of our float entry later Ill be sure to share them. The good news is that we won the "Spirit Award" for the parade. The shelter also collected a lot of canned goods and toys for the animals. After the parade we stopped by the biscuit for a quick rest before our trek back to the car. Check out store dog Chuck over seeing the crowds. Hes such a good boy!!


Our friend Prudence was also there as a reindeer decked out in a cute lighted collar. She LOVED the attention from the crowd. She wanted to say hello to everyone who was cheering for us. She has peeps you know. For some reason I always forget how much attention Jack gets in a crowd. I answer a LOT of questions about him. Thankfully he loves the attention most of the time. I do watch him though to make sure he isnt overwhelmed. (and he wears his head collar so I dont stress about people getting into his face which some seem to be determined to do) He got to see one of his favorite people there as well, Monica who has known him since he stepped off the plane. He gets SO excited to see her that he jumps around and acts like a puppy again. It is always cute to see.
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It was a fabulous night and Im glad it went so well. Hopefully we can do it again next year.
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1st Annual Doggie Street Festival Freestyle Performance March 1st


Come by and check out Splashs new routine!
Pam with her talented Border Collie Bandit will also be performing amazing tricks! 



vistit this site for more details!:  doggiestreetfestival.org
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Its A Dogs Life

4 Comments
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There is a phrase used by people who have little in their lives but their work and commitments at home, with little scope for fun. “It’s a dog’s life”, people will sometimes mutter when the stream of demands on their time simply will not stop. They mean that it is tiring, unrewarding and punishing. And yet, if you look at the average dog, their life seems pretty sweet in comparison. Think about this; would you swap places with your dog? Most of us would probably say “yes”.
However there is, it must be said, something in that well-worn phrase which chimes with the dog-owners among us. A dog, after all, is rarely given the freedom to do absolutely what it wants. If a human being had to lead a dog̢۪s life, the chances are that we wouldn̢۪t do all that well at it. As humans, we can go and get a snack when we feel like it, our toilet is convenient and hygienic, and we can ask for things and be instantly understood. For a dog, things are generally at the mercy of their owners.
When you are training your dog, then, it is wise to cut it some slack. As far as it is concerned, you are exhibiting some very strange behavior that it will not understand initially, and if it is slow to respond then this can be understood. It is not a stupid dog for getting things wrong. In fact, by paying attention to you it is being very obedient.
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A guessing game

Guess the reason for x-ray and for a bonus the dogs breed as well. This is not a client at our clinic. Great clarity isnt it? I find x-rays facinating.




Im sorry I do not remember where I got these photos nor have a follow up on the dog. Hopefully the dog recovered with no lasting side effects.
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Splash! learns to paint!





Today was Splashs first training lesson in painting. 4 days ago she painted the living room with blue ultramarine paint that she had taken from my studio.  I took it as a sign she was needing a bit more creativity in her life... :)   Check out the youtube video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwO9nJGnstg
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Awesome trick by Kyra Sundance and Jadie


I got to see some of Kyra Sundances tricks while she was here in San Diego, and my favorite trick by far was this highly complex one :)
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Boxer Puppy Dog Training

Its time to do a great boxer puppy dog training, because big Congrats! You have selected a Boxer puppy as your new relatives addition. In the event you have researched your choice to any extent you know that Boxers have multiple positive traits. These include loyalty, intelligence and excitability.

They are often used as service canines within police departments or equally used as therapy canines. With these traits comes a dedication necessary to successfully be a Boxer owner. Being massive, playful canines training boxer puppies can be the task, and there is also the cost of food and energy needed to care properly for a such massive dog.

Common Boxer puppy behavior includes playfulness, an intense curiosity and an energy level beyond that of most other breeds.

In the event you neglect this, your boxer puppy will gladly take over as the boss of your home.

boxer puppy dog trainingThey are know to become attached to the other relatives members, and have a sure need for you to establish household rules and structure.

Training Your Boxer puppy properly, with quality time and bonding together, puts you on the road to prepare him for lifetime companionship. Consistent commands, structure, praise and reward are all aspects needed to have your Boxer puppy think about you as the leader of the pack.

Boxers are affectionate towards babies and older adults. Most of them can recognize the necessity to be more patient and gentle with individuals who are of a more fragile nature. However, seldom risk the health or well being of someone because most boxers exude this quality.

In addition to boxer puppy training basic commands like sit and stay through positive reinforcement training techniques it is important to immediately start housetraining your boxer puppy.
boxer puppy dog training
Of the best ways to go about this procedure is to make use of a crate that provides  room for your Boxer puppy to turn around and lie down. Growing to become massive, you may think about purchasing an additional massive crate from the beginning in lieu of having to buy multiple cages in the work of your dogs lifetime.


As he grows, move the cardboard or wood expanding the space hes until he does not need it anymore at all. The same applies in case you choose to buy a wire cage in lieu of a crate. The only difference would be adding a thick or dark blanketed covering over the top of the cage to give it the feeling of being your Boxers den.

boxer puppy dog trainingThe general rule is that canines wont do their business where they sleep. Theres simple ways to modify the amount of space available to your dog. Basically by inserting a piece of strong cardboard or a well sanded piece of wood in to the crate, you can minimize the space your Boxer has access to.

When start to crate train your Boxer, theres likely to be some episodes of whining and crying. Dont let your Boxer out of its crate or cage until the crying has subsided and your dog is calm.

This is a key element of training Boxer puppies. You can start crate training while being in the same room together with your puppy, allowing yourself to be seen. Keep practicing this until there is no whining or barking coming from the cage.

Then its time to leave the room, or at least stay out of eyesight. Again, practice this until you can do it without tantrums from your Boxer. In no time at all, it is possible for you to to leave your dog in its cage while you are away from the home, and you will actually find him heading to his crate all by himself if he feels the necessity to rest or get away from situations he feels uncomfortable in.
boxer puppy dog training
As soon as you open the crate, be at the prepared with leash, clicker and treat, prepared to take your puppy outside without having to wait long. Be prepared before opening the cage or crate so as to not give your puppy time to discover a different location to do his business.

boxer puppy dog trainingIn case you find your Boxer circling or sniffing the floor, take him immediately to his potty place. If hes not began to relieve himself inside (accidents do happen), there is no reason for reprimand, and the click and treat ought to still apply. If, however you find your puppy has already began to relieve himself inside, pick him up, with a firm voice say "NO!" and bring him directly outside.

You ought to make use of a mark or cue word from the beginning to make positive your dog knows what to do when he gets outside. This can be any key phrase or word to be used consistently along with the Clicker technique, such as "Go potty" or something of your own choosing.

When he does go potty outside, promptly praise and reward him so he knows hes done something right. Hell need to repeat the behaviour to earn more treats. It is even recommended that you save the best treats for potty training so they work additional hard to earn them. Thats all we have to say about boxer puppy dog training, ciao ^_^

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What a happy day!

Today was perfect!
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Ultimate Puppy Training Teach Your Puppy To Sit

One of the most useful commands you can teach your puppy, is how to sit, and here we will learn the ultimate puppy training that is how to teach your puppy to sit. When sitting, a dog or dog will give you their full attention, which makes it a great command to make use of before moving to another command. It is also great for safety- if your dog is about to cross the road unattended, then the sit command could even be a life saver! Theres also some other commands (such as "stay", & "lie down"), which actually start from the sitting position, & you wont be able to move onto them until your dog is sitting when you require.

Ultimate Puppy Training, Teach Your Puppy To SitFortunately, teaching a puppy (dog usually under one year elderly) to sit is simple. Canines cannot flex their backbone, so in case you tip their heads high , they will sit naturally. All puppies know how to sit already- you must teach them to sit, when YOU require! You can start teaching a puppy to sit from the age of about 8 weeks & above.

Theres three simple steps to teach your puppy (dog usually under one year elderly) to sit...
Ultimate Puppy Training, Teach Your Puppy To Sit
1. Call you canines name, & be definite it is standing in front of you, & looking you in the eye. This will be definite you have the canines complete attention.
Ultimate Puppy Training, Teach Your Puppy To Sit

Ultimate Puppy Training, Teach Your Puppy To Sit2. Command you puppy (dog usually under one year elderly) to sit. Make definite you use the same command each time (Usually "sit"), & in thesame tone of voice. Simultaneously as giving the command, push down on the back legs, forcing the puppy (dog usually under one year elderly) in to the sit position. Make definite you push down gently, however firmly. You can also use food- hold the food above the puppies nose, & move it back behind the dogs head. The puppy (dog usually under one year elderly) will follow the food, & sit down.

Ultimate Puppy Training, Teach Your Puppy To Sit3. Congratulate your puppy for entering the sit position. Use praise even when you had to force the dog to sit, however give additional praise when the puppy sits by itself. You can use treats, however make definite not to make use of them every single time!
  
Repeat this training regularly and hopefully this ultimate puppy training of teaching your puppy to sit will be nailed by you, but remember to also be definite to phase out the use of treats, & youll have your puppy sitting on command in no time!
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Is winter ever coming

Not that Im complaining actually. It is nice to not have to shovel to take the puppy out. However green grass and high 40 degree weather in December is NOT the norm for Maine! I am a person who does like snow on the ground for Christmas however. I wouldnt mind some frozen ground either. At least then the mud would go away.
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Today while I was at The Salty Dog Salon getting the girls nails dremeled, I picked up new coats for them both. They each have a Fido Fleece but I wanted something easier to get on and off that might not be quite so warm. They were made by Ooodles of Poodles who also happens to be a client at the vet I work for. She and her husband are always taking in older poodles in need of homes. They are wonderful people. I picked an Argyle design for Zola.


This is her in profile. Between the lack of nose and her underbite she has quite the look! Thankfully she breathes really well in spite of her extreme flat face. (of which as Ive mentioned before I am not a fan of breeding this trait: http://k-9solutionsdogtraininginc.blogspot.com/2010/10/pug-history-in-photos-part-2.html & http://k-9solutionsdogtraininginc.blogspot.com/2010/10/pug-breeder-challenge-how-to-breed.html)


For Jenny I picked the Plaid. I thought it made a great mis-matched set between the two of them. Id say we are ready to walk even the most uppity big city streets now!


Zola has been full of zip lately. She played so much the other night she was panting at the end of the session. Jack knows how to wear a puppy out! They finally graduated from just tug games to include the classic "bitey face" game.


I also happened upon a cute decoration at the Hallmark store that I just had to buy.

You can see why of course.
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How To Train Your Chihuahua or Chiwawa Dog Breed

How To Train Your Chihuahua or Chiwawa Dog Breed
Although they are small, Chihuahua dogs intelligence and braveness should not be underestimated. Besides that, their big shinning dark eyes and large erect ears have captured the hearts of many dog owners. These characteristics of Chi dogs are believed to be inherited from their ancestor - Fennec Fox.


These foxy looking dogs are popular companion dogs with alert and terrier-like qualities.


How To Train Your Chihuahua or Chiwawa Dog Breed
Chihuahuas are good family dogs but not great with children. These small dogs are also very protective of family, so, strangers are advised to keep a distance away from these dogs. The best thing about Chiwawas is they are city dogs which require less exercise compare to other dog breeds. So, you are expecting your Chi dog to be comfortable easily with living in an apartment or a condominium.


In general, Smooth-coated Chi dogs have short and straight hair while Long-coated Chi dogs have long and wave-like hair.


How To Train Your Chihuahua or Chiwawa Dog BreedSome books suggests that long-coated Chihuahuas are product from the crossing between smooth-coated and Papillon dog breed or Yorkshire Terrier dog breed. Thus, some long-coated Chi dogs show very obvious butterfly-like ears (Papillon).


Like any other dog breeds, Chihuahua needs to learn how to behave. You should learn how to train a Chihuahua by house training your chihuahua puppy and also puppy obedience training.


Chihuahua and Human
How To Train Your Chihuahua or Chiwawa Dog BreedChihuahua is the smallest of all the dog breeds in the world. It is named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico and is very popular breed, particularly in America.


These small dogs were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904. They are also called by people with the name Chiwawas and Chi Dogs.


History and Origins
The History of Chiwawa is very hard to trace, but there is sufficient evidence to prove that it is originating from Pre-Columbian Mexico.


How To Train Your Chihuahua or Chiwawa Dog BreedThe most common theory is that Chiwawas are descended from the Techichi, a companion dog favored by the Toltecs and that the modern dog developed through breeding with miniaturized Chinese dogs brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors.


Compare with their ancestors, present day Chi Dogs are much smaller. Genetic tests have placed Chiwawas originating in the 1800s.


Group
If you are going to enter your dog for the dog show competition, it is especially important to know what group your dog belongs to in the Kennel Club of your country.


Chi Dog Breed is recognized as Toy Group under both American Kennel Club (AKC) and The Kennel Club (UK).


If you are like me, just want to have a good time with your dog, this information is not so important for you.


Living Condition
In general, Chihuahua does not like cold weather. So, put on a sweater on your dog during a chill weather. Since they are the smallest dogs in the world, they are suitable to live in an apartment or a condominium.


Exercise
Before you learn how to train a Chihuahua, it is important to know that Chihuahua training should come together with exercise. Chis body is tiny, but it still needs to exercise.


How To Train Your Chihuahua or Chiwawa Dog BreedI suggest exercising with you dog for 45 minutes daily. The lack of exercise might turn him becoming a frustrated dog which will release his energy into biting, barking and other dog behavior problems.


Remember that all dogs are NOT meant to be confined in a location. Even if you have a big backyard, your dog still needs to go out and explores the outside world.


Shedding
All dogs shed. Smooth-coated Chi dogs shed more frequently than long-coated. Long-coated Chi dogs shed seasonally, about twice yearly.


Chihuahua Physical Appearance, Characteristics, Temperaments and Average Life Span Information


General Appearance
The two basic body types of purebred these small dogs are Apple headed or Deer headed.


Apple-headed Chi Dogs have short noses, an apple shaped head, and close-set eyes, while Deer-headed Chi Dogs have an elongated nose that resembles Doberman Pinschers. They both have the same chance of being teacup or miniature.


How To Train Your Chihuahua or Chiwawa Dog BreedAn in depth comparison about these two body types of Chihuahua will be discussed below this page. With the information, you are able to recognize instantly the advantages and disadvantages of that particular Chi Dog.


Nose
Color can be in Black, Pink or Chocolate.


Coat and Color
Chiwawa basically has only 2 varieties as shown on the pictures below:-


A detailed comparison is done below this page; you may use the information to help you make the right choice.


a) Long-coated (long-haired)          




b) Smooth-coated (short-haired).


How To Train Your Chihuahua or Chiwawa Dog BreedSize
Height: 6.0 - 10.0 inches (15.0 - 25.0 cm)


Weight: 3.3 - 6.6 pounds (1.5 - 3.0 kg)


Average Life Span
10 - 15 years


Average Litter Size
1 - 4 puppies


Characteristics/Temperaments and Energy level
As per AKC definition, Chihuahuas are graceful, alert and swift-moving with a saucy expression. They are projecting the terrier-like attitudes of self importance, confidence, and self-reliance.


Chiwawa is one of the highest energy levels of any purebred dog. This is the reason why some owners always has problem on how to train a Chihuahua. The secret is Chihuahua training should come together with exercise.


Chi dogs like to give affection to their owners and also acts friendly to other pets. Long-coated Chi tend to be a little reserved and cautious when meeting with strangers for the first time.


Chihuahua Training Information and Tips
How To Train Your Chihuahua or Chiwawa Dog BreedThe Chi dog is a special breed of dog that always wants to get your attention and will try his best to make you happy. But to make him a well-balanced dog, you need to teach him how to behave with puppy training.


The first sixteen weeks of your Chihuahuas life is crucial. Chi is a long life span dog that could live until eighteen years old. So, what you do in the beginning can shape them into either a well behaved companion or a dominant little dog.


Dogs are creatures that live in packs and every pack has a pack leader. It is a MUST for you to learn how to train a Chihuahua and recognize you as the pack leader. If you do not, your Chi will take the role as the pack leader and he will be in charge of the house.


You can begin with potty training, and encourage the behavior with treats. Remember that you should reward only when an order is obeyed. Once your Chihuahua potty training goal has been reached, move on to the next which is crate training. Crate training is important in establishing their territory and when praised and rewarded, your dog will look forward to learning a new lesson.


Thats How To Train Your Chihuahua or Chiwawa Dog Breed, hopefully it could help you chihuahua dog lovers out there, even just a little bit. ^_^
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