Dog Training - The Basic Commands

Here are some basic training lessons for you.

Dog training – The Major Commands:

There are of course many reasons for owners to want a calm, obedient and faithful dog. For one thing, obedient and trained dogs are happier dogs, less likely to get into fightswith people or with other dogs.

Another reason is that many communities require that the dogs living in their neighborhoods be well trained. This is especially true for many breeds thought to have aggression and behavioral problems – dog breeds like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers for instance.

And of course, training your dog well will also make he or she a much better family companion, mainly in households where there are young children. Many studies have shown that proper dog training makes a big influence when it comes to cutting down the number of dog bites and other behavioral problems encountered by dog owning households.

When considering training your own dog, or having someone else help you train it, there are certain major commands that must be mastered in order for a dog to be considered truly trained.
These basic commands include:

Heel – it is important that any dog learn to walk beside its owner on a loose lead, neither pulling ahead nor lagging behind .

Respond to the word No – the word no is one word that all dogs must learn. Training your dog to respond to this crucial word can save you a ton of trouble.

Sit – Training your dog to sit on command is a vital part of any dog training program.

Stay– A well trained dog should remain where his or her owner commands, so stay is a very important command in dog training.

Down – Lying down on command is more than just a cute trick, it is a significant
component of any successful dog training program.

Dog training does much more than just create an obedient, willing companion.
Training your dog properly actually strengthens the bond that already exists between dog and handler. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack leader to tell them what to do.
The key to successful dog training is to set yourself up as that pack leader.

Thats all for today I will be back later with more basic training commands.

sunrise/garnet555

Table Scraps o.k. in Your Dog's Diet?

Keep Table Scraps away from Your Dog's Diet

We have all done it. Our cute, little furry friend is practically grinning at us from beneath the kitchen table.

The ears are perked and the tail is wagging. We know what our dog is after. Just a tiny Crumb from dinner would be delightful, right?
What could it hurt? It is just a bite or two after all. Hold Fido's ears he won't want to hear this. A dog's diet really should not contain table scraps. People food is just that...for people.

A dog's nutritional needs are not the same as a humans. Sure, we eat some of the same
things, but feeding your pet from the table is one of the biggest mistakes for you can make for your pet. A dog's diet doesn't require all the goodies we add into our meals.

People have problems with weight gain. A dog can have this problem, as well. If your dog's diet consists mostly of scraps from the dinner table, chances are high that your dog will have trouble maintaining a healthy weight.
Even a few pounds over weight can really make a difference in the quality and length of your pet's life.

Ignore the begging and stick to your guns.
When you have a dog who is not a picky eater, it can be tempting to let your pet be the garbage disposal in the home, but really, this is not a good idea. Certain people foods can spoil your dog and should never be a part of your dog's diet.

Grapes, for example, have been known to cause serious problems for dogs, even death.
Chicken bones and popcorn can also be a problem for your dog. Permitting large quantities of chocolate can be dangerous in a dog's diet.

A poor diet even shows up out in the yard. When your dog's diet is not at its best, your pet's outputs will be greater in size, smell, and mess. Benefits of choosing a healthy diet for your dog will be noticeable in your pet's health, as well as, during those walks around the block.

There are a few occasions when a supplement or treat from the kitchen may be alright, but never in excess. Talk to your veterinarian about healthy snacks for your dog's diet. If you simply must continue feeding Fido at the table, many vets recommend you give your pet ice cubes or pieces of carrot to munch on between scheduled feeding times.
Providing your pet these healthy alternatives to pizza and cupcakes gives you the freedom to choose a Healthful snack for your dog's diet.

So, the next time your beloved pet starts eyeing your food, redirect his or her attention. Don't reach for your fatty steak or chicken leg. Instead, toss your buddy a cool, refreshing ice cube to bat around and munch on.
A couple of baby carrots will keep Fido happy and leave you feeling good about your varieties for the nutritional value of your dog's diet.
You will know that you are doing your best to maintain a high-quality diet for your pet.

to a healthy fido
garnet555