Archive for the ‘Dog Training and Behavior’ Category
Puppy Refuses to Walk on Leash
March 10th, 2010
When little Blaze is tired, he is a puppy that refuses to walk on leash. He plants himself, lays down, and just wont move. I suspect we did the wrong thing when he was younger and simply carried him where we wanted to go. Well, he is 20 pounds and carrying him just isn’t much of an option anymore.
If your puppy refuses to walk on leash, here are a few things you can do. First, make sure he is used to the leash. If its still an issue, start with yarn or string and let him wear it while you are in the house and have it drag. He will get used to it pretty quick.
When the puppy plants himself down, say lets go in a happy voice, pat your thigh and if he pops up give a little piece of kibble. If he doesn’t move, just start walking, dont be mean about it, dont correct him, just walk – he’ll get up and go with you. If he catches up or starts walking, say “yes” or great job and give a little reward.
I’ve never seen a 6 month old dog that wasn’t excited for a walk, so I’m sure this will pass if you stay consistent with rewarding the walking behavior. If you are trying to go for a long walk, remember, if they are babies (under 4-5 months) they might be tired and you can damage their bodies by pushing them. Keep it short and fun. You can also use toys and praise instead of food if your puppy likes that.
Stumble Upon
Del.icio.us
Buzz
Posted in 
Tags: 
How much should I feed my puppy
March 7th, 2010
When I brought home my puppy, this was my first question, how much should I feed my puppy. The breeder told me what she was feeding and what kind, so I knew what to start with, but puppies grow quickly and their dietary requirements change. I think puppies are a lot like children where they need more food and have growth spurts, and the it cuts back some too.
Some puppies will eat and not stop – this is common in the retrievers. There are other puppies that are more finicky and refuse to eat. with smaller dogs, this can be a big cause for concern.
Here are some tips on how I decide how much I should feed my puppy.
1. Read the requirements on the bag
This is a guideline, not a hard fast rule. But it does give you a good range. It will also tell you based on their current weight and how old they are.
2. Watch their stools
Completely soft means too much food or the wrong type of food for your puppy. Hard then soft means slightly too much food.
3. Increase the food slowly.
If you need to increase it, do so slowly, dont just dump an extra cup in the bowl.
If you puppy is acting hungry, he may just be. You will likely need to play with amounts until you find the right balance and remember to increase it until they are done growing. Follow the recommendation of the bag you are feeding, feed a high quality food and always check with your vet if you aren’t sure.
Puppy Runs Away
March 2nd, 2010
It starts out all hearts and butterflies when you bring home your baby. They come when called, they never leave your side, and then one day, they decide its more fun to run away from you then to you. Your natural inclination, punish the puppy when you get to him to teach your puppy not to run away. WRONG!!
I can tell you how to fix this problem in 2 seconds. Use a leash. Using a leash will prevent them from running off, and eating whatever they are leaving you to eat. I know that my puppy likes to eat sticks and go under the deck where I can’t reach him. For me, this is unacceptable. I have a plan of attack. First, I am going to practice recalls (coming) off leash in the yard using food and toy rewards. Second, when I can’t do that, we are going to be on leash. No exceptions. There will be a leash by the door, and this puppy running away problem will stop.
Why is my dog scared of the vacuum cleaner
February 25th, 2010
I turned on the vacuum for the first time since we got the new puppy. He ran away from it about as fast as he could. Why is my dog scared of the vacuum cleaner? Well, its a common problem actually and if not introduced the right way can be a life long issue for a dog.
I’m going to start my puppy on a little “vacuum cleaner” program to get him used to it. First I’m going to leave it in the kitchen where he is (when I’m in there) so he can just get used to the sight of it. After a while I will progress to moving it without sound. I may drop some food around to get him more relaxed.
I’m also going to run the vacuum while he eats ( but not near him, probably at a distance ) and over time, bring it closer until he is no longer scared. I can also drop food behind me as I vacuum, encouraging him to follow me rather than to feel chased by it.
Your dog doens’t have to be scared of the vacuum cleaner, you just have to go slow and take it step by step.
Nose Bridge
January 31st, 2010
I went to a dog training seminar a few weekends ago. I had never seen this behavior before but I saw it there, and also on a video I purchased. Its called a Nose Bridge. The issue is that the only dogs I have seen already knew the behavior! So I decided to teach it to my dog and share it with you all. This is week one of me teaching this behavior. I use a lot of luring, and of course treats (dog food) for my dog. Scroll down for the video of our week 1 dog training session on the nose bridge.
Here are the basics.
1. Get your dog into heel position.
2. Lure their head up to the position you want it
3. Wait for their nose to touch your palm or if you decide to do the two finger bridge, wait for contact.
4. Say yes, and treat with the opposite hand.
Only work for a few minutes at a time, and slowly ask for more. I’ll take our progress so you can see how we keep progressing with this behavior. I’m excited to teach it, I can see how it will really help our heeling in the dog training ring!