Positive reinforcement has long been considered the most effective method for training canines. By rewarding desired behaviors, and ignoring those that are undesired, owners can ensure their pets willingly conform to their wishes. But most owners restrict rewards to food treats. While food will always be a prime motivator for dogs, it can also lead to weight problems if treats are given excessively.

Another form of positive reinforcement is time spent playing games with your pet. While he might choose food if given the chance, your canine also craves your attention. Combined with his near-childlike penchant for recreation, playing with him can be nearly as persuasive a training tool as treats.

This article will explain how to use games as a reward. We'll start by discussing how to set the stage with your pet, and how to blend training opportunities into the games you enjoy with him. We'll also provide a few creative ideas you can use when playing together.

Teach "Nothing In Life Is Free"

Many professional trainers recommend teaching your dog that "nothing in life is free." Canines learn that anything they want from their owners (e.g. food, a walk, attention, treats, etc.) comes at a price. In order to earn these things, the animal must work for them. That is, nothing is given for free.

In the context of using games as a reward for desired behaviors, owners must create the expectation in their pets that games follow compliance. That is, the animal must comply with a command before he is given an opportunity to play with his owner.

For example, suppose you normally play "catch" with your dog using the same tennis ball. Before long, he will begin to recognize the ball as a signal that you want to play catch with him. Tell him to "sit" and "stay" before doing so. As soon as he shows compliance, toss the ball.

If he fails to respond to your command, turn around and walk away from him (if he follows, do not address him). Allow a few minutes to pass, and try again. He will eventually realize that you'll play with him if he responds to your command.

Incorporating Training Into Games

While playing games with your dog, you'll have many opportunities to reinforce his obedience. Take advantage of them. These occasions can be valuable since they test your pet's compliance outside the scope of a "normal" training atmosphere.

For example, suppose you are playing fetch with your dog. If he displays resistance at letting the ball go, tell him to "drop it." Assuming he is familiar with this basic command, he'll realize that playtime is halted, and you expect him to comply. Once he does so, toss the ball again.

If your dog fails to respond correctly, turn around and walk in the opposite direction. He'll realize that playtime will only continue after he follows your instructions.

Ideas For Games To Play With Your Canine

There are several other games you can play with your canine in addition to fetch and catch. These activities provide opportunities to test and reward your pet's obedience while keeping his mind engaged.

For example, with your pet sitting in front of you, close your hands, and begin moving them near the sides of his head. Move them above and below his head, too. With your canine's attention drawn to your hands, open them suddenly and say, "go!" This prompts him to dash away to a selected marker, and return. Provide a treat and praise when he does so.

Another game you can play involves a hula hoop. Hold it upright with one end touching the ground, and instruct your dog to jump through. Praise him when he crosses over successfully. Then, raise the hoop a few inches from the ground, and do it again. This game is best played during short playtime sessions since your canine may otherwise tire or lose interest.

You can also teach your pet to play a version of basketball. Set a small bucket on the ground. Then, toss your dog a tennis ball. When he brings it back to you, point to the bucket, and say "drop it." Refrain from tossing the ball again until he drops the ball into the bucket.

These and other games may require training in order to teach your canine the "rules." But once he learns to play them, they can be used as rewards in the same way as food treats.

Find the best Bully Sticks dog treats and Odor Free Bully Sticks from the eco friendly dog company http://www.pawlux.com

There are many ways of keeping your dog healthy and in good shape. In my experience of being a dog owner of more than thirty years I have found that one of the keys to your dog's good health is in the food you give him. Many of the bulk foods available in large pet stores are inadequate in nutritional value and therefore do not make an ideal diet.

Many dog owners I know feed their dogs on the same diet day in day out. I often ask those dog owners, "how would you like to eat the same beans on toast every day"?, and the answers are never encouraging. I think that a lot of people just think that their dog is happy to eat the same food every day, and that may not be so bad if the food they dish up is good quality, but not good if the food is rubbish.

If you make sure your dog has his vaccinations regularly this will help to keep him fit and well. A puppy will need to be inoculated after a few weeks of birth then given a booster injection once a year. Other medication including worming tablets and heartworm tables are some of the other things that you vet will be able to advise you about.

If you dog becomes ill and needs medication and treatment then you should take him to your local vets. Your vet will also be able to advise you on preventative health care as well as routine checkups and medication.

If your dog is of a nervous disposition it is a good idea to get him acquainted with a good vet that understands nervous dogs. It is also a good idea to visit the vet with your dog from time to time even when he is not sick just to get him used to seeing a vet and it will help to prevent your dog from associating the vet with something bad.

Keeping your dog healthy will not only mean less trips to the vets but your dog will live longer and stay as fit and active as possible.

Selecting the best vet for your dog is an important decision to make. Please visit Vets Bristol for more advice about caring for your dog and a recommendation to a premier Vets in Bristol in the UK.. Check here for free reprint license: Tips for Keeping Your Dog Healthy And Fit.

Housebreaking a new puppy is a frustrating process as anyone who's done it before is aware of. Young puppies are generally incapable of controlling their bladder and bowels for very long. It's an matter of neurological immaturity not defiance when a new pup has an accident.It requires a great deal of perseverance as well as commitment.

When your dog has an accident you should roll up a newspaper and say BAD DOG as you are hitting yourself on the head! The point being if your young puppy has an accident it's a failing on the owner's house training timetable not your new puppy. Here are some ideas for house training your pup.

Don't free feed your puppy. Offer his meals twice a day for ten minutes then put it up. Your puppy will likely need to poo fifteen minutes to a half hour after eating. By manipulating the time period he eats you will have a greater notion of when you should take him out. Be aware your puppy is likely to have to urinate 15-30 minute following ingesting water,

Pay attention to the signals of sniffing and circling. Be aware your dog will need to urinate right after any kind of play period or exercise. Your pup will also need to urinate every couple of hours on top of the previously mentioned. Pay attention to the signals of sniffing and circling.

Puppies have very short attention spans. In the event you dog makes a mistake and you don't actually catch him in the act just clean it up making use of a dog deodorizer and don't correct your puppy. If you don't catch them in the act they will have no idea the reason why you're mad.

You can hang a bell on the door and whenever you go out ring the bell and make use of your cue word for example "let's go do business." Your dog will associate the bell with going out to do his "business." Next put peanut butter on the bell and get your pet to ring it each and every time. Before you realize it your pet will be ringing a bell to inform you he needs to go!

Yet another essential suggestion is to use exactly the same cue word each time you want your dog to go such as "go potty." You can utilize any word you would like as a cue but remain consistent. Furthermore pick a place in your backyard or residence where the dog will do his business and take him to this same place each and every time.

An additional strategy which I've found successful would be to tether the puppy to you with a short leash. Just take the dog with you anywhere you're going. You'll have the ability to watch his cue he needs to go far better this way.

My puppy doesn't enjoy his crate but is very happy to be tethered to me all day. Your dog should not have too much freedom in the house. He ought to be inside a dog crate or on a leash continually. It is extremely hard to house train a puppy when you don't do this.

Indoor dog housebreaking is time consuming and takes real commitment. It can be very frustrating. Keep in mind your furry friend is learning a brand new ability and be patient. If you put in the time the end result will be a dependably house trained puppy!

Bren Pappillion's loves small dogs. As the owner of several small dogs herself her site about small dog care is a work of love. Check out her small dogs products review page on house training aides for the small dog.. Check here for free reprint license: Indoor Dog Potty Training.

Dog is certainly a man's very best companion. One specific dog that you could call bodyguard and greatest friend is a mastiff. This gentle giant has intimidating measurement that could quickly scare people with bad intensions. Then again, this dog is definitely very loyal to its owner so once you have this English Mastiff by your side you can certainly expect to really feel secure from danger and damages at all times. In addition to the security this dog offers you could as well assume a fantastic friendship from it. The feeling of heading home from tiring day at work with your mastiff running towards you to greet you is certainly enjoyable and fulfilling. Your stress and worries are going to be eased off with the kind of affection dog gives. With them around, you will never feel lonesome again regardless of the fact that you are by yourself in the house. These are the advantages that you could get by having a pet dog in the house so as the owner it is just fair to give them some gifts to demonstrate that you also care for them. Here are some gifts that you can give to your dearest English mastiff:

1. Right type of dog foods - dogs possess special needs when it comes to food. It is not healthy to just provide them the foods that you also eat. You have to give them the right type of dog foods which is appropriate for the demands of the dogs most especially in the case of a mastiff dog. Since it is big and full of muscles, it definitely needs a kind of dog food that could offer strength and power to continue with their everyday activities. You do not want to give something that could actually harm your dogs so be sure that you do your research and give your beloved dogs with something delicious and of course healthy.

2. Comfortable place to sleep in - some people provide a small dog house for their pet to ensure that they are protected from harm but actually you can also offer them with comfy bed for them to sleep in. There are plenty of adorable and beautiful styles to pick from so you will definitely have a fantastic time picking this dog bed. This is a great present for mastiff considering that they love to snooze. It is not good to allow them to sleep just about anywhere in the house and besides getting a regular place wherein they could sleep in will hold them safe and clean.

3. Some toys to enjoy - they may seem hard in the outside but sure thing they still appreciate some fun moments wherein they can be just like any other kinds of dogs. It would be ideal to provide them some dogs' toys that could keep them entertain during lazy times. They may not be in a position to say "thank you" yet you will certainly notice it with their actions that they appreciate your gifts.

These material things are definitely nothing compared to the love and care these dogs give so make sure to spend some time to buy these things for them.

If you want to learn more about caring for mastiff you can check out this website www.happymastiffsecrets.com and be the best mastiff owner that you can be. Unique version for reprint here: Giving Gifts to Your Mastiff.

Dog signs. You will find them almost hanging from anywhere...houses, gates, posts and even cars. These little signs are really quite helpful because they warn off people off your property. Even if your dog is the most gentlest dog in the whole world, it can cause harm when accidentally startled. Therefore you might want to consider hanging these signs.

Dog signs have now been frequently used in households. You will find that you can get them in any pet shop or even stationery shop. Some also have their dog signs personalized. These signs warn of undesirables and protect dogs and their owners from impending lawsuits. You will find that you can get even the most ridiculous warning sign on your gate.

The material made for dog signs are hardy therefore can be used outdoors. They are made of metal, wood and aluminum making them a little more resistant to the elements. They also can be hung o gates or even stuck on them by little magnets attached to the back. Some also use stickers or others have to nail down signs.

In some countries, it is required to display a legal warning of having a dog in your property. If your dog is running free in your backyard then you will have to post up signs like Dog Roaming or Doberman Warning to alert people that an animal is loose in your house.

A lot of different dog signs read a lot of messages. Some are light and carefree while others are witty. Nonetheless they warn strangers off your lawn or off your gate. Since you can easily put them around, choose the most visible spot.

Some certain breeds such as as Rottweilers, Pit bulls, Dobermans, poodles and Siberian Sheppards need to have specific signs. This will warn intruders away. By posting signs, you will be able to protect your property, your dog, unsuspecting passerbys and also yourself.

Find more articles from Harvin Gulfill on Hundetilbehoer. Here you can also find articles about Hundeskilt.

Senior dogs are truly special. I love all on the subject - these slowly wagging tails, the gentle eyes, those greying muzzles, the way they snore and twitch in their sleep. As our dogs age, though, there might be definite health concerns , which might require us to place in some extra dog care to make sure our faithful friends keep on healthy as long as possible. Old Dog Health.

* Dog joint problems. Numerous older dogs have arthritis, on occasion mild, and much more extreme. 1 thing we may carry out to assist lessen pressure on their joints should be to have them in a lean and healthy weight. Fat gain puts additional stress on the joints which might cause mobility issues worse.

* Loss in sight. One of my own dogs, at the same time as still perky and active, has already established a slight lack of vision. Occasionally he is going to spot a clump of grass and ponder it's a different dog, and he is going to come bouncing over to say hello! In case you notice that the dog may be losing his sight, it may be ideal to hold it leashed and near to you so that he does not unintentionally bump into anything or become lost. The same as with people, vision loss usually influences night vision first: you would recognize that the dog can't see as well as night as he does in the day time. To make it easier for your dog to see while on his nightly bath breaks, switch on these lamps for him and perhaps set up several solar backyard lights to assist him find his way.

* Hearing loss. A friend of mine always jokes that her dog has "selective hearing" because he can hear food being made ready 500 feet away, but he can't hear her calling it for his bath when she's ten feet away. However, once dogs age they could not be able to hear as well as they used to (he isn't only being contrary, and maybe wanting to test your patience!). You might locate you should give you dog a tap to get his attention, or just call him a little louder. Should the dog actually starts to indicate signs and symptoms of hearing loss, you can also get to re-consider whether or not to let him run off-leash (where allowed) -- this might possibly be risky should he cannot hear you call him back. Kennel Cough Dogs.

* Skin problems. Many older dogs advance lumps and bumps under the skin. As you brush your dog and maybe pet him, tenderly feel for each changes in his skin. Lumps should be promptly checked out by the vet, especially those that have modified in color and perhaps size. Do not freak out - a lot of lumps are entirely benign!

* Heart murmurs. As dogs age their heart valves can deteriorate and lead to atypical blood flow. Vets might analyse heart murmurs initially by listening to the dog's heart by a stethoscope, and might follow up with a variety of tests to determine that reason for the murmur. A number of the symptoms to watch for comprise exercise intolerance and coughing (particularly once a dog is sleeping).

Want to learn more about Renal Failure Dogs? Visit Dogs Health Issues.

categories: dogs,pets,dog care,dog training,dog health

Dog lovers who are considering owning a golden retriever possibly do not know what they are getting themselves into and still go and buy a golden retriever from someone or someplace selling one.

Something to be aware of when considering buying a dog and one of these types especially, is that type breed and type of dog has a disposition that comes natural to their breed.

A few questions you should ask yourself before actually jumping the gun and making the purchase of a golden retriever is: what kind of grooming does this kind of dog need and how much exercise does this breed of dog require?

Bringing a dog into your home is such a huge responsibility and you need to be informed of the things that are necessary to owning a dog before you make your purchase. You must be ready to take on this responsibility in order to keep your new pet happy and healthy in your care.

One of those responsibilities you will definitely have before buying a golden retriever is to ask a breeder about the immunization procedure that you need to follow for your dog.

Getting your dog spayed and neutered is another responsibility. This is done different times in your dog's life, for different breeds of course, so you want to find out more about this part in order to avoid any problems later on.

You will more than likely be concerned about the dog's behavior prior to purchasing it. You will need to ask a breeder if your dog has had any prior training that helps him follow orders when given and his behavior around others and other pets.

Lastly but not least, ask a breeder about health issues that are common for this breed. You may also need to know the type of food and living conditions ideal for your new golden retriever.

See more educational articles written by this writer dealing with subject matters including obedience school for dogs and search and rescue dog training.