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I used to wonder curiously about clicker obedience training for dogs. But then, my neighbor said that clickers are not meant for obedience training and they are only fit for making a dog perform circus-like tricks and stunts.

At first, I agreed with my neighbor. Those clickers seemed annoying to me and I didn’t believe that anyone would be able to teach obedience training commands to their dogs with that constant clicking sound.

I couldn’t be more wrong!

Listen, one day I was browsing a video site and this clicker obedience training video caught my attention. It was really well-shot, unlike some of those flimsy homemade clicker videos you often see on the web.

The video was made by a team of professional dog trainers specialized in clicker obedience training for dogs. So they designed a comprehensive clicker training course with videos which I downloaded straight to my computer.

After several home training sessions with my dog Brylow…

I must say their clicker training principles and techniques are spot on!

The 3 “super trainer” tips that helped me the most during training are:

Tip 1 – To clicker train your dog effectively, you need to employ a large variety of positive reinforcers. This means you should allow your dog to play with several different toys/object. The same goes for treats. Use many different ones for better end result.

Tip 2 – High clicking rate is crucial during the first few training sessions. Make sure your dog is able to earn a single click at a rate of every 3 – 5 seconds. This method works really well when I first conducted a clicker crate training session with Brylow.

Tip 3 – Minimize sloppy training. This means you should avoid the following during clicker obedience training: bending over your dog, repeated cues, nagging, and luring.

Anyway, if you’re interested in discovering everything from A – Z about training your dog with a clicker, follow this link: http://www.positivehomedogtraining.com/ to get download details. Apply the steps outlined in the complete manual and remember to watch those videos as well!

Education begins at home, but it doesn’t end there. It’s important that you supplement your dog’s home schooling with a good obedience class – or several! Why is obedience school so necessary? Well, here’s a starter list:

1. You and your dog will learn more advanced commands. You’ve got a good start with “sit” and “let’s go,” but in class you’ll master exercises like “down,” “stay,” “heel,” “stand” and “come” as well – the vocabulary she’ll need to become a really responsive and trustworthy friend and partner.

2. Your instructor can address your specific needs. Books and videotapes are great, but they can’t stay after class to discuss your dog’s individual problems or strong points, they can’t demonstrate new moves to you, and they can’t tell you whether you’re holding your leash funny or giving your dog a confusing command. There’s really no substitute for the one-on-one attention and suggestions of a good instructor.

3. You ‘II learn from the other people and dogs in the class. Your classmates may have new ideas for you, or you may pick up tips just from watching them. And you’ll find that they’re sympathetic to your problems and proud of your successes in ways that your non-dog-loving friends may not be.

4. Your dog will get used to other people and dogs. This is a biggie. No amount of backyard practice can teach your dog to behave in the presence of other exciting people or pups. And if your dog is still a little worried about the world at large – and many of them are – obedience class will give her a chance to make friends and gain confidence. So even if you’ve already been through obedience class with another dog and know the ropes, it’s a good idea to take your new dog to a class of her own.

5. It’ll give you an incentive to train your dog. Let’s face it, sometimes it’s tough to get motivated for your daily training sessions when you know only a couple of exercises and you don’t have an instructor and classmates to keep you from getting lazy!

6. You’ll have a terrific time. Obedience class is fun! You’ll make new friends (I know several married couples who met in obedience class) and get lots of exercise, and your relationship with your new dog will soar to new levels. And who knows? You might just get hooked on dog training and find yourself with a new hobby.

There are at least 20 symptoms and signs that you should be aware of that your Goldendoodle needs to see a vet if you are a new dog owner.  Unfortunately too many people wait until it is too late to get their pet to the vet,  then wonder why it passed away.  While it is a decision delimma for many,  it is very important that you take your Goldendoodle to the vet if the follow occurs:

1. Decreased appetite 

2. Lethargy  (especially in a young puppy or senior dog)

3. Vomiting

4. Diarrhea

5. Straining to potty….either thru urine or the other

6. Not gaining any weight or fails to grow

7. Appearing too thin

8. Constant scratching or chewing on the feet or tail

9. Shaking its head and scratching at the ears

10.  Loss of hair (more than normal)

11. Coughing

12. Sneezing

13. Limping  (for unexplained reasons)

14. Not able to housebreak  (could be urinary tract infection)

15. Excessive drinking  (should check for diabetes….especially if your pet is over weight.)

16. Can’t tolerate exercising

17. Has collapsed

18. Excessive urination

19. Urinates or loses bowls suddenly and without warning

20. Has blood in the stool

Healthy living  with your Goldendoodle starts with maintaining a healthy diet and keeping up with appropriate vaccinations.  Many pet owners fail to keep their puppy’s vaccinations current and this causes the puppy to be at risk for catching parvo, distemper or other deadly canine diseases.  Your Goldendoodle puppy’s first visit is usually called a “wellness check up”.  During this type of check up,  your veterinarian will look at your doodle’s eyes, ears, teeth  and listen to his or her heart.  They will look for puppy cataracts and possible heart murmurs.  They will look at your doodle’s coat and weigh him or her.  Some vets will let you walk in while others require a scheduled appointment.

Viral infections with puppies can occur suddenly and without warning.  Early recognition can help your puppy survive if he or she has become ill.  Puppies can become dehydrated quickly which is why it is very important to not wait if you suspect there is something wrong.  Better to be safe than sorry.

Keep your doodle’s vet records up to date.  It is important for your vet to know what you are feeding your doodle, how much and when.  Your vet may recommend changes if your doodle is gaining weight too rapidly or not enough weight at appropriate stages…especially in the first year.   Know your doodle’s birthdate.  Depending upon where your Goldendoodle resides,  it is important to pay attention to fleas and ticks.  Goldendoodles should NOT be on any type of topical flea preventatives.  These type of treatments can cause early organ failure and sudden seizures.  “Comfortis” is recommended for Goldendoodles which is a once a month flea preventative.    When your Goldendoodle turns 2 years of age,  you may want to have your veterinarian x-ray the hips so that they can be evaluated.  Just because your doodle’s parents had an OFA rating of good, fair or excellent does not mean that your doodle is free and clear of possible hip problems.   Testing is only valid for the dog that is evaluated,  not for offspring.

?It is understandable that many Goldendoodle owners are stressed when taking their new puppy in to see their vet.  Your doodle can only communicate through his or her body lanquage.  Unfortunately,  they can’t tell us where they hurt or how they feel.  Owners who are stressed out can transfer their anxiety to their doodle.  If you are tense, worried, scared, upset or feeling anxious,  you will transfer those feelings to your Goldendoodle.  They are very sensitive dogs.   They will then associate those feelings each and every time he or she goes to the vet.  Try not to be anxious when its time to take your Goldendoodle to the vet.

 The foundation of a healthy Goldendoodle is very important.  A healthy Goldendoodle is central to his or her well being.   Try to make an effort at being calm, relaxed and positive when it is time to take your doodle to the vet.   If you are purchasing a young puppy,  make sure to “puppy proof” your home.  Children always have small toys that can easily fit inside of your doodle’s mouth.  Small toys can be swallowed which can cause choking and possible death.  A good rule of thumb is that if an object is small enough to fit into your doodle’s mouth,  he or she can swallow it.

We like to think that our dogs have common sense.  They don’t.  If you can’t supervise your doodle,  make sure that he or she is either crated or somewhere that is enclosed to help keep your doodle from getting hurt.  Goldendoodles are very intelligent dogs.  They can easily escape from your yard or slip out of their collar or leash.  Don’t let your doodle run loose as they will then be at risk for being hit by a vehicle.   Don’t leave pills lying around.  I, myself, am a diabetic who takes glipizide.  This lowers blood sugar.  This medication can be deadly to any pet who eats it.   I have to always be careful to NOT drop a pill and if I do drop a pill,  I have to immediately find it and pick it up.  Never leave medications on a counter or table where a puppy or adult dog can easily get to it.

Lastly,  there are tons of great books and videos on the market to help you learn how to be a good mommy or daddy to your Goldendoodle.  Being prepared is the best took for surviving an emergency. 

*About the author:  Dee Gerrish has been writing about the Goldendoodle dog since 1999.  More about Goldendoodles can be found on her website at http://www.goldendoodleworld.com

How to stop dogs from barking?

Dog barking is quite normal behaviour, because it’s the only way that a dog can communicate. But sometimes that barking can become quite annoying and can cause some trouble between your neighbours, or anyone in your neighbourhood, and even your local authorities.

And this can become quite a problem. Sometimes your neighbours just won’t understand, especially when the barking is happening in the middle of the night when everyone is trying to sleep. Or maybe your dog is barking when you’re away.

It’s normal to dogs to bark from time to time. It’s exactly the same as when children laugh, and make noise when they play. But your dog has a barking problem if it’s happening for long periods of time. It’s a sign that you should do something right now to solve your dogs barking problem.

First thing you need to do is determined what’s actually making the dog bark? And how long is the dog barking for? Before you do anything, you may have to turn yourself into a detective. Gather as much information as you can, especially if the barking is happening mostly when you’re not at home.

Ask some friends to walk past your house and listen for a while to see if your dog barks. Maybe you can set up a video camera out your window into the backyard, or wherever your dog is, to see if you can catch the dog in the act. You might be surprised what you find.

The dog may be barking because it’s lonely or bored, the dog may be barking because of isolation. Maybe it’s barking for attention. Or maybe it’s barking out of sheer frustration.

So, That brings up the question… how to stop dogs from barking?

Well, If you have a dog is full of energy, particularly a breed that was bred for sports or for herding is properly barking because it’s bored. These types of dogs need a fair bit of attention and room to move. Try some toys in the backyard for the dog to play with maybe that will entertain the dog so that it doesn’t get bored.

Make sure you walk you dog every day. It’s excellent for its physical and mental well-being, a healthy dog is a happy dog.

Keep your dog inside when you are unable to supervise. Maybe something is catching his eye.

Make sure you play with your dog lots, make sure that there’s time with you on a daily basis, playing, exercise, throwing the ball and generally having fun. This way, the dog won’t act up trying to get your attention.

Summary on how to stop dogs from barking – Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and attention when your there, and when you not there make sure that there is plenty of toys, or you can keep your dog inside when you’re away.

Al Bullington keeps all kinds of pets including a dog, cats, quail, bantam chickens, standard chickens, guinea fowl and parakeets.

Shih Tzu puppy training can be done faster than you may think. Here are the tricks to get started right…

Shih Tzu puppy training is essential if you’re going to have a well-behaved adult Shih Tzu. It isn’t that an older dog cannot be trained, but it’s so much easier to start your dog off right. With just a few general training principles your puppy can get off to a great start.

Remember that what is cute behavior in a tiny little dog could be annoying at best in your adult pet. Remember too that no matter how much you love your new puppy, that puppy will grow to be an adult dog. Many times unacceptable behavior in an adult dog results in the dog leaving it’s home, not by choice either. So, you must not let behavior go that will endanger your long-term relationship with your pet.

We are talking about discipline here. You must first do some thinking about what is acceptable behavior to you. You as the pet owner must make decisions. And start early to set boundaries for your pet. What do you expect from your pet? What are your responsibilities? Do not let behavior problems go unchecked. Caring for a Shi Tzu puppy is a major responsibility, but a fun one too!

If you see a behavior problem developing and you do not know what to do, get some help. Training resources are widely available either with a local trainer or on the Internet plus books and videos. See, your pet is looking to you for guidance. You must not fail your pet. It may be you that really needs the training and not your pet.

But it is a large mistake to expect too much from a tiny puppy. Little Shih Tzu puppies are very easily distracted and have tiny small attention spans. Your little puppy can learn quickly, but do not push too hard and fast with training. Be patient, very patient with puppies.

To be successful with Shih Tzu puppy training, try to link rewards with desired behavior. Link a less desired outcome with undesired behavior. Please don’t think violence is necessary. Firm but gentle is the way to head off problems.

One of the first training steps is housebreaking your puppy. Don’t start too early. Check with your dog’s breeder for a suggested time to start training. Housebreaking is a task that must be done or else your pet will probably not stay at your house.

One way to handle this is to monitor your pup closely and scoop the pup up and get to the proper place for elimination before it happens. There are several methods plus several different products to help. Products to help include dog litter boxes, doggie diapers and potty pads.

House training is just the start. You can move on to obedience training and even on to teaching tricks to your puppy.

Your puppy can grow to be a fun and important part of your family with just a little guidance from you.