More Top Training Tips

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity 10 Training Tips for Your New Dog Published by Alpha Dog Training Htpps://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com (801) 910-1700 Once you bring your new dog home, it’s smart to begin training immediately. But where should you start? What’s the best way to train a puppy? And how do you train an adult dog? There are a number of options for training your new pet. Whether you opt to train your puppy or dog yourself, take classes or hire a private trainer, you can implement the following basic training tips right away to make the process easier. More Top 10 Dog Training Tips Tip 1: Choose Your Dog's Name Wisely Part of the fun of bringing home a new puppy or dog is finding the perfect name for them. But did you know certain names are better for training? It helps to consider a short name ending with a strong consonant that they can always hear clearly. A strong ending, like in the names “Jasper,” “Jack” and “Ginger,” perks up puppy ears — especially when you place emphasis at the end. If your new pet is an older dog, they’re probably used to their name at this point. However, changing it isn’t out of the question. And if your new pal is coming out of an abusive situation, a new name may even represent a fresh start. Dogs are extremely adaptable. If you decide to give them a new name, use it consistently and soon enough your pup will respond to it. Whatever their name, be sure to associate it with fun, pleasant experiences as much as possible, rather than negative ones. Ideally, your pup should think of their name in the same way they think of other fun stuff like walks or dinnertime. Tip 2: Decide on the House Rules Before your new furry pal comes home, decide what they can and can’t do. Are they allowed on the bed or the furniture? Are parts of the house off limits? Will they have their own chair at your dining table? If the rules are determined early, you can avoid confusion — for both of you. Tip 3: Set Up a Private Den Like humans, dogs need their own space. As early as possible, give your pup their own private sleeping place, such as a crate. Your dog will benefit from short periods left alone in the comfort and safety of their den; it can also be a valuable tool for housetraining. Be sure to reward your puppy or dog if they remain relaxed and quiet in their den. Tip 4: Help Your Dog Relax When your puppy gets home, give them a warm hot-water bottle and put a ticking clock near their sleeping area. This imitates the heat and heartbeat of litter mates and will soothe your puppy in their new environment. This tip may be even more important for a new dog that previously lived in a busy, loud shelter, particularly if they’ve had a rough time early in life. Whatever you can do to help your new pet get comfortable in their forever home will be good for both of you. Tip 5: Reward Good Behavior Reward your puppy or dog’s good behavior with positive reinforcement. Use toys, love and lots of praise. Let them know when they’re getting it right. Along those same lines, never reward bad behavior, as it’ll only confuse them. Tip 6: Teach Your Pup to Come When Called Come, Jasper! Good boy! The first command you teach your pet should be to come. Get down on their level and tell your pup to come using their name. When they do, get excited and use lots of positive reinforcement. Next time, try the “come” command when they’re distracted with food or a toy. As your puppy gets older, you’ll continue to see the benefits of perfecting this command. Tip 7: Train on "Dog Time" Puppies and dogs live in the moment — two minutes after they’ve done something, they’ve already forgotten about it. So, when your pup is doing something bad, use your chosen training technique right away so they have a chance to make the association between the behavior and the correction. Consistent repetition will reinforce what they’ve learned. Tip 8: Discourage Jumping Right Away Puppies love to jump up in greeting, and some adult dogs have learned bad habits. When your puppy or dog jumps on a person, don’t reprimand them; just turn your back on them, ignore the behavior and wait until they settle down before giving positive reinforcement. Never encourage jumping behavior by patting or praising your dog when they’re in a “jumping up” position. Tip 9: Say No to Biting and Nipping Instead of scolding your new pet, a great way to discourage your mouthy canine is to pretend you’re in a lot of pain when they bite or nip you — a sharp, loud yell should work. Most dogs are so surprised that they stop immediately. If verbal cues don’t work, try trading a chew toy for your hand or pant leg. This swap trick can also work when a puppy discovers the joys of chewing on your favorite shoes. They tend to prefer a toy or bone anyway. If all else fails, interrupt the biting behavior and respond by ignoring them. Tip 10: End Training Sessions on a Positive Note Your puppy or dog has worked hard to please you throughout their training. Leave them with lots of praise, a treat, some petting or five minutes of play. This almost guarantees they’ll show up at their next class or training session with their tail wagging, ready to work! Bonus tip: When your puppy is old enough, think about getting them neutered or spayed. The same goes if you adopt a dog. A neutered or spayed dog might be more docile, less aggressive and more open to successful training.

Clicker Training Your Dog

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Clicker Training Your Dog Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com (801)910-1700 Clicker training is a common form of positive reinforcement. This simple and effective training method utilizes a clicker. The click is much faster and more distinct than saying "good dog" and much more effective than training with treats alone. To teach a dog the meaning of the click, a treat is given immediately after clicking. Once the dog learns the positive effects of the clicking sound, the clicker itself acts as a conditioned reinforcer. Clickers can be found at most major pet stores and are relatively inexpensive. You can easily train your dog to respond to the clicker. Then you will be able to move on to basic and advanced training. Using a step-by-step training technique is often referred to as "loading" the clicker. Tie Clicker Training to Rewards. Clicker training is not meant to completely replace the use of treats. The sound of the click instantly tells the dog that what it has done will earn it a reward. To emphasize this, clicks should frequently be followed by treats. Otherwise, the clicker will lose its effectiveness. While some clicker trainers may not give a reward every time they click, pretty much all clicker trainers continue to follow the click with a reward. It's very important to use strong rewards a lot during initial training stages, and treats are often the strongest reward for a dog. The basis of clicker training lies in operant conditioning, which is a scientific term that describes the way animals learn from the consequences of certain behaviors. Positive reinforcement is a type of operant conditioning often used in dog training. Since you will be offering a lot of treats, try to use smaller (but still enticing) treats that your dog enjoys. For an easy, low-cost option, use small pieces of unseasoned cooked turkey or chicken during your training. Start in a Calm Setting. Begin with your dog in a quiet area without any distractions. Ideally, this training should be done when your dog is hungry. Have a handful of your dog’s favorite treats ready and the clicker in your hand. Introduce the Clicker. Press the clicker. Immediately upon pressing the clicker, give your dog a treat. Repeat this click/treat combination five to 10 times. Test Your Dog. You can test your success by clicking when your dog is not paying attention to you. If your dog responds to the click by suddenly looking at you, then looking for a treat, you are ready to move on. If not, continue with the click-treat combination until your dog is aware that every click means a treat. Click for Basic Commands.Teach your dog basic commands using the clicker. At the exact moment your dog performs the desired action, press the clicker. Follow with a treat and praise. If you don't click at the right time, your dog will be confused and unsure of what action garnered the treat. One of the best things about the clicker is accuracy. The dog associates its action with the click and, subsequently, the reward. Not only does the dog better understand what it is doing, but this also makes your pup more likely to repeat the action when asked in the future. Move on to Advanced Training with the Clicker. Clicker training can also be very effective for advanced training. "You simply click for small steps toward the behavior and work the dog toward the final, completed behavior," Walker says. "This allows you to be hands-off (except for delivering the reward, of course). You don't need to manipulate the dog into position, which can often slow the process." Overall, the clicker is a very valuable tool in the training process. When creating an obedience and training program for your dog, consider using the clicker and see for yourself how well the method works. Problems and Proofing Behavior. A common mistake when using the clicker for dog training is to forget the praise. While your dog has been trained to respond to the clicker, it is also following the actions to receive praise from you. Don't ignore a dog's need for praise, love, and affection from its owner. Since clicker training is reward-based, if your dog has a low food-drive or isn't driven by rewards (or treats), this type of training likely won't be effective. Also, if you are using clicker training for more advanced movements or exercises, you need very precise hand-eye coordination and complete attention to click the clicker at the exact time you need. If you aren't able to do this, you will confuse your dog and lead to poor training.

Top Ten Dog Training Tips

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Top Ten Dog Training Tips Published by Alpha Dog Training https://alpha-dog-training-slc.com (801) 910-1700 Listen to Your Dog Learn to listen to your dog. If your dog appears to be uncomfortable meeting another dog, animal or person, don’t insist that he say hello. He’s telling you that he isn’t comfortable for a reason, and you should respect that. Forcing the issue can often result in bigger problems down the line. Be Generous with Your Affection Most people don’t have a problem being very clear about when they are unhappy with their dogs, but they often ignore the good stuff. Big mistake! Make sure you give your dog lots of attention when he’s doing the right thing. Does He Really Like It? Just because the bag says “a treat all dogs love” doesn’t mean your dog will automatically love it. Some dogs are very selective about what they like to eat. Soft and chewy treats are usually more exciting for your dog than hard and crunchy treats. Keep your eyes open for what he enjoys. Tell Him What You Want Him to Do There is nothing inherently wrong with telling your dog “no,” except that it doesn’t give him enough information. Instead of telling your dog “no,” tell him what you want him to do. Dogs don’t generalize well, so if your dog jumps up on someone to say hello and you say no, he may jump higher or he may jump to the left side instead of the right. A better alternative would be to ask him to “sit.” Tell him what you want him to do in order to avoid confusion. Be Consistent Whenever you’re training your dog, it’s important to get as many family members involved as possible so everyone’s on the same page. If you are telling your dog “off” when he jumps on the couch and someone else is saying “down,” while someone else is letting him hang out up there, how on earth is he ever going to learn what you want? Consistency will be the key to your success. Have Realistic Expectations Changing behavior takes time. You need to have realistic expectations about changing your dog’s behavior as well as how long it will take to change behaviors that you don’t like. Often behaviors which are “normal” doggie behaviors will take the most time such as barking, digging and jumping. Don’t Underestimate the Benefits of Feeding a High-Quality Food Feed your dog a high-quality diet with appropriate amounts of protein. If your dog spends most of his days lounging in your condo, don’t feed him food with a protein level that is ideal for dogs who herd sheep all day. You Get What You Reinforce – Not Necessarily What You Want. If your dog exhibits a behavior you don’t like, there is a strong likelihood that it’s something that has been reinforced before. A great example is when your dog brings you a toy and barks to entice you to throw it. You throw the toy. Your dog has just learned that barking gets you to do what he wants. You say “no,” and he barks even more. Heaven forbid you give in and throw the toy now! Why? Because you will have taught him persistence pays off. Before you know it you’ll have a dog that barks and barks every time he wants something. The solution? Ignore his barking or ask him to do something for you (like “sit”) before you throw his toy. Freedom Let your new dog gradually earn freedom throughout your home. A common error that many pet parents make is giving their new dog too much freedom too soon. This can easily lead to accidents relating to housetraining and destructive chewing.

Caring for Your Senior Dog

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Caring for Your Senior Dog Published by Alpha Dog Taining https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 Our senior dogs might not have the energy and spunk of a young pup, but these dogs still have plenty of personality and lots of love to give. You should also consider that most of these older animals will have already been housebroken, with their destructive days usually long behind them. They also typically require less exercise and have fewer behavioral issues than a younger pup as well. All they ask is for a comfy bed, a bowl of kibble, and a few snuggles. Who can say no to that? Don’t Skip the Exercise An older dog will start to slow down, but this doesn’t mean that you should neglect his exercise. One of the best things that you can do for an older pup is to keep them moving. Exercise is good for pets; and for senior dogs, it keeps their joints moving. Exercise will also help to keep your pup young at heart. While your dog might not be able to go on all-day hikes through the mountains, he can still go with you on casual strolls and walks. Watch for Arthritis If you notice that your dog is starting to limp or if she appears to be in distress, it could be a sign of arthritis. Many older dogs, especially larger dogs, develop arthritis in their older years, and if you suspect that your dog might have arthritis, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Your vet should be able to prescribe medication to help relieve the pain and swelling. Signs to watch for include: favoring a limb, difficulty sitting or standing, or seemingly stiff or sore joints. Stay on Top of Parasite Prevention Older dogs, like young dogs, are susceptible to parasites. But because an older dog’s immune system may be weaker, there are more potential health risks associated with fleas, ticks, worms, and other pests. Be sure to talk to your vet about worming and flea and tick treatments. Feed Them High-Quality Food If you aren’t already doing so, you should ensure that your pet has a nutritious diet. Try to feed him a high-quality, grain-free, balanced dog food –an important part of helping your pet to maintain a healthy weight. Keeping your dog at an ideal weight can help to reduce the risk of many diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and even skin problems. You may also want to consider fortifying your dog’s diet with DHA and EPA fatty acids; these could help a dog who has mobility issues caused by arthritis or a joint disease. Check Their Teeth Brushing your dog’s teeth might sound silly, but keeping their teeth in good shape is an excellent preventative measure that will help to keep them healthy. Tarter build-up can lead to gingivitis, which can cause bacteria to get into the bloodstream –wreaking havoc on your dog’s organs. Make Your Home Senior Friendly Whether you own your home or are residing in rented accommodation; there’s a lot that you can do to make your place as comfortable as possible for your senior friend. Keep in mind that as your dog gets older, she might have a hard time making the trek up and down the stairs. You might consider giving her a comfortable bed –and placing food and water at ground level. Schedule Regular Checkups It’s important to schedule regular visits with your veterinarian. Your senior pet should be examined once a year if there are no apparent health issues, and should be taken in sooner if you notice that something’s wrong. Ask your vet for a body condition evaluation every visit; this will inform you if your pet is overweight, underweight, or an ideal weight. Since overweight dogs have a higher incidence of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer –helping your dog to maintain a healthy weight is important!

10 Wonderful Dog Training Tips

1. Understand that a puppy is an infant dog – not a miniature adult. Adjust your expectations accordingly, considering his physical and mental limitations. Before you know it, he will be grown up! 2. Puppy-proof your house with baby gates, a crate, and/or a pen. Any time the puppy is not directly supervised, he should be in a safe place where he can’t get into trouble. Provide appropriate safe toys for him to chew. Nobody would think of giving a human toddler total freedom in a home, and puppies need the same careful supervision. Eliminating opportunities for accidents and destructive behavior will get you through the puppy phase with most of your stuff intact! This helps make sure that bad habits never get a chance to take hold. 3. Dogs are not born understanding English. The new puppy you brought home two days ago has no idea what the word “no” means. Instead of expecting him to drop whatever it is he’s doing, show him what you want him to do instead. 4. Learn about dog body language. Your dog may not be able to talk, but he can tell you how he feels. This is a good place to start learning what he’s saying: /content/entertainment/articles/how-to-read-dog-body-language/ 5. Train with high-value treats. You will be amazed at how much harder your dog will work for a tiny piece of chicken breast, cheese, or liver, compared to even premium store-bought treats. Those may work in distraction-free settings, but when the job gets more difficult, you need to bring out the good stuff. Training treats should be soft, so you don’t have to wait for Rover to chew before continuing the lesson. 6. Catch your dog being good. It’s easy to get caught up in scolding when your puppy is getting into trouble, but rewarding him out of the blue for being good lets him know he’s doing the right thing. 7. He’s a dog, not a human. It’s their “doggyness,” not what we think of as their similarity to humans, that makes them so lovable. Dogs don’t think like humans. They do not plot acts of revenge; they are just trying to do what makes them feel happy or safe. 8. Dogs do the things that we reinforce. Those behaviors you don’t like? We usually have ourselves to thank. Owners inadvertently reinforce all kinds of undesirable things, from excessive barking at the doorbell to counter surfing. Keep leaving food within reach on the counter, and your dog will learn that it’s worth his while to check. 9. Learn to be quick with treats and praise. If the treat comes more than a few seconds after your pup has done what you’ve asked, he has no idea what he did to earn it, or you may inadvertently reward the wrong behavior. He’s happy to take it, but you failed to reward what you were teaching. 10. Always be happy when your dog comes to you, whether you called him or not. A common owner complaint is that the dog does not come when called. Never punish your dog when he comes to you, no matter what he did before. Call him in a happy, playful tone and reward big when he gets to you, with treats, a toy, or praise.

12 Great Dog Training Tips

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity 12 Great Dog Training Tips Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 1. Understand that a puppy is an infant dog – not a miniature adult. Adjust your expectations accordingly, considering his physical and mental limitations. Before you know it, he will be grown up! 2. Puppy-proof your house with baby gates, a crate, and/or a pen. Any time the puppy is not directly supervised, he should be in a safe place where he can’t get into trouble. Provide appropriate safe toys for him to chew. Nobody would think of giving a human toddler total freedom in a home, and puppies need the same careful supervision. Eliminating opportunities for accidents and destructive behavior will get you through the puppy phase with most of your stuff intact! This helps make sure that bad habits never get a chance to take hold. 3. Dogs are not born understanding English. The new puppy you brought home two days ago has no idea what the word “no” means. Instead of expecting him to drop whatever it is he’s doing, show him what you want him to do instead. 4. Learn about dog body language. Your dog may not be able to talk, but he can tell you how he feels. This is a good place to start learning what he’s saying: /content/entertainment/articles/how-to-read-dog-body-language/ 5. Train with high-value treats. You will be amazed at how much harder your dog will work for a tiny piece of chicken breast, cheese, or liver, compared to even premium store-bought treats. Those may work in distraction-free settings, but when the job gets more difficult, you need to bring out the good stuff. Training treats should be soft, so you don’t have to wait for Rover to chew before continuing the lesson. 6. Catch your dog being good. It’s easy to get caught up in scolding when your puppy is getting into trouble, but rewarding him out of the blue for being good lets him know he’s doing the right thing. 7. He’s a dog, not a human. It’s their “doggyness,” not what we think of as their similarity to humans, that makes them so lovable. Dogs don’t think like humans. They do not plot acts of revenge; they are just trying to do what makes them feel happy or safe. 8. Dogs do the things that we reinforce. Those behaviors you don’t like? We usually have ourselves to thank. Owners inadvertently reinforce all kinds of undesirable things, from excessive barking at the doorbell to counter surfing. Keep leaving food within reach on the counter, and your dog will learn that it’s worth his while to check. image 2 9. Learn to be quick with treats and praise. If the treat comes more than a few seconds after your pup has done what you’ve asked, he has no idea what he did to earn it, or you may inadvertently reward the wrong behavior. He’s happy to take it, but you failed to reward what you were teaching. 10. Always be happy when your dog comes to you, whether you called him or not. A common owner complaint is that the dog does not come when called. Never punish your dog when he comes to you, no matter what he did before. Call him in a happy, playful tone and reward big when he gets to you, with treats, a toy, or praise. 11. Keep a positive attitude. If you are getting upset, your dog knows it! 12. Provide the right amount of exercise and mental stimulation. Bored dogs get into trouble. For young puppies, mental stimulation is just as tiring as physical exercise and is safer for their growing bodies. Got the hang of it? If you’re interested in taking your dog training even further, be sure to check out AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program.

How to Teach the Recall

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity How to Teach the Recall Published by Alpha Dog Training https://alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 Recall is a really important behavior to teach your dog because it helps to keep them safe and means they can enjoy all those benefits from exercise and off leash training. To teach your dog to come back to you, you'll need to be more exciting than the rest of the world! Here's how to teach your dog to come to you in six easy steps: 1. Show your dog the toy or food - you need an incentive to encourage your dog to come back - a really tasty treat or a fun game with a toy. (Dogs are only trained with praise and happiness!) 2. Run away a couple of paces then call your dog's name and say 'come' in a friendly, exciting tone - getting down low can also encourage them to come back. 3. Gently hold your dog's collar as they come to you, and either feed them the treat or let them play with the toy. 4. Gradually increase the distance that you are from your dog until eventually, you can call your dog in and out of the garden or from room to room. 5. Ask a friend or partner to help take it in turns to gently hold your dog's collar whilst the other one walks a distance away and then calls the dog over. Don't forget to praise the dog each time this is a success. 6. Practice in safe outside spaces - once your dog is consistently coming to you when called around the house and garden you can start to practise in safe outside spaces. Long training leads can be helpful for practicing recall when outside, as they allow your dog some freedom without giving them complete free range at this stage. Extra tips: • Only call when you're going to praise your dog - don't call your dog and then tell them off, as it means they will be less likely to come back next time you call. • Don't only call your dog to put them back on the lead - they'll soon make the association and be reluctant to come back. • Always take your dog's favourite treats and toys with you when practising this command on walks, so you can continue to reward him when he comes back.

10 Tips for Training Your New Dog

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity 10 Training Tips for Your New Dog Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 Tip 1: Choose Your Dog's Name Wisely Part of the fun of bringing home a new puppy or dog is finding the perfect name for them. But did you know certain names are better for training? It helps to consider a short name ending with a strong consonant that they can always hear clearly. A strong ending, like in the names “Jasper,” “Jack” and “Ginger,” perks up puppy ears — especially when you place emphasis at the end. Tip 2: Decide on the House Rules Before your new furry pal comes home, decide what they can and can’t do. Are they allowed on the bed or the furniture? Are parts of the house off limits? Will they have their own chair at your dining table? If the rules are determined early, you can avoid confusion — for both of you. Tip 3: Set Up a Private Den Like humans, dogs need their own space. As early as possible, give your pup their own private sleeping place, such as a crate. Your dog will benefit from short periods left alone in the comfort and safety of their den; it can also be a valuable tool for housetraining. Be sure to reward your puppy or dog if they remain relaxed and quiet in their den. Tip 4: Help Your Dog Relax When your puppy gets home, give them a warm hot-water bottle and put a ticking clock near their sleeping area. This imitates the heat and heartbeat of litter mates and will soothe your puppy in their new environment. Tip 5: Reward Good Behavior Reward your puppy or dog’s good behavior with positive reinforcement. Use toys, love and lots of praise — and don’t forget the treats. Let hem know when they’re getting it right. Along those same lines, never reward bad behavior, as it’ll only confuse them. Tip 6: Teach Your Pup to Come When Called Come, Jasper! Good boy! The first command you teach your pet should be to come. Get down on their level and tell your pup to come using their name. When they do, get excited and use lots of positive reinforcement. Next time, try the “come” command when they’re distracted with food or a toy. As your puppy gets older, you’ll continue to see the benefits of perfecting this command. Tip 7: Train on "Dog Time" Puppies and dogs live in the moment — two minutes after they’ve done something, they’ve already forgotten about it. So, when your pup is doing something bad, use your chosen training technique right away so they have a chance to make the association between the behavior and the correction. Consistent repetition will reinforce what they’ve learned. Tip 8: Discourage Jumping Right Away Puppies love to jump up in greeting, and some adult dogs have learned bad habits. When your puppy or dog jumps on a person, don’t reprimand them; just turn your back on them, ignore the behavior and wait until they settle down before giving positive reinforcement. Never encourage jumping behavior by patting or praising your dog when they’re in a “jumping up” position. Tip 9: Say No to Biting and Nipping Instead of scolding your new pet, a great way to discourage your mouthy canine is to pretend you’re in a lot of pain when they bite or nip you — a sharp, loud yell should work. Most dogs are so surprised that they stop immediately. Tip 10: End Training Sessions on a Positive Note Your puppy or dog has worked hard to please you throughout their training. Leave them with lots of praise, treats, some petting or five minutes of play. This almost guarantees they’ll show up at their next class or training session with their tail wagging, ready to work! Bonus tip: When your puppy is old enough, think about getting them neutered or spayed. The same goes if you adopt a dog. A neutered or spayed dog might be more docile, less aggressive and more open to successful training.

The Basics of Dog Ownership

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity The Basics of Dog Ownership Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 The Basics of Dog Ownership. An easy-to-read guide for first-time or long-time dog owners. If you are looking to adopt a dog, then chances are you’re a thoughtful, caring person who understands that welcoming a furry friend into your relatively less furry family comes with a lot of responsibility. It’s easy to be caught off guard by all that goes into dog ownership. It’s also easy to be scared away from what could be a fulfilling and meaningful experience because you worry that you’re not up to the job. Up Your Dog IQ! Fortunately, now there’s a place where you can go to read everything you need to know about what goes into dog ownership so you can be confident that your beautiful friendship gets off on the right step. “The Basics of Dog Ownership,” the essential first-time dog owner guide, from Michelson Found Animals is 24 lively, easy-to-read pages containing all the essential information about caring for your canine compadre. This dog care guide will tell you how to take care of a dog with the exercise they need (and, in the process, the exercise you need). You’ll learn how to groom your dog, be it Pitbull or Pekinese, including how to give your dog a bath and how often. Plus, you'll learn what to feed your dog and how often. There is an important section on how to team up with a good vet to keep your dog healthy and happy (after they leave the vet’s office, that is). Learn What You Need to Know About Your New Dog. There is a lot of great information in this first-time dog owner’s guide on how to protect your dog from getting lost or stolen including the free microchip registry, licensing, and identification. There’s also a section on “Dealing with Behavioral Issues,” which may save you a fortune on a doggie psychiatrist. And the book closes with a section titled, “Your New Dog and You” because that is what it’s all about, the beginning of a new relationship.

Why Get a Dog?

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Why Get a Dog? Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 Unconditional love. Devoted companionship. Constant entertainment. Most of us dog lovers know that life is better with a dog. But is that knowledge based on a feeling—or is there something else at work? There is: Science. Spending time with canine companions does wonders for your wellbeing. Recent research shows that owning a dog is good for you physically and emotionally. Dogs make us happier, healthier, and help us cope with a crisis—and can even help you get a date. 1. Dogs make us feel less alone. Dogs can be there for you even when people can’t. They offer unconditional love, emotional support, and constant cuddles that help stave off social isolation. 2. Dogs are good for your heart. Owning a dog can help you live longer. Dog owners have a lower risk of death. Studies suggest that dog owners have lower blood pressure levels and improved responses to stress. 3. Dogs help you stop stressing out. Your canine companion can offer comfort and ease your worries. Studies show that dogs and therapy dogs help alleviate stress and anxiety. 4. Dogs help us cope with crisis Dogs help us recover psychologically from a crisis. Military veterans with PTSD do better both physiologically and psychologically when they have a service dog. Veterans with a service dog had significantly fewer symptoms of PTSD and showed improved coping skills. 5. Dogs encourage you to move. Those long treks along sidewalks, trails, and paths add up. Dog owners are nearly four times more likely than non-dog owners to meet daily physical activity guidelines. 6. Dogs make you more attractive—even virtually. If you’re looking for a date, it might be time to get a dog. A dog’s presence may make people appear more likeable and attractive. Studies show men are more likely to get a woman’s phone number when they had a dog with them. In another study researchers asked individuals to rate people in photographs and found that people looked happier and more relaxed when they appeared with a dog. 7. Dogs make us more social. Walking with a canine companion can make us more approachable and give people a conversation starter. 8. Dogs are so adorable they make us love them There’s a reason why puppies are so irresistible: a dog’s facial features possess an “infant schema.” These “social releasers” trigger an innate caregiver response in humans. So, the next time you can’t stop watching that dog video, know those big eyes and floppy ears are scientifically appealing. 9. Dogs make us happier Just looking at a dog can lift your spirits: a 2009 study found that staring into your dog’s eyes raises your level of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.” Besides the general health benefits of owning a dog, they are natural mood boosters. 10. Dogs help seniors with cognitive function and social interaction. Studies exploring the effects of dogs on seniors found positive results. A four-footed best friend provides unconditional love and support, which is especially important during tough times. Though people may think we’re taking care of our canine companions, it’s mutual: Dogs take care of us, too.

Can Dogs Eat Turkey?

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Can Dogs Eat Turkey? Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 Thanksgiving, for most families, is all about the bird. Hours go into the roasting and basting, and once the feast is over, there are turkey sandwiches, turkey potpies, and turkey casseroles to make. In the midst of all of that leftover turkey, it is tempting to slip our dogs some meat, or even make them up a plate of it as a special treat. But can dogs eat turkey? Is it good for them? Are there risks? Here is what you need to know about feeding turkey to dogs to get your dog through the holidays safely. Can Dogs Eat Turkey? The short answer is “yes and no.” Turkey is not toxic to dogs. It is an ingredient in many commercial dog foods and is rich in nutrients like protein, riboflavin, and phosphorous. When cooked plain, under the guidance of a veterinarian, it can be an essential part of a homemade dog food diet. Thanksgiving turkeys, however, are rarely cooked plain. We rub our birds with butter and oils and season them with salt, pepper, herbs, and spices. We stuff them full of stuffing, onions, garlic, and more herbs. To us, this is delicious. For our dogs, it is a recipe for unpleasant digestive upset at best, and pancreatitis at worst. How to Feed Your Dog Turkey Safely If you decide to feed your dog turkey this Thanksgiving, there are a few things you need to know to do it safely. 1. Skip the skin. All of that fat and seasoning is dangerous for dogs. The fat content can cause pancreatitis, and the seasonings can irritate your dog’s stomach. 2. Make sure you only feed your dog turkey meat. Onions are toxic to dogs, and garlic is potentially toxic in large quantities. 3. Feed your dog only small quantities of turkey, and talk to your vet about adding food scraps into your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has a preexisting health condition, like diabetes. 4. Make sure there are no bones in the meat you feed your dog. Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bones? Poultry bones, especially cooked poultry bones, are brittle. This, combined with their small size, makes them very dangerous for dogs. Any type of poultry bones can cause the following problems: • Mouth and tongue injuries • Obstruction of the throat or intestinal tract • Choking • Bone fragments can pierce the lining of stomachs and intestines • Constipation • Rectal bleeding from sharp bone fragments • Blockages that require emergency surgery If you want to give your dog a bone, try a large hardy nylon or rubber chew toy bone or another size-appropriate chew toy. Some of them are even flavored and teeth-cleaning, and your dog will live to chew another day. If you really want to treat your dog and get into the holiday spirit, consider a dog advent calendar. The Verdict Yes, you can feed your dog turkey safely, as long as you follow these guidelines. However, feeding table scraps to dogs on a regular basis can lead to obesity, which causes a host of problems, including diabetes, hypertension, joint stress, and hip dysplasia. If you have any more questions, talk with your vet about how to feed turkey safely to your dog.

How to Adopt a Dog

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity How to Adopt a Dog Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 Adopting a dog is a big step. There are a lot of things to consider, from choosing the right one for your lifestyle to deciding where to adopt from. Choosing the Perfect Dog for You To find the perfect dog for you, you’ll have to do some research. By exploring various breeds, their energy levels, grooming needs and more, you can ensure the dog you bring into your home fits seamlessly into your life. You can use our breed selector, which asks a series of questions about your lifestyle and preferences to suggest appropriate breeds. You can also explore different breeds, sorting by athleticism, appearance and other factors to find the right dog for you. Where to Adopt Your Dog Once you understand the type of dog you’re looking for, it’s time to start your search. There are plenty of options when it comes to adopting a dog, which we’ve outlined below. • Breeder: You may want to visit a breeder if you’re looking for a specific breed and have questions about personality, health conditions and other considerations. Keep in mind, this is probably the most expensive route, but by going through a reputable breeder, you know exactly where your dog came from and may even have the opportunity to meet his litter mates, mother and father. • • Shelters: If you want a purebred dog but prefer not to go through a breeder, shelters are another great option. They often have a surprising number of purebreds and many other types of dogs. These facilities house animals for many different reasons and are operated by organizations dedicated to animal welfare, like a humane society, or by a municipal or county government. They usually have a wide variety of dogs in need of loving homes, and some may have already acquired basic house training and cooperative skills. • • Rescue Organizations: Like shelters, rescue organizations are dedicated to animal welfare, but they may not have a dedicated facility to house and care for their adoptable pets. Rescues care for a much smaller number of animals through a network of private foster homes rather than in a shelter. Volunteers or staff members often foster one or more animals at a time to provide temporary, in-home care. As foster parents care for pets in their home, they learn a lot about the dog’s personality and behavior. Start Your Search Today If you’re anxious to start the search for your new four-legged friend, visit Petfinder.com or Adopt-a-Pet.com to explore adoptable dogs near you. Wherever you choose to get your dog, we hope we’ve helped you in your search to find a companion to enrich your life with a lot of love and adventure. Before you bring your new furry family member home, stock up on dog food and treats to keep him happy and healthy.

Should My Kid Read to the Dog?

AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Should My Kid Read to the Dog!? Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 With millions of students learning from home, parents may have an unlikely teaching assistant closer than they think. A mounting body of research shows that there are benefits to kids when they read to their dog. Not only do our furry friends enjoy the companionship but kids can strengthen their confidence and interest in reading, too. Here are four reasons to consider incorporating your family pet into your child’s reading routine. 1. Improves Reading Abilities Reading to a dog may improve reading abilities, specifically reading fluency (the ability to read accurately and smoothly and quickly comprehend the content). In fact, this practice is particularly effective among home-schooled students. So, given the number of students who are suddenly experiencing a version of home-schooling, this may be a timely addition to reading lessons! 2. Helps Make Kids Comfortable For students who currently experience reading as an activity that makes them feel “self-conscious, clumsy and uncomfortable” adding a dog can create an environment of “happiness and safety.” This is likely because dogs offer a comforting, non-judgmental presence. Students reported feeling more “relaxed and confident” about reading after experiencing reading to a dog. 3. Improves Sentiments Towards Reading Children in reading-to-dog programs show an increase in their enjoyment of reading and motivation to read overall, even when a dog isn’t present. As a result, in one study, 18 percent of children reported spending more time reading for pleasure because of their participation. 4. Helps Build Self-Confidence Reading to a dog has been demonstrated to improve the child’s confidence in areas outside of reading. For example, increased involvement in school activities and decreased absenteeism in students was seen in one study after they had participated in a reading-to-dogs program.. While there haven’t yet been any studies done on whether dogs like being read to, anecdotal reports suggest that they do. It helps kids practice reading, builds empathy for pets and socializes our furry friends. So, there’s no reason not to try it out with your own pet.

Can I Feed My Dog Tuna Fish?

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Can Dogs Eat Tuna Fish? Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 Tuna Fish—especially the canned variety—is a staple product in most homes, providing the perfect quick and healthy protein for snacks and meals. But is tuna good for your dog,too? Yes, dogs can eat tuna—but only in moderation. While tuna is a common ingredient in dog food, its high mercury content can be harmful to pups in large amounts, so it's better to give less than more. Health Benefits of Tuna Fish Tuna is a saltwater fish that’s packed with protein, selenium, magnesium, and potassium, as well as vitamins B3, B6, and B12. It’s also chockful of omega-3 fatty acids. All of these things make it a fantastic part of a healthy human diet, and can also benefit dogs. When fed in moderation, tuna fish can help support your pup’s joints and immune system. It can also serve to help boost their bone strength and help them maintain a healthy amount of energy. As for those omega-3s, they’re great for making your dog’s coat thick and shiny, and may even be able to reduce bodily inflammation. However, too much of a good thing can backfire, which is why it’s smart to be aware of the risks that tuna fish can pose as well. Potential Health Concerns So long as your dog doesn’t display an aversion or any other sort of negative reaction to tuna fish, a little bit here or there is very unlikely to do any harm. Where things start to get complicated is if you’re feeding your dog too much tuna, since some varieties—particularly albacore—are quite high in mercury. This heavy metal can be poisonous when consumed in large amounts. 1 While, like people, dogs aren’t going to be poisoned from a small amount of mercury consumption, their overall tolerance is a lot lower than humans, which means they’ll reach their limit sooner than we would. The signs of mercury poisoning that you should be aware of include hair loss, vision problems, loss of coordination, and tremors. Vomiting and diarrhea are also common symptoms. If your dog is exhibiting any of these signs, call or visit your vet immediately. To be safe, keep your dog’s consumption of tuna to a minimum and feed it only as an occasional treat. Are There Types of Tuna You Should Avoid? There are a variety of different ways to enjoy tuna — but are all of them created equally when it comes to what is and isn’t safe for your dog to consume? Here’s what to know. Canned Tuna Canned tuna is probably the type that your dog is most likely to be eating since it’s what most of us have in our homes. To keep it as safe as possible, only feed your dog canned tuna that’s packed in water and not oil, and that doesn’t have any added salt. Albacore tuna will be fine in low amounts, but low-mercury picks like skipjack and yellowfin are an even better way to go. Tuna Filet A bit of tuna filet will be fine for your dog so long as it’s not cooked in butter or heavy oil and doesn’t include any seasonings beyond some light salt and pepper. If you do feed it, make sure to flake some meat off instead of providing your pup with an entire filet, especially if there are bones. If you are cooking your tuna with sauteed onion or garlic, don't offer any to your pooch as both these ingredients are toxic for dogs. Raw Tuna Dogs have hearty stomachs and can tolerate raw fish a lot better than we can. That being said, raw fish can harbor dangerous intestinal parasites so, to be on the safe side, it’s best to avoid feeding it to your dog. T he verdict: feel free to share some plain tuna fish with your dog, but keep it as a limited treat, instead of a regular indulgence.

Exercising Your Dog

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Exercising Your Dog Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ A healthy dose of exercise is beneficial for your dog. Knowing how much exercise your dog needs and how often he needs it starts with factoring in his age, size and health. Know Your Dog’s Needs As you exercise with your dog, consider his needs and present physical condition. Leisurely walks may be best for an older dog, while a young dog is more likely to have ample energy for something more vigorous. Find the Right Activity If your dog has more energy to expend than you do, teach him to fetch a ball or a flying disc. The activity may be just right for you and a challenging exercise for your dog. Ease Into It If, for whatever reason, you have not exercised your dog regularly and decide to launch a regular exercise program, go slowly at first. Begin with short periods of activity at slow speeds and gradually increase the time, speed and distance of the exercise. We wish you luck on finding the right exercise regimen for your dog. Regular exercise is a key component to a healthy lifestyle for your dog.

Dogs and Children Growing Up Together

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity 5 Benefits of Dogs and Children Growing Up Together Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www,alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 Most children love dogs. They're cute, cuddly, and oh-so-friendly. But did you know that growing up with a dog can actually benefit a child's physical and psychological development? Here are some of the many benefits of dogs being in children's lives. Benefits of Kids and Dogs Growing Up Together 1. Constant Companionship Although childhood isn't always easy, having a pet provides constant companionship through the ups and downs. Dogs can be a great source of comfort for kids — even when they're coming to grips with difficult life lessons. Whenever kids feel sad, angry, or afraid, they can always turn to their pet. Petting and cuddling dogs has also been shown to relieve stress and help people relax. 2. A More Active Lifestyle Caring for a dog also encourages a more active lifestyle. Kids with dogs exercise eleven minutes a day more than their non-dog owning peers. That might not sound like a lot, but over a week or month, it really adds up. Many dogs require daily walks or runs and plenty of play time. Those adorable puppy eyes they give you are sure to motivate you — even when you're not feeling up to it. 3. Learning Responsibility Having a pet is a great way to teach responsibility to kids. Making sure that the family dog has food and water gives children a first glimpse of accountability and obligation. Children also learn empathy and compassion by caring for their pet, while developing a higher level of self-esteem by taking care of their pet-owning responsibilities. 4. Health Is Wealth Studies have found that babies raised in close contact with a pet get sick less often in their first year of life, meaning fewer visits to the doctor's office. Exposure to pet dander and the microbes that pets carry into the home from the outdoors is suggested to improve babies' developing immune systems. Research has also found that children who grow up with dogs experience a reduced risk of allergies. 5. Don't Worry, Be Happy! Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of dogs in early childhood is simply that they make children happy! Interaction with animals has been proven to raise levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are the chemical building blocks of positive feelings. All science aside, playing and interacting with dogs is just plain fun — and it's bound to brighten any kid's day. Growing up with a dog can enrich the lives of children in so many ways. Having a dog join your family may be one of the greatest gifts we can give our kids.

How to Feed Your Puppy

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity How to Feed Your Puppy Published by Alpha Dog Training of Utah https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 Whether you’re shopping for puppy food in store or online, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. With so many options to choose from, how do you know what to feed your puppy? Good nutrition is important for growing puppies. A quality food now can help ensure your puppy grows into a happy, healthy dog. Here are some tips to help you find the right food for your puppy. Importance of Feeding Puppy Food Simply put, puppies need puppy food. Puppies grow fast and need a high-calorie, nutrient-dense food to support their growth and development. Expect to feed puppy food for about a year, or until your pup reaches full maturity. What to Feed Your Puppy Although puppies need puppy food, it’s not that simple when there are so many to choose from. Puppy food comes in a variety of options, from dry kibble to canned wet food. Plus, there are formulas for large and small breeds and other specific health needs. Regardless of the specific type of food you choose, there are essential nutrients all puppy food should contain. Key nutrients to look for in a high-quality puppy food include: • High-quality sources of protein to support a growing body • Minerals like calcium and phosphorous to support growing bones and teeth • High-quality fats to support growth and energy • Antioxidants to support your puppy’s developing immune system • DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, to support brain and vision development If your puppy’s food contains these essential nutrients, you can feel confident he’s getting the nutrition he needs to grow up healthy and strong. Dry vs. Wet Puppy Food Many puppy foods are available in dry or wet varieties. Both are a healthy and tasty option. Just make sure they’re both complete and balanced. Some wet foods are “all meat,” which won’t satisfy your puppy’s nutritional requirements. If you’re trying to decide between dry and wet food, there are a few different factors to consider. Most puppy owners find dry food more convenient since it doesn’t spoil as easily. You can feed either wet or dry food exclusively or a combination of the two. Regardless of which option you choose, ensure you aren’t exceeding the total recommended daily calories based on your puppy’s size. If you decide to incorporate both wet and dry food into your puppy’s feeding program, it is critical to understand that the caloric contribution of both should not exceed your puppy’s daily caloric or energy requirements. The caloric content is reported on the packaging, and you should use these values to understand how much wet product will replace the dry and vice versa. One thirteen-ounce can of wet food may contain four hundred and seventy-five kilocalories and replace approximately one cup of dry puppy formula. In this scenario, you could substitute a thirteen-ounce can of wet food for one cup of the daily dry food recommendation.” Remember, as your puppy grows, his body condition may change rapidly, so it is important to adjust as necessary to maintain his ideal body weight. You can find more feeding and calorie information on the brand’s website or consult your veterinarian to assist you in developing a feeding plan specific to your puppy’s needs. Large vs. Small Breed Puppy Formulas Dry or wet isn’t the only thing to consider when choosing a puppy food. You also need to factor in your puppy’s breed size. Large breed puppies have a higher risk of developing joint problems as adults. Feeding a large breed-specific puppy food can help support joint health and mobility into adulthood. Small breed puppies have smaller mouths, so they may prefer the smaller kibble found in small breed-specific puppy formulas. Small breed puppies also have a higher metabolism and therefore require more energy and a more nutrient dense diet. How & When to Feed Puppies Choose a quiet place for your puppy’s food and water bowls away from distractions and temptations like food prep areas and dining tables. Give your puppy three equal-sized meals each day. Establish a feeding routine or schedule by feeding him the same amount of food at the same times each day, which can make housetraining easier. Avoid overfeeding your puppy, as this can lead to excessive weight gain and other health problems. This includes treats, which should make up no more than 10 percent of his daily caloric intake.

What Should Your Dog's Poop Look Like

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity What Should Your Dog’s Poop Look Like Published by Alpha Dog Training of Utah https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 When your dog is healthy, his poop shows it. It can be large, firm and range in shades of brown. A sudden change, like blood in your dog’s stool, tells you something is wrong. You can tell the health of your dog simply by looking at your dog’s poop. The proof of a pet’s digestive health is in the poop. There are several ways to evaluate your dog’s digestive health: • Frequency: your dog should poop at least one time a day. • Color: may depend on the food you feed your dog • Consistency: firm stools are ideal What does blood in dog stool look like? If your dog is pooping blood, it is a sign of a problem. Blood in your dog's poop (or stool) can show up in a couple of ways. • Bright red with streaks • Black and tar-like What can blood in dog stool mean? If your dog is pooping blood, or you suspect he is, call your veterinarian. No worries about sharing too many details. The more thorough your description, the easier it will be for your veterinarian determine what is happening. Blood in your dog's poop (or stool) can show up in a couple of ways: • Black and tar-like: may indicate blood that has been digested • Bright red with streaks: may indicate that a little blood has been digested, if at all How will your veterinarian evaluate your dog’s stool? Your veterinarian may ask you to bring a sample of your dog’s poop. And she will ask you what you’ve noticed: diarrhea, straining, a change in frequency or mucus in the poop. Vets use tools like an in-depth microflora analysis, a Fecal Score System and a texture analyzer. How are dog stools evaluated for health? There are many characteristics to look at beyond the presence of blood in dog stool. They include: • Stool form • Odor • Fecal density • Stickiness • Food digestibility • Nutrient absorption • Stool bacterial levels • Composition • Presence of parasites What role does microflora have in your dog’s digestive health? A healthy gut microflora balance can help promote a healthy immune system, healthy digestibility and good stool quality. A good balance of microflora in your dog's digestive system can also: • Produce nutrients • Promote nutrient absorption • Boost overall health How to promote your dog’s digestive health? You don’t have to wait until your dog has a digestive issue. Here are some proactive steps you can take today: • Pay attention to your dog’s poop • Determine what is normal for him • Take note of blood or mucus in your dog’s poop • Talk to your veterinarian about changes you see Switch Your Pet’s Food Responsibly To avoid digestive upset, transition your pet’s food slowly over 7-10 days. Each day gradually add more of your pet’s new food as you decrease the amount of the previous food.

Assissing Your Dog's Weight

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Assessing Your Dog’s Weight Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 Assessing Your Dog’s Weight Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important concerns when it comes to your dog’s health. Factors like diet and exercise in the right amounts can help keep your dog at an ideal weight. Do You Need to Adjust Your Dog’s Diet? Here are 3 simple ways to tell if your dog's diet needs an adjustment. • Rib Check: Place both of your thumbs on your dog's backbone and spread both hands across his rib cage. You want to be able to feel his ribs. Actually, feeling your dog is important, as the coat of many dogs will make a visual check difficult. • • Profile Check: Examine your dog's profile – it’s best if you are level with your dog. Look for the abdomen to be tucked up behind his rib cage - this is ideal. • • Overhead Check: Looking at your dog from overhead, identify whether you can see a waist behind his ribs. Most dogs at a healthy weight should have an hourglass figure. If you find that your dog's ribs and waistline aren't where they're supposed to be, adjust the amount of food offered accordingly and consider more exercise. Hopefully these tips will help you keep your dog healthy and fit.

Teaching your Puppy to be a Good Neighbor

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-17-- You understand that establishing good neighbor relations means being respectful of other peoples’ property and well-being. This goes for your canine loved one as well. Here are a few helpful tips to keep peace in the neighborhood… • When you walk your puppy, keep him off private property, unless you have permission from the owner first. • Pick up after your puppy. Pick up your puppy’s waste promptly all the time, and everyone will be happier. If you have kids, this task could be an opportunity to learn about responsibility. • Prevent fence running and barking. If your puppy does this, particularly if he is a large breed puppy, it could be something your neighbors won’t like. Supervise closely during social hour. • Manage barking. If puppy is barking outside, bring him in. If he barks inside and you can’t control it, it’s time to get some professional training. After all, minimal barking makes for minimal headaches all around. • Keep puppy on a leash. It may seem like common sense, but allowing your puppy to run loose outdoors can be dangerous for him, and possibly for others. Even if your puppy is impeccably behaved, it’s still a good idea to keep him on a leash for safety reasons. • Keep puppy health. Feed him nutritionally complete and balanced puppy food such as Purina® Puppy Chow®. Take your puppy to the veterinarian regularly to keep his vaccinations current, and be certain he is free from internal and external parasites. • Identification. Proper identification for your puppy is important. Puppies should wear collars with an identification tag. Be sure to follow your city’s rules and regulations regarding puppy registration. • Have fun! Introduce your puppy to other neighborhood puppies early on. Go for group walks or take a trip to the puppy park with other owners in your area. It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors, and your puppy may enjoy the company of a new playmate or two.

Your Puppy and Your Apartment

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtraningsaltlakecity Your Puppy and Your Apartment Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 For your puppy, living in an apartment isn’t just having a different amount of space. It’s a different way of life. Make it easy on them… and you… with these tips. Make room for playtime. Outdoor space will be limited in an apartment complex, so scope out the territory for parks and available grass for walks and play. Be sure to take waste-scooping materials when you and your puppy head outside. If your pup will stay mostly indoors, make a designated play space he can get used to. Keep toys in the house in one place, like in a basket in the corner, to help maintain and define the space. Commit to training. Training is very important to make your puppy a good neighbor and to help keep him safe. Immediate obedience to commands like "Down" and "Come" may keep your pup safe if he slips out of his collar or his leash is dropped in a busy area, especially one with lots of car traffic. Keep clean. No one wants to live with someone who smells. Bathe your pup as necessary (remembering that puppies require fewer baths than humans). Brush your puppy regularly, getting rid of hair or fur, to prevent excessive shedding. Establish boundaries. Don’t allow your new puppy, as cute as he may be, to sleep on your bed. Your pup should know to go to his crate or other bed area at night. This will help communicate what is your space and it will keep your bed clean. Be prepared for loud noises. Puppies are often startled by the unpredictable nature of urban areas. Help reassure your puppy that urban sights and sounds are not threatening. Remain calm and "happy" when unexpected and startling things happen, such as sirens and other noise. Praise and help reinforce your puppy's positive, controlled behavior in these situations. With proper care, training, and management, even seemingly unlikely breeds and breed mixes can cope with urban living. Although puppies need room to run, what’s more important is the quality of your interaction and attention.

Why Does My Dog Jump on People?

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Why Does My Dog Jump on People? Published by Alpha Dog Training of Utah https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com (801) 910-1700

For most dogs, jumping begins early in life. Tiny puppies jump up to lick and sniff at adult dogs’ faces. Jumping up on other dogs is a normal greeting ritual for puppies, and as the puppies mature, they no longer need to jump to sniff noses and breath, and thus naturally stop doing this. Puppies who are well-socialized tend to grow out of this behavior quickly, and no longer jump up on other dogs except in play by the time they’re 4-6 months old. Of course, puppies don’t just jump on other dogs. They also jump on people. Unfortunately, most people then proceed to pet, talk to, or play with the puppy, thus reinforcing the jumping. It’s always a good rule not to encourage your puppy to do anything you don’t wish him to do as an adult. If your dog jumps on people in a friendly way to greet them, there are three simple things that you can do to address this. The first is to make sure that it doesn’t get rewarded. If you greet your dog happily when he jumps on you while you’re wearing jeans but get upset when he does the same thing while you’re wearing your dry-clean-only work clothes, that’s not fair. Behaviors that are rewarded tend to get repeated, so if you don’t want your dog to jump up sometimes make sure that you don’t ever encourage him to do so. Sometimes we also unintentionally reward jumping. For many dogs, negative attention is still preferable to no attention at all, and these dogs will frequently learn that jumping up is a great way to earn the attention they seek. In this case, the more you yell at your dog and push him down, the more likely he is to jump up on you, because it’s earning him the attention he desires. Once you’ve made sure that jumping isn’t being rewarded, it’s important to prevent your dog from jumping up. Remember that practice makes perfect, so the more chances your dog gets to jump on people, the better he’s going to get at it. Preventing your dog from jumping up can take several forms. A leash can be one easy way to prevent your dog from jumping on visitors. Hang a spare leash right next to the door so that you can easily leash your dog up before opening the door for visitors. Then simply stand on the leash, allowing your dog enough slack to comfortably sit, stand, or lie down, but not to jump. You could also consider using a baby gate to keep your dog away from visitors until he calms down. If your dog jumps on you, it’s helpful to prevent this as well. One easy way to do this is to use some of your dog’s daily food or some small training treats to give him something better to do than jumping. When you are about to greet your dog after an absence or when he’s very excited and likely to jump, arm yourself with the food or treats before you see your dog. This may mean that you need to keep some food or training treats outside your door or in your pocket. As soon as you enter the area where your dog is kept, toss the food or treats on the ground. Timing is important here – you want to have the first thing your dog notices be the fact that you’re tossing goodies on the ground, so that you catch him before he even begins jumping. As your dog vacuums up the treats, you can pet him and greet him, thereby reinforcing his four-on-the-floor behavior. Once your dog is no longer getting rewarded for jumping or getting the chance to practice jumping, you can teach him what you’d like him to do instead. This is an important step, because dogs do best if we can tell them what to do rather than just what not to do. Many people teach their dogs to sit before greeting others, and this can be one great option. Active dogs may also do well if they’re taught to go fetch a toy or to perform some other behavior that allows them to release some of their excited energy.

The Three Popular Dog Training Methods

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity The Three Popular Dog Training Methods Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com (801) 910-1700 So, you decided to add a dog to your family. Congratulations! And, you’ve finally gotten settled with young Fido, but now that you’ve been able to spend some quality time with him, you realize that there may be more to pet-ownership than you considered. Training a dog can be one of the most arduous tasks of pet-ownership, but it’s necessary in order to keep your family and your dog happy — and you, sane! There are a few different approaches families can take to train a pet. Every dog trainer and pet manual seems to advocate a different style for teaching your pup. Though it seems confusing at first, they all boil down to three main techniques: the traditional dominance method, the scientific method, and the positive reinforcement method. The first two are the most widely used methods, and science-based training is becoming more popular, as veterinarians continue to research and understand dogs and what makes them tick — and wag. Traditional Dominance Training The traditional method of training became popular around World War II, when the military used force to train dogs and ensure that they followed commands. Traditional trainers will use corrections such as yanking a leash when attempting to get a dog to heel or using a shock collar to assure a dog stays within limits. Similarly, popular dog trainer Cesar Millan would probably fit best in the traditional training category, as he uses dominance theory in his training methods. Dominance theory draws much of its principles from information gathered from studies done on wolf packs, and has become somewhat controversial since Millan’s show, “The Dog Whisperer." Scientific Training “There are more effective, quicker, more humane techniques, based on the appropriate control of resources, use of good communication interaction patterns and positive techniques, which are more effective and have better durability.” In the science-based method, rewards are given when the dog performs adequately and taken away for unwanted behaviors. This method involves trainers working “with the dog” instead of simply commanding the dog. With this approach, animals are taught the desired behaviors first using rewards, but also taught that the unwanted behaviors don’t work it’s clear the dog will not get it.” So the dog learns that the unwanted jumping behavior does not work, only the polite sitting behavior works. And force and coercion are not needed. The polite sitting behavior is rewarded which leads to “positive reinforcement.” Positive Reinforcement Training The final method of training is one where the dog is supposedly never reprimanded and only ever rewarded for his actions. Unwanted behaviors are simply ignored. Trainers who use clickers and only positive reinforcement without applying any negative reinforcement This method doesn’t work effectively because it can’t teach the dog that he is doing something wrong. This method fails to help dogs understand which behaviors they should avoid and worse, by ignoring unwanted behavior, it allows the dogs to actually get rewarded for these behaviors. In general, a healthy medium between positive reinforcement and clear rules is best, found in the science-based method and what is recommended by veterinarians today. There are a few concepts that do pervade all schools of thought, however. The trainer needs to have the skill and knowledge necessary to provide “guidance” for the dog. Positive feedback and strong communication between all parties involved” is the best route.

A Bit on Dog Trainers

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity A Bit About Dog Trainers Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com (801) 910-1700 Your dog trainer is more than just a teacher of “sit,” “down” and “come.” Sure, dog trainers know a ton about how to motivate our canine clients, but our commitment to our students, both canine and human, is deeper than you might realize. You might think that once you walk out of the training facility or your private trainer leaves your house that we forget about you until the next time we’re scheduled to meet. Think again. Our clients’ challenges become our own, which means that you’re frequently in our thoughts during our off hours. We’ll strategize the best ways to assist you to get the job done, or stress out when setbacks happen. We want nothing more than to help you and your dog succeed, and we’ll do everything in our power to help you get there.

Many dog trainers use their own dogs as examples of their training prowess, while others (yours truly included) would rather not. Whether it’s because some trainers take on challenging cases that make the dogs unsuited for life as a demo dog, or just because they don’t feel like training yet another dog when they get home at the end of the day, not all dog trainers have impressive specimens. Sure, our dogs know the basics, but some dog trainer’s dogs still leap on guests (guilty), beg for food during meals, and sass other dogs during walks. As the saying goes, the cobbler’s children have no shoes. A big part of our job is making life better for our canine students, and sometimes that involves telling truths that pet parents don’t want to hear. If you’re crating your dog too much, we’re going to let you know. If your new rescue dog is a danger to your beloved cat, we’re going to have that difficult conversation with you. You hire us to provide solutions, and sometimes working through them can lead to uncomfortable realizations. But trust us, we have your dog’s best interests at heart.

How Old Should My Puppy Be When I Bring Him Home?

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity How Old Should My Puppy Be When I Bring Him Home? Published by Alpha Dog Training https://alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 It’s critically important to realize that puppies need to stay with their mother and littermates through 7 weeks old, at minimum. Staying with mom and littermates during the 5-7 week period is vital. This is when puppies learn social lessons on how to control the intensity of their bite (through play with littermates), how to accept discipline and respond to it properly (through discipline from the mother), and how to correctly interpret canine body language. Pups placed in homes before going through this stage tend to play-bite harder and have exaggerated reactions to frustration. They have poor dog-to-dog communication skills. Their lack of understanding canine body language can lead to a host of problems – inability to play properly, fear, over-excitement, or even aggression toward other dogs. Another consideration is that 7 weeks is the age when most experienced breeders and animal professionals believe that puppy aptitude and temperament testing is the most reliable. If your breeder or rescue organization is doing one of these tests to help determine which puppy will be best for you, placement would be at or after 7 weeks old. That said, oftentimes pups will do better going home somewhat later than 7 weeks old, provided the breeder is equipped to train and socialize the litter. Some of the smaller breeds can take longer to mature physically, and may adjust more easily – and housetrain more readily – when they are placed at 10 or even 12 weeks of age. But I feel it’s important to say that a prospective puppy adopter needs to take extra precautions if bringing home a puppy at a later-than-usual age. While it’s always important to make sure your pup received thorough socialization, it’s absolutely critical in puppies placed past about 9 weeks old. If the pups are left to themselves, just hanging out in a pen with their littermates for those extra weeks, think twice (or more) before taking home that pup. Puppies left too long like this have a harder time forming a bond with their new families. They tend to get very competitive and play much rougher (and those habits can remain lifelong). Additionally, the shock of having to deal with the wide world can come as traumatic. Some pups never fully adjust to life in their new home. If your breeder or rescue group intends to keep their pups past 8 or 9 weeks old, do yourself a huge favor and make absolutely sure they will be actively socializing the pups individually. They must be committed to taking the time to regularly and thoughtfully introduce each pup individually to new sights, sounds, surfaces, people, animals, and places. The puppies shouldn’t be kept together night and day, but separated out with designated play periods together. Housetraining and crate training should have started. As you can imagine, this is a HUGE job, and very time-consuming. Only the most conscientious breeders and rescue groups will go to the trouble.

Tips for Socializing Your Dog

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Tips for Socializing Your Dog Published by Alpha Dog Training https://alpha-dog-training-slc.com (801) 910-1700 Tips for Socializing Your Dog Have you ever seen dogs meet for the first time? A positive first meeting is no accident. Did you know there are ways owners can set their dogs up for successful social interaction? Keep reading to learn how to introduce dogs to new pets and people. Dogs have unique personalities. Some are more social than others. But dogs can also be trained to get along with other dogs, animals and people. Socializing a dog works best when you: • Start young • • Create a safe environment • • Make socializing a priority • • Watch for signs of stress or distress • • Develop opportunities to try introductions No matter what your dog's age, it's never too late to learn how to socialize your dog. Here are some ideas to try every day:

• Play games with your dog like "fetch" to teach your dog body language and sharing. • • Interact with other dogs to help your dog interact appropriately. • • Observe your dog's emotional state. (Behaviors like cowering and tail-tucking indicate he's overwhelmed.) • • Reward good behavior. Progress deserves praise your dog will recognize.

A Well Behaved Dog

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity A Well Behaved Dog Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com (801) 910-1700 A well-behaved dog is a joy to live with, and proper dog training helps ensure that your pup can participate in almost everything you do together. Puppies can begin very simple training starting as soon as they come home, usually around 8 weeks old. Whether your goal is puppy socialization and or participating in dog sports, training is key to making your dog more confident and comfortable in a variety of situations. It’s also a lot of fun for both people and dogs. Dog training is also a considerable part of responsible dog ownership, but getting started in training might be confusing. The good news is Alpha Dog Training is here to help, whatever you and your dog need. Alpha Dog Training’s comprehensive good manners series can improve behavior and form the foundation your dog needs to participate in other sports that can be found at AKC clubs or Alpha Dog Training facilities. The Alpha Dog Training Helpline provides telephone consultation with our team of expert trainers who can offer instant information for immediate concerns. We off expert advice and guidance that you can use to teach your dog that you can apply on your own. https://alpha-dog-training-slc.com (801) 910-1700.

Teaching the "down" Command

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Teaching the “down” Command Published by Alpha Dog Training https://alpha-dog-training-slc.com (801) 910-1700 The “down” command is often one of the first behaviors I teach a new puppy. I find that it’s one of the simplest behaviors to capture and one of the most useful household manners for a dog to know. I’m always amazed at how much trouble people go to in order to teach their dog this simple behavior. There are as many methods for teaching “down” as there are trainers to teach it. If you’re working harder than your dog is to teach him something new, you’re doing something wrong. I prefer lazy training, which is why I like the “down” command. Here’s the thing: every dog has to lie down eventually. I just wait for the dog to lie down on his own, then reward him for doing so. At some point in the training process, usually after the first 10-20 rewards, there’s a lightbulb moment. This moment is one that most trainers live for, and it never fails to give me goosebumps. Suddenly, the dog realizes that his behavior is controlling my behavior. Lying down turns me into a human Pez dispenser, making delicious treats rain down like manna from heaven. Once the dog’s figured out the game, I can quickly put his down behavior on cue so that he’ll do it when I ask. Of course, just because a dog will lie down on cue at home office doesn’t mean he’ll be able to do so in the backyard, or the pet store. We’ll need to practice the behavior in each of these locations separately, but once we’ve got the behavior on cue we’re well on our way to having a solid down in any location.