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.