Pawsitive Pup Dog Training
  • Home
  • About
  • In-Home Training
  • Day Training
  • Pawsitive Pup Blog
  • Contact

Give a dog a (chew) bone !! 

1/21/2019

0 Comments

 
As a dog trainer, I get asked what kinds of chew bones are best. Have you noticed how many there are on-line and in the pet stores?
         Let’s face it, chewing is a necessary, healthy, and enjoyable activity for dogs of all ages. It keeps teeth clean, jaws strong, and keeps them engaged so they don’t become bored and destructive.
Puppies especially need appropriate energy releases and good alternatives to chewing on your antique chair while dogs like to cozy up on their bed, chew awhile, and then doze off and rest from all the mental and physical exertion! Forget the rawhides and pigs ears…try some of these instead!
Dog chew
Antlers:
I love antlers because they are odorless and take a long time to chew! They aren’t greasy or stinky so they don’t leave a mess. They’re also a good source of vitamins and minerals like zinc, calcium, potassium and manganese. They help keep tartar at bay too!
Himalayan chews:
This treat has only 3 ingredients – yak milk, cow milk and lime juice -and is all natural with no chemicals or preservatives. It can last for days for most pups because they like to work on it for awhile and chew again later. Once the chew gets small, it’s recommended to put in microwave for 30 seconds, let cool, and then you can give it back to pup to finish. Downside is they are expensive but as a special treat, well worth it!

Dog stick chews
Chicken dog chews
No Hides by Earth Animal:
 I just discovered No hides and my pups LOVE them! They look like rawhide but that’s where the similarity ends. They are fully digestible, made from organic eggs, humanely raised chicken, beef, or salmon, and have limited ingredients. They are made in the USA too! They are on the pricier side but your pup is worth the splurge.
Bully Sticks:
What can I say other than they are smelly, a bit messy but pups LOVE them! They come shaped as sticks, braided, or twists. They’re made of 100% protein and help floss the teeth. You can buy them in bulk at Costco too.
Kong dog chew
Kongs:  
These are a necessity when raising a puppy because they are made of strong rubber (and are almost indestructible) and have a hollow center to stuff treats in(to keep puppies busy and out of trouble)! They serve double duty as a chew toy and treat dispenser. They make a great training tool if you crate your pup, work long hours, or just want your pup to settle down. Try freezing them and have a few on hand to rotate.
 
Hope this gives you some new ideas to try. Dogs love variety so keep surprising them, while keeping them busy and content!

​http://www.pawsitivepupdogtraining.com/
0 Comments

Is Your Dog Only Working For Treats ?

10/2/2018

0 Comments

 
Puppy Training

If your pup ignores you unless he sees/smells food, then he hasn’t been properly trained.

Here are some suggestions to stop that from happening!
 
1.STOP using the food as a bribe. We use a yummy treat when we introduce a new behavior so the pup associates something good happening  (a treat) when I do what my human asks. It’s very important to stop showing him the treat as soon as he is easily doing what you ask…i.e. sit, down, wait, etc. You can start using your other hand to hold the treat and reward immediately. It keeps him guessing, not knowing where and if the reward is coming!
 
2. Start keeping food treats hidden in various locations in your house. Be sure to keep treating him each time, but now is the time to start keeping him guessing where the treat is coming from. Walk over, and treat as soon as he does what you ask.
 
3. Try delaying the time it takes to reward. Once your pup is readily doing what you’re asking, start counting a few seconds before rewarding.  Work up to 20 seconds before you reward.
 
4. Add a chain of commands before rewarding. We call this puppy pushups! Ask for a sit, down, stand, and then treat. You’re making him work for his treat and he’ll enjoy the challenge! If you ask for too many commands and he starts looking confused, try again and set him up for success by asking for less before treating.
 
5. Start “fading the food” lure now by mixing up when you use a food treat. Use praise and petting as a treat instead. Dogs quickly develop associations so keep mixing the pattern up.
 
6. Start using other rewards in place of food – we call these life rewards- like playing ball, tug, going for a walk, praise, petting…whatever your pup likes! Ask for a sit before playing ball and the ball becomes the reward.
 
The biggest mistake you can make is to show your pup the treats to entice him to do what you ask. You will create a dog that will hold out for treats instead of one who wants to do what you ask. Dogs do what works for them so ask them to say “please” first and then reward!

http://www.pawsitivepupdogtraining.com/

0 Comments

    Pawsitive Pup Perceptive Points

    Author

    Barb is a dog trainer in Camarillo CA.

    Archives

    January 2019
    October 2018

    Categories

    All
    Dog Training Tips

Picture

Check out our Doggie Day Care and Dog Kennel INN Camarillo/Santa Rosa Valley

What Our Clients Are Saying

Would recommend A+
"Barb is an absolute pleasure to work with. We just can't believe that our 10 year old rescue dog has learned so much so quickly! She has the magic touch with him, and actually spent plenty of time with my husband and I to teach us as well!"

Contact Us

805-586-4390
​925-212-0136 Cell

Email
WWW.LaughingDogInn.com
Photo used under Creative Commons from docoverachiever
  • Home
  • About
  • In-Home Training
  • Day Training
  • Pawsitive Pup Blog
  • Contact