Category: Pet Care

The Importance of Off-Leash Dog Training

Dogs are, by nature, animals that like to learn, but not all the owners know where to start when it comes to training. Usually, the process is not a complicated one, that is, if you respect some basic rules are in the process. If you feel that you do not have the time to train your quadruped friend, seek advice from a professional dog trainer.

Usually, when they have all the necessary conditions, dogs learn new skills easily. Even if owners resort to a training specialist, they must bear in mind that the training does not end once the sessions are over, but must be continued at home. In order to successfully train a dog, the commands must be repeated regularly and, of course, with a lot of patience.

Training based solely on a leash has been the method most often used by trainers since ancient times. In general, this accessory is used when the training process begins, to teach the dog to respond consistently to commands; then, you can progressively consider off-leash training.

off leash dog training Colorado

There are two ways to use the leash for training: to teach your pet commands such as “Come” or “Sit”, or to stop their bad habits such as digging, jumping, etc.  But remember that just because a dog understands a command does not mean that it automatically understands a correction that comes with leash training. A dog that is dependent of the use of the leash, will live with the impression that, at the moment when the leash is removed, they will be allowed not to obey the commands. 

Off leash dog training Colorado – is it possible to make your dog listen to you?

According to a off leash dog training Colorado professional, once the dog begins to respond consistently to commands during training performed with the leash, you can start the off-leash dog training process. However, do it progressively, because removing the leash too early can generate future problems.

NOTE: Off leash dog training should only be conducted when the environment and temperament of the dog allow it. Plus, you must comply with the laws and regulations applicable in your region regarding the use of leashes for dogs!

As your dog becomes better trained, in most training situations, the commands you give will no longer require stimulation, because the dog has learned them and does them automatically. User the leash again if you notice that some commands need to be strengthen again. 

A nice experience

Keep in mind that training should be a pleasant experience for both you and your dog and must not involve any negative elements. In no case should you hit the dog or use the leash aggressively, because the animal will only get scared, but understand nothing from your behavior. Every training session should be positive and optimistic.

How quickly the dog will learn commands without a leash depends on the complexity of your commands but also on the dog’s motivation to respond to them. Use varied commands during an individual training session and maintain short-term and frequent sessions. The dog will have more to learn from short training sessions than from long and less frequent ones.

Do Dog Diapers Make Sense?

Diapers…for dogs? Yes, you read correctly. Many owners choose diapers for puppies or for older dogs with various health problems. They can save you a lot of scrubbing down floors and carpets and prevent your house from smelling of dog pee.

What You Need to Know about the Toilet Habits of Dogs

Dogs cannot be litter trained, like cats, when nature calls, they need to go outside, sniff around and find a good spot to do their business. It is in the nature of a dog to raise a leg next to a tree and it will not change no matter how many behavioral classes you take them to.

As a dog owner, you need to make time in your schedule to take your dogs out at least twice per day to relieve themselves. Once they are grown up, they learn how to let you know that they need to go out. However, small puppies, just like babies, will simply let themselves go wherever they may be.

Understand Why Your Dog Pees Inside the House

When we are talking about adult dogs, accidents inside the house are due to various reasons, and they all need investigating. For instance, you may have woken up too late and the dog just couldn’t hold it in any longer.

Also, since dogs have a sense of smell that is 40 stronger than that of humans, even the faintest smell of old pee, improperly cleaned, will lead them to believe that they can use that spot again.

Finally, older dogs may get incontinent, or suffer from other ailments, such as arthritis, which prevents them to walk properly and go out for their toilet. At any rate, if you note several instances when dogs pee or defecate inside the house, take them to the vet and find out what is wrong with them.

Until you find a solution to the health issue, you should put diapers on your dog.

Dog Diapers Make Sense for Females in Heat

Another reason to use diapers is when your female dog is in heat. During those days, the dog will leave blood trails around the house and spend a lot of time licking itself. A diaper will solve this problem in a convenient manner.

However, please note that dog diapers are not an efficient solution if you want to prevent your female dog from getting pregnant. A few moments left unsupervised around a male and…you may as well prepare for the coming litter of puppies.

dog diapers

How Do You Use Diapers for Dogs?

Dog diapers have became more and more popular, and companies invested a lot in R&D to design products that fit various breeds of dogs comfortably and are easy to put on and take off.

They are available in a full range of sizes, from X-Small to X-Large to fit any breed of dog, from Chihuahua to Rottweiler. As for types of dog diapers, you can choose between the disposable and reusable (washable) versions.

A Few Precautions to Keep in Mind

Dogs have sensitive skin, just like babies. Thus, they may develop diaper rash. Please make sure that the dog diaper fits well, but is comfortable (not too tight) around the hind legs. At the same time, you should use baby wipes and baby oil to clean the dog when removing a wet diaper.

Last but not least, it takes a little time to learn how to put on dog diapers correctly, but don’t give up. Both you and your dog will be better off once you start using them.