puppies

Trainer Nic has just read this book by Martin McKenna and found it be very resourceful when it comes to learning about basic dog body language and how to understand what your dog is telling you!

Having learnt from growing up and living with stray dogs, Martin has learnt a lot about how they communicate, their heirarchy and how it works and how clear rules in the dog world need to be listened and adhered to or else there will be problems in the pack.

Trainer Nic has seen many dogs in New York. Their owners take them out regularly for their 'bathroom' stops and to have a sniff and a walk around. There are all different shapes and sizes to be seen here and many have coats on and various pieces of equipment are used when out for their walk.

Chest harnesses are used a lot here to walk the dogs. Some choker chains and also prong collars. These are illegal in Australia, but are used here it seems.

There are actually quite a few tech gadgets out there for you and your pet. This list below details some of them available:

1. The Toshiba Petbook - this has a bone tracker and is slobber proof!
2. Bark to text software - allows full translation of ruff language!
3. Pet doorbell wireless chime mat - allows your dog to tell you when it wants to come inside or go outside!

Having kids and dogs in the home getting on together is such a common problem. Follow these basic tips to help you take off on the right paw!

Don't leave kids and dogs unattended together, especially any children under the age of 10.

Have a 'chill-out' area for your dog to relax in if kids and dogs aren't getting along.

Don't allow the children to approach the dog whilst in "chill-out", this is the space for the dog to settle and chill. This is not a punishment, but a management tool.

Question - We want to know more about puppy training. Our new Border Collie gets a bit excited when he sees us come in of an afternoon - and he sometimes wets himself - it doesnt matter where he is (inside or outside the house!). Also - he's got great personality and was doing well with the basic commands (sit, drop) but we cannot get him to stay, and these days he just gives up altogether and shows no interest in the training...he's about 14 weeks or so now...and such an adorable little guy but just very naughty at times, hence why we need puppy training!!

Today is an exciting day at The Dog Blog offices as we've launched our first iPhone App called Smart Dog Training.

Labradors
We train a lot of Labrador dogs, puppies, you name it, not matter what age, what behaviour problem we deal with it.
Labradors can be a great dog, family pet and also work tool. They are used throughout the world as sniffer dogs, detection dogs, guard dogs, as well as family pet where you feel comfortable knowing they can run around with the kids and have fun, without causing any harm.

Puppy schools
Looking to take your puppy to puppy school? Read the following and make sure your local puppy school is doing the following –
It is held in a very clean and controlled environment, not outside. Your puppy can get very sick if they are allowed to be at a place whereby there is a risk of catching something untoward...parvo virus, etc can kill your dog.
Your puppy needs to have had its first vaccination, however its not essential that they be fully vaccinated....this is the case if the above step is adhered to...so its held in a clean and controlled environment.

New mums and dads out there dont realise that sometimes they actually choose the wrong breed for them and their environment.