Dog Blog

Training Your Dog To Fetch

Some dogs inherently know how to fetch a ball, while others love to chase the ball, but take no joy in returning the ball. Your dog’s breed and natural instincts both contribute to your dog’s ability or desire to play fetch. Sporting dogs for instance are natural fetchers and can practically teach themselves this dog trick. Terriers, on the contrary, can be more challenging, because they can be possessive of their toys and take no enjoyment in releasing them once they have retrieved them. Dogs that have no desire to chase or to fetch a ball may need to be trained in the art of fetching.

Most dogs, for the most part, will chase a ball that is thrown or rolled. Begin working on this concept with your dog. Roll the ball to your dog and then allow it to chase after it. Do not chase your dog while they have a ball until you have taught it how to fetch. Otherwise, your dog will believe that you want to play chase, as opposed to you having the dog return the ball to you.

You can handle the puppy toys, then return them to the dog in addition to teaching your dog to chase after toys. Once you have accomplished training your dog to retrieve toys, you can do the following:

• Have two objects that your dog loves to play with. Start encouraging your dog to play with tennis balls or Kong toys to get them used to having them in their mouth. Provide your dog with two toys that it enjoys. Encourage your dog to play with tennis balls or Kong toys, so that they get accustomed to the items being in its mouth.

• Bring your dog outside in a yard and have them sit beside you while you show the dog one of the toys or balls.

• Hold on to one ball while tossing the other one, letting it see where the ball lands.

• Give your dog the “Fetch” command once you see your dog go to retrieve the ball in its mouth.

• Once your dog retrieves the first ball, show it the second ball and give the “Release” command. Your dog will drop the first ball while trying to retrieve the second one from you. Give your dog praise for a job well done and then practice again.

• Many dogs work better when they are given a treat when they bring the ball back to you. Once your dog takes the treat, get the ball ready to throw again.

• Use a long leash to guide your dog if it appears that your dog is not catching on to the “Return” command.

Try not to pull or jerk the ball from the dog’s mouth or having the dog jump up high to retrieve it. A better idea is to begin throwing the ball again, once your dog is sitting, waiting calmly.

Observe your dog while teaching if fetch, so that you know when to cease training. Puppies can endure about three or four instances of fetch, while older dogs can fetch until you get tired.

Content provided by Kelly Morganti of Oh My Dog Supplies, the top ranked place to buy dog seat covers online.

Incorporating a child into the routine of having a new puppy in the house is very important for both parties. Once the puppy is oriented with his new environment, you can begin assigning you child chores that involve taking care of the new family member. These should be task that can be carried out by your child independently, or with a small amount of your help.

Make sure, however, that the new responsibility isn’t too much up front. Ensure the tasks are age-appropriate and note that too many tasks – or just tasks that are too challenging – can ultimately be harmful to how your child connects in a relationship with the puppy.

For Toddlers

Children up to three years of age can do simple chores that don’t directly interact with the puppy – such as putting away the puppy toys. Under supervision, the toddler can give the puppy treats; this will be rewarding for both parties. It can also be educational to take your toddler along to the vet’s office, so that he or she can see that the puppy goes to the doctor sometimes, too!

Children Between 3 and 8

Children in the range of preschool and early elementary school can, under careful supervision, assist in making sure that the food bowl and water bowl are both filled at appropriate times. They can also help keep the puppy clean, brush him, and take him outside in the backyard.

Keep in mind, however, that the grooming chores of the young children should be limited to the basics; the more careful adults are responsible for the sensitive chores such as the nails, ears, anal area, and teeth. Also, small children who are careful can walk the dog under supervision if the dog is small in size.

From 9 and On

Once children reach age nine, the above tasks should be able to be completed on the adult level. They can also be given extra responsibilities such as picking up the backyard and training the dog on commands. While no doubt children will not find all these tasks as enjoyable as playing with the puppy, they should be taught that responsibility is a key part of dog ownership.

Regardless of age, children can always help play with the dog and socialize with it. This builds the relationship between the two parties and encourages the mental and physical health of your pet.

Content provided by Sarah Fuss of www.ohmydogsupplies.com, search for new specials on dog collars online.

Vito is a Chihuahua. His breed is the smallest breed and may be the oldest breed in America. Chihuahuas originate from the Chihuahua region in Mexico. His ancestors may have descended from a larger ancient breed that was prized by the Aztec. Chihuahuas today are smaller in stature and have a smaller, but muscular body structure.

Vito has a short coat with black, tan and a little white while other puppies have a longer coat and can be anywhere from fawn to black and everything in between. They can also have splashes of color. The longer hair can even be slightly curly or straight. Grooming this little fellow is important as he has an undercoat that does shed. A bath once a month using a mild shampoo will do for this little guy. Watch out for those ears though he will easily get an infection if care is not taken. He also does not like the cold. Vito is definitely an indoor dog.

While Vito is more energetic and playful, his sister is more laid back and mellow. Each puppy has his or her own unique personality. Chihuahuas have been described as energetic and graceful and has human-like expressions. They out live any other breed. While Vito may not suit your family, one of his littermates might be a perfect match. A Chihuahua in general does not do well with very young children and may show aggression towards them. It is important to have a well-socialized puppy brought into a family with young children.

Vito will prefer a harness as to a collar. His delicate bone structure may be compromised if a collar and leash is used. He enjoys a walk in the park or around the yard. He also enjoys dog appropriate toys and playing with you.

Chihuahuas are a special breed and Vito is a very sweet puppy. He will make an excellent companion and bring his owner joy and happiness.

All are correct! The Dachshund originated in Germany many hundreds of years ago. These short legged, long bodied dogs are still just as popular in its original country and more recently in the United States and United Kingdom. Dachshunds were originally bred to be a badger hunter, but now they are more of a companion dog. The name “wiener dog” came along with the elongated body and short legs.

Dachshunds have a very muscular body, short legs and large, paddle shaped paws. They have loose skin and long snouts. They have a very keen sense of smell. Dachshunds have three coat types; short-haired or smooth coats, long-haired and wire-haired. They come in three sizes, although only two are recognized by the United States and United Kingdom: standard, miniature and kaninchen or rabbit. The latter is recognized by its original country and the FCI. Dachshunds have a variety of colors and patterns. Piebald is one that sports a white background and shades of brown patches. Other colors include black and tan or chocolate and cream. Boar or wild boar is also a familiar color.

Dachshunds are playful and stubborn all at the same time. They are a challenge to train to say the least. They have a loud bark that will alert the owner of strangers or anything out of the ordinary. If you leave this little dog alone for long periods, he is likely to chew objects in the house to relieve stress as they suffer from separation anxiety. Be aware that a bored dachshund will become destructive. Dachshunds must be socialized at an early age or they can become aggressive or fearful. They generally do not do well in a household with young children. Older, more considerate children would be ideal. Dachshunds enjoy public places. The park is an excellent place to take this little dog as they thrive on entertainment and playful exercise. Dachshunds are prone to back injuries due to rough handling, jumping or intense exercise. Care should be taken when handling this breed.

All in all this is a very playful and entertaining breed. Dachshunds make good watchdogs and companions.

Find dachshunds for sale on Pet Connect.

An English Bulldog is most known for its massive body and head. They have a stocky legs and almost a square-like, compact body. English Bulldogs coat comes in a variety of colors red, fawn, brindle, pale yellow and white. They can combine any of these colors. They have a short pug nose and a short stubby tail. English Bulldogs look fierce and intimidating, but don’t let that fool you they are actually sweet and gentle. Intruders beware, though, if this gentle giant does not know you he will gladly see you off.

An English Bulldog is a people lover. He is affectionate, gentle and courageous. It is not a good idea to leave this breed alone for long amounts of time. They can be mischievous. It is very important for the English Bulldog to know his place in the family. A dog who feels like he needs to run the home is not as happy as a dog that knows his place as a human follower. An English Bulldog puppy has loads of energy and is very playful, but as they get older they will slow down.

English bulldogs tend to sober, drool and snore very loudly. Some have small windpipes and breathing problems due to their pug like muzzle. Excessive heat and very cold situations are not good for this breed. Also, be on the lookout for skin infections, as they tend to have sensitive skin.

English Bulldogs do not require a large play area. They are happy to sit around in a heated or air-conditioned home or apartment. Nevertheless, it is good to take your English Bulldog on short daily walks. Grooming is relatively easy for this breed. A bath only when needed will suffice. A quick brushing with a firm bristle brush will do and don’t forget to clean the inside of the wrinkles as this is where infections start.

Overall, an English Bulldog is a good breed for any family. They are active as puppies and slow down as an adult. I believe that sounds like the perfect companion!

Find English Bulldogs for sale at Pet Connect