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How To Choose Ruffwear For Your Pets

Whether you’re a new pet owner or an experienced pet parent, you need to learn how to choose the right performance gear for your pet’s needs. When it comes to performance gear, there are many options available that it can become confusing for first-time buyers. One of the most popular options is Ruffwear Canada due to its variety, durability, and comfort. 

Choosing the right Ruffwear can make a big difference as it’ll ensure your pet’s satisfaction. Thus, you have to make sure that you buy what your dog needs so that they’re comfortable and happy.

Here’s how to choose a Ruffwear for your pet:

1. Decide What Type Of Ruffwear Best Suits Your Pet

Before choosing a Ruffwear, it’s important to understand its purpose. This can help you make a better decision when it comes to the kind of supplies you should buy.

Once you know what you want, you need to consider how many dogs you have and how big they are. This will help you narrow down your options as well as give you a better idea of which products will fit your dogs’ needs. You also want to pay attention to how much exercise and playtime your pet gets. Take note that some breeds require a lot of exercises, while others require little playtime to keep them active.

The other important factor to consider is the weather since tough weather will need different materials to help ensure your pet is comfortable.

2. Pick A Style And A Design

When buying a Ruffwear, check the different styles and designs that they have available. The great thing about shopping online for a Ruffwear is the fact that you have a number of different options. While there are several popular styles, such as leather, micro-bristle, studded collar, and choker collars, the choice boils down to you and your dog’s personality.

The classic, traditional collar style can work well for most dogs. Most collars come with adjustable buckles that allow you to adjust the size and the length of the collar to suit your dog. There are also some collars that come with removable buttons or a snap fastener. The collar itself can come in either one or two layers of material, which is made from either leather or nylon. Many of these collars have a loop around the front or at the back to hold the collar securely on your dog.

A micro-bristle collar is a great option for those who don’t have a lot of time to walk their dog. Micro-bristle collars are great for dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors and can be removed whenever you need to go out. This collar is perfect for large breeds or for long walks. It’s also a popular option for training purposes.

3. Pick The Right Materials

Make sure that you get something that’s made of materials that won’t cause any discomfort to your dog when they wear it. Additionally, pay attention to how they fit your dog because if they’re too small, they won’t be comfortable or appealing, and if they’re too big, they might fall off your dog, too. 

Leather is undoubtedly the most popular material. This is because it’s sturdy, and also very stylish. Leather is also durable to handle the rough and tumble world that some dogs go through. This means that you won’t have to replace your collar as frequently. However, they’re quite expensive when compared to other kinds of materials.

Another popular material is nylon because it doesn’t cost as much as leather. Thus, this is a great alternative for those who don’t want to worry about spending a large amount of money and who don’t want to compromise on their dog’s safety. However, nylon is not suitable as the primary material of a dog collar on dogs that are going to be left outside in harsh weather conditions. This is because nylon breaks down faster than leather

4. The Size Of Your Pet

To ensure that you can use your Ruffwear for a very long time, make sure that it’s in the correct size. The two things that you need to know about your dog’s size is the collar and harness. 

To size your dog for a harness, find the ideal size for the particular breed of dog that you have. You want to take into consideration not only the general physical characteristics that your dog has but also how your dog’s head and neck are shaped.

The shoulders should fit closely together with an overhang between them that can go below the belly-button area. You should also make sure that the dog’s chest is not hanging out or drooping as this will cause the dog difficulty breathing. The back should also be comfortable with no slouching or bending as this can cause discomfort for your pet.

5. Decide If You Want A Dog Collar Or A Harness

The best way to determine between a dog collar and harness is to look at the function of each one. A dog collar is used for both training and protection purposes. It has a buckle that can be released when the leash is removed or when the dog has finished a command.

On the other hand, a harness is much simpler. It’s simply worn around the chest or around the waist, either one at a time or with one in each hand. It’s designed not to restrain the animal, but to hold the animal while the owner walks. Some harnesses also have a loop for the leash, although this is optional. A harness doesn’t usually have any other attachment aside from its buckle. Still, some are available with an attached harness fastener and bags to hold equipment in.

When deciding between a dog collar and harness, keep in mind the safety of the animal in your care and the comfort of your dog. If you’re in the market for a collar, remember that harnesses tend to be more comfortable for the dog than collars. This may seem obvious, but there are so many types of collars available for dogs today that most owners don’t realize the comfort level they have in choosing a harness over a collar.

Always Think About Safety

Take note that there are many brands that can be found in the market, but some of them will purposely try to sell you dog supplies that are low-quality. This is because they may not care about their actual product as they only want to earn money. Therefore, always make sure you’re checking for the quality. 

That’s why it’s important to buy from a reputable website or shop. When you buy your dog a Ruffwear from online stores, it’s easier to compare the prices and the brands. This way, you’ll know which one is best for your dog. You’ll also be able to save money when you buy online as most stores offer discounts.

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How to Control Your Dog’s Behavior

Are you having a hard time controlling your dog’s energy? Overexcitement is problematic dog behavior, and it’s not a normal sign of a happy and healthy dog. Aggression and scavenging are also common dog behavioral problems. When left unchecked, undesirable dog behavior can cause harm not only to themselves but also to other dogs and people. 

This is the reason many dog experts recommend dog training. Dog training is more than just teaching them about obedience or skills like potty training. Dog training helps dogs control their behavior and establish you, the pet parent, as the pack’s alpha. You can get supplies to help you train and control your dog from vendors like MyBestBark. Getting high quality leashes, harnesses, toys, and treats are all key to providing your dog with the structure and stimulation they need to become happy and well-behaved.

Common Dog Issues and Their Causes

Before you can learn how to control your dog’s behavior, you need to understand why it’s happening and where it’s coming from. Here are some of the common dog issues and the causes of why they are doing these: 

• Aggression – This is the most common and most serious behavioral problem, and it’s also the main reason why many pet parents want to train their dogs. Aggression happens for a multitude of reasons, and it also happens in different circumstances. Aggression arises when a dog feels that it is threatened or under attack. Dogs can become aggressive towards people and animals who they think may hurt you or them. 
• Food Guarding – Some dogs tend to guard their food too much or claim other pets’ food. This behavior is also a form of aggression. The causes of this behavior may vary. For puppies, they may have this instinct to compete with food with their siblings. This behavior may arise for adopted adult dogs due to experience from an abusive owner or poor living conditions.  If you have another pet in your home like a cat, you need to teach train dogs not to eat cat food or food that is not theirs. 
• Excessive Barking – Barking is your dog’s way of communicating with you and other animals. Sometimes, however, their barking can be excessive, and the cause of this varies based on their motivation for barking. For example, you may have rewarded your dog for barking in the past. This act makes them think that barking gets them what they want and will repeat the future behavior. Sometimes, dogs bark to get your attention or the attention of other people. Like other behaviors, you should understand the motivation behind the barking before understanding how to control them to be quiet as you demand. You can also try devices like the Dog Silencer MAX, which is shock-free and it is a great solution for teaching dogs without harming them in any way.
• Destructive Chewing – Dogs chew to relieve stress or anxiety. Chewing things help dogs feel calm when they feel restless and you are not around. Some experts say that this behavior is a result of puppies being weaned early. Destructive chewing is also a sign that your dog might be hungry, and they are not getting the right amount of food to make them feel full after their meals. 

Ways to Control Your Dog

There are simple ways you should do to control your pet: 

• Stop Encouraging Them 

You might be encouraging bad dog habits without realizing it. Giving in to their occasional puppy eyes or annoying barks gives the wrong message to your dogs. Giving affection when your dog suddenly jumps on your or when they show too much excitement is also a form of encouragement. 

When it comes to controlling your dog, you have to be firm and consistent with your reaction to their unwanted behavior. When you decide to punish them for barking too much, do it every time they repeat the behavior. When you see them chewing items at home, always show that you are not pleased with what they did. 

• Encourage Calm Behavior

Encourage calm behavior by showing affection when they are in a calm and submissive state. This will motivate your dog to repeat the behavior, and it’ll tell them that what they are doing pleases you. Ignore them as much as possible when you think they are whining or barking too much to get what they want. Don’t make eye contact and don’t talk to them when they are in an aggressive or excited state. 

Positive reinforcement is also helpful when it comes to controlling your pet. For example, you say “stop” when you hear them barking too much, and they follow the command. Whenever they follow a command, give them treats to encourage them to repeat the future behavior.

• Provide Them with an Outlet but with Limitation 

Dogs thrive on physical exercise and time to play with their pet parents. When they don’t get enough physical activity, they become bored. When dogs feel bored, they may feel anxious or stressed, which leads to developing bad behaviors like destructive chewing or digging holes in your backyard. 

Providing them with the mental and physical stimulation that they need every day will help dogs avoid developing bag behavior. Take time to play with them with toys they can catch or chew on. It is also important for dogs to go on walks in the park. 

Although they have this excess energy to burn, it’s still important to control their actions, especially when you are out. Make sure that you invest in high-quality dog leash so that you can control them while you are outside. 

• Make Sure to Check Your Behavior

To effectively control your dog, you need to look at your behavior. Dogs can feel their owners’ energy, so when you feel frustrated or aggressive, they exhibit these behaviors as well. 

Do you frequently yell when you want your dogs to stop? Do you only give them attention when you are angry? These behaviors are encouraging them to be aggressive or to display bad behavior because dogs crave attention. When you see something you don’t like, be firm in saying “no” but avoid yelling and don’t show signs of aggression. Physically hurting them will not help as this will make them afraid of you. 

Final Thoughts

When it comes to controlling your pet’s behavior, you should learn about what triggers them to do these things. After understanding their triggers, you need to evaluate yourself if your behavior encourages them to behave poorly. Use positive reinforcement using treats and affection to encourage them never to repeat bad behavior. 

Lastly, always remember that you can easily control a calm dog rather than an energetic one. It’s important to provide them with an outlet to release their extra energy and take this opportunity to bond and play with them. Giving them enough physical activity prevents boredom and anxiety, which are the leading factors in developing bad behaviors.

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What You Need to Know About Dog Training

When you get a dog as your pet, you need to understand that you have to care for it like your own child. You need to be prepared to take on this responsibility, particularly when it comes to training them. Your dogs require proper training and socialization, and it needs to be done in a quick and efficient manner. 

A word of caution: dog training can become overwhelming, especially if this will be your first time training one. Here is some information you need to know to help you get started: 

Naming Your Dog

The first step to training your dog is giving them a name. While a name is a personal choice of the owner, it can also make it easier for you to train your dog. According to dog trainers, short names that end in a strong consonant are ideal because they allow for your dog to hear it more clearly. Names such as Ginger and Jack are best.

 

If you have an older dog, you may think they are used to their name. However, changing their name can also bring positive outcomes, especially if you save them from an abusive situation. Baptizing them with a new name can help give them a fresh start. You have to understand that dogs adapt quickly, so just use the new name consistently, and they will soon associate with it. 

House Rules

You should establish house rules early on, as it will help eliminate confusion for both of you. Map out your rules before you introduce them to your pet, and be firm in your choices. Will they be allowed in your bed? Do they have a designated place in the living room? Where will they be potty trained? Keep these things in mind when crafting your dog’s new life. 

Crate Training

Like humans, dogs need their own space as well. Assign an area in your home where they can relax and rest after a day of training and play. Crates are an essential tool when you want to housetrain your dog. Once they are familiar with their own space, they will feel more comfortable and welcome. Reward your puppy when they stay in their area calmly. It is part of dog care, as well. 

Leash Training 

No matter what breed of dog you have, be it a husky or a pom, it’s important to train them to walk on a leash. Aside from abiding by leash laws, it is also useful to ensure that your dog can walk when leashed for their own safety. When leash training them, introduce the leash to your puppy slowly. Don’t rush them to accept it immediately. Once they feel comfortable with it, teach them to walk properly while leashed. Look for a dog trainer who can show you how to train your dog on a loose leash to make the experience more enjoyable for both of you. 

Basic Commands

Before you start teaching your dog any complicated tricks, start them with some basic dog commands, such as drop, up, walk, sit, and come. These commands strengthen your dog’s understanding of structure to help them overcome common dog behavior issues. Along with these basic commands, you should also train your dog to refrain from jumping. Dogs will show their happiness by jumping. When they do it, don’t reprimand them. Instead, turn your back from them to ignore. Let them settle down before doing positive reinforcement.

Proof Your Training

The last part of your dog training should focus on proofing your dog’s training. While your dog may behave when they are in a familiar place, will they act the same way when they are in your friend’s house? Make sure to practice training in different places. 

Consider all these when training your dog, and you’ll have a well-behaved pet soon enough.

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7 Merchandise Giveaway Ideas for Your Winery or Brewery

With the holidays coming up, the demand for wine and other alcoholic beverages is likely to increase. After all, what’s a family event without some wine or beer?

If you own a winery or brewery, you’ll want to take advantage of this time of the year. Holding a giveaway of your merchandise is a great way to go about this. Because these kinds of promotions are largely driven by social media, it’s a cost-effective way to increase your brand visibility. You might even be able to tap into new markets such as pet parents.

Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to market your alcoholic products to pets. In fact, your giveaway items don’t need to involve actual alcohol at all. Keep things interesting and pet-friendly with these giveaway ideas:

Branded Pet Toys

Wine- or beer-themed pet toys are a great way to capture your customers’ attention. These products are also the perfect gift to keep their animal companions entertained during holiday get-togethers. You can get creative and create miniature toy versions of your best-selling products. For example, you could create wine bottle dog toys or cat teasers made to look like popping champagne. These make for cute prizes that any pet owner and fur baby will appreciate. 

Pet-shaped Bottle Stoppers

Losing a cork after opening a bottle of wine can be annoying. Fortunately, you can always get a bottle stopper to reseal them. Give pet parents a fun way to personalize their wine bottles with a set of pet-themed bottle stoppers. You can even go one step further by making your prize completely bespoke. For instance, you can create bottle stoppers featuring pictures of each giveaway winner’s pet.

Pet-Safe Alternatives to Alcohol

Did you know that dog beer and cat wine are actual products out on the market? Because these non-carbonated drinks don’t contain any actual alcohol, these tasty treats can be safely consumed by your pets. Additionally, many kinds of dog beer don’t contain any hops. Instead, they are usually made with some type of meat broth and malt extract. Meanwhile, certain brands of cat wine contain fresh beet juice infused with catnip to give kitties their own kind of high. Consider partnering with a company that produces these beverages, as they may be able to create customized versions with your branding on the label.

Animal-shaped Wine Fizzers

Wine fizzers make drinking a glass of wine more flavorful and fun. Why not shake things up by giving away a set of dog- or cat-shaped wine fizzers as prizes? As these fizzers dissolve in wine, they gradually release food-safe glitter, turning your ordinary glass of alcohol into an Instagram-worthy beverage. This is also a great way to market your own products if you already sell wine fizzers to begin with. 

Cork Display Holders

Pet parents who want to show off their love for wine will be more than happy to join your giveaway to potentially receive an animal-shaped cork display holder. The best part is that these displays won’t only be showcased during special occasions, as they can be used to add some visual interest to any living space. For instance, cork displays can be hung on a wall or used as a centerpiece on any coffee table.

Even if the giveaway winners may not be alcohol connoisseurs themselves, they may have friends and relatives who are. So if you’re looking for a future-proof giveaway item, going for something ornamental is always a good idea.

Pet-Themed Glass Markers

Some people like making their wine glasses look cuter or funnier by decorating them with glass markers. They’re also a practical way to prevent guests from accidentally picking up the wrong drink. They are most commonly sold in the form of stick-on felt markers or dishwasher-safe silicone mini-charms. That said, there are a number of interesting designs out there that can suit a variety of tastes. You could try coming up with animal-shaped glass markers to draw in pet parents who love to host parties or events. 

Cute Coasters

Did you know that wine lovers like to use a special type of coaster for their wine bottles? These are called wine bottle coasters. As the name implies, these products act as a barrier to keep a sweating bottle from creating condensation rings on wooden tables. You can easily customize these coasters by decorating them with your company logo. You can even go the bespoke route and add a printed image of the giveaway winner’s pet to the surface of the coaster. 

When it comes to choosing the right giveaway items, it’s important to keep things fresh. And given the rise in pet ownership these past few years, you don’t want your winery or brewery to miss out on marketing to pet parents. With a bit of creativity and some clever marketing, you’ll definitely be able to cater to unique new audiences.

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Top Reasons You Should Avoid Sleeping With Your Dog

For many dog parents, it is no longer acceptable to leave their canine pal sleeping on their doggy bed somewhere in the house or a dog house. According to a survey done by the American Pet-Product Association, over 50% of the dogs in the U.S. sleep with their owners. This survey confirmed that over 32% of the giant dogs, 41% of the medium-sized ones and 62% of the small dogs sleep with their owners every night.

However, is sleeping with your furry pal a good idea? Well, we all adopted our dogs for companionship and sleeping with them helps strengthen the bond between us. But, do you know that sleeping with your dog poses a significant risk to your health? Sleeping with your dog might have numerous benefits, but when it comes to your health, it’s good to think twice. So, here are a few reasons why you should never share a bed with your dog:

Top 7 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Sleeping With Your Dog

1.    Aggravates Asthma and Allergies

According to the AAFA (Asthma and Allergies Foundations of America), about 10% of the population are asthmatic and over a third of Americans have pet allergies. So, if you are in these demographics, you should never sleep with your dog in the same bed. People with pet allergies should never allow their pets to get into their bedrooms.

The main issue with pet allergens is that they are not isolated to your pet’s bodies. These allergens can adhere to your beddings or furniture and continue affecting you even in your dog’s absence. So, make sure you use HEPA filters, every time you sleep with your dog in the same room. Even with proper grooming and a balanced diet, individuals with pet allergies should never sleep with their dog. However, adequate grooming can help you manage their shedding levels. Dedicated dog blogs like https://www.crazypetguy.com/ offers  more information on how to groom different dog breeds, so you may consider doing further research.

You might not have pet allergies, but remember every time your dog goes out; he is exposed to outdoor allergens. These allergens such as dust and pollen tend to stick to their paws or coats and follow them to bed. The presence of outdoor allergens can affect the quality of your sleep. After all, sneezing and blowing your nose the whole night is no fun.

2.    Interrupts Sleep

All dogs twist and turn when sleeping, and this can be even worse when they are dreaming. The movement of small-sized dogs might not disrupt the heavy sleepers, but the huge dogs can keep you awake the whole night. When they scratch at night, the noises from their jingling collars or nails can also disrupt your sleep.

While cat’s paw or sit on your face at night when they want your attention, dogs tend to hog the bed. Remember, it’s not unusual to get unexpected kicks from his hind legs when sleeping. These habits can interfere with your sleep resulting in decreased alertness during the day or crankiness.

3.    Causes Aggression and Dominance

Dogs tend to be protective of their territories, and by allowing them to hog the bed when sleeping, you are intensifying or creating an aggression or dominance behavior. From your canine pal’s point of view, you are giving them more space on your bed. And this can be a problem the next time you try to move them or force them to leave your bedroom. To counter this behavior, you can try and allow them to sleep on a specific part of the bed. And only let them in bed if they stay in that particular position.

4.    Interferes With a Couple’s Intimate Moment

Letting your pet sleep on the bed can prove problematic to you and your spouse. Remember, physical proximity and touch is crucial for maintaining connection and intimacy in a relationship. Many experts advise couples against allowing their dogs to sleep between them. Allowing the dog to sleep between couples can cause behavioral problems and increase the distance between you and your spouse. Your dog can start growling at your spouse every time he/she comes close to you. So, for the sake of the relationship between you and your pet and your marriage, it is better to have your dog sleep on a doggy bed.

5.    House Training Accidents

Have you ever steam cleaned your beddings? Well, if you have, then you can agree that it’s easier to throw a dog bed into the washing machine than cleaning your mattress. And if your mattress doesn’t have a rubber sheet covering, there is a huge chance that you can get some leakages.

6.    Increase the Risk of Diseases

Even if you are not affected by pet allergies, your dog spends a lot of time interacting with everything that can interfere with your health. According to the CDC, over 60% of human pathogens are transmitted by our pets. Therefore, your beloved pet can introduce unwanted pathogens in your home.

Dogs are not generally clean creatures. Dogs tend to play or step in their poop. And when they come into your bed, they track their feces into the bedroom. The introduction of fecal matter in your bed is the most common way of transmitting bacteria and parasites like salmonella and E. coli. The risk of infections can be relatively high if your dog’s flea medication and vaccinations are not up to date.

7.    A Lifetime Commitment

It is almost impossible for your dog to go back to sleeping on the floor or in a crate after tasting your bed. And who can blame him when he had his best friend next to him, a comfortable pillow and comfy mattress to lie on. So to avoid this, it’s better if you have him sleeping on his bed from day one. Because reintroducing him to crate training after he has gotten used to your bed is quite challenging. Moving him back to the crate can result in your pooch crying and whining the whole night.

Final Thoughts

The whole idea behind adopting a dog is companionship; therefore, it’s quite normal for you to always want him snuggled next to you every night. However, sleeping with your dog every night is not a good idea. Other than affecting your sleep cycle, sharing your bed with your dog can be quite hazardous. Dogs can aggravate your allergies and also introduce pathogens and bacteria that can affect your health. Therefore, you should try your best to fight the urge to carry your furry pal to bed every night. And make sure that you allow them to sleep on their beds from the first day you introduce them to your home.

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How to Stop A Dog from Rolling In Poop?

Does your dog love rolling around in the mud and smelly things? Is one of those smelly things his poop? While this can be alarming for pet owners, there’s no fixed reason why dogs do this.

However, there are a few theories that I will be telling you about today. These all briefly explain why your dog could be rolling in poop. And they also explain how you can stop a dog from rolling in poop. The solution is in the problem itself.

Why Do Dogs Roll In Poop?

Did you know that dogs dislike smelling fresh and clean? All those dog shampoos that contain natural scents are not at all charming for a dog. So when you give them a bath, all dogs want is to roll around in “earthy” things. This is to get that scent of perfume off of them.

This means that whenever your dog gets a chance. He will plunge into things that smell dirty including the garbage, shoes, feces, and muddy surfaces.

Another common reason why dogs roll in poop is by instinct. Dog’s ancestors used to mark their boundaries by their scent. And one of the ways they did that was my smelling of their feces. Such territorial markings are still common in cats.

I know this much is true because I have cats that have peed to map their territories around the house. Especially when you move into a new home or have guests over for a while.

Dogs do that same to mask their natural scent. Another reason is that dog’s ancestors used to hunt better by masking their dog scent. So by covering themselves in animal feces, the hunted could be easily tricked and killed.

What Do You Need To Do?

Now that you know that this isn’t a behavioral issue. You can put a stop to this gently and compassionately. It’s like training your puppy to sit or stand or paw your hand. It’s a process that could potentially bring you and your dog closer.

Punishing your dog for rolling around in poop is a bad idea. It can cause stress and anxiety in your dog. And your dog might not end up listening to you but he may get scared of you which time he poops. This can have other consequences such as constipation and loss of appetite.

There is a subtle and dog-friendly way to go about this.

Pick Up the Poop Immediately

Don’t give your dog a chance to roll in poop. When you take your dog out for a walk, keep him on a shorter leash. And as soon as he’s done pooping, use a scooper and a plastic bag to discard the poop immediately.

Pet your dog and reward him with a treat whenever he does this. So he knows that not rolling in poop gives me a treat. Do this a few times in a week or whenever you take him out for a walk.

If you have a backyard, you can make this a daily activity. Always keep your dog on a leash.

As soon as your dog poops, allow him to sniff it which dogs usually do or dig the area around his poop so as to cover it. Then pick up the poop with a scoop and throw it away.

Your dog is most likely to be around you when you do that. So give him a treat for his good behavior and allow him to run freely around the yard.

Teach Him the ‘Leave It’ Command

With the ‘Leave It’ command, your dog can stop eating food he’s not supposed to eat. You can stop chewing your shoes, your bra, and your pillow to shreds. Lastly, he can also stop rolling around in poop.

The best and most effective way to teach your dog to Leave It is with treats. Break the treats into pea-sized pieces. And hold a few broken pieces in the palm of your eyes. They must be away from your dog’s eyesight. But he should be able to smell it.

Make sure that while training your dog you do so in a quiet space. Distractions or loud noises will only break your dog’s focus.

The ‘Leave It’ command can also be a great option for poop diving. This is when your dog is rolling around in the grass – more specifically in the area where he’s going to poop. This is common if your dog is used to pooping in the same spot every day.

You can also train your dog to Leave It right before he’s about to start rolling around. You can carry a few delicious treats along with you. Every time your dog seems about to dive into the poop or play with. Make a clicker sound to catch your dog’s attention.

Mostly likely that by this time, your dog will have smelt food on you. As soon as your dog has your attention and stays away from the poop. You feed him a piece with your other hand. Verbal cues such as “yes!” or “good boy!” are perfect. Your dog will respond to such praise and eventually back away after pooping.

Final Thoughts

Next time you find your dog running to you covered in the brown stuff. You must take a closer look and see what that brown stuff is. Is it mud? Or is it his poop? Dogs love rolling around in poop for a bunch of reasons. But bathing your dog each time he does that is not at all practical.

But with the help of this article, you can put an end to that right away. It’s not a quick fix but with proper training, you can stop your dog from rolling in poop. Such behavior can easily be fixed with the Leave It command or by proper hygiene.

Trust me; if you follow these steps you’ll be saving yourself a lot of trouble. A simple Leave It training command can solve most of your issues. Whether your dog is eating out of the garbage, spoiling your couch pillows, or gabbing socks from the laundry.

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5 Tips To Control Your Adult Dog

A well-behaved adult dog knows that humans are in charge and are willing to listen to any given command despite distractions from their environment. In order to maintain control of your adult dog it’s important that you spend time training them using positive reinforcement and rewards for listening. It’s also important to maintain discipline and stick to your training routine and commands.

If you reward your adult dog for not listening, then they will not always listen to the command. There are plenty of constructive ways to control your dog without harming them. We will review some of the best tips to control your adult dog. For more information about dog training and dog related products, visit Care of My Dog.

Tip #1: Give the dog a reward or other advantageous benefit while your dog is listening

You need to explain to your dog that you are the owner and the best way to do this is with positive rewards. The owner will decide whether or not the dog gets the treat. This gives you leverage and control over your dog if they are food motivated. If your dog is not food motivated, try using their favorite dog toys or other high-value rewards.

Some dogs simply respond to encouraging non-food rewards, such as toys, a stomach rub, a walk, or positive words like “Good boy / girl”. You must know what’s best for your adult dog in order to get them to listen to your commands.

Tip #2: Make sure you are in control.

You need to make your dog think that you are the boss. Thus, you need to be sure that the dog knows they can’t take advantage of you in any given situation. Any human actions can lead a dog to think that they don’t have to listen to you. Some examples of maintaining control over your dog is to make the dog wait for their food at dinner. When your dog waits for their food, they understand that you are the one in control.

Many different dogs will beg or whine or even bark. However, it’s important that you maintain control over your dog in all situations or they won’t feel compelled to ever listen to you. Make sure that you are always in control in any given situation.

Tip #3: Train your dog several times a day.

Making sure you have full control over your adult dog means that you will have to frequently train them. Typically, this involved constant correction if your dog is climbing on your couches, scratching, or barking. One of the best ways to correct impulsive dog behavior is to put your dog in “time out” which can be either in the bathroom of their crate. This needs to happen immediately after they do something they aren’t supposed to do.

In addition, it’s typically a good idea to enroll your dog in dog training classes to learn commands. Teaching your dog sit, down, stay, wait, and other basic commands lets them know that you are in control. This also helps when your dog is out in public and you need them to behave well.

Tip #4: Do not encourage your dog with bad behavior 

You never ever want to encourage bad behavior or reward bad behavior. This will ruin all your dog’s previous training and they will get confused if you punish them later down the line. One of the most common mistakes that down owners make is letting a dog sleep in your bed and then later telling them to sleep at their respective place. If you don’t want your dog to sleep in your bed, you should not allow your dog to sleep inside your bed ever.

It’s important to make sure that you assign your dog a place to sleep so they know that you are in control of the situation. This could be their dog bed, a crate, or the couch. However, you need to create a routine for your dog and not allow bad behavior over and over again. Always be consistent in your training!

Tip #5: Increase your voice so your dog understands

Increasing the sound of your voice when you are frustrated in training will let your dog know that they need to listen. In addition to increasing your voice, make eye contact with them to let them know that they aren’t obeying what you are saying.

In addition, increasing the sound of your voice helps dogs pick up on certain words or commands so they will listen to you.

Conclusion for 5 Tips To Control Your Adult Dog

Dogs are typically very smart and respond well to owners who are in control. Ultimately, you need to figure out what your dog likes and how you can gain leverage over the things they want. Some dogs like the Shiba Inu are going to be toy or voice motivated. Other dogs like the Goldendoodle or Labrador are going to be food motivated. For more information about dogs, you can always visit We Love Doodles. Good luck training your dog and always remember to be in control!

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Want to Become a Dog Walker? Here’s What You Need to Know (Do You Need a Dog Walking Insurance)

With the demand for expert dog care on the rise, it is no surprise that many business enthusiasts are looking for tips on how to start a dog walking business. 

If you’re among the many would-be entrepreneurs wondering how to become a dog walker, this post is meant for you.

How to Become a Dog Walker

If you’re looking to become a dog walker, you need to consider a number of things first.

The pooches could be hard to deal with, so you should understand dog behavior and have their best interest at heart. It is, in fact, imperative to see some dog walkers walking several dogs at once.

One of the ways you can gain more experience with dogs is by volunteering at your local rescue center.

Also, you can have strong interpersonal skills by dealing more with pet owners as well as developing your network. Being physically fit is also important as you’ll be walking long distances with dogs, not to mention the dogs may be strong and can resort to pulling.

If you’re not comfortable with outdoor weather conditions such as cold, sun or mud, you better be prepared as you’ll be outside even during difficult weather conditions.

How to Start a Dog Walking Business?

Here are some top tips to consider when starting a dog walking business, and some key things to keep in mind before committing yourself to this business.

Training and Qualifications

While you don’t necessarily require any qualifications to become a dog walker, undergoing training can help boost your professional standing and credibility when creating your client base.

Some training and qualifications you can choose include animal behavior, first aid, and animal care.

Consider the Dog Walking Rules and Regulations

It is important to look at the local rules and regulations regarding a dog walking business. For instance, some jurisdictions regarding dog sanitation regulations require you to clean up after the dog. Regulation or not, it’s always good to clean up after the dog.

Also, some have leashing laws that state where dogs need to go on leashes and where they can run off-leash. Checking with the local authorities will help you know what rules and regulations will affect your dog walking business.

If you want to provide dog sitting services in your home along with dog walking services, be sure to check whether it is permitted by your local zoning regulations.

Business Insurance

Dog owners will put you in charge of their dogs and they will expect a certain level of reliability and care. Having business insurance will mean that you care and you are serious about your work.

It will also give you peace of mind, knowing that you’re fully protected in case the unexpected happens.

For instance, public liability will offer protection if you’re sued because a member of the public is injured because of your business.

What About a Dog Walking Insurance?

It might not be a legal requirement but may still want to have a dog walker insurance policy. Being a dog walker, you’re responsible for all the dogs in your care. This does not only include damage caused by dogs, but also any injuries that occur to the dogs.

Having a comprehensive dog walking insurance policy means you’re protected in case something happens. Sometimes you might not know what policy you need, so be sure to talk to your insurer so they can advise you appropriately.

Dog Walking Contract

It is advisable to have a written contract between you and your clients. Among other things, the contract will set out your responsibilities, the terms of payment and how you relate with your clients.

It is also advisable to include other items related to dog walking in your contract, like the owner’s responsibility for damage done by their dog as well as the authorization to seek emergency medical care for your clients’ dogs.

How Are You Going to Charge?

Due to the nature of the dog walking business, there is no set rate to help determine your price. But depending on where you’re working from, you can earn a significant amount of money from the dog walking business. This is especially so if you’re walking more than one dog at a go.

The amount you earn is determined by the number of dogs you walk at once, the number of hours you work in a day, and your business overheads.

It is, therefore, important to do your research to find out how other dog walkers are charging, before setting your rate.  

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Training a Hunting Puppy: Laying the Groundwork

When training a puppy, the goal becomes building positive experiences and helping the pup increase their self-confidence while avoiding bad habits. Obedience plays a part as well, however for most people, it becomes a rewarding experience when you begin to specifically training a puppy for hunting.

Prerequisites for the Pup

In examining the overall picture, it is meaningful to first state how crucial a puppy’s inherited traits are, how proper socialization comes to heart, and then begin which command should be focused upon first.

Firstly, a puppy’s nose with a discerning sense of smell is necessary. The dog needs to express an internal drive to continue working when the going gets tough. Its attitude should be cooperative, and ready to please.

The external structure of the dog’s body should be strong, and he should exhibit endurance. Its coat should be able to avert the elements and provide a sufficient cover during hunting.

Mentally, the dog should show stability, with a balanced nature, as a hunting situation presents ever-changing circumstances. Ultimately, the dog should have a natural pointing and retrieving instinct. Having all of these factors become the foundation of having a good hunting dog.

Socialization

Proper socialization is the alliance that binds other factors in place as the training advances. Other necessary ingredients include health care, proper nutrition and exercise.

It is feasible to work on several aspects of a dog’s advancement at a time. For example, a puppy can be exposed to your neighborhood at the same time as getting him acclimated to walking on a lead or training him to heel. Another way is to let a puppy run and explore an open field while on a long leash so that you can start to institute a sense of control.

Throughout the first year, your puppy’s world should be expanded from the house to the backyard, to the training and hunting fields. Your puppy should start socializing with other dogs. You should introduce him to travel crates, boats, game birds, gun and gunfire. You may decide that you want to utilize the help of a dog training collar, to get your dog on the track to success. 

On your puppy’s first day in the field, if you attempted to train him, it would be difficult to do if he hadn’t had any exposure to it before. It wouldn’t be right to expect the dog to pay attention or be able to focus, trying to learn. This is due to the fact that he would be too busy looking at all of the exciting, unfamiliar, distracting, or scary things that would likely divert all of his attention.

Creating a Plan

It will be helpful if you create a specific plan for your puppy. Evaluate where your puppy is in the learning process. Take note of what areas you have touched upon and what you haven’t. This allows you to see what areas you need to work on with your dog. 

Jot down notes after your training session is finished, on what progress the puppy has made, and what should ideally take place in the next session. Doing so will allow you to think about each choice that is made as the puppy continues to be socialized to all that is a part of the hunting dog world, while folding in some of the basic commands. Training them on “No”, “Sit” and “Heel” will further reinforce what you are trying to accomplish with the pup down the road.

Crate Training

According to experts, training a dog with a crate is a key aspect in both training a puppy and keeping him safe. Doing so, should begin the very first day that the puppy comes home with you. Once the puppy feels comfortable in the crate, you can begin taking him on short trips in the car. Ideally, you should take your puppy somewhere where you can let him out to go and play.

You don’t want the only time he goes out into the car to be when he goes to the veterinarian. Your local dog park would be perfect. It is a great place for him to become socialized with other dogs, while playing with family members at the same time. Taking him to a basic obedience class is also highly recommended.

Exploring

There are sure to be certain aspects in the outside world that will scare your pup. However, it is important not to overlook getting him used to open cover areas with brush and timber, since you are likely to hunt these types of areas together at some point. Allow your puppy to feel free to explore fields and shadow areas while chasing game birds. Doing so allows you to help cultivate the dog’s predatory drive, endowing the dog with confidence while developing his strength and endurance.

Be certain to introduce your pup to bodies of water. Even dogs who are primarily being trained for upland hunting will need to cross a creek occasionally. The bottom line is that when you introduce your puppy to swimming through the water now, it will help you later on.

Setting Boundaries

Training your puppy involves both discipline and reward. Logically, good performance is rewarded by praising your dog with positive reinforcement. Discipline is learned through various methods of training, all of which involve setting boundaries for the pup. The dog needs to understand how far you are willing to let him go, and respect those boundaries. He needs to know when it is time to retrieve, and when it is time to stop running.

Bird Retrieving

For your puppy’s first experience with retrieving birds, hunting experts recommend going to a quiet area and using a cold, dead pigeon. This is because this means that the bird isn’t going to flop around, or scare a shy puppy, and won’t be too exciting for a puppy that has a stronger will. Let the puppy hold the bird, bit be ready to stop them from shaking it or biting down.

Guns

No dog is born to be fearful of guns. With that being said, it is possible for dogs with more timid natures to be a bit more gun shy than others. Nevertheless, most dogs can be trained to understand that the sound of a gun firing means there is a reward for them, which is a down game for them to retrieve.

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5 Reasons Why Your Dog Refuses to Sleep on a Bed (Tips you need to know)

Dogs are beautiful, loving, adorable, and playful creatures. But they can sometimes be a little strange too. I mean who chooses to sleep on the floor right next to the bed? Instead of sleeping on the bed itself! More often than not, it’s because something is cooking under the covers. So here are the top 5 reasons why your dog refuses to sleep on a bed.

But before I get into them, you should know that it’s not an uncommon occurrence. So don’t worry about anything here. Just read on to know more.

Most Common 5 Reasons Why Your Dog Refuses to Sleep On a Bed

As a dog lover, I’m sure you’ve come across many hilarious pictures of dogs dozing on the floor right next to the bed. The internet, not very surprisingly, is packed with such photos. Dogs are not dumb creatures. In fact, they’re smarter and more intelligent than you think. So what makes them reject the bed and sleep on the floor?

You obviously cannot get inside the head of your precious pet to read his/her mind. Sometimes I wish we could in order to understand what they really want. And how they really feel. Anyway, my point is that you might not be able to read their mind but you surely can make a few educated guesses.

The best news here is that it’s nothing serious or concern-worthy. Even so, speaking to your vet about it does seem like a wise decision. So if you’re very concerned about your dog not liking his/her bed, just call your vet.

Here are the possible 5 reasons why your dog refuses to sleep on a bed:

#1 Bed isn’t comfortable

If people can have preferences when it comes to mattresses, then why can’t dogs? Personally, I like sleeping on a hard mattress. While some people feel more comfortable on soft, fluffy mattresses. So maybe your dog has personal preferences too. It’s quite much possible!

The chances are your furry companion is not sleeping on his/her bed because the thing is uncomfortable. He/she might not like the feel of the bed at the time of lying down. Too scratchy material, lack of enough padding, something poking into the body, etc. It could be anything!

So how about you give the bed a thorough check? Maybe even lie down on it yourself to get the feel of it.

Even if you’ve got an indestructible dog bed  you can visit https://www.the-hunting-dog.com/indestructible-dog-beds/ for your naughty four-legged friend who simply loves to chew everything, it can get rejected. So at such times, to make the bed feel more comfortable, try layering the top with a soft, cozy dog bed blanket.

#2 Weather is either too cold or too hot

It’s only logical to assume that your dog prefers sleeping on the floor because of the weather. Curling up under or over a blanket when the temperature is rising doesn’t seem like such a comfortable idea. And I’m sure your dog thinks so too. Hot summer days and nights are no fun under the covers.

During the summer season, your dog bed might feel too stuffy. So it’s only natural for your pet to look for a cooler spot. And what’s cooler than the floor for a dog! Dogs often sleep on the floor because it provides relief from heat.

What about if it’s the winter season? Even when it’s cold your dog would prefer sleeping on the floor. And not on his/her bed. But why? Once again, the answer is to stay warm.

Maybe the heater or fireplace is not near the dog bed. Or maybe your dog is following the rays of the sun around your house. So ends up sleeping in a spot where they’re shining the brightest and offering some warmth.

#3 Bed size is not right

Does the size of the dog bed really matter? Yes, yes it does. Anything too big or too small might make your precious pet feel uncomfortable.

Smaller breeds are insecure about large beds. It’s because they anticipate potential threats at the time of lying down and sleeping in a large bed. What you should also know is that small, hairless dogs often feel cold. So if their bed is large, it may make them feel even chillier. Despite the sufficient padding!

As for too small beds, it’s only common sense to believe that the bed doesn’t allow your furry friend to stretch out. No wonder he/she prefers sleeping more freely and comfortably on the floor next to the bed.

For medium and small dogs, you should consider buying nest beds. Such beds are designed with tons of cushioning for warmth. They have a cave-type structure to also make your dog feel protected.

And obviously, for large-sized dogs, a large bed is the most suitable. Don’t be confused about the size, just measure the size of your dog at the time of choosing a bed for him/her.

#4 Dog is used to sleeping on the floor

Creatures of habit; the best way to describe the behavior of dogs. So it’s very likely that he/she is not sleeping on the bed because sleeping on the floor is the most natural response. Maybe your little pooch doesn’t know he/she is supposed to nap on the bed.

In that case, you can teach your dog to choose the bed instead of the floor. And here’s how:

• Is there a spot in your home the dog feels the safest to sleep? If yes, then put the bed in that place.
• Use the common command “Go to bed” for getting your dog into his/her bed.
• Show the bed, say the words, and encourage your pet to get comfortable in the bed.
• If he/she listens, use positive reinforcements like praises and treats.
• Practice this routine a few times daily until it becomes a habit.

#5 Dog’s in pain

Let me begin by reassuring you that the majority of dogs sleeping on the floor aren’t sick. They’re perfectly healthy, which means you may have no cause for worry. However, if the dog suddenly changes his/her behavior and starts to sleep on the floor, then something might be up.

Maybe the location of the bed isn’t right. If the bed is placed on a height, the chances are he/she is finding it difficult to jump into it. Or climb the stairs for reaching the bed.

Joints start to get weaker as dogs grow old. So if that’s what’s happening, then it’s only natural for your dog to not be able to move and jump around as much. Keeping that in mind, for older dogs, it’s best to change the sleeping arrangements.

I would highly advise you to speak to your vet about this. Maybe it’s nothing. But the other side of the coin does pose the possibility that your adorable pet might be in some kind of pain.

Conclusion

To be honest, dogs aren’t concerned about stuff like what kind of bed they’re sleeping in. As long as the sleeping space is comfortable, they don’t really care. So don’t think too much regarding your dog refusing to sleep on his/her bed. Maybe your little furry creature is more comfortable napping on the floor. If he/she feels like moving to the bed, that will happen sooner or later.