Training With TREATS

A professional dog trainer, depending on his or her style, commonly uses food treats during dog training to encourage her canine students. Using them is a wonderful and efficient way to motivate a dog to try new behaviors.

There are many types of treats available in pet stores today, but you want to choose a treat that is healthy for your dog and, most importantly, one he finds irresistible.

When using training treats, try to keep the size as small so you can do repetitive rewarding without having to worry about your dog’s calorie intake or loss of interest due to satisfaction. During dog training, some dogs fill up on treats too quickly which decreases their interest level for participating in the dog training exercises.

Using dog training treats during the learning phase of a new behavior will usually dramatically increase your chances of success. Once a dog understands the desired behavior, you can fade out the treats over a slow period of time and replace them with praise. If, at any time, the dog becomes confused or frustrated, you can always reintroduce a favorite treat to reignite the dog’s interest in the training session.

Cardinal recommends their Crazy Dog Train-Me! Treats which have a high meat content and are excellent at grabbing a dog’s attention, motivating him to perform, shortening the learn curve and making training a success for you and your dog!

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CHEWING

Puppy chewing, though cute at first, can turn into a very expensive and destructive habit. Your dog trainer can help you curtail this issue; however, you must take steps of your own to ensure 100% compliance.

One way to discourage dogs from chewing is to use a Bitter Spray, like Cardinal’s Bitter End. It’s a bitter-tasting spray used to deter inappropriate chewing. It is effective due to its terrible taste that dogs hate!

It typically comes in a non-aerosol bottle and should be applied daily to objects you wish the dog to avoid chewing. This product alone typically will not break the dog from chewing; it should be coupled with proper dog training from both the owner and trainer to redirect the behavior.

You can find this and other great dog training products at your local pet supply store.

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The Truth About Dogs & Swimming:

• Not all dogs swim well enough to be completely safe in or around water.

• Basset hounds, French bulldogs, and English bulldogs, for example, have very short legs that usually cannot move quickly enough to keep their bodies afloat.

• Dogs breeds that naturally have a low body fat percentage (such as Doberman pinschers and Boxers) are more likely to sink than swim.

• While many dogs love water and can swim without a problem, others do not like water or are afraid of it. FEAR can inhibit the ability of any dog to swim.

• Remember, any dog can drown and hypothermia is always a risk.

Assess Your Dogs Swimming Skills Before Your Outing

1) Begin by assessing your dogs skills in a swimming pool or near the shore of the lake or ocean.

2) Never throw your dog in the water – introduce your dog to swimming slowly while being calm, positive and encouraging - and staying close to him/her in the water.

3) If your dog seems happy being in the water and proficient at swimming, keep your first outing brief and plan a series of swims for increasingly longer times, making sure to gage the energy level of your dog, until you are comfortable with his skills.

If your dog is resistant to water, or will be on a boat, buy a canine personal flotation device (PFD) - also known as a life jacket. This will keep a dog afloat in case they fall off of a boat or get pulled out from shore by current.

Boating? Purchase & Use A Life Jacket (PFD) For Your Dog

No matter how good a swimmer your dog is, when he's on a boat, put him in a life jacket. Groups of people on a boat tend to think someone elseis watching the dog. Bumpy waves, hitting a wake or many other surprises can send your dog flying off the boat. Your dog may decide to chase a flying fish, pelican, seagull or some other moving object and jump off himself, only to find he can't keep up with the boat or get back on ananchored boat.

• Take your dog with you when purchasing a PFD so you can try it on for correct sizing.

• Look for a PDF that has a handle on the back of the vest that allows the owner to lift the dog out of the water if you need to save him..

• Choose a vest that's neon yellow or orange. This can help you see your dog if you need to rescue him.

Plan Sun Protection For Your Dog

Dogs get sunburned just like people, especially those with short fur and/or pink skin. Pink noses and muzzels with thin, fine hair are very susceptible to sunburn. Look for sun block products made especially for dogs if you think your dog may be easily sunburned. Let your dog enjoy the sun for only short periods of time (10-15 minutes) and provide a shaded area that he can enjoy.

Beware of DOG Heatstroke in Summer

Dogs also suffer heatstroke just like we do - but they can't tell you so you have to be aware of the symptoms. Watch for these early symptoms of Dog Heatstroke

• heavy panting
• rapid breathing
• excessive drooling
• bright red gums and tongue
• and standing four-square in an attempt to maintain balance

At the first signs of Dog Heatstroke call your vet. In the meantime, put the dog in the shade Cool your dog down by applying rubbing alcohol to his/her paw pads. Apply ice packs to the groin area. Wet the dog down with lukewarm water or a wet towel. Give the dog ice chips to lick or a small amount of water to drink. Give the dog Pedialyte liquid to restore electrolytes if recommended by your vet

If your dog shows any signs of the Advanced Stages of Dog Heatstroke, seek veterinary help immediately

Advanced Stages of Dog Heatstroke:

• White or blue gums
• Lethargy or unwillingness to move
• Uncontrollable urination or defecation
• Labored, noisy breathing
• and shock