Dog training has its jargon. Stephanie Gibeault, MSc, CPDT, shares common terms used in training and what they mean. Sharing the article and embedded video demonstration with dog owners on social media, in newsletters or as part of puppy classes will help them develop consistency with their pet(s). Source: AKC, April 9, 2024. Link. (14:41) … [Read more...]
Search Results for: puppy training
Why does my puppy growl at strangers?
At its core growling is about communication writes, Stephanie Gibeault, MSc, CPDT. It is a warning, a symptom of your puppy’s discomfort. Rarely an indication of aggression initially, growling at strangers is a sign that something is wrong. The most likely explanation is the puppy is fearful of people they don’t know. Source: AKC, January 19, 2021. Link. Whenever your puppy … [Read more...]
Primary training likely works best for shelter puppies
Bonnie V. Beaver, DVM, MS, DSc (Hon), DPNAP, DACVB, DACAW, shares the results of a study on training methods. The key pearls tell the story: Puppies may not be ready to make the connection between use of secondary (e.g., clickers) and primary (e.g., food) reinforcers Owners with puppies should be encouraged to use food rewards in training Secondary reinforcers may be … [Read more...]
Virtual dog training is an option
With pet adoptions at an all-time high during this Covid-19 pandemic, concerns of pet rescue groups are being realized. Some families adopting pets are not qualified owners. New dog owners will need help teaching their new friends to learn the rules of the house and the neighborhood. Virtual training, phone calls and text lessons from professional trainers may save the day for … [Read more...]
Puppy socialization when sheltered in place
Socialization for new puppies and for newly adopted dogs is critical to help them adapt to their surroundings. Mary Schwager shares ideas for exposing puppies and dogs to new things, even while social distancing. Source: Dogster, April 3, 2020. Link. When you help a dog through difficult things using clear criteria and communication, they learn to trust and believe in you. … [Read more...]
9 common dog training mistakes
“Are YOU the problem?” Teoti Anderson asks before she offers tips about common dog behavior problems. Not using clear, consistent cues is a common mistake people make when training their dogs. Her nine common mistakes dog owners make reducing the value of dog training efforts make for a good resource for social media, newsletters and for new pet orientations: Leaving a … [Read more...]
Opinion – Set the right expectations for puppy owners
In the last two decades, animal health pros have become increasingly aware of the number of puppies that get returned or surrendered. Most of these pets are returned because of normal behavior issues that new owners are not prepared to face. More than 1 million households give up their pets every year — and it’s not, by and large, because those animals aren’t loved or wanted.” … [Read more...]
The 10 most important things to teach a puppy
Far too many people don’t have a clue about how to properly raise a puppy, says Pat Miller. She offers a refresher course on important things for puppies to learn. Behavior problems are the number-one reason pets are relinquished. Use this information to help a new puppy owner develop their role with the pup. Source: Whole Dog Journal, December 5, 2017. Link. Also see: … [Read more...]
11 free puppy handouts
Add these new (or new to you) handouts to your new-client packets or put them on your website or in social media: Parasite prevention: Is that client’s puppy bugged?Why puppies need vaccinesDental health: Protect your puppy’s pearl whitesFeeding: What’s for puppy’s dinner?Enrichment: Don’t let boredom ruin your puppy’s brainTop 5 tips for teething puppiesThe secret to … [Read more...]
Structured and unstructured exercise important for puppy energy
Sporting dog puppies can be challenging. We want the drive and the energy once they are trained. However, to get through the puppy stages, exercise must be designed to tire-out puppies and include early obedience and life lessons. Source: Gun Dog, April 10, 2018. (Link) Sporting dog pups are chock-full of potential and obviously provide plenty of furry awesomeness. … [Read more...]
“Leave it,” an important K9 training basic
One of our objectives for curating content for animal health pros is to support behavior training. Annie Phenix is a force-free trainer who addresses the “leave it” training dog owners find challenging. This article is suitable for printing for puppy classes or as social media content. Source: Dogster, January 10, 2018. There are some cues we must teach our dogs that could … [Read more...]
Top 5 puppy behavior tips
There’s nothing like a new puppy. But the new wears off fast if the puppy isn’t taught to behave well. All animal health professionals get questions about “my new puppy” from friends and colleagues. The tips featured here help set proper expectations when dealing with a new puppy. Source: Clinician’s Brief, February 2016. Puppies are primed to learn, and veterinarians are … [Read more...]
73 percent of pandemic adoptions at risk to be surrendered
Sound the alarms and call in the techs! A recent survey of new dog owners conducted by Merck Animal Health found 73 percent of those who brought home a pooch this year are considering rehoming the animal once the pandemic ends. This decision, Merck says, likely stems from a lack of knowledge about animal care. 25 percent of respondents claimed they do not have enough … [Read more...]
5 ways to stop dogs from begging for scraps
When your dog’s pleading eyes melt your heart, it’s easy to give in and toss a nibble from your plate. You tell yourself, “it’s just a taste.” What you’re doing instead is reinforcing begging behavior. Janet Miller says a few simple tricks can convince your dog to stop begging every time you eat: Do not give in Ignore the behavior Close the door Use the your-place … [Read more...]
Train dogs to drop it
“Drop it,” can be one of the most useful things we can teach dogs to do. It can save them from illness or injury if they grabs something harmful. At minimum, dog owners will be happy if they can reduce the sometimes endless keep-a-way games. Source: Petcha, April 18, 2017. Most dogs learn early that the best way to gain attention is to take things they shouldn’t have. It is … [Read more...]
Tips and tricks for teething puppies
Teething puppies generate tons of questions for all animal health pros. Each pup has its own toothy challenges and there is not a universal way to deal with the discomfort and consequences. In the article linked here, the authors address ways to help a teething puppy be more comfortable. It is a good reference to share with puppy owners on social media or in newsletters. Gum … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 8, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 1, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 1st AHD Bulletin – A plan is not a strategy. Link. Studies: Early social housing helps dairy calves thrive. Link. Using standing equine CT in veterinary diagnostics. Link. Do it NOW! Link. ============================================ … [Read more...]
Dog fitness and canine endurance methods
Fitness trends for canines are trending higher. From endurance exercises to agility training, many pet owners are ensuring their furry pals stay in top shape year-round, writes Anderson Cox. He covers the health benefits and reviews myriad options for getting dogs the exercise they need to thrive. A ‘one size fits all’ approach simply doesn’t work. Factors such as breed, age, … [Read more...]
Breaking dogs’ barking habits (video)
There are many reasons dogs bark and it is unrealistic to expect one to stop barking altogether. The video shares ways to reasonably reduce barking and help dogs learn to bark less. It is worthy of sharing on social media or in newsletters. Adding a message about consistency in commands among family members, daycare and dog sitters is important to avoid confusing the … [Read more...]
Tips for socializing dogs with other dogs
Holiday gatherings can be challenging, but adding pets to the mix can be an ordeal, especially if socialization training has been ignored. Cammi Morgan shares tips to help pet owners realize their responsibility to properly socialize their dogs. She includes comments about puppy age, vaccination, dog park safety and approaches for undersocialized dogs. Be realistic . . . dogs … [Read more...]
Mental stimulation and enrichment matter to dogs
Mental stimulation is key help develop dogs’ cognitive behavior, as well as their overall well-being. Physical exercise is great and necessary for a dog, but it’s only half of the equation. It doesn’t take complex toys, it’s mostly just simple, fun games with its owner.” Source: AKC, January 2009. Link. Many of the hyperactivity and destruction problems dog owners struggle … [Read more...]
Pet friendly locations offer help so dogs aren’t home alone
Taking dogs out and about helps improve their mental stimulation. A growing number of retail locations offer pet friendly access to myriad new sights and smells for dogs. The author reminds pet owners to call stores for their policies and to do a reality check. If dogs aren’t good in crowds, or aren’t the most well-behaved on a leash, a few training classes are in order before … [Read more...]
Reasons to hire an animal trainer
Best intentions aside, many people have limited time and knowledge to train a new dog. Discussing details of hiring a trainer, the author shares eight benefits of engaging a professional trainer and what to seek in one. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. INSIGHTS: As we expect our pets to be present in a variety of social environments it is critical to help them acquire the … [Read more...]
Petco to expand PupBoxes, include private label products
Opinion PupBox, a monthly subscription service for dogs, will expand to offer boxes across four life stages: puppy, young pup, grown pup and senior pup. The boxes each contain five to seven hand-picked items items designed for a dog's specific needs at each stage of life. This expansion follows the one of Petco’s mental health pet programs, which also feature the … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 29, 2021
Last week’s most read post 5 ways your workplace isn’t accommodating to fat people Source: Animal Health Digest, July 20, 2021. Link. Obstacle course training for a puppy. LOL, what a hoot! Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, You Tube, July 21, 2021. Link. Puppy does a flop during obstacle course training. Dogs can tell if you’re lying more than … [Read more...]
Discuss canine behavior problems in the clinic
Since behavior problems are the number-one reason dogs are relinquished, John J. Ciribassi, DVM, DACVB, shares study results recommending behavior be discussed during visits at the clinic. Problems identified in the study included excessive activity, fearfulness, destructiveness, roaming, house soiling, excessive barking, coprophagy, withdrawal, mounting/humping and aggression … [Read more...]
Updating clinic materials yields a new book for pet owners
Complimentary Commercial Content Sometime last spring, Marty Greer, DVM, JD, shared she was working on updating her clinic materials for pet owners while her practice was closed during the early days of the pandemic. She offered the same Bridge Club networking group a welcome surprise in early December. Her materials updating work had expanded into a new book for puppy … [Read more...]
Content for dog owners
Animal owners are full of questions. If you don’t believe it, monitor one of The Bridge Club Pets sessions or videos < link >. Our industry supports more than 150 publications targeting animal owners, all of which compete for their eyes and their dollars. The scope of social media has progressed considerably beyond Dr. Google. We share the following information for dog … [Read more...]
10 things to never do to a dog
Pet adoptions are at an all-time high. Some new owners need training on pet care. Dog owners sometimes put their pet in harm's way without realizing it. Sophia Mitrokostas shares a few things veterinarians say to never do to a dog, including: No running with sticks Don’t use retractable leashes Check with vet before using a human product on a dog Avoid ice … [Read more...]
Teach dogs to be calm and collected on walks
Tonya Wilhelm adds yet another resource to retraining dogs to stop lunging and barking on walks. The key, she says, is to identify his triggers and re-rain him not to react to them. She offers six steps to help committed owners set their dog up for success and suggests a ways to establish a training protocol. Buy the right walking gear Provide healthy treats and small … [Read more...]