Labrador Retriever Dogs Blog

While there are many things to consider when you have decided to bring home a new dog, the first thing you have to pick is which breed is right for you. With that in mind, here are a few things to think about when selecting which breed is best for you and your home.

Size

The size of the dog you choose can depend on a number of factors. How big is your home? Do you have a yard? How big is your yard if you do have one? What size dog do you have an interest in taking home? Keep in mind that while that Golden Retriever is cute and sweet, he requires a lot more space to live than the Boston Terrier you're also considering.

Hair

When considering a dog, look around your home and consider if you would like your carpets and furniture covered in the fur of your dog. While many breeds of dogs, both long haired and short haired, don't shed overly much, just about every dog is going to shed a little bit. Keep that in mind and pick accordingly, as it could be the difference between you choosing a Saint Bernard and a Chihuahua.

Dog leash training can be an enjoyable time for you and your dog. Here you will learn some tips on how to go about training your dog on a leash.

A dog isn't naturally born with instincts to walk from a leash, so proper dog leash training is called for. Patience is of virtue when training your dog. Teaching your dog to walk correctly from a leash takes time. Your job is to maintain consistency and patients. This in return will bring a lifetime of long, joyful and leisurely walks together.

Tip #1 - If using a pinch collar or choker never pull or yank on the leash.

Your dogs health is at risk if you pull or yank hard on the leash when using either one of these devices. This can injure your dogs neck and leave long term psychological problems for your dog.
You can use a halter during dog leash training, which is definitely a safer alternative than using a pinch collar or choker. The halter will give you more control during your training, and the dog may not pull as much. The way the collar chokes the dog itself could cause the dog to pull more. A harness can make things much easier for you and your dog.

Dog barking trainer methods will let you train your dog to stop excessive barking. All barking isn't bad, it's that uncontrolled excessive barking that just goes on and on. This noise doesn't bother your dog. It bothers everyone around your dog. Excessive barking is on of the most frequent problems mentioned by dog owners.

You know most dogs have no clue that barking is a problem. Barking may be fun for your dog, especially if you do what your dog wants when the racket starts. Your dog may have trained you to open the door when the noise starts. Come see the dog when the barking starts. Talk to him when the barking starts. You get the idea.

The first step to stopping the yapping is to really observe your dog. Has your dog trained you? You must become the dominant partner in this relationship. You must decide what is acceptable barking and what is not. Then you must consistently demand the desired outcome.

On an increasing basis, large cities are incorporating dog parks into their recreational design. A dog park can be a wonderful place to bring your furry four-legged friend for some relaxation time together. However, a dog that has no manners can ruin the fun for everyone at the dog park. There are a few things that you should keep an eye out for when you bring your dog to the dog park.

1. Excessive Sniffing - It is natural for dogs to sniff each other to get to know one another, but if your dog is sniffing another one for an excessive amount of time, you may want to step in. Excessive sniffing could be a sign that he is getting ready to try to assert dominance.

2. Sharing - Dogs are like little children: most of them do not want to share. If your dog is heading for someone else's toy, cut him off. Make sure that he only plays with his own toys and does not become possessive of someone else's toys.

3. Running Off - Some dogs love to run off the minute they get into a dog park. Work on the come command with your dog, praising and giving him treats every time he comes when he is told to.

The first question every new pet owner asks is, "How can I housebreak my dog?" Getting your dog trained to go to the bathroom outside instead of in your home can be one of the most frustrating things to teach him. If you stay calm and collected, however, you will be able to train him within a much shorter time than you could imagine.

To begin with, do not expect your new puppy to be able to hold his bladder for any long amount of time. Take him out every forty-five minutes or so. Eventually this time will go longer and longer, but a puppy has a very small bladder and needs to be allowed out more frequently than an older dog. Dogs also have to go to the bathroom about fifteen minutes after they eat or drink, so make sure you accommodate their needs by taking them outside at that time. Every time you take your dog outside and he goes to the bathroom, give him praises. You want to make going to the bathroom outside a positive experience.