Dog Ownership 101 - May/June 2016

7 GOLDEN RULES FOR BRINGING YOUR DOG ON VACATION 

ISSUE 3 MAY / JUNE 2016 

8 TIPS FOR SURVIVING 

THE SEARCH FOR 

A Dog Breeder 

A 7-PART 

To Brushing 

A DOG’S COAT 

Beginner’s Guide 

A 

9-PART 

OVERVIEW 

OF THE 

TYPES OF 

DOG 

COATS 

YOUR 7-PART CHECKLIST 

FOR BUYING DOG 

ACCESSORIES 

8 ESSENTIAL TIPS 

FOR KEEPING YOUR 

DOG IN 

OPTIMAL 

HEALTH 

9 PRINCIPLES FOR HOUSE TRAINING YOUR DOG

05 

PUBLISHER AND 

EDITOR’S LETTER 

06 

CONTENTS 

Issue 3 May / June 2016 

9 PRINCIPLES FOR HOUSE 

TRAINING YOUR DOG 

If you have a dog that you wish was potty 

trained, there is good news! It is possible to 

potty train your dog as long as you’re willing 

to invest time into the process. 

7 FREQUENTLY ASKED 

QUESTIONS ABOUT DOG SHOWS 

Some think that those who enter their dogs into shows 

just have amazing dogs, but what really goes into it is 

preparation and know-how. Here’s what to know if you 

want to be that owner. 

10 

6 TIPS TO KNOW 

BEFORE YOU DECIDE 

TO BREED YOUR DOG 

There are many things you 

should consider before you 

decide to breed your female 

dog. This information can 

help you to decide if dog 

breeding is the right choice 

for you. 

29 

A 7-PART BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO 

BRUSHING A DOG’S COAT 

If your dog’s coat requires a good brushing, you should 

definitely take care of it today. Here is some advice to help 

you choose the best method to brushing your dog’s coat. 

8 TIPS FOR SURVIVING THE 

SEARCH FOR A DOG BREEDER 

If you are thinking about purchasing a dog, make 

16a 

sure you pick a good breeder. This information will 

help you determine whether you are dealing with 

reputable breeder. 

YOUR 7-PART CHECKLIST FOR 

BUYING DOG ACCESSORIES 

As a dog owner, you must spend a bit of time 

dog-proofing your home. There are also many accessories 

to consider that can make life with your 

20dog better for both of you. 

8 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR KEEPING 

YOUR DOG IN OPTIMAL HEALTH 

If you are a dog owner, you should know that yearly 

veterinarian visits are key to your dog’s health. 

With the right vet you can ensure your dog stays 

33happy and healthy. 

2 DOG ownership 101 | MAY / JUNE 2016

8 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

ON DESIGNER DOGS 

Have you wondered whether or not a designer 

dog is the best choice for you? Learn the answers 

to common questions that many people have 

38about designer dogs starting now. 

7 GOLDEN RULES FOR BRINGING 

YOUR DOG ON VACATION 

If you are a dog owner who loves to 

travel, why not combine your two loves? 

With proper planning and packing, 

you can have a great time taking your 

43doggie on vacation. 

61 

14 LOVABLE DOG BREEDS YOU 

SHOULD CONSIDER ADOPTING 

Are you currently looking at breeds of dogs to see which 

would fit best into your family? If so, you need to read 

this introduction to 14 highly respected breeds of dogs. 

65A 9-PART 

OVERVIEW OF 

THE TYPES OF DOG COATS 

All dogs require grooming, without exception. You 

can learn much about how to groom your specific 

breed of dog and do it on your own, or enlist the 

assistance of a pro. 

48 

YOUR 9-PART GUIDE TO SEVERAL 

GREAT DOG BREEDS 

If you are looking for a new dog, there are so many 

different breeds of dogs to choose from. Learn about 

6 distinct dog breeds and their basic characteristics 

and traits. 

8 STEPS FOR TEACHING YOUR DOG 

TO SIT AND STAY 

Dog obedience training can involve many 

different commands, but Sit and Stay is a good 

starting point. Teach your dog how to sit and stay 

53at your command starting today. 

57 

7 USEFUL TIPS 

FOR TRAINING AN 

IMPULSIVE DOG 

Is your dog overly excited? 

So overly excited that it can 

become irritating? If so, 

learn how you can calm your 

dog down through training 

exercises starting right now. 

70 

7 COMMON MISTAKES WHEN 

STARTING PUPPY TRAINING 

Puppy training is important, but it is not always easy for 

dogs or their owners. That is why it is important to learn 

how to train your puppy properly before you begin. 

DOG ownership 101 | MAY / JUNE 2016 

3

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MAY / JUNE 2016 

Editor 

Alicia Breckenridge 

Writer 

Kelly Livingston 

Head of Creatives 

Nyvia Ross 

Graphic Designer 

Kerwin Wepee 

Digital Property 

Managers 

Maharlika Matutinao 

Layla Anaya 

Digital Property 

Assistants 

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For advertising concerns 

please contact KJ Ross at 

kjross@authoritativecontentllc.com 

Dog ownership 101’s magazine content 

cannot be copied or reproduced in any 

form without the written permission 

of the publishers. Dog ownership 101’s 

editors and publishers shall not be held 

liable for any unsolicited materials. All 

prices and specifications published in 

this magazine are subject to change by 

manufacturers, agency and retailers. 

PUBLISHER’S FOREWORD 

Welcome to the May/ 

June issue of Dog 

Ownership 101! 

Continuing the trend 

of our previous two 

issues, our third issue 

is here to provide even 

better knowledge for 

our readers to enjoy. We hope everyone is doing 

well, and is in good spirits! 

We’re saddened by the recent passing of Doris 

Roberts, star of the hit sitcom ‘Everybody Loves 

Raymond’ in which she won seven Emmy awards, 

a testament to her superb work. Playing the 

troublesome mother who humorously made 

life hard for her son, she gave us some great 

memories. She will certainly be missed. 

At Dog Ownership 101, we care deeply about the 

creation of memories. At the very moment you 

become a dog owner and look into your newly 

adopted dog’s eyes, you’ve begun the first of what 

will become a chain of memories that will last a 

lifetime. From the good to the bad and everything 

Welcome to Dog 

Ownership 101 

Magazine! In our 

third, May/June issue, 

we’ve improved upon 

the guidance that we 

provide for our fellow 

dog owners. Every 

day, more and more people are diving into dog 

ownership and loving it, and that certainly could 

become you! 

When it comes to being a dog owner, having a 

loving and joyful exuberance is just as important 

as the more serious tasks. Dogs are very loving 

creatures, and your dog will certainly come to love 

you in a short time. He or she will want to make 

you happy, share their life with you, and become 

a part of everything that you do. However, they 

will also look to you for guidance. When your dog 

expresses that need, will you know what to do? 

It’s also important that your dog respects you, 

and understands that you’re the boss! All dogs 

have the pack mentality, and if you don’t assert 

yourself as the “big dog” then he or she will try to. 

This plays a huge role in training your dog to do 

(or not do) certain things, and greatly enhances 

your relationship together as well as with other 

in between, the experiences you and 

your dog share will grow near and dear 

to your heart. 

Our magazine is here to make those 

experiences great in every way possible, 

from caring for your dog in simple ways 

to nurturing his or her curious little 

mind. Dog Ownership 101 will answer 

many of the questions you may have, 

helping you to decide which dog is right 

for you and how to prepare for this big 

step. 

I now introduce Alicia Breckenridge, 

our editor. I give you all my best hopes 

for May/June. See you in our next issue! 

Best regards, 

Kenan Ross 

KENAN ROSS 

CEO 

Authoritative Content 

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 

people you may live with. At Dog 

Ownership 101, one of our goals is to 

make sure that all of our readers know 

the important parts of being a dog 

owner, and that being assertive is just 

as important as being loving. 

Whether you’re adopting a puppy or an 

adult dog, you’ll learn some strategies 

for acclimatizing your new pal, and 

making him or her comfortable in their 

environment. If you’re looking for tips 

on how to take care of your dog, we’ve 

got you covered: from maintaining 

that shiny coat to taming that restless 

energy, Dog Ownership 101 will show 

you the ropes. Our tried and true 

guidance is sure to help make your dog 

ownership experience one of the best 

of your life! 

Best wishes, 


ALICIA BRECKENRIDGE 

Editor 

Dog Ownership 101 Magazine 


5

7 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

ABOUT DOG SHOWS 

by 


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Some think that those who enter their dogs into shows just have amazing dogs, but what 

really goes into it is preparation and know-how. Here’s what to know if you want to be 

that owner. 

If you think your dog is the best and 

that everyone else should think your 

dog is the best, there is an event just 

for you. The sport of dog shows allows 

dog owners to show their dogs to the world. 

These shows, also known as confirmation 

events, have judges who compare dogs and 

then select a winner. The dogs are judged on 

their looks, structure and their ability in skill 

events. 

1 

WHAT IS THE WESTMINSTER 

KENNEL CLUB? 

There are all types of dog shows, 

but the biggest and most well known is the 

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The 

show began in 1877 in New York City, where a 

unique group of dogs and people meet each 

year. Dog shows are very cutthroat and are 

quite an experience for those who have never 

been to one. This glamorous event follows 

rules that began over a century ago. 

WHAT IS THE AMERICAN KENNEL 

2 CLUB? 

The American Kennel Club maintains 

that the general criteria for judging a dog 

is that it conforms the most closely to the 

standard of its breed. During competition, the 

judges will scrutinize the dog and determine 

how well it compares to the standards 

officially set for that breed. Characteristics 

set forth are generally those that enable 

the dog to perform the activities for which 


Have you wondered whether or not a designer dog is the best choice for you? Page 38 holds the answers 

to common questions that many people have on designer dogs. 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE. 

it has been bred. Details such as structure, 

temperament and the dog’s gait are all taken 

into consideration as the animal is being 

judged against the standards of its breed. 

HOW ARE THE DOGS JUDGED? 

3 Even though there’s a ton of ritz and 

glitz at dog shows, it’s not all about 

the dog’s appearance. What really matters are 

the standard rules. These rules provide a way 

for judges to actually judge the dogs without 

bias. Each breed of dog has a standard by 

which they are judged. A protective coat on 

a terrier, for example, is a must because it 

helps them hunt animals. These standards are 

found in the AKC’s Complete Dog Book. You 

can find these standards, as well as additional 

links, on their website at www.akc.org. 

HOW DO I ENTER MY DOG? 

4 There are specific rules regarding 

which dogs can be entered in 

conformation shows. A dog needs to be intact, 

usually 6 months or older, registered and a 

purebred. An intact dog is one that has never 

been spayed or neutered. The reason for this 

is these events started as a way to compare 

dogs’ potential breeding capabilities. Some 

owners may not want to enter their dogs in 

these events because of the health problems 

associated with intact dogs. 

CAN I GET AROUND REGULATIONS? 

5 Don’t get too upset if your dog doesn’t 

meet one of the rules to compete in 

dog shows. Cats, however, can contend in a 

distinct class at pet shows for some time and 

some shows allow cats to contend in distinct 

classes for cat shows. There are three kennel 

clubs that give optimism to pups that can’t 

compete in the traditional dog show mold. 

The United Kennel Club includes not just 

purebred dogs, but all dogs who are spayed or 

neutered, and even mixed breeds, purebreds 

of unknown ancestry and dogs that have 

flaws which prohibit them from being a UKC 

breed. What is in the agenda are tryouts for 

agility, obedience and pretty much everything 

needed for dogs to compete in a dog show. 


7

IS THERE A SHOWING FOR NON- 

6 PUREBLOOD DOGS? 

Certain dog shows allow breeders 

with dogs that do not have a clean blood line 

to take part in their event if they’ve followed 

proper procedure to take part in the program. 

It must be impossible for these dogs to 

continue their breed. There are specific dog 

shows for these animals, and you will not be 

able to have them participate in a show with 

pedigree animals. The CKC has events similar 

to the more pedigreed shows such as courses 

and obedience. 

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER 

7 ALTERNATIVE SHOWS? 

In order to win the MBDCA 

championship title, a dog must first earn 

an obedience title from the organization to 

show its intelligence is on par with its looks. 

Occasionally, an individual breed club will 

make changes to its standards to allow owners 

who do not breed their dogs or want to show 

a dog who has been fixed. One example is the 

Australian Shepherd Club of America which 

not only allows spayed and neutered dogs to 

compete in all club programs, but also runs 

an Altered Conformation Program where dogs 

can earn points towards the title. 

Dog owners that have a lot of pride in their 

pets usually want to show them off. However, 

there are certain regulations that must be 

followed with dog showing. If your pet doesn’t 

meet them, don’t despair! There are other 

shows your dog can be entered in, where 

there will be plenty of opportunities for them 

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9

6 TIPS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU 

DECIDE TO BREED YOUR DOG 

by 

Kelly V. Livingston 

Follow Us: 

There are many things you should consider before you decide to breed your female dog. 

This information can help you to decide if dog breeding is the right choice for you. 

Are you thinking about breeding your 

female dog? If you have been considering 

it but are unsure if you should take the 

plunge, the following tips will help you 

to learn more about the costs and concerns 

associated. With this information in mind, you will 

be able to decide whether or not dog breeding is 

the right choice for you. 

BREEDING REQUIREMENTS 

1 If your goal is to breed your female dog, 

remember that it takes both effort and 

cash flow. Not only your dog, but also the dog you 

breed her to will need to be found clear of inherited 

health issues like deafness, eye disease and hip 

issues. Be sure that the dogs both are tested 

for any venereal disease, keep them current on 

any vaccinations, parasite free, and also provide 

heartworm prevention. Giving your dog a clean 

bill of health is costly. Once a male dog is cleared, 

their job is incredibly easy, coming and going as 

they please. The female dog however, isn’t quite 

as lucky. The owner of the female will be the one 

to bear the bulk of the cost, starting with the cost 

to pair with the stud. However, before that can 

even happen, you will need to find a suitable stud, 

and chances are they won’t be found just around 

the corner. 

COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH 

2 BREEDING 

So you need to be prepared for transport 

costs. Your dog will also require higher-quality 

food and in some cases, supplements should your 


Looking to find a dog breeder instead? Our article on page 16 has information to help you 

determine whether you are dealing with a reputable breeder. 


veterinarian recommend. If the litter is too large 

for your dog to handle, you may wind up hand 

raising a few of the puppies on your own. More 

than that, there will be an extensive medical list 

you will need to reference and you may end up with 

hefty veterinarian bills. Should your breed require 

tail trimming or declawing, that is an additional 

expense to add to the list of vaccinations and 

health needs. You’ll have to buy dog food once 

the dogs are weaned from their mother for about 

a month. Of course, there’s no guarantee that 

you’ll find a buyer for the puppies within that time 

frame. Taking care of the dogs especially when 

they are first born may require you to take leave 

from your job outside the home. 

SOCIALIZING PUPPIES AND 

3 CARING FOR THEM 

You’ll also need to spend time with the 

puppies so they can get used to people. The 

puppies should be acclimatized to other people, 

animals and sounds. These dogs will leave your 

house in a terrible state of disorganization. You’ll 

need to be constantly doing laundry. You’ll also 

need a large supply of old newspapers and towels 

to clean up after them. Because new puppies are 

unable to control their body temperature, they 

need some extra care. Heating lamps or hotwater 

bottles placed in a whelping box can assist 

in providing warmth. Once the puppies start to 

walk, some type of enclosure should be set up 

to allow room to run around while still providing 

protection to furniture or other items that you 

don’t want damaged. When puppies are ready to 

sell, you may end up negotiating to try to secure 

the best price. With the current market and fad 

breeds, you may not be able to get the prices you 

once could. 

DOG BREEDING IS A BUSINESS 

4 There is always the possibility that 

remaining puppies will need to be given 

away or donated to a shelter. Talk to a well known 

breeder in order to determine how much having 

a litter of your own will cost. More likely than not, 

you’ll learn that there are much more in the way 

of expenses than you expect: an ultrasound to 

verify pregnancy for example, or even a cesarean 

section delivery. Advertising your litter or sending 

announcements can bring an additional cost as 


11

well. Dog breeding must be treated as a business, 

and that has remained the standard for years. 

Breeding the best to the best is important, but so 

is hoping for the best. How quality is determined 

has greatly changed, and will continue to evolve 

into the future. This progression would leave 

traditional sheep dog and hunting dog owners 

shaking their heads. In the past, if your dog wasn’t 

pulling it’s weight, it wouldn’t survive long enough 

to breed. 

HOW TO SELECT DOGS FOR 

5 BREEDING 

Though this is the case still in some 

situations today, the lesser talented or gifted 

dogs will generally find a home with a family and 

live happily as a pet. Since there are very few 

breeders that will work their dogs in the manner 

that a shepherd will, they use other indicators 

to better understand what animals would be 

best to breed. Showing their dog will serve as a 

way to evaluate their confirmation - creating an 

understanding of how close that dog falls within 

the blueprint for the breed. This is known as the 

standard. A breeder can test the animal’s instinct 

through competitions that mimic the conditions 

of the real thing. They will test them to be sure 

there are known hereditary issues and also take 

the dogs temperament into consideration prior 

to breeding. This very selective process is what 

produces top quality dogs. 

HOW TO FIND A STUD DOG 

6 Your dog will need to be bred to the very 

best stud dog available and also one 

that will match her pedigree and temper. A well 

versed breeder will likely be the best person to 

contact in order to find the dog you need. Even 

more, if you are able to persuade the breeder to 

walk you through the entire process up to placing 

the puppies in your litter, you will increase your 

chances of success. You should know that many 

breeders will not wish you to breed your female 

with their stud dog and may be unwilling to work 

with you at all if your dog does not have a certain 

standard of conformation. You might as well ask 

though, as selecting a stud dog of high pedigree 

is vastly preferable to breeding her with a dog 

owned by a co-worker, neighbor, relative or other 

random individual. If your dog is not considered to 

have the necessary qualities for breeding you may 

have to choose the latter instead of the former. In 

this case, it is probably a better idea not to breed 

her at all. 

There are many important considerations to 

take into account before you decide to breed 

your female dog. Keeping in mind the various 

associated costs and that you will need to care for 

and find homes for the puppies, it may be a more 

time consuming and expensive endeavor than 

you initially thought. So be sure to consider the 

above factors before you make a final decision as 

to whether or not to breed your dog. 


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8 TIPS FOR SURVIVING 

THE SEARCH FOR 

A DOG BREEDER 

by 


Follow Us: 

If you are thinking about purchasing a dog, make sure you pick a good 

breeder. This information will help you determine whether you are dealing 

with a reputable breeder. 

If you have decided that you definitely 

wish to purchase a new dog but you 

aren’t sure how to find the best breeder, 

you are not alone. There are many 

breeders out there, some reputable and 

trustworthy and others more questionable. 

Here is information that can help you to 

choose the best breeder so that you end up 

with a healthy and happy dog. 

SPOTTING A TRUSTWORTHY BREEDER 

1 It’s a good sign if the breeder is 

all decked out in clothes with dog 

pictures on them. Look around her place for 

more evidence of her love of dogs such as 

subscriptions to dog magazines. A breeder 

that loves dogs will usually be able to 

provide a healthy pup. A breeder speaking 

enthusiastically about her puppies will be a 

subtle sign of dedication. Additionally she 

needs to show that she understands what 

you need and be realistic when it comes to 

the cons of the breed, such as shedding, 

grooming, size and their obsession with 

puddles. The quirks of this breed may really 

endear them to her. 

2 

GETTING INFORMATION FROM 

YOUR BREEDER 

You can find out a lot of important 


There are many things you should consider before you decide to breed your female dog. Page 10’s 

information will help you to decide if dog breeding is the right choice for you. 


things from a caring breeder. She’ll know all about 

what type of ailments your breed may tend to suffer 

from. She will show you not only puppies but also 

the grown up dogs of the breed you’re looking at. 

Like any good breeder, she’ll speak to you in depth 

regarding the training of your dog. She may tell 

you about dog clubs. She might want your contact 

information. 

GOOD BREEDERS AND HEALTHY DOGS 

3 A good breeder will have information 

on how to care for your dog including 

veterinarian services. You’ll also receive papers 

to authenticate your dog’s breed which can be of 

importance if you’re planning to show the dog. 

She’ll tell you to contact her if things don’t work out 

so she can find a new home for the dog. A breeder 

that is attentive is likely to be petting the dog when 

conversing with you. A dog that is healthy will have 

eyes that shine, a good weight and a coat that looks 

full. You will be able to deduce the type of care that 

the dogs have received by examining them. Breeders 

of dogs want them to be happy and a big part of that 

is making sure that their new owners are happy also. 

So don’t just ask the cost. 

CHOOSING YOUR DOG 

4 When you’re selecting a dog for your 

home, you need to take into account more 

things than simply the cost of the dog. It’s important 

to investigate the breeder’s background and the 

likelihood that the dog is healthy. You’ll want to know 

specific things from the seller. What’s the seller’s 

connection to the breed of dog that your buying? 

How did they get into this business? What’s the 

general timeline for when they breed dogs and how 

frequently? Are there pictures of other dogs related 

to the one your considering buying? Can you look at 

the place where the dogs live? 

INQUIRIES YOU SHOULD MAKE 

5 Isolate some of this breed’s defects and 

see if they have produced any of them, 

and what that number might be. If you discover a 

low percentage, you’re doing well because breeding 

over two litters is going to yield a certain number of 

problems. Check to see that the doggie parentage 

is of healthy genetic structure and make sure to ask 

for certification. If they are club members, that’s 

good because the club has ethical parameters. Ask 

to see the pedigree and check for any titles within 

two generations. Find out whether you can pick the 


17

puppy with some help from the breeder who can 

better know how the dog’s personality matches 

yours. Request a medical history to ensure that 

the puppies have had a couple of shots, a fecal 

exam, and maybe a deworming. Find out about the 

warranty/guarantee and what it covers by reading 

the small print. Also understand what the breed’s 

average lifespan is likely to be. 

6 

ASKING ABOUT CHILD FRIENDLY DOGS 

People are frequently looking for dogs 

that are child friendly. Most people have 

children in their homes even if it is just once and a 

while. Families with children often not only have their 

kids at home but their kids’ friends over. A good idea 

to get a puppy accustomed to all this commotion is 

to have them in a noisy environment when they’re 

little. A caring breeder wants her puppies to be 

happy and isn’t only thinking about the money. A 

caring breeder is thinking about placing the pups in 

a good environment. 

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD EXPECT 

7 The following are questions that a good 

breeder will ask before selling you a puppy: 

why do you like this particular breed? Do you know 

the pros and cons of dog ownership? If you have 

kids, what are their ages? If this is your first dog, do 

you intend for it to live outside or indoors? Do you 

realize the commitment of having a dog and will you 

contact me before getting rid of it? Are you prepared 

to purchase the pup? Is this location suitable to 

making the correct purchase? Be sure, because you 

will not be able to change your decision. 

BUYING FROM ONLY HONEST BREEDERS 

8 Even though it seems counter-intuitive, 

popularity of a breed leads to its end. 

People who like to take advantage of trends in 

breed purchases flood the market in order to sate 

the taste of potential pet buyers. Because of the 

lack of knowledge that comes with breeding, the 

macro production of puppies leads to health and 

disposition problems for the breed. Sadly, when 

the popularity wanes, many dogs are left for dead. 

Use a reputable breeder to avoid any trouble with 

your buying. The dogs best interest and well being 

are sure to have been seen to when you purchase 

from a dealer that is reputable. Most breeders are 

breeding for the love of dogs, not to make money. 

Five or six puppies are the amount in an average 

litter of medium breed dogs. 

With all this information at your disposal, you are 

definitely well poised to select the right dog from 

the right breeder. Remember that you should not 

contract with any breeder before you have answers 

to the above questions, and you are much more 

likely to end up with a dog you love that loves you 

back. Good luck! 


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YOUR 7-PART 

CHECKLIST FOR BUYING 

DOG ACCESSORIES 

by 


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As a dog owner, you must spend a bit of time dog-proofing your home. There are also 

many accessories to consider that can make life with your dog better for both of you. 

As you begin to prepare your home for your 

dog, puppy-proofing or dog-proofing will be a 

major concern. However, you will need to buy 

certain accessories for your dog such as dog 

identification tags, chew toys, a crate or kennel and 

a brush for your dog’s coat. The following is a run 

down of the basics you will need for your dog. 

DOG-PROOFING IS IMPORTANT 

1 You can pretty much summarize puppyproofing 

in just one basic rule: put 

anything you don’t want the dog to chew on where 

he or she can’t get to it. That’s common sense, and 

you don’t have to be one of those that find out the 

hard way. Don’t blame the dog if he thinks slippers, 

shoes, toys, clothes, and snacks are laid out for him 

to play with or eat. Your dog would have to have 

a super amount of self control to resist temptation 

when you’re not around. Your new puppy ruining 

your child’s toys or clothing will prove to be a strong 

motivator for that child to keep his or her room tidy 

and the door shut. 

KNOW WHAT MUST BE MOVED 

2 Dogs seem to gravitate towards 

underwear and socks, happily munching 

holes through both. You also need to be aware 

of your food storage, as dogs are awfully smart 

when there is a tasty treat to be had. Dogs who are 

adopted may have spent much of their lives going 


hungry and scrounging for every morsel of food 

they could find before they had the good fortune to 

come to live in your home. As a result, these dogs 

are smart when it comes to snatching food, so you 

always have to be on your guard. Do not leave food 

in any location where your dog can easily reach it. 

Providing adequate supervision is of paramount 

importance when it comes to puppy-proofing. 

EXTRA ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR DOG 

3 It is necessary to supervise your puppy 

at all times, not just for his safety, but it 

is helpful in house training. Dogs are quite content 

with just a few basics, but it’s okay to spoil them a 

little with a few extras. Chew toys are actually not 

optional, as puppies need them for tooth health. 

Dogs don’t need a huge variety of accessories, and 

they don’t need to be expensive. However, it is 

essential to pick up a few basic tools to assist you 

in dog training and your local pet store should have 

everything you need. The most essential accessory 

you can get for your dog is an ID tag. Because it 

bears the name of your dog as well as your phone 

number and address, this little piece of metal can 

make it more likely that your dog will be returned to 

you should she ever stray. 

DOG IDENTIFICATION TAGS VERSUS 

4 MICROCHIPS 

Even if your dog is implanted with a 

microchip, a dog tag is still essential. A person who 

finds a stray dog can easily read an identification tag 

on a dog’s collar and take steps to return the dog to 

its owner. But not everyone will make the effort to 

If you are looking for a new dog, there are so many different breeds of dogs to choose from. Check out 

page 48 to learn about 6 distinct dog breeds and their basic characteristics and traits. 


take the dog to a shelter or a vet to have it scanned 

for a possible microchip. Once you put it on your 

dog, don’t take it off. Check to make sure that it is 

still there, because an ID tag can easily be lost. Try to 

choose a nylon or leather collar with metal or plastic 

buckles. It can be decorated, it can be simple: the 

choice is yours. For small dogs, or dogs that have a 

tendency to pull quite a bit, maybe a harness would 

be better, or could be used in addition to the collar, 

but try to be sure that you still add the ID tag. 

DOG CRATES AND KENNELS 

5 Decide on a crate or kennel that will 

be the right size for your adult dog. The 

words “kennel” and “crate” are sometimes used 

interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different 

carriers: a crate is plastic with a wire front, while a 

kennel can be all wire. There must be enough room 

inside the carrier for your dog to stand up, turn 

around, and lie down comfortably at its adult size. 

If you are using an adult-sized carrier for a puppy, 

you should block off part of it to make it smaller to 

discourage your puppy from using the carrier as 

a toilet. A dog will create a relationship with their 


21

crate or kennel during their puppy-hood that will 

bring a sense of home and security. 

DOG TRAVEL NECESSITIES 

6 If you’re the type to travel often, find a 

kennel that is easily buckled into the back 

of your vehicle. Keep in mind, this isn’t a luxury; it 

is a necessity. If the kennel is too big and won’t fit 

in the back seat, try to find a dog seat-belt that can 

be attached to your car’s seat belt. The seat belt will 

offer both you and your pet a sense of safety and 

security. When your dog is restrained by a seat belt, 

she is unable to jump on you or otherwise distract 

you while you are driving. Should an accident occur, 

she will not become airborne, making it less likely 

that she will be injured or cause injury to others in 

the vehicle. This device allows everyone to remain 

safely buckled up. 

7 

YOUR DOG’S COAT AND CHOOSING A 

TOY 

For dogs with short to medium coats, 

a natural bristle brush is a good choice, while pin 

brushes work well on double-coated dogs, as they 

brush all the way down to the skin. When heavy 

shedding occurs, slicker brushes are excellent for 

eliminating excess undercoat. Conditioner is also a 

necessity for dogs with longer coats. Puppies require 

toys and things that are okay to chew, so they don’t 

destroy your personal items. Chew toys can range 

from rubber teethers to jerky treats. There are vets 

that will tell you to not use some chew toys such as 

rawhide, for these upset some dogs’ stomachs or 

cause them to choke. If you have questions about 

what the best toy to choose would be, talk to your 

vet. Make sure the toy is one you can both play with, 

together. 

You are now ready to start purchasing accessories 

for your pup and to make your house more puppyproof. 

If you still are not convinced that using a 

crate or a kennel is the way to go, there are many 

resources online that can explain why dogs who 

have a kennel or crate flourish and grow to love it. 

You will find that life with your dog is much easier if 

you have the proper items and if you take the steps 

to dog-proof your home. 

DOG TRAINING: 

STRATEGIC DOG TRAINING TIPS FOR A 

WELL-TRAINED, OBEDIENT, AND HAPPY DOG 

What Would It Mean To You 

To Have An Obedient, Well-Behaved Dog? 

Your canine friend deserves the best. Why not make sure 

you give him/her the best possible life through the incredible 

gift of proper training and discipline. Imagine how proud you 

will feel when guests arrive at your house and tell you, “I’ve 

never seen a dog that was so well-behaved”. 



Stop 34 of the most common dog and puppy issues. 

The Online Dog Trainer 

The Easy Way To An Obedient Dog 

Doggy Dan’s four-part series in how to train your dog or 

puppy out of problematic behaviors takes pet ownership and 

makes it simpler than many of us thought possible! When 

you know the best way to correct your dog’s behavior, your 

chances of ridding your canine friend of annoying habits 

while making sure your relationship with one another stays 

strong remains encouragingly high. 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE! 

theonlinedogtrainer.com

PRINCIPLES 

FOR 

HOUSE 

TRAINING 

YOUR 

DOG 

by 


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If you have a dog that you wish was potty trained, there is good news! It is possible to 

potty train your dog as long as you’re willing to invest time into the process. 

There are many reasons you may wish to 

potty train your dog to use the bathroom 

indoors rather than outdoors. For example, 

you may be at work much of the day, or 

you may have a dog with a smaller bladder who 

needs to go frequently, even when you are not 

home. Whatever your reason for wishing to 

potty train your dog, you will be glad to know 

that it definitely is possible, so long as you have 

the right mindset and enough patience when 

you are beginning the training process. 

DOGS CAN BE POTTY TRAINED! 

1 If you decide to potty train your dog 

indoors, I’m sure you know this involves 

having a specific location for your pet to do 

their business inside your home. Your dog’s 

new potty area could be the newspaper laid in 

the laundry room, the litter box in the study, 

or the disposable grass pad on your balcony. 

Your pet should get to their assigned area 

immediately if they feel the urge to go. Clean 

up should be easy and quick. Simply flush the 


If you are a dog owner, you should know that yearly veterinarian visits are key to your dog’s health. Find 

out on page 33 how to ensure your dog stays happy and healthy. 


poop in your toilet and put the surface paper 

that it landed on in the garbage. You can also 

do indoor house-training if you really can’t get 

your dog out to do his business. 

WHICH DOGS SHOULD BE POTTY 

2 TRAINED? 

It’s helpful if you have a grown dog who 

doesn’t produce a lot of waste. But there are 

drawbacks to this if your dog is larger than toy 

sized. Also, if the pet is a male, then he’ll be apt 

to lift his leg at some point. If this happens, your 

dog’s aim may be off. So, don’t be surprised if 

they miss a few times or often in this situation. 

It can be difficult figuring out which house 

training method will work best for you and your 

pet. 

3 

HOW TO DECIDE IF IT IS FOR YOU 

You must take all things into 

consideration, such as who will be home 

with the pet if anyone, your dog’s personality, 

the accessibility of the potty area, etc. If you are 

one of the lucky few that work from home and 

get to take Sparky out on nice strolls several 

times a day, that is great. But most of us don’t 

live that way. An outside house-training option 

is probably best for you and your dog. But, what 

if you are an older person or someone who has 

a handicap and can’t move around too much? 

HOW TO HOUSE-TRAIN YOUR 

4 DOG 

Walking the dog might be easy for your 

neighbor who stays home, but it might be hard 

for you. If this sounds like you, the best housetraining 

plan takes place in your home. Training 

a dog indoors is ideal. Maybe you stay in the city 

in a tall apartment building. If your dog looks 

like it is in need of a bathroom break, it isn’t an 

option to just hook them up to a leash and head 

to a doggie toilet spot. Rather, you may need to 

walk your dog through the apartment halls, ride 

down the elevator and then head outside. 


25

IS HOLDING IT A PROBLEM FOR 

5 YOUR DOG? 

That is quite some time for your dog to 

hold it. You might decide to have your dog go 

potty indoors if going outside is a problem for 

you and your pet. Even though house-training 

is a pretty direct process, you’ll most likely face 

some training difficulties at certain times. Also, 

even after the house-training is complete, your 

tail-wagger will occasionally fall from grace. 

At certain moments, your usually dependable 

house-trainee will sometimes go over the top 

without any known reason. 

BE PATIENT WITH YOUR DOG 

6 You and your family can help your dog 

succeed or fail at house training. All 

of you teach the dog how to behave and make 

the conditions possible for this to work or not 

work. The family has to work together to help 

your pet. Don’t feed your dog all day long then 

close off the area that they use to potty then 

get mad if they go on the floor. Tell the kids to 

keep the potty area accessible to your pet at all 

times, and to avoid letting your dog eat all day. 

To house-train your pet is fairly easy, but it can 

get old when doing it with the constant routine 

of feeding, walking and holding them indoors. 

DO YOU WORK MUCH OF THE 

7 DAY? 

It can be hard if you aren’t home with 

your pet all day. The working world doesn’t 

seek to assist a dog owner in making the housetraining 

process any easier. Your pet wants to 

please you and it has the mental aptitude to 

learn and have good potty habits. All you need 

is to point him in the right direction. During this 

time you and your dog can build a bond that 

will last forever, and make great memories as 

well. There isn’t much difference in teaching an 

adult dog to a puppy. 

YOU CAN HOUSE-TRAIN AN 

8 ADULT DOG TOO 

The main difference is an adult doggy 

doesn’t need as many potty breaks as the puppy 

(smaller bladder). The reasons and steps are just 


the same. You need to have your doggy doing 

their business outside not inside. Once your 

dog is a pro at going outside on a regular basis, 

you can cut out the afternoon walk and give her 

more freedom to roam at home again. Teaching 

your pet any tricks involves you knowing how 

to communicate your needs and understanding 

the subject being taught. Especially when trying 

to house train your pet. 

HOW TO POTTY TRAIN YOUR DOG 

9 If you want your dog to be properly potty 

trained, you will have to teach your 

dog in a way that he or she can comprehend. 

Your dog already helps out in this routine. For 

example, your dog can learn through repetition, 

a predisposition towards searching for a home 

and to keep it relatively clean and a longing 

for rewards such as treats. It is essential that 

you, as your dog’s trainer, use these instincts to 

come up with a plan that does not put a burden 

on your dog or yourself, but at the same times 

lets him learn the process. 

Now you are ready to begin potty training your 

dog. Be sure that you speak with the other 

people who live in your home to ensure that 

everyone is on board with the idea before 

you get started, as you stand a much better 

chance of successfully potty training your dog 

if everyone else agrees to help out. Finding an 

area where you wish for your dog to go is the 

next step. Best of luck potty training your dog! 

Need help keeping puddles off the floor? 

Potty 

Training 

For Small Dogs 



27

PUT MISBEHAVING TO AN END 

TRAIN YOUR DOG 

OUT OF ANNOYING HABITS 


A 7-PART BEGINNER’S GUIDE 

TO BRUSHING A DOG’S COAT 

by 


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If your dog’s coat requires a good brushing, you should definitely take care of it today. 

Here is some advice to help you choose the best method to brush your dog’s coat. 

Is your dog’s hair in need of a good brushing? If 

so, you may be wondering what the best method 

is to remove tangles and mats from your dog’s 

coat. Different dogs have different hair types, 

so depending on what type of dog you have, a 

different method or brush type may be required. 

Here is some advice on how to best brush your 

dog’s coat. 

HOW TO BRUSH YOUR 

1 DOG’S COAT 

You can start from the tail and work 

towards the head, or the other way around. Just 

choose an end and go from there, making sure you 

don’t miss anything. There are a few ways to brush, 

like line brushing and combing. This is parting the 

fur and either brushing or combing each individual 

section. Spiral brushing involves combing in a 

circular pattern and is good for use on any coat. 

No matter how you groom your pet, the important 

thing is that all the hair is brushed, as opposed to 

just brushing the top of the hair. So you’ll have to 

start brushing from the skin and go up. There’s 

more than one way to brush your dog’s hair. You 

can start by brushing the hair in the opposite 

direction of it’s growth and then brush it to where 

it normally lays. This method of brushing will do a 

good job of removing hair that’s about to shed and 

is also good for your dog’s dermis. 

SOME BREEDS REQUIRE 

2 DIFFERENT METHODS 

There are breeds with hair that just won’t 

work when using this method. Corded hair breeds 

for example, just can’t be brushed backwards, so 

it is vital to get rid of any tangles as you go. Dogs 

can feel a particular level of discomfort during 

Need a good tool for working through your dog’s 

coat? Try the Furminator Deshedding Tool For 

Dogs. 



29

If your dog’s coat requires a good brushing, you should definitely take care of it today. Page 65 contains 

advice to help you choose the best method to brush your dog’s coat. 


brushing or combing, so be careful to not pull at 

mats and tangles as you find them. Follow these 

instructions instead in order to remove the tangles 

and mats in a gentle manner. Use a detangler and 

a good comb to gently and slowly work the hairs 

free from the mat. Grooming your dog can be a 

time consuming task particularly if you’re dealing 

with mats. Should you find yourself face to face 

with an unruly mat, be patient and work gently, 

being careful not to pull your dog’s skin further 

into the mat. 

SOME BREEDS REQUIRE A 

3 DIFFERENT TYPE OF BRUSH 

In some cases, a mat rake won’t be 

enough and you will need to use a mat splitter 

to divide up the larger mat into smaller, more 

workable, sections. Once you have the smaller 

sections divided out, you can then go back to using 

the mat rake or even a comb, just keep careful 

watch to be sure no skin gets pulled. With some 

perseverance and lots of patience from your dog, 

you can work through mats without relying on a 

professional groomer. Use caution when working 

with mat rakes or mat splitters. They’re incredibly 

sharp, and if not used correctly can cause injury. 

In worst case scenarios, use electric clippers and 

slowly shave away at the mat. 

SHAVING SHOULD BE A LAST 

4 RESORT 

Keep in mind you should only use this 

step if you have no other option and leaving a 

bare patch will be alright until it can regrow. Also, 

talk to a groomer or your veterinarian for advice 

as to how to get rid of the mat. Never use scissors 

to remove a mat, no matter what! Regardless 

of how carefully you work, it is very easy to cut 

your dog’s skin, and then you will have to go to 

the vet for stitches. If your dog’s coat or facial 

hair is short, utilize a soft slicker that is designed 

especially for use on the face. Even when you use 

that implement, brush gently, because a dog’s 

facial skin and hair are especially sensitive. While 

grooming your dog, you must be very careful 

about the dog’s eyes. Some breeds of dog have 

long hair on their face and hanging over their 

eyes. To protect the eyes of your dog from any 

harm, gently lift the hair with your fingers when 

you comb the hair. 


BE CAREFUL TO PROTECT YOUR 

5 DOG’S FACE 

If you are careless while combing the 

long facial hair of your dog, there is every chance 

to harm the eyes and skin of your dog with the 

comb. If you notice any matting or tangles near 

your dog’s face, avoid spraying them with a 

detangler, so you don’t get it in your dog’s eyes. 

A better thing to do would be to wet a washcloth 

with the detangler, rub it into the hair gently 

and then carefully comb out the tangle from the 

bottom up. If the mat is particularly stubborn, take 

an electric clipper with a blade guard to the mat, 

but be sure to protect your dog’s face and skin. 

Long hair on a dog’s ears can be a particularly 

tricky situation. For general brushing, remember 

to be gentle. 

HOW TO DEAL WITH MATTED 

6 AREAS 

If you do find mats, keep your hand 

between the mat and your dog’s skin and gently 

work with a comb. A liquid detangler can be helpful 

as well; just apply it with a saturated washcloth 

and keep working gently with a comb. If you find 

that you can’t get through the mats or if the mats 

are particularly large, you can use electric clippers 

to remove them. Just remember to keep your 

hand between the clipper blades and your dog’s 

skin. If you’re worried that you might accidentally 

cut your pet, you can hire an expert to do it. A 

groomer or vet will be able to extract the mat if 

you do not own the proper clippers. This type of 

service is usually provided for a very small cost. 

USE A SOFT SLICKER ON SENSITIVE 

7 AREAS 

You should use a soft slicker to brush the 

dog’s hair on any section that may be sensitive 

such as the ruff which is the longer hair around 

the neck area. It’s a good idea to brush the hair 

against the lay of the hair but in some instances 

it’s better to brush with the lay of the hair. The 

slicker brush can get full quite fast when your dog 

is shedding. You can separate the fur from the 

slicker and throw it away using a comb. Be extra 

picky in case your dog has a ruff, or an extra long 

or dense double coat; use an undercoat rake or 

a comb in those areas. Before brushing the hair 

back to its desired position, comb through it. 

Now you are ready to start grooming your dog 

on your own. Some dogs love grooming, other 

dogs can’t stand it at all. If you have a dog who 

falls into the latter category, it may make sense 

to hire a professional dog groomer to do the job. 

Whatever you decide, you and your pup will be 

much happier once it is done. 


31

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8 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR KEEPING 

by 


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If you are a dog owner, you should know that yearly veterinarian visits are key to your 

dog’s health. With the right vet you can ensure your dog stays happy and healthy. 

As a dog owner, there are many things you 

must do to properly care for your pet. 

Providing it with food and water is not 

enough, your dog also needs walks outside, 

play time and love. Most importantly, your dog 

needs to see a veterinarian regularly so that your 

dog can remain in optimal health. Once you realize 

how important vet visits are, you will be ready to 

find your dog the perfect vet (unless you’ve already 

found one). 

DANGEROUS DOG DISEASES 

1 Distemper, hepatitis and rabies are some 

of the diseases that puppies had to avoid 

just years ago to successfully make it to adulthood. 

Scratching, infection and fleas were a part of all 

dogs’ lives. Recently, scientists have developed 

vaccines and medicines to prevent these types of 

ailments from afflicting puppies and to keep them 

alive longer. 

KEEPING YOUR DOG HEALTHY 

2 One crucial step towards keeping your dog 

healthy is to make sure you have a personal 

and professional relationship with a reputable 

veterinarian. The two of you essentially are partners 

in your dog’s overall health and wellness; when 

your dog has problems, knowing your veterinarian 

and their patterns can provide a lot of relief. A few 

suggestions for creating this dynamic, starting with 

finding the right veterinarian and making your dog 

feel comfortable going there, can be found below; 

as well as how to take on the often expensive costs 

for keeping your dog in optimum condition. 

SCHEDULING REGULAR DOCTOR 

3 VISITS 

One of the great ways to prevent disease 

is to take your dog to the veterinarian. Regular visits 

will help your dog live a long and great life full of fun 

activities and time with you. Making sure man’s best 

friend has regular visits to the vet is very important 


33

As a dog owner, you must spend a bit of time dog-proofing your home. There are also many accessories 

to consider that can make life with your dog better for both of you. Check out our list of them on page 20. 


to being an owner. Although your dog may not be 

showing signs of illness, your veterinarian may be 

able to diagnose problems before they occur. By 

providing this measure of preventative treatment, 

detecting diseases in their early stages may avoid 

more serious conditions later on. 

TAKING NOTES AND ASKING 

4 

QUESTIONS 

Prior to your annual veterinary 

appointment, try to note any changes you have 

noticed in the behavior or health of your dog. If you 

have questions about the care of your dog, write 

them down. Notes can help you in explaining your 

dog’s history and will help you to get all of your 

questions answered, leaving no room for you to be 

left wondering if there was something you forgot 

to ask. Take notes during the appointment as far 

as veterinarian recommendations, so you won’t 

struggle to remember later. Make the most of your 

time at the vet. Ask lots of questions and make sure 

you get answers that make sense. These meetings 

are a great way to make sure your dog’s health stays 

great. Assuming your dog comes out with a clean 

bill of health, you shouldn’t look at it as a waste. You 

should be thankful that everything is okay. 

EXPLAINING BEHAVIOR CHANGES 

5 When taking your dog to the veterinarian, 

you may be asked to explain any changes 

that you have seen in your dog’s health. You’ll want 

to be sure to discuss anything that concerns you 

about your dog’s recent behavior or health issues 

that they may be experiencing. Some examples of 

this could be: your dog’s eating or drinking habits, 

skin conditions, frequency or changes in urination or 

bowel movements, and any other issues that have 

warranted your visit. You will want to be as specific 

as possible when explaining your dog’s problems 

so that your veterinarian can make a well informed 

diagnosis. 

WHAT AN EXAM CONSISTS OF 

6 Veterinarians have been trained to do 

thorough examinations on each and every 

dog that they see. As part of these examinations, 

veterinarians typically feel the different parts of 

the dog’s body to check for anything that might be 


abnormal, such as organs or lymph nodes that may 

not feel right. A complete physical for a dog also 

includes checking the mouth, ears and eyes, as well 

as listening to the dog’s breathing with a stethoscope. 

In addition, the dog’s weight and temperature are 

checked to make sure that they fall within normal 

ranges. 

THE FATAL HEARTWORM CONDITION 

7 Heartworm control is essential to the wellbeing 

of a dog. These pesky parasites live 

in a dog’s heart and can cause fatal heart failure 

if untreated. The worms, in their larval stage, are 

carried between dogs by mosquitos. The bite of the 

mosquito transmits a tiny bit of heartworm infested 

blood and the larvae travel to the heart and multiply. 

Prevention is much preferable to treatment as the 

cure is complex and expensive. Heartworm ranges 

throughout the US and southern Canada. In the 

subtropical climes of the Southeast US, it is thought 

that the majority of all dogs not on a heartworm 

prevention regimen are infected. 

not get a heartworm infection. Prior to using one 

of these preventative products, you’ll have to take 

your dog to the vet for a blood test to determine 

whether he already has been exposed to this 

infection. The blood test is done quickly. Because 

heartworm infections don’t occur in really cold 

weather, it’s generally not considered necessary to 

use heartworm prevention products in the winter 

for those whose dogs who live in cold climates. Some 

vets think that the preventative products should be 

given to dogs no matter the season. 

Your dog’s health is truly important. If your dog 

has been acting ‘off’ or you see any changes, you 

should definitely consider taking your dog to the vet 

soon. You wouldn’t want your beloved pet being in 

discomfort or suffering, would you? Even if your dog 

is in excellent health, remember that yearly vet visits 

are so vital for your pup and can help you to ensure 

that your dog will have many more happy, healthy 

years. 

8 

PREVENTING HEARTWORM IN YOUR 

DOG 

You can buy items that will help your pet 

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO DOG BREEDING 

Preparing 

For 

Puppies 

Click Here to Learn More 


35

RICOCHET: RIDING A WAVE OF 

HOPE WITH THE DOG WHO 

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8 FREQUENTLY 

ASKED QUESTIONS 

ON DESIGNER DOGS 

by 


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Have you wondered whether or not a designer dog is the best choice for you? Learn the 

answers to common questions that many people have about designer dogs starting now. 

Some people think those who enter their dogs into shows just have naturally amazing dogs, but what really 

goes into it is preparation and know-how. Check out page 7 for what to know if you want to be that owner. 


Designer dogs seem to be all the rage 

these days, don’t they? But what are 

they anyway? How do breeders decide 

which breeds to cross and why are 

some cross breeds more popular than others? 

The following information shall answer those 

questions and more so you can determine if a 

designer dog may be the right choice for you. 


WHAT ARE DESIGNER DOGS? 

1 Designer dogs have become quite 

popular as many celebrities own these 

dogs and give them cute names. People buy 

these pets for various reasons, such as a dog’s 

odd appearance or a dog’s reputation as being 

easy on an allergy sufferer. You have to wonder 

why someone would dish out thousands on 

a dog that they could get for free at the dog 

pound. The animals found at the shelters are 

mixed breeds meaning that their births were 

not planned. A designer dog, when handled 

with care and responsibility can be bred for 

their specific characteristics like their looks or 

temperament. They have seen a huge rise in 

popularity, but not without a price. 

WHY ARE DESIGNER DOGS SO 

2 POPULAR? 

Since there are so many designer dogs 

available, an owner can probably find the exact 

dog for their needs. There are those who think 

that puppies from two different breeds result 

in more pep since there is genetic diversity and 

that they won’t be apt to get purebred inherited 

diseases such as epilepsy, hip dysplasia and 

problems with their teeth. Naturally, that theory 

is applicable to any mixed breed and isn’t only 

true with regard to hybrid or designer dogs. 

But no one can guarantee, despite best efforts, 

what a pup will be like. There’s a lot of chance 

involved in breeding dogs because you can’t 

completely know what traits will be inherited in 

terms of looks and temperament. Actually, there 

are times when the puppies get the negative 

characteristics of both their parents. 

WHY ARE DESIGNER DOGS SO 

3 EXPENSIVE? 

Designer dogs cost a lot, causing many 

people to hesitate. They may be priced the 

same as purebred dogs, meaning thousands 

of dollars, especially if the breed is one that’s 

fashionable at the moment. It can be true 

that hybrids are more vigorous but that’s not 

guaranteed. No one knows if one dog is going 

to be healthier than another or healthier than 

the parents of the purebred. Lots of folks say 

that the creation of designer dogs is leaving 

more abandoned dogs and dogs in shelters 

around the nation because they are seen as 

undesirable or hard to sell. 

ARE BREEDERS SHADY WHEN IT 

4 COMES TO DESIGNER DOGS? 

There are those who wonder if the 

designer dog trend will result in shady breeding 

practices because breeders just want to make 

money and won’t be worried about the health 


39

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of dogs or pups. Nothing can be predicted with 

regard to a mixed breed pairing, nor can it be 

with regard to crossbreeding, although maybe 

that’s not quite as risky. Is a Shepadoodle more 

German Shepard or a Poodle? Could your 

Beagalier be considered more Beagle or is it more 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? Crossbreeding is 

nothing short of unpredictable and could yield 

a huge amount of combinations. The American 

Canine Hybrid Club is a service dedicated to the 

registry of hybrid dogs and currently lists close 

to 600 different species of crossbreeds. 

WHY ARE MANY CROSS-BREEDS 

5 PART POODLE? 

The Poodle breed has been involved in 

some of the most well-known crossbreed dogs 

such as the Labradoodle and the Cockapoo. 

There are various traits such as the breeds’ size, 

their low allergy coat, as well as their smarts 

and ability to be trained that make the Poodles 

so popular for crossbreeding. Celebrities such 

as James Gandolfino and Uma Thurman have 

attached some star power to the the cross 

breed Puggle which is a cross of Pug and 

Beagle. Pugs are usually adorable, faithful and 

smart, with fur that is easy to take care of. They 

tend to have respiratory problems because of 

their short noses. Puggles usually have a longer 

nose like a beagle, so they have less problems 

breathing than the Pug. 

WHAT ARE POCKET DOGS? 

6 Many people like the Puggle because it 

has a small size. Other tiny breeds are 

crossbred more since they have a small size. 

Sometimes called pocket dogs, they are often 

the result of breeding two Toys, like the Maltese, 

Pekingese, or Shih Tzu. A lot of them are sweet 

and live many years. They seem like bits of fluff, 

but they need you to take care of them just like 

any other dog. A Bichon Frise is often used for 

such crossings since it has a white coat that is 

low in dander and shedding, and is a perky and 

lovable pet. 


ARE COLLIES USED FOR CROSS 

7 BREEDING? 

Highly sought after for their durability, 

intelligence and ability to be trained, Border 

Collies are often crossbred with other types 

to capitalize on these strengths. For example, 

most hybrids of the Border Collie are wellfocused, 

diligent dogs. There is the Borador, 

which is a cross between the Border Collie and 

the Labrador Retriever; then there is a Border 

Jack, which is a cross between the Border Collie 

and a Jack Russell Terrier. The Border Jack is the 

best of both breeds with the speed of terriers 

and train-ability of Border Collies, and they love 

to prove it in the area of flyball and their agility. 

There is also the Aussiepoo or Aussiedoodle, 

which is a cross between the Standard 

Australian, Miniature or Shepherd and the Toy, 

Miniature, or Standard Poodle. 

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER 

8 POPULAR DESIGNER DOG 

BREEDS? 

Though the Australian Shepherd is a big 

shedder, the Aussiedoodle might inherit the 

Poodle’s ability to not shed as much. If you have 

allergies, this is a plus. An Aussiedoodle might 

still have the herding ability of the Australian 

Shepherd and its merle coat colors, too. A 

Bagel is when a Beagle and a Basset Hound are 

bred. With its short coat, it is very loving and 

perhaps a bit stubborn as most hounds are, 

yet it isn’t popular yet. The Basset has some 

physical issues with its long back, so this may 

help alleviate that. Prospective buyers need to 

ask about these kinds of issues, along with the 

epilepsy that some Beagles inherit. 

At this point you probably have a pretty good 

idea whether or not a designer dog is the right 

choice for you. Keep in mind that there are 

many different types of cross breeds out there 

and that you may be able to find a great mixed 

breed dog at a shelter. But if you wish to spend 

the type of money that breeders charge for 

‘fancy’ designer dogs like Labradoodles, Puggles 

or Cockapoos, you will be able to find just the 

dog you’re after with a bit of effort. Best of luck 

finding your perfect companion! 

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41

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7 Golden Rules For Bringing 

by 


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If you are a dog owner who loves to travel, why not combine your two loves? With proper 

planning and packing, you can have a great time taking your doggie on vacation. 

Traveling is fun and dogs are fun 

pets. It is no surprise then that 

many people wish to take their 

doggie on vacation. But if you 

are going to take Fido along, 

you must be sure that you plan your trip 

well and bring everything that you may 

need while you are traveling. From first 

aid to poop pickup and doggie car safety, 

the following information will help you 

plan successfully to bring your dog on 

vacation. 

DOG GROOMING SUPPLIES, 

1 FIRST AID AND DOGGIE 

MEDICATIONS 

On trips to the deep countryside, a tool 

for picking ticks or tweezers, a brush and 

comb all come in very handy. A first aid 

box with the diarrhea medicine Pepto- 

Bismol and other supplies like tape, 

scissors and gauze might also be very 

useful. Do pack all the regular medicines 

he needs plus any anti-vomit medicines; 

get a prescription from the vet if you think 

it necessary. You might need to clean up 

and would need innumerable roles of 

paper towels as well as cloth ones for 

drying off your dog when he gets wet 

or dirty. To cover your bedspreads, any 

furniture and the carpets in hotel rooms, 

you should consider packing your old 

set of sheets plus a blanket, along with 

a spray bottle of any all-purpose cleaner, 

or Clorox wipes. 


43

Is your dog overly excited? So overly excited that it can become irritating? Check out page 57 for our list 

of tips to calm your dog down through training exercises. 


WASHING YOUR DOG AND 

2 CLEANING UP AFTER YOUR DOG 

Remember to bring plastic bags to 

clean up after your dog’s poop, along with 

some shampoo to wash your dog. It isn’t fun to 

discover you need dog shampoo in the middle 

of the night and in a strange town, all because 

your dog managed to get himself dirty. If you 

own a small or miniature dog, consider packing 

a shoulder-strapped carrier bag meant for 

dogs. This tote is meant for transporting your 

small dog. The tote not only holds your dog, it 

also conceals it. You can transport your small 

dog and people will never know. You can make 

your dog comfortable by giving him some 

of his favorite toys and water to keep him 

cool and hydrated. When traveling with your 

dog don’t forget health records, microchip 

numbers and proof of a rabies vaccination in 

case the unthinkable happens. 

3 

LEASHES, WATER AND DOG SAFETY 

You know your dog, so keep your 

pet always on a leash when not in 

a carrier. You don’t need your dog nipping 

at anyone’s heels and all the chaos that can 

happen from that situation. It is alright for 

your dog to drink the same water as you do 

in strange places. After saying this, you still 

should take along a few gallons of bottled 

water, from the tap or store, since you might 

go somewhere where you can’t safely drink 

the water. Similar to many other situations, 

it is important to make preparations for the 

worst and expect the best when traveling with 

a dog. Bring your “LOST DOG” signs already 

made, that have a picture of your dog on 

them and carry a big pen to write your phone 

number on the sign. 

LOCATING PET-FRIENDLY LODGING 

4 Start by locating a list of lodgings 

that allow pets. The AAA travel guide 

and other similar guides usually have petfriendly 

lists, but some information could be 

outdated. Therefore, it’s always best to call 

and double check. You never know what can 

happen if a place changes ownership or has 


to change a policy for one reason or another. 

The California Dog Lover’s Companion by 

Maria Goodavage is a good guide. Avalon 

Travel Publishing distributes it. It is definitely a 

great investment, if you are visiting California 

or especially if you live in the state. There 

are also others in the series that are equally 

useful. When it comes to travel with dogs, 

the Internet has also revolutionized travel. If 

you’ve ever searched online for pet-friendly 

travel and lodging, you’ll know that there is 

a massive amount of options to choose from. 

TRAVELING BY CAR WITH 

5 CANINE COMPANIONS 

It’s no surprise that most dog vacations 

are by car, considering the apprehension and 

worry pet owners feel toward air travel. Once 

your dog starts to associate car rides with funfilled 

vacations at the beach or park, he will 

start expecting and anticipating these trips 

more than you will. It is thus important that 

you start developing good car-ride behavior 

from the start, when your dog is a puppy. 

Driving is serious business and you should 

let your pet know that; she might be very 

cute or small but a ride in your lap is never 

to be allowed. You should never pet her while 

driving either. On short drives in the locality 

she must be told to sit quietly and if she obeys 

you can praise her for proper manners. 

DOG CAR SAFETY 

6 It is clearly safer and easier to carry the 

pet in a crate while traveling. The size 

or design of the car and also the size of the pet 

might make it impossible to carry a crate. Yet it 

is always better to try and accommodate one, 

especially if the dog is restless and capable of 

distracting the driver. You can get collapsible 

crates which can be easily stored in the trunk 

when not being used. A dog seat belt is a good 

safety tool when bringing your pet along for 

car rides. The safety belt attaches to a type of 

harness that your dog wears and fits the usual 

seat belt. These safety belts are also available 

to those that have station wagons or other 

similar vehicles that have large amounts of 

extra cargo space. In this case, metal barriers 

fit between the back cargo and passenger 

area and safely secure your pet. These seat 

belts can be found in many pet stores. 

PREPARE YOUR DOG FOR A 

7 LONG CAR RIDE 

If your pet is not used to riding in the 

car except for veterinarian visits, do not expect 

them to be perfect car riders. To encourage 


45

good behavior while in a vehicle, maximize 

their time in the car and reward them when 

good behavior is shown. Try starting with short 

trips to the park or other fun destinations. For 

dogs that get carsick, try using Dramamine or 

asking your veterinarian for advice. You can 

also try not feeding your dog much before 

a trip, but giving them a piece of some sort 

of sugar candy, which tends to curb their 

carsickness. Just be sure not to give them any 

chocolate! 

The best long-term cure is to simply build up 

your pet’s tolerance for car rides slowly and 

make them positive experiences, since fear 

tends to make them more sick than the actual 

motion of the car does. Though your dog may 

love the fresh air, you shouldn’t allow your 

dog to hang out of your car window. Trash 

from other vehicles can injure your dog. You 

can roll down your window just enough for 

your dog to get a sniff, but nothing more. 

While driving, it’s necessary to stop for your 

dog just as often as you need to, so they can 

relieve themselves and get some water. Just 

remember to keep your pet on their leash for 

everyone’s safety. 

Now you are ready to take your dog on an 

adventure. Bringing a dog on vacation can be 

an amazing experience, so the next time you 

travel, think about taking Fido on the road 

rather than paying for a kennel or finding a 

dog-sitter. With all of the above information 

at your disposal, you are ready to plan a great 

vacation. Happy travels! 

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YOUR 9-PART GUIDE TO 

SEVERAL GREAT DOG BREEDS 

by 


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If you are looking for a new dog, there are so many different breeds of dogs to choose 

from. Learn about 6 distinct dog breeds and their basic characteristics and traits. 

If you are a dog lover, you probably have a 

special place in your heart for the Dalmatian 

breed. These dogs are well known for 

their bravery and the image of a strong 

Dalmatian racing to a fire atop a fire engine is 

common. Learn more about Dalmatians, the 

Finnish Spitz, French Bulldogs, Keeshonds, the 

Lhasa Apso and the Lowchen. Each of these 

breeds is unique in their own way, and you’ll 

love learning about them all. 

1 

THE HISTORY OF THE 

DALMATIAN 

Dalmatians are of mysterious origin, 

but they did serve in wars and as watchdogs, 

retrievers, shepherds and even performed 

in the circus. In Victorian England they were 

coach dogs who protected the horses and 

were thought quite stylish. Even when cars 

came into vogue, they were coach dogs for 

fire engines drawn by horses. Lots of people 

loved Dalmatians found in films, but they 

didn’t know that this breed requires a lot of 

training. 

DALMATIAN CHARACTERSTICS 

2 When it comes to buying an energetic 

dog that is good with children, you 

might want to consider a Dalmatian. These 

highly active dogs, which can grow to a height 

of 23 inches and weigh up to 60 pounds, will 

need some training, attention, and plenty 


If you have a dog that you wish to potty train, good news awaits you on page 24! It is possible to potty 

train any dog as long as you’re willing to invest time into the process. 


of room to run. Known for their white coats 

with black spots, these dogs, which can live 

to 14 years, are good pets but they can be 

somewhat shy around strangers and may be 

a little aggressive with other dogs. 

THE FINNISH SPITZ 

3 The Finnish Spitz, originally called the 

Finnish Barking Bird Dog or Finnish 

Cock-eared, were prized hunters for small 

game and birds. Their vocal nature made 

them useful for alerting hunters of nearby 

prey. Cross-breeding almost ended this breed, 

but it was ultimately saved by sportsmen in 

Finland who still use it for hunting, compared 

to its companion status in the United States. 

The Finnish Spitz looks similar to a fox with its 

upright ears and plumed tail. 

FINNISH SPITZ TRAITS 

4 An average sized breed is the Finnish 

Spitz. Females are a little under 

twenty inches and weigh about twenty pounds. 

Their male counterparts weigh in at almost 

thirty pounds and are almost twenty inches. 

They are strawberry-blonde in coloring. This 

breed is excited, vivacious and social. While 

generally forming a strong bond to a sole 

individual, the Finnish Spitz is also great with 

kids. Finnish Spitz can snarl at other dogs 

and are uninterested in unidentified people. 

They have an average level of activity. Finnish 

Spitz dogs need socializing, proper grooming, 

a leash, a contained yard, rewards, walks 

every day and an owner who is okay with their 

occasional barking. 

FRENCH BULLDOGS 

5 French Bulldogs are good-looking like 

their English Bulldog ancestors. The 

lacemakers in the latter country wanted toy 

versions when they left for France. In the late 

1800’s they became popular in that country 

and their name was changed. The breed is 

fun, affectionate and even tempered. French 

Bulldogs only grow to perhaps 14 inches 

and 28 pounds and they have brindled, pied, 

cream, or black-masked coats. They have 


49

sweet personalities and listen well while being 

both alert and cuddly. Their energy level is 

medium so retirees or quiet families do well 

with them. They need a bit of exercise every 

day and they need to have the wrinkles on 

their face cleaned along with weekly brushing. 

They should live to about 11 years. 

THE KEESHOND BREED 

6 The Keeshond is a member of the 

spitz breed and its origin goes back 

to Holland in the 1700s where this particular 

dog was used as a watchdog to guard barges 

and riverboats on the Rhine River. The breed 

gets its name from political leader Kees de 

Gyselaer and actually became a symbol of 

the Dutch Patriot party. When the party was 

defeated, many of the dogs were eliminated 

although some were rescued by farmers and 

boatmen, ensuring the survival of the breed. 

Today the Keeshond is the national dog of the 

Netherlands. 

KEESHOND CHARACTERISTICS 

7 With females weighing 35 lbs and 

having 17 inches in length and males 

weighing between 40 to 45 lbs and 18 inches 

in length, the Keeshond is considered a 

medium dog. They are usually black, cream or 

gray with a carefree and smart temperament. 

These dogs do very well in families that have 

kids or other dogs. Owners with back yards are 

the best for this dog as they need to exercise 

regularly. Grooming should be done a couple 

times a week, or more if they are shedding. 

With proper care, a Keeshond should live to 

be 15 years old. 

THE LHASA APSO DOG 

8 The Himalayan Mountains of Tibet 

near Lhasa were where the Lhasa 

Apso dog began because they were watchdogs 

at the Buddhist monasteries, and the monks 

thought the souls of departed lamas entered 

their bodies. In about 1930, they were brought 

to America as gifts from the 13th Dalai Lama. 

They require a lot of grooming because they 

have a cloak of hair parted in the middle 

down their whole body. The Lhasa Apso is a 

small breed of canine, weighing under twenty 

pounds and is no longer than a ruler. These 

animals’ fur come in various hues. They are 

self-motivated and not sluggish or meek. While 

strong-willed, they are certainly capable of 

learning. While shy around people they don’t 

know, they are great when paired with children 


ten years and older. Their level of activity is 

relatively average. Groomers are particularly 

good owners. The Lhasa Apso need constant 

grooming, training and acclimating to society 

as puppies, activities every day and will live 

for a little more than a decade. 

GERMANY’S LOWCHEN 

9 Used as foot warmers and companions 

of German royalty, the history of the 

Lowchen goes back 400 years or so. Lowchen 

means “little lion dog” in German due to the 

lion-like trim that it usually is groomed with, 

the first forequarters left as a mane and the 

rest buzzed closely. This breed has endured, 

though it almost went extinct in the 19th 

century. The Lowchen is little, up to 14 inches 

and 18 pounds with different colored coats. 

They have lively and affectionate personalities 

and are easily trained, although they can bark 

and dig a lot. They are best owned by retired 

people or quiet families because their energy 

level is medium. However, they do need some 

exercise every day, brushing or combing every 

two days and mental challenges. They are 

expected to live up to 16 years. 

Now that you know more about these 6 unique 

and interesting dog breeds, you may likely be 

wondering where you can get one of these 

amazing dogs. If you wish to have a dog that 

is purebred, be sure to communicate with a 

reputable breeder for the best experience. 

Always request paperwork to ensure proper 

breeding. Whether you’re after a Keeshond, a 

Dalmatian or any other dog discussed above, 

good luck finding your new best friend! 

The Art of 

Raising a Puppy 

This new edition of THE ART OF 

RAISING A PUPPY features new 

photographs throughout, along with 

updated chapters on play, crating, 

adopting dogs from shelters and 

rescue organizations, raising dogs in 

an urban environment, and the latest 

developments in canine health and 

canine behavioral theory. 



51

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8 STEPS FOR TEACHING 

YOUR DOG TO SIT AND STAY 

by 


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Dog obedience training can involve many different commands, but Sit and Stay is a good 

starting point. Teach your dog how to sit and stay at your command starting today. 

If you wish for your dog to 

be well trained and well 

behaved, you have to start 

somewhere. The sit and stay 

command is an excellent starting 

point, as it will give you a neutral 

position for your dog to return to 

as you attempt more advanced 

training in the future. The 

following information will help 

you teach your dog to recognize, 

understand and respond to the 

sit and stay command. 

THE SIT AND STAY 

1 COMMAND 

A very important thing 

you need to teach your dog is to 

obey your command to sit and 

stay still till you order it to get 

up. Your dog may do it at your 

home but it is important that 

the dog does it even in public 

places. If your dog already 

knows the sit command, it won’t 

be very difficult to teach the ‘sit 

and stay’ command. The training 

period will depend on the breed 

of dog. Some dogs are faster 

than others in learning owner’s 

commands. You can go on 

training your dog until you think 

that the dog fully understands 

your commands. It is important 

to practice commands with your 

dog on a regular basis and to 

pace the advancement to the 

learning capabilities of your dog. 

Puppy training is important, but it is not always easy for dogs or 

their owners. Page 70’s article will make sure you know how to train 

your puppy properly before you begin. 


FOCUS ON ONE COMMAND AT A TIME 

2 If your dog isn’t grasping one command, don’t move to 

the next progression, as this will lead to frustration and 

a setback in your dog’s learning. That said, working on different 

commands in the same session can be beneficial. For example, 

Sit-Stay and Down are easily paired. Walking on the leash without 

pulling is better practiced out on the streets with all of the common 

distractions; working on Come is also best perfected outside in the 

real world to ensure that your dog fully grasps the command. To 

work on walking on the leash without pulling, first start with your 

dog on your left side and sitting down. Once your dog is calm, put 

on the training collar, or gentle leader, and attach the leash. The 

Heel position is when you are facing the same direction as your dog 

and your left hip is in line between the dog’s head and shoulder. 


53

THE STAY SIGNAL EXPLAINED 

3 Hold the leash so it is folded in your 

left hand accordion style with the 

leash loop over the thumb. The part of the 

leash going toward the animal should come 

out of the bottom of your hand. You have 

more control the closer the hand is to the 

collar, so place your hand as close to the 

collar as is comfortable. Apply just enough 

upward tautness to the collar to let him know 

the pressure is there but not enough to cause 

physical pain. Use a pendulum movement 

with the right hand while saying the command 

“Stay.” This motion is the Stay Signal. With 

the palm facing down, move the right hand 

in front of your (pet’s nose, and then back to 

your side. 

TEACHING YOUR DOG TO STAY 

4 Don’t bend over your animal. Keep 

your back as erect as possible to show 

authority. Before stepping away, make certain 

your right hand remains at the right side of 

your body. Keeping the tension on the collar, 

step over to the right. Now, count up to ten. 

Go back to your (pet’s side release pressure 

and give him praise. Walk several steps ahead 

while releasing him. Repeat this action, except 

this time stand directly in front of your dog. 

Count to ten again before stepping back to 

heel position. Relax the tension, and then 

praise his actions and release. While the dog 

is in heel position, place the training collar 

rings under his chin and secure the leash to 

the moving ring on the collar. Take the leash 

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and fold it back and forth like an accordion 

until there is a slack of about one foot, and 

then hold it close to your belt buckle with 

your left hand. 

CORRECTING MISTAKES 

5 While holding your left hand in 

position, first signal “Stay” with an 

added verbal command, and then move so 

that you are about one foot from your dog, 

facing him, with your right hand open at your 

side palm towards your dog. Watch your dog 

closely for signs that he is about to move. If 

he is looking about and starting to not pay 

attention, or if he is focusing on something 

else, there is a good chance that he is about 

to move. If the dog seems inattentive, slap the 

leash up using your right hand to reinforce 

your command to “Stay.” Just smile once he’s 

where he needs to be but don’t use words. Put 

your right hand back down. But if you see the 

dog considering a move, step forward toward 

him using your right foot and, with the right 

hand, slap the leash so it points right over his 

head. Then return the foot and hand to where 

they began and don’t repeat your command. 

6 

SEVERAL TRAINING SESSIONS 

When teaching your dog how to stay, 

you are going to need to repeat this 


training session several times until your dog 

can successfully complete the exercise. You 

will need to put him in the place that you want 

him to stay, count to 30, and pivot back to your 

dog’s right side. Then count to five, praise him, 

then release. Until you know the signs of when 

your dog is going to move, you will be too late 

in reinforcing the stay. If he moves before 

you reinforce, don’t say anything to your dog. 

Instead, put your dog back in the place that 

you want him to stay, count to 10, return 

back to the heel starting position then count 

to 5, then release him. Here are some steps 

to follow to test your dog’s understanding of 

Stay, while extending the time and distance of 

the Stay command. You should start in Heel 

position, and use your left hand to hold the 

leash placed against your belt buckle. 

HOW TO PERFORM A SIT-STAY TEST 

7 Then say and signal ‘Stay’ while 

stepping 3 feet in front of your dog. 

There should be no tension on the leash. This 

is called the Sit-Stay test. If your dog decides 

to move with you, you must reinforce the Stay 

with your right hand. For testing your dog on 

how to sit and stay, you should try the test 

three times. You need to get physical resistance 

from your dog. Tension needs to match your 

dog’s size and his weight; you can not apply 

the same tension to your Terrier as you do to 

your Golden Retriever. To apply the tension, 

you need to use a downward rotation on your 

left wrist. You need to maintain the tension 

for a few seconds, then slowly release. While 

training your dog on the Sit-Stay exercise, you 

need to look for physical resistance. Your goal 

is to have the dog stay for one minute, so you 

need to put him in the position, release the 

tension in the leash, start in Heel position. 

PRACTICE THIS EXERCISE WEEKLY 

8 The leash should now be on the live 

ring, then go 3 feet in front of the 

dog. If she moves before your minute is up, 

you need to reinforce the stay. Move about 

six feet in front of her, to the end of the 

leash. Practicing Sit-Stay on a regular basis is 

incredibly important, but don’t bore yourself 

and your dog with the same routines. Once 

your dog has an understanding of what you 

want them to accomplish, doing the exercise a 

time or two per week will be just fine. Starting 

with the Sit-Stay test to remind your dog what 

it is you want them to do is perfect. When 

you know she can be trusted on the leash, 

try taking her off of it for a while in a secure 

area. Practice running with her around 3 feet 

in front of you, and then start adding some 

distance. 

Now you are ready to get started. Remember 

to be patient with your dog. Just like humans, 

dogs have a wide range of intelligence levels. 

Praise your dog for success and discourage 

failure without being too overbearing. Know 

when to call it a day as well! With patience and 

practice your dog will be able to learn to sit 

and stay on your command successfully. Best 

of luck! 


55

SHOPPING FOR THE 

PERFECT DOG BED? 

TIPS FOR DOGS OF ALL SIZES 


7 USEFUL TIPS FOR TRAINING 

AN IMPULSIVE DOG 

by 


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Is your dog overly excited? So overly excited that it can become irritating? If so, learn 

how you can calm your dog down through training exercises starting right now. 

If you are a dog owner who loves to travel, why not combine your two loves? With proper planning and 

packing, you can use the rules on page 43 to have a great time with a doggie on your trip. 


If you have a dog that is really excited about 

life, it can be a lot of fun for both of you. 

However, a dog that is overly excitable 

may also come along with some issues and 

may necessitate extra training. Learn how to 

train even the most excitable dogs to behave 

as they are told today by reading the following 

information. 

DETERMINE IF YOUR DOG IS TOO 

1 EXCITABLE 

The pet’s uncontrolled behavior of 

welcoming you can be irritating as also the 

habit of sprinting through open doors, which 

can be risky. These dogs sometimes are on a 

race running all through the house upstairs and 

down, in front of you or at the rear, just because 

they find the doors open. They might also 

take to leaping into and out of the car without 


57

your giving them permission. This can be very 

dangerous and can even cause your pet to be 

run over if she is on the road at any time. It can 

be dangerous to you too because you might get 

pushed down the stairs or knocked over. Avoid 

possible accidents by educating your dog in the 

‘Sit and Stay’ commands when you open and 

close your door. 

TEACH YOUR DOG THE ‘SIT AND 

2 STAY’ COMMAND 

They should only move after you tell 

them it is ‘OK’ to. Once your dog understands 

Sit-Stay, it is simple to teach them the basics of 

door manners. Leash up your dog and use the 

training collar. Carefully fold the leash into your 

hand and walk to the door like you would when 

you let them out. Make sure there is only the 

lightest upward tension on the collar and tell 

them to stay while you open the door. Let go of 

the tension. The ultimate goal is for them to stay. 

If they lunge forward, tense the leash once again. 

Shut the door and repeat the process. Once your 

dog has learned to stay without pushing towards 

the door, go ahead and step through it. 

YOUR DOG WILL BEGIN TO CATCH 

3 ON WITH PRACTICE 

If your dog tries to follow you, try 

pulling up on the leash to remind them they 

need to stay. Keep doing this until they don’t 

need anymore reminders. Go through the door, 

release the leash and allow her to follow you. 

You’ll begin to notice as you repeat this, they 

will start to understand what is happening and 

remain in place in their den until you make the 

command. Movement means more to your dog 

than an actual word, so be sure you keep still as 

you release the dog. It’s important to remember 

that you don’t want to create the connection of 

you moving during the dog’s release. They are 

also sensitive to amounts of time, so change up 

how quickly you release the dog. Decide whether 

you want to go through the door first or the dog, 

then practice that regularly. Every time you take 

control and make your dog stay, you cement 

your position as the alpha of the pack. 

TRY AN EXERCISE WITH YOUR 

4 STAIRCASE 

Teach your dog to stay at the bottom 

of the stairwell as you walk up the staircase. 

Command the dog to sit and stay, then walk 

up a few stairs. If the dog is shadowing you up 

the stairs, walk it back down and repeat the 

command. Keep this going until you can make it 

to the top of the stairs with the dog not following. 

The dog will be antsy about being set free from 

its position and might not wait for you to give it 

the command to get up. It will take some time, 

but she will start off by staying briefly before 

choosing to release herself. Sometimes once the 


dog grasps the concept it may begin immediately 

or over a period of time, but rest assured you 

will see it happening. Once you start seeing 

this, make sure you stop whatever you might be 

attending to and put her back by using the stairs, 

turning and counting to ten before releasing her. 

BE CONSISTENT WITH YOUR DOG 

5 FOR BEST RESULTS 

She must not begin the habit of 

releasing herself. The general idea of this, like 

any other exercise, is to be consistent. By doing 

so, the dog will understand that when the door 

is open it must sit and stay. If there is a knock 

on the front door, don’t count on the dog to stay 

cool, calm and collected. This is a prime barking 

opportunity for them. This is a good reaction for 

the dog to have if there is danger on the other 

side of that door, but if it’s your Grandmother 

you want the dog to relax before you open the 

door. 

TEACH YOUR DOG NOT TO BARK 

6 AND RUSH TO THE DOOR 

Practice this scenario with your dog, by 

having someone knock on the door while you 

have your dog on a leash. Practice the sit and 

stay command with the dog. The dog needs to 

see this situation as realistic as possible, so don’t 

directly repeat this scenario over and over again. 

Ask your dog to wait until you open the front 

door. Begin to open it and when she predictably 

starts to get up, give a quick pull of the leash to 

reinforce the command Sit-Stay. If he or she is 

excitable, you may have to move up a ring on 

the training collar to get him or her to take you 

seriously. Finally, when you have the dog staying, 

open the door. 

WHAT TO YOU DO ONCE YOU 

7 OPEN THE DOOR 

Your dog will want to greet the new 

visitor, but reinforce the Sit-Stay and have the 

visitor approach while holding out their hand in 

a friendly manner. Allow your dog to sniff your 

palm and then have the person helping ignore 

them. It may be necessary for you to be next 

to your dog in order to really drive the ‘Sit-Stay’ 

point home. Repeat as much as necessary until 

your dog is staying as you open the door. Be sure 

to release them. The key to successful training 

is the bond between the determined and the 

persistent and perhaps whose will is stronger. 

This methodology is the same for keeping your 

dog from pouncing on unsuspecting house 

guests. Follow the same progressions. Once it is 

repeated enough, your dog will be an old hand 

at ‘Sit-Stay.’ 

You are now ready to begin teaching your 

excitable dog how to take a chill pill. Keep in 

mind that consistency is the key here. You can 

allow your dog’s exuberance to come out while 

you play at the park or in the backyard, but teach 

your dog how to respond appropriately when 

it is time to calm down and listen. Best of luck 

training your dog! 


59

Dog Food 

Industry Secrets 

If You’d Cry If Your Dog Died, 

Then You Need To See This. 

• The ‘secret’ reason every dog, 

including yours, is now at risk of an 

early death! 

• Why continuing with your current 

system of care will cut your dog’s life 

short by up to 8.3 years. 

• The 3 quick & easy steps you MUST 

take today to prevent your dog’s 

early, painful death. 


14 LOVABLE DOG 

BREEDS YOU SHOULD 

CONSIDER ADOPTING 

by 


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Are you currently looking at breeds of dogs to see which would fit best into your family? 

If so, you need to read this introduction to 14 highly respected breeds of dogs. 

If you are looking for a new dog to bring 

into your family, there are many breeds 

that you may wish to buy or adopt. Every 

breed of dog has its own history and its 

own set of particular strengths. The following 

is an introduction to many dog breeds that 

you should consider as you search for your 

new dog. 

THE BOXER BREED 

The origins of a Boxer can be 

traced back as far as the 16th 

century. Their ancestors include 

a Tibetan fighting dog, hunting dogs from 

central Europe and also Bulldogs. The Boxer 

today really was developed by German 

breeders during the 1800s. These were one 

of the very first breeds that worked in both 

police and military callings in Germany. By 

the 1900s, they had become an ideal and 

well loved pet. The AKC recognized them as a 

breed in 1904 and saw a surge in popularity 

during the 1940s. 


61

THE BULL MASTIFF 

Bull mastiffs were developed 

during the 1800s in England as 

a way to assist gamekeepers 

from having poachers invade 

their estates and game preserves. This dog 

had to be able to quietly track and pin and 

keep poachers without injuring them and it 

was done easily because of the size, speed 

and viciousness that came from breeding 60 

percent Mastiff with 40 percent Bulldog. The 

Bull mastiff is now a companion who can still 

function as a watchdog. In 1933 this breed 

was recognized by the AKC. 

THE DOBERMAN PINSCHER 

Around the turn of the 20th 

century, the Doberman Pinscher 

originated in Germany, taking its 

name from a tax collector, Louis 

Doberman, who needed a dog to give him 

protection as he did his job. To create the 

Doberman the German Pinscher, Rottweiler, 

Black and Tan Terrier and the Weimaraner 

were more than likely used. Its skills and 

ability to understand make it a great police 

dog, guard dog and war dog. The Doberman 

is a praised show dog and a loved and 

faithful family pet. 

THE DOGUE DE BORDEAUX 

A lot is unknown of the history 

of the Dogue de Bordeaux, but it 

is usually agreed upon that the 

old breed is related to Molossers 

like Mastiffs and Bulldogs. Found in the 

houses of prosperous French, the Dogue de 

Bordeaux was a cherished hunter, fighter and 

guard. There were some setbacks for these 

dogs during the French Revolution and the 

First World War, but it became popular again 

in America after one of its breed became a 

celebrity through the 1989 movie, Turner and 

Hooch. 

THE GERMAN PINSCHER 

The German Pinscher looks 

like other Pinschers and like a 

Doberman, but it’s more akin to 

the Standard Schnauzer. It began 

as a catcher of rats in stables in the 17th 

century and might have been extinct after the 

First World War except that it was saved by 

devoted breeders and accepted in 2003 into 

the AKC’s Working Group of dogs. Besides 

centuries of protective instincts and natural 

hunting skill, the dogs also make energetic 

and loyal companions. 

THE GIANT SCHNAUZER 

The Giant Schnauzer is originally 

German and is in the same family 

as the Miniature and Standard 

Schnauzer. The breed was crossed 

with sleek cattle dogs, sheepdogs, Great 

Danes and others to develop a dog capable of 

cattle driving in various weather conditions or 

even be used as guard dogs by butchers and 

breweries. Further down the line, the dogs 

were trained as police dogs during the World 

War I era. 

After you’ve adopted, the next part is dog training. 

Our steps on page 53 will get you started teaching 

your dog to sit and stay at your command. 


THE GREAT DANE 

A Great Dane’s heritage can go 

back to ancient sources like the 

English Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound 

and Greyhound. By the 1300’s, 

they were treasured in Germany because 

they were so strong as hunters of wild boar. 

Gradually, this breed got more popular with 

rich landowners because it looks so noble and 

elegant. They may not always be appreciated 

because of how big they are, but many pet 

owners as well as show people still love them. 


THE GREAT PYRENEES 

An imposing white dog, the 

Great Pyrenees were held in high 

esteem by the kings and nobles of 

medieval France. The breed has 

long served to guard flocks of sheep, notably 

in the Pyrenees mountains, from which it gets 

it’s name. However, the origins of the breed 

can be traced much further back to ancient 

Asia Minor. Careful and selective breeding 

has allowed the Great Pyrenees to overcome 

some setbacks and gain a sizable following 

in the United States. It was given official AKC 

recognition as early as 1933. 

THE GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN 

DOG 

Among the native Swiss Mountain 

dogs, the oldest and largest remains 

the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. 

Tracing its heritage to the Mastiff-type dogs 

introduced by ancient Romans, the breed is 

skilled at herding, drafting and guarding home 

and livestock. Although technology has taken 

on many of its traditional duties, the breed has 

enjoyed a slow but steady increase in interest 

as companion animals. In 1935 the breed was 

recognized by the AKC. 

THE NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF 

As an ancient breed with a history 

going back to the war dogs of the 

Romans, the Neapolitan Mastiff 

faded into obscurity until the 

breed enjoyed a resurgence in Italy in the 

1940s. The Neapolitan is known as a masterful 

guard of livestock, home, owner and family. 

This is probably due to the breed’s large size 

and somewhat severe look, caused by its loose 

folds of skin. 

THE NEWFOUNDLAND BREED 

Recognized by the AKC as a member 

of the working group since 2004, 

the Newfoundland’s exact origin 

is not clear. However, many think 

the breed came from Newfoundland’s coasts. 

The dogs thrived on the cold, wet island due 

to their webbed feet, strong muscles and 

heavy coat. They were often used to drag large 

fishing nets. It is a beautiful draft and pack 

dog on land, greatly appreciated for its sweet 

personality and ability to work easily. 

THE PORTUGUESE WATER DOG 

The Portuguese Water Dog (which 

is what its Spanish name means) 

comes from that country but is 

now popular with Americans and 

Canadians along with Europeans. They can 

swim and dive and so guard ships, dive for 

fish and rescue nets that have been broken. 

Technology now does most of that work, but 

this breed has turned into a great family pet. 

The Portuguese Water Dog was the breed of 

choice when President Obama adopted a dog 

in 2009. They’re also popular with those with 

allergies, as the breed is non-allergenic. 

THE ROTTWEILER BREED 

The Rottweiler is thought to 

descend from Roman dogs 

who worked with cattle that 

accompanied soldiers on marches. 

Some of these dogs ended up in Germany, 

where they further developed their herding 

and guarding skills. Dog fanciers reinvigorated 

the breed, which had nearly become extinct. In 

the 1990’s, the Rottweiler was the second most 

popular breed in the country. 

THE SAINT BERNARD BREED 

Dogs are the most trustworthy 

companions of man. They are 

always there to help you and 

warn of dangers ahead. The Saint 

Bernard dogs can be relied on by people 

traveling across the Swiss Alps. These dogs 

have saved many lives in the Alps and rescued 

people who have lost their way or got trapped 

in the snow covered Alps. These dogs are 

said to have been brought to Switzerland by 

the Romans in the mid-1600s. Today, finding 

suitable homes for these valuable dogs is a 

matter of concern. 

At this point, you may be curious to learn more 

about one or more of the breeds listed above. 

Keep in mind that there are many other breeds 

out there to choose from and that you can also 

consider adopting a mixed breed dog, as there 

are many mixed breeds awaiting adoption in 

shelters across the country. Whatever you 

decide, be sure that you select a dog that you 

and your family can love for years to come. 


63

“BAD DOG”? 

MORE LIKE 

“BAD OWNER” 

IMPROVE YOUR DOG’S 

BEHAVIOR 

64 DOG ownership 101 | MAY / JUNE 2016 


A 9-PART OVERVIEW 

OF THE TYPES 

by 


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All dogs require grooming, without exception. You can 

learn much about how to groom your specific breed of dog 

and do it on your own, or enlist the assistance of a pro. 

When you are trying 

to figure out how 

your particular 

breed of dog must 

be groomed, you need to first 

determine what type of coat 

your dog has. In this context, 

your dog’s coat is not an actual 

jacket, but is your dog’s fur or 

hair. Once you know the type 

and texture of your dog’s hair 

you can determine how your dog 

needs to be groomed and then 

the last question you’ll have to 

answer is whether you wish to 

groom your dog yourself or wish 

to hire a professional to do the 

job. 

THE MANY TYPES OF 

1 DOG COATS 

Dogs have all kinds 

of coats, in various textures. 

Various textures are found with 

different coats so you need to 

understand the texture if you’re 

going to groom your dog right. A 

smooth or short coat lays back 

and a smooth coat can be double 

or single coated according to 

the breed. They’re pretty easy 

to groom but there is shedding, 

such as with Dalmatians and 

Bulldogs. A broken or wire coat 

usually has a soft undercoat, 

although it can be just a single 

coat. 

All dogs require grooming, without exception. Learn on page 29 how 

to groom your specific breed of dog, either your own, or enlist the 

assistance of a pro. 


WIRE AND CURLY 

2 COATS 

Wire coats have a 

wavy appearance and the hair 

has a coarse feel to it. Terriers 

are dogs that come to mind 

when one thinks of dogs with 

wire coats. Stripping or clipping 

(removing or cutting) is usually 

necessary for wire coats, which 

is an additional step in the 

normal grooming process. While 

few dogs have curly coats, you 

are sure to recognize a curly coat 

when you see one. Portuguese 


65

Water Dogs, Poodles and Irish Water Spaniels are 

a few breeds that have this type of coat. A lot of 

maintenance, including brushing and clipping, is 

required for dogs with curly coats. 

3 

SHORT-HAIR COATS 

It’s easier to groom dogs with shorter 

coats. You can even find dogs that are 

hairless or almost so. There are breeds, such as 

the Chinese Crested, who have some leg and head 

hair. But even a hairless breed needs grooming, 

because you have to take care of their skin. You 

have a dog that’s wash and wear when there is a 

short coat. But they aren’t always happy in cold 

climates because they aren’t protected like their 

furry friends. It’s best to buy them a coat from a 

pet store. They could have single or double coats 

like the Basenji and Beagle. 

4 

HOW COATS DICTATE GROOMING 

When it comes to coats, dogs have 

various thicknesses and lengths that can 

determine how time consuming the grooming 

may be. Short haired dogs get little protection 

from the elements. Longer hair takes a great deal 

of time to maintain. Medium haired breeds such 

as Border Collies and Cardigan Welsh Corgis have 

medium coats that are fairly easy to groom, even 

though they have a top and undercoat. Dogs that 

have long, luxurious hair often draw the attention 

of the crowds. However, this beauty requires a 

good amount of maintenance. Most dogs with 

a long coat are prone to matting and tangles if 

their hair isn’t properly maintained. Expect a large 

amount of time spent at the groomers if you have 

a long-coated dog. Some examples of canines with 

long coats are Afghan Hounds and Irish Setters. 

COAT COLOR VARIATIONS 

5 The color of dogs may range from white, 

tan, brown, red to black and any colors 

that weren’t mentioned. This is in addition to the 

wide range of patterns of the fur. The main factor 

in determining a dog’s color and color pattern is 

the type of breed that they belong to. You will find 

that some types of shampoo and conditioners 

will help your dog’s coat look its best. Look for the 

brands that will make your black dog shine, your 

white dog sparkle and your brown dog radiate. 

HOW GROOMING METHODS VARY 

6 Different dogs have different types of 

coats and therefore need different sorts 

of grooming. Carefully checking your pet’s fur 

should give you an inkling of what sorts of things 

you’ll need to groom him. You may only need to 


ush and bathe him, or you may need to clip and 

strip the coat also. Proper grooming also includes 

keeping toenails clipped, teeth brushed, eyes and 

ears cleaned, and may even require expressing 

their anal sacs. 

HIRING A PROFESSIONAL GROOMER 

7 Although you may think you can always 

save your money and take the time to 

groom your pooch yourself, there are certain 

cases in which you need a professional to help 

you. Maybe your bearded collie gets stuck in 

a bush with stickers, and you feel it could take 

forever to remove every last sticker. Your great 

dane may give you some trouble when you clip 

his nails and try to brush his teeth, even though 

you bathe him regularly. Maybe you have a brand 

new puppy that needs a first-time grooming, and 

then you can do the upkeep on your own. 

THERE’S NO SHAME IN PROFESSIONAL 

8 HELP 

If you honestly know that you don’t have 

the time, patience or the talent to do a good job, 

don’t be ashamed. There’s no need. You have a 

plumber for your pipes and a teacher for your 

children. You don’t try to go to flight school when 

you want to take a plane. You’re always paying for 

jobs that need to be done, so it’s fine to hire a 

professional. 

DON’T DEPEND ON CHILDREN 

9 It’s not usually a good idea to ask one 

of your kids to groom the dog. They 

may make promises about caring for the dog but 

they can’t keep their promises. An adult needs to 

take responsibility and probably isn’t able to take 

on the task of grooming. Small kids especially 

are not able to handle grooming without adult 

supervision. Often times, the dog may not respect 

the kids the way the dog respects you, meaning 

that it is too much for children to do alone. 

By this point you probably have a pretty good 

idea what type of coat your dog has and how you 

need to groom your dog. If you just can’t fathom 

doing it on your own, don’t worry yourself. As 

explained above, you do not need to groom your 

dog on your own if you do not wish to. That is 

why there are professionals that are trained to do 

the job through education and experience. At the 

end of the day, all that matters is that your dog 

gets exactly what he or she needs to look and feel 

their best. 

Housebreaking 

Vs. 

Housetraining 

Learn the proper 

perspective for house training. 



67

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7 COMMON MISTAKES WHEN 

STARTING PUPPY TRAINING 

by 


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Puppy training is important, but it is not always easy for dogs or their owners. That is 

why it is important to learn how to train your puppy properly before you begin. 

After you have brought your new puppy into 

your home, it will not be long before you see 

that training will be necessary. Training can 

help your puppy to learn how to be part of 

your family and what behavior you consider 

acceptable. However, training a puppy will not 

be done overnight and can take a great deal of 

time. The following suggestions will help you 

to begin training your puppy starting today. 

EXPECTING TRAINING TO BE 

1 IMMEDIATE 

Don’t get too worried if the training 

doesn’t seem to be working right away. It 

takes years to get enough of an education to 

teach school children. However, teaching a 

puppy only requires that you learn a few basic 

exercises to start. The biggest challenges of 

training a dog properly are mental ones. Like 

human beings, dogs have their own unique 

personalities and spirits and you can use those 

unique traits to understand and train your dog. 

Remember that your dog loves you and will 

follow your lead better than any human being 

ever would. Teach your dog how you want her 

to act by example. You need to take a good, 

long and hard look at yourself and decide what 

your personality characteristics are. 

NOT WORKING WITH YOUR DOG 

2 EFFECTIVELY 

Do you share any of the characteristics 

with the puppy? If you find yourself to be 

demanding, learn how to relax a little. Scaring 


the puppy is not only going to have negative 

effects on the training. A puppy will be far more 

involved in the learning process if they don’t 

feel intimidated. You need to be taken seriously 

by your dog if you want it be trained well. If 

the dog is relaxed and you are obsessive, the 

dog will think you’re crazy. If your dog is acting 

up, you need to ask yourself what you may be 

doing to cause that kind of reaction from the 

dog. Are you portraying good or bad behavior 

towards them? Remember that it’s probably 

your fault, so take the steps necessary to 

correct both your and the dog’s behavior. 

SCARING OR INTIMIDATING 

3 YOUR PUPPY 

Try to imagine someone four times 

your size hovering over you. Overwhelming 

right? Your puppy may be fearful of you or 

run, unable to gain anything useful from this 

situation. Think about what options you have 

available, including treats in order to encourage 

good behavior. Puppies, like children have 

personalities too. If you’ve owned more than 

one pup in your life, you know what this truly 

means. Every dog is different. You need to 

train him, but in order to do that you need 

to understand how their brain works. No 

matter their personality, you need to have 

positive interaction with your puppy and also 

understand them. Dogs love to be included in 

whatever you are doing and share their lives 

and secret language, as long as you stop to 

listen and watch. 

FORGETTING THAT YOUR DOG IS 

4 A DOG 

Just remember that a dog is a dog 

and will act as dogs do, regardless of size or 

breed. So, dogs shouldn’t be treated as if they 

are children or different types of pets. A dog 

has a predictable, yet unique, behavior all his 

own. He will sleep at night, walk on four legs 

and look for affection wherever he can find it. 

If you can recognize those behaviors in him, 

you can use them as training tools. Your dog 

has the need to belong to your family, just like 

he would want to belong to a pack of dogs. So 

do try to understand the situation from the 

dog’s viewpoint and try talking to him in ‘dog 

language’. These will help you be on top of any 

day-to-day needs like teaching him manners, 

as well as the slowing down of bad habits. 

Are you looking for the dog breed that will fit best into 

your family? If so, you need our introduction to 14 

highly respected breeds of dogs on page 61. 


NOT BEING EMPATHETIC AND 

5 COMPASSIONATE 

You can also make him come out of 

assertiveness, hyperactivity, fear or impulsiveness 

by being empathetic. Do try and understand 

your pet’s style of communication, pattern of 

behavior, etc. and change your training methods 

to suit these factors. These can make him feel at 

home with your family. Dogs are really superior 

to other species since they are loyal team players 

and define their life in terms of the group activity 

going on. She feels like part of the family, but 

that doesn’t mean it’s a democracy. Rather, it’s a 

hierarchy and if you don’t act like the leader and 

train her, she will take over that role and train you. 


71

It’s part of the pack mentality that keeps things 

running smoothly in her world. It’s important 

for there to be a leader in every group. 

NOT KNOWING WHEN YOUR DOG 

6 IS SEEKING GUIDANCE 

A confused child is usually not 

ignored, but many people do, unfortunately, 

ignore a dog with a confused expression on its 

face. Dogs, particularly when they are young, 

are genetically designed to look for a leader 

and follow them. Human beings can and 

should take full advantage of that. A dog will 

almost always remember a behavior that got 

someone’s attention and repeat that behavior 

later on, instituting a cycle that is hard to 

break. You may notice your dog staring at you 

with adoration and looking for you to tell him 

what to do. The only problem is that a dog 

that is constantly looking for guidance may 

get restless and cause trouble. He might have 

accidents in the house, steal things, break 

things or chew things up around your home. 

LETTING YOUR PUPPY TRY TO 

7 DOMINATE THE HOUSEHOLD 

A puppy that starts out with an assertive 

attitude may wind up trying to dominate the 

household, as it grows. You will need to stay on 

top of keeping him in his place and make sure 

that he knows you are the leader. If, on the other 

hand, a dog doesn’t try to be dominant until it gets 

older, it’s because you have not taken your role as 

the proper leader of the household. You will then 

have to regain your status as the leader and put 

your dog back in the place of the follower. Being 

a leader takes a lot of effort. So, he will probably 

like it when you take over those duties. If you 

notice that your dog is dictating what you do and 

when, it’s time to change things up a bit. Make 

sure that you are the trainer, not the trainee. 

Have a “can do” attitude and do what you want 

when you want. Your dog will follow your lead, as 

dogs are genetically programmed to do. 

It is now time to begin training your puppy. 

Remember to keep your sessions short at first 

so that your puppy is not overwhelmed. Also 

remember to be patient. Both you and your puppy 

will learn a lot about each other as you progress 

and training will become easier as you go along. 

Good luck teaching your puppy how to be a great 

dog! 


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