dog training

How to Leash Train Your Dog

The best way to leash train a dog is to get them comfortable wearing their collar and attached leash around the house, then slowly introduce them to walking inside while you’re holding the leash. Then, add commands like “come” and “wait” while they’re wearing the leash. Finally, teach them to “heel” by offering treats immediately at your side while they walk beside you. Once they are comfortable with basic commands on leash and can “heel” without pulling on the leash, try taking them outside for real-world practice.

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Dog Safety During Hunting Season

Photo via orvis.com

If you enjoy hiking with your dog and live in an area with seasonal hunting, hitting the trails takes an extra measure of prep and precaution. It is possible to safely walk your dog during hunting season, but doing so requires the understanding that you’re sharing the great outdoors and an awareness of how hunters engage in their sport. Before you consider walking your dogs in or near woods, fields, and wetlands during hunting season, you should be confident in your dog’s training, outfit your dog and yourself in brightly colored vests, and know when and where it’s safe to walk.

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Podcast: The Lulu Chronicles Part 1

In this podcast Reid chats with Jim and Deanna Keller of the award-winning Wildwind Kennels about the process of training his Springer pup, Lulu. Deanna and Jim just spent two months with Lulu and tidied up some early training that Reid had . . .

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Dog Collars vs Harnesses

A harness is often a better choice than a collar.
Photo via orvis.com

Most dog owners agree that harnesses are more secure, and better for larger dogs and dogs that are pullers, while collars are better for most dogs in most situations, and should be worn in conjunction with a harness. But whether a harness or collar is the best choice for your dog really depends on her age, breed, and walking style. For rambunctious, active, and younger dogs, a harness can facilitate training and give you more control and can do so with ease and minimal exertion on your part. For older, well-trained dogs, a collar with a leash does the trick. Sometimes, you’ll want…

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Dog Collars: Buckles vs. Clips

Whether they close with a clip or a buckle closure, every type of dog collar has two main functions: to keep the two of you together, and to provide ID information that can help reunite you if you become separated.

And, okay, it doesn’t hurt if the collar looks great, too.

Though they are broadly similar (for instance, both types of collars are equally easy to clean) clip and buckle collars aren’t exactly interchangeable. Buckle collars are…

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How to Create a Crate Training Schedule for a New Puppy or Dog

Congratulations on your new puppy or dog…and double congratulations on setting up a crate training schedule. A crating schedule will help you raise a wiggly eight-week-old puppy into a dog who is full of good habits (chewing on appropriate items, settling quietly, going to the bathroom where you want) and free of bad habits (house … Continue reading “How to Create a Crate Training Schedule for a New Puppy or Dog”

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Dog-Training Tips: Motivators and Reinforcement

Training your dog at home is a wonderful bonding experience—especially if you are willing to be consistent and put in the work—but there are a few nuances about dog behavior and learning theory you need to understand in order to work with your dog . . .

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How to Stop Your Dog From Barking

Gus gets his bark on.
Photo by Gregory, Pittsburgh

To stop your dog from barking, you must first pinpoint what sets him off and tailor your behavior training to his triggers. His barking is instinctual. But constant barking is intolerable for you and the rest of his human family. Let the barking continue for too long unabated, and you may face discontented neighbors who are suffering along with you. Read on to learn the common causes of excessive barking; how much barking is acceptable; and most importantly, how to curtail incessant barking, day or night. We’ll also give you a rundown of which dog breeds bark the most—and the least.

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How a Dog Crate Helps with Potty Training and More

When left out on their own, puppies can get in a lot of trouble. These unsupervised moments allow the puppy to chew on clothing and furniture or to have an accident inside. Unfortunately, when our pup gets into this kind of . . .

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5 Tips for Becoming a Better Dog Walker

Walking your dog offers several benefits: It provides physical and mental stimulation, gives your dog chances to socialize, and provides many training opportunities. Walking your dog on a regular schedule provides an . . .

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