Dog Hints & Tips

1. When the puppy is eating, play with your fingers in his bowl and in his mouth. This teaches him that it's okay for your fingers to be in his mouth in case he gets into something toxic and you have to remove it from his mouth. Otherwise, he will growl and maybe even bite you when he gets bigger and you start to "mess with" his food.
2. When the dog does something you LIKE, name it. If the dog voluntarily sits, say "[dog's name], sit." If the dog lays down, say "[dog's name], down." It will learn much more easily if you do this than if you try to make a rambunctious dog lie down.
3. Try really hard to make each command UNIQUE. For example, if "down" means "lie down," don't say "down" when the dog is jumping on someone. Use "off" instead (for example).
4. Give commands once. Try really hard not to say, "Sit. Sit. Sit. Sit. Sit." If you do, the dog learns that the command to sit is "Sit. Sit. Sit. Sit. Sit." When you get to obedience class, they will teach you to simultaneously pull up on the leash and push down on the hind quarters and say "sit." After a while, when you stop walking and pull up slightly on the leash, the dog will sit. It will be a proud moment. (It could, however, be quite a while before this happens. Be patient.)
5. To keep dogs from digging holes fill the hole half way, put some bleach in, fill the rest of the way and top off with some more bleach.
6. For young puppies in a new home, place a warm hot water bottle under a blanket and a radio or clock for company.
7.  To stop dogs pinching food off work tops, attach empty tins etc. to a piece of "decoy" food  when the dog tries to take it, the noise will frighten it.
8. Dilute dog shampoo with water in an empty squeezy bottle, this way it lasts longer and goes through the coat easier.  Start at shoulders and work backwards, leaving the head until last as it is this area which makes them shake.
9. To ease an upset stomach, put a little warm live yoghurt and a drop of honey into bowl and this will help line the stomach.
10. To administer pills to a dog, sit it down, put a little butter on the pill, place inside the side of the mouth (at the back of the tongue)  and hold jaw closed with head in a vertical position. The animal has no option but to swallow and the pill slips down easily.
11. One of the most effective flea and tick control options on the market are Frontline and Advantage - topical "spot" medications that are used on your dog once per month. This type of treatment kills adult fleas and younger fleas or pupae during development.
    It lasts between three and four weeks and is less toxic and more effective than most treatments available.
12. There are many things you can do around the house to help with flea control. If you have found fleas in your home, begin with a good cleaning.
    Start with vacuuming where your dog sleeps and spends the most time. If there are fleas about, this is most likely where they and their eggs will be. You may want to lay a clean old towel down where your dog like to sleep and wash it as much as once per day. You will also want to treat entrances and exits that your pets use frequently and any areas in the garden of which your dog is fond or that maintain a moist wet environment - an ideal flea hatching climate. (Make sure your throw the vacuum bag away outside of the house!)
    Finally, you may need to treat your entire home and you can do this with a flea fogger or an exterminator. The best way to deal with a flea and tick problem is to prevent any infestation in the first place!!
13. The type of leash and collar that you need depend on your budget and lifestyle. For most people, a regular nylon collar and leash is more affordable and will do fine. If you do quite a bit of walking in the evening, consider purchasing a leash and collar that is reflective. For the active dog walker or those of you who want to bike with your dog, consider a retractable leash for flexibility. Some canines are better suited to harnesses. Dogs that have easily collapsible tracheas like Pugs and Boston Terriers are better suited to harnesses. A leather collar and leash tends to be more durable as well as expensive. If you want something that will last and don't plan on any muddy outings, leather may be an option for you.
14. The main thing and this is the best hint and tip is not to give up, and never lose your temper with your dog