6 Ways To Take Dog Training To The Next Level

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Dog training can be an incredibly rewarding and beneficial experience for both the dog and the owner. It takes dedication, consistency, patience, and guidance to achieve successful results in any type of canine training program.

Benefits Of Training Your Dog

Training your dog will not only help them become better behaved and obedient, but it can also provide a variety of physical and mental benefits. Training helps to keep their minds engaged and active so they can learn new commands and behavior. Dog training can also strengthen the bond between you and your pet as it promotes trust, understanding, and communication, and even strengthens the immune system. There could also be a commercial aspect like they will be able to participate in dog performance shows and competitions or even become therapy dogs.

If you are looking to take your dog training to the next level, here are 6 ways to do just that:

1) Invest in High-Quality Training Equipment

Using high-quality equipment is essential when it comes to effective dog training. Investing in professional tools such as leashes, harnesses, collars, and clickers can make all the difference in helping you teach your pup better behavior, faster.

2) Implement Positive Reinforcement Techniques

Positive reinforcement is one of the most important aspects of any successful dog training program. By rewarding your dog for desirable behavior, you can encourage them to continue repeating good behaviors. Treats and praise are great ways to reward your pup, while also building up a strong bond between the two of you.

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3) Be Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to successful training. Having clear expectations and setting boundaries for your pup will help ensure that they understand what is expected of them on a daily basis. Being consistent with commands and providing positive reinforcement when commands are followed will help reinforce lessons learned during each training session.

4) Teach Commands in Short Sessions

Short, but frequent sessions are ideal for teaching new commands. Doing multiple short sessions throughout the day as opposed to one longer session will keep your pup engaged and motivated. Breaking up commands into shorter, manageable chunks can also help your pup retain the information better.

5) Make Training Fun

Turning training time into playtime is a great way to keep your pup interested and excited about learning new things. Incorporating games like fetch or tug-of-war are fun ways to teach your dog basic commands while reinforcing good behavior in a positive manner.

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6) Socialize Your Dog

Proper socialization is essential for any well-rounded dog. Taking them to parks, doggy events, or doggy daycare not only helps strengthen their obedience skills but also allows them to interact with other dogs safely and build important life skills such as problem-solving and impulse control.

There You Have It

By following these 6 tips, you can take your dog training to the next level and help create a strong bond between you and your pup as you continue working together. Whether you are new to canine training or just looking for some fresh ideas, these tips will help you reach success with your pup in a positive way!

Three Things Nobody Told You About Owning A Pet

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There are certain things that people don’t tell you about owning a pet. It takes a lot of dedication for someone to own a pet, and you’ve got to be committed to making them a part of your family. We know that you have probably only thought about the easy side of owning a pet, but you’ve got to know about some of the harder sides so that you don’t get completely blindsided. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at three of the things that nobody told you about owning a pet, so keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

They Cost A Lot Of Money

The first thing that you need to know is that they cost a lot of money. They need somewhere to sleep, they need food, insurance for their health and so much more. All of this can add up to quite a fair chunk each month, and it can be tough to keep up. If you have never really thought about the costs associated with owning a pet, then you need to look into them in more detail so that you fully understand what you are taking on.

If you don’t think that you are in the financial position to take care of a pet, then you shouldn’t get one just yet. You can always get one down the line, so it’s not as though you’re never going to get your little friend.

Sometimes They Get Sick

Sometimes pets get sick, just like humans, and you have to take them to the vet to get checked out. Sometimes this can be heartbreaking, especially if it’s a long term condition that requires them to need oxygen for pets for example. Pets are not just for times when they are healthy and it’s convenient for you, they are for always. You’ve got to be willing to stick by your pet no matter what, so if you’re not ready for this type of commitment, don’t get a pet.

They Need A Lot Of Attention

The last thing that we’re going to say is that they need a lot of attention, depending on the pet that you get. Dogs for example are super sociable, and they love to be affectionate, spending time with you. Of course, there are other, more low maintenance pets that don’t require anywhere near as much attention, so if you’re pushed for time or you don’t have that much time to spare at home, perhaps you should consider one of these. 

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that nobody told you about owning a pet. It might not be the exact experience that you had envisioned if you are not prepared for the reality of what is to come, but at least now you have a good idea of what to expect! We wish you the best of luck, and hope that if you do get a pet, they fit into your family with ease. 

How to Keep Your House and Yard Clean When You Have a Dog

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Having a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. They bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love into our lives. But, let’s be honest, they also bring dirt, hair, and pesky chewing habits that can make it difficult to keep our homes as clean as we’d like.

Fortunately, there are some things we can do to make cohabitating with our furry friends a little easier on ourselves. In this blog post, we’ll share some of our top tips for keeping your house and yard clean when you have a dog.

Why Does it Matter?

If you're a dog owner, you know that dogs can be messy. They track in mud and dirt, shed fur everywhere, and have occasional accidents. All that mess can make it seem like having a clean house and yard is an impossible dream. But when you are someone that is house proud, you may start to get really stressed out about the idea of it always being messy due to your furry friend.

However, it doesn’t have to be. Just because you’re sharing your home with your pet, it doesn’t mean it has to suffer. Let’s take a look at the key things you can do to keep your home and yard tidy when you have a dog.

1. Invest in a Good Vacuum Cleaner

If you have hardwood floors or tile, you’ll want to vacuum at least once a week to keep the dirt and hair from building up. If you have carpets, you may need to vacuum more often. A handheld attachment will help you get in all the nooks and crannies where hair tends to collect. Vacuuming daily (or even multiple times a day) is a must if you want to keep pet hair under control. It’s the best way to keep things super clean.

2. Bathe Your Dog Regularly

This will help cut down on the amount of hair and dirt tracked into your home. How often you need to bathe your pup depends on their breed and how much time they spend outside. Some dogs only need a bath every few months, while others may need one every week or two. Regular grooming will also help reduce shedding.

3. Keep Them Well-Groomed

As we mentioned, a well-groomed dog is less likely to shed and will tracking in less dirt and mud. Be sure to brush them regularly and give them baths as needed. Not only that, but when your dog’s nails are too long, they can cause scratches on your floors or furniture. Plus, it’s just more comfortable for your pup if their nails aren’t dragging along the ground when they walk!

4. Set up an Outside Only Zone

Designate an area of your house (preferably near the door) as the “outside only” zone for your pet. This is where you should keep their food and water dishes, bedding, toys, and so on. It’s also where you should wipe their feet when they come inside so that dirt isn’t tracked throughout your home. Also, after your dog comes in from outside, take a moment to wipe their paws with a towel or baby wipes to keep the clean.

5. Make Sure Your Yard is Well-Maintained

Next, you’re going to want to cut the grass regularly and pick up after your pet so that your yard is tidy and presentable (not to mention safe for other people and animals). You can also hire someone like Poop Scoop to take care of it for you. But be sure to do it on walks too. No one likes walking behind someone who doesn't pick up after their dog. Always carry doggie bags when you walk your pup and use them whenever they do their business.

6. Invest in Some Pet-Friendly Cleaning Products

Not all cleaning products are safe for use around pets—some can even be toxic if ingested by your furry friend. Look for cleaning products that are specifically designed for use around pets (you can usually find these in the pet aisle at your local grocery store). This will be great for your home and for them!

7. Create a Cleaning Schedule (and Stick to it)

Trying to keep on top of everything can be overwhelming—but if you break things down into smaller tasks that you complete on a regular basis, it won’t seem so daunting. Assign specific tasks to specific days of the week. You know that you need to vacuum regularly, but there can be more for you to do.

8. Keep Them Off the Furniture

Dogs are notorious for jumping on furniture and leaving hair behind. To keep your furniture clean, train your dog to stay off of it or keep them in certain areas of the house with pet barriers. Not only that, but placing mats at all your exterior doors will help catch mud and dirt before it gets into your home too.

9. Clean up Accidents Immediately

Dogs have accidents—it's just a fact of life. The key is to clean them up right away so they don't become permanent stains on your flooring or furniture. Blot the with paper towels first then use a cleaner made specifically for pet stains and follow the instructions on the bottle. Over time they will grow out of this, but it’s good to stay on top of it when they are puppies.

10. Have Patience!

Training your dog takes time and patience but it will be worth it in the long run when you have a well-behaved pup who doesn't make too much of a mess. If you need to, think about taking them to classes. You may find that this helps to keep everything in order around the home too.

Having Your Home and Your Dog in Harmony

Dogs can be messy but with these ten tips, you can keep your home clean while still being a responsible pet owner! It doesn’t have to be one of the other, you can definitely enjoy both. It’s all about being intentional and ensuring that you are proactive in keeping things clean and organized. What other tips do you have for keeping your home clean with a four-legged friend? Share them in the comments below!

4 Fun Things To Do With Your Furry Friend This Fall

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Spending quality time together will strengthen your relationship with your dog and help them to trust you more. So, if you want, you can take your dog with you on a road trip. You know what's best for your dog and how they act, so figure out how you can spend the most quality time with them.

Here are some things you can do with your dog:

Throw a party for your furry friends.

Does your dog enjoy interacting with pups? If that's the case, you should throw a party for dog friends. If you have fellow citizens or friends who regularly bring their dogs to the park, you will undoubtedly be familiar with your dog's friends.

Most of the time, dogs like to hang out with other dogs their own age and energy level. It's important to remember that older dogs lack the patience needed to deal with hyperactive puppies. You are your dog's best judge of taste, so only invite guests who are sure to be well received.

You'll need a few things to set up the playdate, like snacks and games. Therefore, it is important to select the best food for your dog and amass a collection of amusing toys for your dog that everyone can enjoy. Because of the extensive selection of toys, not only will the dogs be able to socialize with one another, but you will also have more time to engage in conversation with the human guests at your party.=

Go hiking together

If you and your dog are looking for a great way to get some exercise and spend time in nature, consider going on a hike. Watching a dog enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of nature with its best friend is a rejuvenating experience.

The following items are recommended to bring on a hike with your dog:

• First aid kit
• Pet-friendly bug spray
• Poo Bags
• Dog boots designed for rough terrain
• Leash - and make sure your dog has a gps dog collar!
• A portable water bowl as well as clean water

Outdoor Dining

There are a lot of restaurants out there that are pet-friendly and have outdoor seating areas. If you want to make the most of the beautiful day, you should think about having lunch or dinner outside with your dog. Don't forget to bring your dog's favorite chew toys and treats. However, many eateries that welcome canines also provide special dog menus with options like grilled chicken tenders, hamburger patties, and even filet mignon at the fancier venues.

All of these eateries provide a bowl of fresh, clean water for your dog to drink. And if you want to improve your experience at the restaurant, have more fun, and savor every second of it, consider feeding and exercising your dog before you go. If you want to prevent them from getting bored, bring along some of their favorite toys.

Instead, you could take your dog on a picnic. When the weather is nice in the warmer months, taking your dog out for dinner can be a lot of fun for both of you.

Dog park

You should definitely take your friendly and outgoing dog to the park so that they can socialize, hang out with their canine pals, and play some fun games with other furry friends. The dog park is a great place to take your dog, but if you aren't properly prepared, it could turn into a nightmare. If you're planning on taking your active dog to a dog park, you should think carefully about whether or not it will enjoy it, especially if it's an off-leash park. Dogs in these settings should ideally be well-mannered and friendly.

Taking Your Dog Away With You On Holiday

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It isn't unheard of to take your pet on vacation with you, in fact, it has become increasingly popular. With the cost of living rising, it can be expensive to pay for your trip and your pet's boarding or sitter. Taking your pet with you also eradicates the issue of missing them or feeling lonely. Take a look below to find out how it’s possible to take your dog on vacation with you. 

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Pet-Friendly Destinations 

You might not believe this but some hotels accept dogs, and they even offer specialist suites for you and your furry friends. Of course, you will need to pay extra for this, but if the costs work out better than paying for them to be boarded then why not? You might have to rethink certain destinations, especially if you are trying to work your way through a travel list. When the time comes to search for your next vacation, be sure to double-check if your accommodation accepts pets. 

Travel Options (keyword)

How are you going to get to your destination of choice? If you are taking your pet with you, it might be a good idea to stay local and try out a staycation. These have become increasingly popular over the last couple of years due to Covid-19. Your dog might not feel comfortable traveling long distances, and they might also be fearful on airplanes. It can take some re-jiggling but it is always possible to take them with you no matter where you go. If you are driving to your vacation then you might want to use dog car seat covers to avoid any scratches or mess ruining your car. 

Take Creature Comforts

Next, you should think about taking some things that will make your dog feel reassured, comfortable, and happy. When you take your dog on vacation, they will encounter a brand new environment that they aren’t familiar with. As such, it’s always going to be important to help them feel a little more relaxed. Otherwise, you might notice significant issues with their behavior and problems with their mood. For instance, you could find that they are lethargic. Their favorite toys and treats should both be packed in your suitcase ready for the trip ahead. 

Ensure Your Dog Is Insured

Finally, it’s important to guarantee that your dog is insured if you are going on vacation. The right insurance will protect you from any issues that you can have while you are away with your animal. Don’t forget that they can get sick due to changes in climate or even from swimming in the wrong water. They could even get injured. The costs of a problem like this are typically designed to be unmanageable. As such, it is in your best interest to get the best protection possible for your furry friend. Do be aware that prices differ. As such, you should shop around the market to find the best deal. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the key points that you need to consider before you take your pup away.