A new dog brings the excitement of a new friend to play with, a new companion, and a new family member.  A new dog can also bring a lot of headaches.  One of the most common problems with a dog in new surroundings is barking.  Dogs bark for a variety of reasons: trying to communicate boredom, fear, hunger, thirst, anxiety, etc.  Completely eliminating a dog’s barking is not always feasible, but the barking can be greatly reduced.  Below are some tips to help you get your dog’s barking under control.

The first thing you need to identify is why your dog barks so much.  Is it a constant behavior, or is it only brought on by certain events?  Your dog could be barking because of another dog, a cat, strangers at the door, or even because it’s being left at home alone.  Knowing why your dog barks will allow you to specifically target the problem.

The number one cause of a barking dog is boredom.  You must provide your dog with items to play with and chew on to prevent boredom.  Your dog must learn to play on their own.  Well intended owners who constantly entertain their dogs have dogs that quickly become bored anytime they are left alone.  When you do leave your dog alone be sure the essentials are taken care of. Plenty of food and water are obviously essential, but so are play toys, chew toys, rawhides, bones, etc.   

You need to check yourself and to see if you are unknowingly rewarding your dog’s unmerited barking.  If your dog is outside barking because you are inside, letting your dog in to quiet them down has just sent your dog the message that barking leads to what they want.  When your dog barks for no desired reasons, you must ignore the barking and lavishly reward and praise your dog when the barking has ceased.

Incorporate a, “No Barking” or, “Quiet” command into your dog’s vocabulary.  Calmly and quietly tell your dog “No Barking.”  When your dog stops barking use the phrase, “Good No Barking” and immediately reward them with food/toys or lavish praise and attention.

My last bit of advice is very simple and basic; a well exercised dog is a well behaved dog.  In other words, a tired dog does not have the energy to bark excessively at nothing. 

Dogs will never be completely bark-free, and most people do not want them to be.  With some proper training you can make sure your dog is not an excessive barker.  Ignoring unwanted behavior and rewarding desired behavior will successfully help you get your dog’s barking under control.

Dogs are truly man’s best friend, and they quickly become members of the family.  Unfortunately, dogs do not learn how to properly behave by themselves and require guidance from their owners to train them to be well behaved.  Training your dog takes time and above all else, a lot of patience.  Dogs depend on humans for love and companionship as well as for their basic needs such as food, water, and shelter.  Adding a dog to your family is a big step and long-term commitment.  Use this article to help you determine if you are prepared to commit to man’s best friend.

 The two essential things that all living things need in order to survive are food and water.  Be sure that you establish a feeding routine so your dog can predict meal times.  It is also a good idea to monitor how much food your dog eats so you can control your dog’s weight.  Also if your dog loses their appetite it could indicate that something is wrong.  It is vital to your dog’s health to make sure your dog has free access to water throughout the day.  If your dog is outside on a hot day be sure to keep it well-hydrated, and use a plastic water dish instead of a metal one to prevent the bowl from becoming too hot.  Keeping your dog well fed and properly hydrated will help to keep your pooch happy and healthy.

It is important that your dog has adequate shelter.  Although most people allow their dogs to live in the house like members of the family, some people prefer to have their dogs live outside.  Many dog breeds do fine living outdoors but need to be protected from the elements.  Providing a doghouse will protect your dog from rain, heat, wind, and snow.  Make sure the dog house is not too big so it can retain some heat when the temperature drops and keep your dog warm.  A doghouse will provide your dog with shelter and will also double as a safe haven that pets will happily retreat to for safety and security. 

Dogs need daily exercise to remain healthy and help burn off pent-up energy.  Play in the yard, play at the park, or long walks are good fresh air activities for dogs and their human chaperones.  A tired dog is a better behaved dog.  Dogs that get regular exercise are less likely to display destructive behaviors.

Dogs require a lot of attention, some breeds more than others, so be sure that you have the time to give to them.  Dogs are social pack animals and do not like being left alone for long periods of time.  If you live a busy life and are never home, getting a dog is probably not a good fit for you. In contrast, if you are ready to bring a dog into your life, make sure to give it the love and attention it will crave.  Dogs want to play, interact and bond with their owners so try to include your dog in your activities and lifestyle as much as possible.  A happy, stimulated, active dog is less likely to engage in unwanted behaviors.

So what is the difference between male dogs and female dogs?  People often wonder this when thinking about getting a puppy.  They are unsure which they should consider getting, a male or female.  There are theories and opinions that females are more protective but easier to train and that males are more aggressive, territorial and stubborn, but more affectionate. 

These theories really boil down to an individual’s personal preference or past experiences, the breed and the individual dog and their unique personality.  Genetics, a dog’s pedigree, training and environment can also play a role in how stubborn, easy to train or aggressive a dog may or may not be. 

For every male versus female theory, you can find just as many dogs that prove the opposite. 

The one characteristic that is generally true for each gender is size.  Males are usually going to be larger than the females.  With that being said, there are always going to be exceptions to this rule.  There are some dogs that end up larger or smaller, depending on their genes and pedigree, regardless of their gender.  If you are considering a medium sized breed or larger, males can be stronger and more difficult to handle.  It is much easier to physically control a sixty pound female than it is to hold the leash to a seventy-five pound male.  The larger the dog, the more important obedience training becomes. 

Do not forget to consider the most obvious gender differences.  A female will come into heat if left intact.  If you do not plan on breeding your female, you will need to take preventative measures during her heat cycle to prevent an unwanted pregnancy or look into spaying as a permanent solution.  An intact male has higher testosterone levels which increases his aggression and makes him more territorial.  Intact males tend to “mark” their territory more than neutered males.  It can also become difficult to live with an intact male if there are females in heat nearby. 

Choosing the gender of a new puppy basically comes down to personal preference.  If you are unsure which gender you would prefer, talk to your breeder about your family structure, environment and what you are looking for in your new pet.  A good breeder will help match you with the best puppy suited for you. 

If you already have a dog and will be adding a second one to your pack structure, you should consider going with the opposite sex of what you already have.  This will eliminate any same sex aggression issues that can occur and become a problem.

Dog obedience training can be a daunting task but with a German shepherd dog, it is a fun and rewarding experience.  The German shepherd is a very intelligent breed which makes them easy to train.  The German shepherd is eager to learn new things and thrives when kept active and given a job or a task to do.

Training your shepherd will be a growing experience for both of you.  The time spent training your German shepherd is a great way for you to bond with your dog, learn his personality and build a trusting relationship.  Obedience training will give your shepherd the opportunity to learn boundaries, develop their full potential and become a well mannered companion to you and everyone else in your family.

It is best to expose your German shepherd to obedience training as early as possible.  Start with basic training commands like sit, stay, here, and down.  Keep training sessions short, fun and positive.  The German shepherd breed is smart and it will not take many repetitions before they have mastered a skill.  Take notice of this and always be ready to introduce something new to prevent your smart dog from becoming bored with the same old routine.

When training your German shepherd it is important to utilize these 5 tips:

• Patience
• Authoritative Firmness
• Consistency
• Positive Reward
• Fun

1.  Always be patient when conducting obedience training.  Every dog is unique and learns different things at different speeds.  German shepherds are intelligent but are also known to be stubborn.  Expect your shepherd to test you and your patience from time to time.

2.  German shepherds are a beautiful, intelligent, powerful breed.  They respond well to an owner who has a command presence with an authoritative firmness.  Be firm when training your shepherd and be a leader.  If you give them an inch they will take a mile, so you have been warned!

3.  One of the most important things to remember when training a German shepherd is consistency.  Consistency will eliminate confusion and frustration.  Choose commands and boundaries that every member in the household uses and understands.  This will keep your shepherd from being confused as to what is expected from them and from whom.  If your training expectations are not consistent and sometime you make you shepherd obey a command and sometimes you do not…you have just given this smart dog an inch.

4.  Be sure to lavish your German shepherd with a lot of praise and positive attention for a job well done.  Positive rewards and attention encourage positive behavior.  Your shepherd will thrive knowing that he has done well and will continue to want to please you.  A stern and strict training approach to obedience training with this breed will not allow this dog to be the best that he can be.

5.  Lastly and most importantly, have fun and enjoy your German shepherd while training.  You do not want to think of training your dog as a daunting task.  To keep your dog’s attention span you need to keep your training sessions short.  Your German shepherd is extremely smart and will feed off of your body language and moods.  If you keep your training time light and fun, your shepherd will enjoy learning new things and look forward to training time.

Use what you have learned from this article, and before you know it you will have a loyal German shepherd who is outgoing, well-adjusted and well mannered.

The Canine Good Citizen Test is an exam that was started in 1989 by the American Kennel Club.  There are many steps involved in passing this test, but doing so will show that you have a well-trained dog and are a committed owner.  In this article we will explore this test in depth, providing some valuable information for anyone who plans to pursue it.

Committing to train for, and take, the CGC Test involves patience and persistence.  The test itself has many benefits, as does the training needed.  Passing this test involves having a well-trained dog, who is respectful and well mannered.  Training for the test involves taking time out for your dog and forming a special bond.  In addition, if you plan to start a therapy career with your dog or hope to begin enjoying dog-related sports, the CGC Certification is not only beneficial but necessary.

Before taking the CGC Certification Exam, a dog owner must pledge to be a responsible pet owner.   This means that an owner will always care for his or her dog’s training needs, health, exercise needs, and general quality of life.   Signing this pledge is an important component of the certification as it helps to further the bond between dog and owner.  It also gives the owner a contract with themselves to remain responsible and view their pet as a priority.

Once an owner has signed the pledge it is time to take the CGC Exam.   The exam consists of  ten components.  Your dog will need to interact well with strangers, sit on command, and walk on a loose leash.  In addition, expect your dog’s grooming and appearance to be judged as well as his reaction to other dogs and strangers.  The exam is not competitive but a score will be issued.  A very low score might result in a fail.

So what are the advantages of passing the CGC Certification Exam?  Your dog will be allowed to wear a special tag stating that he or she is a good citizen.  The tag will include the initials “CGC” after his or her name, much like you would see with an academic honor.  The CGC title often means that a landlord will be more likely to rent to your and your pet.  It also allows your dog entry into many nursing homes, hospitals, and children’s centers.  This title can be very important to a career pet, but is equally important to any owner who is truly dedicated to the welfare of his pet.

The American Kennel Club CGC Certification is a great accomplishment for any pet owner to consider.  It helps to establish a strong bond between owner and dog, and teaches your pet valuable lifelong skills.  In addition, it can mean career or recreational options are opened to your pet that might otherwise be closed.  This article has  discussed the basic components of the CGC exam.  More information can be found through general research or by consulting with your local American Kennel Club representative.

Puppy training and socializing your German shepherd is a must to help shape the temperament and character of your young dog.  German shepherd puppies are intelligent, independent dogs and their puppy antics can become challenging to manage if ignored.  It is best to start training and socializing them as soon as possible.

The German shepherd is a smart breed that thrives when given a job to do.  Your German shepherd puppy will love the challenge and mental stimulation from basic obedience training.  Remember to keep your training sessions short, fun and positive.  Focus on one training item per session with a very young puppy to avoid confusion and achieve success.

German shepherds are recognized as a member of the herding group or guardian breed category.  Therefore, German shepherd pups are not instinctively the friendliest of breeds when it comes to other dogs or people outside of your immediate family pack.  German shepherd puppies need proper socialization; they need to be exposed to all types of people, dogs, animals and experiences from a young age to ensure they become a well adjusted and confident adult dog.

German shepherd puppies need vigorous daily exercise with early and ongoing training.  The time spent training and socializing your German shepherd puppy will become the foundation of a lifelong bond you share with your dog.

When a German shepherd puppy is provided with adequate socialization, regular exercise, some basic training, lots of love and attention, they will thrive as protective, loyal, well adjusted household companions and family pets.   

Potty training a puppy is a vital part of living with your pet.  Success will come easily from the following three things:

1. Patience
2. Consistency
3. Praise/Reward

Remain patient.  Your puppy’s undesired behavior of eliminating in the house is ultimately your fault. Teaching your puppy a new behavior will take some time and effort on your part.  If accidents happen remain calm and reflect on why/how the accident occurred.  Do not scold or punish your puppy if accidents do occur. Remember that the accident is your fault not your puppy’s.

Be consistent.  Take your puppy to the same door to go outside.  Take your pup directly to the same area of the yard to relieve himself and give a potty command.  Do not leave the potty area of the yard until your puppy has relieved himself.  In the beginning this will require your patience and you might have to take your puppy out on a leash to keep him in the desired potty area of the yard.  Calmly repeat your potty command as many times as necessary.  The more consistent you are the quicker your puppy will learn the new behavior.

After your puppy has relieved himself, be lavish with verbal praise and reward him with petting, playing with a favorite toy or a doggie treat.  You are teaching your puppy that business comes first rewarded with attention and treats.

If you make a trip to the yard and your puppy does not relieve himself, do not be defeated.  Do not scold your puppy but do not reward your pup either. Take your friend back into the house and confine them to an area where they do not leave your sight.  When your pup is out of your sight is when accidents occur.  Wait fifteen to thirty minutes and start the process of going outside over again.  Repeat this until your puppy has relieved himself successfully in the potty area of the yard.

These are the basics to potty training your puppy.  If more than one person in the house is involved with potty training, be sure that everyone is being consistent by doing the same things and using the same commands.

The more patient and consistent you are, the quicker your puppy will learn the new desired behavior of eliminating in the yard instead of the house.

Crate training puppies is invaluable tool that can help keep your puppy safe and secure.  Crate training a puppy will also assist and speed up the housebreaking process. There are many tips to help your puppy get accustomed to being in a crate.  Here you will find some suggestion to speed up the process of crate training a puppy.

Crate training should be a pleasant experience and never used for punishment.  Crate training is actually more about teaching your puppy they have a space or a “den” of their own. Allowing your dog to routinely spend time in his crate everyday can eliminate unwanted behaviors such as inappropriate chewing, digging, barking and eliminating in the house.

It can be normal for a puppy to feel uncomfortable or anxious in a crate for the first time.  Place your puppy into the crate with a command “kennel or crate” and give puppy a small yummy treat.  Close the door to the crate and stay within your puppy’s view so they do not feel abandoned.

When first starting out, introduce the crate slowly, only leaving your puppy in it for a few minutes. As your pup becomes accustomed to the crate gradually increase the amount of time spent in the crate.  It will not be long before your puppy is comfortable and confident inside of the crate.

Never remove your puppy from the crate if they are whining or barking.  If your pup initially cries or barks ignore this behavior and only remove your puppy after they have quieted down.  It is also important to remain stoic or nonchalant when removing your puppy from the crate. If you act excited about removing your puppy from the crate, your puppy will become excited.  Save the fun and excitement for playtime outside of the crate.

If your puppy is not eating, playing or being directly supervised, get into the habit of crating him.  This will keep him out of trouble and he will more than likely nap.  Your puppy will not soil in a confined area where he regularly sleeps.  Use this to you advantage to speed up housebreaking.  Get into the routine of taking your puppy outside to eliminate every time you remove him after a nap or a prolonged period of time in the crate.

In closing, crate training a puppy should not be stressful for humans or pets.  Most puppies quickly learn and adapt to routines that involves their crate.  When used properly, crate training is an important tool to assist with raising a puppy.

Congratulations, you have adopted or rescued a dog and brought it to a safe, secure and loving environment…your home.  The stress of relocation, abandonment, and other emotional or physical issues may cause a newly adopted dog to have some housetraining accidents.  On the other hand, the dog may have never been reliably housetrained to begin with.

Reinforce your newly adopted dog’s housetraining the same way you would train a new puppy.  Supervise at all times.  If unable to supervise leave your dog in a safe secure area such as a designated room, pen or preferably a crate.  Choose an outdoor potty area and take your new four legged friend to it (on leash) on regular intervals with a consistent command such as “go potty.”  On every successful trip to the potty area be sure to reward and praise.

Be aware that a rescued dog may already have a pattern of eliminating where no one can see them.  This is why supervision is so important.  Dogs that may have been punished or yelled at for eliminating in the house may seek out of the way areas so you do not see them eliminating.  Another quirk to think about is that some dogs are sensitive to certain textures under their feet and will only eliminate on certain types of areas such as concrete, grass, bark, etc.  With patience and consistency you can retrain your dog to go on any surface of your choosing.

While in the house watch for signs that your dog needs to eliminate.  Signs to watch for are sniffing, circling or trying to disappear from your watchful eye.  If you think there is a small chance that your dog might need to relieve themselves, take them directly outside to their potty area.  If an accident does happen, clean it up immediately.  Do not scold or acknowledge the mistake.

As your adopted dog’s housetraining becomes more reliable, cut back on the strict supervision and gradually allow more access to the house.  If accidents begin to occur then you need to go back to the basics.

There are a lot of unknown’s about an adopted dog.  From an adopted dog’s perspective, there are a lot of unknown’s about their new human.  Be gentle and patient as you learn about your newest family member.

Want to get your dog’s attention?

Stop the nagging and implement action!

Owners often complain that their dog is stubborn and will not listen to them.  Admittedly, the desire to please does differ among breeds and from one dog to another.  However, any trained dog that consistently ignores you and your commands has been inadvertently taught to do so.

Telling your dog to do something several times before expecting compliance teaches indifference.  A tentative, asking tone of voice is not as effective as a strong, confident commanding voice.   Instructing your dog to sit or stay and then ignoring when they break from the position adds to their indifference.

Telling you dog to “sit, sit, sit, sit” is nagging. When you repeat commands over and over you do not really mean it, and your dog knows this.  When you start to huff and puff on the fourth, fifth, sixth command maybe you dog will comply and maybe they won’t.

Stop nagging your dog.  Do not give commands casually and do not give a command that you are not willing to follow through on and implement the first time.

Correct your own bad habits and this will improve your dog’s hearing and listening abilities.  You will find that your dog will listen if they think you have something important or noteworthy to say.