A Simple Guide to Dressing Your Dog

If you are fashion conscious person who likes to make a statement whenever you step out in public the chances are you have a dog that has the same personality that you do or at least you will want to get a dog that complements your own sense of style. You might have seen some celebrity with a dog in a stylish carrier bag wearing a cute outfit and something that looks like a diamond encrusted collar and wonder how you can get the same for your pooch.

Thankfully we have the Internet and the hundreds of dog apparel designers, manufacturers and stores who carry some of the most amazing dog outfits you will ever see. You don't have to live in Hollywood to get your dog to look fabulous, you don't even need to be rich to get designer dog clothes and that diamond encrusted collar can always be substituted with a reasonably priced beaded dog collar.

Let's first consider your dog's personality before we discuss the array of dog apparel available for him or her to try.

• Sociable, playful dog that enjoys getting attention

Most dogs love attention from their owners but some will lap up any attention coming from anyone. Dogs can sense when they are liked and they will be able to sense how liked they are when they are wearing certain outfits. In this regard they are no different from most people. So if your dog is a female, go girly and allow her to strut her stuff in a designer dog dress and some jewelry. But then not all female dogs are girly (at least not in the human sense of the word), so you could try playing it safe by getting some nice sweaters in pinks and lilacs. Get a nice coat that is not too heavy to walk around in, swap the leather collar for a beaded dog collar. When you factor in the playful nature of your dog then you need to make sure that the material can withstand the rough and tumble games she might love playing with you.

• Shy dog who loves giving attention more

A dog is man's best friend and some dogs are more into being loyal than others. Although they might enjoy a bit of frolicking now and then, they are mostly concerned with keeping their master safe, happy and love being appreciated. These are dogs who will love long extended walks with their masters not just because they themselves need the exercise but because they love the outdoors and making the most of the time they get with their owner. If your dog loves the outdoors, doesn't care much for attention from clothes but from yourself, then he should be dressed in clothing that will protect him from the cold, will not restrict movement and is made of material that doesn't tear or fray easily. A Cotton Sweater, dog hoodie, rain slicker and a dog coat are just some of the clothes you could get for a dog who appreciates practicality.

Dog Training Tips Anyone Can Apply

Dog Training Tips

If you're looking for some good dog training tips, then you have reached your destination. Before we get into some cool dog training tips, you should first understand what your dog actually needs from you in a training situation and then learn how to give it to them. Most dog owners make the false assumption that a dog is much smarter than it actually is. In reality, a dog simply reacts to you. It wants to be part of the pack and it wants to be accepted, but it's still an animal with animal instincts.

So, I say if you want to change any negative behaviors, the absolute best way to approach your dog is NOT to scold them or yell at them, but to focus on changing how they express those instincts.

Core Dog Training Tips

There are a few basic things that every dog owner should consider when training their furry friend. These tasks can make dog training so much easier, I'm not lying.

Crate Training - Crate training provides your dog with a home that it can call its own. Also, try to remember this, a crate should never be used as a punishment. Make sure to spend time at home with your dog in the crate so he can get used to it. As most dog training tips will tell you, a crate can make house breaking, bark reduction, and anxiety issues much better.

Leash Training - I know what you're thinking, dogs and leashes do not go together well. And I'm here to say you're wrong. The most important thing you can do is teach them to reach a controlled, calm state and NOT forcing the leash on them. This controlled state will allow them to respond to your commands without getting too excited(or frightened) about the upcoming walk. Most dogs with leash issues are simply allowed to run around outside and pull. If your dog pulls on the leash, make them sit and wait by your side before walking again. In short order, they will associate that pulling sensation with the stop of their walk.

The Alpha Position - Ah, this. Surprisingly, the most important dog training tips relate to the position you hold in the house, yet most dog owners don't even know this. Despite what most people think, dog training is not the burden of your dog. He doesn't know what you want and doesn't generally understand what you're saying(he is a dog after all). It is on you to teach your dog that YOU are pack leader and YOU have control of the situation. They can then relax, follow your commands and stop worrying about who will protect them.

Obedience Training - Another dog training tip you'll get can come from an obedience class. These classes teach new dog owners how to maintain the alpha leadership position in their household, display control over their new pup and give them specific, strong commands. If you have a new puppy or are simply having trouble controlling your older dog, consider an obedience class to supplement your home training.

The Importance of Consistency

The one thing that all dog training tips have in common is the need for consistency. It's so simple yet is's always overlooked. Much of what dogs learn is in response to a repeated, consistent environment. If you only make them sit before going out when you have time for it, they will get confused and excited and stop following your commands. If you set a rule, be consistent with it and ensure everyone in your home does the same. Good dog training can actually be harder for you than your dog, but it is almost always well worth it.

Games to Play With Your Dog

Playing with your dog on a regular basis builds good understanding, respect, and communication between you and your pet. Dogs love to play and especially so, with their owner.

Fun aside, games generally help stimulate your dog's mind and provide an outlet for them to burn off their extra energy. Games can also be used to teach your dog impulse control and discipline. Listed below are some common fun games you can play with your dog regardless of breed.

Soccer

To play soccer, you must first teach the dog to dribble the ball. To do so, simply show your dog a food treat, put it just below the ball. When your dog reaches out to get the treat, he will invariably move the ball with his muzzle, simulating a dribble action. Take the opportunity to cue "dribble" the moment it makes contact. Over time, fade off the use of the food treat as a lure (i.e. do not leave it under the ball) and get your dog to dribble with just your verbal cue "dribble."

Fetch

Another common game is fetch. Many dogs instinctive know how to go get an object after you have thrown it. Some though will not return it to you. Assuming your dog is totally clueless, here's a simple way to teach the retrieve. Buy a retrieve object (e.g. a dumbbell) from any pet shop. Coat it with peanut butter, show it to your dog and throw it a distance away. Your dog should run towards the object. The moment he grabs it, cue "come" or whatever cue you give your dog to come towards you. Once next to you, offer a tasty treat in exchange for the dumbbell and cue "give" as you take the dumbbell out of his mouth. Once your dog will come back on its own (to give you the dumbbell) without you needing to cue "come," you can add the "fetch" cue the moment the dog charges towards the dumbbell.

As with the soccer game, you will need to fade off the use of the coat of peanut butter and food treat before the dog becomes reliant on it (e.g. won't fetch an item unless it is coated with peanut butter or won't give you the dumbbell unless you exchange it for food treats).

Finally, a word of caution. If your dog gets aggressive each time you try to remove something from its mouth, you may need to seek help from a professional rather than play this game on your own. You will know your dog best.

Tug of War

To initiate the game you can use tug-of-war toys for dogs and let your dog bite the other end of the toy. While your dog's teeth are on it, you may slowly pull it away from him while giving the verbal cue "tug." Hearing the cue "tug" often will slowly make your dog understand the game.

However, do note that there are lots of debates about whether this game causes aggression issues. Our best advice is not to play this game unless you have full control of your dog. By that we mean you are able to set the rules and your dog abides by these rules 100% of the time. If you are able to, this game is excellent for exercising your dog, teaching him impulse control and building up his drive.

Rule 1

Leave it mean leave it - Once you cue "leave it," your dog has to drop the object immediately.

Rule 2

No tugging unless cued to - If the dog tries to tug an object without you cueing, drop the object immediately and institute a time out. Some trainers even go as far as mandating that tug should be played only with a designated tug toy. Hence for them, their dogs are not allowed to tug unless both the verbal cue and tug toy is present. If one is present without the other (e.g. owner cues tug with a different toy), strictly no tugging is allowed. They do this to prevent accidents e.g. dog jumping on someone who mistakenly lifts up the tug toy or dog initiating tug on hearing someone say out the word "tug" in his normal conversation with someone else.

Rule 3

Game stops the moment dog sinks teeth on you - Even if it is an accident, the game should stop. This will teach your dog to be extra careful when playing this game with you.

Rule 4

Stop the moment he displays any sign of aggression - Growling while tugging is okay as long as you have control e.g. he stops and drops the object the instant you cue "leave it." However if your dog attempts to snap at you at any time when you reach out for the object, it is sign that you are not in control. Stop the game immediately for safety reasons and find a safer game to play with your dog.

Rule 5

Frequent breaks - You decide when the breaks are and if the dog gets too boisterous, take a break. Use the break as an opportunity to practice some obedience cue with your dog before re-initiating the game again.

Do not even attempt to play tug of war if you are already having difficulty taking something out of your dog's mouth or if he is already showing signs of aggression.

Lastly, when playing this game, do consider your dog's safety. Don't jerk his head back and forth too much as it may cause neck problems. Don't tug till all four of his feet are off the ground as well.

Is Your Dog Too Aggressive?

A dog develops an aggressive attitude over time, normally showing early signs of aggression as a puppy. His aggressiveness depends on many reasons; Maybe he is shy of people or new environment, maybe he is defending what he thinks as his own, maybe he has a strong prey drive and is hunting.

Training a dog that has gone aggressive to become well behaved and secure to be around, will not be an easy task. Here's 4 tips for people who own an aggressive dog

1. Be on your guard around smaller dogs.

What is very interesting is that people usually think that bigger dogs are more dangerous than small dogs; Because of their weight, it might be true that they are likely to cause more damage, but the fact is, small dogs are as likely to bite as big dogs.

When their terrier growl at the kids or at the guests, some owners might consider that it is cute, but the situation could become dangerous; A bite will be painful regardless of the type of the dog that does it.

Consequently, it is important to take measures to deal with or prevent aggression, no matter the size of your dog.

2. Take on the role of the pack leader.

Dogs naturally live in a pack. It means that they will develop a pack order by which to live no matter their surroundings.

The aggression becomes difficult to control when a dog feels dominant enough to put himself into a position where he's at the top of the pack order. The bottom of the pack hierarchy is where the dominant dog has to be in order for thing to change.

Your dog will start obeying your commands once he finds out he is no longer at the top of the pack organization, and, he will also be happier and calmer. He will appreciate the fact that the one who controls his life is his pack leader.

3. His daily life has to be controlled.

For you to control your dog's life, you will need to do everything you can. In nature, the pack leader eats first and he also gets the best spot to sleep.

Never let your dog sleep on your bed, and don't let him eat food from the table. Rather, feed him when you are done eating.

Always take possession of your dogs toys at the end of a play session. Your dog should not be able to play with his toys if you are not at home. If your dog gets possessive with a particular toy, that toy must be removed and never played with again.

4. Train your canine to be obedient.

A crucial part of eliminating aggressiveness in dogs is a strong obedience training. Make your dog go through an obedience training in which he gets corrected every time he disobeys.

You should muzzle your canine and get some professional help, if tries to attack when he is being disciplined.

Educating your dog is key in avoiding dangerous circumstances. Even though aggressiveness in dogs doesn't happen overnight, if the owner doesn't spend the proper amount of time training his dog, at home, or by taking courses, the aggression will grow overtime.

Owning a dog comes with many responsibilities, and you will have to make sure that you don't have an animal that is dangerous to society under your roof if you want to be able enjoy its many delights.

Sporting Group Dogs Make Fantastic Family Pets

For families or individuals hoping to find a dog that is easy to train and fun to live with, they should consider one from the Sporting Group classification. Dogs in this group include: pointers, retrievers, setters and spaniels.

The extraordinary attachment between Sporting breeds and people is virtually magic. Being exceptionally biddable, Sporting breeds thrive on the challenges and interactions, of working with and pleasing their people.

Dogs in this group are known for their intelligence, energy, pleasant disposition, and willingness to do whatever it takes to please you. This renders them easier to train, than most dogs. They have been bred for their tireless, working drive and their desire for human companionship.

Canine behaviorists consider their neoteny, meaning retaining their juvenile characteristics even as adults, as one of their most endearing characteristics. This is what makes the Sporting group of dogs especially suited for families with energetic children. Their enthusiasm, playfulness, responsiveness to positive reinforcement, devotion, loyalty, affection, combined with proportionate protectiveness, makes them an amazing family pet.

Ideally, starting with a fresh slate is what many people would prefer. For them the puppy stage is important. It is strongly suggested, to get your puppy off to a good start. Enroll in a positive reinforcement, punishment-free Puppy Kindergarten as soon as possible. Generally, puppies in this group are easier than most to train... however, the real point of enrolling in a class, is to teach you, how to successfully communicate with your puppy.

The plus side of dogs of any age in this group is almost by instinct, they bond rather immediately with their new people. It's remarkable how quickly most adjust to their new home, surroundings and family. Their gratitude for being part of a pack is heartwarming. Enrolling in a positive reinforcement, punishment-free obedience class would help to bolster the relationship.

It should be noted, these dogs are not for inactive, housebound families. They need and thrive on human companionship and most need oodles of exercise. They are intelligent, so they must be kept constantly busy and challenged; otherwise they can get bored, and into trouble!

Popular Sporting Group Family Pet Breeds

The breeds below are not a complete list. However, it will give you a sense of the size, personality and temperament of some of the more popular breeds.

American Cocker Spaniel/English Cocker Spaniel - Smaller than most in the Sporting group, Cockers are intelligent, loyal, playful, protective and easy to train. They do well with children and other dogs. Cocker Spaniels are a great pet for a moderately active family that enjoys water sports.

Brittany Spaniel - They are also known simply as a Brittany. Medium size. Alert, intelligent and happiest when included in a family that keeps busy with outdoor activities and brainy challenges.

Boykin Spaniel -Thrives on human companionship. Medium size. Does well with children and other dogs. This loyal, intelligent, fun-loving dog makes a great family pet.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever - Would do best with a family that loves outdoor activities, especially anything to do with water! Medium size. Intelligent, active and tough!

English Setter - A gentle, friendly, obedient, family dog. They range from medium-large. This breed does not do well when left alone too long. They need and thrive on human companionship and vigorous outdoor activities.

English Springer Spaniel - A terrific, intelligent, medium size family dog. Loves to please their people, obedient, easy to train, they prefer to stick close to you and stay busy.

German Shorthaired Pointer - An intelligent, even-tempered, medium size athlete, and watchdog that thrives best when interacting with an active, outdoorsy family. They are a breed that need to stay busy, or they will find something, usually inappropriate, to amuse themselves!

German Wirehaired Pointer - A high-energy, affectionate, intelligent, dog that is devoted to their human companions. Like their Shorthaired cousins, this is a dog that has to be kept busy. They are a terrific dog for an energetic family.

Golden Retriever - The dog with the everlasting puppy face! Larger than the spaniels, this friendly, affectionate, loyal dog, is regularly in the Top Ten of America's Most Popular Breeds. They make an incredible family pet.

Gordon Setter - They are also known as a Black & Tan, this is the heaviest of the Setter breed. They are intelligent, active and devoted to their families. Their nickname "The Thinker" should give you a clue. They are strong-minded, sometimes even down right stubborn! This breed is not recommended for an inexperienced dog owner. Positive reinforcement, punishment-free training is strongly suggested. They are an amazing pet for the right family.

Irish/Red Setter - A tall, friendly, high-energy breed. They love nothing more than to make their families laugh at their silly antics! Not as easy to train as most others, but a handsome, fun-loving pet. Expect to be amused by their affection and goofiness!

Labrador Retriever - The most popular dog in America! Labs can vary in size from medium to large. More American families share their lives with Labrador Retrievers, than any other breed... that should tell you something. Labs come in three colors, Black, Chocolate and Yellow. They are intelligent, affectionate, loyal, eager to please, happy, alert, and the list goes on and on. An incredible family dog!

Pointer - Somewhere between medium and large, this is a high-energy, affectionate, intelligent dog that gets along well with everyone! Be prepared to spend a lot of time exercising your Pointer! This is not the dog for a laid-back, calm family! They thrive on vigorous activity. A bored Pointer will have no problem finding trouble!

Weimaraner - Also known as the Grey Ghost, they can vary in size from medium to large. An incredible family pet, this is a fearless, handsome, easy-to-train, friendly dog that loves to be with their people. They are known for their speed, courage and intelligence. This is a dog that is especially great with active children.

Bottom line: If you are an active individual or family, looking for an intelligent, alert, friendly, devoted dog that can keep up with you; research those in the Sporting Group. There is bound to be one just perfect for you and your family. Keep in mind; this group needs lots of action, constant positive-reinforcement, intellectual and physical challenges and a family that wants to share their outdoor adventures with their canine best friend.

4 Tips to Freshen Up Your Pooch

If you consider your dog to be the center of your world then you probably get him or her regularly groomed and regularly take advantage of any way that you can freshen up their look. After all, when your pet looks good you feel good, and that is why so many pet owners like the idea of dog jewelry and other apparel items that make their pet stand out. You know your pet is unique, so why not show the world that your pet is unique as well. Here are just a few tips to help you freshen up your pooch.

Check out dog jewelry

The first thing that you should take a look at is dog jewelry, because you might be surprised to learn that there are millions of different jewelry items out there on the market designed to allow your dog to shine. From little anklets that you can place a poodle's foot to jewelry that adorns their collars there are many different ways to dress up your pooch so that he or she really shines. You also may want to take a look at nail polishes that are safe for dogs because this can be a great way to help them shine.

Grab some dog apparel

You also might consider buying some new dog clothes for your pup. There are actually thousands of different types of dog apparel available out on the market. You can buy coats, swimsuits, shirts, pants, dresses, and many more items that will help give your dog some personality. Chances are you probably know their personality already, so buy some clothes for them that you feel will help bring their personality out to other people who see them on the street.

New leash and collar

The most obvious dog accessories out on the market are a leash and collar, since you need these two items to take your dog to almost any location. In order to walk them or in order to take them to the vet or park you are going to need a new leash and collar. With this in mind, you need to pay special attention to what set you choose, because they are going to make the largest statement about your dog. Therefore, instead of just going with a leather collar or a plain cloth leash you can take some time and pick out a themed set.

Specialized dog hair accessories

Finally, if you want to really touch off your dog jewelry you might consider accenting them with dog hair accessories. This is due to the fact that a little hair ribbon will make your dog much cuter and change the way that it looks to others. You can theme the ribbons to match the holidays and even have fun by choosing colors that match your dog's leash, collar, clothes, and nail polish. Once you start accessorizing there are an endless amount of possibilities and you can really have some fun making your dog look great!

Great Designer Dog Clothing Gift Ideas

If you know someone who thinks the world of their pet, and treats their dog like it is their child then the best way to get on their good side is by purchasing a present for the pet. Like a mother and a child, by getting to the pet you get to the pet owner. Therefore, if you really want to please this person you might want to think about buying designer dog clothing. Of course, for someone that is not familiar with the world of dog apparel this may seem a bit absurd, that is why the following gift ideas might actually prove to be helpful.

Crystal dog collars

Every dog has to wear a collar, so why not make their collar a bit more interesting by choosing to use crystal dog collars. This will help them to stand out while you are out walking around the neighborhood or out at the park. The better news is that you can even have their name emblazoned on the collars so that you can get a collar that is personalized to meet your pup allowing you to feel a sense of pride when you put them on your pup.

Gem Studded collars

If crystal is not a favorite of yours, then you might try out gem studded collars instead. These are some of the best designer dog clothing options there on the market and are a personal favorite among woman looking to dress up their dogs. This is due to the fact that it is hard to beat the allure of the gems as they glisten in the sun and sometimes even glisten under the artificial lights of your home if you catch them shining in the right direction.

Designer dog clothing coats

Of course, once you have a collar you are not going to find yourself in need of another collar, therefore you may want to start taking a look at some of the designer dog clothing options out there on the market. Coats are a great way to start since they will help keep your dog warm during the winter months. If you have a small dog with short hair or a thin dog like a Greyhound with thin hair then you might seriously consider designer coats for your dog because at the same time it makes them look great it will also help keep them safe.

Booties

Along these lines, there are other ways to make sure that your dog stays warm as well. This is due to the fact that you can also invest in a great set of booties to protect their feet from the cold and frostbite. Booties are also important because they help to protect your dog from the cold and the salt that is thrown on the ground. Too much salt can actually irritate their paws and eventually can lead to permanent damage making it important that you protect them from the cold in every way possible.