K9 TRAINING INSTITUTE https://k9ti.org Fri, 10 Feb 2023 02:57:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.9 Is Your Dog Scared of Face Masks? https://k9ti.org/blog/is-your-dog-scared-of-face-masks/ https://k9ti.org/blog/is-your-dog-scared-of-face-masks/#respond Thu, 07 Apr 2022 11:25:48 +0000 https://k9ti.org/?p=11087 function track_lead_generation_subscription_main() { console.log('check1'); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name-2').val().trim(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email-2').val().trim(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); } function track_lead_generation_subscription() { console.log('check3_dog-breed-ui'); // var bld = $('#subs-name').val(); // var bla = $('#subs-email').val(); // alert(bla); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name').val(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email').val(),'subscription_CTAButtonPressed':$('#CTAButtonPressed').val(),'subscription_full_site_url':$('#full_site_url').val(),'subscription_referer_url':$('#referer_url').val(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); }

While face mask restrictions are being lifted in some parts of the world, this isn’t the case everywhere. And, since dogs depend pretty heavily on being able to read a person’s facial expressions, a masked person can leave them feeling confused, and possibly even scared. This may not be an issue when it’s you that’s […]

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While face mask restrictions are being lifted in some parts of the world, this isn’t the case everywhere. And, since dogs depend pretty heavily on being able to read a person’s facial expressions, a masked person can leave them feeling confused, and possibly even scared.

This may not be an issue when it’s you that’s wearing the mask. After all, your dog has learned to read your emotions in other ways too, from your scent to your body language. However, problems often arise when a dog encounters a stranger wearing a mask.

If you’ve noticed that your dog seems to feel uncomfortable in this situation, here’s how you can deal with this:

Work on Some Training Commands While Wearing a Mask

The very first step is showing your dog that a face mask is completely normal. To do this, pick a few obedience commands that your dog is already familiar with, such as “sit” and “lie down”.

Practice these several times while wearing your face mask, ensuring that you reward your dog for listening each time.

If your dog is too uncomfortable to follow your masked commands, take your mask off and put it beside you. Then, use your hand to cover your mouth and continue on with your training.

Once you’re done, give your dog a few extra treats next to the mask. This way, you’re helping them to associate the mask with tasty rewards.

After a few sessions of this, try donning the mask again and giving your dog a simple command. Hopefully, this time, they should follow through without any problems.

Introduce Your Dog to Masked Friends & Family

Once your dog is completely comfortable with you wearing a mask, it’s time to bring in other people. However, start with people that your dog already knows, as this will make the mask a little less frightening for them.

Start by practicing at home. Ask a friend to enter the room that you and your dog are in, while wearing a face mask. If your dog greets them happily or seems comfortable with them, have them give your dog a treat.

If your dog seems nervous, have your friend stop as soon as they enter the room. They should then toss a treat toward your dog. Ideally, this should be a high value treat that your dog doesn’t usually get.

Once your dog takes the treat, have your friend move a little closer and toss another treat down. Keep repeating this until your dog is happy to take the treat directly from your friend’s hand.

Taking it Outside

Some dogs are comfortable around masked people in their home environment, but then start turning nervous when they encounter face masks outside.

So, before introducing your dog to strangers wearing a mask, ask a masked friend to approach you and your dog on a walk. Follow the same steps as before, where your friend rewards your dog for being happy and relaxed around the face mask.

You can reinforce this by also rewarding your dog each time they look at a masked person without getting worked up.

Meeting Masked Strangers

It’s now time for some real-world training. Take your dog on a walk, ideally somewhere that isn’t too busy.

Aim for your dog to be able to see masked people from a distance. Each time they see someone wearing a face mask and don’t react in a negative way, give them a reward. At the same time, give them plenty of praise too.

Over time, your dog will learn that face masks are nothing to be afraid of. Instead, they lead to tasty treats!

Once you’ve reached this stage, you can start to phase the treats out. To do this, reward your dog every other time they see a masked person, rather than every time. Switch to lower-value treats too, and keep cutting back on how often you treat your dog, until you’re only using a couple of treats per walk. That said, continue to use your voice as praise so that your dog knows how well they’re doing.

Summary

Even if mask restrictions have been lifted in your part of the world, training your dog to feel safe and comfortable around masked people can still be of benefit. After all, this pandemic has taught us that things can change in an instant. You never know if you’ll suddenly need to start wearing face masks again, so do your dog a favor and make this a part of their training.

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Training a Blind Dog https://k9ti.org/blog/training-a-blind-dog/ https://k9ti.org/blog/training-a-blind-dog/#respond Thu, 24 Mar 2022 11:35:47 +0000 https://k9ti.org/?p=11084 function track_lead_generation_subscription_main() { console.log('check1'); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name-2').val().trim(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email-2').val().trim(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); } function track_lead_generation_subscription() { console.log('check3_dog-breed-ui'); // var bld = $('#subs-name').val(); // var bla = $('#subs-email').val(); // alert(bla); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name').val(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email').val(),'subscription_CTAButtonPressed':$('#CTAButtonPressed').val(),'subscription_full_site_url':$('#full_site_url').val(),'subscription_referer_url':$('#referer_url').val(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); }

Whether you’ve brought home a puppy that was born blind or you’ve adopted an adult dog with a sight impairment, learning how to train a blind dog doesn’t require too much extra know-how. All you need to do is adapt regular training techniques to suit a dog that can’t see. Here’s how to get started: […]

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Whether you’ve brought home a puppy that was born blind or you’ve adopted an adult dog with a sight impairment, learning how to train a blind dog doesn’t require too much extra know-how. All you need to do is adapt regular training techniques to suit a dog that can’t see. Here’s how to get started:

Use Food as a Lure

This is a training technique that many people use on dogs with 20/20 eyesight too, simply because it’s so effective. It involves using something tasty (and smelly!) to lure your dog into the position that you’re trying to train.

Let’s use the “sit” command as an example. Since your dog won’t be able to see your visual cues, pick a treat that they can easily smell, such as cheese. Hold this in front of their nose so that they have a good sniff. Then, slowly raise it over the top of their head. As their nose follows the treat, their rump should naturally move down towards the floor. Before you know it, they’ll be sitting!

As soon as they do, give your dog the treat. After a while, you can introduce a verbal cue to this command too.

This technique can be used to teach your dog so many commands, from “lie down” to “watch”.

Clicker training is also worth trying when working with a blind dog. This can help to mark a positive behavior faster, which speeds up how quickly a dog learns. 

Pick Simple Verbal Cues

When it comes to picking the verbal cues that you plan on using for various commands, keep things simple. Try to stick to just one short word for each command.

For example, instead of saying “go to your bed”, simply use the word “bed” instead. This will make it much easier for your blind dog to understand what you’re asking of them.

Make Use of Scents and Textures

Dogs rely on their sense of smell for so many different things. When a dog can’t see, you can make use of their sense of smell to help them to navigate around your house.

Think about all of the delicious aromas that come from your kitchen. Chances are that your dog won’t have any problems finding this room!

However, you can also associate other rooms in your home with particular scents. You can do this with specific areas too, such as your dog’s bed, or the back door. A few drops of a scented oil near doorways will teach your dog that they’re about to enter a different room.

However, make sure that you choose products that are dog-friendly. Some oils can be toxic to dogs, so be careful when shopping for new scents.

You can use textures in the same way too. Tactile mats of different textures in each room will help your dog to navigate easily.

The “Step” Command

This is a command that isn’t usually taught to sighted dogs. After all, if they’re out on a walk, they can easily see that they need to step up or down onto a curb. However, blind dogs can’t, meaning that they could end up stumbling.

To prevent this, teach them the “step” command. Take your dog out on a walk and, just before you get to a step, stop walking and say the word “step”. Then, gently move your dog’s legs so that they can feel the step in front of them. Once your dog steps up or down, reward them.

Over time, with enough practice, your dog should automatically anticipate stepping up or down each time they hear the word “step”.

Take Things Slowly

Dogs that are born blind tend to adapt to their lack of sight relatively quickly. However, for older dogs that lose their sight for whatever reason, this can take a little longer.

Because of this, you’ll need to take things slowly when it comes to training. Don’t introduce too many changes or new commands at the same time. Your dog will be feeling vulnerable and scared, especially when out and about on walks and in new environments. They’ll need to adapt to depending on their other senses instead of their sight, and this can take a fair bit of time.

So, when training a blind dog, make sure that you don’t rush things. Take things at your dog’s pace. Help them to build up their confidence and it won’t be long before they’re picking up on new cues and commands in no time!

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Using Hand Signals to Train Your Dog https://k9ti.org/blog/using-hand-signals-to-train-your-dog/ https://k9ti.org/blog/using-hand-signals-to-train-your-dog/#respond Thu, 10 Mar 2022 13:23:10 +0000 https://k9ti.org/?p=11036 function track_lead_generation_subscription_main() { console.log('check1'); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name-2').val().trim(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email-2').val().trim(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); } function track_lead_generation_subscription() { console.log('check3_dog-breed-ui'); // var bld = $('#subs-name').val(); // var bla = $('#subs-email').val(); // alert(bla); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name').val(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email').val(),'subscription_CTAButtonPressed':$('#CTAButtonPressed').val(),'subscription_full_site_url':$('#full_site_url').val(),'subscription_referer_url':$('#referer_url').val(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); }

Whether you have a shelf full of dog training books or you regularly scour through your favorite dog training blogs for new tips and tricks, the majority of the training advice out there focuses on using verbal commands to communicate with a dog. There’s nothing wrong with this at all. Teaching your dog to respond […]

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Whether you have a shelf full of dog training books or you regularly scour through your favorite dog training blogs for new tips and tricks, the majority of the training advice out there focuses on using verbal commands to communicate with a dog.

There’s nothing wrong with this at all. Teaching your dog to respond to verbal commands means that you’ll be able to communicate with them even when your dog has their back to you, or happens to be out of sight.

However, hand signals definitely have their place in dog training too. Why are they important and how can you start training your dog to understand specific hand gestures? Read on – we’re about to explain all of that and more!

Why Are Hand Signals Important in Dog Training?

So, if your dog already understands verbal commands, why teach hand signals? Or, even if your dog is still in the initial training stages, why is it important for them to learn hand signals alongside voice cues?

There are a few reasons why hand signals are important. The first, and most obvious, is in situations when your dog can’t hear you properly. If you’re in a noisy environment with lots of distractions, a clear hand signal is a better way to communicate than shouting your command and trying to be heard.

This also applies to dogs that are deaf. Even if your dog has perfect hearing now, they often lose this as they age. If this were to happen to your dog, it wouldn’t matter quite as much if you already communicate using hand gestures.

Other than that, hand signals can also often be easier for a dog to understand. Dogs are great at reading body language – it’s second nature to them. Some dogs respond so much better to hand signals than to verbal commands. There’s even an Italian study that proves this – the canine participants responded to verbal cues 82% of the time, yet listened to hand signals 99% of the time.

Hand Signals for Basic Commands

It’s completely up to you which hand signals you use for each command that you teach your dog. However, there are some that are common go-to’s.

Watch/look at me: start by signalling to your dog to get their attention, and then point at your eyes.

Come: hold both arms straight above your head. Then, move them round and down in a circular motion away from each other. This is quite a big gesture, so that your dog can see it from afar.

Sit: hold your palm straight out in front of your chest. Then, slowly bend your elbow and raise your palm up towards your face, over your dog’s head at the same time.

Lie down: hold your finger straight out in front of you. Then, rotate this slowly to point at the ground.

Stay: hold your palm straight out, as though you were telling someone to stop.

Drop it: hold your hand out in a fist, and then open your palm.

Heel: either tap your hip with your hand, or use your hand to form a circular motion by your hip.

Like we said, the hand signals that you use are completely up to you. If you’d prefer to wave your dog over when calling them, rather than making a big circle with your hands, then go ahead and do this. The most important thing is that you remain consistent with the hand signals that you use.

Teaching Your Dog Hand Signals

There’s no point trying out the hand signals above and expecting your dog to instantly understand them. You need to first teach your dog what each signal actually means.

To do this, follow the exact same steps that you would when using verbal commands. Even if your dog already knows the command, go back to basics to teach them the hand signal.

Then, at the exact same time that you give your verbal command, use your hand signal too.

Over time, you’ll be able to phase the verbal command out and rely solely on the hand signal. It’s important to practice with hand signals alone, but keep your dog fresh on verbal cues too. If you use both together, you’re much more likely to get a successful response.

Summary

Hand signals really do have their place in dog training. Not only are they a useful additional way to communicate with your dog, but dogs tend to love learning them too!

If you’re looking for an easy place to start, check out some of the dog training tutorials on our website and simply swap the voice commands for hand signals.

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How Often Should You Train Your Dog? https://k9ti.org/blog/how-often-should-you-train-your-dog/ https://k9ti.org/blog/how-often-should-you-train-your-dog/#respond Thu, 24 Feb 2022 13:01:00 +0000 https://k9ti.org/?p=11023 function track_lead_generation_subscription_main() { console.log('check1'); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name-2').val().trim(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email-2').val().trim(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); } function track_lead_generation_subscription() { console.log('check3_dog-breed-ui'); // var bld = $('#subs-name').val(); // var bla = $('#subs-email').val(); // alert(bla); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name').val(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email').val(),'subscription_CTAButtonPressed':$('#CTAButtonPressed').val(),'subscription_full_site_url':$('#full_site_url').val(),'subscription_referer_url':$('#referer_url').val(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); }

Whether you have a young puppy or a senior rescue, it’s important to put together a training plan that you can stick to. Sporadically training your pooch whenever you remember isn’t going to cut it. In order for your dog to properly learn, training needs to be done regularly. However, this leads to the big […]

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Whether you have a young puppy or a senior rescue, it’s important to put together a training plan that you can stick to. Sporadically training your pooch whenever you remember isn’t going to cut it. In order for your dog to properly learn, training needs to be done regularly.

However, this leads to the big question: how often should you be training your dog? Some say multiple times a day while others swear by two or three sessions a week. Which is the best way forward? Read on to find out.

Starting with the Basics

A dog’s brain needs to adapt to training. It’s not something that a dog will take to automatically. Dogs naturally have short attention spans, and it’s up to you to slowly build on this.

How?

By starting with very short yet frequent training sessions. At this stage, the command that you’re trying to teach isn’t too important. Instead, you need to encourage your dog to focus on you. Get them into the habit of learning, even if this is only in short, 30-second bursts.

Daily Training vs Weekly Training

Now for the big debate. Once your dog has gotten into the habit of being trained, how often should you really be working with them?

You’re not the only one wondering this – researchers have actually conducted experiments into this. The answer? Dogs that were trained one to two times a week ended up picking up new commands faster than dogs that were trained daily.

That said, the difference wasn’t too significant. After four weeks, all of the dogs had learned the command that was being taught to them, whether they were trained weekly or daily.

Keep in mind that the dogs used in this study were beagles, and the behavior that was being taught was the “place” command. So, these results don’t apply to all dogs. Some breeds with shorter attention spans will need more training sessions, whereas others will need less.

The command that you’re teaching will also dictate how often you should train. Something basic, like “sit”, can be practiced throughout the day, whereas something more complicated that needs to be broken down into multiple steps, such as “place”, will take more of a mental toll on a dog. As a result, it’s better for training sessions to be more spaced out.

How Long Should Each Training Session Last for?

As mentioned, when you first start training, keep sessions short and sweet. You should ideally be ending each session before your dog starts to lose interest, rather than after.

To start with, this could mean that each training session is just 30-60 seconds long. However, slowly increase duration each time you train, and your dog’s brain will soon adapt to this.

As you start to progress with your training, you’ll be able to work with your dog for 5-15 minutes at a time. Avoid going over this, as it’s very difficult for a dog to concentrate for so long.

Giving Your Dog Plenty of Downtime

Learning new commands can be mentally strenuous for a dog. So, to prevent them from feeling too stressed out and overworked, make sure that they have plenty of downtime too.

In addition to training your dog, the two of you should also be spending time doing relaxing things together. From walks to play sessions to simply cuddling on the sofa, it’s vital for you to teach your dog how to relax and have fun, in addition to working hard.

Real Life Training Opportunities

While structured training sessions are important, don’t miss out on all of those real life training opportunities too. Ready to feed your dog their morning meal? Ask for a “sit” and a “stay” before you put their bowl down. Or, perhaps you’re getting ready to take your dog for a walk? Ask for a “sit” and a “watch” or “touch” before heading out the door.

This way, you’re using real life moments as rewards, which can help a dog to learn even faster.

Summary

While a training routine can be extremely helpful, don’t forget that all dogs learn at their own pace. It’s important to keep this in mind while you’re working with your dog. Sure, your poodle puppy may have picked up all of the basic commands in just a few weeks, but your rescued senior mastiff might need a little more time to learn. Adapt to your dog’s individuality for the best results when it comes to training.

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Is Your Dog Bored? Here’s What to Do About it https://k9ti.org/blog/is-your-dog-bored-heres-what-to-do-about-it/ https://k9ti.org/blog/is-your-dog-bored-heres-what-to-do-about-it/#respond Thu, 10 Feb 2022 09:44:52 +0000 https://k9ti.org/?p=11006 function track_lead_generation_subscription_main() { console.log('check1'); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name-2').val().trim(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email-2').val().trim(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); } function track_lead_generation_subscription() { console.log('check3_dog-breed-ui'); // var bld = $('#subs-name').val(); // var bla = $('#subs-email').val(); // alert(bla); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name').val(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email').val(),'subscription_CTAButtonPressed':$('#CTAButtonPressed').val(),'subscription_full_site_url':$('#full_site_url').val(),'subscription_referer_url':$('#referer_url').val(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); }

Many people don’t realize that doggy boredom is a very serious problem. A bored dog will quickly develop a number of behavioral issues, and the more you ignore these, the worse things will become. So, how can you tell if your dog is bored? And, more importantly, what can you do about it? Here’s everything […]

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Many people don’t realize that doggy boredom is a very serious problem. A bored dog will quickly develop a number of behavioral issues, and the more you ignore these, the worse things will become.

So, how can you tell if your dog is bored? And, more importantly, what can you do about it? Here’s everything you need to know:

How to Tell if Your Dog is Bored

There are a few distinct clues to look out for that will tell you if your dog is bored. The most obvious one is destruction. A bored dog will make their own fun, which could be anything from emptying the bins in your house to shredding your sofa cushions to chewing on shoes. Your first instinct may be to punish them, but this isn’t addressing the boredom. As a result, the issues will only escalate.

If your dog is constantly seeking attention, then that’s another clue. Pawing at you, barking, and whining – these are all signs that your dog is looking for something to do. The same applies to a dog that’s always following you around. While some dogs simply like being near their owners at all times, others do this because they have nothing else to do.

Amp Up the Exercise

The very first step to curing your dog’s boredom is to make sure that they’re getting enough physical exercise. After all, a tired dog is far less likely to be destructive.

If your dog’s main source of exercise is a 15-minute slow walk around the block, then this isn’t going to be enough. Try to add more variety in. Mix up your walking routes so that your dog is exposed to different stimuli on each outing. Try making some of your walks more vigorous too. Include a jog or a run in your route to really get your pooch’s heart pumping.

Don’t forget to also allow plenty of time for your dog to sniff around. This may not seem very exciting to you, but it’s a great form of mental stimulation for your dog. Speaking of which…

Focus on Mental Stimulation

Physical exercise on its own isn’t enough to beat your dog’s boredom. You need to also give your dog’s brain a regular workout too. Brain games can be extremely stimulating, to the point where they can leave a dog even more tired than a long walk can.

There are so many ways to mentally stimulate a dog – you’ll find plenty of ideas online. Some of our favorites include food toys, such as a Kong, snuffle mats, and puzzle toys. Regular toys work well too, but keep these on rotation. This way, you can give your dog a “new” toy every week or so, which will keep them more interested in it.

Develop a Routine

Dogs thrive when they have a regular routine to follow. They like to know what’s happening when – it gives them a huge sense of security.

A routine will also help with your dog’s boredom. If you’ve just fed them a meal and they know that they’ll be going for a walk in a couple of hours, they’re much more likely to spend those hours in between relaxing or napping, rather than being destructive.

Do Plenty of Training

Training is a great way to ease a dog’s boredom. It teaches them something new, making it a form of mental stimulation.

If your dog already knows all of the basics, then use this as an opportunity to take your training to a new level. Even a short 10-minute training session a day will help to keep your dog entertained, while also making them better behaved.

There are so many fun things that you could teach your dog. Start with a few tricks, teaching your dog how to give you a kiss or a hug, or even how to balance a treat on their nose. Alternatively, teach them something useful, like how to bring your mail in or tidy up their toys that are lying around the house. Whatever you choose to teach will really help with your dog’s boredom.

Summary

Just like us, dogs need plenty of stimulation to keep their day interesting. If they don’t get this, then boredom will soon set in. Fortunately, there are so many things that you can do to keep your dog’s boredom at bay. Carve out a structured routine that includes daily exercise, mental stimulation, and training, and you’ll see your dog’s boredom fade away in no time!

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How to Teach Your Dog to Swim https://k9ti.org/blog/how-to-teach-your-dog-to-swim/ https://k9ti.org/blog/how-to-teach-your-dog-to-swim/#respond Thu, 27 Jan 2022 08:54:15 +0000 https://k9ti.org/?p=10980 function track_lead_generation_subscription_main() { console.log('check1'); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name-2').val().trim(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email-2').val().trim(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); } function track_lead_generation_subscription() { console.log('check3_dog-breed-ui'); // var bld = $('#subs-name').val(); // var bla = $('#subs-email').val(); // alert(bla); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name').val(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email').val(),'subscription_CTAButtonPressed':$('#CTAButtonPressed').val(),'subscription_full_site_url':$('#full_site_url').val(),'subscription_referer_url':$('#referer_url').val(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); }

Some dogs take to water naturally. The very first time they see a pond or a pool, they’ll dive right in and navigate their way around as though they’ve been doing it their entire lives. However, not all dogs have the ability to instantly swim. After all, some breeds were developed to be good swimmers, […]

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Some dogs take to water naturally. The very first time they see a pond or a pool, they’ll dive right in and navigate their way around as though they’ve been doing it their entire lives.

However, not all dogs have the ability to instantly swim. After all, some breeds were developed to be good swimmers, while others, such as bulldogs or dachshunds, tend to struggle at first. This doesn’t mean that they can’t swim, it just means that they’ll need a little extra help.

Some may tell you to simply throw your dog in and they’ll figure things out, but this is far from the truth. Do this with a breed that isn’t built for swimming and they’ll start to sink. Likewise, do this with a dog that’s nervous of water, no matter their breed, and you’ll establish a lifelong fear.

Fortunately, teaching a dog to swim isn’t difficult. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Consider a Life Vest

It’s important that your dog’s first few experiences with water are positive. A life vest will help with this by ensuring that they float rather than sink. This will give them time to get used to the water before they need to start paddling their legs. It will also give them better balance, which will make it much easier for them to learn how to swim.

When choosing a life vest, make sure that it fits your dog perfectly. It should be snug but not too tight. It should also have a handle, so that you can lift your dog out of the water if needed. Some life vests even have an extra flotation piece just underneath the chin, to keep the dog’s head above water at all times.

Encourage Your Dog Into the Water

As mentioned, throwing your dog into the water is a big no-no. Instead, you’ll want to encourage them to explore it on their own. They should be comfortable with walking in shallow water before you attempt to teach them how to swim.

How do you do this? Start by getting into the water yourself. Have some treats with you, or your dog’s favorite toy. Once you’ve taken a few steps in the water, call your dog over and reward them. It may take a few tries before your dog feels brave enough to follow you in.

Something else that can help with this is having another, more confident, dog with you. If your friends have a dog that’s a good swimmer, allow your dog to see how it’s done.

Moving Into Deeper Water

Once your dog is 100% comfortable with splashing around in shallow water, it’s time to take things deeper. Do this in the same way, by encouraging them to follow you.

You may need to hold onto them slightly to help them to balance. Keep your arm around their stomach as you make your way deeper into the water. Your dog should soon start to instinctively paddle their legs. Once they have the hang of this, let go and allow them to swim!

Extra Tips When Teaching a Dog to Swim

The best place to teach a dog to swim is in a natural body of water, such as the sea or a lake. This way, you’ll also have a natural incline to help you get in and out of the water. That said, don’t worry if a swimming pool is your only option. The main difference here is that you’ll also need to teach your dog to exit the pool using the available steps.

Wherever you take your dog to swim, make sure that the water isn’t so deep that you can’t stand in it. Once your dog is a proficient swimmer, you can swim in deep water together. However, until then, keep it shallow enough so that you can stand. This way, if your dog has any trouble, you’ll be able to quickly help them.

Summary

Not only is swimming a great form of exercise for a dog, but it’s also so much fun! Teaching your dog how to swim will open up so many possibilities for the two of you, especially during the summer months. That said, if your dog just doesn’t seem to like swimming, don’t push it. Some dogs never have fun in the water, while others do but take more time to get used to it. Take things at your dog’s pace and always read what their body language is telling you – this is key when teaching your dog anything new.

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Why Playing with Your Dog is More Important Than You Think https://k9ti.org/blog/why-playing-with-your-dog-is-more-important-than-you-think/ https://k9ti.org/blog/why-playing-with-your-dog-is-more-important-than-you-think/#respond Thu, 13 Jan 2022 10:18:17 +0000 https://k9ti.org/?p=10956 function track_lead_generation_subscription_main() { console.log('check1'); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name-2').val().trim(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email-2').val().trim(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); } function track_lead_generation_subscription() { console.log('check3_dog-breed-ui'); // var bld = $('#subs-name').val(); // var bla = $('#subs-email').val(); // alert(bla); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name').val(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email').val(),'subscription_CTAButtonPressed':$('#CTAButtonPressed').val(),'subscription_full_site_url':$('#full_site_url').val(),'subscription_referer_url':$('#referer_url').val(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); }

How often do you play with your dog? For many owners, the answer would be “whenever I have the time”. If you can relate, then this probably means that playtime isn’t a scheduled part of your dog’s daily routine, even though it really should be. Why? Because in addition to being plenty of fun for […]

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How often do you play with your dog? For many owners, the answer would be “whenever I have the time”. If you can relate, then this probably means that playtime isn’t a scheduled part of your dog’s daily routine, even though it really should be. Why? Because in addition to being plenty of fun for your pooch, playtime brings with it a number of other benefits too.

Playtime is a Great Way to Work On Your Training

Whether you have a young puppy or a senior dog, playing with your pooch is a great way to reinforce basic obedience training. Let’s say the two of you are playing tug, for example. This is a fantastic game for practicing the “drop it” and “leave it” commands. The same applies if you’re playing a game of fetch. You could also ask for a “sit” or a “down” before you throw the ball each time.

Since play is something that most dogs really enjoy, it makes training so much more fun for them.

Playtime Gives Your Dog a Workout

Exercise is so important for a dog’s physical health. It keeps their heart healthy, lubricates their joints, and helps with their coordination and balance. Granted, you may take your dog for regular walks, but chances are that a walk won’t get your dog’s heart racing in the same way as an intense, high-energy game of fetch or frisbee.

You don’t have to play for long in order for your dog to enjoy these health benefits. Even a ten minute play session each day will bring about these improvements.

Playtime Relieves Stress

Chances are that you’re very familiar with feeling stressed. Perhaps you’ve also even experienced anxiety or depression. Well, did you know that your dog can feel this way too?

Fortunately, play is a great way to relieve stress, both for you and your dog! In fact, there are even studies to back up how play can relieve the symptoms of depression and anxiety in a dog. Find a game that both you and your dog enjoy playing and you’ll both be feeling stress-free after each session!

Playtime Reduces Behavioral Problems

Does your dog have any behavioral problems that you’ve been struggling to break? Some common issues include chewing on inappropriate items or excessive barking.

There are a few reasons why your dog may be displaying these behaviors, but one of the biggest is usually boredom. A bored dog will try to find a way to keep themselves entertained, and chewing and barking help them to do this!

Regularly playing with your dog will help to relieve this boredom. You’ll be engaging them and mentally stimulating them, so they won’t feel such a strong need to then later act out. Plus, the fact that they’ll also be tired after a play session means that they’re much more likely to just lie down and have a nap once you’re done, rather than turning destructive.

Playtime Will Strengthen the Bond Between You and Your Dog

Playing with your dog should be something that you both enjoy. As a result, this quality time will help to strengthen the bond between the two of you. Your dog will learn to trust you more and will look to you for leadership. Make play a regular part of daily life and this will soon become a time that you’ll both really look forward to.

How Should You Play with Your Dog?

Ready to get playing with your pooch? There are so many ways in which you can do this – the only thing that’ll limit you is your imagination.

To start with, you have all of the conventional games, some of which we’ve already mentioned. Fetch, frisbee, tug of war – these are all easy to teach a dog.

If you’d like to get a little more creative, try setting up your own agility course. You could also play chasing games, whether this involves your dog chasing you or your dog chasing something else, such as dog-safe bubbles. If you have access to a pool or the sea, playing in water can be so much fun! Plus, swimming is great for a dog’s health. If you don’t have access to a big body of water, then even a hose pipe, a sprinkler, or a paddling pool can still provide hours of entertainment.

Summary

As you can see, there are so many reasons why you should be playing with your dog regularly each day. Not only is this something that’ll benefit your dog, but you’ll gain lots of enjoyment from it too!

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5 Ways to Stop Your Dog from Scavenging on Walks https://k9ti.org/blog/5-ways-to-stop-your-dog-from-scavenging-on-walks/ https://k9ti.org/blog/5-ways-to-stop-your-dog-from-scavenging-on-walks/#respond Thu, 30 Dec 2021 09:26:02 +0000 https://k9ti.org/?p=10930 function track_lead_generation_subscription_main() { console.log('check1'); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name-2').val().trim(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email-2').val().trim(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); } function track_lead_generation_subscription() { console.log('check3_dog-breed-ui'); // var bld = $('#subs-name').val(); // var bla = $('#subs-email').val(); // alert(bla); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name').val(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email').val(),'subscription_CTAButtonPressed':$('#CTAButtonPressed').val(),'subscription_full_site_url':$('#full_site_url').val(),'subscription_referer_url':$('#referer_url').val(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); }

Dogs are natural scavengers – it’s in their DNA. After all, scavenging is what their ancestors relied on for survival. However, while wolves may have honed their scavenging instincts down to a fine art, domestic dogs are very different. Food wrappers, chicken bones, droppings from other animals – there are many dangerous items that litter […]

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Dogs are natural scavengers – it’s in their DNA. After all, scavenging is what their ancestors relied on for survival.

However, while wolves may have honed their scavenging instincts down to a fine art, domestic dogs are very different. Food wrappers, chicken bones, droppings from other animals – there are many dangerous items that litter the streets these days, and all of these prove to be very tempting to some dogs.

It goes without saying that scavenging is a behavior that needs to be nipped in the bud ASAP. This is even more so the case when you take note of all of the stories around the world of foods being laced with poison and then left in parks and streets for unsuspecting dogs to fall victim to. This is something that you’ll definitely want to protect your dog from. However, when you have a dog that darts as quick as lightning to grab something that they’ve seen on the street, prevention isn’t quite so easy, unless you have our five top tips to work with.

Teach Your Dog the “Leave it” and “Drop it” Commands

One of the best ways to teach a dog that they shouldn’t be snatching up random items from the street is with the “leave it” command. This is something that every dog should be taught anyway – you never know when a dog may be tempted by something dangerous. Once your dog is solid with this command, you’ll be able to say it each time your dog makes a move towards an item that they shouldn’t eat.

We would also highly recommend teaching the “drop it” command too. This way, if you’re too late with your “leave it”, you’ll still be able to extract whatever it is that your dog has grabbed from their mouth before they actually swallow it.

Take Note of Your Dog’s Cues

There will always be times when your dog quickly darts over to something that they want to scavenge, without any warning signs. However, more often than not, their body language will give you a clue as to what they’re about to do.

Keep a close eye over your dog’s behavior before they’re about to scavenge to work out what these cues are. It could be that their tail suddenly starts to wag very excitedly, or their nose goes into overdrive. Perhaps they start to spin around in circles looking for whatever it is that they can smell. Either way, as soon as you notice a scavenging cue, redirect your dog. The “watch” command is useful for this. It gives you a way to get your dog’s’ attention, no matter what else may be happening.

Muzzle Training

We covered muzzle training in a recent blog post. It’s a great quick fix for scavenging dogs, but keep in mind that you’ll need to first muzzle train your dog before actually using the muzzle when out and about.

Ideally, you should only need to use your muzzle in the short term. Implement our other tips and work on training the “leave it” and “drop it” commands and your dog should soon stop scavenging, even without the muzzle on.

Give Your Dog the Chance to Scavenge at Home

As we mentioned, scavenging is instinctual for dogs. It’s a rewarding behavior that they very much enjoy. So, if you want them to stop scavenging on walks, you’ll need to provide them with another, safer, scavenging outlet.

There are a few ways that you can do this. Set up a simple treasure hunt-style game in your garden by hiding treats around and allowing your dog to seek these out. Snuffle mats and treat puzzles work well too, especially if you use these before taking your dog on a walk.

Choose Your Route Wisely

Chances are that some of your walking routes are far more littered than others. Until you’ve managed to train your dog to stop scavenging, avoid these routes as much as possible.

Instead, try to pick walking routes that are generally quite clear. This way, you’ll be taking away a lot of the scavenging temptation. Once you’ve managed to gain control of how your dog acts when on a walk, you’ll once again be able to walk anywhere.

Summary

Whether you have a young pup or an older rescue dog, scavenging on walks is a behavior that you should definitely discourage. Fortunately, so long as you’re consistent, it shouldn’t take too long to train your dog to stop eating anything and everything when out and about.

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Is it Worth Whistle Training Your Dog? https://k9ti.org/blog/is-it-worth-whistle-training-your-dog/ https://k9ti.org/blog/is-it-worth-whistle-training-your-dog/#respond Thu, 16 Dec 2021 12:15:07 +0000 https://k9ti.org/?p=10912 function track_lead_generation_subscription_main() { console.log('check1'); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name-2').val().trim(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email-2').val().trim(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); } function track_lead_generation_subscription() { console.log('check3_dog-breed-ui'); // var bld = $('#subs-name').val(); // var bla = $('#subs-email').val(); // alert(bla); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name').val(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email').val(),'subscription_CTAButtonPressed':$('#CTAButtonPressed').val(),'subscription_full_site_url':$('#full_site_url').val(),'subscription_referer_url':$('#referer_url').val(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); }

You’re probably familiar with the sight (and sound) of everyone from sheepdog herders to police dog handlers using a whistle to call their dog over. It’s a great way to teach a dog to come when called, and can sometimes be even more effective than simply using your voice. No matter where you may be […]

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You’re probably familiar with the sight (and sound) of everyone from sheepdog herders to police dog handlers using a whistle to call their dog over. It’s a great way to teach a dog to come when called, and can sometimes be even more effective than simply using your voice.

No matter where you may be in your recall training journey, whistle training would more than likely be beneficial. Read on to learn why and to find out how to get started with whistle training your dog.

Why Whistle Train?

There are a few benefits that come from whistle training a dog. Firstly, a whistle can be heard from greater distances, making this ideal for recalling a dog that likes to wander far and wide when off-leash. Even better, if you use a silent dog whistle (more on this later), then humans and wildlife won’t be able to hear it. For some, this silent option is a much better alternative than standing in the middle of a park and yelling their dog’s name at the top of their lungs.

Finally, and most importantly, the sound of a whistle lacks emotion. Think about the number of times you’ve called your dog over while you’ve been frustrated, angry, panicked, or even just in a hurry. Your dog would have been able to sense your emotional state from the tone of your voice, no matter how well you tried to hide it. This would have then affected whether or not they returned to you. A whistle takes the emotion away from recall, which can help in a huge way.

Choosing a Whistle

You have two main options when picking a whistle to use. The first is a silent whistle. As mentioned, this can be extremely useful if you’re trying to recall your dog in a busy area. However, the downside to this is that you won’t be able to hear the whistle yourself. If your dog is a fair distance away, you won’t actually know if you blew the whistle loud enough for them to hear.

This is why many choose to go with a standard whistle. However, rather than buying just one, we would recommend purchasing a few with different frequencies. Keep these in various places around your home so that you always have one to hand when you need it.

Introducing the Whistle to Your Dog

Right from the start, you’ll need to make sure that your dog associates the whistle with something positive. The easiest way to do this is by introducing the whistle at mealtimes. When you set your dog’s dish down, blow on the whistle a couple of times before allowing them to eat.

Do this before walks too. It will teach your dog that the sound of the whistle signals that good things are about to happen.

Using the Whistle for Recall

Once your dog associates the whistle with positivity, you can then move on to using it for recall. Start in the house, waiting until your dog is calm and quiet before blowing the whistle a couple of times. If you followed the previous steps of building up positive associations with the whistle, your dog should immediately come over to you as soon as they hear the sound. Once they do, give them plenty of praise and a couple of high value treats.

Keep repeating this around your home at different times of the day. Keep things simple and easy for now. You want your dog to succeed at this every single time. This will make things so much easier when you transition to using the whistle outside.

After a week or so of practice, follow the same steps but while your dog is in the garden. Again, make sure that there’s nothing distracting them, so that they’ll definitely listen to the whistle.

Once your dog responds 100% of the time, you can start to practice in public places. Again, keep things as easy as possible by ensuring that their environment is distraction-free. Make sure that you always heavily reward your dog for responding to the whistle. Over time, you’ll be able to phase the treats out. However, for the first few months, keep using treats to ensure that your dog learns the whistle command well.

Summary

If you’ve been struggling with recall, whistle training could make the world of difference. So long as you introduce it to your dog correctly and don’t rush the training process, your pooch should pick it up in no time at all!

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Muzzle Training: Why It’s Important & How to Do it https://k9ti.org/blog/muzzle-training-why-its-important-how-to-do-it/ https://k9ti.org/blog/muzzle-training-why-its-important-how-to-do-it/#respond Thu, 02 Dec 2021 12:46:49 +0000 https://k9ti.org/?p=10901 function track_lead_generation_subscription_main() { console.log('check1'); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name-2').val().trim(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email-2').val().trim(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); } function track_lead_generation_subscription() { console.log('check3_dog-breed-ui'); // var bld = $('#subs-name').val(); // var bla = $('#subs-email').val(); // alert(bla); var full_array = [];// don't use quotes $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', data: {'action':'lead_generation_tracker','track_page':location.pathname,'track_key':'src','track_value':'','track_type':'subscription','lead_generation':'1','subscription_name':$('#subs-name').val(),'subscription_email':$('#subs-email').val(),'subscription_CTAButtonPressed':$('#CTAButtonPressed').val(),'subscription_full_site_url':$('#full_site_url').val(),'subscription_referer_url':$('#referer_url').val(),'full_array':full_array}, async: false, success: function(dat){ console.log(dat); } }); }

Many people believe that only aggressive dogs need to wear a muzzle, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Every dog should be muzzle trained – stick with us as we explain why. We’ll also be sharing some tips on how to muzzle train your dog. Why Muzzle Train Your Dog? The most obvious […]

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Many people believe that only aggressive dogs need to wear a muzzle, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Every dog should be muzzle trained – stick with us as we explain why. We’ll also be sharing some tips on how to muzzle train your dog.

Why Muzzle Train Your Dog?

The most obvious reason for muzzle training is if you have a dog that’s prone to biting, or even just a reactive dog that could potentially bite.

However, for everyone else, muzzle training is still important. Imagine that your dog gets injured at some point in the future, leaving them in pain. They likely won’t be very receptive to a vet exam – pain can cause even the most placid dog to snap. This is where a muzzle comes in. If your dog is already muzzle trained, they’ll happily accept the muzzle, making the whole experience so much less stressful for them.

Reactivity can also develop at any point in a dog’s life. If your dog ends up being attacked by another, then this could trigger them to act defensively around other dogs in the future, making a muzzle very useful.

Finally, some dogs also need a muzzle because they eat inappropriate things while on a walk. Whether this may be animal waste, chewing gum, or anything else, a muzzle can help to keep your dog safe while you work on training the issue.

Choosing a Muzzle

There are so many different muzzle styles out there. If you’ve never bought one before, knowing which to pick can seem overwhelming.

Out of all the styles available, basket muzzles are the best. They look just like a basket/cage that fits over your dog’s nose and mouth. They may seem a bit prison-like, but they’re actually the kindest since they still allow the dog to comfortably eat, drink, and pant.

Always avoid muzzles that wrap around your dog’s nose and hold their mouth closed.

Muzzle Training Step 1: Introduce Your Dog to the Muzzle

The main aim when you first begin muzzle training is to build up positive associations with the muzzle. You want your dog to be happy and excited whenever they see you bringing the muzzle out, because they know that the muzzle means that something good is about to happen.

To do this, start by showing your dog the muzzle. Let your dog sniff it, and then give your dog a treat. Repeat this a few times.

Then, gently touch the muzzle to your dog’s nose. As soon as you do, give them a treat.

Once your dog is happy with that, you’ll then need to hold the muzzle with one hand and have a treat in the other. Hold the treat behind the muzzle, so that your dog will only be able to reach it by putting their nose into the muzzle. Again, keep repeating this until your dog is happy to put their nose into the muzzle.

Muzzle Training Step 2: Putting the Muzzle On

You’ll now need to repeat the previous step of encouraging your dog to put their nose into the muzzle. However, before giving them the treat, fasten the straps of the muzzle around your dog’s head. Then, give them a treat, followed by a few more, before removing the muzzle.

If your dog panics or tries to paw the muzzle off, then this means that you’ve moved too fast. Go back a few steps, ensuring that your dog is truly comfortable with the muzzle before you try to fasten it.

Keep practicing fastening the muzzle, slowly leaving it on a little longer each time.

Muzzle Training Step 3: Wearing the Muzzle Regularly

Your dog may not need to actually wear a muzzle at the moment, but it’s still important to incorporate the muzzle into your daily routine.

You can do this in a few ways. Try putting your dog’s muzzle on before you start a training session at home. Alternatively, put the muzzle on before playing with your dog, or before taking them for a walk.

You won’t need to do this every day. Once your dog is happy with the muzzle, once or twice a week is all you need to keep up with your muzzle training.

Summary

As you can see, muzzle training isn’t complicated. Follow the steps above and your dog should take to the muzzle quickly and happily. It may not seem like something your dog needs right now, but it could really be so useful in the future.

The post Muzzle Training: Why It’s Important & How to Do it appeared first on K9 TRAINING INSTITUTE.

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