The game of fetch involves chasing the ball, picking it up, holding the ball, running back and dropping the ball.

There are different ways to tech fetch. The method detailed below is an easy and simple provided your dog loves to play the game, as not all dogs like to do it.

If the dog possesses the skill of ‘drop’, you can proceed with the steps given below. If it does not, then you have to teach it to drop first.

First let the dog run back and forth with the ball instead of making it return the ball correctly. This will make it an enjoyable task for the dog instead of making it a chore. First start doing things inside, and then move to the backyard. If you are doing it in a park make sure other dogs are not present to spoil the effect.

Start with two, or more than two or you can also use fetch toys. If they are similar it would be better but not a necessary requirement. Start straight away by teaching the dog the cue. Use words you prefer, instead of just only fetch.

1. Get a ball, say ‘get it’ and toss it away for a few feet. You should say the cue before you toss or, pause after saying the word to make the dog remember it.

If he brings back, give him a pat or praise him. But mostly he will flee with the ball in the opposite direction.

2. If he picks up the first ball, praise him, but don’t ask him to come back or bring it back. If he does it on his own, then it is good.

Instead of snatching the ball from his mouth, you can just toss another ball in a different direction. You can get the first one, when he chases the other ball.

3. If he fails to return, try to look agitated so that he notices you and then move away. When you move, it will attract his attention and he will follow you.

If you have a squeaking ball, you can do a squeak and then toss. In case he runs after the second with the first one already in his mouth it is alright. This is the reason for having many balls.

When he nears you, say the words ‘get it’ and toss the ball.

4. Repeating ‘get it’ before the toss will help the dog to remember and ensure that you pick up the ball that is left.

5. Find whether he tries to come back with the ball. If he comes back, you can say ‘bring’ without worrying about whether he drops the ball or brings it back.

You can give a treat or reward the dog with another toss of the ball. On repetitive throws, the dog will start to expect another toss and catch on the game. You can start with the bring cue at this stage. Say ‘drop’ when he nears. Repetitions help instead of rewards, as dogs love to chase.

Tips:

Show proper excitement in the game and end it, when the dog is still actively involved. Designing special fetch toys will also help.

You can choose from many breeds like collies, Alsatians, retrievers, pugs etc. And moreover these are well known and have been accepted as good breeds. But there are some rarely heard of breeds like for instance the pit bull.

Many people are confused when you talk about the pit bull. The term does not specify any certain type of dog breed at all. Pit bulls usually belong to many breeds like the American Strafford shire Terrier, the Staffordshire bull terrier and the American Pit bull Terrier. There are also cross breeds available in these varieties. The crossed breeds are also given the common term pit bull. So there is a general confusion when people hear about the pit bull.

A characteristic pit bull has strong jaws and a firm and square shaped head. The hair is usually short and most pit bulls have varied marking on the hair. If you want to get a pit bull as your pet, you have to know certain things. You have to first verify whether the shelter that you are purchasing the pit bull from is not a highly populated one, or too overcrowded.

Some ardent dog breeders tend to breed the pit bulls over many years leading to the presence of pit bulls that develop with strong dominant features like a firm and strong bone line, sturdy square heads and wide chests with favorable disposition.

There are dog lovers, who are against the pit bulls saying that the pit bulls are very violent and should be banned completely. This is not the true fact actually. This bad reputation has come as a result of the improper treatment of the dogs at the hands of their owners. Many drug peddlers use pit bulls to protect their crops and also some indulge in the disgraceful act of dog fighting contests that has made these dogs bear the brunt of the disapproval.

But in spite of all the negativity, these dogs are loyal and loving creatures. The saying that pit-bull may lick you to death is certainly true as they are very caring creatures. Many studies have been conducted with the different dog breeds in the confrontational mode and the results noted. Most of the breeds passed at the rate of 81% but the pit bull had a pass percentage of eighty five.

There are many kennels that take in only a few numbers of dogs in a year. This will certainly avoid the difficulty faced with over population in the kennels. If you go to a kennel that has this kind of scarcely populated situation, you can get a pit bull of your choice without having to worry about the breeding condition. You can safely send even one of the female dogs to breed as the conditions in the kennel are appropriate for a good, safe and proper breeding.

Organizing yourself is the important thing you should do. Here are some tips on things you should consider and those that you should not do.

Keep the supplies replenished

Ensure that you have everything the dog needs at home before it arrives. The basic things that you will require are

• Water and food bowls
• Bed
• A good brush like the Furminator
• Leash and dog collar
• Good quality dog food

While purchasing dog food make sure that you do not go for the brands that have by products in their ingredients. Natural foods with a good mix of fat and proteins are the best selection.

Share responsibilities

If this is the first time for you, you have to know that having a pet involves many tasks. Sharing the responsibilities with everyone in the family will make the job easier and keep everyone involved in

1. Feeding and giving water
2. Daily exercise
3. Constant grooming
4. Shopping for the dog items like medicines, toys and food
5. Visits to the vet. Keeping a schedule on the general check ups and visits will make the job easier

Keeping in control

Though you may find it hard to discipline your new pet, when he adoringly follows you everywhere around the house, and sleeps with you on the bed, you should not allow this in the early stages of the pet’s time with you.

This is because when the dog finds that you are not restricting it and leaving it to its own ways, the establishment of dominance, which is important in dog training, will not be set.

You have to first show the dog where his territory ends. Coming home to a wet and stinking bed is not looked forward to by anyone. If the dog resists you have to persistently and calmly order it around. Rewarding his efforts with a treat, if he complies with your wishes will make him realize the dominance you hold over him. This is much more favorable than punishing him or scolding him. This should not be done especially in an adopted dog.

Training essentials

How strong the effort you make at training depends on the dog’s nature. An adopted dog will not naturally obey commands, though he may recognize them after some time. It is usual for the dog to be scared and worried over the new environment he is in. Let him first get used to the new surroundings.

The time limit for this familiarizing should not be more than 3 or 4 days at the most. Starting on the obedience sessions, as early as possible will help you establish a good rapport with the pet from the beginning itself.

By being serene and caring to the dog you can make him acclimatize to the surrounding easily. This way you can go on with the training in a firm and persistent manner. Giving appropriate treats, when the pet complies will also help.

First of all it is essential for the owners to understand the causes for their pet’s chewing habits. This can be attributed to a number of reasons. The main reason is to tackle boredom. Being social animals the dogs too need some form of amusement. If this is lacking then chewing is their best way to utilize their leisure time. Hence you can provide the correct items like toys for them to be kept occupied.

The next step is to dissuade them from chewing for which training is essential. Resorting to a crate at that time is unavoidable and hence it is to be ensured that suitable toys are kept for chewing in it.

A dog’s favorite items for chewing form the leather shoes and belts. The easiest way to tackle this issue is not to keep these items visible to the dog’s eyes. In case this is not possible the next best thing is to use a restraining spray. This can be used on the chewable items as once your dog gets the repulsive taste of the repellant; chances of his chewing those items are remote.

In case the dog is going to be alone at home for longer periods of time it is essential to keep him occupied in some way or the other. Getting him a companion forms one option but you need to do some planning as to the type of companion to be brought for him.

However it is normally the puppies that face this problem more than the dogs. This is so as the puppies start teething when they are about three months old though in some cases this could be extended up to six or seven months. They chew as it helps them to combat their teething pain.

In order to prevent them from this habit an alternative in the form of toys or frozen washcloth should be given to them as that also lessens their pain.

Whatever be the reason it is to be borne in mind that your pet should never be punished. Resorting to a firm tone is sufficient to make him understand his wrong doing. Punishment will not yield anything; in fact it may increase the feeling of fear for you in his mind which no owner aims for.

The entire dog owners wish for a healthy life for their pets and it will do them good if they keep the above points in mind.

The traditional methods may refer to a dog nail clipping tool. Besides this many tools are available today which perform this function better. However it is essential that you make a wise choice as after all the safety of your pet is at stake. A grinder can be a better alternative to the traditional nail clipper as the risk quotient is very low. The nail clipping can also be done faster with the grinder. The dog gets some sort of stimulation with it and the nails are clipped in fraction of a minute. The fear of getting the nails clipped too deep is also avoided as that is equipped with plastic covers for safety purposes.

Some tips can be followed while you are actually in the process of clipping your dog’s nails.

1. Settle your dog in a calm and cozy place.

2. If you are using the traditional nail clipper hold it at an angle of 45 degree.

3. Stimulate your dog with a reward after every successful snip.

Sometimes it may so happen that your dog may not sit restfully for you to clip its nails maybe due to the nervousness and dread. A solution here is to tire out your dog through long walks so that it sits still due to sheer exhaustion and you can get your job done easily.

The owner also needs to keep the following points in mind.

The owner has to be in a calm frame of mind otherwise your unease can be passed on to your pet.

It is always advisable to cut a little less rather than going in too deep as that may cause a cut to a blood vessel. That may lead to the mess of bleeding not to mention the fear that can be set into your dog. If this happens do not forget to treat it with some antiseptic.

Always perform the clipping in the place which is most conducive to your pet. Avoid noisy or crowded places for effective results.

If your dog is over sensitive then do not force your way through. If your dog withdraws his or her paws the moment you hold them for clipping then that means your pet is over sensitive. The first step here is to systematically desensitize him and then undertake the clipping.

If you follow the above rules then there is no reason for your pet to not be co-operative with the result clipping his nails become an effortless task.

First Step in Leash Training:

It is expected that the puppy is feeling comfortable and gets used to the collar wearing. Make choice of the collar which is quite light in weight and is fitting well and is not very tight. The collar should be put when the puppy is playing or busy eating. Although there shall be distraction which shall not interfere in putting the collar on and the acceptance begins. It is somewhat natural urge of the puppies making them attempt to scratch it away initially, later on the things settle down as the time passes.

The moment puppy is comfortable with its collar; it is time of leash introduction. Actually now is the time for leash training. There should not be any delaying in showing the puppy leash for him to understand there is not any danger associated with it. While choosing the leash ensure that it is light and thin and in a hurry clip it with the collar worn by the puppy.

The puppy may start dragging it or sniffing it before walking around with it short distance. It is an encouragement to the dog for understanding that there is nothing to scare with the leash and it is all fine. The puppy needs supervision so that leash is not struck in between some obstruction and do not allow puppy to chew it.

Second Step in Leash Training:

Finishing with the first step, now catch leash from other end and begin walking in and about the house with puppy also walking now with you. At this moment ensure that the puppy gets good praise besides petting it frequently and do not miss giving the treats in case the puppy shows signs of reluctance in following.

Finding the strain felt by the puppy on the leash, just stop for a moment to coax the puppy forward again, with words of praise while going forward. There is no need to yank over or pull the puppy because this shall lead to acquiring bad habits. Try to teach the puppy there is nothing bad in the leash.

The puppy may like wandering about and drag the leash there is nothing to worry. Keep calm and allow him to feel the boundaries do not pull back. This helps in learning how far the puppy can go and also it is a way to tell to remain within its limits. Always become the source of encouragement for the puppy in learning.

Third Step in Leash Training:

As the leash training of the puppy gets completed within the house, now take the puppy for short walking out within the yard. It is the perfect way making the puppy walk on a leash so that there is comfortable feeling inside as well as outside. Now there is assurance about the new puppy on leash shall behave well.

To ensure the success of the training and effective communication the foremost necessity is of true bond establishment. While in early stage of new home adjustment for the dog gaining trust is important to be looked after by maintaining positivity and giving timely rewards at any sign of improvement noticed.

The best rehabilitation of the rescue dog takes place gradually. At this time rushed exposure to training class when the dog is brought to a new home enhances the already present stress. During the initial few days give priority to fix a routine for the dog which is stable and regular.

Although the toys given for playing introduces a fun element in the building the bond but as far as the rescue dogs of concerned most of them have no experience to play with dog toys, there more time devotion is the necessity.

Giving of rewards in the form of favorite food work great in initiation of building bond with the dog and bring about improvement in dog’s behavior.

Considering the case of rescue dog is quite timid in behavior keep away the dog’s food allowance for the day and give small quantity of it each time the dog moves toward you or anyone else of its own accord. Often the blunder dog owners commit by staring at the already nervous dog pressurizing to interact it is improper activity when the dog needs to be left alone. Every time ensure that the dog which is nervous should decide to move towards you looking for reward and in turn gaining confidence.

Any undesired behavior of the new dog should be ignored and rewarding abundantly should continue consistently when any right activity is noticed. In case the dog lacks in good house training give reward with a treat each time the dog goes for toilet at the right place preferably outside.

The beginning phase of training the rescue dog can be full of heartbreaking episodes causing frustration for the dog owner. Try to be realistic while training the dog and get dog’s affection and trust which shall reduce the pressure on the dog. It is only after getting attention and focus of the dog the progress in the formal training can be made easily.

The moment the dog and its owner starts knowing each other well in a friendly way there are times of fun ahead good for training to a high level of proficiency for the dog.

Normally it is generally observed that dogs curl up in any corner and go off to sleep. But this is not an attribute of the breed but more of the environment it finds itself in.

One of the main criteria while buying a bed is your pet dog’s size. The bed should be such that your dog can lie comfortably, even stretching himself in it without being cramped.

You need to do a little bit of analyzing here as to the use of the bed and the characteristics of your pet. Whether your pet likes to stay out or prefers the confines of the house or whether any climate considerations have to be kept in mind. There are dog beds which can incorporate the heating and cooling requirements in it so that adjusting is easier for your pet. Any health problems that can incur in older dogs can be taken care of through such beds. Normally poly or foam packing forms the base of the dog’s beds but lately just like in human beds medical dog’s beds are also available which have orthopaedic and memory foam packing which gives better support. The need for the bed has to be determined as to whether it is to fulfill the basic need of providing shelter or address any of your dog’s health issues. If that is so the beds which alleviate the discomfort and pacify the pet are also available.

Besides this the dog’s preference for sleeping is also vital. Some need the warmth and security of covers during their period of rest while some others do not want to be covered in any form as they prefer to stand guard even while sleeping. Beds catering to both the needs can be obtained. Accordingly some have enclosed sides which can cater to the former whereas some are plain and open like a mattress which cater to the later type of dogs.

As far as the satisfaction of the need for nesting is concerned that also depends on the type of the dog. The different breeds of dogs have differing primitive needs. For example the working dogs who are normally vigorous if living in a suitable climate will have just basic requirements to be fulfilled for nesting purposes. If a dog has to get adjusted to a climate other than where he was born then his needs will drastically change and may entail some special requirements of the bed to be fulfilled. There may be some other criteria to be fulfilled in case of some other dogs.

With so much information available on the net get informed about the different products available after knowing your dog’s breed. Then check out your pet’s resting habits and ascertain his bed requirements and the purpose and then buy the perfect choice.

1. Be patient while training your pup

Set your pup’s training sessions for shorter intervals as his attention span is also short. He can’t focus on any job or skill for long at a time and hence handle him with patience. Don’t use force if he doesn’t seem to show interest but let him be and start off again later.

Your pup’s mental capability is equivalent to a small child. Short training sessions will keep your pup’s enthusiasm alive. Don’t crowd him and take things at his pace.

2. Importance of Discipline

Discipline is the key to ensuring correct behavior from your pup. The disciplinary action should follow immediately after the wrongful behavior on the part of your pup so that the connect remains. Avoid keeping a time gap between the two.

3. Reinforcements to be given

Always go in for positive reinforcements in the form of rewards. These could be physical or dietary in the form of hugs or special treats. This ensures better efforts on the pup’s part to display the desired behavior.

Negative reinforcements should be avoided at any costs. This will de-motivate your pup and evoke emotions of fear rather than affection in him towards you and create problems in the future.

4. Involvement of the entire household

If you want your pup to obey everybody it is essential that all members of the house participate in his training to some extent or the other. This will make him understand the need to obey everybody though he may realize that they are not his master.

5. Socializing

It is also necessary for the pup to be able to move among people and be on their good behavior. Dog parks are useful in this regard. It is only when they are given such an exposure that they get used to people and hence fear and aggression will be eliminated from their behavior and they are normalized. They become friendly and are happy with the attention.

6. Professional Trainer

If it is beyond your capabilities of training the pup there is nothing wrong in seeking the help of a professional trainer. He can guide you or do the teaching himself. This becomes necessary if the pup is extra aggressive or fierce. It is essential here to realize your incapability and do the needful.

Training your pup is an absolute must if you want happiness in your household after his arrival. It becomes totally your responsibility to turn your pup into a well behaved dog and in this regard don’t hesitate to resort to a professional’s help if need be. A well behaved dog will really ease situation for all and will become your loyal companion for years to come.

First and foremost ensure that the pup is not put off by your vehicle and all the related noise and its periodic motions. This is because travelling in a four wheeled vehicle will be a first for him and it is possible for him to get scared and nervous during the ride home. Ensure that he is reassured and soothed while sitting in the car as a single bad experience especially the first one will unnerve him for all future ones to come.

Before being seated in the car it has to be ensured that the pup has relieved himself. It may so happen that the hyper excitability, restlessness or puppy sickness may get to the pup who may still throw out either ways. In order to play safe it has to be seen that adequate stock of old and paper towels are kept handy. It is not necessary to play by the rules during the pup’s first ride home and hence avoid seating the pup in a crate and instead keep him in the warm comforts of your lap. Speak softly to him so that he is distracted by external factors. Whining or crying of the pup should not call for punishment or over cuddling. Punishment will cause confusion in his mind and over cuddling will strengthen the whining. Plain soft talking should do the trick. In case the ride back home exceeds an hour or so be prepared for any eventualities with a plastic bag, water or a chew toy to increase the comfort of the pup. You can also take a brief halt on the way for the pup to go to the bathroom.

To summarize:

Let the pup enjoy the warm comforts of the passenger’s lap if available.

As a safety measure keep a stack of paper towels or a thick towel on your lap.

Let the car ride be free of any noise or vibrations. Avoid jarring music or jolts due to sharp turns or sudden braking.

In case of a long ride home take halts on the way so that the pup can relieve himself.

If you follow all the above guidelines the pup can reach his new home in as much comfort as possible.