Top Dog Training Tips

by Jonathan Alonso 

Pick the Right Name

Of course, you will want to pick a name that is catchy and clever, however there is more to consider than this. For the purposes of training, it is best to choose a short name that ends in a strong consonant. This lets you say his name so that he will always hear it clearly. Even if you have an older dog, you can get him used to a new name. If he has just been in an abusive situation, changing his name can represent a fresh start. If you use the new name consistently, he will learn to respond. The idea is to associate his name with pleasant, fun things. He should think of his name the same way he thinks of positive things like “walk” or “treat.”

Understand How Your Dog Learns

Many pet owners complains that their dogs just won’t listen. It is important to understand that dogs do not so much understand your words, but your actions. Dogs learn through what the immediate consequences of their behaviors are. Just like people, they work to get the good things they like and try to avoid the bad things. If a dog is rewarded for their good behavior, such as food or a good belly rub, they are more likely to do that behavior more often. On the opposite end, if their behavior results in being ignored or having something taken away, they will do that behavior less often. According to the ASPCA, the most important part of training your dog is to teach them that it pays to do things that you like. Just be sure that you aren’t rewarding undesirable behavior. 

Consequences Should Be Immediate

Dogs live in the present. Unlike humans, they cannot make a connection between events and experiences that are separated in time. In order for your dog to connect something that they do with the consequences of it, the consequence must happen right away. This must be done in order for the dog to know that he is receiving the consequence because of what they just did. In addition to this, the consequences themselves must be consistent. This means that you and everyone else who connects with the dog should respond the same way every time the actions are performed. For example, one day your dog jumps on you and you love on her. The next time you come home and your dog does the same thing and you yell at them. This creates confusion in the mind of the dog. 

Have Short Training Sessions

When you are teaching a dog new commands, keep the training sessions short, as they don’t have long attention spans. According to the ASPCA, training sessions should last about 15 minutes or less. Within that time, you can work on one or several different skills. To hold your dog’s interest, you can try doing 5 to 15 repetitions of one skill and then 5 to 10 repetitions of another one. You may also choose to do single repetitions at various times throughout your day. For example, if you want to give your dog a new bone to chew, you can make him sit down first to earn it. 

Think About Prevention

Prevention can sometimes be the best solution for reoccurring problems with your dog. For example, if your dog won’t leave the trash can alone, you may try scolding him over and over with no solution in sight. Perhaps a better idea would be to move the trash can into an area where the dog can’t get to it in the first place. Prevention also works if you are trying to get your dog to do one thing over another. For example, if you are trying to house train your dog, you will prevent potential problems by putting her in a crate while she is inside. 

 

Jonathan Alonso is a Dog fence expert and blogger for Flex Petz

How A Craft Dog Food Has Inspired me ($7 Coupon Inside!) #InspiredByCrafted

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s® Ideal Balance® CRAFTED, but My Pit Bull Friend only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Over the last few months you may have noticed me raving about Bentley's new dog food by Hill's Ideal Balance™ Crafted® and I have every reason to brag a little about it. The truth is, most people don't look at the ingredients in their dog food and my goal is to get you to start noticing exactly what you dog is eating.

Hill's dog food is:

• Made in Small Batches
• Oven Roasted
• Grain Free
• Made with Gluten Free Ingredients
• Perfectly Balanced Nutrition

Hill's has done a wonderful job with their Small batch Artisan Crafted dog food which has been Oven roasted in a Homemade style. It features ingredients that I feed to my family, like chickpeas and chicken, and has inspired me to cook as often as possible and even take a cooking refine my skills in the kitchen.

What I learned in my cooking class is that creating food is a form of artwork and to be able to make a masterpiece you must first start off with the best materials. That is why choosing natural ingredients is a key in making a delicious meal. The second thing I learned is that food is not just something we eat but it conjures up feelings and emotions. Not only does food take over all of your senses but it can also take you places. Taking a bite of a delicious meal can bring back long lost memories like your childhood Sunday dinners or Grandma's homestyle cooking.

I learned that masterpieces take time and can't be rushed and this is so true about food. Making sure each component is added at the right time and cooked to the perfect temperature is what gives the meal life and flavor. Just like a lasagna that must be assemble piece by piece but when it you take a bite of the finished product it is like symphony with different ingredients all coming together in harmony, complementing one another in the perfect balance of flavor.

The final thing I learned is that food is the essence of life. It has the ability to create a better and healthier you if you make conscious decisions. This is why I would like you to please look at the labels of dog food when shopping. Food can keep you healthy or make you sick and it is the same for your dog. Some things you can look for which are included in Hill's pet food are:

1) Lean Protein- which keeps your dog slim, trim & healthy

2) Grain Free & Gluten Free iron rich legume which helps maintain healthy muscle for an energetic & healthy lifestyle

3) Flavorful natural herbs which provides a flavorful accent to the food your dog will love

4) Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids which improves skin and coat.

Since I get to enjoy the beauty making delicious homemade meals for my family I obviously want my dog to enjoy the same standard of quality food when it comes to her dog food and Hill's Ideal Balance Crafted dog has hit the nail on the head for me. They have taken each and every aforementioned point into consideration and implemented it into their dog food so that my Bentley can enjoy the masterpiece that is food and since I want the best for my dog this is my ideal dog food for her.

Afterall, who doesn't like seeing their dog smile? 

Something else I've been inspired to create is a new food bowl for Bentley. Check out this awesome tutorial on just how to create your own raised dog food bowls!

Here is an exclusive coupon so your pet can enjoy some delicious homestyle food!

Follow Hill's for updates, coupons and more information on:

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest 

Now get to cooking,

Benefits of Adding Supplements to Your Dog's Diet

Many people benefit from the use of supplements in their diet to get all of the nutrients they need to optimize their health and it's no different for animals. In fact your dog may greatly benefit from additional nutrients added to their diet.

I get asked many times what I feed Bentley and an vital part of her diet is Krill-Oil, Mutli Vitamins, corn free dog food, lots of exercise and even more Love. I believe that in order to optimize your dog's health and increase their vitality there are certain steps you can take just as you would for your own health.

First off I want to discuss the Krill Oil which I find to be a great addition to any dog's diet. Krill Oil is one of the most important things you can add to your dog's diet and the reasons are plenty.

What is Krill Oil?

Krill Oil comes from a tiny shrimp like animal and it contains Omega-3 Fatty acids which is an essential fat that is very important but not one that the body can make on its own so it is important to add it to your diet. Most commercial pet foods contain high levels of Omega-6 but not enough Omega-3, which is far more beneficial, due to cost levels.

Benefits of Krill Oil

• Reduces inflammation

• Supports healthy skin & coat

• Supports healthy immune system

• Provides cognitive and joint support

• Aids with dry skin and dander

• Reduces autoimmune diseases including: Arthritis, Heart disease, Kidney disease, and Brain disease

I give Bentley 2 Krill-Oil Omega-3 Soft Chews daily.

Multi-Vitamins for Dogs

If you are like most people and do not home cook your dog's meals then you can benefit from adding a Multi-Vitamin to your dog's diet. Cheap dog food doesn't contain enough of the vitamins and minerals that your dog needs to thrive. Some of the benefits of adding a Multi-Vitamin to your dog's daily diet include:

 

1) Healthier Skin and Coat

2) Increased Energy

3) Strengthened Immune System

 

Essential Vitamins Your Dog Needs

• Vitamin A: Essential for eyesight.

• Vitamin E: Helps body create red blood cells.

• Vitamin B-12: Promotes cell growth.

• Calcium: Strengthens teeth and bones.

• Vitamin D: Helps body absorb calcium

• Iron: Helps transport oxygen throughout body.

• Potassium: Heart Health

• Vitamin C: Boosts immune system

I give Bentley 1 Multi-Tabs Plus Vitamin/Mineral Supplement daily.

My Results

Since putting Bentley on a healthier path with the addition of Krill Oil and Multi-Vitamins I've noticed that her coat is shinier and she has more energy to burn as well as her endurance. She last longer on walks and hikes and doesn't tire as easily as before. I thought I would share an exclusive offer with my readers since so many of you have asked me to share my tips with you.

Want to try Supplements for your Dog?

I've teamed up with HealthyBreeds to offer my readers an exclusive deal of 10% off any Supplement for your dog with code: bentley10 until August 30th 2015. Take advantage of this offer and try adding supplements to your dog's diet and see the results for yourself!

Disclaimer: As with any new diet it is best to consult with your Veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns and if your dog suffers from allergies make sure you read the ingredients list carefully. Supplements work to help your dog's immune system but do not act to cure any existing disease but may act as an aid so please do your research. Vitamins should not be substituted for a lacking diet but instead added to a balanced diet to promote optimal results. I am not a doctor, I am simply sharing my results and these may vary from person to person.

 

Let me know your results!

How Social Media Affects Pit Bulls

There has been a major movement as of late on social media accounts that has swept the nation. The dog community is showing its love in a major way with an influx of dog lovers creating accounts showing off pictures and statuses of their beloved pooches. This has been something that the Pit Bull community has drastically needed without even knowing the impact it would have.

For years, the Pit Bull has been touted as the most dangerous and aggressive of all dog breeds and hopes of eradicating these so called beasts have been on the high. Any and all dogs that resemble the 3, that is American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, are stereotyped and boxed into one category that is under attack by Breed Specific Legislation.

The problem with the negative classification is that such a massive number of dogs and families are targeted. Not only are the above mentioned 3 affected but so are Boxers, Dogo Argentinos, Presa Canarios, Mastiffs, Cane Corsos, and American Bulldogs to name a few.

What happens in areas where these harsh legislation are in effect is nothing more than atrocious. Thousands upon thousands of dogs are being taken from their homes and killed at the hands of government policy. The people who are supposed to love these dogs forever are being forced to let go of them because they appear to have the characteristics of an aggressive dog.

Now what exactly does an aggressive dog look like? How can you discern one from another based only upon appearance?

If we used this approach when dealing with humans, by basing their right to live in certain areas and not others due strictly upon their appearance or race, now would that not be morally inhumane?

BSL affects our rights to own a certain type of dog because of the assumption that he, along with all others that fit a broad description. This of course is completely untrue to the thousands upon thousands of families who own sweet Pit Bulls or the alike.

Pit Bulls impact their families in such a positive way and the saying that lives strong in the Pit Bull community is that they are "Lovers not Fighters". Don't take my word for it though, just see what these people shared on their Instagram accounts when asked the question:

"What makes your Pit Bull a Lover?"

"(Bronson) loves giving slobbery kisses and he always lets other dogs eat/drink from his bowl." - @deedeetantan

"This face. This sweet little derpface that looks at you like you're the best thing that's ever happened (when in fact it's the other way around)." - @tuff_sausage

"She's a lover because every morning she wakes me up with kisses and cuddles." - @tuf_n

"Gatby is a lover because he helped my fiance propose to me, of course I had to say yes!" -@puppiesandprs

(Check out the tag. It says "Marry my Daddy!")

"Boomer is a lover because he protects his mom while daddy is away and always give kisses and cuddles to his beagle sister Briar." - @mollieelmore

"This is Lucy. Lover of all, big and small. From her kitty buddies to her bulldog big brother. She's the bell of the dog park. She loves making new friends, momentarily sharing her toys, and Greek yogurt." - @smudgelife

"(Stella) shares food with babies."- @panamhunter

The positive message that these, along with the vast amount of other Pit Bulls owners gives off by sharing pictures and stories of their dogs is truly a wonderful thing in the fight against BSL. Showing the true nature of Pit Bulls is exactly what the movement needs. Pictures of beautiful, smiling, happy dogs interacting with their humans, proving that a dog can bring pure joy and companionship no matter the size, colors, and most important of all, BREED.

Social media is a blessing for spreading advocacy and shedding light on this delicate topic. The more people keep sharing pictures of their Pit Bulls in their element through the facets of social media, the more good is done for these dogs as a whole.

It is a known fact that the majority of dogs in shelters at any given time are Pit Bulls and what does that mean? It means an imminent death due to overpopulation. With sharing through social media, more and more Pit Bulls are being adopted.

Petitions have been signed and BSL has been overturned in certain areas due to awareness made possible by social media shares. The more the issue is spread and awareness is made, the more people will sign petitions and do something to change unfair policies.

Think of BSL as a giant wall. Every positive post brings us closer to the end goal of demolishing this wall. Every victory and banning of legislation knocks out pieces of the wall but without the help of the masses the wall will stand strong.

Keep taking those pictures of your Pit Bull snuggling up with you or playing in the snow. Keep taking pictures of them playing with your children, eating bubbles, or swimming in the pool. Keep taking pictures of them basking in the sun, smiling, or running down the beach. Keep taking pictures of them in human clothes looking ridiculously cute.

These dogs are beautiful inside and out and deserve to be shown for what amazing and loyal creatures they truly are. They deserve to be fought for and shown off. Keep proving the nay sayers wrong that believe that a Pit Bull cannot be trained or that he will attack your children. Show them why you have fallen in love with these dogs and maybe, just maybe, you will change someone's mind, and that makes it all worth it.

Peaches n Creme Frozen Dog Treats That You Can Eat Too!

On a hot summer day, there is nothing better than a nice cool popsicle to beat the heat. The only problem is that store bought popsicles are pumped full of sugar and are not necessarily the best options for your dog, or you for that matter.

This recipe is super easy and a healthy option that your dog will love and that everyone in your family can enjoy!

Ingredients

12 ounces of Vanilla Yogurt (Subsitute for Plain if you don't want added sugar)

2 Peaches

½ Cup of Water

Pretzel Sticks

Directions

Cut peaches into small pieces and mix into vanilla yogurt. Add water. You may blend if you want a smooth texture or leave it as is to enjoy chunks of peaches with every bite. 

For Dogs:

Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and place a pretzel stick into each slot. Freeze for 2-3 hours.

Tip: If the pretzel doesn't stay put, place the ice cube tray in the freezer for a while and stick the pretzels in when the solution has thickened a bit. 

(Bentley loved these treats, especially since the weather has been in the 100s these past few days)

 

 

For You:

Pour the mixture into a popsicle tray. Freeze for 2-3 hours. Enjoy!

(My daughter insisted on holding the popsicle herself. She loves anything cold so I let her enjoy it on her swing.)

Tip: You can use any fruit you like. Here is a list of fruit that is okay for dogs to eat however if your dog suffers from allergies it's always best to consult your vet before feeding him anything you're unsure of. 

 

 

Fruit Dogs Can Eat 

 Apples

Strawberries

Raspberries

Blueberries

Bananas

Watermelon

Cantaloupe

Pears

Mangoes

Apricots

Peaches

Pineapple

Now you can make all sorts of frozen fruit and yogurt combinations. If you REALLY want to indulge, use---> ICE CREAM! Hey throw in something fudge or caramel while you're at it. It will be worth the extra calories, trust me! 

 

Enjoy!

DIY Dog Art For Under $3

If you're like me and you're a bit obsessed with your dog and a huge DIY lover then you will absolutely love this easy project that cost me less than $3 to make. Yup that's right, less than $3!

This literally took no more than 10 minutes and now I have a wonderful picture of Bentley to hang in my home. 

Supplies

2 Pieces of thick colored paper. (I found some at Jo-ann Fabric and Craft Store for .79 each )

1 Picture Frame ( Got this one for $1 at Dollar Tree)

Scissors

Glue

Directions

The first thing you need to do is find or take a good picture of your dog with a white background like this one I took of Bentley.

Then you need to take the picture and use any photo editing software either on your phone or computer to make the picture Black and White.

(On my phone I use the app Aviary and on my computer I use  BeFunky . Both are very easy to use.)

Now that you have your black and white picture it's time to choose your color scheme. I chose a bright pink and neon green for a pop of color. I decided that I would like my background to be green and my main subject, Bentley, to be in pink.

Put the paper color which you chose for your subject into the printer and print out the black and white picture onto it. 

Now grab those scissors and cut out your subject and glue the peice onto the background.

Now the hard part is done. All that's left is to place your image into a picture frame and Voila, you are done! Easy Right? Now you'll be able to create all sorts of fun art to hang all over your home!