HowToDoThings.com Recent Behavior & Training Articles

How To Treat a Dog Bite

cwalk — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:41:09 -0600

How To Sleep Safely With Your Pet

llee1279 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:15:31 -0600

How To Train a Dog to Stop Barking

gonzo — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:22:52 -0600

Is your dog's barking causing tension between you and your neighbors? Or maybe your pet's just keeping you up at night? Whatever the reason for your concern, a barking dog is a problem. The good news is that you can get that barking under control and stop dog barking with a few simple steps.

How To Use Your Dog to Meet New People

cwalk — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:55:54 -0500

How To Prepare Your Dog for a Baby’s Arrival

kdiscountpetmall — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:05:42 -0500

How To Prevent Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

turbo — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:17:42 -0500

Hip dysplasia affects numerous dogs, it is heartbreaking for owners to witness their once agile, loyal chum beginning to wobble and struggle on their hind legs. There may not be an actual ‘cure’ for hip dysplasia in dogs but there are certain preventative measures that can be taken.

Hip dysplasia means ‘badly formed hip.’ Positioned at the end of a dog’s leg bone is a ball and in a healthy dog this slots nicely into a pocket located within their hip. Dogs suffering from hip dysplasia do not possess this snugly fitting connection; the hip is badly malformed that the ball does not sit within the pocket.

How To Care for a Diabetic Dog

cwalk — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:05:22 -0500

How To Handle a Dog in Heat

cwalk — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:59:54 -0500

How To Teach Your Dog to Fetch

kdiscountpetmall — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:35:22 -0500

How To Crate Train Your Puppy

cwalk — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:20:49 -0500

How To Keep Your Dog Off of Your Furniture

kdiscountpetmall — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:14:36 -0500

How To Handle a Dog Attack

a2yands2n — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:05:08 -0500

A dog attack is something which most of us would have experienced or witnessed many times in our life. Dogs should be the most common living entity, next to humans, in our neighborhood. Especially in developing countries, stray dogs are present everywhere we go. Most of them are calm and consider humans very friendly and would run away rather than counter attack if we give an attacking pose or hurl stones at it; this however gives no one the license to attack or hurt a dog. However, there are some dogs that are very aggressive or some that are in a state of tension and anger due to fights among its pack and would attack us even if we didn’t pose any threat to it. The following points suggest ways of preventing dog attacks and techniques in case you are attacked.

How To Train Your Dog To Greet Your Guests

cwalk — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:16:39 -0500

How To Teach Your Dog to Walk on a Treadmill

visionarywrite — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:42:23 -0500

How To Get Your Dog To Take Medicine

cwalk — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:17:32 -0500

How To Build an Agility Training Tire Jump

cwalk — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:53:04 -0500

How To Train Your Dog To Stay

sspets — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:34:50 -0500

How To Make the Trip to the Vet Successful

cwalk — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:20:36 -0500

First time (and subsequent) visits to the veterinarian can be frightening for you and your dog. You’re wondering if he’ll get in a fight with another animal or try to chase a cat. He’s wondering about the new scents, strange odors and every other pet in the waiting room, especially that cat. There are things you can do to prepare your dog for the trips to the vet. With a little practice, patience, and treats, your dog will be ready to go, and get along with all the other pets, in no time!

How To Make Barking a Thing of the Past

cwalk — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:46:28 -0500

Dogs love to bark, and do so for a variety of reasons. It is their form of communication. Sometimes, a barking dog can be a nuisance to both the owner and the neighborhood. In order to modify your pooch’s barking behavior, you must first understand what is causing it. Once the culprit is identified, then a non-barking training program can be started immediately.

Puppies learn very quickly that barking gets them the attention they want. He barks, you check to see what is going on. In this case, the barking is caused by a need for attention. It’s a good idea to not give into his pup-like attention-seeking habits. As the pup grows up, he may still resort to barking, because he knows it will produce results. Make sure you are giving your dog an adequate amount of attention. Spend time playing with him and taking him for walks. He will soon learn that he does not have to bark to get you to play.

Reasons for barking:

How To Teach Your Dog to Potty in One Area of the Yard

Nicole Wilde — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:21:55 -0500

Although owners love their dogs, they don’t love the results of the dogs using the entire backyard as a potty area. Urine stains can kill grass and leave ugly yellow patches. And no one wants their kids playing among urine and feces. Here’s how to teach your dog to potty in one specific area:

How To Become a Dog Trainer

Nicole Wilde — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:23:26 -0500

Are you a dog lover who is considering turning your passion into a profession? It takes more to be a trainer than a love of dogs--here’s the inside scoop from an experienced professional.

How To Help Your Shy or Fearful Dog

Nicole Wilde — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:20:14 -0500

Dogs can be shy or fearful for many reasons, including genetics, lack of early socialization, and traumatic experience. Regardless of the cause, there are things you can do to help.

How To Read a Dog's Body Language

Nicole Wilde — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 20:23:51 -0500

Understanding canine body language can offer insight into a dog’s emotional state. Some physical signals are obvious, some subtle, and some, misunderstood.

How To Prevent Your Dog From Marking His Territory

tybrown — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:45:17 -0500

Having a dog that marks in the house is a real hassle. Not only is it annoying and embarrassing, but it is also a symptom of deeper communication problems between owner and dog. Fixing a dog that marks in the house is a very simple concept to understand. The application, however, can be a bit difficult. Use the following steps as a guideline and you will be able to fix a marking dog in no time.

How To Crate Train Your Dog

britgurlmax — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:20:08 -0600

Teaching your dog to go into a crate is an invaluable tool for housebreaking, and a safe way for him to travel. It also provides him with a space all to himself when he needs alone time. Dogs are den animals by nature, and a crate offers a den-like place for him to be safe and secure. There are many different types of crates available, but the most common types are wire cages with a tray bottom and the plastic airline crate. Both styles serve the purpose of confining a dog and providing a den for him to lie in. The dogs usually have no preference as to what style or color the crate is, as long as it is comfortable.

Choosing a crate

How To Prepare for and Find the Perfect Puppy

ColleenDB — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:57:52 -0600

Above all else, when you are preparing for a puppy, you must do your homework! Here are some things to consider as you prepare for and choose the perfect puppy.

How To Decide If You Should Enroll Yourself and Your Dog in Search and Rescue Training

harryoakes — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:08:02 -0600

Almost every day over the last 22 years, I've received a telephone call or email from someone interested in joining K-9 Search and Rescue. They want to know who to contact in their home area. What's involved in training a K-9 for SAR (search and rescue) work. And what's the cost in time and money going to be.

My normal response is as follows:

How To Manage Canine Separation Anxiety

edward.s — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 15:09:51 -0600

Separation anxiety is a complex issue that faces many owners. It is rarely realistic to be with your dog 24/7. If you can - GREAT! If not, there are times when separation anxiety can be very detrimental to your dog. Has your dog scratched the back door until his paws were bleeding? Does your dog lunge at the plate glass window in an attempt to join you outside? At times, it may not be as physically dangerous, but it still may be very disruptive to you and your dog.

How To Teach Your Dog to Lie Down

TheDogLady — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:14:10 -0600

The following instructions are based on positive reward-based techniques. To get the most out of this training method, you should also read my articles on how dogs communicate and how dogs learn.

The definition of “down” should be to put your belly on the ground. Down is a behavior that is very natural for the dog. It also gives you control over the dog's movement, so you can control his activity level. Dogs lie down all the time by themselves when they are calm. Your goal should be to get him to lie down on command and then increase the time he stays still.

How To Train Your Dog to Sit

TheDogLady — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:40:13 -0600

The following instructions are based on positive reward-based techniques. To get the most out of this training method, you should also read my articles on dog leadership and communicating with dogs.

How To Communicate with Your Dog

TheDogLady — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:45:30 -0600

The dog training method you use depends on how you choose to communicate with your dog. And, this is where trainers split camp. The two camps are positive trainers and correction trainers. Correction training is also referred to as fear passed training, while positive training is often called reward-based training. Put simply, with correction training the dog learns to be afraid of the consequences of not doing the right thing, whereas with reward training he gets a reward as the consequence of doing the right thing. I use both methods, but whenever possible – and for short training programs – I use positive training. In all articles I advocate positive training. You cannot safely learn correction training without the supervision of an experienced trainer.

How To Establish Yourself as Alpha Dog

TheDogLady — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:43:11 -0600

How To Understand How Dogs Learn

TheDogLady — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:42:34 -0600

Dogs learn much the same as we do – through experience, trial and error. They understand the connection between behavior and consequence. There are three common ways to get them to perform a behavior: luring, shaping and catching.

How To Get Your Dog to Fetch Beer

ericrogers — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:42:07 -0500

Owning a dog is a richly rewarding experience that improves the quality of one’s life in many fun ways. Dogs are tried and true companions… they encourage us to spend more time outdoors getting sun and exercise… they sleep at the foot of the bed, providing warmth on chilly winter nights… and if properly trained, they can be the best bartender you’ll never have to pay.

That’s right, YOU can train your pooch to fetch beers from your refrigerator in just a few easy steps. So whether you’re watching the big game, taking the edge off a busy day, or simply attempting to enter the Guinness Book of Records as “World’s Biggest Couch Potato”, Man’s Best Friend can help ensure you never have to move a muscle to keep the suds flowing:

How To Be a Responsible Dog Owner

bronwyn — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 15:45:03 -0500

Adopting a dog is often an emotional experience, in which people look at the ball of fur that they might take home and melt. As adorable as puppies are, it is essential that you remember how much work taking care of a dog is before you adopt one! If you are a prepared, responsible dog owner, you and your pet will co-exist happily. These tips can help you be a responsible dog owner!

Did you think about this? Dog ownership should always be premeditated - a dog is not something to get on a whim!! Sadly, many dogs are abandoned each year after they were given as gifts and their novelty wore off. Make sure that the future owner - whether it is you or someone else - is prepared to accept the responsibilities of owning a dog.

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How To Teach a Dog "Go Home"

sitstayandplay — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 20:19:25 -0500

Sometimes it is easier for a dog to go to a particular place instead of a person. “Go Home” is a cue asking the dog to race to your front door. Most dogs will consistently go home as your front door won't give your dog a bath or clean out his ears!

How To Crate Train a Dog

sitstayandplay — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 18:52:29 -0500

Crate training is teaching a dog to respect a crate as a “safe house.” It can be used for potty training, since dogs generally don’t like to eliminate in their own area. It is also a secure and comfortable place to put a dog if it is not safe for him (or other humans) to be left in the house unsupervised. The dog’s first experience in a crate must be positive! Dogs are den animals, but that does not mean they will adapt to a crate overnight. Crate training is just that...training. If we teach the dog that the crate is a positive place to be, then we will have a dog who enjoys spending time in his crate.

Leave the crate door open so that the dog can explore. Feed the dog all of his meals in the crate.

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How To Teach a Dog to Wait

sitstayandplay — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 15:23:58 -0500

Want a dog who waits when you open the door? All you have to do is follow these 7 steps.

Have the dog on a leash. Wear closed-toe shoes.
Use a door that opens inward and put your foot about three inches from the door. So when the door is open that much, your foot is parallel to it and the door will stop. This ensures if the dog tries to open the door with his nose the door will stop at your foot.
Open the door about two to three inches. If the dog moves toward the door, just close it; most dogs back away from the door once it is closed. If the dog doesn't try to go through the door: praise the dog, treat the dog, shut the door. Repeat.

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How To Install an Invisible Electric Dog Fence

edward.s — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 18:20:58 -0500

Installing an invisible electric dog fence is not, nor should it be, a complicated task. It does however, take some planning and a little creativity to come up with the right solution that will work for your dog.
The average invisible electric dog fence can be purchased for $100-400 depending on features, amount of wire, etc. In order to have a professional installation performed, the system can easily cost in excess of $700. A little bit of planning and sweat will lead to substantial savings.

How To Select an Invisible Electric Dog Fence

edward.s — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 17:23:04 -0500

Invisible electric dog fences are more popular than ever. The advantages of using them are many, including fitting into the restrictions placed on homeowners by home owner associations. However, there are so many products on the market right now, the consumer must know which questions to ask in order to make an informed and appropriate decision.

What type of dog do you need to contain? It seems like a basic question, but some collar/fence combinations are more appropriate for toy breeds vs. giant breeds. The correction strength can often be adjusted to the individual dog wearing the collar. Some collars are not small enough for a 4 lb chihuahua. Make sure the collar/fence combination you select is compatible with your dog.

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How To Teach Your Puppy Manners

countrygirlny — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 09:04:36 -0500

Training your puppy during the first few days is crucial. Your new puppy has just been taken from his mother, sisters and brothers--the only family he has ever known--and he needs security and routine. It is not an easy job and it takes a lot of work, love and guidance from you and your family. You and your family must decide and agree on the routine, responsibility and rules together. Establishing good training habits early will be a lot easier for you once the puppy grows up. Here are a few tips to help you teach your puppy good manners from the start:

Responsibility. Decide who will be responsible for cleaning up after puppy as well as feeding him on a regular schedule.
Confine. Confine your puppy at first in a pen and lay training pads or old newspapers on the floor.

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How To Get Your Dog to Come to You

Becky649 — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:55:26 -0500

USUALLY WHEN A DOG WILL NOT COME TO YOU IT’S AN OWNER-CREATED PROBLEM.

If your dog doesn't come when he's called, it's very likely an owner-created or family-created problem, not your dog’s problem. By not training your dog properly, you can create a dog that you have little or no control over. That’s the first mistake.

How To "Potty Bell" Train Your Puppy

Becky649 — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 12:04:00 -0500

Most dogs do not cry or bark to let us know they need to go out and do their business. Guide dogs for the blind are trained to make contact with a string of bells hanging from the door they normally use to go out. Sightless people would not know if their dogs were at the door, looking pathetic, hoping to be noticed.

Even though sighted people should notice their dogs waiting at the door, we are often distracted with phone calls, computer work, housework or kids. That's how potty accidents occur. It's much easier to listen for the ringing bells than to constantly glance at the door to see if your dog is waiting to go out.

So, we train our dogs to touch the bells, letting us know we should open the door. If you follow these steps, your dog will be ringing those bells in no time! (Most puppies start bell training at 11 weeks.)

How To Socialize a Puppy Safely

Becky649 — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 11:52:00 -0500

People are sometimes warned not to take their puppies out in public until they are fully vaccinated for fear that the puppy might catch disease. But times have changed and most vets, trainers, breeders and behaviorists recommend that you get your puppy out and socialize him early. An under-socialized puppy is more likely to have long-term behavior issues than get sick from interacting with other dogs.

You do want to balance medical risk with behavioral risk, which is why uncontrolled areas such as dog parks and beaches should be avoided until the puppy is fully vaccinated. But the risk is very minimal socializing your puppy in a controlled environment (such as the University Village if you're in Seattle) where dogs do not run loose.

How To Observe Dining Etiquette with Your Dog

Brian263 — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:31:00 -0600

An increasing number of restaurants in our country are taking a tip from the French (even if they are reluctant to admit it) by embracing the idea of pet-inclusive dining. Welcome news indeed for the many pet-lovers who travel with their best friends in tow, or for those who rely upon service dogs! But what about our fellow citizens who expect to enjoy some peaceful time in an environment that in no way overlaps with domestic life? To them, dogs might mean begging, barking and slobber. We can all get along in pet-friendly restaurants if dog owners observe the proper dining etiquette, and encourage their dogs to follow suit.

How To Buy Bark Control Collars for Your Dog

Linette547 — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:24:00 -0600

Dogs use barking, whining, and howling to communicate. Some dogs like to "talk" more than others; they may have learned to get attention by making noise. If your dog's barking becomes excessive, it can disrupt sleep, become annoying, and cause problems with neighbors. For some dogs, the barking can become so excessive it endangers the dog's chances of staying in the home. If you love your pet, but don't love all the noise he is making, you may want to consider the different bark control collar options available. Before purchasing a bark control collar for your dog, please consider the following:

How To Stop Dog Aggression

Amy 329 — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 14:33:00 -0600

Most of us who share our lives with dogs consider them to be members of the family. Thus, it's extremely difficult when our four-legged companion displays aggressive behavior. Although aggression is a complex issue, there are several steps that can be taken to alleviate the problem.

How To Breed Dogs

Mary311 — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 21:57:00 -0600

Making the decision to breed dogs is one which should be made out of love for the breed as opposed to an opportunity to make money. Responsible breeders should seek to breed their dogs in an effort to produce high quality dogs of their chosen breed and should place these dogs in suitable homes. The following tips will assist those who have an interest in breeding their dogs to learn more about the process:

If you plan to breed your bitch, you should first make certain she is healthy. This will help to ensure she has an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery. Complications can also be minimized by waiting until your bitch is full grown before breeding her and supplying her with a high quality diet rich with supplements.

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How To Find Attack Dog Training

Darcy480 — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 18:14:00 -0500

There are two major reasons you might want your dog to receive attack dog training: for protection or for competition. If you want to train your dog for protection, you'll need to find a good trainer to work one-on-one with you and your dog. Be warned: not all dogs are capable of being good protection dogs. If you don't already have a dog, it is better to investigate your attack dog training options first. If a suitable facility can't be found in your area, you might want to consider investing in a dog that has already been given attack dog training.

How To Teach Your Dog Tricks

Darcy480 — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 07:36:00 -0500

Teaching your dog tricks is every dog owner's dream, but you must start with basic obedience. Your dog should know the basic commands (sit, down, heel, stand, and come) before you attempt any type of trick training. Once you have these mastered, you can build on them each of these three simple tricks.