Hounds Corner

Novice

This is the first level of competition where the dog is judged on his ability to walk at heel with the handler on and off leash, stand and stay for a cursory examination by the judge, and come to the handler when called.

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If your like I was, going to a dog obedience trial was fun but I did not understand what I was actually looking at. We will start with an  introduction to the sport and add on over time. Explaining the exercises and what is expected of the dog and trainer. Good boy, lets get going.

Introduction Read the rest of this entry »

Our Golden Retriever has had ear problems, wax buildup, irritation, sores, mild infections from scratching, for quite some time, sound familiar? Took him to a dog groomer that gave me a tip which has worked wonderfully. In a spray bottle mix 50% rubbing alcohol with 50% vinegar and spray the liq directly into his ear. The vinegar helps the scores and the alcohol dries the ear out. I started this regiment with my golden particularly after a romp in the lake  and the problem is going away. Just a tip I think is worth passing on, good luck.

Dogs love to chew.  Dog toys give them things they are allowed to chew, keeping them from getting bored and trying the taste of furniture, walls, rugs, clothes, shoes…you get the idea.  Dogs should have a variety of toys and bones to keep busy—rotated occasionally for continued interest–and they need to be within reach as well.   Toys end up under the furniture, appliances, out in the yard, or just plain lost as time goes on, and as dog chew toys mysteriously disappear, there will be less for Rover to do, and once again, the threat of destructive canine mode looms over your home.

Some dog owners have had great success with a dog toy box—a large rubber container works (and has the added benefit of being easy to clean).  All the dog toys will occupy a specific space, and the dog has the added fun of digging through and choosing her toy for the moment.  Having dog toys in a centralized location also makes training easier, because if your dog has taken something she is not supposed to have, it is easier to distract her with an appropriate toy when they are all found in one location.  The dog will learn to go his toy box when he wants to chew, which will keep him occupied and out of mischief.

I’ve heard people ask why people would ever buy steps or a ramp for their pet.   Anyone who has ever grown old with a beloved pet knows how hard it is to see them struggle to make it to a high piece of furniture, or winced their smaller dog has had a difficult time jumping up into a raised vehicle.

This is a newer product for TK Dog Toys, and it is an innovative design, serving as pet steps and a ramp in one.  Two-step and three-step versions are available, and the high quality wood construction holds pets up to 130 pounds, which is a good-sized dog!  While you are checking these out, have a look at our other unique dog products as well.  We have quite a selection!

     This second command is very useful in any situation.  You can ask that your dog sit while preparing its meal, so that it is not jumping and dancing everywhere.  When you have people over to visit you can ask your canine friend to sit and know he will be observing everyone and everything going on.  The command “sit” is used in combination with a number of other commands as well.  Again, you, the trainer, will be using verbal, hand and body signals simultaneously. While training , the training collar and leash are in use exclusively.

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The Prelude to The Foundation of Training
THE ELIMINATION OF CONFUSION
Stimulation with direction
By Dennis Helm

Virtually all of our dog training problems results from the dog being confused. The dog needs to have a clear understanding of what behaviors are expected in certain situations. The trainer must understand how to eliminate confusion and uncertainty in the dog’s mind. Giving a dog a correction by itself accomplishes little other than confusing and upsetting the dog. A light correction with direction (showing the dog what is expected) facilitates training.

Stimulation without direction leads to confusion. Read the rest of this entry »

PAWS Pets Are Wonderful Support! Check out their web site at www.pawshouston.org, another great orginization for dogs.  They are always looking for volunteers, cash donations, sponsors, collars, leashes and just check out the web site - you will be glad you did.

WHEN TO CORRECT YOUR DOG IN TRAINING

For the sake of this article you will need to understand what is meant by ‘TIME’…….

Time is the present moment, ………anything already taken place is the past,……anything taking place in the present moment……being right NOW !! will effect the future in a positive or negative manner. You cannot correct in the future or the past. Read the rest of this entry »

PAWS (pets are wounderful support) pawshouston.org is the web address - What a great site and orginzation!

PAWS Houston is a non-profit organization that help sustain relationships between pet owners and their pets through a period of the owner’s terminal and/or chronic illness both in the hospital and at home.

PAWS Houston will facilitate, when possible, visits to the hospital, hospice, nursing home and rehabilitation centers in the hopes of improved physical and mental health for the pet owner.

PAWS Houston will participate in ongoing research aimed at providing measurable evidence that the human animal bond can be measured on a physiological basis. Phone number- 713-840-7297. We will be posting Paws and other orginzations functions on this site in the future - keep an eye open - and your dog properly groomed.