Exercise is very important for a dog but the amount that a dog needs can vary on several different factors. One key factor is the type of breed your dog is. The amount of exercise a dog needs also depends on the energy level of your dog and his personality.

There are certain dog’s that need a large amount of exercise. The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on the breed and personality of it. Some dog’s that require more exercise than some are hunting dogs, herding dogs, and sled dogs. These types of dogs were developed for tireless activity. They thrive on exercise and it seems like they can never get enough of it.

It is very easy to tell if you have a dog with a high energy level or a low energy level. If your dog likes to run around and has a tone of energy most of the time, then you have a high energy dog and that dog needs a lot of exercise. Then again if your dog seems to just want to lay on the couch and not do a whole lot of anything, then you have a low energy dog and he does not need as much exercise.

There are two important factors that need to be taken into account as you determine how much exercise your dog needs. One factor is if you have an older dog or a young dog. If you dog is older than he is not going to need as much exercise as a younger dog would. Also if you have a cat or another dog then the dog will play with the cat or dog so you do not need to take him on as many walks. He will get most if not all of his exercise from playing with the cat or the other dog.

Another thing to take into account is the size of your dog. A small dog will not need as much exercise as a large dog. But also some large dogs do not need as much exercise as other large dogs. Mostly the amount of exercise can be broken down over and over again. You really need to be careful when you determine how much exercise your dog needs.

Many larger breed of dogs would rather be sit around doing nothing while watching other dogs exercise. Many dogs have short legs and they run really fast because their legs are going so fast. Some dogs may need to only walk around the block once, while others need to walk a mile or two to get the right amount of exercise.

Dogs are just like humans, dogs need the correct amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy. You may think that this sounds crazy but dogs the most health as well as mental benefits from getting the correct amount of exercise just like humans do. Once around the park with a dog could make a huge difference to that dog.

One more important fact, if you notice your dog is panting a lot while exercise it’s a good thing. Dogs pant to cool themselves off, its sort of like when humans sweat. So do not stop exercising with your dog. The panting is a good thing and does not mean that he wants or needs to stop. It just means that he is cooling himself off so he can exercise more with his owner

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies – your source for personalized dog beds

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There are nearly as many dog training methods as there are dog trainers; but, there are some basic elements that all successful dog training methods have in common. Follow these tips when training your canine companion and you’ll be well on the road to having a well trained dog who is a source of great enjoyment and pride. But remember, dog training isn’t instantaneous – it is ongoing. Even when your pooch has acquired a desirable behavior it is still important to reinforce the behavior on a regular basis. Here are 10 of the most important tips to keep in mind when dog training:

1. All successful dog training programs require: patience, persistence, and consistence. This really is number one – most important – first and foremost. 2. Dogs are pack animals – use this to your advantage in your dog training endeavor. Be sure your dog knows you are the Alpha Dog. Encourage your dog to ‘give kisses’ (lick the back of your hand) – this is his acknowledging you as the leader. Also rub your dog’s belly. Exposing his belly to you is a sign of submission. It is extremely important that your dog always remembers that you are his ‘pack leader’; and teaching him this as soon as possible will make your dog training sessions progress much more smoothly. 3. Remember that dogs (like humans) do make mistakes. The important thing is to correct the mistakes WHILE they are occurring – later is too late. 4. Lavishly praise and reward the behaviors you want to establish as you see them occurring. This will lead to a snowballing effect: the more you reward appropriate behaviors the more they will occur – the more opportunity you will have to reward good behavior… 5. Don’t stretch dog training sessions out too long for you or your dog. Ten or fifteen minute sessions are plenty for most pups. And be aware that several short sessions are much more effective than one long marathon session. In fact, long marathon sessions are more likely to discourage you both and make you both want to give up. 6. Make your dog training time fun and positive. This should be a positive bonding experience for you and your pup. 7. Short dog training sessions are best – but sessions should occur frequently. Twice a day would be good – but once a day, every day, should be the absolute minimum. 8. Always end dog training sessions on a positive successful note. If either you or your dog aren’t in the mood for a training session, make the session short and easy that day. Only practice things you know your dog enjoys and will gladly do successfully at those times. Don’t make any session a struggle. Save the more difficult tasks for times when you are both in the proper frame of mind. 9. Reward works better than punishment. Use this knowledge to positively ’shape’ your dog’s behavior. To do this, begin by rewarding behaviors that come closer and closer to the precise behavior you’re trying to establish. 10. Correct inappropriate behavior from the beginning. Things that might seem cute for a puppy to do are totally unacceptable behavior for a full grown dog. Correct these behaviors from the start with your puppy – before habits form. The longer the behavior occurs the stronger the habit forms – the more difficult it will be to eliminate the behavior. Nip it in the bud!

Practice the above tips when training your dog. Always keep in mind that patience, persistence, and consistence are key. Throw in lavish praise and reward – and you will both be well on your way to success. You can visit: http://www.e-dog-training.com for more FREE helpful tips, information, and FREE canine cuisine recipes too!

Http://www.e-dog-training.com provides FREE information, tips, and advice on dog and puppy training, dog care, dog health & nutrition, canine cuisine recipes, and all things dogs – all provided FREE – without obligation.

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It is an unfortunate fact that many problems with regard to dog biting are not handled properly or are just ignored. As dogs mature in age, dog biting can become more serious and many dogs who aggressively bite someone are euthanized at the dog pound .

However this can be avoided if dog biting is addressed early and the root cause of the dog biting is understood.

Biting is a form of dominance that dogs use in their normal pack relationships. A dog who bites another dog is seeking submission from the other dog and an acknowledgement of pack hierarchy. When you adopt a dog you and the dog are now part of his pack. The dog sees you as a pack member even though you are human.

When you adopt a puppy and dog biting is noticed at this early stage of life, they will often nip or mouth you or others in your family. The puppy is trying to resolve his position in his new pack .While this may seem cute at first it must be discouraged. If you allow the puppy to bite, even gently, he will believe that he is the dominant member of the pack. As he grows older his biting may well become more serious as he asserts his dog pack dominance by biting and possibly injuring you or another member of the family.

There are many ways to stop your pup from biting. Some trainers believe that using your hand to mimic a dog bite to the scruff of the neck will send the message that you are the one in charge of the pack. Others believe that a firm “no” will send the message that dog biting by a puppy is unacceptable.

As a puppy gets a bit older, play biting will continue in intensity that which was started as puppy dog mouthing while he was very young. When a young dog commences play biting he is telling you that he is in charge and you have better start falling in line.

As with the case of the new young puppy, this play biting by your dog must not be tolerated. Dog trainers have indicated that it is time to teach the dog his position in the pack. He should be taught that you are the leader of the pack, you will show him dominance in your behavior, but always in a calm and humane way.

This is not as tricky as it sounds. Many dog trainers will inquire as to who eats first, you or your dog. If you feed your dog first, a simple change that has him waiting for his food until you are finished eating will start to reset the order of dominance in the pack in your dog’s mind..

Once a dog is fully matured, dog biting can approach its most serious stage. The dog has now firmly established in his own mind that fact that he is in charge. If you do anything that is not pleasing to the dog, it is almost an imperative for him to bite you and teach you a lesson as to who’s the boss.

After all, the dog is now firmly in charge of the pack and you are just a subordinate. Get back in line private, barked the sergeant-major !

These are the cases where dogs are dumped, abandoned, given away or euthanized at dog shelters.

Yet, even at this stage all is not lost. A qualified dog trainer can help you regain dominance of the pack and of the dog. A new pecking order is necessary. The sergeant -major must be demoted to buck private and you must become a 5 Star General in the pack. This will be accomplished by modifying a range of behaviors under the guidance and supervision of the dog trainer.

It will take time , but in the end a new life and relationship await you and your dog. The best idea, of course, is to preclude dog biting from getting to this serious stage. Address dog biting early.

Stop your puppy from “mouthing” and your young dog from play biting. If you need any help, see a dog trainer. Many places hold group lessons and may be able to help you. Even if their dog trainers can’t work with the level of dog biting issue you are confronting, they can point you in the right direction top get control of your dog and to stop his biting for his own good and the safety of your family and others.

Dogs 4 Life has more information on dog biting and dog behavior that can be easily found at http://www.dogs-4life.com/disobedient-dog-help.html This article may be reproduced intact with the author’s link displayed.

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Do you ever wish you could wave a magic wand and stop unwanted dog behavior, like running away, pulling on the leash or jumping all over you. Maybe house training your dog isn’t going too well? Do you want to know how to stop your dog from running away, pulling, biting, barking, or chewing that expensive furniture? Well you can. It takes some training on your part to stop bad behavior, but it is worth it. Learning obedience training is the best way I know to gain perfect control of your dog’s problems. The great thing is it does not have to be frustrating. If you learn the right way, you will not only save time and money,but you will also save yourself a lot of heartache. It took me years of reading books, driving an hour one way to obedience classes, asking questions, watching others train……… you get the idea. It didn’t come overnight for me. I want to spare you all that time and money and trial and error.

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Take your time. Find what works for you. There are so many dogs that are given up because the owner can’t handle their dog’s behavior problems any more. Don’t let this happen to you and your dog. Obedience training your dog is the best way to gain control of your dog. But that’s not all. I’ve seen close relationships develop between dogs and their owners through dog obedience training. The greatest aspect to all this is it doesn’t take very long. You can have a well behaved companion fast, and you can start today. I want to encourage you to take the time , only 15 minutes/day training your dog and you CAN change any behavior problem into quality behavior. Keep it up for say 6 weeks. No excuses! You can practice inside if it’s raining. All it takes is little by little, steady as she goes, and before you know it WOW! you no longer have a problem dog, no biting, barking, chewing, pulling, run away dog. It works. Dog Training

Professional dog trainer, breeder and owner. I’ve worked with different breeds and sizes of dogs over the past 35 years. As a breeder I competed in obedience trials as well as confirmation shows(beauty contests, in case you didn’t know). I’ve also worked with many owners in obedience training. I love my dogs and feel that to get the closeness and companionship I treasure, dogs need to be trained.

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How to train your cat to do simple tricks:

Most cats require little training-they prefer to train themselves. Will they do tricks? Some will and some won’t. But if they won’t, it’s not because they’re not smart enough-it’s because they simply don’t want to! And if you’re determined to have a stunt cat, you’ve got to make your cat want to. Cats will not perform to please you. And they cannot be coaxed with fear or trickery. If you want to work with your cat, approach him when he is in the mood to come to you for play or affection.

Look for some action he does naturally that is either out of the ordinary or amusing and try to get him to repeat it in conjunction with your gentle command repeated again and again. When he performs, reward him with a bit of food and flattery. He likes treats with his tricks. Be careful not to tire the cat with practice sessions that are too long, or he may grow disgusted by the whole business!

Try to teach your cat these simple tricks:

Come To Call It is no trick to teach your cat to respond to his name. Use it all the time when you address him, and he will look at you whenever he hears it. “Come here” is just as easy. Command your cat to do what he already wants to do-for example, to come after a toy he been playing with or for his dish of food. By associating the phrase “Come here, Jason!” with his action of coming to you, he will soon respond to the phrase even when the come-on enticement is not in sight.

Roll Over Teaching a cat to obey this command makes use of the same principle-doing on command something he wants to do anyway. Your cat likes to have his stomach scratched, and when you do this, he rolls over on his back. Use the words “Jason, roll over” as you stroke him, then say it while only pretending to stroke him. Repeat it again and again until the word-command can replace the action. Praise him when he obeys and offer a tidbit.

Sit Up A catch will reach for a toy or tidbit by stretching up on his hind legs. Eventually he will tire and sit back on his haunches. Then you say “Sit Up!” Continue associating the word when he performs the action until the two are linked in his mind.

You may teach other lessons like “shake hands” or “lie down” using the same technique. Learning tricks keeps your cat’s mind alert and interested. But make his teaching periods short, regular, frequent-and remember-when he’s in the mood!

By M Adley http://www.petmedsonline.org
About the Author

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Today article:

by Don Sloan

The Sit Command is one of the easiest commands to teach your dog during dog training. The reason? It involves tactile (touch), the leash and collar combo, and praise (one of the most important ingredients in dog training).

Here’s the basic routine for the “Sit” command: position your dog by your left side, with the “pinch” collar (or the collar of your choice) in place around your dog’s neck. Your dog probably will be standing on your left, tongue hanging out, wondering what’s next. Yup, yup – what’s next?

It’s simple. Every command sequence follows basically the same routine, a standard in programming dog behavior: a minimum of words, tactile reinforcement of the command (until they start associating the command with the action), and praise – lots and lots of praise (when the action is completed correctly :-)

Here’s how it goes in sequence: Call the dog by name, speak the Sit command, and follow through with touch.

In this case, for my dog, it would be “Honey! Sit!” spoken in a commanding tone. The first time, your puppy dog will not have any idea what you mean.

So, with your right hand, you will pull up on the leash while pushing down on the dog’s hindquarters with your left hand. Forcibly, if need be.

The combination of the two actions following the sit command may bring a surprised yelp and a bit of struggle. But gently (and firmly) pull up with your right hand, and push down with your left. The dog really has no choice but to comply, and as he or she does so, lavish them with praise.

As I said, the first time for the sit command will be a new experience for you both. But the second time will be a bit easier. And the third, and the fourth time, as each completed command is followed with praise, you’ll be thinking: “this dog behavior, dog training thing is a snap” – but only when the dog’s hindquarters are actually touching the ground can the celebration begin. Then, the reinforcement in the dog behavior will be clearly associated with the command and the subsequent action.

By the time you get to the tenth time, believe it or not, the dog will likely already be in the motion of sitting down as your right hand goes up with the leash, and your left hand is reaching for the dog’s hind end.

Repetition is like magic for dogs! Issue the same command, in the same tone of voice, in the same sequence, as many times as you want to practice this. But I would not try it more than 10 times in a row – both of you will get bored.

Happy Sitting!

Don Sloan is an experienced dog trainer who has worked for ten years with the Humane Society, teaching dogs (and their owners) how to get the control and obedience they want! Visit his website at http://www.tenstepdogtraining.com.

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Everyone knows that dogs love to go for a walk, but did you know your dog receives 7 important health benefits every time you snap on the leash? These important health benefits make it worth your time to leash train your dog.

Since many of our dogs are just as overweight and out of shape as their owners, taking your dog for a walk will give him all the same fitness benefits that people get from a walking program. The fact that you care enough about your dog to want him to keep him healthy will keep you on your own exercise program, too.

In addition to the fitness benefits, walking can also improve moods, for both people and dogs. Walking causes your brain to produce more serotonin, a mood enhancing chemical. Walking also causes your brain to produce less cortisol, a stress hormone. When the brain chemicals are re-balanced this way, both you and your dog be calmer and less anxious and less stressed out.

In other words, walking regularly will make both you and your dog happier, healthier, and perhaps even more enjoyable to be around.

Since a dog’s normal lifespan is so much shorter than ours, the effect of a sedentary lifestyle and too much food has an even more devastating effect on dogs than on people. The stress of excess weight and too much fat can cut a dog’s life short by as much as two years, according to Marty Becker, DVM, the author of The Healing Power of Pets. Walking daily will prevent many of the more common health problem in dogs.

Regular exercise, including a daily walk, will tone your dog’s muscles, improve his digestion, and make him feel happily tired. It may also boost his immune system. And it could even prolong his life, because excess weight leads to chronic illnesses in dogs, such as heart disease and diabetes. Getting regular exercise helps your dog keep his weight down, so he can stay healthy.

Once you establish a regular walking program, your dog may experience some or all the following benefits:

1. A regular walking program will help your overweight dog lose the extra pounds, which will help him feel more energetic and enthusiastic about life.

2. The weight loss could help him live longer, and the regular, gentle exercise could help reduce any pain he now feels from arthritis, hip displasia, or simple inactivity. (Remember, if your dog has any problems with his joints, or any illnesses that affect his breathing or movement, talk to his vet before beginning any exercise program.)

3. The increased fitness could reduce the chance that he will get one of the chronic diseases associated with excess weight, such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoarthritis.

4. Your dog will look up to you as the real leader of the household, and the two of you will form a strong, natural bond.

5. Some disciplinary problems may go away on their own when your dog starts getting the exercise he really needs and when he can use his brain and creative intelligence while discovering the world outside. 6. He’ll probably feel calmer, more content, and more playful because he feels better, and because his internal chemistry has adjusted to more normal levels.

7. He’ll sleep better, and snore less. This may not seem like a big deal unless you’ve become accustomed to waking up many times in the night because your dog just can’t get comfortable. Overweight dogs (like overweight people) tend to snore.

So get out and walk every day with your dog. It will make both of you happier, and healthier.

Website owners, link to my easy leash training book. Earn 50%. Info at http://www.dog-trekker.com/internet-affiliate-program.htm

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Potty training a dog is one of the most frustrating things you will have to do. Take heart in the fact that once your dog gets the potty training, you won’t have to teach it again. In many ways, potty training can be rewarding too. Not only can you help your pets to stop making messes on your favorite carpeting, but you can develop a strong relationship of trust and bonding with them to.

Here are 5 steps to make potty training successful in your home.

1.Use a crate. Crate training is very effective. A crate is used to allow your pet to have a place to sleep and teaches them to control their bladder. They won’t soil their bedding. Then, when it is time to get up and go out, you can easily do just that. The dog learns from the start that you control potty time.

2.After meals, give your pet 15 minutes and then take them out. Food is a trigger not only to eat but also to go. When it comes to potty training success, allow your pet to get outside when the urge is approaching. What’s more is that you shouldn’t leave food out. Put it down for them at the designated time and allow them to eat for 15 minutes to 30 minutes and remove the bowl. Soon he will learn and that again allows you to control potty time.

3.Pick a potty spot. Select the area of your yard that you want your pet to go in. Take them to that spot every time to go. This will help your puppy to learn that when he needs to go, he needs to come here. What’s more is that the smell of urine is yet another trigger to your pet to go.

4.Don’t reward them with food. Remember that rewards need to be emotional, and therefore it is more successful to give them a reward of a patting and rub down then it is for you to hand them a treat. Also, treats are food which triggers potty time again!

5.Reward success, but don’t punish accidents. Although you will be angry and you will want to punish your pet, your pet does not see this as a bad thing. He sees it as attention. He also can become aggressive as well as not like to be around you. Dogs don’t relate their potty mistake to the punishment you are given them. Instead, ignore them when they do something wrong. Don’t speak to them or interact with them.

Caring for your dog is hard work, but when it comes to potty training, success can and will happen when you install these five tips into your program.

Michael Lewis is an editor at ClearlyPets.com where you can find more articles about dog training.

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