Crate Training

One of the most important things is to get a dog crate. Whenever you are not home, put the dog in the crate. The dog will not want to eliminate in the crate, because it is a confined area, and he sleeps in there. As soon as you get home, let the dog out of the crate, and take him outside right away. This way, he will automatically wait to relieve himself until he goes outside.

Work With Your Puppy

When you are home, it is a little trickier. You will have to observe your dog closely, and as soon as you see that he is about to go in the house, stop him and take him outside. Don’t give your puppy the run of the house right away. Close off some areas with baby gates or by closing doors. This way, you will be able to keep a closer eye on him, and catch him in the act if he starts going to the bathroom.

It will help to put the dog on a consistent schedule. Feed him and take your puppy outside at the same times every day. Always take him out first thing in the morning, after eating, when you get home, and last thing at night. Also, take him out every few hours. For a puppy, you may have to get up in the night and let him out as well.

Taking Your Dog Outside

When you get the dog outside, pick a command such as “go potty”, and say it every time. Whenever you see the dog relieving himself, say your phrase. Pretty soon he will understand and associate the phrase with going to the bathroom.

Always take the puppy to the same place in the yard to go potty. This will help to reinforce why he is there, and it will become a habit. Give him lots of praise when he goes. Make a big fuss about him at first, so that he knows he is doing something great by sucessfully going outside. You could even reward him with a treat if you want. Soon just taking him to his potty place will remind him to relieve himself.

Accidents Happen

Accidents are bound to happen at first. When your puppy has an accident in the house, don’t punish him. This will just make him fearful. Instead, just say “no”, and take him out right away. Say your “go potty” phrase when he is outside. Clean up the mess in the house right away. Use an odor eliminator that is made for getting rid of pet smells. Otherwise the puppy will smell that spot and want to go there again.

After a while, you will start to notice when the puppy has to go out. Start to take him out at those times.

Paper Training

It is possible to paper train a puppy as well. This involves having the puppy pee or poop on newspapers or special puppy pads inside the house. The problem with this method is that once the dog gets used to going inside the house, it will be hard to teach it later to go outside. So only do this if you want the dog to go on papers or pads for the rest of its life.

Other Problems

If you are having problems with your dog peeing in the house even after he should be housetrained, you might be dealing with submissive urination. This is when the dog pees out of fear or nervousness. This is not a potty training issue. Instead, you have to deal with the fear problem. Ask your vet or a professional dog trainer for suggestions.

Potty Training Success

Housebreaking a puppy or adult dog will be a breeze if you follow theses suggestions. Be patient, and use lots of praise and rewards for good behavior. Expect a few accidents and mistakes as part of the process. Don’t get too excited about this. Your dog will learn the proper behavior with a little time.

Potty Training Videos

Here is a video with some great tips about potty training your dog:

And here is a great idea for how your dog can let you know that he needs to go out to go potty:

Photo credit: bdollproject

(Alternative name: Monkey Dog)

Affenpinscher Appearance

Weighing 7 to 8 pounds (3-4 kg) and not exceeding 10.25 inches (26-27 cm) in height at the withers, the Affenpinscher has bushy eyebrows, shaggy hair, and a monkey-like appearance. The coat is medium long and is harsh and wiry in texture. The FCI breed standards specifies that the coat must be black, but the AKC also allows gray, silver, red, black and tan, and beige; other clubs have their own lists of acceptable colours, with black always being the preference.

Affenpinscher Dog

Affenpinscher Temperament

Affenpinschers have an appearance that some associate with terriers. They are different from terriers, however, in that they are actually part of the pinscher-schnauzer subgroup of group 2 in the FCI classification so often get along with other dogs and pets. They are active, adventurous, curious, and stubborn, but they are also fun-loving and playful. The breed is confident, lively, affectionate towards family members and also very protective of them. This loyal little dog enjoys being with its family. It needs consistent, firm training because some can be quite difficult to housebreak. The training should be varied because the dog can easily become bored.

Affenpinschers are somewhat territorial when it comes to their toys and food, so they are not recommended for very small children. This dog is mostly quiet but can become very excited if attacked or threatened and shows no fear toward any aggressor. It is best suited for a family who likes a show and has a sense of humor.

Affenpinscher Health

The breed can be expected to live about 14-15 years. It is one of the healthiest breeds, with no known genetic health problems.

Affenpinscher History

The breed is European in origin and dates back to the seventeenth century. Its name is derived from the German affe (“ape”, “monkey”) and pinscher (“terrier”). The breed predates and is ancestral to the Griffon Bruxellois (Brussels Griffon) and Belgian Griffon. Dogs of the Affenpinscher type have been known since about 1600 but these were somewhat larger, about 12 to 13 inches, and came in colors of gray, black, fawn, black and tan, gray and tan, and even red. White feet and chest were also common. The breed was created to be a ratter, working to remove rodents from kitchens, granaries, and stables.

Purina Dog Food Coupons

You can get Purina coupons for saving $3 on Fit and Trim Purina Dog Food, or coupons for “buy 1 get 1 free” of the Purina canned food, or even coupons for getting Purina Pro Plan dof food for free! Check back often as the type of dog food coupons will change.

You also can get coupons for Purina dog food at the Purina website, www.purina.com. I saw coupons there for a free can of Purina dog food, a coupon for a house training product, and for kitty litter. These coupons can change, too, of course.

Or you might want to check to see about ordering your dog food online. You might not get a coupon, but you will save time and energy. Here are some of the Purina products at Petco:

Purina ONE Senior Protection Formula Dog Food

Purina ONE gives you the nutritional tools you need to proactively manage your dog’s health and long, active life through wellness and special formulas, all backed by the latest scientific research.

Veterinarians at Purina have identified Six Signs of Optimal Pet Health, and Purina ONE is formulated to deliver all six. For senior dogs, body condition should be the focus. Purina ONE Senior Protection Formula is designed to promote your senior dog’s body condition by helping maintain his muscle mass for strength and energy. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your veterinarian for assistance in assessing your dog’s health.

Six Signs of Optimal Pet Health

* Body Condition: Indicated by a lean body and strong muscles.
o Optimal protein level helps maintain lean body mass for strong muscles and muscle mobility.
o Fortified with vitamins and minerals to help support healthy organ function–including a strong heart.
* Immune System: Indicated by overall well-being.
o Antioxidant-rich, complete and balanced nutrition helps support a strong immune system.
o Antioxidants vitamins E and C and selenium, help fight the stresses of aging in older dogs.
* Bone & Joint Health: Indicated by bone strength and joint function.
o Enriched with key nutrients, including calcium and phosphorus, to support healthy joints and maintain strong bones.
* Digestion: Indicated by nutrient digestibility.
o Wholesome ingredients, including real chicken and rice, provide high digestibility.
o Scientifically formulated for optimal nutrient absorption so more nutrients go to work inside your dog and less pass through as waste.
* Skin, Coat & Eyes: Indicated by condition of skin, coat, and eyes.
o Complete nutrition with omega-6 fatty acids makes a visible difference in your dog’s healthy skin and shiny coat.
o Vitamin A helps promote bright, healthy eyes.
* Dental Health: Indicated by condition of teeth.
o Small, crunchy kibble helps reduce accumulation of tartar and plaque, whiten teeth, and freshen breath.

Contains no fillers, artificial colors, or flavors.

Purina ONE Healthy Weight Wholesome Entree Canned Dog Food

Made with healthy weight management in mind, Purina ONE Healthy Weight Wholesome Entrée Canned Dog Food is nutritionally complete for adult dogs, so you can feel confident you’re providing the nutrition your dog needs to help promote a lifetime of good health. Wholesome, nutritious ingredients like chicken, liver, oat meal and brown rice delivers the taste your puppy loves. Formulated to promote lean muscle mass, to help keep your dog at his best.

Purina Chef Michael’s Canine Creations Filet Mignon Adult Dog Food

Purina Chef Michael’s Canine Creations Filet Mignon Dog Food is a chef inspired, dog desired meal. Whenever Chef Michael cooked at home, Bailey would dance in anticipation at his feet, her tail madly wagging. So Chef Michael decided to create a line of hearty meals inspired by Bailey’s favorite flavors, starting with the real meat dogs really want. Now, Chef Michael’s Canine Creations let you cater to your dog’s own desire every day. A delightful crunchy blend of filet mignon garnished with potatoes and green beans. This delectable dish is full of meaty goodness that will make your dog’s mouth water. Nothing delights your dog like the ultimate steak flavor. Your dog will lose herself in the tenderness and mealtime pleasure, savoring the robust flavor that satisfies even the most hearty appetite. Finally you can give your dog the mouthwatering goodness of a prime buffet but in a healthy way.

Purina Puppy Chow Complete Nutrition Formula

100% Complete & Balanced Nutrition That Builds, Replenishes & Repairs Every Day
Your puppy isn’t just growing, he’s also depleting energy stores and causing wear and tear on muscles and joints just by being playful. The fact is, from the moment he’s born and throughout his lifetime, his body is building, replenishing, and repairing itself 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That why Purina created the Purina Puppy Chow Build Replenish Repair Philosophy–to provide your puppy with the smart nutrition he needs to optimize this ongoing lifelong process, so he stays vigorously healthy now and as an adult.

Build

* Digestive System
Provides a well-balanced diet including amino acids and electrolytes to help a puppy’s intestinal cells develop, so he can absorb the nutrients he needs.
* Bones & Joints
Contains a complex spectrum of essential nutrients needed for a puppy’s proper growth, including the development of healthy bones and joints.
* Healthy Immune System
Formulated with high-quality protein and a special antioxidant blend to help build and support a healthy immune system.

Replenish

* Vital Organs Including a Healthy Heart
Contains all the nutrients needed to replenish and support vital organs, including a healthy heart.

Repair

* Muscle Cells
Provides the amino acids and minerals needed to support a puppy’s natural ability to repair and maintain healthy muscle cells.

Puppies grow and develop at a rapid rate, so they need up to twice the nutrition of adult dogs. That’s why Purina Puppy Chow Complete Nutrition Formula is specially formulated with the extra nutrition your puppy needs for proper growth and development. High-quality ingredients come together in a complete and balanced diet that helps build, replenish, and repair your puppy’s body non-stop.

* 100% complete and balanced nutrition for your puppy’s first year, up to two years for large breeds.
* High-quality protein, including protein from egg, promotes overall proper development.
* Great taste encourages a healthy appetite.

And again, for that link to the Purina coupons on Ebay, this is it:
Purina Dog Food Coupons

How to Modify Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety Using Behavior Modification Techniques

By Kristi Patrice Carter

Separation anxiety is a condition that affects millions of dogs around the globe. It is a condition that causes intense anxiety, fear, and nervousness when the dog is separated from their human companions or pack leaders. As a result, many dogs with separation anxiety attempt to relieve their anxiety by digging, escaping, self mutilating, chewing, barking, or excessively whining.

Photo by derfel_ie

In order to help your dog overcome dog separation anxiety, you will have to retrain him to deal with the anxious feelings that he experiences while you’re gone. For some dogs, medication may be needed, but for others behavior modification is best. In this article, we’ll discuss the fundamentals of behavior modification as a way to counter condition your dog’s negative behavior and recondition him to not feel stressed and anxious upon your absence.

1. First of all, you must understand that separation anxiety is a medical condition that only gets worse with time. It is not something that you can ignore. Therefore, if your dog is experiencing the symptoms of dog separation anxiety, you should take him to the veterinarian right away. Your veterinarian will do a complete health exam and offer tips and possibly medication to assist him.

2. Second, don’t escalate the problem. This means that you must make a commitment to not spoil your dog. That is, you can’t enable his condition by giving him your undivided attention when you’re home. This just teaches him that your life revolves around his. For instance, if your dog follows you around all the time, then don’t let him. Encourage him to have his own interests and to play by himself. Give him accolades when he plays independently.

3. Third, engage in basic obedience training. That is, you must be careful not to respond to all his demands for attention and to only give him attention when you’re ready to give it to him. For instance, if your dog jumps on you for cuddles, gently push him away without making eye contact. Then when you’re ready for cuddles, you should do so on your own time. You can call him over to you and offer him your attention. Another example is if he constantly barks and whines, ignore him. This will demonstrate that you’re the “leader of the pack” and that negative behavior will not be tolerated.

4. Fourth, give your dog plenty of exercise every single day. Exercising him for about 15 minutes a day (especially before you get ready to leave) will inevitably tire him out and cause him to feel more relaxed and less stressed. After all, a tired dog is often a calmer one.

5. Fifth, in addition to not spoiling your dog, you should prepare him for departures. That is, most dogs experience separation anxiety quite intensely as soon as you leave home, so you should start paying less attention to him about 20 minutes before you leave. This will help you distance yourself from him and mentally prepare him for your departure. Another option is ignore him for 6-8 hours when you’re at home. This teaches him how to handle being alone and encourages him to entertain himself.

6. Lastly, you can try the following:

a. Only give him free access to a smaller part of the house and then extend that time as you notice a positive behavior change. Another suggestion is to use a crate when you’re away which can help him feel less anxious. The only exception to this is if a crate makes him feel more anxious. In that case, a baby gate may work better.

b. Give him some special treats when you leave. Most dogs love natural sterilized bones or a special squeaky toy. Another option is to make him a buried treasure box full of toys.

c. Put on tape recording of yourself talking, but make sure that you play the same tape when you’re at home, as well.

d. Dog proof the house. You should cover electrical cords, close toilets, doors, cabinets, etc. In addition, you can spray items with a terrible tasting spray like bitter apple to keep him from chewing on it when you’re gone.

In conclusion, dog separation anxiety is a condition that affects many dogs. By engaging in a behavior modification program, you can retrain your dog’s negative behavior and teach him to enjoy being alone. Although it may take some time, the key is to not give up on your dog. But be patient and believe that he can and will get better with time!

Do you know what Puggles are? They are dogs who are a mix of a Pug and a Beagle. Here are some pictures of puggles so you can see for yourself:

A cute puggle.

A puggle puppy.

Another cute puggle.

A sad-eyed puggle.

Another puggle puppy.

I hope you enjoyed these puggle pictures!

Have you thought about sending your dog to obedience school? Could your dog use some professional training? Here is some great information you can use when choosing a dog obedience school.

Choosing A Good Dog Obedience School

By Lee Dobbins

Everyone wants a well trained dog, but sometimes your pet may be a little difficult or you just might not have the time or know how to train him properly. Luckily you can get help and it’s as easy as enrolling your dog in a dog obedience school.

Perhaps you have seen people with unruly dogs, or maybe even have resigned yourself to think that your dog will never do as he’s told. Maybe you’ve gotten used to coming home from work and finding chewed shoes and trash all over the house. Perhaps you’ve even taken to walking your dog at night when no neighbors are out because you simply can’t control him when people and other dogs are around.

You don’t have to resign yourself to thinking your dog will never behave and in, fact you owe it to yourself and your pet to do everything you can to get him trained properly. Having a well behaved dog can save trouble for both yourself and your pet. An unruly dog could bite a neighbor or child causing you legal problems. If your dog barks a lot or gets loose all the time you may even find yourself in trouble with the police. And most importantly, if your dog will not come when called, you have limited methods to keep him out of harms way.

A dog obedience school trainer will show you how to communicate with your dog to get him to listen to you. He’ll learn how to behave around people as well as other dogs and the basic commands such as “down”, “sit”, “stay”, and “heel”. Your dog will probably even enjoy this as he will get to spend time with you which is all he really wants in the first place!

Picking a dog obedience school is kind of like choosing a school for your kids – you want to be sure to send him to the right one. Of course, since you will probably be attending as well you want one that works for the both of you so you need to do a little research before you settle on the school.

One thing to consider when researching dog obedience schools is a reference from others who have attended the school. Perhaps you have a friend, co-worker or neighbor you can ask? If not you can ask the school for references and phone someone who has been through the program. You should have a list of basic questions you can ask about the school and the outcome of the dog’s training. If you get positive answers then you may have found your school, otherwise, it’s time to move on to the next choice.

Another thing you want to do when narrowing down your choice of obedience schools is to visit the “campus”. Just like picking a college, you want to be sure that the school offers a good environment. Make sure the school seems well organized and the trainers are knowledgeable. Also, you will probably want a friendly environment where your dog (and you) feel comfortable.

Talking to the trainers at the school is also a good idea. Find out about the methods that each instructor uses and you might even introduce them to your dog to be sure they will get along. Your training will be much more successful if both you and your dog are comfortable with the trainer.

Dog obedience school can be a great way to turn your unruly pet into a great companion that will not embarrass you in social situations and you can really take anywhere you want. The whole training process can help you bond with your dog and truly help him be your best friend.

Have you wondered what Cockapoos look like? Here are some pictures of cockapoos for you to see:

A cockapoo up close!

A white cockapoo.

Cockapoo with a regal posture.

A cockapoo in the snow.

A very happy cockapoo!

A cute cockapoo puppy.

Many people wonder how to house train their dog. It is not too hard if you follow some simple guidelines. Terry Edwards gives some great potty-training tips in this article.

How To House Train Your Dog

By Terry Edwards

House training a dog is perhaps one of the biggest subjects when it comes to dog obedience training. If you do it right, there isn’t that much of a hassle. However, many people have trouble when it comes to potty training their dog because there is a bit of a commitment involved. In his article, I will give you some tips to train your dog quickly and effectively.

Dogs do not think like humans do. They do not have the ability to reason like we do, nor can they interpret verbal communication effectively. However, they can make simple associations. All dog training boils down to creating positive associations to positive behaviors and negative associations to negative behaviors.

This means you will need to have a strategy for positively reinforcing good behaviors when house training a dog. What are yours? They can be simple words of encouragement, affectionate touching, or even treats and chew toys as rewards. Anytime your dog does something positive, you must reinforce it. The quicker you reinforce it, and the more consistently you reinforce their behavior, the more of that behavior you will get.

Also, develop a strategy to punish bad behavior. Usually, a simple “No!” and a look of disdain is good enough. Additionally, you might tug on their collar to show them that you do not approve of that behavior.

Potty training a dog revolves around routines. Until you have properly trained your pet, you should have a schedule for when you take them out. Ideally, you should take them out every morning around the same time, 20 minutes after they have finished their meals, and before bedtime.

Also, put your dog on a feeding schedule as well. Feed them at the same time everyday. This way you are taking them out at the same time everyday as well. These types of routines make it easier for dogs to learn to act how you want them to act.

Finally, when house training a dog; you must be patient and loving with them. Dogs rarely learn overnight, but if you are affectionate towards them and you continually work with them you can train them properly It takes a bit for you to understand the different signals your dog will send you, but by patiently observing them you will soon be able to pick up on the subtle communications your dog is giving you.

I just got done watching the first episode of The Greatest American Dog. I really enjoyed the show. I think that if you are a dog lover, you will like it too.

There was plenty of fun interaction among the dogs and their owners. In one instance, Tillman, the skateboarding Bulldog, got his skateboard stolen by Ezzie, the hyper Boston Terrier.

The first contest was a game of musical chairs with the dogs, which was great to watch. The dogs played musical chairs until only one dog was left. The winners, J.D. and Galaxy, got to stay in the amazing Dog Bone suite all by themselves. The rest of the dogs and owners had to share rooms. Except for one unlucky pair, David and Elvis, who had to stay outside in the doghouse – yes, the owner David too. The pair to stay in the doghouse was chosen by the dog bone winner, J.D.

But the doghouse wasn’t too bad, especially after the other contestants brought out an extra mattress, pillows, and goodies for David and Elvis. I think this was a smart move, since anyone could end up in the doghouse on future episodes, so they might as well set a precedent of taking care of the poor pair in the doghouse!

The next competition was a talent show, with three teams. Each team had to put on a show, and all the shows turned out pretty cute. The three dogs and their humans with the worst dog/owner interaction were singled out, and one of these would be eliminated.

It turned out that Michael and Ezzie were sent home. I wasn’t surprised, since the judges pointed out how nervous and scared Ezzie was. She was not enjoying herself at all in the talent competition. It made you wonder what Michael did to make Ezzie so nervous. I think it was better that they got sent home before Michael got Ezzie even more worked up. I felt sorry for the poor dog.

So goodbye, Michael and Ezzie, and I’m looking forward to next week’s episode of The Greatest American Dog!

Some of the coupons, you get $5 off a bag of dog food, some were 10 coupons of $2 each for canned food, and this is just the dog food coupons that I saw right now. I am sure the coupons keep changing, and you can get really good deals on your Science Diet dog food. (Or even cat food.)

Here is the Science Diet Website at www.hillspet.com, but I checked and did not see any coupons for dog food there. You are probably better off getting your dog food coupons here.

Or you can purchase it at Petco. For example, you can buy:

Hill’s Science Diet Light Adult Small Bites Adult Dry Dog Food

Superior Nutrition For The Lifelong Health Of Your Pet
Science Diet Light Adult Small Bites adult dry dog food is a low fat, low calorie food specially formulated for dogs that are prone to gaining weight. It is ideally suited for dogs one to six years of age.

* High quality protein helps maintain strong bones and muscles.
* Essential fatty acids help maintain proper function of nervous and immune systems as well as promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
* Digestible carbohydrates supply energy for adult dogs.
* Vitamins and minerals provide an ideal balance of vitamins and minerals for adult dogs.
* Naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols (a form of vitamin E) for freshness and great taste.

Adult Dry Dog Food Enriched with L-Carnitine

* Promotes fat metabolism by working to turn fat into energy.
* Works to maintain lean body mass by helping utilize fat.
* Supports lean muscles and a strong heart.

Superior antioxidant formula has higher level of vitamins E and C versus all leading brands.
Science Diet Light Adult Small Bites adult dry dog food has a powerful combination of antioxidants to help protect against cell damage and help your dog stay healthy and live long.

Science Diet is the vets #1 choice to feed their own pets.
More veterinarians feed Science Diet to their own pets than any other brand. Each Science Diet adult dry dog food formula is properly balanced and provides complete and balanced nutrition for your pet. Every Science Diet formula addresses age, activity level, and size.

Feel confident you are feeding the best. Science Diet has been fed to millions of pets and is subject to one of the most stringent testing programs in the industry.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Lamb Meal and Rice Recipe Large Breed Dog Food

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Lamb Meal and Rice Recipe Large Breed was specially developed for the unique needs of large breed dogs to help support bone, joint, cartilage and muscle health. Made just for large breed dogs weighing 55-110 lbs. who are 1 to 5 years of age and giant breed dogs weighing 110+ lbs. who are 1 to 4 years of age. Unique antioxidant blend helps dogs maintain a strong immune system, stay healthy and live long. Glucosamine and chondroitin support healthy joints and cartilage, L-Carnitine promotes lean muscles and burns fat, easy to digest for superior nutrient absorption and Omega fatty acids for precisely balanced healthy skin and a radiant coat.

Hill’s Science Diet Nature’s Best Adult Dog Food

* Clinically Proven to:
o To provide complete, balanced nutrition
o To maintain ideal body weight
o To maintain lean muscle and avoid excess body fat
o Antioxidants to maintain cellular health because they fight free radicals
* Clinically Proven Antioxidant Formula has a higher level of vitamins E + C versus major competitive brands; has a powerful combination of antioxidants helps keep the immune system healthy; and antioxidants are known to help slow cell oxidation.
* Real Lamb or Real Chicken High-quality protein with essential amino acids dogs need to helps dogs maintain strong muscles and a healthy body
* Nourishing Fatty Acids Help maintain proper function of nervous and immune systems, as well as promote healthy skin and a shiny coat
* Wholesome Grains Brown rice, oats and barley gives your pet energy to burn. These carbohydrates are also a source of fiber, vitamins and fatty acids
* Naturally Preserved Mixed tocopherols (a form of vitamin E) preserve freshness and great taste
* Garden Vegetables Peas and carrots are natural sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber to help maintain a dog’s optimal health

Hill’s Science Diet Savory Chicken Canned Puppy Food

* Helps puppies develop strong muscles, bones and teeth and has all the essential nutrients puppies need to grow up strong and healthy
* Essential Fatty Acids help maintain proper function of nervous and immune systems, as well as promote healthy skin and a shiny coat
* Developed to meet the higher energy needs of puppies up to 12 months, and pregnant and nursing dogs

But remember that your best bet might be to check this link for Science Diet dog food coupons.