Is Puppy Training Necessary?

I believe puppy training or behavior training should be mandatory when getting a puppy or rescuing a dog from a shelter; especially if you have never owned a dog.

Sadly, to many people get a puppy on impulse.  They just couldn't resist the cute puppy in the pet store; they take their cute bundle of fluff home with little knowledge of how much responsibility they have just taken on.

First, there is Potty Training. Potty training comes easy to some puppies and harder for others. Potty training should start the day you bring your puppy home.

In general puppies have to go potty 1 hour for each month they are.  A 2 month (8 week) old puppy needs to go to potty every 11/2-2 hours during the day and about 2 to 3 times during the night. A 4 month old puppy needs to go about every 3-4 hours during the day and should be sleeping through the night.

Second, is biting, chewing, nipping and jumping.  We have to teach our puppies what they can chew on  and what they can't.  Everything to your puppy is a toy or something to eat. It's so important to puppy proof your home as you would for a baby and to teach you puppy what they can and cannot play with.

Do you have a large or a small breed? If you have a large breed dog, DO NOT treat them like they are a small breed dog. If you don't want share your sofa with a 120 lbs dog, then don't let the 10 lbs puppy on the couch.

It's your responsibility to teach your puppy good manners, proper behavior and to respond to commands the first time you speak.  This is what a training/behavior classes teaches you.

So many puppies are given to shelters and rescues centers between the ages of 7 months to 1 year because of bad behaviors; 99% of the time it's due to lack of training for both the owner and the dog.

There are far to many dogs that are in shelters and abused because of lack of knowledge.  Before getting a puppy or a dog, research the breed; make sure the breed is the right fit for your family. Far to many times we pick our dogs on looks alone. This is a critical error and you should never pick your dog on looks alone.

Different breeds are bred for different jobs.  If you are a couch potato and do not enjoy really long walks, a Husky would defiantly be the wrong choice.  If you are really active and enjoy running and biking, a Bull Mastiff or Great Dane would not be a good choice for you; a Husky or a hunting breed like a German Pointer or Doberman Pincer would be a better fit for your lifestyle. Click here to read about different breeds of dogs.

Remember a dog is a part of your family, make sure you pick the right dog for your families wants and needs.

Also, make sure to sign up for a training class; either private or a group class.  Training is more about teaching you to teach your dog.

What Breed Should I Get?

When you have decided to get a dog or puppy first ask yourself what you want your dog for; is it a family pet, a companion, for outdoor activities. I would recommend making a list of the traits you would like to see in your do and what you want to do with your dog. Next research the different breeds and find the one that will best fit into your lifestyle.

Please see below a list of the most popular breeds, click on the name to see a summary, their history and if the breed right for you.

Please post any questions you may have regarding breeds of dogs and what may be a good recommendation for you.

I will be updating this list regularly; If you don't see the breed you were looking for, let me know and I will get you the information.

Labrador Retriever
German Shepard
Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
Beagle
Golden Retriever
Boxer
English Bulldog
Dachshund
Poodle (Standard)
Shih Tzu
Miniature Schnauzer
Chihuahua
Rottweiler
Pomeranian
Doberman Pinscher
Pug
Shetland Sheepdog
Maltese
Australian Shepherd
Basset Hound
Bichon Frise
Boston Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chesapeake Bay Retrieve
Chinese Shar-Pei
Cocker Spaniel
Collie
English Springer Spaniel
Great Dane
Havanese
Jack Russell Terrier
Lhasa Apso
Mastiff
Miniature Pinscher
Papillon
Pekingese
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Saint Bernard
Siberian Husky
Weimaraner
West Highland White Terrier
Pointer(German Short haired)


          

CPR For Your Dog

Learning CPR for Dogs can save your pets life one day.

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Are Dogs Color Blind?

For many years it was thought that dogs were completely color blind and could only see black and white. A few years ago, studies confirmed that dogs, are not able to see the full color spectrum as humans; but are able to see limited colors. Dogs have a red-green color deficiency known as Protanopia. With Protanopia, the eye lacks the long-wavelength sensitive retinal cones making it impossible to differentiate between the green-yellow-red section of the color spectrum.


For the protanope, the brightness of red, orange, and yellow is much reduced compared to normal. This dimming can be so pronounced that reds may be confused with black or dark gray, and red traffic lights may appear to be extinguished. They may learn to distinguish reds from yellows and from greens primarily on the basis of their apparent brightness or lightness, not on any perceptible hue difference. – from Wikipedia

How our dogs see the world

How dogs and humans see colors

Welcome to the October 4, 2012 edition of Diamond Dog Training.

Kitty Condos and Canines in Cargo – What’s the Best Option For Your "Going on vacation? Whether you're bringing your pet along or have to leave it behind, plan ahead to ensure your furry friend is well cared for. 

Here are our pet travel tips!"

Kitty Condos and Canines in Cargo – What’s the Best Option For Your Pet?

BY ADELLE ON APRIL 14, 2012 · 0 COMMENTS

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Nothing beats looking forward to a vacation – except, of course, going on one. But when you have a pet, you can’t just book the first travel deal that pops up in your inbox. Deciding whether to bring your pet or leave them behind requires diligent research, and probably involves some nail-biting as well. The good news is that, according to the Department of Transportation, lost pets, pet injuries and deaths all declined in 2011. But whether or not you bring your furry friend along, taking a trip requires advance planning and preparation to make sure your animal companion enjoys itself during your vacation as much as possible.

Leaving Your Pet Behind

Your cat probably won’t even notice you’re gone, while leaving might break your dog’s heart. Either way, they’ll appreciate being taken care of in your absence.

Kennel

If you want to give your furry friend its own vacation, consider boarding them in a kennel. Many kennels offer a suite of activities for your dog, and can customize their experience. Many urban cities have boutique kennels, but both PetSmart and Best Friends Pet Care offer kennel services in cities across the country. Prices vary depending on location, but a survey of Best Friends Pet Care locations showed kitty condos starting anywhere from $16-$21/night, and dog boarding ranging from $22-$40/night. Depending on the kennel, those fees are typically for the boarding only and do not include extra services, such as taking your pet out for exercise and attention. These services will cost you more. If it’s in your budget, this is a great way to give your furry friend their own vacation while you’re away.

Pet-Sitter

If boarding your pet in a kennel is out of your price range, consider asking a trusted friend who is familiar with your pet to look after them for you. Or, ask your friends that love animals. They may be very eager to get to have a pet for a weekend. But remember that not everyone, especially those who rent, are allowed to have pets in their own home. Also be sure to compensate them for their time and effort!

Taking Your Pet With You

If you’re unable or unwilling to leave your pet grounded while you travel you still have options for getting them safely to your destination.

Use a Pet Airline?

Until recently, if you were traveling between Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, upstate New York, Omaha or Phoenix, you could send your pet on their very own flight! Pet Airways promised to transport your pet in their main cabin, with a dedicated staff to look after your pet. They even transported a pig all the way from Florida to New York. Unfortunately, due to financial troubles, Pet Airways has been grounded since December. Until they’re back in the air, bringing your pet on the plane is your only in-flight option

Bring Your Pet on the Plane

Probably the most dreaded of all vacation options, due to horror stories of pets being lost, getting injured, falling ill, or even dying while being transported. That’s actually less of an issue than it used to be, however, and navigating the landscape of fees and restrictions will likely be your greatest source of stress. Depending on the airline and the size of your dog, you could pay as little as $75 or as much as $349 each way to travel with your pet. Unfortunately, because airline weight restrictions include both the weight of the carrier and the animal, only the smallest of pets are generally allowed in lieu of a carry on. But even if you have to place yourpet with checked baggage or even in cargo, rest assured your animal will be placed in a special pressurized and climate-controlled area, just like in the main cabin.

Choosing your airline based on seat prices one option, as well as considering the reputation of the airline, with regards pet travel. Both Delta and Frontier also have reputations for being pet-friendly airlines. Continental (now United) has an award winning pet carrier program called PetSafe, although unfortunately they don’t carry certain breeds of dogs, such as mastiffs or pitbulls. JetBlue allows you earn reward points when you bring your pet as a carry-on. Earlier this week Alaska Airlines announced a partnership with Banfield Pet Hospital to help passengers ensure that their pets are safe and healthy for travel.

Going on vacation should be a stress-free as possible, for both you and your animal companion. Whether they remain grounded or join you in the air, you should educate yourself about your available options before booking tickets. There is a lot to consider, including a wide range of fees, but the NerdWallet travel tool can help you figure out which course of action will be the best for both you and furry friend.

Photos via PR Log, Franklin Ranch, Pet Airlines.

TAGGED AS: AIRLINE FEES, PET FEES, PET TRAVEL