Posted by Pets Best on 2/15/2007 in Training Tips Articles

We’ve all seen them—dogs who seemed out of control with problem behaviors, dogs who seemed beyond hope. Fortunately, the truth of the matter is that no matter the age of the pet, obedience training and breaking bad habits is always an option.

When considering classes, many owners turn to local pet stores and online resources to determine what type of training will be best for them. A variety of options exist, from books and videos to individual personal trainers and group obedience classes. The key, according to dog expert John Ross, is consistency and dedication.

“Haphazard training produces unreliable results,” Ross says. “The old cliché, ‘What you put into it is what you get out,’ is particularly true with dogs.”

Author of Dog Talk, Puppy Preschool and Adopting a Dog, John Ross is a newspaper columnist, former radio-show host, and long-time dog trainer, working with literally thousands of dogs and their owners to help owners better understand how to communicate with and train their canine friends.

Dogs from six months to sixteen years can always benefit from obedience training and refresher courses, says Ross.

Puppy training expert Linda White agrees. In her videos on dog training, Linda breaks down bad behavior and tackles each subject head on. Whether it’s biting, chewing, jumping or general obedience, Linda walks owners through the process of turning their troublesome pup into a well behaved guy or gal.

“The number of dogs surrendered to shelters and euthanized is mind-boggling,” says Smart. “Even more saddening is how many of these dogs could have been saved if people had affordable training tools to deal with these behaviors.”

From that desire to help and educate, Happy Puppy Kindergarten was born. Puppy Smarts: Lessons for a Lifetime videos are available from veterinarians and also on her website at www.puppysmarts.com.

Whether it’s weekly dog obedience classes or the convenience of at-home books and videos, resources are available to help with problem behaviors and integrate even challenging pups into our homes and hearts. As the adage says, there truly are no bad dogs!

With the cold winter nights and short days, winter’s hold is still apparent, not just for us, but for our pets, too. More than just inconvenient, outdoor winters for our four-legged friends can be more than just uncomfortable: they can be downright dangerous.

Jackets and blankets purchased with your pooch in mind can help stave off the cold in some instances, but most pet experts recommend that Fido and Fluffy be allowed to sleep inside until spring’s rays start to warm the earth again. If your pet must sleep outside, inexpensive blankets can be found at any local thrift store, but be careful as blankets have a tendency to trap moisture. No one wants to sleep in a wet bed! Also, for pets left outside for more than a few minutes, be sure that they have adequate shelter with lots of clean, thick bedding and clean drinking water (not frozen) at all times.

Dog houses can be warmed with hot water bottles, special heat-radiating pads or cedar chips. Some dog houses even come with their own electric heaters, though the risks should not be taken lightly. Also, if the doghouse is wooden, be sure to raise it up off the ground several inches to prevent rotting and keep out rain, and cover the door of the dog house with a mat, piece of plastic carpet runner or carpet to provide an adequate door.

Remember, too, that dogs lose most of their heat through their paws, ears and skin, so extended exposure to cold will have an effect on them. Long-haired dogs like Elkhounds and Huskies fare better than smooth-coated dogs, Boxers and Greyhounds, for example. All breeds, however, including cats, are susceptible to de-icing products, including salt. Be sure to wash their paws with warm water when they come inside after walking on any of these substances.

Speaking of substances, be sure to monitor your car for any anti-freeze leaks and wipe them up immediately, as these can prove lethal for both cats and dogs. Also be sure to give a good tap to the hood before you start your car in the morning if you have kitties in your neighborhood who enjoy the warmth of your car motor. (Or if your own kitty sleeps in the garage at night.)

Since the groundhog saw his shadow this year, spring is coming, but isn’t here yet. Be sure to protect your pets from the cold nights that are still upon us.