Practice, Praise and Positive rewards - Dog training tips

The old saying "Practice, Patience, practice" is key when it comes to training your puppy or dog. They learn by repetition and reward for positive behavior.

Practice a little at a time, but often. Several five or ten minutes training sessions spread through out the day are more effective than one long session. Just like small children, puppies have short attention spans, and a board or distracted puppy won't learn anything at all.

Who doesn't love to get a reward for work well done? Your dog is the same. Reward your dog with treats while saying, "Good boy/girl" in a high pitched, affectionate voice. Always reward immediately. Never wait to give an obedient dog a treat - you want to teach him that this is what you want and to keep up the good work. The more you turn the lesson into a positive and rewarding time, the better your puppy will learn.

Always end the session on a good note, going back to something your puppy has previously learned if necessary. This will encourage both of you to look forward to the next session.

Dog Lover's Daily companion

Magic Muttballs

Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

Try baking up a batch of these yummy rewards.
Makes 50 Preparation time 15 minutes
Cooking time 15-20 minutes

1 lb minced chicken
5 oz dried breadcrumbs, made with wheat - and gluten - free bread
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 egg

1. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. Roll into 1 - inch balls and place on a greased baking sheet.

2. Bake in preheated oven, 350 degrees F for 15 - 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the balls from the oven and leave them to cool.

3. Transform to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Alternatively, place in resealable freezer bags and freeze for up to 6 weeks until required.

It's fine for your dog to eat the muttballs frozen.

Pupsnacks

Make your own dog bar soap

Here is an all natural soap recipe to use on your own doggie, or it makes a great gift.
Materials
All natural, unscented, 100% olive oil (castile) soap
Microwaveable container, such as a large glass measuring cup
Essential oil(s) of your choice
Exfoliants (optional), such as citrus peel or steel-cut oatmeal - anything that is all natural, nontoxic, and not sharp
Clean soap molds (generally available from soap suppliers in standard or fun shapes, or use your own plastic containers)
Kitchen thermometer

What to do

1. Chop the soap into chunks and place in the microwaveable container.
2. Melt the soap in the microwave oven. Each device behaves differently, so start at half power and heat for 2 to 4 minutes at a time, stirring between stages. You do not want to overheat or burn the soap, so check often until you know how quickly it melts. The soap base should be completely melted and at a temperature between 155 degrees F (68 degrees to 74 degrees C). Once you have reached this temperature, stir it again slowly to make sure it is uniform, then let it sit for a few moments, allowing any air bubbles to rise to the top.
3. Add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance and stir slowly, avoiding creating more air bubbles.
4. Add exfoliants, if desired. Again, stir slowly to avoid introducing air bubbles. It is recommended that all your additives, including essential oils and exfoliants, not exceed 2 percent of the entire soap solution.
5. Pour the soap into the molds. Best results will be obtained if the soap is poured into molds at 150 degrees to 155 degrees F (66 to 68 degrees C). Pour very slowly to avoid creating air bubbles. Once poured, the soap bars should be handled carefully and left to cool completely, about 24 hours.
6. Remove the bars from the molds and wrap them immediately to retain an attractive appearance. The soap bats should be stored at temperatures between 40 degrees and 86 degrees F (4 degrees and 30 degrees C).

Dog lovers Daily companion