Training Your Dog

Sometimes it is hard to train your dog. Different dogs respond differently to training. Some dogs are quick learners and are very intelligent. Others may take a while to learn what you want him to do. Others(coughDaisycough) are very smart, but can be VERRRRY stubborn. Other dogs, like the Poodle, can be sensitive to harsh training and don't do well with a strict owner. Strict can mean 2 different things:

• Are kind, but don't accept goofing off(or slacking)
• Are not nice(at all!), and DEFINITELY don't accept goofing off(or slacking)

In this case, I mean the 2nd definition(are not nice and don't accept goofing off). Anyway, you know your dog better than I do, so you have to find out what works for you. Some dogs are more food-driven, while other dogs will accept your praise and petting as a treat(my dog doesn't accept petting and praise as a reward; she has to have something to go into her digestive system. In other words, she has to have a treat that she can eat.). Remember that you should not work your dog to hard; do training in 10 minute sessions. Otherwise, your dog can become overworked and stressed. So, remember while training, have treats in hand, a smile, and have lots of fun!!!

P.S. A few dog training books I recommend:

• Puppy School (by Maggie Holt and Stella Sweeting)
• Ask the Dog Keeper (by Marc Morrone)
• 52 Tricks to Teach Your Dog (by DoggieBuddy)
• Dog Training For Dummies (by Jack and Wendy Volhard)

 Dog books to read for fun:

• Smells Like Dog(series), Suzanne Selfors 
• Puppy Place(series), Ellen Miles
• Careers With Dogs, Kim Campbell Thornton
• Vetting(one of my favorites!!!!), Dr. Pete Freyburger
• Chicken Soup for the Soul: Loving Our Dogs, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen