Four Dog Training Tools That You Must Use
Dog training doesn’t have to be that difficult and really, when it comes to basic dog training, you only need a few dog training tools. Sure you can buy all the latest and greatest tools that money can buy but you don’t really need to and sometimes, such as is the case with dog training tools, less is actually more. That being said, I would like to point out that the type of training that you do will greatly affect the type of dog training tools that you need. For example, if you are training your dog for hunting, you will need a variety of tools such as dummies, birds, whistles and, possibly, a rifle. While hunting training may be a step that you are moving toward, for now we are just going to look at dog training tools that you will need for basic dog training.
Tool #1: The Bait Since most dog trainers use positive reinforcement you need some form of bait and reward for your dog. Obviously, food is a big incentive for many dogs but you may need to invest in something different if your dog is really not interested in food or your trainer recommends a different type of reward, such as a clicker. If you will be using food, it is important to use a soft treat that is cut into small morsels; usually about the size of your pinkie nail. Using small bites is the perfect dog training tool since a dog won’t lose focus when he is chewing the food and you won’t need to spend large amounts of money renewing your food reward.
Tool #2: The Lead (or leash) One piece of everyday dog gear that you will use as a dog training tool is a lead or leash. This is just a standard leash that you can use for walks on a daily basis and the only thing that it should be is sturdy. For many areas of training, this will be the most important dog training tool that you will use, outside of food, since this will give you the greatest control over your dog. What is usually recommended with leads is to purchase one that is 6 feet long with a sturdy clip. Do not purchase a retractable leash to use as a dog training tool since you will not have as much control over your dog if you do. If you decide to take your dog to different types of training, such as conformation, you will find that you need different styles of leads but for basic training, a simply 6 foot nylon lead is essential. When you move into long distance “come,” your trainer may ask you to purchase a 20 foot lead but that will be at the discretion of your trainer.
Tool #3: The Collar Although this dog training tool is often linked with the leash, it is important to look at the collar on its own. Generally, when you are looking for a good collar for training, you will want one that is flat and has a snapping clip to prevent the collar from slipping. Some trainers will recommend that you use a choke or a prong collar as an essential dog training tool but it is important that you only use those if you are told to do so and that you use the collar correctly since they can lead to serious injuries for the dog if used incorrectly.
Tool #4: The Toy While this isn’t a dog training tool that you will really use during the training, it is a good tool to have handy for breaks or even for distractions. During a training session, take a few breaks for the dog to be rewarded through play. This will keep your dog interested in training and it won’t seem too long for you puppy. In addition to providing a break, a toy can be placed out as a distraction when you are teaching come. Having the distraction will teach your dog that no matter what he is doing, he needs to listen when you give the command. Once you have all the essential dog training tools, I would recommend speaking with your trainer to find out if there is anything that he would recommend or, if the training is specialized, if there is anything extra you should bring. Usually, all you will really need is a lead, a collar and the reward.
Nancy Richards has been involved with dog training for several years. Learn all about companion dog training , aggressive dog training etc. with positive reinforcement dog training tools.
Canine Skin Diseases – a Look at Four Common Dog Skin Problems
Canine skin diseases are among some of the most common health problems. Diagnosing them accurately can sometimes prove to be difficult as many other diseases imitate their symptoms. Some of the most common dog skin problems include hot spots, Cheyletiella, mange, and ringworm. This article will take a look at some of these skin conditions.
Hot Spots
Hot spots are areas of skin that have become inflamed. These areas are usually infected also, and the infection can only be superficial in the skin or deep. Symptoms include oozing, redness, and hair loss in the area. Hot spots are usually caused by fleas, mites, injury, or insect bites. Treatment options include topical medications, special shampoos, or oral antibiotics. You should also clean the area daily and apply a cool compress at least twice a day.
Cheyletiella
One of the next common canine skin diseases is Cheyletiella. Cheyletiella are mites that infest your dog and cause skin problems. Although there are three common species of these mites, the one that usually affects dogs is Cheyletiella yasguri. These mites can also transfer from your dog onto you. This usually results in an itchy rash.
If these mites infest your dog, you will notice redness, swelling spots, crusts, and itching. The most noticeable symptom is the so-called “walking dandruff”. If the infestation is advanced enough, you can notice the white mites walking along your dog’s skin. Cheyletiella is treated using shampoos containing pyrethrin, lime sulfur, or selenium sulphide. You should also treat the environment so your dog doesn’t get reinfected. Use a vacuum throughout your home and a flea control spray.
Mange
Sarcoptic mange is one of the next dog skin problems. This disease is characterized by an infestation of Sarcoptes mites. These mites cause severe itching. This causes your dog to scratch himself badly enough to cause sores to develop. Diagnosis of this disease can be difficult as the mites can prove difficult to find. The veterinarian will have to take a skin scraping and examine it under a microscope. Once successfully diagnosed, special shampoos can be used to treat the condition.
Ringworm
Ringworm may be something you’re already familiar with as it can infect humans. Ringworm can be caused by an infection from several species of fungus. An infection causes symptoms such as crusts, scale, and hair loss. Your dog may also experience mild itching. This fungal infection can be treated using oral medications or shampoo with lime sulfur.
These are some of the most common dog skin problems. As a dog owner, it’s important that you learn about a variety of dog illnesses that can affect your precious pet. So, stop by dog-illnesses.com today to learn about some of these diseases such as canine pancreatitis.