Dog Training Videos - Basic Dog Obedience Tips

Here are a couple of Dog Training Videos that stuck out when searching through some archives. These clips are some basics to dog training in general. I will definitely post more specific dog training videos down the line so stay tuned to our blog.











The clip below illustrates how to deal with dog aggression while going for a walk with your dog. We have all been in this position and I highly recommend the tactics used in the Dog Whisperer video. Don't let your dogs decide were you are and where you aren't going to walk. Be the Pack Leader folks!










Remember be calm and assertive towards your dog always. Happy trails dog lovers...



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Dog Socialization at the Beach Today

My wife and I own two Rat Terriers - Zoe (4yrs) & Jasper (3yrs), and we take them to the beach every weekend to play with other dogs. Today we met Cisco (Rat Terrier/Chihuahua Mix - above) and Bean (Chihuahua). The were accompanied by the great owners - Pete and Mary Alice.

Our dogs (Zoe & Jasper) meet a lot of playmates whether on the beach, at the dog park, or down the street, which assists with any dog socialization barriers that may exist. While on the beach Pete and I got to talking about a previous weight problem with his dog Cisco (above pic) and how he rose to the challenge.

Simply by cutting back on Cisco's food as well as his consumption rate (food intake frequency), Cisco was able to shed dogie pounds rather quickly. Cisco was crossing the 20lb mark when Pete put his foot down in the name of Cisco's health. Cisco is now well below 20lbs and as healthy as can be according to Pete. Pete did reveal a little secret about his success which was small amounts of fresh beef to speed up his dogie metabolism.

But Cisco wasn't the only pup that wa soaking up the warm weather today on the beach. No no. We also met Bean (aka Beany-Baby), a resuce Chihuahua that has been part of Pete an Mary Alice's family for only one month. Beany, Cisco, Zoe and Jasper, were in dogie heaven today playing on that beach and we counldn't be happy. I want to thank Pete and Mary Alice for their perrmission and their company today. Happy trails dog lovers.

Dog Socialization Growth - How to Overcome Socialization Boundaries

Taking a look at this very important aspect of of dog training and dog obedience, dog socialization is priority to achieving health growth in you dog - mentally. It is real simple - start young.

Dog socialization is a practice that is started between 5 months old and beyond. Taking your dog to the beach or your local dog park is the only way your dog will ever learn - experience. When introducing dog socialization to your puppy or new rescued dog, at first many dogs become territorial or curious at the least.

Other dogs may be a little aggressive or even shy. Constant dog socialization overcomes these minor hiccups in your dog's training practices. Taking your dog 1-3 times a week along with consistant regular exercise should do the trick. Happy trails.

Exercise Your Dog - Burning Off Pent-Up Energy

This is an important one folks. OK - assuming you work everyday like the rest of us poor shleps, it is safe to say your dog or dogs are couped up in the house until quitting time. That being said, it is very important for your dog's health - mentally and physically, to be exercised at least twice a day minimum. And I'm not talking about walking down to the end of the block and back, I'm talking exercised like running a dog 1/2 mile or so to burn off all of the pent-up energy s/he accumulates all day.

I know what your thinking - oh great he wants me to work all day and come home and run 1/2 mile. Yes! Exactly and you don't necessarily have to run. I was thinking more along the lines of riding a bike or rollerblading while running you dog(s). This will definitely do the trick. In addition, I sure getting a little exercise yourself won't kill you either but let's stick to dogs for now.

Once the pent-up energy is burnt off a dog becomes more trainable due to the fact that they are no longer distracted by pent-up energy. Pretty simple concept, right? You'll notice a dog pulls fiercely on their leash at the beginning of the walk and if you burn some energy during that time, notice the pulling is must less on your way home. That big uncoachable doggie barrier is now down which allows the dog to absorb your calm, assertive commands. Notice how I said clam and assertive. Yelling does not work on so many levels. So remember, in addition to committing to at least a 1/2 mile a day with your four legged friends, also remember to remain calm and assertive at all times.

What is Clicker Dog Training? How Does it Work?

Quite simply clicker dog training is the most humane and effective way we know how to shape any new behavior in our dogs and extinguish any existing behavior problems.

Clicker dog training utilizes proven behavioral science methodology to clearly communicate and interact with our dogs. We now have a greater understanding of how animals (including our dogs!) think and learn - clicker training is the practical application of this knowledge in real life everyday situations.

Clicker dog training is a positive, reward based dog training method which relies on co-operation, consistency, repetition and positive reinforcement. Clicker training is free from any violence or harsh corrections. The best thing about clicker training are the results you and your dog will achieve - plus you'll have a heap of fun in the process.

Dog Treadmills? What's the Deal? Are They Worth It?

You're a dog owner, you find yourself to busy to excercise yourself, let alone your dog. Right? Unfortunately, you know your pet is suffering, because you just don't have the time to exercise him/her the way they deserve or require.

Your dog is often cooped up in the house for days without getting out for a good run in due to your schedule. You know he needs exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle, but you're confused about how to give him what s/he needs. This would be a good time to buy your dog treadmill which will give him the exercise he should be getting.

You aren't alone in this problem. A majority of dogs today aren't getting the exercise they need. Since dogs were basically bred to be working animals who toiled along side of their owners, this sedentary lifestyle is taking a toll of their well-being. If you've noticed your dog has developed some inappropriate behaviors, such as pooping on the floor or excessive barking, it could be because he has so much pent up energy inside him that it's manifesting itself the wrong ways. Providing your dog with a treadmill will give him a chance to get in the cardiovascular exercise he needs. There are some questions you need to consider before buying a treadmill for your dog:

1) Would your dog benefit more from a dog-powered treadmill or a motorized one? A dog-powered treadmill will give your dog more control of his exercise routine. A motorized treadmill, on the other hand, gives you more control of the speed at which he's moving.

2) How large of a treadmill does your dog need? If the treadmill isn't large enough, he's not going to be able to get the benefits he'll get from a larger one.

3) What is the incline of the treadmill? Some treadmills aren't made with enough incline, so do some research prior to going out to buy one for your dog.

4) Do you really need all the gadgets that are attached to it? All the little extras some treadmills have might seem nice, but they will substantially add to the cost. Are they really necessary?

Dog treadmills are made to fit into any environment, including the smallest apartments, so lack of space is no excuse for not providing your dog with the proper exercise. Start looking for the right treadmill today, and soon you'll see your dog become a much happier, more energetic pet.

For more information on top treadmill ratings including effective treadmill exercises visit http://www.toptreadmillratings.com

Rat Terriers

The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed with a rich and varied background as an all-around farm dog. Traditionally more of a type than a breed they share much ancestry with the tough little mixed breed dogs known as 'feists.' Several private associations have maintained Rat Terriers registries for some decades, but more recently there have been movements to obtain breed recognition by the major canine organizations.


Common throughout America on family farms in the 1920s and 30s, they are generally considered a rare breed[1]. Today's Rat Terrier is a handsome, intelligent, active little dog that is equally cherished as a farm helper and as a family pet.


The Rat Terrier ranges from about 10 to 25 pounds and stands 13 to 18 inches at the shoulder. The miniature size (13 inches and under as defined by the UKC) is becoming increasingly popular as a house pet and companion dog. A larger strain, often in excess of 25 pounds, has been developed.


These Deckers or Decker Giants were named after a breeder named Milton Decker to create a larger hunting companion and are recognized by the National Rat Terrier Association (NRTA, see Breed recognition below). The NRTA recognizes a Toy Variety weighing 10 pounds or less, and continues to classify the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier as the Type B Rat Terrier. In any event the Toy and Miniature Rat Terriers display the same hardiness, prey drive, and stamina as their standard sized counterparts.


Although often mistaken for a Jacl Russell Terrier, the Rat Terrier has a different profile and a very different temperament. Rat Terriers are finer of bone and have a more refined head. They always have a short single coat, i.e. they are never wire coated. Rat Terriers tend to be less aggressive than Jack Russells; while they have a definite terrier personality they also have an "off switch" and love lounging on the sofa in a lap as much as tearing about the yard.

Rat Terriers are normally cheerful dogs but they tend to be more sensitive and at times calmer than Jack Russells to changes in their environment, owner's moods, or to unexpected noises, people, and activities.


The "social sensitivity" of Rat Terriers makes them very trainable and easier to live with for the average pet owner but it also means that extensive socialization from an early age is critical. Proper socialization of a rat terrier puppy includes exposing the animal to a wide variety of people and places, particularly during the first 3 months of life. Like most active and intelligent breeds, Rat Terriers tend to be happier when they receive a great deal of mental stimulation and exercise.

In the 1970s, a hairless mutation appeared in a single Rat Terrier bitch, and was propagated into a strain of the Rat Terrier. After a period of development by crossing to coated dogs, the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the American Hairless Terrier as a separate breed in 2004.

Source of Information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rat_Terrier