Dog Training

  In This Chapter Taking a look at the history of dog shows Deciding whether you and your dog are cut out for competition Learning the lingo of showing Putting your best foot forward in the ring So you think that you have the best dog in the world? Your Bichon, Border Collie, Pug, or…

In This Chapter Using a leash Teaching the basic skills: Sitting and staying Keeping your dog from bolting Encouraging good table manners Taking your dog for a walk the right way Ensuring that your dog comes when called One question almost every dog owner asks is, “How do I keep my dog from jumping up…

In This Chapter Considering your attitude toward training Setting up for success and checking out teaching tools Crate-training your dog Teaching the basic stuff they don’t always teach in obedience school Knowing how to travel with your dog An old dog-training adage still applies today: Every handler gets the dog he deserves. In other words,…

In This Chapter Defining housetraining Understanding why housetraining is important Discovering two ways to housetrain Dealing with the unexpected Clarifying the housetrainer’s role Housetraining older dogs Understanding how dogs really learn Becoming your dog’s best teacher Max, a 10-week-old Beagle, is delighting his new owner with his puppy antics but is dismaying her with his…

In This Chapter Showing your dog where to jump and how to race through tunnels Exploring chutes and mastering the table Getting your dog to nail the contacts every time Navigating the A-frame and dog walk In an introductory agility class, you find out how to direct your dog through a simple agility course, navigating…

In This Chapter Doing tricks that show happiness and affection Playing games together Teaching paw tricks Getting your dog to roll Teaching begging tricks Encouraging stretches Like people, every dog has different likes and dislikes, games they enjoy, and routines that they count on. When your training comes from a consistent, patient, and understanding place…

In This Chapter Deciding on your dog’s diet Bathing your dog Clipping your dog’s nails Caring for your dog’s facial features You’ve seen dogs bouncing down the street at the end of a leash or streaking across the park after a tennis ball. Nails clipped, coats gleaming, white teeth flashing . . . can dogs…

In This Chapter Keeping your dog hydrated and rested Treating bone and soft-tissue injuries Treating shock Tricks, agility classes, and breed-specific activities are great ways to channel your dog’s energy and passions. If you’re like most people, you don’t think much about injuries when you’re starting out on a new adventure. You think about fun…