Dog Agility Equipment: Where do I begin?

Dog agility is one of the most fun things you can do with your dog. It is great exercise for both of you. There are clubs you can join that already have the equipment or if you have the yard for it you can build your own agility course. There is such a wide selection of dog agility equipment, where do I begin? There are several factors to consider when making your agility equipment purchases. Two major factors are your goals and your dog.

Are your goals to develop a deeper bonding with your dog by taking agility classes together, having fun, and seeing how far you and your dog can progress with agility skills?

Do you have a timid dog and want to develop confidence in him? Or do you have a high drive dog and want to help him burn energy in a controlled manner?

Do you want to do agility as a just for fun activity or are you setting your sights on making it to the nationals and becoming an agility instructor? All the previous factors are important to consider when purchasing your equipment.

An agility course has contact equipment, jumps, weaves, tunnels, closed tunnel, and possibly a pause table (depending on your agility venue).

It would be wonderful to have a full course of agility equipment in your backyard, but its not necessary to learn the sport. Contact equipment consists of dog-walks, A-frames, and teeters. It is a good idea to have at least one contact obstacle.

Many people select to purchase a teeter because the motion often causes a dog hesitation. If you can’t fit a regulation piece of equipment in your yard, consider an 8′ dog-walk instead of a 12′ or even select from mini-contact equipment that is available to train your dog on.

Jumps. You can never have enough single jumps, but you also might think about a double jump or triple jump. If you cannot purchase a double or triple jump, you can place two or three single jumps together to practice. Eight single jumps give you lots of drills and exercises to practice and interchange.

Tunnels, chutes, and tables are variations to add to your course. Tire jumps are very popular to have in backyard training. Pause tables are essential in our agility training program. They are our center and focal point for developing our directional commands and building distance.

Weaves, critical for having at home. The type of weave to purchase depends on your method of teaching. Is your agility class using weave chutes, angled weaves, or straight lined weaves.

If your instructor is teaching a specific method, then it’s easiest to purchase the same type of weaves. We have trained five different agility dogs, each with a different method and in the end they all have nice weaves.

There are a variety of training aids that can help you develop the behavior you want from your dog on the equipment. Buja boards are excellent for timid dogs that need to build confidence slowly. Contact trainers are great for back chaining your contact behavior, and they are smaller so you can bring them indoors for winter training also.

Enjoy the new Teri’s Dog Training Tips Blog article Dog Agility Equipment: Where do I begin? and here are some of the other pet and dog sites that I currently operate. Hope you can find all of the information about dogs and caring for dogs that you are looking for through these sites.

Dogs & Puppies Adoption
TC Pet Stop
Great Dogs Site
The Puppy Blog

 

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Pet Insurance Reviews:
Top 5 US Pet Insurance Companies Compared

Pet insurance reviews can help you find the best deal for your pet. When you are considering pet insurance, it is important to shop around. In this article we will look at some of the major players in the US pet insurance market and the services that they offer.

Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI)

VPI is the longest established pet insurance company in the US. They are also the biggest: in 2007 they held 71% of the market. Therefore, VPI are the first company that many people look at when they are considering pet insurance.

At the time of writing, VPI is the cheapest for their standard (‘economical’) plan, so they will come out top of many pet insurance reviews on the issue of cost. However, you should be aware that there is a lot that this plan does not cover, and the payment limits are lower than many plans. So your savings on policy fees could be quickly exceeded by what you have to pay if your pet needs expensive treatment. VPI also offers a ‘comprehensive’ plan which is a little more expensive but gives you better cover.

Embrace Pet Insurance

Embrace are known for their customizable plans which offer you the opportunity to set your own deductible and benefit limit. This is ideal if you and your pet are in unusual circumstances. It can also make your insurance very cheap, depending on the options that you choose.

Embrace are one of the few companies to offer insurance cover for hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia in golden retrievers. If you have a dog of a breed that is subject to hereditary disorders, you should look carefully at their policy.

ASPCA Pet Insurance

The ASPCA have teamed up with the Hartville insurance group to offer a pet health plan. This means that even though it carries the ASPCA name, you are not getting your insurance from a non-profit organization as you might expect. However, the ASPCA do benefit from your choice.

ASPCA/Hartville only covers 90% of most costs and have a deductible too. What is covered varies according to your state.

PetCare Pet Insurance

With PetCare you can choose from six different plans for either dogs or cats, including a senior plan for older pets. Some plans cover wellness and hereditary conditions, others have limits on how many new illnesses you can claim for per year.

Pets Best

PetsBest have no upper limit on the pet’s age at the time you take out the policy, so this could be a good choice for older pets.

Like most plans, Pets Best standard policies cover cancer but not pre-existing conditions. For a small additional cost, you can add cover for preventive care and sterilization. There are three levels of plan with different limits.

 

These are just a few of the major pet insurance companies that you will want to consider when you are looking at plans and pet insurance reviews. You can expect to pay around $25-$35 per month for most plans.

Pet insurance providers, like health insurance companies for humans, should be regulated in each state where they offer insurance, so you will need to check that they are good for your state.

Please keep in mind that we have not tried out all of these plans for ourselves. The services offered by different companies can change at any time and may have changed since we researched this article. Just because a company is on our list does not mean it will be right for you, and if a company is not on our list that does not mean it does not offer a good plan. We do not claim to have investigated all the possibilities in these pet insurance reviews.

 

Enjoy the new Teri’s Dog Training Tips Blog article Pet Insurance Reviews and here are some of the other pet and dog sites that I currently operate. Hope you can find all of the information about dogs and caring for dogs that you are looking for through these sites.

 

Dogs & Puppies Adoption
Teri’s Dogs
TC Pet Stop
Puppies & Big Dogs
The Puppy Blog

 

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A Guide To Dog Training

One of the best books you can get is a guide to dog training. There are many out there so you will have a lot to choose from. Before starting dog training, it is best that you know what your options are. These days you can find many types of places that do dog training. These training places vary in price and each one them has something different to offer.

The first type of dog training is known as puppy preschool. This is a dog training course meant for puppies that are about 6 weeks to 5 months old. These puppy preschool classes generally last for no more than 6 to 8 weeks. In these training sessions, your puppy is essentially be taught how to socialize with people and as well as with other puppies. Here your puppy also begins to learn how to sit down, stay at a place, and how to come.

The second type of dog training course is meant for the dogs that are at least 5 months old. This type of dog training is known as the basic dog training. The duration of these classes is usually about 8 to 10 weeks. This is the basic course, where your dog is taught the art of walking properly on a leash, sitting, staying, coming and heeling.

The third type of dog training course is known as the intermediate dog training. This dog training aims at teaching the dog mostly the same things that are taught in the basic training course, in a more detailed form. Here the dog is trained to stay for a longer span of time, and is also taught to follow orders given by other people.

The intermediate dog training generally lasts for about 8 to 10 weeks, and is meant for those that are no less than 5 months old. It is essential for the dog to have completed its basic dog training course, or to be accustomed to the basic commands that could have been taught by the owner.

The next type of training course is known as the advanced dog training course. Here, once again, the course is quite similar to its previous one, i.e., the intermediate dog training course, except for the fact that this time it is more detailed. Here, the dog is taught how to sit even without you in the view.

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This training course is about 8 to 10 weeks long, and is meant for those that have completed their intermediate training. Here, they are also trained to walk beside their owners without a leash. Moreover, it gradually prepares the dog to take the Canine Good Citizen training course. The Canine Good Citizen training for dogs is the last course. To pass this course, your dog will be taught the 10 necessary aspects.

This course is strictly meant for those dogs that have completed all the previous courses. The test is quite tough and can only be passed if the dog is really well behaved. Depending on whether your dog can pass, the course can last for several weeks.

Keeping this information in mind, you should be able to decide the dog training course best suited for your dog. However, you may seek the opinion of your local dog trainers to know more. Many trainers consult for free. So now you should be at least a step closer to introducing your dog into a training course!

You can order The Dog Trainer’s Complete Guide To A Happy Well-Behaved Pet from Amazon!

A guide to dog training book can be very helpful if you want to train your dog yourself.

Enjoy the new Teri’s Dog Training Tips Blog article A Guide To Dog Training and here are some of the other pet and dog sites that I currently operate. Hope you can find all of the information about dogs and caring for dogs that you are looking for through these sites.

Great Dogs Site
TC Pet Stop
All About Dogs
Because You Love Your Dog

 

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10 Most Important Tips To Training Puppies

Listed here are 10 of the most important tips for training puppies. All of us dream of parenting the perfect dog, a pup that is a CGC or canine good citizen and is well behaved and dependable at all times. Well dreams do come true if the training is done with care and dedication. Remember pups learn from day one and need to be taught what is right, what is wrong, and proper socialization.

Pups are like children, they need constant supervision and training. Training a pup need not be an ordeal all you need to keep in mind are a few simple rules:

• Until your pup learns, you need to keep an eye on him at all times. When you cannot then you should use the crate method and crate him. If you don’t use a crate than use his bed as a timeout or safe place. Create a schedule for the pup this will help the pup settle down quickly. The schedule must include things like hourly bath rooming visits, eating times, rest periods, walks, play time, training, and so on. A pup that has a busy day has no time to be bored and get into mischief.

• Teach the pup to respect you. Dogs live in packs and instinctively follow a leader. If you establish your leadership in no uncertain terms then training will become easy as the pup will obey you at all times and not challenge your authority.

• Use only positive training methods. Never shout at, hit, or punish a dog. It is not just cruel but can lead to behavioral problems. Use of electric shocks, prong collars, sprays, and so on could hurt the animal.

• Teach the pup “nothing in life is free.” This is a system that is widely acknowledged as a useful training tool. If you practice this, the pup will learn that to get something like love, a walk, or treat, he must behave well.

• Teach the meaning of “No,” from day one. Do not encourage behaviors like jumping, mouthing, tug-o-war, barking, or running out of open gates and doors. Praise good behavior and ignore or walk away when there is bad behavior. The pup will learn that if he misbehaves he will loose his companion/playmate.

• To correct a behavior you must catch the pup in the act and startle him by rattling a can of pebbles. Once you have done this make him correct his behavior and immediately offer him a treat and praise. Pups do not recall what happened earlier so scolding him after an event is of no use.

• Always call/use his name positively. Never say “Bad TOM,” or “No Tom,” this will cause confusion and the pup will think that if you call his name then it is something bad. The pup must associate his name with happy events like hugs, petting, walks, treats, and such. If this happens he will come willingly when you call out his name.

• Create a training schedule that is short and sweet say 10 minutes thrice a day. Long repetitive lessons can be boring and the pup will loose interest in learning. Make learning fun and use trick training to teach commands like sit, down, come and so on.

• Bond with the pup and both of you will enjoy your lessons. The pup must look forward to spending time with you and not avoid you by running away or hiding. Be sure to socialize the pup early. Socialization is one of the most important lessons. The pup must learn to be around other animals, people, sounds, vehicles, and other activities. So, slowly introduce the pup when he is little to everyday activities and sounds. Take him to the mall/ park, introduce him to children and other pets, and make him unafraid of the vacuum and garden hose.

• Learn all about crate training, leash walking, house breaking, as well as food training. These are kindergarten lessons that every pup must master. Know about all the idiosyncrasies as well as peculiarities of the breed this will give you valuable insights on how to successfully train the pup.

As a pet-parent you have many choices. You could choose to train the dog yourself or register at a professional training school. Training a dog has many stages: kindergarten, obedience training, doggy sports, showing and conformation, as well as other aspects like therapy dogs, hearing dogs, and so on. What level you choose to train depends on you as well as the learning abilities of your dog. As you know, different dogs like humans have varied talents. Choose well and both you and your pup will have fun times together.

These are 10 of the most important tips for training puppies. And these don’t just work for puppies even an old dog can learn a new trick. Older dogs that have had no training can learn just as much as a puppy. Never lose heart.

Here are some recommended dog sites online about information on dogs from Teri Champigny. Hope you can find all of the information about dogs and caring for dogs that you are looking for through these dog sites.

Puppies & Big Dogs
The Puppy Blog
Great Dogs Site

 

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Tips On Choosing The Right Dog Training Collar

This is just a little about choosing the right dog training collar that will be right for you and your dog. Because of the large variety of dog training collars, owners should be sufficiently informed to make the right choices. You need to be able to choose a training collar depending on the dog’s size and disposition and what your training needs are. Here are some things you should consider when looking for the right collar for your dog.

Type Of Collar

1. Electronic Dog Collar – This type makes use of electronic signals to eliminate the undesirable behaviors of the dog. For example, it will deliver a shock every time the dog barks. However this type of collar would be best used for training a dog to stay within the boundries of it yard or place that he is to guard if you are training for a guard dog.

2. Buckle Collar – As the name suggests, this collar is fastened using a buckle. It is usually made of leather, nylon or cotton and could be rolled or flat. Like many collars, this is one adjustable. Round buckle collars have the main advantage of eliminating the possibility of hair breaking. This is the type of collar that is traditionally used by most trainers.

3. Choke & Prong Collar – This is the most commonly used metal ring collar for both traditional and modern dog training especially the jerk-and-praise method. In this method, the dog will be given a yank whenever he disobeys a command. If used right it can be a great tool for the strong-willed dog. There is a lot of debate about the use of the choke collar. Many people are against them and think that the collar is a tool for abuse. Should you decide to use the choke collar you should learn how to use it properly.

Size Of Collar

If the collar is too small the dog may choke, if it is too large the dog may easily slip out of it. The size of the collar should be enough such that it could provide both the comfort and the security. Getting the size of a collar for a puppy is easy. You have keep track of your puppy’s growth and get him a new collar as he out grows the old one.

To get the right size, it is best to measure the dog’s neck first and give some 1 to 2 inches allowance for adjustment. To check if it fits there should be one to two inches of a gap between the dog’s neck and the collar.

A Dog’s Breed

There are a lot of generic collars for all breeds of dogs. Some dogs require a specific type of collar. For dogs like the Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, for example a harness is perfect for these breeds. A harness is also recommended for dogs who have upper respiratory disease or diseases of the throat.

For fashion purposes only, there are some highly specialized and fashionable dog collars that are made especially to amplify the looks of a specific breed. For example, bulldogs look good on spiked collars while toy dogs look fashionable with lace and stone studded collars. But if the collar is for functionality alone, the uses and the strength of the collar should be prioritized.

Budget

As a general rule, it is always best to look at the item first before checking its price as this practice normally gives someone better judgment on what looks good for the dog. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune to give your dog a good collar.

For training collars, functions come first before anything else and sometimes you have to invest some good money for function alone. If you are on a tight budget, it is best for you to search around first before landing on your choice.

Tossing a few dollars more could mark the difference between sacrificing the quality of the item and saving some pennies.

These are just some of the ideas on choosing the right training collar (maybe just a little about fashion if you’re into that for your dog). There is much more out there if you are willing look and NEVER be afraid to ask your vetrinarian or your dog trainer what you want to know.

 

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