Positive Reinforcement Training Ideas for your Dog

It’s important to remember that positive reinforcement is the best way to train your dog. It’s not a quick fix, but it will help you build a strong bond with your pet and teach them the habits and behaviors you want them to have in order to have a successful bond and relationship. 

Positive reinforcement is any type of reward that your dog associates with good behavior. The reward should be something that the dog values, like a treat, accolades, or toy. 

This type of training is the best way to train your dog as it’s gentle, and effective and will teach your pup the behaviors you want them to have.

Here are some ideas on how to get started with positive reinforcement training:

Make sure that you have your dog’s attention before giving them any commands or corrections. The first step is to listen. This can be achieved by using a treat or toy as a reward for good behavior each time they listen when you call their name. 

Don’t hover over your dog during training sessions. If you’re too close or standing over him, it may make him feel uncomfortable or threatened, which could cause him to act out or resist learning new behaviors altogether. Instead, try sitting by his side while he practices the behavior you’re coaching him on; this will help reinforce that he needs to listen because YOU are there watching over him.

If your dog does something wrong, don’t punish them—just tell them what they did wrong and show them how to do it right. For example, if they jump up on someone and knock them over, tell them “no” in an assertive tone then show them how they should sit instead of jumping up on people when they greet each other (by having the person sit down first).

Don’t leave any room for confusion when it comes to training because this will only lead to frustration on both sides of the equation; this means being consistent with everything from where you keep treats/toys/etc so that they know exactly where they’ll find them when they need something!

Be sure to give your dog lots of attention or a treat when they are doing something right – even if it’s just sitting quietly while you watch TV or read a book! Or if while you’re out in public and they heel well or sit calmly next to you at an intersection or other busy area – let them know it’s a job well done.

7 Important Dog Training Tips

There are many different ways to train your dog. If you have a puppy, you’ll need to be patient and consistent while he learns the ropes and while it could be slightly easier for some older dogs to get it, that doesn’t mean there won’t be some hurdles to overcome. In both cases though, love and mutual respect for your dog is the most important tool when it comes to training them. 

Here are some tips for effectively training your dog. 

Tip #1: The dog must respect you.

When it comes to training your dog, you must be the alpha and the one in charge. This is an important concept for anyone who owns a dog and wants to have their pet follow their commands. The relationship between you and your dog must be based on respect, which cannot be forced upon them—it must be earned through leadership.

If you want your dog to listen when you tell him or her something, they must respect you as a leader first. A lot of people are tempted by positive reinforcement methods when training dogs because they feel like this will make things easier; however, if there is no sense of authority or respect in place between owner and pet then these methods won’t work very well at all because neither party will feel confident with the relationships between them.

Tip #2: Speak directly to the dog in a confident, sweet tone.

When you sit down with the dog, talk sweetly to him in a calm voice. Remember to use your dog’s name at the beginning of each sentence and speak in a high-pitched tone that encourages listening. It’s important that you keep talking until he sits down, but it’s also very important not to make eye contact with him while he’s still standing. If his eyes are on yours, then he will know this is an invitation for playtime or other attention and may not want to listen as well as possible when sitting down!

Tip #3: Teach your dog his name first.

Dogs should be taught their name first, even before other commands. A dog should respond to his or her own name and not someone else’s. If you train your dog with this in mind, it will be easier for you to get your dog’s attention when needed.

Tip #4: Be very patient.

Be patient. Your dog is new to this and needs time to learn. Be patient when teaching your dog new things and as they are learning to obey. If it takes 10 minutes for your dog to sit on command or walk on leash without pulling then that’s fine! Just keep at it until they get the hang of it.

Tip #5: Be mindful of what your dog is feeling

As you are working on training your dog you should also be aware of the dog’s body language. If the dog is showing signs of stress, stop the training session for a break. If the dog is showing signs of aggression, stop the training session and if the dog is showing signs of fear you will not get very fair in training and should attempt it at another time.

Tip #6: Reward with treats, praise and love.

Dogs make mistakes—even the best-trained dog will occasionally have an accident or get into something they shouldn’t. When this happens, it’s important not to punish your dog for their mistake. Punishment is not the way to train a dog. When you punish your dog for making a mistake, you are essentially telling them that it is unsafe to trust themselves or others because if they make mistakes, there will be consequences (namely hurt feelings) from their mistakes. This can lead to other problems down the road such as aggression issues if your dog feels threatened enough by something else happening around them.

Instead, use it as a teaching moment and correct them immediately after the mistake has happened with a verbal command that tells them what’s wrong. Then reward them with praise and treats (if appropriate). This will help them learn from their mistakes so that they can avoid making it again in the future. The most effective way to do this is by rewarding your dog immediately after they’ve done something correctly with praise or petting (depending on their preference). The more often you do this type of training, the faster your dog will learn!

Tip #7: Love is the most important tool in training your dog.

Love is the most important tool in training your dog. Yes, you read that right: love is the best reward for your dog. When you’re playing with your pup, use positive reinforcement to encourage him to do what you want him to do. Let’s say he’s doing something naughty like chewing on your couch; if he stops after being scolded and given a stern look by his owner, praise him lavishly! This will encourage him not only to stop chewing on things but also to repeat behaviors that earn praise from his owners. Some people may think this method is too simple or even “icky,” but there’s no denying it works wonders when paired with other methods of behavior modification such as shock collars and punishment-based training (which I vehemently oppose).

The most important thing to remember when training your dog is that you need to love him and be patient. You can’t get frustrated if he doesn’t understand something right away, because that just means he needs more time with you in order for him to learn. 

Dog Training Treat Options

While treats are a great way to reward your dog and to help when teaching them commands and actions, you’ll want to make sure that they’re healthy and safe as well. While some treats can be made using human food (like peanut butter or bananas), other options are specially designed to meet the needs of dogs. Here are some popular dog treat ingredients that you can use as rewards for training or just because!

Freeze-dried meat treats

Freeze-dried meat treats are a great choice for training your dog. They’re high in protein, low in calories and have a long shelf life. The best part? Freeze-dried treats are extremely affordable.

The trick to finding the best quality freeze-dried treats is to look for freeze-dried meat that’s made in the USA or Canada with no preservatives added. You’ll also want to check the expiration date on any package you buy! The longer you can keep these treats around before they go bad, the better!

Freeze-dried meats come in all shapes and sizes (just like real meats!) but some of our favorites include: beef liver, chicken breast and turkey hearts. We love these three because they’re not only tasty but they also contain various nutrients that may help promote healthy skin and coat health.

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are nutritious, healthy treats that can be used in place of regular dog food for training purposes. If your dog has bad breath, try giving them a piece of fruit or vegetable to chew on instead of a treat that is full of sugar. Be cautious however as there is a long list of unacceptable and even deadly fruits (like grapes) that you’ll want to avoid.

The best part about using fresh fruits and vegetables as training treats is the fact that they are usually easy to find at local grocery stores, farmers markets or even community gardens if you have one nearby! Some people like to use their own garden produce but make sure they wash it very well before you give it to your pup.

Regular dog food

Regular dog food is not the only option, but it’s an important one. As with most things, moderation is key: too much and you’ll end up with an overweight dog that lacks proper nutrition; too little and your pooch will be underweight, weak and have a harder time learning new skills. Dog food should also be varied so that your pet gets all the nutrients they need from different sources (meat protein instead of carbs, for example).

Treats that aren’t food!

Consider non-food options as treats as well. Things like toys, balls, and other objects can be used as rewards for good behavior and to reward the dog for good training. Treats that aren’t food are great because they get the dog’s mind off of food and onto something else entirely!

Keep in mind, you should never use food as a reward for bad behavior or as a bribe to get your dog to do what you want them to do. In order for them to work as rewards, treats should be given at the right time and in the right amount. It’s important not only that your dog likes the treat but also that he knows what behavior it’s associated with so that he’ll continue doing it when he needs another one later on—for example, coming when called or sitting nicely when asked by guests who might be afraid of big dogs.

If you have a dog that is difficult to train, try using small treats as rewards during training sessions.

Common Eye Problems in Dogs

Like people, dogs can suffer a wide range of health problems. Some are caused by old age or genetics, while others result from injuries. These are some of the most common eye problems that dogs experience.

Cataracts in Dogs

Cataracts can make a dog’s eyes look cloudy, white, or bluish-gray. Cataracts can cause a dog to suffer from blurry vision, or even blindness. Genetics, an illness, aging, or trauma to the eye can cause cataracts. The condition can be treated with surgery.

Corneal Ulcers

Corneal ulcers occur when the thin, outer layer of the eye gets damaged. Chronic dry eyes or an eye infection can cause corneal ulcers, but the problem can also be a result of trauma. For example, a dog’s eye might get injured in a fight with another animal. Corneal ulcers can sometimes be treated with ointment or eye drops. In other cases, surgery is necessary.

Dog Glaucoma

Dogs can suffer from glaucoma if fluid in the eye doesn’t drain properly. Over time, fluid can build up and put pressure on the eye. The condition can cause pain, as well as dilated pupils, bulging eyes, and other symptoms. Glaucoma can be a result of trauma, infection, inflammation, or another cause. Medication can be an effective treatment, but surgery is sometimes required. 

Entropion in Dogs

Entropion is another common eye problem in dogs. The condition causes the top or bottom eyelid to fold inward. The eyelashes then rub against the cornea, which can irritate the eye and affect the dog’s vision. Injury, corneal ulcers, and genetics are some of the possible causes of entropion.

Keep Your Dog Safe

Dogs can experience several types of eye problems, and some of them can be painful and can even cause permanent vision loss. You don’t want your furry friend to suffer, and you also don’t want to have to pay expensive bills for veterinary care. 

You can’t necessarily prevent all eye problems, since some are caused by genetics, but you can take steps to protect your dog from trauma and injuries that could affect its eyes. Keeping your dog in the yard is a simple way to do that. If your dog stays on your property, you won’t have to worry about it getting into a fight with a neighbor’s pet or a wild animal, getting hit by a car, or running off into the woods and getting injured. 

An outdoor hidden fence from DogWatch MA is an effective and affordable way to keep your dog in your yard. You won’t have to go through the time and hassle of putting up a physical fence, and you won’t have to worry about maintenance and repairs. We offer several types of hidden fences that can keep your pet safe and make life more convenient for you. Contact us today to learn more.

4 Tips for Teaching Your Dog to Stay within Boundaries You Set

Let’s face it, dogs love to run and play. When you have a dog that loves to explore and run freely – then setting up boundaries is essential. To give you peace of mind, it’s important to teach your pup how to stay within its boundaries. This can be essential for both peace of mind and safety for all.  Here are some tips to do so successfully.

1. Set Boundaries by Setting up a Physical Fence

For so long, the most effective way to keep your dog in your yard was to put up a physical fence. This still works and can be done by either building a perimeter or contracting a service provider to install one. Besides cost, and blocking your view, you’ll need to also ensure that the fence has been constructed properly so that it keeps your dog in and others out. This includes making sure that:

  • The materials used are sturdy enough to hold back even larger animals such as bears or wolves
  • It has been erected tall enough so no small children can climb over it but also in accordance with town regulations.

2. Use a Wireless Hidden Fence with Collar

Thankfully there is a better and easier way now. A wireless hidden fence is one of the best ways to keep your dog in your yard without having to close in your view or get permits and builders to construct an actual fence. All you’ll need is a wireless fence with collar and perimeter training to start enjoying freedom.

3. Perimeter Training is Essential

Whichever method you use to keep your dog safe and contained to a specified area, training will be essential. As they learn the new boundaries, be sure to walk them out to the edge of the perimeter so they will learn that it’s as far as they should be going. Over time they will begin to understand and avoid going in that direction, or at least know it’s time to turn around.

4. Have Patience with Your Pup

One of the most important things you can do to help your dog understand what is right and wrong is to have patience with them and use positive reinforcement. Things like treats and praise will help build their confidence and make training easier for both of you.

Setting boundaries for your pet is a process but it helps protect both pets and people who may be injured by a stray pup. Plus, teaching your dog to stay within the boundaries you set is an important part of being a responsible pet owner.

Whether you live in a house, apartment or condo, your canine companion needs to learn where they’re allowed to go and what they can do there. With the right wireless containment system in place, consistency, and patience, your pup will learn its boundaries quickly.

We’re here to serve you and your pet with the best user-friendly products and safe effective containment for your dog or cat-no getting around it.

 

CONTACT US TO GET STARTED TODAY

Dog-friendly Gardening

Love to garden and love to spend time in the yard with your dog? Seems like these can be conflicting hobbies but there are ways you can both enjoy the outdoors this summer without sacrificing your love for plants or your desire to keep your pup safe. 

Dogs can get into all kinds of trouble when left to do as they wish in the yard. From eating plants that are toxic to them to digging up flower beds and destroying the landscaping. 

If your dog just wants to spend their days lounging in the sun – you can let them do just that in confidence by planting safe-for-dogs plants.

The best gardens to plant if you have dogs in the yard are ones that have a lot of plants with low-growing, wide leaves. These plants will be resistant to chewing, and they’ll also help keep your dog cool during the summer.

Here are some great options:

  • Ferns
  • Cherry trees (especially if they’re grafted)
  • Roses (especially hybrid tea roses)

Of course, if you have a dog who loves to spend time unattended out in the yard, you won’t want to plant any of these plants.

These plants are toxic to dogs:

*Azalea
*Daffodil
*Lily-of-the-valley
*Oleander (Nerium oleander)
*Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

While there are some plants that are toxic to dogs and should never be planted in your yard if you have a dog, there are many other plants that are perfectly safe for dogs to eat. 

Here are 5 plants that are safe for your pup to nibble on:

  1. Rosemary 
  2. Mint
  3. Parsley 
  4. Thyme
  5. Basil

    Imagine never having to worry about your dog wandering off into the woods or going out into the street again. With a pet containment system from DogWatch, he can roam and play freely within the boundaries you set.

Our outdoor dog fence is the best system for containing dogs in the yard and out of restricted areas. Safely keep your pups on the lawn and out of the flowerbed. Our dog fence also works great for cat containment.

Dog Friendly Places to Visit in Western Mass

We love finding dog friendly places in western Mass. – in case you couldn’t already tell. While being home and enjoying time with your pup is some of the best quality time, we also know that people are loving to also get out, in nature, be social, and have a great time with their dog along for the ride too!

As most dog owners know, there’s a lot to consider when planning to take your dog on an outing with you. Like will the location be dog friendly? Is there access to an area for them to relieve themselves, will the temperatures be too hot.

Of course, once you have the perfect opportunity and conditions for an outing with your four-legged friend, we want to help you make the most of it.

Here in Western, Massachusetts, we have some of the greatest attractions to visit in New England. From the Berkshire Mountains to the Connecticut River Valley – there’s something great for everyone looking for recreation to get into.

Here are some dog-friendly activities worth considering next time you’re heading out in Western Mass.

Trip to an Orchard

Apple picking is a very popular activity around the area in the fall season. You can take your dog out to enjoy the orchards and pumpkin patches too. Of course, you’ll need to make sure with the local orchards policy, but many will allow dogs on leash to enjoy the outing too. A popular pick in Western Mass is Hilltop Orchards located in Richmond. There are woodland trails to hike and get a spectacular view at the top.

Beach Days

Many dogs love to swim. If your pup is an avid water lover then a trip to a beach location where dogs are allowed is a must. In Western Mass, there are many locations such as Crane Beach in Ipswich, Plum Island Beach in Newbury Port, and Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester. Be sure to check and see if there is a restriction on which season dogs are allowed on the beach and any other rules.

Parks & Gardens

If you’re just looking for somewhere serene and peaceful to escape to and enjoy a stroll with your dog there are lots of options for parks and gardens all around Western Mass. Some rich in history and others filled with beautifully manicured landscapes you’re both sure to love! Just a few to check out include Borderland State Park in Easton, Halibut Point State Park in Rockport, and Maudslay State Park in Newburyport.

On the Water

Of course, if your dog is more of a thrill seeker and you want to take them on an unforgettable adventure with you what better way than out on the open waters. There are local options in town such as Dog Gone Sailing Charters that goes around Cape Cod Bay or the Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown where you can enjoy whale watching with your best bud.

Solving the Dog & Skunk Problem

Having a dog you love and who enjoys the backyard and time with your family is a truly rewarding experience. There are things that can happen out in nature, that aren’t as pleasant though – like when you’re beloved furry friend has an encounter with a skunk.

The noxious smell alone is so unpleasant you may even contemplate not letting him back in the house – at least not until the odor is gone. But we all know how impossible it is to leave our babies abandoned. So here is what you can do to solve the dog and skunk problem you’re encountering.

Clean Them Up Immediately

Because the smell can spread to surfaces, it is critical to keep your dog outdoors until you can hose him down and wash him up. The last thing you want is for the dog to come inside and rub against furniture where the odors will stick and reside. You want to do this as quickly as possible before it has time to set into your pet’s fur. Start by spraying them down with an –oil-based, soapy cleaner made to de-skunk or that you create at home missing baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dishwashing soap. Scrub the soap in and rinse it thoroughly to remove residue. After the rinse, you should follow up with your pup’s usually shampoo and conditioner treatment to ensure the hair is clean and fluffy again once it’s dried.

Get a Hidden Fence

There’s no better way to protect your dog from mischief and wandering out into other areas outdoors that he shouldn’t be, than with a hidden fence. While skunks can make their way into the yard regardless, this will still be a great resource to give you peace of mind that your dog won’t wander into the skunk’s territory and risk being sprayed.

Our new SmartFence™ Containment System is the world’s first connected outdoor hidden pet fence to keep your dog safe while they enjoy the backyard. With SmartFence you can check remotely and get texts and emails for total peace of mind.

Pet Care Apps Bring Joy & Help to Owners and Their Companions

As any good pet owner knows, having tools to help care for them is critical. From the proper diet to toys and training – everything we do for our pets helps make the time spent enjoying their company that much better. Companies are capitalizing on this need as more pet owners incorporate their furry friends into their daily lives with the introduction of gadgets, gear, and even mobile apps designed specifically with pets in mind.

A few of the hottest mobile apps out there right now aimed at pets include training apps so you can teach your pet tricks, get the potty trained and even teach them to stop nipping and other bad behaviors.  With one app, you pay to have access to virtual sessions with professional trainers who will guide you through training tips via live chat and with 24/7 messaging access.

The American Red Cross has also put out a free app for pet owners to help them understand and administer emergency care for their pets if needed. The app features step-by-step tutorials for things like CPR on your pet and what to do as soon as you notice something could be wrong with your pet.

Need access to their medical records in one easy to locate the place or to see a vet immediately, no matter where you are? There’s an app for those things too! Virtual telemedicine calls with vets are now possible thanks to apps that connect pet owners with veterinarians for a monthly fee.

And there’s fun to be had too. Many apps are being offered that allow you to interact with your pet when you’re not home. Connected treat dispensers and cameras make it easy to talk to your pet and interact with them from anywhere.

If you haven’t already seen some of the viral videos on social media, pull out your tablet, because new mobile app games – like catfishing are as you guessed it – interactive, fun play for your pet to sit on your lap and enjoy with you.

Sales for Pet Treats Are Booming

If there’s one thing we pet lovers love to do – it’s to spoil our furry friends. Now, more than ever, our pets are becoming members of our households. Sharing mealtimes, vacations, and even holiday gift exchanges! In fact, one report from market research firm Packaged Facts uncovered that by the end of 2022 we could see this market hit $9.87 billion and continue soaring over the next two years to come. 

Treats for both cats and dogs have been on the rise ever since the COVID-19 pandemic when many were staying home, social distancing, and bringing new furry friends into their homes. 

It’s about more than just rewarding and spoiling our pets, but consumers are turning to treats to help add more nourishment and health to their diets too. Their study into these increasing consumer purchases of pet treats also found that many are looking at things like plant-based formulas, environmental impacts, and even alternative proteins for their pets. 

Whether you are a new pet owner or have been an animal lover for years, it’s important to ensure that you are keeping your pet healthy and safe all the time. Not just in the foods, they are given to eat but also in their environment. Our wireless pet containment systems provide freedom and peace of mind for pet owners and their furry friends. 

The DogWatch Hidden Fence is the most technologically advanced and the easiest to use, and it is backed up by a no-hassle Lifetime Warranty from a company with more than 25 years of keeping pets happy and safe.

Our number one concern is the safety and well-being of your pet. We provide the support you need to ensure successful training and happy containment.