DogWatch of Western Mass

If you have a dog, you know all about the joys of having them around. They’re loyal, loving, and playful—but they aren’t always easy to train. It can be tempting to try to use harsh methods like shouting at your dog in order to get them to obey commands or do tricks (or even just stop doing things that annoy you). But as it turns out, there are much better ways of training dogs than yelling at them or hitting them with a newspaper!

So what should we be doing instead? First off: keep training sessions short and sweet! Dogs learn best by repetition (and this includes bad behaviors as well as good ones). Breaking down each new lesson into smaller steps will help both parties stay focused on the task at hand. Once these lessons are mastered one by one, they’ll come together organically until you finally achieve your ultimate goal—a happy pup who knows how he’s supposed to behave!

Keep the training sessions short.

The best way to keep training sessions short and fun is to make sure the dog is engaged and having a good time. If you notice them getting bored or frustrated, take a break for a few minutes before continuing the session.

Use dog-friendly language.

When your dog does something good, praise him. When you want to tell him to stop doing something, say “No” in a calm, quiet tone of voice. Choose words that mean the same thing to both of you—you can’t use the same word for one command and then use another word for the same command.

For example: If you call your dog over to you and he doesn’t come, don’t yell out his name in frustration or walk over to pull his collar from behind; instead, try calling him again with less excitement in your voice and more patience.

Keep training sessions positive.

Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train your dog, and it’s also a great way to communicate with your pooch. When you use positive reinforcement, you are rewarding your dog for doing something right. You can do this in many ways: by giving him treats or petting him, playing fetch with his favorite toy, or by offering a belly rub after he’s done what you asked him to do. Your dog will learn that when he follows directions he gets rewarded—and this makes him more likely to listen next time around! Positive reinforcement also helps build a strong relationship between you and your pup because it builds trust between the two of you; if your dog knows that whenever he does something good for you he’ll get attention from his human family members then it’s going make him want to keep those behaviors up!

Treats should not be the only kind of reward you use to train a dog.

Food is not the only way to reward a dog. You should not just be using food as positive reinforcement during training. Dogs respond well to attention, praise and playtime, too. Don’t forget that affection can be a rewarding experience for both you and your dog!

Remember, training your dog is a process that takes time and patience. It’s important to be consistent in your training, be patient, and not get frustrated with your dog if he doesn’t do something the first time you ask him. You also need to learn how to read his body language so that you can reward him for good behavior.

We hope that we have been able to help you become a better dog owner and trainer. If you take these tips to heart, you can create a stronger, happier relationship with your dog. Remember that training does not just benefit your dog; it also improves the bond between the two of you.

 

Keeping your dog safe during the Halloween season is a top priority. Even if it’s a fun time for kids to dress up and get candy, it’s also a time for your dog to be extra careful. With all of the costumed people out in the streets, it can be hard for your dog to know who is real and who isn’t and what’s actually going on. The last thing you want is for them to feel like someone they don’t know is approaching and get nervous or aggressive.

Still, there are plenty of ways to celebrate safely with your pet! We’ve compiled some tips for keeping your dog safe on Halloween. 

Halloween Safety Tips for Dogs

If you’re going trick-or-treating with your dog, keep him on a leash at all times. Also, make sure your dog has an ID tag with his or her name and phone number on it. You should never let your dog roam loose – especially not on this night as they could be hit by cars or cause accidental harm to others. If your dog becomes lost, having the information on their collar, will help locate him or her quickly. 

If you plan to get dressed up in costume, don’t make your dog also get dressed up if they’re showing signs that they don’t want to. And don’t dress them up in costumes that could get caught on something or make them hard to see in the dark.

Don’t forget that dogs are sensitive to noise, which means that all of the trick-or-treaters ringing doorbells and knocking on doors will cause a lot of barking and howling. If you live in an area where people dress up in costumes—or if your neighbors do—you may find yourself with very confused pooches who are trying desperately to figure out why the mailman looks like Darth Vader. You can help your dog relax by keeping him inside until after dark or making sure he has plenty of chew toys so he doesn’t eat the decorations you have hanging around your house (which could be dangerous).

Chocolate is toxic to dogs. It can cause vomiting and diarrhea, as well as other serious problems like seizures, kidney failure, and death. It’s best to just keep them away from the candy and leave it for the kids and adults.

Halloween decorations are also a fun part of the holiday but they can also be a giant hazard. Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

Dogwatch pet containment systems keep your pup within the safe boundaries you set indoors and outside. Get peace of mind and quietly, effectively, and hidden from view. 

LEARN MORE

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

 

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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.