Puppy training classes are a great environment for teaching your dog commands and encouraging good behavior. Having the right collar for training will allow for easier correction of unwanted behaviors and will ensure that your puppy, and those around you, are safe.

This article will cover the different types of dog collars which are available to you.

One of the most prevalent collars is the plain, flat collar that usually comes in nylon or leather. They are often colorful and are a convenient place to keep your dogs identification and vaccination tags. While these collars may look good, they don't work well in the course of training. When a lead is pulled, this type of collar will put pressure on the dog's windpipe and will cause discomfort.

Another type of restraint is a harness. The harness fits over the body of the dog and is a much better way to restrain your dog than a flat collar. When the lead is attached, the puppy can't move forward, and the best part is that there's no harm to the neck and throat.

Another choice is the head collar. This restraint takes its name from the positioning of the device. Rather than being wrapped around a dog's neck, this collar straps around the head so that when the lead is pulled, the dog's muzzle is what gets the pressure. Not only is this type of collar effective for training, it is much gentler than other collars.

A chain that tightens around the dog's neck when the lead is pulled is called a choker collar. These collars are quite dangerous as they put pressure directly on the dog's airway potentially causing serious damage. These collars are not recommended for use at any time.

A similar type of collar is a pinch collar, which also fits around the neck. The blunt metal protrusions put pressure around the neck in order to stop powerful and willful dogs. These collars are just used temporarily until your dog is adequately trained.

As you can see, harnesses and head collars are the most beneficial choices of dog collars to use in puppy training classes due to their control and their gentle treatment of your pet.

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If you're thinking about bringing a new canine home for your family, consider adopting one from a shelter. You'll find shelters are filled with dogs that would make ideal companions if given the chance. Some are there because they became lost and were unable to find their way home. Others are there because their previous owners were unable to continue caring for them (e.g. they moved into an apartment with a "no pet" policy). A reputable shelter will take the time to make sure a pet in their care is a good match for you and your family.

This article will provide five important tips for adopting a shelter dog. The following suggestions will help ensure you bring home a healthy, happy, and affectionate canine.

1 - Identify Your Ideal Match

Some breeds are more active than others. Some are perfectly content to sit on the couch all day while others need plenty of exercise. Think about your lifestyle. If you enjoy hiking, jogging, or bicycling, an active breed, such as an American Foxhound, might be more appropriate than a Basset Hound. Also, think about your living space. If you live in a small apartment, a Chihuahua may be more suitable than a German Shepherd. Adopt a pet that accommodates your life.

2 - Get Up Close And Personal

The only way to know whether a given canine will make a good companion is to visit his kennel up close. Take the time to walk through the entire facility and visit as many dogs as possible. Signs of friendliness are easy to spot; you'll notice a wagging tail, an eager approach, and an excited playfulness. In contrast, if a shelter animal remains in the back of his kennel, and refuses to approach you, that may be a sign of things to come.

Keep in mind, however, that some dogs remain standoffish because they are unfriendly while others are merely shy. The latter can make wonderful companions once they get to know you.

3 - Ask Questions Of The Staff

There's a good chance the shelter's staff will have spent significant time with each animal in their care. They'll know which dogs have quirky personalities, special medical needs, and a spotty history. Speak with the employees (or volunteers) and ask questions regarding the canines that interest you.

Ask about the results of a temperament evaluation (if one was conducted when the dog was admitted). Ask about behavioral tendencies that emerged while in the shelter. Ask whether the canine is friendly, reserved, withdrawn, or playful. It is in the best interests of the shelter to make sure you adopt the right pet. Hence, they'll be happy to answer your questions.

4 - Get To Know The Frontrunners

It's one thing to look through the front of a kennel and be immediately drawn to a canine. It is another thing entirely to interact with him. The animal shelter should provide you with the chance to spend time with the dogs you're seriously considering adopting. Some facilities will let you take the canines for a walk. Others will encourage you to spend time playing with them to see whether you enjoy the interaction. Take advantage of the opportunity. It's the best way to determine whether a given canine's temperament is a good fit.

5 - Avoid Rushing Your Decision

Most shelters are willing to hold a dog for you for twenty-four hours. This is a good chance to leave the facility and consider whether a specific canine will fit your lifestyle. Moreover, you'll be able to do so more objectively without his longing eyes staring expectantly at you. Come back the following day and make your decision. There's no need to rush.

Adopting a shelter dog is a great way to find a lifelong companion. Use a methodical approach and ask plenty of questions to ensure you bring home a canine that adds to your life.

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The Yorktese is also known as the Morkie, Yorkie & Maltese Mix, Yorkteses, Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese Hybrid

Description: The Yorktese love to run around in the yard and sit in your lap while you watch t.v. or a movie. This toy breed is becoming one of the most popular hybrid breeds in all of America. They love to sleep at night with you in bed and will also take naps with you during the day. They are very loyal and love all the attention your willing to give them.

Temperament: Playful, love to be held, get along well with others. As with all breeds the temperament of the parents and socialization come into play.

Height, Weight: Depends on size of parents. Typically 3 to 8 lbs.

Health Problems: The Yorktese Designer breed is for the most part a health breed. Of course the genetics of each parent must be considered. It there are genetic problems in the bloodline then the chances of it being passed on are very high. It is important that your puppy or dog is up to date on all vaccinations, heart worm preventatives and de-wormings. I suggest you take your Yorktese to the vet at least twice each year.

Colors: Black and Tan, Black and Gold, Black and White, Black, Tri-color with Black, Gold and White. Also can be mostly white.

Exercise Required: Majority of required exercise can be obtained in an apartment or house setting but they love to play outside and go for walks.

Life Expectancy: 15-18 years

Litter Size: 2-4

Grooming: Similar to the Yorkie and Maltese. Coat can be long and flowing or you can give them a puppy cut or other hair cut.

Origin: United States

Group: Toy

Recognized Registries: Though the Morkie is a hybrid they can be registered with a designer breed / hybrid specific registry.

CKC= Continental Kennel Club

APRI= American Pet Registry

ACA= American Kennel Association

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History: Settlers on the isle of Newfoundland, Canada, are responsible for helping to develop the Labrador breed. The progenitor of the Labrador Retriever was the St. John's Water Dog, which also gave rise to the Newfoundland.

The St. John's Water Dog was used by fishermen on the island to help bring in their nets. The St. John's Water Dog was taken to England in the 1800s, but it was not until later that the Labrador breed began to emerge on its own.

This is due mostly to the fact that the Earls of Malmesbury worked to refine the breed and promote it. Because of their efforts, the Labrador Retriever won recognition as a separate breed in the late 19th century.

History: Settlers on the isle of Newfoundland, Canada, are responsible for helping to develop the Labrador breed. The progenitor of the Labrador Retriever was the St. John's Water Dog, which also gave rise to the Newfoundland. The St. John's Water Dog was used by fishermen on the island to help bring in their nets. The Lab is considered one of the more popular dog breeds in all the world.

The St. John's Water Dog was taken to England in the 1800s, but it was not until later that the Labrador breed began to emerge on its own. This is due mostly to the fact that the Earls of Malmesbury worked to refine the breed and promote it. Because of their efforts, the Labrador Retriever won recognition as a separate breed in the late 19th century.

The St. John's Water Dog was used by fishermen on the island to help bring in their nets. The St. John's Water Dog was taken to England in the 1800s, but it was not until later that the Labrador breed began to emerge on its own. This is due mostly to the fact that the Earls of Malmesbury worked to refine the breed and promote it.

Because of their efforts, the Labrador Retriever won recognition as a separate breed in the late 19th century. The Lab is considered one of the more popular dog breeds in all the world.

Learn more about Labrador Retrievers. Stop by Scott Lipe's site where you can find out all about Puppies or Dogs Blog and what it can do for you.

Training a puppy requires an extra level of patience and diligence. Puppies, by nature, are playful and slightly unruly. Controlling their activity and focusing their attention is often challenging, especially if you're trying to do so in an environment that offers distractions. The benefit is that investing the time and effort to train your pup helps him learn how to be a better companion to you and your family.

There are a few ground rules to follow when training puppies - and even adult canines. In this article, we'll explore four of the most important.

Consistency Is The Top Priority

Dogs learn by repetition. But in order to learn effectively, the repetition must be consistent. For example, suppose you're teaching your puppy to heel. If you say, "heel" and your spouse says, "down," there is a chance your canine will become confused. He may eventually learn to heel on command, but the process of learning is slowed. It may even prevent him from committing the command to memory. Be consistent. If a family member or friend participates, ask them to do the same.

This is also important when rewarding successful behavior. Only provide a treat as a reward if your puppy fully satisfies your command. For example, if you call for him to come, but he only comes halfway, withhold the treat until he fully complies. Otherwise, he will soon learn that coming halfway is sufficient.

Limit The Duration Of The Sessions

Puppies have short attention spans. For this reason, you'll find that shorter sessions are more effective for holding their attention and producing positive results. A lot of owners push forward with longer periods despite their pups becoming bored. This rarely has a positive effect. The pup becomes less attentive while his owner become increasingly frustrated.

For the best results, keep sessions under fifteen minutes (this is also a good rule when training adult dogs). Doing so helps guarantee your puppy will stay focused.

Always Remain Calm

This is an often overlooked, but critical part of effective puppy training. Always remain calm, regardless of whether your pup successfully responds to your commands. Owners often become frustrated with their puppies during training sessions, and react in anger. Even if they manage to avoid yelling, the pup senses tension. This shatters his focus and makes it even less likely he'll behave as desired.

The calmer you remain, the more control you'll have over the training sessions. If you feel frustrated, give your puppy a final easy command and reward him when he satisfies it successfully. Then, end the session.

Never Punish

Most professional dog trainers are in agreement: positive reinforcement is far more effective than negative reinforcement. In other words, your puppy will commit your commands to memory more effectively if he has been rewarded for complying with them in the past. By contrast, if he has been punished for failing to comply, he is unlikely to commit the command to memory. He will have learned nothing from being punished except to fear you.

Canines, whether puppies or adults, do not use logic in the same manner people do. For example, suppose your pup digs a hole in your garden and you stumble upon it hours later. If you punish him, he is unlikely to make the connection between the hole he dug and your reaction. This is the reason trainers strongly recommend rewarding behaviors immediately. If you wait, even for a few minutes, your pup won't understand why you're rewarding him (though he'll happily accept the treat).

Most owners are well-intentioned about training their puppies. Unfortunately, many lack the patience or time to do it properly. If you intend to train your pup on your own, use the four ground rules above to improve your chances of success.

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It isn't that you will no longer need a dog leash when you buy a dog harness. You actually use it along with the leash. It seems like many dog owners are most comfortable with the leash attached to their canine's collar. But you have probably never realized how uncomfortable a leash can be when you pull on it and it digs painfully into your dog's throat. You could compare it to someone pulling hard on a cord tied around your own leg. You know that would not feel very good, don't you? So consider how your dog feels when you pull on the leash around his neck. It digs uncomfortably into a tender area. And as painful as it can be, it can also be bad for your dog's health.

A harness, on the other hand, is wrapped around your pet's chest and front legs. It is made of either a nylon webbing or leather and is clipped between your pet's shoulder blades. The leash is attached to the dog harness, instead of the collar, so the strain produced by pulling spreads all throughout your dog's body instead of centering it on its throat.

Many dog trainers and experts recommend the use of a harness when you are training or teaching your dog basic and acceptable dog behaviors.

When force need be applied to correct your dog's behavior, the dog harness is a much more humane approach. Instead of digging the collar into your dog's neck when force is required, a pull on the harness will do the trick without the pain. Another benefit of the harness is that your pet's center of gravity will be affected. Due to stubborness, most dogs will resist a tug and become determined to stand their ground. They will simply be set on not following your instructions. However, when it is his center of gravity which is being influenced, he will not be able to resist moving. Dogs on a harness still may show stubborness, of course. Without hurting him, though, the harness will enable you to pull your dog more easily to obey your command.

So should you get rid of his collar? NO. Your canine's collar holds his ID tag. All his and your info should be there in case of emergencies. What you have to do is just clip the leash on the harness, instead of the collar.

If you've just picked up your family's new furry addition and want to find out the right way to care for your puppy, then check out Puppy Pet Supplies for helpful tips and advice on puppy training, and so much more! Plus, discover how to potty train your puppy effectively and quickly!

Dogs, especially puppies, should be taught where the right place for relieving themselves is when they come to live with you. Unfortunately, just like babies, they don't come already housebroken. That will be your delightful job. Here are a few tips to help your potty training efforts go more smoothly.

Now, we have all heard terrible stories about the perils of housebreaking a puppy. Sure, you may get frustrated every once in a while but do your best not to let it get in the way of your primary goal - keeping puppy from pooing and peeing all over the house. When it comes to being consistent, this is where many dog owners have troubles.

What exactly does this mean? Well, when you take puppy outside to do his business, take the same route, use the same commands and praise him when he starts to go and when he finishes. Some owners like to stand indoors, especially when it is raining or very cold. The problem with that method is that a puppy might associate going to the bathroom with being left outside alone. This can set you up to find smelly "presents" all over the house. Your dog will either use the bathroom in his crate or elsewhere so he doesn't have to go outdoors.

Experts give a little formula for trying to housebreak your puppy. The number of hours that a puppy should be able to go without using the bathroom is equal to their age (in months) plus one. A three-month old puppy should be able to last four hours at a stretch.

Take puppy outdoors to use the bathroom: when he wakes, every hour or so throughout the day and at night. Keep him on the leash so you won't have to chase him if he gets distracted by any activity outside. Choose a command word that will mean "it is time to go to the bathroom." When puppy chooses his spot, use that command in a gentle voice until he begins to urinate. Some dogs will poop afterwards so keep repeating the command until he is done with that too. Then, praise him for his great work.

There will be accidents, but use them as teaching tools to teach puppy what not to do. Catch him in the act if you can. Disciplining a puppy when you find their "package" will confuse them. They will think that they are in trouble for whatever they are doing at the moment instead of something they did twenty minutes ago.

If you catch puppy in the act, your voice command will usually stop him in the middle. If you can catch him urinating, you'll avoid getting a bigger mess. Pick him up and take him out to the bathroom spot. Use the bathroom command to hopefully get him to finish his business. Then, praise him like normal.

Housebreaking can be both rewarding and nerve-wracking. But, once puppy gets the hang of things you can breathe a bit easier.

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