Biggest Mistake Dog Owners Make

I just came across this fantastic free online workshop on dog training from the K9 Training Institute that I recommend that you sign up for right away.

This is the first workshop of its kind that is designed to help "normal" dogs like yours have the same level of calmness, obedience and impulse control as service dogs.

The workshop was a complete eye-opener for me and helped me understand why regular dog owners often have so much difficulty training their dogs.

Washee photo copyright A. Higgins

Giving Your Dog a Job to Do

One of the many things I learned from the workshop is the biggest mistake that most dog owners make with their dogs is that they don't give their dogs work to do.

The reason service dogs are so well-behaved is that they always have work to do.

Now, by “job” or “work”, I don’t mean that a service dog is always doing something physical in nature.

Instead, what I mean is that when you give a service dog the hand signal for the DOWN cue for instance, here’s how the service dog would have been trained to think:

“My owner has now given me the job of lying down. So I will remain lying down here in this exact spot until my owner tells me to do something else, because the job that my owner wants me to do for her now is to lie down.”

So unlike most “normal” dogs who think of DOWN as just a trick that they have to perform for a few seconds after which they can do whatever they feel like, service dogs think of DOWN as a serious job that they have to do with commitment, dedication and purpose until they get their next job from their owner.

As you can imagine, it’s a dramatically different mindset!

And this mindset is the reason service dogs are so well-behaved, and so many “normal” dogs (even if they know cues like DOWN or SIT) are not.

How to Train Your Dog to Have the Same Mindset as a Service Dog

The good news is that you can train your dog to have the same mindset as a service dog as well.

That’s precisely where K9 Training Institute's free online workshop comes in.

It helps you to train your dog using the exact same techniques used by the service dog training industry.

It's being conducted by Dr. Alexa Diaz (one of the top service dog trainers in the U.S.) and Eric Presnall (host of the hit Animal Planet TV show "Who Let the Dogs Out").

Frankly, the techniques described in the workshop are fairly groundbreaking - I haven't seen anyone else talk of these techniques.

This is because it's the first time ever (at least that I know of) that anyone has revealed the secret techniques used by the service dog training industry to train service dogs.

The tips shared in this free workshop work on ALL dog breeds - from small breeds like Pomeranians and Chihuahuas to large breeds like English Mastiffs and Great Danes.

Also, puppies as young as 6 weeks old, and previously untrained adult dogs as old as 13 years, have been successfully trained using these techniques.

It's not a live workshop - rather, it's a pre-recorded workshop, which means that you can watch it at your convenience.

However, while the workshop is free, I am not sure whether it's going to be online for too long, so please check it out as soon as you can.

Here's the link again.

Hidden Dog Costs You May Not Be Prepared For

Are you worried about the costs of owning a dog? If so, then it might be worth thinking about the different expenses that you need to manage. Some of these are widely discussed by pet owners and others are less apparent. Here are some of the costs that you might not be fully prepared for. 

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Insurance

First, you need to make sure that you are thinking about the cost of insurance. Insurance costs always increase as your dog gets older. The reason for this is that they are more likely to have issues with a variety of health conditions as they age. That’s why you might want to consider switching your insurance provider once your pet reaches a certain age. This is similar to how the initial insurance you choose will not be suitable for the entire life of a car. You need to choose another plan that matches your budget and your requirements. 

Diet 

It’s also worth considering the cost of food for your pet dog. Some dogs will require a special diet. This is a problem because it means that you’ll need to spend extra money on food. Some food is also recommended but not required. For instance, you could have a yorkie. If that’s the case, then you need to know about yorkies and their vitamins. These vitamins will help ensure that they stay healthy in the long term and avoid some of the typical health problems that can develop as dogs continue to age. 

Training 

Next, you should think about training costs. Training a dog will take time. This means if you don’t have the right amount of time, you’re always going to struggle to ensure that your dog is as obedient as you need. Professional trainers are available but they do cost money. It’s also worth noting that some dogs are more difficult to train than others. As such, it can take more time with an increased number of lessons to get them to learn what they need. This is something that you will definitely need to consider and keep in mind if you are thinking about getting a larger breed of dog. 

Kennels 

Finally, when you have a dog, you may need to manage the cost of kennels and fit this into your budget too. This will be important if you are planning on still going on trips but you don’t want to take your dog with you. There are different kennels available at a range of budgets. As such, it’s just a matter of finding an option that matches your price point. You should also make sure that you are checking the reviews to ensure that a kennel will provide the standard of service that you expect. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the key costs that you may not be prepared for when you have a dog. By factoring these into your budget, you can guarantee that you’ll have a more clear picture of the costs that you will incur as a new pet owner.

 

Tips to Giving Your Shih Tzu Dog a Happy Grooming Experience

Shih tzus are not only known for their affection and elegance but also for their long and soft coat. To maintain its softness and shine, pet owners take their dogs for grooming. While you can buy a dog comb from the pet store and brush your shih tzu’s coat, a trip to the dog grooming salon is important to ensure the ears are cleaned and the coat is trimmed properly. However, being handled by a stranger and the sound of the razor can be stressful to your dog. Here are some tips to make your dog’s grooming experience a happy one:

 

1. Choose the groomer carefully.

Do not take your shih tzu to just any grooming salon just because it is near your place or its services are cheaper. It’s important to evaluate the groomer first before leaving your dog in his or her care. Go for one who is a dog lover as well. You can easily spot this by the way he or she treats and handles your pet, say, while trimming the nails or cleaning the ears. As a pet owner, you can sense if the other person loves animals and you can use your instincts to do this. The salon should also be clean and have a pleasant smell. You can also ask for recommendations from people you know which also have dogs.

2. Let your shih tzu get used to going to the grooming salon.

You might want to first take your dog to the groomer you have chosen without really having your shih tzu groomed yet. Just bring your dog to the pet salon and let him or her get be familiar with the environment. You can also give your pet treats so your shih tzu will associate the place with receiving treats and being happy.

3. Choose a grooming salon with glass dividers. 

Your shih tzu can be stressed due to separation anxiety. You can prevent this by making your pet feel secure while being bathed. Choose a salon designed in such as way that you can see what’s happening inside, preferably one with glass walls so your shih tzu will know you are just there watching. Moreover, you will also know if the groomer really knows what he or she is doing and that your dog is not mishandled.

4. Groom your pet at home.

Even for our pets, there is no place like home. If there is a grooming salon that provides home service, this is the best grooming decision for your shih tzu. Dogs are aware of their surroundings and the home is the safest place they feel more comfortable and safe.

By taking these things in consideration, you can make your shih tzu’s grooming experience a pleasant one.

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Could A Shiba Inu Be The Perfect Dog Breed For You?

The Shiba Inu is a breed of dog that originally came from Japan, and is becoming a lot more popular. They’re a good medium sized breed and they’re very intelligent as well. They’re an adaptable dog and they get on well in both urban and rural environments, which is why they are the most common dog in Japan and they’re becoming more popular around the world.

They tend to be good natured and friendly, which makes them the ideal companion, and they come in a range of different colors as well. If you are looking for a new dog, these are just some of the reasons why a Shiba Inu might be the perfect breed for you.

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Loyalty 

When you are choosing a dog, you want one that will be a loyal member of the family. Shiba Inus are an incredibly loyal breed of dog and you will find that they take to family life very easily. When they are a small puppy, they are very affectionate dogs, but as they get older, they will take on the role of protector a bit more. But that doesn’t mean that they won’t want to play with you as well.

 

High Emotional IQ 

When people say that Shiba Inus are very intelligent, they don’t mean that they’re good at learning tricks. In fact, if you want a dog that will do lots of tricks for you then you should go for a different breed because they’re not that great at it. But they do have a very high emotional IQ. That means that they are very good at reading people and understanding when there is something wrong. 

This makes them ideal emotional support animals because they know if you are upset and they will comfort you. However, if you want to form a good relationship with your dog, it’s important that you respect their intelligence when you are training them and you do not try to use aggressive training methods because they will quickly become angry. 

Good Overall Health 


Certain breeds of dog, like King Charles Spaniels or Pugs are prone to a lot of health issues and as they get older, it is likely that you will spend a lot of time at the vets with them. When you are a dog owner, it’s important that you manage the health of your dog properly, and that can be tough with certain breeds. You also have to consider the financial aspect because vet bills can be very expensive and if your dog needs treatments on a regular basis, it’s tough to manage the cost. But you won’t have that problem with a Shiba Inu because they have very good overall health. They are very active dogs and they have a good build, and aside from a few potential eye issues and a slight risk of hip dyspepsia, they do not have any serious health problems.


The only potential issue is weight gain because they are very active. If you don’t exercise them enough, they will quickly put weight on. But as long as you get the right dog food for Shiba Inu and you take them on regular walks, they should be fine. If you do not have the time to walk them regularly enough, you should go for a different breed that does not need as much exercise.

Cleanliness 

Any dog owner will tell you that owning a dog is going to be messy. Most dogs like to get outside and roll around in the dirt, and they won’t bother cleaning themselves off before they start running around the house when you get home from your walk either. It’s just part of owning a dog and you just get used to it. But if you really hate the idea of a dog that makes a big mess in your home, you should consider a Shiba Inu. They’re often described as being part cat because, unlike most dogs, they love to keep themselves clean. 

When you take them out for a walk, they will avoid all of the muddy puddles instead of jumping in them, and they can often be found grooming themselves. That means that you don’t need to give them a bath quite so often as you would with other breeds. They’re also a low-odor dog so if you don’t like the dog smell that develops in your home over time, they’re ideal. They are also good for people with allergies because, although you will never find a completely hypoallergenic dog, a Shiba Inu comes pretty close.

If you are looking for a new dog and you are trying to decide on a breed, you should definitely consider a Shiba Inu.

Tips for Choosing a Rescue Dog

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Throughout the country, there are rescue centers with dogs ready and waiting to be adopted by a family and to become part of their lives. There are many good reasons to get a rescue dog as your next pet, and of course, providing an animal from the shelter with a loving home is a rewarding experience.

Deciding to get a pet is never a decision to take lightly, and there are many important considerations to take into account. All pets are a big responsibility, and this is a fact that should not be forgotten.

Before you look for a rescue dog you should:

Think about how much time you have free to offer a dog, will it be left for long periods while you work?

Will you be able to cover vets bills, food, insurance etc.?

Do you already have a dog, and will it be upset by a new arrival in the family home?

Consider what breeds of dog are best suited to you, do you like to go on long walks which you could take your dog on too?

Would you prefer a puppy or an adult dog?

Would you like a pedigree rescue dog so that you can be better informed about the dog’s characteristics and traits?

Would you prefer to have a long-haired dog or a dog with a short coat?

How much time would you have each day for grooming a long-haired dog?

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Questions to Ask the Dog Rescue Center:

How and why did the dog end up at the animal rescue center?

What does the center know about the dog’s past, was it mistreated in some way or abandoned, or has the dog’s owner passed away, or become unable to care for it?

Has the dog already been spayed or neutered? (some rescue centers automatically do this, so it is worth checking with the staff when you visit).

Do they know what breed the dog’s parents were? (This could provide you with more of an insight into the dog’s character traits, as well as indicating how big the dog will grow to if it is a puppy).

Does the dog have any ongoing or current health issues?

Choosing to bring a rescue dog into your life is an incredible thing to do, but there is much to consider before you head to the shelter to see all the dogs.


Bear in mind that a rescue dog is likely to be affected by its past treatment, this may mean that it will struggle around other dogs, either by being aggressive or timid. If the latter is the case be sure to understand how to break up a dog fight, and in the unfortunate event that your dog suffers an injury ensure that you register with a vet. If a human is hurt then after seeking medical advice a dog bite attorney may be able to help.

Remember that past mistreatment may mean that it takes a while for your new dog to realise that you can be trusted, so patience is crucial.

Why Adopt A Senior Dog?

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Thinking of adopting a dog from your local shelter? Most people tend to choose younger dogs over older dogs, but this can lead to many older dogs never get rehomed. Here are a few reasons to consider an older dog to adopt.

No training required

An advantage of adopting an older dog is that they’re generally already well trained. Most senior dogs are toilet trained, so you won’t have to go through the painstaking process of teaching your dog not to do its business indoors. A lot of senior dogs will also know basic commands such as sit, stay and come, so you don’t have to go through this teaching process either. As a result, senior songs can save you a lot of time and patience if you don’t want to go through the whole rigmarole of training.


There’s a false belief that older dogs in shelters are only there because they’re ‘problem animals’, but this is completely untrue. Whilst there will be some dogs that were given up for adoption for being a little too wild, you’ll generally be able to gage which ones these are from the descriptions. The majority of older dogs in shelters are likely to be there because an owner passed away or simply neglected them – it’s rarely to do with the dog’s behaviour. Besides, dog shelter staff will generally invest some time into training for those that were untrained, so it’s rare you’ll ever find a completely unruly dog.

Calmer temperament

Senior dogs also tend to have a calmer temperament. They’ve passed the naughty stage of puppyhood, which means you generally don’t have to deal with destructive behaviour and excessive yapping. Senior dogs tend to also have less energy – this means that you don’t have to deal with jumping and may not have to go on such extensive walks.

Many senior dogs are great around children because of their calmer temperament. They can also be great if you’re an older owner yourself who may not have the energy to deal with a more excitable young dog. Obviously temperament also has a lot to do with breed as well as the conditions they may have.

They’re not necessarily more expensive

There’s a belief that older dogs are more expensive for owners as the wear and tear of old age can often mean more health problems and hence more trips to the vets. Whilst it’s true that older dogs can be more at risk of health issues, this doesn’t always mean you’ll visit the vet more – after all, owners of young dogs often end up having to spend money on vaccinations and neutering, which an older dog is likely to have already received. Besides, if you get a young dog, they’ll eventually be an older dog and you’ll still have to deal with this greater risk of health problems one day.

Pet insurance is harder to find for older dogs, but it does exist. Whilst some insurers are unwilling to take on older dogs due to pre-existing problems, there are other special insurers out there that offer pet insurance for pre existing conditions. Whilst your rates may be higher than a younger dog, you’ll still be able to cover yourself for an out of pocket treatment costs.

It’s worth noting that older dogs also tend to cost less when it comes to food and toys. Whilst younger dogs tend to have a more voracious appetite and an ability to chew their way through toys fast, older dogs tend to have slower metabolism and a less destructive urge.   

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Greater choice

The fact that there’s less demand for older dogs means that there’s often more choice for owners. When choosing a younger dog, you may restricted to only a handful of options at your local shelter. With so many senior dogs to choose from, there’s more variety when it comes to breeds and you can find a dog more suited to your personal preferences, whether you’re looking for a large breed or a small breed. If you had your heart set on a certain type of dog, you may have more luck of finding it by also extending your search to older dogs.

Too many older dogs die in shelters

Whilst younger dogs are likely to get snapped up by other owners, many older dogs never get chosen and can end up living out their last years in a shelter. Whilst shelters do the best they can to give dogs a good quality of life, nothing can replace the quality of life they’d get with an owner. By adopting a senior dog, you could help to give it a much more comfortable last few years on this earth by giving it that sense of belonging that every dog needs.

In some cases, you could even extend a dog’s life by adopting it. Many dog shelters are on a tight budget and are overcrowded – once older dogs start to develop health problems, many shelters have to put these animals down in order to prioritize space and funds for healthier animals. Such dogs may have gone on to live for many more years had they got the treatment they needed. In other words, you could be saving an animal’s life by adopting a senior dog!

You may not get as many years with an older dog – which is what puts off many owners – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be rewarding. Many senior dogs can live on for years and years in a happy home.