FEBRUARY 2024 Pawsitively Pets - issue to publish online | Page 6

Dog Training Education by Cheyenne Pratt , Veterinary Technician - Calico Creek Vets
News You Can Use

Dog Training Education by Cheyenne Pratt , Veterinary Technician - Calico Creek Vets

February has been established as " Dog Training Education Month " to remind dog owners the importance of training . Training teaches your dog important skills while forming a trusting , animal-human bond . Training will keep both you and your dog ' s mind and body active . Mental stimulation is a very important part of a dog ' s well-being , just as important as daily physical exercise . Mental stimulation will help prevent boredom , which leads to bad behavior like chewing , digging , excessive barking , and destructive behaviors .
Knowing where to start with training your dog can be overwhelming . If you need guidance , sign up for a class or attend a virtual training program online . Tons of helpful information is available online and in books . Ask friends and family with well-behaved dogs for useful tips . Sometimes it can be difficult for our dogs to understand what we want from them , which can be frustrating for both dog and owner . Puppy training should start as soon as you bring them home , usually about 8 weeks old . Hopefully , you researched or are already familiar with the breed of dog you intend to train . This is important because every breed has different traits . Use the proper training methods based on your dog ' s unique personality . A lot of dogs are food motivated , but some are not . There are stubborn dogs , fearful dogs , hyperactive dogs , dominant dogs , anxious dogs and highly intelligent dogs . These traits will affect how you approach training . Some breeds are easier to train than others .
Be patient , understanding , and consistent with dog training . Positive reinforcement is thought to be the most effective method . It uses rewards for good behavior , such as treats , praise , and toys . When your dog behaves as you want , reward them and they ' ll associate the good behavior with it , making them likely to continue the good behavior . Don ' t do too much at once ; start with the basics . Keep sessions to a 5 minute max ; anything longer may cause your dog to become distracted and frustrated . Repeat small sessions through the day . Make training fun for you and your dog by adding in play sessions . Praise your dog for even small amounts of progress .
You ' ve heard the old saying " you can ' t teach an old dog new tricks " but that is not the case . Dogs are lifelong learners and can learn new things at any life stage . If you have an older dog that is already trained , teach them something new ! Having a well trained dog is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a pet parent .
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Pawsitively Pets -- February

Around The Hydrant :

News You Can Use

Recalls :
Blue Ridge Beef Breeders Choice of Statesville , NC : Expanding its voluntary recall of Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix , due to Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes contamination . The recall expansion now includes all lot numbers / use by dates between N24 1114 to N24 1224 of their 2lb . bag of Puppy Mix - UPC 8 54298 00169 6 . Info : 704-880-4500 Monday through Friday 8am – 5pm . ( 1 / 4 / 24 )
Mid-America Pet Food of Mt . Pleasant , TX : Expanding its recall from October to include additional dog food , due to potential Salmonella contamination . Affected products include Victor Super Premium Dog Food - multiple bag sizes , Wayne Feeds Dog Food - 40 pound bags , Eagle Mountain Pet Food - 40 pound bags , Member ' s Mark ( Sam ' s Club ) Dog Food - 30 pound bags , Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula . Info : 1-888-428-7544 . ( 11 / 10 / 23 )
TFP Nutrition of Nacogdoches , TX : Expanding its recall to include all dry dog and cat food manufactured in its Nacogdoches facility , due to potential Salmonella contamination . For a complete list of affected products , log on to dogfoodadvisor . com . Info : 1-800-330-3048 ( 10 / 24 / 23 )
Source : dogfoodadvisor . com , amva . org

Calico Creek Veterinary Clinic

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