The Highs and Lows of Raising a Puppy

2 months ago, George came home with us and finally, I got my long time wish to care for a dog . I knew from the start that it will not be easy, that there will be challenges, that I will have more chores to do, that having a dog is a BIG responsiblity.

Now that George is here, I had to go back to everything I researched about dog training. Obviously, actual dog training is a whole different thing from theory. It was even more difficult than I expected.

George was not exactly the easiest puppy to train. Like most puppies, he is energetic, curious, impatient, naughty, and sometimes he does things that can really try your temper. In two months, George has managed to destroy at least 6 (if i'm counting right) of our slippers, there are 2 large holes on the wall, and the kitchen counter has been badly chipped and chewed on.

I am so thankful that my husband is supportive about it and helps me out in every way he can. Although he wasn't too enthusiastic about bringing home a puppy (It's not because he does not like dogs but because we live in a small apartment where caring for a dog would not be easy.), I can see that George is starting to find a space in my hubby's good heart.  We really had the hardest time on potty and poop training. If you have a dog, I think you can understand when I say that there was a lot of cleaning up to do.

Now that he is a little over 4 months old, he has learned a few lessons: that he has to go outside to poop and that he has to SIT first before he can get what he wanted (still learning that one i guess, he keeps forgetting) .

George still needs a lot of training to learn and I'm beginning to feel that we really need the help of a professional dog trainer to teach George about good behavior. I wish there was a behavior school for dogs where we live but I don't think there is.  The only thing I'm sure of at this moment is that I don't have any regrets about having George with us.  He's our little furry, bundle of joy!

Dog Day at Etsy

Yesterday's Etsy Finds are Puppy Approved and I'm loving it! I wish I could get George one of these goodies. I thought the bedside lamp and dog house was so cool! I love the tags by cristina ashley design and poochy couture. Here are more fun stuff to pamper your pooch:)

pooch sweater by: a and b originals

bedside lamp and dog house by: madshome

dog tag: poochy couture

dog bed by: bow wow beds

dog bowl by: bailey bowls

tag by: cristina ashley design

collars L-R:
codyscreations ; lola and winston
emmaginables : whinny and woof

Doggie Beds by Jonathan Adler

I enjoyed browsing through the shop looking for my favorite items for the Jonathan Adler giveaway contest by Holly of Decor8. The shop has lots of quirky and pretty things for the home and these doggie beds from Jonathan Adler's shop caught my eye.

dog bed by Jonathan Adler

Bones Doggie Bed by Jonathan Adler

I think George would love sleeping on this bone cushion :)

The Day We Brought Home a Puppy

At long last, we have a dog! weeeee!

Meet George!
He's a 2-month old mixed breed.
We're still getting to know him as he just got home yesterday.


George Inspecting the Camera


Hiding he's cute face from the cam, hehehe


this little guy knows how to pose!



Big Yawn!


Loving the Attention


Handsome George!

Isn't he adorable???

Dog Tooth Brushing Tips

Like people, dogs also need to have their teeth cleaned. Canine teeth need regular brushing to prevent cavity build-up and tooth decay. More importantly, taking care of your dog’s teeth is a great way to protect your dog from diseases or infections that may start from the build-up of bacteria in the mouth.

Brushing your dog’s teeth does not need to be an unpleasant experience. Here are tips on how to make brushing time easy and enjoyable.

Use a toothpaste for dogs. Ask your vet for a recommended brand of doggy toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste as some ingredients may be too strong for dogs and unsafe to swallow. Also, dog's would never like the mint flavor of toothpastes people use.

Introduce the new taste. Put a small amount of the doggy toothpaste on your finger and let your dog get accustomed to the taste of this new treat. Do this for a few days. You may need to experiment on different flavours of toothpastes for dogs until find out the flavor your pooch likes best. Remember, it’s important that your dog enjoys the taste of the toothpaste to make brushing time fun and easy.

Introduce the brush. Once your dog is used to the taste, you can now introduce the toothbrush. Use a toothbrush for dogs as it is uniquely designed for canine teeth.  Put a bit of toothpaste on the brush and let your dog investigate it first until he get’s used to it.

Check your dog's mouth. Run your fingers along the gums and check for sores or swelling. In case of swollen gums, take him to the vet right away.

Use a toothbrush for dogs. After the introduction, use the doggy toothbrush to gently clean his teeth and mouth. Doggie toothbrushes have extra-soft bristles and long handles which are perfect for cleaning canine teeth. At first, just brush the front teeth or the ones within easy reach. Make the brushing session short as you don’t want him to get upset.

Time to brush. As your dog gets used to the activity, you can start spending a few extra minutes brushing the teeth to make sure that his mouth gets thoroughly cleaned. Make sure that the toothpaste sticks between the bristles of the brush to keep the paste from falling off. Gently brush one tooth at a time, brush the gums until all parts of the mouth has been brushed.

Make tooth brushing a routine so your dog would get used to the habit. Regular brushing should be done at least once a week. It’s best to brush your dog’s teeth when he/she feels a bit sleepy or tired.

Dental chews and treats should not replace regular brushing. Dental kibble or chews may help prevent cavity build-up but brushing is still the best way to clean the bacteria in the mouth.

Don't skip brushing. If you don’t have time to brush your dog’s teeth, have someone else do the job. If no one in the house can do this important task, better take him to a pet groomer.

Make tooth brushing time a bonding time. While brushing your dog’s teeth, talk to him in a calm voice and give lots of praises if he’s behaved well.


Reward him with his favorite treat. Rewarding your dog after brushing will make him remember that brushing time isn't a bad time after all.

Check out Best Bully Sticks to view a wide range of all-natural dog products such as dental dog treats and chews, toothpaste and toothbrush for dogs, dog food, and more.

Help Your Pet Recover from Obesity

Among humans, the problem of obesity is very real. Among pets, obesity is a problem often overlooked. Based on the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s (APOP) 2008 Pet Obesity Study, “an estimated 50% of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese.”

Apparently, the prevalence of preventable diseases in pets such as Osteoarthritis, Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease, respiratory disorders, and some forms of cancer is directly related to the increase of obesity cases in both dogs and cats.

Causes of Pet Obesity

It is interesting to note that pet owners who lead an inactive lifestyle are most likely to have overweight pets as well. The lack of physical activity can be unhealthy and even dangerous for humans and pets alike.

Having a dog can be physically beneficial if the dog owner actually walks his/her pooch regularly. If you’re too lazy or too busy to go out and walk your dog or run with your dog, either you, your dog or both of you may be at risk of having a weight problem.

Another cause of obesity among pets is an unhealthy feeding routine. Pets have a tendency to overeat and pet owners have a tendency to overfeed. Some pet owners feed their dogs or cats with too much food than their caloric need or body requirement. Just like in humans, the average daily caloric need of a dog or cat will vary depending on its size, age, and breed.

Is My Pet Overweight or Obese?

So how can you tell if your pet is overweight? APOP recommends the 1-5 scale Body Condition Scoring (BCS). The BCS is a recognized system used by veterinarians to determine whether there is a weight problem.

1 is considered to be an emaciated condition; 2 is thin; 3 is the ideal or normal; 4 is heavy or overweight; and 5 is extremely fat or obese. Check here for the complete details of BCS.

If your dog or cat has a sagging tummy, a broad back, has no waist and you can’t feel the ribs under the fat, your pet may have a weight problem. Dogs and cats that are overweight may experience difficulty in breathing or walking, are easily tired, and are often sluggish or sleepy.

Remember, the ideal weight range for dogs and cats differ depending on the size and breed. Take your dog to a certified veterinarian to diagnose and address the problem.

Helping an Overweight or Obese Pet

Here are some tips to help your dog or cat recover from obesity:

Don’t fall for the sad face. The hardest part about controlling a pet’s unhealthy eating habit is saying no when they try to ask or beg for food. But if your pet is overweight, the best way you can show your care is to help him/her regain the ideal body weight.


Introduce exercise or physical activity one step at a time. Never introduce your pet to a rigorous exercise program as this can be fatal to health. It’s best to ask advice from a vet as to what kind of exercise routine you should start with. At first, it should be short sessions doing a mild form of exercise and will slowly progress depending on your pet’s response.

Ask your vet for a healthy diet plan. Again, you cannot drastically change your pet’s feeding habits. Always work with a veterinary or pet nutritionist when introducing a new diet for your dog.

Don’t feed your dog under the table. Dogs must never be fed while the family is eating on the dining table. Teach your kids not to throw or feed bits of food to your dog under the table. Dogs should be trained to eat at their own feeding time. If you feed them at any time of day, they will be confused and they will have a more difficult time adjusting.

Be patient. Don’t expect your pet to reach the ideal body weight quickly. It needs time, patience, discipline and motivation. The important thing is to work closely with your vet and follow the health plan specifically created for your pet.

1. dog
2. cat

Meet the Portuguese Water Dog

Bo, the Portuguese Water Dog has officially arrived at the White House. After some controversies as to the 6-month old PWD’s origin, the Obama’s welcomed the first pooch to his new home last April 14. Apparently, Bo was a gift from Ted Kennedy (who also has 2 PWDs from Bo’s breeder) after Bo’s first owners gave him up. I’m not very familiar with this breed so I came up with this research:

Portuguese Water Dog History

Aptly named the Portuguese Water Dog, this canine breed was originally a fisherman’s dog in Portugal. Known for its strength and exceptional swimming ability (the PWD can swim all day), it was the perfect fisherman companion (to retrieve fishing nets, carry messages from the boat to shore, guard boats, and dove for fish).

Appearance: The PWD is a medium built dog. The size and height proportions range from 20-23 inches, 42 to 60 pounds for males; and 17 to 21 inches and 35 to 50 pounds for females. The body is solid, muscular and well-balanced.

PWDs have wavy or curly coat in black, brown or white (or combinations of these colors). Despite its thick coat which requires regular grooming, the Portuguese Water Dog is known to be a hypoallergenic breed, which means dog lovers with mild allergies may very well consider it for a pet.

Temperament: Portuguese Water Dogs are sound in spirit, highly intelligent, loyal and obedient. However, this breed is a very active dog, indefatigable, and energetic. These dogs are also very sociable so it’s not a good idea to leave them alone for long periods.

For more information about Portuguese Water Dogs, you may visit these websites:
Portuguese Water Dog Club of America
American Kennel Club

If you're thinking about getting a PWD, seriously consider if this dog breed is right for you.
Don't support puppy mills or buy from pet stores.
Adopt a dog from a shelter or animal rescue. Visit helping pups or petfinder.com

photo of "Bo" via: People.com

Green, Reusable Dog Beds from Molly Mutt

I want to share this very cool discovery for all dog lovers which I found through MadebyGirl. It's a green and fun way to give your dear pets the comfort they deserve. What are we talking about here?



A dog duvet and sack which becomes a relaxing dog bed from Molly Mutt- an online dog bed shop. All you need to do is fill the stuff sack with your old stuff (worn out clothes, blankets, rags), cover it with the duvet and voila. . . your earth-friendly, reusable doggie bed is ready.

What's great is that everything is recyclable and washable. You can throw in everything into the laundry, including the sack, the stuffing, and the duvet to make it clean again. No need to throw in your old dog bed to the trash when it gets dirty. Check out the Molly Mutt shop to see choices of colors and designs.

Prices range from $20-$40 depending on the size plus, enjoy 10% discount on your purchase if you're a MadebyGirl reader. Drop by MadebyGirl to avail of the discount.

This is Danny the boxer- MadebyGirl's dog, enjoying great sleep in a Molly Mutt bed.

Your Guide to Buying a Dog House

When buying a dog house, two important factors are priority: Comfort and Safety. The style and design may satisfy your eyes, but never compromise your dog's needs. Here is a smart guide on buying a dog house:

Consider the size of your dog. Naturally, the house should be a place where your dog feels safe and comfortable. Make sure that there is enough room inside so he/she can move in all directions conveniently. See to it that the height of the house is just right for your dog's breed.

Make sure that the material is durable. Some dog houses are made out of wood and some are made out of plastic. Wooden dog houses are ideal for a backyard setting while plastic dog houses are easy to clean and maintain. You need to decide which material is most appropriate for your dog. Make sure that the house is durable and strong enough to carry your dog's weight, especially if you have a large dog.

Consider the weather. If you live in a cold region, an insulated doghouse is what you need. Don't forget to provide a warm bedding to keep him happy. Check the roofing of the doghouse to make sure that it can stand rainy days and heavy showers. A doghouse with a raised floor is recommended because the space will allow airflow and make it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. A house with a removable roof is great for easier cleaning.

Here are some dog houses in different styles and materials that you may consider:

Barclay Indoor-Outdoor Insulated Dog House and the Chalet
by Doghouses.com

Duplex Wood Dog House and Pet Mate Indigo Dog House

by Doghouses.com

The Precision Outback Log Cabin Dog House and the Pet Mate Barnhome 3
by Pet Mountain

Dog-proofing Your Home Tips

Every dog owner must learn about dog-proofing. Dog-proofing means making your home a safer place for both you and your pet. Here are some tips:

Use doggie doors and gates (with security) for entrances or spaces that you want to block off.

Make sure that there are no choking hazards (screws, paper clips, rubber bands, coins, needles, and other small things) lying around on the floor especially if you have puppies. If you have a lawn, make sure that there are no hazardous chemicals or materials on the ground or within reach.

If you’re going to have a party at home, don’t forget to consider both your guests’ and dog’s safety especially if there will be kids. You may want to confine your dog or hire a dog sitter for the day.

Give your dog his own toys that he can safely play with.

If your floor is carpeted, vacuum daily to get rid of fur and dander.

Groom your dog regularly.

For furniture, choose materials that are durable and easy to clean. Use slipcovers that are stain-resistant and easily washable.

Ceramic tiles are ideal materials for flooring because they are scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to clean.

Don’t leave your personal belongings on the floor or within your dog’s reach. These things carry your scent which makes them doubly appealing to your dog.

Tip: If your dog grabs one of your things, don’t try to chase your dog to get it back. Instead, let your dog chase you by offering a toy to exchange for your stuff.

Never leave food on tables or countertops.

Make sure that the garbage can is securely closed and out of your dog’s reach. Dogs have a natural tendency to raid the trash bin because of the smell from leftover foods.

Tip: If your dog happens to be raiding your trash, make a sharp, sudden sound to stop him. However, never punish your dog or inflict pain as this can cause behavioral problems.

Train your dog from start. Teaching your dog about good behavior is important not just for your safety and convenience but for your dog’s safety as well. Teaching your dog about boundaries is the best way to protect him from possible harm and health hazards.

For more tips and guide to dog-proofing, check out Shop Wiki, a search site that can also help you find specific products on dog-proofing.

How to Deal with Dog Ticks and Fleas

Dog owners must protect their dear pets from ticks and fleas. Aside from itchiness and discomfort, these unwanted pests can bring fever, typhoid, Lyme disease and other serious dog diseases.

The worst thing about ticks and fleas is that they multiply very fast. Eggs can hatch within a week and stay hidden under your dog’s fur before you even realize that there is problem. This is why it's important to regularly check your dog's skin before or after bathing.

Prevention Is Better than Cure

Make sure that the area where your dog stays and take strolls are clean. If there are signs of infestations, using chemical sprays is the best way to exterminate these dreadful crawlers. However, make sure that your dog’s feeder and toys are safe from these chemical sprays.

What if your dog has acquired ticks and fleas? Daily inspection must be done to remove ticks and fleas from your dog’s skin.

Ask your vet for an anti-flea or anti-tick soap, powder, collar or treatment that is best and safe for your pet. Some vet may recommend natural remedies or herbal anti-flea and tick medication.

Brushing and Combing Tips For Dog Owners

Brushing or combing a dog’s coat is very important for good grooming. Long haired dog breeds need every day brushing while short-haired dogs may require combing at least once or twice a week. Here are tips on how to make grooming a fun and enjoyable time for your dog:

Start early. It’s best to train them while they’re young. If you adopted an older dog who wasn’t trained for grooming, it’s never too late to start training.

Sit or stand your dog in a comfortable spot. Run your fingers through his fur. Brush his paws or legs first so he can see what’s happening.

Praise your dog if he’s behaving well. If not, don’t give up. Introduce the brushing or combing routine every day for just a few minutes. It shouldn’t take long before your dog realizes that grooming is not a bad time after all.

Don’t give yourself a hard time. Find a suitable place for your pup or dog to sit or stand on while you brush his/her coat. Make sure that it would be the same spot for grooming even when your dog gets older. Use a non-slip mat for your dog to stand on. If you have a large dog, don’t lift your puppy to a spot that wouldn’t be able to carry his weight when he grows up.

Be consistent. Brushing or combing should be done regularly not just to make the coat shiny but to avoid mats and tangles. Combing is also an effective way to remove dander.

Comb or brush properly. Always comb or brush according to the direction of the fur. Be gentle especially when there are mats or tangles.

Don't scrape it! Be very careful not to scrape the skin.

Use the right dog brush. Dog brushes and combs are made differently. Soft bristle brushes are ideal for short-haired breeds while a pin brush with metal bristles are recommended for long-haired breeds. For dogs with wavy and curly hair, a wire slicker brush is best.

Comb one small section at a time. Make sure that all tangles have been removed before moving on to the next section.

Stick with a pattern. Always start from the legs and work your way up leaving the head and ears for last. Follow the same pattern every time so your dog will get used to the routine.

Examine every spot. Check the skin for fleas, wounds or cuts. Check for lumps. If you find anything weird, see your vet right away.

Praise. Praise your dog for staying still and behaving well.

Comb before and after bath. It’s a good idea to do the combing before bathing to make shampooing easier. After bathe, the fur should also be easier to comb.

Questions from Readers: Can My Cat Get Diabetes Too?

In response to a comment from my last post What If My Dog Has Diabetes?, this entry will be about Feline Diabetes.

Just like dogs and people, cats too can develop Diabetes Mellitus. Among cats, those who seem to be at a higher risk of developing this condition are male cats and obese cats.

The signs of Feline Diabetes are similar to that of Canine Diabetes which includes:

• lethargy or laziness
• excessive thirst and hunger
• frequent urination
• unexplained loss of weight
• increased appetite
• weakness in the legs

Upon check-up, a vet must conduct urinalysis and blood tests to come up with a correct diagnosis. If a cat is diagnosed to be diabetic, insulin injections may be recommended to help control the disease and avoid complications. It is good to know that with early detection, you can help your cat lead a normal life.

For more information on Feline Diabetes, check out this website.

What If My Dog Has Diabetes?

Just like humans, dogs can also acquire Diabetes. Diabetes Mellitus is a result of a deficiency in insulin- an enzyme that helps body tissues absorb blood sugar. Without insulin, sugar or glucose will not be able to enter the cells and will remain in the blood stream. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels in the body can therefore cause organ malfunction and illness.

According to veterinarian studies, dogs between the ages of 5-7 years are more at risk of acquiring this condition. Female dogs and overweight dogs are also at a higher risk.

If you have a dog, it is recommended to see the vet at least twice a year for an overall check-up. Indeed, early detection of diabetes can save a dog’s life.

What are the symptoms of canine diabetes?

The most common signs to watch out for are:

• lethargy or laziness
• excessive thirst and hunger
• frequent urination
• unexplained loss of weight

Note that these symptoms are also common in other dog diseases. If your dog is experiencing any of these conditions, don’t delay. Take him/her to a vet for a complete medical examination.

Is there a cure for Canine Diabetes?

Although it is not curable, the good news is that Diabetes is manageable. A vet should be able to set up a program for you and your dog to control or manage the condition. A change in your dog’s diet and lifestyle is crucial to keep diabetes under control.

Insulin injections may also be required, depending on your dog’s condition. Regular blood sugar testing and monitoring are also important.

If your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, work with your vet. Ask questions. Find out more information about the disease. By educating yourself, you can help your dog cope better with his/her condition and enjoy a better life.

Here is a trusted site that provides information on Canine Diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus in dogs.

Diabetes Insipidus – What It Is

There is another type of diabetes and it is called Diabetes Insipidus. Although the symptoms are similar with that of Diabetes Mellitus, this is a different type of diabetes and requires a different treatment. Primarily, dogs with Diabetes Insipidus experience excessive urination followed by extreme thirsts. If left unchecked, this condition can lead to comma and sudden death.

Here is an article that gives more information on Diabetes Insipidus.

Is My Dog Breed Right for Me and My Family?

Dogs are not possessions. They are friends. They are family members. And if you’re going to share your home with a dog, you need to be ready for the joys and the responsibilities.

Questions to consider when choosing a dog:

• Are you an active person?
• Do you have allergies? (If you do, read For Dog Lovers with Pet Allergies)
• Do you have kids?
• Do you live in an apartment?

Should you get a large dog or a smaller dog?

If you live in an apartment, a smaller dog breed may be best unless you have time to take your dog out on walks every day.

Larger dog breeds generally have greater needs than smaller ones (in terms of food, exercise, hygiene, veterinary services, etc.) Seriously consider this: Do you have the time, energy, and money to care for a larger dog?

However, if you’re looking for a jogging or a walking partner, small dogs may not be the best companions. Large dogs are perfect for this lifestyle.

Dogs and Temperaments

Like people, dogs also have their own temperaments. Some dogs are more aggressive than others. Some dogs are friendlier while others are more reserved. Some are playful, some are overprotective, some are lazy, some are naughty, some are more affectionate, and so on.

For litters, it may be difficult to tell whether a pup has a quiet or a friendly temperament. Getting to know the parents may give you a better idea on what the pup would be like. A breeder can provide you with the information you need. Dogs in shelters can be observed by the people who care for them.

Research the natural temperament of specific dog breeds. For instance, Terriers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Saint Bernard tend to be more energetic and more protective than other breeds. Labradors and Retrievers are known to be very-friendly, even to strangers.

Siberian Huskies are intelligent dogs but they can be very independent and more difficult to train. Chihuahuas, French Bulldog, Dachshund, Corgi, Basset Hound and Pekinese tend to be lazy and prefer a more leisurely lifestyle.

Use the internet to learn more about dog breeds that you‘re considering. You can also ask vets, responsible breeders, and people from the shelter. Finding a dog who can adapt more easily to you and your family’s lifestyle will surely be a great start to a lasting friendship.

How to Stop Your Dog from Pulling on the Leash

Notice how untrained dogs pull on the leash as their human helplessly tries to make them stop? Dog walking can be a lot of fun, but if your dog isn’t following your lead, it can be very strenuous and frustrating. How do you train a dog to walk properly and follow your lead? Here are the steps:

Before putting on the leash, let your dog sit and stay**. Dogs love to go out for walks and seeing you with that leash in your hand can make him ecstatic.

Never put on that leash until he sits and stays. If you do, he’ll get used to jumping around and would never stay still as you put on the leash on his neck.

If he continues to jump around, put the leash away and repeat the command “Sit”.

Make sure that your dog understands that unless he does as told, he’s not going out for a walk. If he sits and stays, and waits for you to put on the leash, praise him, give him a pat and assure him that he’s done a good job.

Walk him to the door. After putting on the leash, your dog may excitedly run towards the door, pulling you as he goes. If this happens, repeat the Sit and Stay command and bring him back to the original position. Again, make him understand that unless he does as told, no walking will happen.

You should be the one to lead him to the door. Whenever your dog tries to lunge or pull on the leash, make him return to the original position. Repeat the Sit and Stay command. You may have to do this several times until your dog realizes that he can only get out that door if he patiently waits for his human to walk him there.

Don’t open the door until your dog stays. Your dog should calmly wait for you to open the door. An untrained dog has the tendency to be excited and to lunge forward. He needs to learn that to get what he wants, he must Sit, Stay, and Wait for his master to give him the go signal.

Once outside, follow the same steps. As long as the leash remains slack, praise your dog and let him walk forward. Whenever the leash tightens because he’s pulling on, stop moving. Gently pull back and repeat the Sit and Stay command. If your dog obeys, praise him and allow him to walk on.

Keep the dog to your left. Discourage your dog from walking on a zigzag manner by walking him always to your left. In case, he wounds the leash around a pole, let him disentangle himself.

**If your dog isn’t trained to “Sit”, you can start the lesson on How to Teach Your Dog to Sit and Stay.

photos:

1. chihuahuas
2. daschund

Three Vital Lessons on Dog Feeding

Teaching a dog about discipline is very important and meal times are the perfect time to teach your dog a few tricks about good behavior. Here are three important lessons on dog feeding:

Use feeding time as training time.

Because you are the one providing food, your dog should learn to recognize you as the leader of the pack.

Never tolerate barking, jumping or growling as you prepare his food or as you put down his feeding bowl. Your dog should patiently sit and wait for you and not the other way around.

Say the command “Sit” and wait for your dog to do so before letting him have his food. If he refuses to obey your command, ignore him. Don’t give his food until he stops barking or jumping.

When he’s quiet, say the command “Sit” and observe. If he’s done well, praise him and give him his bowl. Soon your dog will learn that if he wants to be fed, he must behave properly.

*If your dog isn’t trained to “Sit”, you can start the lesson on How to Teach Your Dog to Sit and Stay.

Always feed at the same time.

Feeding your dog at varying times will only confuse him. Set a specific feeding time and be sure to follow the same routine each day.

Be consistent.

As the pack leader, you set-up the rules. Never break your own rules just because your dog doesn’t seem to get it. Continue training your dog by following the same steps. Remember, you should only feed your dog after he shows the right behavior.

Integrate the command Sit with other activities (before going outside for a walk, before giving him a toy toy or a treat, or before letting him back inside the house). This will help him recognize and remember the command more easily.

photo