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Dog Care Tips
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Training Tips
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For your dog's health and safety, clipping toe nails is a necessity but
don't let it become a battle! Make sure you know how and where to cut;
have a qualified person demonstrate. Do a couple of nails a night to get
your dog used to it and add a yummy treat for cooperation.
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For the directed retrieve, litter your house with gloves!
Confine your dog then place gloves at your bedside, beside the
kitchen cabinets, beside the couch, under the end-tables. Then
bring your dog in and use your pivots to line
him up with the surprise glove and SEND! He'll love it!
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Stay ahead of fleas with preemptive vacuuming. Vacuum twice a week
and be sure to go around the edges of the room.
Empty the bag often so that flea eggs
don't hatch in the bag letting fleas escape.
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Proof your retrieve with some typical ring distractions. Start with
a leaf or piece of tape beyond the dumbbell. Gradually move it along
side and then between you and the dumbbell. Help your dog get it right!
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Before you let your dog join you in the front seat,
even in a "pet seat belt", consider what would happen if
your car's air bag deployed.
The safest place for your pet/pets to ride is in a crate in the rear.
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When there is time at an obedience trial,
practice the footwork for your ring's pattern, without your dog.
This will boost
your confidence and help reduce handler errors.
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Tick season has arrived in Michigan (ugh!). Examine your dog often,
especially around the head and neck. Ask your veterinarian how to remove
ticks, if you don't know.
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Your dog can take training treats gently. Teach by holding the
treat between thumb and forefinger. If you feel teeth, say OUCH
and withdraw the treat -- only let her have it when she is gentle.
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Your dog may travel easier if you bring your own water; many
dogs get upset stomachs from "foreign" water. An alternative is to use
bottled water away from home.
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Teach your dog to handle the arrival of visitors calmly. One suggestion
is to teach the dog to lie on his bed or blanket when guests first
arrive. The dog can greet the guests once they're settled.
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Cool weather does not mean that your dog requires less water.
Activity and training cause our dogs to need plenty of water
no matter what time of the year it is.
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Before competing, figure out what kind of warm-up works for your dog -- each
one is different. Some need lots of heeling; some only need
a couple of fronts or finishes.
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Many veterinarians recommend year-round heart worm preventative.
With unpredictable Michigan weather,
dogs can be exposed (via a mosquito bite) at almost any time of the year.
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No free treats! Avoid obnoxious begging behavior by always asking your dog to perform a
trick or obedience exercise to earn special goodies.
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The number of over-weight Americans has been going up and up.
The same is true of our pets! Ask your veterinarian if your dog
is over-weight and follow his/her advice on weight loss.
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Use your training to let your pet enjoy time with his/her family.
During your dinner, s/he can do a long down-stay nearby. This prevents
begging and other bad table manners.
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The ghosts and goblins that visit on Halloween can be upsetting for pets.
Keep your dog crated or in a secure, quiet room during the period when
trick-or-treaters come to your door.
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When proofing for distractions at obedience trials, include the sounds of
blow dryers, applause and cheers, and sudden loud noises, i.e., a collapsing
grooming table or large equipment falling to the floor.
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Poultry bones, t-bones and pork chop bones are not
safe treats -- they can easily damage
your dog's intestinal tract. Ask your vet about
safe treats and chewing toys.
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Remember to check your jump heights when you walk into the open or utility
ring. That way they can be changed before you begin instead of part
way through your run.
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Dogs are much more susceptible to the heat than people
(or even cats). NEVER leave your dog in the car in the sun;
fifteen minutes can mean death.
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Make sure your dog is proofed for the presence of both male
and female judges and stewards in the obedience ring. This will be
especially important for UKC exercises.
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Many dogs are frightened by 4th of July fireworks.
It may help to keep your dog in a quiet room or covered crate,
especially if you will be leaving him/her home alone.
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Take your "training show" on the road!
At least once a week, take your dog to a new place to train:
parks, schools and tennis courts work well.
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In warm weather months, check your dog frequently for
fleas and ticks. Sevin dust, sprinkled around the
perimeter of the yard, is an inexpensive way of
preventing flea invasions.
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For a happy, confident sit-stay, be sure your dog
gets it right 2 or 3 times more often than she makes a
mistake. Increase your successes by reducing the time
or distractions.
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Dog's teeth need brushing just like
yours. They rarely get cavities, but
plaque can cause gum problems.
Weekly brushing with a soft brush and
toothpaste formulated for dogs will help.
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Dogs don't understand sometimes very
well. If the rule is "don't get on the couch",
then your dog must never be allowed up
on the couch.
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Spring is almost here! Be sure to schedule a
veterinary visit for heartworm check and preventative.
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Training (slip) collars are for training only. Never leave
them on your dog or tie your dog out with one.
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Protect your dog from Valentine's Day!
Sad, but true, dogs are allergic to chocolate.
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Put your obedience training to use around the house.
Have your dog wait nicely on a sit-stay when visitors
knock on the door.
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