House Training a Dog
When you first get a new puppy the major key to house training is to find a place where you would like your puppy to go to the toilet and frequently visit this area with your puppy to get them familiar with it. Always reward their success with treats and rewards so that they know they have done what you expected them to, and will be more likely to do the same again until it becomes routine. However, because you probably don't want your puppy using your house as a toilet for the rest of their lives you should always try to take them out as much as possible, after meals, after feeding, first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
Keep Your Dog Company
It is important to keep your dog company whilst they are outside because there is a lot to see and smell out there and it can be an intimidating place for a small puppy. This will also give you the chance to reward them when they do something right and correct them if they do something wrong. To condition your dog you should use voice commands and sounds (such as a whistle, or a clicker) when they do something good. Use a different voice command for different successes, such as bringing a ball back, using the designated toilet area, or for sitting etc.
Rewarding Your Dog
Walks are a very good means of reward for good behavior because dogs really enjoy their exercise. A lot of dog breeders only tend to take dogs out for walks so that they can do their business, which leads to the dog holding on as long as possible to get a longer walk. Giving your puppy the longest walks you can will keep them healthy and happy, and is also good for you!
Dog Grooming Techniques
Grooming is one of the most important parts of keeping your dog healthy and happy. Dogs are not as inclined to clean themselves as much as cats do, and because of the walks they like to go on they tend to get all sorts stuck in their fur, including knots. Grooming requirements vary from breed to breed, obviously long-haired breeds of dog require more grooming than short-haired, but short-haired dogs should not be overlooked.
Tips for Dealing with Dogs
To make the job easier for yourself you should make the dog accustomed to grooming from a very early age. Be gentle and talk to them as you doing, starting with a soft brush and moving on to a wire comb if it is needed. Try to make it into a fun thing, a game, as dogs like to play and it will mean the dog will not be fighting against you to get away. Gradually build up the amount of time you spend grooming. Start with a few minutes here and there and then gradually groom for longer periods until you are able to brush the whole dog with no problems.