Here Buddy - Dog Training

It’s Thunderstorm season and my 1 year-old Chocolate Lab seems to have developed a fear of Loud Noises.. Yes, a thunderstrike literally scared the crap out of her.. Not fun.

And of course, this is the start of lawn mowing season and the sound of my neighbor’s mower had the same effect.. Good thing the windows were open all day..

So how do you teach your dog not to be scared of loud sounds, bangs and noises? Well, this being my first experience I just used common sense.

I needed to associate loud noises with fun and treats. So when it came time to mow my lawn, I brought “the little one” as I call her out with me.

As soon as I started up the mower, her tail tucked under before the mower cord snapped back. So as soon as it tucked under I started making fun sounds, joyful expressions, like I would be if she was playing with me or having a good time.

Of course then I tossed her a few cookies..

End result, after doing this a few times, she was completely relaxed with the mower going and all I had to say was “good girl” and the tail would start wagging.

To deal with the Thunder.. follow the same approach, and don’t act nervous.. Just act like you would if you playing with your dog.. Say things like… “Isn’t this fun” rub bellies and play any kind of treat/reward games you normally do.

Our lap puppy is still a little timid on loud noises, but reassurance changes her attitude almost immediately.

Dogs require constant dental care to help preserve their teeth and keep them healthy and free from infections of the mouth, teeth and gums. Very similar to people, dogs can develop plague and irritations of the gums that can affect their overall health all through their life, and can even result in tooth loss and decay. Senior dogs in particular benefit from a good quality dental program as they are able to keep their teeth in good condition all their life.

The steps for a regular dental care program for your dog goes hand in hand with a good grooming routine. Usually teeth cleaning is done as part of the grooming routine that involves brushing, checking the overall condition of the dog, checking the nails and brushing the teeth. Dogs don’t necessarily need daily brushing although it may be required if the dog has current tooth or gum problems.

Doggy Dental Products

There are several products on the market to help with keeping dog’s teeth looking clean and white. One of the more popular methods of cleaning your dog’s teeth is to use a finger sleeve that is simply a cotton material with a slightly abrasive side that slips on the index finger. Using specially formulated dog toothpaste applied directly to the finger sleeve, the finger is then rubbed gently across the teeth and gums, just like you would brush your own teeth. There are also dog toothbrushes available but they are often a bit more challenging to use, especially when first getting your dog used to the procedure.

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