As soon as your new pet is comfortable with its new home, move it to the location where you will want it to sleep for its lifetime.
A dog's nose is not just used for smelling, but also to keep him cool. That's why a dog pants. The longer the dog's nose, the better his cooling system works.
Dogs that chase cars have learned that cars run away. This behavior is reinforced each time he chases one away.
If you're finding it difficult to teach your dog to catch a ball, try tossing something soft like a knotted piece of fabric instead. Some dogs find softer items easier to catch.
Staring directly into the eyes of a strange dog may be interpreted as a challenge and may actually encourage the dog to bite you.
Dogs and cats turn in circles before lying down because in the wild this instinctive action turns long grass into a bed.
When walking your dog, put a few plastic bags in your pocket; they make great "scoopers". Slip one over your hand, pick up the pile, flip it inside out, tie and discard.
The time to start teaching your dog to sit and stay is the day you bring her home.
A puppy's eyes do not open until it is 10 to 15 days old. Its vision is usually not complete until it is about four weeks old.
At birth puppies are deaf, blind, and have almost no sense of smell. They stay near their mother and siblings because of the warmth.
Puppies should remain with their mother until they are at least eight weeks old. During this time, she will teach them not to bite, and how to get along with other dogs.
Dogs are submissive to those they feel have higher pack status.
Train your dog from day one, so she will think of you as the leader of the pack. Dogs instinctively want to earn the pack leader's approval.
The most confident puppy in a litter often makes the worst pet because he sees himself as the pack leader.
A dog can suffer from a poor self-image, just like humans. Bolster self-esteem with praise, affection and rewards.
To a young dog, exercise and play are the day's most important events. As a dog gets older, he lives for dinner time.
Even after your dog is old enough to be fed only once a day, he should be given a morning snack just to calm his rumbling tummy.
Give your new puppy its own sleeping den, even a simple cardboard box will do; this will make her feel more secure.
Ignore your new puppy's whining when you first isolate it for sleeping. If you don't you will only encourage it to whine more.
The most important thing you can teach your dog is to sit and stay on command. Any time you are having behavioral problems with your dog, begin your training by reteaching him to sit and stay.
Mixed-breed dogs usually have behavioral traits similar to the breed they most resemble in appearance.