Dove Cresswell’s Puppy and Dog Training Online Review

Dove-CresswellDove Cresswell is a North Hollywood Dog Trainer. She has trained a variety of animals for movies and commercials and put together an online puppy and dog training course. The format she chose to use is only online, no ebooks to download. The lessons consist of a slideshow of photographs with audio. The manner in which she talks and the way she gives the lessons are really just like having her there with you while you’re doing your puppy training. There is a no fluff, no history of dog training, etc. These are techniques that work, that a professional dog trainer uses. because every dog and every dog owner is different, some methods work better than others so in the training lessons she often give a couple of options for training one action.

What Do You Get In Dove Cresswell’s Puppy and Dog Training Online Course?

The course is made up of 7 complete dog training lessons which you can watch on your computer. The 7 video lessons are clear and easy to follow. You also get 8 free bonus audio lessons when you purchase Dove’s dog training course. I can give you a few bits of each lesson, but there is much more to each one than I can divulge. There are also some techniques she recommends that I had not thought of.

DoveCresswell Lesson Menu

Video #1 – Puppy Housebreaking / Potty Training

This video covers both toy breeds and all other breeds, you can choose to watch the training for toy breeds or all other breeds. You can watch both if you want. She does have different techniques because of the size of your puppy and the size they will end up being when grown. A few things she recommends that I agree with are:

  • She recommends using a crate for puppy potty training which I totally agree with.
  • Learn how to use positive reinforcement for house breaking.
  • How to deal with the inevitable accident and how to keep that to a minimum.

Video #2 – Crate Training

Dove had some insights in this lesson when you think “Yeah, that’s right, they do do that”. This lesson covers using a crate for:

  • Using the crate to correct behavior problems.
  • How to pick the right crate.
  • What NOT to do when crate training your puppy.

Video #3 – Basic Dog Obedience

This video covers things like body language and tone of voice and how they are so important in puppy obedience training. A reason this format she chose works so well, because you can hear her voice as she would when training your dog or puppy. This lesson covers:

  • Why voice and body language are important and how to use them.
  • Choosing the right words for commands.
  • The type of collars and leashes to use and the types that don’t work.
  • What NOT to do when correcting your dog.

Video #4 – Walking Politely On A Leash – The Informal Heel

Everybody wants to learn how to train your dog to do this. This video covers:

  • Tools you should use what you shouldn’t use
  • Leash techniques that are effective.
  • How long training should last.

Video #5 – The Recall

This video covers the tools you will need to train your dog to come every time the first time you call them. This video gives you the way to correct your dog and when and how much to praise your dog for certain things they do.

  • When and how to praise your dog.
  • How to correct your puppy.

Video #6 – Good Puppy and Dog Manners

This video covers quite a few different behavior problems. It also covers some commands that are used to prevent bad behavior. Some of the dog behavior problems covered are:

  • How to stop dog jumping on people.
  • Dog Barking
  • Dog Whining
  • Counter Surfing. Some simple yet very effective solutions. This will make you smile.

Video #7 – Special Dog Tricks

This video gives you insights as to why teaching your dog tricks is good for them. Training techniques to teaching tricks that will get them to learn quickly.  A few tricks she teaches are:

  • Shaking their paw
  • Waving
  • Roll Over

Additional Bonuses

Dove has included some bonuses with her course.These are audio lessons.

  • Be in touch with Dove directly. You can email Dove a question, enter your email and receipt and she will answer.
  • Teach your dog to fetch.
  • Train your dog to play soccer.
  • Teach them hide ‘n seek.
  • Information on dog sports. Agility, Rally Obedience and Flyball
  • How to easily earn your dog’s respect.
  • Choosing the right dog food and treats.

Conclusion

As I went through each lesson I liked this course more and more. Dove is a great teacher. What I like about this course is that you are taught the methods that a professional trainer uses to train specific things. She tells you what is really important in each lesson. The things that you must do but also the things you must never do. Each lesson is easy to understand, and the techniques she uses are so easy to do that you just want to get started training your puppy right away. You just have to remember what she says about when the training session should end. Every new puppy owner should have this course. So many things can be trained very simply if you start them when your puppy is young, and you do them correctly. This course is highly recommended. Visit Dove’s website here.

Visit Dove Cresswell's website

Filed Under Dove Cresswell Review Tagged With Dog Training Books and Courses, dove cresswell

Introducing Your Dog To Your New Baby

You have a new baby in the house and everyone has concerns of how their dog will react. Many people give up their dogs because they have exhibited jealousy behaviors and people fear their dog may harm the baby. On the other side, many people have been successful in bringing the new baby and dog together.

The introduction of the baby to your dog is something that takes utmost care and time to ensure a safe, happy welcoming process. There are 2 things that need to happen. You need to prepare your dog beforehand for the new baby’s arrival. And then you need to actually introduce the dog to the new baby.

Preparing the dog

After being the center of attention up to this point, it is natural for your dog to be jealous when the new baby commands much of the attention the dog used to get. Following are some tips on things you can do to keep that from becoming a problem. Keep in mind that your dog is to understand that these things are not his.

A few months before your baby’s arrival you should:

  • Take your dog to the vet for a checkup. Worms and parasites can be harmful to your baby so have your dog cleared of these.
  • If your dog is not spayed or neutered it should be done and now is a good time to do it.
  • If you have friends with babies, encourage them to bring them over so the dog can start getting used to what a baby is. Be sure to supervise any baby and pet interactions.
  • Let your dog explore the new baby’s things. The crib, diaper changing area, the baby powder, lotions, diapers. Let them become familiar with the new smells and objects. Rub some lotion on your hands and let the dog sniff them. This will help the dog understand that the new baby is part of the family pack.
  • If you’ve just had the baby and have a day or 2 in the hospital, have someone bring home some clothing the baby has worn to give your dog a chance to become familiar with the baby’s smell.
  • For baby noises there are actually cds out there just for this purpose. SoundTherapy4pets.com has a cd called soothing sounds that has baby crying and children playing noises.
  • If you have a rocker you can sit in that and give your dog treats to make that a positive experience for the dog.
  • Likewise if you have a swing for the baby, turn it on or swing it back and forth do your dog gets used to that also.
  • DO NOT let your dog play with any of the baby’s toys, or use any of the baby’s things for sleeping on. Your dog is to understand that these are not for him or her!
  • Provide a barrier to the baby’s room if that is to be off limits. Make it something that they can see and hear through so they don’t feel left out or isolated from the family.
  • You can use a doll to help your dog get used to the routines. Take the doll in a stroller when you walk your dog.
  • Last but most important. Make sure you dog understands that each member of your family is alpha over him/her. This is crucial to ensure that if there are any signs of jealousy that you can reprimand your dog.

Introducing Your Dog To Your New Baby

The first few meetings of your dog and newborn are very important and often will dictate how your dog is to respond and act to the baby from this point forward. Because of this, it is important to do the introduction properly. Some tips when you first bring the baby home:

  • Let someone else hold the baby while you greet your dog. It is important to pay attention to them when you first get home.
  • Bring home a new toy for them and let them have it when you greet them. They will associate the baby with something positive.
  • Once he/she has calmed down from you coming home you can start to introduce the baby. If you are not sure about your dog’s reaction, leash or restrain him for the introduction.
  • Talk to your dog and let them sniff the baby and check out the new smells at their own pace.
  • Do not force the baby on your dog. He or she may be scared and could bite out of fear.
  • If your dog reacts aggressivley, put them in their crate or another room until they calm down. Once they’ve calmed down you can try it again.
  • Once everyone is introduced, you can bring your pet to sit next to the baby. Give them treats for good behavior. Always make behaving around the baby a positive experience for your dog.
  • Be sure to always spend some quality one-on-one time with your pet every day. Remember that they need to feel like they are part of the family.


Filed Under Dog And New Baby Tagged With new baby

New Puppy and Puppy Training

You are so excited when you bring home your new puppy. During the next few weeks your puppy will make your very busy. You may have times when you’re not sure if this was such a good idea. Not to worry, things will get better. You just need some patience and understanding and knowledge.

A few things we suggest you get first are:

  • A crate or pen. We believe this is a lifesaver and cannot do without.
  • Collar and Leash. Should be a buckle type.
  • Food and water bowls. Metal or ceramic are best choices.
  • Baby gates if you need to confine them to an area.
  • Good quality name brand puppy food.
  • Good quality toys. The Kong brand makes some good durable toys.
  • Some good information on dog training and raising a puppy. See our dog training books and  courses reviews.

Puppies get into everything! It’s not much different than having a toddler in the house. The things they get into can be very dangerous to their health, not to mention dangerous to your furniture or prized possessions.. Puppy proof your house before you bring your new puppy home, they will let you know what you’ve missed. It will make life a lot easier.

In your puppy’s new world he will investigate everything. They will be most attracted to the things they should have the least.  Being without hands and opposable thumbs, they will check out their new surroundings with their nose and mouth. Chewing on and eating unedible things. Preventing these possibly dangerous occurances is easier than trying to correct them every second.

In our Puppy Category we have articles about puppy training and how to correct some puppy behaviors that all puppies have in common. Please browse the site for any information that will help you raise your puppy or dog the right way.

Filed Under Puppy Training the Right Way Tagged With new puppy, puppy obedience training

Taking Care Of Dog Health Problems

Dog HealthKnowing when your dog’s health problem is serious enough to take him to the vet or if you can take care of him yourself is a pretty tricky decision. How can you tell? Your dog can’t tell you how bad it is. Nobody likes to pay for a visit to the vet if it’s not absolutely necessary, especially when the costs are rising so fast that pet insurance is a big business nowadays, but then again no responsible dog owner would let their dog suffer if there is anything they can do about it.

We have had dogs our whole lives and I’d rather be safe than sorry, which has resulted in many unnecessary trips to the vet, although it does set my mind at ease. Our dog health section has articles on some of the more common dog health problems we come across as dog owners.

Please browse through the site and hopefully you will find the treatment for you dog’s health problem.

Filed Under Dog Health Tagged With Dog Health

Dog Obedience Training

Dog Obedience TrainingSome people hire a trainer or take their dog to a trainer to have them go to “school” and learn  their lessons. I’m sure you’ve seen some on tv. But if you watch what really happens is that the owners are the ones that get “schooled”. You are the best person to train your dog. You can learn how to train your dog and the biggest hurdle is learning to put yourself in the dog’s mind and how they see the world and how they see you. So that’s why most people fail at training their dogs themselves. They haven’t been taught how.

IT DOESN’T NEED TO BE THIS WAY

Please browse through the site and hopefully you will find answers on how you can train your puppy. There are a lot of dog training courses out there, we get them and use the techniques ourselves on our own dogs. We have chosen the ones that we feel are the best that we have seen. You can check out our dog training courses reviews here.

Dog Training Courses Reviews

Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer Review – Adam Katz of Dogproblems.com

Secrets To Dog Training Review – formerly known as SitStayFetch-Daniel Stevens

Dove Cresswell Puppy and Dog Training – Dog trainer for TV, movies and commercials

Clicker Training – 4 Secrets To Become A Supertrainer – Find out what it’s all about

Filed Under Dog Training Tagged With Dog Training Books and Courses

Diarrhea In Dogs

Dog DiarrheaWhen your poor little puppy or dog has diarrhea, you have 2 thoughts, well maybe 3, but they are “what is causing this” and “what do I do to help him”. Diarrhea in dogs and puppies is usually only a temporary condition and is nothing to get worried or panic about. There are some cases where dog diarrhea can be a symptom of a condition more serious. If that is the case, then you do need to get your dog to a vet as soon as possible so they can find what the underlying cause is and treat it.

2 Types of Diarrhea

Basically there are 2 different types of dog diarrhea and they both sound bad. These are acute and chronic. Acute is the type we are all familiar with. It just suddenly comes on but is only temporary. With acute diarrhea your dog will have soft or watery stools, minor stomach discomfort, and frequent bowel movements. Chronic is when the diarrhea is ongoing, maybe even with normal stools in between the bouts of diarrhea.  This kind can last for days and will have blood or mucus in the stools and be explosive watery. Your dog may strain when trying to go. Your dog acts sick or lethargic.

Causes of Dog Diarrhea

The most common cause of dogs with diarrhea are:

  • Eating garbage, maybe spoiled food, and undigestable objects like leaves, sticks, grass etc.
  • Switching dog food brands is a very common cause. Pick a large brand company and stick with them. Don’t just buy a cheap product just because it says protein on it. Hooves and beaks are protein.
  • Your dog may not be able to tolerate certain foods, beef, lamb, poultry. Depends on the dog.
  • If your dog is on any medication that can cause diarrhea. Antibiotics often cause diarrhea.
  • Stress: If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, that can cause diarrhea.
  • Intestinal worms: Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms. These are common in puppies.
  • Parasites: Giardia and coccidia

Dog Diarrhea Treatment

The most important thing to be aware of is dehydration. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water.

If your dog is not acting sick and seems to be fairly normal you can try this.

  • Putting him on a full 24-hour fast.
  • If he seems to be feeling better after 24 hrs you can give him a bland diet of cooked rice and chicken or hamburger for 2 days. 2 parts to 1. Small portions every 4 hrs.
  • After 2 days if he still has diarrhea call your vet. If he is doing better, you can start mixing in his regular food with the rice diet.

If your puppy or dog is not better after 2 days call your vet.

A great book to have on hand is The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health. When it comes to your dog’s health care, besides being a vet, you can be educated to know when something is serious or when you can treat them yourself.


dog health

Filed Under Dog Diarrhea Tagged With Dog Diarrhea

DogProblems.com Review

AdamKatzSecrets Of A Professional Dog Trainer was written by dog training author Adam Katz. He has also authored several dog training dvds and audio lectures. On his website he says “Nothing on the market explained dog training the way we thought it should be explained. So I wrote my own dog training book. You can start learning how to get your dog to listen to you, anywhere you go, with my best-kept and most effective training secrets you can start transforming your dog in less than 10 minutes”

What Do You Get With This Course

Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer Book - This book is 316 pages, around half that downloaded. It has a simple layout and the writing style is very matter of fact. BUT it covers every part of dog ownership you can think of. Just take a look at his website and you can see the ton of material he covers. His philosophy is to communicate with your dog the way other dogs would communicate to each other.

He believes in praise and reward when the dog does what is wanted and correction when he doesn’t. Something I happen to agree with. As a matter of fact, there is quite a lot in this book that I happen to agree with. Some of the many things covered are:

  • How to choose a puppy
  • How professional trainers train their dogs
  • How to teach your dog hand signals
  • Stop puppy biting
  • Stop your dog from digging
  • Training with an electronic collar
  • Stop your dog barking

There are many more behavior problems that you learn how to correct. I like the fact that he does go into some things that are beyond what you find in many of the dog training books and courses.

Bonuses – We All Like Free

Bonus 1 – Eight Secrets To Becoming The “Alpha Dog”

We’ve all heard of being the Alpha Dog. What he teaches you is why your dog needs to have a leader. That is when they are the happiest. Once you become the “Alpha Dog,” your dog will

  • Show you new-found respect
  • Begin responding to you like never before
  • Want to please you
  • Respect you at all times

Bonus 2 – Where To Buy Pet Products At Wholesale Prices

He tells you how he gets his pet products at dirt cheap prices

Bonus 3 – Teach Any Dog To Walk On A Loose Leash In Less Than 10 Minutes!

This is one of the most asked for lessons by dog owners. Check out this video:


Bonus 4 – Puppy Primer:How To Know When To Teach Behaviors

Shows training a puppy from birth to 1 yr.

Bonus 5 – Fixing Aggression Problems

Tells you the 4 types of aggression and how one technique works on 9 out of 10 dogs.

Bonus 6 – How To Choose A Vet

This comes as an MP3 audio and a downloadable transcript. Not all vets are alike.

Bonus 7 – Unlimited Consultations

This is with a moderated discussion group.

When you buy this book you get a free 30 day pass for full access to the Member’s Only Subscription Site. Be aware that to in order to be a member of this site there is a $9.95/month membership fee.

This book normally sells for $64.97 and the membership site was $14.95/month. He has reduced the price for the bookk for a short time and you can get this book for $37.00. That’s just 2 bags of dog food for me.

Check out DogProblems.com


Check out these dog training videos made by DogProblems.com

Filed Under Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer Tagged With Dog Training Books and Courses, dogproblems.com

Dog Training Books and Courses

Obedience trainingDog obedience training is something you should consider for yourself and your new puppy, or even an older dog.

There are many different methods of training for our dogs. It’s hard to decide which one to use. There is the dog whisperer theory, alpha dog theory, the clicker method and the reward method. There is a leash and collar method also. One course that covers them all would be great to have.

Relationship Based On Trust and Respect

We want a good relationship with our dogs that is based on trust and mutual respect, not fear of pain or punishment. A dog that is well socialized and behaves around people. You also want your dog to obey in any situation. We all want the perfect dog.

Which courses actually deliver what they promise and produce results?

The purpose of this section is to check out which courses deliver what they say. And over-deliver on their information so we get the best value for our money. What do you get in the course as far as learning aids. They should have videos, audio, pictures and lessons. Member areas or forums. For people like us that want to train their dogs themselves, at home, we need the best information that covers the latest techniques, AND we need to be able to learn from it.

What All Courses Should Have

The courses I look for must exceed certain expectations.

  • The techniques must have absolutely no cruelty, no intimidation, and use positive reward.
  • The training techniques must work. Sounds simple but not all techniques work for the long term.
  • They must be cover puppy obedience training and dog behavior problems, not just a dog training course based on tricks.
  • Downloadable. I like downloadable products because there’s no waiting, they can be printed out for a hard copy, and they can be stored in multiple places.
  • Does the course recommend products that are not their own? I think this is important because it shows they are really trying to provide you with every resource they can, not just to make money.

These courses come with one or more of the following:

  • Book/Manual – Covers their dog training course, usually covers dog behavior, dog obedience, may cover some dog grooming.
  • Videos: This is almost a must nowadays. I love being able to actually see their dog training techniques in action.
  • Member area: Some may charge extra to access this area, I think it should be free. Who doesn’t like free?
  • Forum. Some may charge extra for certain things such as the member’s area.

Dog Training Courses Reviews

Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer Review – Adam Katz of Dogproblems.com

Secrets To Dog Training Review – formerly known as SitStayFetch-Daniel Stevens

Filed Under Dog Training Books and Courses Tagged With Dog Training Books and Courses, puppy obedience training

Stop Puppy Biting

MollyChewingRawhide250x188To a young puppy biting is a natural phase they go through. It is also essential as they will learn what is ok and what is not in regards to biting. This phase happens especially when they are teething, usually around 4 months.

During this teething stage puppies love to bite on anything and everything, including your hands. They need to learn what is called bite inhibition. It is learning how much force is too much and how to control the force of their bite. Puppies normally learn this from their litter mates and mother, but because we take them away as early as 8 weeks of age, they haven’t learned bite inhibition yet and it’s up to us to teach them.

A Few Things To Remember

Remember when training your puppy to be consistent with whatever method you choose to teach them.

Puppies don’t know they are doing anything wrong until you teach them what is wrong. Don’t assume they should know they shouldn’t bite.

Encourage acceptable behavior and correct unacceptable behavior.

You are taking the role of their Mother and littermates while you teach them.

Stop Biting Techniques

Any time your puppy starts mouthing or nipping your hands, tell him firmly No and give them something acceptable to chew on like a bone or toy. Get them to focus on what is ok to chew on.
If you start this early enough it may be all you have to do.

Another technique and one that works really well is to react with a loud yelp if they bite you and turn your back and ignore them for 30 seconds or so. This is what a littermate would do and your puppy will learn that if he bites his playmate goes away.

If they are a little older and their teeth are not razor sharp I will grab their bottom jaw with my thumb under their tongue and the rest of my hand underneath. This is uncomfortable for them and they will try to pull away. You only need to do this for 10 seconds or so until they stop struggling.

You can keep a spray bottle of water around and spray him if he starts nipping at you, this also works for a barking dog.

Fill a pop can with coins and if they start nipping shake the can loudly. This also works for barking dogs.

To find out more ways to train your puppies and dogs, check out the course I learned and use called Secrets To Dog Training. You can read our review of this course here.

Filed Under Puppy Biting Tagged With Puppy Biting

Dog Vomiting or YUCK! My Dog Just Threw Up

Sick as a dogJust about everyone who has, or has had, a dog, has either thought or said that or something close to it. Over the years every dog I’ve had has thrown up at one time or another. For some it was a weekly thing and others hardlly ever. We had one dog, Shelly, who threw up only once, that we know of, in all the years we had her. Right on the new couch.

A dog vomiting is a pretty common occurrence. Most of the time it’s caused by eating something they shouldn’t have. As they walk around the yard, or even while you’re out walking them their nose is to the ground and anything that looks interesting like a leaf, a pebble, paper or plastic wrappers, sticks, I could go on and on, they have to check it out and put it in their mouth. It can also be caused by overfeeding, which can also cause diarrhea. It is amazing the things dogs will eat.

Why Is My Dog Vomiting?

Diet Change – changes in their diet like new dog food

Eating Too Rapidly – What dog hasn’t

Food Allergy – Food allergies in dogs usually show as itchy skin. If the GI tract is affected it is much more likely to cause diarrhea.

Obstructing objects – Anything that blocks the exit from the stomach to the intestines will eventually cause vomiting. Sticks, stones, too big a piece from their bones or rubber toys.

However, there are a many other causes that can be from either the gastrointestinal system itself or a disease somewhere else in the body.

What Else Could Be Causing Doggie To Throw Up?

Parasites – Young dogs and puppies that have large numbers of roundworms or hookworms may vomit. These puppies usually have as large potbelly.

Heat Stroke – Heat stroke is common in dogs if they are left out in the sun too long in the hot summer months.

Liver Disease – Your vet can check their blood enzymes. A high enzyme level could mean liver disease.

Motion Sickness – Many dogs get sick their first few times in a car, but after a while they usually get over it.

Pancreatitis – If their pancreas become inflammed that could cause frequent vomiting.

Middle and Inner Ear Disease – If they get an ear infection that gets to the inner ear, that can affect the organs of balance and can cause vomiting. Dogs will tilt or shake their heads or scratch their ear.

What Did They Throw Up?

If what they threw up is high in mucus it indicates that the stomach or high intestine is inflamed.
Undigested food can indicate food poisoning, anxiety, or simply over eating.
Bile is often present when vomiting is caused by inflammatory bowel disease or pancreatitis.
Flecks of bright blood could mean that they have an open sore in their stomach.
If there is brown specs that look like coffee grounds, that could be dried blood which could mean the problem is farther down the intestine.
Strong digestive odors suggests intestinal blockage.
Garbage type things like paper wrappers, food containers, bits of aluminum foil, etc. then this is probably from eating crap that will be easy to manage.

Many objects that initially cause vomiting are eventually passed in the stool. I’ve seen a full size superball in the poop of a Lab. Throwning up can empty the stomach of things that could be the cause like spoiled food, leaves etc.

How To Treat Your Dogs Vomiting

Vomiting is a symptom, it is not a disease. So the cause will determine the treatment. If the dog is only vomiting occasionally, and otherwise normal then treatment is probably not necessary. Some dogs with sensitive stomachs will vomit once or twice a month regardless of any treatment, and if they are otherwise normal then treatment probably isn’t necessary.

For acute vomiting cases, the first thing is to not feed them for 24 hrs. but keep plenty of water available. After that time, only give them small portions of a very bland food, such as chicken and boiled rice, for a few days. Instead of a big meal, give them little meals several times a day.

Dehydration is a concern for any animal that is vomiting. If your dog is contiually throwing up, and can’t even hold down water, you should take them to the vet immediately. This could be a severe problem, like an obstruction, that could possibly need surgery. If they can hold down water and are only vomiting occasionally, then you can try the home remedies of smaller meals of the bland diet.

Though treating the symptom itself will often improve their comfort, if you believe the problem may be serious it is better to be safe than sorry and get your dog to your veteranarian for the correct diagnosis of the underlying cause.


Filed Under Dog Vomiting Tagged With Dog Vomiting