training Archives - Packleader

March 1, 2023 In News

How to train your adventure dog for anything

It’s a well-known fact that dogs make the best adventure partners. And if you’re like us, you and your pup have big plans together. But it’s up to you to get your canine companion into shape for the types of outdoor trips you want to bring them on and help unlock their biological potential. Here are six things to keep in mind when training your dog for ultimate adventuring.

Build physical stamina

If you want to raise the bar from casual walks to longer outdoor adventures, you must do so gradually, says Tracey Hagan of Pawsitive Purpose Dog Training. You also need to wait until your pup is done growing—usually 8 to 18 months; something your vet can confirm—before taking her for higher-impact activities. Then you can try pushing the mileage—gradually. “See what your dog does,” Hagan says, noting that you should always check her body language for signs of fatigue. If she’s panting extremely hard, refusing to move forward, or showing signs of an injury, give her water and rest. This goes for running, swimming, and biking alongside you.

Don’t forget about mental fitness

Just like humans, dogs need mental stimulation to build their intelligence and trail smarts. Puzzle toys, feeder balls, lick mats, and wading pools are a few popular toys you can use to challenge your dog. “There’s all kinds you can get, but I like making them on my own,” Hagan says. “It’s cheaper and it’s just as fun for the dogs.” She has tried everything from burying treats in a sandbox to hiding food in a two-liter bottle to teaching them to herd yoga balls into the corner of a yard. She says mental games can also help curb bad behaviors, such as barking, digging, and whining. Scent walks—slower-paced ambles where you allow Fido to sniff as much as he wants—are another way Hagan suggests mixing things up.

Provide a healthy diet

As your dog gets stronger, healthy eating is essential to his growth and development. But all pet food is not created equal. In the wild, your dog’s ancestors consumed all the delicious and nutritious parts of their prey—meat, organs, bones and all. That’s why ORIJEN diets include whole-animal ingredients in nourishing ratios: the first five ingredients in its foods are always fresh or raw animal protein from sources like beef, poultry, fish, or eggs. From nutrient-dense recipes designed to support puppy development to the protein-rich Original Dog Food, ORIJEN nourishes your adventure dog the way nature intended.

Teach a few important skills

At the trailhead, you don’t want your dog leaping out of the car as soon as you open the door. Hagan says “come” and “wait” are useful commands in all types of scenarios, but her favorite exercise is targeting, which she teaches by holding a treat in her fist and having the dog touch his nose to her hand. “I use that to bring the dog away from things maybe they shouldn’t be going toward,” Hagan says. Every dog is going to have a threshold for how many distractions she can handle before she stops listening to you. An effective way to train dogs to listen better in overwhelming situations is to gradually expose them to more-intense sounds and sights while you condition them. Start the training inside before moving outside. Hagan also plays sounds on YouTube and turns up the volume as dogs stop noticing it, all the while teaching them different commands and rewarding them with treats.

Make time every day

A five-minute walk is better than no walk at all. But if you’re planning to take your dog on a day hike or longer trip, she’ll need to work up to it just as you do. So you’ll need to dedicate more time and patience in your day to your pup. Hagan says the mental activities require less effort on your part because you can leave her with a treat dispenser or other puzzle toy. It’s the physical training that will take more time. Aim for physical activity a few times a day. Just think of it as you and your dog getting fit for your adventures together.

Written by:

ORIJEN Petfoods – https://www.orijenpetfoods.com/en-CA/homepage

January 1, 2023 In News

How to Train a Dog to Pee on a Wee-Wee® Pad

Teaching a dog to go potty on a pad might seem like a tall order, but Wee-Wee’s variety of pads can help successfully train any dog—no matter their age! Learning how to train a dog to pee on a Wee-Wee Pad is a simple, straightforward process many pooches can master quickly. Whether you have recently adopted a dog or are revisiting your dog’s potty routine, Wee-Wee offers pads in many sizes with innovative features to make potty training a breeze.

Before You Start

The right potty training tools will help your furry friend learn their new “go” spot. Pick up these items for cleaner, stress-free dog potty pad training.

Right-sized pads – Wee-Wee offers pads that are perfect for every kind of dog. From Little Pads for small dogs to Gigantic Pads for the largest furry friends, choose the right coverage to ensure your dog has plenty of space.
Stain and odour remover – Your dog might miss the pad, especially early in the training process. Keep supplies handy to help you remove stains and odours quickly.

Step #1: Pick a Potty Spot

The first step of learning how to train a dog to pee on a pad is to select the ideal potty location. Choose a spot that is away from your home’s heaviest foot traffic but easy for your dog to access. Your pooch will appreciate a small amount of privacy, but you should still be able to keep an eye on them. A corner of a room usually works well.

Step #2: Guide Your Dog to the Pad

Directing your dog to their potty spot will be essential. Our Wee-Wee pads feature built-in targeted attractant that encourages your pet to go toward the pad, but you should still point them to it when they typically need to use the bathroom. Give your pup a chance to empty their bladder after walks, about 20 minutes after drinking water, and following vigorous dog playtime sessions. Charting potty time occasions can help you pinpoint other instances when your dog is most likely to eliminate.

Step #3: Praise and Reward Your Pooch

When your dog goes potty on the pad, let them know they did a great job! You may also offer dog treats or a toy as a reward. It’s most important to ensure your dog connects eliminating on the pad with positive reinforcement. After all, rewarded behaviors tend to become repeated behaviors.

Step #4: Put Down a New Pad

As soon as your dog soils the pad, toss it in the trash and replace it with a new one. If you’re using attractant spray, don’t forget to apply it once you put down the fresh pad.

Step #5: Work on Outdoor Potty Training

If you are transitioning your dog from indoor training to going potty outdoors, begin moving the pad a bit closer to the door after each success. You don’t need to move it far—just a foot or two at a time will. Once the pad reaches the door, move it to the outdoor potty spot and begin taking your dog there at regular intervals.

Potty Time Has Never Been Simpler!

Dog potty pad training will be a great benefit to both you and your dog—regardless of their age! Once your pooch masters how to use our Wee-Wee pads, they will have a clean, convenient potty spot for years to come. Plus, Wee-Wee Pads offer a great potty solution during extreme weather, travel, and other situations where your dog needs a dedicated place to “go.”