Dogs are intuitively clean. You may or may have not observed this with your own dog, but the knowledge will hopefully help you better understand why your dog displays certain apparently unpleasant traits. All dogs have their own definition of cleanliness and they instinctively act to maintain that standard. Dogs do not intentionally soil themselves. In fact, they have various inbuilt ways of avoiding doing so. Some dogs prefer to dispose of their waste on the grass, while others prefer to use gravel. You may not have noticed, but in this mannerism they are very similar to cats. It is best to consider these dog habits to be a positive element that can be worked on. A useful way to start training a dog, is to take advantage of these natural habits as a basis for fast and successful house training.

There are two essential steps when training a dog within your home. The first is to set up a specific living area for your dog. This can be set up in relatively little space in such places as the garage or the bathroom. Some people use a small area of the kitchen. It might not be such a good idea though to utilize any part of your living room for your dog, as it might be quite difficult for both you and he to accept that as his private space. It is highly advisable to spend some quality time with your pet in his own living area. The living area should be chosen as a potential place to play with your dog. Your dog should also be free to sleep and eat in that area. It will be more satisfactory and motivating for your pet if you also provide them with their own bed in the designated area. Have patience in dealing with your dog in the ‘his’ living area. Your dog may pass waste in there at first but later, will realize that it is their own living area and will then make an effort not to mess in there again.

Once your dog becomes familiar in sleeping in his specialized bed, it is then no longer a problem to transfer the bed to any part of the house, or anywhere you wish. If you move the bed outside your dog’s living area, you will need to ensure that you confine your pet to the bed. If you are using a crate as his bed, make sure to close the crate’s door. If you are using a towel as your dog’s bed, place it behind particular furniture and harness your dog so he will not stray from the bed.

It is not advisable to leave your pet unattended while they are leashed, so you may well consider having the leash attached to yourself. You may for instance, clip one end of the leash to your belt loop. This would allow you to keep an eye on the dog and constantly supervise his conduct and activity.

The second step in house training a dog, is to set up a toilet area. You will then need to train him to pass waste in your prescribed toilet area. If your dog shows signs of wanting to, or actually starts, to do his business, then immediately take him to this area. Stay with your dog during this process each time until he finally establishes the habit of only passing waste in his own toilet area.

The steps outlined here are practical, yet have a significant impact on your dog’s disciplinary behavior. Once your dog develops such habits, moving on to a higher level of training should become much easier.

A student practices the Heimlich Maneuver on a Hank Heimlich training doll. (L.E. Witcher Photography)

Cincinnati Reds fans can help the Heimlich Heroes program celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Heimlich Maneuver Reds home baseball games on June 7 and 8.

The Heimlich Heroes program teaches children ages seven and up how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver in order to save a person from choking to death.

Thoracic surgeon Dr. Henry Heimlich, 94, developed the maneuver in 1974, while he was director of surgery at Cincinnatis Jewish Hospital. The maneuver has saved countless thousands of people from choking deaths since then.

You can find us in the Fan Zone before and during the game both days. We are excited to host a table set up to inform baseball fans about the Heimlich Maneuver and the Heimlich Heroes program, said program manager Terri Huntington. We encourage fans to use the drop box which will be set up so we can hear your story. Dr. Heimlich is planning to make an appearance and well also have Hank and Heidi our specially designed training dolls on hand so visitors to the table can actually practice the maneuver and learn how to save a life. Practicing the maneuver on a doll helps people gain confidence to act if they should encounter this situation in real life.”

The June 7 and 8 Cincinnati Reds weekend is the perfect time to remind families nationwide of the importance of learning the Heimlich Maneuver and acting quickly in order to save a life. Reds third baseman Todd Frazier was recognized as a Heimlich Hero for administering the Heimlich Maneuver to a man choking on a piece of steak at a Pittsburgh restaurant two years ago.

About 5,000 people die from choking each year because those around them do not know what to do, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Summer time is picnic time, and the chance of choking on a piece of food when talking, laughing or playing is increased, said Huntington. Hot dogs and pieces of hard candy are common choking hazards. This is the simplest first aid action proven to prevent a choking death and this teaching is critical to young and old alike. Four minutes is all you have before lack of oxygen to the brain causes permanent injury or death.

Heimlich Heroes is expanding rapidly throughout the country in school systems, national youth clubs, and other health-conscious organizations.

In the past few months alone, the program has trained more than 1,100 children ages seven through 18 in nine different states. For more information about the Heimlich Heroes program, visit the website at: http://www.heimlichheroes.com

Dr. Heimlich’s memoir, Heimlich’s Maneuvers: My Seventy Years of Lifesaving Innovation (Prometheus Books, 2014) describes how he came up with the Heimlich Maneuver and many other lifesaving innovations. It is available in bookstores and online.

Contact: Terri Huntington Email: thuntington(at)deaconess-cinti(dot)com Phone: (513) 559-2468

The Heimlich Heroes program is a Deaconess Associations, Inc. and Heimlich Institute initiative that teaches children ages seven and up how to become super heroes by learning to perform the Heimlich Maneuver correctly in order to save a life.

Dream Come True K9, LLC (DCTK9), one of the nations leading dog training, rehabilitation and walking services since 2010, has opened a new training center in New York City. DCTK9 has been providing assistance to dog owners ranging from everyday struggles to severe dog behavioral challenges by offering the knowledge and support for long lasting results.

The two-floor space serves as a training area and a boarding area for the dogs to learn proper socialization and co-existing skills for the real world. Since 2010, I have been providing my clients with our services by making house calls, traveling and using my home for stay in clients. Now that the center has officially opened, I will continue to travel, but will be able to help more dogs in need and offer additional classes with the extra room the new facility offers, says DCTK9s Founder and CEO, Blake Rodriguez.

The dog training center is open Monday through Sunday from 8am-8pm on 174 Attorney Street in Manhattans Lower East Side neighborhood. To find out more information about DCTK9s dog training programs or dog walking services, visit http://www.dctk9.com or call 917-709-4087.

About Dream Come True K9 Since 2010, DCTK9 has offered dog behavior training, conditioning, rehabilitation, and walking services nationwide. Our overall goal is to create a genuine communication and understanding within the human dog relationship. To learn more about our dog training programs and walking services visit http://www.dctk9.com.

Training a German Shepherd comes with it’s own unique challenges that other breeds don’t give you. One of the most rewarding breeds of dog the German Shepherd dog tends to have a very distinctive personality that makes training it something that requires special attention.

Breed Profile

A few reasons why you will need specific advice on German Shepherd training

· A GSD (German Shepherd Dog) is one of the most energetic breeds of dog
· They require considerable mental as well as energetic stimulation
· A lot are very particular about what they eat
· They suffer from numerous health problems inherent in the breed (e.g. hip dysplasia)

German Shepherd Training

So what specifics do you need to consider when German Shepherd training?

Firstly you must remember just how energetic your dog is. They require a lot of rigorous exercise every day – and before they do they have trouble concentrating. So make sure that you exercise them before getting into any serious obedience training or they won’t concentrate as well.

The level of mental stimulation they need is also considerable, so don’t have just one training session a day. On top of that training session look to include training in everyday activities, like getting them to sit before crossing a road or eating.

Make sure you are also thinking about what their diet is when you are giving them food rewards. Because of the health issues associated with the breed it is best to give a German Shepherd a very healthy diet – to that end make sure the treats and rewards you give are healthy. GSD’s certainly do well with a lot of protein in their diet.

If one of the training methods that you are consider is obedience schools make sure they allow German Shepherds. A lot of schools don’t allow German Shepherds because of how they are with other canines. Some will require you to muzzle the dog, DON’T. Muzzling them will make training far harder.