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.

Ashley Starling of Canine Tutors in San Luis Obispo County

When it comes time to search for the best dog obedience training in San Luis Obispo, the choices can sometimes be overwhelming for a dog owner. Thanks to an exclusive offer by Ashley Starling, owner of Canine Tutors Dog Training, residents looking for a San Luis Obispo dog trainer now have the opportunity to take advantage of a free evaluation and consultation before making a decision to enroll in classes. In addition, Starling extends an invitation to enjoy the very first dog obedience training lesson at no cost to the pet owner.

Many dog owners wonder how they can get their untrained dog to interact in the real world. I find by making this free offer, dog owners are able to see for themselves what is possible, says Starling. I can train any dog, but for most people they just have to see it to believe it.

Starling uses advanced training techniques and presents them in a simple fashion for the average dog owner to understand and utilize. Canine Tutors Dog Training specializes in getting dog off leash and under control even when experiencing severe distractions all while helping the dog maintain a happy and positive demeanor. In fact, Starling and his fellow trainers at Canine Tutors have long been considered San Luis Obispos off-leash specialists.

I have a no-conflict policy, says Starling. I never argue with the dog; I give them the tools they need in order to live with people. I work from the wow factor I keep their spirits up high and I keep them super motivated.

With years of experience in the industry, Canine Tutors Dog Training has been helping dog owners throughout San Luis Obispo County handle their pets most frustrating and challenging behavior issues with guaranteed results. Taking methods learned from dog trainers such as Bart Bellon, Ivan Balanov, Michael Ellis and Ed Frawley, Starling and his friendly, patient, and skilled team of dog trainers use positive, innovative techniques to deliver commands in a clear, concise manner. From getting a dog to come when called, sit and lay down to helping dogs break habits such as dashing out the door and jumping on guests and family members, Starling and his professional crew have provided guidance to hundreds of dog owners.

Summer in San Luis Obispo County means spending more time outside with one lesson from Canine Tutors Dog Training, owners will learn how the possibility of taking a leisurely, stress-free walk on the beach or hike along local trails with their dog can become a reality. Just in time for the summer months, Canine Tutors Dog Training is offering some warm weather tips for dog owners:

Dogs should not be shaved during the hot summer months; fur helps to protect dogs from the heat and provides insulation. Instead, opt for a good grooming session. Purchase an inexpensive hard plastic kiddy pool for dogs to splash around in. Be sure to place large containers of water within dogs reach & take extra water along when traveling or venturing outdoors. Use training tips several times daily for short periods of time 3-5 minutes at a time for a total of around 15 minutes is ideal. Keep in mind that a dogs energy level drops when temperatures reach about 70 degrees dont be alarmed if your dog is not as active during warmer weather.

For more information on private training and upcoming seminars and to take advantage of a complimentary first lesson, call Ashley Starling of Canine Tutors Dog Training at (805) 400-8309 or submit an online contact form at http://caninetutors.com. See Canine Tutors Dog Training on Google+.

Social and sporting events for dogs are on the rise. Just like their human counterparts, the more dogs interact, the more at risk they are for contracting illnesses in public places. To help dog owners and event organizers better understand and prevent transmission of infectious diseases in dogs, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), in collaboration with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), announces a newly funded study that will provide practical guidelines to reduce the risk of disease spread in the canine population. Rather than generate new data, researchers will do a retrospective analysis of existing information to provide recommendations for managing infectious disease at the level of both the dog and the environment.

Dr. Jason Stull, VMD, MPVM, PhD, DACVPM (Public Health, Epidemiology) of The Ohio State University is the principal researcher on the project. His OSU team includes: Armando Hoet, DVM, PhD, DACVPM (Public Health, Epidemiology); Jeanette OQuin, DVM, MPH (Public Health, Epidemiology); and Mary Jo Burkhard, DVM, PhD, DACVP (Immunology/Infectious Disease, Clinical Pathology). We are excited to have this stellar team of veterinary infectious disease experts work with CHF and OFA to produce up-to-date recommendations that will have real world implications, said Dr. Shila Nordone, CHF Chief Scientific Officer.

Fully funded by OFA, the grant aims to equip the dog loving community with information and an understanding of how to keep their dogs healthy in locations where disease spread is more likely. According to Eddie Dziuk, Chief Operating Officer of OFA, Whether participating in various dog sports, attending training classes, or simply visiting the local dog park, mitigating the risk of infectious disease transmission should be of concern to all responsible dog owners whose dogs are regularly in contact with other dogs. Dziuk goes on to state, The Ohio State University has assembled an outstanding team to review the existing literature, engage stakeholder groups in the process, and develop consensus recommendations from key opinion leaders. The end result will be safer, healthier environments for our dogs through education, prevention, and guidelines of best practices to prevent the outbreak of infectious disease.

The outcome of the study will be a peer-reviewed publication defining up-to-date risk assessment and management recommendations, and most importantly, a white paper that can be used by dog owners and organizers of canine events and facilities. CHF anticipates that the recommendations will be released to the public by early 2016. Researchers also hope to create an open-access, interactive website that can be used by all involved with dogs to help reduce the risk and spread of infectious disease where dogs meet and compete.

CHF is a non-profit organization dedicated to funding research to prevent, treat and cure canine disease. Visit CHF online at http://www.akcchf.org for more information about the Foundation. Like CHF on Facebook, follow CHF on Twitter @CanineHealthFnd, or connect with CHF on LinkedIn.

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About CHF The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping dogs live longer, healthier lives by funding research that helps prevent, treat, and cure canine disease. Established in 1995, CHFs mission is to advance the health of all dogs and their owners by funding sound, scientific research and supporting the dissemination of canine health information. Through the generous support of the American Kennel Club, Nestl Purina PetCare, Zoetis (formerly Pfizer Animal Health), dog clubs, and dog owners worldwide, CHF has dedicated more than $ 40 million to canine health research projects and education programs. Visit CHF online at http://www.akcchf.org for more information.