With the number of dogs being registered every year, it is evident that many people are amazed with what a furry four-legged creature can do. Dogs have “cuteness” factor that is guaranteed to steal almost every pet lover’s heart. One of those breeds that possess such cuteness is the Shetland sheepdog. This breed is not only champion in appearance. They also have high level of intelligence which is important in becoming successful in sheltie training.

Sheltie training is not impossible neither a very easy task. But to achieve your goals of having a behaved pet, it is important that you are well aware of what works best, including training tools, for your pet. Training tools such as collar must top the list of must-haves for your pet. But take note that, you just can’t choose whatever collar you like. You have to consider it’s:

Functionality.

Collars vary depending on their purpose. Choke collars, also called chain collars are commonly used to train service dogs or agility training. This type of collar, though often recommended to first time dog owners, must be used with caution to prevent accident. Head collars, though they look like muzzles, have different purpose. Use this if you want to have more control over your dog particularly when training him to walk on a leash and heel. Pronged collars are ideal for giant breeds while electronic collars can be used to dogs that are seemingly untrainable. However, be cautious when using the latter for it is not advisable for young dogs or those with health problems.

Size and comfort.

A collar must fit comfortably around a dog’s neck. It must not be too tight to choke your dog’s neck or too loose to be able your dog to slip off it. You should be able to fit two fingers between your pet’s neck and collar to ensure that the collar is correctly placed.

Affordability.

Although quality is often associated with price, expensive ones may not be necessary all the time. You may only need simple and cheap collars when training your dog to stop barking or chewing.

Collars are effective sheltie training tools but bear in mind that what they are doing is part of the job only. Remember that using positive reinforcement such as praise and treats are important as well.

Forgive me if I reminisce a little!

The other day I heard a song that I’d not heard for ages. It took me back a few years, I can tell you!

And while I was mentally reliving years gone by, I realised how relevant this song still is to us all today! Some things just never change!

I’m talking about a song called ‘I Whistle a Happy Tune’, written by the brilliant Rodgers & Hammerstein and sung by the British governess Mrs Anna Leonowens in the hit musical ‘The King And I’. The musical was based on the true experiences of Anna and this song explains how she dealt with her private fears when she found herself in new and strange surroundings.

She taught these techniques to her young son  –  and now I’m explaining them to you!

This is a song that was copyrighted way back in 1951 but, take a look at the lyrics below and you’ll see that it’s aimed well and truly at all of us anxiety sufferers!

See what you think:

Whenever I feel afraid, I hold my head erect,

And whistle a happy tune so no one will suspect I’m afraid.

While shivering in my shoes, I strike a careless pose

And whistle a happy tune and no one ever knows I’m afraid.

The result of this deception is very strange to tell,

For when I fool the people I fear,

I fool myself as well!

I whistle a happy tune and every single time,

The happiness in the tune convinces me that I’m not afraid.

Make believe you’re brave and the trick will take you far.

You may be as brave as you make believe you are!

©Rodgers & Hammerstein 1951

This could have been written especially for you!!

It sums up exactly what I’m always telling anxiety sufferers:

• That if you behave as if you are confident (even if you don’t feel it inside) then you’ll trick your brain into believing you really ARE confident.

• That your body language is important to the way you feel and how people treat you. Stand tall (‘hold my head erect’) and be counted!

• That if you use distraction techniques (the whistling of a tune or such like) you’ll take your mind off any scary thoughts you may be having.

• That people can’t always tell you’re feeling anxious even if you’re convinced they can.

• That appearances can be deceptive (striking the ‘careless pose’). Look cool and collected and that’s how people will see you.

• That positive happy thoughts (‘the happiness in the tune’) can usually override negative ones and help to reduce your anxiety levels.

• That always having a ‘little trick’ in reserve (like whistling a happy tune, for example, even if it’s just silently in your head!) is an excellent stand by to have for those times when you need some extra help.

And we all know what a difference any of the above things can make to help you in anxious situations!

Have a think about how you deal with scary situations. Do you have a ‘happy tune’ you can call upon? If not, maybe you might find it helpful. Who knows, maybe you might find that actually it’s THIS song that stays in your head, ready for when you need it most!

Good luck, and happy whistling!

Show Dog competitions are popular all over the world. Thousands of dog fanciers find enjoyment through show dog competitions. Obviously, these owners of show dogs are very proud of their dogs, and they just love showing them off and hopefully win the competition.  Show dog training requires  a combination of obedience training, and also presenting your dog to the judges-where it will be prodded and probed as it is examined by the judge. Your dog must meet the standards of its particular breed, which the judge’s are closely looking for, and also maintain a perfect posture while remaining  relaxed throughout the examination.

There are several different categories that the show dogs compete in. Each category is  based on the variety of breeds within them  and the types of activities those breeds are best skilled at. The seven different categories include: Sporting, Non-sporting, Hound, Terrier, Working, Herding and Toy. Besides have a terrific confirmation, each dog must impress the judges with its skills -whether it is working livestock in the case of the herding dogs, or performing an obstacle course for a working dog. Sporting dog, such as Labradors will be tested in field trials. As you can see, there is a niche for every breed of dog.

Here is a list of the various show dog categories. Check out which one best fits your dog.

Sporting Dogs – These types of dogs were bred for hunting  game birds-either on land or in the water. Breeds in this group include Retrievers, Spaniels, Pointers and Setters.

Hound Dogs – These types of dogs were bred for hunting  game by sight or scent.  Breeds of hound dogs  include:  Beagles, Bassets, Dachshunds and Greyhounds and many other hound varieties.

Working Dogs – These breeds of dogs were bred to guard property, pull a cart and even to  perform search and rescue services. Included in this group are such dogs as the Akita, Doberman, Boxers and St. Bernard breeds.

Terrier Dogs-Terriers are breeds that specialize in hunting and eliminating vermin from farms – Included in the Terrier group are dogs  such as the Airedale, Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier, Jack Russell terrier and many more.

Toy Breeds – These little dogs have been bred to be household companions. Included in the Toy group are Poodles, Pugs, Pomeranians, and Maltese.

Non-Sporting Dogs – This category is formed by a more diverse group of breeds, that come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and includes Bulldogs, Standard Poodles, Chows and Dalmatians. The dogs in this group are primarily companion dogs.

Herding Dogs – This category includes dogs such as the German shepherd dog, Collies, Australian Sheepdogs, Old English Sheepdogs, and more. These types of dogs were bred to help shepherds manage their flocks, Depending on the breed of dog you want to have, after you have thoroughly trained your dog you can enter him in a dog show in the category you would like him to compete in. Each dog breed falls within a certain category, so the dogs he competes against will have similar skill sets.

If you are interested in dog show competitions, get more familiar with what’s happening in your area. Check out your local Kennel Club to find out more about coming dog shows. You can meet and network with other show dog handlers to get some good advice getting started with show dog training for your dog.

For example, if your dog is a working dog, you will want to concentrate on that particular type of competition and what you will need to train your dog for his particular category’s competition. Watching and learning from an experienced dog handler will help  you will quickly learn the right way to go about the type of show dog training your dog needs.

Of course, you can’t really get involved with show dog training until you have already done a very thorough job of obedience training your dog. If you haven’t already fully obedience trained your dog, of course you will need to concentrate on that first of all.

You see a cute dog and suddenly the desire to start talking in an irritating high voice is overwhelming. But why?

DoggyDan Podcast – Episode #01 : Bringing a Baby Home Dog Training Please Subcribe me at : https://goo.gl/1CUsZl Episode Info Podcast Show No.1 is available now. This blog post is really to give you an idea of what to expect in my free podcast. I have outlined what it contains below, and if you are not bringing a new baby into the home, then dont worry there will be lots more free podcasts coming along very soon. Thats right, these podcasts are free, packed full of great information and will be covering off everything from getting your dog to come when called, stopping dog aggression, puppy training and helping dogs with separation anxiety. I love dogs, just like you, and this is my way of giving back. This first show is about something that many of you (and a number of parenting organizations) have requested information about. Bringing home a new baby is a wonderful experience although it can also be a stressful and testing time as you juggle to make everything flow smoothly for everyone in the family. This podcast provides you firstly with some solid advice in key areas to help you make the initial transition of a baby coming into the home a simple and relaxing experience. Then we look at how to ensure that long term your family unit includes your dog rather than pushing them away. Here are some of the things Ive covered off How to introduce your baby to your dog Some simple pieces of advice to ensure your babies safety, Why taking your dog for a walk beforehand can make all the difference Understanding how you create the energy of the room Safety of babies around dogs Two of the most common reasons a dog will snap Why babies, food and dogs can be a dangerous combination Space invading toddlers and the importance of a doggy safe place Establishing rules Establish rules and boundaries for both your children and your dogs A few simple rules that will have a profound effect on your dog How you can use your pram or baby buggy to get your dog to heel :) Helping to establish a bond between your baby and dog How feeding time for your baby can become a time for you to relax with your dog The importance of staying calm when your baby is screaming Training your dog how to behave around a baby mat or blanket If you enjoy the podcast please point your friends, baby organizations and parenting classes this way there are a lot of doggy-baby relationships that could benefit with some of this help. There’s also more on the blog about this topic: Managing your dog with a new baby at home. Listen now I do hope you to listen to this podcast, either