OK, so im training my newly-acquired german shepherd a few commands. She's reacting very well to the new environment and loves people of all sorts. She doesn't like other dogs all that much. Anyways, I cant get very close to her. She like me, it's just she likes to climb on me, and i don't care for a hyper dog getting a little too close to my face. She will eventually listen when you tel her to sit, but she doesn't know how to stay. My question(s) are: How do reward my dog for good behavior without stuffing her with treats? How can I potty-train her? Some good books on dog training? Irrelevant, but anybody got any recipes on cooking for my dog? AND finally, my pup has been on kibble for the last and only seven months of her life, at least i think so. However, I have a can of dog food too. How much should I feed her (can food, I already know how much for the kibble) and will it upset her stomach badly?
Dog Training - Secrets For Training Your Dog
Recommended Answer:Okay, well first off, congradulations on your newest edition!
There are plenty of ways to reward dogs without stuffing them full of treats. First off would be the clicker. Just look online about clicker training. This is a way to show them the behavior is good, and it doesn't include treats. Also, by you just petting them re-enforces good behavior. Anything pleasurable for them is a reward! So if your dog stays or something and you're pleased, you can just get excited and send off happy energy and give them pats. You also can give them nonfatty treats so you can reward without them getting sick or fat. You can try cooked carrots. Boil them in water without anything added and then cool them and put them in pieces. Dogs usually love carrots and respond well to them, and carrots are mainly water so no fat value! You can also try using plain cheerios, frozen dollops of plain yogurt, and small pieces of fruit. But no seeds or cores! Those are all great alternatives to training treats that can cause your dog to get fat.
Potty training takes patience and time. You need to crate your dog whenever you're gone, at night, and when you're home keep your dog on an extended leash around you so you can always keep a close eye on your dog. No punishing for going inside, only redirection. If you see her sniffing, time to go out! If she starts to go, pick up her hind legs (if you pull them up it's impossible for her to pee) and place her outside. Clean the spot with good pet cleaner that will eliminate the odor. Make a schedule, too. 20 minutes after eating take her out, after playing take her out, and every few hours (depending on her age) give her a potty break. If she isn't going, take her on a short walk. Walking stimulates them to go to the bathroom. It'll just take time and patience!
I would suggest getting Victoria Stillwell's book, Dog Training for Dummies, and maybe a Puppies for Dummies book depending on your dog's age. Also, I would highly recommend a book talking about dog behavior and body signals, because that will help you in the future. Look into getting a book about German Shepherd Dogs as well, since you want to know everything about them and what to expect in the future.
I don't know any recipes off the top of my head, but there are TON of recipes online. You also can look into a dog nutricion book, which will help you with what foods you should feed and ways to make your dog healthier. You can usually pick one up for $15 on average.
If you're wanting to mix wet and dry, you should put in about 2-3 cups of kibble and then 1/2-3/4 of a can of wet in one serving. Then adjust from there. Watch your dog's weight and if he gains, cut back some. If he looses, add some on. If you have a vet appointment soon, you can ask your vet the recommended feeding amount for your dog. It shouldn't upset her stomach, but I don't see why you'd want to feed wet. She'll be just as fine on only dry and it'll save you money.
Good luck with your dog!
Dog Training Hand Signals - 2 Important Commands You Can Teach Today
- Potty training- Take your dog outside. If she pees then tell her good dog and praise.(You can give her praise whenever she does good.) Whenever she uses the bathroom inside sternly say NO! Bad Dog! Make sure she has eye contact. Pretty soon she'll catch on.
Sitting & Stay- Once you get her to sit, say stay slowly as possible walk backward while saying stay the whole time. If she follows NO! Take her back and start over. Pat your legs as signal to come.
Remember to give praise if not treats.
Good Luck!
