Sally and Scout recommend:
'keep up regular training'

BE consistent and always follow through. Don't give the command or cue unless you, the trainer, follow through. (Remember the dog is only as good as it's trainer!)

If the pooch only has to do it part of the time, you know which part he'll choose - the part where he doesn't have to do it. This is very important for your dog's safety. You want your dog to hear you and complete the command like "wait" or "stay" at a curb, "don't touch" when going after a dangerous item or "come" when called to get the dog back to you and out of trouble.

Be happy when you train, be firm, be consistent and never, ever get mad. Dogs are not robots. They learn through repetition. So repeat, repeat, repeat. Even the best trained dog makes mistakes. Don't train any command more than three times in a row then give it a rest. Otherwise your dog will get bored and lose interest.

For interest, Scout is learning to turn on lights. We do it three times with lots of praise then quit. I do it in groups of three off and on during the day. Sometimes only once then I have him do something else. Make it fun. Mix it up. Then your dog will want to please you. Use treats sometimes if you need to.

Be sure to sign up and complete a basic/advanced dog training class from a qualified trainer in your area. Even if you think your dog is already the smartest in the world, take them anyway. You'll learn something new. It will be the best money you spend in 2001.

Make sure you have the proper equipment for training and for use in public and learn the difference. For instance, walking your dog in front of you on a flexi-leash near a busy street or public place with people, strollers and/or skateboards is not a good idea. Instead use the flexi-leash for training - "come" at home for example. Again this is for you and your dog's safety. You'll learn the difference in your dog training classes.

Always leash your dog in public unless in an enclosed dog park. Always put the leash loop over your wrist. (Another reason for no flexi-leash in public.) It's your last defence to stop a bolting dog. And all dogs will at some time in their lives dart at something or bolt away from something, even the best-trained.

Remember not everyone likes dogs so train yours accordingly. Your goal should be that your dog is as well behaved as a well-behaved child. - Sally and Scout.

Check out the training tip archives at http://www.tenderlovingcanines.org/

Start your puppy's hygiene early

IF there is one thing that many dog owners wish, after it is too late, it is to wish that they had begun cleaning their puppy's teeth and clipping their nails at a very early age.

It is not that pups need the cleaning or clipping - the idea is to get the pup used to its owner handling its feet and teeth. To begin with the teeth can be 'cleaned' with only a soft brush and water. Don't worry if the young dog thinks this is playtime. Just say 'no' firmly and make sure you never join in the game while the serious part of the cleaning is in progress.

However, if you have a ball game or similar after a successful brushing of the teeth it will be something your dog begins to look forward to, knowing there is usually a game afterwards.

Once your dog accepts tooth brushing in the same way that he accepts coat grooming you will be able to keep a good watch on the state of his teeth and take steps at the first sign of tartar.

When you decide that it is time to introduce a cleaning agent, do buy special canine toothpaste from your vet - human toothpaste is not suitable to use for dogs as you can count on a large percentage of it being swallowed.

Puppy claws are still soft and need no clipping, but it is the best time to get a pup used to having its feet handled. A light emery board is ideal to lightly rub each nail in turn - if the dog is getting enough exercise the nails will not need clipping or even filing, but there will come a time when the nails need regular clipping or filing, whatever method you have chosen to use, and then you will be glad that you gave your dog the paw handling early.

I have seen dogs who hate nail clipping so much that they need to be held by two people, one with the front end and one with the back, while the vet handles the clipping - and the howling would make you think the poor dog is being almost killed! How much better if you are able to clip your dog's nails at home with no problems, no stress, and no hurry.

It is very easy to see the clipping area in white nails, but you can not see the pink blood vessel in black ones. You can, however, see the area of dead nail at the tip - it is the area where the nail groove (underneath) is deepest. The blood vessel begins where the groove begins to shallow out and to widen. Good luck with your training. - EP