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training & behaviour 12 Six things every puppy should know From basic obedience to safe play, give your pup the tools she needs to be a good dog.
24 How to interpret dog barks Woof! Ruff! What’s the difference and how do you know what she means?
38 10 ways to build a bond with your pup Establishing a healthy connection from the start will ensure a meaningful friendship that lasts a lifetime.
30 nutrition 28 Five steps to a great diet T here are so many to choose from so keep these points in mind.
36 Peanut butter truffles Your pup will do backflips for these delicious, homemade goodies.
54 Top 10 stress-busting foods Is your dog too antsy? Adding this healthy fare to his diet will help him chill.
72 A walk in the park
94 It’s in the genes!
Figuring out the best foods to feed may come down to her genetic makeup.
Off-leash etiquette for you and your dog.
74 Why positive training works Gentle reward-based methods are gaining ground as the best approach for training our canine companions.
210 How to use a crate Your pup’s crate should be a safe haven. Here’s how to make it happen.
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CANADIAN DOGS ANNUAL 2014
CDNDOGS.CA
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things every puppy should know
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CANADIAN DOGS ANNUAL 2014
BY GILLIAN RIDGEWAY
basic obedience This is so you can build up the lines of communication. By teaching your pup a series of words, so he will start to understand your language, you are doing him a service and helping him become a model citizen. If he has a clear understanding of the word “stay”, he will be less apt to jump all over your guests. If he learns how to heel, he will be less likely to pull you off your feet, let alone scare other people coming towards you. You get the picture! Teaching your pup to sit when asked will help to alleviate a lot of problems. If he is sitting, he can’t run away, jump up or nip. There are many ways to teach your pup to sit, but luring is one of the best. Simply have a treat in your hand, put it towards the pup’s nose and then slowly raise it over his head towards the sky. The puppy should follow it, and in doing so, his behind should naturally go into the sit position. Add the word “sit” and give the treat. Once he is sitting consistently, you can start to phase out the lure. Using positive, force-free techniques will allow your pup to understand that learning can be fun. Getting him into a reputable puppy class will help you teach him the rest of the basics.
bathroom etiquette Taking the time to teach your pup to keep your home clean is a big lesson and well worth the effort. Many people feel this is common knowledge, but it’s not necessarily so. To ensure your puppy understands this lesson, make sure you keep him well supervised. This means a family member needs to watch him, or he should be in his crate. Take him out frequently when he is awake, especially after mealtimes, naps and playtime. Keep him on a consistent diet and exercise schedule. The goal is to avoid any accidents. If you do find an unexpected surprise, ask yourself where you were. Supervision means you can’t pop upstairs for a few minutes and leave Junior alone. However, pups tend to sleep about 18 to 20 hours per day, depending on their age. When it’s nap time, put your pup into his crate. This will work for both of you. He can nap in a quiet spot, uninterrupted, and you can go about your daily duties for a few hours without needing to supervise. It’s a win-win. CDNDOGS.CA
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