dog training

Feature

• How Aggressive Is Your Canine?

  Using two extensive surveys, a research team has recently rated dogs based on their levels of aggression. Check where your dog might fall on the list and learn why determining canine aggression is an inexact science.

• Teach Your Dog to Swim

  Discover how teaching man's best friend the doggie paddle can be lifesaving in the future (and even possibly land Rover a gig on ESPN).

• Show Dog Skills for Any Mutt

  Even if your pet isn't a show dog superstar, it's the star of your show, and skills required for professional events can come in handy outside the ring. Our dog show training experts tell you why and how.

• How to best bond with your new dog

  Bringing home a new dog is a big decision. Once your furry friend has finally arrived, here are the best ways to bond with her so you become best friends fast.

• How to Succeed at Off-Leash Dog Play

  From special playgroups to dog parks, pet owners and their pooches are enjoying the exercise and socialization that "free" play provides. Risks, however, are involved. Here are tips to ensure a good time for all.

• Make Your Dog a Part of Your Wedding

  I'm getting married next month and would love to involve my dog in the ceremony. Can I bring it into the wedding festivities?

• Your Dog Can Be a Professional Actor

  Dogs often appear in television shows, movies, commercials and more. If your dog has star quality, it could be a hit in Hollywood and enjoy the spotlight too.

• The Best Way to Respond to Your Dog

  Dog trainers often say that owners should respond and not react to their dogs' behavior, but what does that mean?

• Teach Your Dog Self-control

  Why do some dogs seem to have more self-control than others? I've noticed that this is true no matter how much training a particular dog receives.

• Summer Activities for Dogs

  My dog is an Olympian wannabe. Can I enhance its skills with special performance dog gear that's appropriate for the summer?

• Do Dogs Get Revenge on Their Owners?

  My dog sometimes goes to the bathroom on the floor of my home when I am away from the house. Is it somehow trying to get revenge for being left alone?

• Should You Train With a Head Halter?

  A trainer suggested that I get a head halter for my dog. How does this device help me and my dog?

• Get Your Dog Comfortable With a New Name

  I'd like to change my dog's name. How can I get my dog to respond and become used to the new one?

• Teach Your Dog to Guard an Object

  Can I train my dog to guard and protect a valuable object?

• How to Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

  Just because you have a senior dog doesn't mean you can't train it the same way as you would a puppy.

• Can a Tether Help You Train Your Dog Off-leash?

  My dog is not trained off-leash, so a friend suggested that I get a tether. How should I use it, and can it somehow help me train my dog?

• How to Stop Dog Begging

  My dog is such a beggar; it won't stop pestering me until I relent. How can I break my pet of this habit?

• How to Stop Your Cairn Terrier From Chasing

  My cairn terrier always tries to chase cars, bikers and even joggers. Is there anything I can do to curb my dog's desire to run after anything that moves?

• Train Your Dog for Holiday Gatherings

  Now that we are heading into the winter holiday season, I'd like to better train my dog to behave appropriately during visits to the homes of friends and relatives. Can you help?

• Teach Your Dog to Sing

  I've seen dogs sing on TV, and I believe there are even canine karaoke events. How can I teach my dog to do this trick?

• Letting Your Dog Sleep on the Bed

  I love my Yorkshire terrier; it sleeps in my bed. My husband, however, complains that it moves around too much. How can I keep my dog in the bed and still keep the peace?

• How to Break Your Dog’s Bad Habits Today

  My dog has turned into a counter-surfer, stealing food from my countertops whenever it can. What can I do to break this bad habit?

• Keep Yourself and Your Dog Safe in the Car

  What do experts say is the safest way to bring dogs along on car rides? Should I only drive with my dog if necessary, such as when taking it to the vet?

• Private or Group Dog-training Classes?

  I'm considering either hiring a private trainer for my dog or taking her to group classes. Obviously there's a price difference to consider between these two options, but are there any other reasons why I should consider one over the other?

• Can a Dog Help Your Child Read?

  Did you know that trained dogs teach kids how to read? Learn how literacy dog programs around the world are helping human students.

• Train Your Dog to Go Fetch

  On TV, I've seen dogs fetch sodas from the fridge for their owners. How can I train my dog to do this?

• Dogs and Airplane Travel: A Deadly Mix?

  Surveys show that certain dog breeds are at greater risk of health threats during air travel than other canines. Learn if your dog is at heightened risk, and what to do if your pet must fly.

• Understanding Your Dog’s Mealtime Behavior

  Why does my dog guard her food bowl, and what can I do to get her to stop?

• Dog Scouts of America Rewards Canines

  Based on popular Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts programs for young adults, the Dog Scouts of America gives canines a chance to earn merit badges and more.

• Teaching Your Dog Commands

  I recently read about a border collie that comprehends more than 1,000 words. My Labrador retriever understands a handful of basic words, such as its name, my husband's name, "come" and "no." How can I teach it more?

• Westminster Dog Show Expert Shares Training Secrets

  A professional dog handler from this year’s 134th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show reveals his best dog grooming and training tips.

• Teens Teach Kids About Dog Training

  Dog training is kid's play, suggests a new book written by two high school sophomores. What can you learn from these young canine-savvy instructors?

• Treat Training in Seven Steps

  Yes, you can teach an old -- or young -- dog new tricks. Just grab some dog biscuits and follow these easy tips.

• Dog Training Can Be Fun and Games

  Why work when you don't have to? Renowned British dog trainer Kay Laurence advocates the use of games and play as a means to train dogs and strengthen our bonds with them.

• Could a Veterinary Behaviorist Help Your Dog?

  Misbehaving mutts can be transformed into well-behaved and seemingly happier dogs thanks to therapy and medications. Could such a human-based approach help your pet?

• Anger Management for Your Dog

  Sometimes your pooch may growl or act unusually aggressive, but don't despair. It's not anger management class that your dog needs, but a reminder of who's the boss.

Blog

• Teach Your Dog Tricks In Three Easy Steps

  Training is a great opportunity to bond with your dog. Follow these three quick steps and you'll be well on your way to teaching your pup some awesome new tricks.

• Away From Home: Dog Bathroom Options

  If you're traveling with your dog, safe bathroom options can be difficult to come across. Learn how to train your dog to "go" when you're on the road.

• Why You Should Adopt a Senior Dog

  Looking to adopt a dog? Here are five reasons why you should give a senior dog a second look!

• What I Learned From My Dog This Year

  Although she’s slowing down as she ages, my Dalmatian shows me to appreciate life.

• Bringing up Baby With a Dog

  Expecting? Here's how to get your pooch ready for your newborn.

• Plan a Camping Adventure With Your Dog

  If you’re a nature enthusiast and have a dog that’s equally known for its love of the outdoors, make your next vacation pet-friendly by taking your dog along on a camping trip.

• Back-to-school Shopping for Your Dog

  Get the year off on the right paw with back-to-school preparations for your dog.

• Gathering Information for Your Dog Sitter

  Before leaving on vacation, be sure to round up important details for your dog sitter. Here, the information you should always provide.

• Homeowner’s Insurance for Dog Lovers

  Buyer beware: Some insurance companies won't insure homes of owners with certain dog breeds.

• Take Great Photos of Your Dog

  Photographing your dog can be a snap with these easy instructions. You'll be a pro in no time!

• Dog Games for Rainy Days

  Has this ever happened to you? You're all set to go on a walk, but out of nowhere ... rain storm! Don't let rainy days get your dog down. Get your game on instead.

ExpertQA

• Why is establishing a routine so important for dogs, and how does it help with training?

• Do Tame Wolves Act Like Dogs?

• Only one of my two dogs seems to be jumping all of the time. Why are some dogs so skilled at jumping?

• I’ve always wanted to show off my female dog in my town’s Halloween parade, but she can be skittish, especially when she’s around crowds. What can I do to prepare and train her?

• What are “fear periods” for puppies? I just got a new puppy and I keep hearing that term, but I’m not sure what it means. Please explain.

• I’ve seen owners dancing with their dogs, doing some really cool moves. I’m not interested in competitions for this, but I would still like to train my dog to dance with me. Any tips?

• My new puppy is constantly biting me, and I’m concerned it’ll keep doing this as it gets older. Will my pet just naturally grow out of the nipping?

• I like to jog with my dog, but the experience is always uncomfortable for both of us. The last time, the leash cut into my hand, and my dog almost knocked me over. How can I make this less stressful and more productive?