Leash training a puppy is critical. Whenever a pup is on a leash he can be more easily handled by his master. Like this he or she will learn what exactly is acceptable behavior more quickly. Also the owner can rest assured that the doggy  will be safe and can not run out in front of traffic and get hurt or even worse. The puppy and the master can get worry-free exercise in the open air. And leash walking becomes a nice activity for both.

The following are some often asked questions about puppy leash training.

1)How do you leash train a highly strung or exuberant puppy?

This type of personality is difficult to manage.  They are excitable, noisy, boisterous and exuberant.  Unless properly trained this type of puppy possesses the inclination to become aggressive.

This kind of pup can easily be quite exhausting.  When you first place them on the leash make sure that it is held securely yet with enough slack so they do not feel that they are restrained.   Step forward and give the command to HEEL.  If the puppy bolts forward simply turn 180 degrees and walk the other way.  Do not reprimand.  Call them to you enthusiastically while patting your leg.  When he gets to you give him lavish praise.

The aim is to get your puppy to associate the word HEEL.  If he does not obey he will be rudely jerked around in mid air.  You want him to associate the jerk with a reprimand.  After only a few incidents your puppy will not be so inclined to dash here and there when on a lead.   In spite of distractions your puppy will soon start walking by your side quite comfortably.

2)How do you leash train a shy or timid puppy?

This type of personality will shrink from strangers or in situations where they feel intimidated.  They will back away, bark shrilly or roll onto their back. They are completely lacking in confidence.

A lot of perseverance and love goes into training this type of puppy yet it will yield a dog that is completely devoted and willing to work.  They want nothing more than your praise and company.

It is not possible to use normal harsh reprimands with this type of puppy.  They are apt to react very badly to harshness and will retreat back into previous behaviour.

It is likely that once you place a leash on this puppy they will refuse to move, or they will twist around your legs or try to run back home.

You will need to build up an association between leash and something pleasant.  You could start by keeping some treats in your pocket.  Take a few steps forward and then place the treat by you foot.  Coax your puppy to follow and once he is by your side lavish him with praise.  Continue walking this way all the while soothing him with words of encouragement.  Do remember not to raise your voice or reprimand him in any way.  It is praise only with this puppy..  Speak to your puppy in normal language explain everything as you go. You will produce an excellent and most obedient companion.

3)How do you leash train a lazy puppy?

This personality will show little enthusiasm for anything except their dinner.  Enthusiasm will have to come from you.

Placing the leash on your lazy dog give the command HEEL and step forward.  While they lag behind give them encouraging little jerks on the leash while patting their rear end, gently.   This personality responds well to treats which can be used as an encouragement to walk in at your pace.  If he continues to lag behind pivot sharply to the right and yank the lead.  He will be forced to catch up with you.  When he does catch up praise him enthusiastically.

Bob Leland is a puppy training expert. For more great tips on puppy leash training, visit loving touch puppy training.
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If you don’t closely follow flea treatment instructions, your dog could get sick and even die. The EPA receives over 44,000 complaints a year about “spot on” flea treatments for dogs. These are usually liquids packaged in small tubes that you squeeze out and onto your dog’s skin. Some of these flea treatments for dogs contain a chemical called “amitraz” which has been proven to cause neurological damage, especially in children. Since dogs usually weigh even less than a child, the harmful effects could be even worse.

Adhere to the following tips when using flea treatments for dogs in order to minimize the chances of a harmful side effect and attain maximum flea prevention.

Always be sure you consult with your veterinarian before and after using any chemical based product.

Only use flea treatments that are specifically made for dogs. Some people use products made for cats on their dogs and have run into trouble.

Avoid any flea treatment for dogs with the following harmful chemicals in the “active ingredients” listing; tetrachlorvinphos, carbaryl, propoxur and amitraz.

Make sure to follow the usage instructions exactly as they are written on the package. This will provide the best flea prevention and potentially minimize side effects.

If your furry friend has a bad reaction to the treatment, give him a bath as soon as possible and call your veterinarian immediately.

Finally, one of the major reasons that dogs get flea infestations in the first place is because they have a weak immune system. Canines can get a weakened immune systems by environmental chemicals and, more importantly, from an unhealthy diet. I know you probably think you are feeding your dog a healthy dog food, but he sad fact is that the majority of the food on the market today is actually very unhealthy for your dog and weakens his immune system. Once you start feeding your dog a truly healthy diet, using chemical filled and potentially harmful flea treatments for dogs will be a thing of the past.

So what I would suggest is to continue using the flea treatment for dogs while you change your dog’s unhealthy dog food to a healthy dog food. Once you’ve been feeding your dog a truly healthy dog food for a while, you can take your dog off of the flea treatment and use more natural methods for flea prevention.

Robert Riley is an investigative pet health researcher and the Author of the Dog Food Doctrine which is the most downloaded pet health PDF in history. The Dog Food Doctrine reveals the exact reasons why the health of the dogs we love has declined so much since the 1960′s. For a limited time, ArticleBase readers can download it for free at by clicking on this healthy dog food link now. Robert just completed his next book, The Dog Food Code.
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Looking through various pet websites and forums I’m always so totally amazed and delighted at just how much people love their fellow creatures. It’s not just dogs and cats and the larger variety of animals but also the little ones like rats and mice.

As an owner of rats and mice I can understand the deep love that owners feel for their little friends. You can get so very close to them and they are so loving and intelligent. When they have health problems you worry so much because they are such delicate creatures.

I always thought, for example, that rats were strong and very durable under all conditions but the truth is that most of them suffer perpetual lung and breathing problems. How they can live like that I really don’t know. I would not want to be a rat.

Nevertheless these loving creatures manage somehow. They are clean types and always washing themselves and they can be very playful, especially when young. When they are older they sit by you like some faithful old dog. They love to be talked to.

Mice are much the same but less likely to get ill. They recognise you, play with you, even kiss you.

However while you can leave a rat next to you and it won’t run away, some mice are inclined to explore everywhere and so you need to keep a close eye on them.

As with all pets, before buying rats and mice it’s a good idea to do some research. Not all pet shops can be trusted and you don’t want to buy an infected or a pregnant pet. One way of obtaining pets is through rat and mouse clubs and forums. There are several on the internet. That way you might be more certain of getting a healthy pet.

Rats and mice are easy pets to keep and the cheapest. They don’t live long though. The average life span is between one and three years.

They carry no diseases and do not require vaccinations.

James Larkin is a veteran journalist who has worked with newspapers in Britain, Europe, South-East Asia and Australia. British-born, he now lives in Australia. Read more pet tails and tips on his site http://pet-training-care.com
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