Doggie Do Right Dog Training

06/23/2025

☀️🐾 Summer Dog Safety Tips To Keep Your Pup Cool & Happy! 🐾☀️

Summer fun is here but the heat can be dangerous for our furry friends! Here's how to keep your dog safe and enjoy those sunny days:

🚫 NEVER leave your dog in a parked car even with windows cracked, temps can skyrocket in just minutes. It’s one of the most common summer dangers!

🔥 Check the pavement:
Here’s a quick test: place the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for their paws! 🐾
Tip: Walk early mornings or later evenings when the ground is cooler. If you must walk mid-day, stick to grass or shaded areas or use dog-safe booties.

💦 Fun ways to keep cool:
🎉 Kiddie pool splash sessions
🎉 Sprinkler fun in the yard
🎉 Frozen treat puzzle toys
🎉 Ice cube "treasure hunt" (freeze broth + treats!)

🍖 DIY Frozen Broth Cubes:
Pour low-sodium chicken or beef broth into an ice cube tray. Add blueberries, small treats, or shredded veggies. Freeze and serve for a refreshing snack on hot days! 🧊🐾

💧 Stay hydrated: Always carry water for your dog on walks, hikes, or trips. Offer frequent drinks.

😴 Watch for signs of heat stress:
⚠️ Heavy panting
⚠️ Excessive drooling
⚠️ Weakness or wobbling
⚠️ Glazed eyes
⚠️ Vomiting or collapse

If your dog shows any of these signs:
✅ Move them to a shaded, cool area
✅ Offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water
✅ Wet towels and place on neck, belly, and paws
✅ Seek vet care immediately if symptoms are severe

🌟 Let’s make this summer fun, cool, and safe for all our four-legged friends! 🐕💛

05/14/2025

Did you know that dog training is one of the best ways to support your dog’s mental health? Just like humans, dogs thrive on structure, connection, and stimulation. When dogs are left unstimulated, isolated, or misunderstood, they can experience anxiety, stress, or even depression. That’s why training isn’t just about obedience it’s about emotional wellness.

Training provides mental exercise that challenges a dog’s brain and helps reduce behavioral issues rooted in stress or fear. A well-trained dog feels more confident, safe, and bonded with their owner. Positive reinforcement methods help build trust, reduce anxiety, and foster resilience. Dogs who know what’s expected of them are less likely to act out due to confusion or insecurity.

Mental health in dogs also depends on consistency, predictability, and engaging experiences. When dogs get regular training, enrichment, and affection, their overall mood and behavior improve dramatically. It's not about perfection it's about connection. Every training session is an opportunity to build your dog's confidence and emotional stability.

Your dog’s mental health matters. Keep training, keep connecting, and watch your dog grow happier, calmer, and more secure every day.

03/12/2025

The Power of Positive Training: Building a Stronger Bond with Your Dog

When it comes to training our dogs, the methods we use matter not just for obedience but for their overall well-being and our relationship with them. Positive reinforcement training has been proven to be the most effective and humane approach, fostering trust, confidence, and a deep connection between dogs and their humans.

What is Positive Reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement training focuses on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. This means using treats, praise, toys, or affection to encourage desired actions, helping your dog understand what you want in a way that is clear and enjoyable for them.

Why Positive Training Works Best

✔️ Strengthens Your Bond – Dogs trained with positive methods see their humans as sources of encouragement, not fear, creating a trusting and loving relationship.

✔️ Encourages Confidence – Instead of being afraid to make mistakes, dogs feel safe to learn and try new behaviors. This is especially beneficial for shy or anxious dogs.

✔️ Improves Learning & Retention – Studies show that dogs trained with rewards learn faster and retain commands better than those trained with punishment-based methods.

✔️ Reduces Problem Behaviors – When dogs are rewarded for good behavior, they are less likely to engage in unwanted behaviors like jumping, barking, or destructive chewing.

✔️ Makes Training Fun – Training should be an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog! Positive reinforcement turns learning into a rewarding game rather than a stressful chore.

How to Use Positive Reinforcement in Everyday Training

🐾 Reward your dog with treats or praise when they sit, stay, or come when called.
🐾 Ignore unwanted behaviors instead of punishing—redirect their attention to a positive action instead.
🐾 Be consistent! Reinforce good behaviors every time to help your dog understand what’s expected.
🐾 Keep training sessions short, fun, and engaging to keep your pup interested.

A well-trained dog isn’t just obedient—they’re happy, secure, and eager to please. By choosing positive training methods, we give our dogs the best chance at success while strengthening our relationship with them.

Have you tried positive reinforcement with your pup? Share your experiences in the comments! 🐶💛

02/27/2025

“My human has finally learned to speak my language!”😂

02/27/2025

Researchers at the University of Adelaide are seeking participants to complete a survey investigating sleep disturbances in older dogs. You can do the survey here: https://redcap.link/sleepdisturbanceinseniordogs

Alt text: There's a photo of dog with its head between its paws, the logo of the University of Adelaide, a QR code and ethics approval H-2025-032. The text reads, Does your senior dog wake you up at night? University of Adelaide researchers are seeking participants to complete a survey focused on understanding the experience of caring for senior dogs that suffer sleep disturbances. Your participation is entirely voluntary. All responses will be kept anonymous and confidential. To be eligible, you must be over the age of 18 years; currently be the primary caregiver for a dog aged 8 years or older, and have lived with that dog for at least one year; have observed your dog waking at nighttime and/or are disturbed by your dog's nighttime activity. If you are interested in participating, please follow the link or scan the QR code to access the survey (link above).

02/27/2025

Dogs have an incredible ability to form deep connections with their humans. Their loyalty, enthusiasm, and ability to live in the moment make them remarkable companions. Each dog has a unique personality, from the playful energy of a young pup to the gentle wisdom of a senior dog. Some are curious explorers, always sniffing out something new, while others prefer to stay close, content to rest beside their favorite person.

Their ways of expressing affection are just as varied. A wagging tail, excited jumps, a soft nuzzle, or simply lying nearby are all ways dogs show love. They communicate without words, understanding emotions, routines, and even subtle changes in body language. Over time, they learn their owner's habits, knowing when it’s time for a walk, when to expect a treat, and even when comfort is needed.

Beyond their companionship, dogs have an intuitive ability to bring joy. Their reactions to the simplest things, seeing their human after a short absence, rolling in the grass, or tilting their head in curiosity remind us to find happiness in everyday moments. They don’t worry about the past or the future; they simply exist in the present, fully engaged in each experience.

Every dog has a story, whether they were born into a loving home or found their way to a new family after a difficult start. No matter their journey, they offer the same unwavering companionship, asking for little in return beyond kindness, care, and a place to belong.

So the next time your dog greets you with uncontainable excitement or curls up beside you at the end of a long day, take a moment to appreciate the simple magic of their presence. In a world that moves fast, dogs remind us to slow down, love fully, and enjoy the small joys that make life truly special.

02/03/2025

🐾 What Your Dog Can Teach You About Patience 🐶

When you first start training your dog, it’s easy to expect quick results. Sit, stay, come—it all seems so simple. But every session is a lesson, not just for your dog, but for you.

Training isn’t about control; it’s about communication. When you get frustrated, your dog gets confused. But when you’re patient, clear, and kind, your dog responds with trust and progress.

Dogs don’t learn on your timeline—they learn when they feel safe, encouraged, and understood. Just like people.

So if you’re struggling, take a breath. Celebrate small wins. And remember, the bond you build is more important than perfection. 🐕💛

Has your dog ever taught you a life lesson? Share your story below!

10/23/2024

Share dog treat recipe..

Peanut Butter & Banana Dog Treats

Ingredients:

- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (unsweetened and xylitol-free)
- 1 1/2 cups flour ( gluten free or whole)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chicken or beef broth (low-sodium)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the mashed banana and peanut butter until smooth.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the whole wheat flour and rolled oats.

4. Combine All Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the broth. Stir until well combined.

5. Shape Treats: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.

6. Bake: Place the treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.

7. Cool & Serve: Let them cool completely before serving to your pup. Store in an airtight container.

Your furry friend will love these tasty treats! Enjoy training time with a yummy reward!

10/23/2024

Potty Training Your Puppy or Older Dog: A Friendly Guide

Welcoming a furry friend into your home is an exciting adventure, but potty training can feel like a daunting task. Whether you have a playful puppy or an older dog adjusting to a new environment, this guide will help you navigate the potty training journey with ease and confidence.

Let’s start with the basics: dogs naturally prefer to keep their living spaces clean. This instinct is your ally! Creating a designated potty area outside will help your dog understand where it’s okay to go. When your dog uses this spot, they’ll quickly learn that it’s the right place to relieve themselves.

For puppies, establishing a routine is crucial. These little bundles of joy have tiny bladders, which means they need frequent trips outside—usually after eating, drinking, playing, or waking up. Think of it as setting a schedule for bathroom breaks, just like you would for a toddler.

When you head outside, use a consistent phrase like "go potty" to signal it’s time to do their business. As soon as your puppy finishes, shower them with praise or offer a small treat. This positive reinforcement is a powerful motivator and will encourage them to keep it up!

Consistency is your best friend throughout this process. Keep a watchful eye on your puppy indoors. If you notice them sniffing around or circling, it’s time for a quick trip outside. If accidents happen—and they will—stay calm and don’t scold your puppy. Instead, clean up the mess thoroughly to prevent any lingering smells that might encourage repeat incidents in the same spot.

Now, let’s talk about older dogs. If you’re bringing an adult dog into your home, they may already have some potty training experience. However, a new environment can lead to confusion. Start by establishing a new routine and give them time to adjust.

Just like with puppies, regular bathroom breaks are essential for older dogs. Use positive reinforcement when they go outside, and celebrate their successes. If you notice frequent accidents or changes in their bathroom habits, a visit to the vet is a good idea to rule out any health issues.

Crate training can be a helpful tool for both puppies and older dogs. Dogs instinctively don’t want to soil their sleeping areas, so a crate can assist with potty training. Just make sure it’s a comfortable space and never use the crate as a punishment.

As your dog learns, you can gradually give them more freedom around the house. However, continue to supervise them closely. Remember, patience is key! Accidents are part of the learning process, so stay positive and keep reinforcing good behavior.

In the end, potty training your puppy or older dog is all about creating a supportive and understanding environment. With a routine, plenty of praise, and a dash of patience, you’ll both be celebrating successes in no time. Enjoy this special bonding experience, and soon you’ll find that your furry friend knows exactly where to go!

09/27/2024

🌟 Great read! It’s all about building trust and having fun with our furry friends. 🐶❤️

Last year I wrote a post about 3 more reasons to use reward-based dog training methods, based on some newer research. It's still worth a read. And if you want to know more about dog training methods, you'll find plenty of posts to browse on my blog. There is no reason to use aversive methods. https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2023/09/3-more-reasons-why-its-better-to-use.html

09/27/2024

🐾 Doggie Body Language 101: What Your Pup Is Really Saying! 🐶

Hey, dog lovers! Understanding your dog’s body language is key to building a strong bond and ensuring their well-being. Here are some common signals to watch for:

1. Tail Wagging:A wagging tail is usually a sign of happiness, but the position matters! A high wagging tail often indicates excitement, while a low wag might suggest submission or uncertainty.

2. Ears Position:Erect ears usually show alertness or curiosity, while flattened ears can indicate fear or aggression. Pay attention to their ear position in different situations!

3. Bared Teeth: A dog showing its teeth can mean different things. A relaxed grin might be playful, but if the lips are curled back, it could signal aggression or fear.

4. Body Posture: A relaxed body with a loose stance show comfort, while a stiff body or crouching can indicate fear or aggression.

5. Play Bow: When your dog stretches their front legs out while keeping their back legs upright, it’s an invitation to play!

Now it’s your turn! Share a picture of your pup showing off their unique body language and tell us what you think they’re trying to say! Let’s learn from each other and strengthen our connections with our furry friends! 💕

09/27/2024

🌟 Doggie Dilemmas: Help Us Solve the Mystery! 🕵️‍♂️🐾

Hello, dog enthusiasts! We have a fun little challenge for you today!

Imagine this scenario: You’re in the middle of a training session with your pup when suddenly... they spot a squirrel outside and forget everything they’ve learned! 😳

What would YOU do in this situation?

1. A) Try to redirect their attention with treats.
2. B) Call them back and make a game out of it.
3. C) Let them chase the squirrel for a few moments (just this once!).
4. D)Give up and take a break; it’s a squirrel after all!

Comment below with your answer and tell us why you chose it! Let’s see what creative solutions we can come up with together! 🐶✨