Dogs | Pet Lover Blog

People very often enter the profession through learning how to trim their own breed. Cuddly dogs that look clean and fluffy are only achieved through effort and dedication. They do not just happen to be that way. Trimming a dog involves a lot more than using a pair of clippers just any old way and ever which way until all the hair is gone. Dog grooming is hard work that requires adequate professional training and a dedication to dogs. A genuine great love for dogs also helps.

If you are contemplating a career in grooming, attend at least one seminar that is advertised in weekly and monthly dog papers and magazines. At these seminars there are qualified, experienced dog groomers from top establishments to offer advice and give trimming demonstrations. You will be able to pick up new tips, ideas and professional hints on running a salon. You will want to be able to turn out the best-dressed dogs.

During the seminars you will also be able to receive special offers, some free samples and learn about the latest equipment at these seminars. There are a lot of specialized high-tech grooming tools designed to save time, money and make the life of the groomer less labor-intensive, less stressful and more cost-effective.

You will see lots of demonstrations of trimming and styling. Making an effort to attend these informative seminars is an important step on your route to becoming a professional dog groomer.

You might also join a local groomer’s association to give you invaluable networking opportunities.

Basic training for a dog groomer is very important. You should strive for professionalism and a strong caring attitude toward dogs. There are colleges that teach grooming. There are courses available at kennels and grooming establishments that are advertised in the dog papers weekly. Short courses offer only an introduction to grooming. It is possible to an idea from short courses, but certainly not a lot of experience. Experience can only be gained through an apprenticeship. Take a job with a grooming establishment of good reputation and spend at least a year gaining experience before setting up on your own salon. Start out as a bather and slowly work your way up to clipping. Do not rush. This can be disastrous to your success as a professional groomer.

Before you set up your own grooming shop, it is important to consider all the costs involved. First decide upon your location. You might want to start out from home, in a spare room. This will suffice for awhile, but can become impractical and does nothing for a professional impression. For long term you should consider finding business premises or building an extension to your home where facilities are more convenient and hygienic. All aspects of expense to run your salon must be taken into consideration. Keep a strict order of accounts from day one. It is also advisable to have a professional accountant.

Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies from top champion bloodlines. Purchase unique dog clothes and topknot dog bows at: http://www.littleguysdogclothesshop.com

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Many owners of large and giant breed dogs often overlook the physical size of their pooch.

Truth is, most people including dog lovers can be quite intimidated by a large, or giant breed dog. After all, big dogs are not for everyone, a large percentage of dog owners prefer small, or medium sized companions.

Ever here a grown man scream?

One afternoon while walking our Dane in public we approached a middle age man that was unaware we were coming up along side. The poor guy caught a glimpse of our giant breed dog and let out a scream you wouldn’t believe! Feeling sorry for the man we apologized then realized, we did nothing wrong! Unbelievably, the sudden unexpected appearance of our Great Dane was a shock in itself.

Further bias towards big dogs was evident one afternoon at our local lumber store. Previously witnessing smaller dogs being whisked around in shopping carts, we figured it would be fine to let our Great Dane come along and join the activities. Standing calmly on lead with my daughter, our dog was behaving perfectly. I began to load up the lumber needed for my Saturday afternoon project. Suddenly, we were interrupted by what looked like the entire store security staff! Being told there are no dogs allowed I quickly pointed at a Poodle in a cart further down the isle. After quarreling a bit, we were told, “he’s to big” and swiftly escorted out the front doors.

Most large dog owners can attest, a giant breed dog like a Great Dane is no more a threat than an ankle biting Chihuahua! More often than not, they are truly gentle soles that want nothing more than to be around people. Unfortunately, their size and appearance is too often fearsome to the average person. Large dog owners often forget the true size and stature of their dogs. Remember, many strangers will panic if your giant companion rushes towards the curb to say hello.

Asking in advance, or announcing your visit, will help avoid unforeseen and unexpected conflicts of the dog vs. human variety.

Owning a giant breed dog requires proper training and socialization techniques. Special attention should be focused on interaction and behavior around people as well as other animals.

Jeff Zitzkat, Copyright ©
Founder & Editor
all-about-great-danes.com

For additional information on training and socializing a giant breed dog, visit “training Great Danes” as brought to you by all-about-great-danes.com

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The down command is the next lesson to teach in your dog obedience training schedule. It should be taught as soon as you and your dog have mastered the sit command.

The down command is a fundamental ingredient of your overall dog obedience training program. It provides the foundation for many other advanced commands/skills and establishes you as the leader in the relationship you share with your dog. The reason for this is that the laying down position is a submissive and somewhat vulnerable position for your dog to be in, especially when you are standing tall over the top of your dog.

The down command is a very handy tool you will come to rely on in many situations. Popping your dog down into the lying down position is great for times when you need to go into a shop or for occasions when there are small children around. It can take a bit of practice to reach this level, but it is worth the effort.

Learning The Down Obedience Command

When you are in the learning phase of teaching the down command, start out by making it simple for your dog, then slowly turn up the difficulty level.

1. Move your training sessions to a public place.

2. Increase the time you keep your dog in the down position.

3. Bounce a ball around your dog when he is in the lying position, or scatter some food around him. The idea is that your “down” command will be so strong in your dogs mind, that none of these other distractions matter. He can only get up to chase the ball or eat the treats when you release him from the down command.

What you are trying to achieve with the down command is to have your dog quickly get down into the laying position, belly touching the ground and his front legs extended out in front.

In a familiar environment to your dog with no distractions, lets get started!

Down Command Technique 1 - Off Leash

• Put your dog into a sitting position.

• Grab your dogs favorite tasty treat and hold it a couple of centimetres in front of his/her nose. Move your hand straight down to the ground. Your dog should follow it down (you can praise and encourage him down). As soon as his belly hits the ground, with his legs out in front, lavish him with praise and give the treat.

• Repeat this action over and over in short sharp training sessions.

• When your dog is “getting it” and going down right away, you can add the verbal part of the command. I use “down” other people use “lay” or “drop”, just choose the one you are comfortable with and stick to it (make it a one word command only). Add your command just before you start to move the treat towards the ground. This step is all about building an association in your dogs mind between the verbal “down” command and the act of him laying down.

• The idea is that eventually, after plenty of repetition and praise your dog will only require your verbal command, and not the treat in your hand to lure him down. Also, in time you will be able to start the command not only from the sitting position but from standing and in any situation you and your dog are in.

• When your dog is responding well to your verbal command, introduce some other variables which make the down command a little more challenging. Try the command as you go about your daily business, around other people or dogs and increase the duration of the command.

Down Command Technique 2 - On Leash

• Put your preferred collar and leash on your dog - I just use a nice leather buckle collar when teaching the down command.

• Place your dog into the sitting position and stand or kneel right next to him.

• Basically you are trying to guide or coax your dog into the down position. How you do this depends on the size and co-operation level of your dog.

• Always say your “down” command first, then immediately guide your dog down into the lying position. Grab hold of the leash and gently pull your dogs head down, at the same time guide him down by pressing down between his shoulder blades with the palm of your hand. You can also lift up your dogs front legs and extend them out in front of him, find the method which works best for you. Praise and encourage your dog all the way down. Then of course as soon as he’s in the down position make it clear to him that you are happy with him and that he has done a good job.

• After lots of repetition your dog will respond to your verbal command only. Then try the command when your dog is in the standing position and in other settings. Make the command a little more challenging by adding some distractions and increasing the time he is required to stay in the down position.

Whichever method you choose to teach your dog the down command be consistent and keep at it.

When you are happy with your dog getting into the down position you will probably want to add a release command to it. This means that when you issue your down command, your dog goes straight down and is not permitted to get up until you issue another command. You can use “away” or “off you go” for this purpose.

Chris Smith is a dedicated dog owner and creator of http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com.

Discover the latest cutting edge home based dog training techniques.

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