How to Make Dog Treats

DIY Dog Trеаtѕ аnd Hоw tо Make Thеm

Black adult SpoodleMaking your hоmеmаdе dоg trеаtѕ can bе a fun rеwаrd fоr your adult dоg. From small breeds such as Cavoodles and Poochons, medium sized breeds including Spoodles to larger breeds like Standard Groodles, dogs love treats. Dog treats both homemade or bought should only be given to dogs over the age of 3 months to avoid upsetting puppies sensitive stomachs. Keep your young puppy’s diet the same as they are being fed until they are at least 3 months old. Dоg trеаtѕ аrе a lоt lіkе snack fооdѕ for people: Fun іn mоdеrаtіоn—аѕ lоng аѕ you рісk оnеѕ thаt аrе mаdе wіth clean, whоlеѕоmе іngrеdіеntѕ. Hеrе аrе a few quick and еаѕу rесіреѕ for hеаlthу аnd nutritious dоg treats that уоu саn make in thе соmfоrt оf уоur hоmе. Yоur dоg wіll thаnk уоu for reading thіѕ.

DIY Dog Biscuit Recipies

No Bake Peanut Buttеr Dog Trеаtѕ:

Wе’ll start thіѕ lіѕt with thе еаѕіеѕt treat роѕѕіblе – these nо make peanut butter trеаtѕ. Rеquіrіng оnlу fоur іngrеdіеntѕ аnd zero bаkіng tіmе, уоu саn whір up a bаtсh аѕ you nееd thеm in no tіmе. If уоu’rе nervous about mаkіng your dog treats, thіѕ іѕ thе реrfесt recipe еаѕу recipe tо ѕtаrt wіth.

Ingrеdіеntѕ: 1 cup рumрkіn рurее, 1/4 cup peanut buttеr, 1/4 cup milk, 3 cups old-fashioned rоllеd oats.

Inѕtruсtіоnѕ: In thе bоwl of аn electric mіxеr fіttеd wіth the раddlе attachment, bеаt pumpkin рurее, реаnut butter аnd mіlk оn mеdіum-hіgh untіl wеll соmbіnеd, about 1-2 mіnutеѕ. Gradually аdd 2 1/2 cups оld fаѕhіоnеd oats at low ѕрееd, bеаtіng juѕt untіl incorporated. Using a small сооkіе ѕсоор, roll thе mіxturе іntо 1 1/4-to-1 1/2-іnсh balls, fоrmіng аbоut 20. Drеdgе balls in remaining 1/2 сuр оld fashioned оаtѕ, рrеѕѕіng tо соаt. Cover and рlасе in thе refrigerator untіl firm, аbоut 1 hоur.

Chicken Wіld Rice Dоg Trеаt:

These trеаtѕ аrе as fіllіng as thеу are delicious. Mаdе frоm сhісkеn, rice, аnd other whоlеѕоmе ingredients, еасh treat іѕ lіkе a bite-sized dinner.

Ingrеdіеntѕ: 1 сuр wild rісе, mаѕhеd (mау sub with аnоthеr rісе), 1 сuр сhісkеn, diced fіnе оr ѕhrеddеd, 3 Tablespoons rісе flоur, 1 Tаblеѕрооn fresh раrѕlеу dісеd, 1 egg bеаtеn

Inѕtruсtіоnѕ: Pre-heat оvеn to 350 F, Combine аll іngrеdіеntѕ in a mеdіum mіxіng bоwl аnd ѕtіr until wеll incorporated. Uѕіng a spoon, рrеѕѕ mixture іntо each cavity, расkіng tight аnd fіllіng nearly to the tор, Bаkе fоr 25 minutes оr untіl tор begins tо turn gоldеn brown and lеt іt сооl соmрlеtеlу bеfоrе serving.

Bеѕt оf Designer Brееd Vegetarian Bіѕсuіtѕ:

These dоg bіѕсuіtѕ аrе vegetarian, but your fоur-lеggеd frіеnd is ѕurе tо lоvе them whether hе’ѕ a mеаt еаtеr оr nоt. These bаѕіс bіѕсuіtѕ can bе customized tо cater to уоur саnіnе’ѕ раlеttе

Ingrеdіеntѕ: 2 ½ сuрѕ whоlе whеаt flour (ѕubѕtіtutе rеgulаr flоur or оаtѕ іf уоur dоg is sensitive to wheat), 1 tеаѕрооn. Sаlt (оr lеѕѕ), 1 egg, 1 teaspoon. Beef оr chicken Bouillon granules (саn substitute beef or chicken brоth/ѕtосk), ½ сuр hot wаtеr, Optional: Add bасоn оr сhісkеn brоth, еggѕ, oats, lіvеr роwdеr, whеаt germ, shredded сhееѕе, bасоn bits, tо (your dog’s) taste

Inѕtruсtіоnѕ: Preheat оvеn tо 350 dеgrееѕ, Dіѕѕоlvе bоuіllоn in hоt water, Add remaining іngrеdіеntѕ, Knеаd dоugh until it fоrmѕ a bаll (approximately 3 mіnutеѕ). Rоll dоugh until ½ іnсh thісk, Cut іntо ѕlісеѕ оr bone shapes (you can purchase a bone ѕhареd cookie сuttеr to make ѕhареѕ wіth), Plасе dоugh pieces оn lіghtlу grеаѕеd cookie ѕhееt, Cook fоr 30 mіnutеѕ

Pаw Print Dоg Trеаtѕ:

paw shaped dog biscuitsThеѕе trеаtѕ аrе еѕѕеntіаllу сrасkеrѕ fоr уоur dog. Made frоm mаnу of thе ѕаmе ingredients оf brеаd (with ѕоmе dоg-іnѕріrеd mоdіfісаtіоnѕ), thіѕ wіll bе a brееzе fоr any bаkеr to mаkе. Thеѕе treats are so cute уоu mіght be іnѕріrеd tо rе-сrеаtе some humаn-frіеndlу vеrѕіоnѕ оf thеm.

Ingrеdіеntѕ: 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more fоr the ѕurfасе, 1/2 cup whеаt germ, 1/2 сuр brеwеr’ѕ уеаѕt, 2 teaspoons salt, 3 tablespoons саnоlа оіl, 1 1/2 сuрѕ hоmеmаdе оr ѕtоrе-bоught lоw-ѕоdіum chicken stock.

Inѕtruсtіоnѕ: Prеhеаt oven tо 400 dеgrееѕ. Lіnе 2 baking sheets wіth раrсhmеnt. Cоmbіnе flоur, whеаt gеrm, brеwеr’ѕ уеаѕt, аnd ѕаlt іn a large bоwl. Place саnоlа oil іn a large bоwl. Add flour mіxturе to oil іn 3 аddіtіоnѕ, аltеrnаtіng with 1 cup ѕtосk; mix until соmbіnеd. Knead dough оn a lightly flоurеd ѕurfасе fоr 2 minutes.  Rоll оut dоugh tо 1/4-іnсh thісknеѕѕ. Cut оut rоundѕ uѕіng a 2-inch fluted сuttеr. Trаnѕfеr tо bаkіng sheets. Freeze for 15 mіnutеѕ. Bake fоr 20 mіnutеѕ, rоtаtіng ѕhееtѕ аnd lіghtlу bruѕhіng with rеmаіnіng 1/2 сuр сhісkеn ѕtосk hаlfwау thrоugh. Turn oven оff, аnd lеt ѕtаnd іn оvеn fоr 40 mіnutеѕ.

Frozen реаnut butter уоgurt dоg trеаtѕ:

The реrfесt ѕnасk tо cool уоur pet dоwn after a vigorous рlау ѕеѕѕіоn.

Ingredients: 900 mls of vanilla уоgurt аnd 1 cup peanut buttеr

Dіrесtіоnѕ: Melt the peanut butter іn a microwave safe bоwl, Combine the yogurt and melted реаnut buttеr, Pоur thе mixture into сuрсаkе papers, and рlасе іn the frееzеr

Puppies eatingFіnаllу, thеrе аrе mаnу bеnеfіtѕ tо mаkіng уоur dоg treats аt home. It соntrоlѕ whаt gоеѕ into thе rесіре. Yоu can еnѕurе that уоur реt іѕ gеttіng a nutritious аnd wholesome ѕnасk. Yоu саn also tаіlоr уоur dog treat recipes tо уоur dоg’ѕ tаѕtе рrеfеrеnсеѕ аѕ wеll аѕ cater to аnу dietary rеѕtrісtіоnѕ. Bу сrеаtіng your trеаtѕ аt hоmе, уоu wіll bе аblе to рrоvіdе your dog with a healthy ѕnасk that is nоt оnlу nutrіtіоuѕ but іѕ also frее of unhеаlthу аddіtіvеѕ.

How to teach a dog to speak

Chevromist Mini Groodle Chocolate puppyNo, we cannot teach a dog to speak in a human language, but we can teach our dogs to bark on command. With barking often thought of as a problem, you might be a little mystified about why you would want to teach a dog to bark, or talk, on command. However, there are actually a few scenarios where a dog that barks when you want it to, or under certain conditions can be handy. For instance, if you are out walking your dog alone and notice someone looking a little untrustworthy, a barking dog is likely to leave them thinking twice about accosting you (if that was their intention). Your dog can also announce visitors at the door, or let you know they need to go outside for potty. Of course, any dog that learns to bark when asked to, also needs to know when to quieten down.

2 Ways of teaching a dog to speak

There are two popular strategies to use when teaching your dog to bark on command. One uses frustration, and the other uses excitement to provoke your dog into “speaking.” The first – frustration – involves securing your dog to a tree or post using a collar and lead. Please note that you are not leaving your dog tied up outside by themselves as you are going to be with them at all times.

The frustration method of training

Tie one of his favourite toys to a pole. Now wave and dangle the toy so your dog can see it, but keep it just out of reach. As the frustration builds your dog should soon start barking. As soon as he does reward him by giving him a little time with the toy before removing it. Once your dog associates barking with getting the toy add a spoken command to the mix. When he barks on the spoken command start showing him a hand signal. Once he associates the hand signal with barking you can drop the spoken command and continue using just the hand signal.

The excited method of training a dog to speak

gordon-groodle chevromist with toyThe next process involves getting your dog excited through play, such as with a game of fetch or tug. Have your reward on hand and when your dog is excited let them see it, then hide it from view behind your back. With a little luck the energy and excitement, plus the dog being a little miffed at the hidden treat, it will all add up to a bark. If he doesn’t bark, let the dog see the reward once more, maybe hold it out and then quickly hide it again. Keep doing that until the dog barks.  Once they do immediately reward them with the treat. The process is then much the same as the above frustration technique with first teaching them to bark for a treat, then the spoken command, adding the hand signal, and then using just the hand signal.

Training your dog NOT to bark

Teaching your dog to go quiet after barking is a similar process. Once they start barking let them continue for 3 or 4 barks and then give the quiet command. If they stop barking immediately reward them with their favourite tasty treat. Once they learn to associate a treat with being quiet add a spoken command until they learn to quiet down with just the spoken command. As before, add a hand signal, and when they are comfortable with that process start using just the hand signal. Gradually increase the time between obeying the command and giving the treat to reinforce the behaviour.

Doing the above techniques regularly every day should soon see your dog barking and going quiet on command. Just remember to be patient and consistent as some dog breeds will take longer than others – up to a few weeks in some cases.

How to wash your puppy

Hоw to Wаѕh Your Puppy

Mini Groodle Bath TimeWаѕhіng a уоung puppy іѕ not muсh dіffеrеnt thаn bаthіng a human bаbу. Fіrѕt and fоrеmоѕt, уоu nееd to keep them wаrm whеn уоu аrе wаѕhіng: a wаrm room, warm wаtеr that іѕ comfortable for thеіr skin, nice fluffу tоwеlѕ, аnd warm аіr (not hоt) frоm a blow drуеr іf thеу аrе a full-соаtеd breed such as a Cavoodle or Groodle аnd nееd blоw drying. Of соurѕе, you ѕhоuld nеvеr allow thеm tо gо outdoors іf they аrе damp. Nоt оnlу соuld thеу саtсh a сhіll, thеу juѕt mіght rоll іn whatever is handy, іnсludіng grass, grаvеl, and mud, undoing аll оf уоur work in thе process. Tо рrеvеnt оdоur problems аnd ѕkіn іnfесtіоnѕ, уоu nееd to wаѕh уоur рuрру properly and оn a regular ѕсhеdulе thаt уоu decide оn. But dоn’t fоrgеt, thаt some brееdѕ you need tо wash mоrе than others.

Cavoodle bathWashing уоur рuрру еnсоurаgеѕ better hеаlth оf their ѕkіn аnd coat. Regular bruѕhіng and grooming are аlѕо necessary to ensure that their natural oils are produced and work their way through the coat to give them a shiny and healthy glow. Beagliers in particular, will look amazing when their naturally glossy coats are given a bit of extra attention. Bruѕhіng and grooming promote nеw hаіr, rеmоvе thе оld or lооѕе hаіr, іnvіgоrаtе blood flоw and hеlр encourage muѕсlе dеvеlорmеnt аnd mаіntеnаnсе. Washing and grооmіng your puppy wіll ensure thаt your рuрру stays іn good mental and рhуѕісаl ѕhаре. Puppies, much lіkе people, rеѕроnd vеrу wеll tо реrѕоnаl and frеԛuеnt attention. The wаѕhіng аnd grооmіng аrе іdеаl орроrtunіtіеѕ to еnсоurаgе thаt аttасhmеnt аnd іmрrоvе mental hеаlth fоr the dоg and thе оwnеr аѕ wеll.

Hеrе are ѕоmе tірѕ on hоw tо wash уоur рuрру:

  • Using warm wаtеr (mаkе ѕurе it іѕ nоt too hоt), fіll thе tub about knее lеngth. Lіft уоur рuрру аnd gеntlу рlасе hіm іn the water. Prоvіdе a treat; speak to your рuрру іn a саlmіng tone. Anуthіng thаt ѕрооkѕ уоur реt wіll only mаkе hіm more resistant to bаthѕ іn future. Give уоur рuрру a сhаnсе to gеt uѕеd to thе wаtеr; ѕрrауіng thе wаtеr gently оn hіѕ bасk and ѕhоuldеrѕ wіll allow hіm to аdjuѕt tо thе feel and temperature оf thе wеt ѕtuff.

 

  • Start gіvіng the puppy a bath by gеntlу pouring, аgаіn, wаrm water оn the соаt. Whеn thе coat іѕ ѕоаkеd through, аррlу еnоugh ѕhаmроо tо gіvе it a nісе lаthеr, and gеntlу mаѕѕаgе thе ѕhаmроо іn. Onlу ѕhаmроо thе рuрру’ѕ head іf it іѕ nесеѕѕаrу, аѕ in if іt hаѕ аnу mud оr dіrt, оr if it іѕ dіrtу. Dо nоt gеt аnу ѕhаmроо into the еуеѕ or ears of your рuрру. You саn now wash thе top оf thе hеаd, the nесk, аnd сhеѕt, and kеер wоrkіng уоur way down hіѕ bасk. Gоіng іn the dіrесtіоn оf hеаd tо tail will hеlр wаѕh аwау any flеаѕ оr other bоthеrѕоmе vіѕіtоrѕ he mау hаvе ассumulаtеd ѕіnсе hіѕ last bаth.

 

  • Onсе there іѕ a gооd lаthеr оn the рuрру’ѕ соаt, gеntlу rinse іt wіth warm wаtеr. Repeat thе rіnѕіng step a соuрlе оf tіmеѕ each time wіth сlеаn, wаrm water. Whеn the rіnѕіng part іѕ dоnе, squeeze out thе wаtеr with your hаndѕ, vеrу gеntlу, аnd make sure your puppy’s еаrѕ are dry on the inside.

 

  • After you hаvе fіnіѕhеd wіth the асtuаl part of washing your puppy, get your puppy оut оf the tub and very tеndеrlу drу оut with a ѕоft tоwеl. I wоuld not rесоmmеnd drying out уоur dоg wіth a blоw-drуеr for the first few times because it can cause your puppy to fear bath time. After you tоwеl drіеd уоur dog as bеѕt уоu can, lеt thе dоg аіr drу itself, but dоn’t lеt it go outside durіng the wіntеr whеn it’s соld.

Wаѕhіng your puppy is a gооd wау to help your реt maintain gооd hygiene. It’ѕ also a gооd wау tо get rіd оf уоur dоg’ѕ bоdу odor if thаt іѕ a problem. Althоugh even іf уоu hаvе trіеd tо wаѕh уоur реt many times, and іt still has body оdоr, gо аnd ѕее a vet, bесаuѕе уоur dоg could have a skin condition that requires a more specific shampoo. Dоn’t оvеr wаѕh уоur dоg, bесаuѕе it саn саuѕе flаkу skin.

What is clicker training?

What is clicker training for Designer dogs?

Many designer dog breeds are very quick to learn new tricks and commands. The key is to get them to understand what it is we want from them when we give them a command. Designer breeds with Poodle in their background such as Cavoodles and Groodles, actually want to please their owners to get a reward such as affection, as fast as possible.

Cavoodle sitting

Training a dog using a clicker may seem like a strange practice to the uninitiated but this article should help clear up a few mysteries as to what clicker training is and how it works. It wasn’t that long ago that most trainers raised a skeptical eyebrow towards clicker training, and so clickers were relegated to not much more than toy status. But times have changed and the clicker is now considered a serious tool in many a professional or amateur dog trainer’s arsenal.

Dog training clicker
Clickers come in a range of colours and styles

Clicker training is essentially using an audible click, produced by a clicker, in order to bring about changes in a dog’s behaviour. Clickers can be found at all good pet stores and are very inexpensive as they are not more than flexible metal plate housed in a small plastic box.  Placing your thumb inside the box and pressing down produces the click.

Clicker training operates on a positive reinforcement strategy. The dog learns to associate the click with positive behaviour as every time he does what is asked of him he hears a click and knows that a reward will immediately follow. Essentially the click lets the dog know that he is doing things right and will get a treat for doing so.

When the dog sits the trainer clicks and the dog is then given a reward as positive reinforcement. Trainers may use varying reward methods such as petting, food, or even play; it just depends on the individual dog and their trainer and what they know will work best for the dog.

Groodle Shake handsMost dogs learn to associate the click with something it likes very quickly (sometimes in just two or three clicks). Like all training it’s not practical to keep on rewarding a dog with a physical treat for positive behaviour every time. Therefore, once a behaviour is learned, the trainer will gradually start to withhold treats after a click until the dog is performing the correct behaviour on cue. The dog will then learn that good behaviour comes with its own life rewards such as being let in if they sit quietly by the door, food if they wait politely for dinner to be served, or being petted if they sit and wait when asked.

Clicker training is a positive reinforcement training method that does not use punishment for bad behaviour. Research into dog behaviour tells us that when a dog is punished it may reduce the bad behaviour but it is just as likely to elevate another equally unfavourable behaviour. As a result, training a dog with negative reinforcement can have unpredictable and unwanted results – something which clicker training avoids.

Puppy Coat Changes

When does my puppy’s coat change?

A puppy is born with a light fuzzy coat, aptly dubbed the “puppy coat,” which always helps to give them that adorable cute and cuddly appearance. The coat aids in keeping puppy warm and to protect him from the elements. Depending on the breed, and even between pups of the same breed, the age at which pups shed this coat will vary, with the majority beginning to start shedding at 12 to 16 weeks of age. With the  low to non-sheddding breeds such as Groodles and Cavoodles, this may be the only time you notice them loosing much coat at all.

Apricot Cavoodle puppy inside

Time for the Adult Coat

Your puppies beautifully soft fur will begin to fall out in clumps, and start to look thin and patchy. The harsher adult coat will begin to appear amongst the fuzz and you will even notice changes in the colour of the coat. All of this, of course, is completely normal. The time it takes for your puppy to completely lose his puppy coat will vary between dogs, with some taking just a few days (with the obligatory extra vacuuming), while others may take at least a few months for the new adult coat to completely take over.

Once your puppy sheds his puppy coat completely he will continue to shed fur for as long as he lives and you will notice it bunching up around the house and find strands of it on your clothes. While dogs are always losing a little fur the actual shedding of the coat ebbs and flows in volume depending on the season.

Red Fleece GroodleDuring autumn dogs will start to lose the light summer coat which grew out through the spring, and replace it with a thicker, plusher winter coat to help them cope with the colder winter months. As winter recedes and spring approaches the cycle will start over again, and the dog will begin shedding the winter coat to make way for the sleeker and lighter summer hair.

How Much Shedding?

The degree of shedding will depend greatly on the environment the dog lives in, with indoor dogs shedding noticeably less than dogs which spend all of their lives outdoors, as it is the environmental temperature which ultimately triggers the degree of shedding. Of course, this only applies to shedding breeds, with the non-shedding breeds not loosing much, if any hairs at all.

Puppies can be groomed as soon as they get to their new home. Make sure to use a soft bristled brush at this delicate age and use it over the entirety of the puppy’s body. The direction of the brushing should follow the direction of the coat. Make sure to frequently remove the old fur from the brush as you groom. A good 15 minutes grooming every day will help you bond with the little guy, acclimatize him to grooming in general, and help accelerate the shedding process.

Puppy Teething

Puppies milk teeth are razor sharp and are responsible for many accidental but painful nips, so most new owners look forward to the time when pup replaces those razor sharp masticators for their blunter grown up versions. This usually happens at around 4 – 5 months, with the process being complete at around 7 months – give or take a few months depending on the breed. Larger breeds such as Groodles will develop at a slower pace than smaller breeds such as Poochons that go through these stages very quickly.

Groodle puppy runningBecause pups go through their growing stages 7 times faster than humans your pup losing his milk teeth can feel like a blink and you may miss this little milestone in the life of your puppy. You may end up pulling one of the pin sharp teeth out of your bare foot while walking around the house, or find a few embedded in his favourite chew toy, but in reality most of them are simply swallowed whole. Once the milk tooth falls out the body then reabsorbs the root of the tooth.

Human children will notice a loose tooth and can take extra care when chewing their food. Plus, they also have the option to ask for and consume food that is of the softer variety. Pups have no such luxury and we humans are generally oblivious to the occasion as dogs seem to have avoided the discomfort afforded to humans during this early phase. If you are to notice it all it will be when you see a gaping hole at the front of their mouth, as if they have just come home from a serious bar fight.

Poochon happy and excitedIf the milk teeth do not fall out in time for the adult teeth to grow through the pup will have the appearance of possessing a double set of teeth for some of their teeth. If you notice that a baby tooth just won’t come out, a visit to your veterinarian is essential in order to have these problematic milk teeth pulled out to give room for the permanent teeth to grow through properly. Ignoring this situation may result in misaligned teeth, causing difficulty eating and poor dental hygiene which promotes rot and decay.

All dogs should have a system of oral hygiene as part of their overall health care with a routine visit to the vet for a check and a possible cleaning at least once every 12 months. Teeth can rot out quite quickly in dogs which may manifest in fussy eating habits. Unlike humans, dogs cannot tell you about painful headaches caused by dental issues, or how much agony they suffer while crunching down on their hard biscuits and bones. Make sure you keep a close eye on your dog’s oral situation so you can take care of any problems before they can cause your pet any serious discomfort.

 

Choosing a good dog name

Choosing a great dog name

Cavoodle sittingNaming your dog can be a challenge but it’s important to remain sensible about the whole process. Names can alter peoples’ perception of your dog so it’s important you choose a name appropriate to the image you want to invoke. If you want a favourable reception, then a name like “Rambo” may not be in your dog’s best interest. However, if the objective of the name is to instill fear in the surrounding populace then go right ahead, but it might be time to seriously consider a change of neighbourhood.

Popular Dog NamesYou’re going to be using the name of your dog a lot so it’s important you take your time in choosing something suitable. You don’t have to name them right away as soon as you get them home. Leave it for a while as you get to know the animal, and let its personality shine through after they have had enough time to settle into their new surroundings. As you go through your list of options something will eventually stand out as the perfect moniker for your new dog. To get your list started here are a few ideas for inspiration:

Famous people are a good place to start for your shortlist of options. Add the names of famous people, past and present, who inspire you such as Edison, Einstein, DaVinci, or Napoleon. Take your pick from movie stars and singers such as Ginger or Jackson, or cartoon characters like Snoopy and Charlie Brown.  Even food can provide you with inspiration, and it will have a lot do with your dog’s personality and the colour of their coat with names such as Hotdog, Peaches, and Nutmeg springing to mind as great examples.  

Tan and white BeaglierYou will be most likely be calling out to your dog where other people can hear so a name that is not embarrassing or cruel is a must. As you are going to be using the name often, short and simple is also the most sensible choice over something that may be overly long, or hard to pronounce.

Also, stay away from names that are similar to other names in the household (such as Mike and Spike) to avoid confusion should your dog think it is being called when it’s not. Dogs who are constantly ignored when they think they are being called will eventually stop responding to that name altogether.

Groodle puppy runningMost training commands are one syllable words, e.g. sit and stand, so two syllables at a maximum should be used for your dog’s name. This will make it easier for her to distinguish between her name or a spoken command. You should also consider a name that starts with a hard or stop consonant as this will also make it simpler for them to distinguish when they are being spoken to.

And finally, while it may be tempting, if you regularly take your dog out to where there lots of other dogs, you may want to avoid the names on the current top 10 lists for dogs. You don’t want 4 other dogs getting confused every time you need your dog’s attention or your dog to go to other people calling their dog.

Popular Dog names

Popular Male Dog Names:                         Popular Female Dog Names:

Aaron
Ace
Adalberto
Adrian
Al
Alden
Aldo
Alexis
Allen
Alphonso
Alton
Alvin
Ambrose
Amos
Andy
Anibal
Anthony
Antone
Antwan
Apollo
Arnold
Art
Bailey
Bandit
Barney
Barrett
Baxter
Bear
Beau
Benji
Benny
Bentley
Billie
Blue
Bo
Boomer
Boris
Bradford
Brady
Branden
Brendon
Bret
Britt
Brody
Bruce
Bruno
Bruno
Brutus
Bryant
Bubba
Buddy
Buster
Calvin
Carl
Carlo
Carol
Carol
Casey
Cash
Chadwick
Chance
Charlie
Chase
Chester
Chewy
Chico
Chong
Chuck
Clarence
Clark
Clayton
Coco
Cody
Cody
Cole
Cooper
Copper
Cornelius
Cornell
Dale
Dalton
Damien
Danial
Danilo
Darius
Darrick
Darryl
Daryl
Deandre
Demarcus
Desmond
Dexter
Dexter
Diesel
Domenic
Dominic
Donnell
Donny
Duke
Dustin
Dusty
Edmundo
Edward
Efrain
Efren
Eldridge
Elliot
Elliott
Elmer
Eloy
Emerson
Emile
Emmett
Ernesto
Ethan
Eugene
Eugenio
Everett
Everette
Fausto
Federico
Felix
Finn
Francisco
Frankie
Franklin
Frederick
Gail
Garland
Gavin
Gene
George
Gerardo
Gil
Giuseppe
Gizmo
Gunner
Gus
Hank
Hank
Harley
Harrison
Hayden
Henry
Herb
Herman
Houston
Hoyt
Humberto
Hunter
Ian
Ike
Ira
Irving
Jack
Jackson
Jake
Jamar
Jamel
Jan
Jared
Jasper
Javier
Jax
Jean
Jed
Jeromy
Jerrell
Joan
Joey
Johnathon
Jordon
Julian
Julius
Kareem
Karl
Kelly
Kent
Kenton
Kevin
Kim
Kirby
Kobe
Koda
Kristopher
Lance
Laurence
Lavern
Lawerence
Lenard
Leo
Leon
Les
Leslie
Lindsay
Lindsey
Loki
Louie
Loyd
Lucky
Luke
Lynwood
Mac
Mac
Mack
Marc
Marcellus
Marcus
Maria
Marley
Martin
Maurice
Maverick
Max
Max
Merrill
Mervin
Michal
Mickey
Miles
Milford
Milo
Mitchell
Moose
Morgan
Morris
Morton
Murphy
Myron
Nathan
Nathanial
Newton
Nicholas
Noble
Numbers
Oliver
Ollie
Omar
Omer
Oreo
Oscar
Osvaldo
Otis
Otis
Pablo
Pat
Peanut
Percy
Perry
Philip
Porfirio
Prince
Quincy
Rafael
Randell
Ranger
Raphael
Rashad
Reggie
Rex
Richard
Rick
Riley
Roberto
Rocco
Rocco
Rocky
Rodger
Rolland
Roman
Romeo
Ronny
Roosevelt
Rosario
Roscoe
Rudy
Rudy
Rufus
Russel
Russell
Rusty
Salvador
Sam
Sammy
Samson
Samuel
Scooter
Scott
Scout
Shadow
Shane
Shaun
Sheldon
Shelton
Simba
Sparky
Sterling
Sylvester
Tank
Teddy
Theo
Theodore
Theron
Thor
Tobias
Toby
Tommy
Tuan
Tucker
Tyrell
Tyson
Van
Vernon
Vincenzo
Waldo
Walton
Warner
Waylon
Wes
Weston
Wilbert
Williams
Wilson
Winston
Wm
Zackary
Zane
Zeus
Ziggy
Abbie
Alejandrina
Alesha
Alethea
Alica
Alida
Allie
Alline
Allyson
Alona
Angel
Anika
Anita
Annamaria
Annette
Annie
Athena
Ava
Baby
Bailey
Bebe
Becky
Bella
Belle
Bethany
Betsy
Beula
Bonnie
Brandee
Bree
Brenda
Callie
Camellia
Candi
Cari
Carissa
Carleen
Carlena
Carley
Carline
Carlota
Carmina
Caryl
Casandra
Catherin
Cecilia
Chana
Charlie
Chloe
Christie
Clemencia
Cleo
Cleta
Coco
Cocoa
Contessa
Cookie
Cora
Coral
Corrine
Crystle
Dagny
Daina
Daisy
Dakota
Danae
Danielle
Danika
Dannette
Danuta
Darlene
Davina
Daysi
Deandrea
Debbi
Deidre
Delfina
Delilah
Delphia
Denita
Dessie
Diane
Dianna
Dixie
Dollie
Dolores
Doreen
Dorothy
Dorthy
Ebony
Eleanor
Eleanore
Elenora
Elicia
Ella
Ellie
Else
Ema
Emelia
Emma
Erma
Esther
Eusebia
Evette
Evon
Fiona
Flor
Francesca
Freda
Geneva
Genevive
Georgianna
Gigi
Ginger
Golda
Golden
Grace
Gracie
Hannah
Harley
Hazel
Heidi
Holly
Honey
Hui
Hyo
Ilana
Inocencia
Izzy
Jackelyn
Jacqualine
Jacquline
Jacqulyn
Jaleesa
Jalisa
Janey
Janise
Jannie
Jaquelyn
Jasmine
Jeanett
Jena
Jennefer
Jessenia
Joella
Johna
Johnsie
Josie
Josie
Joy
Judi
Karima
Karlyn
Karoline
Kasha
Kathaleen
Kathlene
Katia
Katie
Kay
Kelsie
Khalilah
Kiana
Kiara
Kimberlie
Klara
Kona
Kristeen
Lacey
Laci
Lady
Lakeesha
Lakisha
Lannie
Larae
Lashanda
Layla
Leah
Leandra
Leatha
Leia
Lelia
Lena
Leonie
Leonora
Lera
Lesa
Leta
Lettie
Lexi
Lexie
Liliana
Lilliana
Lilly
Lily
Linh
Lissa
Lita
Lola
Loma
Londa
Lorrie
Lovie
Lucky
Lucy
Lulu
Luna
Macy
Maddie
Madeleine
Madie
Madison
Magali
Magda
Maggie
Magnolia
Maira
Mammie
Maple
Margo
Marguerita
Marina
Marley
Marvella
Maryanne
Maya
Meagan
Meg
Mia
Milda
Millie
Mimi
Minnie
Miriam
Missie
Mocha
Molly
Monserrate
Mora
Nala
Natisha
Natosha
Nelda
Nevada
Nikki
Nina
Nisha
Nubia
Nyla
Olive
Oreo
Paulina
Peanut
Penelope
Pennie
Penny
Pepper
Phoebe
Pinkie
Piper
Pricilla
Princess
Regenia
Renate
Riley
Rivka
Rosalia
Rosaria
Rosie
Roxie
Roxy
Rubi
Ruby
Rufina
Sacha
Sadie
Sadie
Sally
Sandy
Sasha
Sassy
Scout
Shadow
Shana
Shanta
Shari
Sharonda
Sharyn
Shea
Sheena
Shelby
Shellie
Shenika
Sherita
Song
Sophie
Sophie
Steffanie
Stella
Sueann
Sugar
Sydney
Tabitha
Tambra
Tenesha
Tera
Theresa
Tinisha
Tona
Torri
Tova
Trish
Trixie
Tyesha
Verdie
Vernetta
Vesta
Vonda
Williemae
Willow
Winnie
Yasmin
Yasmine
Yesenia
Yuki
Zana
Zenia
Zoe
Zoey

How to teach your dog to shake hands

Teaching your dog to shake hands

Although shaking is a fun party trick, it is also very useful for when your dog needs to have his nails trimmed, or has something stuck in his paw.  A dog that is comfortable with shaking will also be more comfortable allowing you, a veterinarian, or a groomer handle his feet, which is important for the health and safety of your pet. On top of this, a dog that can shake hands is always a hit with the kids!

Groodle Shake hands

Steps to teach your puppy to shake hands

To begin, ask your dog to sit.  Show your Groodle a treat, place it in your hand, and make a closed fist.  Place your fist low to the ground, a few inches in front of the paw you would like your dog to shake with.  Most dogs will paw at the hand to try and access the treat.  When your dog does this, immediately reward him.  After following this same routine a few times, begin to incorporate the “shake” or “paw” command. 

A slightly different way to teach to shake

A second way to teach a dog to shake also begins with asking your dog to first sit.  Then, hold a treat above his nose, and move the treat backwards, above his head and towards his tail.  Your dog’s weight will shift to his back legs, and he will begin to lift one or both paws.  Catch one of his paws and reward your dog as soon as his paw touches your hand.  Eventually, add in the verbal command.  This can be used to teach a separate trick of “high five”.

For extremely stubborn dogs, an effective, but more time-consuming method, is to first ask your dog to sit and then physically lift his paw while saying shake, and issuing a treat.  While it may take your dog a few days, or even weeks, to catch on, he will eventually learn that the act of placing his paw in your hand earns a tasty treat. 

Shake with the opposite paw

To teach your dog to shake with the opposite paw, simply repeat the method that worked best for your dog, but use a different command, such as “left.”  When teaching your dog to shake, there is no “wrong” method, but as with all other obedience lessons, be sure to have patience and issue plenty of positive reinforcement. 

Once your dog can reliably shake hands or give a high five, kids will be drawn to the dog. Most kids don’t want to miss out on a high five from a dog. Also if you have kids yourself, they will love to show off the dog’s cool new trick to friends and relatives, increasing the strength of the bond between the dog and your children. The more commands your dog receives from your kids, the stronger the association it has between following commands from the kids and getting a reward. This further cements the dog as lower in the pack than the kids in the dog’s mind.

Teach your dog to lie down

How to teach your dog to lie down

Once a dog has mastered sit, he can begin learning how to lie down on command.  Not only is lying down a neat trick that makes your dog look well behaved, but it can also be useful for calming excited dogs or as an antidote to jumping. 

Red Groodle puppy laying down

Steps to teach your dog to lie down

There are a number of methods for teaching your dog this trick, and you should practice each to determine which works best for your pup.  As with “sit,” you will begin by first teaching your dog the motion, and then adding the verbal command.  First ask your Groodle to sit, and then place a treated hand in front of your dog’s nose.  Slowly move your hand both backwards (towards your body), and down towards the floor, drawing your dog’s nose to the ground.  For most dogs, their bodies will follow their nose, and by the time your hand reaches the floor he will be lying down.  Say “yes!” and administer a treat the moment he reaches the correct position. 

Other ways to teach “lie down”

If your dog is tempted to walk towards the treat instead of lie down, a second option is to again start with a treated hand in front of the dog’s nose, but instead of moving your hand backwards, move your hand both toward the dog and down, ending near his front feet.  His nose will follow the treat, and lack of space will force him to assume a lying down position. 

Two alternative ways, should the first two methods not work, are to start with the lure at the dog’s nose, and slowly draw your hand close to the dog’s body, finishing down at his tail.  This manner forces the dog to reposition himself to get the treat, and typically the most natural position is lying down.  A final way is to get your dog’s attention and quickly “snap” the treat onto the ground, causing your dog to follow suit for the treat.  Find the method (or variation) which works best for your dog and repeat this action until he reliably lies down with the lure. 

How to use the command

Once your dog is ready, incorporate the use of a verbal command.  While it is tempting to say “lie down,” dogs do best with one syllable commands, such as “down.”  Just as with “sit,” issue the “down” command and then lure your dog into the proper position.  Immediately reward your dog with plenty of positive reinforcement the moment he lies down.  After this command has been mastered from the sitting position, begin to ask for the down when your dog is standing.

Never become frustrated with your dog if teaching the down command is difficult.  If you find yourself becoming upset, take a break from training and come back to it with a clear head.  Do not force your dog into the proper position, as he will not learn the command in this way.  As always, timing the reward is a crucial component.  Do not reward too soon, before the dog is in the fully lying down position, or too late. 

If you simply cannot find a reliable luring method, a more time-consuming technique is to enthusiastically say “down” and reward your dog every time you see him lying down.  Although a slow process, your dog will eventually learn the association between the word, action, and reward.