Adoptable Dogs and Cats in Urgent Need

Bonding With a Shelter Dog

Don't buy into that old myth that you need to adopt a dog as a puppy in order to bond well. Here are some ideas for bonding that will lead any shelter dog to believe you're the cat's meow:

Exercise the body. A simple walk can make a dog's day. Leash training will help you bond as well as help the dog to know he can trust you to be in charge. Dogs look forward to a chance to walk, run, see new sights and smell new smells.... If you provide this for him, you'll find him to be a faithful companion in no time.

Food! You may be serving a perfectly well-balanced dry dog food already, but adding a little chicken, hamburger, or canned dog food to his diet will make you his hero. Dogs value meat above all else. Just make sure it goes in his dish at his regularly scheduled meal times--don't feed from the table or you'll create a monster!

Exercise the mind. Teaching a dog simple tricks lays the foundation for a great relationship. The time invested, in addition to the treats, is valued by your dog. 10-15 minutes a day, 3 or 4 days a week, has a very positive effect.

Playing. Playing with dogs is underrated. Throwing a Frisbee, a retrieving toy, or playing tug-of-war is an important way of challenging the dog to work for you. During play, your pet will approach, remain close to, and follow you.

Obedience training. Whether in a class or with the help of a book or video, proper obedience training will help you learn to trust your dog and your dog to trust you. The dog will develop faith in your ability to know what is going on and that you will give him proper direction. An obedient dog is much safer in a human world than an unschooled dog.

Positive attention. When walking past your dog, on the way to complete a task, bend and give 30 seconds of belly rub or ear scratch. As this crucial action becomes habit, you’ll see the positive change in your dog’s attitude toward you. Before you know it your dog will be posing for you, to look as cute as possible, for a belly rub!

New Pet Care & Training "ebooks" Available:
Need information NOW, not in 2-3 weeks? Download one of these ebooks (electronic books) directly to your computer and start using the training techniques you need right now.

"The Guide to Potty Training Your Dog in 7 Days" Written by a reputable trainer, this ebook helps you immediately end the frustration and stress of "accidents", the first and usually the biggest problem most dog owners encounter. One of the first important lessons you will want to teach your dog is to help them learn where and when they can "take care of business". Also includes a FREE dog training email course. Click Here!

"Complete DIY Dog Training Package" helps you solve any behavior problems in both adult dogs and puppies and avoid training mistakes we all make. To read reviews by dog owners who've used it Click Here.

"SitStayFetch: The Ultimate Guide to Training Your Dog" is a 6 day mini-course designed to stop your dog's behavior problem and reduce your stress level! Click Here for details.

"Healing Your Pets at Home": Why do some dogs die so young? This ebook finally tells the truth about vaccinations, chemical preservatives, anti-inflammatories, and many other mistakes we all make in trying to do what's best for our dogs. Click Here

"Choosing the Best Dog for Your Family and Lifestyle" details breed traits, characteristics, and tendencies that will determine how your new puppy or dog will act. Covers cross-breed dogs, purebred dogs, and even designer dogs. Click Here

"Train Your Cat to Use the Toilet!" We're including this one only because I've actually done it and I have to tell you, there's nothing cuter than watching your cat walk into the bathroom and then hearing him tinkle on his own! Click Here!

My Name Is Sam
"... I found myself in my last semester before graduation with Speech as one of my classes. On the first day of class our professor explained to us that he was going to leave the subject matter of our talks up to us, but he was going to provide the motivation of the speech. We would be responsible for six speeches, each with a different motivation. For instance, our first speech's purpose was to inform. He advised us to pick subjects that we were interested in and knowledgeable about. I decided to center my six speeches around animals, especially dogs. READ MORE...

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