More Info On Training

It takes time for your pup to learn the desired behavior for walking on a leash. I think this is something people give up on too easily. If you start early and continue the training daily, they will catch on. You have to be firm in discouraging the bad behavior, but never hit or beat your puppy or dog. Walks should be looked upon as a pleasant experience for your pet and you.

To help control pulling, there are many things you can try. Some people use choke collars, harnesses are another method, and many people like the head harnesses(specifically designed to stop a dog from pulling). I have tried all of these and found that one method works for one dog, but you will need one of the other methods for another dog. In other words, trial and error, is sometimes the only way to determine what method to use. Your puppy or dog will probably not like any of the methods and will try to be difficult. You must be patient and consistent in your training.

I feel it is very important to praise them for anything they do that you want them to do. That way they learn from the start that exhibiting good behavior traits gets them praise. They want to please you, so they learn to do the positive things. Some people use treats for rewarding good behavior. I am not against that, I use treats for training as well. It is just not a good idea to only use treats, praise works also. I like to combine both treats and words of praise with each training session.

More info to follow from BRANDYKEGS.

Saint Bernard Best of Breed Winner Today!

CH ALTA VISTA'S BILLION KILOWATT, won the Best of Breed for Saint Bernards this morning at the Westminster Kennel Club at Madison Square Garden. He now moves on to represent the Saint Bernard breed in the Working Dog Group. Kilo is owned by Tom&Viola Brown, and Robert Bonito. Kilo was handled for this win by Erin Hines, William E. Buell has also been Kilo's handler. BRANDYKEGS would like to congratulate all of them on this prestigious win.

Training Your Puppy

Training your puppy is just as important on a daily basis as food and water. Some people choose to go to obedience classes with their puppy. Many pet stores offer classes, there are obedience classes offered at neighborhood parks, you can even arrange for someone to come to your home for a more personalized training program. If you have the time you can even do this yourself. There are certain commands your puppy should learn. They are: sit, stay, come, heel, down, over, up, stand, and wait; all you will find very useful. You should speak clearly with a bit of inflection on these command words, making sure you have your puppy's attention. Successful completion of a command should be rewarded, show them your approval of this behavior. A pat on the head, a scratch behind the ears, a belly rub, good boy or girl, and bite size treats, all are good ways to reward your puppy. This way they learn that by following commands, they are pleasing you.

Early on you want to get your puppy comfortable with a leash. At first they will probably want to chew on the leash. They probably think they are getting a new chew toy or a chance to play tug with you. Don't encourage either behavior. You will want them to know that the leash means the two of you will be spending time together and getting exercise. It is not a good idea to let them pull you along, keep in mind they will be getting bigger and bigger. Ideally you will want them to walk beside you on the left side.

Check back tomorrow for more info from BRANDYKEGS.

Take Your New Puppy To The Vet

Schedule a visit to a veterinarian for your new puppy. Vaccinations need to be given at certain times, worming as well. In recent years a lot has been said about all these vaccinations with our pets, you will have to decide that matter for yourself. I always made sure our puppies got all their early vaccinations and wormings when necessary. I kept up their vaccinations annually for their entire lives. In most metropolitan areas, you have to keep vaccinations current as most animal care facilities require this. I do agree with the advice the first breeder we bought from gave, take your puppy or dog to the vet as little as possible. You might wonder, why? The reality is, this is where sick animals are and you do not want to expose your puppy or dog to that kind of environment. For a basic vaccination schedule visit our website.

The early regime of vaccinations is very important to the health of your little pup, so it is a good idea to make sure they get those vaccinations. There are some websites on the internet where you can purchase the vaccination vials and syringes and administer the shots yourself. Some individuals feel comfortable doing this; we have even done this ourselves. It is definitely cheaper than a trip to the vet. They are also mobile vet services that come to local pet stores on a weekly basis. This is another alternative to a regular veterinarian visit and also is cheaper. Some of these mobile veterinarian services do regular exams, lab work, implant microchips, and other services. The rabies vaccinations must be administered by a licensed veterinarian, the first shot should be given at 4 months of age.

BRANDYKEGS would like to congratulate all the winners at the Southern California Saint Jamboree. The Best of Breed winner for February 13, 2010, was CH Summerlyn's Lucius, owned by Jaclyn Schart & Mario Pierce. The Best of Breed winner for February 14, 2010, was Jamelle's Madison Avenue V Knollridge, owned by Michele & Jack Mulligan & Tom Steffen. Once again there were a lot of terrific Saint Bernards at the Jamboree.

Day Two For California Saint Jamboree

Good luck to all the exhibitors today at the California Saint Jamboree, being held in Claremont, California.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

BRANDYKEGS would like to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!

First Day Of California Saint Jamboree

BRANDYKEGS would like to wish all the exhibitors at the Annual California Saint Jamboree the Best Of Luck! These two shows are in memory of Mercedes Capodice.

Good Luck To Everyone At The Jamboree!

BRANDYKEGS would like to wish everyone attending the California Saint Jamboree in Claremont, CA, good luck. We hope you have a terrific time as well.

First Thing In The Morning

The next morning, you will find your little pup very happy to see you. It is a good idea to take them outdoors for a potty call. You will find that excitement with a puppy often results in their need to urinate. Right from the start you want to set the stage about the right behavior you want from your puppy. Puppies and dogs want to please you, so encourage them from day one about the positive behavior traits you are looking for them to exhibit. As I said, they will be happy to see you first thing in the morning, they are not going to care if your hair is combed, if you showered, bad breath, none of this will matter to them. Our canine companions are never judgmental toward us; they truly know how to love unconditionally. After you both have had a chance to greet one another, your puppy is probably hungry. I chose to feed our pups outside. You should also have fresh water available to them. Keep in mind, that after food your puppy will need to urinate or defecate, probably both. The desired behavior trait you will want is for this to occur outside. By feeding them outdoors it will seem quite natural for them to go to the yard and do their business. If you continue to feed them this way, they will be learning that urinating and defecating outdoors is a good behavior. It will become second nature to them, part of their morning routine. You have to do more than this to housebreak your pup, but this is a very good way to start.

In those first few days, try to spend several times a day one on one with your pup. This is not usually difficult for anyone to do, puppies are irresistible. Bonding with them is very important. Let them explore the yard, but make sure you keep an eye on them. They will inevitably get into mischief and there are certain things you want to stop immediately. Training has to begin right from the start, remember you are top dog.

Check back later this month for more information from BRANDYKEGS.