Entries by bruce

What is Focus Heeling?

Before introducing your dog to focus heeling, your dog should have enough food or toy drive, be socialized and confident with his or her surroundings. Your dog should have been introduced to a corrective collar. At Hot Dog On A Leash, we usually start focus heeling with food, so the dog will remain calm, focused […]

Crate Training-Puppies

Crate training as a puppy is almost always easier than training an adult dog, so, if given the opportunity, the time to start is immediately when you get home.  Also, keep in mind that all dogs are different and might take a longer or shorter time to train.  My preferred crate is a wire crate.  […]

Crate Training-Why They Work

This topic has been controversial since I started showing dogs over 20 years ago.  Many people feel that it is cruel, a “doggie jail”, and unacceptable.  This article is to dispel the myths about crate training and is a 3 part series to include: 1) crate training a puppy and 2) crate training an adult. […]

Poisonous Holiday Plants

The Holidays are upon us, and many of us are decorating their homes.  Pet owners need to be aware that some plants used can be dangerous if not toxic to dogs. Knowing which plants to avoid, can avoid danger to your dog.  Your best defense is knowledge.  A few of the most common problems are […]

Potty Training a New Puppy

So you have a new puppy?  The Holidays are upon us and you may have committed to a new puppy.  Where to start…  Potty training will be one of the first chores on your list.  Soiling in the house is one of the top reasons that dogs wind up in a shelter.  A few simple […]

What Toys to Buy Your Pet

Buying toys for your Fur Baby… Sounds like a fun outing.  You go to your local pet store in search for the right toys, and what seemed like the perfect outing for you and your pet becomes a little more of a chore than fun.  There are hundreds of toys to chose from.  You want […]

Over The Counter Medications That Are Safe For Dogs.

While veterinary care, lots of TLC, and a healthy lifestyle is the best way to keep your pet feeling well, all dogs will experience at least some of injury or illness in their lifetime. Did you know that there are many over the counter human medications that can be safe and effective for dogs when […]

Thanksgiving Safety Tips For Pets

Thanksgiving is a time for friends, family and food. But also a time for possible distress for our pets. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey or an unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink. Please check out the following tips for a fulfilling Thanksgiving your […]

Ways Dogs Help Humans Be Healthy and Happy

Dogs lower stress. Studies have shown that getting a dog or cat can release the oxytocin hormone and decrease the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, resulting in a more relaxed state. Studies show the dogs reap the same benefits from being pet. Dogs are now being brought into airports, nursing homes, even school campuses […]