The Jack Russell Terrier has been around for about 100 years.

Bred for hunting foxes it is agile, fast with plenty of stamina.

Not a breed for the inexperienced dog owner.

FACTS ABOUT THE JACK RUSSELL

Dog training is an essential part of the socialization process of any dog. Without it your dog will be a problem to both you and anyone it meets. Nobody likes a dog that jumps up when greeted, barks all day and night or bites at unwary passers-by. Dog training may require some effort on your part but in the end it will definitely be worth it. You will have a pet that you will be proud to own.

If you haven’t yet purchased a dog then think about the temperament of the breed before purchasing. If you are buying from a breeder ask them about the temperament of the puppy’s parents. Dog training will tend to be a little easier with gentler, less volatile breeds and smaller breeds are often easier to control.

If you have already purchased your puppy or already have a fully grown dog and are ready to start dog training then check the following list of tips and hints:

1. Start dog training from day 1. This is so important and yet many believe that puppies are too young to train. The best time to train your dog is from the day you bring it home regardless of its age.
2. Be consistent. This includes your family and friends. There is no point teaching your dog not to jump up when greeted if your partner or friends allow it.
3. Don’t yell at your dog. This will only cause your dog to be scared of you and a scared dog is less likely to do what you want. You want a happy dog that is willing to do everything you say.
4. Don’t hit your dog or physically abuse it in anyway. This will only create a bad relationship between you and your dog and your dog will be less likely to do as you say.
5. Use positive rewards and ignore bad behaviour. When your dog does something good then reward it. If it does something bad, like jumping up on you, then ignore it.
6. Attend obedience classes. You don’t need to spend the rest of your life at obedience classes but if you can make the effort to attend at least ten lessons this will be a great start and give you and your dog the confidence you need.
7. Don’t expect too much too soon. Some dogs learn faster than others but if you are consistent then your dog training efforts will be rewarded.
8. Don’t leave your children alone with a new puppy. I put this one here only because young children don’t always understand how to look after a puppy and some have been known to hit them without reason. Any damage done at this early stage can have detrimental affects on your training program.

Originating in Pomerania, in Prussia, the original Pomeranians were a much larger dog at around 30 lbs.

The Pomeranian was bred down to meet the fashion in the nineteenth century, of having miniature dogs.

Queen Victoria favoured the miniature Pomeranian and established her own breeding kennel. She was also successful at showing her Pomeranians.

FACTS ABOUT THE POMERANIAN

The Rottweiler is believed to have been bred in Rottweil, Germany, where its ancestors had been left behind when the invading Roman army withdrew.

The Rottweiler was crossed with a sheepdog, resulting in a dog that was capable of herding and guarding cattle.

The Rottweiler is a compact, muscular dog that makes an imposing and effective guard dog.

This is a large dog that is not suitable for the inexperienced owner and requires firm handling and training.

Rottweilers are often used in police, military and rescue work.

FACTS ABOUT THE ROTTWEILER

A simple approach to housebreaking your puppy

One of the more common problems we have with our puppies is housebreaking them. Housebreaking some puppies is more difficult than others and these puppies will take longer to train. Keep in mind that no matter how well the training is going, your puppy will occasionally have accidents. The key is to be patient and never take your frustrations out on your new pet.

Puppies are creatures of habit. If they learn that they can relieve themselves in your house then they will continue to do so. Don’t let your puppy get into this habit. Begin housebreaking as soon as you bring your puppy home.

Puppies will generally use the same area to relieve themselves so designate an area in your yard. When your puppy wakens, finishes eating or before he is ready for another nap, take him to the designated area. The more consistent you are with this method, the quicker your puppy will learn that it is the yard that he should use and not the house.

You can always pick when puppies are about to relieve themselves. Their nose will hit the floor and they will start sniffing around looking for the best spot. This is the key for you to pick up your puppy and take them to the designated area in the yard. Puppies are like toddlers – you need to keep your eye on them at all times otherwise you will have an accident of some sort.

Even with the best of training, puppies will make a few mistakes. If you see your puppy in the act, then pick him up quickly and tell him ‘No’ in a firm voice. Take him to the designated area immediately. You should not need to do anymore than this. Your puppy will eventually get the idea. If you have found an accident but didn’t see your puppy in the act then don’t admonish your pet or rub your puppy’s nose in it. He will have no idea why you are yelling at him. Just continue on as if nothing has happened.

Be consistent with your training habits and your puppy will be housebroken before you know it.

Dog supplies are available online at greatly reduced prices. Why spend the time driving from shop to shop looking for the best deal when you can do it all from the comfort of your own home. You can purchase dog collars, leashes, dog doors, dog clothes, kennels, dog gifts, treats, dog food, magazines and books, dog beds…the list is endless. Find your discount priced dog supplies online at the click of a button.

Your dog is an important part of your life so when buying dog supplies you want to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.

If you have just brought home a new dog or puppy then you might consider the following list of dog supplies as the first products you should purchase for your new pet:

• dog collar
• dog leash
• dog bed
• dog kennel –  if your dog will be spending most of its time outside
• dog bowl
• dog toy
• dog grooming brush

The above list of dog supplies are the basics and once purchased you probably won’t need to buy much else. Of course if you are a dog lover then you will probably want to spoil your pet and go on to purchase a wide range of products including:

• dog treats for training
• dog coat
• more dog toys
• dog door
• dog sunglasses
• dog packpack