As we all know, dogs are descendants of wolves, even the most unlikely of pooches – the little curly white miniature poodle, for example. Wolves are pack animals, meaning that in order for them to feel whole, or complete, they must be a part of a tribe, not unlike humans.

But dogs still have their pack habits, despite several thousand years of trying to domesticate it out of them. And since dogs no longer have their wolf buddies to hang with, they need and expect that from other dogs, or absent that, their human counterparts.
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One thing that training puppies and raising kids have in common is that if you have their full attention, they will learn the lesson faster and better. Puppies make it easy on you because there is nothing they want more than your happy face pointed in their direction. Here are 5 ways to accomplish this, therefore learning the lesson in half the time:

1.) Use potty time. Puppies love to go outside. Since you are already rewarding him for fast response outside, with loving praise and a happy face, use the excitement to work on another lesson at the same time.
For example, work on his leash breaking. Even if you have a fenced in yard he should be getting at least some of his housebreaking time on a lead. A dog who is always loose in his yard when he goes will not go on-lead in a strange place. He will hold it so long you think he surely will burst. Of course this is not healthy for him, and you never know when you will need to take him out on lead.
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Grooming your dog is absolutely essential.

About 40 000 years ago, canines and our primitive ancestors suddenly found relevance in grouping together. Why? We had very similar needs. Both species relied on each other for protection, health, shelter and companionship. Little in that regard has changed much. In hygiene however, we've come along way and we brought man's best friend along for the ride.

Ask any vet, they will tell you that basic grooming is fundamental for Fido's general health. But have you ever asked why?
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