Tag: Safe Bully Sticks

This week’s installment of BestBullySticks’ Training Tips is the first half of a two part series on Training Methods. As pet lovers, it’s our hope that this information will help owners make more informed decisions about how to train their pets. Let’s get to it!

Selecting a Method

Unfortunately, there is no universal “one size fits all” training system for dogs. Choosing the best training method for you and your dog takes a bit of research. Don’t sweat it, though. We’ve cut through the thick of it to bring you the skinny on what’s what in the world of dog training.

If you haven’t already, BestBullySticks recommends reading our previous post on How Dogs Learn to ensure you get the most from our explanation of these training methods and their key concepts. At the end of the day, the most important factor to consider when selecting a training method is how comfortable both dog and owner are using a system.

Despite the large number of training systems out there, in one way or another many utilize the same three key concepts.

“Marker Training”

Built on the ideas of classical and operant conditioning, Marker Training is a way to build association between a command (marker) and a desired result by immediately offering reinforcement the moment a desired action is completed. For example — if you’re teaching a dog to lay down on command, use the marker (in this case the words “lay down”) when the dog lays down on its own, then offer positive reinforcement such as a treat. Read more

As concerned pet owners ourselves, the BestBullySticks team believes pet safety is paramount. Identification can go a long way ensuring your furry friend’s safety — tags alone aren’t enough, though! Microchipping is a foolproof way to avoid the heartache of losing your loved ones and providing them with an easy way to get home if they run off.

Unlike a collar and tags, microchips can’t be removed and they can’t fall off. According to the American Humane Association (AHA), pets who become lost rarely find their way home:

• 1 in 3 pets will become lost at some point during their life

• Over 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen every year in the U.S.

How Does Microchipping Work?

The electronic components of these electronic ID tags are packed into a biocompatible glass tube only a bit larger than a grain of rice (11mm). Non-allergenic, this glass casing contains the microchip, capacitor and antenna coil which together form a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. Read more

BestBullySticks is back to talk about another one of our fantastic dog treats, Bravo! Bonus Bites Roasted Venison Liver Treats! Packed with protein, these all-natural, grass-fed venison treats are Made in the USA and sourced from the finest ingredients around.

The full line of Bravo! Bonus Bites Treats do not contain any grains, preservatives or additives of any kind! Made with only the finest grass-fed meats containing no hormones or antibiotics, Bravo! treats are a healthy and environmentally friendly way to treat your furry friend!

Bravo! Roast Venison Liver Treats are dry roasted which not only helps seal in maximum flavor, but also ensures these single-ingredient treats retain their nutritional value.

Liver is one of the most nutritionally rich foods around — packed with high amounts of vitamins A, B₂ (Riboflavin), B₃ (Niacin), B₁₂ and Iron — it is an essential part of maintaining a healthy canine lifestyle.

A great daily snack and training tool, your pup will love the flavor of these all-natural meat treats!

BestBullySticks is committed to offering customers the highest quality dog treats and chews possible. Don’t forget to browse our entire collection of treats and chews for more even more great products!

Don’t forget to follow BestBullySticks on Facebook & Twitter to catch the latest news, product giveaways and specials!

Basic canine learning methods can be broken down into four distinct categories. While some have similarities and others great differences, they are all of great value and offer insight into how your dog thinks. Quite a few of these psychological theories are recent developments, many of which came about in the mid-20th century. To learn more about the fascinating history behind these theories, BestBullySticks suggests you check out last week's post — A History of Dog Training.

Classical Conditioning: Just like the training methods of yesteryear, classical conditioning plays upon the same ideas used by Pavlov and Bailey. In its most basic form, this method of learning is based around the idea that a stimulus received over time will eventually become associated with another yet totally unrelated response.

For instance, a dog may be afraid of rain because of an association with thunderstorms. The same logic applies for when you get your dog riled up by looking their way and asking, “Walk?”

Over time, these associations can wear out if the motivating reward — such as a real walk! — is removed. Classical conditioning might also help build new associations as demonstrated by Bailey’s clicker method as well as overcome negative associations helping animals cope with new people and situations. Read more

Many pet owners gravitate towards name-brand flea and tick treatments and we don’t blame them! While effective and endorsed by many veterinarians, there are comparable alternatives without the nasty chemicals commonly found in these spot-treatments. BestBullySticks encourages owners to go the holistic route and use all-natural flea and tick prevention products to deter fleas and ticks this coming season.

Dangers of Chemical-Based Treatments

Spot treatment “medications” contain a wide variety of pesticides — including but not limited to pyriproxyfen, methoprene, permethrin, fipronil and imidacloprid — and are directly linked to serious health effects in laboratory tests. In 2008 there were over 44,000 reported cases of adverse reactions to these types of treatments.

Since these are pesticides, their distribution and use is controlled by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In a study conducted by the EPA, it was determined current guidelines and regulations used to determine toxicity for these medications were inadequate. Besides the toxic “active” ingredients listed, manufacturers are not required to disclose “inactive” ingredients leaving us in the dark about what we’re actually giving to our pets.

Because of the adverse reactions and questionable content of these treatments, BestBullySticks chooses to endorse holistic pet-care products. There are many ways pet owners can achieve the same results without having to turn to harsh unhealthy treatments. Let’s take a quick peek at these common pests and how we can prevent them! Read more