Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Top 3 Tips For Aggressive Dog Training

Your pet might need aggressive dog training. Not every kind of training is effective though. If you want the best kind of training to help eliminate aggression in your dog, you need to follow a few initial tips.

#1- Review the dog's history.

A dog's history is a crucial clue to its aggressive tendencies. Some dogs become aggressive simply because they were maltreated or specifically trained to show aggression as in the case of fighting dogs. Knowing a dog's history will reveal to what extent it has become aggressive and how to properly handle it. Dogs trained to be fighters need more careful, expert and directed handling. Dogs that are only occasionally aggressive however can be retrained by the owners themselves.

#2- Follow the right techniques.

Any owner can perform aggressive dog training. The only real requirement is a solid background on the right techniques to use. Socialization for example is a basic technique that can be used to get rid of dog aggression. It needs to be executed however in the proper manner. As a dog owner you can use a reliable written resource to walk you through the right techniques.

#3- Inject some care and affection.

There is more to aggressive dog training than the right techniques. More important than any technique is the trainer's capacity to let a dog know that it is loved and cared for. You should therefore ensure that you are able to show a lot of attention to your dog and that you have more than enough time to spare for such activities as play and bonding activities.


Does your pet exhibit any aggressive dog behavior? Get free tips, resources and learn about aggressive dog training.

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Miniature Dogs For Kids

Although big, working dogs are helpful in guarding the house, and protecting the family members, it is sometimes harmful with children around. Even if these dogs just mean to be playful, their heavy weight and big built may prove dangerous to kids.
With kids around, miniature dogs are more preferable. Such dogs can even stay inside the house, instead of putting them in cages in the garden. Miniature dogs are the most adorable types of dogs. They have unique personalities that big working dogs cannot pull off. However, these miniature dogs are more delicate and need extra care.

There are two major health problems for the small dogs: dehydration and hypoglycemia. They are prone to these sicknesses because mainly because of their lighter weights and petite size. Just like ordinary dogs, miniature dogs also need to be vaccinated. When you have a puppy, it is your obligation to take them on regular trips to the veterinarian for initial examination and regular checkups. The veterinarian diagnoses the dog before recommending what vaccine to give.
If a puppy has contact with other animals, it will be given a 5-way vaccine. If it is exposed to other animals, it will be given a 7-way vaccine. If your place has Canine Coronavirus problem, it will be given either of the two vaccines. If your area has ticks, your dog needs lyme vaccine. And if you are planning to travel with your dog, bordetella Vaccine is given. This vaccine is against tracheobronchitis or kennel cough.

Miniature dogs are great companions of kids. They both love to play, and the dogs would love to be cuddled. It is also an excellent opportunity to give kids responsibility and take care of the dog themselves. Not all dogs are suitable to kids. Be careful to choose the right one for them, neither too big nor small, and never vicious. Also consider the health concerns of children. Some may be allergic to dog furs or dog food.
There are dogs that prefer to go outdoors; there are also those who want to be in the presence of the family. You need to decide which dog fits your family. If you would choose a puppy, you must have time to train them how to mingle with the whole family. As much as possible, acquaint it to every member of the family. The dog should sense who is family and who is not. There is a big variety of dog breeds. Each breed has varied characteristics and innate personality. Pugs, Yorkshire terrier, toy poodles and Pekingese can be best for kids or teenagers.

With dogs as their pets, kids can find someone to share everything they want to share with. They would not be so keen anymore in going out. They would rather stay home to be with their dog. They would not be disturbing their parents when they are busy because their attention would be on their pets. They would then learn how to care for their pets, and teach them how to be responsible. These are good traits that can be imbibed in them and nurture their growth. Dogs make families happy. After a tiring day in school, kids look for their dogs at home to relax and unwind a bit.


For more information on Miniature Dog and Miniature Dog Beds please visit our website.

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Types of Miniature Dogs

Many people find miniature dogs cute and adorable. These dogs are smaller compared to other dogs, measuring around twelve inches in height on the average. They look like puppies even if they are mature already. There are so many types of miniature dogs all over the world. Some are purebred. Others are mongrel, meaning a mix of two purebreds already.

One kind of miniature dogs is the miniature schnauzer. It belongs to the schnauzer family, but is a smaller breed. It is a combined breed of a standard schnauzer and smaller breeds of dogs. The miniature schnauzer was ranked 11th most popular breed of dogs in the United States in the year 2007.

Miniature schnauzers have squarely proportioned built. They stand at around 12 to 14 inches in height, and weighs around 11 to 15 pounds. These dogs are double coated. It has an exterior fur with an undercoat. You will find their colors to be either a combination of salt and pepper or a combination of silver and black. There are also pure black. They are called non-shedding dogs because their shedding is very minimal that they are unnoticeable.

Let's take a look next at a miniature pinscher. It belongs to the pinscher clan. Most of them are made to hunt vermin or rats. They are labeled the Kings of the Toy Dogs because they look like toy dogs. These dogs belong to the list of the Group 2 Section 1.1 of the international kennel club. Miniature pinscher has a stouter appearance. Its coat is less refined although the earlier breeds had more refined coats. It looks like a smaller version of dobermanns.

The miniature bull terrier is also another popular small breed of dogs. It is a result of selective breeding from the bull terrier. Bull terriers have strong build. They have a full body with muscular shoulders. They have egg shaped head, triangular and closely set eyes. They have erect ears and horizontal tails.

The miniature breed of bull terriers has short, fine and glossy coats that are so close to the skin. They have many colors. The least liked color is blue or liver colored coats. These dogs are easy to take care of. They need very minimal grooming. A miniature bull terrier is often mistaken for chihuahua. To differentiate, a bull terrier's weight is proportionate to its height. A Chihuahua is more akin to a miniature pinscher.

Another miniature breed is the miniature French bulldogs. These are strong, brave, little dogs with pug noses and square flat heads. They have rounded foreheads and bat ears. They have dark round eyes, soft skin and corkscrew tail. Mini French bulldogs are naturally playful and clownish. They are affectionate, sweet, and immensely funny. They are very sociable and like to have companion always. Thus, they are very appealing to humans, especially children. It can be trained but it will require utmost patience from the trainer.

There are a hundred more different breeds of miniature dogs. They are generally cute and cuddly, and never fail to enliven any home. The wonderful thing about these dogs is that they can be brought inside the home. With their size, they make good companions inside the house without causing much disturbance.


For more information on Pomeranians Miniature Dog and Yorkshire Terriers please visit our website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Urmann

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Picking a Good Doggy Daycare For Your Pooch

Cleanliness

Keeping a clean facility with so many dogs is tough, but absolutely crucial. Sniff around for any funny smells and look for dirt. When you visit the outside area, check to see if feces are left outside, or if they are collected and disposed of quickly. A clean facility is essential to keeping the dogs healthy.

Is your Dog "Interviewed"?

A good facility will only accept well-socialized and behaved dogs, in order to avoid violence and fighting. The daycare staff will work with your dog to determine if he will fit into the pack easily. A good day care will also require proof of vaccinations ranging from DHLPP to rabies, and mature dogs must be spayed or neutered. These requirements are solely for your dog's safety and indicate a responsible doggy day care.

Are the Staff Open and Knowledgeable?

The staff should answer your questions easily and knowledgeably, and if they don't know something they should refer you to someone who does. By talking with the staff you can determine if the workers truly care for the animals, or are just working a job. These are the people who will take care of your dog every day, so it's important to trust them. They should also have an emergency plan in case something should happen to your pet while in their care.

Don't just pick a daycare on a whim; shop around for the right facility to find a good match for your dog. Chances are he'll thank you for all the fun play time by being sweet and relaxed when both of you come home for the evening.

Article by Nancy Cope of Pampered Dog Gifts - the place to shop for dog gift baskets and designer dog beds.

Putting a Stop to Canine Urine Leak Control Problems

Did you know that you can treat canine urine leak control problems with natural medicine?. This is especially important for older dogs who may be more sensitive to side effects caused by antibiotics than younger dogs. In this article you'll learn why natural remedies are more effective than antibiotics in treating this condition and what to look for in a good supplement.

The symptoms of canine urine leak control problems are dribbling or involuntary leaking of the bladder. This condition is usually caused by a urinary tract infection or bladder stones. In older dogs, it can also be caused by a weakened sphincter muscle and in young dogs, it can be the result of a birth defect.

Although you will need to take your pet to the vet for a diagnosis, you can start giving your dog a homeopathic remedy formulated specifically for urine problems at any time to help strengthen your dog's immune system and heal any issues in the urinary tract.

Antibiotics & Dog's Urine Leak Control Problems

If the cause of leaking urine is a urinary tract infection or struvite bladder stones, you can treat your dog with a homeopathic remedy. This is important to know because many pet owners follow doctor's orders and give their dog an antibiotic as prescribed. The problem with this is that antibiotics have side effects that can increase your pet's suffering and actually worsen your dog's condition. Worse yet, antibiotics do not cure canine urine leak control issues, instead, they only suppress the symptoms, which means your dog's problems could become chronic.

This is why many pet owners are turning to homeopathic remedies which are completely natural, have no side effects and contain ingredients that heal what causes canine urine leak control symptoms at the cellular level. While healing the delicate tissues of the bladder, the ingredients soothe tissues, reducing your pet's pain and inflammation.

Prevention and Dog's Urine Leak Control Problems

Once your dog's urinary issues have been completely healed, you'll want to focus on prevention. For female dog's, older dogs and breeds that are predisposed to bladder problems, you'll want to continue to give the homeopathic remedy for prevention. In addition to this, make it a practice to put the following common sense strategies in place: give your dog plenty of fresh, clean water, healthy food (without preservatives or fillers), daily exercise and access to the great outdoors to urinate when needed.

When looking for a good homeopathic remedy to treat canine urine leak control issues, look for one that contains proven ingredients like uva ursi, berberis, cantharis and staphysagris. These ingredients are strong enough to heal urinary problems, yet gentle enough to use every day for prevention.

Laura Ramirez is a researcher who educates pet owners about natural remedies that heal disorders and keep pets vibrant and healthy. Find out more about safe, effective ways to maintain your pet's urinary tract health by reading Laura's findings at http://www.pet-ut-health.com.

Socialization For Your Jack Russell Terrier

A Jack Russell terrier is primarily a working terrier thus bred to be absolutely fearless, intelligent, athletic and vocal. These personality traits are useful when hunting fox and other ground-dwelling creatures such as groundhog and badger. But despite of these tough characteristics as working terriers, a Jack Russell terrier can be taken home as a new member of the family, as a friend, companion and protector of the house and its inhabitants. As long as your Jack Russell terrier is well trained and properly socialized, you will never have to encounter problems that can possibly hinder your friendship.

Socialization is an important part of Jack Russell terrier training. Socialization period should start at around three weeks of age. The main aim of this period is to develop a puppy's behavior which is very important in social relationships. During this period, a puppy must learn about their fellow litter mates, the mother, humans, other pups, adult dogs and other animals as well. They also need to learn about cars, bicycles, trips and other things associated with humans to help them overcome their fear and stress.

Start socializing your Jack Russell terrier pup by one on one introduction to people or other pets and things. Then increase the number of people, noises and other situations gradually. Friends and their pets can come to visit when your pup has been properly vaccinated against various diseases such as distemper virus, parainfluenza and canine parvovirus. Once your puppy feels secure about meeting new people at home, start taking him out for walks and outings but try to avoid places where he is more likely to acquire diseases. Instead of peak hours, try to take him out during the quieter times of the day. A lot of people and vehicles coming to and from places, in addition to the noise of the situation can frighten your supposed to be fearless jack and cause timidity and aggression.

When your puppy gets used to situation, introduce something new - things, events, objects and experiences. Grooming is very important in keeping your pet healthy and happy. Don't forget to introduce that to your pup as early as possible. Socialization period is also the best time to start potty training.

To aid you with puppy socialization, it is important that you know the characteristics of your breed. Probably you already knew that a Jack Russell terrier is a fearless, happy, alert, confident, intelligent and lively breed. So watch out! This breed's gonna rock your world.

Richard Cussons is not just a writer but also a great lover of dogs. Discover more about Jack Russell Terrier breed and Jack Russell Terrier training at this site dedicated to them.

An Inside Look at Training Your Dog - Using Dog Agility Training

Tap Your Dog's Skills With Agility Training

Training your dog for agility competitions is an excellent way to tap into her natural strengths. Use flexibility, energy, speed and instinct - things every dog already has - to help your dog build up her abilities. She'll be using all the skills and natural abilities she'd have used in the wild to protect her den, track food, and travel across rough terrain.

Just What Is Dog Agility Training?

Dog agility training is a kind of competition using a special course. In it, dogs must use skills like running, climbing, jumping and obstacle-avoidance. This is a team effort between the owner and the dog, with the dog performing most of the hard labor. Agility training is perfect for hunting or working breed dogs. The course must be run in a set period of time, with the fastest animal winning.

Agility trials are judged by professionals, and the winners receive prices. However, this is more than just a competition or form of training - it's also a popular and fun sport for owners and dogs alike.

How To Participate

To get involved, puppies must be nine months of age or older. Retirement usually happens when the dog is around eight years old, but health and fitness levels are the real factors that determine this.

Every dog breed is admitted, but it's important for your dog to have the right kind of personality. Dogs that would rather relax aren't as well suited for agility training as dogs with plenty of spare energy - this sport needs a lot of speed and vigor.

You're also looking for dogs that are consistently obedient to basic commands and which have a lot of trust in their owners. Otherwise, dogs may be reluctant to perform some challenges, including balancing on narrow beams or running through tunnels.

Dog Agility Training Benefits

Dog agility training enhances the basic, innate abilities of an animal. Dogs in these programs become more confident and alert, while improving skills like problem solving. Owners find that their communication abilities and their bonds with their dogs are strengthened by the process.

Agility training puts some real physical demands on a dog, improving endurance, coordination and fitness levels, as well as general behavior.

How Much Training Do Agility Dogs Need?

Most dogs need six to nine months of training every day if they're going to be ready for the harder parts of an agility competition. Dogs can be helped to prepare with games, including catch, tug of war and fetch. These games help strengthen the muscles the dog needs in agility work and communicate the idea that this is fun to do. Then, the dog can do more challenging exercises like distance and obstacle jumping, and can run through long tunnels. Over time, your dog will come to trust you intensely, and will really enjoy your training sessions.

There's even more to training your dog for agility competitions, but these are a few basic steps to get you started. They can help you find out whether you and your dog are ready for work of this kind.

Take a little time to check out the agility competitions nearby. Watching the process and checking out the kinds of challenges will enable you to imagine how your dog would do, and will give you a first hand look at what goes on.

Remember to talk to people there. Judges, organizers and participants are all likely to be happy to answer questions.

It's also important to look into the right dog training tools to make sure your pooch behaves like you want him or her to.

Click Here for a proven dog training program that you can start using today to improve your relationship with your pet!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Simple Dog Training Tips That Work Every Time

Do you ever get the feeling that your dog is the "master" and you're just along for the ride? I'm sure you're not alone. In your house, it's your dog's couch, chair, bed (in your bedroom), not yours, and if you try to reclaim this space, you might get a growl in return. Are you frustrated with your dog's consistent disobedience to any of your commands? Again, if this sounds familiar in any way, you're on the right path here - there is a way to turn your dog into an obedient dog with the proper training tips.

Some dogs are more difficult to train than others and this has a bit to do with their breed. Some dogs were never meant to be in a house as domesticated animals, especially breeds that were trained to hunt and kill prey for generations. Regardless of breed, your dog is trainable and capable of obeying your every command, if you learn how to do it. This may sound a bit difficult to recognize or accept, but a dog will defy you because he knows he can. If a dog asserts control with his behavior, or controls a certain portion of the house, by not breaking that pattern and asserting our dominance, we have in fact given permission for that dog to be the dominant one in th. One thing dogs recognize right away, being pack animals, is their place in their environment. In a pack, one has to become the leader or "alpha dog". If you don't assume that "alpha" position, your dog will assume that role. Even when you try to train your dog it's important to use a confident energy and posture that clearly shows the dog you are in control, otherwise you won't be perceived that way in your dog's eyes. 

Of course there's no need to become rough and aggressive with your dog, but to establish your dominance you need to follow a few simple dog training tips in order to successfully train your dog. This may not come very naturally to you initially, but hang in there because these dog training tips really work and they will make you enjoy your dog's company so much more. The first thing you must be aware of during your training time with your dog is your tone of voice. If you want to be perceived as the dominant leader in the pack, your firm, determined and neutral (non emotional) voice tone has to project that energy. This establishes an environment where the dog knows you mean business and he or she will have more focus on the drills you practice. An affectionate and softer tone should only be used when playing. The next thing to keep in mind that is absolutely critical for you to establish your "alpha" position, is to act like the leader and do everything first when in the presence of your dog. Getting in the house, leaving the house, or walking between two parked cars should always be started by you and your dog must follow behind, always. Eating should also be an activity you can use to establish your dominance - you eat first, and then feed your dog. Playing or any other activity should also be initiated by you. Again, this won't be easy at first but it will help you have a much happier dog in the long term.

These simple dog training tips will give you plenty to start your path toward having a much happier and obedient dog. Give it a try and have fun with it!

Brad WA

Learn the Secrets of Clicker Training - Easy Dog Obedience Training that Really Works

Monday, February 16, 2009

What is a Dog Knot?

The term dog knot pertains to different things. The dictionaries of both the formal language and the colloquial phrases had found several meanings to this term. As such, it was defined beneath altering concepts. Dog knot can be described in different points of views, and each one of them explained in an entirely different context.

A dog knot can be explained in an engineering context. In this circumstance, a dog knot is explained as an enlarged section of a pipe or a rod use to retain it in a hole. This structure can be seen inside buildings and similar edifices. Dog knots in engineering are rarely used and are not really that popular. However, it is the initial concept of this term. But then, the meaning has evolved extremely over time, with its real connotation had gone out of context.

Literally speaking, a dog knot is a type of knot used to be tied around a shaft or any similar construction so it will not come lose. The people who are experts in making knots definitely know how to make this one. It is quite useful in certain situations, more particularly when one needs a strong, rigid knot to tie two things together.

However, a dog knot, as people know it today, is highly related to sex. Dog knots are the term usually given to two dogs that are mating with each other. Usually, two dogs mate with the back of the bitch against that of the male dog. It is impossible to take them apart during the length of the intercourse. As such, the condition is referred to as the dog knot by many breeders and pet owners.

The biological definition of dog knot is highly related to this concept. A dog knot in this context is defined as the inflation of the dog's penis, which was used during the intercourse or penetration. The inflation is what causes the dog knot, which in turn, is the one that makes it hard for anybody to take the two mating dogs apart. The two dogs can only break free from each other if the inflation had toned down.

Dog knot is only applicable to the dog specie. However, humans are also adapting it in referring to their own sexual relations. Dog knots, when spoken of in a human's intercourse and point of view, pertains to the act of being tied to a woman in the same way the two dogs are attached together. Aside from the back-to-back mating position, dogs can also mate with the male dog on top of the female dog. This position is the one most applicable to the dog knot, the human context. Humping may also be involved in such a position. This dog knot meaning is a part of the colloquial or slang terms, and is not used in formal writing.

The last, and maybe one of the more common associations to a dog knot, is dog poo. Oftentimes, a dog's feces are referred to as dog knot because it resembles that of a pretzel. This is very true with large dogs. Some people wouldn't want to refer to the poo as what it is so they simply call it a dog knot, which the pet has left on the floor or on the ground. This meaning of dog knot is highly associated to the dog's nature call. It too, is a colloquial or a slang term and is rarely used in formal cases.

The true meaning of a dog knot depends entirely on how the term was used in a sentence. There's no way to understand what it means on the mere credits of the words. They have to be used in a declarative sentence so that its meaning would be evident and its association can be clearly conveyed.

The concept of dog knots are not truly understood or accepted by many, so one should be very careful with uttering it in front of a group or another person. Because it has multiple meanings, proper discretion is required when you decide to use the term in your speech. Some people may not accept the actual meaning of this term so be sure to assess your audience first before saying it.

More exciting information about dog, please head on to http://www.guarddogtrainingonline.com where you can also find the shocking truth about dog food allergies.

Puppy Crate Training - Common Do's and Don'ts of Using a Kennel

The use of kennels in puppy crate training is becoming an increasingly popular form of house breaking new additions to ones home, below are listed common do's and don't of this practice:

  • NEVER use the kennel as a place to punish or isolate the puppy.
  • Upon taking the puppy out of the kennel after many hours take her immediately outside to relieve herself.
  • 2-3 hours is the maximum amount of time a puppy should be left in kennel.
  • 6-8 hours is the absolute maximum for even the most well adjusted dog.
  • To ensure that the puppy is never forced to soil its crate; adjust schedules or make arrangements for someone to come and let puppy out.
  • Ensure the puppy gets lots of exercise both before and after time in the crate.
  • Never kennel the puppy immediately after feeding, feed after you have returned home. If you must feed the puppy prior to crating ensure you allow enough time and take the puppy outside to relieve itself.
  • Always clean and disinfect the tray when unavoidable accidents occur, never leave your puppy in a soiled crate.
  • To avoid choking or strangulation ensure there is nothing around the puppy's neck that could get caught on parts of the kennel, eg. Loose fitting or choke collars, leashes, anything that could become a choking hazard including toys that can be pulled apart.
  • Hard rubber type toys such as Kongs or Nylabones may be placed in the crate that is appropriate for the puppy's size and chewing ability.
  • Place a heavy non-tip water dish in the crate.
  • If you puppy must spend quite a few hours in a kennel every day make sure they receive lots of love, attention, outdoor exercise, and freedom indoors when you get home.
This is a great method for housebreaking a new puppy. Using the above tips will ensure that your puppy crate training goes as smoothly as possible.

For more information on Crate Training or other information about Obedience Training visit The Obedient K-9.

House Training Puppies - The Various Methods

There are two widely accepted methods of house training puppies. The first method is paper training; this method is widely used and better known than the alternative. The second method is not as well known, but is accepted as a better alternative, this is called crate training.

Paper training is a method whereby you direct your puppy to use the same spot that you have layered with newspaper. When using this method you would want to ensure that you have papered a large area to begin with. To make cleaning easier you will want to pick an area with no carpet, kitchens and laundry rooms are the usual spots. As the puppy grows you will want to shrink the area covered by the newspaper. This method is not suggested for larger dogs as the mess they create will be larger than a papered area or you could handle.

The second method mentioned here for house training puppies is crate training. This method involves keeping your puppy confined to a crate when there are not people around to supervise it. To save on costs, I suggest you purchase a crate that will accommodate the puppy when it is full grown, barricade off part of the crate and increase the available area as the puppy grows into adulthood. This method works with the puppy's natural instinct to not eliminate where they sleep.

Both methods of house training puppies are acceptable and each has their own positives and negatives. Crate training requires a lot of attention be given to the puppy and the maintenance of a very strict schedule. Paper training requires less attention but does have the puppy learning to go to the bathroom in the house, if you decide to move to crate training later on, it would be more difficult.

For more information on House Breaking your puppy or for specific information on Crate Training or Paper Training come visit us at The Obedient K-9.

How to Stop a Dog From Digging - Part 1 - Why Dogs Dig

When determining how to stop a dog from digging we must first determine why they dig to begin with. There are two schools of thought about dogs and their digging habits, one is that they are doing what is natural and should be allowed free reign to do so, the second is that they should not even think about digging in this years rose bushes. Once we have determined why they feel this need it will be much easier to curb this behaviour.

There are many common reasons that explain why dogs feel the need to dig, all easily explainable and some easy to solve. One of the biggest reasons that we see holes in the yard is due to an under exercised dog, they use it was a way to burn off that pent up energy. Another reason for digging up the flower beds is simple boredom; bored dogs need something to keep them busy, something to do to pass the time. For some dogs it is just the need to explore the unknown and see what is on the other side of the fence. The last reason, and possibly one of the hardest to deal with is separation anxiety. To a dog that is desperately missing its owner, the most direct path to you is through that fence.

As you can see there is much to think about when determining how to stop a dog from digging. You would use a different method to stop a lonely dog than you would for a bored dog. Now that you have reviewed the whys, start thinking about ways to stop the digging. I will cover these in a later article.

For more information on How to Stop a Dog from Digging or other Behavioral Dog issues visit The Obedient K-9.

How to Train a Puppy - The First Week

You have decided to get a puppy; you have brought her home...now what? You don't know how to train a puppy, no worries; we'll help you get through this. We will help you handle the chewing, digging, house breaking and so on. The first thing we are going to go over is the very first week; this is when the biggest adjustments will occur for both you and the puppy.

The first week is critical to future endeavours of training your puppy. You must stick to prearranged schedules and rules set forth. This is going to be tough. You decided to put the puppy in a crate at night but after a little whining she is now on the bed. You all discussed keeping her calm and off people but she is so excited because everyone else is excited she is jumping up on people. The following morning you see she has gone to the washroom on the bed and now she has been banned to her crate, no one wants to get up at the appointed time to feed her, so far...the schedule has gone to pot. Remember, you must stick to the schedules, and rules you have set forth, being a puppy does not give her free reign to rule the roost.

Play with her using the toys and praise her when she uses them. Never hit or reprimand harshly, remember a puppy only does what comes naturally and until taught otherwise has no idea of their boundaries. Keep the excitement level low the first week, friends and family are all going to want to visit...they can wait, she will be here next week. If she is going to be alone you might as well get her used to that as well, if she wakes up and whines, don't go rushing to her. You will also want to schedule her first veterinary appointment so you can determine with the vet when she will be ready to socialize with other dogs, once you have determined this, set up training and dog socialization classes.

For your puppy to grow into a healthy well adjusted adult dog you must set the tone and decide how to train a puppy early on, before you even have her home you should make the decisions on scheduling and house breaking. You must set the tone in the first week of how the rest or your relationship with your puppy will be.

For more information on Puppy's First Week or on Obedience Training in general visit The Obedient K-9.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Stop Puppy Biting - Do's and Don'ts

To stop puppy biting there are numerous do's and don't you want to be aware of. Puppy's bite for various reasons and despite these reasons there are common things that should never be done, as well as things that should be done to assist in the process of inhibiting your puppy's biting.

First and foremost NEVER under any circumstance use physical force as a form of corrective action. This type of negative reinforcement is not only unnecessary but will in most cases encourage the very behaviour you are trying to stop. As your dog wants to please you, the most effective method of showing your displeasure is the cold shoulder treatment. If the nipping continues after this you may need to move on to the time out method, this involves the use of the puppy's crate as a way to isolate them for 5 minutes or so. When you bring puppy back out to play, remember to tone it down a bit and not get her all revved up again, remember, nipping is natural and if you get them over excited they are only doing what comes natural. Don't encourage contact play with dogs that are quick to nip, encourage games that involve their toys instead, catch with a ball or a Frisbee would be ideal.

There are many do's and don'ts to stop puppy biting. Those listed here are by no means an extensive list. The biggest things to remember are to never hit your puppy and avoid getting a nippy dog over excited. You can always find alternative ways to play with puppy.

Dog Agility Training is Fun For Fido

Hurling over jumps, running through tunnels, dodging weave poles, negotiating see-saws - do these sound like things your dog might enjoy? Then your pet might love dog agility training.

Inspired by equestrian events, agility training for dogs started in the late 1970's in Great Britain. It's a great sport for both dogs and their owners as the team up to negotiate a course of obstacles and is a true test of your dogs training as he will have to listen to commands in order to run the course.

If you want to start your dog in agility training he must be at least 9 months old to be assured that his growth plates have closed and in order to prevent injury. Your pet with start with dog agility training and must be able to clear the jump heights of his assigned division before he can compete.

He'll first be put in the 'starter' division; which is the division for dogs that do not hold agility titles. When he makes it through a round here he earns his 'starter' title and is now qualified to compete at the advanced agility level. The next title your dog can earn is the "Advanced Title" which he can take when he clears three rounds as judged by 2 different judges.

Once he gets his Advanced Title, he can compete in the masters classes. Earning a "Masters Title" is a bit more difficult and consists of a 6 part qualification process along with three successfully completed games courses.

Although a fun sport for both you and your dog, dog agility training is also a serious competition that is well organized and has many guidelines and regulations. Dogs are placed in divisions based on their size. The mini division consists of dogs between sixteen and twenty-one inches from the shoulder. These dogs have jump heights that are 12, 18 and 24 inches. The larger dogs that measure over twenty one inches at the shoulders are sorted into the open division where they will jump heights of 26, 28 and 30 inches.

Dog agility training competition is a serious and well organized sport with many guidelines and regulations. The two divisions in the competition are based on the dog's size. A dog between sixteen and twenty-one inches from the shoulder is put in the mini division.

Not every dog can win the coveted "Master" title, but I don't think they really care because to them the fun is in the sport. Dog agility training is a great way for both man and beast to enjoy a little fun competition as well as each others company.

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Dogs Obedience Training - The 5 Basic Commands

There are many commands that can be used in your dogs obedience training, here you will find listed the basic commands and how to train your dog to do them.

• Sit - This is the first and most basic command to teach you dog. Start by gently pushing you dogs back end down and saying the word sit. They will catch on eventually to what you want.

• Down - This is the second command we want to tackle. Use this command to keep excitable dogs from jumping up on people. To train this command to your dog tell them down when them begin jumping up, do not act excited when they jump on you and if needed, physically place their legs on the ground.

• Stay - Next is the stay command. Placing a treat on the ground and as he moves ahead command "Stay", you can put your hand up as you say this. Move farther away as they start to obey.

• Come - This follows the stay command. Your dogs will need a command to know when it is ok to come to you. When commanding come it help to change the tone of your voice and put a little excitement into your voice as well. It may help to pat your leg in the beginning; they'll pick it up soon enough.

• Stand - This is the last of the basic commands. Pat your hands on your chest and with some excitement in your voice command stand. He'll begin to know the difference of when he is allowed and when he is not.

Your dog's obedience training should commence as soon as you and you dog are ready. Consistency is important when training, have fun and you will be rewarded with a happy, obedient companion.

For more information on Obedience Training, or to find more information on Dog Behaviour visit The Obedient K-9.

Stop Your Dog From Barking - 5 Easy Ways to Make Your Dog Stop Barking

Dogs bark for many reasons: They may be lonely or bored; they may be hungry, afraid or too cold or hot. Also keep in mind that breeds like Fox Terrier, Beagle, Yorkshire Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Cairn terrier tend to bark more than others. Barking is a form of communication for any dog and it can be very useful especially when they warn you of a potential danger, but excessive barking can be very annoying. Regardless of the reasons why your dog barks, there are ways to make it stop.

Here are 5 easy ways to make your dog stop barking:

  1. Show your dog who is in charge: As soon as your dog starts barking, tell him in a strong voice to stop. If he continues, repeat the instruction many times. In cause he doesn't obey...
  2. Ignore him: Don't even look at him or turn your head towards him, simply walk away. It's very important to stop reinforcing bad behavior. Many dog owners "bribe" their dogs to stop barking, which usually brings the opposite results. He must understand that what he's doing is wrong. If this technique works and your dog stops barking, then....
  3. Praise him: Walk over to him and give him a little treat. This way he will understand that being quiet will get him more food and attention.
  4. Take him for a walk: Dogs need to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Your dog needs an outlet for his energy or else he will become frustrated and restless. Also exercise will tire him out and make him calmer, because he will be too exhausted to start barking.
  5. Keep him busy: Many dogs bark out of boredom. Give him lots of toys to keep him happy or leave the TV or the radio on to give him a sense of company.

If you have trouble getting your dog to obey your commands, keep in mind that with proper training this problem can be eliminated. There is a dog obedience program that can do wonders for you!

Click Here to find out more about how to Stop Dog Barking!


Saturday, February 14, 2009

How to Stop Dog Barking - 5 Simple Solutions

How to stop dog barking first involves determining why they are barking to begin with. In the majority of situations, the problem barker has never learned to be bye themselves. Your dog is used to having the attention they want when they want it, when they are alone they are not able to get that attention and often resort to barking. The following will greatly reduce the amount of barking.

1. Be a good role model: Words mean nothing to your dog, what matters is the way you say those words. Constantly reassuring the dog when you leave and being over excited upon your return compound the issue.

2. All praises must be earned: While breaking your dog of barking it is important to restrict your praises and petting to only when he has responded correctly to a command.

3. Be out of touch: Get some chew toys,once your dog is sufficiently distracted calmly and quietly leave the room. Return to the room before the dog has an opportunity to miss you and continue what you were doing. When the dog rushes over to greet you, do not react, the separation was unimportant to you and should also be unimportant to your dog.

4. No more goodbyes: Now that you are ready to leave your dog alone, I suggest your start your day a little earlier. Get ready to leave and then sit down with the paper for a bit, ignore your dog completely. Quietly walk out the door after some time of quiet separation.

5. Keep them busy while you're gone: It is unnatural for your dog to be alone with nothing to do, ensure you provide various distractions for the dog to play with throughout the day. Toys such as kongs and nylabones are excellent for this.

To answer the questions of how to stop dog barking you just need to follow the simple steps listed above, those together with some patience and persistence and you will lick this problem.

For more information on How to Stop Dog Barking or other Behavioural Dog issues visit The Obedient K-9.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Van_Drunen

Using a Dog Crate to House Train Your New Puppy

During the first few months in their new home, puppies require a great deal of supervision. Using a dog crate can help you to prevent accidents during times when the puppy can't be watched. Housebreaking is easier to accomplish when accidents are prevented in the first place! Using a dog crate combined with a regular feeding and exercise schedule will make housebreaking go smoothly.

If puppies could have their way, they'd choose to run free all the time, so you should expect some initial resistance to the dog crate. Puppies have to learn to accept periods of confinement. They won't like it right away but acceptance will come.

Most puppies will whine or bark during the first few days of being put in their crate. Once they begin to accept this new restriction on their freedom, they quiet down and actually learn to enjoy it. Growing puppies need to alternate between periods of activity and rest throughout the day. By keeping the puppy on a regular schedule of feedings and exercise, you can control his natural rest periods. If you put the puppy in his crate when he's already tired, he'll get used to his new bedroom even faster.

In the beginning, the puppy should only be expected to stay in the dog crate for 2 daytime hours at a time. During his periods out of the crate, your puppy will need plenty of playtime, attention and loving. Puppies should be given at least an hour between crating periods when they can play and explore and romp. This helps to burn off their seemingly unlimited puppy energy and helps them understand that crating will only be temporary.

Special treats can help make his new bedroom a pleasant place to stay. Give your puppy a small treat every time he has to go into his crate. Make his new bedroom comfortable. Get him a soft clean but durable blanket. Get him a selection of toys and rotate them. Puppies can get bored easily and switching the toys around makes them seem always new. Teething puppies love chew toys and all dogs love a Kong stuffed with peanut butter. They can spend hours trying to clean it all out.

Puppies learn quickly when their behavior is associated with a reward. Behavior that doesn't result in a reward often disappears. It's normal for many puppies to bark or whine when first being crate-trained. If you let your puppy out of the dog crate while he's upset, you'll be rewarding him for barking. The next time he's supposed to go in his crate, he will bark again because that's what got him out the last time. Be patient and the whining will stop.

For many puppies, just ignoring their whimpering will be enough to make them stop. Some puppies might need a harsh-sounding "No!" to help them get over their tantrums. Remember: don't take him out of the crate until he's had some quiet rested time.

A dog crate is a fabulous tool when it comes to housetraining your puppy. The discipline aspect comes from a puppy's innate urge not to urinate or defecate in its den. Even young puppies prefer to move as far away from their sleeping quarters as possible to relieve themselves. Usually,a puppy who relieves himself in his crate was sick or just couldn't wait any longer.

Also, crating a puppy when the family is away during the day, administers a passive form of discipline by preventing a curious puppy from chewing up things he shouldn't chew. A dog crate will keep your puppy safe and out of trouble.

Best of luck in house training your puppy. For more information of choosing a dog crate please visit our website. Best of luck in house training your puppy. For more information of choosing a dog crate please visit my site: choosing a dog crate at my dog website.

Jen Moore is a pet expert on ezine. Look for other pet training related issues at http://my-dog-has-fleas.com

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Importance of Keeping a Indoor Dog Active

You need to keep your dog active indoors, for one thing, so he or she will stay calmer indoors. But during long winter months when playing outside in certain parts of the country is not an option this is the only way to make sure your dog stays physically fit. Just like humans, a dog can gain weight and have heart problems if not allowed to have enough exercise.

5 Dog Activities

These 5 dog activities are ones that we do in our house from time to time.

• Fetching a ball is one of my dog's favorite activities. We have stairs and one of us throws the ball down the stairs and she runs down and retrieves the ball. This gives her such good exercise. A tennis ball is perfect for this activity.

• Sometimes,my dog loves to play keep away from us with one of her toys. She will grab one of her toys in her mouth and we try to get it from her. She actually runs away from us! It is a hoot.

• Other times she loves to just have us chase her. We get exercise this way too!

• We have a good (made for a dog) tug of war rope that she loves to do. We hold one end and sometimes she holds so tight that we can lift her off the ground. (She only weighs 22 pounds though.)

• If you have an open enough space in part of your house you could get a Frisbee and have your dog catch it when you throw it.

Walking Your Dog

When the weather permits, though, it is always great to take your dog for a walk. It is a bonding experience for you and your dog. It also makes both of you healthier. All dogs also need to learn to walk on a leash with today's leash laws too.

So play with your dog indoors to keep them healthy and calm. It is truly important to work on keeping indoor dogs active indoors for their health and well-being.

Donna is an indoor dog lover based in Eagleville, PA.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donna_Forney

Can Onions Kill Your Dog?

Everyone has heard that dogs shouldn't eat chocolate but has anyone heard of onion toxicity?

There are a number of foods that can create serious health problems for your dog and unfortunately not many people of aware of this. These foods include cooked as well as uncooked chocolate,onions,bones, mushroom, macadamia nuts, garlic, avocados, grapes, raisins, and all spicy or greasy foods.

Most pet owners have,at one time or another,fed their dog foods containing onion such as pizza, hamburger, general table scraps or gravy. A small amount is not likely to cause a problem since onion toxicity depends on the quantity of onion ingested. However, onions in any form including cooked, raw, dehydrated or powdered can create a serious life-threatening form of hemolytic anemia in dogs.

All red blood cells carry a protein called hemoglobin which delivers oxygen to our tissues and organs and our dog's tissue and organs. Onions contain a substance called thiosulphate which dogs and cats are unable to digest. Garlic also contains thiosulphate but in much lesser amounts. Thiosulphate causes oxidation of hemoglobin in your dog's red blood cells, which then forms lumps and weakens the cell membranes. These lumps, called Heinz bodies, protrude from the cells and eventually cause the cell to rupture and die. When enough red cells are destroyed the body becomes starved for oxygen and goes into a state of anemia.

A decrease in the red blood cell count can cause a multitude of health problems for your dog including heart failure. The number of cells destroyed usually depends on the quantity of onion consumed. However, some dogs have developed serious reactions even after eating just a small amount of onion. Furthermore, small amounts of onion fed over an extended period of time can create illness just as a one-time larger dose can, due to the gradual accumulation of Heinz bodies.

Sometimes it takes several days for symptoms to begin to appear. Symptoms include but are not limited to: vomiting, weakness and lethargy, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, cyanotic (pale or bluish) gums, blood in the urine or feces urine, decreased appetite, jaundice, and rapid heart rate. Severe onion toxicity can be fatal for your dog.

If you suspect your pet has onion toxicity contact your vet immediately. If the onion ingestion was recent, intravenous fluids are generally a sufficient treatment. If the state of anemia is severe,a lengthy hospital stay and a blood transfusion might be needed.

Using common sense is the best way to prevent onion toxicity in your dog. Onions are very common in many human foods including even baby foods. Onions can be found in everything from sandwich meats, fast foods, spaghetti sauces, salsas, gravies, to vegetable juice. Check the ingredients carefully in any table scraps before giving them to your dog. Never add onions in any form to homemade dog food recipes. Lastly, make sure your garbage is kept covered and dog-proofed.

Please visit my website for more information on dog nutrition and homemade dog food recipes.

Jen Moore is a pet health expert on ezinearticles. Look for other pet health related issues at http://my-dog-has-fleas.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jen_Moore

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

3 Detrimental Dog Training Mistakes You Probably Make

Dog training is not as easy as some people make it sound.How easy it is to train your dog depends greatly on your dog specifically... what breed, their background, and even their disposition. There are,however,some things that you may be doing which are completely sabotaging your dog training.

When you start training your dog, you should begin by laying down a few ground rules. Like building a house, if the house is build on a shaky foundation, the house will not be sturdy at all, and may come crashing down at some point. Most of these mistakes are along these lines.

First,shouting during training is an easy, yet counterproductive thing to do. It is easy to get caught up and frustrated with the training and your dog's progress, quickly leading to yelling. You should realize, however, that yelling actually is detrimental to your training. Your goal is to get your dog to obey to your commands in your calm voice, not your yelling voice.

Second,taking any longer than 15 minutes to train your dog during one session is something not many amateurs know about. You dog has a shorter attention span than you do, and if you try to stretch out the training session for longer than 15 minutes, the dog will just become frustrated and so will you.

Lastly,forgetting to praise and treat your dog every single time they follow a command or acts the way you want them to act. It's easy to forget to give them a treat every time, never fail, but if your dog is expecting a treat and you forget, your dog will lose confidence that they did the correct action and may be set back quite a bit.

Discover more useful tips on how to quickly train your dog to listen to anything you say, by Clicking Here.

If you have 15 minutes, I guarantee you'll end all of your dog's worst behavior problems at http://www.dogobediencesystem.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cary_Benjamin

How Do I Stop My Dog Peeing in the House? Your FAQ Answered

"Recently I caught my dog peeing in the house. He's never done this before, what's going on?"

Dogs do this for any number of reasons. If he has been properly house-trained he should not be doing this. He might have UTI (Urinary Tract Infection), in which case the vet should be your first stop, or he might be scent marking.

"What is scent marking?"

Scent marking is a completely natural thing for your dog to do. By peeing somewhere he leaves his scent telling other dogs that this is his territory. Remember that a dog's sense of smell is much better than our own, so for him a scent marked spot is a very interesting place, while to us it just smells like dogpee!

"Do all dogs do this?"

Yes, they do. Some dogs are more likely to do so than others, males more than females, small dogs more than larger dogs, and so on. Two or more dogs in the same house may regard each other as competition and are then more prone to marking. Small dogs are also more likely to pee inside the house in general.

"Okay, I understand what marking is, but why is he doing it in the house?"

Your dog might be struggling with confidence problems, any sudden change in his home environment can trigger this behaviour. For instance; the arrival of a new baby may mean that your dog is now not getting as much attention as previously. Changes such as this engender anxiety, and may cause marking behaviour.

"What can I do about it? I want him to stop!"

Firstly, clean any spots where he has peed very well, using a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar. Don't use ammonia - you'll only encourage him! Unless you clean the spots well, it is impossible to stop the dog peeing in the house.

Secondly, don't rant and rave at him. You'll make the problem worse by eroding his confidence further.

Thirdly, observe him closely for a few days and when you see him looking for a place to mark distract him. You could build a shaker can (a soda can with a few coins in it that makes a rattling noise) and use this to distract him. When you have his attention play with him, or take him outside. You could even say "NO PEE" sternly when you see him getting ready. The distraction will be enough to stop your dog peeing in the house, at least until you can take him to a place where he IS allowed to pee. Remember to praise him lavishly when he does so. Dogs learn by positive reinforcement.

Fourthly, be consistent in your approach. You don't want to confuse him.


"He's not ill, and I don't think he's marking. What now?

If he's not ill, and he's not marking, it means that he really needs to pee during a time when he can't get out. Make sure you give him ample time to pee before going to sleep, and don't let him drink too much right before bedtime.

And finally...


I hope these little tips will help you to stop your dog peeing in the house, but if you would like to learn more about positively modifying your dog's behaviour please visit my squidoo page and feel free to leave a comment.

I love dogs - having owned a German Short-Haired Pointer, Bull Terrier, and various other "Pavement Specials" all my life. Dogs are fun animals.

If you found this article helpful and would like to know more about modifying your dog's behaviour why don't you have a look at my Squidoo lens and feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=E._Jonas

Dog Surgery and a Dog's Sex Drive

All male dogs have something in common. A dogs sex drive. Whenever they smell a near-by fertile female, they storm outside and get down to business. Are you tired of running after your pet every time he tries to do so? Have you been visited by your neighbor for the wrong reasons one time too many? I'm sure there's a lot of dog owners getting bothered by it. Their neighbors too. A dog's sex drive can be a burden on anybody. It's uncontrollable. Whenever he detects a potential mate, it'll find a way to get out of bondage. It can cause huge amounts of damage, specially if its a big dog tied up inside your house.

It'll run over your flower garden along the way. Break in another house and "mangle" the bitch. Within 9 weeks you'll be seeing little carbon copies of your dog. Its a problem for the owners of both dogs. You both will have more hungry mouths to feed. More expenses to take care of. The fun doesn't stop there - when they get big enough, they too will develop the drive that drives you nuts. And you'll have the same problem again; more mess, and more uncontrollable dogs. At night, when everybody is sleeping, your pet will have the tendency to howl at night, specially when it smells a female dog in season - the more dogs the merrier.

These animals also have the tendency to get aggressive. When it sees another dog trying to mate with its bitch, a fight breaks out - which is never good. It can sometimes lead to serious injuries that may require immediate medical attention. Lucky for you there is a solution - having your dog neutered can fix all the problems mentioned above. Neutering is a procedure in which the sex organ of your dog is removed. What are the benefits of having your pet undergo the procedure? One would be the decrease in your dogs testosterone level. This would greatly reduce its urge to fight, run around, jump everywhere, make a mess, etc.

You won't have to worry about your pet biting other people, or attempting to mate with every bitch it sees as much. Another plus would be having testicular cancer ruled out. It can't have testicular cancer if it doesn't have any testicles to begin with. You won't hear as much howling at night as you did before, allowing you and your neighbors to sleep better at night. Problems with little clones of your dog will be eliminated. Visits from an angry neighbor can be avoided. Though there are many benefits from the procedure, there is just one problem that might occur.

Recent studies have linked to neutering to some prostate complications. Having said all of this, it is entirely up to the owner whether or not to have his pet neutered. If you feel that it isn't necessary and that your dogs behavior doesn't bother you, then don't push through the operation. A dog's sex drive is normal. Neutering is only for those who can't put up with it. Think it over before you have your pet neutered.

The author of this article Alex De La Cruz is a Dog Trainer who has been successful with several dog training courses for many years. Alex decided to share his knowledge and tips through his website http://www.doggyweb.info/. You can sign up for his free newsletter and enjoy a healthy and submissive dog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_De_La_Cruz

A Shockingly Easy Way to Stop a Dog From Barking

Stopping your dog from barking is usually the second most frustrating reason why dog owners want to take their dog to obedience training (next to housebreaking). Before you can even attempt to stop your dog from barking at everything that moves, you need to understand a few simple but important facts. Once you understand these, getting them to stop is easy.

First, you cannot expect your dog to stop barking altogether. What you can do is teach you dog when it is OK to bark and when it is not. You may even want to create a trigger word where the dog can bark on command. If you use a word which will trigger your dog to bark on command, you will greatly reduce the urge he or she feels to randomly bark without giving that command. For instance, train your dog to bark when you tell them "Rover, speak!"

Next, you want to move on to actually stopping your dog from barking when they are not supposed to. Usually the dog is barking for a reason, even if it isn't blatantly apparent to you at first.

Sometimes they are trying to alert you of danger or trying to get your attention to something. The key here is to think about what it may be that is causing your dog to bark and acknowledge it (and remove it if necessary). Then acknowledge your dog by saying something like, "Thank you, Rover. I see the squirrel (as you point to it). Now that's enough barking." Use a firm, but very calming and polite tone. The dog should pick up on your acknowledgment and stop.

This method should get you started in the right direction to a well behaved and quieter dog,

To find more useful tips on how to quickly train your dog to listen to anything they say, Click Here.

Discover how a revolutionary dog trainer used a breakthrough dog training method to quickly calm 2 ex-fight dogs! Visit http://www.dogobediencesystem.com/ and see for yourself how you can use this exact same system to get your dog to listen to your every word.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cary_Benjamin