Big Book of

Dog Secrets
Volume 1

Note: Pre-publication draft

Welcome dog owners, dog lovers, and dog professionals!
The Big Book of Dog Secrets is a treasure trove of articles on
virtually all aspects of our favorite four-legged companion.

Most of these articles first appeared on that popular (and

admittedly strangely named) web site,

GoGoKitty’s Dog Secrets.

If you would like to see any of these articles in their original
setting, simply click on the titles.

In addition to the articles, I’ve added some special

recommendations throughout the pages of this book. These bonus
links will take you to additional resources for in-depth information
on particular subjects.
It is my fondest hope that you will find something here, some bit of
wisdom or insight or simply an interesting fact about our canine
friends that you did not know before.
Note: This is a pre-publication draft of The Big Book of Dog
Secrets, Vol. 1.

This means that it will look rough in some places where final
formatting has not been completed. You might also see some bits
and pieces of “web stuff” left in from where the articles originally
appeared on the above-mentioned web site. Also, the table of
contents might not be complete (meaning you will need to scroll to
find all of the articles.

Please be assured that this draft is complete in terms of the articles

appearing in it. You will learn much from its pages, even if not all
of those pages are as pretty as I would like them.

I am working furiously on a final version that will be all cleaned-

up and nicely formatted. When it is ready, I will post it in place of
the draft you are reading now.
 Contents (Partial)

House training a dog

Reward training your dog

What is the green bean dog diet?

Your garden and your dog

Using a head collar for training your dog

Got fleas? 7 easy ways to get rid of them

House training a dog
House training is an example of the most vital parts of training any dog to be a valued
part of the family. As with lots of other facets of dog coaching, the only way to house
train a dog is to use the dog’s own nature to your benefit.

In addition, dogs are fantastic at developing habits per where they like to urinate and
defecate. Step one in house training your dog is to put up your coaching area. A little,
confined space like a lavatory, or part of a kitchen or garage, works best as a coaching
area.

Crate coaching is superb for puppies and little dogs, but several bigger dogs find a crate
too confining. It’s important for the owner to spend as much time in the coaching area
with their dog as possible.

It’s important for the owner to play with the dog in the coaching area, and to let the dog
eat and sleep in that area.

After the dog has gotten used to sleeping in the bed, the owner can move it round the
house, relocating it from room to room. When you’re not with your dog, the dog should
be confined to the coaching area.

The second part of house training your dog is to put up the toilet area for the dog. It’s
important for the dog to have access to this place each time he wants to eliminate. A set
feeding schedule makes the house coaching process a lot simpler for both the owner and
the dog. Feeding the dog on regularly will also make a regular schedule for the dog’s
toilet habits.

When you know when your dog is probably going to need to do its business, it is going to
be easy to steer the dog to the established toilet area. That is because if the dog is not able
to carry it, she might be made to eliminate in the coaching area. This process should be
done slowly, beginning with one room and slowly expanding to the remainder of the
house. The area should only be extended when you are sure of the dog’s capability to
control its bladder and guts. When it isn’t feasible to control the dog, place it back in the
first coaching area. Then, after the dog has accepted the room as an extension of the first
coaching area, the area can be extended.

If this process is too lengthy for your requirements, it can be speeded up, but it’s
important to proceed carefully. It is better to take your time up front than to retrain a dog
later.
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Reward training your dog

It is likely that reward coaching for dogs has been around so long as there have been dogs
to coach. However, what is known as reward coaching today has only enjoyed is
noteworthy recognition for the past ten or fifteen years. However, the best path to
coaching any individual dog is usually a mixture of leash / collar coaching and reward
coaching. In addition, a coaching strategy that works completely for one dog might be
fully unfit for another, and vice versa. Most reward training uses some variety of food
reward, or a reward that is related to getting food. Reward coaching is employed in all
forms of dog training, including police work and army applications. Most smell
detection, tracking and police dogs are trained using some type of reward coaching.

Reward coaching is also a particularly acceptable way to coach a lot of basic obedience
commands. Reward coaching frequently incorporates the employment of a lure to get the
dog into the position desired by the coach.

The attraction is used to get the dog to perform the specified behavior on their own and of
his or her very own free will.

It makes for a large amount of sense to get the dog to perform the desired behavior
without any physical intervention on the part of the handler. Getting the dog to perform a
behavior without being touched is vital. After the dog has performed the required
behavior, it is given a reward, also called a positive reinforcement.

Treats are typically used as reinforcers, but praise,eg “good dog” or a pat on the head, can
also be effective rewards.

Many people when dog training make the error of only coaching the dog within the house
or back yard, and only when the handler is there. It’s also vital to coach the dog to
concentrate on the handler at all times. Having the eye of the dog means having control
of the dog. Reward coaching is terribly effective at getting the status and the eye of the
dog when used correctly.
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worldwide have been successful with their dog
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What is the Green Bean Dog Diet?

For some time now people have playing around with the idea of the green bean diet for
dogs. You may have already know about this and are considered trying it. Let’s take a
look at the green bean dog diet and discuss some of the problems and advantages of it.

If you decide to feed your dog the green bean diet, you should know that you can not
only feed your dog green beans. By only giving your dog this green vegetable diet would
not be the right healthy decision for your dog’s diet. Pet owners should find the balance
between dog food and green beans that will produce the desired results.

The green bean dog diet is standard kibble for your pet mixed with a amount of green
beans. These green beans are a healthy way to keep your dog full between meals. Adding
some green beans to the food at meal times will help your dog’s diet and keep your dog
feeling full and happy between meals.

Should all dogs be eating the green bean diet? No not all dog’s should have green beans
added to their meals. The green bean dog diet is ideal for dogs who should lose weight.
Many pet owners continue to use the green bean dog diet to help keep a healthy weight
for their pet, This is after the initial weight loss.

It is not often that your dog will turn there nose up at the green beans. Dogs feel fuller
and will have more of a happy attitude towards you. Also a increase in health and vitality.

One down side to think about when you decide to change your dog’s diet over to the
green bean diet, is the larger amount of fiber your dog will consume. Some dog’s systems
can react to this, so you will need to monitor your pet’s outputs. Begin adding the green
beans a little at a time and gradually increase the amount. Some pet owners find it helps
to only add the green beans to there dog’s diet at one meal time during the day, this is
done keep there dog’s potty schedule in order.
If you do decide to use the green bean dog diet as your dog’s diet, then there are a few
tips to keep in mind. You will need to purchase a re sealable lid to cover the open can of
green beans, this is for easier storage in between meals. You should measure the amount
of green beans in your dog’s diet just the same as you would measure kibble or treats that
you give your dog.

When ever possible you should purchase your canned green beans with no added salt.
This is a healthy option for your dog’s diet.

The green bean dog diet has many advantages. But you will need to monitor your dog’s
intake of them to help prevent unforeseeable outputs. The green bean dog diet will help to
lose and maintain weight while keeping your pet healthy and happy.

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Your Garden and Your Dog!

Summer is here all year around for some people. For a lot of people that means that they
can enjoy the two greatest loves in their life; their dog and their garden.

Unfortunately, the two do not always get along. The garden starts to grow. Visions of
flowers, herbs and vegetables are in your head. Your dog also has visions…visions of
playing in the green grass, in the shade of the batch of lilies that are growing in the
corner. I know my black lab, Benny, loved to lie in the midst of the lilies and hide. He
would stretch out like a torpedo. Heck one day I couldn’t find him at all, I thought he
was lost.

But, along with all those wonderful visions comes danger for your dog. So, here are a
few tips and tricks for you.

- Remember, Bored dogs get into trouble. A dog needs a walk, no matter how big your
property. A dog needs a walk, that steady, fast forward walk.
- Teach your dog a cue; one sentence that means “get out of the garden”. I did that with
my two, and it works! It means you have to spend a little extra attention on your dog at
the beginning. But it works. By the way, this is also good if you take your dog visiting.
It means your dog will learn to respect all gardens.

- There are pet friendly “pet repellents” available. Please, make sure that they are safe. A
beautiful garden is not worth the life of your pet.

- At the beginning of the season, if you have a place you don’t want your dog to go, put
down some bristled twigs; it will reinforce the “get out of the garden” phrase you will say
when your dog goes to that spot.

And mostly, please be aware for the Safety of your pets.

- Try to chose other than chemicals for lawn and garden care. Even organic garden
products can be dangerous to your pets. If you have a need to use them, keep your pets
away, usually for 24 hours.

- A lot of the garden fertilizers are made of “animal bone meal” which is very attractive to
dogs. Please use an alternative. Become aware of what you use around your dog.
Especially if you have a new dog or puppy.

- Also, certain plants are poisonous to dogs.

Become aware of what could hurt your pet, and have a great summer!

Ruth, the author of this article, is actively involved with the internet. She is a wife, a
stepmom a dog owner. She is married for almost 30 years. One of her dogs is a Certified
Therapy Dog. Her passion is dog adoption for all and dog training. http://www.choose-
dog-adoption.com/Blog & http://www.happypetstop.com/blog

Free mini-course on training and

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Using a head collar for dog training
The head collar has become an increasingly well-liked dog training tool during the past 2
years. The advantage of this design is that even if the dog is somehow in a position to
squirm out of the muzzle, it remains wearing a collar. This safety feature is vital,
particularly during coaching outside or in novel scenarios. Coaching a dog with a head
collar has some advantages over coaching with a conventional or coaching collar. For one
thing, head collars are typically simpler to use for beginning dog trainers than are
coaching collars. Head collars are also quite successful at stopping dogs from pulling, or
controlling and retraining dogs that have a tendency to pull.

Head collars can be fantastic for controlling dogs that are really robust, or for working
with a dog in an area that contains plenty of distractions. For example, head collars are
superb for when your dog is on and expedition, or in an area where there’ll be other dogs
and other distractions. Even though a head collar could be a great tool, it shouldn’t be
used as a replacement for effective dog coaching. Although head collars have plenty of
advantages , they have some distinct drawbacks too.

If your dog exhibits this behavior, the best technique is to keep it moving until it learns to
accept the collar.

A good alternative is to have the dog sit by pulling up on the dog’s head. Another
drawback of the head collar is the reaction that many people have to it. Many of us think
that a head collar is a muzzle, and react to the dog as if it may bite. Whilst this isn’t
always a flaw of the head collar, many of us do find it worrying. To conclude, coaching
with a head collar is very similar to training with a coaching collar or any other
equipment. The eventual goal of dog training with a head collar should be to have the dog
behave as well with a regular collar as it does with the specialized head collar.

245 Healthy Recipes for Dogs

Avoid poisonous commercial dog food. Homemade dog
food is healthier, more nutritious – with these
recipes.

Your veterinarian will be asking you for your secrets!

Got Fleas? 7 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Them
Fleas are pesky critters that can transmit a variety of diseases and illnesses and make life
miserable for your pet as well. Getting rid of these pests is essential for a healthy, happy
home for all of its two-legged and four-legged inhabitants. Here are seven easy ways to
prevent and control the flea population around your house.

Prevention is Key

The best method in the fight against fleas is preventing an infestation in the first place.
Since they thrive in heat and humidity, be sure to check your pet frequently during the
hotter months as well as in the fall or autumn. Another critical preventative measure is
keeping your yard trimmed and free of weeds and to keep the foliage pruned as much as
possible. It’s also wise to wash the pet’s bedding in very hot, soapy water on a weekly
basis as this is the most likely site for flea eggs and larvae.

Keep an Eye on Your Pet

It should go without saying that it’s necessary to watch your pet for commons signs and
symptoms of a flea infestation. Keep an eye out for excessive biting and scratching,
particularly around the tail and lower back areas. Watch for raw patches of skin where
your dog or cat may have been scratching at fleas for some time. Another bit of evidence
is “flea debris,” specks of dried blood that are black in color.

Ask for a Professional

Consult with your veterinarian for their thoughts on flea control. They can recommend a
few treatment options for you to decide which would be best for your particular situation.

Flea Collars and Powders

If you have caught the problem relatively early, it may be possible to eliminate fleas by
using flea collars and powders. There are several brands and types to choose from, and
many contain a special comb with fine teeth that is designed to remove fleas from fur.

Flea Baths

It’s helpful to bathe your pet frequently using a specially formulated soap or treatment.
It’s necessary to take into consideration the type of fur or coat your pet has when bathing.
This is particularly true for dogs as some breeds have essential oils that shouldn’t be
washed away with soap and water more than once or twice a year. If bathing in a flea
bath isn’t an option for your pet, consult your vet for other alternatives.

Monthly Medication
There are pills available for your pet to take on a monthly basis that will prevent fleas
from reproducing, but they do not kill the ones that have already reached adulthood.
There are also multi-purpose medications and products available that are designed to
prevent fleas from reproducing as well as controlling heartworm, hookworms,
whipworms and roundworms.

An Unconventional Method

This simple home remedy is touted by many as a sure cure for a house infested with fleas.
At nighttime, simply fill a few bowls of plain water and place them underneath a lit
flashlight. It is said that the fleas will be attracted to the light, jump into the water and
drown.

Get more information about how to get rid of fleas from kill fleas now.

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Leather Dog Collars: Are They The Right Choice?
They’re attractive, fashionable … and questionable. They come mass made and some
with designer labels. They also make unbelievably high priced chew toys for many
puppies and dogs. They’re leather dog collars, once the average dog gear and now a
luxury item. Is a leather dog collars right for your dog?

Benefits

Some of the advantages of using leather dog collars are that they are long lasting
provided you take care of them properly. Although they cost more initially than other
collars, they can sometimes last longer than the life of your dog. Some owners of dogs
who get good and muddy like to use leather dog collars and leashes than of other
materials because it is so durable.

Another advantage is that leather always goes with your dog’s fur, whether it is brown
leather or black leather. Leather has a timeless look and a great smell, if you take care of
the leather correctly. There are now a wide variety of leather dog collars in different
patterns, colors, with rhinestones or other additions. There are even big name designers of
people fashions who are getting into pet couture.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantage of leather dog collars is that it’s made out of very tasty animal
hide. At least, your dog thinks it’s tasty. You can’t explain to your dog that it’s not
acceptable to chew on the $100 rolled leather dog collar but it is preferrable to chew on
rawhide treats. They are made of nearly the same stuff. Dogs will chew on leather, but
with patience and persistence, they can be trained not to.

Other disadvantages are having to clean and condition the leather dog collar and leash.
You dont have these worries with nylon or rayon collars and leashes. You can throw them
in the bath along with the dog. But prolonged exposure to soaking water will destroy
leather. You need to get special soaps and conditioners for them. You might need to have
the leather collars worn only on special occasions.

If you are a vegetarian or vegan, than you are already trying to cut out all animal-based
products from your life. The thought of killing cows for dog collars might not sit well on
your conscious. But there are elegant fake leather dog collars that are just about as tough
as leather on the market. As an added bonus, they don’t have the strong smell that attracts
dogs looking for a quick treat.
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Better Dog Food Tips For Better Dog Health

Are you concerned about the health of your dog? I compiled a list of 10 foods and
ingredients which you should not feed your dog.

1. You should not give chocolate to your puppy because it contains the alkaloid
theobromine, caffeine which is toxic to dogs.

2.. Dog’s digestive system can not digest the protein and sugar in dairy products. Hence
you should not feed dairy products like milk, cream, butter, cheese, cottage cheese,
yogurt, whey, sour cream, kefir, casein, and ice cream.

3. Dogs are very sensitive to oils so always avoid the same. Even you should be extra
careful before you apply oil to dog for aromatherapy or massage.

4. There is a recent report regarding toxicity due to grape and raisin ingestion so avoid
them.

5. Some houseplants are toxic so you should avoid houseplants till you train your dog
properly on chewing. If you like, you can provide a pot of fresh wheatgrass for safe
nibbling.

6. You should avoid onions and garlic because they might irritate the gastrointestinal
system.

7. Salmon poisoning is an infectious disease caused by a rickettsia that uses a parasitic

fluke on salmon as a host. It can cause serious illness and death.

8. Soy contains compounds that may harmfully affect dogs by interfering with nutrient
absorption, normal growth, thyroid function, and hormonal development.
9. Sugar comes in many forms, including beet, raw, brown, cane, fructose, corn
sweetener, corn syrupdextrin, dextrose, glucose, lactose, maltose, barley malt, molasses,
honey, and maple syrup. Sugar in any form should be avoided.

10. Most dogs can not tolerate Yeast. Yeast should be avoided because tey cause allergic
reactions, bloating, digestive and urinary problems.

Top Suggestion for dog food?

Preparing dog food is not the simplest of solutions because the nutrition needs for
puppies and dogs are quite different from ours. The most recommended solution is to
find a dog food that contains only human-grade, natural ingredients.

Flint River Ranch offers dog food that is prepared under controlled conditions, resulting
in a food that is easily digested, and has a high degree of absorption of vital vitamins and
minerals. Flint River Ranch dog food is a premium quality pet food that your dog will
love and keep them healthy.

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Top Tips For Successful Dog Behavior Training
Dog behavior training for chewing is an issue you will need to address early on in your
relationship

Dogs carry out destructive chewing for three main reasons, they are simply bored, they
find it pleasurable to do so, or they find it helps get them through emotional times. The
nearest human equivalent for which might be to consume a bar of chocolate!

Anything that gets in the way of this chewing normally ends up in poor state. Of course
your dog has many sharp teeth which will get through many household items.

Whatever you do never let your dog chew anything of yours, just being allowed one item
can be interpreted by your dog as there being everything up for grabs.

How To Avoid Your Possessions Being Destroyed

The first tip for dog behavior training is to not place valuable objects in the way of
temptation. If you have had a baby then you know all about making your house safe of
loose items. Why let providence intervene.

In addition, when hiding things be aware of just how agile your dog is. The distance she
can reach when on her hind legs?

Consider that common targets in the home include books, eyewear, clothing, shoes,
garbage, and small appliances like cameras, cell phones, and remote controls.

Of course food is the one thing that needs to be stored securely. A sensible thing to do
with food is to always make sure it is stored either in high cupboards or locked away in
airtight containers.

The phrase prevention is better than cure applies to dog behaviour training too, if your
dog is not given the opportunity to discover the delights of chewing a forbidden item then
it is a lot easier for her to learn your house rules.

Allowing your dog to carry on some old habits can seriously undermine your training
efforts. Once she has the taste do not be surprised to find shoes you care about being
treated to the same destructive chewing.

Getting some doggy toys is a good way of helping your dog understand that those are
hers to play with, not any of your own stuff. Take a look around your local pet store for
tough items such as rubber bones and balls etc. Buy a few and rotate their use as a way to
keep your dog behavior training interesting.
Some final advice on dog behavior, when you catch your dog chewing something
inappropriate be sure to interrupt her immediately and provide a suitable alternative and
give lavish praise when this is accepted as a way of reinforcing good behavior.

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Veterinary Secrets Revealed

Could That Labrador Golden Retriever Puppy Be A

Future Life Saver?
Lots of people have known for a long time that certain crossbreeds of dogs are an
improvement on each of the original breeds. The trick is finding the best crossable
breeds. Lots of these crossbreeds end up becoming considered pure breeds themselves.
One of the most successful crossbreeds in dogs is seen in the Labrador/Golden Retriever
puppy, known also as Golden Labrador Retrievers. As puppies they begin to show the
best traits of their parents breeds.

The Perfect Personality?

Both Labrador and Golden Retrievers are dogs that really like people and are eager to
please. Note that not every one is alike, and bad training will always make for a bad,
fearful dog (regardless of breed), but overall, a Labrador/Golden Retriever puppy is a
born people lover. They are fascinated by people and seem to easily bond with them.
They also have a lot of strength and energy, which comes in good for service and search
and rescue dogs.
Great Dogs For Helping the Blind

Golden Labrador Retrievers are hailed as the best seeing eye dogs by experts that train
seeing eye dogs in England. There is an extensive breeding program run in England by
Guide Dogs to raise dogs to be seeing eye dogs. A Labrador/Golden Retriever puppy is
first tested at about eight weeks of age to see what his personality is like.

A seeing eye dog’s training is never really over. Often, puppies will fail training and be
put up for adoption. To take a Labrador/Golden Retriever puppy and turn out a
dependable life-saver costs an average of $70,000. They work until old age or illness
forces them to retire, then they are placed in care homes for the remainder of their lives.

Other Facts

Although many online Labrador information web sites will say that a Golden Labrador is
always yellow, this is not true. Occasionally a dark puppy will be born. American Canine
Hybrid Club is where you can register your Labrador Golden Retriever puppy.

Every day, a newborn Golden / Labrador Retriever puppy makes that first step to being a
drug sniffing dog, cancer sniffing dog, service dog or a search and rescue dog. They all
can rescue us from ourselves and our selfishness and help give our souls back to us.

More: Labrador golden retriever, Labrador golden retriever puppy, Labrador puppies
information, Labrador retriever

Clicker Training: The 4 Secrets of Becoming A Super

Dog Trainer
With proper clicker training, your dog learns to THINK. The
dog learns to solve problems, to experiment, to be creative. The
dog feels a sense of control of the training situation - and he loves
it!

Very soon you will discover that your dog has become a LEAN,
MEAN LEARNING MACHINE capable of learning new
behaviors and tricks in record time! You won´t believe how fun
dog training can be until you have a dog like this.
Find out here why this training method is something different.

5 Great Tips On Building A Dog House

Over 50% of the population allows their dog to stay indoors and sleep on the couch or in
their owner’s bed. For those of you who are interested in building a dog house for you
beloved pet here are some simple rules to follow when considering what type of shelter
you want to provide.

1. You should begin your dog house building process by making sure the house is big
enough to accommodate your animal’s potential adult size. Humans enjoy having about 2
feet of air above us in a room in order to live without feeling claustrophobic. Your dog
will probably also enjoy having that much room. The comfort zone for both humans and
dogs is about 1/3 of their standing height. To figure out how much room the dog will
need get out a tape measure and measure your dog. Measure him standing straight up,
sitting on his haunches and above all measure the full dimension of the dog when he is
the most comfortable, relaxed and stretched out position he can get into. Your dog should
be able to look out the front entrance while both standing up and sitting. So the dog will
not have to significantly lover his front shoulders or scrape his belly make sure that
entrance is high enough. Stand over the dog and measure the width of the widest point of
the animal’s shoulders.

2. Remember to raise the dog house several inches from the ground to allow air and water
to flow underneath. To dissuade pests from invading the dog house and taking your dogs
health into consideration remember how important ventilation is. Put in a few nickel-
sized holes in the walls under the eaves. Install a wind block inside the house so the dog
can use the heat of its own body to warm up the area if it is really cold or windy outside.
Consider adding a partial wall which will allow your dog to escape the bad weather. Your
animal can choose to just sleep in the entry room or go around the inner archway maze
wall into the inner sanctum. Your beloved pet would probably love having a pillow or
some sort of bedding to sleep on.

3. To avoid rain coming into the dog house make the floor just a bit slanted toward the
doorway and build the roof a little bit slanted, as well. Make sure the house is well
insulated but you should not paint the inside.

4. In the United States most storms come from the south and west so make sure the dog
house faces a different direction. Most dog house plans suggest that the dog house door
faces east. The cold air will not be able to whip through the entryway then.

5. It is suggested that you put hinges on the roof of the dog house. This makes it easier
for you to clean out your dog’s home. You should clean the dog’s house as often as you
give your dog a bath.
If your dog lives outside then he deserves to have a comfortable place to sleep and get out
of harsh weather. Hopefully these easy tips on building a dog house will help you get
started.

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4 to 8 Dog Agility Jumps Makes Ideal Training

We are often asked, “How many jumps should I start with?” You can never have too
many single jumps to practice agility. A good starting place is four jumps. This is the
absolute minimum number of jumps that we recommend.

You can teach a variety of skills, drills, and exercises with four jumps. Four jumps will
allow you to work on a short jump chute or jump grid. You can setup a “box” with your
jumps and practice handling, collection, and 270 degree jumps. You can teach your dog
jumping left and right. You can be outside the box and send your dog or you can handle
from the inside of the box. Your jumps can be setup in a horizontal line, so that you can
practice serpentines and threadles.

Go the next step and get eight jumps. Now you can setup two boxes with one
introductory jump. You’ve now multiplied your drills that you can practice with your
dog. Your jump grids can be of recommended size and quantity of jumps. You can also
setup your jumps in a circle with the jump bars perpendicular to the circle or on the
circumference of the circle. This pattern also enables you to train a variety of skills.
Your next consideration is a double jump and a triple jump. You could set two or three
single jumps together to make your expanded jump, but having double and triple jump in
your course work is really valuable to practice. We’ve seen many dogs run a clean course
and the last obstacle is a triple and the dog is not prepared for it, and bang, down comes
the bar.

You can really be ahead of the pack and have two sets of eight jumps. This is the
ultimate in training because you can keep a jump grip up at all times that is separate from
your course work, and have eight single jumps to have for course work. And when you
include your double and triple, you can really practice all the jumping skills and drills
necessary to get you those “Qs”.

"How I Trained My Dog In One Evening..."

Read more …

3 Important Things To Remember When Training Your

Puppy
There are as many ways to raise a puppy as there are to raising a child. In fact, one way
per family in general! But most of us agree that when it comes to children, certain things
are universal and undisputed. Here are three things that a lot of people just do not think of
when it comes to raising their dogs, however. How many times have we heard, “My dog
just won’t listen to me”, or “He just won’t behave!”

1. Dogs do not understand English until we teach them.

The thing we all love about puppies the most is the way they live for us, the way they
focus all they have on us, the way our lives become theirs. In the beginning, they study us
to learn our body language, our facial expressions and our language. Until we teach them
the English language, it’s all they have. If we say, “Wanna go out?” one day, “Have to go
potty?” the next day, and, “Hafta pee?” the third day, if they DO figure out what we want,
it is because we have picked up the leash and moved toward the door with a happy face!
If you want to speed up his training by three-fold, teach him YOUR language. Pick a
command for EACH behavior and stick with it. Tell all in your family to use the same
words and commands, and your puppy will amaze you at how much faster he learns.

2. A young puppy’s metabolism is racing along faster than we think.

The younger your puppy is, the faster he is growing, the more food and water he needs to
fuel his metabolism, and the more often he has to go potty. Do not punish your puppy
when he makes a house-breaking mistake. These are YOUR fault. Your puppy’s age in
weeks and his breed size determine how often he must go out. Once an hour is not too
often for a large 6-week old puppy, especially if it is summertime. Dogs love the exciting
smells outdoors, so there is no excuse to not have him housebroken by 7-8 weeks of age.
Right after a nap, after he eats and after grooming are the key times, and he will signal
you. If he is happily chewing a toy and gets up suddenly with his nose to the floor, move
quickly! And every time he goes potty outside, praise him to high heaven! “What a good
BOYY!”, “GOOD go potty!” and the like. Dogs love our happy faces, and they will do
anything to get it.

3. Dogs live for our facial expressions and body language.

Because of this, the worst punishment you ever need to give your dog is a scowl and to
turn away from him. You can see his tail fall down and his face get so sad. He will learn
the lesson, I guarantee it. But his attention span is only 3-5 minutes, so do not scorn him
any longer. Love him up and give him your happy face again. Physical punishment is
never necessary. Use consistent commands and loving praise and he will know what you
want of him before you know. He will become a master of your body language and facial
expressions in no time at all.

Naturally there are many aspects of training your puppy well. Loving kindness works just
as well for puppies as it does with children, creating a happy, well-adjusted and obedient
dog for life. These three important tips, used consistently with confidence, will start him
well on his way.

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3 easy to teach dog tricks

To teach your dog tricks even easy ones you need to have some small reward treats, be in
a quiet suitable place and keep the training sessions to 10 - 15 minutes or your dog will
start to get board, remember when he gets something right lots of praise and a reward
treat, just be careful not to get him over excited or he will loose concentration.

Getting your dog to give you his paw, first get your dog to sit, then as you say the word
‘paw’ take your dogs paw in your hand, give the dog a treat, repeat this, after a few times
do not take his paw so quickly, say the word, count to one then take it, you should notice
he is bringing his paw up as you say the word if he does not go back to saying it at the
same time, do it a few more times then slow your response again. After 2 or 3 sessions
most dogs pick this one up quite happily.

The high five, like a lot of tricks the high five is a progression of an earlier trick, in this
cast the paw trick. Hold a treat in your fingers and raise your hand slightly higher than
you would for the paw trick. You dog will think you want to do the paw trick and will
reach for the treat with his paw as we taught him earlier, as he reaches up you say “high
five” and give him the treat. Once your dog has mastered the paw trick this one should be
very easy to learn and with just a few sessions he will be doing it on hand signal rather
than voice control.

Getting your dog to jump through a hoop, before you start this one I would just like to
ask you to be a little sensible and not hold the hoop too high as you do not want your dog
to heart himself while doing the trick. Sit your dog on one side of a hoola hoop, get the
dogs attention on your hand on the other side of the hoop take a treat in your hand and
give the dog the command to release him from the sit, at first he may attempt to go
around or under the hoop, if this happens start again, your dog wants the treat and will
soon learn that going around or under does not get it so he will soon start going through
it, when he does say hoopla and give him the treat. He will soon be jumping through the
hoop on the command of hoopla. When I started doing this trick I had a medium sized
dog (a Labrador) so I started with the hoop 6 inches from the ground and slowly raised it
to waist height, if you have a smaller dog you might want to start with the hoop touching
the ground so the dog just goes through the hoop and then slowly raise it as he gets used
to the trick.

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Tips for training your puppies

All of us dream of parenting the perfect dog, a pup that is a CGC or canine good citizen
and is well behaved and dependable at all times. Well dreams do come true if the training
is done with care and dedication. Remember pups learn from day one and need to be
taught what is right, what is wrong, and proper socialization.

Pups are like children, they need constant supervision and training. Training a pup need
not be an ordeal all you need to keep in mind are a few simple rules:

• Until your pup learns you need to keep an eye on him at all times. When you cannot
then you must crate him. Create a schedule for the pup this will help the pup settle down
quickly. The schedule must include things like hourly bath rooming visits, eating times,
rest periods, walks, play time, training, and so on. A pup that has a busy day has no time
to be bored and get into mischief.

• Teach the pup to respect you. Dogs live in packs and instinctively follow a leader. If
you establish your leadership in no uncertain terms then training will become easy as the
pup will obey you at all times and not challenge your authority.

• Use only positive training methods. Never shout at, hit, or punish a dog. It is not just
cruel but can lead to behavioral problems. Use of electric shocks, prong collars, sprays,
and so on could hurt the animal.

• Teach the pup “nothing in life is free.” This is a system that is widely acknowledged
as a useful training tool. If you practice this, the pup will learn that to get something like
love, a walk, or treat, he must behave well.

• Teach the meaning of “No,” from day one. Do not encourage behaviors like jumping,
mouthing, tug-o-war, barking, or running out of open gates and doors. Praise good
behavior and ignore or walk away when there is bad behavior. The pup will learn that if
he misbehaves he will loose his companion/playmate.

• To correct a behavior you must catch the pup in the act and startle him by rattling a
can of pebbles. Once you have done this make him correct his behavior and immediately
offer him a treat and praise. Pups do not recall what happened earlier so scolding him
after an event is of no use.

• Always call/use his name positively. Never say “Bad TOM,” or “No Tom,” this will
cause confusion and the pup will think that if you call his name then it is something bad.
The pup must associate his name with happy events like hugs, petting, walks, treats, and
such. If this happens he will come willingly when you call out his name.

• Create a training schedule that is short and sweet say 10 minutes thrice a day. Long
repetitive lessons can be boring and the pup will loose interest in learning. Make learning
fun and use trick training to teach commands like sit, down, come and so on.

• Bond with the pup and both of you will enjoy your lessons. The pup must look
forward to spending time with you and not avoid you by running away or hiding. Be sure
to socialize the pup early. Socialization is one of the most important lessons. The pup
must learn to be around other animals, people, sounds, vehicles, and other activities. So,
slowly introduce the pup when he is little to everyday activities and sounds. Take him to
the mall/ park, introduce him to children and other pets, and make him unafraid of the
vacuum and garden hose.

• Learn all about crate training, leash walking, house breaking, as well as food training.
These are kindergarten lessons that every pup must master. Know about all the
idiosyncrasies as well as peculiarities of the breed this will give you valuable insights on
how to successfully train the pup.

As a pet-parent you have many choices. You could choose to train the dog yourself or
register at a professional training school. Training a dog has many stages: kindergarten,
obedience training, doggy sports, showing and conformation, as well as other aspects like
therapy dogs, hearing dogs, and so on. What level you choose to train depends on you as
well as the learning abilities of your dog. As you know, different dog breeds like humans
have varied talents. Choose well and both you and your pup will have fun times together.

Labrador training to
Stop puppy Biting, Barking

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Guidelines To Choose A Healthy Dog Diet for Your Pet
When choosing a healthy dog diet it can often be difficult and confusing, that is if you let
it be. The packaging and marketing of the products you wish to purchase will often blur
your perception of it. Your dogs diet is the easiest and best way to keep your pet in good
health and happy for the many years you will have together. it is better for you to find a
diet that will provide all the essential nutrients that are needed for your pet to thrive rather
than merely survive.

So here are some basic guidelines for you to follow when you are selecting the food for
your dogs diet. you should know that every dog is different and what is the right diet for
your neighbors dog may not be exactly what your pet needs.

The first step should always be when deciding your dogs diet, is to talk to your vet. They
will always have your pets interest at heart, just like you. The vets recommendations will
help you make the right decision.

What you need to do is find a reputable brand of dog food to be the main ingredient of
your dogs diet. It is not impossible to come across a high-quality dog food that you have
never heard of or seen before, but a well known and manufacturer provides you with an
amount of safety and security about the decision to feed your dog a healthy diet.

Reputable and recognized dog food manufacturers take the time to research animal
nutrition. This allows your pet to benefit from the company’s research rather than going it
alone.

What you should do is select a dog food that is appropriate for your pets age. With a older
that is showing signs of aging, then it is best to consider a dog diet that is specially
formulated for senior dogs. On the other hand puppies have different nutritional needs
than adult dogs.

You will need to find a variety of food that meets your dogs needs. Even the breed and
size of your pet will make a difference in the type of diet you should feed it. Diets
formulated specifically for small dogs and large breeds are readily available. You will
want to keep this in mind when selecting your dog’s diet.

The activity level and weight are the other factors for you to consider when making the
decision of what to feed your dog. When you decide on a diet for your dog, pay attention
to the portion size. Obesity is a serious problem in pets. It can lead to hip trouble and take
years off your pets life.

Table scraps are definitely not a healthy diet. Your dogs diet should consist of a high-
quality food specially designed to meet your pets dietary needs.
Only supplement a high quality diet when recommended by your vet. If you give your pet
too many supplements in the dogs diet then this can lead to a poor of health.

Your dogs diet will fuel his health, so choose your dogs diet wisely. You need to select a
brand of food that is reputable and suited to your dog. When you find the right diet for
your pet it will promote good health and allow your dog to thrive for many years to come.

More info: dieting your dog, dog, dog diet, dog food, dog health, dogs diet, pet health

Curb Irritating Dog Barking Behavior

Barking is as natural to a dog as talking is as natural to a human being. Trying to
eliminate dog barking altogether would be like trying to stop someone to talk forever! It’s
impossible and it’s not exactly a nice thing to do. But we have to admit, excessive
barking (much like excessive talking) is totally irritating—not just to you but to your
family, your hot neighbor, the children at play, the mailman, and every one else who can
hear it.

Though barking shouldn’t be stopped—after all, it is very useful when your dog uses it
for the right reasons like warning you, warding off trespassers, or telling you something
of importance—it must be controlled. If you want to maintain peace in the neighborhood
and between your neighbors, controlling your dog’s barking habits is important.

Many people and dog owners don’t know much about curbing incessant dog barking
behavior.

A lot of dog owners would basically just run to an anti-barking collar. They seem to be
the most convenient solution. What’s so appealing about collars is that they can help the
owner supervise incessant barking while the owner isn’t around. Today, there are
basically three different types of anti-barking collars available in the market.

One is the sonar collar. Sonar collars are discreet things. It basically releases a high
frequency sound inaudible to humans and irritable to dogs whenever the dog would bark.
The idea is that they will associate the irritable sound as punishment to their incessant
barking.

The second one is the citronella collar. The citronella collar sprays a scent that dogs don’t
really like. When the dog barks, they spray so that, like the sonar collar, the dog would
find the scent as a punishment for their incessant barking. Although the device sounds
promising, anecdotal reports state that a lot of dogs have already found a way to get
around this collar.

One anecdotal report states that their dog would just keep on barking until the collar runs
out of citronella. Afterwards, he will go on barking the whole day without having to deal
with the citronella smell. Other dogs find other ways, like making a face (that probably
gets them to hold their breath somehow) when the collar sprays and then barking again.
The third variety is called the shock collar. This collar gets a lot of people iffy. It stops
dog barking with electric shock. The strength level of the electric current can even be
changed from 1 to 6; 6 being the highest and the one that stings the most.

Many people regard this collar as inhumane and don’t condone it. After all, no sane
person would do that to another person so why even think of doing it to their own pet? A
lot of people reasonably avoid the sonar collar.

Although they may all seem very practical, easy, and promising, collars are at most,
simply a supplementary solution to incessant dog barking.

Before running to anti-barking collars, find a solution first—find out why your dog barks
that way in the first place. If humans have psychologists, dogs have veterinarian
behaviorists. Their role is to generally observe a dog’s environment and circumstances to
figure out what exactly triggers their socially unacceptable behavior. And then based on
their findings, they give training solutions to eliminate the behavior problem.

Some reasons as to why a dog would bark are things like the lack of things to do (they
might have too much time in their paws with nothing to spend it with) or frustration
(perhaps they’re being bullied by another dog in the family or by the people around them)
to name two.

If you don’t know why your dog keeps barking, you can call a vet behaviorist to help you
out. A vet behaviorist will also teach you what to do. They might recommend you to get
an anti-barking collar but only to support training.

Barking dogs are just sometimes extremely bored with so much energy to waste. If you
think your dog might just be bored, then it’s time to spend time with him playing—take
him for walks, play catch with him, and let him socialize with other dogs. If you don’t
have time, then hire a dog walker or take it to a doggie day care. When left alone with
nothing to do, dogs feel bored and lonely just like humans do and they will do just about
anything to release some energy or catch your attention.

You can also use other tricks like the “QUIET” command, which you will have to
implement whenever he barks senselessly. You wouldn’t have much trouble teaching the
“QUIET” command if you’ve already established yourself as the alpha of the pack. If
your dog’s barking is already killing your chances with your hot neighbor, though then
you might want to get a collar but ONLY as a temporary thing or as a training
supplement.

The sonar collar is most recommended as it is not just humane, but more efficient than
the two as well. Never forget to tackle the problem with hands-on solutions and
obedience training as well. Training your dog to respond to obedience signals is still the
best and lasting way to eliminate dog barking behavior but still maintain his freedom to
do what he naturally does.
 More info: barking dogs, dog barking, dog barking
problems, dog barking solutions, dog problems, dog
trainings, dogs, pets

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Training your puppy not to bite

Bringing home a new puppy is always an exciting time. Introducing the new puppy to the
family should be fun for both yourself and your puppy.

One of the first challenges however is curbing tasteless puppy behaviors. Biting and
mouthing is a typical activity for a lot of young puppies and dogs. The first part of
training the puppy is to halt the biting reflex. Biting could be lovable and safe with a five
pound puppy, but it is neither lovable nor safe when that dog has grown to adulthood.

Thus, puppies should be taught to regulate their bite before they reach the age of 4
months. It is so up to the humans in the puppy’s life to educate this lesson. One good
way to slow down the biting reflex is to permit the puppy to play and socialise with other
puppies and socialised older dogs. Puppies love to tumble, roll and play with one another,
and when puppies play they bite one another continually. This is the most effective way
for puppies to learn how to control themselves when they bite. If one puppy becomes too
coarse while playing, the remainder of the group will punish him for that unbecoming
behavior. Thru this kind of socialization, the puppy will learn how to control his biting
reflex. In addition, shortage of socialization in puppies frequently causes fearful and
assertive behaviors to develop.

Dogs frequently react aggressively to new scenarios, particularly if they’re not correctly
socialised.

It’s important, so, to introduce the puppy to both kids and adults.

The best time to socialize a puppy to young youngsters is when it remains very young,
typically when it is 4 months old or younger. This is particularly true with giant breed
dogs, or with breeds of dogs with a name for assertive behavior. Training your puppy to
trust and respect you is a particularly satisfactory way to stop biting. Gaining the trust and
respect of your dog is the foundation for all dog coaching, and for correcting problem
behaviors. It’s important to never hit or slap the puppy, either during coaching or any
other time. Reprimanding a dog won’t stop him from biting it’ll simply frighten and
confuse him.

The best house training for dogs

The best house training uses the dog’s own instincts to avoid soiling its bed to train the
dog where and where not to eliminate.

That is the basis behind crate coaching, in which the dog is confined to its crate with a
lack of the owner, and den training, in which the dog is confined to a tiny area of the
home. This kind of coaching customarily works really well, both for puppies and for
older dogs. Issues with this kind of toilet coaching are sometimes the result of not
understanding the signals the dog is sending, not being consistent with feeding times, or
attempting to rush the method. It is always best to house train the dog correctly the 1st
time than to go back and retrain an issue dog. If the dog continues to soil the den area
after house training, the likeliest reason is the owner has left the dog in the den for too
much time. In this example, the best methodology is to make the den area smaller or to
take the dog to the toilet area more often. If the dog soils the bed which has been
provided in the den area, it is most likely because the owner has left the dog there for too
much time, and the dog had a comprehensible accident.

Or it might be the dog hasn’t yet adopted this area as the bed.

It’s important to have the dog entirely checked out by a vet to rule out any medical issues.
Dogs who are bored frequently drink large quantities of water and so must urinate more
often than you might think. If you notice your dog consuming big quantities of water, be
certain to take the dog to the established toilet area more frequently, and supply the dog
with toys and other distractions to eliminate boredom.
In a number of cases dogs can react to the den like it is a jail or a punishment. It’s
important for the dog to feel safe in its den, and to consider it as a home and not a cage.
The only way to house train a puppy or dog, or to re-house train a difficulty dog, is to
make yourself conscious of the dog’s habits and desires.

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The correct dog training methods

Correctly training and socializing a puppy is urgent to making it a valued member of your
family and your community. One reason is the puppy is largely a “blank canvas”,
untroubled by past coaching methodologies and other issues. One challenge to training a
new puppy is that puppies are far more easily distracted than adult dogs. For this reason,
it’s best to keep coaching sessions short when working with a puppy, and to finish each
coaching sessions on a positive note.

It’s also vital to permit the puppy lots of time to play, and to have interaction with other
puppies and dogs. Socialization coaching is vital to making your new puppy a good dog
voter, as dog aggression is a growing problem in plenty of areas. A correctly socialised
dog learns the way to play properly with other dogs, and overly assertive play is punished
by the other dogs in the play group. Unfit behavior, for example hard biting or scratching,
is punished by the other puppies, by the mother dog, or both.

Training your dog to be obedient and responsive, even in the face of several distractions,
is vital when coaching dogs and puppies. One good way to socialize your puppy both to
new folks and new dogs is to take it on a visit to your local pet store. It’s important for
puppy owners to structure their pet’s environment so the puppy is rewarded for good
behaviors and not rewarded for others. Whilst it’s correct that jumping can be lovable for
a ten pound puppy, it won’t be so lovable when that puppy has grown into an one
hundred pound dog.

This kind of positive reinforcement will result in a well behaved adult dog that could be a
valued member of both the family and the community at large. For example, training a
puppy to employ a unique surface like gravel or asphalt is a good method.

The idea is the puppy will associate this surface with going potty, and thus be disinclined
to use other surfaces.

Coupons For Dog Food - Saving On Dog Food Bills

While you may know pet owners that have just one dog in their home, most have more
than one. Several might have three or more. Pups are outstanding companions to their
owners, but they are much happier if they have another of their own kind that lives near
them. They also seem to keep one another company when their people are away, or when
their people simply do not have the time to be with them. Caring for a number of dogs is
enjoyable and a noble idea, but it could well be that you have to keep an eye out for dog
food store coupons so that feeding them all won’t leave you broke.

Watch out for coupons for dog food that are usually in the magazines that come with your
Sunday paper. It’s possible that these coupons will not be for your usual brands, but you
can usually find something that can save you a bit of cash. While you might have a
favorite brand of food, you may want to find some others that are every bit as good for
your dogs so that you can expand your options when it comes to using the coupons for
dog food to save cash on feeding your four legged friends.

You can also go Online to source dog food coupons. You may even source coupons for
free food from different dog food suppliers. Dog food companies sometimes offer dog
food samples - that can at times be quite considerable - so that you get to try out the
different foods for yourself. They are hopeful that your dogs will really go for their brand,
and that you will continue to buy their brand over and over again. It might be worth your
while to take advantage of these offers of free pet food, and you may just find a dog food
that your dogs like more than the dog food that you normally use the most. After that,
they may offer you even more dry dog food coupons if you join their mailing list either in
postal or email lists.

Close by you’ll find other places for dog food store coupons that one can try to use. You
can coax your vet for coupons, though keep in mind veterinarians may only deal with the
more expensive dog food brands. Keep an eye out for mail flyers from other stores, even
if they are stores where you commonly do not buy your dog food. Also look for discounts
by finding a warehouse store, or a pet food company that has a nearby department store.
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How To Choose The Right Puppy

Posted by GoGoKitty: Steve on November 25, 2008

One of the most important considerations regarding bringing a puppy to your home is to
choose one that will fit in with your family and your lifestyle. For those who are very
relaxed about life bringing home a pet that is very active will not make much sense as it
will not suit you or the puppy. You need to choose your pet according to his ability to
bond with you and to be a part of your lifestyle.

Exercise Is Important

Another important aspect to choosing your puppy is to address the need for him to get
plenty of exercise though a tiny breed such as a Boston terrier or even a Cocker Spaniel
will not require quite as much exercise as do larger sized dogs such as Labradors and
Alsatians. You should also think ahead about the nature of your puppy.

For those people that have young children about the home it makes sense to choose their
puppy from a breed that is known for its gentleness and so you must consider choosing
from breeds such as collies, bulldogs as well as chows. You will of course need to spend
some time researching various dog breed and then make your choice as wisely as
possible.

However, if you wish for more security about your home then you would certainly need
to check out different dog breeds including Dobermans and German Shepherds as well as
Boxers. Such breeds know their surroundings well and will always alert you in case of
suspicious activity in the vicinity of your home.

Another way of choosing a puppy is to know how well a particular breed trains because
breeds such as Golden Retrievers and Irish Settlers are easy to train while other breeds
require more effort in getting them to be well behaved. You might also want to pick a
puppy that is good in the water and so your efforts should be focused on picking from
Otter hounds, and American water hounds as they are very attracted to being in the water.

All said and done, choosing the right puppy represents a major decision which should be
taken after giving plenty of thought and exercising a lot of care. In addition, once you
have acquired a puppy you should then sit down and pick a suitable puppy name. In fact,
this process also requires showing extra consideration since your puppy is going to be
with you for many years and you want to pick a name for him that will give you pleasure
and which will also make owning a pet that much more fun.
A number of aspects need to be considered before bringing home a puppy. If you act
wisely and carefully, the latest member of your family will surely prove to be a great joy
for everyone.

For more about puppies please visit www.puppycareblog.com

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Finding A Free Yorkie Puppy

When it comes to finding a free yorkie puppy, you are going to find that it is not as easy
as one may think. This is because full breed dogs and puppies usually find their new
homes through someone purchasing them. Dog breeding is big business anymore and the
Yorkie is still a breed that is loved and sought after by many people. Because of this, the
odds of you finding a free yorkie puppy is very slim but that is not to say that it cannot be
done. With enough searching and high hopes you may just luck out in finding the puppy
of your dream. Just make sure that you get your new puppy to a free puppy training class
or your dream will soon become a nightmare.

If you just start doing a simple search for a free yorkie puppy you will soon see that they
are all being offered up for sale. The prices that are being charged will vary from state to
state because it all depends on the demand for that particular breed in that area. In the end
though, you are looking at a few hundred dollars to purchase the dog, which is a good
deal but not so much when you were hoping to find a nice and sweet free yorkie puppy. If
you keep your eyes open long enough you may just luck out and eventually find exactly
what you are looking for.

Where To Search

If you happen to stumble across an ad for a free yorkie puppy you will want to jump on it
as soon as possible. These ads as generally placed because the owners are moving and
cannot take the puppy with them or because they are having trouble training the puppy so
just want to quickly find it a good home. If they are short on time is when they will post
an ad in the classified section of their local newspaper offering up a free yorkie puppy. If
the reason is not already stated then you will want to ask why it is that they are willing to
give away a free yorkie puppy.

In your hunt for the perfect free yorkie puppy, you may be wondering just where exactly
you should be looking. The key is to look through the newspaper classifieds and the
online classifieds as much as possible. This is because once there is a free yorkie puppy
advertised; it usually will not be available for long. Also watch for signs in your town
where people are offering free pups to see what breed they are. Just keep your eyes open
and you will eventually find a free yorkie puppy.
For more about puppies please visit www.puppycareblog.com

• Tags: free yorkie puppy

Case Study on Dog Jumping

Isabel had always loved and wanted a small dog to keep her company. That is the reason
why when she got her first apartment in New Jersey, Isabel make it a point that the
neighborhood was dog-friendly. One early morning, she came across a nice family that
was giving away some mixed breed puppies, she picked and brought home a little girl
pup that was bouncy and full of energy, just like her! It was the best feeling she have ever
felt in years.

When Isabel first got Tiny, she enjoyed watching her bounce up and down, and loved it
especially when Tiny welcomes her at the door when she comes home from work. Yet
one day, when Isabel brought over her four-year old niece she noticed that Tiny would
not stop running around and jumping on her, causing her niece to fall over and hurt
herself. Isabel then thought of all the snagged sweaters and times that the jumping habit
got out of hand. She decided then and there that the jumping behavior had to stop!

Isabel began her quest to stop Tiny from this risky behavior by seeking some expert
advice. She spoke with trainers and scoured bookstores to find the right technique for
training dogs on stopping dog jumping . So she set her mind to giving Tiny a lot of love,
but she also decided that she would have to be firm in her decision and be really
committed to keeping up the training in the long term, too.

Isabel started to daunt off Tiny’s jumping behavior by commanding, “Down!” every time
she enters the room. Because it was an easy word for everyone to use, she has chosen the
word “down”. Every time she walked in the door, she would firmly say “Down!” until
Tiny was no longer jumping and acting over excited to see her. The training got her a
little frustrated at first, because Tiny just was not getting the command. Isabel even tried
giving Tiny a little nudge to get her to back off while she firmly said, “Down.” Yet after a
week, Isabel began to see that it was taking fewer and fewer commands to get Tiny to
control jumping and she felt that the hard work was not wasted .

Few weeks have passed by, and it was taking no more than two “Down” commands for
Tiny to stop jumping. Once Tiny had observed that she would gain praise for not jumping
at all, the behavior started to cease completely. After a few months, Isabel felt
comfortable bringing her niece again over to her house to play with Tiny, and found that
the two of them now got along beautifully. Her niece even feels that Tiny is now her new
best friend!

From Isabel’s status, we can see that it will for sure take some time, patience, and
consistency to train a dog to stop an unbecoming behavior. But, always bear in mind that
not all dogs can be taught simply at home. Isabel was prepared to use a trainer for
assistance in curbing Tiny’s behavior, but found that her patience paid off in the end. The
key was using a consistent command and praising Tiny greatly when she behaved.

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Great Tips for Dog Obedience Training

Dogs have a lot of loveable natural qualities, but they also have some not-so-cute
behaviors. Digging is one of the latter, but it can persist as they bury bones, create
impromptu shelters, and just feel the dirt between their paws.

This natural behavior can wreak havoc on your yard and garden if it goes unchecked.
What is the best way to curb the digging impulse?

As with children, dogs do things for a reason. Why is your dog digging? If you can figure
this out, you are halfway to a solution. Does he just love to fling dirt?

Some dogs do enjoy the act of digging, but others use it to communicate with you. They
may be crying out for attention or more exercise. They may need a shelter to stay warm
or cool. They may be burying food. If you’ve recently put down fertilizer or dug in your
garden, your dog may be responding to the scents.

If you can determine why your dog is digging, you can take appropriate action. For
instance, do you notice your dog digging when it is very hot? He could simply be seeking
some shelter from the sun. Remedying the situation by getting a doghouse or taking the
dog inside will most likely stop the digging. Dog training collars can help to change
mischievous habits.

If the problem persists, try one of the following:

1. Find the spots your dog usually digs and bury a balloon that has been inflated. If your
dog digs, he’ll pop the balloon. This unpleasant reaction to his digging can deter him
from continuing.
2. Along the same lines, you can mix in his feces when you refill a hole he’s dug. Dogs
will often return to the same spots, and when he discovers the feces, he’ll be turned off
digging.

3. Chicken wire is another thing you can bury in your yard to deter your dog from
digging. He’ll hate the feeling of his claws against the wire and will be prompted to stop.

4. When you catch your dog digging, give him a spray from a water bottle or hose. They
hate this (but it is not harmful). They will learn to associate the punishment with the
crime. Only do this when you catch him digging or he will not connect the behavior with
the consequence.

Digging is natural, but it doesn’t have to ruin your yard. Figure out why your dog is
engaging in this behavior and take a little time to work on it with him. You’ll both be
much happier. Not unlike puppy potty training, naughty habits can be corrected with a
little coaching.

Clicker Training - A Great Training Technique

The use of clickers in dog training has increased in recent years. It is a gentle way to
condition your dog to repeat good behavior.

Clicker training works on the principle of operant conditioning. This is when a behavior
is repeated because a reward is associated with it. Here is some more on how clicker
training works:

You will need a clicker. This is simply a handheld plastic box. A metal strip is attached.
Depressing the strip causes a sharp click.

When you first start click training, you pair the click with a reward, such as a dog biscuit.
When the dog performs a command well, you click immediately and offer the treat.

The dog learns to associate the click with the behavior and the click with the treat, which
makes it more likely that he’ll repeat it. Soon, just the click will be enough, and
eventually, it can be phased out altogether.

Clicking is immediate. Dogs need to know exactly what they are being praised for, and
the clicking sound helps let them know. This is why the clicker method is so effective for
training.

Your dog really wants to make you proud. Using the clicker method is a great way to
teach your dog in an effective and humane manner.

Be educated about your pet’s behaviour issues and needs, learn more about dog
obedience training.
 •

Your Garden and Your Dog!

Summer is here! It’s still cold around here, but, still, summer is here. For a lot of people
that means that they can, at least for a few months, enjoy the two greatest loves in their
life; their dog and their garden.

Unfortunately, the two do not always get along. The garden starts to grow. Visions of
flowers, herbs and vegetables are in your head. Your dog also has visions…visions of
playing in the green grass, in the shade of the batch of lilies that are growing in the
corner. I know my black lab, Benny, loved to lie in the midst of the lilies and hide. He
would stretch out like a torpedo. Heck one day I couldn’t find him at all, I thought he
was lost.

But, along with all those wonderful visions comes danger for your dog. So, here are a
few tips and tricks for you.

- Remember, Bored dogs get into trouble. A dog needs a walk, no matter how big your
property. A dog needs a walk, that steady, fast forward walk.

- Teach your dog a cue; one sentence that means “get out of the garden”. I did that with
my two, and it works! It means you have to spend a little extra attention on your dog at
the beginning. But it works. By the way, this is also good if you take your dog visiting.
It means your dog will learn to respect all gardens.

- There are pet friendly “pet repellents” available. Please, make sure that they are safe. A
beautiful garden is not worth the life of your pet.

- At the beginning of the season, if you have a place you don’t want your dog to go, put
down some bristled twigs; it will reinforce the “get out of the garden” phrase you will say
when your dog goes to that spot.

And mostly, please be aware for the Safety of your pets.

- Try to chose other than chemicals for lawn and garden care. Even organic garden
products can be dangerous to your pets. If you have a need to use them, keep your pets
away, usually for 24 hours.

- A lot of the garden fertilizers are made of “animal bone meal” which is very attractive to
dogs. Please use an alternative. Become aware of what you use around your dog.
Especially if you have a new dog or puppy.

- Also, certain plants are poisonous to dogs.

Become aware of what could hurt your pet, and have a great summer!
Ruth is actively involved with the internet. She is a wife, a stepmom a dog owner. She is
married for almost 30 years. One of her dogs is a Certified Therapy Dog. Her passion is
dog adoption for all and dog training. http://www.choose-dog-adoption.com/Blog &
http://www.happypetstop.com/blog

Stop Dog Chewing

Posted by GoGoKitty: Steve on November 23, 2008

Do you have a problem with dog chewing? A dog that loves to chew on anything he sees
interesting and you can’t seem to figure out why he has this kind of passion? Did you
ever come home from work and found your newest pair of shoes being chewed upon by
your, cute, sweet and innocent, little dog? If this is a familiar scenario to you, I suggest
that you continue to read on.

One of the worst habits that any dog can pick up is chewing. In addition to being
destructive to your property , a a dog chewing might get injured by breaking its teeth or
swallowing harmful material. Worse, , some dogs gnaw on themselves! This kind of bad
behavior may cause hair loss and even serious infections to areas of their bodies like their
tails, legs, and feet. If you have a problem with dog chewing, work to immediately
correct the situation instead of dismissing the act as a typical dog behavior.

Chewing is a known behavior of puppies . However, their choices of what to chew on

will be directly dependent upon you . If you are welcoming a new puppy into your home,
be sure to supply it with adequate toys to prevent your pooch from destroying your home,
car, or wardrobe. Furthermore , be sure to choose toys that cannot be mistaken for those
“out of bound” items. To somehow redirect its attention from the new pair they have just
bought, many dog owners prefer to grant their pups with cast off shoes but to their
surprise the puppy would still chew up on their brand new pair instead. Look for bones
and toys that are meant to be used as a chewing toy that will not splinter, break, or split
and potentially cause a choking hazard. Also, provide your puppy with several different
toys in various areas so that he does not become bored and opt to gnaw on your beloved
items and furniture as an alternative.

Yes, there are simple steps that can help you prevent your dog from chewing up your
possessions! For starters, the easiest way to stop this routine is to keep an eye on your
dog. Dogs cannot chew up your house and home while you sit watching them. A huge
part of dog ownership is VIGILANCE. Besides, think about keeping your dog to a room
or area of your home until you can trust him to have free rein of your abode. In addition
to vigilance, cleanliness is a large factor in what a dog has access to chew. Simply put,
your dog cannot chew your shoes unless they were left accessible. If you find your dog
chewing something, if possible, place it out of his reach. In all likelihood , the dog will
continue chewing the same item until it is either removed or completely destroyed.

“But what about the larger things like furniture, doors, or appliances that will be hard to
move”, you say? For these structures, apply a thin film of Bitter Apple. Like its name
suggests, this solution is quite bitter and very unsavory for dogs. Available in a spray or
cream, Bitter Apple will not damage the finish of your furniture and can easily be wiped
away once the dog learns not the chew. Don’t be alarmed if your dog does ingest the
material, it will not make him sick, as the contents of it are non-toxic.

Lastly, be the protector of your own things. Teach your dog commands like “leave it” and
instruct him to cease and desist the gnawing of your items. Use a spray bottle or a shaker
device rather than physical punishment, which can sometime cause dogs to become more
destructive in protest. If your dog is chewing on himself more than your home,
immediately visit your veterinarian. There are a lot of skin conditions, including parasitic
infections that can cause a dog to chew on his own skin in order to find relief. Turn to a
cooling spray that will provide relief as the area begins to heal. Also, use an antibiotic
cream to prevent infection.

Some Basics About Your New Best Friend

The Dog Whisperer,Cesar Milan, says, “There are no bad dogs. Only bad dog
owners.” So You need to ask am I ready for the responsibility of owning a dog?
No matter what breed you bring into your home, in the end, you are the one
responsible for your dog’s behavior. Learn all you can about the dog you hope to own.
Even the feared Pit Bull is a sweet loving dog in the right hands.

Most people like cuddly puppies and grown-up dogs. But before you welcome a new dog
into
your home, there are some things you need to think through to be sure both you and your
new best friend are happy and healthy.

Remember that dogs, no matter what they are today, were predators in the past. Wolves,
hyenas, dingoes, and foxes are carnivorous creatures who hunt to survive. Dogs were
most
likely domesticated from their canine ancestors from 20,000-30,000 years ago. In fact,
the many dog breeds have only proliferated in the last 200 to 300 years. Before that, a
few breeds existed to meet their masters’ needs for work.
When you own a dog, remember that the wolf is somewhere in there hiding. Depending
on its
breed and the way you treat it, that wolf could surprise you with a quick snip or a more
vicious attack. Careful selection and training of your dog will assure that your best friend
remains a best friend.

Before you select a dog, do your homework. Become familiar with dog breeds and
personality
traits, and compare these to your personal reasons for having a dog. Do you want a cute,
cuddly friend to dress up and carry around? Do you want a champion at dog agility
competitions or a champion show dog? Do you want a companion for your children? Or
do you want a body guard and home protector? Do you need support to cope with a
disability?

Each breed has characteristics that indicate what your life with your new friend will be
like. If you aren’t very patient or don’t like a lot of noise, you probably shouldn’t adopt a
small, energetic dog with lots of demands for attention. If you want an affectionate loyal
companion, you might want to consider a Golden or Labrador Retriever or a Collie. If
you want to protect your property, you might take a look at a German Shepherd, a
Rottweiler, or a Doberman Pincher.

If your household includes young children, your choice should be a careful one. Your
new dog
will have to be patient and tolerate with kindness having its tail pulled, being jumped on,
and
engaged in wrestling for hours on end. Bulldogs, American Eskimo dogs, Beagles,
Retrievers,
Setters, Sheepdogs, and many Terriers are among the many breeds good with children.

Want a dog you can dress up and put in cute clothes? Then look for a dog that has plenty
of
hair (for those fancy hair-dos) and is small enough to carry around. “Designer dogs” like
Poodles, Yorkies and Westies, Bichon Frises, Pomeranians, and the more exotic Shih Tzu
are
excellent candidates for this.

If you’re looking for protection, be sure to look at breeds that aren’t too friendly to
strangers. Great Danes are huge and intimidating, but they will likely to fall in love with
the first burglar they meet! Bulldogs are another breed that look fierce but come out
kissing. German Shepherds are probably the most familiar and trainable guard dogs.
Other breeds also protect your home and family: Rottweilers, Boxers, Doberman
Pinchers, and Giant Schnauzers are among them. There are a few breeds that were
created for their ferociousness. Rottweilers and Pit Bull Terriers are notorious for vicious
attacks. So if you are considering these breeds, you must be very clear about what to
expect and very careful in training a well-behaved dog.
When you decide to bring a dog into your home, you need to be educated about what you
need, what you want, and what breed will most likely fulfill your goals. When you adopt
a dog, you are adding a member to your family - one for which you will be responsible
for a lifetime. You should be committed to working through all the behavioral and
training kinks and providing a stable, loving home. You’ll not only have to train your
dog, but you’ll have to be trained in how to handle that dog.

No matter what breed you think you want, you should know about the specific dog’s
parentage, personal history, and temperament before making the commitment to be his
lifetime caretaker and friend.

Dan Lund — The Yellow Ads.com

Effective dog training

Posted by GoGoKitty: Steve on November 22, 2008

dog-training/”>Effective dog training

Knowing how dogs developed, and how dogs have interaction with one another, is crucial
to knowing how to properly train your dog to be a devoted, steadfast companion. The
first dogs were doubtless orphaned wolf puppies adopted by early humans.

In return for these valued behaviors, the humans probably supplied their new companions
with foods, protection and shelter. When organizing a dog coaching program, it is vital to
know that dogs are pack animals.

In wild dog societies, packs are formed, and each member of the pack quickly learns their
place in the pecking order.

Apart from in the event of death or injury to the alpha dog, the hierarchy never changes
once it’s been established. The lower dogs know not to test the alpha dog, and the alpha
dog understand his place as leader of the pack. To correctly train your dog and gain its
respect, it’s important for you to become the alpha dog. That is because a dog that sees its
owner as a superior leader will follow the commands the owner gives without query.
Getting the status of the dog is the most vital step to proper dog coaching, and it’ll form
the foundation of all successive coaching. The explanations for training a dog correctly
are many particularly in today’s world. A well behaved, obedient dog is a joy to be
around, both for the owner and their family, and for folks hereabouts at large. In addition,
seeing a well behaved dog sets folk’s mind at ease, particularly with breeds of dog
thought to be perilous,eg Dobermans, rottweilers and pit bulls. A lot of dogs exhibit
neglected behaviors as a consequence of stress in the animal’s life, and its incapacity to
deal with that stress.
The goal of a good dog training program is to permit the dog to put up with larger levels
of stress without changing into a problem animal. One feature that humans and dogs do
share, however, is the necessity to form close social groups and powerful bonds inside
those social groups.

Training Tips on Stopping Dog Aggression

Posted by GoGoKitty: Steve on November 22, 2008

Though the media significantly embellished the level of canine aggression, it is still a fact
that 2 percent of our communities are victims of dog bites each year and 1 percent of
dogs bite humans. If you observed your dog becoming aggressive, there are various
quality ways to eliminate dog aggression you can bring into play to reduce the aggressive
behaviors so that your dog does not become a statistic. Nevertheless, one of the best dog
aggression training methods is prevention itself.

Although prevention is important in minimizing the potential for dog aggression, there
are some dog aggression training process that will perfectly to reduce the unwanted
behaviors in your dog. Some of these dog aggression training methods involve your dog,
but some involve training you and the people that normally interact with your dog. Dog
aggression is not just a dog problem; it is a people problem, too.

Primarily , before you start with any training methods for eliminating dog aggression,
you need to recognize what is causing the aggression in your dog. To determine which
dog aggression training method you can use, put into consideration the triggers of your
dog’s aggression.

Fear and dominance are the two most common reasons for dog aggression, which can be
curbed through training. But still, aggression caused by things like maternal instincts or
food requires more of a change in human behavior, by not challenging the situations. If
your dog has a medical reason for the aggression, you will perhaps need to see a
veterinarian to acquire treatment.

On the other hand, dominance aggression requires a bit of an unusual training approach.
Dominance aggression starts when your dog considers you part of his or her pack, and
they would like to establish themselves as the “alpha dog.” Respect exercise is practically
the best approach. This kind of technique trains your dog to look to you for “permission”
before doing anything.

Start by letting the dog acknowledge that you have control over everything. So that your
dog cannot obtain what he or she wants without your permission, toys, beds, food, walks,
even affection should to be within your control. You can establish this by commanding
that your dog sit before it gets what it wants. Do not confer when your dog do not follow
what you want him or her to do. Use a rattle or clicker to get his or her attention if your
dog does not pay attention to you. Refrain from giving your dog praise not unless they do
what you want, then praise them considerably . Also refrain from games like tug of war,
which promotes the desire for dominance.

Just as you are trying to use dog aggression training methods to minimize aggressive
behavior based on fear or dominance, you need to realize that during the initial training
you will definitely see an increase of aggression or rebellion in your dog. Keep in mind, a
dog functions at the same age level as a two or three year old, so it takes a lot more for
them to realize what you want them to do, and they do not figure out that the training is
really in their best interest. Be patient with your dog during this time and be acquainted
that you are being a conscientious and responsible pet owner by using these dog
aggression training methods to teach your dog how to live and act appropriately around
humans.

• Category: Uncategorized
• Tags: dog, dog aggression problems, dog aggression solutions, dogs, pet dogs,
pets, puppies, pups

Case Study on Dog Whining Behavior

Toby and Josie are two Doberman Pinschers that have grown up in a nice suburban home
together. The owner, Ms. Vicky, has no objection about the behaviors of the two dogs,
with the exception of the fact that they whine incessantly. Seeing as her prince and
princess do not have any aggressive tendencies, are not territorial, or have any other bad
habits, she has overlooked this problem with whining for years. However, as years passed
by, the whining became irritably annoying and Ms. Vicky began to speculate exactly why
they are always whining.
In an attempt to curb this behavior, she dedicated her time to find the root of the problem.
Sometimes, dogs whine for a lot of reasons, including pain, fear, or boredom. In this
instance, she thought that the cause of the whining was probably boredom, but she also
felt that the other reasons should not be completely ruled out and so she decided to seek
for the expert’s opinion. Toby and Josie’s owner brought the pair to the vet’s office to get
more information on the situation. The veterinarian believed that the dog whining
behavior stemmed from Toby and Josie being left alone for a large portion of the day
while Ms. Vicky was at work. Although Toby and Josie were placed outdoors, so they can
play, do their business, and exercise at will, the pair was still lonely. Given that this
behavior has never been checked, the dogs have acquired the habit as a sympathy ploy to
get what they want. The Miss confirmed this idea and the next step of breaking the habit
started.

First of all , Toby and Josie were noticeably not okay with their current condition of being
left alone during the morning. To make her dearly loved prince and princess happier,
Vicky hired a pet sitter who comes in twice a day to walk, pet, and play with Toby and
Josie. Despite the fact that the whining is still present, they’ve observed that the two dogs
seem to be much happier when their owner returns from work. If only Ms. Vicky did not
let this whining to continue for such a long period of time and corrected the problem
sooner, this new setup would have likely stopped the whining altogether.

In the mean time, the owner began to put into practice the new training method for the
two dogs. Every time any of the dog whines, she firmly states “no whine.” She gives this
command with a quick squirt of water from a spray bottle to get the dog’s attention. Once
the dog stops whining, the Miss lavishes it with praises and treats. Once the dog stops
whining, the Miss lavishes it with praises and treats. Of course, tasks like going outside
cannot be punished, since many dogs whine when they require to relieve themselves.

This training method coupled with the hiring of a pet sitter has drastically changed the
whining condition with Toby and Josie. Now, neither dog whines to get what they want!
Furthermore, Miss Vicky finds the situation a great deal less stressful on both her and the
dogs. If you too are experiencing a similar situation, consider following this case study to
help break your dogs from whining. Keep in mind that pain or uneasiness is a viable
motive for whining, so visit your veterinarian to guarantee your dog is in top health. Best
of Luck! Cheers!

Going For The Free Puppy Adoption

Posted by GoGoKitty: Steve on November 21, 2008
While the best place to pick up a new puppy is always the pound because those pups are
facing being put down, it is certainly not a free puppy adoption. There are fees involved
with getting a puppy from the pound so you need to be prepared to have anywhere from
fifty to one hundred dollars to take a puppy home from the pound. Whether it is a free
pug puppy you are looking for or any other free puppy would work for you, you are
going to have to look elsewhere besides the pound if you are looking for a truly free
puppy adoption.

There are a lot of ways to get a new pet through a free puppy adoption but if you are
wanting to go the free route because you do not have a penny to your name then adopting
a dog may not be the best thing for you or the dog at this point in time. This is because
puppies and dogs cost a lot of money and they will need a lot of care which means
keeping up on their shots and having them groomed on a regular basis. If you are going
for the free puppy adoption because you do not have the money to buy a dog, then you
really cannot afford to raise one.

Where To Look For That Special Dog

If you can truly afford to care for the pet properly but you just prefer the free puppy
adoption as opposed to paying for a dog, then by all means, go for the free puppy. Once
you know that you are for sure ready to bring a new pet into your home, then you can
start searching out the places that offer free puppy adoption. The classifieds are generally
the best way to go about finding free puppy adoption. A lot of people are willing to share
their puppies with the world with no cost involved. Check the online classifieds, as well
as there are many people who only post on the web instead of going through the paper.

There are also a lot of flyers or advertisements placed on bulletin boards of grocery
stores, department stores, and especially pet stores where there are pups up for free puppy
adoption. Once you find the puppy that you want you will want to act ask as adorable
puppies always go fast. And they go even faster when it is a free puppy adoption being
offered as so many people are looking for the same thing as you.

For more about puppies please visit www.puppycareblog.com

Dogs with Nose for Poop Answer Nature’s Call

Posted by GoGoKitty: Steve on November 21, 2008

When a group of naturalists gathers around a campfire, sooner or later their discussion
turns to poop. Not gross-out, potty-mouth, teenager talk, but the poop they saw in the
field that day.

Second only to tracks, poop, more formally referred to as scat, is a tell-all tool that
indicates what animals have been in an area, when, and what they were eating.
Now, thanks to Samuel Wasser, director of the Center for Conservation Biology at the
University of Washington, and the pound puppies he has trained, poop has become one of
the premier tools of remote sensing in studying threatened animal populations.

Read full story

Dog Obedience Training

Simple Principles in Dog Obedience Training

Dogs, even when their breeding is maximized and well-adapted to human needs, will
always need some basic obedience training as they would never figure this out on their
own. Obedience training requires the use of some principles which differentiate effective
training, from training without results. They are the following:

Principle One: CONSISTENCY

The first rule in obedience training is to be consistent. You need to be consistent in the
words you use, the tone they are spoken in and the actions that accompany them. Before
you begin training you will need to come to an agreement with the dog owner on what it
is they are wanting the dog to learn and how to accomplish it.

For example saying the word “come”, does not make any sense to a dog. He does not
understand things the way humans think and he does not understand the language we use.
So to make the training understandable, you should use the command in a very consistent
manner so that the dog will learn to associate the word with the meaning you attach with
it.

An example would be if you use the word, “come”, then you need to make sure everyone
else in the household using the same word. When using the word command, “Come”, you
should work with the dog to understand this means to approach the giver of the
command. So if you are using this command make it a point not to do actions that would
make the command confusing for the dog.

Don’t be deterred in your training efforts if the dog does not come to your right away, be
patient and don’t force or scold him. If you punish the dog over and over after giving the
command they will begin to associate the word with the punishment. The dog will not
want to follow the same command because in his mind it leads to punishment.

Being consistent in your dog commands is to be followed by anyone who works with the
dog. For example, if you are using the command “come”, other people in the household
should not replace it with words like “here” or, “come here boy”.

Second Principle: Keep It Short

Both the amount of time you spend training and the words you use as commands should
be kept short. Keep in mind that the attention span of dogs is very short and that getting
them engrossed with a specific activity can be very hard, if not impossible. Puppies
usually react to a specific stimulus, but not for a very long time, they may begin to chase
a moving toy, and quickly lose interest, then move on to the next thing.

They simply don’t possess the same amount of interest they had when they started the
activity and they become easily bored. The same thing happens in training therefore, it
should be limited only to 10 minutes to 15 minutes of regular training.

Third Principle: No Punishment or Force Allowed

A trainer should never hurt the dog in any way, you should make it a goal to have the
training be a positive experience for all involved. You should absolutely never punish a
dog just because he did not do something he wasn’t prepared for, nor force a dog to do
something he does not understand.

Don’t push the animal too hard while dog training. A good trainer realizes dogs do not
learn things instantly and so they are very patient and show understanding towards the
animal they are working with. If you are angry the dogs can sense it but does not know
why.

You must avoid negative experiences related to training so you should not force your dog
to obey your commands. If he knows that he is praised when he does something right, he
should not be praised when he does not follow a command.

Drugless Flea and Roach Solution

Some years ago, I hosted a talk show on health on a Palm Beach radio station. Someone
called in, and wanted to know what to do about fleas, as she was violently allergic to the
various poisons that people put on the back of the neck of their dogs. (Most dogs and cats
dislike them as well.)

Years previously I had found a solution, so I gave it to her. Buy Boric Acid in a large
“squeeze bottle”. It’s in a fine white poweder, and if you squeeze the plastic bottle, it
comes out in a fine spray.

Begin by vacuuming the carpets particularly where a pet may lie or sleep. After a
thorough vacuuming, go around squeezing the boric acid in a cloud all over the carpet.
You’ll have to brush some of the excess into the carpet with your shoes, or a broom.

It will take a week or so, but after that, even with outdoor cats and dogs, you will find
very few, or no fleas. Boric Acid is virtually harmless, to children, and your pets, but
deadly to most insects.
Another thing that I discovered more recently, is a product sold at many health food
stores. It’s a product made with mixing common yeast and garlic powder. Mix a half
teaspoon or so into their food every day. Surprisingly, my cats love it mixed into canned
tuna. I thought the garlic odor would be a problem, but it’s not.

This helps keep fleas at a distance outside. You might be able to barely smell the garlic on
the skin of your pets if you smell closely. It’s also healthy as the yeast has B vitamins,
and the garlic is a natural healthy food for man and beast.

Let’s look at cockroaches next. They’re the “survivors” for millions of years, and will
probably survive after all humans have gone the way of the dinosaurs. No housewife
likes them, and even most clean houses may have a few in hiding. In South Florida, we
have flying cockroaches almost as big as mice, and lots of smaller ones also along with
many other insects. Except for ants. Boric Acid works very well.

Boric Acid in the carpets, particularly around the edges and baseboards, keeps your pets
pretty free. But, there are a few places where it pays to keep them out as well. Get a few
beer bottle caps, and put a small amount of Boric Acid into these caps.

Put the Boric Acid caps into the corner of cupboards. If you have paper in the bottom of
your kitchen drawers (or cabinet shelves), take up the

Paper, spray a small amount and replace paper. Don’t forget to spray the Boric Acid under
the refrigerator, and the stove.

That night, the entire program was taken up with callers, some telling us how well this
worked for them, or asking more questions. Several people called the next time the
program was on to thank me and some of my listeners for the above advice.

Much later, I learned how to stop ants, including fire ants. Simply empty one or more
“blue” packages of NutraSweet (Aspartame) onto the nest. The ant hills are gone by the
next day usually. To prevent them from entering your home, sprinkle a few grains in the
baseboards or any possible entry holes into your home. Aspartame seems to be a deadly
poison to most insects, but particularly to ants.

If it’s that deadly to ants, what might it do to some susceptible humans? Many persons
are allergic to it. Not everybody is even aware of this problem. Aspartame often causes
headaches and other allergy symptoms. I never use Nutrisweet!

I hope that the above helps you to better health for you and your pets.

Cheap Dog Training Collars

Posted by GoGoKitty: Steve on November 19, 2008
Why Get Cheap Dog Training Collars?

Is it worth to invest in your dog’s training?

Some people are willing to invest a lot of money and time.

It is perfectly okay to buy very expensive dog collars if you prefer doing so. However,
you will find there are a great deal of choices for you to choose from that do not cost as
much. Collars range anywhere from fancy fashion dog collars, studded collars to a wide
variety of others. However, for some owners it is never practical to spend so much for an
item that could be obtained at a lesser price and also have the basic functions needed.

If you have a dog with a lot of energy or is highly curious you can find it stressful to train
them, as you learn to deal with all his behavior patterns.

If you find that after investing in your dogs training the results you get are not what you
looking for, then you should look at ways to begin cutting down on additional costs. An
option for cutting back on cost would be the type of dog training collar you use.

For many owners it does not make much sense if the dog does not respond well to
training to buy accessories, especially when the dog has begun nibbling on the corners of
the dog collar. It is important to realize that the behavior of the dog and teaching them to
respond to training is the main thing to focus on and not the collar, or any other
accessories.

Even though dog collars are instrumental in getting better control and correcting
unwanted dog behaviors, expensive collars can quickly effect your budget. This is the
reason why many owners resort to buying cheap dog training collars as good alternatives,
without having to sacrifice the function of the item, or adding an unnecessary financial
burden.

To get a cheap collar with good value it is best to first evaluate the product before looking
at how much it costs. It is a common mistake among buyers to use the cost as the basis
for assessing the value, rather then basing it on the function and reliability.

Cost is a good margin for getting the right collar, but it should not affect the way one sees
the item. You can find remarkable good dog training collars marked at an exceptionally
good price. However, since it is tagged with a low price the buyer might immediately
conclude that it does not perform well.

Remember, we were made to believe that price equals quality. You do not need to be in
the mindset of thinking’s items at the lower end of pricing are of less quality, while those
having expensive tags have the best quality. This can indeed be the truth for certain brand
names but is not always the case. So be sure to find the best bargains at their best prices.
When advanced technologies are integrated into the collar, they are often retailed at much
higher prices. The popular electronic dog collar is a good candidate. Electronic dog
collars can run in price range from $100 - $1000 depending on what options they come
with. You can expect a lot higher prices when more advanced technologies are used in
making the collar.

Since dog collars can cost hundreds of dollars many people find it impractical to spend
that much money on it, because it is a training accessory. With a little research you can
find the type of collar you want and in the price range your willing to spend.

• Tags: dog training collar, dog training collars, electronic dog collar

Pet Insurance - Answering Your Questions

Posted by GoGoKitty: Steve on November 18, 2008

Most people are familiar with healthcare insurance for themselves and their family but
what about their pets? Pet insurance is a new idea in insurance to help cover the four-
legged members of the family. Granted, your workplace may not cover the insurance but
it is very valuable to have in case your pet becomes sick. Routine veterinary care may not
be expensive but if your pet was to become sick or injured, costs could quickly mount up
and be beyond your ability to repay. The old adage of “better to be safe than sorry” is
very true when it comes to insurance. It is better to have it and not need it than to find
yourself with a sick pet and no way of paying the vet bills. Most people are unaware or
inexperienced when it comes to pet insurance but this article will cover some of the
basics when it comes to what to expect in pet insurance.

How much can I expect to pay for insurance?

Pet insurance rates, much like our insurance rates, will vary according to each person.
Some insurance carriers decide the rate of their plans based on the person’s credit score.
Other underwriters do not use this method to determine the amount the insurance holder
will need to pay each month. The average plan will run around $30 a month for a dog and
$20 a month for a cat. There may be additional fees that vary according to the insurance
underwriter. Always make sure and check the information before you buy the insurance
policy. If you have any questions make sure and call the insurance company. If the wait is
an impossible amount of time or they seem vague on their knowledge, go to another
company. If they are that horrible with potential customer concerns imagine what they
would be like if you were a customer.

Is there a co-pay or deductible?

Just as you pay a deductible for your own health insurance, pet insurance also has a
deductible. But it is a significant amount lower. Most pet insurance deductibles are
$50.00 per accident category. Pet insurance does not work in the same manner as typical
healthcare insurance. At the time of the vet visit you will pay for the entire amount and
then fill out a claim form that is then submitted to the pet insurance carrier. The carrier
will pay you a set amount for that procedure. The costs allowed per procedure vary and
only the insurance company can determine what percentage you will have to pay after the
deductible.

How much out of pocket will I be expected to pay if my pet needs surgery?

Unfortunately the downside to pet insurance is that you will have to pay for the entire
amount out of your pocket before the insurance company pays you a portion back. When
you take your pet in for surgery you will need to take along a claim form that the
veterinarian will complete. After completing the form and filling out the claim
information, along with attaching copies of the receipts and invoices, you will mail or fax
the information to the insurance. After reviewing the information the insurance company
will mail out a check for the amount of the procedure they cover.

Some veterinary clinics will make payment arrangements with you in case of an
emergency. If you have a long history of good payments to your vet, you can discuss this
at a visit. Chances are high that he or she can work with you. The ultimate goal of both
you and the vet is a healthy and safe pet.

Is there a limit on what my pet insurance will pay out?

Yes, there is a limit on how much of the procedure is covered by the insurance company.
This amount varies depending on which insurance plan you select, what your deductible
is and how much the actual procedure runs. When you sign up for pet insurance the
company will provide you with a list of procedures they cover along with how much per
procedure is covered.

What if I have to rush my pet into the vet on an emergency?

If an accident were to happen to your pet and you had to rush them into an emergency,
your insurance is really of no use to you immediately. Unlike traditional healthcare
insurance, pet insurance does not place stipulations on where and when you can receive
care for your pet. You will have to pay the veterinary bill out of your own pocket and then
receive the allotted reimbursement allowed by your insurance carrier.

To learn further educational knowledge click here: Pet Liability Insurance also click here
Met Life Offers Pet Insurance as well as Best Pet Health Insurance

How to Stop Dog Digging

Posted by GoGoKitty: Steve on November 18, 2008
If walking through your yard has already become treacherous due to the number of holes
your dogs have put in your yard, then you need to learn to eliminate dog digging. Dogs
will dig for a number of reasons like anxiety, a desire to escape, or as a way to protect
themselves from outside forces. In order to be effective in your training, you should
understand why your dog is digging and learn effective versus ineffective techniques on
how to stop dogs from digging.

First, it is important that in order to get your dogs to stop digging, you must AVOID
reprimands during the trainings. It can only bring too many negative effects to your pet!
Dogs do not have good reasoning. If someone tells you that punishment is the right way
to stop dogs from digging, they do not understand that your dogs might rebel and just dig
when his all alone. Learning to get to the root of the behavior will do more in keeping
your dogs from digging, because you will be able to change the circumstances to fit your
needs while maintaining the respect and love of your dog.

In preventing your dogs , you may want to start off simply by taking your dogs for
regular walks. A lot of digging behavior comes out of boredom or a need to get rid of
extra energy. Taking your dogs for walks or taking time to actively play with your dog
can be effective to learn how to stop dog digging .

That same release of energy your dog needs bring about the next piece of advice on how
to stop dog digging. Keeping your dog active when you are not around is imperative to
stopping the digging behavior. Get toys that can keep them busy all throughout the day.
There are a number of active toys on the market that can help stimulate your dogs
physically and mentally so that digging is no longer needed as an activity.

The next thing you can do to stop dog digging is to put up a barrier to inhibit digging in
specific areas. If your dog is always digging up your flowerbed or vegetable garden, but
does not bother to dig anywhere else, then you may want to put up a small fence in that
area. You can also use a sprinkler. Who says that cats are the only pets who avoid getting
wet? Astonishingly, dogs usually do not like to get wet too, so when you see your dog
heading for your tomatoes, turn on the sprinkler.

Allowing your pet to have alternatives is another way to control your dog from digging in
other areas of your backyard. Giving your dog alternatives is another way to stop him
from digging in other areas of your yard. You can also offer your beloved pet a sandbox
or a corner of the yard where he can just dig away, well, which is if none of these
methods work. Build the area that will be exclusively his then hide several treats under,
HE WILL LOVE IT!! Through this method your dog will then learn the specific area
with such treats is only the place where digging is okay.

Last but the least, a not so pleasant way to curb this trait is to put a little of his solid dog
waste in each digging hole. Surprising as it may seem, the waste will deter your dog from
continuing to dig holes in the yard. It may not sound like the most uncomfortable way to
stop dogs from digging, but it truly does work!

• Tags: dog digging, dogs, pet, pet dogs, problems with dog digging, puppies, pups

Labrador Retriever Dog: A Favorite Family Pet

For those of you considering keeping a pet dog, it would be a good idea for you to keep a
Labrador Retriever dog for a pet. The popularity of this breed is on the increase and there
are a lot great reasons for this including this breed’s very likeable nature. Besides their
very friendly nature, the Labrador Retriever dog is also very well adjusted to being
around children, who in any case would adore this particular breed, especially as they are
extremely gentle towards them.

Trains Well

Another great quality of the Labrador Retriever dog is their ability to be trained easily,
they are willing to learn the basic rules of the home, and in addition, they are proficient at
learning a a number of tricks to boot. Undeniably the Labrador Retriever dog learns very
fast, and they are also a very compliant animal that will always serve their master
faithfully. Having such wonderful qualities, the Labrador Retriever dog is a a wonderful
dog – both in the presence of adults as well as with children.

As the owner of a Labrador Retriever dog you will, no doubt,undoubtedly, need to

shoulder a fair amount of responsibility regarding the care and welfare of your pet. In
fact, keeping a Labrador Retriever dog at home also provides you a great occasion to
inculcate a sense of responsibility in your children who should be taught how to properly
own as well as care for their animal.

You should make sure that your Labrador Retriever dog is provided a lot of exercise as
they have a lot of energy and thus will need to drain their energy in a practical way. They
must also be given a lot of space to run about as well as be taken for walks regularly. In
addition, the Labrador Retriever dog wants and should be given a lot of attention and you
must do your best, as their owner, to give them love and make them feel like they are
your friend and not only an acquisition to the home.
For their part, the Labrador Retriever dog will crave companionship from humans, and so
it’s never a good idea to leave them on their own. If you are going on vacation, be sure to
leave them with someone dependable who will give them the attention and care they
require. Concerning a Labrador rescue dog, you need to be even more vigilant about how
you keep them and you should be sure that they are showered with a lot of love and care,
and they must be made to feel wanted too.

Overall, bringing home a Labrador Retriever dog will certainly be a boon for you and
your family who will very quickly fall in love with this lovable, smart and wonderful pet
dog.

Free Puppy Training Classes

Once you have found that perfect pet through free puppy adoption, you will want to begin
right away with training it so that the transition into your home and lifestyle is an easy
one. The best thing to do is to start grabbing up all of the books and magazines you can
on free puppy training tips and hints so that you can begin to put certain rules and
techniques into place at home. In the meantime, while you work on that, you will also
want to look around for some free puppy training classes in your area.

It is extremely important that you find some free puppy training classes and get your
puppy signed up for them before they rip apart your home. Dealing with a puppy that
bites, chews, and goes to the bathroom all over your carpets is not the best way to start
the bonding process. Puppies and dogs that are left untrained may find that their owners
have a hard time connecting with them and therefore they be not get as much love and
attention from the owner. Do not let this happen between you and your puppy so go out
and get your pup signed up for a free puppy training course.

Where To Find The Classes

The best place to look is your local pet store to see if they offer any free puppy training
classes there. If they do you are going to want to sign up as quickly as possible so you do
not miss your chance at getting the training that your puppy needs so badly. If there are
not any classes offered there at the store, they may have information on where puppy
owners can go for some free puppy training courses. It is worth a shot to go and see what
you can find out because the sooner you get started the better off your puppy will be.

If your local pet store cannot offer you any suggestions on where you can go for free
puppy training then there are still other options so you do not want to give up. Start
calling around to the other pet shops in your area and do not forget to call the different
groomers or kennels in your area. These places may have some information for you on
free puppy training as people may have posted information on their bulletin board or
such. Just keep looking and you will eventually find the free puppy training class that you
have been waiting for.

For more about puppies please visit www.puppycareblog.com

• Tags: free puppy training, free puppy training classes, pet, puppies, puppy
adoption

Career Dog Training

Things to Know Before Considering a Career in Dog Training

People who are really passionate about dogs will sometime choose a life’s career in this
field so they can use their love for dogs everyday to help them, making it their goal to
become a professional dog trainer.

Do you fall in the category of people who pursue their career in dog training just because
someone said it is a good thing to do, or, because you have fallen so in love with dogs
and want to fall even deeper?

Respect for Fundamentals

Dog training is more than a love for dogs, it also requires a good deal of knowledge,
skills in handling, proper ways to discipline them and also knowing the basics of their
behaviors. Dog trainers usually have a long history of experience with dogs and
interaction with many dog owners, handlers and their pets.

Do You Know your Dogs Division?

You can choose one of two careers in working with dogs, the first would be ’The Pet
Service Training’ and the second, ’Dog Training’. Both have relatively high demands in
the market but there are a lot more opportunities in pet dog training than in service
training.

Pet dog training usually involves dogs that function merely as pets and as companions
therefore, most commonly they are taught obedience training, agility training, potty
training and training to eliminate unwanted behaviors like barking and biting.

Service training, on the other hand, involves specified training on services required by
people with disabilities and those undergoing therapy. Another division of service dogs
may include the following: chasing criminals, drug and bomb sniffing, search and rescue
dogs and hunting dogs.
Each of these take a large amount of dedication and patience on the trainers part as they
are very intense fields of specialize divisions.

Canine Psychology - What is It?

A good dog trainer will need to understand a dogs behavior, the way they think and why
they react to certain things. Trainers will need to constantly work with a dog to teach
them to react in a desired way to any given command. You should also know well the
fundamentals of associative conditioning.

Where Can You Learn Dog Training Education?

A dog training career requires that you have basic skills in dog training and handling.
There are no degrees in dog training yet, for there are no colleges and universities
offering such. However, there are dog “academies” or “schools” that could provide basic
training. Still it must be said the best dog trainers have a natural abilities with dogs and
are often self taught on how to be successful when handling them.

Some people learn by practical experience while others just have a certain natural talent
with dogs. There are also a number of dog training organizations that could provide the
latest information on dog training.

A good dog trainer works with both the attitudes of people and dogs

Dog training involves training the handlers of the dog as well Therefore if you are
pursuing a career in this field, it is very important that you have good people skills and
that you can tolerate all types of people.

There are impatient owners who expect fast learning from their dogs, and they are
reluctant to taking advice openly, however, others are relatively open to suggestions.
During your career in dog training you will be working with both types of dog handlers
and many other personality types too. So as you can see, a good dog trainer will not only
be working with dogs but with their owners and handlers too.

Dog training is not limited to “training” alone; there are also certain aspects that you
should be knowledgeable of, like the maintenance of proper dog hygiene, nutrition and
grooming.

Having a vast knowledge of what accessories to use and training aids that are available
will help during dog competitions. You will also need the ability to distinguish different
types of dog breeds and know what the fundamental differences are.

To be a good dog trainer it is not required to have a ’know it all’ mentality’ but basically
all you need to know is how to handle all types of dogs, work well with their handlers
and have sufficient knowledge on the basics of dog training.
 • Tags: career in dog training, dog behavior, dog handlers, dog training, dogs
behavior
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Biting Dog Case Study

Posted by GoGoKitty: Steve on November 16, 2008

Sam is a three-year-old terrier mix that has a problem with biting. Other than biting the
other dog at home, an 8 year old Spaniel, Sam has the habit of a dog biting and
surprisingly snapping at his owners, Ted and Shelly. Both of them is concerned that
Sam’s biting behavior will cause problems and because of this they constantly make sure
that Sam won’t get near their grandkids for fear of their safety. However, keeping Sam in
a separate area of their home has only caused an increase in their problems; he has started
to chew and bark out of frustration, he gets easily agitated and always get a little out of
hand. Lastly, Ted and Shelly both decided that it is time to put a stop on Sam out of his
biting habit.

Since the dog has clearly outgrown the puppy stage that has the most amounts of biting
and gumming and the biting habit has been going on for a while , and Shelly sought the
help of a professional. Obtaining a referral from their family vet to an excellent
veterinarian behaviorist, Ted and Shelly made an appointment to bring Sam and meet
with the professional vet behaviorist. During the first meeting, Sam made an attempt to
bite Shelly when she pulled him out of his cage and snapped at the behaviorist when he
tried to hold him.

Since a medical problem might be the cause of the biting puppy situation, the behaviorist
felt the first step was to have Sam do a medical examination. They considered that a
medical reason may be the case because since Sam snapped at Shelly and the professional
when he attempted to touch the small dog. Often, dogs that are in pain or discomfort use
biting as a form of protection to stop the pain from occurring. But after a full medical
examination on Sam, he’s found to have a full bill.

The next thought was that Sam might be responding to a definite trigger. But since Shelly
and Ted adopted Sam when he was still a puppy, they can’t figure any possible abusive
background on their pet. To see how Sam interacts with them and their older dog, the
behaviorist repeatedly makes a visit to Shelly and Ted’s home. The visits proved to be
quite educational and the behaviorist was able to determine that Sam used biting to
showcase his jealousy. Especially since he was kept in a different part of the home and
avoided when the grandchildren come to visit, Sam is increasingly jealous and uses biting
to show his displeasure .

After the regular visits and examinations on the younger pet dog, a training plan is
implemented where Sam is instructed “no bite” and then sprayed with a water bottle. This
command enforces the training and the spritz gets the dog’s attention. Once Sam shuts his
mouth, he is remarkably praised. Additionally, more steps were made to include Sam
back into the home. Whenever the grandchildren come to visit, Sam is present, but he’ll
be securely muzzled until he became fully trained to stop biting. Once this training was
complete, Sam could be commanded and immediately close his mouth in order to abort
the biting attempt. However, Sam wore a muzzle whenever Shelly and Ted left the two
dogs alone and unsupervised, to prevent any injuries to the older dog.

• Tags: biting dog, dog bite training, dog biting, dog training, dogs, pet dogs, pets,
puppies, pups

Why Dogs Bark

Why do dogs bark? That’s easy: dogs bark because they are telling you something,
interacting with other dogs, or showing an emotion. Most likely, you’ve observed your
dog with another dog at some point and seen them interact. Dogs bark at each other when
they play or are just hanging out together. Sad to say but we are only able to guess the
cause for your dog’s barking behavior. The implication of their bark is easier to
understand when dogs communicate with humans. A simple way to understand barking as
it relates to human beings is to compare it to a crying baby.

Babies cry when they are hungry, gloomy, bored, lonesome, need to be changed, or sick.
When asking yourself, “Why do dogs bark?” the answer is just the same. A dog’s bark
will notify you when they want to go outside, when they would like a treat, when ready to
have their meal and when they’re feeling something. It’s understanding to decipher just
what that bark means that could take some time. Having your dog for quite a while,
you’ll start to appreciate of what the barking means much more clearly.

Why do dogs bark at nothing? The answer is they don’t. It may look like there is no
reason for barking profusely, but that is not always the case. When you think that your
dog is barking for no reason, begin to consider the possibilities. Is your dog in pain,
hungry, excited to go for a walk in the park or they have spotted someone outside your
home? We may not notice some of these smaller things going on around us, but your dog
will. If your dog is barking at the walls or at something non-existent, there is a possibility
of psychological or health reason fro the barking, so you may want to have your beloved
dog checked out by the vet .
Why dogs bark nonstop? To figure out the reason for barking, try observing your dog.
Most of the time, if you observe them, a dog will likely point their nose in the direction of
whatever it is they want while barking at the same time. If you notice that your pet is
barking nonstop and standing just beside the cupboard where you keep your doggie
biscuits, then you’ve just figured out what he or she wants! To figure out what a dog’s
bark is telling you, it’s up to each owner to pay close attention to their beloved pet, since
dogs normally show their behavior. Barking incessantly means that there is a need not
being met. In some situations, to control the behavior, regular exercise is a must, because
that need may not be met at all.

Why dogs bark when you are telling them not to do something? Not all dogs do this, but
if your dog does, you can probably relate it to a teenager talking back to a parent. How to
know if your dog is communicating back to you? You would hear them barking at you or
making noises when you. It’s their way of being disobedient towards you. To instruct
and train your pet that you are the boss to restrain this rebellious behavior, you should
definitely use some respect training.

Understanding why your dog barks is the key to controlling the behavior. Some barking
behavior is a lot easier to control by meeting their easy needs like feeding them, water, or
a walk outside. Nevertheless, barking behavior is a result of parting anxiety, fear, or
dominance needs to be curbed with exercises before it escalates into more aggressive or
detrimental behavior.

Dog Training:Aggressive Dog Behavior

Training your dog requires quite a bit of effort on your part. Your pup is totally dependent
on you to teach him to fit into your world snugly. The kind of guidance and leadership
you provide will determine the type of dog he will grow up to be. Therefore, you play an
important role in molding the character, behavior and temperament of your dog. That is
why it is important to train your dog well.

Not all dogs are created equal - some are born to lead while some gladly follows the
commands of the pack leader. Consequently, not all dogs respond to training in the same
manner - some gladly do their tasks and exercises without giving you, the owner, a hard
time while others will test your temperament to its limits. Hard-to-train dogs are by no
means the lesser beings as compared to their more subservient counterparts. On the
contrary, these dogs often possess several positive traits that interfere with your dog
training sessions. Two of the qualities that get in the way of dog training the most are the
animal’s independence and dominance. Let’s see how these qualities might jeopardize
your dog training efforts.Train your dog with best effort.

If you want hundred per cent attention from your dog, you must be prepared to give this
to him during training. He is entitled to your full attention - any failure on your part will
result in failure on his. Therefore, sessions should be short, but intensive whilst they last.
Voice Control - Probably the most important thing for a handler to learn is how to use his
or her voice to obtain the right response from the dog during training. Any sharpness used
to get his attention must be short and snappy with an immediate softening of tone
afterwards and with the recall an excited tone to encourage the dog to come in. A sharp
tone of voice should only be used to get the dog’s attention during training and at no
other time. If this sharpness of tone is not successful on this first call then your training is
not soundly based. Continual shouting is of little value in successful dog training.

-Body and Hand control - It can be of great value to use body and hand movements as
signals, but you must be conscious of their useful application. The proper and natural use
of signals will help your dog, so long as you know you are using them. You can later
minimise these signals or cut them out when no longer needed. Hand and arm signals in
particular can be used to reinforce acts of encouragement.

-Use of Food as Reward - Titbits of food should never be used in place of other forms of
reward or encouragement, but rather to back up or reinforce encouragement and praise.
The correct use of food can have a dramatic effect on the progress of training. To obtain
the best results in training, a dog should never be fed before a training session - it is much
easier to train a hungry dog. A training session just before feeding time where titbits are
used to reinforce praise and encouragement can prove to be very effective. It should be
noted that training without titbits can restrict the effectiveness of repeating that part of an
exercise to about three to five tries before moving to another part. After this, a dog
normally loses his edge and the handler wonders why performance deteriorates.
However, the use of titbits can prolong a training session for twenty to thirty repeats with
a hungry dog. The idea is to get the right balance and really understand your dog’s
limitations.

Dogs can be and are trained very effectively without ever using a titbit, but, as an aid, the
use of food can speed up and help consolidate on the elements being trained. Also, the
use of titbits can help to keep the handler in a better frame of mind. What handler can be
coarse and overbearing whilst giving his dog something to eat? It just would not make
sense.

Experts say that dog behaviors can be controlled through proper training. Dog training
behaviors are actually responses that are mostly triggered by environmental and social
factors. Your best bet would be to maximize training of your dog when it decides to bark.
Provide Adequate Food and Water - Provide food suited to your dog’s age size and
condition. Walk Your Dog - Your dog will let you know when it needs to be walked.

• Tags: dog behaviour, dog obedience, dog training, pet Behaviour, pets

Dog Insurance Helps To Preserve Your Pets Health and

Your Budget
Although dog insurance is something that has been on the market for about two decades,
there are still many pet owners who are not aware that pet health insurance is available
and are even surprised to learn it is an option. However, because the pets are very often
considered a part of the family, learning about the availability of pet health insurance is
usually very good news to dog owners.

Anyone can relate to this sentiment of relief, if they have ever been faced with having to
either clean out their savings account or run up their credit card balance in order to take
care of an unexpected emergency. Having a pet plan can help to lighten the burden of the
expenses related to a surgical procedure, long-term care for serious conditions, such as
cancer and other types of diseases or emergency care due to injury or accident. Without
insurance, some dog owners are faced with the awful decision of having to put their pet
to sleep because the cost of proper health care is just too much for the family budget.

It is often a heartbreaking situation when a pet owner is faced with a choice of either
paying for expensive, but needed, veterinary pet procedures or being able to properly care
for the needs of the rest of the family in the household. This dilemma often results in the
agonizing decision of having to put the pet down. This is just the kind of situation that
illustrates the immense value, in emotional terms, of having dog insurance to assure the
well-being and the health needs of the family dogs.

Just as with other health care expenses, the costs associated with veterinarian care for
pets is also rising with each passing year. This fact has solidified the notion of acquiring
pet insurance to handle the animal welfare as well as health concerns a higher attractive
option. It has also made pet health insurance a more financially smart move for families.
Over the long haul is is far simpler to work a small insurance premium for dog health
insurance into the annual budget compared to trying to come up with many hundreds, or
possibly even thousands of dollar if an emergency happens.

If you own more than one dog, then insurance coverage for all of them makes even more
sense. Simply making certain that each seperate dog has gotton their vaccinations,
booster shots as well as health screening that are done on an annual basis can stretch a
persons budget to their breaking point. This situation can lead pet owners to decide to
skip the routine health care steps that should be taken to prevent illness and diseases.

In most cases, a comprehensive pet insurance policy will also cover wellness and
preventative care procedures. Fortunately, most the pet insurance company policies seem
to support the approach of taking preventive measures, with regard to animal welfare. It
is well-documented that taking preventative measures and supporting wellness care will
reduce the potential for serious health issues for the pet later down the road.

Because of this, searching out companies that provide insurance coverage which
incorporates preventative care is a wise course of action to take. The fact that a pet
insurance company offers such coverage speaks to their commitment and philosophy
about prevention of pet disease and the importance of animal welfare in general.
Preventative care coverage is the most expensive type of dog insurance that you can
purchase, but may not be in every families’ budget. In this case, it is often wise to opt for
a policy that will pay for major veterinary pet bills. This is an effective way to lower
monthly premium, but you will need to be prepared to handle the routine veterinarian
visits out of your own pocket. Finding a pet insurance company that offers policies that
cover wellness care is a positive sign and a good indicator about the kind of company
with whom you are dealing.

For a great deal more informational value go to this online destination: Pet Insurance also
click here Florida Pet Health Insurance with more helpful material at Pet Liability
Insurance

Couple Finds Homes For Retired War Dogs

Posted by GoGoKitty: Steve on November 14, 2008

Eight to 10 years is a full military career for dogs used by the Armed Services, but what happens when
those dogs are retired?

Ron Aiello, president of the U.S. War Dogs Association, said about 2,500 canines are active war dogs, with
about 700 of those serving in the Middle East. Aiello said upon retirement, some dogs are adopted by law
enforcement agencies and others are distributed to former handlers.

It is sometimes possible for civilians to adopt dogs that are considered not too aggressive by contacting the
military, and Aiello’s organization is trying tie up loose ends that could leave some dogs euthanized.

Read the full story

Dogs Brought Them - and Kept Them - Together

Posted by GoGoKitty: Steve on November 13, 2008

Dog-park rules are fairly straightforward: toys are shared, poop is scooped and one
doesn’t pry about life outside the fence. There, two-legged creatures are known by their
relationship to four-legged ones, as in “That’s Miko’s dad” or “That’s Gracie’s mom.”
Which is how John Forte, now 44 (Miko’s dad and a software engineer at Sun
Microsystems) and Christine Beirne, 40 (Gracie’s mom, a former teacher, and now a
“salary-deferring parent”), first knew each other at the Redwood Shores dog run in 2000.

Read the rest of the story

Dog Life Jackets

Dog Life Jackets

If you love to take your dog with you everywhere you go, then you may want to purchase
a dog life jacket. People who enjoy boating and want to take their dog with them should
seriously consider purchasing a water life jacket for their dog. For many a dog owner,
their beloved pet is treated just like one of the family. You would never let your small
child near deep water without a life jacket on, and then the same should be said for your
dog wearing a life jacket too.

A dog life jacket is a waterproof coat made especially for dogs that will allow him to
easily move around enough to swim or partake in any number of other fun water
activities that you have planned for the day. Another advantage to having a dog life jacket
is the handle made on the back side which will allow you to pull him out of the water
quickly if needed.

A life jacket for your dog could very well save his or her life, and I would recommend
that all dogs wear one when at the beach, lake or near deep water. Many dogs become
distracted easily and this can create problems if they are on a boat or even a wharf, pier or
jetty. It is very easy for a dog to be distracted by a bird or a bright object like a
windsurfer, possibly causing them to fall off your boat or the dockside. If he or she is
wearing a life jacket you will have the peace of knowing that he will be able to remain
afloat until you can rescue him or he can swim back to the boat or shore.

Dogs also have a tendency to get excited and overdo it when they are playing in the
water. Unfortunately, dogs have been known to drown when playing in water with a toy,
ball or stick. They can get too tired without noticing it because they are keenly focused on
playing with you or the toy. A tired dog can very easily fall victim to a strong current or a
rip tide.

That is why a dog life jacket is very important, it is not dumb to want to keep your dog
alive by having them wear one, because it will greatly increase their chances of survival
if they are in danger due to deep water or strong currents. You can get a good dog life
jacket by searching the internet for such items or you can even order one special from
your local pet store if they do not already carry them in stock. Dog life jackets are
available in sizes to fit all dogs.

• Tags: dog clothing, dog life jacket, dog life jackets, water safety for dogs

Bird Dog Training

Popular Commands for Dog Training One of the first commands to teach your dog is to
“Come”. Then you can teach your dog to “Heel” upon command.
People are amazed at watching a well trained bird dog in action. These finely trained bird
dogs never fail to heed their owners’ commands. When you see them perform you may
begin to ask yourself, how did they do that? Perhaps bird dog training can bring out the
best in you dog.

Training them to be a bird dog will bring out the best in your dog if you are willing to
work consistently with them.

There are some breeds that have a natural lineage, giving them the ability to becoming a
good bird dog. Teaching them to obey basic commands is the best place to start.
Professional dog trainers know how very important it is for dogs to understand what it is
their owner wants from them. For this basic voice command training, there are basic
words a owner should use to train the dog.

First is for them to learn the “Stay” command.

The most basic command is “Stay”

Dogs that follow their masters command without hesitation will demonstrate obedience
and respect to his owner. Complete obedience is shown by obeying the command no
matter how far the distance is between the giver of the command and the dog.

The ’Whoa’ or ’Easy’ command is useful for dogs that are going too far ahead, when the
dog is flushing the bird and the owner wants him to stop, or when the dog wants to play
with the bird. When this happens it is easier for the owner to come to the dog and reward
him for a job well done.

Teaching them to ’Come’

This command simply suggests that the dog should approach you as commanded. The
uses of this command are rather simple. A good reason to teach them to come, would be
that when retrieving something, they bring it back to you when instructed to do so. Also,
there are dogs that are a bit stubborn and may decide to go off in different directions.
Giving this command will help cut down on the distance between you and your dog in
case he decides to do things his way.

The ’Heel ’Command

Teaching your dog to respond to the Heel command, is used when wanting them to walk
by your side.

Another command that is often used after the ’Heel’ command is the one word command
’Ok’ or to ’Go’. By using this command your dog will know they did a good job during
the hunt and you are pleased with them.
Whenever the dog performs well, never fail to give him a tap, a treat or a word of praise
to acknowledge his performance. Fine dogs are born with the instinct to please their
owners. If you can let your dog see that he is pleasing you with his performance and you
want him to repeat it, the best thing you can do is to reward him. Over a period of time,
he will learn to do the same actions for which he was rewarded and praised.

Bird dog training is not easy. It is because of this, there are few well trained bird dogs
today. Always be confident that your dog can become a fine hunter if you do what it takes
to make him successful, by showing him patience in teaching him to obey basic
commands.

Have you thought about bringing home a former

Greyhound racer?
Greyhounds are beautiful animal racers. As they work and perform throughout their
profesional careers, they normally work until they are between 1.5 and 4 years old.
Throughout this time, they become adjusted to being walked and lead on a leash, so upon
retirement from their racing careers, they make gentle pets!

As a former athlete, they are smart, quiet, calm, clean, gentle, and generally good-natured
and happy to adapt to a new home life. They react well to positive attention and
reinforcement and so they are a pleasure to train and work with for the new families they
become a part of.

They love affection and although they do want exercise, they do not need as much space
to run as people might think. Inside the home, they prefer to curl up in a corner on a soft
blanket. They are gentle creatures and very well behaved inside a house and around
people.

Greyhounds spend most of their life with other dogs, trainers, and handlers, so they are
very sociable animals and get along well with others. Their temperament makes them an
wonderful breed to be near children. Their intelligence and devotion make them an
perfect companion. And since they are well mannered, they are great around company
and in public.

There is probably a local Greyhound Pets of America club near you. So think about
adopting a former Greyhound athlete. For more information, check out the Tucson
Greyhound Park. Various clubs have different expectations and costs, but all will
encourage you to come visit and find out more about whether a Greyhound might be right
for you!

Please help by volunteering your time. All local clubs need volunteers to help with
supplies, veterinary appointments, or even just shopping for doggie supplies. Of course,
financial donations are also needed, but your time and love is needed most!
 • Tags: adopt a dog, adopt a greyhound, greyhound, greyhound athlete

Wood Dog House – What Type Of Materials To Use For

Your Doghouse?
Although wood dog houses are common among many families who own dogs, not many
people know there are many different types of wood available for your dog house.

The most common type of wood used is cedar. It is one of the most popular choices for
wooden dog houses because of its resistance to decay and as well as insect and rot
resistance.

Cedar is easy to work with and it is durable and reliable and can be work for long periods
of time without any maintenance.

Other types of wood that are used in building dog houses include pine and hemlock
though they are less common. One reason is because they lack the insect and decay
resistance compared to cedar wood. That is also why they are seldom used as the base
structure of your dog house as they decay and rot faster especially when they come into
contact with the ground.

If you are building your own dog house, beware of using pressure-treated wood. This is
because although they are resistant to decay and insects, they contain harmful chemicals
that could pose a danger to your dog.

Most older pressure treated wood uses chromated copper arsenate which can be deadly to
animals. Nevertheless, over the past few years, other chemicals have been used to create
pressure treated wood and it is safer.

Wood is also better than plastic in building dog houses because they stay much warmer
during the winter. Wood also helps to dissipate heat naturally during the summer months.

Wood is also easier to work with compared to plastic. You only need a saw and a hammer
to build your own dog house. If you are eco-conscious, then building wooden dog houses
is also more environmentally friendly and can easily be recycled for other purposes. It is
also cheaper than plastic.

Learn how to build wood dog house. Visit my site and learn more about wooden dog
houses.

Getting a Pet Insurance Comparison Gives The Right

Choices For Your Needs
 Do's and donts of pet health insurance

For many people who own and love pets, there is just nothing worse than worrying about
not being able to afford the cost of taking proper care of them. If you have been thinking
that it is time to look into purchasing veterinarian insurance for pets, then you most likely
will want to take some time to do a pet insurance comparison.

In more recent years, getting pet insurance to provide for the dogs, cats and various other
members of your extended family has practically become a must-have item, particularly
for homes that have more than one pet. As the vet bill increase, it makes good sense to
invest in pet health insurance, similar to as you would do for the human people within
your home. Such pet health insurance can make very good economic sense, but it is
important to conduct a comparison before purchasing animal care insurance.

You will find that there are many companies today that offer pet health insurance
coverage. Doing a pet insurance comparison can be very beneficial in helping you to sort
through and find the best type of coverage for your family pets and the best cost for the
premiums. One of the most efficient ways of making such comparisons is by going online
and checking the various offerings of the different pet insurance companies.

There are even some websites on the internet that will assist you to complete your
comparison, doing this through a side-by-side listing of the various of pet insurance so
that you can rapidly compare the various policies as well as the companies. This is a great
time saver and can help you quickly eliminate pet insurance company offerings or a pet
plan that does not offer what you need most. Once you have identified the plan that will
provide the type of coverage you want, then it is easier to make the comparisons.

When doing an insurance comparison, some of the things you will want to consider and
perhaps even seek out additional information about are: whether the plan includes
coverage for kennel fees; whether you can take your pet to any licensed veterinarian or if
you must choose from a list of approved animal care professionals; if the plan covers
wellness or preventative care benefits; whether the plan covers boarding fees in the event
that you become ill and cannot care for your pet yourself and if you need to find a plan
that will also extend coverage to related events such as being reimbursed for cancellation
fees associated with travel. These are simply some of the numerous things to consider
that need to be taken into consideration when coming to a conclusion on veterinary pet
insurance plans to meet your particular needs.

In addition to these concerns, there are also a number of things that should be looked at
with regard to each pet insurance company. When doing a comparison for insurance, you
need to know the answers to, at the very least, these types of questions when it comes to
the different companies; what length of time have they been in the pet insurance
industry? Is the pet insurance company stable and does it have a good reputation? Has
your veterinarian had any dealings with the company and have those dealings been
positive? Does the pet insurance company employ ony licensed or certified professional
for key positions?
While it can be tempting to buy cheap pet insurance, doing a careful pet insurance
comparison can help you to learn more specifics about the different coverage options of
the various policies and also about the reputation of the various pet insurance companies.
In the long run, being sure that you have the right coverage which will be the most
beneficial to your beloved pets and will meet the needs of you and your family, will be
more important than saving a few dollars a month in the short term.

To find out more head on over to Shelter Care Pet Insurance and ASPCA Pet Insurance
with more helpful material at Petplan Breeder Insurance

Types of Dog Aggression Behaviors

Anually , while only a small percentage of people are bitten by dogs, there are a lot of
unacceptable other types of aggressive dog behavior. But occasionally, aggressive
behavior can be obvious signs of aggression, but it is more passive for other types of
violent behavior. Whether you observe their behavior as a more passive-aggressive or just
a total danger, they are still behaviors that can escalate or cause problems in your home or
people around you.

First, it is important to note that the types of violent behavior of dogs are not familiar in
any other breed over another. We also need to know how to handle an aggressive dog.
Only about 1 percent in every breed of dogs shows signs of violent behavior. It is just
definite, in certain breeds of dog; more volatile types of aggressive behavior appear to
make the news more often, and for that reason, we assume it is common. Hence, it is vital
to keep in mind that any dog exhibiting signs of violent dog behavior need to be taught
out those manners.

There are specific types of aggressive dog behavior that occur for a variety of reasons.
Generally, symptoms of outward aggression are growling, snarling, curling lips, and
biting. Just because they are to be the most threatening qualities more people talk about
the variations of aggressive behavior. Traits of aggression in dogs can also be like
mounting people, lunging, blocking your way and barking. But dog owners tend to
dismiss these as peculiar traits because they think that its actions are not as directly
aggressive towards humans.

Though these types of violent behavior occur mainly depends on what the root causes
are . There are a least number of reasons for this kind of behavior. When your pet is
trying to create dominance it will usually do a lot of jumping, lunging, blocking or
mounting actions on you. Dogs are pack animals, so they will most of the time try to
exhibit supremacy over small kids by “herding them” which might involve small nips at
their ankle, while male dogs may try to create dominance to mount members of the
family. It is essential when you observe these kinds of violent dog behavior to establish
that you really the ‘alpha dog’ by taking control of things and situations.

A basis for hostile dog behavior is FEAR. Generally, a dog may put its tail between its
legs, pull its ears back and look away or even run when he’s frightened. Although if a dog
feels ensnared, it may lash out with growling, snarling, and even biting. It is essential for
your dog to feel secured, but there are a lot of methods to condition your dog to lower a
fear response.

Facts like these, we can single-out ideas on how to handle an aggressive dog. This kind of
aggressive dog behavior might be observed if your dog is feeling territorial or possessive.
Dogs often have a sense of territory that they do not like to share their most possessed
treasures and if closely observed, the same thing goes for humans. Also, a lot of
aggressive behaviors may occur if your dogs feel that their territory is being violated or
even when a family member is in danger. It is important to terminate this kind of manner
by taking precautionary actions and avoiding these potentially dangerous situations. For
example, if your beloved is aggressive only when he or she eats, then you need to keep
people away from his/her saucer during feeding times. You also need to institute that you
are the boss over the food.

When dogs face fear or territorial breaches, when they cannot take their aggression out on
the thing causing their fear, dogs sometimes turn their aggression toward something or
someone else. This is called redirected aggression. Again, this behavior needs to be
discouraged. Keep in mind though that discipline may be ok, but punishment is not.
Samples of situations that encourage dogs to act violently are punishments that are
imposed to them.

What might be the causes behind these types of violence , it is significant to put off your
dog from showing the behaviors. Allocate time to train your dog, which seldom needs a
lot of patience and time, so that you keep your dog nourished, happy, and secure.

• Tags: dog aggression, dog food aggression, dogs, pets, puppies, pups

•
Prevent Your Dog From Chewing

Do you have a dog chewing problem ? A dog that loves to chew on anything he sees
interesting and you can’t seem to figure out why he has this kind of passion? Did you
ever come home from work and found your newest pair of shoes being chewed upon by
your, cute, sweet and innocent, little dog? If this is a familiar scenario to you, I suggest
that you continue to read on.

One of the worst habits that any dog can pick up is chewing. Besides it being destructive
to your property, a a dog chewing might end up injuring itself by breaking its teeth or
swallowing harmful material. Moreover, , some dogs gnaw on themselves! This kind of
bad habit may cause hair loss and even serious infections to areas of their bodies like
their tails, legs, and feet. If you have a problem with dog chewing, instead of dismissing
the act as a typical dog behavior, work to immediately correct the situation.

Chewing is a known behavior of puppies . However, their choices of what to chew on

will be directly dependent upon you . If you are welcoming a new puppy into your home,
be sure to supply it with adequate toys to prevent your pooch from destroying your home,
car, or wardrobe. In addition , be sure to choose toys that cannot be mistaken for those
“out of bound” items. To somehow redirect its attention from the new pair they have just
bought, many dog owners prefer to grant their pups with cast off shoes but to their
surprise the puppy would still chew up on their brand new pair instead. Look for chewing
toys and bones that will not splinter, break, or split and potentially cause a choking
hazard. So that your dog does not become bored and opt to chew on your beloved
possessions and furniture as an alternative, give your puppy with several different toys in
various areas.

Yes, there are simple steps that can help you prevent your dog from chewing up your
possessions! For starters, the easiest way to stop this routine is to keep an eye on your
dog. Dogs cannot chew up your house and home while you sit watching them. A huge
part of dog ownership is VIGILANCE. Furthermore, consider confining your dog to a
room or area of your home until you can trust him to have free rein of your abode. More
than vigilance , cleanliness is a large factor in what a dog has access to chew. Simply put,
your dog cannot chew your shoes unless they were left accessible. If you find your dog
chewing something, if possible, place it out of his reach. In all likelihood , the dog will
continue chewing the same item until it is either removed or completely destroyed.
“But what about the larger things like furniture, doors, or appliances that will be hard to
move”, you say? For these structures, apply a thin film of Bitter Apple. Like its name
suggests, this solution is quite bitter and very unsavory for dogs. Available in a spray or
cream, Bitter Apple will not damage the finish of your furniture and can easily be wiped
away once the dog learns not the chew. Don’t be alarmed if your dog does ingest the
material, it will not make him sick, as the contents of it are non-toxic.

Lastly, be the protector of your own things. Teach your dog commands like “leave it” and
instruct him to cease and desist the gnawing of your items. Use a spray bottle or a shaker
device rather than physical punishment, which can sometime cause dogs to become more
destructive in protest. If your dog is chewing on himself more than your home,
immediately visit your veterinarian. There are a lot of skin conditions, including parasitic
infections that can cause a dog to chew on his own skin in order to find relief. Turn to a
cooling spray that will provide relief as the area begins to heal. Also, use an antibiotic
cream to prevent infection.

• Tags: dog aggression, dog chewing, dogs, pet dogs, pets, puppies, pups

Dog Food Secrets – Are Commercial Dog Food Safe?

Ultimately, one will realize that manufactured canned dog foods are not the best for dogs.
Although there are many substantial claims that the formulas used for these dog foods are
scientifically tested to meet the required dietary allowance of our beloved pets, one would
have to consider that dogs of the ancient times never really had science to back up their
diet. With their raw diet of whatever they were given by their masters before, they still
managed to survive,

Many people are growing concerned about the commercial dog foods that keep on
popping out of store shelves. This includes kibbles, treats, wet dog foods and dry dog
foods. So many dog foods of different kinds have been released and there were also
product recalls. But really, what is the best food for your dog?

In reality, the best food for your dog is all natural dog food. Dogs are not really
scavengers but they can survive on scraps of bread and meat or even vegetables if they
have no choice. In reality, the best food for every dog is freshly prepared natural dog food
such as chicken, rice, bread and vegetables. This is something that any person in any
household can prepare. The most important thing is that the food is clean and free from
harmful chemicals that human beings eat.

There are a lot of human foods out there that can be lethal to dogs and other animals. One
of these is chocolate. It is also important to know you should not add seasonings such as
salt, pepper and sugar to your dog food.
If you want your dog to be healthy, you have to prepare its food yourself. You can use
boiled meat or bones so the dog has something to chew. Rice is also healthy for dogs so
they have carbohydrates to burn.

If you want to learn what are the best food for your dog, i recommend you read my dog
food secrets review and learn why commercial dog food is dangerous for your dog.

• Category: Uncategorized
• Tags: best food for your dog, best pet dog food, dog food secrets review, healthy
homemade dog recipes, natural dog food

o
•

Stop Dog Aggression

Are your dog aggression problems too much and are now crying out for obedience
training help? Then you’re in the right place. Here are four side-by-side reviews of the
four best aggressive dog training sites in the net today.

Sit Stay Fetch is the most excellent dog training website and we highly recommend it as
it has lots of helpful advice to end your dog problem. Daniel Stevens discussed
everything there is to know about fixing a dog’s aggression issues with over 100 images
to make learning easier and interesting. Next, Dog Training Secrets is also very
informative but does not have photos in it. The third is Secrets of a Professional Dog
Trainer. There are great tips available.

Sit Stay Fetch - Dog Obedience Training, covers all points of dog aggression training and
helps answers many dog problems, for example, your dog being usually disobedient, your
dog being over-aggressive, being quirky off-leash or even on-leash, not appropriately
housetrained, etc. It has over 100 step by step photos and is a very informative. It also
includes the latest do training secrets used by professional trainers, which are not
available in other books, such as dog whispering, advanced behavioral training and the
like.

Dog Training Secrets by Charlie Lafave, shares to you the significance of training your
dog and what may happen if you don’t. Has everything you need to know with step by
step commands, including 7 common behavioral problems and how to improve them.
There is also a chapter on how to train adult dogs, for those who have left it too long.

Starting from how to choose and purchase a dog, Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer
covers all possible about training dogs. This e-book is very lengthy and a bit boring, but
finds the patience as it has very useful tips. Heads up, though: there are no pictures at all
and following instructions could be particularly hard if you’re the visual type.
Incorporated are answered questions that people trying to train their dogs in the past have
asked. And there is no table of contents.

How To Train Your Dog in One Evening, covers 10 most frequent problems. The first
thing is to help you find out the reasons your dog are having these problems. it continues
with step-by-step instructions illustrating what to do to resolve these issues. This ebook is
direct and easily understandable. Even though it’s correct, obedience training your dog in
one night is almost an impossibility.

•
• Tags: dog aggression, dog food aggression, dogs, pets, puppies, pups

Condo Living with Dogs Can Be Great, If You’re Up To

It
Condos are becoming kennels. I exaggerate only slightly that some days it appears there
are as many dogs living in my building as there are people. And I confess, I’m part of the
reason condos are going to the dogs. My partner and I own two: Sally, a 20-pound
cockapoo, and Watson, a seven-pound rescue–he’s a poodle variant of some sort.

We have a small apartment with Sally and Watson’s houses (a. k. a. crates). Dog houses
dominating your living room doesn’t make it elegant. The easy-to-wash blanket on the
sofa is not exactly chic, either.

Read the full story

Learning About Poodle Puppies

Poodle puppies are cute, cuddly, and curly and definitely a pet anyone would want to take
home. Poodles make great pets, and have the most fun with them you will need to know
as much about poodle puppies so that they are comfortable when you take them home, so
read on to see what you should know in order to be a responsible poodle owner.
No matter which poodle breed you decide to purchase, you should know that some
poodles tend to be a little reclusive or anti-social, and aren’t very friendly around
strangers - unless they are trained. You will need to socialize your poodle puppies by
placing them in an environment where people will be present often, so that it won’t be so
overwhelming for the dogs when you have people over or take the puppies on an outing.

You should also make sure that you take your poodle puppies to the vet often for
checkups, since poodles tend to have vision problems fairly often. Your poodle’s eyes
should be alert and shiny, and if you start to notice a film around the eyes, or if you see
that your puppy’s eyes are running often, this could be a sign of cataracts. Treating this
condition in the early stages is key, so be sure to tell the vet if you notice that your dog’s
vision is a little cloudy. Poodle puppies are also prone to ear infections, as are most other
poodles, so be sure to have your puppy’s ears checked at the vet as well; hearing tests, as
well as medication may need to be administered, and you should ask your animal doctor
about dosages for your puppy as well.

You may also notice that your poodle has very sensitive skin, and that certain grooming
products should not be used on your poodle puppies. Poodle owners are often dying their
dog’s hair in a variety of colors, or shampooing the thick fur of the poodle with expensive
shampoos that come in a variety of scents. However, the chemicals in some of these
cleaning agents could be harmful to your poodle puppies, and could cause rashes and skin
irritations. Your puppy could also develop an allergy to these products, so if you notice
that your dog is more sluggish than usual, or is sneezing often, you should let your
grooming professional know, or shampoo your poodle at home.

• Tags: dog breeds, dogs, miniature poodle, poodle

Outdoor Dog Houses – Build Your Own Doghouse Or

Buy Pre-Built Dog House
Posted by GoGoKitty: Steve on November 7, 2008

Today, you can find many types of outdoor doghouses available in pet stores such as
wooden doghouses, cedar wood doghouses and even igloo dog houses with heaters.

If you have a large sized dog, it would be best to keep it outdoors. However, before you
do that, you need a shelter for your dog. Dog houses protect your pet from the wind, sun
and cold winters. What type of doghouse you need depends a lot on your needs and your
budget, so do a bit of thinking before buying one.

Traditionally, most doghouses come with a triangular roof which looks like a small hut.
The most common material used is mostly wood which is practical although nowadays,
you can choose different types of wood for your dog house such as cedarwood.
If you decide on building your own outdoor doghouse, I found several simple dog house
plans online that are practical and shouldn´t require too much time and money.
Alternatively, you can visit the bookstore or Amazon to buy doghouse plans.

However, most people would prefer to buy pre-built wooden doghouses since it takes
some time to build one yourself. Most pet retailers carry dog houses that are made from
different materials such as plastic or foam.

Petco also sells high tech doghouses which provide insulation from cold winters as well
as dog house air conditioners to keep your pet cool during the summer months. Of course
the price is in the high range.

Since dogs are social animals and loved to be near their owners, it would be best to place
your doghouse at the front or at the side of your house rather than at the back. If not, you
might find your dog not wanting to sleep in the doghouse.

Also, make sure to keep the areas surrounding the doghouse clean. Nobody likes to sleep
in a dirty home and that includes your dog as well.

Visit my wooden dog house site for more information on where to buy cheap cedar dog
houses.

What to Know for Breeding Labradors

Posted by GoGoKitty: Steve on November 7, 2008

There are some things you should know if you are interested in breeding Labradors.
Especially if you want to breed labradors for a dog show. The goal of breeding Labradors,
or any dog, is for the puppy to have the ideal characteristics for which you are looking.
However, you won’t know which dogs to breed if you do not know which characteristics
are most favorable in Labrador dogs. Learning these traits will help you to be a successful
breeder of Labradors. It could make all the difference in winning that first place ribbon
at any dog show.

There are certain variations of the Labrador breed that would be actually be penalized in
a dog show. For instance, the Labrador retriever could be one. The retriever is a medium-
sized dog with a short coat, small ears, and a short thick tail and is not considered “show”
qualities. Likewise are the weedy, light dogs, the leggy, tall dogs, the low-stationed, long
dogs, and the lumbering, cloddy dogs. These will all earn penalties in the dog shows as
they are contradictory to the proportionate and sturdy build of the ideal Labrador.

Certain anatomical characteristics are important when breeding Labradors. Ideally, the
Labrador’s head should include a broad snout, clean cheeks, powerful muzzle, and, white
teeth.The dog's nose color can be varied, just like the dog's color. The nostrils should be
wide and open. The eyes should be a slightly triangular-shape and have a kind
expression. Finally, the ears should be short and be triangular in shape and should drop.

The key to breeding Labradors is to look for a favorable temperament. This will impress
any judge at the dog shows. Labrador retrievers are eager to please and they are also very
outgoing and friendly animals. Labradors are also quite intelligent. Judges look for these
characteristics when evaluating Labradors in a dog show.

Labradors can be black, chocolate, or yellow. Yellow dogs may vary in shade, and some
labs may have a white spot on the chest, though this is not preferred. You might be please
to note that the Judges do not give any penalties if a Labrador has white hairs due to
aging and scarring.

Judges look for Labradors who are bred to be a specific height and weight. They are
looking to see that the height and weight is typical of Labradors. For male Labradors, the
typical height is twenty-two and one-half inches to twenty-four and one-half inches. Male
dogs should weigh between sixty-five and eighty pounds. For female Labradors, the
typical height is between twenty-one and one-half and twenty-three and one-half inches.
The ideal weight for female dogs is fifty-five to seventy pounds.

It is important to be aware of dog show criteria when you are breeding Labradors. You
want to be able to breed certain characteristics and traits for the best results. Breeding
Labradors can be a challenge, but it can be very rewarding if you are successful and
achieve your goals.

• Tags: breeding labradors, labradors

Dog Obedience Training and Three Basic Rules

Owning a dog without attention to the importance of dog training is not very responsible.
Fortunately, there are some basic principles that can make the job easier.

Dog obedience training requires the use of some principles which differentiate effective
training from training without results. Most dog training and dog behavior schools use
these rules. These are:

Principle One:The first rule in obedience training is to be consistent. You must be

consistent in the use of words, the tone of your voice and your actions, that go with your
command. At the beginning of training you as the dog owner or trainer must make the
decision as to what guidelines you will use to teach the dog. A word or a phrase, let’s say
‘come’, does not make sense to a dog. Your dog does not understand our language, nor
does he understand or think, the way we do.

For the training to be understandable, the command must be used in a consistent manner
so he can recognize the meaning to the word and tone. If you are using the word ‘come’
make sure everyone is. The command ‘Come’ specifically means that the dog should
approach the giver of the command and use it in that sense. If he does not come to you,
do not force the dog to come to you and punish him for doing so. This would make him
attribute the command with the punishment.

Then what would you expect?-If the command leads to punishment he will not follow it
next time. The same command used, by all people, must be consistent. For example, if
you are using the command ‘come’, other people in the household should not replace it
with words like ‘here’ or ‘come here boy’.

Principle Two:The hours devoted to training and the words used as command should be
kept short. Keep in mind that the attention span of dogs (and especially a puppy) is very
short that making them engrossed with a specific activity would be very hard, if not
impossible. Combining children with your puppy obedience training is an example of
keeping your training sessions short as they would lose interest very quickly, so it is best
to move on to the next thing.

Your dog becomes easily bored and their interest at the beginning soon fades. The same
thing happens in training therefore, it should be limited only to 10 minutes to 15 minutes
of regular training.

Principle Three: Never hurt the dog if you want him to be trained, through force or
punishment. Also, never force the dog to follow the command if he is not prepared for it
or punish a dog for something he did. Don’t push the animal too hard while training.

The dog does not understand that he should learn things instantly and he does not realize
that you are becoming impatient with the speed he is picking up the training. He only
knows you are angry. So do not use force as this does not communicate your meaning
properly, instead use negative reinforcement. Do not send him mixed signals, by making
him feel praised for doing something wrong, only when he obeys the command, should
he feel praised.

You have to be understanding and patient, especially during your dog obedience training
sessions. The outcome will be a very responsive and well trained dog.

Need To Potty Train Your Puppy?

You may have just recently purchased a new puppy. He is so adorable! Beside enjoying
your little pal, you also want to protect your home so your furnishings and carpets aren’t
ruined. What should you do now?

One of your first jobs is to teach your puppy where to relieve himself so your home won’t
be damaged. How can that be accomplished?

Grab your free dog training course and learn more about how to house puppy train.
Dogs act mainly from habits that have been developed over a period of time and that fact
can help you as a dog owner. As the dog owner, you need to install the habits of your
choice. Don’t let your pet create his own habits that you might not appreciate. Your
puppy has limitations that you need to be aware of. Since your puppy’s bladder is so
small, he can’t hold his urine in very long. Understanding and patience will help you deal
with your puppy’s limitations.

Don’t scream at your puppy when he has an accident. Training your new pal requires
patience. If your puppy has an accident on the living room carpet, be gentle with him.
Tell him “no” in a gentle way. Then pick him up and place him where you do want him to
go potty. Then tell him to go potty in that place in your own words.

Dogs don’t want to soil their beds, so if you use a crate for him to sleep in, that will help
your puppy potty training efforts. Playpens can also be used for training purposes.

There are times when your new puppy is more likely to go potty. First thing in the
morning is one of the times when your puppy will need to relieve himself. Right after
eating is one of the main times your new puppy will want to relieve himself. Be sure to
take your puppy to his designated toilet area before he goes to bed at night. Right after
romping around for a while, your pal will probably want to go potty.

Your new pet needs close supervision. If he goes potty on his own outside, be sure to
praise him immediately. If he should go potty inside the house, you need to gently but
sternly let him know that isn’t the right place to go. Be sure to praise your puppy when he
does go in the correct place. He really needs your approval.

You can learn the signs that your puppy is about to go potty. Wandering off, sniffing and
circling are signs that your puppy is ready to relieve himself. Maybe he’ll go and stand at
the door.

Patience and kindness goes a long way in dog training. Be sure to spend time training
your new pal to urinate or deficate where you have chosen for him to go. The time and
effort you put into training your new pal will be worth it when he knows the right time
and place to relieve himself.

Watch free dog training video plus learn how to potty train dog.

• Tags: how to house break a puppy, how to potty train your puppy, potty train
puppy

Helping Your Dog When It Has Had A Stroke

Posted by GoGoKitty: Steve on November 7, 2008
It may come as a shock to you to find out that your dog has suffered from a stroke.
Unlike humans, when a dog has a stroke, he often won’t become paralyzed or display any
of the human signs of stroke. In fact, with the right care and attention, chances are he will
bounce right back within a short period after suffering from a stroke, especially if he has
a little help.

How To Tell Your Dog Has Had A Stroke?

Often, there are a few signs that will tell you that your dog is suffering from a stroke.
These usually include loss of sight, falling over, and tilting and turning of the head. If you
notice your dog displaying these symptoms, you should take him to the vet to rule out
other serious health problems such as brain disease, which may be the underlying cause
of the symptoms.

Often, pet owners are not aware that their dog has suffered from a stroke. If your pet is
advanced in years, seems off color, or acting strangely, he may have suffered a stroke.
The best way to find out for sure is to take him to the vet for an examination. Once there,
the vet will put your dog under anesthesia, and run some tests to find out what is causing
your dog to act strangely.

My Dog Has Had A Stroke, What Should I Do?

If your dog has had a stroke, it is important to remember that dogs don’t suffer as badly
from strokes as humans do, and they will recover faster than humans. Once your dog has
had a stroke, there is not a lot that your vet can do for him. In most cases, there is no
magical cure, or special pill, all your vet will do is confirm that it was a stroke, and rule
out the dangerous diseases that may be causing your dog to suffer from the strokes.

However, there are some things that you, the owner of your dog, can do to help with his
recovery. Because you share a close owner-pet bond, your dog will recover faster if you
are around to care for him, and cheer him on as he starts getting better. Make sure that he
has a warm cozy place to rest, and plenty of encouragement, and love from you, to
remind him of why he wants to get better.

You may also need to encourage your pet to eat, and drink soon after he has suffered from
a stroke, and help him onto his feet, and encourage him to take bathroom breaks outside.
Exercise, especially strenuous exercise, should be avoided. Once your dog is feeling well
enough, he will soon tell you when he is ready to start going on walks again. After a
matter of weeks, he will be starting to get back to his old self.

Don’t forget that once your dog has recovered, he will still need plenty of love, and
encouragement, and may not be as agile as he was before the stroke. Strokes can keep
reoccurring in dogs, so keep a close eye on him.

To find out more about pet health visit Natures Healthy Pet

• Tags: pet health

Case Study of a Barking Dog
Teacup, a two-year-old mixed breed dog, keeps barking whenever her owner Tom is
away at work. Tom recently transferred into a new house with a spacious fenced-in
backyard. At this time, as Teacup would normally do while Tom is away, she would not
stop from barking. The barking dog progressed so badly that neighbors in his apartment
building regularly complained, forcing Tom to find a new place of his own. However,
Teacup continues to bark and Tom is worried about the complaints of his new neighbors.
Teacup does not bark while Tom is home, so he must look for a way to stop the dog
barking while he is at work.

Ever since Tom transferred , he pointed out hindrance from an outside source causing
Teacup to become aggravated and to bark. With Teacup’s current condition , frustration is
not an option, Tom has spoken to his neighbors and no person or animal provokes Teacup
from over her fence. Furthermore , since the change of atmosphere has changed the
placement of things, Tom can be sure there is nothing that would cause Teacup to bark.
And, Teacup’s food dish. Water bucket, and toys are all well within the dog’s reach.

Tom then brought Teacup to his veterinarian’s clinic and ruled out any medical conditions
that may cause Teacup to bark. Since Tom is always away from home every morning
when he was still in his previous home, Teacup’s veterinarian suggest that Tom look at
the idea of boredom barking. Since the odd seems to make sense, Tom starts looking into
his idea of keeping Teacup entertained during the day.

At the beginning, Tom calls a local pet sitting business that specializes in taking care of
dogs during the day while their owners are at work. The people in this business were very
professional and a schedule was made up that they would visit Teacup twice a day for
one-half hour at a time. During Teacup’s visitation, a person would walk the dog around
the park and plays with her most of the time. Though Teacup did not bark as much before
and this situation worked out well, the dog still barked.

Tom decided to enroll Teacup in the “doggy daycare” provided by a local kennel to stop
the incessant barking dog. Basically, this class acts as a dog version of conventional
daycare and to prevent boredom, the employees let the dogs play together. Tom drops
Teacup off on the dog daycare center on his way to the office and picks her up on the way
home. This setup makes the dog and the owner happy, it works perfectly well for both
Teacup and Tom. Even though the fees for the “doggy daycare” are more than leaving
Teacup at home during the day or even hiring a dog sitter, Tom feels the amount is well
acceptable when he sees how happy Teacup is at the end of the day and the reality that his
neighbor’s complaints have ceased. Moreover, since Teacup was otherwise an only dog,
this “doggy daycare” lets her to mingle with other dogs, ensuring she is well developed
socially and emotionally.

• Tags: barking dog, dog bark training, dog barking, dog training, dogs, pet dogs,
pets, puppies, pups
 •

Natural Pet Allergy Treatment Options Are Simple And

Effective
Even though you may have a deep love for animals; after coming into contact with them,
sometimes you could develop pet allergies. Developing pet allergies even after having
kept pets for several years is also common for some people. The sad part is that your love
for animals can be put to severe test if you develop pet allergy and this allergy in turn will
make you suffer from ill health. Itchiness in the skin, wheezing, as well as having eyes
that water constantly are some of the common symptoms of pet allergies.

Part With Your Pet

If pet allergy treatment does not work in controlling symptoms of your pet allergy you
may even be forced into parting with your pet. However, some people are so fond of their
pets that they will not contemplate giving away their pets. A solution for such people is to
ensure reducing dander in the home and to also remove allergens in the home so that the
chances of developing pet allergy are greatly reduced.

There are however a few simple natural pet allergy treatment options worth trying out.
For one, you need to ensure that your pet is not allowed anywhere near your sleeping area
and to also ensure that the pet is not allowed on to your furniture. These are relatively
simple natural pet allergy treatment options and should be followed strictly to prevent pet
allergy from affecting you.

Another natural pet allergy treatment option is to bathe the pet every week and when
brushing the pet to remember and do so outside of the house and on a daily basis as well.
Reducing the quantity of dander that the pet carries within the home will take place using
these measures. Converting your pet into an outside pet and not letting him stay indoors
with you is another simple natural pet allergy treatment option.

You will also need to vacuum your carpets on a daily basis and also damp out dust at least
once in a week. Other than this, you need to ensure washing your hands with a good soap
each time you have played with or touched your pet. Other simple pet allergy treatments
include installing air purifier in the home which will remove pet dander from the air and
to have wooden floors instead of carpeting the floors which will only trap the allergens
and that will mean increasing the risk of pet allergies.

To prevent and treat this condition requires learning about effective allergy asthma
treatment such as becoming physically active and playing sports and games, allergy
asthma is very often noticed among children and also in young adults.
Another pet allergy treatment option to consider is choosing an allergy friendly pet.
Known to carry fewer quantities of dander and so will therefore pose less of a threat in
regard to risk of pet allergy, which means that small birds as well as small dogs are
known to carry fewer quantities of dander.

View more articles at www.allergies.jsgenterprises.com.

• Tags: allergies, pet allergy treatment.health

Cedar Dog Houses – Find Cedar Doghouse Plans Or

Buy Pre-built Doghouse
Posted by GoGoKitty: Steve on November 5, 2008

I’m not sure whether dogs like cedar dog houses but most doghouses are made of wood.
Small dogs usually live indoors so there is no need to buy a doghouse. However, larger
sized dogs will need their own place and most families usually put their dogs outside,
therefore a wooden doghouse is needed.

Finding a large doghouse that can accommodate their dogs is often a problem. You can
get find cedar doghouse plans online and construct your own doghouse. That way, you
can customized the dog house to whatever you want.

However, if you want to save the hassle, you can always buy a cedar doghouse online or
get someone to build it for you. Where To Put The Dog House Most people usually place
their doghouse at the rear of the house.

It is not a very good spot because not only is it inconvenient for you, most dogs don’t like
to be located far from people. Dogs are sociable animals and prefer places where people
congregate. Therefore, it is best to place your doghouse at the side of your house or the
front porch.

If possible, the cedar doghouse should be lifted up off the ground with small blocks
neighbouring the foundation. This provides a pocket of airspace that can help in
insulation. To keep the doghouse warm in winter, you need to have a flap in front of the
doghouse.

Regular maintenance is essential and it is important to keep the area around the doghouse
clean. If not, you will find your dog not wanting to sleep in the doghouse. If you can
build a dog runway, that would be ideal and it allows your dog to run and still be
restrained at the same time.

Whether you choose to build your own doghouse or buy existing pre-built doghouses, be
sure that your dog can live and move comfortably inside it.
Learn more about why cedar dog houses are the best. Check out whether to buy cheap
wooden doghouse online.

• Tags: best dog house, cedar doghouse, cheap dog houses, wooden doghouse

Help For Making A Purchase Of A Dog Training Collar

When you are making a purchase of a dog training collar, the myriad differences in the
specific brands and the choices of collars inside each brand can be overwhelming.
Sometime manufacturers tout their differences from the competitors and its difficult to
tell how much is real and how much is advertising. One of the ways to determine the real
differences is to find and a read dog training collar review. There are several such dog
training collar reviews on the internet.

There are other resources to tap to help in making this choice. One of the resources is a
local vet, could help you with their opinion. They can give you a view of which choices
you should most definitely not make, as not all collars are right for all dogs. Also, many
obedience class instructors have and use many of the dog training collars and could give
you their opinion or allow you to try the different choices during a training class. Each of
these individuals could give you an opinion on the dog training collar review information
that you obtained.

All dog training collar review information is not equal, as some are sponsored by the
manufactures of the different collars. Once you have your dog training collar reviews,
read through consumer reports and customer’s comments on the products you are
considering. Amazon.com provides sales of an amazing amount of items, and they keep
customer review and many of them, trying visiting their site to check.

Discount any collars which are clearly out of your price range. Do not feel bad about
this, there is absolutely no sense in spending more than you can afford when the simple
collars can provide what you need. Unless you have a disability that requires you to
choice a very high-end choice, you can consider the dog training collar reviews
inexpensive choices that may require a little more work on your part.

Check with a local vet or a local obedience trainer and see if they agree with the choice
you made. The most likely have experience with the products.

Don’t Do’s In Purchasing

Don’t buy the first dog training collar you see in a store, no matter what the store expert
tells you. Always do research in the information they provide, and don’t assume that you
got all the salient facts. Even if a dog training collar review agrees with the store expert,
spend just a little more time. Store experts may get a commission for certain
manufacturers and a dog training collar review may be sponsored by a company.
A last note, if you have a smaller dog make sure what you are looking at is a small dog
training collar. You need it positioned correctly on a small dog.

Gasen Redeye is the webmaster of My Dog Collars where you will get more Dog
Training Collar information.

•
• Tags: dog collar, dog training collar

American Pit Bull Terrier Training: How To Train An

Aggressive Dog

If you have an aggressive dog, whatever the breed, this is an important topic.

American Pit Bull Terrier Training: How To Train An Aggressive Dog

Aggressive Pit Bulls can become a very serious problem if not dealt with in a proper
manner. New laws exist that state if a dog bites or attacks someone, the dog’s owner will
be held responsible and the dog put down. This is just another reason that Pit Bull owners
should invest the time and energy to properly train their dogs.

There are many different reasons why a Pit Bull terrier may become aggressive. Here are
a couple of the most common that I see:

- Your dog may feel that his territory is being invaded

- Your dog may feel threatened

When a dog exhibits signs of aggression, they usually come from a lack of confidence
and feelings of insecurity. Basic obedience training won’t solve your Pit Bull’s problem
with aggressive behavior, the only solution is serious dog training. Keep in mind that an
aggressive dog doesn’t just bite, he barks and lunges at people as well and he could also
attack another pet.

I would strongly recommend seeking the services of a professional dog trainer if you’re
having a real problem with aggression. Training an aggressive dog is a challenge and can
prove to be expensive, but it is a small price to pay when you consider you’ll be saving
your Pit’s life and possibly the life of some other animal or individual. To find a
professional trainer who handles cases of aggression, contact your local veterinarian and
ask for referrals.
Be sure that you do your homework and thoroughly investigate the schools which are
recommended. Look at their facilities and learn what methods they use when training
dogs. The last thing you want is for your Pit Bull to exhibit worse behavior after going
through training school than when he first entered.

I applaud your decision to be a responsible Pit Bull terrier owner and have your dog
trained. An aggressive Pit can halter the relationship that you have with him, hurt other
people, hurt other animals, and give this fabulous breed a bad reputation. After it is all
said and done, I’m certain you’ll agree that having your Pit Bull trained was a fantastic
decision!

• Tags: dog breeds, dog training, dogs, pit bull terrier

Curbing Leash Aggression And Teaching Your Dog to

Stay
Many dogs have an aggressive side, and you often see this when they are on leashes.
Dogs that are normally well-behaved can lunge and snarl at other dogs and people as you
walk down the street. While he needs exercise, you do not want to put others at risk.
What can you do about leash aggression?

Skipping walks is not an option and may exacerbate the problem. Can you curb leash
aggression so your daily walks aren’t nightmares?

Dogs are like children in many ways. Often you can avoid bad behavior if you redirect
their attention. If you see something that usually causes your dog to become aggressive,
immediately distract him. Tell him to sit or lie down to keep him busy until the dog or
person passes.

If you are about to pass another dog, don’t tense up or pull the least taut. Your pet will be
able to tell and he will think that you are scared, so aggression is much more likely.
Animals pick up on our signals – just remain calm and relaxed.

Muzzles and gentle leader harnesses can be useful training tools for dogs who lunge.
Gentle leaders are designed to keep a dog from lunging, and muzzles will prevent biting.
If you use them, make sure to train your dog at the same time. Don’t plan on relying on
these tools indefinately.

At this point, if the leash aggression isn’t being eliminated, you might consider a trainer.
It can become very dangerous to other people and dogs in your neighborhood.

Many dogs pull on their leashes, especially when they are first being trained. Stopping
this behavior as soon as possible is important. It can lead to more annoyance at the very
least. At worst, it can hurt a person, pet, and you. Start early before you have to take more
drastic measures.
People are always impressed with well-trained dogs. Beyond impressing your friends and
neighbors, teaching your dog the stay command can be extremely useful. Treats and lots
of praise will make the learning process much easier, faster, and fun. For most complete
results consider SitStayFetch.

To learn to stay, your dog first needs to know how to sit and/or lie down. When he
masters this, staying is the next step. Begin by telling him to sit or lie down. As he does
this, put your hand out and say, “Stay.” Make sure you use a firm yet calm voice.

As soon as your dog obeys, say, “Good.” Even if the dog only stays for a brief second, it
is a great start. Praising can only help him learn more.

As he progressses, teach him when it is time to move. Many people say “Come” or “Ok”
to release their dogs. Again, make sure to praise him and give him a reward - this makes
the training process much easier and quicker.puppy potty training works especially well
when accompanied by praise and goodies.

As you work with your dog, you can lengthen the time your dog stays. Demand a little
more each time before you give him his treat.

At the same time, make sure you’re not extending your training sessions too long. Five
minutes is enough to get great results.

Any longer and your dog will feel like he’s in a marathon – he’ll get tired, cranky, and
won’t want to listen. At first, you may have to repeat, “Stay,” often to remind your dog,
especially if they’re excited about their treat.

As you continue training, your dog will be able to stay longer, even when you are not in
the room. You will not always have to provide a treat, but do always praise your dog and
his accomplishments.

Study more about puppy training tips.

• Tags: dog obedience training, leash aggression, puppy training

SitStayFetch Review – How To Stop Bad Dog Behaviour

Posted by GoGoKitty: Steve on November 3, 2008
Dogs particularly from young should be trained to stop bad dog behaviour. I recommend
SitStayfetch by Daniel Stevens if you want to learn how to train your dog fast and
effectively.

Dogs are loyal companions though sometimes they can misbehave especially young
puppies. This may be in the form of barking non-stop, biting things around the house, or
digging holes in the back yard. No pet owner wants to have to deal with bad dog
behaviors like this. It´s not only frustrating, but it´s time consuming as well, if you don´t
know how to effectively correct the problem.

Adopting an animal when it is very young usually helps to initiate a lasting bond. Once a
small puppy is taken from its mother, it relies on its owner for direction. It is at this stage
that you want to start reinforcing certain things.

One of the most troublesome bad dog behaviors is playing with items the animal shouldn
´t be. Typically this is slippers, or small kids´ toys, it can even be expensive purses or
shoes. The dog has no idea what is and isn´t a toy, so it just assumes everything is.

The owner should be mindful of what it left within the dog´s reach and if he or she
notices the dog picking up something it shouldn´t be, a firm “no” always helps.
Repetition is often necessary to ensure the dog understands the rule and to correct this
type of dog behavior problems.

Accidents in the home sometimes occur and if they aren´t dealt with swiftly, the problem
can be a persistent one. Many puppies relieve themselves wherever and whenever the
mood strikes them. This is one of the bad dog behaviors that can really impact your life.
It´s important for the owner to take the dog outside at regular intervals when it is young
so it becomes accustomed to not going inside the house. If that´s not possible, you can
paper train the dog, which is also very helpful.

Biting is another issue that some dog owners find themselves facing. Typically it´s not
that the dog is meaning to bite anyone. It´s more that the dog is playing and nips at the
person. This is especially troubling if you have young children in the home. Correcting
bad dog behaviors like this is really important. You don´t want to end up having a dog
that bites people who are at your home visiting. This could have very serious results so
you need to work with the dog, by scolding it when it does attempt to play in this fashion.

It´s so nice to have a pet for the entire family to enjoy. With a little work and commitment
you can train your dog to be a wonderful and loving companion for years to come. Dog
behavior problems can always be corrected if you take the right approach.

I highly recommend SitStayFetch by Daniel Stevens if you want to put a stop to your
dog bad behavior. It is one of the best dog training course I have brought.
Tags: dog obedience training, dog training, puppy
obedience training, sitstayfetch, A Professionals Guides
To Dog House Training
When training your dog, you should be thinking only of your desired results, and not the
actions you want to steer away from. So when you’re going through your training
routines, you need to have clear understanding of exactly what you want to happen, and
concentrate on that. Never give a second thought to the actions and behavior that you
want to avoid.

If you don’t know where you’re going, how can you get there? This applies to pretty
much everything we do every day of our lives, particularly when it comes to dog-house-
training-tips”>basic dog house training as well

It’s very easy to fall into the trap of concentrating on things that we don’t want. This is
also the case with dog training too. Not wanting our dog to pee anywhere inside our
house is right up there, or chew our shoes, or disobey our commands, or bark like
maniacs when we have friends come into the house.

But consider this for a second. Assuming you’re looking for new dog or puppy to bring
into your family. Would you actually relish the thought of relinquishing the next ten to
fourteen years chasing your dog telling him off for things you didn’t want him to do?
Don’t you think it’s a better idea to coach your dog to be obedient and socially
acceptable?

A prime example springs to mind is when we think, “I really do not want the dog to chew
the furniture,” try, “I want my dog to chew his toys.” Instead of, “I don’t want my dog to
jump up on my guests,” try instead, “I would like my dog to sit to greet people.”

By concentrating on what it is you want to achieve, you’ll know exactly what is you are
aiming for. I can’t think of a better way to get started with training your new dog.

Reward Good Behavior

Probably the best thing that has happened in housetraining puppy just recently is the trend
away from concentrating on correcting bad behavior, or punishing mistakes, to rewarding
obedience and favorable actions.

Most trainer now favor the practice of rewarding a well behaved dog especially for puppy
potty training tips. One of the critical reasons for this is that whenever you scald you dog
for making a mistake, the outcome can be pretty sad. If your dog is of a particular
temperament, he could possibly react to punishment by withdrawing and becoming
frightened of you. It’s always possible that he will withdraw completely and become very
timid. They seem to lose their sense of adventure. Some may even appear completely
broken spirited.
You also get a better sense of accomplishment and enlightenment when using reward
training techniques. Heaping praise and treats on your dog gives a powerful sense of
achievement.

But regardless of how good it makes you feel, rewards based training actually works. The
main reason being that rewards of this nature help to stimulate and build acceptable
behavior. As soon as she discovers that rewards come for a particular action of behavior,
your pet will want to repeat he behavior as often as possible. By figuring out how to
apply that simple rule, you will be able to use this method for pretty much any training
goal you want to achieve.

• Tags: basic dog training, dog house training, dog tra, dog training tips, house
breaking puppy, house train puppy, housetraining puppies, housetraining puppy,
potty train puppies, potty training tricks, puppy house training, puppy potty
training tips, puppy toilet training

Why Owning A Backpack Dog Carrier Will Make

Traveling With Your Pet More Convenient
If you have a small dog and need a carrier, you no longer need to carry it in your hands.
There are now enjoyable backpack dog carriers on the market. The first products of this
kind are on the market and available commercially. You can purchase backpacks which
are collapsible, for easy storage. Your dog will have a comfortable and convenient place
to ride and you will have a cool, outdoor look.

Functions of Backpack Carriers

Good backpack dog carriers should have a bed that is removable and washable for easy
cleaning. There should also be a safety collar attachment clip to make sure that your pet
will not jump out. Some carriers double as car seats, for pets that have difficulty in the
car. Your pet’s carrier will be securely in place and then can be easily used as a backpack
when you arrive at your destination.

Some backpack dog carriers are combined with a wheel around and car seat. These are
especially useful on commercial airlines if they are an approved carrier. They are fairly
lightweight, with most of them coming in at approximately eight pounds.

Backpack carriers are meant to keep your pet securely in place while you are traveling,
without restricting the use of your arms. Both dogs and cats may have difficulty with this
process, because they are unfamiliar with the environment they are in. Choosing a carrier
with some luxury features may help ease their ride. They will come in handy whether
you are taking a long trip or just going to the store.

Materials and Design Concepts

Backpack dog carriers should be created of a soft yet strong material, such as nylon.
Frequently, a Denier nylon fiber is used. This fabric is resistant to tears, abrasions, and
breakage. The fabric is sporty and water resistant, to protect your pet in case of
problems. Make sure that you choose a carrier with good shoulder straps, to protect your
back and keep you comfortable.

When you purchase a dog carrier, consider any essentials that you would need to bring
with you. Many carriers come with pockets on the outside to store such material. Make
sure that the sides of the bag are a wide mesh, so that your pet has plenty of aeration and
visibility. See if the bag is constructed with a horizontal design, to ensure maximum
comfort for your pet.

More luxurious backpack carriers can be found for your dogs and cats. They are often
made with materials like black Microfiber or cotton weaves.Liners can be made of a
washable lambskin. Check the entry to the bag before you buy. Side entries are a
convenient way to get your pet in and out.

Many commercial airlines have approved a pet backpack called the Sherpa Bag. It
resembles a normal sports backpack and comes in different colors. It is a trendy and
popular way to tote your pet. Whichever you choose, keep the comfort and safety of your
pet in mind.

• Tags: backpack carriers, backpack dog carriers, dog carriers

Fear of Dogs: Simple Ways To Get Rid of Your Fear Of

Dogs
Being scared of dogs is quite common. It often begins when we’re a child. Maybe you
were enjoying a game with a dog and without warning your dog got upset and started
growling at you. If that happens when you were older and wiser, no worries, you’d likely
not have an issue. But at a young age, suddenly your mind begins to think that a dog isn’t
actually man’s best friend.

The problem is that - despite what you may remember from school - we actually learn
quite fast, this idea gets stuck in our mind. Whether we like the idea or not.

So is there anything you can do to cut down being scared by dogs? Deep down, most of
them just want to make friends with you and be fed dog treats every now and then.

You could try and rationalize that “dogs are friendly” but you and I both know that you
won’t actually believe yourself. Especially as it’s almost 100% certain there’s a voice in
your head screaming (as they do in all the best pantomimes) “oh no they aren’t!”

The next thing to try is to put yourself close enough to dogs that you see them but don’t
stand any chance of actually meeting one face to face or or encounter it jumping onto you
and smother you with muddy paw prints. Pictures work well for this stage. Unless your
mind is working overtime, you know that the picture is actually some dollops of ink on
paper or a bunch of glowing dots on your computer monitor. So this is quite a safe
transition stage for most people and you’ll probably find yourself being a little less
worried at the thought of coming face to face with a dog in real life.

But all this is slow progress and we all like instant results nowadays. What do you do if
your kids absolutely must have a dog and they won’t take no for an answer.

A much faster way to get over things such as a fear of dogs|being afraid of dogs is to use
hypnosis. This works quickly and easily. And no-one but you will ever realize you’re
using hypnosis since you can get an instant MP3 download of hypnosis for dog phobia
and listen to it until your fear melts away.

• Tags: afraid of dogs, fear of dogs, scared of dogs

Dog Pictures Fetch Cash on eBay

It may astound you, but one of the simplest things to sell on eBay is bits of paper. But
only if you know the right type of paper to list.

You can even make money by offering old pictures for sale that cost you little or nothing
to acquire. There is one subject that, year after year, will almost always sell: dogs.

Yes, I’m telling you it’s true. Dogs really can put money in the bank!

The business of finding old dog pictures and selling them to dog lovers can be a good
one, and there is room for plenty more people to jump into it. So, there’s room for more
folks to get in and make money.

The most attractive part of this moneymaking idea is that you may be able to obtain your
stock (old pictures of dogs) virtually cost-free. Then you just turn around and sell the
pictures at a premium on eBay or another auction site.

It is possible, as some have shown, to make a living doing this. Dogs are certainly a good
subject to concentrate on, but others do well, too: sailing ships and locomotives, for
example.

Undoubtedly you’re wondering: Where can I find these old dog pictures? Here’s the
answer: Photos and drawings from old books that you can find dirt cheap in yard sales
and online.

It’s an amazing fact: Oftentimes, you can sell a single image, carefully cut from an old
book, for several times what the book itself cost. Your job, then, is to find the folks who
are hunting for a specific photographic or art subject.
Dogs are among the top selling subjects. Some buyers out there will snap up almost any
kind of dog image. Then there are others who prefer to collect photographs, paintings and
drawings of a specific breed of dog. For example, a fan of weiner dogs might have
hundreds of paintings and prints of them hanging throughout his house.

It’s not at all difficult to find old books that are full of wonderful images of dogs, even
books that were published a century or more ago. Some of them might contain 20, 30 or
more such plates.

When you find such a book, you can carefully remove the pages with the illustrations,
and mat them them individually. Get this: You can often turn around and sell them for
$50, or a $100–or even more!–on eBay.

Big tip: Hunting breeds are among the most highly prized dog pictures.But you can sell
photos and prints of practically any kind of dog for a good return on eBay.

Besides the aforementioned dogs, ships and trains, keep an eye out for books with prints
of old timey cars, cities and towns, country scenes, and horses. There are other topics that
sell well, too.

To be successful in this, you must take time to learn where to find old books with the
images that will sell. You must also learn how to remove the images so as to prevent
damage. As well, you must spend the time to learn the art of mounting and presenting
them to bring in the high bidders. The authoritative source on all of this is How To Make
Money By Tearing Up Old Books And Selling Them On eBay.

This is the bottom line? So, are you hoping to find a novel (and fun!) way to make money
on the Internet? Well, then, the dog may truly be your best friend. (And here’s an
objective look at the business of selling paper online.)

• Tags: art, dogs, eBay, entrepreneurs, home business, income, make money, online
business, photographs, photography, selling online

A Guide To Dog Training

Before starting dog training, it is best that you know your options well. These days you
can find many types of dog training, in many different places. These trainings vary in
price and each one them has something different to offer.

The first type of dog training is known as puppy preschool. This is a dog training course
meant for puppies that are about 6 weeks to 5 months old. These puppy preschool classes
generally last for no more than 6 to 8 weeks. In these training sessions, your puppy is
essentially taught how to socialize with people and as well as other puppies. Here your
puppy also begins to learn how to sit down, stay at a place, and how to come.

The second type of dog training course is meant for the dogs that are at least 5 months
old. This type of dog training is known as the basic dog training. The duration of these
classes is usually about 8 to 10 weeks. This is the basic course, where your dog is taught
the art of walking properly on a leash, sitting, staying, coming and heeling.

The third type of dog training course is known as the intermediate dog training. This dog
training aims at teaching the dog mostly the same things that are taught in the basic
training course, in a more detailed form. Here the dog is trained to stay for a longer span
of time, and is also taught to follow the orders given by other people.

The intermediate dog training generally lasts for about 8 to 10 weeks, and is meant for
those that are no less than 5 months old. It is essential for the dog to have completed its
basic dog training course, or to be accustomed to the basic commands that could have
been taught by the owner.

The next type of training course is known as the advanced dog training course. Here,
once again, the course is quite similar to its previous one, i.e., the intermediate dog
training course, except for the fact that this time it is more detailed. Here, the dog is
taught how to sit even without you in the view.

This training course is about 8 to 10 weeks long, and is meant for those that have
completed their intermediate training. Here, they are also trained to walk beside their
owners without a leash. Moreover, it gradually prepares the dog to take the Canine Good
Citizen training course. The Canine Good Citizen training for dogs is the last course. To
pass this course, your dog will be taught the 10 necessary aspects.

This course is strictly meant for those dogs that have completed all the previous courses.
The test is quite tough and can only be passed if the dog is really well behaved.
Depending on whether your dog can pass, the course can last for several weeks.

Keeping this information in mind, you should be able to decide the dog training course
best suited for your dog. However, you may seek the opinion of your local dog trainers to
know more. Many trainers consult for free. So now you should be at least a step closer to
introducing your dog into a training course!

• Tags: dog training, dogs

Custom Cedar Dog House – Advantages Of Building

Your Own Wooden Dog House
No one knows whether dogs actually prefer dog houses or not. But cedar dog houses are
one of the most common materials used to build dog houses.
If you have a large sized dog in your home, then a custom cedar dog house is needed.
However, buying large wooden dog house is often not easy as not many pet shops or
online stores sell large custom dog houses.

The most practical way is to do it yourself. There are several doghouse plans you can find
online. You can then simply pass it to your contractor to build one for you or do
everything yourself.

One advantage of building your own custom cedar dog house is that you can decide on
how big or small your doghouse should be. You can even build a custom cedar wooden
dog house large enough to accommodate two or more dogs.

So after you build the dog house, where should you place it? Most people put their
doghouse at the back of the house.

However, it may not be a good idea. This is because dogs are social animals and love to
be near humans. By placing your doghouse at the back of the house or away from
humans, most dogs may not even want to stay in their dog house.

That is why I recommend placing your dog house in front of your house or at the side of
the home.

The dog house should also be jacked up off the ground, preferably with slabs underneath
the foundation to trap airspace. It aids in insulation and can help keep your doghouse
warm during winter months.

For wind insulation, you can install a flap in front of the dog house.

Lastly, make sure to keep the doghouse clean by making sure waste material and urine
are not near the doghouse.

If you want a comfortable home for your large sized dog, then building and maintaining a
custom cedar wood dog house is recommended.

Learn how to build custom cedar dog houses online at my wooden dog house site. Visit
http://www.woodendoghouse.net for more information.

• More infos: cedar wooden doghouse, custom cedar doghouse, dog house, large
custom doghouses, winter dog house

American Pit Bull Terrier: Is It The Right Dog Breed

For You?
If you’re thinking about owning a Pit Bull terrier, it is important to understand the
characteristics of the breed as well as your current lifestyle. Caring for a Pit Bull is a
long-term commitment that needs to be taken seriously, not just a simple hobby that you
participate in when time permits.

Unfortunately it is very difficult for many dogs to find a second home in the event that
their owners “change their minds” and decide they don’t want a dog after all. The
situation is even worse for Pit Bulls due to their reputation in today’s society.

Do you have the time and the energy to commit to a high energy breed such as a Pit Bull?
Pit Bull terriers have very high exercise requirements and are happiest when they get
plenty of play time.

If you are interested in owning a Pit Bull, you should possess a similar sense of
adventure. A day at the beach, a park, or just playing frisbee in the backyard are all
excellent things to do with your four-legged friend. These activities will also strengthen
the bond between you and your dog and make ownership even more rewarding.

If you’re more of an inside person however and don’t enjoy exercising daily, you should
seriously rethink your idea of Pit Bull ownership. There are many other excellent dog
breeds that will probably be more suitable to your lifestyle and it isn’t fair to penalize
your dog simply because you are too selfish to get an alternative breed.

If you still are set on owning a Pit Bull, it is important that you begin training your dog as
soon as you bring him home. Pit Bulls who aren’t properly trained can become more
than a handful. On the other hand, a well-trained Pit can regularly impress others with
good behavior.

• American Pit Bull Terrier, dog breeds, dogs

A Golden Retriever Might be the Right Addition to

Your Family
A Golden Retriever Might be the Right Addition to Your Family

Selecting the right dog-breeds/”>dog breed for you and your family is an important
decision. There are several hundred breeds of dogs from around the world so your
choices are virtually limitless.

The American Kennel Club categorized the different breeds by groups with each group
having distinguishing characteristics that are shared by all the breeds in it. The Golden
Retriever is in the Sporting Group.

The Sporting Group is made up of some of the oldest and most popular dog breeds.
Many of the dogs in this category were bred for hunting although most people who own
sporting dogs only keep them as family pets, rather than hunters. The hunting traits,
however, create some of the most enjoyable aspects of owning a sporting dog. Goldens
are natural retrievers, so you can enjoy them fetching a tennis ball for what seems like
forever. Another trait is their outgoing personality, making sporting dogs enthusiastic and
responsive partners.

The Golden Retriever was bred to be tough and strong. Don’t let the happy, silly face
fool you. While any Golden will delight in lazing around the house or wrestling on the
floor with your family, the dog breed is particularly adept in the field.

As puppies, Goldens are full of energy and can be especially mouthy. Make sure you
direct your puppy’s need to chew to appropriate chew toys. Remember, puppies aren’t
fussy and don’t discriminate. A chair leg works as well for them as a sterilized bone.
Goldens are very trainable, athletic, and good-natured. They have a keen desire to please.
You can find them performing with tails wagging and eyes shining in the obedience,
agility, and fly ball arenas. They are also excellent with children.
The Golden Retriever is generally light yellow to deep golden honey in color. The coat
tends to get a little deeper in color after the first year. They tend to be about twenty-four
inches tall at the withers (shoulders), with females being slightly shorter. Their coat
should be long and either flat or wavy. They’ll need to be brushed properly or their coat
will form thick mats

So, if you are looking for a loyal companion that will be great with kids or adults, you
should definitely find a local breeder and spend some time getting to know a Golden.

• Tags: dog breeds, dogs, golden retriever

“Hybrid” dog – Isn’t that just another word for Mutt?

“Hybrid” dog – Isn’t that just another word for Mutt?

Every day we hear more about the new “hybrid” dogs, or “designer” dogs. Each feature is
accompanied by pictures of adorable puppies that are examples of this new “breed of
dog.”

Of course they’re cute! All puppies are! Should you pay hundreds, and in some cases,
thousands of dollars for one? Certainly not! The offspring of a mating between two
purebred dogs of different breeds is a mongrel, a mutt. And if you have one, you should
love it, train it and care for it as if it had the bluest blood of the canine kingdom.

Every dog breed, and there are hundreds in the world, was “created” by humans. Each
breed was developed for a specific purpose – whether that original job was guarding the
flock or being the ideal lap-dog. There’s no reason that development shouldn’t continue.
If there is a need for a dog with particular characteristics, enterprising individuals will
come forward to fill that need.

However, it takes many generations to “breed true.” Compare yourself to your siblings.
Do you all have the same looks, same personality, same interests and strengths? Chances
are, you don’t. Each of you has some of the “best” traits of your parents. But those may
not be the same traits. And each of you has some of the worst.

Two of the best-known mixed-breeds out there now are the “Golden Doodle” and the
“Puggle.” The thinking behind these crosses is fairly obvious: wouldn’t it be nice to have
a Golden Retriever’s personality and willingness to please combined with the Poodle’s
non-shedding coat and intelligence? Wouldn’t it be equally delightful to have a small dog
without the breathing issues of a Pug, but quieter than a Beagle?

But there is no way of knowing you won’t get a high-strung, noisy, stubborn, slobbering
mutt who sheds like the dickens!

If you are considering spending the kind of money that these “hybrids” are commanding,
be sure to research all of the traits of the contributing breeds. You will get a mixture of
the two. And an equally adorable mixture may be waiting for you at your local shelter –
the size you want, with the coat you want and the adorable face that melts your heart.

If you require certain characteristics in your puppy – whether a family member has
allergies, or you have a very small, or no yard, or your household requires a quiet, “easy
keeper,” or if you wish to fully participate in the world of canine competition, consider a
pure-bred dog. There are over 150 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Research them at www.akc.org. Surely one of them is right for you.

• More info: dog breeds, dogs

6 Great Tips For Getting Your Dog Toilet Trained

6 Great Tips For Getting Your Dog Toilet Trained

One of the toughest jobs that a family faces when a new puppy comes home is getting the
dog housebroken. This means that the dog will eliminate outdoors and not use your home
and furnishings as a toilet. Lots of people think that getting doggy toilet trained is a tough
task, but it doesn’t need to be. If you arm yourself with plenty of information for the best
ways to get your dog house trained, you are on the right path to having a dog that goes to
the bathroom where you want him to go.

When to House Train

A dog can be toilet trained at any age, but the best age to begin is between eight and
twelve weeks old. If you set up a housebreaking routine as soon as you bring your puppy
home, before long he will get the right idea of where to do his business. A crate is a great
tool for toilet training a puppy. It keeps him confined when there is no supervision and
most dogs learn quickly that if they make in their crate they will have to sit in it. Most
dogs are fairly hygienic and won’t enjoy having to sit in dog doody or urine.
The Advantages of Using a Crate

Be sure there is enough room in the crate for your pup to turn around, but don’t leave so
much room that he will be able to eliminate and lie down far away from it. Many dog
owners view a crate as a jail cell or to use as punishment, but your dog will love having
his own space where he can escape from the hustle and bustle of the household for some
quiet time. Make your dogs crate a happy place and don’t use it for punishment. You can
feed your dog in the crate, or while he is in there, offer him some treats. Place a favorite
chewy or toy in there with him, add blankets and he will have a cozy den to escape to
whenever he feels the need. Utilizing a crate for your dog can keep him out of trouble and
not only in housebreaking.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

Keeping a close eye on your puppy is a key factor in getting him properly housetrained.
Whenever you see that he is sniffing, circling or beginning to squat, immediately take
him outside to the place where you want him to go and see if he eliminates. If he does,
praise him lavishly. A good idea is to have a cue, such as “hurry up” so that your puppy
knows what you want him to do. When he is going to the bathroom repeat the cue and
then give your dog lots of praise for a job well done. It is better to take the dog out and
nothing happens then take a chance of an accident happening.

Have a Schedule

Feeding, watering and walking your dog on a regular schedule will make housebreaking
that much easier. Puppies are like children and they thrive on a routine. Try and take the
dog out around the same time everyday so they will be able to adjust their bodily
functions. The first thing you should do in the morning is take the puppy from the crate
and don’t let his feet touch the ground. Bring him to the place where you want him to go,
give the cue, and praise upon a successful completion. Take your puppy out at least every
two hours, after eating or drinking and especially after play. Before you know it, your
puppy will be letting you know it is time to go out and do his business.

Don’t Let the Puppy Roam

Letting your puppy roam around the house is a sure fire way to have accidents. If you
have decided you don’t want to use a crate, and even if you do use one, confining the dog
to certain areas of the house can make housetraining easier for everyone. It is difficult to
keep track of a puppy when he has the run of the house, but if you gate him in the
kitchen, he will still be able to be part of the action and can be better supervised in case of
an accident.

Don’t Get Discouraged

There will be times when you first begin housetraining that you feel your pup is just not
getting it. He may have accidents in the house as well on occasion. There is no need to be
discouraged. If you stick to your routine, keep a good eye on the dog and make frequent
outings to his outdoor bathroom, in no time your puppy will be housebroken. Another
good idea is to use the same door all the time when you are taking him out so that when
he has to go, he will scratch on the door to be let out. Once this happens, you can say
hurray and know that your puppy truly is beginning to understand that going to the
bathroom in the house is a no-no.

6 easy ways to find a good dog training professional

6 easy ways to find a good dog training professional

Finding a good dog training professional

With so many people advertising in the field of professional dog training today, trying to
determine who’s truly qualified to look after your dog can be overwhelming. What to
look for when choosing a professional to help you with dog training :

1) A good reputation, ask around and get recommendations from your vet, other dog
owners, or local kennel clubs.
2) Experience. - Inquire about their background, i.e. number of years experience.
3)A genuine love of and devotion to dogs.
4) Extensive and up to date knowledge. Dedicated trainers keep themselves updated by
attending dog training and animal behaviour courses, conferences, seminars and
workshops.
5) Their training methodology and handling skills. A good trainers first concern should be
the dogs well being.
6) Memberships with reputable associations, organizations and training clubs.

General dog obedience tips

Training should be a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. If you
are not in the right mood for training, don’t even begin. Always reward your dog for
obeying your commands promptly! A reward is anything that your dog wants and is
willing to work for. Treats are an obvious reward but other rewards could be verbal praise
and toys. Several shorter sessions are usually better than one long one. Training should
not involve any negative components or punishment . There should be no shouting, no
hitting or smacking, no chain jerking on choke chains or collars, and absolutely no
electric shocking! Each training session should be enjoyable and positive with rewards
for jobs well done.

Training with head collars

Pulling on the lead is one of the few unpleasant experiences of bringing up a new puppy
or dog. Using a head collar for dog training has become very popular over the last few
years. Training with a head collar does have some advantages over the traditional training
collar. Although very simple to use, it is important that head collars are fitted correctly
and your dog properly introduced to the collar. Head collars are generally more intuitive
to use than a traditional training collar. Head collars are very effective when controlling
dogs in difficult situations.

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