Saturday, September 20th, 2008
by: Loloy Diango
For quite a long time now, dogs have been considered an important member of the human family. The time and effort that we spend caring for our dogs have always translated into lifelong loyalties and friendships forged between us and our furry friends. No wonder the dog has been called “man’s best friend”.
Owning a dog can be a rewarding and happy experience for the entire family. Deciding to own a dog should be an important decision, a matter that cannot be taken superficially, simply because a dog is not just a furry being, an amusing present, or a fun diversion.
Basic dog obedience training is certainly a necessity for all dogs. Basic dog obedience training is more than just telling a dog to do what we want him to do. It is a way of teaching a dog to behave properly or in a way we deem proper under certain specific conditions or circumstances.
Proper dog obedience training is definitely not a “do-it-quick” thing. It is a continuous, life-long process – a work in constant progress. It should continue for the lifetime of a dog. Dog obedience training – whether basic or advanced – has never become more important than today when a lot of dog owners bring their pet dogs to so many places where they go.
Proper dog obedience training should begin when a dog is still a puppy. The first four months of a dog’s life are very important in his training. This is the specific period when he learns behaviors that he will practice in his lifetime. This is the right time to teach your dog basic commands such as sit and fetch.
It is to be noted that dog obedience training methods or procedures are not created equal. There are various training types, approaches and methodologies which have come to be developed through the years that deal with dog obedience training.
But positive dog obedience training is quickly becoming the preferred method of dog training. This method of training is possible for just about every young dog.
Obedience training should be fun and rewarding for both you and your dog. A dog who has undertaken good training is confident and friendly and can be given greater social freedom than a dog who has not been trained at all. A trained dog will dutifully do basic commands issued by his owner.
Dog obedience training is more than just training your dog, it involves teaching the dog owner too. Going through dog obedience training is something every dog owner should do. It should be a worthwhile experience for both the dog and the dog owner.
And because training is all about communication, it is important that dog owners need to learn to communicate with their dog. Talk to your dog. Tell your dog you love him every day. Even if you don’t say “I love you” to your furry friend, look him square in the eyes and say something – anything.
We all like to be recognized and accepted as a family member. Dogs understand human language more than we think they do. Get your dog’s attention just as you would a person: call him by his name and look right at him when talking to him.
One of the basic obedience training points relevant in this regard is teaching your dog to sit on command. Training your dog to sit is probably the first thing you will train your dog to do.
To start the training: say “sit” while gently pressing his rump down and holding a treat above your dog’s head. When a dog is forced to look upward, he will automatically sit on his hind legs.
When you want your dog to sit, hold a treat a bit above his head and say “sit”. As the dog sits, say sit again and then immediately give him the treat. Your dog should drop into a sitting position in order to reach the food.
Another favorite basic command that we like to teach our dogs is fetch. Teaching your dog to fetch promotes bonding and is a great way to give your dog some exercise.
To do this, first throw a ball – but not too far, though – and give the command “fetch”. As the dog inevitably starts to run towards it, yell “fetch” again. If there is no ball available for you to use, you can use any object that your dog loves to play with the most, as this would make him want to fetch it.
Be reminded not to play fetch with heavy objects or sticks as this could injure your dog somehow or damage his teeth.
The most basic of dog obedience training is to get your dog to sit and fetch. As I said at the start of this article, proper dog obedience training is not a “do-it-quick” thing: it is a continuous, life-long process – a work in constant progress.
Dog obedience training is also a very physical activity, so getting tired and exhausted is all part of it. And doing it is never without any risk of injury, especially concerning more aggressive dog breeds.
Having said that, dog obedience training is certainly a must for all dogs. One major mistake many pet owners make is to assume that training a dog will be over in a short span of time. That, of course, is a gross misconception. Training your dog continues throughout your dog’s life.
Dog obedience training is definitely a breeze with the proper attitude of the dog owner and under proper conditions. Start training your dog today and make his life and yours a lot more better in the future.
About The Author
Loloy Diango has always been fascinated with dogs since he was a child. A dyed-in-the-wool dog lover, he has built a website for his family’s pet, Bodjie, an adorable mix-breed Pomeranian. Find more dog information, get free downloads and meet Bodjie at http://bodjie.homestead.com
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Monday, September 8th, 2008
by: Miss Debra Rae
Dogs bark for a number of reasons. It can be out of excitement when playing or to warn that an intruder is on the premises. This barking is perfectly normal and we humans expect it.
But when your dog continually barks, this can cause problems not only for your own household, but often creates tension within your neighborhood. Some cities and towns have noise ordinances and an incessantly barking dog may bring the police or animal control to your door issuing a warning or possibly a ticket. What to do?
First, isolate the cause of the excessive barking. Ask yourself the following questions:
1. Is my dog lonely and frustrated so they’re seeking attention through their only voice-barking?
2. Is my dog left alone for long periods of time without toys, chews or other ways to keep them occupied?
3. Is my dog a puppy or adolescent (up to 3 years old) and has no other way to expel excess energy?
4. Is my dog a breed that needs a job to be happy (herding or sporting dog)?
If you think one of these is the cause of your dog’s relentless barking, there are options to help deter this unwanted behavior. Here are some suggestions for the lonely or bored dog:
1. Increase the amount and quality of time you spend with your dog by walking them every day for 20-30 minutes. Just a jaunt around the neighborhood often will help dispel some extra energy. It’s also an excellent way to begin or end the human work day.
2. Train your dog to fetch a ball or Frisbee and play with them for 10-15 minutes in the morning and in the evening. Get up a little earlier to help your dog behave better.
3. Get your dog some busy toys where you can hide treats or freeze peanut butter inside to give them something to do while you’re away. Alternate the toys so your dog thinks they’re getting something new each day.
4. Spend 5-15 minutes petting, brushing or scratching your dog. This is also a great way to discover potential problems like bumps, sores or hot spots.
5. If possible, take your dog to work with you for part of the day. Take toys too.
6. Find a doggie day care and take them for the day. Often one time per week will help with boredom or loneliness.
7. Ask a friend, neighbor or family member to come by and take your dog on a walk, play for 10-15 minutes or just love on them.
8. Hire someone to walk your dog daily or a couple times per day. Often there’s a teenager who would love to walk your dog.
9. For herding or sporting dogs, they need a job or they become destructive & depressed. Get them their good citizen badge and go to hospices, hospitals, or nursing homes. Watch your dog glow and grin while they’re learning their job and when they’re working.
Another reason your dog may be barking is to protect their territory. This is a basic instinct, but when it becomes too aggressive, re-conditioning is required to have a happy neighborhood. Please refrain from punishing your dog for barking. This will only make them fearful and won’t solve the core issue. Train your dog to be “quiet” on command or bark a couple of times and then sit or lay down to quietly protect their territory.
To train your dog, begin by filling a coffee can with pennies or nuts and bolts about ¼ to ½ full. Put some cheese cubes, meat or some other special treat in your pocket (you must make the treat more interesting than the barking). Go outside with your dog and pay attention to them without them knowing you’re watching them.
When your dog barks at a passerby, allow 2 to 3 barks and then shake the can of nuts/bolts/pennies. This new noise serves as a distraction and they’ll stop barking. As soon as they stop barking, say in a very happy voice “good quiet” and give them a treat. Stay outside for a while (some dogs are trained in only 3-4 can shaking/treat giving times and others it takes 20). Repeat this process with every passerby until your dog barks a couple of times and then stops on their own.
NOTE: If the can shaking scares your dog (they jump out of their skin), distract them by throwing a ball or other toy which will also stop the barking. Say “good quiet” and pop that treat into their mouth. Repeat for as long as it takes until they’re the superstar of the neighborhood.
Another training process is to get your stash of special treats and can of pennies/nuts/bolts or a toy (don’t let your dog see any of these) and go outside to where your dog typically stands when they’re barking. Have a friend that your dog doesn’t know walk by your yard starting at a position where your dog isn’t barking yet. Have your friend walk normally closer and closer to your dog’s territory.
Once your dog starts barking, shake the can/throw the toy/ball to distract them and the barking stops. Immediately say “good quiet” and pop that tasty treat into their mouth. Repeat this process until your dog makes the connection between being quiet when strangers come near their area and being rewarded. Distraction/re-focusing, praise and treats work wonders.
Be patient. Most importantly, be consistent. Use the same command and body language every time. Dogs read cues from their human and when it’s the same, the training works faster and will last longer.
If your dog barks from inside the house when strangers come close, block their ability to see outside. When they do bark from inside, call them to you (distraction), say “good quiet” and give them a treat. Conditioning takes time so be patient.
NOTE: Don’t encourage your dog to bark at things they see or hear. Also, don’t deliberately tease your dog thereby conditioning them to bark. If you’re dog is barking at seemingly nothing, there may be other health related issues that need a Veterinarian’s care.
Another reason your dog is barking may be out of fear. If their ears are laid back and their tail is held low, they’re afraid of something. This could be a loud noise (thunder), construction equipment, people yelling/arguing, the vacuum or fireworks.
You can desensitize your dog to loud noises by purchasing a CD of thunderstorms and play it while doing regular household chores or sitting around reading. The sound combined with the human acting normally tells your dog that this loud, unfamiliar noise is not a threat. You can also block out your dog’s line of sight which may or may not help depending on the sensitivity level of your unique dog.
Your dog may also bark due to separation anxiety displayed most often by barking beginning shortly after you leave (10-45 minutes). Separation anxiety can be seen through behaviors such as anxious activity when you’re preparing to leave, following you from room to room and frantic welcome home greetings. Your dog may also be anxious due to a change in their normal routine such as a move, loss of a family member (human or canine), being left alone for longer than normal or after a stay at a kennel or animal shelter. Please do not punish your dog for being anxious. This is a panic response and punishment will only worsen the problem. To help you and your dog with separation anxiety, search for the article “5 Signs of Canine Separation Anxiety and What To Do.”
In regards to bark collars, I do not recommend them because essentially they are a punishment for your dog using their only voice-barking. Bark collars also don’t often work. The citronella collars are triggered by barking but can also go off if in the proximity of other noises unnecessarily spraying your dog. Sound wave collars do not have a high success rate and shock collars are simply cruel..
Keep in mind your dog’s barking is their way of communicating something is going on, please listen to me. Your job, as their human, is to teach them when it’s appropriate to use their voice and when to be quiet. Never, ever punish your dog for barking. Simply re-condition them to speak only when absolutely necessary.
As always, please consult with your Veterinarian or veterinary technician if you have questions or concerns.
About The Author
Miss Debra Rae
After working in Veterinary clinics and animal emergency hospitals, Miss Rae began writing about dogs and how they enrich our lives. Visit http://www.goodpoopy.com for all your dog’s needs from nutrition to dog emergencies and more.
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Thursday, August 14th, 2008
By David Poh
Congratulations, you now have a new member in your family. The puppy will bring joy and company to you and your family in the coming years.
I am sure you would have bought a bowl for food and water, collar, a leash and some puppy dog food for your puppy.
Have you decided where the puppy is going to sleep?
I strongly suggest that you get a dog crate for your puppy too and start crate training your puppy immediately.
Why a dog crate?
A crate will be taken as a comfortable and secured home for your puppy if you crate train it properly. It would not soil it since it is going to rest and sleep there, and you can also use it to potty train your dog too.
Introduce the puppy into the crate by luring it in with some toy or a treat or, worst case; just carry the little cute puppy into it. You can place an old T-shirt or towel to make it more comfortable for it to rest and sleep.
You should only put the puppy into the crate when it sleeps at night and it would slowly learn to go into it for nap during the day. Or when it feels frighten in certain circumstances like heavy rain with thunder and lightning.
Eventually, it will learn that the crate is its home and a place to go to for rest and sleep, and a place where it feels secure.
The crate can also be useful if it is an indoor dog and you need to leave it alone in the house or apartment when you go out for a short while.
So what is a dog crate?
A dog crate can be a foldable metallic fence, plastic dog house, collapsible plastic or foldable portable nylon mesh crate. I would recommend that you get a big size plastic crate with a metallic door; one that can have the top half removed.
There are different sizes of crates to suit the different breeds of dogs. Your dog must be able to sit upright inside the crate and lie down comfortably across the crate. It must be able to turn around inside the crate. I would suggest that you buy the size that would fit your puppy when it has grown into an adult dog.
The crate should not be used for confinement as a punishment for some wrongdoing. For example, it should not be used to punish your dog when it does not listen to your commands during training.
David Poh has a Beagle and a Corgi dog. He has a website where he shares his experiences and tips on caring for dogs. For more information and to view photos and videos on crate training, go to Crate Train Puppy and David website.
Article Source: http://www.free-articles-zone.com
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Wednesday, August 13th, 2008
By Richard Cussons
So you want a Toy Poodle, huh? Well, who wouldn’t want to own an elegant, lively, small dog with dense yet well-groomed coat? Owning a Toy Poodle can be made through many ways. The first option is usually to purchase a puppy from a Toy Poodle breeder. To ensure high quality puppies, potential owners must remember to purchase from a reputable breeder – not from puppy mills. Another option, considered the most loving option is to rescue or adopt from dog shelters and volunteer groups.
Some might probably ask, “Is dog rescue or dog adoption indeed a good option?” Here are some reasons why adoption might be a good option for you and your family:
Housebreaking. Consider how much time you need to housebreak a puppy. Can you spare some of your precious time to train this little fellow where and when to eliminate? When adopting a dog, you wouldn’t have to go through this housebreaking process because dogs in shelters are usually adult dogs whose bladders are already fully developed. Besides that, dogs in shelters are most often already housetrained and most rescue groups make sure that the dogs are housetrained before they go to new homes.
Personality and temperament. With a grown dog, you will be able to see the characteristics you are looking for easily than with a puppy. Shelters and rescue groups are working hard to assess the dog’s personality thus you need not to deal with a super active dog when all you wanted was a couch potato or a couch potato when what you wanted was an active dog you can take in your hiking and swimming trips. You can also easily determine if the dog is aggressive or has chewing or digging issues. Your precious shoes and your favorite underwear will be safe then.
Saving a life. By adopting a dog, you are making a difference to the life of a poor creature that is about to be put down. You will be giving that creature the opportunity to continue living in the environment where love and care reside. In addition, you will be helping the community by freeing one space for the shelter to accommodate another abandoned or homeless dog.
Friend for life. Dogs that have been abandoned or separated from the previous owner are more likely to develop strong attachment to their new family to make sure they will never be abandoned again.
Richard Cussons writes articles including articles about the Toy Poodle. Check out effective Toy Poodle training tips at poodlesavvy.com.
Article Source: http://www.free-articles-zone.com
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Posted in Adoption & Rescue, Choosing a Dog, Dog Breeds, Toy Group | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 13th, 2008
by Rebecca Prescott
In many ways canine pregnancy is not that different from human pregnancy, although it is somewhat shorter, averaging sixty-three days. A dog’s diet, as well as their consumption of medicine needs to be monitored during pregnancy, just like a woman’s should be, and you may notice changes in your dog’s emotions and social behavior. She can even experience morning sickness!
Most dogs will gain 15-25% of their original body weight during pregnancy, although this does depend on the number of puppies they are carrying and some do not put on noticeable weight until the last week before whelping.
Nutritional intake needs to increase during canine pregnancy and lactation; your dog may even double the amount she eats. During lactation she will need a high protein puppy food, and you may want to gradually introduce this during the last two weeks of her pregnancy, or even earlier. If you are concerned about providing the right pregnancy diet to meet your particular dog’s needs you should consult your veterinarian.
You should try to avoid nutritional supplements during canine pregnancy, even though these may seem like a good idea. Your dog will naturally produce everything her puppies need to thrive during lactation, and supplements may interfere with this process. This is particularly applicable to calcium supplements. If you use a good quality, high protein dog food, supplements will not be necessary.
A lot of canine medication is safe to use during pregnancy. If you give your dog regular preventative medication for heartworm you should continue this throughout pregnancy and lactation. Some medicines to get rid of other types of parasite, such as hookworms or roundworms, can be used but you should consult your veterinarian before administering these. It is important that your dog does get treatment for these conditions as otherwise she can pass them on to her unborn puppies.
Vaccinations should not be given during canine pregnancy. However, if possible, it is a great idea to have your dog vaccinated just before becoming pregnant as this will ensure she has a high level of antibodies to pass onto her puppies during lactation.
About halfway through her pregnancy you should take your dog to the veterinarian for a wellness check and to confirm the pregnancy. The veterinarian will be able to do this by examining the stomach, but a blood test can be done to provide a conclusive result.
You may want to have a radiograph done three weeks prior to the deliver to count the puppies. Knowing how many puppies to expect will help you to prepare for the delivery. Remember that your dog can become pregnant by more than one male during any one heat stage so you may be surprised at the number of puppies she is going to produce.
During the last three weeks of your dog’s pregnancy you may want to isolate her completely from contact with other dogs. This will ensure she does not pick up the herpes virus. While this is usually harmless in adult dogs, it can trigger a miscarriage in your pregnant dog.
You may find she wants to stay close to you during this time anyway. She may dislike being left alone and will probably become more affectionate, if a little irritable. As the delivery date approaches she will start to look for a safe place to give birth, and you should give some thought to where this will be.
As with human pregnancy, it is important to remember that canine pregnancy is a natural process, and your dog has been blessed with the natural ability to carry it through. With a little extra attention to nutrition, and some protection from common diseases, this should be a stress free time for you and your dog.
If you’d like more information on nutritional deficiency in pregnant and lactating dogs, click here. Rebecca writes on dog health and other four legged issues.
Lady Pens
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Posted in Dog Breeders, Health & Fitness | 1 Comment »
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