Posts Tagged ‘Animal and Pet Articles’

Is There A Dog Training Book Right For you?

Thu ,25/02/2010

If you’re trying to find the right dog training book, you might feel as though the options are limitless and it is difficult to find just the perfect one. Unfortunately, many books on the market are simply rehashed information that someone has quickly thrown together while others are quality information that can really help you.

The best place to find the right dog training book is online. Not only can you purchase regular physical books online, but you can also look at e-books. E-books have more up-to-date information because they can be updated quickly. These are often more current than books you would find at a store or library.

Before choosing a dog training method, it is important to consider the type of breed you are trying to train. Dog breeds have specific characteristics that are ingrained in them due to their genetic heritage. Therefore, it is advisable to find a dog training book that is specific to the breed you are working with.

For instance, Jack Russell terriers were trained and bred to chase foxes which means that their noses often overpower their brains. The same can be said for beagles. For these reasons, training these kinds of dogs can be particularly frustrating if you don’t have a set game plan.

Before you buy a dog training book, you want to make sure to read the summary to see if you will be comfortable with the training methods being used. There is no need to invest in a training program that you don’t feel comfortable with.

You also want to know that the author of the book has specific experience in training dogs. You don’t want someone who simply put a bunch of material together but doesn’t really know what they’re doing.
If possible, look into the background of the person who wrote the book to make sure that they have the right kind of training.

In conclusion, you want to make sure that any dog training method you use does not involve punishment. Disciplining a dog is fine, but physical punishment should never be used as it breaks down the relationship between the dog and their owner. Plus, it simply doesn’t work. By doing some research, it is possible to find the right dog training book for your needs

Want to find out more about dog training courses, then visit Brad Davenport’s site on how to choose the best dog trainer for your needs.

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How to Stop Aggressive Dog Behavior: Learn Before Its Too Late

Sun ,21/02/2010

Is your dog behaving badly and do you want to know how to stop aggressive dog behavior? Most dog owners do not find this an easy feat to perform. Before anything else, you need to know some important facts about dog behavior and dog aggression training.

1. Dogs are not irrational creatures.

Dogs are not as irrational as we think them to be. They do not just turn against people, animals or their owners for no reason at all. Just like humans, there are a couple of things that could get on a dog’s nerves. Some of the causes of dog aggression include fear of being hurt, the dog’s tendency to protect its own and an incorrect perception of its superiority over all others. Knowing these reasons will help you see your dog in a new light that will permit an appropriate response.

2. You can contribute to the promotion of aggressive behavior.

You may be part of the problem. You may not want to accept it at first but it is possible that some of your own actions could lead to dog aggression. Taking away a dog’s toy or dish for example could make your dog think that you are trying to steal from it. Raising a stick in your hand to play fetch could be perceived too by a traumatized dog as a position of attack and will try to defend itself. The simple act of reaching over to pat your dog may also be mistaken as a challenge to its dominance.

3. Aggressive behavior can be corrected.

Your dog is not beyond help even if some claim that you have a particular breed that is aggressive in nature. There are experts that are trained on dog psychology who can help your dog and teach you how to stop aggressive dog behavior. Take the time to read on dog training approaches and pick a trainer who uses techniques that you are comfortable with. Appropriate obedience training may be the only way to straighten out your dog’s behavior.

4. You can correct dog aggression yourself.

Of course, there are option other than hiring expensive dog trainers. You can teach your dog yourself to stop being aggressive. To be on the safe side though, you should follow a reliable manual or guide book for training. Inappropriate techniques could make your dog’s behavior worse. You could also be endangering yourself.

5. Physical punishment is never a good idea.

New methods for training dogs never include punishment. One old technique is the use of physical force and punishment. Many experts however now acknowledge that this is not an advisable technique. Using sticks, leashes, collars and shock equipment are not only cruel. They might also reinforce violent behavior among dogs.

6. Non-aggressive behavior is the key to a happy relationship.

Your relationship with your dog rests solely on its temperament. If you give up on correcting aggression in your dog, you could be signing the death warrant on your relationship with your pet. The only key to having a happy and affectionate companion is to stop its aggressive ways.

Although it is easy to dismiss and give up your dog if you don’t know how to stop aggressive dog behavior, is still not an excuse. There are ways and means for you to learn how. You just need to be patient and persevering. If you love your dog, you will not stop at nothing to find a solution.

Does your dog have a growing aggressive dog behavior? Find out how to stop aggressive dog behavior now before it’s too late for you and your canine companion.

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Get Tips For Socializing Your Dog

Sun ,21/02/2010

Receiving a new puppy or even a new older dog is always a remarkable event for a family. During those initial days the new member of your family is adjusting and getting used to everyone and all of the new things. It is at this time that you need to make sure that you are doing everything you can to suitably socialize your new family member. Your new pet will run into many atypical situations in life and it is better for everyone if he learns how to handle and react in a healthy and satisfactory manner.

A new puppy can start learning socialization skills as early as 2 to 3 weeks following birth. Usually a family will acquire a new puppy at about 7 to 8 weeks old. Puppies tend to be more hesitant and frightened until they are about 14 weeks old so during the early days be gentle with your new puppy.

While we all know that it is imperative to socialize a puppy, the fact is that socialization is a skill that should be practiced throughout a dog’s life. Changes in circumstances and situations can affect a dog and a formerly pleasant and outgoing dog can transform into a apprehensive and menacing dog under different conditions. That is why it is important to continually socialize your dog and permit him to undergo numerous situations, people and other animals.

Let your dog become familiar with other dogs and other animals. You can take him to a park or a doggie daycare or even just visit friends who have pets. Be sure that your dog has had all of his shots first but it is important for his socialization to meet up with others.

Present your dog to the people who come to your residence the most. Since the mailperson stops by on a daily basis it is a good plan to introduce your dog to him or her. Anyone who stops by a lot should be acquainted with your dog. Also if possible make sure your dog is around as many different people as possible. This will make him more sociable in separate situations.

Dogs lived in the wild in packs and they will naturally recreate a pack pecking order in a new situation. It is essential that every person in the family is seen as a dominant pack member. When any human speaks the dog should pay attention and obey. The dog is the follower and the owner is the alpha dog or the leader.

Socialization needs to persist throughout your dog’s life. He needs to continuously meet new people, new dogs and other animals. If not he could become fearful and take on hard-to-resolve problems such as biting and fighting.

A dog that is well socialized is enjoyable to own and much more agreeable for you and other people. You will also be more successful at dog training. Everything about owning your dog will be easier if he is suitably socialized.

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Find the Right Dog Obedience School

Sun ,21/02/2010

Anyone who is a dog lover only wants the best for their pooch. One of the most trying parts of owning a dog is having a canine who won’t behave and follow the rules of the household. To make things easy and calm at home, sometimes it is important to find the right dog obedience school so that you can make sure that your best friend is acting appropriately.

You must remember that dogs are pack animals which means that they need a leader of their pack. Because of this, if the dog does not consider you to be the leader, they will take over that role. This is why dog training is so important because it helps the dog learn who the leader is and gives them the ability to be submissive.

If you have a dog who is behaving aggressively or in a dominant manner, it is important to put a stop to that very quickly. That kind of behavior can get completely out of hand and means that the dog does not consider you to be the leader of the pack.

Before you pick the dog obedience school, you need to understand what their training philosophy is. After all, some trainers take a more traditional approach while others use a more contemporary approach. You need to make sure that you are comfortable with which ever approach they use.

It is also important to decide whether you want the dog to have one-on-one or group training. Some dogs are better suited to have one-on-one training because of their aggressive nature or shy personality. Other dogs will do better in a group setting where they can learn from the other members of the pack. Either way you want the experience to be beneficial for both you and your dog.

If you want to find the right dog obedience school, you may very well find one online that suits your needs. Sometimes you can save money and time by doing the training yourself. You can also ask around to family and friends and see if they have any recommendations for a good dog obedience school in your area. However, on site dog obedience training classes can get very expensive and take up a lot of your important time.

Want to find out more about dog breeding, then visit Brad Davenport’s site for your free ebook download. Or would you like information aboutpuppy training tips check it out!

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Want A Cherished Friend, Adopt A Senior Dog

Sun ,21/02/2010

Most people stick with cute, hyperactive puppies when it comes to adopting a dog. What few people understand though is that senior dogs are much easier and much more rewarding to care for. True, they don’t stick around that long, but they aren’t much of a problem either.

Why People Don’t Usually Adopt Senior Dogs

There are numerous myths around adopting older dogs. On top of not having lots of time to stay with the adoptive family, old dogs are unjustly considered financial burdens because they might require lots of medical attention. But what dog doesn’t? Older dogs are more vulnerable to developing diseases, yes, but being playful and young does not guarantee perfect health.

Senior dogs are also thought to be less capable of bonding with their new owners. While this may be true for some cases – such as for dogs that have lived with abusive families – this is not necessarily the case for all aging dogs. It only takes time for them to build and close that bond. Once you have established its trust level and confidence on you though, it would be easier for you and your dog to bond. And bond tightly, you will.

Why You Should Adopt A Senior Dog

For one, you can save yourself a lot of troubles. Old dogs have already exhausted the energy of very young, crazy puppies. Don’t get it wrong. Many senior dogs – senior being 7 years old and above – still have several years left of energy to spend. Nevertheless with senior dogs, you need not spend extra on a new couch or endure months of housebreaking.

You can also enjoy the company of a calmer, less aggressive, and more tolerant pet. Senior dogs make for great pets for children and old people alike. They do not demand as much attention as their younger counterparts do and they are more skillful at human interaction. They can forgive the transgressions of small kids and provide the comfort adults require. They know better than to bark at everything or jump at people, and they have, more or less, curbed their aggressive tendencies. To top these off, they also have the skills to adapt to your routine and lifestyle.

Adopted senior dogs seem to understand that they have been given another chance at a good life. And they will be eager to reward you for that. They tend to be very loyal and dedicated to their owners.

For people who can’t commit to a lifelong responsibility, a senior dog offers a very ideal pet. Because they have shorter remaining lifespan, their owners don’t have to have to turn their old dog away.

Finally, adopting a senior dog is a selfless act of love. All dogs deserve a loving home, but senior dogs are especially entitled to one that is fit for retirement.

Adopting a senior dog, is without a doubt, a very rewarding experience. Not only would you get a very loyal companion, you also get a dog that will hang in there for as long as it can.

Read more about successfully adopting a senior dog from a shelter, and download your copy of Adopting A Dog – The Secret to A Successful Adoption now!

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Potty Training Puppies – Quick Tips

Sun ,21/02/2010

There is one thing that you will need to realize before we move onto the important parts of potty training puppies. This is that a puppy or dog does not use a potty or a toilet to do its business. So, they will opt to take their business outside.

You have to remember that there are many different types or breeds of dogs. The training of your dog depends on the breed you have. Some dogs learn quicker than others, and some dogs are easier to potty train than others. If you have a choice as to the pup you get, make sure you do your research. Learn how to train a specific breed, and how to best handle it.

The next thing that you want to keep in mind before you get started is that you must not get angry with the dog. If your dog does not get the potty or house training right the first time, give it a few minutes and try again later. It is sure to happen sometime, and when it does, make sure that you reward him or her with some playtime, or even a snack.

Firstly – A good schedule is very important in the training process. And this does not just pertain to the potty training process. You want your dog to become a part of your routine, and to pick up the routine quickly. If you wake up at a certain time in the morning, keep it to that time. The same goes for sleeping time, and eating time. Soon the dog will have your routine down perfectly, and will wake you up if you oversleep.

The Second Step – You want to keep you dog in a room where the floors are either concrete or tile. You do not want any accidents ruining your nice rugs. Do not forget that you doggy needs to sleep too. Make sure that you lay down a comfy bed for him or her to lie in at night.

Step three – Decide whether you want your puppy to do its business inside or outside. Many people opt for outside, as that just seems like a natural thing to do. However, if you feel that you do not want your puppy getting too cold, a specified place inside a bathroom is a good start. Also, you want to make sure that whenever the puppy does its business, it is in that one area only. You will have to be with it initially to make sure this happens.

The Fourth Step – Remember to keep one area designated for the dog’s business. It is like humans, you do not play where you do your business. This means you will need to be with the dog in the initial stages of the training. Keep the dog on a leash and make sure that you take the dog to that spot all of the time.

Do not forget – Do not play with your pup when he has not made a bowel movement or urinated after waking you up or moaning for no reason. Also, do not get upset. Take the dog back in and keep encouraging him to do his business. Give it a time out in a “time out” area, or his sleeping area.

To get some more information on potty training puppies, please click on any of the given links: potty training puppies potty training puppies methods

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Dog Biting Problems

Sun ,21/02/2010

Dog biting is probably the most serious of all dog behavioral problems. Peeing on the carpet, going on the couch or any other behavioral problem will not raise such dire results as biting, as many communities demand to put down a dog if it bites someone seriously. If your dog exhibits biting tendency then it might cost his life, which makes it vital to train your dog to not bite anyone ever.

On the other hand, biting problems are common and quite normal in case of puppies. This problem arises mostly during their teething period when they have an uncontrollable urge to chew and bite on anything and everything. Though a puppy bite might break your skin it will not pose any other serious problems. However, this is the right time and age to train your puppy not to bite ever again

Training does not mean that you have to be harsh or met out some cruel punishment. All you have to do is tell him a firm No! whenever he takes a hard bite on you. Use phrases like Bad Dog! or something that has the tone of reprimand to let him know that you are hurt from his bite.

Most dog biting problems have a physiological cause behind them. You see, dogs do not only bite when they want to hurt something. They bite something if they want to hold onto it, they bite to play, and they bite as a way to warn people or other dogs do not go any further. The problem is that dogs have thicker skins than people. Your dog thinks of you as just another dog, so he can easily bite through your skin accidentally. If you don’t address the dog biting problem while he is still a puppy, it can become serious. If you do train him not to bite too hard, he will grow up to be a great pet.

Of course, some dog biting problems occur because of aggression. You might just have a temperamentally difficult dog that gets angry and tries to hurt. If this is the case, you really need to send him to obedience school. These sorts of dog biting problems often lead to another dog being seriously injured, or even a person being hurt.

If your dog shows biting tendencies then you have take it very seriously and get help as soon as possible from a professional dog trainer, as an average pet owner is not equipped to address this serious problem.

If you have a pooch with biting problems in your neighborhood, the best defence is to be prepared with a bottle of pepper spray that is specially formulated to combat biting dogs. Never hesitate to use the pepper spray if any dog tries to bite you. Or, you could opt for a friendlier approach by offering a beef jerky.

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Skin and Allergy Problems In Dogs

Sat ,20/02/2010

There are many conditions which can make a dog itch or sneeze, including autoimmune. endocrine, and parasitic skin diseases. Therefore, it takes some detective work to identify the cause.

If allergies are suspected, the first thing a veterinarian will normally ask is if the dog is on any kind of flea-control product. Flea allergies are quite common and are the easiest to control. Dog owners have many options available from high-street and online pet stores.

If flea allergies are ruled out, food allergies are the next thing to be checked. Food allergies are not seasonal, while most atopic allergies begin as a seasonal problem.

Dogs that develop atopic allergies usually show symptoms between 1 and 5 years of age, but food allergies can be a problem at any time. They are high up on the list of suspected causes when a dog first gets itchy skin at an age less than 6 months, or over 5 years.

To test for food allergies, the dog is put on an “elimination diet” for around 10 weeks. This means it is fed food, which is high in protein and carbohydrate. which it has not eaten before, such as duck, venison, and potatoes.

These special foods, which come in packets or cans like normal dog food, may be found in pet stores. Or, the owner may choose to feed the dog a homemade diet of foods based on recommendations from the veterinarian.

If the dog’s itching subsides, the allergen is considered to be one or more food ingredients. To confirm this, the owner can reintroduce the old diet to see if the symptoms return.

To check a dog for atopic allergies, veterinarians use an intradermal allergy test, or skin reaction test. The dog is mildly sedated, a small area on the side of the dog is shaved, and small amounts of common allergens are injected into the skin. Should the dog be allergic to a particular substance, the skin will become slightly inflamed at the area of the injection.

More : Dog Allergies Treatment

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Easy Leash Training For Your Dog

Fri ,19/02/2010

People and dogs both love to go for walks. When you properly train your puppy for the leash you can really enjoy your walks. If you fail to properly train your puppy for the leash that same walk can be an exercise in futility.

Puppies need to start training for the leash when they are very young. If you start early they will learn it fast and it will be much easier. To begin training your puppy, make sure you begin by getting him used to the collar. He won’t like it at first and he might cry and complain but make sure that you have him wear it until he gets used to it. The only time you really need to take it off is when you crate him so there will not be any mishaps.

As soon as your puppy is used to the collar then try to get him ready for the leash. Attach it to the collar and let him get comfortable with it by just dragging it around. Make sure that you supervise him when he is attached to the leash, though because he could easily get tangled up. Gently get to the point where you take up the leash and walk through the house. It is helpful to start at a place where your puppy feels safe so walk around the house first.

You can then take him around in the yard. Make sure as you are walking that you reinforce the good conduct and discourage the bad conduct.

Puppies will frequently pull at the leash. When he starts pulling the leash just stop moving and stand still. If you stop every time he pulls he will quickly learn not to pull anymore. Give him commands and communicate during this time also to encourage bonding and reinforce his training.

If he continues to pull you can also try turning around and walking quickly the other way. This will confuse him but he will soon learn that if he wants to go anywhere that he cannot be pulling on the leash. Repeat these behaviors until he learns that pulling on the leash is unacceptable.

Occasionally a puppy will just stop moving himself. If your puppy stops and refuses to come, you can persuade him with a treat. Lay the treat at your feet and make him come to it. Don’t call him to it. He will soon learn that he should not stop when you are taking a walk.

Very soon your dog will be obediently walking next to you with a slack leash. This is the behavior you wanted so make sure that he gets plenty of attention and praise when he does it to reinforce the good behavior. Never let your puppy get away with bad behavior and soon you will be enjoying walks with him.

Maximum training tips for your pet dog including puppy training aggression, house training older dog and much more at UniversityDog.

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Know The Reasons For Aggression In Dogs Right Now

Fri ,19/02/2010

You know aggressive dogs can be very scary. They can frighten small children and adults too. There are some breeds that are more likely to be aggressive but even so there is usually an underlying cause for aggression in dogs and finding out why your dog is aggressive can assist you in your training efforts. A dog that is calm in most circumstances is an easier dog to own.

Sometimes excessive aggression is because your dog wants to establish dominance. Dogs are pack animals and there is always a pecking order to the pack. The alpha dog is the leader and the other dogs follow. Appropriate training will make you the alpha dog or the leader. Never allow your dog to think of himself as the leader or you will continuouslyhave problems. Even so your dog may still want to establish his dominance over other dogs or animals and this may be the cause of his dominance aggression.

Another common type of aggression in dogs is territorial aggression. Your dog will relentlessly protect everything that he considers to be “his” including yourself, your home and your family. While this can be a good thing if you are threatened at some point, it can cause many problems in regular situations. It is infrequently that a family is truly threatened and if your dog’s territorial aggression is crazy it can cause issues with visitors and neighbors. Excessive territorial aggression is inappropriate behavior.

Often a dog will strike out from fear. Something scares your dog and rather than retreat he lashes out and attacks. The dog will start growling, pull his ears back and tuck his tail between his legs. Many times this type of aggression is mistook for direct aggression. Fear aggression is mostly caused by a situation that has scared the dog. He is lashing out because he is scared and does not know how to handle that fright.

Sometimes the aggressive behavior is misdirected. Something happens that triggers an aggressive reaction, such as a dominance or territorial issue but the dog is unable to take out his aggression on the target. He therefore will act aggressively where he is. He may start taking out his aggression on another dog or pet for no plausible reason yet something instigated his behavior. He was just not able to act on the real issue that triggered his aggression.

There can also be medical or biological reasons for aggression. A mother dog will often express aggression when she is protecting her litter of puppies. This type of aggression is understandable however sometimes a medical issue could be causing excessive aggression so it is always smart to have your vet give your dog a thorough examination.

Getting your female dog spayed and your male dog neutered can slow down aggressive tendencies. This can also contribute greatly to the good health of your dog. If you are not in the business of breeding dogs it is just the responsible thing to do and it will make your aggression training easier.

If you take into consideration the reasons why your dog may be acting aggressively you can tailor your training efforts and curb the aggression. You can work with your dog’s own specific needs and have more success.

Best training tips for your favorite dog also discover what dog training video I used to train my dog in a few minutes a day.

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