Posts Tagged ‘animals’
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.
The principal secrets for training your pet dog including dog training treats, http://universitydog.com/150/stop-your-dog-from-digging/ and much more at UniversityDog.com.
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Tags: Advice, Animal and Pet Articles, animals, classes, Dog Training, dogs, family, Garden, obedience classes, outdoors, pets, school, self help, terriers
Posted in American Labrador Retrievers, English Labrador Retrievers, Labrador Retriever Puppies, Labrador Retriever Training | No Comments »
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!
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Tags: Animal and Pet Articles, animals, breeding dogs, Dog Training, dogs, home, pets, Puppies, puppy training
Posted in Labrador Retriever Training | No Comments »
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
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Tags: Animal and Pet Articles, animals, dogs, family, home, house training a dog, pets, potty training puppies, Puppies
Posted in Labrador Retriever Puppies | No Comments »
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.
Thinking of breeding your dog? If so download our *FREE* ebook aboutdog breeding now! Check out our many articles on most topics to do with dogs. From health to basic training to how to take care of a dog, such as potty training puppies. Don’t delay look today!
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Tags: Animal and Pet Articles, animals, Dog Behavior, dog biting, Dog Health, dog newsletter, dog obedience, Dog Training, dogs, family, pets
Posted in Animal and Pet Articles, Labrador Retriever Temperament | No Comments »
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
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Tags: Animal and Pet Articles, animals, Dog Allergies, Dog Health, dogs, family, pets
Posted in Labrador Retriever Health | No Comments »
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.
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Tags: Advice, Animal and Pet Articles, animals, classes, Dog Training, dogs, family, Garden, obedience classes, outdoors, pets, school, self help, terriers
Posted in Animal and Pet Articles | No Comments »
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.
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Tags: Advice, Animal and Pet Articles, animals, classes, Dog Training, dogs, family, Garden, obedience classes, outdoors, pets, school, self help, terriers
Posted in Animal and Pet Articles | No Comments »
Sun ,14/02/2010
We love dogs for a reason. Having a loyal friend and playmate that will love you forever and never run out of energy? Perfect. Getting close to a dog is harder for some people than others, however. Certain dog allergies can rear their ugly heads and cause unexpected problems. A significant minority of the population suffers from dog and pet allergies. Some are even forced to find a new home for their dog because of intensified allergies. This wouldn’t be the most desired solution, of course, and it can be heartbreaking. Fortunately, there are other ways.
The allergens that dogs produce come from the proteins in three sources; Dander (shed skin cells,) saliva, and urine. People with supersensitive immune systems react to these proteins and this is what causes the symptoms. A common misconception is that hairless dogs will not produce allergens. Although hairless dogs produce less allergen, they still produce saliva and urine, making such a claim untrue. The symptoms of these allergies are very similar to those of other minor allergies. People with dog allergies may suffer from itchy eyes, runny nose, asthma symptoms, red itchy skin or a rash. These allergies can prove to be quite a nuisance, but there are lots of ways to reduce the effects of the symptoms that Fido just may decide to leave behind.
A very efficient way of reducing the effects of dog allergies is to keep a clean home. Vacuuming frequently, using leather furniture instead of fabric, avoiding clutter, and using air cleaners will reduce the amount of dander in your home. It is also important to bathe your dog to reduce the level of allergens that reside in fur. Just as important is to wash dog bedding, cushion covers, and anything that might come in contact your dog.
Or you can go the easy route and buy some products specifically made to reduce allergens. Allerpet D is a shampoo that helps keep the skin on the dog without drying it out too much. Lowering the chance of dog allergies is as easy as adopting good habits and behaviors!
Of course, if the allergies are too bad, consulting with a professional may be your best bet. Some strong medication is out there, both prescription and over the counter, that can mitigate the runny noses and itchy eyes. For extreme cases, you can get allergy shots, which are a good idea if you have bad allergies in general. Kicking your dog to the curb should be a last resort.
Visit the Hypoallergenic Dog Food Guide for more info on allergies that can occur within dogs.
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Tags: Animal and Pet Articles, animals, Dog Allergies, dog food, Dog Health, dogs, home, pet health, pets
Posted in Animal and Pet Articles | No Comments »
Sat ,06/02/2010
A well trained dog is like a well-behaved child. They are wonderful! The same applies the other way round ‘ an untrained dog is like a disobedient child. They can cause havoc! That’s why it is important for every dog owner to do some simple dog training.
Firstly, there’s absolutely no truth to the myth that certain dogs cannot be trained. While it may be more difficult to train some dogs, it can be done. And of course some dogs are easier to train. It all comes down to the ability of the trainer and his or her communication skills.
When a dog has been trained, it is secure, happy and relaxed. Every dog wants a leader just like their ancestors who hunted and lived in packs. There was always the ‘alpha male’ that was respected and obeyed by every dog in the pack. Your dog will look to you to fulfill this role.
Teaching your dog his or her name is the first thing to do. This will enable you to get a response from the dog every time you call its name. This forms the basis to all other dog training lessons.
The first important command is ‘come’. Hold a small treat near the nose and firmly call its name, for example ‘Fluffy, come!’ The puppy will immediately come forward to get the treat. Continue the process by stepping a bit further back each time. When the dog responds and comes to you, lavish it with lots of praise and affection.
Use the same method when you teach ‘sit’ and ‘stay’. Always talk in a firm tone whilst giving a dog commands so he or she can identify the varying tones of your voice. Your dog will soon learn when you are playful or when you mean business! Praising is essential because every dog want to please his or her ‘master’.
Whilst treats offer great assistance during training, don’t be too free with them. You don’t want your dog to obey you because he knows there’s a treat in store. You want him to obey you because you are his leader. His reward is your affection and your praise. Only give treats during training. Treats given at other times will only confuse your dog.
If you want to compete at dog shows and other competitions, it’s advisable for you and your dog to attend a professional dog training course. You will both learn the relevant behavior requirements and other etiquette rules. There’s plenty of helpful websites about such courses.
Getting rid of the bad habits your pet has developed can be difficult if you don’t have the training and tools you need. When you have a central New Jersey dog trainer to help you get rid of bad habits and develop new habits, you will find that dog obedience training in NJ is affordable, fast and easy!
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Tags: Animal and Pet Articles, animals, Dog, Dog Training, family, home, pets, Training
Posted in Animal and Pet Articles | No Comments »
Fri ,05/02/2010
It is a fact, dogs bark for communication purposes. Some breeds bark more than others but all dogs bark sometimes. It is when a dog barks excessively and without good reason that everyone gets frustrated. We all want communication from our dogs but nobody wants a dog that barks and barks for no apparent reason.
There are quite a few reasons why a dog will bark. If your dog is bored because he is in the house or the same yard all the time he may start barking to entertain himself. Dogs love social stimulation and interacting with others. Try to have more playtimes or take more walks. This may help your dog if he is barking excessively out of boredom.
Dogs can also start barking excessively when they become nervous or scared. When a dog is appropriately socialized they will be calm and more relaxed around various people and in various situations but if a dog is not used to these new things he may bark from anxiety. Train your dog to be calmer by taking him to different places and around different people. Give him a food reward while he is quiet and well behaved. This usually works well as the dog will start associating the pleasing treat with the new situation rather than nervousness.
Dogs will try to get your attention when they need something by barking. You want your dog to communicate with you but you do not want this type of barking to become out of control. If you respond to his barking by giving him what he wants he will continue to bark every time. Attempt to reinforce other communication behaviors by using praise and treats.
Sometimes dogs bark from separation anxiety. They just don’t want you to leave them and they bark until you come home. This is disruptive to the neighbors and others so it is definitely something you need to avoid. It may be easier to do this if you begin when your dog is still a pup and put him in the crate before you leave. That way he is happily in his own space and he will not miss you quite so much. Also never make a big deal out of leaving but just quietly slip away. He will probably notice that you are away but he won’t be so vocal about it.
Dogs bark to protect you and there are situations when we all would appreciate that. However, every single day when the mailman or mail person! comes to deliver the mail is not one of those times! This is atime when socialization and training can really pay dividends. Go with your dog to meet the mailman, let them become acquainted and hopefully your dog will not bark at him everyday. Another way to get him to stop barking at inopportune times is to distract him with a game or a treat. But in the case of your dog barking to protect you remind yourself that there may come a time when you will appreciate that so limit your training to people you know.
A professional dog trainer can offer you some tips and techniques to stop excessive barking but sometimes just more socialization and more playtimes will help stop the excessive barking. The one thing you should consider though is that your dog is usually barking for a reason and you should find out what that reason is. Then you can deal with the barking.
You will enjoy your dog more and other people will also enjoy your dog more if he doesn’t bark excessively. Try to stop the negative behavior of excessive barking while your dog is a young puppy and when he is older you will know that if he is barking he has a good reason.
Principal training tips for your pet dog plus learn what dog training videos I used to train my dog in a few minutes a day.
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Tags: Advice, Animal and Pet Articles, animals, classes, Dog Training, dogs, family, Garden, obedience classes, outdoors, pets, school, self help, terriers
Posted in Labrador Retriever Training | No Comments »