Archives for September, 2009
Many people feel that dog training is a challenge. They try to prepare for the many obstacles they feel lay ahead. The good news is, dog training can be an easy, fun, and positive experience. Just follow these 7 effective dog training tips, and you will see.
1. When training your dog, give him praise when he does it right. When you show your dog that you are happy with his efforts, he will be more inclined to want to please you. As you progress and reach harder milestones, you may want to wait a little longer to give the praise. In the beginning, however, it is good to do it right away.
2. Use treats. After he has worked hard, has done a few tricks, to sit or to lay on command, or has been a good sport, it is fair to reward your dog with a treat. Like people, dogs need incentive to work.
3. Do not yes or hit your dog. This is extremely ineffective and will not produce the results you want. Like people, dogs respond negatively to such abuse, and it will more than likely increase the chances that your dog will rebel. This will only make for a frustrated owner and an angry dog.
4. Be firm but gentle. Give the commands firmly while gently moving your dog into the position that you want him. The firm but gentle tactic shows your dog that you are the boss: but, it also shows that he is loved.
5. Train your dog for a couple of minutes each day: but, do not go for too long as it will overwork the dog and cause him to feel stressed. Like people, dogs need repetition in order to grasp a new concept and can become stressed when overworked. Not to mention, if you work with your dog a couple of minutes a day, this will strengthen your friendship.
6. Help your dog to associate action with command. The way this can be done is as soon as you see your dog sit, say the word sit. Do the same thing if he is lying down. This will help him to know that these certain words are associated with these actions. Do this until he gets the hang of it.
7. Do not pay attention to your dog if he is misbehaving. If you give him attention only when he is running with toilet paper in his mouth, getting in the trash, or causing any other mischief, then this is letting him know that he can get your attention when he is doing something bad.
When you train your dog, this allows your dog to feel safe and secure. Also, when your dog knows you are his leader, this can prove to be a happy environment for both you and your dog!
Kelvin Ho
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/7-effective-dog-training-tips-166825.html
Sep 25, 2009 | | Dog Training Tips
Aggressive dog behavior can not only take the fun out of having a dog, it can be dangerous too. The last thing you want to see in your beloved canine is aggressive dog behavior.
As soon as most dog owners see aggressive dog behavior, they try and do something about it, of course. Unfortunately, what these owners do is yell at their dogs or hit their dogs to try and get control of the canine aggression.
With aggressive dogs, it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to big problems. To make sure you don’t make these mistakes, avoid these aggressive dog behavior training no-nos:
1. The first mistake people make with aggressive dogs is keeping the dogs penned up. Not exercising an aggressive dog is a big no-no!
A bored dog is far more likely to be an aggressive dog. Most dogs have a lot of pent-up energy. They’re simply designed to be active. When you don’t allow your dog to be as active as he or she wants to be, this can lead to problems.
The best way to avoid dog aggression is to work off that pent-up energy. Take your dog on daily, long walks. Play fetch with your dog. The more you interact with an aggressive dog in a playful, fun way, the less aggression you’ll see.
2. Another big aggressive dog behavior mistake is hitting the dog. Training aggressive dog techniques require touch, but not hitting! You never want to hit any dog, but certainly not an aggressive dog. Violence will simply encourage aggressive behavior.
To correct an aggressive canine, pull at the scruff of the neck or gently nudge the dog. A firm voice and a specific gesture that telegraphs your displeasure will work too.
Your goal in correcting an aggressive dog is to surprise and get across your message. You’re not trying to hurt or punish the dog.
3. Being a wimp is a big aggressive dog training no-no. Dog training aggressive behavior out of your dog requires you to be the boss! A wimp isn’t going to be affective at dog training aggressive behavior out of a dog.
Dogs need guidance. They need a leader. Dog parenting doesn’t simply mean care. It means leadership too.
To establish leadership with an aggressive dog, be sure you’re the one in control. Enter a room first unless you give your dog the okay to go ahead of you. Establish that you’re head honcho.
4. Dealing with repeated dog biting yourself is a big mistake. Aggressive dog training for dog biting requires the pros. If your dog bites, you need aggressive dog training from a professional dog trainer. Don’t try and deal with a biting dog yourself. The consequences are too dire. If the above tips don’t help control aggressive dog behavior, get some help.
Your dog deserves to be well-socialized so he or she can have a happy life. Take steps now to deal with aggressive dog behavior.
Ande Waggener
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/aggressive-dog-behavior-training-nonos-59226.html
Sep 25, 2009 | | Dog Training Behavior
I cannot emphasize more the value of obedience training for your dog. Besides it is very substantial to the well being of your dog and your own happiness in owning a dog.
Dog owners would absolutely enjoy more sharing a house, a car or even spending the time together walking your dog in the public, when your dog can be told to eliminate outside (house training), to come, to sit or to stay easily at your direction.
Obedience Training also show very clear sign of responsible ownership, it is so widely known that if your dog can display these basic obedience commands as well as walking on leash with ease and some other simple task, your dog can earn the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen Certification.
This Certification is a testimony that your dog is sociable, well behaved and not dangerous to people in general. In some state this CGC Certification is a benchmark of your dog behavior and responsible dog ownership.
Dog owners more than others those who are new in general faces difficulty in training their dog, it is because they do not understand that dogs think and act different from us. They failed to make much development in dog training because they failed to realize that dog communicate differently from us.
The major mistake made by new dog owners is having a lot of command and inconsistency in their training routines. Remember that consistency is very important, do not say 2 words for the same of action that you want your dog to obey.
Here below are some commonly used basic dog obedience commands that you should start with prior going to other more advance command, that will aid you as dog owner to feel comfortable bringing your dog for a walk in the park or in public areas.
Come: this command is used to recall your dog
Sit: this command tell your dog to be in sitting position.
Stay: the dog must keep still in any position whether it is sitting, down or in that location where the command is given until released by you
Down: this command tells the dog to go down with its front feet and rear legs are touching the ground.
Here are some tips how you can really improve the effectiveness and the rate of your dog learning:
1. At all times you must use the same command words and in the same tone or speed of speaking
2. Have tolerance, your dog will fail you.
3. The dog has single track mind, teach one thing at a time, do not try to teach a lot of command in one single training session
4. When your dog did anything right or wrong, your rewards and punishment should come almost immediately. Do not punish or reward after a long time break from the act itself because your dog will not be able to relate the two.
5. Increase bonding with your dog by bringing him out for an exercise or play with him. All training session should be based on this relationship.
6. Prior training your dog, you should get highly regarde dog training manual and go through it thoroughly before starting your dog training session. It is harder to ask your dog to unlearn wrong things than learning new things
7. Never call your dog to come to you to punish, you will give them wrong understanding that the word come means punishment.
8. Do not permit other people to give any command to your dog especially when you are training him.
9. Do not train your dog when you are not in the mood or when you are not feeling well.
10. Never get violence with your dog.
Obedience Training is a clear sign of responsible dog ownership. Every responsible dog owner should endeavor to train his/her dog to at least acquire these basic obedience skills.
Leo Enoch
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/basic-dog-obedience-training-command-132903.html
Sep 25, 2009 | | Dog Obedience Training
Although it’s often overlooked, grooming is an important part of your dog’s health and wellness program. Here are some of the most frequently asked dog grooming questions our experts at PetPlace.com are asked by their 600,000 visitors per month:
1. When should I start grooming my dog?
Start regular grooming when you first bring your dog home and make it a part of his or her routine. Purchase a good-quality brush and comb and get your dog used to being handled. Praise your dog when he or she holds still and soon he or she will come to enjoy the extra attention. Some breeds have special grooming needs, so ask your vet or a professional groomer for advice on particular grooming equipment necessary for your particular dog.
2. How often should I brush my dog’s hair?
Routine brushing and combing removes dead hair and dirt and prevents matting, while giving your pet a healthier and shinier coat.
Your dog’s skin and hair coat reflects his or her overall health and nutritional status. Many dogs maintain a healthy skin and hair coat with minimal assistance. Some long-haired or curly-haired breeds require regular brushing. For most dogs, a good brushing once or twice a week will do the trick.
3. How often should I bathe my dog?
Your dog’s need for bathing depends on its breed, the skin type and hair coat. It also depends on the owner’s preference and how dirty your dog gets. Bathing your dog every month or two isn’t unreasonable, but some dogs will need more frequent cleanings. A good rule of thumb is to bathe your pet only when the coat gets dirty or begins to smell “doggy.”
When bathing your dog, make sure to rinse all the soap out of the coat. If there are persistent problems with scratching or flaky skin, he or she may need a special medicated shampoo or have a skin problem that your veterinarian should examine.
4. What skin problems are common among dogs and what should I look for?
Skin problems – including fleas, ticks and mites or allergies and infections – are common among dogs. Most conditions are manageable with early detection and treatment. If you notice excessive scratching, hair loss or flaky skin, contact your veterinarian. If your pet is continuously exposed to fleas and ticks, speak to your veterinarian about products to minimize the parasite’s impact on your dog’s skin. Remember that consistently poor hair coat with lots of skin flaking may indicate a deeper medical problem.
5. I have problems cleaning my dog’s ears. What’s the best way to clean his ears and how often should it be cleaned.
Ears also require cleaning, especially in dogs with oily skin or allergies. This is a delicate task and is probably best left to your vet. However, if your dog is easy to handle (and there is no chance that you will be bitten), you can learn to do this chore yourself. To remove excessive wax and debris from the ears, consider an ear cleaning every two to four weeks. Ask your veterinarian about products you can use at home, and be sure to ask for a demonstration of proper ear cleaning techniques.
6. I have problems keeping my dog still so I can trim its nails. Do you have any nail trimming advice?
While clipping nails is a painless and simple process, it takes practice and patience to master the skill. When you muster enough courage to trim the nails of your dog, you’ll need a good nail clipper, a nail file to rub any sharp edge away and a styptic stick to stop any subsequent bleeding easily.
Ask your vet to show you the correct technique, and then get started by getting your pet used to having his or her paws handled. Once you start using the clippers, go slowly. Try clipping just a few nails in one sitting. Maintain a regular schedule and be persistent. Your pet will eventually develop patience and learn to cooperate.
7. What is the most important thing to include in my dog grooming kit?
The most important thing required in your grooming kit is your own confidence. It will form and take shape within you and grow in time.
So, go ahead and start grooming your dog. If you can overcome your hesitation, beautiful and rewarding experiences are waiting for you. Grooming your dog properly helps to keep him or her healthy while building an important bond between you and your pet.
John Rappaport
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-grooming-7-most-frequently-asked-dog-grooming-questions-its-answers-100393.html
Sep 25, 2009 | | Dog Equipment
Leash Training is one of the most regular training method and the leash itself would perhaps is the most basic equipment used in training your dog.
Now here are some things you should think into before going into leash training which will help you to be more effective in training your dog:
1. You can begin leash training even when your dog is still a puppy. To Start leash training as early as the puppy stage will multiply the effectiveness enormously.
2. Purchase only a good quality of training leash and collar, do take care to ensure the correct size of the collar and the length of the leash. A good training collar is intended to put specific pressure whenever the leash is tightened. The leash must be made with strong material, you would not want to go chasing your dog around with broken leash.
3. Have patient with your dog. Different dogs react differently when they are put on leash for the first time. Some shows no problem while other might struggle at first. You can put on the leash on your dog even when you are not taking your dog for a walk; this will help him to be comfortable moving around with the leash.
4. You must understand that in collar and leash training, the leash become a way of communication and disciplining your dog, once you understand the use of the leash in dog training and you are comfortable in using it, then only you can begin your training effectively.
5. One of the easiest behaviors that you can train your dog with collar and leash training method will be to have your dog move properly on a lead. A well trained dog will be able to meet his pace with yours. You do not have to change your pace but instead your dog will have to adjust to your pace.
During the initial phase of the leash training, it is usual to find that your dog will charge ahead of you or slow down behind. In this case you need to give your dog a tug on the leash to tell him that he needs to adjust his pace. Once your dog reacted well, you need to relieve the pressure as soon as possible to show him that he has done well in obeying your tug.
6. Keep in mind that the leash is just one of the simple tools in dog training. Although the leash is a basic tool that is needed in this kind of training, you must know that there are many more tools out there available and you should make it your goalto learn and achieve the same great result in training your dog as when you are using the leash.
Finally, leash training can never be more effective than when it is implemented with your great relationship with your dog. The end objective is to get your dog to obey you even when they are not on leash. It will be a great attainment when you can just use your own hand or tone of voice to make your dog obey you.
Leo Enoch
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-training-method-using-collar-and-leash-training-140596.html
Sep 23, 2009 | | Dog Obedience Training
It is crucial to learn how to take care of a dog well before taking ownership. A dog requires a serious investment of the following resources:
1. Time
2. Energy
3. Finances
By the time you finish reading this article, the first level of your education on how to take care of a dog will be complete.
Below you will find 21 key factors involved. 11 are under Basic Needs, 5 under Equipment, and 5 under Treatment.
Section 1: Learn how to take care of a dog by being aware of their BASIC NEEDS
Dogs need:
1. Toilet and obedience training. A lack of training in these two areas can result in frustration and inconvenience for the owner to say the least, and at worst the dog could become a danger to their owners, the public, and to themselves.
2. To be with other dogs or people. Leaving them alone for long periods can have a serious effect on their health and well being. Even being left alone for 4 or more hours a day can contribute to destructive behavior.
3. To be brushed every day. This is especially important if their coat has long hair.
4. To have their teeth brushed and cleaned regularly.
5. Regular walks. How far and how often will depend on the size and nature of the dog.
6. A well thought out, balanced diet. You may need to get advice from your vet. A good range of high protein, fat, and carbohydrates is needed to ensure the dog remains healthy. Often the prepared foods available in pet shops or supermarkets contain the needed balance.
7. Plenty of water: A bowl of fresh, clean water should always be available.
8. Space: a fenced in area for play and exercise. The area will need to be kept clean of dog waste to avoid a health hazard.
9. A dry, warm place to sleep out of a draught. The bedding should be aired each day and preferably washed or replaced weekly.
10. Arrangements to be cared for when the owner take a vacation.
11. A vet so you can quickly take them in case of sickness or emergency. Think out carefully your choice of a vet. What equipment and facilities does the surgery offer? What costs are involved? Does the vet communicate well with you so you feel relaxed asking questions?
Section 2: Learn how to take care of a dog by obtaining the EQUIPMENT they need
Dogs need:
1. A lead for walking in urban areas.
2. A collar and/with an identity label or tag.
3. A bed and a dog blanket.
4. A scoop to collect dog waste for disposal.
5. A good quality dog brush.
Section 3: Learn how to take care of a dog by arranging for the TREATMENT they need
Dogs need:
1. Regular checks and treatment for worms and fleas.
2. Injections to protect against serious diseases: check with your vet.
3. Regular teeth checkups by the vet.
4. Optional: Neutering.
5. Optional: Microchip implanting.
Regarding the last two optional procedures, keep these points in mind:
Apart from avoiding unwanted pregnancy, some authorities say neutering can make a dog a better pet. For example, neutered dogs tend to be less dominant, and have a lesser tendency to roam and mark territory.
Dog microchipping will allow you to easily locate your dog in the event it gets lost or stolen. Regretfully many dogs end up with new owners, or are taken to dog shelters, because their owners can’t find them. The microchip can forestall that heartbreaking scenario.
The microchip is no larger than a grain of rice. The procedure is no more painful than a vaccination as the tiny chip is implanted under the loose skin over the dog’s shoulder.
The guidelines above emphasize the need to carefully think out dog ownership. However, this is just the first part of the education.
To have an in-depth understanding of how to take care of a dog, you are well advised to have a good talk with a local veterinary surgeon who can answer specific questions relating to the type of dog that is best suited for your circumstances.
Once you have decided on a particular breed, seek out other owners of that breed and learn more about the characteristics of the dog and considerations you will have to keep in mind. You will get a very accurate perspective by talking to other dog owners.
Learn how to take care of a dog well before ownership and you will be rewarded with an intelligent, loyal friend who will give you unlimited fun and enjoyment!
Michael Jones
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-take-care-of-a-dog-21-key-factors-you-should-know-70486.html
Sep 23, 2009 | | Dog Equipment
