Thursday, November 25, 2010

Choosing An Appropriate Dog Cage And Its Practical Uses

By John Howard


Owning a dog comes with a big responsibility. It's like bringing up a child. You need to nurture it and train it with proper behavior. It can be a real friend and can bring so much joy in your life if brought up well. On the other hand, a dog can be a serious threat to the safety of humans and property when the he shows unwanted behavior and is uncontrollable.

We often see our dogs fall asleep under the table or chair. They usually stay or sleep in those places where they feel safe and secure. By nature, they love to have their own spaces at home and having a cage is a great way to give him his own safe and secure place. Not only can the dog benefit from using it but also the surrounding people and property.

In choosing a cage, the safety and comfort of your pet must be taken into consideration by choosing a right size of model. The size of the cage must be appropriate for him, where he can stand up and turn around freely and comfortably. A dog will be unhappy and rebellious if left in a cage that is small and cramped.

The cage can be used as the dog's bed. It's a safe and can be comfortable place for him to sleep, especially at night because dogs too need to achieve an exact amount of sleep for health issues and prevent them from having unwanted behavior because of lack of sleep.

Another important use of the cage is keeping the dog and your property safe while you are away from home. Even at home, there are many possible hazards that can be a serious threat to him and your property. By keeping him in the cage while you are not around will prevent the dog from roaming around and destroying things. In traveling, transporting a pet in a vehicle will be a lot easier with the use of crate.

Using a cage is also an effective tool in training a dog. There are training techniques that require the use of a cage. In potty training for example, putting him in the cage will make the training easier. Most dogs want a clean environment and don't want to soil their own space. So by using a cage, it enables him to hold his bladder which makes the potty training possible.

Having a cage can be either beneficial or dangerous. You can only benefit in using a dog cage if you have chosen an appropriate and comfortable cage for him and using it in a right way. On the other hand, using a cage may cause the dog to develop unwanted behavior if it's not comfortable in it, or when the dog is left in the cage for a long period of time.




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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Minimizing The Possibility Your Dog Might Bite

By Ronald Dewitt


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of people are bitten by canines each year. In most cases, the episodes are minor, and result in no injuries. Occasionally, however, the victim is severely injured, and requires immediate medical attention. Most of these victims are children.

Beyond the potential for injury, those who are bitten by canines often develop a fear of them that is difficult to abandon, even years following the event. This is especially true with young people, who may never become comfortable in the company of dogs. This is unfortunate since the natural connection between people and canines is a uniquely rewarding one.

This article will approach the issue of biting from the perspective of an owner. We'll provide several suggestions for minimizing the possibility your pet will bite someone. We'll also explain what you should do if it occurs.

Steps To Lessen The Risk Of Biting

You can minimize the likelihood your pet will bite someone by enrolling him into obedience classes when he is young. This will help him learn to control himself, and respond to your commands. Professional training should begin as early as possible, preferably when your canine is still a puppy. Socialization classes designed specifically for pups expose them to other people and pets at an early age. This increases their comfort level around others, a trait that tends to continue throughout their lives.

Another key step toward preventing biting is to have your pet spayed or neutered. Doing so makes most dogs less aggressive.

It is important that you discourage poor behavior as early as possible in your canine's life. For example, does he have a tendency to mouth and subtly chew your hand? If so, teach him that such behavior is inappropriate before it evolves into a persistent habit. Also, avoid rough play with your pet since such activity teaches him to act roughly with others.

Encourage your family to spend as much time as possible with your canine, and make him feel part of your family. Rather than leaving him confined in his crate, or isolated in your backyard, interact with him. Encourage your friends and visitors to do the same. This provides a constant source of socialization training that will help your dog feel increasingly comfortable around a wider range of people.

Lastly, if you believe your canine suffers from an aggressive disorder, seek help from a professional dog behaviorist. This person can provide unique insight into the reasons a dog may be behaving aggressively. He or she can also develop training routines you can perform at home to help desensitize your pet to the presence of others.

What To Do If Your Pet Bites Someone

Regardless of the steps you take to minimize the risk your canine will bite someone, it can still occur. If it does, it is important to know what to do. First, remove your pet from the environment, and isolate him. He is already in an agitated state, and it is critical that you prevent another episode.

Second, give the person who was bitten your contact information and any relevant details about your dog's vaccinations. If this person is injured, immediately call for medical assistance.

Third, you will likely receive a call or visit from the Department of Animal Care and Control in your city. In most cases, the purpose is to request information about your canine. They may require you to keep your pet in your home for a specific period.

Fourth, keep your dog. Too often, owners abandon their pets following the first incident, either leaving them at shelters, or worse, giving them to people who want an aggressive canine. Instead, invest the time to seek the help of an animal behaviorist who can help resolve the underlying problem.

With proper socialization training, your dog is unlikely to bite anyone. That said, there is no way to eliminate the possibility. Know what to do in the event it occurs.




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Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Puppy Potty Training Using Training Bells

By Gio Cast


Puppy Potty Training Bells have been around for a number of years and are becoming one of the tops methods used by trainers in teaching dogs to go make outside.

Once you have your dog training bells, drape them on the inside knob of the door that your dog uses to go outside. If your dog uses a couple of door, you should hang them on those doors, also.

Notice: When looking for a good set of bells, bear in mind that it is advisable that they have the hanging loop split and fixed with a hook and loop so as to attach the training bell securely to any type of door handle.

Decide on a "Potty Training Command" for your puppy:

It is important to decide on a "Potty Training Command" for your puppy. We suggest simple and straightforward commands such as: "Let's go make!". Consistency is vital and it is VERY IMPORTANT that everyone inside your household uses the exact same command with your dog.

We feel the most beneficial time to get started on potty training your puppy is very first thing in the morning when you know your dog genuinely has to make! While stating your "Potty training Command", take your dog's paw and lightly swipe it against the dog training bells. Because he will be needing to make urgently, only direct them to ring the bells a couple of quick times. While doing this, give them words of encouragement such as: "Good boy, good bells" and "Ring the bells, let's go make!".

Note: If your dog is so small that they cannot reach the bells while standing, then lightly pop your dog up onto their back legs and direct a front paw towards the bells.

DO NOT let them have treats at this time. You don't want to unintentionally teach your dog to think that ringing the bell is a trick! Only AFTER your dog goes out to make (and actually makes!) do you then reward them with a treat. Again, no treat unless they actually relieve themselves!

Repetition Is Vital:

Re-enforce the above teaching technique anytime you take them out to make. Be consistent and attentive with this teaching, and your dog will soon be ringing the bells by themselves. It's also essential that you continue to lavishly praise your puppy when they ring the dog training bells, since that will further encourage this positive style of communicating their needs.

If there are a number of dogs within your household, they could all be trained simultaneously. It does not matter if you are potty training a puppy or an old dog, they can all be trained to use the bells!

A few dogs catch on in days, and some take longer - even as long as 4 weeks. Be patient and, just as before, use lots of positive reinforcement. Once your dog has mastered the bell ringing, feel free to take your dog training bells on the road to Grandma's house - or perhaps a hotel room! Immediately show your dog where you've hung their bells. As a result they will know, anywhere the bells are hanging, is the door they will use to go outdoors to make.

Like most dog trainers will tell you, if follow these simple rules, you should shortly be well on the way to successfully potty training your puppy.




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Sunday, November 21, 2010

Different types of dog training collars

By Cathy Sundre


A dog coaching collar actually might be an successful tool if used correctly and at the appropriate time. It really is imperative to recognize the differences inside the varieties of instruction collars offered and which just one would ideal suit your requirements too as your dog's temperament, size, and age. It truly is equally very important to note that a few of the education collars, including the prong collar, is usually very harmful to a young canine and should really not be employed until the dog is at least 1 year of age.

Every collar features a distinctive purpose and targets a diverse level of disobedience. Be certain to evaluate the latest level of obedience that has already been established and do so with a professional trainer if possible. It's critical to acknowledge the degree of difference in between the latest state within the dog's training plus the preferred outcome and to not base the decision of which collar to use based only on the desired outcome. Some canines require a higher degree or effort and others may very well merely need some gentle reinforcement.

Let's get into a couple of within the varieties of dog schooling collars accessible with the first and most prominent being the prong collar. This one is made from a series of chain links which have open ended prongs that point in towards the dog's neck. This collar appears painful and honestly can be if abused or misused. This an individual ought to only be utilised if the dog is truly out of control, a strong or aggressive breed, and if the dog is through 1 year of age.

A gentler selection would be the martingale collar. This 1 is made of nylon or leather and appears like a regular head collar but it doesn't buckle or fasten. It truly is pulled more than and across the dog's head and includes a chain that connects the two ends of your material. There's a loop on the chin which the leash is fastened to and when the puppy pulls the collar will tighten. The difference involving the martingale and also the prong collar, other than the prongs, is that the martingale collar includes a threshold in which it can't be pulled too tightly.

Another choice is the head halter or halti. This one particular is normally seen on horses but is also very useful on canines. It loops across the dog's muzzle and then fastens on the back of the neck. It gives additional manage over a dog's reaction and direction. Quite powerful for hyper canines who don't necessarily pull but may jump or dart in diverse directions.




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Saturday, November 20, 2010

Adult dog potty training

By Joe Jackson


Older dog potty training takes a little more effort and time. You need to be patient to help your adult dog to learn that creating messes inside the house is not acceptable. Try not to get angry or upset with him. He won't know why you are punishing him and it won't help at all in your efforts at potty training him.

Instead use a lot of positive reinforcement like petting and praising him, offering him treats when he does things correctly. Ignore him completely when he does something wrong. Leave him out while you clean up the mess. Remove all traces of smell by spraying with deodorants. Take him out after every meal to the same spot for doing his business. Over time your dog will learn to do his potty outside the home.

Problems with potty training arise because the owners confuse their pets and don't follow a consistent and correct method of training them. The dog can be totally confused if you give him conflicting signals.

When your instructions go against earlier ones, your dog will get hopelessly confused. His self-confidence will sink, and he'll end up getting nervous and anxious. It may make him bite and bark, or develop other behavior problems. In case you feel it is beyond your capabilities to train a dog, you may be better off getting a dog trainer to handle the task. He will not only train your dog, but also teach you how to deal with misbehavior.

There are different options available for training older dog. You might have a well behaved and trained dog, and don't think any further training is needed. But if your dog is obedient and intelligent, then you and your pet will have a whole lot more fun together if you take him to an advanced training course. If he learns to enjoy the additional challenges, he'll quickly learn many new tricks and even have fun as he does it.




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Friday, November 19, 2010

How To Succeed At Crate Training Puppies Safely And Humanely

By Tim Bell


People who don't know any better, often think that crate training puppies is somehow mean and unkind. In reality, this kind of training only helps to keep the puppy safe. Your household will run smoothly without puppies underfoot, and it also becomes a place of refuge for the pup.

Decide before you bring puppy home what kind of crate you will be using to train him with. Your choice is purely personal, since both do a very adequate job. The pup needs to feel like his crate is his friend and his private place to hide in, away from the hustle and bustle of the household.

Make the pups "den" a comfortable place for him to spend time. Food and water are not necessary in there. Keep anything about the crate from making scary noises or rattling any at all. This will frighten him and he may associate that feeling with his crate and refuse to go there.

Choosing the correct size of crate is very important. It should be large enough for him to move around in but if too roomy, he may choose a spot to use as a potty and this will create more problems you do not need. If the kennel is quite large, make sure you can divide it with dividers to make him a smaller place until he outgrows the space. He will prefer instinctively not to mess in his living quarters

While he is in his crate, he does not need to have food and water in there with him. You will be feeding him frequently throughout the day. After feeding you will want to watch him closely for him "acting" like he needs to go potty, then take him outside immediately. Provide a few chew toys for the little mutt to play with in his "den" and maybe a towel or blanket to sleep on, if he likes that.

These furry little critters of eight or nine weeks can tolerate crating for up to seven or eight hours but it is not suggested that that be the norm, other than at night. For most times, a span of up to six hours can be well tolerated by Fido. Never use the crate as a place of punishment.

Training a puppy to be house broken is a job that requires almost constant attention. You must catch the little tyke in action or before that preferably, and remove him to the outside to do his job. It is almost like he is training you to catch him. Try not to leave him alone too long in the very beginning of this procedure, so there is no back sliding to deal with. Plenty of outside exercise, sunshine and love will go a long way in the process.

When all is said and done, crate training puppies is a very effective way to teach your pup the rules of his life with you and your family. The crate will be used throughout his life to keep him and your home safe and secure. The rewards will be big, wet, sloppy kisses and a true friend forever.




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Thursday, November 18, 2010

Joys of Being a Dog Owner

By Tad Distin


Owning a dog is much more than a wagging tail and wiggly body greeting you each time you come home. If you have had a stressful day at work, your dog will pick up on your feelings, and he or she may even sit up, roll over, or perform another trick that the animal knows will cheer you up.

Being slobbered all over by your dog when you arrive home can be a bit irritating, but usually you end up in a better mood as a result. It is highly likely that you will find yourself grabbing a leash and taking your dog for a nice long walk, which is much needed by both of you.

If you have raised your dog from when it was a puppy newly weaned from its mother, then your pet knows no other family. You are it! It is lovely to watch a little pup grow into a gangling young dog and then into a thoughtful, mature animal that knows your habits.

When you are in the house, your dog will follow you wherever you go. If you go into the kitchen, the dog will be right behind you. Walk upstairs to the bedroom and the dog's curiosity will encourage him or her to follow again.

A dog is the ultimate good companion. They can be better than husbands, wives and other family members. No matter how you feel or how you behave, dogs love you no matter what. Even if you speak to them in anger they forgive you immediately.

Not everyone wants their dog to sleep with them in the bedroom, but certainly there are many dog owners who love their dogs to sleep at the foot of the bed. Some people get a sense of peace and security knowing that their dog is there to listen for noises and to protect them through the night.

If you think you are allergic to dogs, this is no longer an obstacle to owning one. There are short haired breeds produced by expert breeders that are suitable. These dogs produce very little dander, the fine skin flakes that fall from dogs.

Older dogs will need to be prepared if you will be bringing a baby home before long. They have been your "baby" until now, and it takes some adjusting for them, but before long, your dog will be protecting your baby just as it watches out for you.

When the Mom in the house goes to the hospital to have a baby, the husband or friend should bring home an item of clothing that smells of the baby so that the dog can get used to it. Encourage the dog to smell the item and get accustomed to a baby smell for when the baby arrives home.

In a matter of month your baby will be a toddler, and will probably climb all over the family dogs, pulling ears and tails and generally testing your dogs' patience. Show you dogs lots of love and they will show the same consideration for your toddler.

If you want to give your dog the ultimate treat, then take it for a long drive in the country. Dogs seem to love nothing more than sticking their heads out of car windows and catching the wind.

If you begin to train your dog while it is still very young, you will be able to teach it that good manners are required. Your dog truly wants to please you, so this will be the stimulus for learning proper manners.

Among the things you should teach your dog are not to jump onto people, to sit when instructed to do so, to stay when told to, and to stop barking when you say so. It is quite easy to train a dog that is well loved. Train your dog well and it will be a great companion for life.




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