Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Four Effective Ways For Puppy Training

By Kausar Khan

Puppies are very cute and adorable. Puppy and dogs make a home lively and refreshing. They are really funny but they can create many and different problems as well. When you own a puppy you should start training him or if you wait for some time then they will create some bad habits which are very difficult to eliminate. Training your puppy is also fun and a bond-building experience. There are many exercises and many ways to teach your puppy but if you choose a wrong way of training then handling the puppy can become difficult. There are few effective ways to teach and to train your puppy which are as follows.

Puppies are just like small kids and children so they also need some toys and things to play around. A normal and usual habit of a puppy is to chew things which are a bad habit. To decrease the intensity of this bad habit you can give your puppy some toys to play with and to chew as well. Chewing is a common habit in almost every puppy. By providing them some chewing toys you can make sure that all your expensive furniture is safe and secure and your puppy is also alright. Sometimes puppies also hurt themselves.

Kindergarten for puppy is probably the best way to initially train them and describe the firm rules to them. You take your puppy out of your home, take a walk, let your puppy enjoy and meet other dogs and people as well. In this way your puppy will learn some basic skills and well also have some fun. Many people let their puppy stay in home which makes a bad habit in the puppy and them also sometimes afraid from people and try to attack them. Puppy should be taken out of the house when they are older than four months.

Setting up and defining the boundaries to the puppy is one of the most effective ways of all. Unclear boundaries and inconsistency are probably the main reasons which create problems between the pet owner and the pet. The master should know that he is the leader and the puppy is the follower, and if this not happen then the puppy becomes confused which leads to some disaster. In this problem bad behavior of puppy is seen with some aggression and negative emotions. Always first clear the boundaries to the puppy to not create any problem after sometime.

Crate training is one of the most difficult but probably one of the most important training of all. The crate training does look like an inhumane way of training your dog but it is really effective if you consider some small things. In this training you have to put your puppy in a small crate having only space for the puppy to move a little bit around. This box or crate looks like a safe box to the puppy. You can put some toys, some water and something to chew for your puppy.

About the Author:

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

SitStayFetch By Daniel Stevens

By Jason Peter Banks

Owning a pet dog can be one of the most wonderful experiences in life but it can also be quite difficult if your dog happens to have serious behavior issues. The good news is that you can learn how to control your dog's behavior with a DIY dog training guide. I recommend the SitStayFetch Online Dog Training Guide by Daniel Stevens.

This guide has been the most popular online dog training book for years and for good reason. SitStayFetch contains all of the information you have to have to go from being a novice to a true expert in controlling your dog's behavior. It's also affordable and can be downloaded online in a few minutes. Additionally, it has a total satisfaction guarantee with a 60 day full money back refund period. This means there's no real risk in trying it.

When you buy SitStayFetch you will have instant access to all of the information you need to fix almost any dog behavior problem. The techniques in the DIY guide are so effective you are likely to see immediate results.

I know this may sound "too good to be true" but this guide has already worked for thousands of other dog owners just like yourself so there's absolutely no reason that it cannot work for you as well. With a pro dog trainer such as Daniel Stevens explaining everything he knows about dogs you will definitely learn how to make your dog behave the way you want him to.

And you should remember that SitStayFetch comes with a real "no questions asked" two month total cash back refund period. This really does mean that if you're not pleased with the guide for any reason you can easily get all of your cash back anyway.

That being said, some people will prefer to hire a professional dog trainer to train their pet dogs for them. If you searching for a pro dog trainer and you happen to live in or near Austin then I recommend hiring this Austin, Texas Dog Trainer.


About the Author:

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Clicker Training Your Dog With Four Easy Steps

By Jeff Chandler

Clicker training is among the most fulfilling and quickest systems for teaching your pet. Considering that clicker training employs positive reinforcement, your dog, puppy or pet will swiftly understand the behavior you are instructing. Here are a handful of points you need to comprehend about clicker training.

Clicker training is made up of several concepts including positive reinforcement, clicker conditioning, often called charging the clicker, proper timing and marketing and repetition. It's through these concepts that you can quickly begin training your dog with a clicker with great success.

Positive reinforcement means that you are rewarding your dog when they perform a behavior or action that you want them to perform. This is different than luring or bribing your dog to perform a specific action. Using positive reinforcement with clicker training, we are actually allowing the dog to perform the action on their own, and the click and treating them when they do it correctly. Postive reinforcement is faster and easier than correction based training where we are trying to stop the dog from doing something, like jumping or biting. An example of positive reinforcement may be when a dog or puppy sits down on their own when we are training a "sit" comment and we reward them for that action.

Clicker charging is the process of teaching your puppy the noise of clicker and that a reward will be supplied at the sound of the click. The first few training classes might demand you to charge the clicker, but following the third or fourth session it may not be necessary. To charge the clicker you merely click the clicker after which offering a reward to the puppy. Do this 10-15 times until the clicking sound triggers your canine to search for the treat. When the canine realizes that the noise of the clicker "represents" when they will be given a treat, the teaching can commence.

Proper timing is essential with clicker training. In order to tie in positive reinforcement while using a clicker, we need to time the click, or "mark" the behavior. For example, when training the "sit" command we can click the minute the puppy is sitting down. This means the second their butt touches the ground, you click. This "marks" the behaviour so you would then instantly treat. If you ever click a second or two later the dog might not know what they did. Should you treat and then click, you're reinforcing the incorrect action. So, timing is everything. Again, with this example, we're permitting the dog to sit on their own, then we're marking the actions with a click after which treating.

Repetition and continuous training will help you clicker train your dog with more success. This allows your dog or puppy to easily understand and begin learning on their own exactly what behavior you want them to perform. You can then begin mixing behaviors. For instance, you may begin teaching a sit behavior. After mastering the sit command, you would move on to the "lay down" command going from a sit. You could then command the dog to sit, then lay down and click.

Once you learn these 4 primary ideas of clicker training it is easier to begin to teach other types of behaviors . More complex behaviors could be included together and the usage of target training can be introduced to permit your canine to concentrate on particular items or positioning to create a behavior. These four concepts in addition to four secrets and techniques that every trainer should know can be located at the http://ClickerTrainingSystem.com web site.

About the Author:

Friday, June 25, 2010

Take Control Of Your Dog And Stop Him Chewing!

By Nic Christy

Whenever your pet starts to give you trouble, like biting, chewing or barking, then it's time to take control of your dog and help him to understand what's right and what's wrong. The bond between a man and his dog is so strong, but only if you take the time to properly teach him the way to act in the home and around other dogs.

Teaching Him the Right Way

If you want to take control of your dog to stop him chewing, then the first thing you need to know is that it works both ways. If you want your dog to put the work in to learn what you're teaching him, you're also going to need to give back to him. Keep him interested by taking him out, letting him outside, and always showing him love and positive praise throughout the training.

Be Consistent

When you do start training, it's important that you're consistent. This means that you're going to need to work with your dog every single day. Don't overload him, though - you can't expect him to work with you for hours at a time! Give him plenty of breaks so that both of you stay focused and don't start getting tired with each other.

Looking for the Cause of His Chewing

When your dog chews, he might do it for any number of reasons - so you should start thinking about this and incorporate it into his training. For example, he might get separation anxiety when you go out, in which case you need to slowly build up the length of time you go out for to get him used to being home alone. He might just be bored, so give him plenty of chew toys and take him out to make sure he has something to do.

Another reason why dogs may chew is because they are teething. This is natural, so you'll need to give them plenty of alternatives to use. You should do this in any case of chewing - make sure you praise them when they chew their toys, and tell them NO when they chew things they're not supposed to. Just always only tell them off during the act, or else they might not understand what they've done wrong.

These are just the beginning steps when it comes to taking control of your dog's chewing and teaching him the way to go. It takes real patience, but it is possible for anyone to train their dog with a little effort.

About the Author:

Thursday, June 24, 2010

How To Have Proper Dog Obedience Training?

By Kausar Khan

Dog training is doubtlessly a very daunting task. It depends upon a number of factors and expose you to a great many risks. Therefore, many people leave their dog to professional dog training institutes or private dog trainers. They train the dog according to your requirements and deliver him to your after the training is completed. After that, your dog obeys according to your commands and acts. But, training a dog yourself is something truly enjoyable and learning. You should first learn about dogs, their breeds and behavioral aspects from internet. There are a number of websites discussing about different breeds of dogs, their aspects and behaviors towards general public and many other factors.

The first and the most important step for your dog obedience training starts before you purchase the puppy or the dog. Yes! You will first need to understand your nature and requirements in order to have a dog. If you are looking for a fluffy dog that always sits at one corner of your room and does not damage your home stuff, you should go with a particular type of breed. But, if you are a fan of large bullterriers and bull dogs, then you should go with another breed of dogs. Learning about the behavior, aspects, intelligence, and food of different breed of dogs will also be helpful for you.

You should not scold or threaten your dog by any means. Instead, you should warn him or use other humble ways to make him obedient. Dog obedience training requires you to be very warm and polite with your dog. Just consider your dog as one of your family members. Do not scold him as he is an animal. Dogs are very keen in learning your gestures and postures. You should have a consistent behavior towards your dog so that you can also expect consistent responses for certain postures and gestures. It is better to learn about different techniques and ways of teaching your dog from professional dog trainers.

Warning your dog is a really healthy habit for dog obedience training. You should not give the regular rewards to your dog as you usually used to give when your dog obeys you. This will alarm your dog that he has done something wrong. The dog will consequently try to avoid those actions in future hence becoming obeying. You can simply not give him a food for one time or may not talk to him for few hours. This will definitely alarm an intelligent dog that he has done something wrong. But, your behavior towards dog should be consistent and it should be understandable by your dog. This is necessary in order to perceive consistent responses from your dog too.

You should also understand that dogs are very keen to learn about the postures and gestures of your body. They recognize to your hand movements very well. They also recognize your mouth and lip movements very keenly and also respond to it according to your teachings. You should have a particular signal gesture for your dog to stand still - no matter where he is. This will allow your dog to be obedient in front of public and in general get-togethers.

About the Author:

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Dog Training For Beginners

By Julie Clark Robinson

The best way to start on the right path to dog ownership is to choose your breed wisely. While you might fall in love with a cute little pure-bred, a little research might show you that the breed is highly active and needs a lot of exercise before it settles down. Remember, if you have a healthy dog it can live up to 15 years so think hard and choose the breed that best suits your family now and down the road. Here are some more things to think about:

Carve out 15 minutes every day for training. If you work with your dog longer, he will get too tired to pay attention, if you work less, nothing you go over will be retained. Also, as a pack animal, a dog responds to only one leader − so choose one family member to take the lead. Once the dog has a good grasp of basic commands, other members of the family can expect the dog to follow their lead as well. The name you choose is another pointer that will help in training. Make sure it's not too complicated and then gently turn the dog's face toward you refer to him by name.

Start by introducing your dog to his crate. Dogs are den animals by nature, so they love to have a place to call their own, especially when they are home alone. As such, there is nothing cruel about crating your dog. If your new dog is still a puppy (and not yet housebroken) make sure the crate is small. Dogs do not soil in their den, so the smaller the crate the less likely he'll have an accident. (Once he's grown, make sure it's big enough to make him comfortable.) Put him in for a few minutes several times a day and gradually increase the time so he'll get used to it. Your dog will build confidence that you will indeed let him out if you establish a pattern this way. At night time, keep the crate near the family, specifically where the person who is leading the training sleeps. While it's perfectly fine to let your fully trained dog sleep in bed with you, the crate is where he should be when you are first training him.

Next comes leash training. Remember what you learned about the amount of exercise certain dog breeds need? His ability to walk on a leash at your side will have a direct impact on how pleasurable your walk time will be for the next several years. He needs to know that you are in charge and he is not to drag you around the block in search of squirrels. Check your vet's office for names of local obedience sessions and take a few classes to get you started.

Even though the old "shake" is a crowd pleaser, before you teach him to give you his paw you should make sure that your dog completely understands the command to stay exactly where they are at any given moment. "Stop!" Or, "Stay!" It could be a matter of life or death in the case of oncoming traffic. Simply using the dog's name could confuse him and make him think you want him to come to you. So, work on this voice command before you tackle any others.

If you work with your dog for 15 minutes every day, you'll be surprised how quickly your dog will respond to your undivided attention. In the end, all dogs really want to do is please their masters. End each training session by asking him to complete one of his best tasks. That way you can finish on a positive note and reward him for his hard work.

About the Author:

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Dogs, Food, And Training Why Treats Are So Effective

By Brian Radarson

Canines learn to comply with their owner's commands through a reward system. While they instinctively want to please their owners, they are driven to do so by the chance they might receive a reward for their compliance. This has proven to be an effective training aid for nearly all dogs. Essentially, if a particular behavior results in a treat, your pooch is more likely to display that same behavior in the future.

It's important to understand the role of food during the training process. This includes when to provide treats and how to gradually wean your pooch from expecting them. Below, we'll explore these issues in more detail.

The Most Powerful Motivator

Your canine enjoys food instinctively. While he looks forward to receiving your praise and enjoying other treats (e.g. going for a walk), nothing can take the place of food as a behavioral motivator. This is the reason most professional trainers encourage owners to integrate some type of edible treats into training sessions. They represent one of the best methods for reinforcing desired behaviors.

A lot of owners avoid using food because they're worried their dogs might reach a point where they expect a reward for compliance. That is, they're not complying as much as they are working for a payoff. While this is a possibility, owners can prevent it from happening by first recognizing when a reward becomes a payoff.

Using Treats As Rewards

When you give your canine a treat for responding correctly to your command, you are rewarding him for his obedience. In a way, the food represents a gift. It reinforces his behavior and encourages him to do likewise in the future.

There is a fine line between using food as a reward and relying upon it as a payoff. That line is crossed when your dog refuses to obey and you offer him a treat to coax his compliance. If you're able to recognize the difference between these two dynamics, you can take steps to prevent this change in perception.

You should eventually wean your canine from expecting a reward each time he successfully responds to your commands. For example, in the beginning, provide his favorite morsel each time he complies. After a week, provide it every two or three times. Then, give him a reward every four or five times. Gradually, you'll reach a point where you can expect his obedience without the need to provide a treat.

Other Methods To Encourage Desired Behavior

You can accelerate the weaning process by incorporating other rewards your dog finds appealing. For example, when he responds correctly to your commands, consider taking him for a short walk. Or, spend a few minutes playing with him or brushing his coat. While food will always remain his favorite treat, these alternative rewards remind him that his behavior is consistent with your wishes.

A Few Last Tips Regarding Dog Treats

The type of food items you use can play a key role in their usefulness as a training aid. This is not to suggest your canine will find some treats unappetizing; dogs tend to eat practically anything placed in front of them. Instead, some foods are better for his health and less likely to distract his attention.

First, use small, soft food items. Their size makes it easy to provide them liberally without worrying about your canine's weight. Moreover, the soft texture prevents them from crumbling on the ground. Otherwise, your canine will spend too much time eating the crumbs.

Second, experiment with different flavors. Even though your canine will eat nearly anything, he'll likely prefer certain flavors over others. If you identify his favorites, he'll be easier to motivate.

Third, make sure the food items you provide are consistent with his dietary needs. Rather than giving him pieces of a cookie, use bits of cheese, chicken, and pasta (again, experiment).

As noted earlier, food is a powerful motivator for your dog. The key is to use it properly to help him become a better companion over the long run.

About the Author:

Monday, June 21, 2010

How To Quiet A Whining Dog

By Sonia Kekkonen

The incessant whining that is part and parcel of some dog owners' experience with canine companionship is soon sure to sap the last bit of love and affection out of the relationship and in some cases will also sour the neighborly ties of homeowners living adjacent to your vociferous canine. Of course, whining happens in even the most well behaved dog, but there are some tips and tricks to learn from dog owners who have been through it!

1. Become familiar with the different tones of voice of your dog. Dogs will have a range of variations of their bark and their whine. Remember, a dog will never bark or whine without a reason. Your job is to find out what the reason is.Does your dog want food? Has someone invaded his territory? Perhaps another animal or a person?

2. is your dog whining rather than barking? Whining is a sign that your dog is in distress and you need to check that your dog is OK.

3. If you have been out all day, your dog may whine because it has been lonely. Since dogs are pack animals and thrive on social interaction, this is a normal response to being alone and while you might not be in the mood for catching up with your dog after a long day at work, your dog needs to have that time. Fail to offer it to the dog, and it will let you know of its unhappiness by whining. Set aside 10 minutes to interact and play with your dog when you come home and culminate in filling its food bowl, and the odds are good that you can stop your dog's whining in its tracks.

4. having your dog locked out in the back yard is a surefire way to make him whine, and to make your neighbors hate you. Your dog wants to be with you and misses your companionship which is had inside the house. Your dog may be whining until you take him in whether that happens within the next 10 minutes or 10 hours. For the sake of your dog and your neighbors, leave your dog inside the house when you are away.

Attempting to discipline a distressed dog is rarely a good idea although a dog that incessantly whines even after all of its needs are met will benefit from a stern "no" that is immediately followed with eye contact and a turning over onto the back in a submissive position. Do not hit your dog or simply put it outside as this will not solve the problem but actually make the behavior a lot worse.

About the Author:

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Avoid These Common Dog Training Mistakes

By Darren Neil

Dog training is no doubt difficult, as it is a long and complicated process. Things you teach them today might not be retained and as such you might be surprised to learn that some dogs will take up to months to even learn a new trick. While your teaching method will largely determine the outcome, there are some common mistakes that first time owner might commit and as such you want to avoid them at all cost to improve your chance of getting your dog trained successfully.

Thus this article you will find how to avoid some of the common dog training mistakes.

Before we lose sight of it, dog training should actually be a positive and fun filled experience, this is one mistake that many owners have committed that is either due to impatience or frustration. When you forget just how much your dog is trying to comply with what you want from them and how much they really want your affection and love, its easier to lash out and punish them for whatever they didn't do.

Just punishing your dog will not get you anywhere; this is especially true when you're trying to teach them new tricks. Instead of punishments, why not reward them instead? This way they get to associate with performing desirable behavior with a positive outcome for them and can help retain and repeat the action.

Another mistake owner usually commit when training their dog is that they fail to realise just how short a dog's memory attention span is. There is really no point in punishing your dog for their wrong doing if you did not catch them in the act, this is because your punishment will not be well received as they probably do not remember what they did wrong and what they have done to garner the punishments.

Your dog also does not speak your language, therefore loud shouting and yelling will never help in terms of correcting their mistakes. The better way to do so is to actually catch their wrong doing and instantly correct their mistakes. Training a dog requires a lot of patience; as such you should definitely aim to have that if you want to be successful in your dog obedience training.

About the Author:

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Make Your Home Dog Friendly

By Traci M. Sosa

If you've a pet dog, then you'd be well versed with the issues of having a pet dog at home. Dogs are indeed the most splendid creatures in the world. They offer friendship, love, honesty and everything else. But, lets accept the fact that they are pretty messy too. Since you can not give up neither on your lovely pooch nor on your comfortable living. So, it only appears reasonable that you make appropriate adjustments to your home to make it dog friendly.

You need to pay more attention to the walls of your home when you've a dog. Paints that come with satin or egg shell finishes are your finest bet as they may be comfortably cleaned and maintained. So, even if your dog indulges in shaking off the water of his fur from time to time, your walls will not get ruined in the process. You can also utilize other materials such as glass, mirrored walls and wood paneling for further protection and simple upkeep. In addition, they also make your walls look great.

An additional easy step to make your house pet dog friendly is always to select the proper upholstery. Attempt to steer clear of both- light and dark shade fabrics when out for upholstery shopping. While the light fabrics could get soiled effortlessly, the dark ones are susceptible to staining. The ideal choice is leather upholstery as it is resistant to both- dust and stains. Besides it is also impervious to odors. One flipside of this alternative is that it can reflect visible signs of scratches as made by your pet.

Be extremely cautious about the placement of heavy equipments like home treadmill. It is suggested to place the expensive equipments in a corner to stop your dog from destructive them. Moreover, it additionally contributes to the security and safety of the dog. It is fairly likely that your pet too prefers to imitate you and hops on the treadmill, injuring himself in the process.The perfect solution for the difficulty is to keep these equipments at risk-free distance from your dog. damaging.

Yet another essential thing that can make your house dog suitable is proper flooring. Carpets are a complete no-no when you've a pet at house. The bacteria as present in the fur of your pet tend to get trapped in the carpet leading to a spread of infection. So, ideal would be to use floorings like stone, vinyl, hardwood and concrete. These floorings deliver twin merit of easy maintenance and cost effectiveness.

Hence, making your home dog friendly isn't a complicated job at all. Simply keep these crucial tips in brain and you'll have a comfortable house and a content pooch.

About the Author:

Friday, June 18, 2010

Is Your Puppy Allergic To His Puppy Food?

By Bree Rowan

Believe it or not, a leading cause of your pup's allergic reactions is very likely the puppy food he is eating. It can be tricky to tell the difference from one allergy to the next, so people who own a pouch may not know a food allergy when they see it. Food allergies can present themselves at any stage, however, meaning your dog could actually not show any symptoms for a long time (even years), or the may happen within just a few short days. Basically, your pup could be eating a food he is actually allergic to, he's just not showing any reactions yet. Symptoms of allergies can take time to present themselves, because sometimes allergens need to build up first. Statistics state nearly 70 percent of all food allergies are the result of giving your young dog the same puppy food for over two years.

As a responsible dog-owner, the first things that you should know are the symptoms manifested by your dog when he has food allergies.

* First, you'll see skin conditions. Overly hard and frequent licking and scratching are dead giveaways. Obviously, your pup's skin itches way more than it should. He may even grate his head, back, butt, or other parts of his body on the carpet, floors, walls, or furniture to try and end his itching pain. Digging and chewing on his skin repeatedly can result in further irritation, swelling, flakiness, and even bleeding. He could even begin losing hair.

* Another sign is issue with digestion. When a food allergy presents itself in your young pup, you can count on increased flatulence, loose bowel movements, and even vomiting.

* Breathing Difficulties Like all allergies, it may lead to conditions that can impair breathing such as, coughing, sneezing, and wheezing.

Now, let's explore some things you can do to help prevent / treat these reactions.

* When the allergic reaction starts to manifest, take your pup off her current food. The next step is to begin slowly returning the ingredients of this puppy food formula, ONE ingredient at a time. By doing so, you can pinpoint exactly which ingredient is causing your pup's allergies when systems return. You will then know just which ingredient, or ingredients, to remove from your dog's diet. Of course, you should consult you vet before starting this elimination diet. With consent however, your vet should recommend following this diet for 12 weeks.

* You can also begin using specially formulated hypo-allergenic puppy food. These formulas incorporate more healthy, natural ingredients like vegetables, duck, lamb, potatoes, and rice.

* Hyposensitization/Desensitization Desensitization is a process that helps your dog develop resistance against common food allergens by injecting him with a minute quantity of allergen at a regular basis. Through which, he will develop antibodies that will combat allergic reactions.

* Antihistamine These are medications that are used to treat allergies, both in animals and humans. Ask your doctor for help regarding the proper use of antihistamines on your dogs.

* Skin testing/Blood Testing This procedure is done by vet dermatologists. The procedures are highly accurate and can help you determine the type of puppy food that your canine must avoid.

About the Author:

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Build Confidence In Your Dog With Agility

By Martin Elmer

Is your dog sensitive to sounds or is it timid around other dogs. Then agility training can provide the right environment and a good structure to build the necessary confidence in your dog. The classes are great places to learn about the training and sport. But it can still take a long time, before the dog is ready to leave your lap or the hiding under the chair.

A timid or shy dog can only learn inside their comfort zone. So, training must begin where they feel safe and behaviors must be taught in very small increments. Home will probably be the best place to train and have learning takes place for your dog.

So, how do you train at home? You will need guidelines and equipment. There is a multitude of websites that can give you information on agility training. There are also books and videos that will give details and visual aids and lesson plans for beginners thru expert levels.

There is a variety of equipment that is useful and helpful to have at home. Equipment recommendations are based on your available space and location of training. Do you have a large yard that will hold 10 obstacles? Do you have a small yard where you will need setup equipment and then tear down before you can setup again? Will you be training in your garage or basement, or as some agility addicts, in your living room?

For the timid dogs make sure your equipment is safe and sturdy. The pause table is a good place to begin your agility training. A 12" high pause table, with adjustable legs for later use, is a good starting place for all size dogs. Remember with your shy dog, setup your table in an area that is very familiar to your dog. If your dog barks at anything new, just leave your pause table in your house or yard for several days, let your dog inspect and smell it on his own or with a little coaxing, but don't push to fast, remember baby steps with the insecure dog.

Use treats or your dog's favorite toy to encourage it to get up on the table. Be patient because it may take more than one lesson. If the dog looses interest, try something new; e.g. place yourself on the table holding the dog. If it is not possible, have it on leash when you are sitting on the table. And only treat it when it comes to you. Never do it, if it is pulling away.

When the dog gets more experienced, you might want the dog to jump on the table using a cue word like Table, stay on the table as you back away with the word Stay and Come to you, when you call. You should extend the distance slowly, not pushing the dog to hard.

You can follow the above techniques introducing new obstacles as your dog is able to succeed. As your dog succeeds on each new piece of equipment you will see his confidence grow.

About the Author:

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Diet, Exercise, And Health Considerations For Senior Dogs

By Brian Boyd Stanfield

Canines go through changes as they age in the same way people do. Their heart and kidneys become taxed and less capable of enduring extreme physical exertion. Their coats becomes less shiny and gray hairs may begin showing through. The pads of their feet might thicken, their joints may begin aching, and their immune system may be less able to hold diseases at bay.

There are plenty of things you can do to help your aging pooch adapt to life as a senior dog. In this article, we'll explore the importance of exercise, meals that accommodate his age and activity level, and ongoing veterinary care. These are the cornerstones upon which your mature canine's health depends.

The Importance Of Exercise For Mature Canines

A proper exercise program begins when your pet is a puppy. But it's important to realize his exercise requirements will change as he ages. In fact, as a senior dog, he may be unable to do some of the things that came easy to him as a pup. Make an appointment with his veterinarian to tailor a program that considers his limitations (e.g. joint pain, reduced mobility, etc.).

One of the reasons exercise is so important for senior canines is because they tend to become overweight due to lack of activity. By taking your pooch for one or two walks each day, you'll help him keep the extra pounds off. That, in turn, will help him sidestep health issues later.

Another benefit older dogs enjoy from physical activity is that it slows down joint deterioration. Arthritis is common among senior pets as the cartilage that cushions their bones wears away. Exercise delays the inevitable.

Prepare Meals To Fit Age And Activity Level

Owners often neglect to modify the meals they provide their older pets. This leads to obesity, which places excess stress on their dog's heart, kidneys, and lungs. As your pooch ages, his activity level will decline. If you continue feeding him the same amount of food, his weight will increase. This is the reason it is important to provide meals that accommodate his age and activity requirements.

Your canine will still require a generous portion of proteins, fiber, and fats in order to stay healthy. However, you can afford to cut back on calories since he is unlikely to burn through them. Many commercial dog foods are specifically designed for older canines. They pack their formulations with the nutrients your pooch needs while leaving the unnecessary calories behind.

Provide Ongoing Veterinary Care

Like exercise, regular trips to the veterinarian should start as early as possible. That way, your canine will receive the proper vaccinations, preventative treatments for parasites, and dental exams as a puppy. These elements play a key role in helping him maintain his health as he ages.

When your dog becomes a senior, it is more important than ever that he receive regular physical and oral exams. He'll need vaccinations to help his weakened immune system fight off diseases. He may need specialized tests done periodically, such as a urinalysis, EKG, thyroid exams, and monitoring of his blood pressure. These tests help your canine's veterinarian detect problems and treat them before they worsen.

Planning For The End

Eventually, you'll need to plan for the passing of your senior dog. A lifetime of loyalty and companionship will come to an end. For many owners, the best solution is euthanasia to help their pets avoid suffering in pain. Speak with your veterinarian regarding how it is handled and what to expect following the event.

Senior dogs need special attention and monitoring to help them maintain their health. As your canine's body changes, his exercise requirements and dietary needs will also change. Work with his veterinarian to design a program that accommodates him.

About the Author:

Monday, June 14, 2010

Why 4 To 8 Dog Agility Jumps Are Ideal

By Martin Elmer

We are often asked, "How many jumps should I start with?" You can never have too many single jumps to practice agility. A good starting place is four jumps. This is the absolute minimum number of jumps that we recommend.

It is possible to teach your dog a wide range of exercises, skills and drills with four jumps. The four jumps will make it possible to work on short jump chute or jump grid. You can also setup a "box" with the jumps and teach collection, handling and 270 degree jumps.

It is possible to teach you dog to jump right and left. You can stand outside the box and send your dog; or handle from inside the box. You can practice serpentines and treadles by setting up the jumps in a horizontal line.

The next step in the training is eight jumps. Here you can setup two boxes and one opening jump. Now you have multiplied the maneuvers that you can train with your dog. The jump grids can be of suggested size and number of jumps.

You can also setup your jumps in a circle with the jump bars perpendicular to the circle or on the circumference of the circle. This pattern also enables you to train a variety of skills.

Now it is time to start thinking about double jumps and triple jumps. It is fine enough to setup two or three single jumps, but double and triple jumps is of much more value to the dog agility practice. It is not unusual to see a dog doing a clean course until the last triple jump; and then lose it all, because it is not ready for it.

Two sets of eight jumps will really set you ahead of the pack. It is the ultimate in practrice because you can have a jump grip up that is separate from your course training, and have eight single jumps for course training. And when you then include the double and triple jumps, you can really train all the jumping skills and drills needed to get you those "Qs".

About the Author:

Friday, June 11, 2010

When Your Dog Shows Aggression Over Your Territory

By Randy Ortonthal

Of all canine behavior problems, aggression is one of the most dangerous. When it is triggered by territorial issues, it is even more so. That said, it's important to realize that dogs are territorial animals by nature. When they believe their space is threatened, they will warn potential intruders to keep their distance. Within a pack environment, canines will bark to summon pack members to collectively defend their territory against intruders.

While in your home, you might observe your dog barking to warn other animals and people to stay away. This is a common trait, and it is often encouraged by owners who wish their homes guarded. The problem is, many pets are sufficiently confident to attack those who may be on "their property." This not only endangers your neighbors and passersby, but can also expose your friends and family to risk of an attack.

In this article, we'll explore the main reasons canines display aggression over their territory. We'll also offer a few suggestions for addressing the behavior so your pooch does not become a liability.

Possible Causes For The Aggression

Aggression to protect territory is usually fueled by one of two motivators: dominance or anxiety (i.e. fear). Dominance is a natural trait that develops in many dogs and plays an important role in guarding their domain. However, the trait can be excessive to the point your pooch reacts aggressively to anyone he perceives as trespassing, including your visitors.

Many owners can control the behavior simply by treating a visitor as a welcome guest. The dog observes that his owner has received the visitor, and becomes calm without further incident. If the behavior cannot be controlled, owners may find it a constant frustration since inviting guests over will become problematic.

Territorial aggression due to fear is a different issue entirely. It is usually based on a deeply rooted event buried in the canine's past. The behavior is more dangerous than dominance-based aggression because it is unpredictable. A fearful or anxious dog may lash out with only the slightest provocation.

Addressing The Behavior

The first step is to minimize the likelihood of an attack. Never let a canine that has shown signs of territorial aggression roam off his leash unsupervised. This includes your yard if it is easily accessible to strangers.

Next, take your pooch to his veterinarian. Have the vet test him for any existing health issues that may be contributing to his aggressive behavior. For example, a hyperactive thyroid, gum disease, and hip dysplasia can all contribute to a heightened level of aggressiveness.

Another important factor is that your dog perceives you as his pack leader. This encourages his trust and respect, both of which can help quell his aggressive behavior when a confrontation seems imminent.

Lastly, make sure your canine receives plenty of daily exercise so his pent-up energy is expended. This makes him less likely to behave aggressively.

Additional Tips For Addressing Fear

Any fear-based behavior requires desensitization training focused on the fear's trigger. This is done most effectively through exposing your dog to a gradually increasing level of the offending stimuli.

For example, suppose your pooch becomes agitated at the sight of another person on his yard. Begin the training by having him sit while a person - preferably a stranger - walks by several feet away. Require that your canine look at you while the person is passing. Give him a treat each time he does so successfully.

Next, conduct the same exercise with one exception: have someone remain standing near your driveway. This continued stimulus will be more difficult for your canine to ignore. If he is able to do so successfully, give him a treat.

This process of desensitization should continue until your dog can tolerate multiple people standing on his property without becoming visibly agitated. With time, he will learn to suppress his aggression and comply with your expectations.

About the Author:

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Factors That Contribute To Canine Obesity

By Tamra Reid

Dogs can become overweight in the same way people do. Unfortunately, if canine obesity is left untreated, it can eventually lead to - or exacerbate - a number of health issues. For example, joints may deteriorate, especially if arthritis was already a problem. Digestive issues may worsen. Excess pressure might build around the canine's heart and lungs.

There are many contributing factors, but most of them can be traced to one root cause: owners. With a few exceptions, a dog's owner is ultimately responsible for the weight his pooch gains. Below, we'll take a look at some of the most common reasons for the extra pounds.

Too Much Food

Every pooch is different. Some are fussy about the foods given them and others will eat everything they see. Some can self-regulate their food intake while others will refuse to stop eating until their bowl is clean. This is the reason it's important for owners to know their dogs' tendencies, and build their meal plans around them.

If you're planning to make food freely available to your pooch (i.e. he has free access to it), make sure he will self-regulate his intake. Otherwise, he will likely eat too much, a sure path toward obesity.

Lack Of Exercise

Some canines are active while others lead sedentary lives. Like people, an inactive dog is more likely to have a slower metabolism. This, in itself, is fine as long he eats an appropriate amount of food consistent with his daily caloric burn rate. Unfortunately, many owners allow their dogs to eat more than necessary despite their lack of activity. Making matters worse, an inactive pooch is likely to eat out of simple boredom.

Your canine needs a regular outlet for exercise. Take him for walks twice each day and modify his diet to provide the calories he needs - and little more.

Breed Susceptibility

Some breeds are predisposed to gaining extra weight. If you own a Labrador Retriever, Collie, or Beagle, pay attention to the amount of food he eats and make sure he receives plenty of exercise. If you own a Standard Poodle (a breed that rarely copes with obesity), it's less an issue.

Growing Older

Here too, dogs are similar to people. As they grow older, their metabolism slows. This means they require fewer calories each day. The problem is, their learned eating habits drive them to consume more food than necessary given their activity level. Unless owners proactively reduce the size of their dogs' meals, their canines risk gaining weight.

It's also worth noting that old canines rarely deal with obesity. This may be due to their declining appetites during their last few years.

Spayed Or Neutered

A dog that has been spayed or neutered is more susceptible to gaining weight than one that is intact. This is due to a decline in metabolism. The canine requires fewer calories each day, which means he is more likely to gain weight if he continues to eat the same amount of food. This is rarely a problem as long as an owner reduces the size of the meals he provides his spayed or neutered pooch.

Stress And Related Issues

Environmental factors can also motivate a dog to eat too much, setting the stage for obesity. For example, stress is often a trigger. If the source of stress is removed, it is seldom an issue. However, in the event the source remains (e.g. a newborn is brought into the home), it can drive the canine to seek food he does not need.

Ultimately, owners are responsible for helping their dogs maintain a healthy weight. This comes from being vigilant over their food intake and providing an outlet for exercise. The benefit for owners is that a healthy dog will make a more pleasant, engaging companion.

About the Author:

Monday, June 7, 2010

Train Your Dog The Right Way

By Kausar Khan

Dog are great and can give you a lot of fun. But this is only possible when they are completely and properly trained. Dogs that are well trained are vigorous, interactive and fun to be with. But dogs that aren't trained or are poorly trained could not only spoil the sanity of your home, but also could be harmful to your visitors. Yes, training the dogs is a must thing to do whether you've bought a new dog or your dog has given a birth. In both cases, training of dogs is a must case to make your dog adorable.

The dogs training school are the right place where your dog can learn at his best. There are even thousand of articles present online that helps in training your dog by yourself. There are books present on these topics but one who is professional with dogs would never suggest you to train your dog by yourself. He must take his dog to the dog training school. Yes, it is indeed the key point in keeping your dog both happy and healthy. After the training of the dog training schools, you can ensure your dog to be very obedient and well behaved with everyone, even with the other dogs.

There are a numerous techniques which can help your dog learn faster. Most of them are interactive techniques. And yes, if you've been reading those books on the dog's training, forget it. As the saying goes "one size does not fit all" similarly, same training isn't good for all the dogs. Yes, different breed of dogs have different capabilities and different ways to learn. However, by reading those books, you can give your dog a basic training. This might be helpful in making him learn a few things but not all that he can do. The dog training school ensures your dog to learn best of the behaviors, great agility, outstanding obeying abilities and no distractions from the master.

The trainers at the dog training schools always keep a positive way to deal with your dog. In this way, the dog picks up the lessons quite easily and quickly. Being harsh to your dog and hitting your dog is considered to be an animal abuse. The instructors usually give your dog a treat as he does a great job and as he does something bad, they do not give him a treat and gives them no attention. So, the dog learns by himself that he did something wrong.

The dog training schools also teaches the dog to do the search work. Actually, it enhances the smelling sense of a dog and teaches the dog a few commands to start searching. Not only has that, the dog training schools also taught how to effectively protect your house in all the nights. This training teaches your dog to guard his master till death. The dog trainers are very humble and gentle to your dogs and know the dog's psyche better than an ordinary man. This results in more proficiency, vigorousness and an enhanced behavior.

About the Author:

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Shock Collars Are Tools Made To Lessen Your Dog's Barking

By Peter Pipen

Pet shock collars may seem a little scary, but they're really a safe, effective way to train your pet. If you're looking for a way to correct your pets irritating, nuisance barking, shock collars may be a good option.

It may seem unsettling at first, but the more you learn about shock collars the better you'll feel about using them as a temporary learning tool for your pet.

When activated, shock collars emit a small jolt of electricity to your pet when its vocal cords vibrate significantly. The electric charge is a corrective amount and doesn't injure your pet.

When the collar shocks your pet it will feel discomfort but not pain. It can be compared to what it feels like when you discharge static electricity on a metal object and that is when the device is on its highest setting.

You can't buy a collar without knowing your pet's neck size. Be sure to use a measuring tape to get an accurate measurement. If you don't have one, use a piece of string, but be sure to bring it with you to the store. If you buy online line the string up to a yard stick to get an accurate measurement. The collars typically come in small, medium and large.

When you get your shock collar home put it on the lowest setting. Most quality shock collars come with setting meters that allow you to control the strength of the jolt. By starting out low, you will be able to decide the correct setting. Turn the notch up in increments until your pet behaves appropriately.

Please remember that a shock collar is not a permanent pet training tool. After your pet has responded as desired for a few weeks, it's OK to remove the collar.

Once the shock collar comes off, your dog should still associate nuisance barking with an unpleasant jolt. If your dog regresses and barking becomes a problem again, go ahead and put the collar back on for more reinforcement.

About the Author:

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Easy And Simple Dog Behavior Training Tips

By David Versilles

One of the many similarities you can probably find between proud owners of a pet dog is their ability and success stories of dog training. This is especially true when considering that many new owners of a puppy have no idea how to get their dog in line, and it always seem as if the puppy is going all out in annoying them.

That being said, getting your puppy trained should not be more difficult than it already is, no doubt dog obedience training is an ongoing and difficult process. So to save you from the frustration that comes along with your dog training, this article will give you some tips you can immediately use!

Rewarding Your Puppy Fairly

One of the most debated aspects of dog training is the choice of using punishment or reward. In actuality, the most effective way to get your dog to do what you want them to do is to have a good mix of rewards and punishments. Excessive punishments can sometimes have an adverse effect on your training, especially during times where your dog might not understand what it is being punished for. On the other hand, if you reward your pet dog whenever they perform a desirable action, you're essentially telling them that you like what they've just did and you want it to be reinforced from your reward system.

One Step at a Time

One of the most committed mistakes by many newly owners are that they tend to overestimate the ability for their pet dog to understand and learn new tricks. As such, it is better to be teaching them one trick at a time and anchoring it with appropriate cues; you want to make sure that your puppy has fully understood the trick and the command to do so before you move on. As opposed to learning too many different tricks in one day, where they can quickly get overwhelmed and not to mention confused about what was ask of them.

Make It a Positive and Fun Filled Experience

If you ever find yourself losing your nerves and lashing out at your dog due to training, you need to take a step back and ask yourself why you are doing this in the first place. If your answer is to have fun with your dog, then do so by taking a break to simply enjoy your pet's company. Your training should not affect the way you connect with your dog and when you start finding this whole training as a chore, then perhaps it is better to take a break rather than forcing your way through!

About the Author: