Thursday, September 30, 2010

Excitement For Schutzhund Competitions Around The Planet

By Jean Luc Schober

Dog owners who are looking for a great way to spend time with their pet may want to consider their breed's unique characteristics. To encourage their unique talents and obedience, some owners may enjoy entering the world of championship sport. There is a growing passion for Schutzhund training around the world, a sport which grooms dogs with protective dispositions into professional defenders.

The aim of Schutzhund training is to develop loyalty between dog an human while building a strong protective team that work together to stop intruders and track down missing objects and people. Dogs learn to follow the every word of their person, while the human builds the ability to work with their dog's instincts and strengths. Invented as a sport over a hundred years ago, this form of professional training has also carried over to help train government security dogs responsible for public safety. See actual dogs in action with our free Schutzhund training video.

Important requirements for a dog in this sport include physical strength, size, intelligence, and a strong working instinct. Although the list of accepted breeds encompasses quite a few rarer breeds, the most popular continues to be the German Shepherd. Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Boxers qualify as well, so there is a good chance that many people's pets would be able to participate.

Schutzhund as a sport encompasses three competitive categories for dogs and trainers to master. Tracking, obedience, and protection each have their own challenges and rules that are crucial for the dogs to perform what they learn in real life situations. Competitions test the most qualified dogs against each other to see which one possesses the most consistency and fortitude in their region.

Obedience covers a wide range of commands, but more importantly teaches the dog to listen to the master at all times. While many dogs have a hard time paying attention to anything else while following their noses, Schutzhund dogs show attentiveness at all times during Tracking. In competitions, the master presents a smell for the dog to follow, and they must usually uncover at least three more objects in the nearby area belonging to that smell, pointing them out for the master to retrieve.

In the Protection part of the training, the dogs are taught what to do when a suspicious human threatens their territory and people. To make sure the suspect is still in one piece when authorities arrive to arrest them, the proper guard dog will leap onto the person's arm and hold tight. They are also taught to recognize when the attacker has surrendered, and how to back them into a corner while barking to attract attention.

The working dog breeds accepted in this elite form of training need a good form of exercise for both their minds and bodies to fulfill their purpose. This sport gives dogs the potential to learn how to protect the home while building an even stronger bond with their closest human friend. Members' passion for Schutzhund training around the world is expanding this hobby to every corner of the world, making it simpler to join and enjoy.

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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Pit Bull Attacks Half Wolf Puppy.

By Trevor Weir

A joyful pup and its mistress once passed me on their walk in the park. The joy in the puppy's half step half hop was quite evident. To it, every moving blade of grass was an investigative Sherlock Holmes mystery to be unraveled.

Seconds later, however as you are twenty or thirty meters away you and every one else hears a high pitch yapping and you turn already knowing with horror as you hear the deep throaty roar that that little puppy that you just passed is in some serious trouble. Perhaps even its owner is not able to extricate it from the problem.

There are a myriad of reasons for what we call bad behavior on the part of canines. Inbreeding, bad upbringing, chronic damage such as poor dental health. Any of these can be contributing factors as to why a dog would suddenly go off in a public area.

A few weeks ago, as I was petting the head of the dog a few doors down, my neighbor recounted this story about this half puppy half wolf.

Sometime last year he tied his dog to the back bumper of his vehicle and gave it a 5 meter length ( about 15 feet ) to play with. He remembers hearing a ruckus outside and running out to his front door to find the following scenario.

A pitbull was running full out at high speed with its owner running behind holding an empty leash. The pit bull crossed his front lawn in the blink of an eye and was airborne before anyone could as much as move a few feet. His own puppy backed up against the vehicle and waited silent and expectantly for the rushing pit Bull.

What happened next was more of a blur, but as he describes it the pitBull jumped and was airborne and in attack mode in no time at all. The waiting half wolf had expected this and when the pit bull grabbed for where the puppy's throat was, it got nothing but air. On landing, the pit bull tried to launched itself yet again but the puppy was already above it in the air and promptly seized the pit bull's throat as it attempted to shake it into submission.

A very low wolf like growl emitted from my neighbors dog. For a moment the pitBull went slack and the half wolf tossed it about 2 meters.

What happened next is the stuff of legends. The furious pitbull twisted before it hit the ground. Some say that it never touched the ground before it was instantly airborne again. But the story was different this time. The wolf puppy didn't wait this time. It timed the rush perfectly and met the pit Bull almost at the end of its own leash. In a moment it was over. The big puppy snapped the neck of the pitBull and it was over.

Time that had rushed faster than anyone could probably recount, suddenly stood still. The only slow movement came from the puppy as it backed to the vehicle, slunk down and looked around.

Its truly sad when something like this happens. The savagery of the episode is lost in the speed and suddenness of an attack like this. We heard that an older child had been threatened by the same dog a year earlier and that there was pending investigations about that due to those on the scene telling different versions of what they thought they saw.

Who knows, sometimes nature itself is the great equalizer. Everyone there was certain as they told the story afterward, that the puppy was a goner. No one had thought that there was quite that much quickness or wolf like strength and self preservation in that quiet puppy.

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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Owner's Guide To The Laws Of Effective Dog Training

By Molly Mchannon

Your canine wants to please you. The problem is, there is no way for him to know what behaviors you consider acceptable or unacceptable until you inform him. Essentially, he must be trained. This is the reason professional breeders strongly recommend enrolling dogs into obedience classes. There, they will learn how to behave in ways that please their owners.

A lot of people choose to train their pets at home rather than paying for professional classes. The right approach can be very successful. This article will share the "laws" of dog training that have proven effective for millions of other owners. With these guidelines, you'll be able to teach your pet how to be a more pleasant companion.

Start With The Basic Commands

The simpler your command, the more motivated your pet will be to respond. Save those that are more complex for later. Begin with the basics: sit, heel, stay, and come. Once he has mastered these commands both on and off his leash, move on to more difficult ones. For instance, teach him to "drop it," "go to your place," and "look at me."

Always Use Positive Reinforcement

Many owners assume they must either reward or punish their pets based on whether they respond correctly or incorrectly (respectively) to commands. Avoid punishing your canine. If he responds properly to your instructions, reward him with praise and a treat. If he fails to do so, withhold his reward. That alone is sufficient punishment, and will motivate him to succeed.

Make The Sessions Enjoyable

You want your canine to look forward to the training sessions. First, keep them under ten minutes; short sessions will help you retain his interest. Second, end each session by giving him a command he has already mastered. This gives you an opportunity to end by praising him and giving him a treat. Your pet will look forward to the next time he can earn both.

Practice With Distractions

Your dog may be able to easily respond to commands he knows well in the relative silence of your home. The environment might pose few distractions. After he has mastered certain commands, practice outside where people are walking and cars are passing. Doing so trains your pet to ignore things that are occurring around him, and instead focus on you. This skill may one day become valuable if you need to get his attention quickly.

Shorten Your Commands

Brevity is important since your canine can become easily confused with longer commands. Whenever possible, use single words. For example, tell him to "sit" rather than "sit down." Tell him to "stay" rather than "stay right there." The shorter, the better.

Train Him To Be Patient

Training your dog to "stay" for extended periods teaches him to control himself and remain patient. Begin by telling him to stay for ten seconds while you stand nearby. Once he has done so several times in a row, increase the time to twenty seconds, and stand a few feet away. Continue to do this until he can remain calmly in his spot for sixty seconds while you stand ten or fifteen feet away from him. Also, establish a word that releases him from his spot (e.g. "Done!") so he'll know when he has responded correctly.

Provide His Reward Quickly

Your dog must be able to recognize the reward he is receiving (e.g. a treat, praise, etc.) is due to a particular behavior. If you wait too long, he may fail to associate one with the other. Provide praise and treats within a second of his correct response. This helps ensure he'll connect his actions with the rewards, and respond correctly in the future.

Training your canine is essential to helping him become a better companion for you and your family. It's the only way he'll know how to please you. Even if you enroll him into professional obedience classes, take additional time to train him at home.

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Monday, September 27, 2010

Getting Your Canine Involved With Agility Training

By Randy Ortonthal

Agility training is focused upon helping your dog develop the necessary skills to compete with other canines on an agility course. The course includes several contact obstacles (we'll describe them below) over, through, and across which your dog must race. Each pet has an assigned handler - typically the owner - who is tasked with directing his or her teammate through the course.

The sport debuted in England at the Crufts Dog Show in the late 1970s. At the time, the organizers used a course that modeled the one used for horse jumping competitions. The sport has since become popular on an international scale with competitions held in the U.S., Canada, and throughout Europe.

Below, we'll provide an overview of agility training, beginning with the type of preparation canines should undergo prior to participating. As mentioned above, we'll also cover, in detail, the course and the contact obstacles your pet will confront.

Training Requirements For Improving Performance

Any canine in good health can compete, though some breeds will likely be better suited to the competition. Dogs are typically grouped by height to make the race fairer. If your pet is normally energetic, and receives plenty of daily exercise, he will likely do well. On the other hand, a canine couch potato may be ill-equipped for the course.

One of the standard requirements for agility training is that dogs must be at least twelve months old in order to compete. A lot of owners begin to lay the groundwork earlier. For example, they'll enroll their puppies into professional obedience classes while also taking the time to train them at home. As the pups become more accustomed to responding to basic commands, many owners then enroll them into agility classes.

Obedience training is critical since your pet will be racing on the same field as other canines. He must be able to get along with other pets, and focus on completing the course.

Types Of Obstacles To Expect

A typical agility trial will include several contact obstacles, all of which are completely safe. For example, your canine will be expected to walk across a balance beam; he'll need to manage an A-frame structure that requires him to walk up an incline, and descend the other side; and he'll need to traverse a series of jumps.

There are many types of jumps on the field, including doubles and triples (two and three bars, respectively), suspended tire jumps, and long jumps. Before you begin training your pet, ask his veterinarian to examine him for joint problems. Assuming the vet gives his approval, start small and gradually make the jumps more difficult.

The trials also include tunnels. Dogs normally find them intuitive; they know what they are supposed to accomplish. During training, start with a short tunnel through which your pet can easily see the other side. Then, lengthen them. He may be hesitant initially, but treats will provide the proper motivation.

There will also be at least one teeter-totter on the course. A long plank measuring up to twelve feet will be balanced by a pivot. Your dog will be required to run across the teeter-totter, completing it as the far side descends.

Weave polls are common, and may include up to twelve poles. Your dog will be expected to weave through them without skipping poles or knocking them down. The polls may be spaced as closely as twenty inches. This, of all contact obstacles, is often the most difficult.

Most agility trials will also involve a pause box. This is a simple, small square marked on the field. Your canine must arrive at the box, and remain within it for a set time before proceeding to the next obstacle.

Agility training can be a fun experience for many dogs and their owners. As mentioned earlier, prior to getting involved, make sure your canine's veterinarian approves of his participation.

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Sunday, September 26, 2010

It's Good To Perform Some Research When Acquiring A Dog

By Bob Locker

Dogs can be amazing pets. When buying a dog, you are investing in a companion that, hopefully, will be with you for quite a number of years. Therefore, you should know what you're getting into and not just spend hundreds of dollars on a particular dog breed because it "looks pretty".

Learn about the disposition of the dog you want. Some breeds are more aggressive than others while others are very calm and lazy. Some people don't mind having a tennis ball tossed at their feet every five seconds, but it can drive other people crazy. So it's important to know what you're getting into.

You may not want to groom a dog for an hour every day; any dog with a long and beautiful coat will require this. If not, that luxurious coat will soon become matted and disgusting with neglect. Be sure to ask the breeder about the grooming requirements of the dog and other questions regarding daily care, like how much exercise it needs.

You need to know how to take care of a dog before you get one. Giving up an animal because you did not do your research and found out that they needed more care than you are willing to give is irresponsible and unacceptable.

Inquire about the shots the dog has had. Any dog you buy should be up to date with their immunization records. This helps prevent them from getting sick and ultimately increases their life span.

All dogs should be spayed or neutered if you do not intend to breed them. This prevents unwanted dogs from being born and ending up in the pound, seized by animal control and destined for euthanasia.

Knowing about the trainability of your chosen breed is also important. Many dogs get sent to the hounds simply because their owners are too frustrated and impatient to train them properly. Some breeds are harder to train than others; do not get a hardheaded breed if you know you will not have the patience for it.

Also be aware of the potential health problems of your chosen breed. Some larger breeds suffer from hip problems, for example, and it is important to know what complications could arise in the future. This prevents you from being landed with a large vet's bill that you weren't expecting.

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Saturday, September 25, 2010

Do Anti Barking Dog CollarsStop Dogs Barking?

By Trevor Fischer

Citronella Spray Dog Collars have recently become popular for controlling dog behavior. The collars are used for preventing incessant dog barking. Prior to buying a Citronella Dog Training Collar, it is important to know what to expect and what kind of results to look for.

This article should give you a good overview of the workings of these devices.

* Why Use a Citronella Dog Bark Collar?

Citronella is scientifically proven to be safe and effective in halting incessant dog barking. The essential oil extracted from the plant's leaves and stems give off a pungent scent that is not very noticeable to humans but very repulsive to animals and insects.

* Exactly how does a Citronella Antibark Collar train a dog to stop barking?

Each time your dog barks, a tiny microphone built into the collar will activate the spray of a Citronella oil mist. Some of these collars have a remote control so you can activate the spray when the dog misbehaves in different ways.

* How can a Citronella Anti Bark Spray Collar treat problematic dog barking and change my dogs behavior?

A Citronella Anti Bark Collar can modify a dog's behavior by giving the dog unpleasant stimulus on multiple sensory levels every time the dog presents the undesired behavior, in this case barking. When the Citronella spray is triggered, the dog is startled as he can hear it go off and feels the spray on his snout. He can also see the mist in the air which has an unpleasant odor for him. Through continued use, the collar will re-enforce positive behavior as the dog learns to stop barking in order to avoid the unpleasant actions of the collar.

* Why choose a No Bark Citronella Collar?

Among the many devices used to control negative dog behavior, Citronella Barking Collars are the safest. The oil is safe for the environment and will never harm the dog.

The Citronella Dog Training Collar is simply the most humane method to turn around your dog's negative behavior and incessant barking. It is available online as well as in your local supply pet store.

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Friday, September 24, 2010

A Safe Guide To Clipping Your Dog

By Cliff Stone

Very few people see clipping their dogs as an art form. Instead, they just tackle certain areas, such as scraggly fur on the feet, to keep their dogs from tacking in mud. In an effort to get rid of undesirable hair, however, many owners forget that clipping their dogs can actually cause damage.

When you choose to clip your dog's coat, it's important to keep breed in mind. Longer hair breeds can suffer if you clip them wrongly. Dust accumulates in the coat, and skin diseases may result. In addition, parasites may more freely breed in coats that haven't been cared for correctly.

You should also be sure to keep your pet's nails trimmed to avoid pain in walking and breakage. An overly long mail will have a tendency to turn to the side, and may even grow to puncture the skin. Dogs with too long nails will also easily catch them on things, causing breakage and splitting.

Injuries also easily occur during clipping of nails. The quick of the nail will bleed it it's cut. This is the source of blood supplying the nail, as well as where the nerves are located. This keeps the nail alive and growing. However, this area is situated far back inside the nail, and will only be exposed if you cut the nail too short or if it splinters. This can be sensitive or painful.

You must always use the right clippers for your dog's nails and hair - make sure they're sharp and meant for animals. Human tools won't work here. You can find quality tools at your local pet supply store.

If you live in an area where it gets cold in winter, don't clip your dog's coat during the chilly part of the year. The coat helps protect your dog, and cipping it can increase stress on the animal. Remember that dogs get frostbite the same way you do.

Overclipping in summer can be bad as well. It might not seem like it, but your dog's coat protects him or her and keeps the harmful rays of the sun from causing damage. It's okay to thin or shorten the coat slightly, but make sure you leave enough fur to protect your pet.

If your dog is sick or otherwise unhealthy, avoid clipping him. That's because it can cause more stress. Only clip a sick dog to remove broken nails or dirty fur that can't be cleaned.

One way to help keep your dogs nails short and health is walking her on concrete on a daily basis. This allows the nails to gradually be worn down. It naturally controls the length of the nails, keeping you and your pet from needing to deal with nail clippers.

Of course, for the best results, talk to a professional dog groomer with the experience to clip specific breeds.

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Thursday, September 23, 2010

Training Your Dog - Important Tips

By Tom Singleton

I know we all love dogs, but it's important to know that they can be especially dangerous, when they have not been trained properly. If they are professionally trained the difference in their control and ability to behave predictably in most situations is remarkable. And it helps ensure they will not behave in a dangerous manner. So, there's much more to owning a dog than just feeding it great foods and making sure to keep a stock of Frontline Plus flea and tick on hand. You have to know how to train it or you will be miserable as a dog owner.

I recall the story of a neighbor of mine who had a greyhound that did not like to be left alone in the house. This presented a problem whenever the owners left for the store or were away at work. Once when they returned home from shopping they found a bottle of bleach that had been dragged into the middle of the dining room from its storage place under the kitchen sink. What made this incident costly for the owners was that somehow their dog managed to unscrew the cap from the bottle. This allowed the contents to empty on their imported Persian rug. The couple immediately realized they could have saved the $5000 cost of the precious carpet had they sprung for $250 in training fees for their pet. They told me they briefly thought about soaking him in Frontline Plus flea and tick to teach him a lesson, but sanely decided to purchase the services of a professional trainer.

Dog training, to be done effectively, entails possessing a lot of patience. Dogs are not humans and so can't hear you when you speak. You have to teach your dog how to understand you when you speak and by what you say or the gestures you use. So, you can't succeed in training your dog within hours or even days. It takes time and a great deal of patience. But when it's done, it's done. When properly trained, you can rest assured that your dog will remain properly trained

Think about giving yourself a few days to a week before you train your dog to get to know its behavior patterns. This provides a baseline for what is trainable compared with the dog's natural instincts. Especially if you are a newbie owner, this period of observation will pay off with huge benefits.

The training that you give to your dog requires that you have a good grasp of how to properly train dogs. There are specific things to do and others not to do, when training your dog. If you don't know exactly what you need to do, then perhaps you should learn from a successful dog trainer or coach, to guide you in the training process. If and when you master it, you will certainly achieve good results from the entire process.

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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Guide To Welsh Terrier Dogs

By Roger Thompson

Welsh terrier dogs were originally bred as hunting dogs. However, this native breed of Wales soon rose to become show dogs. Breeders attempted to outdo each other by developing the Welsh terrier dogs' wiry coats and coloration. People often take a Welsh terrier dog as a pet because it is one of the most mild-mannered of terriers.

You might think that this feature would make it one of the more boring terriers. In fact, even the most die-hard terrier fan can have fun with this breed. This is because of the fact that Welsh terrier dogs love to play. This makes the Welsh terrier dog a great companion.

Although not as high-energy as other breeds, this dog still is a terrier, which means that it still does contain some high levels of energy. Because of this, it is advised that they be given proper exercise regularly. Another good advice to follow is to properly socialize the dog at an early age. This would help the dog be friendlier towards humans and would help the dog to develop a good tolerance of other animals. It is generally friendly around children, provided that the children do not provoke or pester it too much.

The Welsh terrier dog can be trained using different methods. What you need to keep in mind when training a Welsh terrier dog is that you can be firm but gentle. The Welsh terrier dog can be taught to perform a variety of tricks. This breed actually can do very well in fly ball tricks or tricks that involve catching flying things such as a Frisbee.

You should brush a Welsh terrier dog's fur at least once a week in order to remove dead or loose hair. This would help prevent unnecessary shedding inside the house. Although regular bathing is not really required, it is advisable that you wipe off dust and dirt from your dog regularly using a damp washcloth.

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Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Need To Train Your Dog - 9 No Fail Tips On Dog Training

By Chris Station

There is not a dog owner alive who doesn't want a well-behaved dog. But having a well-behaved dog doesn't just happen. You have to train your pet to achieve this. For dog training to be successful, there is some basic information you should probably be aware of before you even start. Here are 9 of the most important tips on dog training.

1. Start informal training just as soon as you bring your new puppy home. Routines are crucial and establishing them right away helps to head off problems later. For example, if you don't want your dog to get up on your couch, get down on the floor with him. Never bring him up on the couch to sit on your lap. Doing that teaches him that he can be on the couch. This is a really hard difficult habit to break because the couch is ever so comfortable.

2. Your dog needs to learn who is in charge and of course that should be you. But it's also important to be fair in your treatment. Don't have expectations that your pet is not ready for. But once he's taught, expect him to obey. For example, don't toss him scraps from the supper table one day and then scold him when he begs for food another time.

3. One of the first things to do is to get your puppy to accept a collar and lead as soon as you bring him home. You will have much more control when he is trained to accept a collar and lead.

4. Training should be enjoyable for both you and your pet. One way to make that happen is to reward him for any accomplishments, small or large. Rewards don't have to be food. They can be something like a pat on the head, or praise. You'll find that he works much harder if he knows he is going to get a reward for a good effort. Use this strategy to accomplish a lot in a short time.

5. You need lots of patience if you are going to be able to successfully train your dog. Progress will be slow, with lots of repetition needed before the behavior will be truly learned. And remember to reward each success as it occurs to reinforce the behavior you are targeting.

6. At times, you will have to discipline your dog. There are two important points when it comes to discipline. First of all, don't order your dog to come when you are planning to discipline him. Only use "come" for positives in training. Instead go to him. Secondly, don't hit your dog. If you hit as a form of discipline, he will only learn to be afraid of you, not what you're trying to teach him.

7. Whenever you start a new training session, quickly review some of the behaviors your pet has already mastered. Like always, reward him and then move on to something new. Never make the training session too long. If you see that your pet is getting tired or losing interest, end the session. Have him carry out a simple command to finish, give him his reward, and then spend a few minutes just having fun with him.

8. Teach basic commands first. Commands such as sit, stay, down, and come are integral to success when you start on more involved dog training. Be sure he's mastered all of these commands before trying to teach him more complex commands.

9. Only reward if a command is executed correctly. That way you are being consistent. If he knows he's going to get a reward whether or not he follows directions, he won't learn the lesson.

By following these tips on dog training you will be successful at training your dog. And isn't a well-behaved dog a lot more rewarding to have around.

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Monday, September 20, 2010

What You Should Do To Stop Aggressive Dog Behavior

By Suzanna Hardaway

Many of us recognize that living with an aggressive dog can be difficult. Furthermore, dog owners can be at risk. In the event the dog bites someone while outdoors, odds are the owner is going to be sued plus the dog will be put to sleep. If your dog injures an individual or another pet, the pet owner is responsible. Consequently we need to find out how to stop aggressive dog behavior.

Dog aggression can be a normal problem for several large dog breeds, including Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, and Pit Bulls. A number of folks play with their pets roughly believing it will not trigger any harm, yet these large canines during rough play learn ways to become aggressive. Even if you've taught your dog to be aggressive, it is possible to retrain your pet to be a lot more calm.

If your pet is naturally aggressive and is still a puppy, you can coach your dog to be more calm by making it possible for him or her to socialize with other puppies. About three months old is really a good time for getting your puppy socializing with other small animals. If he is allowed to become aggressive, it is actually generally challenging to retrain the pet to interact socially and change his behaviors.

Most dogs have a tendency to become aggressive in the course of meal time. In the course of or prior to feeding, train your dog to remain relaxed. Throughout training, continue to be consistent. Letting up is not an option. For instance, in the event you train your dog to not bark in one particular location, enforce this particular behavior to prevent confusion.

A number of canines are overly aggressive any time they're in discomfort from some type of illness or other issue. Dogs feel weak when they're in discomfort. You should visit your veterinarian to eliminate any possible illnesses that cause pain. Should the vet discovers something wrong, they can take care of the issue and the pet should feel more at ease.

Most dogs tend to come to be aggressive close to other canines. When another pet dog passes by your pet, shout out the pet's name if they become aggressive and move them away from the other pet. If your pet is obedient, present it a reward. Rewards encourage pets to continue a behavior, learning they will get a treat for their good manners.

In the event that your pet is very aggressive, and you are finding it tough to retrain the animal to remain calm on your own, you need to consider contacting a certified expert trainer who focuses on handling different breeds of dogs which can be naturally aggressive.

The specialists recognize how to stop aggressive dog behavior by training them to respond to commands presented by the owner. K9 Trainers are excellent sources that offer you thorough dog training solutions. These folks handle police dogs and additional aggressive dogs proficiently. You may come across other training services on the Web that can help to train excessively aggressive pets which can be difficult to manage.

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Sunday, September 19, 2010

How Do Shock Collars Work?

By Todd Albert McGing

There are several people that think using shock collars on dogs is inhumane and even cruel. This is just not true because shock collars are made to help us keep our dogs safe. If you have a dog that doesn't listen to you then your dog could get hurt or even killed. All over the world there are dogs that run into the street even with their owners calling for them to come back but they don't and they end up hurt or dead. This does not happen to any dog that was trained with a shock collar.

A dog that is trained by a shock collar does not always have to wear they collar it can come off once they have been trained. The collar is for the dogs safety they are not there to cause the dog harm. Even experts have said that the shock the dog feels is similar to the shock we feel from a static electric shock. It is not painful to us and neither is it painful to the dogs.

The shock collar just gets the dog to pay attention so he or she can learn. Dogs learn much quicker when a shock collar is used. When you use a shock collar to train your dog you should also use a reward when they are doing well. They will learn even faster if they receive a treat when they do good.

If you use the shock collar and the treat reward system the collar should be able to come off fairly quickly. If you are a new pet owner and you do not know much about these collars you should be sure to read the instruction manual before you use it on your dog.

You do not want to cause your dog harm so you have to be careful because these collars have several different settings. It is best to put the setting on the lowest one possible to start with. After you get your dog trained the collar can come off permanently and they will listen to your commands even without the collar on.

There are different collars for different trainings. Before you buy your collar you should speak with the person selling them and tell them what it is you are wanting to train your dog to do. You should also measure your dogs neck before you go buy the collar so that you can be sure you get the right size.

You can buy shock collars for many different things. If you have a dog that barks a lot you can buy a shock collar so that they stop barking so much. Every time your dog barks it will give them a shock and pretty soon they will learn not to bark. It wont take them long to learn to stop barking and then you can remove the collar.

The barking shock collars do not have devices for you to press because the collar knows when to send a jolt. Other types of training collars have devices for you to push a button a send an electric jolt if your dog does not obey you. These collars do not know when to send a jolt unless you press the button on it.

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Saturday, September 18, 2010

Tips And Tricks To Stop Puppy Barking

By Suzanna Hardaway

Before acquiring a pet dog of any type it's critical to understand that any training you might have to do will require time and patience. It's unlikely that any of the behaviors you would like to train your pet will happen overnight. Together with the correct mindset and information, though, you will be in a position to stop puppy barking successfully.

Hopefully before you decided on your pet you investigated its breed. So as to work with a barking pet you must initially realize why he is barking, and his particular breed can establish this and thus give you guidance in stopping it. For example, guard dogs (for example German Shepherds, Dobermans, and Rottweilers) will probably bark when they view a threat. Hunting dogs (including Beagles and Bloodhounds) are going to bark at the scent of animals. Comprehending the reason why he's barking will likely be the key to assisting him to control it.

When puppies bark they have a reason for it. Barking is talking for a canine. Along with the particular breed behaviors detailed above, he may in addition be telling you he is bored, lonesome, hungry or thirsty, needs to get out, wants your particular attention, feels threatened, or maybe wants physical exercise. The top 2 causes for increased dog barking are shortage of exercise and being left on it's own, respectively. One of the most effective methods to stop puppy barking should be to take great care of him. Any time he is fed, played with, talked to, taken outside often, and treasured, he will bark less in general.

Having said that, you will find cases when the dog barking is going to require some extra help. This is exactly when appropriate puppy training may be quite helpful. The first guideline in any and all puppy instruction is that you happen to be the master. Canines are pack animals and will need to understand who the leader is. Your own puppy is going to think it is him until finally you teach him otherwise, and you need to. One particular way to accomplish this in regards to barking is in fact to ignore him when he barks. You look at him so that he knows you can hear him, and then turn away and ignore him. He'll learn that you are in charge and that you just won't offer him attention whenever he barks. Given that your interest is what he needs most, he really should stop.

An additional training recommendation could be to firmly hold his muzzle closed and say calmly, "quiet". You'll be able to select whichever word you prefer, but be consistent and state it every single time you stop him from barking. Gradually you will be in a position to just put your hand up and then say the important phrase and he will understand. Constantly utilize visual and spoken commands while training your puppy; it really is how canines learn the best.

In order to successfully stop puppy barking, you should never yell at him. He'll translate this as you barking and imagine that the noise is okay. In addition, be patient and steady. It generally will take some time to train a canine in any behavior, but well worth it whenever the wanted outcome is attained. Happy owners make happy puppies.

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Friday, September 17, 2010

Tips And Tricks To Stop Puppy Barking

By Suzanna Hardaway

Just before acquiring a dog of any variety it is critical to know that any training you'll need to complete will require time and patience. Not one of the behaviors you want to train your canine will happen immediately. Having the proper frame of mind and information, however, you will be in a position to stop puppy barking effectively.

Hopefully just before you chose your pet you looked into its particular breed. In an effort to cope with a barking pet dog you should initially realize why he's barking, and his breed might identify this and therefore give you guidance in ending it. For instance, guard dogs (such as German Shepherds, Dobermans, and Rottweilers) will bark if they view a threat. Hunting dogs (including Beagles and Bloodhounds) will probably bark at the smell of animals. Comprehending why he's barking will likely be the key to assisting him to control it.

Any time dogs bark they will have a reason for it. Barking is communicating for a canine. In addition to the breed behaviors listed above, he may also be informing you he is bored, lonely, hungry or thirsty, desires to go out, would like your attention, feels threatened, or possibly wants activity. The number 1 and 2 reasons for increased puppy barking are shortage of exercise and getting left on it's own, respectively. One of the easiest techniques to stop puppy barking should be to take good care of him. Any time he is fed, played with, talked to, taken outside regularly, and loved, he will bark less on the whole.

Having said that, there are situations when the puppy barking may require some additional support. This is when proper dog instruction can be very valuable. The first rule in all puppy training is that you're the master. Canines are pack animals and want to know exactly who the leader is. Your dog will believe it's him until finally you teach him differently, and you must. One particular means to accomplish this in regards to barking is in fact to ignore him while he barks. You glance at him so he knows you can hear him, and then turn away and ignore him. He will find out that you're the one in charge and that you just will not give him attention any time he barks. Since your attention is precisely what he craves most, he will want to stop.

Yet another training tip could be to firmly hold his muzzle closed and state calmly, "quiet". You can select whatever term you choose, but be consistent and state it each time you prevent him from barking. Sooner or later you really should be able to just hold your hand up and then say the crucial word and he will comprehend. Constantly utilize visual as well as verbal instructions while training your dog; it really is how canines understand best.

So as to effectively stop puppy barking, you should never yell at him. He'll translate this as you actually barking and think that the noise is okay. In addition, be patient and steady. It always takes some time to train a canine in virtually any behavior, but really worth it when the desired end result is attained. Happy dog owners make happy puppies.

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Thursday, September 16, 2010

Things To Consider When Renting An Apartment With A Canine

By Terry Dean

Landlords and property management companies often disallow tenants with dogs from living in the apartments they oversee. The reasons are varied, but most focus on whether the pets will create an atmosphere that is unpleasant to other tenants. Moreover, some landlords have had less-than-ideal experiences in the past with other tenants who were pet owners.

Despite some resistance, canines and apartment living can go together. Many property managers are willing to rent their units to owners as long as specific conditions are clearly defined in the rental contracts. We'll approach this issue from two perspectives below. First, we'll assume you already own a dog, and are looking for an apartment to rent. We'll then assume you already rent an apartment, and would like to adopt a canine.

When You're Looking For An Apartment

The most important thing to do when searching for an apartment for you and your pet is to be forthright with the property manager. A lot of owners, fearful they may be turned away, attempt to move in with their dogs in tow. If discovered, and your rental or lease contract prohibits canines, you can be evicted.

Be honest. Ask the landlord whether pets are allowed prior to moving in. If you're using a broker to help you find a rental unit, make sure you inform that person of your pet.

Once you find a facility that accepts dogs, take the time to carefully review their pet policies. Don't assume you know what it includes. Read it point by point to uncover any specifics that may be problematic. For example, if the facility limits the size of the pets on their grounds, and you own a Great Dane, you may risk a violation, fine, and even eviction. It is far simpler to familiarize yourself the expectations upfront.

When You Already Live In An Apartment, And Want A Dog

Suppose you're currently a tenant, and would like to adopt a canine. Don't assume your apartment complex accepts pets. A surprisingly large number of tenants adopt dogs without finding out whether pets are welcome at their facilities. They then find themselves in the unfortunate position of having to abandon their pets, or find another place to live.

First, carefully review your rental contract. Are pets mentioned? Are they allowed? If so, what restrictions apply? Second, check with your landlord or property manager, regardless of what is detailed within your rental agreement. The reason is because policies often change. Your original contract may prohibit canines, but your property manager may have since begun allowing them.

Being A Responsible Tenant And Pet Owner

Now suppose you're living with your dog in your apartment. You'll need to juggle being a responsible tenant and meeting your pet's needs. For example, your neighbors will frown upon constant or late-night barking. If it persists, they will complain to your landlord.

You'll also need to be vigilant about picking up after your canine. Two or three mistakes may be all that is needed for complaints to reach your landlord about you and your dog.

Also, make sure you keep your pet on a leash when you're outside unless doing otherwise is explicitly allowed. One of your property manager's main concerns is the threat of a lawsuit should a tenant's pet harm someone on the property.

While you're preventing your canine from becoming a nuisance to other tenants, you'll need to care for his long-term health. This means taking him for daily walks, and providing veterinary care and grooming. It also means preventing him from consuming pesticides and other chemicals that may be used on the property's grounds.

In the end, you'll find renting an apartment while caring for a dog is a rewarding experience. While doing so requires patience, effort, and attentiveness, it also provides the type of companionship only a canine can offer.

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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Training A Dog For Proper Behaviour

By Hayley Black

There are a few reasons for teaching correct dog behavior, and teaching that kind of behaviour has numerous advantages for the human and dog partners.

Dog behaviour coaching is important to such life and death issues as preventing aggression, controlling dog on dog aggression issues and teaching dogs to interact correctly with both their handlers and with other members of the family. Knowing how dogs developed, and how dogs engage with one another, is extremely important to knowing how to correctly train your dog to be a devoted, faithful companion. The first dogs were likely orphaned wolf puppies adopted by early humans. These wild dogs probably learned to perform behaviours that their human protectors valued ,eg defending the cavern or scaring off predators. In return for these valued behaviors, the humans potentially supplied their new companions with foods, protection and shelter. That sort of relationship still exists today, naturally, and dogs still can, and do, perform valuable roles for their human champions.

Those roles include herding and protecting cattle, protecting property, defending people, and finding game. When organising a canine obedience training programme, it's important to grasp that dogs are pack animals. In wild dog societies, packs are formed, and each member of the pack quickly learns their place in the pecking order. Apart from in the eventuality of death or injury to the alpha dog, the order never changes once it has been established. The lower dogs know not to test the alpha dog, and the alpha dog understand his place as leader of the pack. All of the other dogs in the pack look to the alpha dog for leadership, in critical survival issues like finding food and avoiding bigger predators. To properly train your dog and gain its respect, it's important for you to become the alpha dog. That is because a dog that sees its owner as a superior leader will follow the commands the owner gives without any question. Getting the status of the dog is the most serious step to correct dog obedience training, and it'll form the basis of all successive coaching. The reasons for coaching a dog properly are several , especially in the current day world. A well behaved, obedient dog is fantastic to be around, both for the owner and their folks, and for folk regionally at large. Additionally, seeing a well behaved dog sets peoples's mind at rest, particularly with strains of dog claimed to be perilous,eg Dobermans, rottweilers and pit bulls.

When coaching dogs and handling unwelcome dog behaviors, it's very important to understand the motivating factors behind those behaviours.

As an example, many dogs exhibit unwanted behavior like nibbling and destroying furniture due to separation hysteria. Handling the sources of problem behaviours is a major first step toward getting shot of those problem behaviours. Many dogs exhibit unwished-for behaviours on account of stress in the animal's life, and its incapability to cope with that stress. The object of a good canine training routine is to let the dog to put up with bigger levels of stress without changing into a problem animal. When handling dog behavior, it's really important not to confuse human behavior with dog behaviour.

While there is a great enticement on the part of dog owners to see their dogs as virtually human, actually dogs and humans have fully different incentives, and totally different reactions to similar eventualities. One characteristic that humans and dogs do share however, is the requirement to form close social groups and strong bonds inside those social groups. This bonding is important to both humans and dogs, nevertheless it has served very different ends as both species have developed and altered over time .

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Monday, September 13, 2010

Read The Secrets Found In A Good Puppy Training

By Aiden Freeman

Most of the good guides tend to cover the same basic ground. However, the points they stress are usually different. A great place to start is when you should begin training your puppy. The optimal age is about 8 weeks old. Then again, it's never too early to work on some of the simple things. Just remember to be kind, understanding, and consistent if you want to see results. See, even though you might think your puppy is extremely smart, there are areas where he or she really isn't close. What it comes down to is a puppy reacts to you and just wants to be accepted, but still has though animal instincts.

Scolding your puppy is not the best way to go if you want to adjust negative behaviors. The idea is to help them change how they express their instincts.

Contents Of A Typical Puppy Training Guide

There are a few basic things that every puppy guide contains. These topics cover the essential elements of training your furry friend. These tasks can make dog training much easier across the board.

Crate Training- When you take this route your puppy will have a home he/she can call their own. If you use crate as a punishment then you're not going to make any progress. The idea is to make sure he can get used to it. In the end it will make house breaking, bark reduction, and anxiety a lot easier for them.

Leash Training- Utilizing a leash can help create a controlled, calm state for any dog that is rowdy. They are going to respond to your commands, so the next time they pull and tug you want to be ready. Every time the puppy pulls on the leash you should make them sit and wait by your side. Making this a consistent rule will allow them to understand that every time they pull it's time to relax.

The Alpha Position - The most important puppy training tips relate to the position you hold in the house. Despite what most people think, puppy training is not the burden of your dog. He doesn't know what you want and doesn't generally understand what you're saying. The burden is on you to teach your puppy that you are the leader of the pack and have control of the situation. They can then relax, follow your commands and stop worrying about who will protect them.

Obedience Training - A good puppy training guide will contain the type of advice you typically receive in a obedience class. Obedience classes teach new dog owners how to maintain the alpha leadership position in their household, display control over their new pup and give them specific, strong commands. If you have a new puppy or are simply having trouble controlling your older dog, consider an obedience class to supplement your home training.

The Importance of Consistency

The one thing that a good puppy training guide will stress is the need for consistency. Your dog may seem smart, and in many ways they are, but much of what they learn is in response to a repeated, consistent environment. If you only make them sit before going out when you have time for it, they will get confused and excited and stop following your commands. If you set a rule, be consistent with it and ensure everyone in your home does the same. Good dog training can actually be harder for you than your dog, but it is almost always well worth it.

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Sunday, September 12, 2010

Introducing The Dog To Your New Baby

By Hayley Black

After bringing a baby in to the world you are most likely anxious about how your dog is going to respond to him. Many people surrender their pets to shelters due to exhibited envy from their dog after a new baby's arrival and fear of the child being mistreated by the animal. Yet many families have achieved greatness in introducing their dogs to the new baby. Introducing your dog to you baby is a technique that needs time and the best of care to promise a happy and safe hospitable process! The steps to making sure your dog acts reasonably round the baby when she or he's at last returned to your house are twofold usually preparing your dog for the children arrival and introducing your dog to your youngster.

Preparing your dog for the infant's arrival ahead is among the best techniques to help in avoiding friction and envy between your baby and your dog. Your dog is used to your attention and cosseting, some envy will naturally surface when your new baby becomes the center of attention. Taking some cares, 1 or 2 mins of special time and some additional treats can go a good way! Be sure to : Take your dog to your local Vet for a total check-up one or two months before the baby arrives. Worms and bugs can be threatening to your baby so be sure to worm your dog before the baby arrives and at the standard intervals to keep on top of that difficulty. If your dog isn't spayed or spayed, this is also the time to get it done. Induce friends with children to go to your house to conform your pet to babies.

Manage all pet and child interactions.

Permit your dog to explore the infant's sleeping, nappy changing areas, and related items like baby powder, lotions, and nappies to become familiar with the new smells and objects. Apply baby lotion or powder to your hands, for instance, and let your dog to sniff the new smell. Dogs depend on their sense of smell, so familiarity with the new baby smells will help her recognize the baby as one part of the family. If possible, permit your dog to smell clothing that your baby has used before you bring the baby home. A customize your pet to baby-related noises months before the baby is predicted. For example, play recordings of a baby crying ( there are CDs out now for this tangible training purpose

Turn on the mechanical child swing, and use the rocker. Make these positive experiences for your pet by giving a treat or playtime. Don't permit your dog to sleep on the child's furniture or play with the child's toys. Your dog should know the furniture isn't for her or him and should treat it as such. Provide toys for the dog that don't seem like baby toys. A dog may take the toy from the child's hand and unintentionally harm the child.

If the infant's room will be off-limits to your pet, install a powerful barrier like a removable gate ( available at pet or baby supply stores ) or, for jumpers, even a screen door.

Because these barriers still permit your dog to hear and see what's happening in the room, your dog will feel less insulated from the family and more comfy with the new baby noises.

Employ a baby doll to help your pet get used to the real thing. Carry around a bundled baby doll, take the doll in the push chair when you walk your dog, and use the doll to get your pet used to routine baby activities, like showering and nappy changing. It is extremely important that you make sure that your dog knows that you and your folks are above him in the pecking order for him this is essential to promise you can reprimand your dog should any envious signs show when the baby is brought home.

Introducing your dog to your child :
the particular arrival of your dog to your newly born baby is of best significance and the first few meetings can regularly dictate how your dog reacts to your baby in a continuing basis. Because of this, it's very important to undertake the introduction process slowly and in the right way.

Pointers for the 1st meeting include : When the baby comes home, some other person should hold the baby while you greet your dog. Your dog has missed you and it's critical to target her or him when you first get home. Greet your dog happily and bring her or him a new toy as a present to link the baby with something positive. After your dog's excitement about your homecoming has abated you have to start introducing your baby to the dog.

If you're doubtful of your dog's behaviour, leash or restrain her or him in the introduction. Speak to your dog, pet and inspire her or him to get a close look and sniff the child's feet and hands. Don't force a disinclined dog by pushing the child in front of the pet. Permit the pet to explore the new smells at their own speed.

Never leave your baby unmonitored with your pet. A kid is incapable of pushing the animal away and your dog may incidentally smother the kid.

The actions of a baby may shock your dog and lead it to bite in self defence. If your dog reacts forcefully, put him in another room till it is calm and try the introduction again. After the opening greeting, you can bring your pet with you to sit next to the baby; reward your pet with treats for suitable behaviour. Remember, you would like your pet to view associating with the baby as a positive experience. Again, to stop foreboding or injury, never force your pet to get close to the baby, and always supervise any interaction. Life will doubtless be busy caring for your new baby, but attempt to keep up frequent routines as much as feasible to help your pet adjust.

And be sure to spend one-to-one special time with your pet every day it may help relax you, too. With correct coaching, supervision, and adjustments, you, your new baby, and your pet will be well placed to live together safely and happily as one ( now bigger ) family. For more information on canine training systems and the way to deal with problem dog behaviour ( like conforming your dog to children ), check out Techniques to dog obedience training. It's the complete manual for dog possession and is meant to fast track your dog's learning. You can visit the strategies to Dog obedience training site by clicking on the link below :.

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Saturday, September 11, 2010

5 Tips For Successful Dog Training

By Samantha Jaim

Dog training is not difficult. In order to successfully train your dog, all you need is to have perseverance, commitment and a number of simple strategies.

Take a look at these 5 useful tips to make your dog well-trained.

1. It is recommended that only one person is responsible in the first part of your dog's training so that your dog will not be confused and can easily learn commands. You will not come up with good results if a lot of people, aside from you, are also giving trainings to a particular dog.

2. Apply encouraging reinforcements. If you give a prize when your dog correctly does something, you are letting him know that he has shown a right behavior. Do not do coercion to your dog if he can't recognize your commands. Dogs are prone to making mistakes because they don't have the intellect that we have. It's essential to know that it's not easy for them to catch up in following your commands in a single session and the right thing to do is to repeat the session many times. If you scold your dog, he could be frightened and cause disturbance in his learning and enthusiasm. Even though it is approved to give rewards to your dog, you need to keep it in moderation.

3. Instill commands at a slow rate. Make an attempt to instill your commands one after another. If he is not able to understand it, continue giving the same commands because supplementing it with a new one will lead to your dog's misunderstanding.

4. When you implement commands, make your voice sound jolly for your dog to gladly follow them. Dogs will answer on a low and sweet-talking voice. If you yell, your dog will be frightened and become indifferent.

5. Have a variety of sites where you can train your dog. Keeping him in a particular place such as your home could inhibit your dog's concentration because of the different faces around him. Bring him to the park or around the nearby community. It will aid his connection to other dogs and the people.

Dog training can be difficult every now and then but keep in mind that it will be worth the challenge. After all, it is more advantage to you when your dog has been well-trained. He might be able to rescue you in case of emergency and everything you taught will be paid off.

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Friday, September 10, 2010

Training Bulldog Puppies With Love

By Herbert Hernandez

It takes a great amount of patience, skill, and imagination when training and teaching bulldogs or any other dog that belongs to the bulldog family. A bulldog one of the most reliable pets that anyone can have; these bulldogs are very faithful to the owner, dedicated as well as very smart. Just like other pet dogs, bulldogs have their own temper and can be stubborn at times. However, learning more about them, their ways and propensities, you can have the best bulldog there is. Here are some tips when training a bulldog puppy to become gentle and more obedient:

Bulldogs have high energy and they tend to get excited most of the time especially when they see you, their master! You have to consider their size. They are big and bulky and when they jump, they become too overwhelming. It's nice to know that they are warm and happy when you arrive, but jumping and pawing on you is something else. Their size is intimidating and if you continue to allow them to do so, this becomes a problem later on. Calling their name by yelling may not be that effective. The act of yelling can be interpreted as just petting them. The best thing that you can possibly do, is move and turn your back, try to fold your arms and ignore their presence. When your bulldog stops jumping, you can now pay attention to him and pat him on the back. With this, your smart bulldog will learn the right way of controlling his excitement.

Training a bulldog puppy becomes less of a burden to you if you have established a relationship with them. Take time to have carefree and sweet moments with your bulldog. This is very effective and the bond that you share between master and pet will definitely go a long way.

Being bright and smart, bulldogs tend to be hard- headed. They do not follow easily and when they stare at you, seemingly it is empty and quite stupid! Do not lose heart. That characteristic is normal in bulldogs. It really means that your bully is thinking over the instructions. Just continue to be patient in teaching your bulldog to listen and follow to your commands.

Try and be consistent with your training and don't stop until your pup follows your instructions. That is, unless he's getting tired. If he won't keep eye contact, then stop for awhile until he's rested. Then push towards your goal again. You can start with a 5 minute training session and progress from there.

No matter how difficult it is to train your bulldog puppy, it is all worth it. When you see a once stubborn pup grow up to be a well-trained bulldog, it gives a sense of accomplishment. The hard work does pay off. Respect is definitely earned and you will have your best friend for life.

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Thursday, September 9, 2010

6 Tim-Tested Tips For Professional Dog Training

By Samantha Jaim

Find Someone Who Can Do Professional Dog Training

Looking for someone with enough skills to take care of your dog can be a tremendous task especially when a lot of people nowadays are promoting the area of professional dog training. The following is the list of 6 important things you need to look for in selecting a professional dog trainer.

1) In Good Standing. Search for useful information and recommendations which your pet doctor, other pet owners or the local kennel association can give.

2) Experience. Ask about their qualifications and the duration of their experience.

3) An affection and dedication for dogs.

4) Broad and current expertise. Committed trainers keep themselves posted by being involved in courses, conferences, seminars and workshops on how to train dogs and manage animal behavior.

5) The approach used in dog training and their ways of supervision. A trainer can be considered as an expert if he gives more importance to the welfare of your dog.

6) A participant in dog training associations, organizations and clubs of good standing.

Overall tips on dog obedience

Dog training should be an experience that you and your dog will enjoy and have positive impact. Don't start the training if you don't feel like it. It is important to give prizes to your dog whenever he quickly learns your commands. A reward can be anything that your dog will crave and make him enthusiastic in his training. Treats are common prizes and some other rewards you can give are spoken praises and playthings. Numerous and shorter sessions are better than one that is prolonged. Maltreatments like slapping and yelling at your dog are not allowed, especially tugging at the chains of his collar or electrocution. Make an effort in doing each session with fun and encouraging atmosphere.

Tips in using head collars in dog training

It can bring bad experiences to your dog if jolting on his collar chains is involved in his training. For a few years now, head collars for dog training has been used by many people. More can be gained in using a head collar over the traditional training collar. You need to initially present the head collar to your dog so he can get used to it and put it in a comfortable fit. Aside from being innate to use, head collars are also efficient in dealing with your dog at hard times.

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Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Pet Training With Positive Reinforcement

By Adrianna Noton

There are many reasons to begin a training regime with your pet. You may want to stop an animal's bad behavior such as clawing or chewing the furniture. You may want to keep him under control in social situations. Or you may want to teach him to perform tricks on command. In any case, the animal will benefit both from the mental exercise required and from the time and attention you give him. The most satisfying form of pet training uses positive reinforcement.

Training with positive reinforcement involves rewarding pets when they perform the right action, rather than punishing them for doing something wrong. Rewards are typically in the form of small food treats combined with praise. Once animals learn to associate certain actions with positive consequences, they become eager to repeat them.

Although you may not be aware of it, you have probably already trained your pet using positive reinforcement. If your dog or cat stands near a door and barks or meows, and you open the door for them, they will associate their actions with the reward of being let in or out. The next time they want you to open the door, they will repeat the same behavior in anticipation of getting the same reward.

Intentional, rather than accidental, training involves getting pets to respond on command. Envision the specific action you want the pet to perform and come up with a single word to trigger it. Cue words of one syllable such as 'stay' or 'come' are less likely to confuse an animal than more complex commands.

Each time your pet displays the desired behavior in response the cue word, you should praise him and immediately feed him a treat. Speed and consistency of reward are important to learning. If you are teaching a dog to lie down, reward him while he is still on the floor in the right position. If you wait until he is sitting up to give him his treat, he won't know which action to associate with the cue word 'down'.

To teach an animal to get off the bed or sofa, chose a simple command like 'off'. When you find your pet sitting on the furniture, get a food treat and hide it in your hand. Stand over the animal, loudly and clearly say 'off' and gently push her to the floor. Immediately praise her and hold the treat to her mouth. Do this every time you catch her sitting where she's not allowed. Eventually, she will jump off the furniture in response to your command, without the accompanying push.

Once an animal has learned to perform the required action in response to the cue word, gradually stop giving the treat reward, but continue to let her know you are pleased. Dogs respond well to verbal praise and physical affection such as a scratch on the ear. After training, this is usually all the reward they require. Some cats and birds also crave their owner's affection and can be taught to perform on command without a food reward.

Pet training can be frustrating at times. If the animal is distracted or tired, he may not perform as well as on previous occasions. Be patient and do not expect too much too soon. You should never resort to shouting or punishment. This will have negative consequences as your animal will come to fear you and be hesitant to engage in future sessions. If you make dog training Kelowna fun and give your pet plenty of positive feedback, he will look forward to learning new commands.

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Tuesday, September 7, 2010

How Dogs Tend To Master Some Tricks

By Gilbert Dawson

Most people say that an old dog can still learn some new tricks but you cannot teach the cat any tricks. This is because the pet owners know that it is very difficult to get the cat to learn and most of the feline lovers have all but given up on this. Well, the real facts are that cats can be taught anything you want them to learn.

You will need to use the simple rules of behavioral training where by rewards and punishments are used either to reward the good behavior or to punish disobedience. So all it means is to reward the cat each time it obeys an instruction.

What follows is the choice of what you want the cat to do. If what you need is for it to accept to be leashed and taken for a walk, you simply buy the collar and put it next to its bed.

Once it gets use to seeing the collar there, you would need to keep putting it around its head before it feeds. Then you would start allowing it to wear the collar for a few days for it to get attached to the collar. After this you would just slip the leash to the collar and that is it; you are ready to go.

The next hard part of training is getting the cat to use the toilet. You would start with a litter box which you will put on the floor next to the toilet, then raise the toilet lid.

Now is the time to introduce a pack of newspapers to lift the litter box to a higher level till it reaches the toilet bowl.

Keep the litter box secured by a metal bowl for some time till the cat becomes used to it. Later remove the box and before you know it, the cat will be using the toilet automatically.

All this calls for a lot of patience and is time consuming for it to succeed, but your rewards will follow when the cat begins to obey exactly as it is told.

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Monday, September 6, 2010

How To Deal With Separation Anxiety And Excitable Urination In Your Dog.

By Martie O'Dell

No one is sure why some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and others don't but, separation anxiety can become a real problem for both you and your dog especially if that problem is compounded by excitable urination upon your return.



The first step in dealing with separation anxiety in your dog is knowing what is occurring when you are gone. If your dog is howling, barking or continually whining when he is left alone, he tends to be destructive when you are gone but not destructive when you are close by then he probably suffers from separation anxiety. In the simplest terms this means that when left alone your pet becomes lonely, miserable and even fearful. This is made worse in some dogs when you come home. They are so glad to see you that they get so excited that they lose control of their bladder leaving a smelly puddle on your floor. They can't help this type of urination it is simply their body's response to this extreme excitement.

You can solve both problems with some simple training of your dog. To begin helping your dog overcome his separation anxiety start by sitting in a room with him quietly while he plays with some of his favorite toys. Once he has gotten used to playing while you sit quietly get up and leave the room for just a minute and then return and once again sit quietly. Continue doing this, extending the time you are gone until you can leave the room for a half an hour or more without the dog feeling uncomfortable.

The next step is to start making short trips out of doors. If your dog barks or howls remain outside until he has quieted and then return and again sit quietly in a chair. Eventually, you can increase your time out of door and then even leave the property without causing any anxiety in your dog.

No Fan Fair

One of the important things to remember is that dogs are sensitive to the feelings and actions of their owners. If you make a big production of your leaving and returning, your dog will see these actions as an important event in which he should feel anxious or excited. If you handle your going and comings with matter of fact, then your dog will attach less importance to these events as well.

By training your dog to accept your goings and comings as a natural order of things, the problem of excitable urination will most often resolve itself. If you leave and then return without paying any special attention to your dog on your arrival he will accept your return with calmness over time and the problem will simply cease to exist.

However, make sure that you do give your dog the attention he needs and craves at other times, spending quality time with him during the course of the day will teach him that you value his companionship and he will be less likely to suffer when he is not the center of attention or when he is left alone.

Making sure your dog has fresh water and food and plenty of toys to play with will also help to keep him engaged and entertained while you are gone.

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Sunday, September 5, 2010

The Schutzhund Training Program Is Respected Globally

By Klaus Gruber

Schutzhund training is the way to end the strange love/hate relation dogs share with us humans. Either loved greatly or hated to the max, it is largely because the greater share of the populace nurses certain wrong notions. These misconceptions are triggered further by people who do not consider little knowledge is a dangerous thing. As a result, irrational fear and confusions pile up.

The biggest manifestation of this mindset occurs through the concept of guard/protection dogs. The general public perception on guard dogs is snarling and lunging creatures all set to kill and is borne out of the irresponsible behavior of owners who are not willing to learn the basics of the guarding or protection program. Learn the proper methods with our free schutzhund training videos

Schutzhund, German for security dog, is also the name of a popular training technique available globally. It is designed to train a dog to guard effectively without distorting their personality to dysfunction. Dogs can complete the program and remain happy, socialized and well-adjusted. The Schutzhund program demands a lot of time and discipline from the owner.

The prime targets of Schutzhund remains making a dog learn things that shall channelize its unleashed energy towards becoming a fearless defender for itself and others in its circuit. However, only a few breeds qualify to become a guard dog per se and they are certainly not the cute, fluffy breeds which, though may be trained to become alert barkers, would fail miserably in face of a physical fight.

Herding breeds rule the roost in this regard. Their inherent protective nature comes to great use. Additionally, some breeds such as the Great Pyrenees and Anatolian Shepherds, can be effective alert barkers and wary of strangers while focusing on protecting the pack. Dogs from the Molosser family also qualify well on this point. But best of all is the German Shepherds, well known for their intelligence, stable temperament, assertive yet sociable personality. These qualities blend together and make the German Shepherds highly trainable by an experienced dog handler. Nevertheless, like us humans, dogs, are individuals. Some may be headstrong, requiring highly experienced handlers. Unless correctly educated, dogs can become dysfunctional.

With all the preliminaries being discussed and understood, it is time for explaining Schutzhund training in its real sense. Contrary to popular belief, you do not teach a dog the myriad ways to bite through this training but teach it how to harness its powers and transform them into prowess for a latter use under grave situations.

That implies that socialization with humans is a vital part of the Schutzhund program. It teaches a dog to recognize its surroundings and overall situation. The program is best initiated when the dog is between 8 and 12 weeks of age. After Schutzhund discipline, obedience training must also be completed. This is vital because a dog must understand when to release, bite or step back from an attack. Obedience training best thought of as an invisible leash designed to control animal instincts.

That makes Schutzhund training a multi-level program that not only focuses protection work but an even combination of obedience, tracking and protection capabilities, obtained not only through methodologies but also through the manner with which the dog is dealt. Think about the mirror and the puzzle will solve itself.

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Saturday, September 4, 2010

7 Amazing Factors About Clicker Dog Training That You Should Know!

By Dr. Tom Rhudy

The keyword phrase "clicker dog training" is a precise and specialized term utilized by some people who search for related things on the web. Internet marketers (IM'ers) who work with related niche markets pay close attention to the exact number of times it's used. Whenever it's typed into a search engine search window, anywhere, that event will probably be carefully counted, tabulated and recorded. Aside from that, hardly any individuals are even aware that clicker dog training, readily incorporated into dog training techniques for a myriad of behavioral issues (e.g., dog barking), exists, not to mention its importance in certain sectors.

So just what is the real truth right here? Exactly what is "clicker dog training"? Why must anyone care?

Let's take a look at 7 reasons why clicker dog training is such an important dog training technique.

First, the concept for the development of clicker training is simple. You're incorporating dog training techniques to teach your dog to relate clicker-sounds - a strong, sharp sound that your dog will perceive at a distance of 20+ yards. The dog will relate the clicker-sound with a specific command that you provide. The purpose of this process is to develop specific preferable conduct and subsequently reward that behavior with the clicker-sound. Fine, I realize your objection that this technique may take a little longer than a "shock collar." However, we love our dogs and do not want to inflict pain on them. But have a look at it this way, clicker dog training is humane and may be utilized for much more than dog barking issues. Furthermore, have you thought about this? Clicker dog training is inexpensive!

Second, this dog training technique will not begin with the use of a clicker. It will be necessary for you to view the clicker as a response to your dog's good conduct. One way in which to accomplish this is with a bag of treats. You may purchase clicker for approximately $2 from a nearby- pet store. There are no safety-issues with this technique.

Third, at the beginning of training your dog to respond to a clicker, remember these three steps: (1) clearly establish the conduct that you desire (i.e., your dog is to do something you choose). The behavior you seek may be sitting, speaking, rolling over, or whatever other conduct you wish to achieve; (2) mark it with the clicker; and (3) reward the dog when the conduct is performed appropriately.

Fourth, repeat the foregoing process on multiple occasions. Doing so will continue to reinforce the conduct as much as possible. Do not feel compelled to use treats every time. You will find that praise and petting will be equally effective.

Fifth, after your dog has mastered the behavior, you will find that clicker dog training will easily permit transition to a verbal command you can use at anytime, even in situation in which you do not have a clicker available. On those occasions when you intend to use the clicker, vocalize the command and click. Provide the reward upon successful performance of the desired behavior. Your dog will be able to rapidly associate all three activities.

Sixth, once you have mastered clicker dog training, you will find that your dog will respond to a vocal cue that is coupled with praise. You will find that your dog will simply learn it. Once your dog realizes that the response pleases you, you will no longer need to use either treats or praise.

Seventh, clicker dog training has numerous situations in which it may be utilized. The incorporation of this form of dog training to control everything from dog barking, to aggressive behavior, can make training your dog much easier. When you utilize a simple, sharp command, you will be able to mark and reinforce virtually any conduct that you wish to instill!

After you have observed all of the good reasons and had a chance to evaluate them, it is up to you to determine whether or not the case for understanding more about clicker dog training has been established. You must decide whether this is a compelling one or not.

Just maintain an open mind and take into account the reasons. Possibly you really ought to know more about clicker dog training.

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Friday, September 3, 2010

Ideas On Housebreaking A Puppy

By Givianis Dorrell

Many people are not prepared or simply underestimate how tough housebreaking a puppy can be. Unfortunately, many people make this process harder than it has to be. As soon as you bring this new member of your family home, you will need to begin this process. With a clear understanding of the situation and a bit of preparation, you can get the issue under control as quickly as possible.

You will find differing opinions about the best way to go about this process, but there is basic information and techniques that all pet owners should understand. Make sure that you accept the challenge and approach this process with love and patience. In the long run it will be the best thing for your dog and for you.

Puppies have a difficult time controlling their bladder, especially before the age of 12 weeks. This means that accidents will happen. Be prepared for this fact. You must be consistent with your approach and attitude during this training. Failure to do so will leave the puppy confused and will just make the process more difficult. Also understand that all dogs are different based on the genetics of the species and the dog's natural attitude and temperament. If you have not picked out a puppy yet, take this into consideration.

You should immediately begin implementing a schedule that will help the dog learn its responsibilities. Key times to take the dog out are first thing in the morning and immediately after eating, which are key times that the dog will need to go relieve itself. Between these times, take the puppy outside every couple of hours or so, depending on its needs. With a bit of anticipation, this process can be much simpler and easier to get through.

Watch your dog for typical signs that they need to go, including sniffing, pacing, and circling an area of the floor. If you catch them doing this, take them outside. When you catch the puppy in the middle of an accident, firmly tell him "no" and quickly take the puppy outside. Remember that you should never hit the dog and avoid other cruel tactics that simply do not work. Also remember that you should not punish a dog for using the bathroom inside if you did no specifically catch the dog in the middle of the act. If you take action after the fact, the dog will simply have no clue why it is being punished.

Great tools to make your job easier are puppy pads and dog kennels. When you need to leave the home, place the dog inside the kennel. Dogs will not want to relieve themselves in such a tight space, encouraging them to wait and go outside. Understand, however, that the puppy wont be able to hold it for long, so keep this in mind. Take him or her outside before they go into the kennel and as soon as you get home. Puppy pads are great for two reasons. The first is that they provide an ideal place for the dog to go while inside, helping you by causing less of a mess and potentially saving your carpets. Every day, move the pad a bit closer to your door. Eventually, the puppy will learn to work its way toward the door when it needs to go. This is the other key benefit of puppy pads.

Although housebreaking a puppy is difficult, it is far from impossible. Utilize these tips to make your job much easier. Quickly get the dog on an ideal schedule that will work for everyone involved. Also make use of great products like puppy pads and kennels to make the process easier. If you approach the issue with patience, understanding, and love, your dog will be trained before you know it.

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