After spending so many wonderful years with your faithful companion, most pet owners feel they owe it to their dog to make life comfortable for him during his golden years.
But how can you tell when the golden years have arrived? Depending on the breed of your dog, he will grow and mature at different speeds. As a general rule to follow, the larger the dog, the faster the maturing process will be. Some prefer to follow the times seven rule, in which you will multiply the real age of the dog and multiply it by seven to get the human equivalent. Based on this information a dog that is seven years old, would be considered to be forty nine in human terms, and entering his golden years. When a dog turns eight, extra care for his eating habits and hygiene is necessary.
As a responsible pet owner you should be able to read the signs of an aging dog. The most apparent sign of aging is the lack of enthusiasm and energy. Your dog will appear to be tired more often, and spend more time taking a nap than anything else. Older dogs will become stiff after playing dog games or waking up. It is important to tell the difference between the results and consequences of old age and being affected by a disease or health condition, such as arthritis. If your dog only seems shaken soon after waking up, or standing, it would be part of his normal activity. However, if he howls or appears to be in pain for no reason at all, it may be a sign for an ailment out of the ordinary.
One of the best things you can give your senior dog is comfortable bedding. Nowadays, there are more and more products available that improve on the living conditions of aging dogs. The materials used in the production of these beds include memory foam, eggshell foam and often have washable covers in case your pet has an accident.
Periodic exercise and outdoor activity, such as playing mellow dog games, become an important part of a senior dog's life. Regular exercise will improve your dog's blood circulation, prevent weight issues and fight arthritis problems. Just remember to pace yourself and keep the rhythm. A walk in the park may be all your senior companion needs to be in shape.
As your pet friend becomes older, his nutritional needs will change. Make sure you select appropriate food to dogs in his particular age range. Generally speaking, dog food made for older dogs will contain fewer calories. Most dog food manufacturers produce special dog food branded for aging dogs.
A common issue with aging dogs is an increase in weight, due to slower metabolism levels. A quick test to determine if your dog has a weight problem is rubbing your fingers against his ribs, if you can't feel them, it means your dog could use a diet.
Perhaps the most important measure to be taken with your senior companion is the regular visit to the veterinarian. With all measures in place, there is no reason why you and your dog cannot enjoy his final years in peace and joy.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Some Considerations As Your Dog Gets Older
Dogs age faster than we do unfortunately, and as dog lovers we may outlive several of "man's best friends." I know I certainly I have had several wonderful canine companions in my life that I've outlived so far. As your dog ages there are several things you can do to make their lives more pleasant, just as you change your life somewhat as you age, hopefully making it more pleasant. For example, at almost 50, I don't stay out late partying and chasing the opposite sex as often as when I was 20 (and when I do my wife gets mad!). I recover more slowly and gain weight more easily too. My habits have changed and your dogs do too.
You owe it too your dog to make their life as pleasant, easy, as well as healthy as they age. Here are a few ways to do exactly that.
You may want to change your dog's diet to a food for older dogs. They have different nutritional requirements and usually are less active just like older humans, needing fewer calories. Otherwise they will tend to put on extra weight which is unhealthy, just like for humans. There are plenty of dog foods designed for older and less active dogs.
They also need activity as they age, but may become more lethargic just as humans do. I take Tyler for a walk a couple times a day to get him some needed exercise. When he was young we let him run around, but now unless we make a point of it, he'd rather just sleep or lounge. He is very happy to engage with activity though as long as we come along too.
You dog may also need supplements and pills when they age, just as humans do. I take two pills a day, unlike when I was younger, and so does my dog Tyler. His vet has suggested something for his arthritis and we add two tablets to his breakfast every day. I strongly suggest going with their vets recommendations here.
Older dogs are also less nimble and less sure footed. Tyler has trouble sometimes getting into the car. Eventually we may get him a ramp although he is doing OK here right now with some coaxing and sometimes just a little help.
Stairs are also hard for older dogs for several reasons including arthritis and other degenerative diseases. You can make stairs far less difficult by making them non slip with rugs.
You owe it too your dog to make their life as pleasant, easy, as well as healthy as they age. Here are a few ways to do exactly that.
You may want to change your dog's diet to a food for older dogs. They have different nutritional requirements and usually are less active just like older humans, needing fewer calories. Otherwise they will tend to put on extra weight which is unhealthy, just like for humans. There are plenty of dog foods designed for older and less active dogs.
They also need activity as they age, but may become more lethargic just as humans do. I take Tyler for a walk a couple times a day to get him some needed exercise. When he was young we let him run around, but now unless we make a point of it, he'd rather just sleep or lounge. He is very happy to engage with activity though as long as we come along too.
You dog may also need supplements and pills when they age, just as humans do. I take two pills a day, unlike when I was younger, and so does my dog Tyler. His vet has suggested something for his arthritis and we add two tablets to his breakfast every day. I strongly suggest going with their vets recommendations here.
Older dogs are also less nimble and less sure footed. Tyler has trouble sometimes getting into the car. Eventually we may get him a ramp although he is doing OK here right now with some coaxing and sometimes just a little help.
Stairs are also hard for older dogs for several reasons including arthritis and other degenerative diseases. You can make stairs far less difficult by making them non slip with rugs.
Friday, July 30, 2010
For the People Who Want to Stop Dog Aggression
Sometimes aggression in the dogs becomes headache for the owners. Usually the visitors or the relatives have to pay a huge price for the aggression. Thus every owner wants to stop dog aggression. So here are some special tips and steps to stop this aggression.
Making your dog less volatile and aggressive to some situations by giving him some training or making him habituated and accustomed to the environment you live in is the very first and important step in stopping your dog's aggression. Then palliating the dog when he is showing some signs of aggression can stop your pet's aggression.
Making the dog feel he is one of the family member also helps in stop aggression. I have myself experienced the fact. Whenever I used to come home after college or anywhere my dog used to run at me on sight and used to lick me madly. It was a great experience. That was like giving toll for entering my or rather his (dog's) house. He never used to settle down unless I cuddle him or caress him. That must have given him pleasure and a feeling of importance.
Getting the pet treated from a veterinary doctor also reduces or stops dog's aggression. Sometimes due to some illness or ailment dogs feel like getting aggressive or start growling often. So treat the dog for his ailments so as to make him comfortable and cozy.
Also some breeds of the dogs are aggressive only in their nature, so one has to check the breed. Like a Doberman dog is genetically and instinctively an aggressive dog. Or some dogs like barking only, or they just bark only and never show other aggressive stuffs like running behind the prey and all. So according to the need one will have to choose the breed. Or the other option is to train the dog to behave in proper way.
If you want a dog to keep your gates safe, then go for the Doberman kind of breed. If you want a sweet companion select accordingly. This will help in stop dog aggression. Because aggression comes in them because of the change in role they have played earlier and are now supposed to play. A Doberman will never be a less aggressive dog like some other breeds are.
Avoid the places and situation wherein you feel that your dog can be aggressive. Sometimes going before a same breed or street dog can stimulate a dog and he can behave aggressively. So don't take your dog to such locations if it can be avoided. This is one of the methods which are generally followed by majority of the people around the world. Because this is a safe bet. As avoiding such situations will save some extra work.
Thus there are in numerous and myriad ways to stop dog's aggression. But the general ones have been mentioned here. Following to which will help you in make to stop dog aggression. And that is what every owner wants to do, stop his/her dog's aggression. Follow above steps and get rid of the headache.
Making your dog less volatile and aggressive to some situations by giving him some training or making him habituated and accustomed to the environment you live in is the very first and important step in stopping your dog's aggression. Then palliating the dog when he is showing some signs of aggression can stop your pet's aggression.
Making the dog feel he is one of the family member also helps in stop aggression. I have myself experienced the fact. Whenever I used to come home after college or anywhere my dog used to run at me on sight and used to lick me madly. It was a great experience. That was like giving toll for entering my or rather his (dog's) house. He never used to settle down unless I cuddle him or caress him. That must have given him pleasure and a feeling of importance.
Getting the pet treated from a veterinary doctor also reduces or stops dog's aggression. Sometimes due to some illness or ailment dogs feel like getting aggressive or start growling often. So treat the dog for his ailments so as to make him comfortable and cozy.
Also some breeds of the dogs are aggressive only in their nature, so one has to check the breed. Like a Doberman dog is genetically and instinctively an aggressive dog. Or some dogs like barking only, or they just bark only and never show other aggressive stuffs like running behind the prey and all. So according to the need one will have to choose the breed. Or the other option is to train the dog to behave in proper way.
If you want a dog to keep your gates safe, then go for the Doberman kind of breed. If you want a sweet companion select accordingly. This will help in stop dog aggression. Because aggression comes in them because of the change in role they have played earlier and are now supposed to play. A Doberman will never be a less aggressive dog like some other breeds are.
Avoid the places and situation wherein you feel that your dog can be aggressive. Sometimes going before a same breed or street dog can stimulate a dog and he can behave aggressively. So don't take your dog to such locations if it can be avoided. This is one of the methods which are generally followed by majority of the people around the world. Because this is a safe bet. As avoiding such situations will save some extra work.
Thus there are in numerous and myriad ways to stop dog's aggression. But the general ones have been mentioned here. Following to which will help you in make to stop dog aggression. And that is what every owner wants to do, stop his/her dog's aggression. Follow above steps and get rid of the headache.
Training Your Puppy Proper Socialization Skills and Winning His Respect and Confidence
Although it is definitely necessary to love your new puppy, it's also vital the puppy dog respect you and see you as his leader. Failure to gain the status of the dog can make a dog that is ill-behaved, beyond control and even threatening. It's very important for any new dog owner, whether working with a twelve week old puppy dog or a 12 year old dog, to immediately get the status of the animal.
That doesn't imply using coarse or dangerous handling techniques, but it implies letting the dog know you're in charge of the situation. As an interesting point, the dog will appreciate your taking the job of tutor and coach as you start your coaching session.
The heel command is among the most elementary, and one of the simplest to educate.
Begin by putting the dog or young dog in a correctly fitted coaching collar. Be certain to follow the directions for fitting and sizing the colour to make sure that it works as intended. Start to walk and permit your dog to stroll beside you. If the dog starts to pull, delicately pull on the leash.
This in turn will tighten the coaching collar and correct the dog. I the opposite problem happens and the dog lags behind, the owner should delicately inspire it till it is walking beside the owner. Once the dog has mastered heeling at a decent pace, the owner should slow their pace and permit the dog to adjust together with it.
Ultimately, walking along and changing pace regularly will bolster the lesson the dog must walk at the heel of the handler. From heeling, the very next step should always be to halt on command. As you are walking, stop and watch you dog. Others may need the reminder of the leash and the coaching collar.
After the halt on command has been mastered, the handler should inspire the dog to sit on command too. Often, after this walk, halt, sit process has been done a couple of times, the dog will start to sit on his very own every time he stops. Naturally, it's very important to provide great praise, and maybe even a treat, each time the dog does as he's expected.
Socialising your Dog
A properly socialised dog is a totally happy dog, and fantastic to be around for both humans and animals. A dog that is correctly socialised will not be afraid of nor assertive towards either animals or humans. A properly socialised dog will take each novel experience and impulse in walk, and not become afraid or pushy.
Incorrectly socialised dogs are also unable to acclimatize to new scenarios. The standard situation like a trip to the vets or to a chum's house can quickly stress the dog out and lead to all sorts of issues. Socialization is best done when the tiny dog is intensely young, perhaps around 12 weeks of age. There are so definite do's and don't when it boils down to properly socializing any young dog. Make every one of the socialization events as pleasing and non threatening for the puppydog as practical. If a puppy's first experience with any novel experience is an evil one, it will be tough to undo that in the puppy's mind. In a considerable number of cases, an early stress can morph into a dread that will endure for an entire life. It is better to take it slowly and avoid having the baby dog become frightened or hurt. Try inviting your buddies over to meet the new puppy. Try and uncloak the tiny dog to places where they will be tons of people and heaps of numerous activity going on.
Take the baby dog for frequent short rides in the vehicle. Introduce your tiny pup to a variety of items that would be unfamiliar. The pup should be exposed to standard items like bags, boxes, vacuum cleaners, umbrellas, hats, as an example. Permit and spur the dog dog to explore these things and see that he has almost nothing to fear from them. Get the dog used to a variety of objects by re-arranging familiar ones.
Your groomer and your vet with many thanks for this.
Introduce the baby dog to standard items round the house, for instance steps. Also introduce the baby dog dog to the collar and leash, so he is going to be alright with those things. There are naturally some things to keep clear of when socializing a puppydog.
Don't place the tiny young dog on the ground when strange animals are present.
When the baby dog shows fear, it is common to try to sooth it, but this can bolster the fear based behavior and worsen it. Since biting is frequently a fear based behavior, reinforcing fear can create issues with biting. Don't force or rush the socialization process. It's important to allow the tiny dog to socialize at his own pace. There is a short window in which to start the socialization process.
That doesn't imply using coarse or dangerous handling techniques, but it implies letting the dog know you're in charge of the situation. As an interesting point, the dog will appreciate your taking the job of tutor and coach as you start your coaching session.
The heel command is among the most elementary, and one of the simplest to educate.
Begin by putting the dog or young dog in a correctly fitted coaching collar. Be certain to follow the directions for fitting and sizing the colour to make sure that it works as intended. Start to walk and permit your dog to stroll beside you. If the dog starts to pull, delicately pull on the leash.
This in turn will tighten the coaching collar and correct the dog. I the opposite problem happens and the dog lags behind, the owner should delicately inspire it till it is walking beside the owner. Once the dog has mastered heeling at a decent pace, the owner should slow their pace and permit the dog to adjust together with it.
Ultimately, walking along and changing pace regularly will bolster the lesson the dog must walk at the heel of the handler. From heeling, the very next step should always be to halt on command. As you are walking, stop and watch you dog. Others may need the reminder of the leash and the coaching collar.
After the halt on command has been mastered, the handler should inspire the dog to sit on command too. Often, after this walk, halt, sit process has been done a couple of times, the dog will start to sit on his very own every time he stops. Naturally, it's very important to provide great praise, and maybe even a treat, each time the dog does as he's expected.
Socialising your Dog
A properly socialised dog is a totally happy dog, and fantastic to be around for both humans and animals. A dog that is correctly socialised will not be afraid of nor assertive towards either animals or humans. A properly socialised dog will take each novel experience and impulse in walk, and not become afraid or pushy.
Incorrectly socialised dogs are also unable to acclimatize to new scenarios. The standard situation like a trip to the vets or to a chum's house can quickly stress the dog out and lead to all sorts of issues. Socialization is best done when the tiny dog is intensely young, perhaps around 12 weeks of age. There are so definite do's and don't when it boils down to properly socializing any young dog. Make every one of the socialization events as pleasing and non threatening for the puppydog as practical. If a puppy's first experience with any novel experience is an evil one, it will be tough to undo that in the puppy's mind. In a considerable number of cases, an early stress can morph into a dread that will endure for an entire life. It is better to take it slowly and avoid having the baby dog become frightened or hurt. Try inviting your buddies over to meet the new puppy. Try and uncloak the tiny dog to places where they will be tons of people and heaps of numerous activity going on.
Take the baby dog for frequent short rides in the vehicle. Introduce your tiny pup to a variety of items that would be unfamiliar. The pup should be exposed to standard items like bags, boxes, vacuum cleaners, umbrellas, hats, as an example. Permit and spur the dog dog to explore these things and see that he has almost nothing to fear from them. Get the dog used to a variety of objects by re-arranging familiar ones.
Your groomer and your vet with many thanks for this.
Introduce the baby dog to standard items round the house, for instance steps. Also introduce the baby dog dog to the collar and leash, so he is going to be alright with those things. There are naturally some things to keep clear of when socializing a puppydog.
Don't place the tiny young dog on the ground when strange animals are present.
When the baby dog shows fear, it is common to try to sooth it, but this can bolster the fear based behavior and worsen it. Since biting is frequently a fear based behavior, reinforcing fear can create issues with biting. Don't force or rush the socialization process. It's important to allow the tiny dog to socialize at his own pace. There is a short window in which to start the socialization process.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Some Basic Things to Know Before You Bring a Dog Into Your Home
Regardless where you choose to get your dog, whether it be a breeder, animal shelter or from someone who rescues and fosters animals, there are some things you want to be concerned with to ensure your dog is as healthy as she or he can be before she or he even steps one paw in your home.
• Are their shots current?
- At minimum they should have rabies and distemper
- Puppies purchased from a breeder or rescued at a young age, prior to 16 weeks will not have had a rabies shot.
- They should have DPPH (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus)
• Have they been spayed or neutered?
- Unless you intend to breed your dog, he or she should be altered. There is much debate about the age for this. Some literature suggests this should occur by six months and others suggest that a female (yes commonly referred to as a bitch) should be spayed after her first heat to avoid uterine cancer. You will want to read literature from advocating both perspectives and make the determination that is best for you.
- Again, if your dog is less than six months old, chances are, neither a male nor a female will have been spayed. There is an exception to this. Most shelters will not release an animal for adoption until he or she has been altered. Their jobs are difficult enough trying to keep the animal homeless population down; they aren't about to add to the problem.
• Ensure they don't have worms and parasites
- Whether they're from the shelter, a rescuer or a breeder, all dogs eat myriad of things, including feces (one's own, other dog's and cat's) that give them parasites
- Don't assume because your dog is from "a top breeder" he or she is immune to worms and parasites
Breeders, unlike shelters, are not mandated by the same city and state regulatory agencies and some are not very clean or ethical. Some breeders admit to inbreeding - father/daughter, mother/son, brother/sister and see nothing wrong with it. In their view, it's all to ensure the "champion blood line" is preserved. If this is the case, you would hate to learn that because of inbreeding your pet suffers from:
• Hip dysplasia
- Very common in German Shepherds (GSDs), Huskies, Akitas and other large breeds
• Neurological problems and has seizures
- Very common in English Springer Spaniels
• Retinal problems and/or deafness
- Can occur any breed
• Difficulty breathing easily and is prone to allergies and asthma
- Pugs sadly present with this often
• Overheats easily
- Pekingese are well-known to suffer from this
It's important to do your homework, wherever, regardless where you feel it's best to find your beloved animal companion. These are just a few of the examples to look for with respect to breed and known problems that can occur in any dog. If you don't do your homework, you run the risk of getting an animal prone to problems and being unsure what to do. This is by no means a suggestion to find another breed, especially if your heart is set on a particular one. It's merely a guide to share so you can go in with eyes wide open.
• Are their shots current?
- At minimum they should have rabies and distemper
- Puppies purchased from a breeder or rescued at a young age, prior to 16 weeks will not have had a rabies shot.
- They should have DPPH (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus)
• Have they been spayed or neutered?
- Unless you intend to breed your dog, he or she should be altered. There is much debate about the age for this. Some literature suggests this should occur by six months and others suggest that a female (yes commonly referred to as a bitch) should be spayed after her first heat to avoid uterine cancer. You will want to read literature from advocating both perspectives and make the determination that is best for you.
- Again, if your dog is less than six months old, chances are, neither a male nor a female will have been spayed. There is an exception to this. Most shelters will not release an animal for adoption until he or she has been altered. Their jobs are difficult enough trying to keep the animal homeless population down; they aren't about to add to the problem.
• Ensure they don't have worms and parasites
- Whether they're from the shelter, a rescuer or a breeder, all dogs eat myriad of things, including feces (one's own, other dog's and cat's) that give them parasites
- Don't assume because your dog is from "a top breeder" he or she is immune to worms and parasites
Breeders, unlike shelters, are not mandated by the same city and state regulatory agencies and some are not very clean or ethical. Some breeders admit to inbreeding - father/daughter, mother/son, brother/sister and see nothing wrong with it. In their view, it's all to ensure the "champion blood line" is preserved. If this is the case, you would hate to learn that because of inbreeding your pet suffers from:
• Hip dysplasia
- Very common in German Shepherds (GSDs), Huskies, Akitas and other large breeds
• Neurological problems and has seizures
- Very common in English Springer Spaniels
• Retinal problems and/or deafness
- Can occur any breed
• Difficulty breathing easily and is prone to allergies and asthma
- Pugs sadly present with this often
• Overheats easily
- Pekingese are well-known to suffer from this
It's important to do your homework, wherever, regardless where you feel it's best to find your beloved animal companion. These are just a few of the examples to look for with respect to breed and known problems that can occur in any dog. If you don't do your homework, you run the risk of getting an animal prone to problems and being unsure what to do. This is by no means a suggestion to find another breed, especially if your heart is set on a particular one. It's merely a guide to share so you can go in with eyes wide open.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Lead Training a Puppy - 7 Simple Steps
Your puppy may refuse to budge while on a lead or leash one day, and try to drag you down the street on the same lead the very next day! It's well worth the time to develop this skill with your puppy. Remember, it takes a lot of patience and time when lead training a puppy.
7 Simple Steps for Lead Training A Puppy
1. Place a collar onto your puppy.
Make sure that you can fit no more than two fingers between the collar and your puppy's chest. Check the collar every couple of days and adjust for comfort.
2. Help your puppy become accustomed to the collar before adding a lead or leash.
Allow your puppy to walk in the home and in the garden with the collar alone.
3. Remove the collar from your puppy and replace it with a lightweight lead.
When lead or leash training a puppy, allow him/her to wear this lead for a couple of hours, then place the collar back on. Repeat this process for 3 or 4 more days. This will enable your puppy to become used to both collar and lead.
4. Train your puppy to walk on the lead around your home and garden.
Remove the collar and place the lead on your puppy. Hold out a treat in front of your pup's face and say, "come." Give your puppy the treat if he walks up next to you and does not attempt to pull further ahead. Keep walking and give him a treat about every 15 seconds. Repeat this puppy lead training process for a few minutes a day, four times a day for a week.
5. Take your puppy for a walk.
Take your puppy outside on the road and walk with him at a slow pace.
6. Allow your puppy to roam.
If your puppy begins to pull ahead and yank on the lead, stand still until he stops pulling.
7. Give your pup a treat
Give your puppy a treat and praise when he begins to walk at a comfortable pace and does not pull. Repeat steps 6 and 7 during the walk and on any future walks, until a steady pace is achieved.
As you can see, lead training a dog takes a lot of patience and time, but is quite enjoyable!
7 Simple Steps for Lead Training A Puppy
1. Place a collar onto your puppy.
Make sure that you can fit no more than two fingers between the collar and your puppy's chest. Check the collar every couple of days and adjust for comfort.
2. Help your puppy become accustomed to the collar before adding a lead or leash.
Allow your puppy to walk in the home and in the garden with the collar alone.
3. Remove the collar from your puppy and replace it with a lightweight lead.
When lead or leash training a puppy, allow him/her to wear this lead for a couple of hours, then place the collar back on. Repeat this process for 3 or 4 more days. This will enable your puppy to become used to both collar and lead.
4. Train your puppy to walk on the lead around your home and garden.
Remove the collar and place the lead on your puppy. Hold out a treat in front of your pup's face and say, "come." Give your puppy the treat if he walks up next to you and does not attempt to pull further ahead. Keep walking and give him a treat about every 15 seconds. Repeat this puppy lead training process for a few minutes a day, four times a day for a week.
5. Take your puppy for a walk.
Take your puppy outside on the road and walk with him at a slow pace.
6. Allow your puppy to roam.
If your puppy begins to pull ahead and yank on the lead, stand still until he stops pulling.
7. Give your pup a treat
Give your puppy a treat and praise when he begins to walk at a comfortable pace and does not pull. Repeat steps 6 and 7 during the walk and on any future walks, until a steady pace is achieved.
As you can see, lead training a dog takes a lot of patience and time, but is quite enjoyable!
Dog Psychology - Context
Nothing is separate and apart from nature. Dogs build a bridge and create a direct link and association between the psychological and the physical which is extended and shared with us through nature. Issues which are linked to certain behaviors represent a misalignment with nature. When methods, techniques and devices fail to resolve these unwanted behaviors it is due to a disconnect between the physical, the owner, and this nature shared psychological connection.
A level of emotion can create a separation based it being interpreted as weakness and empowerment through nature. This giving away of power allows a dog to govern his / her own destiny outside and beyond the owners direct influence. A level of influence may be perceived by the owner which is in reality independent and separate from nature. Within this context attempts to influence and direct the dog's mind apart from nature through conditioning, counter conditioning become empty and without meaning. It allows the dog to control and hold onto power. It fails to expose the real issue and probem. It is like putting the quarter into the toll booth to get to the next stop.
To understand behavior beyond response and movement the owner must connect the dots through various influences, links and associations. Leashes, lines, devices, interactions and rituals can be a pathway leading no where if they fail to follow and align with what nature demands through the psychological. The physical is merely an extension. Once the truth is revealed the path becomes clear and the journey short.
A level of emotion can create a separation based it being interpreted as weakness and empowerment through nature. This giving away of power allows a dog to govern his / her own destiny outside and beyond the owners direct influence. A level of influence may be perceived by the owner which is in reality independent and separate from nature. Within this context attempts to influence and direct the dog's mind apart from nature through conditioning, counter conditioning become empty and without meaning. It allows the dog to control and hold onto power. It fails to expose the real issue and probem. It is like putting the quarter into the toll booth to get to the next stop.
To understand behavior beyond response and movement the owner must connect the dots through various influences, links and associations. Leashes, lines, devices, interactions and rituals can be a pathway leading no where if they fail to follow and align with what nature demands through the psychological. The physical is merely an extension. Once the truth is revealed the path becomes clear and the journey short.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Allergy Friendly Dogs - Best Dogs For Allergies
So are you looking for allergy friendly dogs? If you or one of your family members is allergic to dogs or has asthma, finding a breed that is safe for allergies is the best way to go.
You know how many different dog breeds are out there, and the good news is, some of them are totally allergy friendly and safe for allergic people. So by choosing one of these breeds, you can rest assured your new friend will be welcomed easily and safely in your home.
So what are the best dogs for allergies? Here are the top breeds to choose from...
- Poodles
- American Hairless Terrier
- Schnauzers
- Bichon Frise
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Portuguese Water Dog
As a general rule of thumb, breeds who have shorter hair are safer for allergic people. Also it's important to choose a breed that doesn't shed hair, because dog hair is the number one reason causing allergies in people and children.
This is especially important if you have children in your house. Because children tend to freely play with their dogs and puppies and when your dog sheds, your children may accidentally swallow or breathe in the hair and it can cause all sorts of irritations.
So make sure you choose a breed with minimum shedding and short hair coat when possible.
To be safe, you can consult with a vet and ask him about the best breeds he recommends for the specific type of allergy you or your family members have. You usually have a few choices among different breeds, so you can choose a dog you like and is allergy friendly.
Best of luck with finding the best allergy friendly dog for your home.
You know how many different dog breeds are out there, and the good news is, some of them are totally allergy friendly and safe for allergic people. So by choosing one of these breeds, you can rest assured your new friend will be welcomed easily and safely in your home.
So what are the best dogs for allergies? Here are the top breeds to choose from...
- Poodles
- American Hairless Terrier
- Schnauzers
- Bichon Frise
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Portuguese Water Dog
As a general rule of thumb, breeds who have shorter hair are safer for allergic people. Also it's important to choose a breed that doesn't shed hair, because dog hair is the number one reason causing allergies in people and children.
This is especially important if you have children in your house. Because children tend to freely play with their dogs and puppies and when your dog sheds, your children may accidentally swallow or breathe in the hair and it can cause all sorts of irritations.
So make sure you choose a breed with minimum shedding and short hair coat when possible.
To be safe, you can consult with a vet and ask him about the best breeds he recommends for the specific type of allergy you or your family members have. You usually have a few choices among different breeds, so you can choose a dog you like and is allergy friendly.
Best of luck with finding the best allergy friendly dog for your home.
Portuguese Water Dog Puppies Are an Exceptional Breed of Dog
The Portuguese water dog is as much of a miracle, as it is a treasured pet and skilled swimmer. Various texts from bible times shows this dog's ancestors as being held to almost mythical standards. Modern technology left only slightly more than 50 Portuguese water dog puppies in existence, with few aging adults in existence at the time.
Luckily, some attention to details by careful breeders has brought this dog away from the brink of extinction and they're here to stay. It's a good thing to, as owners of this super-energetic pet say that they wouldn't choose any other animal as an addition to their household.
Portuguese dog puppies and their parents are amazing swimmers (hence their name) and have limitless amounts of energy that make them great play pals for children, adults or other pets. They are also very driven by owners: They love to learn directions and perform tasks. In their history they were used for diving to retrieve dropped equipment items and under-water corralling of fish into the waiting nets of their owners.
It's this lineage that makes Portuguese water dog puppies so highly valued. Due to their near extinction and realization of their history and value -- the breed is worth thousands. Most people who want a Portuguese know this going in though: Breeding a show quality litter of pups is exacting for breeders and "Obama Nation" has created a stir -- since the Obama's own a Portuguese Water Dog.
When you line up to buy your Portuguese water dog puppies from a reputable Breeders Club breeder; expect to be asked just as many questions as you ask yourself. There is a sense of pride and prestige that goes with owning one of these animals. They have specific diets, care needs, etc. and breeders want reassurance that they're placing the dog into prepared hands.
When you finally have your puppy with you at home; all the work will be rewarded with one of the most intelligent, loyal creatures man has ever known.
Luckily, some attention to details by careful breeders has brought this dog away from the brink of extinction and they're here to stay. It's a good thing to, as owners of this super-energetic pet say that they wouldn't choose any other animal as an addition to their household.
Portuguese dog puppies and their parents are amazing swimmers (hence their name) and have limitless amounts of energy that make them great play pals for children, adults or other pets. They are also very driven by owners: They love to learn directions and perform tasks. In their history they were used for diving to retrieve dropped equipment items and under-water corralling of fish into the waiting nets of their owners.
It's this lineage that makes Portuguese water dog puppies so highly valued. Due to their near extinction and realization of their history and value -- the breed is worth thousands. Most people who want a Portuguese know this going in though: Breeding a show quality litter of pups is exacting for breeders and "Obama Nation" has created a stir -- since the Obama's own a Portuguese Water Dog.
When you line up to buy your Portuguese water dog puppies from a reputable Breeders Club breeder; expect to be asked just as many questions as you ask yourself. There is a sense of pride and prestige that goes with owning one of these animals. They have specific diets, care needs, etc. and breeders want reassurance that they're placing the dog into prepared hands.
When you finally have your puppy with you at home; all the work will be rewarded with one of the most intelligent, loyal creatures man has ever known.
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
There is no definitive answer to why dogs eat grass. However, a survey of 1,600 pet parents conducted by the University of California-Davis may give some insight.
It has been suggested that dogs may eat grass because they don't feel well. As many dogs throw up after ingesting plant material, some believe this may be a way for the dog to rid their system of what is causing them to feel ill.
But, of the 1,600 pet parents in the study, 68% of them said their dogs eat plants daily or weekly. Only 8% said their dogs had exhibited signs of illness prior to eating the plant material. So, it seems there is probably no basis for the hypothesis that dogs eat plants because they don't feel well. Yet, others still suggest that dogs may eat plant or grass material because they have inherited the instinct to do so from their wild ancestors who did so to clean their intestines of potential parasites.
This behavior might be due in part to the fact that dogs investigate with their mouths (and noses, of course) and grass and plants smell and taste good to them. But, things don't need to necessarily taste 'good' for a dog to eat it (after all they'll scavenge in the kitty litter box and pick up cigarette butts from the street!).
It could be that dogs get the occasional craving for greens since they are omnivores (they eat meat and plants). Some vets suggest that eating grass may indicate the dog needs a higher fiber diet. So, you might want to chat with them about that and potentially offer your dog a different food and/or some veggies.
There is usually no reason to worry about the occasional ingestion of grass as long as it isn't coated with potentially toxic chemicals (like fertilizer). But, if you feel your dog is heading straight to the grass to eat each time you take him out you might want to chat with your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues.
It has been suggested that dogs may eat grass because they don't feel well. As many dogs throw up after ingesting plant material, some believe this may be a way for the dog to rid their system of what is causing them to feel ill.
But, of the 1,600 pet parents in the study, 68% of them said their dogs eat plants daily or weekly. Only 8% said their dogs had exhibited signs of illness prior to eating the plant material. So, it seems there is probably no basis for the hypothesis that dogs eat plants because they don't feel well. Yet, others still suggest that dogs may eat plant or grass material because they have inherited the instinct to do so from their wild ancestors who did so to clean their intestines of potential parasites.
This behavior might be due in part to the fact that dogs investigate with their mouths (and noses, of course) and grass and plants smell and taste good to them. But, things don't need to necessarily taste 'good' for a dog to eat it (after all they'll scavenge in the kitty litter box and pick up cigarette butts from the street!).
It could be that dogs get the occasional craving for greens since they are omnivores (they eat meat and plants). Some vets suggest that eating grass may indicate the dog needs a higher fiber diet. So, you might want to chat with them about that and potentially offer your dog a different food and/or some veggies.
There is usually no reason to worry about the occasional ingestion of grass as long as it isn't coated with potentially toxic chemicals (like fertilizer). But, if you feel your dog is heading straight to the grass to eat each time you take him out you might want to chat with your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues.
How to Wash Your Dog Properly
Even if you have the most easy-care dog in the world, she'll still require some attention to be paid to her appearance once in a while so it's worth spending a little bit of time learning the best strategies for straightforward, unstressed grooming. Dogs were seen as something that lived in the yard (usually in a dusty, hard-floored dog house), ate whatever was put in their bowls, and existed as a sometime-playmate for the household's kids. Today, we have a tendency to care for our dogs more, and view them more as members of the household than the Thing in the Yard.
Ever since this rise in the estimation of our beloved pooches became widespread, grooming has been increasingly recognized as a crucial aspect of your dog's regular health-care.
Our dogs can't let us know where it stings, but taking just a little amount of time every now and then to wash them over ourselves can save lots of grief over time. The trick is getting your dog to put up with (and even enjoy. Something that many owners lack experience in is the best way to wash their dogs. Dry-grooming (brushing and 'buffing ' the coat) appears to present a small problem for the general public; the rot has a tendency to set in when water is introduced to the mix. First off, the most crucial thing you can do is make your dog happy with the grooming process. As your young dog or dog becomes acclimatized to the feeling of being rubbed and handled, she'll slowly come to like it.
Dogs are social creatures by instinct, and physical sentiment and contact is an important part of their lives it should not take long before she starts to trust you, and permits herself to get some pleasure out of your touch. All you've got to do is start rubbing her slowly all over. Handle her ears, touch her cheeks and neck, rub her back and belly, pick up her paws and if she'll let you give them a delicate squeeze ( treating and praising her whenever she allows you to do this, since paw touching is normally a kind of big deal for most dogs ). If she has a tail, rub it between your fingers; make her roll over on her back so that you can rub and stroke her belly and hocks. This may not look like such a big deal, but it is essentially a very vital part of the grooming process: the more your dog enjoys it, the more relaxed the full event will be for you both and the more frequently you are able to groom her which increases the health advantages for her. Bathing always comes before dry-grooming, since it makes brushing and trimming far simpler as well as a lot more effective (there's not too much point in brushing a tangled, grimy coat. You'll need some basic tools: a tub, a non-slip mat, a plastic jug, some warm water, a little sponge, and some dog shampoo (not human shampoo: the pH is very bad for dogs, and will give her dry and flaky skin.). If she is a large or uncontrolled dog, you might want to clean her outside to reduce mess either that, or you can restrain her by tying one end of a light nylon leash to her collar, and the other end to the tap. Mix a little shampoo with another jug of warm water, and rub it comprehensively into your dog's fur.
Be particularly careful here dogs ' eyes are delicate too, and if you get any water in her ears, she'll likely get an ear infection. (You can plug her ears with a tiny twist of cotton wool to help prevent this from occurring, if you like.). Don't forget to clean under her tail before you wash her off dip the sponge into the shampoo blend to try this correctly. Now it is time to wash: using the jug and some clean, warm, shampoo-free water, scrupulously tip it all over her and use your fingers to help dissipate the lather from her coat.
Now you will need to dry her off: if she has got short fur, you may use a towel (an old one will do very nicely, though enormous dogs sometimes need 2); for dogs with longer fur, give her a mild towelling-off first, and then utilise a hairdryer to lose the last moistness. Be sure that it's set on low heat, and hold it a long way away from your dog's fur to stop burning either the skin or the fur. Remember that most dogs have an inherent detest of being washed, which may cause nervousness and even outright panic.
Your dog takes a large amount of her emotional cues from you, so be sure you act like a good role model for the occasion. Assure your dog often, keeping your voice well-modulated, low, and even; keep your movements slow and deliberate; praise her lavishly for good behaviour, and give her 2 treats across the process to make it more delightful for her.
Ever since this rise in the estimation of our beloved pooches became widespread, grooming has been increasingly recognized as a crucial aspect of your dog's regular health-care.
Our dogs can't let us know where it stings, but taking just a little amount of time every now and then to wash them over ourselves can save lots of grief over time. The trick is getting your dog to put up with (and even enjoy. Something that many owners lack experience in is the best way to wash their dogs. Dry-grooming (brushing and 'buffing ' the coat) appears to present a small problem for the general public; the rot has a tendency to set in when water is introduced to the mix. First off, the most crucial thing you can do is make your dog happy with the grooming process. As your young dog or dog becomes acclimatized to the feeling of being rubbed and handled, she'll slowly come to like it.
Dogs are social creatures by instinct, and physical sentiment and contact is an important part of their lives it should not take long before she starts to trust you, and permits herself to get some pleasure out of your touch. All you've got to do is start rubbing her slowly all over. Handle her ears, touch her cheeks and neck, rub her back and belly, pick up her paws and if she'll let you give them a delicate squeeze ( treating and praising her whenever she allows you to do this, since paw touching is normally a kind of big deal for most dogs ). If she has a tail, rub it between your fingers; make her roll over on her back so that you can rub and stroke her belly and hocks. This may not look like such a big deal, but it is essentially a very vital part of the grooming process: the more your dog enjoys it, the more relaxed the full event will be for you both and the more frequently you are able to groom her which increases the health advantages for her. Bathing always comes before dry-grooming, since it makes brushing and trimming far simpler as well as a lot more effective (there's not too much point in brushing a tangled, grimy coat. You'll need some basic tools: a tub, a non-slip mat, a plastic jug, some warm water, a little sponge, and some dog shampoo (not human shampoo: the pH is very bad for dogs, and will give her dry and flaky skin.). If she is a large or uncontrolled dog, you might want to clean her outside to reduce mess either that, or you can restrain her by tying one end of a light nylon leash to her collar, and the other end to the tap. Mix a little shampoo with another jug of warm water, and rub it comprehensively into your dog's fur.
Be particularly careful here dogs ' eyes are delicate too, and if you get any water in her ears, she'll likely get an ear infection. (You can plug her ears with a tiny twist of cotton wool to help prevent this from occurring, if you like.). Don't forget to clean under her tail before you wash her off dip the sponge into the shampoo blend to try this correctly. Now it is time to wash: using the jug and some clean, warm, shampoo-free water, scrupulously tip it all over her and use your fingers to help dissipate the lather from her coat.
Now you will need to dry her off: if she has got short fur, you may use a towel (an old one will do very nicely, though enormous dogs sometimes need 2); for dogs with longer fur, give her a mild towelling-off first, and then utilise a hairdryer to lose the last moistness. Be sure that it's set on low heat, and hold it a long way away from your dog's fur to stop burning either the skin or the fur. Remember that most dogs have an inherent detest of being washed, which may cause nervousness and even outright panic.
Your dog takes a large amount of her emotional cues from you, so be sure you act like a good role model for the occasion. Assure your dog often, keeping your voice well-modulated, low, and even; keep your movements slow and deliberate; praise her lavishly for good behaviour, and give her 2 treats across the process to make it more delightful for her.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Things You Can Do When Your Dog is Overweight
Canines love food. Most will continue eating as long as something tasty is placed in front of them. Unfortunately, unless your pooch has an incredibly fast metabolism, or is highly active, catering to his voracious appetite will lead to obesity. In this way, pets are similar to their owners. Excess consumption of calories combined with a lack of physical activity translates into weight gain. It also opens the door to a host of potential health problems.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at canine obesity. You'll learn how to determine whether your pet suffers from a weight problem, and when to take corrective action. We'll also cover some of the health issues caused by obesity. Lastly, we'll provide a few tips for creating a diet that will help your dog lose the extra pounds.
How To Identify A Weight Problem
If your pet is obese, the problem will be obvious. The outline of his body when viewed from above will lack the characteristic inward slope toward his haunches that indicates a healthy canine. You will also be unable to feel his ribs without pressing down on his skin. Veterinarians will feel a pet's shoulders and hips to determine how much fat covers them. They'll also inspect your dog's body from the side to check whether his abdomen curves upward behind his chest.
Based on these findings, a veterinarian will assign a weight score to your pet. The score ranges from one to nine; one means your canine is severely underweight and nine means an obesity problem. If your pet is obese, ask your veterinarian to determine whether there are existing health concerns.
Canine Health Problems Caused By Obesity
Being overweight means vital organs and joints are forced to work harder to perform their respective jobs. Over time, a slow process of decline occurs. Your dog's joints and bones will likely suffer damage. This allows arthritis to develop, which will become progressively worse unless your canine's weight problem is resolved. The ligaments, too, will become strained; in some cases, they can tear.
Increased blood pressure is another issue caused by obesity. Your pet's heart will begin to work harder to circulate blood to his growing body, even as his extra weight is placing more pressure on it. His lung capacity will also suffer since there is less room for his lungs to expand. This in turn leads to reduced stamina and breathing problems.
Eventually, excess weight will cause issues with your dog's digestive, reproductive, and immune systems. His quality of life will decline. For these reasons, it is important to create a healthy diet for your canine to help him lose weight. Doing so will preserve his long-term health.
Creating A Healthy Diet For Your Dog
First, avoid the temptation to place your dog on a crash diet. Instead, establish a goal for him to lose between one and two pounds each week. This is a healthy weight reduction plan.
Second, resist the urge to cater to your canine's pleas for more food. If you're cutting back his caloric consumption gradually, he will not starve. Remember that giving in to him risks his long-term health.
Third, increase your pet's exercise. Both people and dogs gain weight because their caloric intake is higher than their caloric burn. By decreasing your canine's calorie consumption while simultaneously increasing his physical activity, he'll lose weight more quickly without impairing his health.
Fourth, avoid giving your pet treats from the table. Instead, provide dog treats that offer the nutrition he needs without the unnecessary fat and extra calories.
Millions of dogs are overweight because their owners provide them with too much food without sufficient exercise. If you notice your canine is carrying a few extra pounds, work with your veterinarian to design a healthy diet and exercise plan to help him trim down.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at canine obesity. You'll learn how to determine whether your pet suffers from a weight problem, and when to take corrective action. We'll also cover some of the health issues caused by obesity. Lastly, we'll provide a few tips for creating a diet that will help your dog lose the extra pounds.
How To Identify A Weight Problem
If your pet is obese, the problem will be obvious. The outline of his body when viewed from above will lack the characteristic inward slope toward his haunches that indicates a healthy canine. You will also be unable to feel his ribs without pressing down on his skin. Veterinarians will feel a pet's shoulders and hips to determine how much fat covers them. They'll also inspect your dog's body from the side to check whether his abdomen curves upward behind his chest.
Based on these findings, a veterinarian will assign a weight score to your pet. The score ranges from one to nine; one means your canine is severely underweight and nine means an obesity problem. If your pet is obese, ask your veterinarian to determine whether there are existing health concerns.
Canine Health Problems Caused By Obesity
Being overweight means vital organs and joints are forced to work harder to perform their respective jobs. Over time, a slow process of decline occurs. Your dog's joints and bones will likely suffer damage. This allows arthritis to develop, which will become progressively worse unless your canine's weight problem is resolved. The ligaments, too, will become strained; in some cases, they can tear.
Increased blood pressure is another issue caused by obesity. Your pet's heart will begin to work harder to circulate blood to his growing body, even as his extra weight is placing more pressure on it. His lung capacity will also suffer since there is less room for his lungs to expand. This in turn leads to reduced stamina and breathing problems.
Eventually, excess weight will cause issues with your dog's digestive, reproductive, and immune systems. His quality of life will decline. For these reasons, it is important to create a healthy diet for your canine to help him lose weight. Doing so will preserve his long-term health.
Creating A Healthy Diet For Your Dog
First, avoid the temptation to place your dog on a crash diet. Instead, establish a goal for him to lose between one and two pounds each week. This is a healthy weight reduction plan.
Second, resist the urge to cater to your canine's pleas for more food. If you're cutting back his caloric consumption gradually, he will not starve. Remember that giving in to him risks his long-term health.
Third, increase your pet's exercise. Both people and dogs gain weight because their caloric intake is higher than their caloric burn. By decreasing your canine's calorie consumption while simultaneously increasing his physical activity, he'll lose weight more quickly without impairing his health.
Fourth, avoid giving your pet treats from the table. Instead, provide dog treats that offer the nutrition he needs without the unnecessary fat and extra calories.
Millions of dogs are overweight because their owners provide them with too much food without sufficient exercise. If you notice your canine is carrying a few extra pounds, work with your veterinarian to design a healthy diet and exercise plan to help him trim down.
How to Prevent a Dog Attack
Dog attacks. This may not seem like much of a concern, but the statistics point the other way. Every year, thousands of people are the victims of a dog attack. Most such attacks happen in otherwise peaceful suburban neighborhoods. A dog might be a man's best friend, domesticated for thousands of years, but that doesn't mean that it isn't an animal capable of being a vicious natural predator.
You perhaps know a dog who is badly behaved and bullies everyone in the neighborhood. As a child, I knew one such dog who terrorized all the kids in the neighborhood and made it impossible to head outside the home without adult company. Anybody who has been the victim of a dog attack, or has even lived under the shadow of a prospective attack knows how terrifying an ordeal it can be.
So how does one prevent a dog attack?
The best way, of course, is prevention. Simply avoid the areas where you know a badly behaved dog is bound to be. Dogs are territorial animals and will defend their turf, particularly if they find you threatening. Avoidance is the best way to prevent an attack.
The kind of clothing you wear can also make you susceptible to attack. Dogs like to look people in the eyes and are generally suspicious of those that have their head covered. If you are wearing baggy, loose clothing, you may attract a dog's attention too.
There are certain tools/weapons you can use to scare away a dog in case of an attack. One of these tools is a dog chaser whistle. This whistle produces a high frequency sound (above 20,000 Hz - the hearing range of human beings) that can be heard only by dogs. A dog chaser whistle is quite effective with smaller dogs, but utterly useless when confronted with larger, aggressive dogs such as rottweilers or pitbulls.
Another tool you can use is a stun baton/gun or a pepper spray/gun. These tools are also very capable of protecting you against a human attacker. The former releases a small surge of electricity that can "stun" an attacker, while the latter releases a very strong (but harmless) chemical compound that can irritate the skin and stop an attack in its way.
Ultimately, the best way to prevent a dog attack is to be aware - avoid the roads where you know an aggressive dog lives, get away as soon as possible if you see a charging dog, and carry appropriate weapons with you.
You perhaps know a dog who is badly behaved and bullies everyone in the neighborhood. As a child, I knew one such dog who terrorized all the kids in the neighborhood and made it impossible to head outside the home without adult company. Anybody who has been the victim of a dog attack, or has even lived under the shadow of a prospective attack knows how terrifying an ordeal it can be.
So how does one prevent a dog attack?
The best way, of course, is prevention. Simply avoid the areas where you know a badly behaved dog is bound to be. Dogs are territorial animals and will defend their turf, particularly if they find you threatening. Avoidance is the best way to prevent an attack.
The kind of clothing you wear can also make you susceptible to attack. Dogs like to look people in the eyes and are generally suspicious of those that have their head covered. If you are wearing baggy, loose clothing, you may attract a dog's attention too.
There are certain tools/weapons you can use to scare away a dog in case of an attack. One of these tools is a dog chaser whistle. This whistle produces a high frequency sound (above 20,000 Hz - the hearing range of human beings) that can be heard only by dogs. A dog chaser whistle is quite effective with smaller dogs, but utterly useless when confronted with larger, aggressive dogs such as rottweilers or pitbulls.
Another tool you can use is a stun baton/gun or a pepper spray/gun. These tools are also very capable of protecting you against a human attacker. The former releases a small surge of electricity that can "stun" an attacker, while the latter releases a very strong (but harmless) chemical compound that can irritate the skin and stop an attack in its way.
Ultimately, the best way to prevent a dog attack is to be aware - avoid the roads where you know an aggressive dog lives, get away as soon as possible if you see a charging dog, and carry appropriate weapons with you.
10 Points To Remember When Training For Aggressive Dogs
Training for aggressive dogs can be a walk in the park, when you know how. When you don't, it can be an upward struggle which can lead to frustration and potential danger. The following is a short guide in dog training for aggressive behavior which I hope you find useful.
1) For starters you need to establish a firm command of the pack. That's right, although your dog is somewhat domesticated, his natural instincts to follow his leader as he does in a pack still applies. So start showing authority and show him who's in control.
2) Don't just go it alone and hope for the best. Learn from a professional before undertaking the task of training for aggressive dogs. Advice from an expert who has had years of experience in how to treat aggressive dog behavior will be invaluable.
3) Anxiety and fear are reasons why dogs may become aggressive. Avoid putting your dog in fearful situations- he may just resort to an attack. The best way to reduce fear is by gradually introducing your dog to unfamiliar experiences. But do this in a reassuring and protective way.
4) Introduce your dog to other animals and humans. It's an effective way in how to help an aggressive dog, lose its aggressive behavior to others and get him comfortable in otherwise unfamiliar situations.
5) You can never be too cautious in the early stages of training. When taking your dog out in public, make sure he's wearing a leash and possibly a muzzle. An electric shock collar can be used in dog training for aggressive behavior. However, be careful as to not abuse its use.
6) Take action! Did you know that a majority of dog attacks that result in severe injury and even death are caused by house dogs? It's time to stop being complacent and take responsibility of your dog.
7) Be firm in your commands. Disapprove of bad or dangerous behavior such as growling and jumping. Growling is an early sign of aggression, which begs for immediate dog training for aggressive behavior. Jumping, although seemingly harmless, can be a serious danger to children, especially if the dog is big.
8) Avoid games such as wrestling, as this will increase your dogs aggressive and dominating behavior. If it seems that all your dog wants to do is play fight with you, it might be a good idea to get your dog neutered. This will reduce your dog's aggression and make training for aggressive dogs that little bit easier.
9) Always remember to praise your dog for anything he does right. Dogs love praise from their owners. A treat or a pat should be sufficient. In time your dog will learn to display good habits.
10) Last but not least, get solid advice on how to treat aggressive dog behavior and be consistent with your training. Obedience training should start as soon as possible, to prevent development of aggression.
Understand these basics in training for aggressive dogs and don't stop learning. Dog training for aggressive behavior needs your attention - don't be complacent and put others at risk.
1) For starters you need to establish a firm command of the pack. That's right, although your dog is somewhat domesticated, his natural instincts to follow his leader as he does in a pack still applies. So start showing authority and show him who's in control.
2) Don't just go it alone and hope for the best. Learn from a professional before undertaking the task of training for aggressive dogs. Advice from an expert who has had years of experience in how to treat aggressive dog behavior will be invaluable.
3) Anxiety and fear are reasons why dogs may become aggressive. Avoid putting your dog in fearful situations- he may just resort to an attack. The best way to reduce fear is by gradually introducing your dog to unfamiliar experiences. But do this in a reassuring and protective way.
4) Introduce your dog to other animals and humans. It's an effective way in how to help an aggressive dog, lose its aggressive behavior to others and get him comfortable in otherwise unfamiliar situations.
5) You can never be too cautious in the early stages of training. When taking your dog out in public, make sure he's wearing a leash and possibly a muzzle. An electric shock collar can be used in dog training for aggressive behavior. However, be careful as to not abuse its use.
6) Take action! Did you know that a majority of dog attacks that result in severe injury and even death are caused by house dogs? It's time to stop being complacent and take responsibility of your dog.
7) Be firm in your commands. Disapprove of bad or dangerous behavior such as growling and jumping. Growling is an early sign of aggression, which begs for immediate dog training for aggressive behavior. Jumping, although seemingly harmless, can be a serious danger to children, especially if the dog is big.
8) Avoid games such as wrestling, as this will increase your dogs aggressive and dominating behavior. If it seems that all your dog wants to do is play fight with you, it might be a good idea to get your dog neutered. This will reduce your dog's aggression and make training for aggressive dogs that little bit easier.
9) Always remember to praise your dog for anything he does right. Dogs love praise from their owners. A treat or a pat should be sufficient. In time your dog will learn to display good habits.
10) Last but not least, get solid advice on how to treat aggressive dog behavior and be consistent with your training. Obedience training should start as soon as possible, to prevent development of aggression.
Understand these basics in training for aggressive dogs and don't stop learning. Dog training for aggressive behavior needs your attention - don't be complacent and put others at risk.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Top 5 Aggressive Dog Training Tips - Stop Dog Aggression
All dogs need basic dog obedience training. They, like young children, must learn manners. Some dogs bark all of the time, while others show aggressive dog behavior. It is not uncommon to have a dog with behavior problems. So, if your dog is misbehaving, don't worry: many people are in the same predicament, and there is a solution! A common problem experienced by dog owners is dog dominance aggression. This, as well as other bad dog behaviors, can be put to an end. However, if you want to stop dog behavior problems, you must first comprehend their causes.
Correcting aggressive dogs is not impossible. However, you are need to find out what is triggering the aggression. Does your dog act an aggressive manner towards family members, strangers, or both? This is a critical question to answer. Your response will determine what kind of treatment is necessary.
If your pet only exhibits aggressive dog behavior in the presence of strangers, then you need to: learn how to socialize your dog and why socialization is the first, most important step of dog training. If your dog is aggressive towards family members, then you need to understand why resource guarding and dog pack behavior have a tremendous influence on your dog's actions. A dog may also show aggression towards members of the family if he is mishandled or mistreated. It is important for each family member to learn what type handling/treatment can trigger aggression.
With the proper guidance, training dominant dogs becomes less of a burden. There are a lot of books on dog behavior that will lead you through the process of basic dog obedience training and, at the same time, teach you how to stop dog behavior problems. For example, dog dominance aggression is just one of the many problems that is addressed. So, if your dog is unruly, training him in the comfort of your own home is an appealing option, and you'd prefer not to waste lots of money on training classes for dogs, then a book on dog behavior is a smart investment.
Five Suggestions you need to start correcting aggressive dogs:
Bring your puppy to meet a bunch of different people and expose him to new surroundings.
Give your puppy lots of physical contact so he can get used to being handled.
Show your dog that it is you who rules the coop.
Obedience training lessons should never be too long, inconsistent, or sporadic.
Reward your dog with treats or attention when he obeys you, and seclude him when he fails to.
Correcting aggressive dogs is not impossible. However, you are need to find out what is triggering the aggression. Does your dog act an aggressive manner towards family members, strangers, or both? This is a critical question to answer. Your response will determine what kind of treatment is necessary.
If your pet only exhibits aggressive dog behavior in the presence of strangers, then you need to: learn how to socialize your dog and why socialization is the first, most important step of dog training. If your dog is aggressive towards family members, then you need to understand why resource guarding and dog pack behavior have a tremendous influence on your dog's actions. A dog may also show aggression towards members of the family if he is mishandled or mistreated. It is important for each family member to learn what type handling/treatment can trigger aggression.
With the proper guidance, training dominant dogs becomes less of a burden. There are a lot of books on dog behavior that will lead you through the process of basic dog obedience training and, at the same time, teach you how to stop dog behavior problems. For example, dog dominance aggression is just one of the many problems that is addressed. So, if your dog is unruly, training him in the comfort of your own home is an appealing option, and you'd prefer not to waste lots of money on training classes for dogs, then a book on dog behavior is a smart investment.
Five Suggestions you need to start correcting aggressive dogs:
Bring your puppy to meet a bunch of different people and expose him to new surroundings.
Give your puppy lots of physical contact so he can get used to being handled.
Show your dog that it is you who rules the coop.
Obedience training lessons should never be too long, inconsistent, or sporadic.
Reward your dog with treats or attention when he obeys you, and seclude him when he fails to.
Calming and Training an Aggressive Dog
A dog with an aggressive attitude is one the most challenging of problems when you are facing correction training. There could be a number of reasons as to the cause of your dog's aggression problems, which can compound the challenge and the responsibility on your part. Before you do anything else, ensure your pet is fit and healthy. A vet can determine whether there could be a reason for bad behavior from a health point of view.
Once you are satisfied that his unpleasant nature is not due to a medical condition, you can then examine your options. There are really two routes open to you. Option number one is finding a specialist training centre where your animal will receive instruction, with or without your assistance or option number two is correcting the problems yourself with expert help.
Before you start any sort of training program for your aggressive dog, you should attempt to identify the problem, but of course this may not be possible if you do not know the dog's history. Usually the main trigger is dominance. Being pack animals, a dog's relationship is within the hierarchy of his "pack", meaning you and the other members of your family. Another factor is aggression stemming from fear and your pet could be rather negative towards other dogs or people. This could have arisen through neglect, mistreatment in the past or a single event which 'turned' him against certain things permanently.
The best way to tackle any aggressive dog training is to gain the dog's trust. A pet that trusts its owner will gradually moderate aggressive behavior. It is important to note that you are the pack leader, gaining trust does not mean letting your pet rule you in order to get better behavior. This can sometimes be counter productive and he will be far worse in his behavior towards others as he views you as his personal property. Always keep the overall perspective and your goals in mind.
You may find another issue you have is your ability to trust your pet again. If for instance, there has been an unpleasant incident involving your family or friends. If your dog has been trained by a specialist who assures you his aggressive nature has been 'corrected' you may still have a seed of doubt in your mind. This is normal and your wariness and caution will pass with your dog's continued good behavior. It is a good idea for an owner to be fully involved with the training of an aggressive dog, whereby you are witness to his progress and less likely to be over concerned about the past for very long.
For professional assistance in the matter of training your aggressive dog you can rely on the convenience of online training sites that have professional advisors who are skilled at dealing with any type of aggression. They will provide the expert knowledge which is the tool you must implement yourself. The importance of the owner being present whilst training comes from the fact that dogs learn by association. If for instance he is used to showing aggression when visitors come to the house, he will continue with this behavioral pattern. Consistently being there throughout is the key for training an aggressive dog, don't make similar mistakes over and over and never change your attitude towards him abruptly.
You can learn how to build a happy and loving relationship with your pet and enjoy each others company. He is man's best friend after all!
Once you are satisfied that his unpleasant nature is not due to a medical condition, you can then examine your options. There are really two routes open to you. Option number one is finding a specialist training centre where your animal will receive instruction, with or without your assistance or option number two is correcting the problems yourself with expert help.
Before you start any sort of training program for your aggressive dog, you should attempt to identify the problem, but of course this may not be possible if you do not know the dog's history. Usually the main trigger is dominance. Being pack animals, a dog's relationship is within the hierarchy of his "pack", meaning you and the other members of your family. Another factor is aggression stemming from fear and your pet could be rather negative towards other dogs or people. This could have arisen through neglect, mistreatment in the past or a single event which 'turned' him against certain things permanently.
The best way to tackle any aggressive dog training is to gain the dog's trust. A pet that trusts its owner will gradually moderate aggressive behavior. It is important to note that you are the pack leader, gaining trust does not mean letting your pet rule you in order to get better behavior. This can sometimes be counter productive and he will be far worse in his behavior towards others as he views you as his personal property. Always keep the overall perspective and your goals in mind.
You may find another issue you have is your ability to trust your pet again. If for instance, there has been an unpleasant incident involving your family or friends. If your dog has been trained by a specialist who assures you his aggressive nature has been 'corrected' you may still have a seed of doubt in your mind. This is normal and your wariness and caution will pass with your dog's continued good behavior. It is a good idea for an owner to be fully involved with the training of an aggressive dog, whereby you are witness to his progress and less likely to be over concerned about the past for very long.
For professional assistance in the matter of training your aggressive dog you can rely on the convenience of online training sites that have professional advisors who are skilled at dealing with any type of aggression. They will provide the expert knowledge which is the tool you must implement yourself. The importance of the owner being present whilst training comes from the fact that dogs learn by association. If for instance he is used to showing aggression when visitors come to the house, he will continue with this behavioral pattern. Consistently being there throughout is the key for training an aggressive dog, don't make similar mistakes over and over and never change your attitude towards him abruptly.
You can learn how to build a happy and loving relationship with your pet and enjoy each others company. He is man's best friend after all!
Bark Off - Customer Reviews
Though all of us are aware that puppies will often bark to convey between themselves, unmanageable barking can be a trouble for everyone. Too much barking may take place because of monotony, scarcity of guidance or not enough activity for that canine. Luckily, a unit known as Bark Off has been released to control this behavior of canines. Bark Off has gotten loads of convinced responses from canine owners community. It is now known as as the best eco-friendly and dog friendly devices to prevent canines from constant barking.
Features
It is a battery operated wireless gadget. It utilizes a distinctive ultrasonic transmission that instantly arrests the interest of your dog to stop if from barking. If your puppy is around the device's range, the signal interrupts barking and then to your surprise, it would quit barking.
The gadget is actually created perfectly for teaching puppies to snap out from their barking annoyance with no mental effects to its normal tendency for raising alerts when there is danger. Nevertheless the sound is ultrasonic and appreciably high in volume for dogs, it is harmless and will not affect humans. It will not hurt your canine friend. Both old and young canines along with young puppies respond equally to the system.
It's an ideal training companion for young puppies plus it never hurts to prepare your pup if it is little. The dimensions of the unit and its transportability are other effortless features. You may take it with you. Whilst reading in your garden, take the device outdoors. If your neighbor's noisy dogs start irritating you, press the Bark Off and the barking will stop immediately.
Advantages Over Other Products
Bark Off is definitely the favored system to prevent dog barking when in comparison to other items like collars for dogs. The aforementioned tracks the sound levels of the canine bark and provides an electrical shock after exceeding a establish limit. This is inhuman and training canines not to bark might be challenging. Although you may succeed at preventing the canine from barking, you are most likely to threaten its ability to comprehend when to start barking at signs of trouble. Barking is often a form of contact and stifling or using shocks might be dangerous for the canine.
Drawbacks
Because the gadget is hand held and works on remote transmission of ultrasonic signals, any obstructions in its way might hamper it from operating properly. When your neighbor's canine is making life dismal for you by its constant barking, the gadget would not be of much aid when the canine is in the home. Even if you switch on the device, the puppy is not likely to counteract barking as the signal can't go through the concrete walls.
Final Words
Together with Bark Off you are nevertheless ultimately able to enjoy calm and tranquility inside your residence, whilst spending valuable moments with the beloved four legged member of your family. There will be no further barking at every minor home creak or noise.
Features
It is a battery operated wireless gadget. It utilizes a distinctive ultrasonic transmission that instantly arrests the interest of your dog to stop if from barking. If your puppy is around the device's range, the signal interrupts barking and then to your surprise, it would quit barking.
The gadget is actually created perfectly for teaching puppies to snap out from their barking annoyance with no mental effects to its normal tendency for raising alerts when there is danger. Nevertheless the sound is ultrasonic and appreciably high in volume for dogs, it is harmless and will not affect humans. It will not hurt your canine friend. Both old and young canines along with young puppies respond equally to the system.
It's an ideal training companion for young puppies plus it never hurts to prepare your pup if it is little. The dimensions of the unit and its transportability are other effortless features. You may take it with you. Whilst reading in your garden, take the device outdoors. If your neighbor's noisy dogs start irritating you, press the Bark Off and the barking will stop immediately.
Advantages Over Other Products
Bark Off is definitely the favored system to prevent dog barking when in comparison to other items like collars for dogs. The aforementioned tracks the sound levels of the canine bark and provides an electrical shock after exceeding a establish limit. This is inhuman and training canines not to bark might be challenging. Although you may succeed at preventing the canine from barking, you are most likely to threaten its ability to comprehend when to start barking at signs of trouble. Barking is often a form of contact and stifling or using shocks might be dangerous for the canine.
Drawbacks
Because the gadget is hand held and works on remote transmission of ultrasonic signals, any obstructions in its way might hamper it from operating properly. When your neighbor's canine is making life dismal for you by its constant barking, the gadget would not be of much aid when the canine is in the home. Even if you switch on the device, the puppy is not likely to counteract barking as the signal can't go through the concrete walls.
Final Words
Together with Bark Off you are nevertheless ultimately able to enjoy calm and tranquility inside your residence, whilst spending valuable moments with the beloved four legged member of your family. There will be no further barking at every minor home creak or noise.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Aggressive Dog Attack Prevention
Be prepared to safety walk or run without the fear of animal aggression.
When you walk or run are you ever threatened by an aggressive dog? Is your child safe while riding their bicycle in your neighborhood? Dogs see movement and naturally go after it. To defend yourself against aggressive behavior carry the Super Dog Chaser. It uses the latest in ultrasonic technology and will repel unwanted dogs in a humane way. It uses a high frequency sound of 20,000Hz -25,000Hz which is audible to dogs but not to humans.
The Super Dog Chaser is a small hard plastic device (4-3/4" X 1-3/4" X 3/4") that will easily fit in the palm of your hand or pocket. Aim it in the direction of the oncoming dog and press the button for 2-3 seconds. The normal reaction will be for the approaching dog to stop and then retreat. The sound does not hurt the dog but is uncomfortable for the dog the closer it gets to the unit. The unit will work up to 40 feet way.
There is also a bright flashing "strobe" like light that you can flash into the oncoming dogs eyes that will confuse him. The unit can also be used as a flashlight.
This unit also has a training frequency setting to help you train your dog of unwanted negative behaviors.
The Super Dog Chaser requires one 9-volt battery for operation.
A great product for walkers, joggers, delivery people, and mail carriers.
When you walk or run are you ever threatened by an aggressive dog? Is your child safe while riding their bicycle in your neighborhood? Dogs see movement and naturally go after it. To defend yourself against aggressive behavior carry the Super Dog Chaser. It uses the latest in ultrasonic technology and will repel unwanted dogs in a humane way. It uses a high frequency sound of 20,000Hz -25,000Hz which is audible to dogs but not to humans.
The Super Dog Chaser is a small hard plastic device (4-3/4" X 1-3/4" X 3/4") that will easily fit in the palm of your hand or pocket. Aim it in the direction of the oncoming dog and press the button for 2-3 seconds. The normal reaction will be for the approaching dog to stop and then retreat. The sound does not hurt the dog but is uncomfortable for the dog the closer it gets to the unit. The unit will work up to 40 feet way.
There is also a bright flashing "strobe" like light that you can flash into the oncoming dogs eyes that will confuse him. The unit can also be used as a flashlight.
This unit also has a training frequency setting to help you train your dog of unwanted negative behaviors.
The Super Dog Chaser requires one 9-volt battery for operation.
A great product for walkers, joggers, delivery people, and mail carriers.
Dog Pain Reliever
A dog is a man's best friend and you don't want your best friend to experience pain. Dogs can feel different kinds of pain which are generally categorized into two broad types, acute and chronic. Acute pain is a pain related to the response of an injury whereas chronic pain is a type of pain which persists even after the injury has healed. Regardless of what type of pain your dog might experience, giving them a dog pain reliever is usually the course of action to take, besides taking them to a veterinarian of course.
Signs That Your Dog Is In Pain
As a dog owner, it's a good idea to be aware of your dog's habits. That way, recognizing that your pet is in pain can be very easy. There are a lot of indications that your dog might be experiencing some pain, whether it is just a mild discomfort or severe pain. Some can be seen in their appearance or behaviors. Lack of appetite is the most common indication that your dog is experiencing pain. A few others of these indications are stiff body movements, unwillingness to move, and lessened alertness. Sometimes biting or scratching unusual parts of the body can be considered an indication. This is basically the reason why, as an owner, you should get to know your pet fully so as to figure out any unusual signs in its behavior. When it comes to identifying these signs, your instincts play a major role.
If you're dog encounters any of the symptoms mentioned above, you may want to consider taking them to a veterinarian. Giving them a dog pain reliever does not automatically solve the problem. Unless you have adequate experience with dogs yourself, your local veterinarian will be able to make a more informed decision as to what kind of dog pain reliever to give as well as the amounts it should be given.
Kinds Of Pain Relievers
When it comes to dealing with acute or chronic pain, most veterinarians generally recommend two types of dog pain relievers, NSAIDs and Narcotics. NSAIDs or Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatories are usually viewed as safe for most people owing to the fact that most of them are offered over the counter for humans. However, it should be noted that there are fatalities resulting from gastric ulcers because of their use. The most common NSAIDs used to relieve dog's pains are aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Ketoprofen among others.
Narcotics have been used for a long time as a dog pain reliever. There are a number of variations of this type of medication and they all vary in terms of their pain relieving capability as well as their potential for addiction. When giving this type of medication to your dog, remember that this can cause addiction. Though, compared to human addiction, addiction for dogs is less common due to the fact that dogs can't buy their own drugs. There are different categories of narcotics that can be antagonistic in a way that giving one type after another can be a very bad idea.
Aside from the two types of dog pain relievers mentioned above, there are other ways that you can use which are intended to relieve your pet of pain. Methods such as acupuncture, massage and even weight reduction are even known to relieve dogs of pain.
Signs That Your Dog Is In Pain
As a dog owner, it's a good idea to be aware of your dog's habits. That way, recognizing that your pet is in pain can be very easy. There are a lot of indications that your dog might be experiencing some pain, whether it is just a mild discomfort or severe pain. Some can be seen in their appearance or behaviors. Lack of appetite is the most common indication that your dog is experiencing pain. A few others of these indications are stiff body movements, unwillingness to move, and lessened alertness. Sometimes biting or scratching unusual parts of the body can be considered an indication. This is basically the reason why, as an owner, you should get to know your pet fully so as to figure out any unusual signs in its behavior. When it comes to identifying these signs, your instincts play a major role.
If you're dog encounters any of the symptoms mentioned above, you may want to consider taking them to a veterinarian. Giving them a dog pain reliever does not automatically solve the problem. Unless you have adequate experience with dogs yourself, your local veterinarian will be able to make a more informed decision as to what kind of dog pain reliever to give as well as the amounts it should be given.
Kinds Of Pain Relievers
When it comes to dealing with acute or chronic pain, most veterinarians generally recommend two types of dog pain relievers, NSAIDs and Narcotics. NSAIDs or Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatories are usually viewed as safe for most people owing to the fact that most of them are offered over the counter for humans. However, it should be noted that there are fatalities resulting from gastric ulcers because of their use. The most common NSAIDs used to relieve dog's pains are aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Ketoprofen among others.
Narcotics have been used for a long time as a dog pain reliever. There are a number of variations of this type of medication and they all vary in terms of their pain relieving capability as well as their potential for addiction. When giving this type of medication to your dog, remember that this can cause addiction. Though, compared to human addiction, addiction for dogs is less common due to the fact that dogs can't buy their own drugs. There are different categories of narcotics that can be antagonistic in a way that giving one type after another can be a very bad idea.
Aside from the two types of dog pain relievers mentioned above, there are other ways that you can use which are intended to relieve your pet of pain. Methods such as acupuncture, massage and even weight reduction are even known to relieve dogs of pain.
The Truth About Dog Myths
Are dog myths true or false? Well, it depends on the myth, and here are four great myths to explore.
Have you ever heard that letting a dog lick your wound can heal it faster? Dogs have licked their wounds for as long as history can remember. This licking helps to clean the lesion and rid it of bacteria. Removing bacteria helps to promote healing. If however, the licking persists, it may actually prevent the wound from healing. Dog saliva does not have actual healing powers, just rather cleaning powers. Of course, removing bacteria is the first step to healing for any wound.
So, should you let your dog lick your wound? No. If you have an antibacterial rinse or soap available, why not just use that? There are many different germs on a dogs tongue and they will probably cause an infection if you let him lick your wound.
Another dog myth is that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. This myth is false because really it depends upon the training method and the dog. Yes, some dogs may be stubborn and seemingly untrainable but with some work you will likely see results. The way to any old dog's heart is through their stomach, so be sure to bring treats.
You should be able to teach your old dog many new tricks because you have already established a relationship with them, so they are trusting of you. Try to stay consist with positive training methods and avoid punishment.
It is with great hope that you never have to find out if it is really possible to fool a bloodhound. This myth says that you can hide your tracks from a bloodhound by going in a zig-zag pattern, climbing trees, moving upstream and crossing running water.
If you cross a river, the humans working with the dog will see where your path ended and help the dog to cross the water to pick up your scent on the other side. If you decide to stay in the water for a while and move upstream or even down stream, you will have to get out eventually and the humans who are working with the dog know this. They will probably comb the banks of the river or lake where you are until the bloodhound finds the scent again. Bloodhound noses are strong. If your scent is there, they will find it.
If you believe that a wagging tail is always the sign of a happy dog, you should be aware that this myth is false. Yes, dogs do wag their tails when they are happy, but not all tail wags equal happiness.
A tail that is held high and wagged may mean that the dog's guard is up. They may be ready to pounce. Another bad tail wag is a low wag. A dog who wags their tail low to the ground may be feeling submissive or scared. This type of tail wag is not as broad as the high or medium tail wagging movement. A slow tail wag may even mean the dog is confused or worried. You should also pay attention to any nervousness in the dog's face.
A good tail wag is usually right in the middle and accompanied by a smiling dog face. This middle wag signals friendless and a lowered guard.
So, as you can see, the truth of a dog myth depends on the individual nature of a dog and it depends on the situation in which the dog is involved. Never believe a dog myth until you have a chance to explore it for yourself.
Have you ever heard that letting a dog lick your wound can heal it faster? Dogs have licked their wounds for as long as history can remember. This licking helps to clean the lesion and rid it of bacteria. Removing bacteria helps to promote healing. If however, the licking persists, it may actually prevent the wound from healing. Dog saliva does not have actual healing powers, just rather cleaning powers. Of course, removing bacteria is the first step to healing for any wound.
So, should you let your dog lick your wound? No. If you have an antibacterial rinse or soap available, why not just use that? There are many different germs on a dogs tongue and they will probably cause an infection if you let him lick your wound.
Another dog myth is that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. This myth is false because really it depends upon the training method and the dog. Yes, some dogs may be stubborn and seemingly untrainable but with some work you will likely see results. The way to any old dog's heart is through their stomach, so be sure to bring treats.
You should be able to teach your old dog many new tricks because you have already established a relationship with them, so they are trusting of you. Try to stay consist with positive training methods and avoid punishment.
It is with great hope that you never have to find out if it is really possible to fool a bloodhound. This myth says that you can hide your tracks from a bloodhound by going in a zig-zag pattern, climbing trees, moving upstream and crossing running water.
If you cross a river, the humans working with the dog will see where your path ended and help the dog to cross the water to pick up your scent on the other side. If you decide to stay in the water for a while and move upstream or even down stream, you will have to get out eventually and the humans who are working with the dog know this. They will probably comb the banks of the river or lake where you are until the bloodhound finds the scent again. Bloodhound noses are strong. If your scent is there, they will find it.
If you believe that a wagging tail is always the sign of a happy dog, you should be aware that this myth is false. Yes, dogs do wag their tails when they are happy, but not all tail wags equal happiness.
A tail that is held high and wagged may mean that the dog's guard is up. They may be ready to pounce. Another bad tail wag is a low wag. A dog who wags their tail low to the ground may be feeling submissive or scared. This type of tail wag is not as broad as the high or medium tail wagging movement. A slow tail wag may even mean the dog is confused or worried. You should also pay attention to any nervousness in the dog's face.
A good tail wag is usually right in the middle and accompanied by a smiling dog face. This middle wag signals friendless and a lowered guard.
So, as you can see, the truth of a dog myth depends on the individual nature of a dog and it depends on the situation in which the dog is involved. Never believe a dog myth until you have a chance to explore it for yourself.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Easy Methods to Train a Hostile Dog
Although some people try to make their dogs even MORE aggressive, the majority looking to discover ways to teach an aggressive dog to be more submissive and tone down the behaviour of their pet. There's a lot of unique treatment options to be had and these depend to some degree on the reason for the aggressiveness in the beginning.
Causes of Aggressiveness
Some Dogs can even be born aggressive, but this is not typical. A few kinds of breed are particularly aggressive but there is no such thing as an untreatable breed. It can make matters a lot worse if irresponsible breeders choose to cross breed dogs with the purpose of producing an aggressive mixed- breed.
More often, a dog was not "born" aggressive, but actually learned to become that way due to abuse or an otherwise terrible upbringing.
Regardless of the reason, there isn't any such thing as an non- teachable canine. Do not believe the old saying that "you can't teach an old dog, new tricks". That is just an excuse for ineffective training or not training at all!
Establish YOU As The Boss
The important thing to taming an aggressive dog is always to offer it what it really desires - a pet owner to look up to. As tempting as it might be, you can't live at the same hierarchical level as the animal. The truth is, your dog will admire you less as a result of it.
Have you ever seen the tv program presented by Cesar Millan? He uses this tactic constantly with aggressive dogs and it never falls short.
Behavior Modification Approaches
Now there are a wide variety of tactics which might be used to inhibit hostile behavior in dogs. Probably the most uncomplicated is positive reinforcement. Positively encourage desired behavior and inversely dismiss your animal's undesirable manners (even though sometimes it is tough if an emergency situation warrants your speedy intervention).
No matter what you do, don't hit your pet. Really besides the truth that these actions are ruthless, your pet won't learn from your "chastisement" in the way that a human being might. You will not solve any hostile behavior problems practicing such a strategy.
Familiarization and desensitisation are similar methods of educating the animal to not respond to given things like when the mailman calls every day.
Restraint
A few choose to restrain their dogs as opposed to retraining them (like using a muzzle). The challenge with restraint is that you aren't altering the actions of your dog whatsoever and they will still be a risk to kids, home guests and anyone else, even yourself.
Neutering/Spaying
Have a look at neutering/spaying the dog since this can have a striking effect on their aggressive demeanour. Did you know that over three-quarters of fatal dog bites are delivered by un- neutered male dogs? These processes aren't without risks, however. Neutered and spayed dogs have an increased possibility of getting some kinds of cancer along with thyroid, urinary and other health problems.
Causes of Aggressiveness
Some Dogs can even be born aggressive, but this is not typical. A few kinds of breed are particularly aggressive but there is no such thing as an untreatable breed. It can make matters a lot worse if irresponsible breeders choose to cross breed dogs with the purpose of producing an aggressive mixed- breed.
More often, a dog was not "born" aggressive, but actually learned to become that way due to abuse or an otherwise terrible upbringing.
Regardless of the reason, there isn't any such thing as an non- teachable canine. Do not believe the old saying that "you can't teach an old dog, new tricks". That is just an excuse for ineffective training or not training at all!
Establish YOU As The Boss
The important thing to taming an aggressive dog is always to offer it what it really desires - a pet owner to look up to. As tempting as it might be, you can't live at the same hierarchical level as the animal. The truth is, your dog will admire you less as a result of it.
Have you ever seen the tv program presented by Cesar Millan? He uses this tactic constantly with aggressive dogs and it never falls short.
Behavior Modification Approaches
Now there are a wide variety of tactics which might be used to inhibit hostile behavior in dogs. Probably the most uncomplicated is positive reinforcement. Positively encourage desired behavior and inversely dismiss your animal's undesirable manners (even though sometimes it is tough if an emergency situation warrants your speedy intervention).
No matter what you do, don't hit your pet. Really besides the truth that these actions are ruthless, your pet won't learn from your "chastisement" in the way that a human being might. You will not solve any hostile behavior problems practicing such a strategy.
Familiarization and desensitisation are similar methods of educating the animal to not respond to given things like when the mailman calls every day.
Restraint
A few choose to restrain their dogs as opposed to retraining them (like using a muzzle). The challenge with restraint is that you aren't altering the actions of your dog whatsoever and they will still be a risk to kids, home guests and anyone else, even yourself.
Neutering/Spaying
Have a look at neutering/spaying the dog since this can have a striking effect on their aggressive demeanour. Did you know that over three-quarters of fatal dog bites are delivered by un- neutered male dogs? These processes aren't without risks, however. Neutered and spayed dogs have an increased possibility of getting some kinds of cancer along with thyroid, urinary and other health problems.
24 Hours In The Life Of A Dog Trainer
Have you ever wonder what entitles to be a certified dog trainer? What kind of education does it take to become a dog trainer? First and for most, the dog trainer must love pets, otherwise he would not enjoy his task and would be a hard task to have to train dogs day in and day out. Then he would have to take a course to become a certified dog trainer. It would be better if the dog trainer take a course of several months duration and that he or she have spent some time at a veterinarian office or at a dog training facility doing hands on work.
If you own a dog, you are very well aware that you are the center of your dog's life. And chances are that you love your pet dearly, but do you have all the knowledge and time required to train your dog? Training a dog has become a specialist's job. Not only do trainers apply to the pets the latest dog training tips, but they also need to know why the dog is acting or behaving in a particular way.
If you are not too excited about the idea of training your dog or about taking care of your pet training requirements, you should seriously consider hiring a dog trainer. The characteristics you should look in a trainer are patience and commitment to take care of dogs. You also want to be certain that the trainer uses positive reinforcement and not negative reinforcement or punishment to train your dog.
Most people postpone the dog training classes until their pet has developed a behavioral problem or the dog has become hostile and aggresive, or had bitten someone. Don't be like them. Don't wait until is too late. Preventing dog behavioral problems is a major instrument that dog trainers can help you with.
If you have ever seen a dog trainer in action, you probably noticed that as soon as they come into contact with the dog they seem to immediately be in control of the situation, and not the dog. This is a clear indication that this trainer is confident, and probably very knowledgeable about his career.
To effectively train a dog, the trainer must know how the dog's mind and body works. They also need to know how to effectively communicate with the pet. The best time to train your dog is when he is a young pup. Puppy training tends to be easier because dogs are more receptive to learning when they are in the early states of their life.
When you hire a dog trainer, he or she will provide you with multiple training techniques and methods that are tried and proved. You will have to apply these dog training techniques at home in a consistent basis. Don't make the mistake of believing that because you hired a dog trainer, you will not have to work with your dog. The contrary is true, the trainer will teach you how to handle your dog, but you will be responsible of applying these techniques at home.
Make certain that the dog trainer is certified, and you might even ask to see his certification papers. Remember your dog's future and yours even, are in this trainer's hands.
Don't get frustrated if your dog behaves better with the dog trainer that he does with you, this is actually normal. The trainer have more experience handling dogs than you do, and therefore he will come out more dominant toward your dog than you probably will. Just apply the learned dog training techniques properly and you will enjoy a well trained dog for many years to come.
If you own a dog, you are very well aware that you are the center of your dog's life. And chances are that you love your pet dearly, but do you have all the knowledge and time required to train your dog? Training a dog has become a specialist's job. Not only do trainers apply to the pets the latest dog training tips, but they also need to know why the dog is acting or behaving in a particular way.
If you are not too excited about the idea of training your dog or about taking care of your pet training requirements, you should seriously consider hiring a dog trainer. The characteristics you should look in a trainer are patience and commitment to take care of dogs. You also want to be certain that the trainer uses positive reinforcement and not negative reinforcement or punishment to train your dog.
Most people postpone the dog training classes until their pet has developed a behavioral problem or the dog has become hostile and aggresive, or had bitten someone. Don't be like them. Don't wait until is too late. Preventing dog behavioral problems is a major instrument that dog trainers can help you with.
If you have ever seen a dog trainer in action, you probably noticed that as soon as they come into contact with the dog they seem to immediately be in control of the situation, and not the dog. This is a clear indication that this trainer is confident, and probably very knowledgeable about his career.
To effectively train a dog, the trainer must know how the dog's mind and body works. They also need to know how to effectively communicate with the pet. The best time to train your dog is when he is a young pup. Puppy training tends to be easier because dogs are more receptive to learning when they are in the early states of their life.
When you hire a dog trainer, he or she will provide you with multiple training techniques and methods that are tried and proved. You will have to apply these dog training techniques at home in a consistent basis. Don't make the mistake of believing that because you hired a dog trainer, you will not have to work with your dog. The contrary is true, the trainer will teach you how to handle your dog, but you will be responsible of applying these techniques at home.
Make certain that the dog trainer is certified, and you might even ask to see his certification papers. Remember your dog's future and yours even, are in this trainer's hands.
Don't get frustrated if your dog behaves better with the dog trainer that he does with you, this is actually normal. The trainer have more experience handling dogs than you do, and therefore he will come out more dominant toward your dog than you probably will. Just apply the learned dog training techniques properly and you will enjoy a well trained dog for many years to come.
Herding Dog Training
The benefits to herding dog training are very plentiful. Fencing for your pastures can be very expensive and requires consistent maintenance. Training a dog or a group of dogs for herding takes time and effort but not only is highly useful, it is rewarding as well.
Some dogs have a certain amount of herding dog training bread into them. This makes the training process easier but it still requires time and effort. Research on herding dog breeds will go a long ways. Once you have found a good pup you should start to familiarize the dog with the mechanics of sheep farming.
Simply taking the dog with you to the fields is a good start. If an older dog has never been around larger animals they can sometimes be frighted. Dogs which are frighted may lash out and become unruly to train. If you happen to be trying to train an older dog who is afraid at first you will need to do a bit more work to correct this problem.
While having a pack of dogs (two or three) is much more efficient when herding, only train one pup at a time. Trying to control, praise, and scold several dogs at once is not only frustrating for you but it will also be confusing for the dogs.
If you already have a dog who is trained for herding this can be very beneficial for a new pup to watch. Often times dogs learn from other dogs behavior. If you are training your dog for competitions you may already have friends with trained dogs. It may be possible to have training sessions with these dogs.
Herding dog training can be some what frustrating if you have never done it before. One thing you will want to make sure of is that you always correct your canine when he/she makes mistakes. It may get a bit tiresome after a while correcting the same mistake over and over again but if you do not your dog will develop bad habits. When a herding dog develops bad habits it can be dangerous for the sheep as well as the security of your flock. Avoid this at all costs.
While teaching one command at a time seems less confusing for your puppy it can cause them to become board. Try and alternate two or three commands at a time. Once your pup has mastered these commands you can start to work on more complicated commands.
Dogs are working animals. Their reward for commands well done should be praise but keep in mind that dogs just wants to work. When a canine is working you will notice that their posture changes. They are alert and focused. You will notice the changes in your dogs behavior right away. Once you can tell when they are in working mode it becomes much easier to teach them new commands.
Some dogs have a certain amount of herding dog training bread into them. This makes the training process easier but it still requires time and effort. Research on herding dog breeds will go a long ways. Once you have found a good pup you should start to familiarize the dog with the mechanics of sheep farming.
Simply taking the dog with you to the fields is a good start. If an older dog has never been around larger animals they can sometimes be frighted. Dogs which are frighted may lash out and become unruly to train. If you happen to be trying to train an older dog who is afraid at first you will need to do a bit more work to correct this problem.
While having a pack of dogs (two or three) is much more efficient when herding, only train one pup at a time. Trying to control, praise, and scold several dogs at once is not only frustrating for you but it will also be confusing for the dogs.
If you already have a dog who is trained for herding this can be very beneficial for a new pup to watch. Often times dogs learn from other dogs behavior. If you are training your dog for competitions you may already have friends with trained dogs. It may be possible to have training sessions with these dogs.
Herding dog training can be some what frustrating if you have never done it before. One thing you will want to make sure of is that you always correct your canine when he/she makes mistakes. It may get a bit tiresome after a while correcting the same mistake over and over again but if you do not your dog will develop bad habits. When a herding dog develops bad habits it can be dangerous for the sheep as well as the security of your flock. Avoid this at all costs.
While teaching one command at a time seems less confusing for your puppy it can cause them to become board. Try and alternate two or three commands at a time. Once your pup has mastered these commands you can start to work on more complicated commands.
Dogs are working animals. Their reward for commands well done should be praise but keep in mind that dogs just wants to work. When a canine is working you will notice that their posture changes. They are alert and focused. You will notice the changes in your dogs behavior right away. Once you can tell when they are in working mode it becomes much easier to teach them new commands.
3D's And the Choice of Tone in Dog Training Methods
Similarly to human beings, puppies respond and behave differently to human actions and reactions, therefore, a truly successful dog instruction is based on a proactive, positive, non-aggressive training strategy. Considering these issues, experts have stated that a proper use of tone during any puppy training program results in an adequate obedient canine behavior. Lately, the 3D strategy has become popular as it provides owners and trainers with the most effective methods to approach calmly and successfully less suitable behaviors:
1. D (delight) - Delighted tone works perfectly for positive feedback and you want your puppy to recognize and to adopt proper behaviors and attitudes.
2. D (directive) - Directive tone is mainly used to gain authority and respect especially when trainers or owners want to convey correctly the massage of their command. This tone is closely connected to obedience expectations.
3. D (discipline) - A well-trained puppy is expected to develop a proper disciplinary conduct, meaning that they will stick to the rule all the time. Based on owner 's reactions and analogous tone of voice, dogs are able to interpret feedback and motivations and to adopt a disciplinary social behavior.
As for 3D training method, the emphasis falls more on the impact of tone and of gestures and less on the meaning of words. In addition, 3D is an easy-to-use method in both professional and amateurish environments.
Puppies are friendly creatures if you know how to control their reactions, choosing the adequate dog training methods you will have a nice and obedient and non-violent companion.
1. D (delight) - Delighted tone works perfectly for positive feedback and you want your puppy to recognize and to adopt proper behaviors and attitudes.
2. D (directive) - Directive tone is mainly used to gain authority and respect especially when trainers or owners want to convey correctly the massage of their command. This tone is closely connected to obedience expectations.
3. D (discipline) - A well-trained puppy is expected to develop a proper disciplinary conduct, meaning that they will stick to the rule all the time. Based on owner 's reactions and analogous tone of voice, dogs are able to interpret feedback and motivations and to adopt a disciplinary social behavior.
As for 3D training method, the emphasis falls more on the impact of tone and of gestures and less on the meaning of words. In addition, 3D is an easy-to-use method in both professional and amateurish environments.
Puppies are friendly creatures if you know how to control their reactions, choosing the adequate dog training methods you will have a nice and obedient and non-violent companion.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Is Your Dog at Risk For Potential Kidney Failure? The Importance of a Quality Dog Food Diet
Your dog's potential for developing kidney failure or other serious illnesses is directly related to a quality dog food diet or the absence of one. With ongoing occurrences of dog food recalls, sick pets and unfortunately the deaths of many animals, the importance of feeding a quality dog food diet becomes clearer.
What exactly is kidney failure? The kidneys are organs that filter and clean the blood. They also return salts to the bloodstream and remove excess water from your dog's urine. When your dog's kidneys fail, they lose the ability to remove waste products from the blood. This leads to a buildup of toxins and the onset of kidney failure symptoms.
Symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually become apparent over a few months. Most incidents of of kidney failure occur over time and are the result of an ongoing disease but a sudden onset of kidney failure is more likely caused by a severe infectious disease or a poisoning.
Your dog's kidneys can continue to function even with some serious tissue damage which is why symptoms are often slow to appear or become noticeable. Failure symptoms generally begin as a need for excessive water intake, frequent need to urinate and light colored urine. As the disease becomes more severe, it's likely that you'll actually see a decrease in urination, diarrhea, vomiting, poor appetite, weakness and fatigue. All are brought on by the increase of the toxins in the bloodstream.
So how do you prevent kidney disease in your own precious pooch. The answer is simple, only feed a quality food to your dog. Although kidney infection is caused by an ongoing infection or blockage in the urinary tract it can also be brought on by an injury or poisoning. Recurring infections are also a precursor to kidney failure.
By feeding a poor quality food that is highly processed with large amounts of fillers like corn, preservatives and chemicals, you are only aggravating an already existing condition. A poor quality dog food diet does not support your dog's overall health and body functions. The inability of a poor food to support your dog's kidney health can potentially lead to kidney failure.
Most dog foods are high in protein content and this protein breaks down into amino acids. Amino acids are used by your dog's body to build and replace tissue cells. They also create urea which is a waste by-product. In a healthy dog, their kidneys and the process of urination would simply remove the urea from the blood. However, in a dog that is already suffering from kidney failure or damage, the urea will just build up in their bloodstream and literally poison your dog to death.
This is why it's so important to begin feeding a quality diet as soon as possible. Because even though you can feed specific dog foods that are designed for dog's suffering from kidney failure, they will not cure your dog once the disease has started. However, by beginning a quality dog food now, you will be giving your dog the valuable nutrition they need to fight kidney failure.
If your dog is already suffering from kidney failure, a prescription dog food that is designed with low protein content, will at least give your dog some comfort for the rest of their life. These dog foods are designed specifically to help replace missing nutritional content which is caused from the damaged kidneys. By lowering the protein content, you lower the amount of urea produced which allows for the amino acids to repair tissue cells.
The food is not only low in protein content but includes calcium, vitamin D3 and increased availability of these same nutrients. They also cut out high amounts of carbohydrates which only increase waste production in the urine. These special dog foods also show their quality by leaving out preservatives, chemicals and fillers, unlike the commercial dog foods.
Now that you understand the need for a high quality dog food diet for your dog's kidney health, what should you look for in a quality food? For a healthy dog, use your dog's individual needs and qualities to help you make a choice, including the following:
Age
Weight
Breed
Genetics
Activity Level
Energy Requirements
After evaluating each of the above factors, use the information to start narrowing down your quality food choices. Remember that commercial foods that are found in supermarkets should not be among your choices. These foods are almost always very low quality and will NOT provide your dog with the nutrition they need and are full of fillers and by-products.
It's also vital that you learn to read and understand the label ingredients. The laws regulating the pet food industry are unfortunately still lacking, the ability of these food companies to manipulate the wording on their labels could be fooling you into thinking you are getting a quality product when you are not. It's also important to consider using a dog food comparison chart once you have a few selections to make sure the foods you pick stack up.
If your dog already has kidney problems, they you definitely need to make the switch to the prescription dog foods that are made specifically for a dog with potential kidney failure and damage. The following are what some of the characteristics of a prescription kidney disease dog food:
Increased availability of nutritional ingredients.
Supplements of Vitamin D3 which your dog's body will no longer produce.
Increased Calcium for better absorption rates.
Low amounts of Phosphorus to equal out Potassium levels.
Consider adding a wet dog food mixed with the diet to increase moisture content.
Be sure to always provide plenty of fresh water for your dog. This is important so that your dog doesn't become dehydrated due to the large urine output. You should also feed your dog in limited amounts throughout the day instead of one large portion.
If your dog has a mild kidney failure and it's caught early and treated appropriately by a veterinarian, it is possible that your dog could completely recover. Unfortunately most dogs will never recovery fully and will live out their lives with some level of kidney failure that will eventually lead to their death.
Although dialysis is a possibility for a short term kidney problem, it is not a practical long term solution. Kidney transplants are slowly becoming available at a few vet medical centers but your dog would be on expensive transplant drugs to prevent rejection.
So save your precious pooch from a life ridden with health problems and find a quality dog food that is right for your them. The few extra dollars that you spend on a quality dog food will more than pay for itself in potential medical bills and medications. A quality dog food, means a happy, healthy and prolonged lifespan for your dog and that means more quality time for you to spend with your furry friend.
What exactly is kidney failure? The kidneys are organs that filter and clean the blood. They also return salts to the bloodstream and remove excess water from your dog's urine. When your dog's kidneys fail, they lose the ability to remove waste products from the blood. This leads to a buildup of toxins and the onset of kidney failure symptoms.
Symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually become apparent over a few months. Most incidents of of kidney failure occur over time and are the result of an ongoing disease but a sudden onset of kidney failure is more likely caused by a severe infectious disease or a poisoning.
Your dog's kidneys can continue to function even with some serious tissue damage which is why symptoms are often slow to appear or become noticeable. Failure symptoms generally begin as a need for excessive water intake, frequent need to urinate and light colored urine. As the disease becomes more severe, it's likely that you'll actually see a decrease in urination, diarrhea, vomiting, poor appetite, weakness and fatigue. All are brought on by the increase of the toxins in the bloodstream.
So how do you prevent kidney disease in your own precious pooch. The answer is simple, only feed a quality food to your dog. Although kidney infection is caused by an ongoing infection or blockage in the urinary tract it can also be brought on by an injury or poisoning. Recurring infections are also a precursor to kidney failure.
By feeding a poor quality food that is highly processed with large amounts of fillers like corn, preservatives and chemicals, you are only aggravating an already existing condition. A poor quality dog food diet does not support your dog's overall health and body functions. The inability of a poor food to support your dog's kidney health can potentially lead to kidney failure.
Most dog foods are high in protein content and this protein breaks down into amino acids. Amino acids are used by your dog's body to build and replace tissue cells. They also create urea which is a waste by-product. In a healthy dog, their kidneys and the process of urination would simply remove the urea from the blood. However, in a dog that is already suffering from kidney failure or damage, the urea will just build up in their bloodstream and literally poison your dog to death.
This is why it's so important to begin feeding a quality diet as soon as possible. Because even though you can feed specific dog foods that are designed for dog's suffering from kidney failure, they will not cure your dog once the disease has started. However, by beginning a quality dog food now, you will be giving your dog the valuable nutrition they need to fight kidney failure.
If your dog is already suffering from kidney failure, a prescription dog food that is designed with low protein content, will at least give your dog some comfort for the rest of their life. These dog foods are designed specifically to help replace missing nutritional content which is caused from the damaged kidneys. By lowering the protein content, you lower the amount of urea produced which allows for the amino acids to repair tissue cells.
The food is not only low in protein content but includes calcium, vitamin D3 and increased availability of these same nutrients. They also cut out high amounts of carbohydrates which only increase waste production in the urine. These special dog foods also show their quality by leaving out preservatives, chemicals and fillers, unlike the commercial dog foods.
Now that you understand the need for a high quality dog food diet for your dog's kidney health, what should you look for in a quality food? For a healthy dog, use your dog's individual needs and qualities to help you make a choice, including the following:
Age
Weight
Breed
Genetics
Activity Level
Energy Requirements
After evaluating each of the above factors, use the information to start narrowing down your quality food choices. Remember that commercial foods that are found in supermarkets should not be among your choices. These foods are almost always very low quality and will NOT provide your dog with the nutrition they need and are full of fillers and by-products.
It's also vital that you learn to read and understand the label ingredients. The laws regulating the pet food industry are unfortunately still lacking, the ability of these food companies to manipulate the wording on their labels could be fooling you into thinking you are getting a quality product when you are not. It's also important to consider using a dog food comparison chart once you have a few selections to make sure the foods you pick stack up.
If your dog already has kidney problems, they you definitely need to make the switch to the prescription dog foods that are made specifically for a dog with potential kidney failure and damage. The following are what some of the characteristics of a prescription kidney disease dog food:
Increased availability of nutritional ingredients.
Supplements of Vitamin D3 which your dog's body will no longer produce.
Increased Calcium for better absorption rates.
Low amounts of Phosphorus to equal out Potassium levels.
Consider adding a wet dog food mixed with the diet to increase moisture content.
Be sure to always provide plenty of fresh water for your dog. This is important so that your dog doesn't become dehydrated due to the large urine output. You should also feed your dog in limited amounts throughout the day instead of one large portion.
If your dog has a mild kidney failure and it's caught early and treated appropriately by a veterinarian, it is possible that your dog could completely recover. Unfortunately most dogs will never recovery fully and will live out their lives with some level of kidney failure that will eventually lead to their death.
Although dialysis is a possibility for a short term kidney problem, it is not a practical long term solution. Kidney transplants are slowly becoming available at a few vet medical centers but your dog would be on expensive transplant drugs to prevent rejection.
So save your precious pooch from a life ridden with health problems and find a quality dog food that is right for your them. The few extra dollars that you spend on a quality dog food will more than pay for itself in potential medical bills and medications. A quality dog food, means a happy, healthy and prolonged lifespan for your dog and that means more quality time for you to spend with your furry friend.
Dog Obedience Training - The Sit Command
Before you start one of the very first steps in puppy and basic dog obedience training, there are a few things that you should consider.
The aim of all aspects of learning how to train a puppy or dog is to make the training session fun and interesting for your dog. If it seems like just a normal training session your puppy (especially if he is a young puppy) will soon become bored and his attention will wander.
Make sure that you don't make training sessions hours long - little and often is best - twice a day of five to ten minutes is perfect.
Be clear, patient, fair and consistent - you want your puppy to succeed so make it as easy for this to happen as possible.
As we are going to be using reward based training techniques (positive reinforcement) then you will need to have some treats in your pocket and ready to give your puppy lots of praise.
We are often asked - What is the point of training your dog to sit? Well there are lots of reasons why this training technique is useful - firstly any obedience training is a great way for you and your dog or puppy to bond. Another reason is that it reinforces your position as pack leader and alpha male. Finally another useful reason to train your dog or puppy to sit is if your puppy gets over excited and starts jumping up all over you or strangers every time you or other people enter the House you can use this excellent training technique to instantly stop this behavior and remind your dog to sit and behave (just like you know he can)!
The Sit Command Step by Step.
Start by repeating your dogs name so that he knows you are working together and that the training session is about to start.
Get one of the treats and raise it above your puppy's nose and head. At this point your puppy will lift his head and an instant reaction is for your puppy to raise his head and at the same time lower his bottom.
As soon as your puppy has lowered his bottom and is in the sit position - reward him with the treat and give him lots of praise.
It really is that simple but as with any aspect of dog obedience training it may take you longer to perfect the techniques. Some people complain that their dog lies down when they ask him to sit, but if you constantly reward and praise your puppy at the right moment it wont be long before he masters exactly what you are asking.
The aim of all aspects of learning how to train a puppy or dog is to make the training session fun and interesting for your dog. If it seems like just a normal training session your puppy (especially if he is a young puppy) will soon become bored and his attention will wander.
Make sure that you don't make training sessions hours long - little and often is best - twice a day of five to ten minutes is perfect.
Be clear, patient, fair and consistent - you want your puppy to succeed so make it as easy for this to happen as possible.
As we are going to be using reward based training techniques (positive reinforcement) then you will need to have some treats in your pocket and ready to give your puppy lots of praise.
We are often asked - What is the point of training your dog to sit? Well there are lots of reasons why this training technique is useful - firstly any obedience training is a great way for you and your dog or puppy to bond. Another reason is that it reinforces your position as pack leader and alpha male. Finally another useful reason to train your dog or puppy to sit is if your puppy gets over excited and starts jumping up all over you or strangers every time you or other people enter the House you can use this excellent training technique to instantly stop this behavior and remind your dog to sit and behave (just like you know he can)!
The Sit Command Step by Step.
Start by repeating your dogs name so that he knows you are working together and that the training session is about to start.
Get one of the treats and raise it above your puppy's nose and head. At this point your puppy will lift his head and an instant reaction is for your puppy to raise his head and at the same time lower his bottom.
As soon as your puppy has lowered his bottom and is in the sit position - reward him with the treat and give him lots of praise.
It really is that simple but as with any aspect of dog obedience training it may take you longer to perfect the techniques. Some people complain that their dog lies down when they ask him to sit, but if you constantly reward and praise your puppy at the right moment it wont be long before he masters exactly what you are asking.
Stop Your Dog Pulling on the Lead
If you could change one thing about your dog, I would estimate that 9 out of 10 pet owners would say they wished their dog did not pull when walking on the lead. This article will explain why dogs pull on their leash and how you can stop this unwanted behaviour with methods used by top dog trainers.
By nature, dogs are pack animals and will instinctively follow a dog or person they accept as their pack leader. It therefore follows that in order to live in harmony with people; a dog must accept his human owner as pack leader. This is easier to achieve when raising a puppy with the required knowledge and skills, which will help him learn what acceptable behaviour is and what is not.
Pets that pull on the lead have not been trained to walk correctly. They may also not be getting sufficient exercise or mental sti8mulation, and have not accepted their owner as pack leader. Where pet owners do not have the skills and knowledge to train their dog and be a calm, assertive pack leader, the dog may decide that he must assume this role himself. This can lead to numerous unwanted behaviours in the dog. Here are some techniques used by dog trainers to prevent dogs pulling on the lead:
• Keep on a very short lead, with the dog on your left side. Use the command "heel" and reward regularly with treats to keep your dogs attention on you. Stop walking, and only move forward when the dog becomes calm. The dog will respond better if you walk with a brisk pace, as this is his more natural gait. This is particularly true for large, energetic breeds.
• Carry a bag of treats and reward your dog for staying by your side and keeping his attention on you.
• With the dog on a loose lead, stop or change direction when your dog pulls. Say the word "heel" as you tap your thigh lightly. If he does not respond, give a gentle tug on the lead. Continue until the dog starts pulling, and then change direction again.
• Only let your dog off the lead after he has walked at your side for 10 - 15 minutes. After 10 minutes of walking off lead and having the freedom to sniff around, put his leash back on and repeat the on lead walking session.
Dogs may respond differently to the various training methods, so you should find out what works best for your own dog. In addition to using the above methods, there are some excellent dog halters and harnesses which help to control your dog.
By nature, dogs are pack animals and will instinctively follow a dog or person they accept as their pack leader. It therefore follows that in order to live in harmony with people; a dog must accept his human owner as pack leader. This is easier to achieve when raising a puppy with the required knowledge and skills, which will help him learn what acceptable behaviour is and what is not.
Pets that pull on the lead have not been trained to walk correctly. They may also not be getting sufficient exercise or mental sti8mulation, and have not accepted their owner as pack leader. Where pet owners do not have the skills and knowledge to train their dog and be a calm, assertive pack leader, the dog may decide that he must assume this role himself. This can lead to numerous unwanted behaviours in the dog. Here are some techniques used by dog trainers to prevent dogs pulling on the lead:
• Keep on a very short lead, with the dog on your left side. Use the command "heel" and reward regularly with treats to keep your dogs attention on you. Stop walking, and only move forward when the dog becomes calm. The dog will respond better if you walk with a brisk pace, as this is his more natural gait. This is particularly true for large, energetic breeds.
• Carry a bag of treats and reward your dog for staying by your side and keeping his attention on you.
• With the dog on a loose lead, stop or change direction when your dog pulls. Say the word "heel" as you tap your thigh lightly. If he does not respond, give a gentle tug on the lead. Continue until the dog starts pulling, and then change direction again.
• Only let your dog off the lead after he has walked at your side for 10 - 15 minutes. After 10 minutes of walking off lead and having the freedom to sniff around, put his leash back on and repeat the on lead walking session.
Dogs may respond differently to the various training methods, so you should find out what works best for your own dog. In addition to using the above methods, there are some excellent dog halters and harnesses which help to control your dog.
Top 10 Watch Dog Breeds
For hundreds of years, humans have employed dogs to alert us to the presence of danger. Dogs are naturally protective, making them well-suited for the role of alerting their "pack" when something is awry. Guard dogs and watch dogs are not the same. A guard dog not only alerts the family to danger, it is large and powerful enough to intimidate and subdue an intruder. A watch dog will not usually attack; instead, they will alert their owners anytime a stranger approaches.
A dog need not be especially large or aggressive to make a good watch dog. A strong bark is all it takes to alert the family to an approaching stranger. Would-be intruders are often deterred just by hearing the bark. Just about any dog that barks when something out of the ordinary is happening can serve as a watch dog. However, there are some breeds that are renowned for their excellent watch dog abilities.
1. Boston Terrier: One of few truly American breeds, the Boston Terrier is compact, yet muscular. They are protective of their home and family while being gentle and friendly at the same time. Boston Terriers have a strong bark that alerts their owner when a stranger approaches.
2. American Eskimo: The American Eskimo is a small to medium sized dog that descended from the German "Spitz" line. They were bred for hundreds of years as watch dogs. The Eskimo forms a close bond with family and has a strong distrust of strangers. They are excellent at watching over people and property.
3. French Bulldog: The French Bulldog is a natural guardian and devoted companion. They do not have the biggest bark, but they always alert their family to approaching strangers or unusual noises.
4. Chihuahua: The Chihuahua may be small, but they pack a huge bark. As if trying to make up for their small size, they bark vigorously and ensure you are aware when someone is approaching your property.
5. Pekingese: The Pekingese's bark rivals that of the Chihuahua. They are a regal toy breed with an incredibly enthusiastic bark. They enjoy being pampered, but take the job of alerting their family to danger very seriously.
6. Miniature Pinscher: Many people assume that the Miniature Pinscher is a descendant of the Doberman Pinscher. To the contrary, the Miniature Pinscher is the older of the two. They are a cross between terrier and greyhound. The Miniature Pinscher is a very inquisitive breed and will always alert their owner when a stranger is nearby.
7. Irish Setter: The Irish Setter is energetic, friendly and beautiful. While larger than some watch dogs, they won't attack an intruder, but they are excellent at alerting you to potential danger.
8. Standard and Miniature Schnauzer: Both of these German breeds make great watch dogs. They are not only protective, but intelligent and reliable as well.
9. Schipperke: Nicknamed Skips, Schipperke (pronounced "skipper-kee") were bred to be hunters, companions and watchdogs. They excel in all three areas.
10. Norwegian Elkhound: The ancestors of these courageous watch dogs served with the Vikings. They are brave, bold and athletic.
A dog need not be especially large or aggressive to make a good watch dog. A strong bark is all it takes to alert the family to an approaching stranger. Would-be intruders are often deterred just by hearing the bark. Just about any dog that barks when something out of the ordinary is happening can serve as a watch dog. However, there are some breeds that are renowned for their excellent watch dog abilities.
1. Boston Terrier: One of few truly American breeds, the Boston Terrier is compact, yet muscular. They are protective of their home and family while being gentle and friendly at the same time. Boston Terriers have a strong bark that alerts their owner when a stranger approaches.
2. American Eskimo: The American Eskimo is a small to medium sized dog that descended from the German "Spitz" line. They were bred for hundreds of years as watch dogs. The Eskimo forms a close bond with family and has a strong distrust of strangers. They are excellent at watching over people and property.
3. French Bulldog: The French Bulldog is a natural guardian and devoted companion. They do not have the biggest bark, but they always alert their family to approaching strangers or unusual noises.
4. Chihuahua: The Chihuahua may be small, but they pack a huge bark. As if trying to make up for their small size, they bark vigorously and ensure you are aware when someone is approaching your property.
5. Pekingese: The Pekingese's bark rivals that of the Chihuahua. They are a regal toy breed with an incredibly enthusiastic bark. They enjoy being pampered, but take the job of alerting their family to danger very seriously.
6. Miniature Pinscher: Many people assume that the Miniature Pinscher is a descendant of the Doberman Pinscher. To the contrary, the Miniature Pinscher is the older of the two. They are a cross between terrier and greyhound. The Miniature Pinscher is a very inquisitive breed and will always alert their owner when a stranger is nearby.
7. Irish Setter: The Irish Setter is energetic, friendly and beautiful. While larger than some watch dogs, they won't attack an intruder, but they are excellent at alerting you to potential danger.
8. Standard and Miniature Schnauzer: Both of these German breeds make great watch dogs. They are not only protective, but intelligent and reliable as well.
9. Schipperke: Nicknamed Skips, Schipperke (pronounced "skipper-kee") were bred to be hunters, companions and watchdogs. They excel in all three areas.
10. Norwegian Elkhound: The ancestors of these courageous watch dogs served with the Vikings. They are brave, bold and athletic.
Does Your Dog Have Obedience Problems?
Having a well-behaved dog adds to your happiness, while having a naughty and disobedient pet can really add stress to your life. Sometimes it's hard to assess the obedience of your pet if you really love him or her.
If you wonder if your pet could benefit from a dog training session, here are some questions to ask yourself:
1- When you call your dog, how long do you have to wait until he comes?
2- Does your dog pull on the leash when you take him or her for a walk?
3- If given the chance, does your dog escape from the house or yard and run away from you?
4- Does your dog...
a. Fight with other animals often?
b. Bite people, children, or other animals?
c. Chew hoses, sofa cushions, shoes, or other undesirable items when you are not looking?
d. Have accidents in the house sometimes?
e. Get into garbage cans if the opportunity arises?
f. Leap up after you tell him to stay?
g. Jump up to greet you or strangers, putting his paws on you?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, your dog would benefit from some intensive canine obedience training. If your dog continues in his or her ways and misbehavior isn't corrected, this isn't good for you or your dog. The biggest question is if you always enjoy every moment you spend with your pet. If you don't, then it might be a good idea to find a qualified dog trainer in your area.
If you wonder if your pet could benefit from a dog training session, here are some questions to ask yourself:
1- When you call your dog, how long do you have to wait until he comes?
2- Does your dog pull on the leash when you take him or her for a walk?
3- If given the chance, does your dog escape from the house or yard and run away from you?
4- Does your dog...
a. Fight with other animals often?
b. Bite people, children, or other animals?
c. Chew hoses, sofa cushions, shoes, or other undesirable items when you are not looking?
d. Have accidents in the house sometimes?
e. Get into garbage cans if the opportunity arises?
f. Leap up after you tell him to stay?
g. Jump up to greet you or strangers, putting his paws on you?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, your dog would benefit from some intensive canine obedience training. If your dog continues in his or her ways and misbehavior isn't corrected, this isn't good for you or your dog. The biggest question is if you always enjoy every moment you spend with your pet. If you don't, then it might be a good idea to find a qualified dog trainer in your area.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Compulsive Behavior That is Exhibited in Dogs
There are many different dogs that suffer from compulsive behavior. These types of behaviors are identified as those that are repetitive and seem to be almost irresistible to indulge in. If a canine experiences this type of behavior issue, they will be observed engaging in the same types of behavior on a regular basis. While this may seem normal for many dogs, if it interferes with their day to day lives, it is considered to be an issue. When observing a dog with a compulsion issue, you will often discover that they continue to indulge in their behavior, despite the fact that there is no need to.
It is important to understand that dogs that display the symptoms associated with canine compulsion will engage in the behaviors that they engage in continuously throughout the day. In some cases, the dog will indulge in these activities from the time that they wake up until the time that they fall asleep. There are many different types of behaviors that a dog could suffer from when experiencing this issue. They are as follows:
Many dogs will spin on a consistent manner.
It is not at all unusual for a dog to chase their tails, cars, or other objects.
Many dogs will bark on a continuous basis with no reason.
Many become obsessed with playing with certain types of toys.
It is not at all unusual for a dog to chase lights or even shadows that are visible to them.
Many dogs may lick themselves in a compulsive manner.
It is important to realize that many dogs that belong to a certain breed may indulge in behaviors that are compulsive. It is common for the breeds such as the Doberman Pincher and the Golden Retrievers to become obsessed and indulge in certain behaviors on a consistent manner. In other cases, there are specific reasons why a dog may start to display compulsive behaviors. Many dogs may indulge in a particular activity after experiencing a physical complication or a certain type of trauma. If a dog is exposed to high levels of stress or experiences anxiety on a consistent level, it is quite likely that they will develop certain types of obsessions and compulsions in order to deal with those complications. The following represents some situations that could result in compulsive acts:
If a dog is confined to one area for an extensive amount of time or does not like the fact that they are confined, they could start engaging in certain behaviors on a regular basis.
If a dog is kept in isolation and is not permitted to interact with other animals or even people, they may engage in certain behaviors in order to properly contend with the issue.
If a dog experiences distress or uncomfortable emotions, he may start to act out in a compulsive way.
Physical and verbal abuse could result in complications with a dog's behavior.
If you find that your dog suffers from acts of compulsion, it is important to seek attention from a certified trainer. Behavior modification is the most appropriate treatment for the condition.
It is important to understand that dogs that display the symptoms associated with canine compulsion will engage in the behaviors that they engage in continuously throughout the day. In some cases, the dog will indulge in these activities from the time that they wake up until the time that they fall asleep. There are many different types of behaviors that a dog could suffer from when experiencing this issue. They are as follows:
Many dogs will spin on a consistent manner.
It is not at all unusual for a dog to chase their tails, cars, or other objects.
Many dogs will bark on a continuous basis with no reason.
Many become obsessed with playing with certain types of toys.
It is not at all unusual for a dog to chase lights or even shadows that are visible to them.
Many dogs may lick themselves in a compulsive manner.
It is important to realize that many dogs that belong to a certain breed may indulge in behaviors that are compulsive. It is common for the breeds such as the Doberman Pincher and the Golden Retrievers to become obsessed and indulge in certain behaviors on a consistent manner. In other cases, there are specific reasons why a dog may start to display compulsive behaviors. Many dogs may indulge in a particular activity after experiencing a physical complication or a certain type of trauma. If a dog is exposed to high levels of stress or experiences anxiety on a consistent level, it is quite likely that they will develop certain types of obsessions and compulsions in order to deal with those complications. The following represents some situations that could result in compulsive acts:
If a dog is confined to one area for an extensive amount of time or does not like the fact that they are confined, they could start engaging in certain behaviors on a regular basis.
If a dog is kept in isolation and is not permitted to interact with other animals or even people, they may engage in certain behaviors in order to properly contend with the issue.
If a dog experiences distress or uncomfortable emotions, he may start to act out in a compulsive way.
Physical and verbal abuse could result in complications with a dog's behavior.
If you find that your dog suffers from acts of compulsion, it is important to seek attention from a certified trainer. Behavior modification is the most appropriate treatment for the condition.
Do Loud Noises Frighten Your Dog?
Things that go bump in the night are fairly common. That sudden loud clap of thunder that wakes us from a sound sleep can also get your dog to jump higher than it ever has before and be in the bed with you. Perhaps as the thunder rolls in, your dog heads under the bed or to a corner in the house that isn't usually inhabited. Not uncommon at all.
Fear of loud noises is a response to a potentially threatening situation is one of the protective mechanisms in the animal world. Phobias and fears can start when your dog is a puppy or at any other stage of their life. Finding your dog trembling at your feet during a storm is not unusual. Some dogs hear the noise long before we do and react accordingly.
These fears can occur after a series of events or after one traumatic event. Their fears can be reinforced if the noise occurs frequently. Some dogs just do not tolerate the sounds that cause fear. It is possible that the fear increases with each exposure to the sound. It is also possible that this phobia for loud noises can spread to other sounds other than thunder. You may find your dog frightened by a car backfiring or the sound of fireworks.
Your scared dog will usually seek some kind of human companionship. You are the leader and you are expected to protect him.
It's possible that there are underlying causes for these fears. An examination by your veterinarian may be in order to be sure the dog is healthy. If the problem is too extreme, a behaviorist may need to be consulted.
One of the big problems with dogs who have these fears is that if the storm or other noise occurs when you are away, what will they do? Chances are there will be some destruction in your home, or your dog escapes from your yard. There may be urination or bowel movements that never occur under usual circumstances.
Distraction will help. First you may videotape the occurrence to verify that this is the reason. If it is there are steps that you can take.
When you leave home, keep the radio or television on. The white noise can distract the dog and provide a safe place for him. It's a usual sound and he is likely to seek it out in times of fear. Often the simple techniques will work.
If these tips don't work you may need to take your dog to a veterinarian. Consultation with a behaviorist who will work with you to desensitive your dog may be in order. In extreme cases your veterinarian may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication to help with his fears.
At home if you know a storm is approaching and your dog is mildly anxious, the simple task of redirecting your dogs attention to some other activity will help. Don't pet and coddle, this will reinforce the fear and be counterproductive. Find the dog's favorite toy and play a little game or use some other distraction to keep him busy.
Fear of loud noises is a response to a potentially threatening situation is one of the protective mechanisms in the animal world. Phobias and fears can start when your dog is a puppy or at any other stage of their life. Finding your dog trembling at your feet during a storm is not unusual. Some dogs hear the noise long before we do and react accordingly.
These fears can occur after a series of events or after one traumatic event. Their fears can be reinforced if the noise occurs frequently. Some dogs just do not tolerate the sounds that cause fear. It is possible that the fear increases with each exposure to the sound. It is also possible that this phobia for loud noises can spread to other sounds other than thunder. You may find your dog frightened by a car backfiring or the sound of fireworks.
Your scared dog will usually seek some kind of human companionship. You are the leader and you are expected to protect him.
It's possible that there are underlying causes for these fears. An examination by your veterinarian may be in order to be sure the dog is healthy. If the problem is too extreme, a behaviorist may need to be consulted.
One of the big problems with dogs who have these fears is that if the storm or other noise occurs when you are away, what will they do? Chances are there will be some destruction in your home, or your dog escapes from your yard. There may be urination or bowel movements that never occur under usual circumstances.
Distraction will help. First you may videotape the occurrence to verify that this is the reason. If it is there are steps that you can take.
When you leave home, keep the radio or television on. The white noise can distract the dog and provide a safe place for him. It's a usual sound and he is likely to seek it out in times of fear. Often the simple techniques will work.
If these tips don't work you may need to take your dog to a veterinarian. Consultation with a behaviorist who will work with you to desensitive your dog may be in order. In extreme cases your veterinarian may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication to help with his fears.
At home if you know a storm is approaching and your dog is mildly anxious, the simple task of redirecting your dogs attention to some other activity will help. Don't pet and coddle, this will reinforce the fear and be counterproductive. Find the dog's favorite toy and play a little game or use some other distraction to keep him busy.
Dog Training Tips - Do Not Take Medication to Calm an Aggressive Dog
Dogs are said to be a man's best friend. But there are many things that a dog's owner has to take care of. Some people even take medication to calm an aggressive dog. Every breed of dog has its own specific set of requirements. Some of them would not survive in hot climate, while some others cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. The question is- how to understand the behavioral patterns, requirements, and physical characteristics of them? To understand this, we need to delve deep into the psyche of dogs, keep a watch on their attributes, and also see what thing(s) please/irritate them.
Please read this dog training tips carefully. Dog owners who find it difficult to train their dogs must watch a training video. You do not need to take medication to calm an aggressive dog. Some breed of dogs are easy to train, there are some breeds that would not be willing to listen to the owner. A dog training video simplifies everything. Just as it is so easy to learn cooking by watching a trained cook demonstrate cooking through a video, a dog trainer through video can help dog owners understand the techniques to train a dog.
There are numerous advantages of purchasing these training video. First, you don't have to pay hundreds of dollars to a dog trainer. Second, you never have to go out of your house to learn dog training tips. Third, if you fail to understand certain part of the training course, you can always rewind and brush up the lesson.
Making your dog obey you when you ask him to lift his paw or sit, is not a child's play. Advanced training involves making your puppy perform a somersault, or stand on its hind legs. This training video would have an adept trainer explain the training lessons slowly, in clear language without much jargon. There should be live examples to show the training process.
There are hundreds of dog training videos available on the Internet. Be selective while deciding upon which dog training tips and video to purchase. Remember, a good course will produce a good result.You do not need to take medication to calm an aggressive dog anymore, because with you can train and change them.
Please read this dog training tips carefully. Dog owners who find it difficult to train their dogs must watch a training video. You do not need to take medication to calm an aggressive dog. Some breed of dogs are easy to train, there are some breeds that would not be willing to listen to the owner. A dog training video simplifies everything. Just as it is so easy to learn cooking by watching a trained cook demonstrate cooking through a video, a dog trainer through video can help dog owners understand the techniques to train a dog.
There are numerous advantages of purchasing these training video. First, you don't have to pay hundreds of dollars to a dog trainer. Second, you never have to go out of your house to learn dog training tips. Third, if you fail to understand certain part of the training course, you can always rewind and brush up the lesson.
Making your dog obey you when you ask him to lift his paw or sit, is not a child's play. Advanced training involves making your puppy perform a somersault, or stand on its hind legs. This training video would have an adept trainer explain the training lessons slowly, in clear language without much jargon. There should be live examples to show the training process.
There are hundreds of dog training videos available on the Internet. Be selective while deciding upon which dog training tips and video to purchase. Remember, a good course will produce a good result.You do not need to take medication to calm an aggressive dog anymore, because with you can train and change them.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Getting Rid of Dog Lice
Dogs can get lice even if they get groomed and cleaned everyday. This is the most common problem with dogs as they carry lice as a host. Vet should be contacted as soon as the symptoms appear. Early treatment can help in getting rid from this problem in an effective manner. Lice plague has many signs of its occurrence and that should not be ignored. For instance, the plague having lice can cause harsh irritations and can produce signs of illness. Lice in dogs can also bring some other diseases in them and turn them into complicated diseases like dog anemia.
Microscopic structure of dog lice emerges to be flat, gray and wingless. They are scroungers which are around 12 inches long. They very slowly shift from their places and sometimes stick to one place. One very important fact about dog lice is that it can not exist without host's body. It needs a cat or a dog to live on it and to ensure its existence.
These are of two different kinds. First of them bites the skin of the animal and feeds itself on those skin flakes. And the other kind of dog lice attaches strictly itself to the skin of the animal and feeds itself with the blood. The second kind of lice is more dangerous as they not only suck the pet's blood but also cause severe irritation by breaking through the skin and feeding itself on it. If the dog scratches hard and harshly, then you should check him because it is a major sign of having dog lice.
The majority of dog lice find its place in the anus, ears, shoulders or neck. They are pretty big in size and lay their eggs on the pet's hair. You can see those ticks sitting on the pet's hair. They just look like dust pieces in the initial stage. The cure for dog lice is not very difficult. Dog lice can not resist to insecticides and so it should be spread in form of spray to kill those lice. This is the easiest way to cure these.
Microscopic structure of dog lice emerges to be flat, gray and wingless. They are scroungers which are around 12 inches long. They very slowly shift from their places and sometimes stick to one place. One very important fact about dog lice is that it can not exist without host's body. It needs a cat or a dog to live on it and to ensure its existence.
These are of two different kinds. First of them bites the skin of the animal and feeds itself on those skin flakes. And the other kind of dog lice attaches strictly itself to the skin of the animal and feeds itself with the blood. The second kind of lice is more dangerous as they not only suck the pet's blood but also cause severe irritation by breaking through the skin and feeding itself on it. If the dog scratches hard and harshly, then you should check him because it is a major sign of having dog lice.
The majority of dog lice find its place in the anus, ears, shoulders or neck. They are pretty big in size and lay their eggs on the pet's hair. You can see those ticks sitting on the pet's hair. They just look like dust pieces in the initial stage. The cure for dog lice is not very difficult. Dog lice can not resist to insecticides and so it should be spread in form of spray to kill those lice. This is the easiest way to cure these.
Aggression in Dogs Can Be Due to a Medical Condition
If you look through news articles from around the country, you'll find at least one incident of a dog attack nearly every day. Usually more. Then you'll read comments from people saying we should ban certain breeds because of their aggression.
But behind every aggressive act by a dog there is a reason. There is no one breed that is more dangerous than another. It depends on how they are raised, how well they are socialized during the first few important weeks of their lives, whether or not they are kept on a chain, how much training they have and how healthy they are.
Dog owners don't always consider it, but a medical problem can be the cause of an otherwise docile dog becoming aggressive. Here are a few possible causes or contributors to a dog's aggression:
1. Hypothyroidism - A condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce as much thyroid hormone as is needed. Some signs of this problem could be weight gain, loss of hair and lethargy. Running a blood test can determine the level of thyroid hormone and whether or not treatment is needed in the form of medication.
Hypothyroidism is not an all or nothing condition, though. There are various degrees of this problem. A dog may only exhibit one or 2 of the signs and be in the 25 percentile range of normal, whereas a healthy dog would be in the 50 to 100 percentile range. This is still low enough to need treatment and can be a potential cause of aggression that does not seem to have an obvious reason behind it or seems to be excessive for the circumstances. Raising the thyroid hormone level by giving synthetic thyroid hormone can cause a dramatic improvement.
2. Neurological problems - If a dog is born with or develops a neurological problem due to head trauma, for instance, this can cause the dog to see the world differently than a normal dog. This can bring on inappropriate behavior and aggression due to fear or the need to self-protect. Some of the neurological problems include:
a. Hydrocephalus - a condition in which the spaces in the brain that are filled with fluid become enlarged and the surrounding brain tissue becomes thinned and compressed. This is most common in toy and short-nosed breeds. There may not be any clinical signs in mild cases, but in the more pronounced cases aggression may be a sign that something is going on in the brain. This can be diagnosed by a CT (computed tomography) or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
b. Encephalitis - This can be bacterial or viral. Any condition where there is inflammation of the brain can cause symptoms such as aggression.
c. Head trauma - When the brain is traumatized, swelling and bleeding can effect the functioning of the brain in that region. Aggression can be a result.
d. Brain tumors - When an elderly dog suddenly shows signs of aggression for no obvious reason, the possibility of a brain tumor should be explored. This can be diagnosed by the use of a CT or MRI.
3. Behavioral seizures - Partial seizures in an area of the brain that controls aggression can cause sudden unprovoked aggressive attacks. The specific breeds that are known for this sudden, sometimes violent behavior are the Springer spaniel, bull terrier, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, cocker spaniel, golden retriever, and poodle.
The clinical signs for this type of seizure-related aggression are different than any other type of aggression. They include:
a. A change of mood just before the seizure
b. Sudden aggression, usually violent, for no obvious reason
c. Aggressive body language or posturing, which can last throughout the seizure attack, which could be minutes, hours or even days.
d. Signs of involuntary discharge of the salivary glands and anal glands and dilated pupils.
An EEG (electroencephalogram) will often show if there are abnormalities.
So if you or someone you know has a dog that has suddenly become aggressive for no apparent reason, have it checked out by a veterinarian. There might just be a very real medical condition causing the problem and with treatment and medication, the aggressive behavior could completely disappear.
But behind every aggressive act by a dog there is a reason. There is no one breed that is more dangerous than another. It depends on how they are raised, how well they are socialized during the first few important weeks of their lives, whether or not they are kept on a chain, how much training they have and how healthy they are.
Dog owners don't always consider it, but a medical problem can be the cause of an otherwise docile dog becoming aggressive. Here are a few possible causes or contributors to a dog's aggression:
1. Hypothyroidism - A condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce as much thyroid hormone as is needed. Some signs of this problem could be weight gain, loss of hair and lethargy. Running a blood test can determine the level of thyroid hormone and whether or not treatment is needed in the form of medication.
Hypothyroidism is not an all or nothing condition, though. There are various degrees of this problem. A dog may only exhibit one or 2 of the signs and be in the 25 percentile range of normal, whereas a healthy dog would be in the 50 to 100 percentile range. This is still low enough to need treatment and can be a potential cause of aggression that does not seem to have an obvious reason behind it or seems to be excessive for the circumstances. Raising the thyroid hormone level by giving synthetic thyroid hormone can cause a dramatic improvement.
2. Neurological problems - If a dog is born with or develops a neurological problem due to head trauma, for instance, this can cause the dog to see the world differently than a normal dog. This can bring on inappropriate behavior and aggression due to fear or the need to self-protect. Some of the neurological problems include:
a. Hydrocephalus - a condition in which the spaces in the brain that are filled with fluid become enlarged and the surrounding brain tissue becomes thinned and compressed. This is most common in toy and short-nosed breeds. There may not be any clinical signs in mild cases, but in the more pronounced cases aggression may be a sign that something is going on in the brain. This can be diagnosed by a CT (computed tomography) or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
b. Encephalitis - This can be bacterial or viral. Any condition where there is inflammation of the brain can cause symptoms such as aggression.
c. Head trauma - When the brain is traumatized, swelling and bleeding can effect the functioning of the brain in that region. Aggression can be a result.
d. Brain tumors - When an elderly dog suddenly shows signs of aggression for no obvious reason, the possibility of a brain tumor should be explored. This can be diagnosed by the use of a CT or MRI.
3. Behavioral seizures - Partial seizures in an area of the brain that controls aggression can cause sudden unprovoked aggressive attacks. The specific breeds that are known for this sudden, sometimes violent behavior are the Springer spaniel, bull terrier, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, cocker spaniel, golden retriever, and poodle.
The clinical signs for this type of seizure-related aggression are different than any other type of aggression. They include:
a. A change of mood just before the seizure
b. Sudden aggression, usually violent, for no obvious reason
c. Aggressive body language or posturing, which can last throughout the seizure attack, which could be minutes, hours or even days.
d. Signs of involuntary discharge of the salivary glands and anal glands and dilated pupils.
An EEG (electroencephalogram) will often show if there are abnormalities.
So if you or someone you know has a dog that has suddenly become aggressive for no apparent reason, have it checked out by a veterinarian. There might just be a very real medical condition causing the problem and with treatment and medication, the aggressive behavior could completely disappear.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
A Jealous Dog Can Be Dangerous
Dogs and humans have several behavioral traits that are similar. One easily recognizable trait is jealousy. Some dogs, like some humans, become extremely possessive of their owners and other family members, striking out aggressively at rivals. A jealous dog wants exclusive access to its owner's attention and affection. Such a dog will exhibit angry aggressive behavior toward any person or animal that the dog perceives is intruding upon its relationship with the owner. Bringing a new baby into a home is often a cause for jealously in dogs.
Jealous dogs exhibit behaviors such as barking at the object of jealousy, barking at you when you are giving your attention to the object of jealousy, always being underfoot, tearing things up, and regression from learned housetraining behaviors.
A dog's guarding instinct is a mechanism similar to jealousy wherein the dog's jealousy extends to expecting exclusive access to the entire household in which it lives. Dogs can react viciously whenever a person or dog is allowed access to the home, even if is done with the obvious approval of the dog's owner.
This jealousy is an exaggerated manifestation of a dog's innate need to guard its possession of items like bones or chew toys. Dogs will aggressively guard them against use by both humans and other animals. This behavioral characteristic of some dogs is not a serious a problem as jealousy or the guarding behavior, except where children are involved in inadvertently touching a dog's possessions.
One common manifestation of jealousy in dogs results from the complex relationship with a mother dog, her puppies, and her owner. Unlike humans, a canine mother does not maintain the maternal instinct for her children for the remainder of her life. As soon as the puppies are able to survive on their own, particularly when the mother is again in heat, her maternal instinct for the current litter wanes. During this period, owners try to treat all the dogs with equal care and attention, but to no avail. The mother dog sees her owner's attention being diverted away from her toward the puppies, and becomes jealous. This can escalate to the point where she might actually become aggressive toward the pups.
She may begin ignoring the pups and trying to exclude them from the maternal nest. Continued efforts by her owner to treat the puppies as coequal members of the household exacerbate the mother dog's jealousy. Her jealousy may actually cause her to direct her aggressiveness toward the owner.
As the puppies age and becomes more mature, the mother no longer recognizes them as "family." The growing puppies become strangers - interlopers. A conscientious owner will train the dogs to behave while he or she is present. When the owner is away, however, the mother may revert to aggressive behavior in order to drive the youngster away from the nest where her new litter will be cared for. Woe be it to the maturing puppy who deigns to take one of the mother's toys or other guarded possessions.
If the owner intends to keep the maturing pups as a permanent part of the household, he will have to treat them as non-related dogs, and train them and socialize them to live together as well socialized dogs, not as mother and pups. The owner should give the jealous dog a little of extra attention to show the dog that it is important to the owner. He should also determine what actions are actually causing the jealousy, and try to mitigate it.
Never tolerate bad behavior. As owner, it is your responsibility to train the dog to adjust to whatever new situation arises in the home.
Jealous dogs exhibit behaviors such as barking at the object of jealousy, barking at you when you are giving your attention to the object of jealousy, always being underfoot, tearing things up, and regression from learned housetraining behaviors.
A dog's guarding instinct is a mechanism similar to jealousy wherein the dog's jealousy extends to expecting exclusive access to the entire household in which it lives. Dogs can react viciously whenever a person or dog is allowed access to the home, even if is done with the obvious approval of the dog's owner.
This jealousy is an exaggerated manifestation of a dog's innate need to guard its possession of items like bones or chew toys. Dogs will aggressively guard them against use by both humans and other animals. This behavioral characteristic of some dogs is not a serious a problem as jealousy or the guarding behavior, except where children are involved in inadvertently touching a dog's possessions.
One common manifestation of jealousy in dogs results from the complex relationship with a mother dog, her puppies, and her owner. Unlike humans, a canine mother does not maintain the maternal instinct for her children for the remainder of her life. As soon as the puppies are able to survive on their own, particularly when the mother is again in heat, her maternal instinct for the current litter wanes. During this period, owners try to treat all the dogs with equal care and attention, but to no avail. The mother dog sees her owner's attention being diverted away from her toward the puppies, and becomes jealous. This can escalate to the point where she might actually become aggressive toward the pups.
She may begin ignoring the pups and trying to exclude them from the maternal nest. Continued efforts by her owner to treat the puppies as coequal members of the household exacerbate the mother dog's jealousy. Her jealousy may actually cause her to direct her aggressiveness toward the owner.
As the puppies age and becomes more mature, the mother no longer recognizes them as "family." The growing puppies become strangers - interlopers. A conscientious owner will train the dogs to behave while he or she is present. When the owner is away, however, the mother may revert to aggressive behavior in order to drive the youngster away from the nest where her new litter will be cared for. Woe be it to the maturing puppy who deigns to take one of the mother's toys or other guarded possessions.
If the owner intends to keep the maturing pups as a permanent part of the household, he will have to treat them as non-related dogs, and train them and socialize them to live together as well socialized dogs, not as mother and pups. The owner should give the jealous dog a little of extra attention to show the dog that it is important to the owner. He should also determine what actions are actually causing the jealousy, and try to mitigate it.
Never tolerate bad behavior. As owner, it is your responsibility to train the dog to adjust to whatever new situation arises in the home.
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