Dog|dog-123.com
Jun
28
Filed Under (Pets) by dog
John Williams Dog Training asked:
Dog comfort is a big issue for your dog and getting it wrong can cause your dog to be grumpy, aggravated more easily, and in a worse state of health than if they sleep in a more adequate place, but what is perfect sleeping conditions for your dog?
Much research has been done on the way dogs sleep and what they find more comfortable and where it is best for it to be, but in this article we will only cut out the uninteresting bits and give you the best requirements for your dog.
Your dog will sleep an average of 11-12 hours a day, and as they get older that number will increase more because older dogs need more time to regain their energy back. If your dog isn’t getting enough sleep it may be because you’re not doing one of the following requirements of a dogs sleeping comfort.
To begin, the chosen area needs to be well away from drafts and doorways which could cause drafts and cold air to circulate around your dog, if your dog is cold any muscle and joint pains they have will worsen and make it hard for your dog to sleep.
For padding, you should ensure a really soft space that will help to support the body fully. Use a cushion or lots of blankets to make the padding, to again help any aching joint problems and give maximum support and sleep comfort to your dog.
The last issue is the placing of your dogs bed, dogs need to be easily accessible for the family to care for them, but they don’t like to have their routines broken all the time so keeping the dog bed in the same place is essential to keep you dog happy, if the dog bed is always moved it will cause them to be uncomfortable in their new surroundings and be overly aware of unfamiliar noises.
FRANKLYN
Dog comfort is a big issue for your dog and getting it wrong can cause your dog to be grumpy, aggravated more easily, and in a worse state of health than if they sleep in a more adequate place, but what is perfect sleeping conditions for your dog?
Much research has been done on the way dogs sleep and what they find more comfortable and where it is best for it to be, but in this article we will only cut out the uninteresting bits and give you the best requirements for your dog.
Your dog will sleep an average of 11-12 hours a day, and as they get older that number will increase more because older dogs need more time to regain their energy back. If your dog isn’t getting enough sleep it may be because you’re not doing one of the following requirements of a dogs sleeping comfort.
To begin, the chosen area needs to be well away from drafts and doorways which could cause drafts and cold air to circulate around your dog, if your dog is cold any muscle and joint pains they have will worsen and make it hard for your dog to sleep.
For padding, you should ensure a really soft space that will help to support the body fully. Use a cushion or lots of blankets to make the padding, to again help any aching joint problems and give maximum support and sleep comfort to your dog.
The last issue is the placing of your dogs bed, dogs need to be easily accessible for the family to care for them, but they don’t like to have their routines broken all the time so keeping the dog bed in the same place is essential to keep you dog happy, if the dog bed is always moved it will cause them to be uncomfortable in their new surroundings and be overly aware of unfamiliar noises.
FRANKLYN
Jun
22
Filed Under (Pets) by dog
Loloy Diango asked:
For quite a long time now, dogs have been considered an important member of the human family. The time and effort that we spend caring for our dogs have always translated into lifelong loyalties and friendships forged between us and our furry friends. No wonder the dog has been called “man’s best friend”.
Owning a dog can be a rewarding and happy experience for the entire family. Deciding to own a dog should be an important decision, a matter that cannot be taken superficially, simply because a dog is not just a furry being, an amusing present, or a fun diversion.
Basic dog obedience training is certainly a necessity for all dogs. Basic dog obedience training is more than just telling a dog to do what we want him to do. It is a way of teaching a dog to behave properly or in a way we deem proper under certain specific conditions or circumstances.
Proper dog obedience training is definitely not a “do-it-quick” thing. It is a continuous, life-long process – a work in constant progress. It should continue for the lifetime of a dog. Dog obedience training – whether basic or advanced – has never become more important than today when a lot of dog owners bring their pet dogs to so many places where they go.
Proper dog obedience training should begin when a dog is still a puppy. The first four months of a dog’s life are very important in his training. This is the specific period when he learns behaviors that he will practice in his lifetime. This is the right time to teach your dog basic commands such as sit and fetch.
It is to be noted that dog obedience training methods or procedures are not created equal. There are various training types, approaches and methodologies which have come to be developed through the years that deal with dog obedience training.
But positive dog obedience training is quickly becoming the preferred method of dog training. This method of training is possible for just about every young dog.
Obedience training should be fun and rewarding for both you and your dog. A dog who has undertaken good training is confident and friendly and can be given greater social freedom than a dog who has not been trained at all. A trained dog will dutifully do basic commands issued by his owner.
Dog obedience training is more than just training your dog, it involves teaching the dog owner too. Going through dog obedience training is something every dog owner should do. It should be a worthwhile experience for both the dog and the dog owner.
And because training is all about communication, it is important that dog owners need to learn to communicate with their dog. Talk to your dog. Tell your dog you love him every day. Even if you don’t say “I love you” to your furry friend, look him square in the eyes and say something – anything.
We all like to be recognized and accepted as a family member. Dogs understand human language more than we think they do. Get your dog’s attention just as you would a person: call him by his name and look right at him when talking to him.
One of the basic obedience training points relevant in this regard is teaching your dog to sit on command. Training your dog to sit is probably the first thing you will train your dog to do.
To start the training: say “sit” while gently pressing his rump down and holding a treat above your dog’s head. When a dog is forced to look upward, he will automatically sit on his hind legs.
When you want your dog to sit, hold a treat a bit above his head and say “sit”. As the dog sits, say sit again and then immediately give him the treat. Your dog should drop into a sitting position in order to reach the food.
Another favorite basic command that we like to teach our dogs is fetch. Teaching your dog to fetch promotes bonding and is a great way to give your dog some exercise.
To do this, first throw a ball – but not too far, though – and give the command “fetch”. As the dog inevitably starts to run towards it, yell “fetch” again. If there is no ball available for you to use, you can use any object that your dog loves to play with the most, as this would make him want to fetch it.
Be reminded not to play fetch with heavy objects or sticks as this could injure your dog somehow or damage his teeth.
The most basic of dog obedience training is to get your dog to sit and fetch. As I said at the start of this article, proper dog obedience training is not a “do-it-quick” thing: it is a continuous, life-long process – a work in constant progress.
Dog obedience training is also a very physical activity, so getting tired and exhausted is all part of it. And doing it is never without any risk of injury, especially concerning more aggressive dog breeds.
Having said that, dog obedience training is certainly a must for all dogs. One major mistake many pet owners make is to assume that training a dog will be over in a short span of time. That, of course, is a gross misconception. Training your dog continues throughout your dog’s life.
Dog obedience training is definitely a breeze with the proper attitude of the dog owner and under proper conditions. Start training your dog today and make his life and yours a lot more better in the future.
DEVON
For quite a long time now, dogs have been considered an important member of the human family. The time and effort that we spend caring for our dogs have always translated into lifelong loyalties and friendships forged between us and our furry friends. No wonder the dog has been called “man’s best friend”.
Owning a dog can be a rewarding and happy experience for the entire family. Deciding to own a dog should be an important decision, a matter that cannot be taken superficially, simply because a dog is not just a furry being, an amusing present, or a fun diversion.
Basic dog obedience training is certainly a necessity for all dogs. Basic dog obedience training is more than just telling a dog to do what we want him to do. It is a way of teaching a dog to behave properly or in a way we deem proper under certain specific conditions or circumstances.
Proper dog obedience training is definitely not a “do-it-quick” thing. It is a continuous, life-long process – a work in constant progress. It should continue for the lifetime of a dog. Dog obedience training – whether basic or advanced – has never become more important than today when a lot of dog owners bring their pet dogs to so many places where they go.
Proper dog obedience training should begin when a dog is still a puppy. The first four months of a dog’s life are very important in his training. This is the specific period when he learns behaviors that he will practice in his lifetime. This is the right time to teach your dog basic commands such as sit and fetch.
It is to be noted that dog obedience training methods or procedures are not created equal. There are various training types, approaches and methodologies which have come to be developed through the years that deal with dog obedience training.
But positive dog obedience training is quickly becoming the preferred method of dog training. This method of training is possible for just about every young dog.
Obedience training should be fun and rewarding for both you and your dog. A dog who has undertaken good training is confident and friendly and can be given greater social freedom than a dog who has not been trained at all. A trained dog will dutifully do basic commands issued by his owner.
Dog obedience training is more than just training your dog, it involves teaching the dog owner too. Going through dog obedience training is something every dog owner should do. It should be a worthwhile experience for both the dog and the dog owner.
And because training is all about communication, it is important that dog owners need to learn to communicate with their dog. Talk to your dog. Tell your dog you love him every day. Even if you don’t say “I love you” to your furry friend, look him square in the eyes and say something – anything.
We all like to be recognized and accepted as a family member. Dogs understand human language more than we think they do. Get your dog’s attention just as you would a person: call him by his name and look right at him when talking to him.
One of the basic obedience training points relevant in this regard is teaching your dog to sit on command. Training your dog to sit is probably the first thing you will train your dog to do.
To start the training: say “sit” while gently pressing his rump down and holding a treat above your dog’s head. When a dog is forced to look upward, he will automatically sit on his hind legs.
When you want your dog to sit, hold a treat a bit above his head and say “sit”. As the dog sits, say sit again and then immediately give him the treat. Your dog should drop into a sitting position in order to reach the food.
Another favorite basic command that we like to teach our dogs is fetch. Teaching your dog to fetch promotes bonding and is a great way to give your dog some exercise.
To do this, first throw a ball – but not too far, though – and give the command “fetch”. As the dog inevitably starts to run towards it, yell “fetch” again. If there is no ball available for you to use, you can use any object that your dog loves to play with the most, as this would make him want to fetch it.
Be reminded not to play fetch with heavy objects or sticks as this could injure your dog somehow or damage his teeth.
The most basic of dog obedience training is to get your dog to sit and fetch. As I said at the start of this article, proper dog obedience training is not a “do-it-quick” thing: it is a continuous, life-long process – a work in constant progress.
Dog obedience training is also a very physical activity, so getting tired and exhausted is all part of it. And doing it is never without any risk of injury, especially concerning more aggressive dog breeds.
Having said that, dog obedience training is certainly a must for all dogs. One major mistake many pet owners make is to assume that training a dog will be over in a short span of time. That, of course, is a gross misconception. Training your dog continues throughout your dog’s life.
Dog obedience training is definitely a breeze with the proper attitude of the dog owner and under proper conditions. Start training your dog today and make his life and yours a lot more better in the future.
DEVON
Jun
18
Filed Under (Dogs) by dog
misha515 asked:
I have a 2 year old dog and she is fully house trained. She has never gone in her crate or in the house by accident. But if my friends dog is in our house, or we go over my brother’s house for a holiday, she’ll *** on the rug. Does anyone else have this problem? I guess she’s jealous or something. I yell at her but every once in awhile she’ll do it. How can I get her to stop? I’m not going to tell my friend to leave her dog home, and I can’t give her 100% attention at a party.
CARMEN
I have a 2 year old dog and she is fully house trained. She has never gone in her crate or in the house by accident. But if my friends dog is in our house, or we go over my brother’s house for a holiday, she’ll *** on the rug. Does anyone else have this problem? I guess she’s jealous or something. I yell at her but every once in awhile she’ll do it. How can I get her to stop? I’m not going to tell my friend to leave her dog home, and I can’t give her 100% attention at a party.
CARMEN
Jun
12
Filed Under (Pets) by dog
Chris Smith asked:
One of the most common questions dog owners are forced to address is how to train a dog not to bark.
Dogs love to bark. It’s a perfectly natural thing for your dog to do, just as it’s normal for us humans to speak.
It’s when our dogs bark excessively that it becomes a problem for all concerned - including our neighbours.
Considering this, our goal isn’t to to stop our dogs from barking, but rather how to control the excessive barking.
There are of course situations when we want our dogs to bark (and I guess there are also times when I like my chatty aunty to speak!;)
Training our dogs to stop or at least reduce their barking habit can be a very difficult task.
The first step in modifying this problem is to determine the reason why your dog is barking in the first place. Once you’ve identified the cause or trigger, you can then plan your training solution.
Why Do Dogs Bark?
- To express their needs (being bossy).
- Some dogs are bred to bark (some terriers and hounds).
- They are staking out their territory.
- To alert other members of their pack (that’s you and your family) of impending danger.
- When playing, just through sheer excitement.
- Barking at other animals. Depending on where you are in the world, it could be squirrels or any other small animal.
- If they are isolated.
- Some dogs bark excessively when seperated from their pack (you and your family).
- If they are trapped behind some type of barrier like a fence or window.
- Just for fun!
- To express dominance (puppies normally test you out at some stage with a display of dominance barking).
- They bark because their owners have inadvertently rewarded excessive barking in the past (this is crucial to understand).
- Through boredom or a lack of physical and mental stimulation.
- May feel stressed or uncomfortable for some reason. Things like feeling threatened or if they don’t have an appropriate place to sleep can cause excessive barking problems.
- Dogs that haven’t been properly socialized often become nuisance barkers.
- May be looking for a response or some attention from their pack.
Another thing to keep in mind is that even though it may appear to you that your dog is barking at nothing, this is not necessarily the case. This is due to the fact that your dog has a much more acute sense of hearing, smell and sight than us humans. Your dogs excessive barking is probably being triggered by something.
How To Stop Your Dog From Barking
Ok, now we’ve sorted out the reason for your dogs barking problem, we can put some training techniques in place to control it.
The most important piece of advice to remember when trying to modify any dog behavioral problem, is to clearly communicate to your dog what is acceptable behavior and what is not.
One of the biggest mistakes us dog owners make is to inadvertently reward our dogs excessive barking. We actually encourage and reinforce the barking problem when we commit these three dog training sins:
- Yell and scream at the dog, this just gives them the attention they were crying out for.
- Let them inside. If your dog is barking his head off outside, then you let him in, this just rewards the barking.
- If your dog is barking and you react by giving him a comforting cuddle or a treat of some sort, you are definately encouraging your dog to bark again. By doing this you are communicating to your dog that you are happy with him. You should be making it clear that his excessive barking is inappropriate.
Right, lets get stuck into some proven techniques to stop your dog from barking. I’ve listed the most common reasons why your dog may be barking, and some suggested solutions you can try.
Dog Goes Crazy Every Time The Phone Rings
This is a very common and annoying time for dogs to bark excessively. Try these training techniques:
- Never yell at your dog.
- Get your dog used to the phone ringing, don’t make it such a big deal. Ring your home number from your cell phone or get a friend to keep calling you. When the phone rings just sit there, don’t say or do a thing. Repeat this process over a few days, your dog will probably continue to bark for a while but will give up before long.
- If you give your dog basic obedience training, behavioral problems such as excessive barking are easily controlled. Your dog looks up to you as their pack leader and is eager to please you in any situation. Teaching the Quiet! or Stop! obedience training command will soon correct nuisance barking problems.
- You may have some success by changing the tone and volume of your ring tone.
Dog Barks When You Are Not Home
I’m not going to pretend this type of barking will be easy for you to control, because in reality it is often a difficult and lengthy process.
Always remember that dogs are social creatures, when they are seperated from their pack (you) they can become stressed and frustrated. This type of excessive barking is often caused by seperation anxiety.
- Firstly I’d say just use your common sense and get these dog ownership basics right. Keep your dog well exercised (physical and mental) and provide fresh water, chewing toys and a nice comfortable place to sleep. You can also try to block your dogs view of the street or other distractions. Basically, make sure your dog is happy.
- If you know your dog has been barking while you have been away, you must ignore him for a while when you return home. I understand this is difficult for lots of owners, but otherwise your dog believes that his barking is the reason you came back home to him. Just go about your business for a little while when you get home, ignoring your dog. When your dog has settled down, you then initiate contact with him.
- This next method takes time and patience, but can be a very effective way to stop your dog from barking. It’s based on that important rule applicable to all training situations. Praise or reward when your dog does something good, create a negative association when he does something bad. Leave the house as you normally would, but just hide somewhere nearby. When your dog starts to bark spray him with water or throw a tin can full of coins or rocks in his direction (this is the negative association). Try to keep out of your dogs sight while doing this if possible. Go and hide again, if he is quiet for a while, go in and reward his good behavior with some praise and maybe a treat. This process may need to be repeated over and over until you have broken the excessive barking habit.
- The above techniques have proven to be successful with my own dogs, but if they don’t work for you, maybe you could try a Citronella Collar. Again this method uses the power of negative association. Every time your dog barks, a fine mist of citronella is sprayed into the air. Most dogs **** the smell, and soon realise if they don’t bark, the smell isn’t there to bother them. If you have more than one dog this method is not a suitable solution.
Dog Barks For Attention Or To Demand Something
This is one excessive barking problem that can be corrected very quickly. - If you establish yourself as the pack leader or alpha dog in your owner-dog relationship, this type of barking problem won’t occur. You’ll also form a strong bond with your dog based on trust and respect.
- Another effective method you can try to stop this attention barking is simply ignoring your dog. Your dog will probably become frustrated and bark alot initially, but once he realizes that it is not getting him anywhere, he will stop. This training method can be hard on the ears for a while!
Dog Barks At Passers By
Workers like the Postman and Delivery Driver’s are constantly being barked at throughout their day.
Your dog perceives these type of people as intruders or a threat to their territory. The dog then barks and every time he barks he is rewarded, as the intruder goes away. Your dog is then very pleased that he has averted this threat, which leads him to do it again and again. His behavior is reinforced and therefore this can be a difficult problem to turn around.
- If possible, you could try to block your dogs vision or access to the area where these people pass by.
- Dog obedience training is the best solution to this type of excessive barking. Once you have your dog properly obedience trained, you will be able to communicate to him that this is unacceptable behavior.
- If your dog consistently barks at a particular person, you may need this person to help modify your dogs behavior. Just say your dog gets really agitated each time the postman arrives. Have a chat to your postman and give him some of your dogs very favorite treats. Each time he delivers to your house, he can also deliver a tasty treat to your dog. In your dogs mind the postman goes from being a threat, to a welcome guest.
How To Train A Dog Not To Bark
In extreme cases of excessive barking, where all else has failed, some people advocate debarking surgery. I’ve never needed to go down this path with any of my dogs, and don’t think I ever would. But if you have come to the end of the line and think you have run out of options, you could discuss debarking surgery with your Veterinarian.
Good luck in trying to control your dog’s excessive barking. If you consistently apply the above training techniques and add a little patience, you should have your dog under control before long.
CEDRICK
One of the most common questions dog owners are forced to address is how to train a dog not to bark.
Dogs love to bark. It’s a perfectly natural thing for your dog to do, just as it’s normal for us humans to speak.
It’s when our dogs bark excessively that it becomes a problem for all concerned - including our neighbours.
Considering this, our goal isn’t to to stop our dogs from barking, but rather how to control the excessive barking.
There are of course situations when we want our dogs to bark (and I guess there are also times when I like my chatty aunty to speak!;)
Training our dogs to stop or at least reduce their barking habit can be a very difficult task.
The first step in modifying this problem is to determine the reason why your dog is barking in the first place. Once you’ve identified the cause or trigger, you can then plan your training solution.
Why Do Dogs Bark?
- To express their needs (being bossy).
- Some dogs are bred to bark (some terriers and hounds).
- They are staking out their territory.
- To alert other members of their pack (that’s you and your family) of impending danger.
- When playing, just through sheer excitement.
- Barking at other animals. Depending on where you are in the world, it could be squirrels or any other small animal.
- If they are isolated.
- Some dogs bark excessively when seperated from their pack (you and your family).
- If they are trapped behind some type of barrier like a fence or window.
- Just for fun!
- To express dominance (puppies normally test you out at some stage with a display of dominance barking).
- They bark because their owners have inadvertently rewarded excessive barking in the past (this is crucial to understand).
- Through boredom or a lack of physical and mental stimulation.
- May feel stressed or uncomfortable for some reason. Things like feeling threatened or if they don’t have an appropriate place to sleep can cause excessive barking problems.
- Dogs that haven’t been properly socialized often become nuisance barkers.
- May be looking for a response or some attention from their pack.
Another thing to keep in mind is that even though it may appear to you that your dog is barking at nothing, this is not necessarily the case. This is due to the fact that your dog has a much more acute sense of hearing, smell and sight than us humans. Your dogs excessive barking is probably being triggered by something.
How To Stop Your Dog From Barking
Ok, now we’ve sorted out the reason for your dogs barking problem, we can put some training techniques in place to control it.
The most important piece of advice to remember when trying to modify any dog behavioral problem, is to clearly communicate to your dog what is acceptable behavior and what is not.
One of the biggest mistakes us dog owners make is to inadvertently reward our dogs excessive barking. We actually encourage and reinforce the barking problem when we commit these three dog training sins:
- Yell and scream at the dog, this just gives them the attention they were crying out for.
- Let them inside. If your dog is barking his head off outside, then you let him in, this just rewards the barking.
- If your dog is barking and you react by giving him a comforting cuddle or a treat of some sort, you are definately encouraging your dog to bark again. By doing this you are communicating to your dog that you are happy with him. You should be making it clear that his excessive barking is inappropriate.
Right, lets get stuck into some proven techniques to stop your dog from barking. I’ve listed the most common reasons why your dog may be barking, and some suggested solutions you can try.
Dog Goes Crazy Every Time The Phone Rings
This is a very common and annoying time for dogs to bark excessively. Try these training techniques:
- Never yell at your dog.
- Get your dog used to the phone ringing, don’t make it such a big deal. Ring your home number from your cell phone or get a friend to keep calling you. When the phone rings just sit there, don’t say or do a thing. Repeat this process over a few days, your dog will probably continue to bark for a while but will give up before long.
- If you give your dog basic obedience training, behavioral problems such as excessive barking are easily controlled. Your dog looks up to you as their pack leader and is eager to please you in any situation. Teaching the Quiet! or Stop! obedience training command will soon correct nuisance barking problems.
- You may have some success by changing the tone and volume of your ring tone.
Dog Barks When You Are Not Home
I’m not going to pretend this type of barking will be easy for you to control, because in reality it is often a difficult and lengthy process.
Always remember that dogs are social creatures, when they are seperated from their pack (you) they can become stressed and frustrated. This type of excessive barking is often caused by seperation anxiety.
- Firstly I’d say just use your common sense and get these dog ownership basics right. Keep your dog well exercised (physical and mental) and provide fresh water, chewing toys and a nice comfortable place to sleep. You can also try to block your dogs view of the street or other distractions. Basically, make sure your dog is happy.
- If you know your dog has been barking while you have been away, you must ignore him for a while when you return home. I understand this is difficult for lots of owners, but otherwise your dog believes that his barking is the reason you came back home to him. Just go about your business for a little while when you get home, ignoring your dog. When your dog has settled down, you then initiate contact with him.
- This next method takes time and patience, but can be a very effective way to stop your dog from barking. It’s based on that important rule applicable to all training situations. Praise or reward when your dog does something good, create a negative association when he does something bad. Leave the house as you normally would, but just hide somewhere nearby. When your dog starts to bark spray him with water or throw a tin can full of coins or rocks in his direction (this is the negative association). Try to keep out of your dogs sight while doing this if possible. Go and hide again, if he is quiet for a while, go in and reward his good behavior with some praise and maybe a treat. This process may need to be repeated over and over until you have broken the excessive barking habit.
- The above techniques have proven to be successful with my own dogs, but if they don’t work for you, maybe you could try a Citronella Collar. Again this method uses the power of negative association. Every time your dog barks, a fine mist of citronella is sprayed into the air. Most dogs **** the smell, and soon realise if they don’t bark, the smell isn’t there to bother them. If you have more than one dog this method is not a suitable solution.
Dog Barks For Attention Or To Demand Something
This is one excessive barking problem that can be corrected very quickly. - If you establish yourself as the pack leader or alpha dog in your owner-dog relationship, this type of barking problem won’t occur. You’ll also form a strong bond with your dog based on trust and respect.
- Another effective method you can try to stop this attention barking is simply ignoring your dog. Your dog will probably become frustrated and bark alot initially, but once he realizes that it is not getting him anywhere, he will stop. This training method can be hard on the ears for a while!
Dog Barks At Passers By
Workers like the Postman and Delivery Driver’s are constantly being barked at throughout their day.
Your dog perceives these type of people as intruders or a threat to their territory. The dog then barks and every time he barks he is rewarded, as the intruder goes away. Your dog is then very pleased that he has averted this threat, which leads him to do it again and again. His behavior is reinforced and therefore this can be a difficult problem to turn around.
- If possible, you could try to block your dogs vision or access to the area where these people pass by.
- Dog obedience training is the best solution to this type of excessive barking. Once you have your dog properly obedience trained, you will be able to communicate to him that this is unacceptable behavior.
- If your dog consistently barks at a particular person, you may need this person to help modify your dogs behavior. Just say your dog gets really agitated each time the postman arrives. Have a chat to your postman and give him some of your dogs very favorite treats. Each time he delivers to your house, he can also deliver a tasty treat to your dog. In your dogs mind the postman goes from being a threat, to a welcome guest.
How To Train A Dog Not To Bark
In extreme cases of excessive barking, where all else has failed, some people advocate debarking surgery. I’ve never needed to go down this path with any of my dogs, and don’t think I ever would. But if you have come to the end of the line and think you have run out of options, you could discuss debarking surgery with your Veterinarian.
Good luck in trying to control your dog’s excessive barking. If you consistently apply the above training techniques and add a little patience, you should have your dog under control before long.
CEDRICK
Jun
11
Filed Under (Pets) by dog
John Williams Dog Training asked:
The heel command is another very important and popular command for your dog along with many others listed on www.dog-behavior-training.co.uk, taking the time to teach your dog this command will save you hours of getting annoyed when your dog doesn’t behave on long or short walks around your local area.
The reason dogs are so ‘badly behaved’ when it comes to going for walks can be for many different reasons but the most common in many homes is the excitement of wondering the streets with all the new smells, tastes, and other local dogs to discover.
The best times to train your dog and get them to do exactly what you want without too much fuss is before feeding times, if your dog wants something they will give you a lot more attention than normal. Also puppy’s and younger dogs are better to train, even with them getting over excited over everything, puppies and young dogs will be much better behaved and easier to train when they get older.
The heel command, when performed well and properly is used to stop your dog or puppy in their tracks, drop everything and return to your left hand side. Any distractions should be left alone and your dog should carry on walking closely by your side.
To begin with you will need to go in a fairly open space with enough room to move around and walk around properly, and you will need to use a lead to gently correct your dog in this exercise.
Begin by tapping your thigh saying ‘heel’ to get your dogs attention and them to come towards you, when they are by your side wait a couple of seconds then start to stride forwards, at this point your unknowing dog or puppy will try to run off ahead. If this happens you should turn in the opposite direction letting the lead go slack for 5-10 feet, start to walk in the opposite direction and as soon as the slack goes in the lead your dog will realise you have gone in the opposite direction and run towards you again.
At this point repeat the first step of commanding heel to get your dog by your side. Continue doing this exercise for 10 – 15 minutes and about 2-3 times a day. Before long your dog will become used to coming to your side and obeying you whenever you command heel.
When your dog gets used to doing this command try going in circles, in figure of eight, and changing directions suddenly, if the command is still working then try your dog on short walks and then build your way up to longer walks as you progress.
Never use the lead to discipline and roughly tug on, if you feel yourself getting annoyed then you should stop and continue at a later date when you are calmer. Keep repeating the process and your dog will eventually come to respect you. Some dogs take longer than others to train so be prepared for this behavior.
ABDUL
The heel command is another very important and popular command for your dog along with many others listed on www.dog-behavior-training.co.uk, taking the time to teach your dog this command will save you hours of getting annoyed when your dog doesn’t behave on long or short walks around your local area.
The reason dogs are so ‘badly behaved’ when it comes to going for walks can be for many different reasons but the most common in many homes is the excitement of wondering the streets with all the new smells, tastes, and other local dogs to discover.
The best times to train your dog and get them to do exactly what you want without too much fuss is before feeding times, if your dog wants something they will give you a lot more attention than normal. Also puppy’s and younger dogs are better to train, even with them getting over excited over everything, puppies and young dogs will be much better behaved and easier to train when they get older.
The heel command, when performed well and properly is used to stop your dog or puppy in their tracks, drop everything and return to your left hand side. Any distractions should be left alone and your dog should carry on walking closely by your side.
To begin with you will need to go in a fairly open space with enough room to move around and walk around properly, and you will need to use a lead to gently correct your dog in this exercise.
Begin by tapping your thigh saying ‘heel’ to get your dogs attention and them to come towards you, when they are by your side wait a couple of seconds then start to stride forwards, at this point your unknowing dog or puppy will try to run off ahead. If this happens you should turn in the opposite direction letting the lead go slack for 5-10 feet, start to walk in the opposite direction and as soon as the slack goes in the lead your dog will realise you have gone in the opposite direction and run towards you again.
At this point repeat the first step of commanding heel to get your dog by your side. Continue doing this exercise for 10 – 15 minutes and about 2-3 times a day. Before long your dog will become used to coming to your side and obeying you whenever you command heel.
When your dog gets used to doing this command try going in circles, in figure of eight, and changing directions suddenly, if the command is still working then try your dog on short walks and then build your way up to longer walks as you progress.
Never use the lead to discipline and roughly tug on, if you feel yourself getting annoyed then you should stop and continue at a later date when you are calmer. Keep repeating the process and your dog will eventually come to respect you. Some dogs take longer than others to train so be prepared for this behavior.
ABDUL
Jun
11
Filed Under (Automotive) by dog
David Amos asked:
Introduction
Your dog’s health and wellbeing is important to you and your family. Not to mention keeping down the cost of veterinarian bills! So you need to carefully consider the food that you give your dog. People sometimes just pick the first dog food bag they see at the store. It’s easy to overlook the importance of dog food but it is essential to pick the right one for your dog.
To keep your dog healthy he needs plenty of fresh water and should be fed good quality dog food in amounts just right to meet his energy requirements. Always follow the guidelines on the dog food package for recommended feeding amounts.
Picking a dog food
The first challenge in choosing a dog food is picking one that has overall quality. The term that comes up a lot about dog food is human grade. Human grade implies that the dog food is good enough for us to eat. Many commercial dog foods are made from materials unusable or less desirable for human consumption. Often the meat that is used in dog food is of a quality considered unfit for humans to eat.
Major dog food companies try to provide balanced proportions of vitamins and minerals for maximum benefit to your dog. Although you may see that many brands of dog food have almost identical labels, a reputable dog food company will provide an explanation for each supplement and how it benefits your dog.
Always read the label to see what proteins, vitamins and minerals are being provided to your dog. Try not to use store brand dog food they may short change your dog on much needed nutrition.
Studies have shown that the primary ingredient in dog food should be meat-based protein, not corn meal, flour or corn gluten meal. According to reviews a better quality dog food results in a healthier coat, fewer digestive problems and firmer stools. Pet-nutrition experts agree that the best dog food is made from human-grade ingredients like meat, whole grains and vegetables. Premium dog food is so important because good nutrition is essential for a long, healthy life.
Types of dog food
There are many varieties of dog food to choose from. The three most popular types of dog foods are dry, semi-moist and canned products. Check the color of your dog food. Usually dog food made from natural ingredients will have soft earth tones and contain no preservatives, artificial colors and flavors.
Raw dog food is becoming more popular. More and more veterinarians recommend feeding your dog with raw dog food. They feel that this is the best choice and is the healthiest food for your dog. After all, you’ve never seen your dog enjoy commercial dog food the way he enjoys a good meaty bone.
Raw food advocates concede the diet costs more than traditional dog food, but they argue it’s worth it. You may find that locating free natural home made dog food recipes is not easy. Try making a mixture of ground turkey, rice and carrot as your own dog food. Your dog will thank you for it.
If you decide to go the commercial route, try and choose a good premium dog food since it contains more energy and protein than an economy brand. Unfortunately not all dog food brands contain high quality and natural ingredients, so always check the label. It is best if you seek advice from your veterinarian before deciding on which dog food to feed your dog or puppy. He will know your dog’s dietary needs and you will find that veterinary offices and feed stores often carry excellent and natural dog food.
All Natural Dog Food
Many natural dog foods contain only fresh, natural and wholesome ingredients for your dog. Not only are the protein ingredients digestible, but the carbohydrates in the dog food are digestible. Natural dog food has 100% nutritional value which is important for healthy strong dogs. Chicken, egg and fish are examples of protein that is provided in natural dog food. There are also ingredients in natural dog food that really help the health of your dog’s skin and also your dog’s coat. One of the main draw backs of natural dog food is that it has a shorter shelf life and may spoil before it is used.
Dried Dog Food
A good high quality dry dog food will work out to be more economical than the generic brands even though they cost more per pound. A vast majority of dog owners go for dry dog food for its convenience and ease of storage. The cheaper dry dog foods are made from soybean, corn or rice, while many premium dry dog foods are made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients.
Vegetarian dog foods
There are dog foods specially formulated for dogs that are allergic to wheat, corn, and/or chicken. There are also vegetarian dog foods marketed to owners who do not want their dogs to consume meat products. Most vegetarian dog foods use soy as a protein source. If your dog has allergies consult your vet before putting him on a specialized diet.
Conclusion
Overall it’s usually best to let dogs enjoy dog food and not our food, even though they may prefer what we’re eating! Of course you can feed your dog treats from time to time, every dog needs some TLC from time to time!
CARROLL
Introduction
Your dog’s health and wellbeing is important to you and your family. Not to mention keeping down the cost of veterinarian bills! So you need to carefully consider the food that you give your dog. People sometimes just pick the first dog food bag they see at the store. It’s easy to overlook the importance of dog food but it is essential to pick the right one for your dog.
To keep your dog healthy he needs plenty of fresh water and should be fed good quality dog food in amounts just right to meet his energy requirements. Always follow the guidelines on the dog food package for recommended feeding amounts.
Picking a dog food
The first challenge in choosing a dog food is picking one that has overall quality. The term that comes up a lot about dog food is human grade. Human grade implies that the dog food is good enough for us to eat. Many commercial dog foods are made from materials unusable or less desirable for human consumption. Often the meat that is used in dog food is of a quality considered unfit for humans to eat.
Major dog food companies try to provide balanced proportions of vitamins and minerals for maximum benefit to your dog. Although you may see that many brands of dog food have almost identical labels, a reputable dog food company will provide an explanation for each supplement and how it benefits your dog.
Always read the label to see what proteins, vitamins and minerals are being provided to your dog. Try not to use store brand dog food they may short change your dog on much needed nutrition.
Studies have shown that the primary ingredient in dog food should be meat-based protein, not corn meal, flour or corn gluten meal. According to reviews a better quality dog food results in a healthier coat, fewer digestive problems and firmer stools. Pet-nutrition experts agree that the best dog food is made from human-grade ingredients like meat, whole grains and vegetables. Premium dog food is so important because good nutrition is essential for a long, healthy life.
Types of dog food
There are many varieties of dog food to choose from. The three most popular types of dog foods are dry, semi-moist and canned products. Check the color of your dog food. Usually dog food made from natural ingredients will have soft earth tones and contain no preservatives, artificial colors and flavors.
Raw dog food is becoming more popular. More and more veterinarians recommend feeding your dog with raw dog food. They feel that this is the best choice and is the healthiest food for your dog. After all, you’ve never seen your dog enjoy commercial dog food the way he enjoys a good meaty bone.
Raw food advocates concede the diet costs more than traditional dog food, but they argue it’s worth it. You may find that locating free natural home made dog food recipes is not easy. Try making a mixture of ground turkey, rice and carrot as your own dog food. Your dog will thank you for it.
If you decide to go the commercial route, try and choose a good premium dog food since it contains more energy and protein than an economy brand. Unfortunately not all dog food brands contain high quality and natural ingredients, so always check the label. It is best if you seek advice from your veterinarian before deciding on which dog food to feed your dog or puppy. He will know your dog’s dietary needs and you will find that veterinary offices and feed stores often carry excellent and natural dog food.
All Natural Dog Food
Many natural dog foods contain only fresh, natural and wholesome ingredients for your dog. Not only are the protein ingredients digestible, but the carbohydrates in the dog food are digestible. Natural dog food has 100% nutritional value which is important for healthy strong dogs. Chicken, egg and fish are examples of protein that is provided in natural dog food. There are also ingredients in natural dog food that really help the health of your dog’s skin and also your dog’s coat. One of the main draw backs of natural dog food is that it has a shorter shelf life and may spoil before it is used.
Dried Dog Food
A good high quality dry dog food will work out to be more economical than the generic brands even though they cost more per pound. A vast majority of dog owners go for dry dog food for its convenience and ease of storage. The cheaper dry dog foods are made from soybean, corn or rice, while many premium dry dog foods are made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients.
Vegetarian dog foods
There are dog foods specially formulated for dogs that are allergic to wheat, corn, and/or chicken. There are also vegetarian dog foods marketed to owners who do not want their dogs to consume meat products. Most vegetarian dog foods use soy as a protein source. If your dog has allergies consult your vet before putting him on a specialized diet.
Conclusion
Overall it’s usually best to let dogs enjoy dog food and not our food, even though they may prefer what we’re eating! Of course you can feed your dog treats from time to time, every dog needs some TLC from time to time!
CARROLL
Jun
10
Filed Under (Dogs) by dog
hurricanehick asked:
I live in a very rural area . My dogs are trained to stay on my land and will not cross the fence line. My neighbor has a large unneutered male that comes over and bothers my dogs, does his “business” on my property marks his territory (My outdoor furniture etc). It has gotten to the point I cannot go out with the dogs without him coming over. I contacted the neighbor and was told buy a BB gun and shoot him. I have yelled, thrown rocks and done everything humanely possible. There is a fence but the line is a long one and he just keeps finding ways to get in. He is not a mean dog, just poorly trained and generally dirty and unhealthy . The neighbors have a history of dogs getting hit by cars, dieing from eating rotten animal carcas’ and yet they let their dogs run wild. I know I have a right to shoot him if he is on my property but I just do not want to go that route.
DEMETRIUS
I live in a very rural area . My dogs are trained to stay on my land and will not cross the fence line. My neighbor has a large unneutered male that comes over and bothers my dogs, does his “business” on my property marks his territory (My outdoor furniture etc). It has gotten to the point I cannot go out with the dogs without him coming over. I contacted the neighbor and was told buy a BB gun and shoot him. I have yelled, thrown rocks and done everything humanely possible. There is a fence but the line is a long one and he just keeps finding ways to get in. He is not a mean dog, just poorly trained and generally dirty and unhealthy . The neighbors have a history of dogs getting hit by cars, dieing from eating rotten animal carcas’ and yet they let their dogs run wild. I know I have a right to shoot him if he is on my property but I just do not want to go that route.
DEMETRIUS
Jun
09
Filed Under (Dogs) by dog
dogsbestfriend27 asked:
I would like to know in a multi-dog household if there were more issues with food aggression or dog to dog aggression around the food bowls? So if they were on table scraps for their meals what feeding behaviors did you see?
CODY
I would like to know in a multi-dog household if there were more issues with food aggression or dog to dog aggression around the food bowls? So if they were on table scraps for their meals what feeding behaviors did you see?
CODY
Jun
08
Filed Under (Pets) by dog
Annette Masse asked:
A dog’s normal behavior is chewing. Obviously, it is not acceptable to permit your dog to chew clothing, furniture, stuffed toys, shoes, or even the remote control. Dogs can even chew a hole in a house large enough for it to escape; an occurrence that once happened with the dog of a friend of mine. A computer mouse and numerous remote controls were also victims of chewing by the same dog.
Understanding why dogs chew is the first step. During the teething stage, puppies will often want to chew. A dog will put anything in its mouth to make the pain disappear, similar to what baby children do during their teething stage. When dogs age into adults, their chewing habits are usually attributed to boredom or separation anxiety. Some dogs chew as part of their play ritual, and others chew just because the item tastes particularly good. Regardless, chewing behaviors from adult dogs are an undesirable trait.
Here is a list of some of the more destructive habits of dogs.
Teething
Mouthing
Boredom
Fear
Play
Attention Seeking
Just tastes Good
All puppies go through the teething stage. For human children, there are topical gels available that parents can rub on the gums to alleviate pain and discomfort. This same type of topical gel has been used on puppies by a number of veterinarians. Teething is a natural stage of puppy development, and there are many products to assist the puppy during this time. There are manufacturers of hard rubber and plastic toys who specifically design their products for puppies that are teething. A few at-home techniques include giving your puppy normal ice cubes to chew on, or to tie a damp wash cloth into a knot and freeze it. Give it to the puppy to chew on when he seems to be experiencing discomfort. Often. the frozen washcloth technique only works for small breed puppies. One idea, that avoids confusion as to what is his and what is yours, is to give a frozen bagel to the teething dog. This gives the dog something to gnaw on to aid the teething process, and is also a treat to encourage him to chew on it. I purchase the bags of smaller bagels. It is a very effective way to conquer teething problems.
Mouthing: It is the norm for little puppies (as young as 8 weeks old) to have really sharp baby teeth. These young dogs tend to bite during times of play and excitement. The mouthing behavior needs to be discouraged. This is the style in which young dogs speak with each other. Some pet owners like to play rough with their puppies, and they often return with a small bite mark as a result. Do not encourage this type of behavior, but rather, teach your dog that it is unacceptable.
Boredom: If you are absent from your dog for extended period of time, it will become bored and look elsewhere for something to do. One way the dog can pass the time is by finding something to chew. Getting your dog more exercise will be beneficial for them and you. Although walking some dogs relaxes them and tires them out, other dogs can be energized by the experience. If the latter is the case, a good solution is to take some down time with your dog immediately after a walk. This will create a strong bond between you and your dog, and strengthen your relationship. Once again, using frozen pizza dough or frozen bagels makes for a good chew toy for a puppy.
Fear - Sometimes, when frightened, dogs may chew on items. Loud noises, like those that occur during thunderstorms, can frighten some dogs. Dogs also become agitated by the presence of other dogs, and if another dog walks past the window, your dog may start barking, chewing the window frames, and so on. These types of actions are a result of defensive behaviors. The “down stay” command, as covered in earlier dog articles, is one of the most effective techniques when dealing with these types of behaviors. If the dog is acting in a negative manner, put a positive spin on the situation before attempting to teach this command. Give the “down stay” command to the dog after first removing him from the window. Find a way to relax the dog as you sit with him. This allows the dog to achieve a calm state of mind.
Play- Additional training will usually end any biting or chewing that happens while your dog is playing. Energy levels vary between individual dogs, and as such, some dogs have higher amounts of energy than others. This type of dog requires a significant amount of exercise to supplement the recommended training. Introduction of structured activities, such as jumping or fetch, will help the dog get necessary exercise during play time. During play time and exercises, practice many “down stays” in as many locations as possible.
Attention Seekers - Some dogs desire more attention from their owners than they are receiving, and strive to gain that attention through a behavior they know works. Common attention seeking behaviors include barking, chewing, spinning, stealing, and limping. As the dog is attempting to receive any sort of attention by chewing, negative reinforcement by the owner will not cause this behavior to stop. If no attention is brought to the poor behavior, it will often times go away on it’s own.
Just Tastes Good - As common sense dictates, if an item tastes good to a dog, that dog is more likely to want to chew it. Items that are at risk of being chewed are ones that are palatable to a dog. This means that some items have a pleasant taste or texture to the dog. Examples of these items include stuffed animals, shoes, and most furniture. If your puppy is going through the inevitable chewing stage, it is wise not to leave these things laying around.
Chewing is usually not an issue for dogs that are healthy, have space of their own to roam, and exercise often. If it does become a problem, try the frozen bagels.
ALLEN
A dog’s normal behavior is chewing. Obviously, it is not acceptable to permit your dog to chew clothing, furniture, stuffed toys, shoes, or even the remote control. Dogs can even chew a hole in a house large enough for it to escape; an occurrence that once happened with the dog of a friend of mine. A computer mouse and numerous remote controls were also victims of chewing by the same dog.
Understanding why dogs chew is the first step. During the teething stage, puppies will often want to chew. A dog will put anything in its mouth to make the pain disappear, similar to what baby children do during their teething stage. When dogs age into adults, their chewing habits are usually attributed to boredom or separation anxiety. Some dogs chew as part of their play ritual, and others chew just because the item tastes particularly good. Regardless, chewing behaviors from adult dogs are an undesirable trait.
Here is a list of some of the more destructive habits of dogs.
Teething
Mouthing
Boredom
Fear
Play
Attention Seeking
Just tastes Good
All puppies go through the teething stage. For human children, there are topical gels available that parents can rub on the gums to alleviate pain and discomfort. This same type of topical gel has been used on puppies by a number of veterinarians. Teething is a natural stage of puppy development, and there are many products to assist the puppy during this time. There are manufacturers of hard rubber and plastic toys who specifically design their products for puppies that are teething. A few at-home techniques include giving your puppy normal ice cubes to chew on, or to tie a damp wash cloth into a knot and freeze it. Give it to the puppy to chew on when he seems to be experiencing discomfort. Often. the frozen washcloth technique only works for small breed puppies. One idea, that avoids confusion as to what is his and what is yours, is to give a frozen bagel to the teething dog. This gives the dog something to gnaw on to aid the teething process, and is also a treat to encourage him to chew on it. I purchase the bags of smaller bagels. It is a very effective way to conquer teething problems.
Mouthing: It is the norm for little puppies (as young as 8 weeks old) to have really sharp baby teeth. These young dogs tend to bite during times of play and excitement. The mouthing behavior needs to be discouraged. This is the style in which young dogs speak with each other. Some pet owners like to play rough with their puppies, and they often return with a small bite mark as a result. Do not encourage this type of behavior, but rather, teach your dog that it is unacceptable.
Boredom: If you are absent from your dog for extended period of time, it will become bored and look elsewhere for something to do. One way the dog can pass the time is by finding something to chew. Getting your dog more exercise will be beneficial for them and you. Although walking some dogs relaxes them and tires them out, other dogs can be energized by the experience. If the latter is the case, a good solution is to take some down time with your dog immediately after a walk. This will create a strong bond between you and your dog, and strengthen your relationship. Once again, using frozen pizza dough or frozen bagels makes for a good chew toy for a puppy.
Fear - Sometimes, when frightened, dogs may chew on items. Loud noises, like those that occur during thunderstorms, can frighten some dogs. Dogs also become agitated by the presence of other dogs, and if another dog walks past the window, your dog may start barking, chewing the window frames, and so on. These types of actions are a result of defensive behaviors. The “down stay” command, as covered in earlier dog articles, is one of the most effective techniques when dealing with these types of behaviors. If the dog is acting in a negative manner, put a positive spin on the situation before attempting to teach this command. Give the “down stay” command to the dog after first removing him from the window. Find a way to relax the dog as you sit with him. This allows the dog to achieve a calm state of mind.
Play- Additional training will usually end any biting or chewing that happens while your dog is playing. Energy levels vary between individual dogs, and as such, some dogs have higher amounts of energy than others. This type of dog requires a significant amount of exercise to supplement the recommended training. Introduction of structured activities, such as jumping or fetch, will help the dog get necessary exercise during play time. During play time and exercises, practice many “down stays” in as many locations as possible.
Attention Seekers - Some dogs desire more attention from their owners than they are receiving, and strive to gain that attention through a behavior they know works. Common attention seeking behaviors include barking, chewing, spinning, stealing, and limping. As the dog is attempting to receive any sort of attention by chewing, negative reinforcement by the owner will not cause this behavior to stop. If no attention is brought to the poor behavior, it will often times go away on it’s own.
Just Tastes Good - As common sense dictates, if an item tastes good to a dog, that dog is more likely to want to chew it. Items that are at risk of being chewed are ones that are palatable to a dog. This means that some items have a pleasant taste or texture to the dog. Examples of these items include stuffed animals, shoes, and most furniture. If your puppy is going through the inevitable chewing stage, it is wise not to leave these things laying around.
Chewing is usually not an issue for dogs that are healthy, have space of their own to roam, and exercise often. If it does become a problem, try the frozen bagels.
ALLEN
