Online Dog Training

5 Ways Homemade Healthy Dog Food Can Help Your Dog by K.C. Jones

2008-12-04T09:49:00.002-05:00

Why should you consider making homemade healthy dog food? For your dog's health and well-being. We've trusted the commercial dog food companies for decades, only to find out they've been using 1) substandard ingredients and 2) preservatives that have been linked to liver and kidney damage.

So let's look at some definitive ways homemade healthy dog food can help your dog:

1) No more deadly toxins!
Most commercial dog food companies use preservatives such as BHA & BHT (known to cause liver and kidney damage) and Ethoxyquin (banned from human use) to keep the fat in the dog food from going rancid -- for a longer shelf life. No need for any preservatives with your homemade healthy dog food.

2) No more mystery meat!
Have you ever looked at the ingredient label of dog food? What is "meat meal" or "chicken by-product"? By-products are the rest of the animal that isn't fit for human consumption. If the animal name is not listed (just meat), then it could be anything - euthanized dogs & cats, diseased cows/pigs/chickens unfit for human consumption - the disgusting list goes on. The problem with this type of "meat" is that it can contain chemicals and poisons that are not eliminated through the processing. This means your dog will also ingest these chemicals. With homemade healthy dog food you buy human-grade meat to feed your dog.

3) Improved digestion and absorption of necessary nutrients.

This can be seen by the size of the stool. You'll see less waste because the body is able to utilize more of the food from your homemade healthy dog food. The commercial dog food has so much filler to add bulk, to make your dog feel full. But it lacks the nutrients necessary for the dog, so it just goes right through them.

4) Improved immune system in your dog.

Your dog's body has been living in a state of stress. He has not been getting all the nutrients he needs for optimal function. Once he starts getting the necessary nutrients from your homemade healthy dog food, your dog's immune system will be able to perform better. This means he will be less susceptible to illness and diseases.

5) Decrease of your dog's "allergy" symptoms.

A lot of your dog's "allergy" symptoms will start disappearing - itchy skin, gas, diarrhea, smelly stools, bad breath. A study by William Pollak, DMV, with over 500 dogs of 30+ breeds, showed that a change to a healthy diet, within 12 months, almost entirely eliminated the allergy symptoms in 94% of the dogs. Start feeding your dog homemade healthy dog food now and watch his allergy symptoms disappear.

Do your dog a favor, start making him homemade healthy dog food. You'll start to see a healthier, happier dog in days! Find out more about how easy it is to make homemade healthy dog food. He's man's best friend, let's start treating him that way.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=K._C._Jones

Training Puppies and Dogs is Not As Difficult As You Might Think by June Carr

2008-12-03T07:33:00.002-05:00

Dogs are such loving creatures (most of them), their greatest desire in life is to please their master. Training them with that thought in mind is not difficult, but will require some patience on your part. If you have the time and patience, and you've made the decision that training your puppies and dogs is something worthwhile, here are a few tips to help you along the way.

Although dogs love us, and some of them are very smart for their breed, they don't have the brain capacity of humans. And as much we treat them as our children (yes I'm guilty), we have to tailor our training to a dog and not a person. The first thing to do is to choose one person to do the training, usually the master (or alpha leader in dog speak), this is the person (most probably you) who will train your best friend. If you're asking why, it's simply to avoid confusion and help your puppy or dog learn to recognize your commands, inflections, and instructions.

All of us, both humans and dogs, enjoy positive reinforcement; with people it may be a word of encouragement, or a promotion at work. Obviously things are different in the dog world, but positive reinforcement works much the same, it might be a scratch behind the ear, a doggie treat, or simply using letting them know they are loved with a tummy rub.

CAUTIONARY NOTE: Never scold your dog should they not understand your instructions. While positive reinforcement works, negative reinforcement may have the opposite effect, and cause your dog to be fearful of training. This is not something you want and has been known to hinder properly training puppies and dogs.

Recognize that dogs, no matter how smart for their breed, are not as intelligent as humans. And while multitasking in today's environment is expected of homosapiens, such is not the case in the dog world. Teach them one thing (thing=command) at a time, otherwise your training session may be confusing and not achieve the results you're hoping for. Realize that even if you only teach one command at a time, it will very likely require multiple training sessions.

As humans, none of us desire to be spoken to disrespectfully, and can easily recognize an angry tone in someone's voice, often garnering more from an inflection than the actual word. This is the same for dogs, so keep your voice cheerful, let them know you're happy with them. Never shout or speak it mean when giving new commands.

Try not to isolate your dog when training, meaning as you move around town, to the degree possible, take your best friend with you. This will allow your dog to experience new places, people, dogs and things. While it may not seem necessary, this will allow your dog to become better-rounded (which is a people term) and better able to understand your instructions/commands, which is good for both of you.

When you take on the task of training puppies and dogs, sometimes the journey will be difficult, but well worth it when your dog becomes trained, and well behaved.

Get all the info you need for Training Your Dog in an effective and efficient way. Cats Dogs And Pets! provides a wide range of informative articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=June_Carr

Rules Dogs Live By by Nola Lee Kelsey

2008-12-02T09:21:00.002-05:00

Today we're going to talk about rules. Have you ever noticed that old people will suggest you hit your dog on the nose with a rolled up newspaper whenever it does something wrong? Yet, apparently, we're not suppose do the same to Dick Cheney whenever he opens his mouth. Talk about your mixed messages.

Unlike the Bush Master, dogs at least want to play by the rules. Don't they? Or perhaps the problem is that much like VP Dick, canines have their own perception of what the rules are. Consider these staple rules of dog society:

• If it can be stuffed, it can be unstuffed.

• Leashes should be pulled hardest when the ground is iciest.

• The neighbor's trash can is a weekly offering to you. Enjoy the experience to its fullest.

• Couches will always feel softer with mud on your paws.

• If Dad forgets to bring the poop bag to the park you must poop at all costs.

• If Dad brings one poop bag to the park, you must poop twice at all costs.

• If Dad brings two poop bags to the park you must instantaneously manifest diarrhea.

• If Dad is flirting with a pretty lady in the park, also instantly manifest diarrhea - - twice.

• When your owner drops the end of the leash, it's a surefire sign he wants to play chase with you in the street. Always accommodate these whims.

• If a cat moves away from you, chase it!

• If a cat moves towards you, run!

• To get every last drop of squeeze cheese out of a Kong, use the cat's tail.

• If it's set out to thaw it's for you!

• Nothing is more fun to lick than a clean camera lens.

• The dog barrier in Mom's car is a challenge you must always rise above.

• Paired socks must die!

• If a sock is already missing its match, leave it to suffer alone.

• Never have an accident on the easily cleaned tile floor if you can possibly make it to a freshly made bed.

• When Mom's date picks her up, bite first, hump second.

• Never dig in the gravel when you can dig in the grass.

• Never dig in the grass when you can dig in the garden.

• Never dig in the garden when you can dig under the fence.

• iPods®, they're not just for breakfast anymore.

Get the Ebook Free!

This article is an excerpt from Nola Lee Kelsey's new book 'Dogs: Funny Side Up!' available everywhere fun books are sold. For a limited time only readers can receive a free Adobe ebook versions of 'Dogs: Funny Side Up!' by emailing FreeBooks@DogsEyeViewMedia.com Visit http://www.DogsEyeViewMedia.com for further details. Learn more about the Kelse at http://www.NolaKelsey.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nola_Lee_Kelsey

Benefits of Organic Dog Food by Alex De La Cruz

2008-11-20T07:30:00.002-05:00

More and more people these days are becoming environmentally conscious that is why there is a proliferation of organic food. Many people realized the bad effects of commercial food to their health. Thus, a lot of them have changed their lifestyles especially their eating habits through eating organic food. Many people who have gone organic can testify that they had better immunity to common illnesses. Their complexions have improved and they had fewer allergies. The health benefits of eating organic seem to have a lasting effect on people who religiously follow an organic diet. This phenomenon had eventually influenced a good number of dog owners who went out feeding their dogs with organic dog food, too.

The demand and sales of organic dog food had recently gone up. Perhaps, dog owners realized the ill-effects of feeding their dogs with commercial food, as much as preservatives-packed foods are detrimental to the health of human beings. This eco-friendly crusade of people these days was a product of people's desire for a healthy living. For dog owners, it is a fact that the usual dog foods found in the market are not the best option for their pets. Instead, organic dog food was also devised to keep dogs healthier. Although, the U.S. Department of Agriculture stated that the difference between organic and commercial foods is how it is produced and processed and not their nutritional content.

Therefore, there is yet to be a study done to further affirm the nutritional benefits of organic food over commercial dog foods. Nevertheless, a lot of dog owners were not discouraged from feeding organic dog food to their pets. Wholesome ingredients in organic dog food are said to be more appealing than preservatives or synthetic ingredients in many commercialized dog food. Organic dog food does not contain growth hormones, antibiotics, and artificial flavorings. Dog treats are made of organic whole grains while organic dog food made of chicken are only made of free-range chickens. Free-range chickens are said to be healthier since they do not rely on synthetic chicken feeds but on natural food found in their surroundings.

If you are planning of switching your dog's diet to organic dog food, you have to consider the price. Organic foods are more expensive than regular ones, so you need to check your options first if they will fit your budget. Then, you must also gather some information about manufacturers of organic dog foods. Find out about their production process and their reputation. One notable benefit of using organic dog food is that your dog will generally have more energy and a healthy weight. Since this kind of dog food does not contain bulk-fillers, your dogs will only consume what they need to maintain healthy energy levels and life functions.

They get satiated faster even if they eat smaller amounts of nutrient-dense dog foods. An organic diet can also improve the immunity of your pets from many infections or illnesses. Since it is organic, it is more digestible so dogs can easily absorb the nutrients. What you feed your dog will have an impact on how he looks, feels, and acts. Somehow, by feeding them with organic food, you are ensuring them with long, happy, and healthy life. Finally, before you completely embark your dogs to an organic diet, make sure that you have consulted your veterinarian. This is to ensure that you will be making the right decision for your pet.

The author of this article Alex De La Cruz is a Dog Trainer who has been successful with several dog training courses for many years. Alex decided to share his knowledge and tips through his website http://www.doggyweb.info. You can sign up for his free newsletter and enjoy a healthy and submissive dog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_De_La_Cruz

How to Select Quality Dog Food by Robert Kokoska

2008-11-17T16:30:00.001-05:00

Even a great depression or recession could not deter people from spending millions on dogs and dog food. Statistics say Americans still keep a major chunk of their income for dogs. This shows the importance they give for their pets. In many homes, dogs have become an extension of the family and great priority is given for their wellbeing. As the market is flooded with different brands of dog food it is really difficult to select quality food. Since the age we live in is an age of marketing, where big companies flourish deploying marketing professionals who have their own way of luring the gullible. The resulting companies and marketing industry thrive in the name of pets. So it is really important to look into the credibility of pet food before buying it.

Animal protein, grains, bacteria cultures, probiotics and antioxidants are a must in dog food. A dog that feeds on quality food out-lives dogs fed on lower quality foods. Debate is going on strong whether dog food should be protein rich or not. While some argue that dogs are omnivores and can go about with out additional protein while others say it is essential for their growth. There is a general belief that too much protein can lead to renal failure. But whatever be the contention, protein is essential along with vitamins and minerals. One thing you have to pay attention to, is the quality of the meat.

Low quality protein is difficult to digest and can cause serious ailments. So it has to be avoided at all costs. As most companies use corn gluten to increase crude protein levels, you have to be extra careful before choosing protein rich food for your pet. Since fake products have entered the fray, it is advised to be alert and not to be hoodwinked by the false claims of business tycoons. As there are no regulatory measures to protect dog food, adulteration becomes easy.

Many canned foods contain harmful chemicals and preservatives intended for shelf life. More than that, most of the dog foods use euthanized or carcass as raw material. In many cases they use corn and soy to increase the protein which is not suitable for dog as it causes indigestion. The best dog food has become a rarity as more and more manufacturers cut costs on a daily basis. Their integrity regarding love for the animals is questionable as they are more concerned with the fattening of their wallet. At least the premature deaths of dogs place them in a bad light.

The best dog food should contain only two grains with ample protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and essential oils. Make sure that the protein is from chicken and not from soy or corn. As vitamins and minerals are needed for the supply of oxygen the best dog food should contain adequate amount. A healthy diet should include dry food. Though canned foods claim wholesomeness, nothing can beat the homemade stuff. Even if the dog likes canned food, if it is given crumbs it will eat eventually. It is a false notion that dogs don't eat vegetables. In fact they relish it. The fiber content is good for the health of the canine.

Want more pet articles? Visit the Blogola Article Directory: Pet Articles

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Kokoska

Top Five Dog Training Mistakes by Chad Thompson

2008-11-07T10:41:00.004-05:00

While there are great self-help dog training guides out there and even better at home courses you can take to learn about dog training, be wary of any that include bullying or punishing your dog for not obeying you. These are common mistakes I see my clients make on a daily basis. Be sure to enroll in a solid online course or pet store class that avoids methods like these:

1. Training sessions that last longer than 20 minutes.

Most dogs attention spans are around 10 minutes of complete focus. It can be stretched to 20 minutes if you have an enticing reward like food or generous amounts of affection and petting. But after about 10 minutes, the dog will lose interest. Going past that amount of time can hurt training as the dog will try to avoid the situation. This leads to frustrated owners and if you are familiar with my writing, you know that dogs do not follow unstable or emotional (angry, frustrated, sad) leaders.

2. Punishing or scolding the dog after an accident or misbehavior.

If you come home to an accident in the house or your favorite pair of slippers chewed to oblivion you first reaction may be to punish the dog. You may actually justify this punishment by bringing the dog to the mess to show him why he is being scolded. The truth is the dog has no recollection of the moment. Even when you bring the dog to the slippers, he will not remember that he did it. So you are punishing the dog, in his mind, for no reason which leads to mistrust. How can you expect him to listen to your commands when hes been punished for not doing anything. I know what you are thinking (because I've worked with people and their dogs for many years), how then, does he remember to sit. Truth is, he doesn't. It's more muscle memory and instinct. The act of getting affection and treats subconsciously reminds the body how to act. That's why you see animals stalk prey the same way for centuries. It's simply instinct.

3. Hitting your dog.

Many years ago, it was common to roll up a newspaper and give your dog a smack on the rear end if she did something you did not agree with. Those times have changed. Studies show that any physical abuse will counteract years of love and praise. A dog is always in survival mode. So years spent in pleasure can be undone in a moment in a dogs world. Touching, however, is a very effective method. Touching is a firm touch with two fingers on the dog to snap him out of whatever he is doing. It doesn't hurt the dog, just gets his attention. At the touch, give a firm no and that will do the trick.

4. Letting the dog eat at the same time you do.

Letting the dog eat before you is worse. You need to establish that you are the pack leader in any human-dog relationship. In the dogs natural habitat, the pack leader eats first. It makes sense because the strongest have priority if the pack is to survive. Just like our president is the first evacuated out of an area if a problem arises. So if you feed the dog first or eat with the dog, the dog will determine that you two are on the same level and therefore, he does not have to obey your every command. After all, you two are equals!

5. Using a crate that is too big for the dog or puppy.

It is a common misconception that crates are like torture for a dog. The truth is dogs are den animals and feel safe in those types of areas, surrounded by walls or objects. It gives them protection from what they cannot see. When you see a dog whine while in a crate, it's because he or she simply wants to be with the pack leader. If you were in there with the dog, there would be no whining. So in order to compensate, owners buy crates that are way too big for their dog so the dog has room. However, the crate should only be big enough for the dog to stand up, turn around and lay back down. I usually tell my clients to choose a crate, then buy the next smallest one. That's probably the right size. If the crate is too big, a puppy will gladly eliminate in one corner and lay down in the other. So if your dog is going to the bathroom in the crate, the crate is too big.

Chad E. Thompson
Founder, http://www.virtualdogtrainer.comActive Member of the Humane Society of the United States, Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and the International Association of Canine Professionals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chad_Thompson

Dog Feeders - Using Them to Control Your Pet's Weight by Jennifer Akre

2008-11-06T08:53:00.001-05:00

Have you ever really thought about the weight of your pet and what it may mean to their body? Most people love lavishing their pets with toys and treats thinking of them as their furry children. The problem is what may be a little treat to a child may be a large treat to your small dog. Too many of these treats can lead to your dog being overweight.
While you may think a few extra pounds are not a big deal, that is because you are considering what a couple of extra pounds means on your body. On a human body, a couple of extra pounds aren't much. But on a dog body, that can be equal to an extra 20 or 40 pounds on your body, maybe even more if you have a very small dog.
Allowing your dog to be overweight could be setting him up for major health risks such as:
Breathing Problems - From too much fat pushing on their respiratory system.
Pain - The more weight your dog has, the more pressure and stress you are going to be putting on their joints, bones and muscles to hold their body up.
Diabetes - Just like people, dogs get this ailment too.
Heart Disease - Being overweight can lead to a number of heart problems like high blood pressure and heart failure in dogs.
Liver Failure - When dogs get too fat, some of that fat gets stuck in their liver and can keep it from working as it should.
Additionally, being overweight can cause your dog to have digestive problems, hair and skin problems, and even problems in reproduction.
It's time to act. If your pet is overweight, you need to do something about it, now.
No Treats
Start by cutting off the treats you are feeding your dog. While you think it's a nice thing to do, it's a big part of the problem. Your dog needs to learn the healthy meal in their dog feeders is all they need to have.
Limit Food
If you have had a policy where the dog feeders were always full and your pet could eat at any time, you need to change that policy. Instead, you need to read up on what amount is best for them to get back in shape and put that amount in their bowl.
You may want to purchase automatic dog feeders if you are away from home often. These dog feeders will get your pet on a schedule of knowing when their feedings are, as a container will open and allow them to eat at a predetermined time.
While your pet may pout and beg for food at the beginning, they will soon adjust to the dog feeders and be just fine. If they are really begging you could try to toss them some vegetables, which are good for them and low calorie foods.
Exercise
Finally, you do need to make sure your pet gets an appropriate amount of exercise. But, don't overdo it. Just like you can't jog a mile after being out of shape, neither can your pet. Start with a few minutes of exercise at a time and slowly build up their workout time.
Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops that offer both items and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it's your living, bedroom, or even your deck or patio, there are many tips you can use to make those spots both functional and beautiful. Today, she offers advice on how to create a fabulous pet area by using the essential dog supplies and basic cat supplies that your pets need.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Akre

Homemade Dog Food - Can I Feed My Dog Table Scraps? by C.J. Burke

2008-11-04T07:33:00.000-05:00

Many people confuse a complete homemade dog food diet with table scraps. Although many holistic veterinarians generally favor table scraps they urge you to make sure they are nutritionally wholesome and they are plain. A dog's digestive tract is geared for simpler food than we eat.

So you can feed your dog table scraps but first try sharing a little of what you are having each day with your pet, along with the food you are already feeding them. This will give them a little variety and help you determine if you want to switch to a totally homemade diet. Always decrease the volume of commercial food you feed by the amount of table scraps you are adding to their diet. Once you determine if you want to switch over to a total homemade diet for your dog then you should learn as much as you can about proper nutritional levels.

But for now, if you want to start adding some natural food to your pet's diet these are a few things to be aware of:

5 Foods to Avoid:

1.)Onions are toxic to dogs. No onions whatsoever.

2.)Left over fat and remnants. No Bacon or bacon grease. There are high levels of nitrates in bacon and the high heat used to cook bacon creates many other harmful compounds.

3.)Stay away from rich foods like ham, sauces, and limit the cheese you feed your dog.

4.)No spicy, salty or fried foods. No spicy chili, pepperoni or luncheon meats.

5.)NO sweets, cookies or cakes. Definitely NO CHOCOLATE. Certain compounds in chocolate like theobromine and caffeine are toxic to dogs and cause vomiting, excessive urination, hyperactivity, fast breathing ,weakness and seizures/

6 Foods You Can Feed Your Dog:

1.) Almost all vegetables are good, especially carrots and anything in the broccoli family, green beans, alfalfa sprouts, and leafy greens. Dogs like to chew on raw carrots and that helps to keep down the tartar on their teeth. Asparagus is also good and sometimes dogs will eat these like they are treats. You can add some potatoes to their diet and lentils and split peas are an excellent choice.

2.) Fruits are very healthy. Try different types and see which ones your pets like. AVOID GRAPES. Although grapes may not be toxic to all dogs there is no definitive information to enable us to tell which dogs will get sick and die after eating grapes.

Vegetables and fruits can be pureed in a blender then let them sit a day or two before feeding.

3.)Pasta is O.K. but WITHOUT the spices and tomato sauces.

4.)A little bit of good olive oil is O.K. It's actually good for your dog's skin.

5.)Low-fat, plain yogurt. You can give 1 tablespoon per twenty-five pounds of weight. You can feed it two to five times a week. Just like for us yogurt has beneficial bacteria known as acidophilis.

6.) Eggs are an excellent source of protein. You can add an egg or egg yolk twice week for each 25 pounds of weight. Dog's seem to like lightly scrambled eggs added to their meal.

Remember that all animals are individuals, with individual tastes and sensitivities. Make sure that what you are feeding your pet is not causing allergic reactions. Always check with your veterinarian before adding table scraps to your pets diet.

If you are ready to learn more ways to feed your dog the best possible diet then start by reviewing some of the best sources to give your dog a complete and nutritious homemade diet

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C._J._Burke

2008-10-30T14:41:00.001-04:00

You Can Improve and Extend Your Dog's Life With Only a Simple Change in Your Routine.
What is the Best Diet For your Dog? What Foods Are Not Safe? Discover the Answers Plus Save Money on Dog Food

Do you remember the massive pet food recall that started in March 2007? Did you do anything to change the way you care for your pet? Since that time there has been yet another recall. It's time you change your daily routine and spend a little time preparing the food that will ensure your dog's well being.

Here is one simple way to add a healthy food recipe to your dog's balanced diet. It will not cost anywhere near the price of the top brand dog food, yet it is simple and nutritous.

Next time you prepare a roasting chicken for dinner do not remove the inside bags of the giblets, liver and heart. Cook them along with the chicken.

When done, remove and chop, add some chicken meat along with some chopped parsley. Cook 2 cups brown rice and mix with the chicken, add a can of green peas, then put a children's chewable vitamin in with it.

Serve room temperature and refrigerate the remainder to use within 3 days. I know your dog will love you for it.
Learn how to increase the lifespan of your dog with a dog food miracle and also see the many benefits that come with a healthy dog.

Visit the Dog Food Miracle at http://debob3.smf0dfm.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=FWJD1YKD

Simple Dog Training Secrets For Beginners by Kenneth Byers

2008-10-23T10:57:00.000-04:00

Do you get frustrated at times when your dog is barking non stop or tries to climb the table at dinner time and your dog groals at you when you are trying to give a commands? Yea I've been there too. Dogs are kinda like humans in a way. They like affection and walks in the park, throw a ball every once in a while. They like exercise as well as we do. House training problems are one of the most common reasons that people give up their pets.
This is really a sad statement to have to make because the solution to almost every house training problem is very simple common sense solution.

Pet owners are pulling their hair out these days trying to solve bad behaviors from there pets. Pet owners can take control with realistic training methods and set reachable goals for you and your dog. So what we have to offer you will be in great efforts to make your dog be submissive to you with simple dog training strategies.
Watch your pet overcome big or small behavior problems. There has been countless hours of time, blood, sweat, and tears on how to get your pet to obey commands. Keep in mind some pet owners try to hard to make a dog be obedient to there needs. Alot of gaining control over the leash is to slow down, be calm and patient with your dog and praise him when they are slowly making progress to your commands. Some dogs seem to respond a lot better to praise given in a high pitched voice. Dogs are very smart they just need a teacher with love that they can trust to help them be obedient.

Are you wondering what will do the amazing for your pet? Click Here. Well I believe you are ready to move forward on making your pet family friendly as possible.

So come check us out http://www.squidoo.com/dog-training-best-secrets for the best training secrets. We can help you with your day to day simple training needs today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_Byers

How to Stop Aggression Effectively For Your Mixed Breed Dog by J. J. Yong

2008-10-22T10:06:00.000-04:00

You might be thinking that your mixed breed dog's actual breed is Beagle, but apparently, it does not behave like one and it is more aggressive than pure breed Beagle when he sees a unknown stranger - it could be any person including your friends, mailman, your friends or someone that approaching him on the street while he is tied up outside a store. You have tried several ways to tame your dog, but in the end, your efforts of controlling your dog seem to be in vain. It seems that the more you that you show concern of your dog, the more it would like become an aggressive canine.

Your mixed breed dog may already have had several unpleasant experiences including taking a bath, handing or grooming. Therefore, training your dog could be difficult because these experiences had caused damaged to your dog and makes your dog behave very wildly.

This perhaps starts to show signs of stress and thus you should stop immediately and let him relax. Try to make the whole thing into a game: give him lots of praise, pats, and treats as his rewards. Please take note that patience is virtue - hence, you must take things very slowly. Do not push your dog too far or else he will feel panic or nervous that could lead him to extreme aggression.

Generally, most of the dogs show aggression for a reason: they're warning you to step back, or else they will bite you! If your dog aggression misbehavior still persists, it is best to hand the job over to your veterinarian. They will know how to handle this particular misbehavior and they will give your suggestions or tips on how to handle your dog's mischief so that you will be able to get know your dog better than before.

Effective dog training are performed on dogs based on their distinctive dog breeds. Therefore, it is important to perform a DNA test on your mixed-breed dog for instant dog breed identification. For more information about dog DNA testing as a breed identification tool, visit http://dogdnabasics.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J.J._Yong

Dog Obedience Training - Some Practical Advice by Brad Morgan

2008-10-17T08:38:00.000-04:00

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing they all have in common is the love of digging. From burying bones to making cool dens for shelter, dogs in yards will inevitably turn to this favorite past time. While it is a natural instinct in dogs, digging can be detrimental to your yard and to your dog's discipline. How can you get your living breathing shovel to stop? As with children, dogs do things for a reason. Why is your dog digging? If you can figure this out, you are halfway to a solution. Does he just love to fling dirt?

Some dogs do enjoy the act of digging, but others use it to communicate with you. They may be crying out for attention or more exercise. They may need a shelter to stay warm or cool. They may be burying food. If you've recently put down fertilizer or dug in your garden, your dog may be responding to the scents. If you have determined that your dog needs more stimulation and is digging as a way of getting attention, you can attack the problem by offering him more opportunities for exercise and interaction.

If this doesn't help, you can give one of the following techniques a try:

1. Find the spots your dog usually digs and bury a balloon that has been inflated. If your dog digs, he'll pop the balloon. This unpleasant reaction to his digging can deter him from continuing.

2. When you refill the holes, add in some of your dog's own feces. The next time he digs there, he will be repelled by it. This may not be a fun way for you to teach your dog, but it is effective and humane.

3. Chicken wire is another thing you can bury in your yard to deter your dog from digging. He'll hate the feeling of his claws against the wire and will be prompted to stop.

4. If you catch your pet in the act of digging, spray him with a water bottle or hose. Dogs hate this (but it is not harmful). They'll get the message. Do not, however, spray him if you don't catch him actively engaging in digging. If you do, he won't understand why he's being punished.

You love your pet; you don't have to love his bad habits too. If digging is a problem, take immediate steps to correct your dog's behavior. He'll be happy, and your yard will thank you.

Clicker Training - A Great Training Technique

As people look for gentle ways to discipline and train their dogs, the use of clickers has become more prominent. Your dog will learn to repeat behavior that is desirable in a safe, humane way. Operant conditioning is the repetition of a behavior when a reward is given. This is the premise behind clicker training. How does it work? You will need a clicker. This is simply a handheld plastic box. A metal strip is attached. Depressing the strip causes a sharp click.

Ask your dog to perform a command, such as sit, stay, heel, etc. When he does, click right away and give your dog a treat. You are pairing the clicking sound with the treat. This teaches your dog to connect the behavior with the click. Since the click is associated with the treat, he'll be more apt to perform the good behavior. Eventually, you can phase out the treat, and he will respond to the click. After successful training, you won't need the clicker either.

You can often train dogs with clickers faster and more effectively than with other means. Clicking is immediate, so your dog quickly learns that his behavior is producing the treat. This encourages repetition of the desired behaviors. Dogs want to make you happy, and performing commands is a great way for them to do this. And get a treat in the process. The clicker is a great training tool for encouraging good behavior.

Visit Brad's puppy website and learn more about specific puppy training issues like puppy potty training. Brad also has a very informative dog site where you can learn much more about dog obedience training and get information on all the different types of dog training collars.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brad_Morgan

House Breaking Puppies - Is it Even Possible? by Adam N. Jones

2008-10-03T10:50:00.000-04:00

Bringing a new puppy into the house is a fun and exciting experience. They forget to tell you the joys of house breaking puppies! Puppies are loving, playful creatures and can immediately light up a household. Housebreaking a puppy is usually the most challenging aspect of dealing with this new family member. It isn't hard to do, but it does take some patience.

This is something you want to do right, or it can become a long-term problem. Just remember that a dog, like any animal, will naturally go to the bathroom when it has to. Housebreaking is an artificial practice that humans introduce to puppies. It's necessary, but it's something they have to be taught. There are three commonly used methods.

Newspaper Training
With this method, you confine the puppy to a room and cover the floor with newspapers. You praise the puppy for using it to eliminate. Of course, he has no choice but to go in the right place, but he doesn't know that. You gradually remove newspapers, leaving the area nearest the door covered. Your objective, of course, is to get the puppy to relieve himself outdoors. Take him out first thing in the morning, after every meal, and after playing.

Always praise him for eliminating outdoors. When you finally remove the last of the newspapers, your puppy will likely have learned that the best place to go is outside.

Crate Training
The puppy is confined to a crate, which is not too large. You want it to be small enough that he isn't comfortable eliminating there. If it's a very large crate, he will just find a corner to use. You take him out frequently and, again, lavish praise for everything he does on these walks. The crate is a little simpler than the newspapers, and it completely leaves out the "going on the floor" stage, which is a good thing. Remember that a puppy under 12 weeks old should not be left alone for long (either at home or in a crate), preferably no more than 2 hours.

The Outdoor Method
With this method, you simply take your puppy out frequently -upon rising and every hour and a half during the day. Gradually you can increase the time between walks. A good general rule is to take the puppies age (in months) and add one. This will be the number of hours he can wait between outings. So if you have a three-month old puppy, he should be able to go four hours between walks.

One thing to keep in mind, whatever method you use, is that the puppy should be praised with enthusiasm when he relieves himself in the desired place. He should be scolded (but not too harshly) if he does so in the wrong place, but only at the time you catch him doing it. It does not good to scold him for something he did, even a few minutes ago, because puppies have very short memories. The praise can be more gentle as time goes on.

Another thing to know is that you should deodorize the areas of any "accidents," so the puppy doesn't think of this as his place to relieve himself.

Following these steps with patience will allow you to quickly housebreak your new puppy.

If you like the way your comfy shoes feel or the way your couch looks without the legs all tore up I suggest you take the time to learn about house breaking puppies right now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_N_Jones

Body Language - Your Dog and You by Jay Jacovitz

2008-10-02T09:56:00.000-04:00

Dogs can't speak, have no hands or fingers to gesture, but they have a language all their own that every other dog understands. We as guardians can watch the parts of their bodies they communicate with to determine how they feel about the world around them in the moment.

Not as refined as a human in its expressions, it is still possible to be in tune with the dog's facial muscles. Another part in a complex system of body language, along with whining, barking, and growling, is the tail. The tail can tell us information such as the degree of happiness, alertness and agitation, aggression dominance and/or heightened state of interest. Interestingly, a dog is unlikely to wag when there's no one around to see.

Eyes are the window to the soul and can tell a story. Eyes brighten when looking at others the dog considers friendly, and pupils dilate and show widening areas of white to the eyes in times of fear. To a canine, the eyes represent an observable communication tool. Looking directly in the eye of a dog not conditioned to accept such a communication will be understood as a challenge to defend its position.

The ears do more than listen. When raised, they reveal a relaxed state, listening, or showing acceptance. If they are back, it could be signaling submission and deference or maybe, frankly, fear.

The pulling back of the lips in what we tend to recognize as a smile and the showing of teeth in an obvious non-threatening manner is an indication of happiness or wishing to play. It is interesting to note that dogs reserve this expression for humans and do not use this expression to communicate with other animals.

Dogs vocalize to convey a message. Yipping, barking, howling, growling, and whimpering are all tools of speech along with the communication achieved through body language.

A dog's posture tells a great deal about how it feels about the environment around it, and about the dog's relationship to other animals and people.

Knowingly or unknowingly, we send messages to our canines through our own postures and movements. Behaviors and postures we present in our interactions with dogs are construed or misconstrued by them in terms of body language. Be aware and practice good canine manners - and don't stare! In the canine world it is considered rude and aggressive.

If you would like to receive the complete and FREE report on the language your dog uses, it is available for the asking. CLICK HERE

We have existed as a company since 1985, but it was a love of dogs, the dogs that have been a part of our life, and the passing of one dog in particular, Rusty, that inspired the creation of CalloftheDog.com and http://www.CalloftheDogShop.com -- created to provide the things your dogs and pets need.

Visit us for great information and quality dog supplies! Be sure to see our About Us page as well.

The two sites are dedicated to the dogs we have loved so deeply, and who have given us so much love in return. Purebreds and mixed breeds, but mostly rescues in need of a home. We educated them, but each one has had something to teach us in exchange.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Jacovitz

Dog Food - 5 Extraordinary Types of Commercial Dog Food You Might Want to Consider by Kelly Marshall

2008-10-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

A few short years ago, feeding your dog was so much easier as compared to today's nutritional advice. I remember when my father's dog ate whatever the whole family would eat, including apple cobbler! In addition to table scraps, he also enjoyed eating commercial dog food. My father's dog had a happy life and lived well into his mid-teens without contracting any serious illness or disease.

Picking a commercial dog food was also easier back in the good old days. There were a limited selection of brands to choose from and these pet foods all had basically the same ingredients, only varying in color and flavor.
Today, however, there are so many varieties to choose from. The following list below are some of the popular commercial foods available for your dog:

Vegetarian Food For Your Dog
Most people don't realize that vegetarian dog foods allow vegetarian dog owners to exercise their dietary beliefs with their dogs. Vegetarian foods include all of the necessary vitamins and nutrients that your dog needs, just as long as they are properly made. In addition, a vegetarian diet is also great for dogs that are allergic to meat.

Raw Dog Food
Many dog owners believe that a diet of raw food is the healthiest way to feed their pet because this is the way wolves and other wild dog species ate. This belief has no scientific facts to value its accuracy. However, a diet of raw food can expose both you and your pet to dangerous bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli.

Giving Your Dog Therapeutic Food
Therapeutic dog foods have been the growing trend in dog food products in recent years. It is only available through a veterinarian and is prescribed for cases of preventive treatment, as an after-surgery diet, or for health problems, for example, like food allergies.

Try Organic Dog Food for Your Dog
Several dog food products found in the market have pesticides and other bad chemicals. If you want to give your dog food that is free of these horrible chemicals, you're your dog organic food. Warning, the term "organic" can be very misleading, so make sure that you read the ingredients carefully before making your purchase.

Dog Food That Contains No Preservative or Natural Preservative
There are dog foods that contain preservatives in the form of artificial chemicals such as ethoxyquin, BHT, and BHA. These are added for two reasons in order to prevent the food from spoiling and keep the taste lasting much longer than traditional dog food. Some dog foods have natural preservatives such as vitamin C (often listed as ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (often listed as tocopherols).

The next time you buy a dog food, buy it with natural preservatives and make sure to thoroughly read the ingredients first to make sure that the preservatives are actually derived from nature instead of it being artificially synthesized.

Last but certainly not least, try buying dog foods that are free of any kind of preservatives. These products have be properly sealed in a cool, dry, bug-free place and used immediately to guarantee freshness.

Article by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies - to find ceramic dog bowls to match any decor, go to http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-bowls/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_Marshall

Dog Food Aggression by Vic Lee

2008-09-30T09:23:00.000-04:00

Some dogs can develop food aggression. This is when your dog growls or even tries to bite you when you come near his food or while it is eating.

Correction dog food aggression is essential for a healthy relationship between you and your dog as well as with your family, especially if you have younger children.

A dogs instinct is to guard their food. What your dog needs to learn is that you are anyone else that comes near his food is not a threat.

Many times this can be the owner's fault, especially if you train your dog with aggression. Remember that any type of dog training should be fun and there is no need for roughness while training.

Hitting your dog or pulling away your dog roughly with a leash will not help because this will only impel your dog to become more aggressive.

Be aware that helping your dog stop food aggression will not happen from one day to the next. Training your dog will take patience and lots of care.

First, make sure that when giving your dog food that it knows that you are not a threat, do this by gently petting your dog and make sure there are no other distractions.

If you have a puppy, it is easier to stop food aggression because you can get your puppy use to have people walk around while it eats and randomly pet your puppy while it eats as well.

If your dog growls while you pet him then continue to pet him for a little while and do this every day until your dog knows that you are not a threat. When you dog does not growl or snap at you then make sure your praise your dog for good behavior and also give it a treat.

Click Here to Learn More about Dog Behavior Training and How to Stop Dog Aggression with Easy Dog Training Tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vic_Lee

Five Things You Should Know About Your Dog Before You Begin Training Him

2008-09-29T07:26:00.000-04:00

There are so many different approaches used in dog training, that you may not know just know to begin. Having been a dog lover since I began to walk, I believe there are many things we need to know before we even begin the task of training.

Training a child has the benefit of a parent's instinct already instilled in us before we have the job of actual child rearing. Being the so called "parent of a dog" doesn't come with that natural instinct. We really have to determine what our dog is capable of understanding, and how to make him obey our request.

Bringing home a new puppy is almost the same as bringing home a new baby. The excitement of a new baby never goes away, even after they grow up and move out. But the excitement of a new puppy can go away quickly. They just don't seem to listen, they chew on everything, they are hard to house break, and some will bark at everything for no reason.

I've put together five things that I hope will help you in understanding the basics of dog training:
1. Don't waste time using complete sentences. Your dog only hears a few words in the command. He won't hear "I asked you to sit there", or " Stay right here, until I get back". Make it simple, and he'll understand. "Sit, Stay, Fetch, Lay Down," etc. will work best.

2. Dogs won't recognize what you are pointing at. They only focus on the tip of your finger. Pointing to a place that you want him to be, doesn't mean he is going to get there. He is only looking at the tip of your finger, you have to go with him to where you want him to go.

3. Treats can be an excellent training device. But it must be given to him immediately after following a command. Their attention span is very short. Try to use other ways of rewarding him also. Obesity is the #1 health problem in dogs. You can take him for a walk, play ball, or just give him a loving pat on the head. He really doesn't need a treat every time.

4. Avoid aggressive behavior right from the very beginning. Make him social. If you take him for walks, use different routes so he will become familiar with different types of people and places. If he sees children often, he won't fear them, if he sees men, or men with hats often, he'll become familiar with them. The same as seeing other dogs and cats. The more he is familiar with, the less he will bark at them, or use aggressive behavior towards them later.

5. Give him lots of exercise. Your dog will become anxious and sometimes even aggressive if he is kept in the house all the time. He needs to run and play to release all that. Dogs would much rather play keep away than fetch. If you can plan on daily exercises, walks, runs, or a nice game of keep away, you will find you will have a much happier and well behaved friend.

Most of all, respect him, just as you wish him to respect you. Just because he is looking at you with that blank stare, it doesn't mean he isn't trying to understand. Give him a chance, and he will obey your wishes.
I have put together a collection of numerous "How To..." articles to help in all aspects of dog training. Please feel free to visit at: http://debi-dogtraining.blogspot.com for more helpful hints.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deborah_Mateer

How Important is Your Dog's Diet to His Well-Being?

2008-09-25T10:18:00.000-04:00

Dogs need to have a well-balanced diet just as humans. The six basic nutrients needed to promote a healthy diet in your dog are: fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and water. Providing these ingredients will promote healthy growth, provide energy, replace worn tissue, and help fight against diseases.

There are so many different varieties of dog food on the market today, that it is extremely difficult to ensure that your dog is getting the proper nutrients from your choice. Dogs are individuals just as people, which means you should feed him the top selling dog food, or make your own recipes for him.

Preparing your own dog food will ensure that your dog is getting the proper nutrients required for a healthy life.The suggested formula for a healthy dog food is 75% carbohydrates and 25% meat. Which is simply to combine, brown rice, ground meat, vegetables, which have been put through the blender first, as dogs can't digest vegetables well, water, and a little brewers yeast. It should be served at room temperature. I find that jars of baby food vegetables are perfect, they are already blended, and contain lots of nutrients.

You will find that your dog will usually love any meal you make for him. You can cook any meat, usually the sale item of the week. Add a few ingredients, such as: rice, noodles, oatmeal, hard boiled eggs, blended vegetables, a little brewer's yeast, a multivitamin, and you have a special homemade meal. This way you know exactly what your dog is eating.

You should only make enough for 3 days, which at that time, you should dispose of what is left, and make him something new for the next 3 days. Most dogs are not fussy. Dogs will eat just about anything. They will even eat the same thing day after day.

Avoid giving your dog bones, particularly cooked ones. Bones splinter and could cause health problems. Wild dogs eat bones without problems, because they are also including the animal's hair, skin, and tissue along with the bones. This helps the bones go through the digestive easily.

How to Your Protect Dogs From Canine Cancer by Heidi Jeter

2008-09-05T07:26:00.000-04:00

So how can you protect your dog from cancer? Interestingly, in many of the same ways you can protect yourself. Like humans, dogs and other pets can develop cancer from exposure to all of the following:

-Smoke
-Sunlight
-Radiation
-Hormones
-Chemicals
-Immune System Failure
-Viruses

Canine cancers are the most common. With over 100 varieties, canine cancer is the most prevalent among all domesticated pet species. In fact, according to the Canine Cancer Campaign, a non-profit organization focused on curing canine cancer, one in four dogs will die from the effects of cancer.

Many dog breeds even carry hereditary risk factors. Golden retrievers are at high risk for Lymphoma and cancers of the blood vessels and spleen. Retrievers are susceptible to Transitional Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma (skin/mouth) cancers. Boxers have been known to inherit Lymphoma and brain cancers. See which dog breeds are at risk for certain cancers.

Despite the many risk factors facing your dog, there's a lot you can do to help make sure they stay cancer free. Below are five critical steps you can take to protect your pets from cancer.

Visit the Vet: Make sure you and your dog visit the veterinarian on a regular basis for cancer screenings and checkups. The sooner cancer is detected, the sooner it can be treated. This vastly improves the chances that your dog will beat the disease. Vets recommend a checkup every six months for dogs over 7. For younger dogs, an annual exam is a safe precautionary measure. The Canine Cancer Campaign and the Pet Cancer Foundation are now offering Free Cancer Consultations for pets.

Doggy Exercise: To stay healthy, dogs need regular exercise. Studies have shown that exercise strengthens immunity to a range of diseases, including cancer. In fact, overweight pets are twice as likely to develop cancer than their healthy counterparts.

Avoid Chemical Exposure: There are many known carcinogens that your dog interacts with everyday, but by keeping them away from herbicides, insecticides, and tobacco smoke, you can make sure they won't develop cancer from chemical exposure. Instead of using toxic house and garden products, choose non-toxic products and keep your pets away from secondhand smoke. Most importantly, don't use unnatural flea products on your pet, as many flea collars, sprays, and shampoos are full of poisons. Use natural, less-toxic methods of flea control. These include natural flea shampoos and frequent vacuuming. Pyrethins are a natural means of flea control.

Spay and Neuter Pets: Simply spaying or neutering your dog can decrease the risk of breast cancer in females to almost zero; the risk of testicular cancer is zero for neutered males.

Prevent Sunburn: While all dogs can get sunburned, short-haired and light-haired dogs carry a greater risk for developing skin cancers caused by overexposure to sunlight. Dogs need sunscreen just like their owners. Rub a bit on your dog's nose and ears.

Avoid Contaminated Water: Keep your pet from drinking stagnant water in street puddles, which can contain cancer-causing toxins. Change your pets water daily, and make sure the bowl is clean and fresh.
Remember, even if your dog is diagnosed with cancer, all is not lost. Many cancers can be cured if they're discovered early. There are many other options too, including:

-Surgery
-Radiation
-Chemotherapy
-Immunotherapy
-Hyperthermia
-Cyrosurgery

Don't forget that if your pet already has cancer, you should avoid all vaccinations because they can stress your pet's immune system. Still, active prevention is the best defense. Follow the tips above to reduce the risk of your pets developing cancer during their lifetime, and you'll enjoy more time together.

To contribute to veterinary research to protect, treat, and cure canine cancer, visit the Canine Cancer Campaign (CCC) or donate here.

The Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) launched the Canine Cancer Campaign as an unprecedented $30 million effort to cure canine cancer within a dog's lifetime - the next 10 to 20 years. World-renowned scientists and cancer specialists agree that this MAF-led effort will not only save countless dogs from suffering and premature death, but should also help produce breakthroughs in the prevention, treatment, and cures of human cancers - in particular childhood cancers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heidi_Jeter

The Benefits of Feeding Your Dogs Quality Dog Food by Chris L. Jensen

2008-08-19T06:37:00.000-04:00

The number one draw back being the cost difference. Regardless of cost, you should strive to treat your animal as well as you do yourself if not better. The less expensive brands are exactly that: cheap in price as well as quality. Many veterinarians have likened some of these dog foods to pouring gravy over cardboard and serving it up to our much loved friends. It will fill the space in their stomachs but it won't give them the nutrients they need to thrive.

You'll find that once your pet adapts to the higher levels of nutrients and good calories they tend to eat less of the higher quality dog food than they did with the lesser versions. The long and short term benefits of this upgrade are innumerable. Higher quality foods, including home made dog food recipes which are abundant and easy to find online if you search for "home made dog food", provide your animal with a shinier coat, clear eyes, normal bowel movements and a generally happier disposition.

Many dogs are allergic to the lower quality ingredients found in cheap dog food. You might find that with a better dog food your pet will have less "itchies" and shed far less as well. Better health decreases the amount of yeast in the ears which some breeds are prone to.

Also once they have the nutrients they need their bodies will be capable of healing faster after a surgery, accident or procedure. Animals learn best when their needs are met. So if you've been relying on low quality food and haven't had much luck with training, changing to a higher quality might be part of the answer. No one feels like producing good work when they're hungry or living on a diet of garbage. Same holds true with our furry friends.
Own a big and beautiful Saint Bernard. Adopted him after he was hit by a semi truck, no kidding, and walked away with just a scratch. After the stitches were in place his owner decided that he wasn't what they considered to be "show quality" and dumped him at a shelter. We brought him home and kept him on the generic brand food the shelter had been feeding him.

He had a few raw spots on his legs and back that we attributed to a rash he'd acquired in the kennel. I took him back to the shelter to see what they recommended. A simple ointment was the suggestion I left with and after 2 weeks it had done no good. He had been steadily having loose bowel movements and I worried, took him to my vet and after a few minutes she came out with a diagnosis. He wasn't getting enough protein from the food in his diet.

Upgraded to the next most expensive brand, thinking that a 180 pound dog would eat me out of house and home. His rashes got a bit better and a couple of them went away. It wasn't until I bit the bullet and went in for the higher quality food that saw the best results. After 3 weeks his raw and tender spots were completely healed, his itchy ears were under control and his demeanor had calmed immensely.

Now he has a full, gorgeous coat and has gained almost 50 pounds. I am a firm believer that your results are determined by what you put into it. Animals need to have a good diet as much or more than humans do. It's essential in every aspect of their being and to cheap out on the care you provide them is not only unnecessary and detrimental, but uncaring and neglectful.

Chris Jensen is a contributing author of Jetfly Blog. For more related articles and views visit Jetfly Pets & Animals Blog now. Also, for the best up-to-date related online products, check out Jetfly Dog Supplies Shop for today's current online deals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_L._Jensen

How to Prevent Your Dog From Excessive Barking by Joseph M. Sabol

2008-08-18T15:20:00.000-04:00

When one talks about dog training, the things that usually come first to mind are dog tricks, dog shows, and the like. Dog training is not really about turning your pet dog into a clown. It is more of a behavior-enhancing activity. Dog training moderates, if not takes away all the bad habits of your pet dog, and that includes excessive barking.
Excessive barking is what veterinarians call an unrewarding behavior. Training your dog to bark less, therefore, means that you need to convert his excessive barking into a non-rewarding activity. Doing this, however, requires patience and skills since barking is natural among canines.

Dogs bark for many reasons. But mostly, they bark to alert other dogs in the pack of coming danger. Dogs also bark to warn their human companions. When dogs do these excessively, this means that they are stressed, bored, or anxious about something. This uncalled-for behavior is comparable to overeating in humans. When humans are upset, ill, or stressed, overeating usually occurs. This analogy suggests that dogs who bark excessively may be experiencing something that is unwanted in their physiology.

There are two elements to consider when the owner deals with his pet's excessive barking. These are the cause and the symptom. Boredom or stress can be the cause. And the resulting symptom can be a headache, which induces the need to create noise, thus excessive barking. Eliminating this unrewarding behavior suggests that you get rid of the cause and the symptom.

The best solution, as the owner of your pet, is to give him regular exercise. Different breeds demand unique levels of physical activity. More activity for the dog means less boredom. Tired dogs usually behave properly. Be careful not to exhaust your dog though.

Another helpful solution is to give your pet an unrewarding environment. Each time your dog barks inappropriately, approach and order "NO". You may use a water spray as a consequence of his bad behavior. This unrewarding experience will register into his mind that unnecessary barking can lead to undesirable events.
If water spray is not available, you may pop his nose using your fingers. But make sure to do this in a gentle but still authoritative way. The goal is just to give your dog an unrewarding experience and not to cause pain.
Be consistent with this method and ask other members of the family to do the same. During your dog's quiet time, it will also help if you reward him by giving food or by petting. The trick is to impose unpleasantness every time your dog barks excessively.

Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol

Food You Should Never Feed Your Dog by April Toche

2008-08-06T07:29:00.000-04:00

There are many foods that we eat that we should never feed our dogs. Some are obvious, and most are things most people would never think would harm their dog. This list will tell you some of them.

1. Onions and garlic- Can damage red blood cells because they contain sulfoxides and disulfides.Can also cause anemia.
2. Persimmons- May cause enteritis and intestinal obstruction.
3. Peach and plum pits- Can cause digestive tract obstruction.
4. Raw fish- May cause loss of appetite, seizures, and may cause death if fed regularly, because raw fish causes a thiamine deficiency.
5. Sugary foods- May cause Diabetes Mellitus, dental problems, and obesity.
6. Table scraps- Never feed in large amounts. Bones should never be fed, and fat should be trimmed from meat and fed sparingly.
7. String- May become trapped in the digestive system causing it to have to be removed.
8. Salt- If fed in large quantities, can cause an electrolyte imbalance.
9. Yeast dough- Can cause pain and rupturing in the digestive system.
10. Tobacco- May result in rapid heartbeat, collapse, coma, and death, because tobacco contains nicotine.
11. Raw eggs- Raw eggs may contain Salmonella. They also contain an enzyme known as avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin.
12.Mushrooms - May contain toxins, which can affect several organ systems, cause shock and even death.
13. Hops- Causes panting, fever, elevated heart rate, seizure and possibly death because of an unknown compound.
14. Spoiled food or garbage- Can contain many toxins which may cause diarrhea and vomiting.
15. Dairy products- Can result in diarrhea because adult dogs and cats do not have enough of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. There is lactose-free products available for pets.
16. Liver- If fed in large amounts, can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones.
17. Macadamia nuts- They contain an unknown toxin, and can affect the nervous system, muscles, and digestive system.
18. Vitamin supplements for people- Supplements that contain iron can cause damage to many organs and harm the lining of the digestive system.
19. Raisins and grapes- May damage the kidneys because of an unknown toxin.
20. Baby food- May contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs.
21. Alcoholic drinks- Can cause coma, death, and intoxication.
22. Bones from fish, poultry, and other meats- Can cause laceration and blockage of the digestive system.
23. Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine containing products- Contains theobromine, theophylline ,and caffeine, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous system.
24. Cat food- Usually contains too much protein and fats for dogs.
25. Citrus oil- May cause vomiting.
26. Fat trimmings- May cause pancreatitis.

If this list helped you, and you would like to know about healthy foods that are free of toxins to feed your dog, then check out: (http://www.squidoo.com/got-healthy-dog-food)
April L. Toche
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=April_Toche

Three Simple Dog Training Tips by Sergio Resende

2008-08-05T08:37:00.000-04:00

Most owners that are busy teaching a pet are likely to be on the hunt for quick and easy dog training tips. After all, dogs are incredibly smart creatures but it's not like they understand English or can tell you why they're misbehaving the way they are. So, if you're a new dog owner or are very experienced with this, we have three very simple dog training tips that can perhaps make this process go by quicker and easier.

Tip #1 - Think like a dog.
Really, not many owners want to think like a dog. What they want is for the dog to start thinking like them! But of all the dog training tips you'll come across, this may be the most important. If you can grasp why your dog is behaving the way she is or what is making her act up, then you can better address it. For example, many owners hate to hear their dog bark incessantly but it's important to remember that dogs are primitive creatures and barking is just part of their nature, especially when they perceive a threat or danger. Some dog training tips will tell you to muzzle your dog or to rebuke it harshly, but it's really better sometimes to address the reason why it barks. Try to socialize the dog more so it's not as skittish around strangers or let it have more room to run in the yard so it doesn't feel threatened.

Tip #2 - Reward good behavior.
Many dog training tips emphasize the proper way to punish a dog when it misbehaves and this is appropriate at times, but dogs really crave that positive attention from their owners. In many cases it's better to reward them when they do the right thing than to simply punish when they do the wrong thing. Remember, dogs don't have reasoning ability. If you punish them for chewing up your shoes when they're bored, this doesn't tell them what they can play with when you're away. Tossing around a toy with them reinforces that this is what they should play with, as that time spent with you is a reward for them. Many who teach dog training tips forget to point this out to owners, who then miss a valuable lesson on how to actually teach their dog.

Tip #3 - Remember their attention span.
Some dog training tips will tell you how to address a mistake your dog has made but many owners forget that dogs have absolutely no attention span. They don't understand that they shouldn't have chewed up your slippers if they just did it five minutes ago. Waving those slippers in their face means nothing as they can't connect what they did in the past with what you're trying to communicate right now. Catching your dog in the act and then punishing her is one of the most important dog training tips you'll ever get.

So keep these simple but important dog training tips in mind and you'll have success.

If you want to transform your dog into an obedient and composed "poised pooch" that will follow your every command and behave under ANY circumstances, visit the link below to learn how.

House Training Your Dog
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sergio_Resende

How to Determine the Effectiveness of Dog Food Ratings by Teddy Paseo

2008-07-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

Virtually all dog food ratings offer extremely worthwhile information. Not only do they give you a good idea of what consumers or vet think about dog food brands, but they also give you a glimpse into canine nutrition. However, some dog food ratings are better than others because there's less subjectivity when presenting the information.

Why would this even be an issue? Well, dog food ratings are often used as subtle marketing tools to draw customers into buying a particular brand. And, while they still have some element of truth to them, usually the ratings will point to the promoted brand(s) as being better.

Fortunately, there is a way you can figure out which sites offer the best rating. And it involves, (ironically enough), visiting a review site that evaluates other review sites. Consumer Search is an example of a site utilizing this unique concept.

So, how do these types of sites work? Usually, someone who is well-versed in dog food will review various dog food ratings looking for the following things:

Whether or not the dog food was actually tested in a more 'scientific' way
The intentions of the site's author
Whether or not the rating scale seems consistent

Sites that get the most recommendations tend to be those where it is obvious that the content was written by an avid dog-lover. Then there are the sites that get average reviews, due to how useful their information is. Sites that get the lowest rating are those where it's very obvious promotion is the main goal.

In conclusion, never take one set of dog food ratings at face value. Use sites like Consumer Search to determine if the ratings are even legitimate to begin with. That way, you won't have to feel any sense of doubt when using ratings to determine which brand of dog food you're going to buy.

Your dogs nutrition is important. Dog food ratings and dog food comparisons are worth reading, but only if they actually come from dog lovers. Biased ratings from dog food companies don't really do any good. They actually put some pretty horrible stuff in some commercial dog foods and you should know what they are. Find out about the effectiveness of Dog Food Ratings at http://dogfood-facts-exposed.com/dog-food-ratings.htm

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teddy_Paseo

Five Things You Should Know About Your Dog Before You Begin Training Him

2008-07-30T08:26:00.000-04:00

There are so many different approaches used in dog training, that you may not know just know to begin. Having been a dog lover since I began to walk, I believe there are many things we need to know before we even begin the task of training.

Training a child has the benefit of a parent's instinct already instilled in us before we have the job of actual child rearing. Being the so called "parent of a dog" doesn't come with that natural instinct. We really have to determine what our dog is capable of understanding, and how to make him obey our request.

Bringing home a new puppy is almost the same as bringing home a new baby. The excitement of a new baby never goes away, even after they grow up and move out. But the excitement of a new puppy can go away quickly. They just don't seem to listen, they chew on everything, they are hard to house break, and some will bark at everything for no reason.

I've put together five things that I hope will help you in understanding the basics of dog training:

1. Don't waste time using complete sentences. Your dog only hears a few words in the command. He won't hear "I asked you to sit there", or " Stay right here, until I get back". Make it simple, and he'll understand. "Sit, Stay, Fetch, Lay Down," etc. will work best.

2. Dogs won't recognize what you are pointing at. They only focus on the tip of your finger. Pointing to a place that you want him to be, doesn't mean he is going to get there. He is only looking at the tip of your finger, you have to go with him to where you want him to go.

3. Treats can be an excellent training device. But it must be given to him immediately after following a command. Their attention span is very short. Try to use other ways of rewarding him also. Obesity is the #1 health problem in dogs. You can take him for a walk, play ball, or just give him a loving pat on the head. He really doesn't need a treat every time.

4. Avoid aggressive behavior right from the very beginning. Make him social. If you take him for walks, use different routes so he will become familiar with different types of people and places. If he sees children often, he won't fear them, if he sees men, or men with hats often, he'll become familiar with them. The same as seeing other dogs and cats. The more he is familiar with, the less he will bark at them, or use aggressive behavior towards them later.

5. Give him lots of exercise. Your dog will become anxious and sometimes even aggressive if he is kept in the house all the time. He needs to run and play to release all that. Dogs would much rather play keep away than fetch. If you can plan on daily exercises, walks, runs, or a nice game of keep away, you will find you will have a much happier and well behaved friend.

Most of all, respect him, just as you wish him to respect you. Just because he is looking at you with that blank stare, it doesn't mean he isn't trying to understand. Give him a chance, and he will obey your wishes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deborah_Mateer

I

How to Be a Pack Leader of Your Dog by Den Oyston

2008-07-25T07:13:00.000-04:00

Finding out how to be the pack leader of your dog will be one of the best things you ever do when training your dog.

It takes a certain amount of time for a dog to adjust to his/her new environment. This adjustment period is an important time for you to establish your role as the pack leader to your dog.

It is during this time that the dog should learn to accept your leadership and follow your command because if not, it could be quite troublesome for you to have a disobedient and uncontrollable dog.

Unlike most breeds, Staffordshire bull terriers are relatively easier to train .Though sometimes they really have a streak of stubbornness, so you need to be firm in handling them. Here's how to become a pack leader to your dog.

During playtime, win the majority of games. Though not all. That way your dog will still have interest. Imagine if they never win why continue the game?

Just like in any pack of animals, the strongest one is their leader. Therefore, when you play games with your dog it is critical that you win most of the time in order for your dog to see you as someone strong and in return, they will respect and obey you.

Make sure that the toys you play with are special ones and are brought out and put away during play time. That way there is no confusion.

Establish you rules and be certain that he follows it. You need to reinforce these rules by giving him an award every time he heeds your rules. Being consistent is also vital, if you do not reinforce your rules all the time, your dog will become confused and he will not follow you anymore. Give rewards consistently and this will make him think that he is doing the right thing. If he disobeys, do not shout just briefly reprimand him.

Never allow your dog to sleep at your bed or worse, sleep with you. This will reinforce the idea that you are the leader and you will not let you subordinate share your spot.

Also, feed him after you have eaten because in the wild, the dominant animals or the leaders always eat first. You should also apply the same thing at your house. By doing so, you will also establish your position as the pack leader.

Dogs are man and womans best friend. . If you want a free report on the 7 habits of great puppy owners. Check out http://www.staffordshirebullterrierblog.com

Any profit from this blog http://www.staffordshirebullterrierblog.com goes to local dog charities so please check us out.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Den_Oyston

Dog Behavior - How to Get Your Dog to Behave by Sarah Barker

2008-07-24T08:39:00.000-04:00

Dog behavior is a huge topic. When dogs are behaving badly, there's loads you can to to train them out of it. When they're behaving well, there's just as much you can do to teach them tricks and get them ready for shows. Plus, there's lots of different types of bad dog behavior - such as biting, chewing, barking, whining, scratching and the nightmare that is dog potty training.

But, my guess is that you're here because your dog's behavior isn't quite what you want it to be. Perhaps your dog is too aggressive in public places, perhaps he barks too much or perhaps he doesn't respond well when you give him instructions. Whatever your dog behavior problem, there is a solution.

Dog behavior problems are solved by continuous training programs to gradually teach the dog to behave differently. It's no good whacking him on the nose with a rolled up newspaper, or kicker him around the living room when he misbehaves. Dog behavior runs much deeper than that and mistreating him won't teach him a thing. In fact, you're more likely to teach him that violence is right and then he can become aggressive and dangerous.

Dog training courses are available in several flavours, so you can find a format that suits you. There's professional centers at which you can leave your dog for the day. There's books you can buy, both online and offline. There's courses you can buy, written by professionals who train dogs for a living. There's classes you can go to with and without your dog to learn more about dog behavior training techniques. There's telephone advice lines, CDs and DVDs you can buy, tons of websites and books in your library with free information, and last but not least, there's your friends who own dogs which you can share tips and ideas with.

Out of all the possibilities, I'd recommend going with 3, depending on your means. If you can afford it, go for the live training with a professional trainer, and make sure you hang around to watch or find one that is interactive for both the dog and you. Being one on one with a pro is the best way to learn what works and what doesn't, so you can change your dog's behaviour as quickly as possible.

If you can't afford to hire a pro for a week or two (and they can be very expensive), go for the next best thing: books and courses written by professionals. DVDs tend to be laborious to watch because they're hard to skim through, and CDs are worse because there's nothing to look at. Get a decent training course by an experienced professional, and who knows, you might be so sucessful you can set up your own training school!

If you get professional advice from the start and implement a properly designed behavior strategy, dog behavior training is a breeze to get through. I've successfully trained my dogs out of their bad habits (barking, chewing and scratching) thanks to the advice of the "Sit, Stay, Fetch!" course, which was written by professional trainer Daniel Stevens.

Learn more about dog behaviour training and get a free 6 part sample from the "Sit, Stay, Fetch!" course at EasyDogObedience.com. I'll see you there, and wish you the best of luck with your pets.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Barker

Clever Dog Names and Puppy Names - Find Unique Dog Names That Fit by Richard Livitski

2008-07-23T07:29:00.000-04:00

Congratulations! After searching long and hard at the shelters, through the newspaper and even enlisting friends and family in your search, you've found the right puppy! So what's next? Giving him/her a proper name of course!

So you think to yourself, just any 'ol name won't do. It's got to be unique, something different! Well, allow me to give you a few dog naming categories that will hopefully help you to come up with some really novel names for your four legged friend.

First though, when coming up with a name keep in mind a few things to watch out for.

- Stay away from names that might be potentially embarrassing to both you AND your dog. The name "Stinky" might be cute at first, but once the joke gets old, think of how you'll feel a year from now when you have to call "Stinky" home at night. Embarrassing names could also apply to negative words that might rhyme with your dogs name.

- There's been a tendency in recent years to give dogs human names. Though there's nothing wrong with this, be kind to your pooch and name him after someone you like. Also, if want to name him after someone you know, better check with that person first to see if it's alright. I'm not sure how much your human friend Max will like hearing, "Get off the couch Max!" or worse "We took Max to get fixed today."

- If possible, keep the name to one or two syllables. Dogs not only learn it quicker, but it makes them easier to train as well.

On with the names!...

In this article I've listed just 3 of the many dog name categories that might help you to think a bit outside the box when coming up with great puppy names. They are...

Unique Dog Names: Have you ever considered naming your dog after something that you eat or drink? I'm serious. Allow me to give you just a few examples that will hopefully get your creative juices flowing...

Bon Bon: I can see this as a good name for a small black dog.
Caviar: For a dog with expensive tastes. Maybe a good Poodle name?
Jalapeño: A good name for a dog with a sometimes fiery disposition.
Crouton: Another good name for a small breed. Maybe a Chihuahua? Latte: Possibly a good name for a black dog.
Kahlua: I can see this name on a brown dog.
As strange as it sounds, many more food and drink related dog names can be as close as your refrigerator, pantry or liquor cabinet!

Cool Dog Names: The dictionary defines the word "cool" as something that's fashionable, or hip. To me, when it comes to dog names, a name that's "cool" is a name that one doesn't normally hear. One that is creative enough to be memorable. And that perhaps matches that particular dogs appearance or disposition. Here's just a few names from my site that I put into the "cool" dog name category for starters...

Aspen, Azure, Capri, Charisma, Denali, Java, Mahala, Maui, Mignon, Nirvana, Pirouette, Rio, Sahara, Sierra, Taboo, Tiara.

Funny Dog Names: By funny, I'm referring to cute dog names that will match it's physical appearance. Here's just a few ideas...

Espresso: For an energetic black dog.
Kisses: For a small affectionate pup.
Brutus: For a BIG dog.
Putt-Putt: For a dog with short legs.

Here's some additional ideas...

Big Dog Names: Barbarian, Big Foot, Butkus, Chewbacca, Genghis, Godzilla, Hummer, Terminator, T-Rex, Tsunami

Small Dog Names: Doodle, Gumball, Kewpie, Laptop, Nibbles, Widget

For additional funny ideas, think opposites! Peanut for a BIG dog, Moose for a small dog.

As you can see, it's easy to find unique dog names and considering that your dogs name will be used an estimated 15,000 times during her lifetime, isn't she worth taking a little extra time to pick a perfect name?

When Richard Livitski isn't busy running around after his own dogs, he's busy searching for more unique, cool and funny dog names for http://www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names as well as other helpful dog related topics can be found.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Livitski

How to Treat Dog Arthritis by Alan C. Low

2008-07-22T06:15:00.000-04:00

Arthritis is one of the most common health problems a dog will face. In fact at least 1 in 5 dogs will develop this debilitating disease. Degradation of bone and cartilage is what we call osteoarthritis and is the most common issue in dogs. Since cartilage has no nerves, the damage can progress with no outward signs until the joint is severely affected and the lubricating fluid (synovial fluid) has thinned and lost its ability to protect the bone surfaces. The joints then becomes inflamed and painful.

It might occur in your dog neck, shoulders, hips, elbows and back and can be extremely painful. Thus, it becomes necessary that you remain aware of the subtle changes in your dog behavior for an early diagnose of the disease. Identifying early indicators of the disease can save a lot of pain and discomfort for your dog. It will also help you to avoid fatal repercussions associated with long-term joint degeneration. It's important to recognize the symptoms of dog arthritis and begin treatment early, to slow the progression and help preserve your dog's quality of life. There are number of causes contribute to the arthritis in dogs. These causes are :

Diseases like Cancer might also give birth to various arthritic problems. Improper bone development in young dogs may give birth to arthritis. In some dogs, the disease may be genetically transferred. Metabolic disorders and other hormonal problems lead to arthritis. Overweight and obesity may lead to swollen joints. Sometimes, a traumatic injury might also lead to joint instability. Lack of nutrition. Infection. Congenital defects. Abnormal stress on normal joints due to constant jumping over obstacles.

Dog arthritis can be treated by medications. These medications are :

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs Boswellin Nutraceuticals
In addition, dog arthritis can be treated by improving diet, doing exercise as well as taking natural anti-inflammatory supplements.

Find out more information about types of dog arthritis at http://mydogarthritistreatment.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_C._Low

How to Train Your Dog to Be More Obedient by Margareta Setijoso

2008-07-21T10:32:00.000-04:00

Dogs are "pack" animals just like their common ancestor, the wolf. They are always looking for approval from the leader of the pack. What most people don't even realize, is that their dog ends up being the leader of the pack! At least in the dog's mind that's the case.

Did you know that when you walk your dog, he/she is supposed to stand BEHIND you? You are supposed to be the dominant one, not your pet. YOU are the leader of the pack and if you're not, you need to work towards making it that way. This is where dog training comes in.

Believe it or not, it's hard for a lot of people to 'stick to their guns' when trying to discipline their dog. It is very easy to give in especially when they give you those puppy eyes. You must remain strong and solid. Straightening out your posture actually works very well in letting your dog know that YOU are in charge. Giving off a serious, dominant and 'alpha dog' vibe to your dog will also help.

When you tell your dog to 'sit' make sure you are not begging or pleading with him/her to do so! You should only have to say it once. If your dog doesn't listen, the next action shall be you pushing down on their bottom and making them sit -- it's a normal part of the dog training process.You will see a lot of people pleading with your dog and I'm sure you have done it yourself. "Sit Sparky, sit......sit Sparky......sit, sit.....sit!" Ridiculous. Who's in charge here? Certainly not the owner. A dog can go from being the dominant 'alpha' dog to being extremely submissive and in need of approval in a fairly quick amount of time. Try to implement these few techniques that I've gone over and I guarantee you'll be on the right track to training your dog to be a lot more obedient and he will look up to you for it. Trust me.

I certainly hope that you find this article useful as i expected it to be. Visit Margareta's blog about how to Successfully Train Your Dog To Behave for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margareta_Setijoso

Deadly Hazards in Your Home - Learn of a Silent Killer Lurking in Your House by Brian Spilner

2008-07-18T08:02:00.000-04:00

There are items all over our homes that can make our pups sick. Knowing the most common pet hazardous items can help you keep things out of your dog's reach. Our pets are curious and we can be forgetful; and, sometimes our pets get into something we didn't know was poisonous or something we forgot to put up. So, what do you do if your pet digests an item that makes him sick?

More than likely, there are multiple items in every room that can be a hazard to your pet. We would never even think about putting some items away. For instance, why would we lock our mouthwash away in the cabinet? Well, if the mouthwash contains boric acid, then it can cause our pets to have seizures. Every item that poses a hazard does not have to be locked away. Simply placing them out of your pet's reach or in an area that your pet isn't allowed, can do the trick.

Common household items that can have fatal effects on your pets include bleach, toilet bowl cleaners, mothballs, denture cleaner, contact lens solution, mouthwash, laundry detergent, fabric softeners, dishwashing detergent, household plants (ivy, aloe, and ferns), chocolate, food wrappers or cellophane, and batteries. There are many other items that can hurt your pet. If it has chemical ingredients, could cause suffocation (candy wrappers, for example), or you are unsure about the item, then you should treat it as harmful, whether it is or isn't. This is just a safety precaution. If you have a question about an item, then read the label and look up safety information on the internet. Make sure you look up the information before an emergency!

Different items will affect your pooch in different ways. The first thing to pay attention to is how he feels in general. If there is a sudden change in his energy level or appetite, then these could be a sign that something is wrong. If you feel that he is acting strangely, then keep an eye on him. There may not be any obvious symptoms (such as vomiting), but even the slightest change in personality can alert you to a problem.

Vomiting is often the first sign that your pet has ingested a harmful substance. The symptoms that accompany vomiting can help you figure out what he ingested. Look into his mouth. If mouth burns and muscle weakness are present, then your pooch could have consumed laundry detergent or fabric softeners. Along with burns to the mouth, coughing and abdominal pain are present with the ingestion of bleach. If your dog is drooling heavily, then he may have gotten into your mouthwash, contact lens solution, or denture cleaner. Seizures have been known to follow the ingestion of these items along with the ingestion of mothballs.

If your pet is showing signs of being poisoned, then call your veterinarian or poison control immediately. Do not waste time trying to find information on the internet. Make note of the other symptoms that are accompanying the vomiting. Has he stopped eating? Does he appear weak? Are there burns in his mouth? If you can quickly identify the cause (the bottle of laundry detergent is spilled on the floor), then read the back of the label. The label will tell you what to do in case of human consumption and this will be helpful information for the veterinarian or poison control specialist on the phone.

It seems easy enough to keep things out of the reach of your pet, but sometimes items will slip passed our radar. A piece of fudge left on the counter or a lily planted outside your front door are fair game for your pet. Research additional hazardous items, so you can monitor your home and your pet accordingly.

Pets can be curious, and humans can be forgetful. There are many items around the home that can harm your pet. If ingested, many cause vomiting and are followed by more dangerous effects. Monitoring your pet's behavior can help you determine how he feels. If you notice a sudden change in your pup's health, then keep a close eye on him. If you suspect poisoning, then contact the veterinarian or poison control immediately. The best thing you can do at home is keep known hazardous substances locked away and stay up to date on what can harm your pet.

This article was written by Brian Spilner a provided by pet-super-store.com a site featuring the industries leading brands at the Best Prices on the Web - PetSafe and Tri-Tronics
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Spilner

How to Correct Dog Behavior - Yes, You Can Do It! by Barb Pena

2008-07-17T06:08:00.000-04:00

Are you struggling with how to correct dog behavior? Is your dog out of control? Making you feel stressed? Do you just want a calm dog that obeys your commands?

I was in your position not too long ago. But I found there is hope!
The following steps will help you correct your dog's behavior:

1. Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. A quick little walk around the block is not enough. They need to be panting tired. I've found that ten or fifteen minutes of fetch work wonders or else get a rubber horse whip and attach a small stuffed animal to the end. The dogs love to chase it and this is fun for both of us. It's quite entertaining to watch the dogs jump and twist trying to catch the animal.

2. Be consistent. Always be sure to enforce the rules. Don't let your dog get away with sometimes sitting on the coach and other times scolding him for it. Or don't give your dogs food from the table but then wonder why he begs all the time.

3. Praise and reward the positive. Always praise and reward any good behavior. Be sure to make it a "party" with your voice and maybe a few treats when a dog is doing something right. It will make him want to repeat the behavior.

4. Establish yourself as the alpha. Be sure that you are the "top dog." One good way to do this is not to leave their food out for them to graze on whenever they want. Feed them 2 times a day at the same times every day. This establishes you as the provider of food which is what the alpha does. It's also a good idea to make them work for the food, to be let outside, to be petted, etc. Just ask them to sit before you set their food bowl down, open the door or pet them.

4. Find a good training program. You can find classes at your local humane society but there are also fabulous classes that you can purchase online which free you up to go at your own speed and customize the program for the things you need to work on with your dog.

If you put the above steps into action, you too can have an amazing dog that you are proud to have in your household.

Barb Pena loves her 3 dogs and keeping up on the latest training techniques. Do you want to put an end to the stress and annoyance of your dogs problem behavior? Click here to sign up for a free 6 day mini dog training course to get you started. Slash your dog training time in half by using techniques that give you immediate results.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barb_Pena

How to Stop My Dogs Bad Behavior Towards Other Dogs? By Joachim Van Rossenberg

2008-07-16T06:01:00.000-04:00

In this article I will show you how you can stop your dogs bad behavior.

When you are out walking, always have a lead on your dog then you are in control of him. It is natural for a dog to be aggressive towards another.

If it is something you feel you cannot live with, try a distraction technique, take a "dog treat" with you and give that to your dog once in a while. Try rewarding your dog, get him to look at you instead of the other dog and reward him with treats. Don't go to close to the other dog at first, treating him all the time for his attention and as time goes on move a little closer, but be prepared to move away if he gets distracted by the other dog. Always put yourself between your dog and the other animal, talk to him and try to calm your dog down.

As soon as he starts being aggressive you turn the other way, once he calms down you can start walking towards the other dog, he gets aggressive again you turn around again. It may take a while, but your dog will learn that if he can't be nice he doesn't get to see any dogs.

At last but not least, here are some tips for you:

1: Take your dog to parks where there are other dogs, but try to keep enough distance so that your dog sees the other dogs, but doesn't react.

2: Try to get your dog to focus his attention on you before he notices another dog approaching.

3: Pull your dog's leash sideways rather than straight as the other dog approaches. Pulling straight towards you will only enable your dog to stay grounded and in control. Sideways will make him less balanced and give you better control of the situation.

4: Distract your dog by dropping a can of stones if he starts to act aggressively. Do not yell. That will only condition him to associate your negative reaction with other dogs.

5: Reduce the distance between your dog and other dogs gradually. Reward him with a treat for his calm behavior and willingness to pay attention to you rather than fixating on other dogs. Once you feel that your dog can be relaxed while walking close to other dogs, you can begin the positive association process.

6: Arrange to introduce your dog to another dog that is passive. Have your dog on a leash and the other dog held on a leash by his guardian. Meet somewhere neutral, preferably a place your dog has never been. If he feels like it's his territory, he will view the other dog as an intruder.

7: Read your dog's body language when he meets the other dog. If he stiffens up, stares directly at the other dog for a prolonged period, has raised hair, growls, pulls on the leash to reach the other dog, or has a stiff tail, end the meeting for the time being. Walk the dogs in view of each other while talking to your dog in a cheerful tone.

8: Repeat this process with the same dog or other dogs on different days

9: Enroll your dog in an obedience class with a trainer who understands the sources of dog aggression if the previous steps don't work. Group training usually works better than one-on-one training for dogs that are dog aggressive.

Hopefully this article helped you a lot to stop your dogs bad behaviour towards other dogs/people.
If you are looking for more info check out the link below.

More info here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joachim_Van_Rossenberg

How to Improve Your Puppy's Behavior by Danielle Niesz

2008-07-14T11:37:00.000-04:00

As we all know puppies are just about the cutest thing in the entire world. Unfortunately they are a HUGE mess! And they don't seem to speak English very well because they never listen to anyone. Although training your puppy is a difficult task there are several things you can do to help yourself and your puppy.

The most important thing to remember any time you are dog training is that you are the alpha. You have to remain calm and maintain control of all situations. When it comes to dogs if you lead, they will follow. This is true for puppies as well as adult dogs. By showing your puppy that you are the pack leader you ensure that he or she will always follow your lead. If they don't look to you for leadership you're gonna have a heck of a time getting them to learn from you.

Everyone knows that trying to housebreak your puppy is one of the most trying times in your relationship with your dog. Truly, if it was always like this you wouldn't have bothered getting the dog in the first place. Of course there are a few things you can do to ease the burden. First and foremost is to begin your puppy's training outdoors from the start. Teaching them to go on the newspaper in the kitchen is a mistake. Take them out from the start and give them lots of praise and back scratches when they do it outside. If you catch your puppy going inside don't yell or lose your cool. Say something like "BAD DOG!" while near the site of the "accident" and take them straight outside. Make sure you use the same word or phrase every time you reprimand them, but don't use the same phrase for other things your dog does wrong. It will just confuse them. The last thing I will mention is also the most important. You need to take your puppy out every time he or she eats, sleeps, drinks more than a few sips, has been alone for awhile or confined. I know it sounds like a lot, but puppies go a lot. Over time try to get a schedule that you and the dog are both comfortable with, but for now going outside all the time is better than cleaning up each mess.

Many people like to use reward and punishment to train their dogs. This is a good method since puppies respond very well to operant conditioning. When training your puppy to do certain things you must make sure you, and everyone else, always use the same command word for the same action. When your puppy responds with the desired response give them a reward. The reward you give should vary. I alternate with three different types of rewards. Sometimes I go with the obvious food treat, and sometimes I will give my puppy a new toy to chew on. The third is hearty praise. I will scratch my dachshund under her chin and tell her she's "such a pretty girl". Changing the reward helps the dog to associate the action with a good response, not just food. When your dog does something wrong make sure not to just start yelling. Try to correct the behavior with your own actions, helping the dog to see what you want. Your puppy will learn over time, but not immediately.

Puppy training can be one of the most difficult times you will have with your dog. However it can also be one of the most fun and rewarding times. Showing that cute little mutt how to do everything. So best of luck to all you new pet parents out there. You're gonna need it!

If you want to learn more about creating the proper environment for your dogs to have a happy, healthy life and stay well behaved visit my blog Man's Best Friend

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danielle_Niesz

Ticks On Your Dog And How To Get Rid Of Them by Joseph Devine

2008-07-11T08:42:00.000-04:00

Taking your dog out to the woods can be a good experience for both you and your dog. While you can protect yourself from any bug bites that might occur, you cannot however protect your dog from anything that might happen. When going out in the woods, the first thing you should always worry about is ticks.

Ticks are a small 8 legged insect that will bite you if you have any open skin. When the ticks bite you, they latch themselves on to your skin in order to suck out as muck blood as possible. When they bite on to your dog, they will continue to suck the blood out of your dog until they can't do it anymore. The best way to stop ticks is before they start. This means that you must spray your dog down with some kind of insect repellent before you take your dog out into the woods. Ticks are a parasite that sucks the blood right out of your body. These ticks hide out in the bushes and tall grassy areas.

The one thing that people are quite afraid of is the Lyme disease that ticks tend to carry. This disease can cause major shut downs in your body if you are not careful. This disease can also affect a dog quite drastically. These ticks with Lyme disease will quickly begin to shut down your dog's immune system and eventually make your dog very sick.

If you find that your dog has a tick buried in his fur, there are a number of things that you need to do to help your dog get better. The first thing that you will need to do is to get a pair of tweezers. You cannot just pull the tick out with your bare hands. When the tick initially bites you, it will bury its head in your skin. If you just try to pull it out with your bare hands, you might get the head stuck in your skin which could lead to infection. You should position the tweezers around the tick as close to the skin as possible. You have place the tweezers there, firmly begin to pull the tick straight up. This should help to keep the tick in tact and make sure that he is not broken in half. Once the tick is out of your dog, you should burn or flush the tick. If you through the tick away, it will probably just climb up the trash and try to bit you again.

For more information, contact the New York Veterinarian Clinics by clicking here.
Joseph Devine
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine

How to Deal With Dog Ear Yeast Infection by Peter Gitundu

2008-07-10T07:27:00.000-04:00

Dog ear yeast infection is very common and it is caused by an organism that is referred to as malassezia patchydermis which is found on the skin of the dog. The most common infections happen on the skin and the ears. The organism is able to infect the dog because of a weakened immune system which might be caused by several reasons. The first reason is a dog vaccination and although had to imagine, some vaccinations only leave the dog weak prone to infections. Just like man, a dog will also be affected by antibiotics. They will kill all the friendly bacteria and leave the dog without any defense.

Dog ear yeast infection can also be caused by chemicals and poisons and a dog is likely to come into contact with these substances where it can fall ill. Another cause is a bacterial infection. The dog might be infected by a bacteria for which it is put on antibiotics which will harm good bacteria therefore, have a clear understanding of the various kinds of medications your dog is going to undergo. Some of the symptoms of a dog ear yeast infection include itching. This will be known when the dog is constantly reaching for the ears and shaking his head. Look out for lesions in around the ears.

Dog ear yeast infection might be a bit tricky to diagnose because when the samples of the ear scrapings are observed under a microscope, you will find the organism that causes the infection which is called malassezia patchydermis. However, when you do a similar test with specimen from another part of the dogs body, you will find that the results reveal presence of malassezia. This confirms that the organism is always present on the skin of the dog whether sick or not. Therefore they give the medication and if it works, then the dog is considered to have suffered from the infection.

Dog ear yeast infection is treated with anti fungal creams if the infection is not extensive and this may continue for several weeks until the dog finds relief. As a dog owner, you are advised to keep on checking your canine partner for unusual appearances so that you can figure out what the problem is and, if you cannot, you need a good specialist. Once in while, let your dog have a physical examination to determine the health and immunity level. This will help you figure out which nutrient to add and which ones to remove from the dogs diet. Make sure you observe hygiene in your dog to avoid many infections.

Finally, dog ear yeast infection can be avoided by making a diet that will boost the immunity of the dog. You need to replace the helpful bacteria that might be missing in the dog. Feeding the dog raw meat could make its health better. Also, consider the use of supplements and feed your dog as advised by the health specialist. Avoid vaccinations that you are not sure of and do not administer antibiotics to the dog without consulting about a yeast possibility.

Peter Gitundu is a Web Administrator and Has Been Researching and Reporting on Yeast Infection for Years. For More Information on Dog Ear Yeast Infection, Visit His Site at DOG EAR YEAST INFECTION You Can Also Post Pour Views About Dog Ear Yeast Infection On My Blog Here - DOG EAR YEAST INFECTION
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Gitundu

Dog Bee Stings - How to Keep Your Pet From Suffering by Lee Dobbins

2008-07-09T08:09:00.001-04:00

Dog bee stings can be quite common in summer and they are just as painful for your dog as they are for you!
If you've spend any time outside with your pet in warmer weather, you've probably noticed that he loves to snap at flying insects with his mouth. God only knows why dogs like to do this as the result is often a painful sting in a very sensitive area.

Of course, you 'll know right away if your dog has been stung as he will be scratching and pawing at his mouth. A hornet, wasp or bee sting can also cause your dog to salivate profusely and it can be a bit upsetting to see your dog foam at the mouth, especially if you don't know the cause.

Here are some things you can do to relieve the suffering of dog bee stings:

1. Try to bathe the area of the sting with a solution of warm (not too hot) water and bicarbonate of soda. A ratio of 1 tbsp bicarbonate to 2 pints of water is adequate and will not be harmful if ingested. Bathe every 10 minutes until it seems like the stinging has subsided.

2. You can also apply Ammoniated quinine directly to the area.

3. Most dogs take a bee sting in stride, but if yours is acting really agitated, you might try giving him some potassium bromide to calm him down.

4. If the dog will let you, you could try to remove the stinger with tweezers - if you can actually see where the stinger is.

5. Don't feel silly about taking your dog to the vet so that she can examine the sting. If she see's fit, she can give your dog a shot of anti-histamine that will relieve the swelling and itching as well as prevent any systemic disturbances.

Just like with kids, dog bee stings can be a normal part of the summer routine. But just because you see your dog snapping at bees does not mean that he will necessarily be stung. I had one dog that snapped at them all day long and seemingly never got stung once! However, if yours is stung, you now know what to do to ease his pain.

Lee Dobbins is an avid dog lover who has owned many different types of dogs from a 90 pound Shepherd mix to a pure bred Pomeranian. She shares her years of research and experience in an Ebook and newsletter which you can download for FREE at http://www.dogcareandtrainingtips.com.

How to Prevent Dog Jumping by Kelly Marshall

2008-07-08T09:52:00.000-04:00

Dog training can be taught in a variety of forms, and it is essential to be clear on your vocal training commands. Your dog may become perplexed if he's told the same things that may have different meanings to you. For instance, let's refer to the command phrases "OFF" and "DOWN".

It is imperative to learn the difference between "OFF!" and "DOWN!" Especially when you begin obedience training, you will use the command "DOWN!" to mean that the dog will lie down. So, while you're working on his problem of jumping up on you, don't use the wrong command. Tell your dog "OFF!" And what if he doesn't get off? There are reasons why a Dog jumps before trying to stop jumping.

Ever greeted a person you love and been able to see only that his or her ankles? Don't you want to look into their face? Your dog does too, so, being very short, he jumps up to see you. The first thing you can do to begin to stop this very annoying jumping is by squatting down to his level to greet your him. When you squat and your dog doesn't have to jump up to see you. That's an important beginning. Next, whenever your dog jumps up on you, take his front paws, place him off you firmly, and while you're doing this, say "OFF!" loudly. By doing this, mixed with the squat greeting, while he is still a pup, there's no need for harsh methods. Don't forget to pat him and say "Good Dog" when all four of his paws are on the ground.

Remember, praise must always follow any effort by the dog to do what you've commanded, even if the effort is a casual version of what you have in mind as obedience. A praise is his reward for being a good dog. Still, you have a one year old stubborn dog that has been controlling your life before you read this. Know one has to tell you that you have a complicated issue! You just have to get rougher than the behavior described above if you want positive results. Try a knee-jerk reaction whenever your dog jumps on you, bring your knee up quickly against his chest and yell "NO. OFF!" You can shove with your knee as well. Knocking your dog down may be helpful in getting the message across. At least it will be helpful to you in working off some aggravation.
For more tips, search online with keywords phrases like, "free dog training" in Google or another top search engine. Many listings will show up with a variety of training tools like videos, audio files, cassettes you can send for, autoresponder courses, reports and ebooks and more.

You can also visit pet / dog authority sites one for the Humane Society. Form there, find a wealth of helpful articles most often, as well as a link page to even more pet-friendly authority and sponsor sites.
As you can see, there are many avenues available to help you with training. Cheers!

Written by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies - the largest provider of dog car seat covers online
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_Marshall

How to Use Training Treats? by Guillaume Tremblay

2008-07-07T07:45:00.000-04:00

Training is the single most important ingredient to assure that your pet is successfully trained. It is not uncommon after a couple of days of training for your pet to appear as though he understands the boundaries, this however is not the case. The ability of a pet to learn and retain what they have learned is very different from that of a human. With pets it is about conditioning the pet to remember by marking a moment in time over and over again.
Training treats and positive reinforcement are the best way to accomplish this. It is only through repetition and positive reinforcement of the proper behaviors that your pet will learn its boundaries. Prior to beginning training feed your pet some Training Treats so that they immediately recognize them during actual training as something they like.

More than ever Training Treats play a vital role in training. The initial corrections will make your pet uneasy. By giving him a training treat and praise he will not only get over it quickly, he will remember the moment and be more effectively trained to the system. The type of Training Treat that you use is very important. If you use anything too big it will satisfy your pets needs to quickly and will not drive him to continue his training. You also risk the pet becoming sick from over eating during the training sessions.

If the treat is not desirable enough you risk your pet ignoring it. There is treats that are specifically designed and formulated for effective training. They are semi-moist and highly aromatic, immediately appealing to your pet sense of smell. They are also small enough that they will whet your pets appetite without satisfying their hunger or limiting their need for more. They also will not make your pet sick from over indulgence.
http://www.specialpetsstore.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Guillaume_Tremblay

How to Stop Your Pooch From Chewing Up the House? by Annette Masse

2008-07-01T09:20:00.000-04:00

First of all we must understand why dogs chew.
Puppies usually chew because they are teething. Just like a baby child, when they teeth they begin to put everything in there mouth to make the discomfort go away. As far as adult dogs usually chew because of boredom or separation anxiety. Some dogs begin the chew as part of the play ritual, or just because something tastes good. But all in all most chewing by adult dogs is just a bad habit.
Lets cover all of these destructive behaviors in more depth.

Teething
Mouthing
Boredom Fear Play
Attention Seeking
Just tastes Good

Teething - If your puppy is teething it is just a stage of development. As you may know there are topical gels for parents of human babies to rub on the gums to get rid of some of the discomfort in the child. Some veterinarians have used this same topical gel on puppies. Since the teething is just a temporary stage it is best to just help the pup get through it. There is hard rubber and plastic toys made for puppies who are teething. Another good tip is to give the pup ice cubes to play with or to take a wash cloth, tie it in a knot and freeze it. Let the pup play with that when he seems uncomfortable. Sometimes the frozen cloth technique can only be used for very small dogs. You also don't want to confuse the dog into what is "his and what is yours." One of my favorites is a to give a teething dog a frozen bagel. This way he has to work at it and then gets to eat it to. I buy the big bag of very small bagels. It seems to work well.

Mouthing - It is normal for pups even 8 weeks old to have little sharp teeth. When they get excited and playful they tend to bite. This mouthy behavior should be discouraged. This is how puppies communicate with each other. Some owners like to rough up there pups and have them return with a small bite. This type of behavior should not be enforced it should be discouraged.

Boredom - If you leave your dog alone for long periods of time, he may become bored and will look for something to do. Chewing will pass the time. The best thing to do is to get your dog more exercise. One thing to remember is that walking some dogs relaxes them and makes them tired, but walking other dogs can make them energized, and pumped up. What works best is to walk your dog and then you both take some down time to relax together. This will bring a bond between you and reinforce your relationship. Again the frozen bagels or frozen cooked pizza dough is a good chew toy for him as well.

Fear - Sometimes dogs may chew out of fear. Many dogs are afraid of Thunderstorms for example. Or if another dog walks past the window, your dog may start barking and chewing the window frames etc. These are acts of defensive behaviors. One of the best ways to stop this type of behavior is to teach your dog a "down and stay" command which we have covered in earlier dog reports. Teaching this command while in a positive situation will help when the dog is portraying negative behavior. Get the dog away from the window, and give the "down stay" command. Sit with your dog and gently relax with them. This will usually give them time to calm down.

Play - If your dog likes to bite and chew while playing that usually means he just needs more training. Some dogs have higher energy than others. These types of dogs usually need a strong exercise program along with the training. Use his play time as structured play time, such as jumping or fetch. While he plays and exercises practice many "down stays" outside and also inside.

Attention Seekers - Sometimes dogs will seek more attention from its owners. Some of the attention seekers are barking, stealing, chewing, spinning, and limping. As far as chewing, most owners see this as negative behavior, but since the dog is seeking attention he will take negative attention over no attention. Usually if you bring no attention to the behavior they will disappear.

Just Tastes Good - Everyone realizes that if it tastes good the dog will want to chew it. Some items are palatable to a dog. This means they feel good in there mouth. Things such as wooden or leather furniture, shoes, stuffed animals to name a few. The best idea is to dog proof your home by not leaving these things around while the dog, or puppy is going through this chewing stage.

If your dog is healthy, has room to roam, gets plenty of exercise, and has a space of his own, chewing is usually not a problem .Again, the frozen bagels are a great cure for chewing.
For more information on this topic and valuable information on dog behavior please visit. http://fortheloveofdogz.com/
Sign up for a FREE mini email course for you and your dog. Author - Annette Masse has been loving and respecting dogs for 25 years
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Annette_Masse

How to Use Rewards During Dog Training by Richard Cross Terris

2008-06-30T18:48:00.000-04:00

Without rewards, training a dog is an almost impossible task. If they are used in the right way, training any dog becomes a whole lot easier. However many dog owners don't really know how to use dog treats to the greatest effect, which often results in them becoming useless. When this happens dog training once again becomes a daunting task.
Always make sure that when you are giving a treat for good behaviour that you give it straight after the behaviour has taken place. The dog will associate the reward with its last action, as until it is trained it doesn't know what was right and what was wrong. If you give the dog the treat for something that happened earlier you might be accidentally reinforcing bad behaviour.
When you first start to train a dog you should give rewards every time it follows a command. As your dog begins to understand what you want, then you can start to try it without the rewards, but not before. It is often a good idea to replace food rewards with something else the dog likes, for example a game or petting. Even when your dog is performing the commands without needing a treat you can still reward the good behaviour once the command has been carried out.
Most importantly you should never praise or reward you dog unless it has done something well. This might sound obvious, but it is often tempting to reward a dog for nothing because we love it so much. This only weakens the use of rewards as a training tool
Do you want to train your dog like a professional? To find out about a brilliant dog training ebook and to receive a free report on dog body language, please click here
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.

Dog Interactive Behavior - How to Recognize Dangerous Dog Behavior by Sylvia Dickens

2008-06-11T07:59:00.000-04:00

Understanding dog interactive behavior can protect you and your children, and it can protect your dog. Knowing what constitutes dog interactive behavior will help you to react safely.
Remember that dogs interact with each other through their behavior, not through language, as we know it. Each movement and pose a dog strikes sends a message to other dogs. These messages can be a warning, they can show playfulness and they can demonstrate friendliness or curiosity.
Many people don't know how to read dog interactive behavior and often do the wrong thing. It's important for people to understand and teach their children how to respond when in a dangerous situation.
As a child, I always found that freezing was a good way to avert being bitten by a strange dog in the neighborhood. My experience was that freezing confused the dog so that he backed away.
To my surprise, I now discover that this was the worst thing I could have done.
By freezing, I was using dog interactive behavior without realizing it. This sent the message that I was on high alert and ready to defend myself. You see, when a dog freezes and closes its mouth, he's saying that his next move might be to lunge at you.
Staring into the eyes goes hand in hand with freezing. This dog interactive behavior generally means the dog is uncomfortable about the situation (i.e.: the presence of another dog or human) and if someone makes a wrong move, the dog might attack.
This is especially true if you and the dog stare into each other's eyes, your bodies become stiff and rigid and your mouths are closed. Dogs take this defensive stance when they feel their territory is being invaded or they need to defend themselves. It's their way of sending a warning.
Remember that dogs don't know the difference between human behavior and dog interactive behavior. Dogs read all behavior and actions based on the dog behavior they know and understand.
Quickly calm the situation to ensure your safety
Once you recognize this threatening dog interactive behavior, you can free yourself from the situation by staying relaxed and moving your shoulders and hips a little. Don't look the dog in the eyes. Turn your body away from the dog slightly, rather than straight on.
This body language tells the dog that you are not a threat.
When two dogs approach each other, they do so from the side if they are showing friendliness or curiosity. If they approach head on, the other dog becomes defensive and prepares to attack.
Distraction is an excellent and effective tool you can use in such situations. If you see two dogs, or a child and dog in this tense situation, make a noise, call the child or your dog over to you.
Next time you see a dog (or dogs) in the freeze position with its body still and no movement for more than a few seconds, be alert. Clap your hands, make a loud noise, throw a ball, or do something else to break the tension.
Teach your children these techniques so they don't try to break up two dogs on the verge of an attack, or make the wrong move themselves, such as running away. Never reach in to separate two dogs as you can get bitten.
Many dogs have been put down for mistakes made by adults and children because they just didn't understand dog interactive behavior. Many children have suffered needlessly from dog attacks.
The best protection for you, your children and your dog is to know how to recognize this threatening dog interactive behavior and to react safely.
Want more dog tips? Get your free copy of Sylvia's latest booklet, "Unveiling the Myths & Mysteries of Owning a Puppy" at Healthy Dog Nutrition Secrets
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sylvia_Dickens

Dog Whining - How To Stop Dog Whining In Your Adult Dog by Kristiana Jones

2008-05-22T15:21:00.000-04:00

If your dog is a whiner, chances are that this behavior started during puppyhood. He used to whine, you'd react and he soon learned that whining was the way to get what he needed. Now that he is an adult however, this whining has become a pain. The good news is that an old dog can be caught new tricks. In this article, we'll teach you about whining and what to do about it.
First of all, you must understand that some whining is inherent. Puppies whine it to inform their mothers that they need something and adult dogs do it to get what they want too. The key in dealing with whining is to realize that there are many reasons dogs whine including they're hurt and in pain, upset, afraid or anxious, need to go outside, or are bored and need stimulation
Second, how you react to his whining will either reinforce or stop it. If his whining is justified then there may be little that you can do except take care of his need. If it isn't justified then you'll have to take care of his needs before you can expect him to stop whining.
But, how do you tell why he's whining? Here's some clues:
He's Hurt and In Pain
For instance, if he starts whining all of a sudden and it gets louder, he may be in pain. If so, check him out. This can be done by rubbing your hands along his legs and giving his joints a little squeeze. Be gentle. Look for signs that he is in pain. For instance, see if his paw is hurt or if he is favoring a certain side of his body. Do you see any cuts? Do you see any blood? Do you see anything at all that can be causing him to whine? If you cant figure it out but suspect that he is whining because of pain, have him evaluated by a professional veterinarian to ease your mind and his pain.
He's Lonely and Needs Stimulation
If he's lonely he will probably follow you around like a lost pooch or pace the room like a little maniac. He will seem to be in a trance not knowing what to do next. In this instance, you should take him outside for a quick walk and then exercise him vigorously. You can also give him some new toys to play with or spend some one on one time with him.
He's Scared and Needs Comforting
This whining occurs when there a storm or something out of the ordinary happening. In this instance, try to alleviate his fears. Encourage him and tell him that everything will be fine by speaking softly and not overacting. Don't pat, hug, or coo at him. This will only make the situation worse. Instead, comfort him and move on.
He Needs to Go Outside
If he needs to go outside - take him outside and let him go. This means that you've done a good job of training him not to potty inside. This is an accomplishment in itself.
In conclusion, by understanding why dogs whine, you can help your dog overcome the situation. Just be diligent in your efforts and understand that some whining is needed. By satisfying those needs, you'll be able to alleviate the whining.
Good luck!
Do you want to cure your dog's behavior problems? Visit http://www.sitstayhelpdog.info the number one resource for dog owners who want to help improve their dog's behavior without inhumane treatments or punishments. Visit http://www.sitstayhelpdog.info today and help your canine companion!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristiana_Jones

2008-05-15T14:35:00.000-04:00

Dog Obedience Training - How To Avoid Bad Dog Training MethodsBy Mark Freeman

As with all dog obedience training you will discover a vast array of advice available to you regarding the best possible way to train your dog.
Some are good methods & really work & some are not so good & can, when implemented over a period of time, damage your relationship with your dog.
Dog obedience training induced through fear is a bad training method but unfortunately one that is used all too often. The dog will do the command that you ask but is doing so because it's scared & does not wish to upset you. The dog learns that it receives a smack, or worse, if it does not complete the task set, therefore it appears to be obedient.
If you observe a dog that has been fear trained you can spot them immediately, they are the dogs that cower when performing their commands. Their tails are usually low set & their ears are generally flat, they do not look happy, as they are nervous.
The dog obedience training that you complete with your dog should be of a non-coercive type, both you & your dog should receive enjoyment from the work that you do. A dog taught through a non-coercive method will be just as obedient as a dog taught through a fear-based method. What is the huge noticeable difference? The non-coercive method dog will be a happy dog; the commands will be done with a waggy tail!
Another dog obedience training method that is bad is not being consistent, one day you tell your dog off for jumping up & the next day you stroke them when the jump up. Ensure you are always consistent with your commands & your actions & so are the other people living with the dog. If this does not happen you are sending out completely mixed signals to your dog & he/she will not comprehend what it is they are meant to be doing.
Your dog is then reprimanded for something that really is not their fault but rather yours for not being consistent.
When entering into dog obedience training with your canine friend you must speak the commands clearly, leaving no room for misinterpretation from your dog. Again if you are not clear your dog is reprimanded when technically you are at fault & not your dog.
One of the worse dog obedience training methods I have observed is the walking on a leash command. Their owner pulls the dog in every different direction. This is a terrible way to teach your dog not to pull on the leash, try a kinder way. Place a dog harness on the dog first so that the pressure from the dog pulling is not all resting on their neck but is distributed across their chest. Then use a non-coercive training method, such as the stop & start routine.
Just think if it were you in your dog's paws how would you like to be treated? Dog obedience training is all about gaining your dog's trust, love & above all their respect.
Did you find this useful? If so, check out: http://www.dogobediencetraining.com.au - A leading website on dog training methods.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Freeman

Dog Obedience Training - Using a Leash and Collar by David Marshall

2008-05-14T11:10:00.000-04:00

The leash is the main form of controlling and communicating with the dog in leash and collar training. Other popular method is called positive reinforcement training and have been a very long time and they have proven work together over time.
How to choose a leash and collar for obedience training
Dog owners need a leash when taking your dog for a walk. In many cases a proper leash is used at home especially if your dog is aggressive towards other people and other dogs. Many leash and collar are now using more advanced technology. the chest leash is popular in the dog owners community and one shorter 6 foot is recommended. Choose one suitable and comfort while wearing the leash and make her wear a leash and collar in public places with the tags or ID just in case she get loose.
Prong collars or choke chain is one of the most effective accomplish obedience training - The pinch or prong collar is made of interlocked metal links, each with two blunt prongs that pinch the dog neck skin when the collar is tugged on. They pinch similar to you pinching your own skin. They press evenly around the neck and they will not penetrate or break the skin.
The Gentle Leader and the Halti are the two best known types of dog head collars - there are slight differences in the design and they are made by different companies . As opposed to traditional dog collars that go around the neck, the Gentle Leader is a head harness that consists of a nylon nose strap and neck strap. The lead is attached to a ring at the end of a short strap that extends under the chin.
Both straps are designed to have a specific function. The nose loop is intended to mimic the practice of demonstrating pack dominance between two animals by firmly taking a dogs muzzle in their own. The neck strap is intended to relax and calm the dog by mimicking the practice of a mother grasping her pups by the back of the neck. In addition, the strap applies pressure to the back of the neck instead of the front of the throat.
Shock collars - We not recommended for training a dog, honestly we believe is a intimidation - physical torture. Simply try positive reinforcement method and other dog leash and collar options.
As with any collar, you need to aware your dog reaction. No one device will work for all dogs, but before you should pick up a choke chain or a prong collar, a Gentle Leader is for some serious aggressive behavior.
Please visit us our blog on how train your dog David Marshall is freelancer owner and author of http://advice-for-dog-obedience-training.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Marshall

2008-05-13T07:11:00.000-04:00

I've been doing lots of research online to find the best articles for the "How to's" on dog training tips. Today I am adding "How to Stop Your Dog From Digging. I think we've all been there, I know I have. I also found "How to Clean Dog Urine" by the same author. And you can't tell me you haven't been there...

I'm going to continue with my research and I will post a new article each day to save you from searching yourself. Be sure to check back, maybe I'll hit on that one problem you are having. I think I will, because I have hit every problem there is with training my dog.

Digging Doggies - How to Stop a Dog from DiggingBy John Krenberg

Any dog can get into the habit of digging and it's probably one of those behaviors that you'd rather your dog go without. It is an instinctual behavior so stopping your dog from digging is not going to be easy. In this article we'll look at some of the places you can start. Here's how to stop a dog from digging:
1. Understand why your dog digs. They dig for many reasons including:
Instinctual behavior for hiding food and other reasons.
Because they are bored.
It feels physically good to them
To find moisture or a cooler area.
2. Filling in the holes.
Put charcoal in the hole. Then try refilling the holes with junk. Dogs quickly lose interest and pretty much stop digging. Fill the hole with whatever is at hand - dead leaves, sticks, pine needles, rocks or even dog feces. Fill the top 2 inches or so with dirt. The dog finds the stuff, gets discouraged and often quits digging. They seem to get the idea they'll never know where they'll find junk, and it's not worth the effort to dig only to find junk so they quit.
3. Consider punishment.
Punishing dogs is usually considered noneffective. At best punishing your dog for digging holes by yelling, slapping or hitting them will only stop them digging that hole, while you are around.
4. Surprises in the hole.
The Koehler dog method advocates filling holes with water and sticking dog's head under the water for a few seconds or so. This may not work with some breeds (e.g., Labradors), and may not appeal to you as a method to try. Alternatively, you can try burying a water balloon in one of the holes which will pop in its face when it starts digging (surprise).
5. Take away the boredom. Dogs often dig because they are bored. Your dog may be bored if they stare at fences for a long time, whine or engage in playful or 'hyperactive' behavior, including digging holes. To stop your dog being bored:
Entertain them with toys and play time.
Exercise your dog vigorously with walks or runs.
6. Construct a sandbox. Try to remember that digging is a natural tendency for dogs. So, if there is any place where your dog may be allowed to dig, you should encourage it (and only in that place).
Designate an area where the dog can dig.
Place the box in an area that is cool in summer and warm in winter.
Fence the sandbox and fill it with freshly tilled earth.
Bury treats and smelly things in the sandbox to encourage your dog's use.
7. Create discouragement.Your dog will only respond to the hole he has just dig if you punish him yourself. So you must find ways to "punish" your dog for the act of digging, while you are not around.
Place a sprinkler on a hose in the area the dog digs. While in the act of digging, turn on the sprinkler.
Bury a small balloon in the dogs hole and cover it with a layer or dirt. The unpleasant surprise when the dog pops the balloon will take away some of the dog's digging pleasure.
Bury chicken wire just under the surface of the dirt. The wire on the dogs feet will feel bad to them. This usually works best near the fence (see tips, below).
Try putting cayenne pepper in his holes. Some dogs like the flavor of hot pepper, so don't waste too much on this tip.
Some dogs hate the smell of their own feces. Unlike cats, dogs do not bury their waste. Putting some of your dog's own feces in the hole will make it less pleasurable for them. Although there are many dogs who eat their poop and will gladly see this as you burying their favorite treat. Depends on the dog.8. Remove temptation.
Dogs enjoy digging in freshly tilled earth. If you are working in your garden remove fresh dirt from your dog's reach with a fence or covering.
Go out and dig up any bones or other things your dog has buried. Do not let the dog see you do this. Fill the hole back in.
Keep your garden clean. - Remove attractive smells. - Deal with any rodent or other small mammal problem.
If you do gardening do not let your dog see you till or dig in the earth, as this would simply be positive reinforcement.
9. Enroll yourself and your dog in a basic training class.Basic training teaches your dog to:
See yourself as 'God' of your dogs. (humans are humans, not dogs. You are not leader of their pack. That is an outdated notion from the late 80's/early 90's that modern trainers worked very hard to dismantle and dismiss and has unfortunately resurfaced recently. They have a leader in their pack and it is one of the other dogs. You are more like a 'God' to your dogs).
Obey basic commands like "Stop", "Sit" etc. These are some of the things you can do to stop a dog from digging. But another thing to keep in mind is that some breeds actually enjoy digging (and it has nothing to do with obedience or boredom), especially primitive type dogs.
Research breed characteristics before buying a dog. If you cannot tolerate digging in an otherwise happy dog do not buy that kind of dog. Some primitive type breeds who love to dig for the joy of digging include Australian Cattle Dogs and the Portuguese Podengo Medio.
My name is John Krenberg, and I'm a happy owner of a crossed breed Poodle/Terrier. Training him is extremely important to me since I live in a high rise apartment. I read a couple of books about dogs behaving badly, but felt that I needed a step-by-step approach to correct his unpleasant behavior.
I researched the internet and came across SitStayFetch, which I quickly downloaded, printed and read in one evening. Now Sumo, my pup, is doing great! At only 5 months old he sits, lies down, heals, stays, and even comes most of the time. I can not expect too much at his age but he is getting better everyday. I strongly recommend it to every dog owner out there. Here is the link: http://www.dogtrainingpalace.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Krenberg

How to Clean Dog UrineBy John Krenberg

Your dog will be lured back to a spot that smells of urine and feces. So a quick and thorough clean up of any accidents is essential to fast housebreaking. Here are some pointers for how to clean dog urine:
1. Put dogs out frequently, especially puppies.
I know it can be tiresome but you will save yourself a lot of time and effort. Remember, every time the puppy eats, sleeps or plays it's gonna have to go outside. Also give the dog/puppy lots and lots of praise for doing it's business where it's supposed to.
2. Be stern and consistent.
It's confusing for a dog if it only gets scolded sometimes for peeing on the floor. The lesson will be learned much faster if the pooch is scolded for every mess you find. Just don't forget to give Poochy some lovin' after about 15 minutes or so after the scolding.
3. If you can't be with the dog, keep it on hard floors.
For many people, this means barring the pooch in the kitchen or foyer with a baby gate. Wee-Wee Pads should also be left with the dog. These are small absorbant mats made with an attractant that dogs like to whizz on.
4. Find the dog urine with a black light.
Many pet stores and online vendors carry hand held black lights for just this purpose. Just turn out the lights and systematically search for the bright glow of urine. After all, cleaning dog urine is much harder if you can't find it.
5. Make a poultice.
For fresh urine: Patience is the key. For carpet with pad under it, it is important to remove the urine from the carpet as well as the pad. If the spot has been wet for more than 10 minutes or so the pad will have been affected too. You will need fresh cool water, thick cotton towels and some sort of weight, 5 to 10 pounds. Weights can be books, boards, steel workout plates, etc.
6. Use the principles of capillary action to remove the urine from the carpet and pad.
If done properly this will always work, it's physics. Start by placing the a folded towel that is larger than the spot on top of the spot. Place a flat board on top of the towel and place a weight on the board. The board is there to distribute the weight evenly on the towel, if you don't have a board place just a weight on the towel but make sure that the towel is thick enough that the urine will not wick up into the top of the towel and contact the weight. The towel should remain on the spot for at least 10 minutes. Do not pick the towel up at any time during the process.
7. Pick up the first towel and get a clean one ready.
Fold it the same way as the first. Pour some clean water on the spot, working from the edges of the spot to the center of the spot so that you don't spread the urine, the water spot will be just a little larger than the urine spot. Allow the water to work it's way into the carpet. It won't take long, 30 seconds to a minute. Place a clean folded towel on top of the water spot and put the weight back on top. This time wait at least 30 minutes for the urine to work up into the towel. Do not disturb the towel or the wicking action will be compromised. Lastly repeat this whole process again using 1 part water to 1 part white vinegar and let the towel and weight sit overnight. Pull up in the morning and let dry. There should be no smell when the carpet is dry.
8. Launder the towels well.
Keep old clean towels around the house for this.
9. Hire a professional for any large problem areas.
If you wish to attempt this yourself consider this. The affected area should be small, no more than a foot in diameter. Anything larger and you should hire a professional. It can be expensive so weigh the cost of the service against replacement cost and know that the odor can be dealt with but the stains will be permanent. Also there are several ways to go about doing this. The execution is identical to the first section but the chemistry will be different.
My name is John Krenberg, and I'm a happy owner of a crossed breed Poodle/Terrier. Training him is extremely important to me since I live in a high rise apartment. I read a couple of books about dogs behaving badly, but felt that I needed a step-by-step approach to correct his unpleasant behavior.
I researched the internet and came across SitStayFetch, which I quickly downloaded, printed and read in one evening. Now Sumo, my pup, is doing great! At only 5 months old he sits, lies down, heals, stays, and even comes most of the time. I can not expect too much at his age but he is getting better everyday. I strongly recommend it to every dog owner out there. Here is the link: http://www.dogtrainingpalace.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Krenberg

Dop Training for Different Stages

2008-05-09T11:26:00.000-04:00

Today I read an article which I am sure you will find very helpfull, it was written by Damien Yeow.....

Dog training is the process of teaching a dog various kinds of behavioral responses under specified circumstances and to commands. Dog training involves stages, and not all types of training are suitable for all dogs.
Basic training is the first stage of dog training. This stage of training is for dogs who have never been trained before. Dogs are taught obedience in this stage. Behavior such as sit, stay, down, come and close are taught in this stage. The recall or the come command is the most important of all these for the simple reason that you should be able to make the dog come to you in case of danger. It is important that you behave pleasantly after the dog responds to the come command, as it is likely to understand that it will be punished if it comes to you, and will not do it again, if you punish it.
Positive reinforcement is adopted to train the dog at this stage. The idea is to reward your dog immediately after it responds to your commands, and the pleasant behavior will make your dog respond to your commands in the future almost instantly. You should reward the dog immediately after its response, that is to say, within seconds, so that it can associate the reward with responding to commands. Other important commands in this stage are watch me, leave and off.
After your dog has received basic training, it can move on to intermediate training. This stage of dog training is not for puppies, and only adult dogs well-versed with basic training should receive intermediate training. In the intermediate stage, your dog is taught to fetch an object and return to the thrower, to heel and to walk on a leash, which is thorough close command training. You also teach the dog basic training behaviors in more detail.
Agility is taught to dogs in this stage. Agility training makes your dog more confident, physically flexible and faster. The dog is directed through an obstacle course, which are hard for the dog to complete without human assistance. The dog handler is not allowed to touch the dog; all he can use is voice and body signals. A-frame, dog walk, seesaw and crossover are the common obstacles your dog is taught to cross.
The last stage of dog training is the advanced stage. This is for adult dogs, too. Only dogs that have passed a training course are fit to move on to advanced training. In advanced training, all basic and intermediate training aspects are practiced again. You follow it up by teaching the dog to respond to those commands by using just hand signals.
After the dog learns to respond to hand signals well, you teach the dog to walk beside you without the help of a leash. You also train the dog to not get distracted by other things when you are around and pay all its attention to you. Broad jumps, quick sit and down responses, off-leash recall and off-leash place commands are also taught in this stage.
Damien Yeow is a dog lover since childhood and would like to share more information on Dog Training And Puppy Training Tips or check it out at http://www.sevendogtrainingtips.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damien_Yeow

2008-05-06T07:57:00.000-04:00

Need Help With Dog Training? Help Is At HandBy Magrietha Du Plessis
Do you need help with dog training? Well, before you can start training your dog you need to know a few basics. Do not despair; it is a lot easier than you think.
There are a few points to remember before you start training your dog. Here is a short introduction to the most important basics you need to understand before you can start training your dog. These points will be a great help with your dog training and they will save you many unnecessary problems.
1. You must never blame the dog:
Most people do not realize that dogs do not act out of spite. A dog simply repeats the behavior that gets him the attention he wants. Even negative attention will result in a dog repeating unacceptable behavior. Your dog interprets you discipline as attention. So the very first thing you need to do, is to stop blaming the dog!
2. You have to realize that each dog has a unique personality and you have to recognize it:
Understanding your dog's personality is vital in the training process. Here is a list of the most common kinds of personality. You have to realize that within these groups there will still be differences due to each dog's uniqueness.
a. The very eager dog: this kind of dog is very eager to please and will do whatever gets attention over and over. This dog is actually very easy to train as you just have to decide want you want.
b. The kind of dog that appears very cool: he is very relaxed. He seems to be more concerned with his image that anything else. A dog with this personality tends to give you a look that says "later" when you give him a command. Very patient training techniques are needed to train such a dog. Patience is the key word here!
c. The clown: these dogs love laughter. Remember laughter is attention. These dog s stay on the edge of good behavior, but if untrained they will get into a lot of trouble as they grow up. With clear, consistent and stern instruction these dogs train very well.
d. The dominant and probably aggressive kind: in a natural setting this dog would have been the leader of the pack. He will try leading in your house as well. It is essential to start training such a dog as a puppy and professional help may be needed, but with the right knowledge you will probably be able to train him. If he starts getting aggressive towards you, stop training him and get help!
c. The docile dog: this dog tends to rather observe situations and do not try and control them. He adores you and you have to train him with a very soft hand. Do not yell at him or at each other, it will upset him too much. You have to train such a dog for his own safety.
d. The scared dog: this is the kind of dog that hides behind your legs. Reassuring him actually makes it worse. Step away confident and only reinforce him when he has calmed down. You have to train him to help him feel more secure and you have to train him with a very soft hand.
The other points you need to keep in mind is:
3. Accept your dog's personality and work within it to modify it.4. It is important to understand the part your dog plays in his training.5. You have to be willing to learn from your dog.
Dog training can be fun and easy if you know what you are doing. Getting a good dog training e-book may not be a bad idea. Remember not to see the time spent training your dog as work, but as fun time spent in the company of a loved companion.
As training your dog is very important, help with dog training can not be over stressed. For more help with dog training you can visit Dog Training Help. For good ideas on Dog Positive Power Training you can also visit Magriet's site "Dogs" at http://www.dogs.our-webs.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Magrietha_Du_Plessis

Debi's Dog Training Tips

2008-05-05T18:44:00.000-04:00

The very first thing about dog training is to treat your dog as you would a child. Establish the boundaries and be sure they are known to your dog by visual and verbal contact. Each individual dog has his own personality. Some may be aggressive, shy, very slow to react, etc. just as we are different, so are they.

Some dogs are crate trained, which they get accustomed to very quickly. When they are let out of the crate they are in dire need of exercise. This is one way in which you may find unruly behavior, nothing that exercise can't cure. Leave plenty of toys around to activate his mind when he is left alone. As soon as you arrive home, give him undivided attention for a few minutes. Let him know he is a good dog, and that he was missed. You will find that lots of activity will calm him down considerably.

Teach him hand langauage as well as verbal. When he is out, he may not want to listen to you. He sees other activity that is of much more interest to him then to listen to commands. Make the hand signal very prominent in his training techniques, and you will notice that he abides to them more often then voice commands.