Jun 02 2009

How To Break The Chewing Puppy Syndrome

by Brad Davenport

When you welcome home a new canine member, you are actually welcoming a bundle of warmth and love that has winsome eyes and covered with soft fur. However, this cute little puppy has one unavoidable drawback and that is the chewing puppy syndrome.

Well, one cannot blame the puppy as chewing is its inherent habit. When your kids present you with their favorite stuffed toy or a beloved pair of shoes torn to pieces, you realize that it is high time to put an end to your puppies chewing syndrome.

Before you embark on an anti-chewing puppy project, you should first understand the need and reason behind his obsessive habit. The main reason might be because he is teething and trying to relieve the pain by chewing on anything that takes his fancy.

Because of their high sense of smell they might want to have a go at the objects which has lingering scents of the family members or they might be trying to ascertain their position in the family. Or, he might be chewing with enthusiasm just because he does not have anything else of interest to do. Whatever the reason, if you do not put a stop to this bothersome behavior, your puppy will never outgrow his chewing syndrome.

You first step to break his behavior is to go for a shopping trip to a pet shop. Shop for some puppy toys that he will love to chew like fake bones, knotted sisal ropes and hard rubber balls. Once you have these with you, you just have to teach him all these goodies are his to chew and everything else is taboo.

Remember, you’ve got to keep a sharp eye on your chewing puppy if you want to avoid Dad’s favorite leather slippers going to the dogs! The minute you see him chewing on anything but his designated toys, round him up and deliver a firm No! or Bad dog!. The phrase, bad dog, comes in handy later, because he comes to associate the single admonition with behavioral infractions, so this phrase is multi-purpose.

The only punishment you should administer to your chewing puppy is the disapproval in your voice, followed by leading him to his own toys in a restricted area. This can be as simple as a large cardboard box or as fancy as a dog crate. Let him have his own toys and chew to his heart’s content. With this simple process, he will eventually learn what belongs to whom!

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May 31 2009

Dog Biting Problems-As Serious As It Can Get

by Brad Davenport

Of all of the dog behavior problems there are, biting is probably the most serious. If your dog pees on the rug, runs away, or goes on the couch it probably won’t be a big deal. If you dog gives someone a serious bite, however, many communities require that it be put down. Dog biting problems can literally mean the end of your dog’s life, so it is important to train your dog to never bite anyone.

However, biting problems in puppies are quite normal. When puppies start to teeth, they will have a natural tendency to bite everything that they can get hold of, including you. Though a puppy bite might break your skin, it will not cause any serious damage. But then, this is the right time for you to start training your puppy to stop biting.

You dont have to be cruel or give harsh punishments to train your puppy. They are very sensitive creatures and all you need to make them repent is a firm No! or a censorious Bad Dog, whenever they try to bite you. When your puppy bites you, pull your hand away and repeat the firm phrase again and again which will make him realize that he is hurting you.

Most often a dog bites due to some psychological reasons. A dog takes a bite not just because he wants to hurt something or someone. They also bite to hold on to something or they bite a person or another dog to warn them of something, or they bite just for the joy of it. The best way to break the biting problem of your dog is to start early, when he is still a puppy.

But then, some dogs are naturally aggressive and bite because they are inherently temperamental. To take care of such dogs you have to send them to an obedience school.

You absolutely have to take the problem completely seriously and find help even if it costs a bundle. Dog trainers can help almost any dog, but your average pet owner can’t.

If you have a pooch with biting problems in your neighborhood, the best defence is to be prepared with a bottle of pepper spray that is specially formulated to combat biting dogs. Never hesitate to use the pepper spray if any dog tries to bite you. Or, you could opt for a friendlier approach by offering a beef jerky.

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Apr 29 2009

Proven Dog Training Basics

by Brad Davenport

Before anyone embarks on training their dog, there are some basic training facts that they should acquaint themselves with. We aim to show you some proven dog training basics that hopefully allow the experience to be rewarding for you and your dog.

At a very early stage in the relationship with your dog it is extremely vital that you demonstrate to the animal that you are the boss. Dogs are a pack animal and they will respond to the leader of the pack. First though they will test the water to see if they can become the leader.

Some dogs show more aggression and dominance compared to other dogs who are more easy going. No matter what your dog’s personality is, it is important to that you be firm in your commands. Do not allow your dog to start controlling your actions, or he will think that he is the leader. You do not need to be physically abusive to your dog to do this. You can simply show your dog that you are the leader based on your actions.

You should set up a timetable each and every day for training. Your dog will anticipate what is happening and will respond. Respect can be gained by kindness but firmness and a dog can be trained even if he is a little older. Training is not just for puppies.

Start training the basics. For many dogs, the sit command is a great place to start. Work on this command each day until your dog has it down perfectly before you move on to the next command.

Patience is a virtue as they say and I know that saying is easy but having it, not so easy. However you must be patient, when he obeys a command correctly you must give him praise. Actually as you go along , you will find that he wants to please and enjoys the praise when he has done something right. Not a good idea to punish or shout at him, you will not achieve much that way.

At first, try working on training every day. As your dog starts to learn more commands, you can take a day off here and there but training should always be a part of your relationship with your dog.

All of this will be worth it in time, I promise you. When you have a well behaved and obedient dog it is something to be proud of. I know that you will flush with pleasure when someone remarks ‘what a well behaved dog. Why can’t ours be like that’ They will never know the hours of effort put in to bring a dog up in the right way.

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Apr 28 2009

The Importance of Dog Training Basics

by Brad Davenport

Training your dog is very worthwhile for both you and your dog. Before you start training, there are some dog training basics that you need to know in order to make training easier and more pleasant for you as well as your dog.

The first thing you must remember is that you are the boss. Dogs are pack animals by nature and will adhere to the ‘leader’ of that pack. To train your dog properly, you first need to establish that you are the leader early in your relationship.

Some breeds of dog are much more forceful in their need to be the leader, however, you must not let that happen. If you allow him to dictate what happens in your relationship, you are in line for a negative relationship and nothing but problems. To be in control does not mean that you have to be unkind to your dog, in an abusive way. Absolutely the contrary, yes your dog may be scared of you, but he does not respect your authority.

Consistency is key when it comes to dog training basics. Set aside some time each day to work on training your dog. It is important to note that training can be started at any age. If you have an older pet, it is not too late.

Start training the basics. For many dogs, the sit command is a great place to start. Work on this command each day until your dog has it down perfectly before you move on to the next command.

When teaching your dog commands use the same word for each command, for instance if you start off with ‘sit’, don’t change it to ‘sit down’ after a few lessons. Positive reinforcement is necessary when your dog does as you command. He is looking to please you so don’t disappoint him, when he does something right always be sure to praise. Do not get angry and shout because you will confuse and scare him.

Dogs are not like humans, they forget easily sometimes, so even though you might take a day or so off from training, any interaction with him will always need you to maintain that control. You cannot mentally have a day off and expect your dog to understand what is happening.

Going through dog training basics with your dog will take consistency, persistence, and a lot of patience. Your efforts will be rewarded when you have a well behaved dog who has a stronger bond with you.

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