Sep 01 2010

Here Are Some Advantages Of Bark Collars

There is the situation with many of us dog owners that ours is the greatest dog that ever lived and would certainly never do anything wrong. Barking all night an keeping the neighbors awake is something that some other dog might do, but not our sweet pooch. Yet, there are times when our dog starts barking and we have no idea why, since there are no monsters in the yard. Unless we go outside to see what the problem is the barking will continue all night. Sounds like it is time to consider one of the Bark Collars.

Here are a couple of tips to try before spending money. Simply bring your dog in the house. If you can make it stay quiet indoors, the problem is solved. However, if you are not allowed to have pets in your home, then you need to consider some other option.

Dogs bark for a list of reasons other than imagined monsters, and might not be anything more than being hungry. Make sure the dog is fed, and check the water dish. You dog just might be thirsty and trying to tell you they need water, now! If this is not the reason, then consider when was the last time your dog had a good long run in the park. Dogs have different energy levels and sometimes all they need is to burn off that excess.

Being sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and time to run off excess energy is the first best place to start in solving a barking dog problem. When all else fails, there are devices on the market that can provide an aid in solving this problem.

The type of bark collar most people think of first is the static electric shock anti bark collar. Please notice the word static, this means it is the same kind of shock that walking across a carpet will produce when you touch someone or a light switch. It is not deadly, just stings. Keep in mind when shopping for these that these devices are now being regulated world wide and not all manufacturers meet those standards.

Another type of bark collar is the sonic anti bark which, of course, makes use of sound waves to distract your dog from barking. Some of these units are actually out of the range of our human hearing, but others might only claim something like being mostly out of the range. Find out before you purchase.

Here is an interesting idea in bark control called the citronella spray collar. This one sprays citronella when the dog barks and if you like the smell of citronella it might be the one you would rather use.

What you need to keep in mind is that none of these products are recommended for constant use. There are the issues of having to recharge them or replace the batteries, not to mention that they can become damaged if left unattended while you are away at work. Keeping this in mind your canine vocal problems might be remedied by the use of one of the models of bark collars.

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categories: pet supplies,dog training,pet products,pet training,pet supply,dogs,pets,family,home,garden

Aug 31 2010

Helping A Puppy Mill Dog Feel Comfortable In Your Home

Adopting and caring for a canine is always a rewarding experience. In exchange for food, shelter, exercise, and regular veterinary care, your pet offers loyalty and companionship for the remainder of his life. Dogs that have lived in puppy mills, however, pose a unique challenge for owners. The treatment they received at the mill will likely have made them distrustful of people, and fearful of anything that is unfamiliar to them. Owners who adopt such dogs must take a few extra steps toward making them feel comfortable and secure in their new homes.

In this article, we’ll describe how puppies are treated in mills so you’ll understand the reasons such pups are hesitant and fearful of others. We’ll also describe the typical behaviors puppy mill dogs exhibit once they’re rescued. Lastly, we’ll provide a few suggestions for helping your canine feel comfortable within your home.

Inside A Puppy Mill

Puppies are treated poorly in mills. Their physical and mental health take a back seat to revenue. The mill generates this revenue by breeding the pups in their care. But there is a key difference between the breeding activity that takes place in a mill, and that which is done by professional breeders.

Professional breeders do everything possible to minimize genetic problems in the canines they breed. Mills take no such precautions. Instead, they breed pups without consideration for the likelihood that defects may pass to the litters. For this reason, many of the puppies born from this process are saddled with eye, dental, and joint problems.

The pups at the mill are usually housed in overcrowded pens. The living conditions are often dirty to the point of being unhygienic. Moreover, the dogs seldom receive the basic essentials they need to stay physically and mentally healthy. They rarely see the sun, or have access to a constant source of clean air.

When a puppy is adopted from a mill, the transition to a “normal” life can be jarring to him. You may notice behaviors in him during the first few days in your home that seem odd.

Establishing His Personal Den

Keep in mind that everything is new and potentially frightening to your new pet. When you bring him into your home, he may appear especially hesitant. This is because he has lived with fear his entire life. He has learned to dread the unfamiliar.

First, establish a room - or part of a room - as his personal den. Place bowls for food and water in this area along with newspapers on which he can urinate and defecate. Having an area to himself will make him feel safe, and slowly build his confidence.

Second, after a week has passed, begin acclimating him to a collar and lead. Place both on him for short periods, and let him drag the lead as he roams throughout your home. This will help him become accustomed to the feel, and prepare him for going on walks.

Minimizing Fear And Stress

Because your puppy’s exposure to the outside world was so limited while he was at the mill, he may be easily startled by unfamiliar noises. For example, the sound made by a vacuum cleaner may frighten him. A toaster, television, and blow dryer may also cause him stress. Desensitization training will prove invaluable for helping him become used to hearing these sounds. This type of training takes time and requires patience. But it’s the most effective way to minimize your canine’s fear and stress of routine noises that occur in your household.

Once your dog begins to feel safe and secure within your home, he’ll explore on his own. He’ll start to peek into other rooms to discover what lies beyond the confines of his personal den. Over time, he’ll gain confidence regarding his place within your life, and look to you as his best friend.

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categories: dogs, dog, pets, canine, dog training, dog care

Aug 28 2010

A Quick Essay About Dog Training

You would need to understand your dog, make it pay attention and train it consistently in order to achieve the best training results.

You as the owner/trainer would need to be consistent to train your dog properly. A dog must understand that there are things it should and shouldn’t do. Reinforce this by giving your dog a treat should he or she follow the rules, and punishing him or her for breaking the rules - it is important to make sure the rules are all followed. Dogs traditionally respect consistent leaders. If you know how to push the right buttons, your dog can give you the respect you deserve.

Next, your dog needs to consistently focus on you as the trainer without minding other distractions. If a dog isn’t focused, he or she would routinely ignore, not understand, or refuse to understand your commands. Here are a few quick examples on how you can encourage your dog to pay attention to you. Most dogs understand that they have a name, so call your dog by its name and have it look at you when you say “Watch”. Don’t be surprised if after a few drills, your dog will be “watching” whenever you ask him or her to. Once you and your dog perfect the “Watch” command, your next lesson would be on how to give your dog a longer attention span. As a follow-up to the “Watch” command, give the command after you hold a doggy treat with your teeth in front of your dog. Develop your dog’s ability to pay attention by standing in position for a few seconds, then praising. This exercise can be repeated until your dog is able to hold its attention on you for a minute or more. It’s not that hard to develop a good attention span in your pet dog.

Effective dog obedience training can truly be achieved if you know how your dog thinks. A dog’s focus is usually limited to a short period of time. This attention span usually lasts no more than twenty minutes, and once the twenty minutes is up, dogs usually become listless and unfocused. Try limiting your dog’s training schedule to twenty to thirty minutes. A fun training session could lead to your dog developing better attention span. Let’s face it, dogs do not normally enjoy training - you will need to make them enjoy it somehow. Your dog needs to appreciate training and why you are doing it for him or her. You can never have enough treats as a prize for successfully obeyed commands - and you should also sound like you mean it when you give praise. Dogs train better when they actually look forward to training.

Let this serve as a beginner’s guide - the shortest possible way to get you started on effectively training your dog for obedience. Once you’ve mastered everything there is to know about obedience training (including all of this article), you should have the rewarding feeling of being a good owner and a good obedience trainer to your dog.

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categories: Pets,Dogs

Aug 27 2010

Learning About The Idea Behind Pet Shock Collars

It’s been shown to be true that shock collars are an effective way to impact your pets behaviors. Some say they are cruel, but others indicate they are not only safe, but they are remarkably effective on managing your pets.

You should still take a long hard look at how to use these tools.

The shock collar works by administering a small electric jolt to an animal’s neck whenever it senses a high rate of vibration from the animal’s vocal chords. The level and intensity of the shock is minimal and only meant to dissuade a continued behavior.

People compare the feeling of the shock to the shock one gets from static electricity or from a small battery. It is fairly uncomfortable, but advocates insist it isn’t actually painful and it is very short term.

You should know what size of collar to buy before you buy it. Use a tape measure to get an accurate measurement of your animal’s neck. If you don’t have one of those, get a string or ribbon and wrap it once around the animal’s neck. Then measure that length with a ruler. Collars generally come in three sizes: Small, medium and large.

When you receive your new collar, you should be able to set its level. Collars are capable of administering a range of shock levels; you should begin with the lowest level of electricity. If your pet doesn’t respond to that level, you can increase it until it reaches a functional level.

You shouldn’t have to use the shock collar indefinitely. Once your pet ceases the target behaviors, you can stop utilizing the collar. It is only meant to be used as long as necessary.

Your pet will always associate the target bad behaviors with the unpleasantness of the shock collar. If the animal backtracks into bad behavior, you can reinstate the use of the collar as long as necessary.

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categories: pets,animals,dogs,training,product reviews,safety,family,home,science,information,psychology,research,sales

Aug 24 2010

Always Do Some Research When Getting A Dog

If you are thinking about getting a golden retriever, make sure you do your research beforehand. Different breeds are cared for in different ways, and you should make sure that a golden retriever is the best match for you and your lifestyle before buying one.

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

Grooming is another thing to consider when buying a dog. A lot of people don’t have the time to spend hours brushing and clipping their dog’s hair. People like this should invest in a low maintenance breed that does not require much grooming Attention also, people may not want to go for extensive walks; you may prefer to just walk outside for a few minutes and come back in. If this is the case, you do not want a breed that needs plenty of exercise. A frustrated dog can become rather destructive.

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

One thing you should do when you buy a golden retriever online is ask the breeder about the dog’s immunizations. Find out what shots it has had and which ones it will need in the future.

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

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

Some breeds also run into health complications at some point in their lives. It’s important to know this so you can be prepared, and awareness can help you provide the proper living conditions for your pet.

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categories: pets,dogs,animals,home,family,happiness,lifestyle,research,dog breeds,training,health,food,diseases,finance

Aug 21 2010

The Process Of Crate Training Dogs

Being consistent and not giving up on your dog is what it takes to get started in Crate Training Dogs. Many dog trainers recommend this process to get your dog housebroken. Having a dog go to the bathroom in the house is not acceptable, so this is an easy way to train.

A dogs natural instincts is not to soil his sleeping area or den. When the dog learns that the crate is his special place then he will not soil his sleeping area. A dog likes to have his sleeping area clean like we do.

A dog in a crate is very important. It protects them in an airplane, car or a bus. If he is used to it, then he will not bark and whine while traveling. If leaving dogs at home it gives them a safe place to wait, especially if the outside weather is bad.

If you feel a punishment is needed for a dog, do not put it in the crate. The dog needs to know that it is his safe place to be and not a bad place where he gets locked up.

Pets need to learn the rules of the house, just like people do. Chewing on things that are not for dogs is a very important lesson to be taught. It takes time to learn this lesson so a crate or cage will help them to learn. Remember that time and patience is very important, and this could take more time than you expect, depending on the dog.

When choosing a crate, their are lots of choices. The plastic ones are nice and usually have a locking door and a feeding dish. Fabric cages are pretty good but owners need to stay with their pet. Metal cages collapse making it easy to pack in a car, and does not take up much space. A dog needs to be able to turn around and stand up in the cage, to be the right size.

Now that the crate has been bought a person can get started in the training. Put it in a place where the family spends some time. Leave the door open and put a towel or blanket in it. Put some toys to entice him in the cage. Put some food on the outside of the door then gradually move the food inside.

Some dogs will whine because they do not want to be in the crate. After the whining stops the dog can be let out. It is important to not let the dog have his own way. Be sure there is plenty of food and water in it.

It is important not to leave him in the crate too long. Puppies will need to go outside during the night. Do not crate a dog for more than four hours at a time. If a person is gone all day, make arrangements for your pet. He should not be crated all day and again at night.

Keeping a crate close to you will help with night crying. Dogs get lonely and want to be with their masters. If the dog has to go to the bathroom then take him. If he is whining merely because he wants out then make him stay in the crate. Usually the whining will last for a few nights when he first comes home.

Taking your pet out regularly will help him learn. After you feed him, when he wakes up, and before he goes to bed should all be times to go outside. Pick a spot for him to use and he will go there again. Exercise your dog to keep him healthy and happy.

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categories: dog,crate,training,dog crate,crate training,dogs,puppy,pets,animals,obedience,home

Aug 20 2010

How Dogs Get To Learn Simple Commands

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

Just to apply the basic rules of behavioral training, you are able to give rewards to instill in them any good behavior, and of course you use punishments to force them to obey instructions. Just reward the cat each time it is called and it obeys.

The next step would be to choose what you want to get the cat to do. If you want to be able to walk the cat on a leash for example, you would just go purchase a collar and put it by the cat’s bed.

It will soon get used to seeing that collar constantly, so the next thing is to put the collar around its head before you give it food. Next step follows when you start allowing it to remain with the collar on its neck for a few days. It will definitely get used to wearing it and so when the time comes for the walk, just slip a leash on the collar and voila, ready to go.

Another hurdle is how to get the cat to use the toilet. Here you will need a litter box which you place next to the toilet on the floor, and raise the toilet lid.

You would then use a pile of newspapers to move the litter box higher and higher till it reaches up to the toilet bowl.

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

Of course you will have to be very patient and take a lot of time to get this done, but it will be rewarded when the cat begins to do exactly what it is told.

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categories: pets,dogs,animal,home,family,training,education,psychology,behavior,dog training,lifestyle,outdoors,learning,house

Aug 16 2010

What To Do When Your Dog Begs For Table Scraps

Like most people, canines love food. They’re willing to sacrifice their dignity in order to obtain it. If food is not given freely, but instead eaten in front of them, they will beg. Some will do so relentlessly.

A begging dog can be particularly frustrating for his owner. He’ll sit and stare longingly at his owner’s plate, hoping to receive a tasty morsel, regardless of size. Unfortunately, many people acquiesce under the pressure, and give their pets table scraps just to send them away. This is a bad idea for a number of reasons.

Below, we’ll explain the side effects table scraps can have on your canine; you’ll learn the reasons you should avoid providing them. We’ll also describe a few methods you can use to discourage the behavior, so you and your family can eat in peace.

Reasons To Avoid Feeding Your Pet Table Scraps

Commercial brands of dog food are specially formulated with the nutrients your pet needs to stay healthy. The vitamins and minerals contained in these brands are necessary for whatever stage of development your canine is in. Table scraps rarely provide the same level of nutrition. Instead, they usually deliver excess calories, which are likely to cause weight problems for your pet. And that leads to avoidable health issues.

Another reason to avoid giving your dog table scraps is because doing so can lead to digestive problems. Even though your pet will eat anything placed in front of him, his body may be unable to tolerate some types of food.

Also, given a steady diet of people food, your canine may eventually become fussy with his own meals. He’ll essentially acquire a taste for the foods you feed your family. And that’s when his begging will begin to take on a new level of urgency.

Preventing Access To Your Table

This method removes your pet’s opportunity to beg. You can use a couple of different approaches depending on whether you would like your canine to remain in the room in which you’re eating, or to stay out.

If you’d like his company in the room, place a lead and collar on him, and secure him to a nearby chair or other piece of furniture. He should be kept far enough away from the table to minimize the temptation to beg. Consider providing a chew toy to give him something to do while you and your family eat.

You can also bar him from the room, which can be done easily with a baby gate. Confine your dog to a room elsewhere in your home, so he’s unable to watch you eat through the gate. This will prevent him from whining to gain your attention.

Sending Him Elsewhere

This method requires more time and patience since there is training involved. The goal is to give your canine something to do elsewhere in your home without confining him to that particular space. You’ll need to train him to stay in his space while you and your family enjoy meals.

At first, your dog will be tempted to abandon his designated spot, and come looking for table scraps. Over time, however, you can teach him to remain there, thereby preventing him from begging.

This method has the added benefit of being helpful in other circumstances. For example, suppose you’re entertaining guests, and would like to prevent your canine from bothering them. Simply instruct him to go to his designated space while your guests are visiting. As long as he has a few toys to occupy his attention, he’ll be fine.

When your dog begs, he does so because he has an expectation his begging will produce results. This is the reason owners who have given in to their canines in the past find it difficult to curb the behavior. But it’s never too late. Use the methods above to turn your begging pooch into a patient, pleasant companion.

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categories: dogs, dog, pets, canine, dog behavior

Aug 12 2010

How To Discourage Your Canine From Chasing Automobiles

Dogs love to chase vehicles. Unfortunately, doing so often leads to their injury or death. In some cases, they chase an automobile until it stops, at which point they run into its back end, and damage their spine. In other cases, the canine is hit by another car.

Another problem is that drivers who see dogs lunging into the street are likely to brake quickly, or swerve into oncoming traffic. This poses a serious danger to other drivers and pedestrians.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the reasons canines chase vehicles. If you’re able to pinpoint the trigger, you’ll be more effective in curbing the tendency. We’ll then offer a few suggestions for discouraging the behavior in your pooch.

Understanding Why Dogs Chase Cars

Your dog is a natural predator, even if he doesn’t seem so. This can manifest in different ways. For example, if given the opportunity, he’ll stalk and chase small rodents. If he happens to corner one, he’ll rarely follow through in harming it. The reason? Because stalking his prey is a game for him. He has no intention of harming or killing the rodent.

The same is true when your canine chases people riding bicycles, kids on skateboards, or even other pets. It is the mark of a normal, happy, and well-balanced pooch socializing with others.

There are a few breeds that have a stronger predatorial sense than most. For them, the act of stalking and catching their prey is not a game. If they catch their prey, there is a good chance they will kill it. While this level of stalking is rarely directed toward vehicles, it is possible. It is also difficult to control.

Even though chasing cars comes naturally to a dog, the tendency can be discouraged before it becomes a problem. The key is addressing the behavior as early as possible.

Preventing The Problem Before It Starts

When your canine first shows signs of interest in passing vehicles, immediately call his name to capture his attention. Once he looks at you, and keeps his eyes on you, praise him and give him a treat. This trains him to understand that ignoring traffic and giving you his attention when you call results in a positive outcome. This will prove invaluable if you accidentally release his leash while traffic is passing nearby.

A lot of owners assume that because their pets only chase vehicles while behind a fence, the behavior poses no danger. In reality, it does since the tendency reinforces itself. Eventually, your dog may jump into the fence out of excitement, harming himself in the process. Thus, you should take the time to curb the behavior.

Curbing An Existing Tendency To Chase

If your canine has already developed a habit of chasing cars, you’ll need to first test his ability to come when you call him. This is critical. Everything revolves around his perception that you are the priority. Start by testing him in a quiet environment with no distractions.

After he consistently responds to your commands, take him to a park or similar setting that offers distractions without the danger of traffic. This will teach him to ignore other things, and focus his attention on you.

Next, test his ability to focus near semi-busy streets. Make sure you keep a tight hold on his leash to prevent him from bolting into traffic. Many dogs will respond consistently to their owners at home or at a park, but will lose their focus when presented with the opportunity to chase a car. Be wary.

Many canines have been injured or killed as the result of chasing vehicles. Train your dog to ignore traffic, and listen to your voice. It may one day save his life.

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Aug 11 2010

Identifying Different Types Of Canine Aggression

Of all dog behavioral issues, aggression is the one that most frustrates owners. It is very common, though canines display signs for very different reasons. Many owners observe hostile behavior in their pets, but are unaware regarding its trigger. Consequently, they are uncertain about how to respond.

First, it’s important to realize that aggressive behavior is natural to dogs. Though most are domesticated, they remain pack animals, and perceive the world around them accordingly.

Second, in order to properly address hostility in your canine, you must first be able to identify the different types of aggression. Once you can determine the trigger, you’ll be better prepared to “cure” the problem.

With this in mind, we’ll provide a brief overview of the most common reasons dogs become antagonistic. The following descriptions will offer a springboard from which you can remedy the problem.

Protect Family

As pack animals, canines have traditionally protected those within their group from assailants. If an intruder threatens one member, the others will respond quickly to protect him or her.

In your home, your dog considers you and your family to be members of his “pack.” If he feels you, your family, or other pets under your roof are threatened by a perceived attacker, he will behave aggressively to warn the attacker away. The problem is, many canines become overly-protective, and consider any person outside their “pack” to represent a potential threat.

Protect Home

Similar to guarding their families, dogs also guard their territories. If an intruder approaches their den, they will respond with hostility to discourage that person or animal from coming closer.

Your canine considers your home to be his den, and will respond aggressively to any person or animal he feels to be a threat. Here, too, he may become overly-protective of his home. If he does, he will treat everybody aggressively, even those you consider friends. Interestingly, this type of aggression is very rare in puppies since they have not yet learned to protect their “dens.”

Stemming From Fear

Canines react to elements that frighten them in the same way as humans: they retreat. However, if retreat is not an option, they will fight. In the wild, if a pair of wolves approach a dog, the dog will initially seek a path that provides him an escape route. If, however, such a path is unavailable, he will turn to face the wolves, despite his fear.

Fear aggression is dangerous. If a person unwittingly corners a canine, that person risks being bitten. Thus, always provide an unfamiliar dog a route through which he can escape.

Guard Possessions

Dogs are hardwired to protect their possessions. While this trait stems from the need to fight for food outside the human-canine relationship, it has carried over to today’s pets. For example, when a person or animal approaches a dog’s food bowl, he may bare his teeth and growl to communicate his ownership.

Within your home, your canine may express possessive behavior over his food, toys, and even the area in which he likes to rest. This may become a problem if visitors - either people or animals - stumble upon your pet’s possessions without realizing they have done so.

Hierarchical Order

Dogs have always functioned within groups according to their understanding of their pack’s hierarchy. As long as they know - and accept - those ranked above and below them, there is minimal conflict. Conflict arises when there is a bid for authority within the group.

This latter problem occasionally happens between canines and their owners, families, and other pets. The dog will compete for authority, and act aggressively when others confront him.

Canine aggression can only be addressed successfully after the behavior’s trigger has been identified. If you’re having difficulty doing so, consider working with your veterinarian or a professional trainer.

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