Diet Dog Food

Stop Dog Barking Fast

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:07:10 +0000

When trying to solve a barking problem or any other behavioral problem your dog may have, the thing to keep in mind is this: you need to communicate clearly to your dog exactly what is and is not acceptable behavior.

Many dog owners make the mistake of actually rewarding this behavior without meaning to. By doing these three things, we actually contribute to the problem of excessive barking:

1. Yelling at your dog is counterproductive - all this does is give your dog the attention that they were seeking.

2. Letting your dog inside. If your dog is outside barking up a storm, letting him in will make him think that he will be rewarded for this behavior.

3. If you react to your dog’s barking by petting them or dispensing treats, this most certainly encourages them to continue their barking. This shows your dog that he has done something which you approve of. You need to make it clear that this barking is unacceptable behavior.

Give these training techniques a try: Use these dog training techniques:

Don’t scream at your dog. Basic dog obedience training will clear up problems like excessive barking for this reason - your dog will learn to think of you as their pack leader and want to please you whenever possible. The ‘Quiet!’ or ‘Stop’ commands, learned in obedience training will get your dog to knock off the barking.

If your dog tends to bark while you are away, you can solve this problem by withholding attention from them when you get home. Like most dog owners, you probably want to shower affection on your pet when you get home, but you must not let your dog associate their barking with your return (and petting, treats, etc.). Wait for your dog to calm down before you pay attention to them.

Dog Barks For Attention Or To Demand Something

This is one of the easiest barking problems to resolve. By establishing yourself as the ‘pack leader’, your dog will cease the barking problem quickly and will establish a proper relationship between you and your dog.

Dog Barks At Passers By

If your dog barks at the mailman and delivery drivers, it is because your dog sees these people as invaders on their territory. The dog barks and is rewarded by the withdrawal of this ‘intruder’. Your dog is obviously then pleased with themselves at having protected your home. Your dog will do this again and again - which is why this can be a hard problem to solve.

If your dog has this problem of barking at a certain person (e.g. - the mailman), you can correct the behavior by giving the mailman your dog’s favorite treat. Your dog will then come to look at this person as a friend rather than as an intruder.

How To Stop Your Dog From Barking

Although in my experience this has never been necessary, if your dog will simply not stop excessive barking despite having tried every possible technique, you can speak with your vet about debarking surgery. I would never do this myself, but if you are at the end of your rope, talk to your vet about this.

Stopping your dog from barking, like any other dog behavior conundrum, is best addressed by proper dog obedience training.

Need to solve dog behavior problems or learn how to house train a puppy? Go to http://www.dogbehaviorexpert.com.

- Thomas Turner

Puppy Housebreaking: What You Should Know

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:06:33 +0000

The first training lesson for pet owners is housebreaking a puppy outdoors. The appropriate age for teaching your pet to eliminate is usually done when the puppy is between six and eight weeks old. Dogs whose ages start from four weeks have been started on the program. However, at that age, only a small number of dogs have developed proper muscular control to make it outside when going potty.

The dog owner’s patience is as important as the dog’s temperament. This is typical in any dog training routine. Different behaviors like ’sit’ or ’stay’ can usually be learned quickly. Potty training, on the other hand, usually requires weeks and sometimes even a month or more to accomplish.

Watching for the actions you want to teach as behaviors and following them up with verbal direction and praise is key to reinforcing these activities. This is actually advantageous to the trainer, as dogs will eliminate on their own. The real challenge is getting the dog to do so at the place and time that the trainer desires.

When housebreaking your puppy, you need to watch for circling or squatting. Once you’ve spotted this behavior, you need to pick up the puppy and say “outside.” Then quickly take the puppy outside. As the puppy begins to go, you need to give it a recognizable command such as “go potty” using a strong and clear voice, but not an angry one. Once the puppy is done, lavish your puppy with praise and do it on the spot.

If you fail to catch the puppy before it begins to go potty, don’t get upset or annoyed. Your dog will need some time to learn the desired behavior, as well as to develop proper control of its bowel and bladder muscles.

A dog typically needs to eliminate every few hours, but this varies. Even if you haven’t seen behavior indicating a need to eliminate, take precaution and take the dog outside anyway. After taking the puppy outside, clearly issue the appropriate phrase or command.

Often, the dog will have no idea what you’re asking. Wait for the behavior, and then say the command again. That way, the dog will learn to connect the two events. If you have no success after five or ten minutes and repeated commands, bring the dog back inside, but continue to monitor it for signs of needing to go potty.

It’s uncanny how quickly dogs can learn to obey the commands of their alpha, or the leader of their group. These commands are often given verbally, and reinforced with praise. Punishing the dog is often unhelpful, especially when it comes to elimination training. Also, it is counterproductive to physically harm your dog and to put its nose into its own waste.

Paper training is another method that some dog owners use. A dog can be trained to go potty on a newspaper or on highly absorbent housebreaking pads that are treated to attract dogs to use them. A few smaller breeds of dogs that stay at home all day can be potty trained indoors. This is also an option for pet owners who do not have a yard where they can do elimination training for their dogs.

However, there are a few major downfalls to using this method. Unlike cats, dogs will refuse a pleasantly scented litter box. Also, even when the soiled layer of the newspaper is removed, an odor will still develop in the house.

Dogs also recognize their own smell all too well. It makes them feel comfortable to be around it, so after being paper trained they often choose to continue going potty inside. Unfortunately, they may occasionally overshoot the paper by a wee bit and leave you a smelly mess to get rid of.

After detecting its odor, the dog will continue to seek out the same spot and consider it as the “place to go.” This complicates the whole outdoor potty training process, so it is better to have a few training mishaps than to create a difficult habit.

The most important thing to remember when training a dog is that patience, praise and consistency will go a long way in getting results. Housebreaking a puppy has its challenges, but if you keep at it, you will eventually succeed.

Interested in products for housebreaking a puppy? Come to www.happydogstoday.com, and browse our wide selection of dog training aids, dog grooming supplies & other items.

- Jessica Hope R. Butler

How To House Train Your Little Furball

Sat, 31 May 2008 01:05:06 +0000

Bringing a new puppy into the home is a very exciting time. However, it can start to take a turn for challenges when it comes to housetraining. Here, in the puppy housetraining guide, I will share with you some basic tips and techniques to make this type of training easy. In addition to that, you are likely to experience quick success by using the methods listed throughout this guide. If you are looking to get rid of all that newspaper covering the area where you have placed the new puppy, now is just as good a time as any!

You have to realize that your puppy is not born to know just when they are doing wrong by relieving themselves in unacceptable places around your home or yard. When they have to go, they just go and that’s all there is to it! This is especially true if they have had no previous training as to where they should go to the bathroom. A certain area in the yard should be designated for your puppy to do his business. It is very important that when you walk your dog and take him outside that you visit this particular area often. If the puppy happens to have an accident while indoors, you should take him to this area right away. Eventually, your puppy will begin to understand that this area is the location where he is to relieve himself.

The next thing that you should do to successfully housetrain your puppy is to develop a schedule that your pet can use. You should feed your dog at certain times of the day, and then set certain times when you walk the animal. When doing so, remember to take the animal back to that same location over and over again to reinforce the fact that this is where they should do their business. The best time to take your pet for a walk is within the first thirty minutes after they eat and drink. This will help you to achieve success in housetraining your new puppy.

Once you see your puppy using the area outside the home that you have deemed appropriate when it comes to relieving themselves, it is important for you to praise the dog. This may include talking in an upbeat, friendly tone, patting them on the head, or simply playing with them or giving them a treat immediately thereafter. This will allow the dog to come to an understanding that what they have done is a ‘good’ thing, and it will motivate them to do it over and over again. Once you have done this enough, you will start to notice that the animal will start to go this area alone. If you have had the puppy on a leash the first couple of weeks, you may try taking them outside without one just to see if they go alone. If so, remember to praise and reward them.

If you share the house with other people - spouse and children - it is of vital importance that you encourage everyone to get involved with housetraining your puppy. This will include feeding and watering your animal on the set schedule that you have established, walking your pooch, taking him to the area that has been set asides as the one that he can do his business and praising them and rewarding them. You will then make sure that your housetraining endeavors are successful!

Need to solve dog behavior problems or learn how to house train a puppy? Go to http://www.dogbehaviorexpert.com.

- Thomas Turner

All About Dog Beds

Thu, 29 May 2008 02:05:27 +0000

types of Dog Beds

Dog beds provide one purpose and that one use is to provide a comfortable place for our pets to rest. Dogs need about 14 - 16 hours of rest a day. With this in mind, it is fortunate that there are many brands of dog beds to select from. Luxury bedding is for the pet owner who is sensitive of how the dog bed will appear in their home. An air filled dog bed offers pet owners a long lastinglonger lasting product which is also a much cleaner version of the typical dog beds found at Wal-Mart or Target.

Most dog owners would like to find the perfect dog bed for their pet. Usually, this means that the perfect dog bed will be sturdy, washable, and comfortable. Most dog bedding is deceiving by stating the dog bed is washable when in fact, the cover is washable and the pillow is not. Therefore it is important to find a dog bed in which both the case and the pillow can be washed if as the need comes up. Both of the two types of bedding are wonderful choices that accomplish all of these perfect bedding benefits.

Luxury bedding is bedding that is of higher quality, comfort, and style. Luxury bedding can be found on the net or in brick and mortar stores. Luxury bedding may be orthopedic, heated or contained in furniture. Heated bedding is great for pet owners’ dogs that remain outside during the winter. Orthopedic dog bedding is great for pets that need more support for sore joints. One of the latest trends is the dog bed that is enclosed in furniture. This type of dog bed allows you to fold it back into the furniture as if it where never there. Luxury bedding offers pet owners additional options that they would not typically have if purchasing their pet’s dog bed at Wal-Mart, Target, etc.

A new trend among pet owners is the dog filled air bed. This type of dog bedding has several rewards for both the pet owner and the pet. Some pet owners may have their pets outside in which they are exposed to fleas and ticks. Non-air filled dog bedding allows fleas and ticks plenty of space to hide while the air bed does not. The dog filled air bed also limits allergens for pet owners as the cover is easy to wash and allergens can not go any deeper than the cover. Aside from its cleanliness, the dog filled air bed is also moveable. If you are traveling out of town or even to the lake, you can rest assure that your dog will be able to rest in comfort as this bed is deflateable.

Remember to purchase a dog bed that is good for your dog relative to size and health. Both factors are important to the health of your pet.

For free dog training and puppy training reports, check out Dog beds great dane

- Dan Roberts

Dog Breeds

Mon, 26 May 2008 01:05:48 +0000

Dog Breeds:

A lot of factors come into play when deciding on the perfect dog breed for you or your family. Some dogs entail a lot of attention and exercise while some do not. Your lifestyle plays a major role in how the dog will interact with you so it is vital to choose a breed that compliments you and your family.

Spaniels

If you do any hunting, taking walks and outdoor activities then you have several dog breeds to select from. Brittany spaniels have several qualities that will compliment this type of lifestyle. They love to hunt and play fetch and will be ready at any time. They do entail daily brushing as their hair might become matted if their coats are not brushed. This breed loves people and is usually good with children particularly if they are introduced to them at an early age. This is a large breed weighing an average of 30-40 pounds.

Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are excellent for an outdoor lifestyle and with children. They too are family dogs and entail your attention as they are people pleasers by nature. Their coat is long and entails brushing on a regular basis as well. Not only do they love to hunt but they like to bring you the prize as well. Golden retrievers are quite a large breed weighing an average of 55 - 75 pounds.

Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire terriers are a small breed weighing an average of 7 pounds. They are loyal lap dogs who love to be with their owners. This breed entails little exercise as they are more well suited for short walks and apartment living. They do entail daily brushing, cleansing of the eyes and ears, and dental care in order to remain healthy.

Doberman Pinschers

If you are looking for a dog that is loyal and protective then the Doberman Pinscher is the dog for you. This breed entails minimal brushing and bathing. Oral hygiene on the other hand is of vital importance. You might find the Doberman will bond with one family member more than others.

Choose Carefully

There are many of dog breeds to select from so it is critical that you do your research to find one that fits well with your lifestyle. Many dogs do not do as well in environments where they are left alone while other types manage just fine. Make sure you do your research before becoming a dog owner and you will be happy with the result.

For free dog training and puppy training reports, check out behaviour of diffrent dog breeds

- Dan Sewell

Dog And Allergies

Wed, 21 May 2008 01:05:21 +0000

Dog Allergies

There are five frequent dog allergies which comprise flea allergy, inhalant allergy, food allergy and skin allergy. Up to forty percent of dogs that have been tested have tested positive for flea allergy. Inhalant allergies, also known as atopy, include pollen, mold, mildew, and dust mites. Dogs suffer from food allergies on a annual basis rather than a seasonal basis like atopy. Skin allergies include ringworm and mange and they are classified as fungal diseases. Three of the most frequent dogs that have these medical issues are golden retrievers, poodles, and bull dogs.

Dog Health Maladies By Breed

Golden Retrievers have a reputation for being family dogs since they are loving and loyal. However, new pet owners must also be aware of their health maladies as well. Golden retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia, congenital eye defects, Von Willebrand’s disease, heart problems, and skin allergies. Some of these medical issues may appear more severe while some may not. This Golden Retrievers is subjected to all of the allergies. It is important to your golden retriever’s health that you schedule yearly check ups to make sure they are healthy.

Poodles have a reputation for being sensitive, smart and trainable. However, new pet owners must also be aware of their medical issues as well. Poodles are prone to several medical issues. Cataracts, allergies, and several kinds of diseases are prevalent in this breed. The food allergy seems to be the dominant allergy among poodles. Most of the medical issues are on the serious side but can be managed so that they can live a long healthy life.

Bulldogs have a reputation for being dependable. However, new pet owners should also be aware of their medical issues as well. A few of the medical issues that you should be alert for include breathing troubles, poor eyesight, skin infections and hip & knee issues. Most of the medical issues are on the somewhat serious side but can be comfortably managed so your pet will live a long healthy life.

A few allergy symptoms include chewing, scratching, hair loss, and ear infections. You should schedule an exam if your pet shows these symptoms. Their well-being depends on you!

For free dog training and puppy training reports, check out Dog Allergy Symptoms

- Dan Roberts

Your Dog And Dog Toys

Wed, 21 May 2008 01:05:21 +0000

All Types of Dog Toys

There are all types of dog toys on the market today that cater to different breeds. New pet owners might be wondering, ‘What can my dog play with?’ Manufacturers have developed certain dog toys that promote your pet’s health and your relationship.

Tug dog toys permit you to play with your dog one on one. Tug toys come in a variety of sizes, colors, and types. Tug toys have been upgraded so that they can be tugged on and thrown. The manufacturers have accomplished this by attaching a ball to a rope which is attached to the toy itself. Tugging is such a natural function that dogs love it when you participate in it with them. Essentially become the pack leader as this is one of the top bonding toys out there.

Cotton ropes are another favorite among different breeds. Manufacturers have created a toy that doubles as a toy and cleans your dog teeth as well. Dogs also love to play tug a war with these. The cotton rope dog toys come in a variety of sizes, colors and designs to fit your specific breed. Some, if not all dogs, want your attention. This dog toy will leave you laughing as well as exhausted!

Fleece and plush dog toys provide dogs many hours of fun. Plush toys come in a variety of sizes, colors, and shapes. I’m sure you have seen the commercial with the dachshund toting the long skinny dog toy. This is just one example of the shapes plush toys come in. There are also fleece dog toys that talk. In these toys many have squeakers which most dogs will find a way to remove. Fleece and plush animals provide hours of fun and a testing challenged if your dog is willing to take it on.

If you are still unsure what type of dog toys you should be buying for your dog, then ask a pet store’s associates. They will be more than happy to help you. Happy dog toy hunting.

For free dog training and puppy training reports, check out Why dogs like toys

- Dan Ruggles

Dog Clothes, Small Dog Clothes

Sat, 17 May 2008 01:05:45 +0000

Dog Clothes

Dog clothes serve many purposes depending on the season or event. During the rainy months you might want to clothe your dog in boots and raincoats. During the winter months think about sweaters and coats. Don’t forget to protect your dog from the sun during the hotter months. Of course you to determine what you want your dog to wear for each season. Of course, some dogs won’t wear anything!

Lots of dog owners find that the rainy months leave their dogs smelling musty and their homes muddy. This can be very exasperating for you and your dog. To best resolve this problem some dog owners decide to purchasing dog clothes. There are many options when it comes to protecting your dog and your home on the rainy days. Raincoats come in a variation of sizes, colors and prices. A cheap raincoat can be purchased for $10 or less online which will keep your dog from smelling like ‘wet dog’. Dog booties can be purchased to ensure your pets feet stay dry and clean. All you need to do is remove the dog clothes when your dog comes inside to prevent muddy floors and nasty smells from enveloping your home.

During the winter months when you have to go to work and can’t leave your dogs inside by themselves, they must be placed outdoors. Your dog may require extra protection if you live in a cold climate. You can buy padded jackets as well as padded booties for these extreme temperatures. Dogs that live in warmer winter climates may need sweaters to give them a little more warmth.

Sun protection clothing for dogs can be found online. Sun protection clothing may be helpful during the months where the suns UV rays are at its strongest. If your dog is going to be outside in the sun then you should take that extra steps to protect them from the suns UV rays. Sun clothes also come in an assortment of colors and styles.

Dog clothes will help your dog warm, safe from UV rays, and dry. Give serious consideration to protect your dog from the elements.

For free dog training and puppy training reports, check out pets at home dog clothes

- Dan Sewell

Dog Collars

Sat, 17 May 2008 01:05:45 +0000

Dog Collars

Dog collars can be employed for different reasons including identification, safety and training. Dog collars come in a variety of styles and lengths to fit your pet’s neck. Dog collars are most likely made from either nylon, leather or both. They can be solid in color, patterned, have beads, jewels, or lights. You also have the option of personalizing your dogs leash or collar with an additional charge. Although they usually come in a specific length of 12 inches, 15 inches, etc. they are adjustable as long as you are in that range.

People are anxious with how to begin training a dog for agility. Which kind of collar would be more appropriate for this type of activity? Training dog collars may be electric which promotes a small current of electricity to help guide your dog with your commands. Another type of training collar is the collar that sprays your dog if they don’t behave or ignore your command. Both collars, although they sound horrific, are safe methods and do not harm your dog in any way. Of course, you will also need a leash during the beginning stages of agility training. A standard collar may also be used if desired.

No matter where you live, the safety of your dog is of the utmost importance. If you live in the city you will need a collar and leash to ensure your dog doesn’t run out into the middle of the road. A driver may not be able to stop in time if you lose control of your dog. If you live in the country you should have an identification tag and a rabies tag on your dog. If your dog is out roaming the fields you want to inform others of your dog’s address and that it has had its rabies vaccine. Collars may appear small but they serve a very big purpose in our lives. All dogs should have collars on when you are not around them to keep them safe.

For free dog training and puppy training reports, check out Dog Training

- Dan Ruggles

Dog Behavior Problems - These Are The Most Common

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 01:04:33 +0000

Every year, many dogs find that they must take up residence at the local animal shelter because they exhibit problems in behavior. If the pet’s owner is not even willing to put the time and patience into correcting these behavioral issues, then they should not even be pet owners. This is not only an unfortunate but an all too common occurrence. There is no need to throw in the towel with your pet just because it has characteristics that an owner would not like to see their pet have. If you happen to be a pet owner who is experiencing trouble when it comes to your dog’s behavior, be assured that you are not the only one dealing with this. You dog’s adverse behaviors can be successfully overcome with a little help and time to the endeavor above. You will now be introduced to the five most common dog behavioral problems.

Five of the most common dog behavioral problems include the following:

1. Barking incessantly

2. Chewing on inappropriate items

3. Biting - Non-aggressive and Aggressive

4. Relieving Itself in Inappropriate Areas

5. Jumping on People and Things in An Unwelcomed Manner

If you own a dog, you may acknowledge that your dog may have one or more of the above characteristics. It may take some hard work and dedication on your part to correct the behavior of your dog, but in the end you will find that it is quite rewarding.

If you want to try to correct a certain behavior, you must first consider whether there may be any underlying causes. You will find that most dogs that display inappropriate behaviors are just bored with the surroundings they are in. Since they have nothing else to do, they seem to look for some kind of trouble to get into. They certainly do not realize that they are exhibiting any inappropriate behavior. This is where your job comes in. You must let you dog know that what they are doing is not acceptable. Yet, you should never be physically or mentally abusive to your pet. You must teach them by saying ‘no’ sternly and then show them something else that they are permitted to do. It is similar to teaching our children as they grow up.

Many dogs will exhibit behavior that we find annoying when they want to get out somewhere and exercise. If you find that your puppy or your dog is chewing on shoes, or other inappropriate items, or they are jumping all over the place, it may be time to take a walk on the beach , down the street, or go play Frisbee at the park! Physical activity can help to deter a lot of physical unacceptable behavior in a dog. It is also important to play with your dog while you are exercising them, as this will help to establish a bond between the two of you. If there is a good bond, the pet is likely to listen better and act better overall.

Socialization is also an important element for a dog that is experiencing behavior problems. You can socialize your dog in many different ways. This includes allowing them to gracefully interact with other dogs and pets, as well as other people. If you make a commitment to allow your pet highly interactive socialization, you will soon begin to notice a remarkable change in their behavior. Not only this, but this action will allow you to develop a stronger bond with your pet!

Need to solve dog behavior problems or learn how to house train a puppy? Go to http://www.dogbehaviorexpert.com.

- Thomas Turner