Archives for January, 2010
Dogs have been a part of my life for well over 35 years, and what a roller coaster it has been! There have been great experiences and some sad ones, but through it all, I remain convinced that dogs are truly “man’s best friend”. That being said, some dogs are just easier to make friends with than others.
My current dog in an eight year old miniature schnauzer who, while a very smart and affectionate little guy, was also a bit challenging in his behavior when he first came to live with us. Not long after his arrival, we discovered that:
1. Jumped and/or growled at every visitor to our house and barked at everything.
2. Completely despised his monthly visit to the groomers to be clipped.
So what could be done to help him…and us? Well we did some research, and spoke with our veterinarian to learn some techniques and strategies to help him become a “good friend”. This article will discuss what we learned.
1. The barking/growling/jumping issue took some time because schnauzers, like all good little terriers are territorial, and are adamant about protecting that territory. Still, we could not scare away everyone who came to visit. So we tried all kinds of reward systems, squirting water, coins in a can, newspaper, just about everything. Nothing really worked. Finally our vet suggested a remote training collar, and after a lot more research, we tried the Innotek Ultrasmart Remote Trainer. One of the first things that we liked about it was that it has 9 stimulation levels so that we could start with the very lowest one first until we found the lowest one that was effective. It also has a tone-only training option providing more versatility. And we actually got the Innotek Ultrasmart Remote Trainer, 300 yds., which has a 300 yard range, allowing us to train from a distance. The best thing about the Innotek Ultrasmart? It worked. Within a short period of time our little guy learned good manners and our friends were no longer afraid to come visit us.
2. Helping our dog overcome the stress of going to the groomers each month involved not really training him. but training us. We figured that if we could learn to do his monthly clip at home, we would be able to help him feel more comfortable, and be able to get the job done quicker, making him happier as well. So we invested in the Oster A5 Turbo Clipper, and it has made all the difference in the world. We chose these clippers because as an Oster product, we knew they would last forever, so we wouldn’t have to buy new ones each year, and because of the reviews on what a smooth, quiet, and fast job they did. I will say that we have been very pleased with how the Oster A5 Turbo Clipper works: other than it getting warm, which we easily solved with cleaning and changing out the blades and using Oster Kool Lube, it has been so easy to do his clipping. Once we learned how to do home grooming, voila, no more schnauzer trauma! In fact, since our dog gets a treat at the end, I actually think he likes getting clipped each month.
It should be a joy to have a dog, and it can be, but at times it can take a little work to get there. For us, we had the help of the Innotek Ultrasmart Remote Trainer, and the Oster A5 Turbo Clipper. Making the investment and taking the time to learn to use these simple tools to make life with and for our dog have been so worthwhile. The rewarding result has been enjoying life with our merry, little schnauzer whose desire to please, intelligence and affectionate nature make him a joyous best friend indeed!
Discover how your dog can learn to become a well-behaved and joyful best friend. Learn more about the Innotek Ultrasmart Remote Trainer and the Oster A5 Turbo Clipper, read the reviews of the product from other satisfied pet owners, and see if they are right for you and your dog.
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Jan 24, 2010 | | dog training
The Kingdom of Pets dog training guides is probably one of the best digital download dog training programs there are available on the internet today.
I can proudly say that I have learned so much more from this guide than the many books that I have even bought on dog training. The creator of this guide has taken extra care to ensure it is totally complete and nothing is left out. I am sure you will be impressed with what is inside.
It was designed to be the one of the best; if not the best dog training programs there are available on the internet.
What are the positive aspect of the kingdom of pet’s dog training programme?
Pros
* Leaves nothing to be desired
* Very detailed
* Lots of tips and tricks
Cons
* No videos
For anyone that wants to train their dog this programme is a good starting point and I’m sure you won’t be let down by it, as it is quite possibly the most detailed course I have ever encountered and I myself am a dog trainer.
If you like knowing everything about dog training this course is a good start and a good beginning. Now to say I’m a dog trainer and then rant and rave about another dog training programme is only because I thought it was a very enjoyable read and by the end of reading I had nothing more to desire of reading.
I’m sure you’ve heard lots about dog training before but with this course as already mentioned there is little left out if anything at all. I can assure you that it’s a very enjoyable read and would be happy for another person to know exactly what it has to offer. It is inexpensive and it has made much more of an impression than any other program book or course I’ve bought.
To check out Kingdom of Pets official site, click on the link below.
Do you want your dog to be well behaved around people and other dogs? AND have them obey all of your house rules even when you’re not around! Click here to discover powerful insider information at Secrets to Dog Training.
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Jan 24, 2010 | | dog training
A dog training shock collar is one of the simplest and most effective tools that any dog owner can have to help train their dog. There are a few basic steps that you can follow to have a well trained, well behaved dog. These tips will help you begin using a shock collar effectively.
Using a dog training shock collar is an excellent way to teach your dog to behave, but it is important to use this method consistently to help teach your dog which behaviors are acceptable. A shock collar isn’t painful, but is unpleasant for your pet. You can imagine the feeling that you pet experiences by remembering the last time that you touched a doorknob and received a small electric shock.
The method that you choose should always be used consistently. For example, if you have chosen to use a dog training shock collar for eliminating problem behavior, such as excessive barking, then you need to make sure that you use the collar each and every time that the dog exhibits the behavior.
The dog training shock collar essentially works by conditioning the dog to respond in a certain way. You may want to begin by using commands, such as “come” to train your dog. You will want to use a low setting on the collar for the initial training, pressing the button if the dog walks away, and then letting go when he takes a few steps toward you.
The remote that comes with your dog training shock collar will have several different settings. Typically, you will want to use the lowest setting possible. You may find that you need to adjust the settings, however, depending on your dog and his personality.
There are many different types and styles of collars available. The dog training shock collar that you choose should fit your dog comfortably, since you will want him to wear the collar for an extended time during the training process.
It is important to use the collar consistently, and to leave the collar on for an extended time. You may want to purchase a similar collar if you are planning on removing the dog training shock collar during the training process, so that your dog won’t become unwilling to train.
Once you have fully trained your dog, you will want to continue using a similar collar so that the dog is accustomed to the feel of the dog training shock collar. You may also consider using the training collar for an extended time to help train your dog in new situations.
Using a dog training shock collar to teach your dog to follow commands is only one method. If you get your dog when he is still a puppy you should visit our site for all the best Puppy Training Tips!
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Jan 23, 2010 | | dog training
Various methods are available to train your dog. You can bring your dog to obedience classes, conduct leash training or collar training, or just simple home training techniques. You have many options and there are lots of books and DVDs available to help you in selecting the best method to train your dog.
Is there such thing as the best dog training method? Is there one method that stand out from the rest or one method that is the most effective? That answer is largely subjective and depends entirely on you and your dog and your own individual personalities.
In selecting the best dog training method, factors to consider include how much time you have to devote to training, how patient you are, and how smart your dog seems to be. All of these will make an impact on your decision on training method.
For example, training by going to obedience class is usually quick and easy, but you do have to make time in your schedule to go. If you don’t have that kind of free time, another method may work better for you.
If you take your dog out on lots of walks, and have this worked into your schedule already, then leash training may be best for you. Those with a lot of free time but no money for classes may opt to simply train their dogs themselves at home. It is all a matter of preference and style.
Also, you need to consider your dog’s preferences. It do make a difference. Some dogs are smarter than others, and will respond better to the controlled environment of an obedience class rather than simple one on one home training. These dogs may also respond well to leash or collar training, though some people claim the latter is cruel.
You don’t want to hurt your dog. You just want to find the best dog training method for you both, so that you can enjoy a happy co-existence together in the same home. Find the right way to train your dog, and you will find you enjoy each others’ company a lot more and become close companions.
If you need more tips on dog training methods, check out the resource below.
Want your dog to be well behaved around people and other dogs? AND have them obey all of your house rules even when you’re not around! Click here to discover powerful insider information at Secrets to Dog Training.
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Jan 22, 2010 | | dog training
There’s no ‘magic’ or luck behind creating the perfect dog. It is done through creating a balance of trust and respect between you and your dog. With total trust and respect, you needn’t worry about the “what if”s, such as “what if my dog bites?” “what if my dog runs off?” and so on. These what ifs are based on a lack of mutual trust, which is created between human and dog when the human knows how.
Main aspects involved in developing respect and trust: The dog walk - one of the biggest factors in deciding if your relationship with your dog is as healthy as it could be, trust and respect both ways is earned on the walk.
Leading the walk involves setting the arrangement of the followers. The followers seek the leaders support when deciding which position to be in, in front, next to, or behind. An easy method involves putting a leash on your dog, and shortening it to allow your dog to stay next to or behind you, not pulling. This means you are playing the role of the leader by setting the position. There should be no stress on the leash, especially from your side. Once you start to lead the walk your dog will get the point and will give you respect.
Tension on the lead only happens when something is not being done right. One factor may be that you are not giving out enough leadership and confidence to allow your dog to feel secure. Maybe your arm is not totally relaxed, which it must be to allow your dog to relax! Give your dog the trust she deserves, that she will not misbehave, and she will return the favour, so long as you also have respect.
To dogs, love means work before reward. Consistent and maintained rules such as leaving time for the walk, when to get out of bed, are all rules that you as the leader should set, this way your dog earns love in a more natural way, by following you first. Setting limits and rules enable your dog to see that you are serious in keeping her healthy and happy, not just spoiling by giving love, love and more love. Dogs need more than just love! They are different to us like this; we should take the time to understand this.
Some of this information was gathered from the site of dog behaviorist George Manning.
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Jan 22, 2010 | | dog training
Psychologists have been promoting positive reinforcement as a way to change undesirable behavior to acceptable behavior in humans for some time. The method can be described simply as rewarding behavior that is considered acceptable and ignoring behavior that isn’t acceptable. Animal trainers have learned lately that this same method works with non-humans.
Watching a Killer Whale doing a routine directed by two young women, I realized that they had trained the large animal to perform in that manner using positive reinforcement tactics. The same method will enable you to train your new puppy. Positive reinforcement is the choice method for most of the experts in the dog training field today. No other training method is considered as humane or effective.
Some of the popular dog training techniques of the past are completely opposite from today’s preferred method. Some of these outdated methods are now considered abusive and are avoided by all who wish to treat their dogs in a humane manner. Using the more humane positive reinforcement method you can have a puppy that is a well-trained and a loved member of the family.
Your puppy’s natural instinct is to please you, but she has to know what you want her to do. Puppies are easily confused; for this reason it is important that you be consistent in the language you use in giving commands. Before teaching your dog a command, decide ahead of time what verbal cue you’re going to be giving her, and then stick to it. So, when training your dog to not jump up on you, select one word or phrase such as “no jump”, and use it every time. Dogs learn through consistent repetition the appropriate actions associated with a particular phrase.
Use meaningful rewards to facilitate the training process. Dogs get bored pretty quickly with a routine pat on the head and a “good girl”. Most dogs don’t even like being patted on the head; watch their expressions and notice how most will balk or shy away when a hand descends towards their head. If you want to use touching your puppy as a reward we have found that most dogs really like having the base of the tail (the lowest part of their back, just before the tail starts) scratched gently; having their chests rubbed or scratched (right between the forelegs) is usually a winner, too. You can also target the ears: gently rub the ear flap between your thumb and finger, or scratch gently at the base.
Puppies respond to food treats and physical affection, so be generous with these during your training sessions. Use treats she is already familiar with and likes. In giving physical attention be gentle and let her know how proud you are of her behavior.
Use the right timing. When your dog obeys a command, you must mark the behavior that you’re going to reward so that, when she gets that treat in her mouth, she understands exactly what behavior it was that earned her the reward.
Your verbal response can also mark the appropriate behavior and then give her the treat. You must be consistent in this too. If you say “yes” in a happy voice and then give her the treat, you must do this each time she follows a command. Saying “yes” to her response to commands only occasionally will not mean anything to her..
Training your puppy will be very frustrating for you and your puppy if you don’t structure it in such a way to be gratifying for both of you. Be sure to engage in training when you feel up to it and have found the incentive program that works for your puppy.
Looking to find the best deal on The Positive Reinforcement Method Puppy Trainingthen visit my-puppy-training.info to find the best advice on Positive Reinforcement Method Puppy Training for you.
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Jan 21, 2010 | | dog training
It is not embarrassing to admit that every person needs someone to accompany him in this journey through life. However, a partner may not always come in the form of a human being. Sometimes, it could be an animal. There is nothing wrong with that because there are some reasons why an animal is a better choice than a human being. They are easy to take care of and do not present a complication. They are also to shower with love and affection, just like what a mother does to her children.
Since time immemorial, pets have been considered as great friends of people. They can provide a listening ear without spewing off harsh judgments and cynical comments. They have great virtues, such as being trustworthy, smart, affable and even responsible to a certain degree. And, unlike humans who can be so possessive, they do not require attention. They can survive even without bothering you at your place of work. Don’t you find it a great relief that they don’t bombard you with negative emotions?
There are a lot of available choices in the animal clinic or at the veterinarian’s office. Obviously, there are dogs, cats, wild birds and farm animals like rabbits and hamsters. However, for those who prefer a more challenging task, albino pythons and tarantulas are also present. With the ease of travel even among pets nowadays, it is not that hard to find your ultimate match.
Most people go for domesticated animals like cats and dogs. However, there are certain benefits that a cat can give its owner that a dog can’t. Read on why being a cat owner is great.
One, being a cat owner trains you to become more aware of other’s needs. Not only will you worry about your basic necessities for the week, you will also learn what food, grooming stuff, exercise routine and medication your cat will require. You will also deal with the fact that you have to visit the vet in case your pet doesn’t feel well. All these may sound like additional chores in your lifestyle but the virtues you will develop are simply priceless. Other people will definitely notice that you have changed for the better.
Second, a pet cat is something that will easily keep you from getting up late. Since you have to prepare his breakfast, you will have the energy to start the day with vigor. You will be recharged because you know that someone is relying on your presence. You are aware that you are not merely facing the day alone. If you have lived a monotonous routine, your cat will change things for the better. At the end of the day, coming home will also be a pleasant event to look forward to. All the tension in the office will evaporate in the air upon seeing your reason for living. You know that spending time with your pet by playing with him is a stress-releasing activity.
Third, you can have more acquaintances and friends. You may join a cat owners’ association or cat lovers’ organization to learn about ways to make your cat become a better pet. Having fun with these like-minded people will be a blast and you might even meet a special someone there. If not, be content that you can have someone to talk to. There are a lot of things that can be discussed regarding the care of a cat so don’t worry about possible awkward moments.
So there you have it, the reasons why being a cat owner is great. What are you waiting for? Get one now.
Wanting to become a pet owner is wonderful. But you must notice two things that you need to know about. One is quality pet health insurance because without it your pet is not secure if accidents happen. The second is that using cheap pet meds can hurt your pet terminally if you purchase poor quality of medication.
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Jan 20, 2010 | | Dog Food
We have probably all seen a dog afflicted with mange at some point in our lives. Mange is known as Demodicosis in dogs. The Demodex mite causes this itchy inflammatory disease and the identification of the particular mite can ascertain the harshness of the mange.
Mange can cause immune system problems, lesions and genetic disorders if left untreated. Both cats and dogs are known to contract this uncomfortable disease. Your dog’s side effects will be different depending on which mite your pet is infected with.
Demodectic mange comes in two forms. It can be localized to a particular area of the body or can be general and cover the dogs entire body. Making a determination as to which type your pet has will determine the treatment your vet will administer.
Localized mange is the mild form typically appearing around the dog’s trunk, legs or face with small patches of lesions. Generalized mange is mostly over the entire body in the form of patches of lesions accompanied by redness of the skin. There is no known cause for mange but some doctors believe that problems with the dogs immune system might predispose a dog or cat to this condition.
It is believed that one form of mite can be transferred from the mother to the baby via nursing. There are to other forms of mites and it is not yet known how those mites are transferred. Demodex canis gets into the hair follicle of the pet causing this transmission during nursing.
Testing is done either with a urine sample if you are able to get one or by scraping a piece of the dogs skin. The vet will want to rule out that possibility of your dog having an infected hair follicle. They can also determine the mite by plucking a few hairs.
It is very possible for the localized type of mange to cure itself over time. However, the generalized mange can require a lifetime of medication and lime-sulphur dips are used to relieve symptoms. There are some cases that are just so severe that treatment is not an option, therefore it is best to evaluate this with your vet in order to do what would be best for the dog.
Remember that if your dog is diagnosed with mange, you will need to continue to monitor the condition. If your pet requires treatment, you must continue to test skin scrapings for the presence of mites. As with generalized cases, medication must be administered regularly and continuously in order to control the spread of mange.
In order to help prevent this disease, you can be sure to maintain the good health of your dog or cat. Regular grooming of your pet can help ward off this nasty disease. All veterinarians will suggest that you not breed your pet if it has chronic mange.
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Jan 19, 2010 | | Dog Health
The safety of commercial dog foods has been called into question on various occasions over the years and sometimes when walking down the pet food aisle of the local food market you would possibly find yourself wondering if the food you purchase for your loved furry family member can be the one that is toxic this time. It’s a roulette spin and therefore the stakes would possibly just be too high. Several pet owners are deciding to arrange meals for their pets instead. But, how do you make positive that the meals you create for your dog are nutritious and balanced?
A homemade meal, simply as for your family, will greatly profit your dog’s health and well-being. Except for being doubtless dangerous, commercial dog foods can contain fillers, chemical, preservatives and dyes which will be detrimental. A new profit to cooking and preparing a meal for your dog is the bonding which will come from the love and care it takes to try and do so. There are many concerns to create when deciding what to prepare for your dog. You would like to think about any health issues such as diabetes, heart conditions, allergies and any different ailments that your dog presumably suffers.
When making ready the right formulation of dog food you want to consider what goes into it. You would like a meal that will not only be nutritionally balanced but will additionally attractiveness to your dog’s senses of taste and smell. After all, what sensible is a nice, nutritious, useful meal when your dog refuses to eat it? A priority might be that the nutrition of the meal isn’t complete, but a more serious concern is what foods not to convey your dog. Some things that humans eat every day will actually be highly toxic for your pet.
You need to start a balanced meal for your dog with a sensible, healthy source of protein and a good source of advanced carbohydrates. Some sensible protein sources embrace things like roasted boneless, skinless chicken breast, pan browned ground beef, broiled pork loin or lamb chops, baked Atlantic salmon, cottage cheese tofu, or eggs. If you want some sensible carbohydrate for him you ought to hunt for long-grained cooked rice, baked potatoes, cooked and enriched spaghetti, cooked couscous, cooked oats and barley, or dry tapioca.
When choosing appropriate sources of protein and carbohydrates you’ll be able to develop some recipes to provide balanced and complete nutrition. A nutritionist ought to be consulted to help when deciding the simplest recipes and food combinations to create a well-balanced homemade food diet for your dog that he will continue for years to come.
There are diet plans obtainable for purchase, but they are not suggested for very young or senior dogs that require a additional specialized diet plan. There are a few firms, like Pet Diets and Balance It that provide this info for a fee. Additionally to the dog food that you just prepare you’ll be able to additionally find healthy and well-balanced treats for your dog, as well. These can be purchased, or you can find several recipes by performing easy searches online.
You want to think about all of your options and every one of the things which will affect your call to prepare homemade meals for your dog before doing it. Some dogs, simply as some individuals, have medical conditions and illnesses that can make meal designing difficult and confusing. Bear in mind that, simply like you, your dog deserves to possess the simplest nutrition available.
Micchele Pritte is not ashamed to admit that she is girlie and likes the color pink. Micchele has written a site containing reviews on pink bath towels, as well as bath sheet towels.
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Jan 19, 2010 | | Dog Food
Around the globe, there are millions of people who keep dogs at home. While it is good to love and care for the dog, it is also important to impart proper dog training to the dog. This is essential and this article can give you some useful info on how you can effectively train your dog.
At the outset, it is essential to recognize the fact that dog training is necessary to keep your dog safe and also to ensure that your property and home are kept clean. If you do not take care, you would get embarrassed if your neighbor came and complained that your dog made his home or property dirty. This is one of the primary reasons as to why you should take steps for proper dog training. You can easily influence the obedience level as well as behavior of the dog by means of training.
One of the first things that has to be done on dog training involves potty training of the dog. At this juncture you should know how important positive training is and why you must not just keep on punishing and chiding the dog at every small instance. When the dog obeys you, do reward it with some food. This would help your dog learn much faster.
There are many similarities between dogs and humans as far as learning capacities go. Some dogs are very sharp and quick, while others may be a bit slow. Do not make the mistake of comparing your dog with that of your relative or neighbor, as every dog is quite unique. If you want to control and earn the trust of your dog, be patient and consistent in conduct.
There are many ways that you can adopt for training your dog. Some dog breeds have got their own personal characteristics and traits which you should know how to use for your own benefit.
One rule is never to neglect or ignore any bad conduct that the dog may have. This is true of big dogs as well as puppies. If you start dog training quickly, you will be able to stop bad conduct right when it starts and be effective in training the dog well.
Do make it a point to spend time with the dog on a daily basis. When the dog is calms, you can teach and train him better. Lengthy training sessions will not help as you should know about the short attention spans and limited memory of dogs.
Dog training is quite essential not only for the dog but also for your family. If you neglect dog training, it could lead to accidents which is why you should make an effort to train the dog properly and in time.
Want to find out more about online dog training, then visit Jeff Jones’s site on how to choose the best dog training online for your needs.
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Jan 19, 2010 | | dog training
