Archives for February, 2010
Having a dog that is aggressive can be a major problem especially if you have children around. If you find your dog is getting aggressive there are a few different options available to you.
The first option would be to get rid of your dog (not recommended). While this is not the option most people choose it is something some people do.
If you do decide that you want to get rid of your dog then make sure you find him a safe home. You should never let any dog go especially if they are aggressive. Dogs have had the wild breed out of them so the great outdoors is very unsafe for them out on their own.
An even better option would be to train your dog or have a dog trainer train him. There are a variety of different dog training classes you can take you dog to or you can train him in your own home.
One type of dog training is clicker training. If clicker dog training is done correctly you will see a major improvement in your dog’s behavior. The beauty of clicker training your dog is that after a while of using the clicker you will have a dog that listens to your commands without the need of using the clicker or dog treats.
Timing is everything when using the clicker dog training method. If you get this wrong all of your effort will be wasted.
When your dog follows your command you need to immediately click your clicker and administer a treat to your dog. If you click to late your dog will only know that you are being very nice and giving him lots of treats.
You also should keep the clicker tucked in your hand so your dog can not see it. Another thing you can do is click using your tongue when your dog has gotten accustomed to the sound of clicking.
No matter how you are going to train your dog make sure you are using positive training methods. Not only will negative methods hurt your dog but he is likely to become worse behaved over time.
Clicker training for dogs is one of the more effective methods of training your dog if it is done correctly. Learn more about dog obedience training by visiting us at safedogobedienceadvice.com.
Tweet This Post
Feb 18, 2010 | | dog training
Border Terrier’s are known for their jumping ability and agility. They are very intelligent with a level temperament. Many times you will see Border Terrier’s as therapy dogs due to their capacity for independent thinking.
Borders love to run so daily trips to the park or out for a long run is just what the Border Terrier needs to keep them active. Natural born foxhunters they were used back in the day to flush the foxes, otters and badgers out of their holds. It’s always amazing to see this quick dog in action and jumping despite their how short their legs are.
Beware of these little runners, they have been known to chase many a small animal like cats, mice and others. It’s in their blood but you can break the habit if the Border Terrier is raised with the animal. But when you are outside your domain, keep an eye on them because they can disappear in a flash if something catches their eye.
You do have to watch the stuffed animals around the house. The Border Terrier has been know to destroy and consume these stuffed fury friends. If your dog becomes lethargic, unable to sleep, non-interested in affection, best to get him to the vet for an x-ray just to rule out illness.
While these dogs are typically very active, they do love to just lounge in the park and take in the sites. Watching all the goings-on is something they enjoy. They are known to be a bit stubborn once they get settled and often refuse to get up and along, especially when they are tired!
There are a few health problems common to the Border Terrier such as seizures, juvenile cataracts, hip Dysplasia, retinal diseases to name a few. They can also be slow to anesthetize even though they are sensitive to anesthetics. They can also have a very high threshold for pain.
Border Terriers are classified as a medium size dog and usually grows to about 15 pounds as adults. With their weather resistant coats it’s best to brush them weekly to keep them tangle free. Shedding can be an issue with this short haired dog but you can do hand stripping two times per year along with the weekly brushing can keep their shedding to a minimum.
Command training with these dogs from an early age on will allow you to have better control over your overly impulsive pup. Being consistent and providing them with adequate exercise can keep them in line. Their eagerness to please and love for people makes them a good dog for family pets.
They are known to get along well with other dogs but at times can be confrontational. While signs of aggression are not unusual, this behavior is not displayed very often. Knowing your dog’s limits and socialization can be contributing factors that lead to a happy Border Terrier.
Have a Pet that you Love? Check out Catherine’s favorite Pet Supplies for Dogs site that uses all natural ingredients. They have the greatest selection of wonderful Natural Organic Dog Shampoos on the market.
Tweet This Post
Feb 17, 2010 | | Dog Health
Dogs are smart, making them easy to train. Whether training a puppy for the first time, an adult dog new to your home, or revisiting training with your resident dog, getting back to basics is the most efficient approach to assuring you have a well-adjusted, well-behaved pet.
Those of us who have learned a second language know all too well, if you don’t use that second language regularly, you will eventually forget the language. Training your dog is the same as teaching him a second language. Without consistent reinforcement throughout the dog’s lifetime, even the smartest of dogs will forget even the best training. When this happens, it is best to go back to the basics. Training commands are a form of communication. If your dog is forgetting to listen, go right back to ground zero. Start training as if your dog has never been trained before.
For instance, if your dog is no longer coming when you give him the command, dust off the long lead and start over. Use a 40′ lead (available at your local pet or feed store). Tie knots in it at 2′ and 5′ before the end. Add a tied handle and you have your training lead. Begin by calling your dog: name and come. While saying the command, quickly begin by running backwards After about 5 feet, stop once the dog has caught up to you. Reward with a snack. Repeat a few times.
After about 5 or 10 minutes of training, do a bit of agility, play with your pup. It is very important to remain cheerful, and get excited when they perform the behavior correctly. The dogs forget the repetition. Many breeds get bored with repetitive activities such as ball chasing. So it is important to play a little bit, do about 10 minutes of training and play some more. Puppies especially have a low attention span and get tired after about an hour of training. Also, when training a dog to come, you should never ever ask the dog to come from a sit-stay command. This will contradict the stay command.
When teaching a dog the sit-stay command, hold a favorite treat out in your fingers and have the dog sit. Reward with a small piece of the treat. With the dog still in sit, make a stop hand signal and simultaneously say the word stay. Once the dog has performed the command correctly, take a few steps back to the dog to reward him with the treat. Never have the dog come to you to retrieve the treat once you have put him in a sit-stay. The simpler, the better; back to basics dog training will do the trick.
If you have lost a pet recently then you know how hard it can be, and at Pet Urns Online we are here to offer you the highest quality Pet Urns at discounted prices, we have large selection of pet urns including vase, rock, photo, and of course Dog Urns, so feel free to stop buy and check out our store.
Tweet This Post
Feb 16, 2010 | | dog training
Out of all the dog behavioral problems, biting is considered to be the worst and the most serious. Even if your dog goes on the couch quite often, it might not present you as much problem as from a biting behavior. Some communities insist on putting the dog down if he bites someone severely. If your dog has a biting problem it can even mean the end of his life. So you have to take immediate action to solve the biting problem of your dog.
On the other hand, biting problems are common and quite normal in case of puppies. This problem arises mostly during their teething period when they have an uncontrollable urge to chew and bite on anything and everything. Though a puppy bite might break your skin it will not pose any other serious problems. However, this is the right time and age to train your puppy not to bite ever again
Don’t be cruel to your dog or excessively harsh with the discipline, but let your dog no when he bites you too hard. If your dog bites you hard, pull your hand away immediately and say ouch, or bad dog, or something like that. Let him know that he has hurt you.
Most often, biting problems in dogs are caused due to psychological problems. Mostly, dogs do not bite just to hurt someone. They try to bite when they want to hold on to something or they bite to warn someone of something. They also take a bit just to play. If you do not take the effort to correct the biting problem when your dog is still a puppy, then this problem might escalate to cause grave problems
Apart from psychological reasons, biting can also be an inherent quality of some dogs. A dog might be naturally temperamental and get very angry quite often. In that case, you have no other option than to send the dog to an obedience school.
If your dog shows biting tendencies then you have take it very seriously and get help as soon as possible from a professional dog trainer, as an average pet owner is not equipped to address this serious problem.
If one of your neighbors owns a pooch with dog biting problems, the best thing you can do is to prepare yourself. Buy some strong pepper spray formulated to take care of dogs. If the dog tries to bite you, don’t hesitate to spray it in his eyes. You could also try a more friendly approach. When you run into aggressive dogs, simply give them a piece of beef jerky. If you can make friends, you can avoid being bitten.
Do you need ongoing help with your dog or puppy training? If so checkout the dog training basics information! Check out our many articles on most topics to do with dogs. From health to basic training to how to take care of a dog, such as how to avoid mistakes when training your dog. Don’t delay look today!
Tweet This Post
Feb 16, 2010 | | dog training
Bringing home your puppy will be a joyful time but it can also be quite stressful. Especially if this is the first time you are trying to take care of a dog. There will be plenty of things to learn.
First you will need to make sure that your puppy feels safe and secure in its new environments and you can be do this by showing your that you love it. Speak with a loving voice and don’t start out by yelling when it does something that you do not want it to do. You can actually give your dog mental scars for life by treating it the wrong way and that is one of the reasons why it is important to attend dog or puppy training as soon as possible.
There are plenty of good reasons to have your dog trained? And remember it’s not just your new dog that needs to learn some things; you will have some lessons to learn as well. You need to learn how to handle your new pet and just as importantly, how not to handle it.
You’ll understand the need for training your puppy almost the minute you bring them home. Your new dog will be extremely energetic and will run all over the house, chewing on everything, possibly breaking things and peeing on the floor.
Learning the right commands to use and the right tone of voice to use them in is a big part of dog training classes. Learning these all important elements of dog training and getting lots of practice can help you to prevent (almost) all damage that your energetic new puppy may cause.
Every single day you will need to take your dog out for a walk. You will soon learn that you need to teach your dog to walk without pulling the leash and that it has to follow your directions.
Not being able to control your dog when going for a walk and especially if it is not held in a leash can have catastrophic consequences. If your dog sees a cat or a squirrel running across the road in front of it your dog will most likely want to chase it.
Being struck by cars is one of the leading causes of death among household pets, especially dogs. These accidents usually happen because the owner is unable to control the dog using commands? This is one of the reasons why training is so important for your new dog; it could literally be a life saver.
Dog health and well being is very important in order to have a fun and peaceful pet. As a dog owner you should spend enough time and energy in teaching your dog and yourself the best ways to love and respect each other as you will probably be together for a long time.
Tweet This Post
Feb 16, 2010 | | dog training
When it comes to training your new dog, what sort of equipment should you use? Are plain old treats and a stern voice enough? Or do you need more specialized items if you want your dog to be fully trained? It all depends on how much you want to teach your dog as well as how serious you are about it.
As said earlier, there is no need to buy special items for training simple task; the dog will simply follow by practice. But if you want your dog to participate in dog shows, and want it to learn some tricks, it is better to be prepared with some equipments which are meant for training for specific purpose.
The common tricks.
One can teach their dog a lot of things to do. Some of the usual tricks that are taught to dogs apart from being housetrained are to sit, roll over and stay. There are tricks apart from the three basic ones that are much more difficult to teach such as playing dead, paw shaking and others. Even if you are looking at just teaching a very few tricks initially, you should have proper equipments that have been specially designed for training dogs such as choke collars.
Choke collars are made from chains which loop within it. When a dog tries to pull itself, the collar kinds of chokes it. It definitely does not hurt but it teaches the dog to not pull the leash. You can also get training equipments like some treats, clicker or whistle and leash. These can be used for reinforcing the behavior of a dog.
Reinforcement
When teaching your dog with your dog training equipment, you want to focus more on reinforcement as opposed to punishment. If your dog isn’t listening to you, that’s your fault; it’s not the dog’s. When your dog does something you like, reinforce that behavior. Give it a treat when it sits like you want it to, give it a pat and tell it good boy or girl when it rolls over like you want.
These will keep the dog interested and will make sure they know what you want them to do. When you use punishment, your dog may become confused and may not know why it’s being punished. That’s why you should always use positive reinforcement along with dog training equipment to teach your dog.
Training the Dog
One should use equipments that are used specifically for training dogs such as choke chain and leash to set the boundaries. This way you can teach your dog to not stray away from the specified training ground. Give instructions to your dog with the help of whistle or clicker and make it do the tricks that you teach your dog and use treats for positive reinforcements. The key for proper training of a dog is persistence and consistency. It can’t be achieved in a day or three. It will take a week or sometimes two weeks or even more that for the dog to get fully trained. However, if you stick to the routine and show the dog how badly or good she is performing there is no limit on to what can be taught to your dog.
At the end of the day you will also be able to use agility training gears which will help in training your dog to perform tricks such as that of circus or police dogs. But this can be achieved only in the long run. For the time being it is better to stick on to the fundamentals so that you don’t confuse your friend.
You need proper dog training supplies to train your dog. Finding a low priced and used dog training equipment of best quality is very easier than you thought.
Tweet This Post
Feb 14, 2010 | | dog training
Your yorkie puppy does not want to spend the precious hours of his or her new life scratching at a parasite or any other skin condition for that matter. Help your pup out by increasing your own awareness of the following skin diseases for early detection and treatment.
Common skin diseases found in yorkie puppies are parasites and general skin conditions. These two provide a nasty infestation for countless puppies year round.
Major parasites are worms, roundworms, hook worms, and tapeworms. Most puppies have roundworms and they should be treated at least twice before they are taken into another home, and it is wise to do so every ex weeks for the first year.
Apply treatment found at the drug store to your poor yorkie puppy’s wounds. Salves and ointments are better applied when the pup is comfortable and in the most warm, loving environment.
It is particularly necessary to worm regularly where there are children in the household, and to burn the resulting excreta. The immature roundworm larva may rarely infect a child, and this larva migrates and could cause blindness.
Yorkie puppies may also suffer from one of the unfortunately common general skin conditions that so often can be inflicted. Some common skin conditions that yorkies may be infected with are allergies, dermatitis, or eczema.
Because a common skin disease form is allergies, yorkie owners should pay special attention to household items that may cause an allergic reaction. Allergies due to foods, household textiles, especially the man-made fiber carpets, and inadequately cured skin rugs, disinfectants, and washing powders are quite common in yorkies.
It takes patience to work through general skin conditions for an owner, especially knowing your sweet yorkie puppy is in pain. Always remember your vet will prescribe suitable treatments.
Read more about Yorkie Puppies at teacup yorkie dogs.com.
Tweet This Post
Feb 14, 2010 | | Dog Health
There’s nothing more irritating than a naughty boisterous dog. Just like a disobedient, naughty child, a badly behaved dog can drive you round the bend. If you have recently acquired a new puppy, you really need to know about the basics of dog training.
Firstly, there’s absolutely no truth to the myth that certain dogs cannot be trained. While it may be more difficult to train some dogs, it can be done. And of course some dogs are easier to train. It all comes down to the ability of the trainer and his or her communication skills.
A trained dog is a happy dog. Dogs are programmed to take commands. This comes from their inherent instinct to obey the ‘alpha’ figure when they live in packs. Your dog must be taught that you are in this role. A well trained dog is also more secure, less stressed, and he or she will form a close bond with you.
Teaching your dog his or her name is the first thing to do. This will enable you to get a response from the dog every time you call its name. This forms the basis to all other dog training lessons.
The first important command is ‘come’. Hold a small treat near the nose and firmly call its name, for example ‘Fluffy, come!’ The puppy will immediately come forward to get the treat. Continue the process by stepping a bit further back each time. When the dog responds and comes to you, lavish it with lots of praise and affection.
You can apply the same principle with the ’sit’ and ’stay’ commands. Keep your voice firm at all times so the dog learns the different tones to your voice. They quickly realize when your voice is playful or when it is serious. The praise factor is critical because essentially all a dog wants is to please its master.
Don’t get too carried away with treats. They are necessary tools in the early phases of training, but too many treats may cause the dog to obey your commands just because there’s a treat to follow. The dog will learn that if you are obeyed, his or her reward is praise and love. Never give your dog treats outside of training sessions. This can cause confusion.
If you want to compete at dog shows and other competitions, it’s advisable for you and your dog to attend a professional dog training course. You will both learn the relevant behavior requirements and other etiquette rules. There’s plenty of helpful websites about such courses.
Learn more about dog obedience classes in NJ.
Tweet This Post
Feb 14, 2010 | | dog training
If you are in a busy mall, do some people catch your attention without them trying hard to do so? At the office, do you come face to face with individuals who have this wonderful aura that makes you feel envious? How about seeing individuals in the park who have smiles in their face throughout their stay there? Do you want to know the secret behind their glow? It doesn’t have to be a mind-boggling question. Most probably, the cause for their state of bliss is their pet.
Whether you care to admit it or not, having a pet can be a wonderful addition to one’s life. Nowadays, with everyone feeling the pinch of economic crisis, environmental degradation and political turmoil, it is so easy to succumb to depression and hopelessness. Bad news seems to prevail all over the television, the radio, the newspapers and even the internet. However, if you have something worthwhile to occupy your time, like cuddling with your pet, you will have the energy to last you throughout the day. You will also have a very good reason to be excited about right after the office bell rings.
It has been proven by numerous studies that pets are therapeutic creatures to be with. Therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise that many hospitals are utilizing this technique.
The following paragraphs spill the reasons why pets can make a person feel blissful. Read on.
First of all, having a pet makes the owner feel useful and loved. Pets are dependable and trustworthy. They are very affectionate when given treats and other nice stuff. They do not complain much and are content with the rewards you offer. For them, having food, shelter, proper grooming and a visit to the neighborhood veterinarian is already heaven. In this regard, they are a notch higher than their human counterparts because they do not act like they own you. This means that you won’t need to pray that they behave because they already do that without you turning red in anger.
Second, owning a pet can greatly improve your self-esteem. Of course, when you are the one in charge of somebody else’s basic needs, you have to be at the top of your game. You can’t afford to dilly dally when there is a shortage in their food, medications, grooming needs, hygienic materials and so on. This makes you feel like a productive individual. Being productive would raise your self-worth. Other people will definitely notice it in the way you deal with them. Don’t be surprised if you hear your boss or co-workers say something nice to you. Your parents and friends will also see the change and might compliment you for it. The inner happiness you feel will simply manifest itself outside and reflect on your disposition.
Third, a pet will add new friends to your list of contacts. People are naturally social creatures but they become more affable when they see someone carrying a pet. No matter which place you will find yourself in, you will not fail to get attention. Take advantage of this to increase your social networking skills. You just have to go with the flow and talk to total strangers about what you know regarding your favorite pet.
Now, if you want to gain the benefits of having a pet, visit your neighborhood vet to get an animal that matches your personality. Surely, you will find one that will make you radiate with happiness.
Wanting to become a pet owner is wonderful. But there are two things that you need to know about. One is quality pet health insurance because unless you have it your pet is not safe. The second is that using cheap pet meds can hurt your pet terminally if you find the wrong quality of medication.
Tweet This Post
Feb 12, 2010 | | Dog Food
With so many fine dog food products on the market today, there are many foods designed especially for teacup yorkies. Because of this fact, any caring owner may consider trying some of these specialty dog foods. However, owners should also be advised that the secret to the best dog food lies not only in the food, but also in the care surrounding feeding.
Take advantage of your teacup Yorkie’s feedings. Be there for your pet. If you have the time, spend it with your yorkie to encourage proper eating habits.
Yorkie food comes in many forms. You may want to mix or match your pet’s food depending on many factors. Some examples are cost, availability, and pet preference.
Of course convenience is a top priority for many yorkie owners in this busy day and age. With the right purchasing decisions owners may eliminate or at least greatly decrease time spent during feedings. Various packaged foods that can be served alone or as supplements and that can be left out for a few hours without spoiling.
Feeder bins are used by many kennel owners as well as pet owners. These devices help to conveniently store and distribute dry foods in a sanitary, efficient way. Bins also benefit the end user, the teacup yorkie, by getting a meal prepared quickly and tend to be fresher.
Many people who work during the day find feeder bins to be a convenient alternative to placing out your pet’s food yourself. These dry or semi-moist rations convenient to use. Additionally these foods are great to bring along if you travel with your teacup yorkie.
Be sure to read the labels carefully before you make your dog food purchase. Most reputable pet food manufacturers list the ingredients and the nutritional content right on the can or package. Instructions are usually included so that you will know how much to feed your teacup yorkie to keep him thriving and in top condition.
Many teacup yorkie owners find supplements to be an additional preferential treatment for their pet. Liquid or powder vitamin and mineral supplements, or those in tablet form, are available. These supplements may be given if you need to feel certain that the diet is balanced.
Teacup Yorkies
Tweet This Post
Feb 10, 2010 | | Dog Health