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By admin, March 10, 2010 2:00 pm

Leonard Mutch
509

In today’s modern home, pets are part of the family, and pet owners need to design good feeding practices suitable for their particular pet, and also suitable for their own lifestyle.
Owners need to consider too, factors like cost, convenience, variety and availability of foodstuffs for dog food.
They need to think about the individual needs of their own pet and combine foods in a way that the dog food meets those needs.
Most pets in the household live indoors, and are not in regular work so will require what is termed a maintenance diet dog food.
This dog food diet needs to provide a balance of nutrients in the correct amount to keep the animal fit both physically and mentally, and to encourage peak condition and reduce disease.
The dog food also needs to be concentrated adequately so that your dog is not having to eat large volumes of it, and it also should taste good so that your dog eats all its meal.
Make feeding time with your dog fun as this will help with bonding your dog to you.
Dog food time is often the high spot of many a dog’s day!
Dogs are omnivorous although we group them with the carnivores. They can quite happily eat fruit and vegetables as well as meat.
My own dog Toby loves nothing better than eating apple cores or cheddar cheese.
It makes a change from dog food!
He does however, have a preference for meat, and will eat it raw or cooked.
Healthy adult dogs can be fed with a variety of foods, or just one complete dog food.
These complete diets can be either dry, semi-moist or canned.
It is advisable to avoid sudden changes in your dogs diet as this will often result in diarrhoea.
Introduce new foods slowly by combining them with the current regime, gradually increasing the new food.
Often the easiest way to vary the diet is to offer different varieties of food from the same manufacturer.
Feeding your dog once a day is often all that is required to keep their appetite satisfied.
I would tend to advise against feeding too late in the evening as this may prompt calls for the toilet in the middle of the night.
Some dogs are happier fed two to three times a day after their owners have eaten, and this can be okay too, provided that an eye is kept on the dog’s weight, and obesity doesn’t become a problem.
I would advise that dogs which are feeling unwell be fed little and often.
The same would go for dogs with a poor appetite, and also very old dogs.
So how do you tell if you are feeding your dog adequately?
The best way to tell would be by the appearance of your dog.
Does he look in good condition?
Does his coat shine?
Is his skin in good condition?
Is he full of life and vitality, and not too thin or too fat?
Finally, keep a regular check on your dog’s weight and have him checked at least every six months at your local veterinarian.
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
Feed your dog a well balanced dog food and let him live to enjoy many years at your side.
He may be the key to long life for you too.

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By admin, March 8, 2010 1:59 pm

Mark Andrews
601

“I think your horse has colic.” Words to strike fear into any horse owner’s heart. But what is colic? What signs should you look for?
Colic refers to pain originating in the abdomen. Generally horses do not tolerate abdominal pain very well. So if there is any disturbance of gut function they tend to show signs of pain.
Signs of mild discomfort might be stretching, standing as if to urinate, and pawing the ground. If he is more painful the horse will get up and down, and roll to try to get more comfortable. He will start sweating. More serious cases will get up and down and roll constantly.
If you think your horse has colic, you should call an experienced equine vet straight away. He or she will be able to provide emergency pain relief and decide whether further treatment is necessary.
What can you do while you wait for the vet to arrive? Taking your horse for a walk often helps. It may encourage his guts to work normally and soothe the pain. It may also prevent him lying down to roll. If he is lying down quietly then let him stay there.
It used to be thought that a horse could cause a twisted gut by rolling. That is probably not true. But it is best to prevent him rolling if you can. That way you will prevent him injuring himself by banging himself on the stable walls. But be careful that you don’t get injured yourself. Horses often forget all their normal manners when they are in pain.
There are many different reasons for horses to get colic. But often the signs look similar regardless of the cause.
What will the vet do to investigate the problem? He or she will listen to the abdomen with a stethoscope to tell whether there is more or less activity in the gut than normal.
The heart rate gives a good indication of the severity of the pain and the seriousness of the problem. A horse with a normal heart rate probably does not have a serious problem. Whereas a high heart rate is not such a good sign.
A very useful part of the examination is the rectal examination. By feeling the intestines, the vet may be able to identify the cause of the problem. It goes without saying that this is a very skilled procedure, that is potentially hazardous for both the vet and the horse. But for an experienced equine vet the information it gives is invaluable in deciding the nature of the problem. It may reveal a blockage, or a swollen loop of intestines as a result of a twist or other intestinal catastrophe.
In all but the most straightforward cases the vet may pass a tube through the nose into the stomach . It sounds unpleasant but often may make the horse more comfortable by releasing the pressure in the stomach. It can also give the vet useful information about whether the stomach is emptying properly.
Sometimes the horse is in so much pain that it is impossible for the vet to examine him properly without first giving a dose of sedative or pain killer.
Only by considering all of the signs revealed by a careful examination is the vet able to make a tentative diagnosis. Even then it may not be possible to tell exactly what is going on.
Sometimes, after the first examination, it will be apparent that the horse needs emergency surgery. But more usually the vet will decide to treat the horse with a short-acting pain-killer and review his condition after a couple of hours. Most cases show a rapid improvement. But some will either not respond to the treatment, or they will improve at first, only to start showing signs of pain again later.
Rather than having to call the vet out several times, it is usually better to transport these cases to a specialist equine practice where they can be monitored closely and surgery can be performed if necessary.
Fortunately the vast majority of cases respond to medical treatment. But if surgery is needed – it is important to operate early. The chance of a successful outcome is much better if the operation is carried out before too much damage has occurred.

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By admin, March 6, 2010 1:58 pm

Russ Richer
411

Why do so many dogs get euthanized when there owners could have taught them not to bite?
When it comes to dog aggressiveness, there are laws that state the dog’s owner can be charged and the dog put down if the dog bites someone. Of course, with some serious dog training, dogs can be taught to enjoy people and not be aggressive.
There are a number of reasons why dogs become aggressive. The dog may feel his territory is being compromised, or he feels threatened. A lot of dog aggression comes from lack of confidence and insecurity. Simple dog obedience training will not solve your dog’s aggressive problems, only some serious dog training will do the trick. Dog aggressiveness doesn’t just mean biting; it means barking and lunging at people as well. This type of behaviour needs to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent anything serious from happening to a person, child or another dog.
Aggressive behavior will not go away without proper corrective action from the owner and will not get better as the dog ages. The biggest mistake that owners make is to excuse away aggressive behavior for their dog or puppy, and hope that the behavior is outgrown. The behavior only worsens with age.
A responsible dog owner will not tolerate aggressive behavior from a puppy or an adult dog. A well socialized, bred and adjusted puppy or dog will feel no need to act aggressively. A dog that acts this way demonstrates that there is a problem with the dog’s relationship to humans. Often it is a case where the dog has been taught (from puppyhood) to act inappropriately in given situations. Or the dog decides that aggressive behavior is needed, when it is not.
Dog attacks result due to the lack of proper and positive training. Some dog owners employ fear inducing and painful training techniques. Your dog will see this as life threatening and resort to aggressive actions in order to protect herself. Others will bite out of fun and when they are over excited. Both cases are mostly as a result of lack of positive training. So if you don’t properly socialize your dog with people or other dogs, expect bites any time.
Most obedience and training schools won’t take aggressive dogs as most of the places run classes with other members and won’t let them be endangered. If you want more information about aggressive dog training, visit our website by following www.dogdaypets.com/catalog/item/2460897/1939478.htm
As a dog owner, it is very important that you socialize your dog. Socializing your dog helps boost it’s confidence and reduces your dog’s fear and nervousness in normal circumstances. When you are introducing new things to your dog, make sure that you have him firmly under control. Introduce your pup to different people, dogs, children and environments. Give lots of praise and treats to reward proper behavior. Dog’s are pack animals and view your family as his pack. (Note: your dog must be the on the lowest rung of the pack hierarchy. All humans in the family must be deemed by your dog as his superiors). If the dog is not properly socialized with different people, she begins to view all people that are outside of the “pack? with distrust. You may believe your dog is friendly by observing him with your family. Your mailman may have a totally different view on your dog’s demeanor. ) So get your dog out and about.
At the end of the day what counts is that your dog stops attacking or is trained to never begin to attack. An aggressive dog can halter the relationship that you have with him, therefore you and your dog aren’t having the best time together. You are always worried about him biting you, other people or other dogs. I recommend that you do what it takes to get the problem resolved!

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By admin, March 4, 2010 1:58 pm

Kirsten Hawkins
94

One of the most beloved subjects for the creation of cartoon characters in America is the dog. Countless dogs have graced movie and television screens as animated characters ?too many to cover in one short article in fact. There must be something special about the comical nature of canines that makes them such ready targets to become humorous cartoon characters, but there have been plenty to choose from.
In the 1970’s the creative team of William Hanna and Joseph Barbera had their heyday on television. They practically owned Saturday mornings when nearly every cartoon show seemed to be an HB production. The team and their company created over a thousand animated characters over the years and a number of their most memorable ones are dogs.
Scooby-Doo
Scooby-Doo, where are you!? Anyone who was a growing and television watching child in the seventies remembers the lovable Great Dane with the bottomless stomach and nerves of aluminum. As part of the team of teenagers that trekked the country in their psychedelic van “The Mystery Machine,?Scooby and his pal Shaggy got more mileage out of one plotline than any cartoon characters in history. Scooby-Doo has aired on television in one form or another for over thirty years and, with the success of two recent live-action motion pictures based on the series, shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. We’d have gotten away with it if it weren’t for those meddling kids and their dog?
Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddy
This was a pair made for cartoons if there ever was one. Augie and his dad were two bachelors traveling around and getting into adventures and misadventures with humorous results. Augie was clearly the brains of the operation, but he was never going to reveal that to his Jimmy Durante inspired “dear old dad.?We never did find out what happened to Doggie Mommy?
Hong Kong Phooey
Only Hanna Barbera Studious could have thought to take the 1970’s fads of “blacksploitation?and Kung Fu movies and make it into a kids cartoon show. They pulled it off, though, with this “number one super guy?that was voiced by the late, great Scatman Crothers. By day he’s a mild mannered janitor working at the police station, but whenever there’s trouble he jumps into the filing cabinet, dons a mask and a gi, and emerges as?a dog in a gi that knows kung fu. Good times all around.
Muttley
Appearing as the sidekick of the eternally villainous Dick Dastardly, Muttley the dog never said a word, but his wheezy snicker rings in the memory of anyone who ever saw an episode of The Wacky Races, The Perils of Penelope Pitstop, or Stop That Pigeon.

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By admin, March 2, 2010 2:01 pm

Dakota Caudilla
131

With the current number of puppy producing mills everywhere in the world, it’s an understatement to say that it’s DIFFICULT to find a genuine pet dog belonging to a genuinely friendly breed. Today, we have all kinds of mixed breed dogs, Great Danes with Golden Retriever legs, snippy headed American Eskimos, etc. The point is that we are looking for a pet dog, a family pet dog, not a show dog! But the inbreeding programs by puppy breeding mills continue to flush the market with such incredulous mix breeds of dogs. Therefore, if you’re looking for a pet dog, a man’s best friend, it’s best that you learn how to find answers and ask the right questions at the pet shop.
Going to a shelter or rescue home for dogs is always a good idea if you’re looking for puppies in need. There are many advantages of owning a pet dog as compared to owning a cat. After all, it’s a fact that dogs make better pets ?they didn’t get the name ‘man’s best friend?for nothing. The key to finding the right dog for the family, especially if you have kids, is to do some homework before you go dog-shopping. It’s easily to get emotionally deterred when you see the dogs on display. A particular attractive dog may not be suitable to your needs and it’s not a good idea to get emotionally attached to the wrong pet dog.
Despite the fact that it takes more effort and time to have a pet dog (compared to cats and other types of pets), they are still the most popular types of pets. Pet dogs must be walked, brushed, exercised, talked to, stroked, and loved unconditionally. Pet lovers treat their dogs like human beings. Pet dogs will thrive on your attention to it and they will give you their unconditional friendship and companionship. Imagine coming home to a best friend who will do anything for you, with you and to you, irregardless. It’s not the same as having other types of pets. A pet dog is capable of unconditional love and devotion.
Puppies are adorable, that’s for sure, but if they are not allowed to socialize with as many human beings and dogs of other species outside its home as possible, they will grow up with a kind of fear that could transform into something more serious later on in its life. For instance, dogs that fear other human beings and other dogs can behave erratically and have unpredictable temperament. The constant socializing must take place consistently and regularly during the first 5 months of its life. Taking your best fiend pet dog to training classes at an early age will be extremely beneficial to your relationship immensely.
Pet dogs are like kids too ?kids have their teething problems while growing up (some have problems all through their lives), so, we should not expect any less from our dogs. Be patient in teaching them how not to chew, scratch and vandalize everything in your home. With your guidance, love, supervision, socialization, gentle and human attention, your pet dog can be trained to grow into your best friend for the rest of its life!

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By admin, February 28, 2010 1:58 pm

Jack Russell
331

Statistics has it that 4.7 million people get bitten by dogs yearly. These bites range from minor nips to major attacks.
Dog is man’s best friend, not his worst enemy. To make it stay that way, here are some tips for you to stay away from being bitten by a dog.
* How to Avoid being Bitten by A Dog
1. Don’t Approach a Strange Dog.
It is a big no-no to go near just any dog you find adorable, particularly when that dog is tied or placed behind a fence or if it is in a car. A new or strange dog might think that you are threatening him or you are an intruder.
2. Don’t Just Pet A Dog.
It is not advisable for anyone to suddenly just pet a dog, even his or her own dog, without letting him sniff and recognize you first.
3. Don’t Ever Turn Your Back to a Dog Just to Run Away
This animal’s instinct will dictate it chase and catch you. So, running away is not a good option.
4. Don’t Disturb a Dog.
When a dog is sleeping, chewing on anything, caring for her puppies or eating, it is bad idea to shock or disturb it.
* How to Bite-Proof Your Own Dog
1. Neuter or spay your dog to reduce its tendency to roam and fight with other dogs.
2. Make it socialize to lessen its being nervous when a lot of people are around.
3. Train your dog to not chase anyone even when it’s just for fun.
4. License your dog and provide for its regular care and rabies vaccinations.
5. Never let your dog roam alone.
* Things to Do if You are Bitten by A Dog
1. Never Panic.
This will only aggravate the situation. Stay calm and make sure that you make informed decisions.
2. Deal with the Wound Immediately.
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water. This should be done immediately. Then, contact your physician for more care and advice.
3. Tell the Animal Care and Control Agency in Your Location about the Bite.
Report to the animal control personnel all the information you can supply regarding the dog. If it is a stray dog, describe the dog, where you saw him, whether you are familiar with it and also the direction which he went.

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By admin, February 26, 2010 1:58 pm

Alton Hargrave
537

Give Plenty of Thought to Selecting a New Dog
How would you go about selecting a new dog for your pet? Would you get a mean looking attack dog? How about a member of the toy breeds? First, think about what you want to accomplish and give careful consideration to other members of the family. Your new dog will actually become a member of the family and for many years. Nowadays, dogs live longer than they used to.
Make sure you and your family are ready to make the commitment before you start looking. Is the dog for you or your children? Spend some time researching your options and discuss them with your family. Sometimes, people lose interest shortly after getting a dog and guess who suffers. Dogs can help pull a family together and give a sense of fulfillment. One of the most endearing things about dogs is their ability to forgive and offer their love no matter what mood their human partners may be in.
Many people start with a puppy. A puppy is more sociable and adaptable. And, you get to watch him grow. But, there are plenty of grown dogs available for many reasons. Some, admittedly, have behavioral problems. But, others just outlived their owners and would make great companions. You need to decide whether you want a female or a male dog. There is not a lot of difference insofar as pet qualities there. If the female is not to have puppies later, she needs to be spayed. Otherwise, it is a problem trying to avoid male dogs later on. The male could be neutered, but he cannot sire puppies if that is done. Thank about your options before making these decisions.
Different breeds have different temperaments. Some breeds are just too risky for children. You will find that size really plays no part in temperament. Some large dogs are gentle and some small dogs run around wanting to challenge others. Even within the same litter, you can find differences in dogs. When you are looking at puppies to buy, observe whether the puppy is playful or overly timid. Keep in mind, young puppies may not have been handled much.
Take some time to research the breeds you are looking at when selecting a new dog. Be certain you are going to have time to care for your new dog. Some breeds may need more exercise, training or special climate. For example, a Yorkshire terrier will take a lot of grooming time because of his luxurious coat.
When selecting your new dog, you need to carefully consider the place or breeder that you will purchase your dog from. If dealing with a breeder, be sure that they are respectable and dedicated to the standard of breeding itself, and not just in it for the money. Some breeders truly care about their dogs, while others don’t, and that means that the puppy may not be socialized or might have been treated roughly or poorly.
To summarize, now that you are looking for a big dog or small dog for your family, if you include thought and common sense in selecting your new dog, you should be able to find the perfect one for you. Your new dog will offer you a lasting, loving relationship that is sure to be fulfilling for all of you.
Remember, you are choosing a new family member; make an educated choice and get ready for a great experience for you and your family!

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By admin, February 24, 2010 1:58 pm

Kirsten Hawkins
89

If you’re in the market for a purebred dog, you’ll need to find a breeder from which to purchase the animal. This can often be as easy as opening the classified advertising section of your local newspaper, but you’ll want to be sure that the breeder you’ve chosen is reputable. There are several ways to help ensure that the breeder you’ve found knows his stuff and is reliable, professional, and trustworthy.
Ask for References
Any good breeder will be able to provide you references of clients he has worked with in the past. These will be people who have purchased a puppy or utilized stud services and will be happy to share their experiences with you. Choosing a breeder that was used by someone you know is a good choice as well. If your friend or family member was happy with the service and treatment he or she received from the breeder, the odds are good that you will be as well.
Prepare to be Asked Questions
A good breeder will have as many questions for you as you have for him, perhaps more. Good breeders work to ensure that the dogs they breed are placed with the correct people. They may ask whether you have children, what size home or yard you have, and numerous other questions to help them let you know whether the dog you’re seeking is right for you and your family. A breeder that doesn’t ask these types of questions may be looking just for the money from the sale of the dog and is probably not the sort of breeder you want to do business with. A good breeder always has the best interest of both the dog and the clients in mind.
Guarantees
A good breeder will have had the puppies checked for potential health risks before ever selling the animal. Some problems, however, simply are not detectable until later in life. If you purchase a golden retriever pup, for example, and six months later discover that it has hip dysplasia (a genetic defect in the animals hip joints, it is often nearly undetectable until the animal is several months old), a good breeder will issue a refund to you, no questions asked. Genetic defects like this are avoided by the use of selective breeding (hip dysplasia in dogs has between a 25% and 85% chance that it is genetic in origin), but sometimes a pup will display the disorder even if there is no trace of it in either parent’s history.
Other Sources
Aside from looking in the newspaper of on the internet for a dog breeder, breeders can be found through veterinarian’s offices, pet supply stores, and at dog shows. Dog shows are a very good choice since the breeders that attend these events are often showing one of their dogs or are there to see the performance of one that they bred and sold in the past.

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By admin, February 22, 2010 1:58 pm

Armen T. Ghazarians
608

Dog training is an art, and like any artist you must pick your tools carefully in order to properly train your dog. Each dog is different, and thus you must be able to decide which collar is most appropriate for your dog based on its temperament, pesonality, and strength. Below, you will find a description of all the major varieties of dog training collars that you might come across when deciding to purchase one for you pooch.
The metal choke collar is perhaps the most popular and widely used collar in the dog training world. It should be used in training larger, stronger dogs that tend to take YOU for a walk.
The metal toggle choke collar is basically the same as you regular choke collar with the major difference being that you can correct you dog easily by using the toggle while your dog is off-leash.
The pinch collar should be used RARELY and only in situations where the choke collar is ineffective in controlling your dog (i.e. in situations where your dog is very strong, where its highly aggressive, and when it repeatedly lunges at other dogs and people).
The fur saver choke collar is designed to control the dog without leaving chain marks around the dogs’ neck or getting fur caught in the chain which sometimes occurs when using an ordinary metal choke collar. It is mainly used when showing dogs and NOT in training them because the dogs don’t tend to respond to them in training and they don’t give the quick jerk needed for proper correction.
The nylon choke collar is best used in small dogs and puppies up to 3 months, because they tend to be more gentle and they tend to get young puppies used to wearing a collar.
The gentle head leader is best used on dogs that are more shy and easily corrected (i.e. dogs that respond quickly to your commands and dogs that tend to cringe upon your correction).
The electronic collar is mainly used for two reasons: first its used on field dogs (i.e. in bird hunting) and second it is used as a means of training the “out” command to a protection dog in its bite training phase.
The tracking harness is used for exactly what its name suggests: for tracking game, suspects, lost individuals, or competition articles.
And finally, the seeing eye dog harness is designed so that the dogs’ owner can hang on to the lead while the dog guides her to her destination. Unlike other leads, this lead is designed so that the dog can pull its owner forward as it walks instead of gently walking beside her on loose lead.
In order to view pictures of the dog collars described above and for a more indepth discussion of each, please visit me at:
http://www.newdogtrainingscrets.com and select from a variety of articles on the topic in the November archive

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By admin, February 20, 2010 1:58 pm

M. David Keeling
645

Here’s a short list of dog training tips us humans should always bear in mind. I’ve decided to mention these because, I believe, they are the most important.
To be honest with you this list has more to do with teaching ourselves how to communicate with our dogs, than it does with dog training tips. Because, when it comes to dog training, we too need to be taught in a sense.
We as human beings need to learn how our “best friends from the animal kingdom” think. If we send our dogs confusing signals when training, we won’t get the positive results we’re aiming for.
Perhaps I should have called this article, “human training tips” instead. Oh well, let us begin:
1.) When ever you’re feeling a little cranky, you might want to put off training your dog till a later time. If you’re not enjoying your training session, most likely your dog won’t enjoy it either. So for take-away dog training tips number one I would say, “If you’re in a bad mood, don’t do it, you’ll only make things harder on yourself and the poor mutt.”
2.) You want to make each training session as much fun for “Fido” or “Fluffy” as possible. That way, in the future, your dog will respond with alacrity to your commands rather than fearful obedience. Take-away dog training tips number two: “For crying out loud, stop scaring the dog and have fun!”
3.) Never spend too much time training your dog. Usually fifteen to twenty minutes a day will be sufficient for your dog to learn. Take-away dog training tips number three: “Take it easy, no need to over do it.”
4.) Always praise your dog when your training sessions come to an end. That way your dog will know that you are pleased with its progress. Take-way dog training tips number four: “Don’t worry about your dog getting a big head. Dogs don’t have egos.” ( Yeah, I know. I don’t know your dog, right? )
5.) Whether training or not, always reward your dogs good behavior with praise and maybe a treat. Take-away dog training tips number Five: “Read tip number six.”
6.) Not to many treats though, or you won’t have a dog anymore! Take-away dog training tips number six: “Don’t over do the doggy biscuits.”
7.) Don’t punish your dog when it behaves badly during training. Try to correct it. If it doesn’t do well, or is confused with a new command, resort back to one it knows. That way you can praise your dog and try again later. Take-away dog training tips number seven: “Lighten up! If your not perfect, neither is the pooch.”
8.) If you become angry at your dog during training, resort back to tip number one.
Remember, you want to make training as fun as possible, for you and your dog, not a chore. Take-away dog training tips number eight: “This one speaks for itself.”
I decided to keep this one short and sweet so you could take-away something to chew on. Us humans can only take-away so many dog training tips, right?

http://dog–training–tips.blogspot.com

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By admin, February 18, 2010 1:58 pm

Mark Bensen
274

One of the most confusing and anxiety-ridden areas of dog training is house training. Yet, it is one of the most important, especially for the humans involved.
The best way to understand and find success with house training is to use the dog’s own nature to help you.
Dogs are, by instinct, very clean animals. They would rather not soil any areas where they normally sleep or eat. Dogs are also creatures of habit — they like to know where they’re supposed to go urinate and defecate. If the dog is taught to eliminate on gravel or concrete, they will tend to look for either of those surfaces to do so. If they’re taught to eliminate on grass or dirt, that’s where they will choose. Use these habits to your advantage.
Setting up the training area
This is the first step. Make sure the area you choose is small and confined. A bathroom works for this, or a place in a kitchen or garage also work well. Remember that crate training works well for puppies or small dogs, but for the larger animals, the crate is too confining.
You need to spend some time with this aspect of the training. You need to play with your dog in this area, and this is also where the dog will be taught to sleep and eat. Put together a special bed. This can be something you make up with items around the house, or you can go to the store and purchase a bed. Don’t worry of your dog eliminates in this area at first. Once they figure out that this is where the sleep and eat, they’ll stop eliminating there.
Once your dog realizes that the bed is for sleeping, you can begin to move it around the house. But, only when you’re there. When you’re not, put the bed back in the training area.
Setting up the toilet area
Now you need to determine where the toilet area is going to be located. Presumably, this will be outside the house. Wherever it is, it has to a place that the dog can go to whenever it needs to go. You need to go there with your dog so you can give the appropriate rewards for good behavior.
Establish a set feeding schedule for your dog. If the dog is in the habit of being fed at certain times, the natural process of elimination will also begin to occur at certain times. Once you learn when those times relate to the eating times, it will become much easier for you to guide the dog to the established toilet area.
Don’t forget to make sure your dog has ready access to the toilet area. That way mistakes aren’t as likely to occur.
Continuing the house training process
Once your dog is in the habit of eliminating in the toilet area and not in the sleeping/eating area, you can begin to extend the training area to the rest of the house. Do this slowly. Start by expanding to one additional room, and then gradually expand into other areas. Don’t expand into new areas until you’re sure your dog has control of its bladder and bowels. At first, do this only when you’re around. If you’re away, then put your dog back in the original training area.
Speeding up the process
If you have to move this process along more quickly, you can do so. Remember to proceed with caution, though. It’s better to go slowly than to have to try to retrain a dog later. If you’re going to try to speed things up, you will have to be there in order to reward your dog for successful eliminations. It is also important not to punish for mistakes. That will only confuse the dog and slow the process even further.

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By admin, February 16, 2010 1:58 pm

Disney Pieces
167

How’s your dog looking these days? Running through puddles, rolling in mud, and fighting off fleas can leave any dog looking drab. But it doesn’t have to be that way. And you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a fabulous looking dog. Follow these tips and your dog will be the “cats meow”!
The most essential part of the process is perfecting the coat.
You want your dog to have a shiny, healthy coat that leaves people in awe. Before you go and buy brushes, expensive shampoo and cute bows; consider that it’s what’s on the inside that counts the most.
What are you feeding your dog? Are you giving them their proper vitamins and minerals? A dog’s diet is what makes the difference between a scruffy looking coat, and a coat that looks like royalty. Read the labels on the food. To make that even easier here is a tip: if you can find the food in your grocery store- then avoid it.
You don’t have to buy the most expensive dog food around, but foods with actual nutrients and not cheap fillers (corn, meal, etc.) are not found in the grocery store.
Nothing is a bigger turn off than bad breath! This counts for dogs too.Dogs should have a normal dental routine. Small dogs will need their teeth brushed a few times a week as they are more prone to tooth problems. Additionally, make sure your dog has plenty of chews that clean the teeth. There are also products available that you can put in their water to help reduce plaque and freshen breath.
Some dogs will fight having their nails clipped like there is no tomorrow! But it still has to be done. Training your dog early to accept having their nails clipped can work wonders. If it’s too late for that, and your dog gets fiesty, try to make it a relaxing experience. Give your dog a treat for sitting next to you. Clip a nail, and give another treat. Clip another nail, give another treat. You get the pattern. If that doesn’t work, you can always have another person distract your dog (either with treats or a toy) while you get to clipping.
After following these steps, your dog should be pretty sexy. But how’s his figure? People worry so much about their weight but when it comes to their dogs, they don’t seem to mind if they are unhealthily overweight. Ideally, your dog should have a visible waistline behind the ribs. Stand above your dog, if you see a waistline then you’re all set. If not, you might want to consider cutting back on some of that high quality food. And definitely cut out the treats!
When it comes down to it, looks are not important. Health is what counts. Feeding your dog a healthy diet, having a regualar dental routine, nail clipping and maintaining a proper weight will all add to the health, (and the life), of your precious pet.

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By admin, February 14, 2010 1:58 pm

Kirsten Hawkins
93

Washing your dog is important, but not as important as some people think. Healthy dogs actually don’t need to be washed all that often, but humans prefer to bathe them so that they have a more pleasing smell and appearance. Doggie bath time is a good time to spend with the dog, however. Although most of them don’t like to be washed, they will appreciate the contact and attention that they receive from their owners during a bath. It is also a good time to perform some other necessary “dog maintenance?such as cleaning the ears, checking for ticks and fleas, and brushing the teeth. Since many dogs do not like to sit still for any of these activities, it can be a good idea to do them all at once.
Brushing Dogs?Teeth
Brushing your dogs?teeth is just good dental hygiene. Most vets recommend that it be done at least twice a week to ensure your dog maintains healthy teeth and gums. If you’ve not been doing this (and, unfortunately, many people don’t) it’s never too late to start. The dog should have its own toothbrush and special toothpaste designed for dogs. Make sure you brush the back teeth in small circles, the same way you would your own, and brush up and down the length of the “pointy?canine teeth. Dog toothpaste is made to have a pleasing taste (for the dog, don’t try it yourself) and this should make the dog willing to let you perform this activity.
Checking for Ticks & Fleas
Ticks are nasty little arachnids (they’re eight-legged creatures like spiders, and therefore are not insects) that will latch onto your dog’s skin and make its blood their meal ticket. They are most common in wooded areas, but your dog should be checked for them regularly because they can carry a number of diseases. The best place to look for these bugs in under the collar or on the dog’s underbelly, buried in the fur. If found they can be removed with tweezers.
Fleas can be found in the same places, under the fur. The presence of fleas can be betrayed by the sight of their droppings on the dog’s coat. They look like flecks of pepper. The fleas themselves look like bits of brown rice. They’re about an eighth of an inch long. They can’t simply be picked off of the dog like ticks can, but finding them will let you know its time to start the dog on a program to control and eliminate the insects.
Cleaning the Ears
Pet supply stores sell special solutions for cleansing a dog’s ears. Dogs can easily get ear mites, small insects which live in the ears and feed of the waxy secretions there. Over time the bodies of these short-lived creatures build up and form a black, dirty substance. Using a cotton swab dipped in a bit of this solution, gently clean the inner ear. It may be difficult to hold the dog still for this procedure, but it doesn’t take long. And the result will be clean ears and the avoidance of potential infection and earaches in the dog.

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By admin, February 12, 2010 1:58 pm

Todd M
123

Here are five easy to use training tips for your new puppy.
1.) Chewing Problems – The most effective solution to a puppy chewing on something he shouldn’t is to not discipline him, but to simply replace the object that he is chewing with a chew toy and then to raise him greatly for chewing on his chew toy. Positive encouragement is what a puppy will respond to the most.
2.) House Training – The easiest way to house train your puppy is to always take him out immediately after his meal. Wait for him to go. Once he goes, praise him greatly. He’ll soon get the idea that going outside is the correct thing to do.
3.) Playtime – When you are thinking about getting a puppy, make sure you have the appropriate time to give to your dog. Estimated necessary time is about 10-30 minutes for eating (3 times a day), 10-30 minutes for a walk (3 times a day) and about an hour of playtime with your dog. Most people don’t realize the amount of time that a healthy puppy will require.
4.) Dog Crates – Dog Crates can have a positive impact on both the dog and the owner. It’ll give the dog a safe and secure area that is very close the “den” like atmosphere that dogs had in the wild. Once a dog is comfortable with a crate, it’ll allow the owner to safely transport the dog and help to house train a puppy (they won’t want to do business in their den).
5.) Hide The Chocolate – When getting ready for halloween, make sure you keep the candy out of reach of the dog, especially chocolate. Chocolate is very dangerous to a dog. It can make the dog very very sick. If you suspect that your dog has eaten chocolate, you should your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.
For more dog training tips like these, head over to our web site: http://Weekly-Tips.com/Dog-Training/ and sign-up for our weekly email.

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By admin, February 10, 2010 7:58 am

Jack Russell
359

Engaging in sports is not only for humans. It is also well-loved by our best friend, the dog. Dog sports do not only make a dog’s life fun, but healthy, as well. Here is a list of dog sports that you may want your dog to get involved into depending on his breed, of course.
Agility
This is when a dog moves through an obstacle course, i.e., contact obstacles, tunnels, jump, etc., as guided by his or her handler. What controls the dog is only its handler’s voice and body language. Without a leash, obedience training is the major requirement for a dog to enjoy this sport. Speed and accuracy are the names of this game.
Carting
Large breeds usually participate in this dog sport. It mainly involves the dog pulling a cart filled with supplies like firewood or other farm goods, sometimes even pulling people. It is also known as dry land mushing and sulky driving and is well-known and practiced all over the world.
Frisbee Dog
Commonly known as disc dog, frisbee dog competition is about a dog and a human disc thrower competing in events such as a choreographed freestyle catching and distance catching. The division of events on this kind of dog sport depends on the handler’s skill and experience. What makes this one of the most popular dog sports is that any kind of dog can participate.
Flyball
This dog sport is a relay wherein teams of dogs race against each other leaving their handlers. These teams need to surmount four hurdles that are placed 3 meters apart from each other. Then, they have to reach a box that will release a tennis ball that needs to be caught when the dog presses the pad which is spring-loaded. Then, they have to go back to their respective handlers while carrying the ball.
Scootering
It is a sport where one or more dogs pull an unmotorized scooter in which a human is riding. It is similar to another dog sport done in the winter known as mushing, only dog scooter involves fewer dogs and instead of a dogsled used in mushing, a scooter is used. Like sled dogs, dogs that are doing scootering wear harnesses and are hooked to the scooter using a gangline.
Sheepdog Trial
Also known as “dog trial”, this is one of the competitive dog sports in which breeds that are into herding move sheep around a field, gates, fences or enclosures as directed by their handlers. Think of “babe” the movie about a pig. This is more popular in UK, Canada, Ireland, the USA, New Zealand, Australia and other farming nations.

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By admin, February 8, 2010 7:59 am

Mark Smith
118

Fleas are the most common external parasite of pets in North America. Fleas are small wingless insects that use their specialized mouth to pierce the skin and siphon blood from their host. When a flea bites, it injects a small amount of saliva into the skin to prevent the blood from coagulating. Some animals become sensitized to flea saliva and animals that are allergic can have severe itching and scratching from a single bite. Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common disease among dogs.
Current flea control products are primarily either oral or topical systemic treatments. Most of the products may be used for prevention as well as to treat existing flea problems. One group of products control fleas by interrupting their development by killing or stopping the maturation of flea larvae and eggs. These drugs are called Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs). One common oral product used is lufenuron which is found in the Program?line of products which are administered orally in tablet or liquid form. Methoprene and pyriproxifen are also IGRs that are available as sprays or collars. The FDA shares regulation of these products with the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Because even the same products from other countries have not been approved by these agencies, it is illegal to purchase or import these products for use in the United States.
Currently the most popular flea control products kill adult fleas (adulticide), are applied topically and work rapidly. Popular topical products utilize fipronil which is the key ingredient in Frontline?Top Spot and imidacloprid which is in Advantage? The most popular product on the market, Frontline Plus? utilizes both an adulticide and an IGR. An oral adulticide that is also available is nitenpyram which is in Capstar?and begins to kill fleas in 30 minutes. Frontline Plus also kills ticks which makes it the most popular product where ongoing tick protection is required.
Consult with your veterinarian to determine which flea and tick control products are best for you. The choice of flea control will depend on your climate, environment, your pet’s activities, and potential for exposure. However, with consistent use, it is almost always possible to control your flea problem. Using these products throughout the year typically will eliminate the need for regular insecticidal use. The following provide additional summary information on selected popular products.
Program from Novartis?
Program is available as a once a month pill or oral liquid suspension to be given with a full meal. Adult fleas that ingest Program’s key ingredient, lufenuron, produce sterile eggs. Program does not kill adult fleas so pets remain susceptible to fleas hatching and maturing pupa already present in the environment. Therefore, some time may pass before the all fleas are killed in an environment. In order to stop the life cycle, every animal in the environment must receive lufenuron. Pets should also be sprayed with an adulticide during the first week or two of starting Program.
Advantage from Bayer?
Advantage is applied topically on both dogs and cats and seems to be very well-tolerated by sensitive cats. Advantage kills fleas within 24 hours and 100% protection can be maintained for cats for 21 days and 90% protection can be maintained for dogs for 28 days. Advantage is susceptible to washing off so dogs that are active outdoors and dogs that swim or must be bathed frequently should be re-treated frequently. Up to weekly re-treatment is allowed. The imidacloprid in Advantage does not effect ticks, but K-9Advantix, with permethrin does. K9 Advantix is only labeled for once a month K9 Advantix is ONLY FOR USE WITH DOGS and MUST NOT BE ADMINISTERED TO CATS.
Frontline Spray, Frontline Plus And Frontline Top Spot from Merial?
Frontline Spray, Frontline Plus, and Frontline Top Spot comprise the market leading Frontline flea control product line. The fipronil in Frontline products is a broad spectrum insecticide available as a spray or topical. Fipronil works by binding chemically to the pet’s hair and is absorbed through the follicle by the sebaceous glands. As a spray, fipronil kills fleas at 95% for over 80 days after application on dogs and for 1 month with biweekly bathing. Frontline is labeled for puppies and kittens as young as 8 weeks (10 weeks for Top Spot) and it is not washed off by bathing. Frontline is also affective against ticks. Some cats may show minor adverse reactions with high volume use of the alcohol based spray product which should be applied no more than once a month. Frontline Plus also contains the IGR, S-methoprene which inhibits the growth of immature fleas.
Capstar from Novartis?
Capstar is an oral tablet for dogs and cats that may be administered as young as 4 weeks of age. It offers extremely rapid and complete killing of adult fleas and is safe enough that the tablets may be used whenever fleas are seen on your pet as often as once per day. Capstar may be used in combination with an IGR to kill fleas immediately to compliment the long-term control of an IGR such as Program.

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By admin, February 6, 2010 8:01 am

Russ Richer
391

Who likes a stinky dog? Not many. And when your dog is less than spring fresh, your attitude towards him may change. Although this may be as little a thing as turning your face away when he jumps on you; however, your dog can read into this behavior and translate it into a sign of rejection. Like it or not, all dogs have to be groomed. And despite what you might think, even shorthaired dogs need a good brushing now and again.
But groomers can be quite expensive and may cause your dog undo stress. So you don your raincoat and lure your dog into the tub. Your next hurdle: what shampoo do you use? Some dog owners use people shampoo under the assumption that if it’s fine for them, it will be o.k. for Spot. This is not the case. In fact, many commercial shampoos meant for dogs are actually too harsh for their skin and may cause irritation and/or dryness. Buying all natural shampoo may be the ticket but again, it is expensive. So what is one to do? Make your own and give your dog a salon grooming in the comfort of your own house at a fraction of the cost.
Herbal Shampoo
You can make an excellent doggie shampoo from things that you probably already have around the house. A mixture of Aloe Vera gel and water work well. It is very mild on dog’s skin and leaves their coat quite shiny. Slightly dilute a handful of Aloe Vera gel with water and work the mixture into your dog’s coat (it is best to apply this to a dry coat). Rinse with warm water. If you prefer to have a foaming shampoo, add a touch of baby shampoo to the mixture and use accordingly.
Cost: under $5
All-natural Rinse
If you use a store-bought shampoo, follow it with this all-natural rinse. It will restore the ph balance of your dog’s skin and will help remove any excess shampoo. Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with one pint of warm water and work into your dog’s coat. Follow with warm water if desired.
Cost: under $5
Perfume
Let’s face it; washing a dog does take time. If you don’t have the time, the energy or any protective rain garments handy, you can always use a bit of scent in a pinch. A spray will rest on top of the dog’s coat and will not harm the skin. This means that you can go to the local drugstore and pick up a moisturizing body spray that is to your liking and use it for your dog’s toilette. Make sure you spray away from the dog’s face and in a spot that she can’t lick.
If you want to use an application that is sure not to irritate your pal’s skin, go to the health food store and pick up one of the following essential oils: rose, lavender, geranium, sandalwood or sweet almond. A tiny bit rubbed into the skin along the spine will last longer than a body spray (it will become more fragrant with body heat, so make sure you like the scent!) and will not cause any irritation at all.
Cost: under $10

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By admin, February 4, 2010 7:58 am

Susie Aga
156

1. Why do dogs eat their poop?
One reason dogs eat their poop is because it just plain taste good. Another reason is it could be a vitamin deficiency. One other reason for the poop eating is that it is an instinctual behavior in the wild to eat the poop to keep other predators from tracking their movements. Some solutions for stopping poop eating are: You can put meat tenderizer on their food and it is supposed to make the poop taste bad once it goes through the body. Check to make sure your dog food is nutritous enough and they are getting everything they need in their diet. The best and most effective way is to clean up after your dog immediately.
2. How do I get my dogs to stop barking?
Dogs bark as a form of communication. Dogs will also bark out of boredom. Dogs that are not with their pack [you are their pack] will bark to get the packs attention to let them know they are lonely. Dogs will bark to alert that there is a person walking by or another dog in their territory it is a natural form of communication. If you remove the stimulant then there is no need to bark at it. The best way to stop nuisance barking is to exercise/socialize your dog. If the dog is with their pack then they is no need to get the packs attention. Dogs also bark when they are excited it is their natural way of communication.
3. How do I get my dog to stop chewing up the furniture?
If you have a puppy it is probably teething and in some pain. The chewing is satiating to them and can possibly be soothing their gums. You can give them a cold carrot to chew on, make sure you give it to them outside it can get quite messy. You can also freeze chicken broth in ice cube trays for them to have to help relieve some of the discomfort. You can also use Bitter Apple spray to detour them from chewing. Mature dogs usually chew out of boredom and stress. Exercise is the best way to release the stress. You can turn there attention on to something else that is more exciting then your dinning room table leg.
4. How do I get my dog to stop nipping and play-biting?
One way is to yelp very loud and startle the puppy. If the puppy was playing with another puppy and it bite to hard then the puppy would yelp to let them know it hurt. If the play stops as a result of biting too hard then the puppy will learn from being shunned away that biting stops the play time. Another solution for play biting is to have a toy and redirect the attention on to something else. You can also change the dogs environment take them outside for a walk is very helpful.
5. How do I stop my dog from potting in the house?
Once a dog start using the bathroom in the house the only method that works is PREVENTION. Every time your dog uses the bathroom in the house it takes 10 consecutively times using the bathroom outside that teaches it outside is where to go potty. So if you get to 9 times outside and then they have a mistake inside you have to start all over again. You must look at your dog/puppy as a 9 month old crawling baby with out a diaper on. Surely you would not let a 9 month old baby loose in your house with out a diaper on.

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By admin, February 2, 2010 7:58 am

Aki Majima
44

As there are certain health issues that affect only the female dog, care should be taken to ensure that these are fully understood before deciding whether or not to buy a bitch.
The most important dog health care concern is that of spaying.
Only those who are fully educated in all aspects of a specific breed and who have the time and energy to put into making sure that bloodlines are kept strong and healthy should ever consider breeding. With that in mind, most owners of female dogs will not be thinking of breeding and should therefore seriously consider having their pet spayed.
If the necessary surgery is carried out before your dog has her first heat cycle, the likelihood of her ever developing breast cancer will become almost zero percent. That alone is a very good reason to have your dog spayed as breast cancer is otherwise relatively common in older bitches. The chances of your dog developing pyometra, a disease of the uterus that can be fatal, is also greatly reduced.
Having your dog spayed will also relieve her of the twice yearly ’season’ and the anxiety that often becomes part of it. She’ll no longer want to roam in order to find male dogs to mate with and you’ll no longer have to put up with the crowds of dogs who follow you during walks or who gather outside your home. And most importantly of all, unwanted pups will not become a problem.
If your female dog starts collecting her toys and treating them as if they were puppies, she’s almost certainly experiencing a false pregnancy. Fortunately, this rarely lasts more than a week and although the dog will become very protective of her imaginary offspring, treat her as normal and she’ll soon forget them.
If you’ve opted to not have your dog spayed, it’s important to understand how her heat cycle works. The first 10-14 days is the period BEFORE ovulation and this is the time during which she will bleed. Ovulation occurs as the bleeding stops so it’s important to understand that it’s during the 10-14 days following bleeding that she’s actually most likely to become pregnant. Far too many owners make the mistake of believing that their female dog is safe once the bleeding stops and over-filled dog pounds are the sad result.
Doggie diapers are available in most pet stores and come in a range of sizes to fit different breeds. These are designed to stop the dog leaving blood on your furniture and rugs but unfortunately, unless the dog has been taught to accept wearing them from a very young age, most will soon chew them off.
Female dog owners who choose not to have their dog spayed MUST monitor their dog regularly for any lumps in the breasts and remember that unless they’re serious about breeding, they have a duty to ensure that their dog doesn’t produce unwanted puppies who will eventually find themselves sitting in a pound waiting for their death sentence to be passed.

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By admin, January 31, 2010 7:57 am

O’Neal Hendrix
394

It’s downright infuriating to look out the window and see Buddy digging another hole in the yard. You yell out the window; he may or may not even acknowledge he’s heard anything; then back to the digging. This dog behavior has got to stop.
WHY DOGS DIG…..
Did you ever stop to think WHY Buddy digs? (except to make you mad!). This is the real trick ?to figure out why he’s digging in the first place, the motivation behind the dog behavior. Then you can take dog training steps to discourage it, redirect that energy and possibly stop it completely.
1. I’M BORED!
Location: Digging along the fence lines and at the gate.
Why? He is bored and wants to get out for some action.
Solution: Provide more exercise for your dog, both physical and mental. The more exercise the better, according to your dog. A tired, happy dog will rest nicely between great outings.
2. I’M HOT!!
Location: Digging along the edge of the house or shallow “pits,” especially in the heat of the summer.
Why? Your dog is most likely creating a cool spot in the cool under-earth. If under the porch, he’s creating a den.
Solution: Check to make sure you are providing fresh cool water throughout the day and night.
Is there adequate shade to protect your dog from the hot sun? Is good air circulation available or possibly a nice breeze? Or is the space filled with stagnant air?
Provide plant life (trees, bushes) for shelter from the hot sun. Cool grass keeps the ground heat down.
3. IT’S JUST MY NATURE!
Sometimes it’s the breed of dog, not so much the environment. Some breeds tend to be burrowers — hounds, huskies, malamutes are a few examples.
Solution: If this is the case, work with your dog to agree on a place he can do his thing and camouflage it with something like plants or fencing.
4. I LIKE IT!!
Some dogs just like to dig, and dig they will, no matter how much you yell and scream.
Solution: Create and help them with the ideal digging place — a sandy blend with hidden treasures that reward digging at that spot. Having a prepared area encourages the digger to focus the digging to the area you set up in an out-of-the-way place. Remember to keep the area stocked with assorted treats and toys.
TO FILL OR NOT TO FILL ….. EXISTING HOLES
The second part of the story is…..
What to do with the holes that keep reappearing, no matter what you do? Have you back-filled holes dug by your dog only to find them dug again, over and over?
When this happens, the next stage of hole-filling is called for.
You might think this next step it involves yelling at your dog, or rapping on the window. Nope. Are you really going to stand and stare out the window hoping to correct the situation while it’s happening (which would be the only way to really correct it using this method)?
TECHNIQUES FOR “FILLING” HOLES
There are two better techniques to encourage your dog to rethink digging that hole.
The easier of the two is to fill the hole until almost full. Mix the last portion of dirt with dog poo, pinecones, moth balls, or other repelling non-harmful substance. The next time your dog arrives for the big dig, he quickly finds the game has changed. Most dogs quickly change their behavior.
The second method is more time consuming but effective. Cut a section of chicken wire or similar to cover the hole plus 8 inches or more. Dig a hole a few inches deep that surrounds the hole and will fit the wire shape.
Fill the hole and then press wire in place and cover with dirt. Pack the area well, particularly around the wire edges. When your dog returns, the wire will stop his digging progress.
If along a fence line, secure the wire to the fence along the inside of the fence, just a short distance from the ground. When the wire gets to the ground, keep going vertically a short distance underground. Then bend the wire so the bottom is perpendicular to the top (forms an L). Bury the horizontal part underground inside the fence, pointing away from the fence. When your dog digs he is stopped by the wire and his weight on the earth helps keep the wire in place. The result is the dog gives up on that area.
Pretty cool, huh?!
CONCLUSION
We humans see digging as bad dog behavior. Dogs don’t, and they dig for different reasons. If you can figure out why they’re digging, you can put dog training steps in place to stop it. Some dogs dig, that’s what they do. Set them up a space to dig and you both win!
Try these dog training techniques to change unwanted dog behavior. They seriously work.

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By admin, January 29, 2010 7:58 am

Gary Allison
558

The focus of many pet owners seems to be directed towards their animals, which makes a great deal of sense in most cases. However, when trying to correct unwanted behavior in your dog you might want to point that finger inward sometimes and have a little glimpse in the mirror. It is easy to become annoyed with your pet when you feel as though you have tried everything and nothing seems to work.
Maybe your Boston Terrier continues to chew on your shoes or other objects while you are not at home. Perhaps the Maltese in your life still has accidents in the house rather than letting you know she needs to go outside. On the other hand, possibly you have a Yorkshire Terrier that snips at strangers, even guests in your home when they try to pet him. All of these and many other undesirable behaviors that dogs may posses can leave a pet owner feeling frustrated and at their wits end with their furry little friend.
Have you ever considered though when faced with one of these situations that the dog is trying to communicate something to you? Is it possible that Sparky just feels neglected during those long days alone at home while you are at work? Sometimes we can have a big impact on our dogs if we look at our own behavior and consider what the pooch may be trying to tell us through their difficult behavior. Obviously dogs can not talk or speak with us as a human can when they need to communicate their feelings. That is not to say that canines are not vocal because as many of us know they can express quite a lot at times through their barking, growling or whining. However, to really pinpoint what the issue is for your pet you may find that you are the one that actually holds the answers.
Dogs have a very keen awareness for their surroundings and the people in their environment. As most dog owners come to realize, the bond between your dog and you can be extremely strong. There are people who report that during a challenging illness or devastating time in their life that their dog responded as though they knew what was going on and they helped their owner through the rough time. Sometimes by just sitting near their owner or laying at their feet, other times dogs may whine and pace back and forth, especially when other people are around because they are trying to indicate that their owner needs help.
Experts have even confirmed that dogs do have an ability to detect several human emotions and many of them will respond in unique ways. For example; when there is a lot of anger or arguing occurring within a household your dog may respond by acting up in a number of ways, which is not a problem with the dog but rather your pet is responding to the hostility and unpleasantness it senses in the house. Everyone goes through difficult periods in their life and it is obviously impossible to avoid exposing your dog to any anger or hostile situations throughout their life. The important thing to remember is that your situation and how you handle it is not your dog’s choice or within their area of responsibility.
Dogs deserve and hopefully get, the majority of times anyway, a good, loving and stable home. They respond well to a structured environment, complete with rules and routines. If you typically get up each morning and walk your dog before you go to work and then you suddenly stop doing it all together, your dog will respond in some way, possibly a negative one. It is not the dog’s fault that you changed your behavior and they have no other way of communicating other than to chew up stuff or have an accident in the house as their way of saying, “hey what is going on.?In some cases dogs can even become depressed, this happens most frequently in situations where the dog was once loved and well cared for and then suddenly became ignored and forgotten about. It is really sad to see a dog that is in this form of doggy-depression because again, they did not ask to come to live with you, you chose them.
There are obviously other concerns you must deal with when you are going through a difficult time, like loosing your job or going through a divorce, and you should always take care of the important aspects related to these situations. It is understandable that a dog can suddenly become a lower priority in your life however, if you are unhappy with their behavior because they are acting out in response to their environment; take that into consideration before disciplining your pet or giving up on them all together.
Dogs may secretly harbor the desire to have all humans attend some sort of training school before they decide to become a pet owner, however, since that is not very likely to happen, remember to think about your own behavior when examining your dog’s. That precious pooch can sometimes be just what you need to get through a difficult time and maintaining their routine for their benefit can in many ways benefit you also.

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By admin, January 27, 2010 7:58 am

Debbie Ray
612

The German Shepherd ear taping process – helping those stubborn GSD puppy ears up.
German Shepherd ear taping is something that many GSD puppy owners do not take seriously until it is much too late. German Shepherd puppy ears can come up on their own anytime between 8 weeks and 6 months. Puppy ear taping is often an important procedure in the development of the GSD puppy ear set.
If the GSD puppy ears are not up by 4 months I tell my puppy customers to get very interested in their German Shepherd pups ears and the whole German Shepherd ear taping process. One suggestion: help stimulate your GSD puppy to use their ear muscles to help bring their ears up faster naturally, not through touch of that tender ear tissue but by making interesting noises, etc. to your GSD puppy that cause the puppy to use those maturing ears.
It is not yet time to panic, however, it is time to sit up and take notice. When the German Shepherd puppy ears are taped after 7 or 8 months old it has very little chance of working. German Shepherd ear taping is an important process that does not need to be done with all German Shepherd puppies, but some GSD puppies do need the extra help.
First of all, it is very important to make sure that your GSD puppy is in good health. Make sure that the German Shepherd puppy is kept on the proper schedule of wormings and vaccinations. It is also very important to make sure the GSD puppy is on a good quality food. If you are unsure, check with your local vet or German Shepherd breeder for suggestions on a diet that would be appropriate for your GSD puppy.
It is not uncommon for the German Shepherd puppy ears not to be up until 3 1/2 to 5 months of age. It is also quite common for a GSD puppy who has his/her ears up one day to see them fall down again the next day – especially when going through the teething process and for this cycle to repeat as the German Shepherd puppy matures.
The process of teething in general takes valuable calcium from the German Shepherd puppies developing ear structure to those developing teeth and that is one good explanation for the whole process of GSD puppy ears being up one day, and then down the next.
It is very common for GSD pups to have ears that tilt and flop this way and that as they gain strength to stand on their own. The German Shepherd ears may take all matter of shapes (1 up, 1 down; 1 this way, 1 that way) until they come completely up. Do not panic when this happens to your German Shepherd puppy. It is completely normal. If you do have questions about the German Shepherd ear taping process, feel free to contact your German Shepherd breeder or the local GSD breed club in your area or your veterinarian.
Instructions on German Shepherd ear taping follow (it doesn’t hurt to have a helper):
1) Buy the large pink spongy perm rollers (Goody’s ?is one brand) from Wal-mart, etc. for the German Shepherd ear taping process. Take out the hard plastic clip out of the middle of each roller and discard. You only need to keep the spongy pink foam roller part. 2 inch pipe insulation tubing, Grey, I believe, from Home Depot works as well if you can’t find the pink foam rollers. You will have to cut this to length, while the pink rollers are already the correct length.
2) At your local drug store purchase the thin white surgical tape (the kind that’s paper thin and tears easily). The 3M Micropore tape, 2″ wide works well. NEVER EVER even consider using any tape such as duct tape, electrical tape or the like for German Shepherd ear taping. If you don’t have the right kind of tape it will do more damage on the GSD pups ears than good if you have to take the tape out for some reason if you use the wrong type of tape in the first place.
Also, purchase Skin Bond to use with the surgical tape and get one UNsharpened pencil to use in the German Shepherd ear taping process.
3) Insert the pencil (unsharpened end) inside the pink foam roller about an inch or so to make it easier to hold. Next, put the Skin Bond on the pink foam roller about 3/4s of the way around the roller, so it is well covered but not oozing or dripping off the roller in any way. You do not want the glue to drip off the roller into your pups ear canal when ear taping your GSD puppies ears. You do not want to get the glue on your hands either while in the middle of this process. That is where the pencil comes in.
4) While holding the pencil end, wrap the GSD puppies ear around the glued foam roller and then tape them into a fairly tight roll (but not too tight), in an upright position. Remove the pencil from the sponge roller.
Place the roller inside the German Shepherd’s ear flap itself fairly deep, leaving about a two finger space opening above the German Shepherd pups head and the bottom of the roller inside the ear flap. Do not completely block the ear canal with the roller when ear taping the German Shepherd puppy. The GSD puppy will still need to hear with the roller inside its ear flaps.
Optional: Take a popsicle stick and attach it to the top part of both of the GSD puppy ears in a horizontal position. The German Shepherd puppy will tear the tape or stick off the ears several times. The key to this step is to continue retaping the ears using the popsicle stick as it gets torn down. Sooner or later the GSD puppy will forget about the tape all together and leave it alone.
5) Distract the GSD puppy with food or by playing ball, etc. for about five minutes until the glue stops itching and is well set. The roller will fall out on it’s own in about a week or so if not taken out by you or your German Shepherd puppy. Continue the re-taping process until the German Shepherd puppy ears stand on their own.
Important: If the German Shepherd puppy ears are not up by 7 or 8 months of age they are probably not going to come up. When the GSD ears do not stand on their own there are ear implants that can be surgically added. I have no experience with this personally but if you are unlucky enough to have a German Shepherd whose ears will not stand on their own, this is an option. Check with your vet or GSD breeder with any questions you may have concerning German Shepherd ear taping.
Downed GSD ears are not the end of the world, however, erect ears are a part of the German Shepherd Dog breed standard. Upright ears are not only healthier overall for the dog but more so, they are handsome and again, part of the breed standard and the way the German Shepherd was bred to look.

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By admin, January 25, 2010 7:58 am

Paul MacIver
599

Dogs are amongst the most amazing creatures because they give unconditional love. Dogs love their masters and the masters reciprocate by providing them with all the things of comfort they can afford. Dog supplies are important and useful things for keeping your dog healthy and happy, and include items for dog grooming and maintaining good dog health. Canine or dog supplies can be classified into several sub categories, including dog training supplies, dog grooming supplies, and even more specialist items like hunting dog supplies.
Dog Grooming:
Dogs are gods of frolic. Undertaking thorough dog grooming is like having a permanent job requiring lots of patience, yet packed with exercise and the general fun of bringing up a dog and ensuring it lives a long and carefree life. Dog grooming is an important practice which should not be underestimated ?a practice which ensures good dog health and hygiene and should also help to eliminate most dog health problems.
Dog grooming is in fact a somewhat intense program of dog health care that covers the entire life span a dog. Puppy care, canine health care, giving a hygiene bath, washing, combing, brushing, checking ears, paws, teeth and underside, nail trimming, removing dog fleas and insects, and fixing regular meetings with a professional veterinary are all important activities that a dog owner should undertake. A dog’s masters should follow a schedule of regular grooming sessions.
Puppy care is a very important practice that requires a lot of diligence and patience. Like children, puppies require some extra special attention. A puppy needs to be handled with extreme care, and should be groomed properly, fed carefully and well, and bedded properly.
Dog Grooming Supply:
Good dog grooming supplies are required to help undertake the important activities of dog grooming and care. A dog supply may include a dog house, dog furniture, dog carriers, dog beds (and designer dog beds), dog toys, dog collars and leashes, dog bath tub, dog soaps, dog perfumes, dog odor removers and mouth fresheners, dog clothes, designer dog clothes, dog t-shirts, dog jewelry, dog food, dog tonics & supplements and dog medication.
Dog Beds:
A dog bed is a bed designed especially for the sleeping comfort of a dog. It should be the snug retreat to where it retires to take sweet dreams at the end of a long and active day. Good dog beds play a very important part in keeping your dog in good health. An improper sleep may very much affect the health of a dog, thus dog masters should be very careful when buying dog pet beds. Dog beds and dog bedding include a dog bed mattress, dog bed sheets, dog bed cover, dog bed cushions, dog pillows, dog blankets and dog quilts or duvets.
Dog beds are available in numerous designs and sizes including luxury dog pet beds, large dog beds, wicker dog bed, leather dog beds, top quality dog beds, orthopedic dog beds etc. There are a number of designer dog pet beds available. Dog beds can also be purchased online, as there are many dog pet bed manufacturers now selling their dog beds through their websites.
“Perhaps the dog is the only animal that has seen its god, as a man is a dog’s idea of what God should be.?

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By admin, January 23, 2010 7:57 am

Jan Thomsen
504

The worst thing about having a dog is the training part. Just imagine how bad an untrained dog is. An untrained dog could litter anywhere in your house. This gives you’re a house a foul odor that is pretty difficult to figure out where it is coming from. Aside from that untrained dogs could be so active that your house may turn into a mess. All of these things could all be avoided though with proper training.
Proper training or disciplining your dog can help lessen the hassles. However training a dog is no easy task too. A dog may be smart for an animal but it will still take time and hard work to get your dog trained. Here are some things that make your dog’s training be more effective though.
A dog will become more trained and disciplined if what you are doing becomes a daily ritual. Making the training very ritualistic will make the dog remember the training slowly. So it is important to train your dog daily. You would need to sacrifice a few weeks of doing this to get your dog trained. When doing this, it is better to make daily short sessions compared to a weekly long one.
When training the dog, it is best not to use harshness that much. Instead try to use love and appreciation. If your dog follows the things you ask him or her to do give a doggy treat. Don’t give the treat until the task is done. Try doing this whenever you have free time during your day.
Remember that you are talking to dog. When training a dog give simple commands, don’t give complex commands such as “prepare me dinner?or “wash your own ass?while the training is still at an early stage. It’s better to give simple commands such as sit and come.
Try not to confuse your dog when training. Only use one word for one action. I.e., when eating try to only say “eat?not “chow? Try to use different words for every different action you’d want your dog doing.
When training a dog you and your family must be on the same page. You may be training your dog to stop digging at the garden. But your son still says it’s ok to the dog. When this happens the training may just be useless. So when training a dog, it’s best to have the family members cooperating.
Training a dog is not an easy task really. But that is the sheer reality that you must now face when owning a dog. You must now be responsible for the dog’s life and attitude and that includes you training him or her.

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By admin, January 21, 2010 7:59 am

Joy Cagil
642

Twelve years ago, after he started living on his own, my son adopted a Siamese mix and called him, “Yoda.” Although a mix, Yoda has the temperament, large ears, huge blue eyes, and the cute, dark face of a true Siamese. He has also acquired their thermosensitivity of the Siamese’s coat coloring. The only part of Yoda that would alert a knowing eye that his iffy bloodline is the slightly rounded shape of his face, as the pure-bred Siamese are known to have elongated faces.
Yoda only takes to my son, nobody else. He has gotten used to my daughter-in-law, and just that, because no one can replace his true owner. Although I have taken care of Yoda numerous times and he stays with me every now and then, he barely tolerates me, and that is when he needs fed or asks for a treat.
Knowing the Siamese psychology, I don’t blame myself or my cat-sitting skills, but I sort of wish he’d jump on my lap and purr like the tabbies I once owned. Maybe it is the Himalayan gene that the Siamese share with rabbits and mice that makes Yoda hop away from me after his needs are met. This could be also because Yoda’s gene memory prevents him from getting on with too many people at a time.
In their country of origin, Siam (now called Thailand), the Siamese cats guarded the Buddhist temples and were considered sacred. Their blood lines were vigilantly protected; and the cats were bred as if they were angels sent from heaven. Later on, the Siamese became the cats of royalty, babysitting for the King’s children.
Inside the “Cat-Book Poems,” a manuscript written in Siam during 1350’s, seal-point Siamese looking like Yoda are pictured. Those cats in those old pictures must be the representations of adult Siamese cats, because a Siamese kitten is pure white at birth. Since the Siamese kitten’s coat is heat-sensitive, in time, it develops the point color: that is, the points on his tail, paws, and face.
At his advanced age, Yoda’s coat still changes color according to heat. When he stays with us, Yoda demands to be let out to the porch. From behind the screen and the glass doors, this cat loves to watch the golf course, the squirrels, the birds, and the golfers goofing up their swings. When Yoda stays in our house, because he goes on the porch so often, his coat lightens up, giving him a younger look.
For an aged cat, Yoda is also very agile. A few days ago, when a squirrel dared climb on the screen mesh to the roof, Yoda suddenly jumped at it, higher than my height.
Yoda’s love of high places must have come down from being of royalty. When alone in the house with me, I usually find him perched on a table or on any other high place as if to rule the world, his kinked tail moving ever so slightly and his large ears alert, watching his environs. Although I don’t tell on this transgression of his, the cat still avoids me. I guess, Yoda can’t help the way he is, since Siamese are famous for emotionally attaching to only one owner.
From the time they are kittens, the Siamese develop their own loud voice and conversational tone. On the occasions when my son is walking out the front door and leaving his cat with me, Yoda stops evading me to complain of his misfortune with his loud voice, as if he is suffering at the hands of a torturer. In those times, he sounds like a baby in pain.
If you want to adopt a Siamese mix, several states have organizations called Siamese Rescue, but if you want to buy a Siamese kitten, you have to go to a breeder. On the average a Siamese kitten will cost for about $500 if pedigreed, or about $250, if he will only be your pet.
Frankly, I don’t care if Yoda is not a purebred. To us, he is royalty and he thinks he is royalty. Still, I wish his highness would give me the some of that a purring affection he exhibits when my son is around.

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By admin, January 19, 2010 8:00 am

Fritz Blanc
567

When you’re learning about something new, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This informative article should help you focus on the central points.
There are many different styles of dog training, and finding the one that works best for you is important for creating a dog that is a talented, loyal and faithful member of the family. All successful methods of dog training work to reinforce the relationship between dog and handler, and the foundation of any successful training program is getting the respect of the dog. Fortunately, dogs are wired by nature to seek out leaders, and to follow the direction of those leaders.
This article focuses on one of the most popular methods of dog training ?the so called leash/collar style of training. Other articles will focus on the other popular style of training dogs, often called reward training or positive reinforcement.
Both leash/collar training and reward training have been around for a very long time, and they have proven their effectiveness over time. The type of training that works best will vary from dog to dog, and from breed to breed. It is important to remember that each breed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced by hundreds of years of selective breeding.
Of course personalities of individual dogs vary quite a bit, even within established breeds. You, as the owner of the dog, know better than anyone which style of dog training will work best, so it is important to work with the trainer you choose to achieve your goal of a willing, obedient and friendly dog.
Leash and collar training is the best way to accomplish many types of dog training, particularly in situations where the dog must have a high level of reliability. For instance, dogs that have an important job to do, such as rescue dogs, police dogs and guard dogs, generally benefit from leash and collar training.
If your dog training tip facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don’t let important dog training tip information slip by you.
In leash and collar training, varying degrees of force can be used, ranging from slight prompts with the lead to very harsh corrections. The amount of correction used should be appropriate to the situation, since using too much correction, or too little, will be ineffective.
In a collar and leash based dog training program, first the dog is taught a particular behavior, generally with the leash. After the dog has demonstrated that it understands the command, the leash is then used to correct the dog if it disobeys, or when it makes a mistake. The leash is the main form of controlling and communicating with the dog in leash and collar training.
When using leash and collar training, the dog must be trained to trust the handler and accept his or her directions without question. In order for the dog to be fully trained, the handler must demonstrate the ability to place the dog into a posture or position he or she does not want to take. This does not mean using force, but it does generally require some level of physical manipulation. This manipulation is most easily and safely done using the main tool of leash and collar training ?the leash.
It is important for every would be dog trainer to understand that the leash is simply a tool. While the leash is an important tool in this form of training, it is important for the dog trainer to be able to eventually achieve the same results using whatever tools are at hand.
Even when the only tools at hand are the owner’s body and skill, the dog should be willing to obey. Creating a leader/follower relationship between handler and dog is still very important, and it is important to use the leash as a tool and not a crutch. A properly trained dog should be willing to obey whether the leash is present or not.
There’s no doubt that the topic of dog training tip can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about dog training tip, you may find what you’re looking for in the next article.

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By admin, January 17, 2010 8:02 am

Waylon Harvey
282

Separation anxiety, also known in the dog training world as owner absent misbehavior, is one of the most frequently encountered problems in the world of dog training. Separation anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways, including chewing, destroying the owner’s property, excessive barking, self destructive behavior and inappropriate urination and defecation.
Dogs suffering from separation anxiety often whine, bark, cry, howl, dig, chew and scratch at the door the entire time their family members are away. Well meaning owners often unwittingly encourage this misbehavior by rushing home to reassure the dog, but it is important for the well being of both dog and owner that the dog learn to deal with extended periods of separation.
How the owner leaves the house can often contribute to separation anxiety issues. A long and drawn out period of farewell can make matters worse by making the dog feel even more isolated when the owner finally leaves. These long types of farewells can get the dog excited, and then leave him with lots of excess energy and no way to work it off. These excited, isolated dogs often work off their excess energy in the most destructive of ways, such as chewing up a favorite rug or piece of furniture.
Excess energy is often mistaken for separation anxiety, since results are often the same. If you think that excess amounts of energy may be the problem, try giving your dog more exercise to see if that eliminates the problem.
If separation anxiety is truly the problem, it is important to address the root causes of that anxiety. In order to prevent separation anxiety from occurring, it is important for the dog to feel happy, safe, secure and comfortable while the owner is away for the day. It is important, for instance, to give the dog plenty of things to keep it busy while you are away. This means providing it with lots of toys, such as balls or chew toys. A pet companion is often effective at relieving separation anxiety as well. Giving the dog a playmate, such as another dog or a cat, is a great way for busy pet parents and pets alike to cope with the stress of being left alone.
Setting aside scheduled play times, during which the pet is given your undivided attention, is another great way to alleviate boredom and separation anxiety. Playing with the dog, and providing it with sufficient attention and exercise, is a proven way to avoid a stressed and anxious dog. A happy dog that has been well exercised and well conditioned will generally sleep the day away happily and patiently wait for the return of its owner.
It is important to schedule one of these daily play sessions before you leave the house each day. It is important to give the dog a few minutes to settle down after playtime before you leave.
For dogs that are already experiencing separation anxiety and associated misbehaviors, it is important to get him accustomed to your leaving gradually. Be sure to practice leaving and returning at irregular intervals, several times during the day. Doing so will get your dog accustomed to your deparartures and help him realize that you are not leaving him forever. Dogs that have been previously lost, or those that have been surrendered to shelters and readopted, often have the worst problems with separation anxiety. Part of treating this problem is teaching the dog that your leaving is not permanent.

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By admin, January 15, 2010 7:58 am

Keith Davies
33

People love big, protective and loving dogs and that’s why there are a lot of german sheperd breeders.
The German Shepherd is sometimes called an Alsatian because that’s where they originated in Germany. Many Germans still called them Deutscher Schaferhund because of their original sheepdog function but the breed is not very old and was really developed from a variety of sheep herding farm dogs in the late 1800s. In 1899 Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, was president of the first German Shepherd association in Germany. Since then German Shepherds have turned up all over the world and they came to the USA as early as 1908 where they were popular with the Red Cross, the police and as guard dogs.
This was partly because they are extremely loyal and courageous dogs and they are very intelligent and retain specialized training for a long time. Temperament is what ensures the usefulness of the German Shepherd and since this comes from good breeding it is essential to find a good and reputable breeder. With a bad temperament these dogs are a disaster. They are highly territorial and will know and recognize their people and place by about six months of age. This is when their protective loyalty starts to show itself!
There are many german sheperd breeders and you should have no problem finding a good one, but just remember that they come in a range of colors and will protect you no matter what!
They have proved a popular breed over the years for use in both the police force and as guard dogs for security companies. They have a very acute sense of hearing which means that they are invaluable to anyone wanting to protect both themselves and their property.Because they are a large dog they are a very useful deterrent against theives.

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By admin, January 13, 2010 8:01 am

Steve Hill
484

Arachnophobia can be triggered by the mere thought of a spider or even by a picture of one, in some cases. Many people who fear spiders feel panic entering a situation where spiders may be present. Symptoms include excessive sweating, rapid breathing, a quickened heartbeat, nausea and dizziness.
Some arachnophbics will, on entering a room, search it for a spider. If they find one they will monitor its progress very thoroughly. Others will do all in their power to distract themselves to avoid seeing the spider.
There are historical and cultural reasons for arachnophobia. In the Dark Ages spiders were commonly considered to be a source of contamination of food and water. They were believed to be the cause of the Bubonic Plague (though in reality rat-fleas were in fact the true culprits). This misplaced fear has been passed down since the 10th Century.
Often the fear is caused by a frightening incident in earlier life. Sometimes people have the misconception that such a startling event has to be a memorable ordeal. Yet many don’t even recall the events that led to their phobia. The mind can create a phobia based on a split second of panic.
The treatment of arachnophobia is called “systematic desensitisation”. With the help of a therapist, the sufferer will slowly learn to face their fears. First they will be exposed to pictures of spiders. Later they will come face to face with real spiders. When they are able to hold a live spider without feeling anxious, they will have conquered their phobia.
Advancements in technology have added a new dimension to the treatment of arachnophobics: virtual reality. Now the patient can wear a VR helmet or glasses with a VR glove. With the help of a computer generated spider, they can steadily overcome their fear, moving the VR glove closer until they can “feel” the spider crawl across their hand.

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By admin, January 11, 2010 7:58 am

O’Neal Hendrix
457

It’s downright infuriating to look out the window and see Buddy digging another hole in the yard. You yell out the window; he may or may not even acknowledge he’s heard anything; then back to the digging. This dog behavior has got to stop.
WHY DOGS DIG…
Did you ever stop to think WHY Buddy digs? (except to make you mad!). This is the real trick – to figure out why he’s digging in the first place, the motivation behind the dog behavior. Then you can take dog training steps to discourage it, redirect that energy and possibly stop it completely.
1. I’M BORED!
Location: Digging along the fence lines and at the gate.
Why? He is bored and wants to get out for some action.
Solution: Provide more exercise for your dog, both physical and mental. The more exercise the better, according to your dog. A tired, happy dog will rest nicely between great outings.
2. I’M HOT!!
Digging along the edge of the house or shallow “pits,” especially in the heat of the summer.
Why? Your dog is most likely creating a cool spot in the cool under-earth. If under the porch, he’s creating a den.
Solution: Check to make sure you are providing fresh cool water throughout the day and night.
Is there adequate shade to protect your dog from the hot sun? Is good air circulation available or possibly a nice breeze? Or is the space filled with stagnant air?
Provide plant life (trees, bushes) for shelter from the hot sun. Cool grass keeps the ground heat down.
3. IT’S JUST MY NATURE!
Sometimes it’s the breed of dog, not so much the environment. Some breeds tend to be burrowers -hounds, huskies, malamutes are a few examples.
Solution: If this is the case, work with your dog to agree on a place he can do his thing and camouflage it with something like plants or fencing.
4. I LIKE IT!!
Some dogs just like to dig, and dig they will, no matter how much you yell and scream.
Solution: Create and help them with the ideal digging place – a sandy blend with hidden treasures that reward digging at that spot. Having a prepared area encourages the digger to focus the digging to the area you set up in an out-of-the-way place. Remember to keep the area stocked with assorted treats and toys.
TO FILL OR NOT TO FILL – EXISTING HOLES
The second part of the story is…
What to do with the holes that keep reappearing, no matter what you do? Have you back-filled holes dug by your dog only to find them dug again, over and over?
When this happens, the next stage of hole-filling is called for.
You might think this next step it involves yelling at your dog, or rapping on the window. Nope. Are you really going to stand and stare out the window hoping to correct the situation while it’s happening (which would be the only way to really correct it using this method)?
TECHNIQUES FOR “FILLING” HOLES
There are two better techniques to encourage your dog to rethink digging that hole.
The easier of the two is to fill the hole until almost full. Mix the last portion of dirt with dog poo, pinecones, moth balls, or other repelling non-harmful substance. The next time your dog arrives for the big dig, he quickly finds the game has changed. Most dogs quickly change their behavior.
The second method is more time consuming but effective. Cut a section of chicken wire or similar to cover the hole plus 8″ or more. Dig a hole a few inches deep that surrounds the hole and will fit the wire shape.
Fill the hole and then press wire in place and cover with dirt. Pack the area well, particularly around the wire edges. When your dog returns, the wire will stop his digging progress.
If along a fence line, secure the wire to the fence along the inside of the fence, just a short distance from the ground. When the wire gets to the ground, keep going vertically a short distance underground. Then bend the wire so the bottom is perpendicular to the top (forms an L). Bury the horizontal part underground inside the fence, pointing away from the fence. When your dog digs he is stopped by the wire and his weight on the earth helps keep the wire in place. The result is the dog gives up on that area.
Pretty cool, huh?!
CONCLUSION
We humans see digging as bad dog behavior. Dogs don’t, and they dig for different reasons. If you can figure out why they’re digging, you can put dog training steps in place to stop it. Some dogs dig, that’s what they do. Set them up a space to dig and you both win!
Try these dog training techniques to change unwanted dog behavior. They seriously work.