Saturday, 31 May 2008

Dog Training: House Breaking A New Puppy

By Michael Russell

So you've welcomed a new puppy into your home, either as a pet for your child, or as a companion for yourself. They're great pets, as we all know, but they also make messes in their early days. You will want to quickly get your new puppy adjusted to it's new surroundings and most importantly, teach your him the appropriate place to do his business. It's not always an easy task, but with a little patience, should be a piece of cake.

The first thing to remember when house breaking your new puppy is that you need to stay committed to a routine until your puppy is fully trained. House training takes patience and time.

The most successful method for training your puppy is the crate method. If you do not have a dog/puppy crate, you can cordon off a small area for your puppy where his is unable to move around. This will be your puppy's sleeping area. Dogs do not soil their sleep area, so keeping your puppy in this area, will help establish this area as a no go zone.

If your puppy does not go in this area, you then move him/her to the appropriate area for eliminating waste at an appropriate time. You should not leave a puppy in its crate/sleep area for an extended period of time, as a puppy does not have a large capacity for waste to begin with. So semi-frequent breaks are required. Each hour if possible.

Once you have taken your puppy to it's appropriate area, wait to see if he/she goes. If the puppy does go, be sure to offer up praise, as positive reinforcement will help establish that the puppy has done the right thing (negative reinforcement with a strong "No!" can be used when the puppy goes in the wrong place). If the puppy does not relieve itself after a sufficient length of time, take him/her back to it's crate/sleep area.

At night it is best not to feed your puppy after a certain time and to be sure your pup has been taken to relieve itself before you call it a night.

As stated, house training takes time and commitment. It may be wise to keep a log of your activities to help establish a routine for your puppy. Keeping a routine feeding time, with time for relieving itself immediately after, can help greatly with a young puppy, as it can help develop a solid route for relieving itself.

If you stay consistent with your puppy, the training process can go by fairly quick and your puppy will develop the awareness needed to go on his/her own before long. You will no longer need to worry about messes in your home and will be able to move in to more advanced training of your puppy, as well as to enjoy your great new pet to the fullest. They truly are man's best friend and with a little patience you will experience this to the fullest extent as you and your puppy grow along together.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dog Training

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Michael Russell - EzineArticles Expert Author

Monday, 26 May 2008

Potty Training Your Puppy

Potty training a puppy

Many owners take potty training a puppy as the most important thing to teach a doggie, so that there is no discomfort around the house. What most people don’t know is that when it comes to potty training a puppy, there are various differences between breeds, some being easier to train than others. So, if you haven’t made up your mind yet about which breed to choose, this aspect really needs to be taken into consideration. How difficult could potty training a puppy be? If you have the answer to this question, then you’re on the great way to a wonderful friendship.

When you’re potty training a puppy, you have to be reasonable with the very young ones. They simply have very little control of their bladders and bowels, so as soon as they realize they have to go, it is almost always too late to hold it. Therefore, potty training a puppy may be a patience exercise for you too, don’t get angry at it, since sometimes it is beyond control. Keep it off your carpets until you’re sure it is reliable. Now, let’s have a look at some basic tips for potty training a puppy. First of all, it is best to train the pup so as it works both indoors and outdoors.
The key to successful potty training a puppy is to take it to potty after every meal; make it a routine to take the pup out first thing in the morning and last thing at night. If you want to apply some general type of potty training for puppies, take the doggie on a leash to the spot you want it to use. After it potties, play with it for a while or offer it a reward so that the pup may grow up with a clear idea of what pleases you or not. Try to feed your puppy on dry food and at the same hour every day, this will give regularity to the animal’s bowel movements too.

Young animals need lots of water, so you may consider that when you’re potty training a puppy. Make sure it has a water bowl at day time, but take it away two hours at least before bedtime. This will allow you the chance of potty training the puppy more efficiently and also saves you the risk of nasty accidents over night. Make sure the spot where it potties is clean all the time, as dogs are very clean animals and they truly want to stay that way. For those of you who don’t feel like potty training a puppy the best solution is to buy an older dog that is trained for the matter.


potty training your puppy

Tuesday, 20 May 2008

The challenge of training an aggressive dog

Dog aggressive behavior is among the most difficult to deal with by training. There is a large number of factors that lead to aggression problems; therefore the training of aggressive dogs is a challenge and a big responsibility at the same time. Before actually turning to some centre specialized in the training of the aggressive dogs, you should take the animal to the vet and see whether there is no injury or ailment that is causing pain, which may irritate the dog. On the other hand, training an aggressive dog in a special centre doesn’t eliminate the entire problem.

Before you should start training an aggressive dog, you need to identify the problem. Usually the cause is found in dominance, in the animal’s relationship with its “pack”, in your case, the family members. You may also be facing a fear aggression, meaning that your pet is negative towards other animals. The best training for such an aggressive dog emphasizes the reliability on the owner; a dog that trusts its master or mistress will limit the aggressive behavior. In the same category for the training of aggressive dogs fall the over-protective pets that regard the owner as personal territory.

The training of an aggressive dog attempts to solve the problem of a trauma that has been caused to the family members. And sometimes it is pretty difficult to learn to trust your pet again. Even if you have the word of a special consultant in the training of aggressive dogs, it will still take some time before you can stop being cautious. Therefore, the owner has to be an important part of the training of an aggressive dog, since progress can be witnessed gradually and trust regained without the danger of crawling back to one’s mind.

For professional assistance in the matter of training aggressive dogs you may rely on sites such as www.dog-training-expert.com where you may learn the steps to develop healthy relationships with your pets. The importance of the owner’s presence during the training of an aggressive dog comes from the fact that dogs learn with associations. If for instance it is used to showing aggression when it is about the house with you, it will stick to this behavioral pattern. Consistency is the key word for the training of an aggressive dog, don’t repeat the same mistakes and don’t change your attitudes abruptly!

Tuesday, 13 May 2008

Basic Dog Training

Dog training is the responsibility that YOU signed on for when you brought your dog through your front door for the first time. The whole dog training experience can be pleasant for BOTH you and your dog. Dog training is an Art not a science, many trainers and facilities develop a training method. Dogs will always be dogs and humans will continually try to make their dog into a furry person. Dog training is something that does not happen over night. It takes time, repetition and most of all, patience. Puppies are intelligent, but are lacking in short term memory. Close supervision is needed to provide repetition in those behaviors that are necessary to propagate proper housebreaking.

Training is all about communication, and you need to learn to communicate with your dog. Dog training is a process that we do with our dogs not to our dogs. Both you and your dog will enjoy the reward-based training methods you will learn together. Dog training is the process of teaching a dog to exhibit certain desired dog behavior in specific circumstances. Training your dog should absolutely be a top priority.

Dog training is a very physical activity. You must be prepared to be on your feet and moving at a brisk pace for most of the 50-minute class. Dog training is especially important when adopting an adult dog, since new owners generally have no knowledge of the dog behavior history. Additionally, successful dog training means your dog is less likely to end up a lost pet.

Reward your pet every time he follows your command. While treating him with tasty things, say him “Good dog” in a happy voice. Reward with treats starts the dog down the path of what you decide is good behavior and eventually you can wean the treats.

Obedience is a part of the social setting defined for your dog in your home. Changes in the setting and how the dog perceives his pack position brings about desired behavior changes. Obedience is more than just commands - when taught correctly; it becomes the common language between you and your dog. It transforms your relationship from one of frustration, to one of harmony. Obedience training would have prevented many of these problems and can help solve the bad behaviors that exist.

Saturday, 10 May 2008

Insurance Costs For Your Dog

Insurance Costs For Your Dog

Despite the untold millions of dog owners in the U.S., a huge percentage of them do not have any form of dog insurance; why this is the case, no-one really knows. The average US citizen would not neglect their own health insurance needs; should we be forgiven for not caring enough about our pets then?

It may at first sound like just another regular expense; that is until those dog owners face expensive vet bills when they are sick. Vet costs have risen tremendously over the last decade; of course the knock-on effect has been a rise in dog insurance premiums.

So if the ever-increasing cost of dog health cover does not convince you to act, what will? The fact is, the more animals you own, there is an increased risk that one of them will be involved in an accident or become sick; the more you own, the greater the chance is, and if this does occur a couple of times a year, you will soon see your savings reduce.

If you are in this unenviable position then a choice may have to be made; the last thing you should have to deal with is the stress over the expense of saving your animal.

This situation happened to me a couple of years ago when I was looking at spending one thousand dollars to save my dog; I have to admit to asking myself at the time if we could justify the expense. The problem is you really don't know if your dog is going to pull through; there are no guarantees as complications are not uncommon.

The financial aspect of looking after a dog is something that must be considered carefully; when money problems occur, temporary or otherwise, this causes further worries. If your credit card is at its limit then often a bank loan is the only answer.

Financial difficulties are the number one reason why pets do not receive proper attention; this situation can be avoided if a dog insurance policy is set up. Vet bills could escalate but dog healthcare insurance policies are still the best option; these can be arranged for as little as twenty dollars or so per month although better policies will cost twice that.

Nearly all dog healthcare policies can be tailor-made to suit individual circumstances; perhaps to incorporate more than one dog on the same plan. All dog owners should think carefully about what healthcare provision they have made for their pet; with a bit of luck this information will have convinced you of the importance of having your dog protected.

Friday, 9 May 2008

Your Dogs Diet Changes With Age

Your Dogs Diet Changes With Age

Your dog’s diet will change as he gets older. Like other animals the main food requirement for the newborn will be milk whereas when the dog is older his requirement is for a diet that consists of foods such as beef or chicken as well as boiled eggs, milk and water.

Unlike older dogs puppies need to be fed on a more regular basis. This is because they are generally more active and burn off more calories in relation to their body weight than an older dog would. It is therefore important that a puppy has a diet with plenty of protein, fat and carbohydrates.

An elderly dog will need to have a diet where the proteins are easily broken down and digested. Their diet should also consist of a large bowl of water being available to them at all times. Much like a high protein/low carbohydrate diet in humans is often attributed as a cause of kidney stones the same can be found in dogs and a diet that is protein rich may end up causing kidney damage in elder dogs. This is more likely to occur in an elderly dog when his immune system may not be working at the same levels as previously. Care should therefore be taken in the quantity of feed (and in particular protein) that is given to an elderly dog. This is especially true as the dog will not be as active as he once was and therefore will not be able to burn off as much of the energy.

Care should also be taken with feeding a pregnant dog. She will probably not need the same amount of food as previously as a full stomach may be the cause of some discomfort. You may need to consider including some vitamin and mineral supplements with the food though ensuring that mother and puppies receive all the required nutrients. For example whilst nursing it would be advisable to add a calcium supplement to the feed to ensure that the puppies’ bones develop properly. It is advisable to consult your vet as they should be able to give the best advice on which supplements to use.

(C) Stuart Smith
House Train Your Puppy

Thursday, 8 May 2008

Free dog training tips

Free dog training tips

The Internet is the best and probably the most comprehensive source of information in the world; so, if you’re looking for free dog training tips to improve the relationship with your four-legged friend, run a simple search and see what you can find out. If you’re wondering about the reliability of the free dog training tips online, there is one way to get convinced, try them and see if there is noticeable progress in your dog’s behavioral patterns. If the Internet doesn’t suit your purposes, a friend who is also a dog owner may fill you in on some free dog training tips.

It is known fact that the greatest disadvantage about applying free dog training tips is that owners often don’t have enough time to devote to their pet. However, you can practice for instance the “sit” command together with other free dog training tips at any moment; you don’t need special preparation for that. You may even turn your attention to the dog during a commercial break for instance, or when playing “fetch”. Before throwing the ball, you can apply a simple free dog training tip or command: “sit” or “down” and continue with the game after the dog obeys it.

Many free dog training tips will help you teach your dog target focus: the simplest form of the kind is paw or touch. You actually get the animal focus on a specific area and then perform a certain action afterwards. Such free dog training tips are used in competitions as well as in daily life, when you want for instance to turn the pet’s attention from you. Moving and finding a specific place are forms of targeting and they are considered to be the first step towards retrieving. Free dog training tips applied for the matter will make you improve the relationship with the pet, it will move away from the couch for instance.

For professional free dog training tips it is a good idea to have a look at the following site: www.dog-training-expert.com. People who actually apply free dog training tips find it very entertaining for both parts involved; keep in mind that the first to benefit is your pet. By sticking to some free dog training tips not only will you save money, but you’ll also avoid specific mistakes that dog owners make, thus ruining their chances of ever growing an obedient animal.



Free dog training tips

Monday, 5 May 2008

Supplementing Your Dogs Feed

Supplementing Your Dogs Feed

To ensure that your dog's immunity system is kept in top condition you will need to ensure that there is a good balance of vitamins and minerals in his diet. It is not uncommon in homemade foods that this balance is derived from a supplement.

As pet owners we need to know what vitamins are in the food and the symptoms of excess or deficiencies in each vitamin. We also need to know which vitamins need topping up daily and which are stored in the body. Vitamins B (thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine etc) and vitamin C are called water-soluble vitamins and they are not stored in the body and need replenishing each day. Vitamins A, D, E and K dissolve in fat before they are absorbed in the blood stream to carry out their functions. Excesses of these vitamins are stored in the liver. It is not therefore necessary to replenish these vitamins daily.

Cod liver oil is a very good source of Vitamin A and can help to avoid night blindness and is also very good for skin condition. Vitamin D can also be found in fish oils and egg yolks and promotes the healthy growth of bones by increasing the body's ability to absorb calcium.

Vitamin B1 is important as it helps to release the energy from foods. Typically B1 is found in peas, beans, lentils and other legumes so if possible try and get some of these vegetables into the food mix. It has been known for dogs that are fed with fish in frozen conditions that a supplement of B1 is required as they will not be getting the B1 from the fish and the conditions are not ripe for supplementing the food with vegetables.

It is also important to ensure that your dog is receiving the correct balance of minerals. To promote good skin health the dog must get the correct amount of zinc and he will need potassium for muscle health and for his teeth he will need calcium with phosphorous.

It may be possible that if your dogs feed includes a good variety of vegetables with meat such as chicken, beef or mutton that the requirement for artificial supplements may be greatly reduced. If, however, that balanced diet cannot be provided then you should consider supplementing the diet. As always it would be best to consult your veterinarian to evaluate your dogs feeding practices and then recommend the best supplement.



Supplementing Your Dogs Feed

Saturday, 3 May 2008

6 Great Tips For Getting Your Dog Toilet Trained

6 Great Tips For Getting Your Dog Toilet Trained

By: Susan Banks Sr

One of the toughest jobs that a family faces when a new puppy comes home is getting the dog housebroken. This means that the dog will eliminate outdoors and not use your home and furnishings as a toilet. Lots of people think that getting doggy toilet trained is a tough task, but it doesn't need to be. If you arm yourself with plenty of information for the best ways to get your dog house trained, you are on the right path to having a dog that goes to the bathroom where you want him to go.

When to House Train

A dog can be toilet trained at any age, but the best age to begin is between eight and twelve weeks old. If you set up a housebreaking routine as soon as you bring your puppy home, before long he will get the right idea of where to do his business. A crate is a great tool for toilet training a puppy. It keeps him confined when there is no supervision and most dogs learn quickly that if they make in their crate they will have to sit in it. Most dogs are fairly hygienic and won't enjoy having to sit in dog doody or urine.

The Advantages of Using a Crate

Be sure there is enough room in the crate for your pup to turn around, but don't leave so much room that he will be able to eliminate and lie down far away from it. Many dog owners view a crate as a jail cell or to use as punishment, but your dog will love having his own space where he can escape from the hustle and bustle of the household for some quiet time. Make your dogs crate a happy place and don't use it for punishment. You can feed your dog in the crate, or while he is in there, offer him some treats. Place a favorite chewy or toy in there with him, add blankets and he will have a cozy den to escape to whenever he feels the need. Utilizing a crate for your dog can keep him out of trouble and not only in housebreaking.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

Keeping a close eye on your puppy is a key factor in getting him properly housetrained. Whenever you see that he is sniffing, circling or beginning to squat, immediately take him outside to the place where you want him to go and see if he eliminates. If he does, praise him lavishly. A good idea is to have a cue, such as a hurry up so that your puppy knows what you want him to do. When he is going to the bathroom repeat the cue and then give your dog lots of praise for a job well done. It is better to take the dog out and nothing happens then take a chance of an accident happening.

Have a Schedule

Feeding, watering and walking your dog on a regular schedule will make housebreaking that much easier. Puppies are like children and they thrive on a routine. Try and take the dog out around the same time everyday so they will be able to adjust their bodily functions. The first thing you should do in the morning is take the puppy from the crate and don't let his feet touch the ground. Bring him to the place where you want him to go, give the cue, and praise upon a successful completion. Take your puppy out at least every two hours, after eating or drinking and especially after play. Before you know it, your puppy will be letting you know it is time to go out and do his business.

Don't Let the Puppy Roam

Letting your puppy roam around the house is a sure fire way to have accidents. If you have decided you don't want to use a crate, and even if you do use one, confining the dog to certain areas of the house can make housetraining easier for everyone. It is difficult to keep track of a puppy when he has the run of the house, but if you gate him in the kitchen, he will still be able to be part of the action and can be better supervised in case of an accident.

Don't Get Discouraged

There will be times when you first begin housetraining that you feel your pup is just not getting it. He may have accidents in the house as well on occasion. There is no need to be discouraged. If you stick to your routine, keep a good eye on the dog and make frequent outings to his outdoor bathroom, in no time your puppy will be housebroken. Another good idea is to use the same door all the time when you are taking him out so that when he has to go, he will scratch on the door to be let out. Once this happens, you can say hurray and know that your puppy truly is beginning to understand that going to the bathroom in the house is a no-no.

Article Source: http://www.articlesup.com

Susan is a monthly contributing moderator to Fuzing.com where you can uncover hundreds of free sales leads for Cat Food Sellers.

Friday, 2 May 2008

How to choose the best dog training obedience schools

How to choose the best dog training obedience schools

Who wouldn’t like to have a most obedient pet around the house, you could take it everywhere or leave it at home with someone else without worrying it wouldn’t listen. This is when dog training obedience schools come into play, as they can work a complete and essential change on your animal. After taking your pet to a dog training obedience school you will no longer come back home from work to find chewed shoes and toilet paper. Plus, there is plenty of online assistance to help people sign their pets in at dog training obedience schools.

There are other severe cases when people take their dogs outside just late in the evening or at night when the chances to meet people or other animals are minimal. Dog training obedience schools are a great opportunity to turn back to a most enjoyable life style for you and your four-legged friend. Many pet owners find choosing a dog training obedience school similar to deciding on a child’s education. Do a bit of investigation, as you will be part of the program too in order to learn to establish contact with the animal.

Let’s see the necessary criteria for you to find the best dog training obedience school. Recommendations make first-hand information; a work colleague, a neighbor or a friend may suggest the services of a specific dog training obedience school. Maybe some of the tips available on a site like www.dog-training-expert.com will help you make up your mind. Go have a look at the dog training obedience school campus, check the surrounding, talk to trainers and get familiar to the overall atmosphere of the place. Keep in mind that for maximum results your pet needs to be happy at the dog training obedience school.

Last but not least, it is highly important that both you and your pet feel at ease with the trainer at the dog training obedience school, otherwise the efforts may be a waste of time and money. Dog training obedience schools don’t target very young animals, though it is known that the younger the dog, the easier the adaptation process. Yet, this is not a rule, maybe you’ve recently adopted a dog and you need the support of a professional dog training obedience school to help you socialize the animal. With gentleness, lots of love and patience, chances of success go as high as 99%, so, no need to worry!



How to choose the best dog training obedience schools

Thursday, 1 May 2008

The secrets of potty training for your puppy

The secrets of potty training for your puppy

Many people who have brought a very young puppy to their homes know what great moments the family can cherish with such a toy-pet. But, in order for everything to be really perfect, you may need to learn a few things about potty training for your puppy. First of all, we need to mention that potty training for your puppy proves completely effective around six months of age. With very young dogs, you cannot expect control over bladder and bowels. Therefore the first tip to learn potty training for your puppy is to keep it off carpets into a special enclosed area.

Then, potty training for your puppy requires that you make up your mind where you’re going to apply it: indoors, outdoors or both. The best idea is to teach your dog to let you know when it’s got an urge. Start potty training for your puppy by taking it in a leash to the corner you’ve prepared for it; do this after every meal, and you’ll drastically reduce the risk of ‘accidents’ on your floor. Another tip to use when potty training for your puppy is to try and feed it on dry dog food as this gives consistency to the stool.

What about the water you give it? Potty training for your puppy may prove a little difficult since young dogs need lots of liquid for their growing process. Leave a bowl with fresh water all day long for it to drink but remove it two hours before bedtime. This is part of the potty training for your puppy, as there will be less peeing over night. Taking the puppy out should be the first thing you do in the morning and the last one in the evening.

All the family members should be involved in potty training for your puppy, since no one can stay all day long around the house, making sure the puppy potties in the right place. Be patient with your pet as potty training for your puppy may be quite challenging, sometimes even the dog’s breed has a word to say in the receptiveness to training. If you don’t want to bother with potty training for your puppy, then you can buy an older dog that has already been potty trained. Or there is always the option of adopting an adult pet from the many rescue centres.




The secrets of potty training for your puppy