Housebreaking is the most indispensable thing your puppy must learn. Common sense should tell you why. Do you want your house to stay spic and span? Handle your puppy's housebreaking well. Aside from the maintenance of your household hygiene, trained dogs are happy dogs. As creatures of habit, it's in their nature to keep schedules as pack animals. Here is how you should housebreak your puppy:
Ideal Housebreaking Age
When your puppy reaches the age of 8 to 12 weeks old, it's high time to begin housebreaking. Remember that adage that old dogs can't learn new tricks? It is true so why take chances?
Crate Help
Dog trainers suggest using a crate in housebreaking your puppy. A crate is like a cage, with see-through bars and a locking door. Its size should accommodate well the dogs size for it to move around in. It should be used like a dog's bedroom. It is advised to not confine your puppy in his crate for more than two hours at a time.
The reasoning behind using a crate in housebreaking your puppy is that dogs will not dirty their sleeping areas. However, he may do so if you lock him in somewhere for longer than he can hold it in. Never use a crate to punish your dog, it will backfire. Generally, pups that are three-months old must eliminate every 3 hours, so you should lead him to a special outdoor comfort place more often.
Make Your Puppy Learn Routines
Another tip is to leave the house through one door only. This door should be the one that you want your dog to scratch to warn you about his being called by the nature.
Taking your pup out at around the same times every day will be very beneficial for the both of you. This will help in establishing a routine, and will make him learn to hold it in until you become available to take him out.
Look For Clues
If your un-housebroken dog is accustomed to roaming freely around the house, search for signs that show you he needs to do it. Be really observant enough of his behavior, i.e., heavy sniffing, circling an area, staring at the door with an intense look on his face, etc. If you catch him WHILE doing it, stop him with a quick grab of his collar and pull it up while saying "No" using your deep, stern tone (don't forget to use a deep, gruff voice when stating commands). Then, take him outside and let him finish what he is doing. Lastly, pat him on his head while saying "Good (his name)!" It is a must to make your dog get used to being praised whenever he does anything that makes you proud. Giving him food as a reward when he does his business in the appropriate spot can help, too.
Patience is a Big Virtue
Like any training endeavor, housebreaking requires a lot of patience. If you definitely despise cleaning your dog's waste off your Persian carpets on an hourly basis and having your whole house smell like a public bathroom, you want the housebreaking to be successful in a wink of an eye, if not sooner.
Common Sense Makes a Lot of Sense
The use of common sense will aid you big time in dealing with your puppy's housebreaking. Logical thinking should inform you to not give your dog water before bedtime if his tendency is to pee often at night time. Catering to his schedule first will prove to be very helpful in making it gradually change into yours.
Aside from patience and common sense, consistency is also one of the important factors of this dog training activity. If you suddenly forget about the routines yourself, don't blame if your dog if he starts committing accidents more often. Remember that the stakes are high (dirty and malodorous house). If you would like succeed in this housebreaking feat or just about in any other training drills, don't treat it as a game. Allot enough time and commitment on your part.
Best of luck!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Weight Problems in Dogs: Is Your Dog Fat?
Did you know that obesity is one of the greatest health risks among dogs?
Obesity is caused by excessive eating and unhealthy binges just as it is in humans. Often, this situation is triggered by some environmental factors that may lead to more problems when not controlled .
Like humans, dogs develop certain diseases when they are overweight. These diseases, if not corrected, can lead to more serious complications including death. Here is a list of some of the repercussions of obesity in dogs:
1. Arthritis
Obesity in dogs tends to put extra weight on their bones. In turn, the joints and other parts of the dog’s bones develop arthritis.
Excess weight in dogs may also initiate the development of other muscle and joint problems like spinal disc disease, hip dysplasia, and cracks on the joint ligaments.
2. Diabetes
Like humans, dogs can get diabetes too. We all know for a fact that overweight cause diabetes in humans. This can also happen in dogs. The reason is that the more fat stored in the dog’s body, the greater its system will generate insulin in order to cope up with its growing mass. Hence, dogs have the tendency to resist too much insulin in the body. The end result is diabetes.
3. Skin problems
Obesity in dogs can cause some skin problems. This is because excess fat deposits are being stored in their skin; hence, their owners are having a hard time grooming them. When dogs lack proper grooming, there is a tendency to accumulate bacteria, dirt, or other elements that could cause harm to your dog’s skin. In the end, they develop rashes, skin ruptures, and infections.
4. Capacity to tolerate heat
With too much fat deposits accumulated in their skin, dogs are more inclined to problems concerning heat tolerance. This is because dogs find it hard to tolerate heat due to the build-up of fats in their skin. That is why most obese dogs are prone to heat stroke especially during summer time.
5. Respiratory problems and other heart diseases
Like humans, obese dogs also have the tendency to develop respiratory problems and heart diseases. This is because the chest cavity is already covered with thick fat deposits. Hence, whenever the dog breathes, the lungs are having a hard time expanding and so does the heart. The problem starts when the heart and the lungs can no longer produce the right amount of oxygen and circulate it within the dog’s body.
6. Gastrointestinal problems
Obesity in dogs causes some problems in their intestines and pancreas. This problem results in an inflamed pancreas which is very painful to the dog and can also cause death.
7. Liver problems
Fats are harder to strain and this can pose a problem to the dog’s liver. When the liver can no longer function well because of the fat deposits that accumulated in the area, liver problems may occur and may even cause the death of your dog.
These health problems are indeed life threatening. It depends upon the owner how to combat these problems in order to keep your dog healthy.
One of the greatest ways to solve weight problems is a strict exercise schedule. It is a must that owners create a healthy exercise schedule for their dogs. This can be done by taking them for a walk every afternoon or letting him run through a field.
The best thing about this program is that not only the dogs get the chance to exercise but their owners as well. So, it’s a double benefit.
Next is to create a healthy diet for your dogs. Diet meals are extremely important for dogs so that they can still obtain the necessary nutrients they need in order to stay healthy. This should include the right combination of fiber, meat, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals.
However, dog owners should always keep in mind that when their dogs are taking fiber, more water should be employed so as to prevent constipation.
Alternatively, dog owners should also remember that before incorporating all of these things for your dog, it’s best to consult the veterinarian first.
For healthier and happier dogs, give them the best love and care you can plus a great dietary regimen. As they say, a healthy dog is a happy dog.
Obesity is caused by excessive eating and unhealthy binges just as it is in humans. Often, this situation is triggered by some environmental factors that may lead to more problems when not controlled .
Like humans, dogs develop certain diseases when they are overweight. These diseases, if not corrected, can lead to more serious complications including death. Here is a list of some of the repercussions of obesity in dogs:
1. Arthritis
Obesity in dogs tends to put extra weight on their bones. In turn, the joints and other parts of the dog’s bones develop arthritis.
Excess weight in dogs may also initiate the development of other muscle and joint problems like spinal disc disease, hip dysplasia, and cracks on the joint ligaments.
2. Diabetes
Like humans, dogs can get diabetes too. We all know for a fact that overweight cause diabetes in humans. This can also happen in dogs. The reason is that the more fat stored in the dog’s body, the greater its system will generate insulin in order to cope up with its growing mass. Hence, dogs have the tendency to resist too much insulin in the body. The end result is diabetes.
3. Skin problems
Obesity in dogs can cause some skin problems. This is because excess fat deposits are being stored in their skin; hence, their owners are having a hard time grooming them. When dogs lack proper grooming, there is a tendency to accumulate bacteria, dirt, or other elements that could cause harm to your dog’s skin. In the end, they develop rashes, skin ruptures, and infections.
4. Capacity to tolerate heat
With too much fat deposits accumulated in their skin, dogs are more inclined to problems concerning heat tolerance. This is because dogs find it hard to tolerate heat due to the build-up of fats in their skin. That is why most obese dogs are prone to heat stroke especially during summer time.
5. Respiratory problems and other heart diseases
Like humans, obese dogs also have the tendency to develop respiratory problems and heart diseases. This is because the chest cavity is already covered with thick fat deposits. Hence, whenever the dog breathes, the lungs are having a hard time expanding and so does the heart. The problem starts when the heart and the lungs can no longer produce the right amount of oxygen and circulate it within the dog’s body.
6. Gastrointestinal problems
Obesity in dogs causes some problems in their intestines and pancreas. This problem results in an inflamed pancreas which is very painful to the dog and can also cause death.
7. Liver problems
Fats are harder to strain and this can pose a problem to the dog’s liver. When the liver can no longer function well because of the fat deposits that accumulated in the area, liver problems may occur and may even cause the death of your dog.
These health problems are indeed life threatening. It depends upon the owner how to combat these problems in order to keep your dog healthy.
One of the greatest ways to solve weight problems is a strict exercise schedule. It is a must that owners create a healthy exercise schedule for their dogs. This can be done by taking them for a walk every afternoon or letting him run through a field.
The best thing about this program is that not only the dogs get the chance to exercise but their owners as well. So, it’s a double benefit.
Next is to create a healthy diet for your dogs. Diet meals are extremely important for dogs so that they can still obtain the necessary nutrients they need in order to stay healthy. This should include the right combination of fiber, meat, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals.
However, dog owners should always keep in mind that when their dogs are taking fiber, more water should be employed so as to prevent constipation.
Alternatively, dog owners should also remember that before incorporating all of these things for your dog, it’s best to consult the veterinarian first.
For healthier and happier dogs, give them the best love and care you can plus a great dietary regimen. As they say, a healthy dog is a happy dog.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Overview of Different Breeds of Dogs
There are over a hundred registered breeds of dogs. Recognizing the type of dog is basically associated with its breed. A purebred animal belongs to a documented and acknowledged group of unmixed lineage. Before a breed of dog is recognized, it must be proved that mating two adult dogs of the same type would have passed on their exact characteristics, both appearance and behavior, to their offspring.
If you are thinking of adopting or buying a pet dog for yourself, it is important to know which type of dog you want. Here are a few popular dog breeds for your easy reference:
Labrador
Labradors are very outgoing dogs that have yellow, black or brown furs. Labrador are versatile dogs that have a wide range of functions. Most of them are known to retrievers and are utilized as guide dogs for the blind. They enjoy holding different objects in their mouth and are prone to chewing things. Labradors are observed to be hypersensitive and have a high regard for their territory. Their furs are water repellant thus making them perfect for waterfowl hunting. They are excellent as family dog.
German Shepherds
Germans shepherds are also known as Alsatian. Originally, they were intended to help farmers in herding their sheep or cattle. They are incredibly intelligent and very trainable. Because of their build they are often used as working dogs in the military or police community. Many are also guide dogs. German shepherds are large and strong dogs with varied fur colors. Most comes in cream, tank, white or black.
Boxer
Boxers have pointed ears that are tilted forward. They have a distinguishable white underbelly and white parts at the tip of each foot. These white regions are often called as ‘flashiness’ which sometimes extend to other parts of the body. These usually appear on the shoulders and face. Boxers are a playful and energetic breed. They are perfect as a pet for children because they have an extended puppyhood, meaning they are not considered as an adult dog until they reach the age of three. Training would not be a problem. Boxers are known to be obedient and possess a strong personality. It is advisable to train a boxer at an early age. They can sometimes be a substitute as guide dogs or police dogs.
Rotweiller
Rotweillers’ origin traced back to ancient times. Their existence has been associated with the Roman Empire as watchers for groups of cattle. Since then, their incredible strength and intelligence has been recognized. They are used as police dogs and military aides during war time. Rotweillers are black with tan spots on its cheeks, legs, chest and face. You should definitely find one too underneath their tails. They are marked with upside down triangles that can be found on the chest area. Their eyebrows have a unique spot on each one. Rotweillers are intelligent and fearless dogs. You can notice their foreheads getting a little wrinkly when they are alert. Rotties are very active and playful and are fast on learning tricks.
Poodle
Poodles can be a very good companion and are very loyal to their owners. They belong to a quiet breed of dogs that has a naturally curly fur. Their color ranges from black, grey, white, blue, apricot or brown. Training a poodle tends to require more effort compared to other breeds. They are considered as a hypoallergenic breed. They are very famous for their very nice coats. Maintenance proves to be a tedious job. Owners have to keep their hair in a manageable length so that matting and tangling is prevented.
Dachshund
Dachshunds are also referred to as sausage dogs because of their elongated build. They have short legs and pointed facial framework. Chasing and hunting are their favorite past times. Most dachshunds have crooked legs and chest compared to a barrel. Dachshunds are playful and loyal dogs that love to chase small animals like birds. Their senses are very keen and well-developed though they often exhibit shyness.
Beagle
Beagles have acquired a strong sense of smell. Because of such quality they are used for hunting animals like rabbits. They have big ears that are low set giving them that gentle look. Their furs are commonly white, black, brown or a combination of both. Beagles are known to be very good tempered. Training might prove to be a tricky task because these dogs are strong willed quite stubborn. Beagles travel in pack, being a pet dog might cause them to have anxiety.
Above is a simple overview of popular breed of dogs. In choosing a dog consider each breeds’ physical appearance, temperament and health issues. Of course, each dog should fit your lifestyle. Remember dogs should be given proper attention and care but in exchange you can have the best companion ever.
If you are thinking of adopting or buying a pet dog for yourself, it is important to know which type of dog you want. Here are a few popular dog breeds for your easy reference:
Labrador
Labradors are very outgoing dogs that have yellow, black or brown furs. Labrador are versatile dogs that have a wide range of functions. Most of them are known to retrievers and are utilized as guide dogs for the blind. They enjoy holding different objects in their mouth and are prone to chewing things. Labradors are observed to be hypersensitive and have a high regard for their territory. Their furs are water repellant thus making them perfect for waterfowl hunting. They are excellent as family dog.
German Shepherds
Germans shepherds are also known as Alsatian. Originally, they were intended to help farmers in herding their sheep or cattle. They are incredibly intelligent and very trainable. Because of their build they are often used as working dogs in the military or police community. Many are also guide dogs. German shepherds are large and strong dogs with varied fur colors. Most comes in cream, tank, white or black.
Boxer
Boxers have pointed ears that are tilted forward. They have a distinguishable white underbelly and white parts at the tip of each foot. These white regions are often called as ‘flashiness’ which sometimes extend to other parts of the body. These usually appear on the shoulders and face. Boxers are a playful and energetic breed. They are perfect as a pet for children because they have an extended puppyhood, meaning they are not considered as an adult dog until they reach the age of three. Training would not be a problem. Boxers are known to be obedient and possess a strong personality. It is advisable to train a boxer at an early age. They can sometimes be a substitute as guide dogs or police dogs.
Rotweiller
Rotweillers’ origin traced back to ancient times. Their existence has been associated with the Roman Empire as watchers for groups of cattle. Since then, their incredible strength and intelligence has been recognized. They are used as police dogs and military aides during war time. Rotweillers are black with tan spots on its cheeks, legs, chest and face. You should definitely find one too underneath their tails. They are marked with upside down triangles that can be found on the chest area. Their eyebrows have a unique spot on each one. Rotweillers are intelligent and fearless dogs. You can notice their foreheads getting a little wrinkly when they are alert. Rotties are very active and playful and are fast on learning tricks.
Poodle
Poodles can be a very good companion and are very loyal to their owners. They belong to a quiet breed of dogs that has a naturally curly fur. Their color ranges from black, grey, white, blue, apricot or brown. Training a poodle tends to require more effort compared to other breeds. They are considered as a hypoallergenic breed. They are very famous for their very nice coats. Maintenance proves to be a tedious job. Owners have to keep their hair in a manageable length so that matting and tangling is prevented.
Dachshund
Dachshunds are also referred to as sausage dogs because of their elongated build. They have short legs and pointed facial framework. Chasing and hunting are their favorite past times. Most dachshunds have crooked legs and chest compared to a barrel. Dachshunds are playful and loyal dogs that love to chase small animals like birds. Their senses are very keen and well-developed though they often exhibit shyness.
Beagle
Beagles have acquired a strong sense of smell. Because of such quality they are used for hunting animals like rabbits. They have big ears that are low set giving them that gentle look. Their furs are commonly white, black, brown or a combination of both. Beagles are known to be very good tempered. Training might prove to be a tricky task because these dogs are strong willed quite stubborn. Beagles travel in pack, being a pet dog might cause them to have anxiety.
Above is a simple overview of popular breed of dogs. In choosing a dog consider each breeds’ physical appearance, temperament and health issues. Of course, each dog should fit your lifestyle. Remember dogs should be given proper attention and care but in exchange you can have the best companion ever.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
10 Tips To Help Keep Your Pets Acting “Civil” To Each Other
Put two or more people under the same roof, and tensions occasionally flare up. If two people can't always keep the lid on emotional outbreaks, why should pets be expected to do so? Naturally, your pets will have a spat periodically. After all, they are often the only ones that know what circumstances brought it about. If one animal appears to be in danger from another, breaking up the brawl may be necessary. If your canine house-mates get into a squabble, try some of these methods to separate the animals without risking your own life or limbs:
1. Reproductive drives can be a source of fighting, especially among males, so spaying or neutering your dogs will reduce outbreaks as a result of biological urges.
2. Proper introductions and training will go a long way in preventing fights before they start.
3. Water is one of the most effective and most harmless ways to separate two dogs that have locked horns. If the dogs are outside, squirt them with a hose. If indoors, squirt them with a squirt bottle or grab the nearest plastic container and fill it with water to douse the two.
4. Give your dogs their own food dishes, beds, and toys to discourage competition that may cause them to fight.
5. Forming a hierarchy is natural to dogs. To keep your dogs from fighting, respect the hierarchy. Feed the alpha (dominant) dog first and don't give the dogs lower on the hierarchy special attention or favors in order to keep the hierarchy stable.
6. Try grabbing the dogs' collars to pull them apart. If you can't get to the collar without risk of teeth marks in your hands, try another method.
7. Some behaviorists recommend grabbing one dog's legs and lifting them up and away from the other dog. Be careful not to yank or pull so hard as to tear a muscle or injure the dog's hips or legs.
8. Use a pepper spray product that is formulated for dogs. The product will get the two dogs to stop fighting before they injure each other. Caution: Do not spray into the dog's eyes!
9. Try maneuvering the dogs into a doorway and separate them with the door.
10. Lastly, adopting or purchasing a dog known to get along with another species will save you time and energy helping each adjust to the other. A dog exposed to cats and dogs some time in his past is more likely to get along with a newcomer brought into the home, assuming the exposure was a positive one. If you obtained your dog at a shelter, ask the shelter staff if they know anything about his history and whether he came from a home that had both dogs and cats. If you purchase your dog from a breeder, inquire what other kinds of pets the breeder has.
1. Reproductive drives can be a source of fighting, especially among males, so spaying or neutering your dogs will reduce outbreaks as a result of biological urges.
2. Proper introductions and training will go a long way in preventing fights before they start.
3. Water is one of the most effective and most harmless ways to separate two dogs that have locked horns. If the dogs are outside, squirt them with a hose. If indoors, squirt them with a squirt bottle or grab the nearest plastic container and fill it with water to douse the two.
4. Give your dogs their own food dishes, beds, and toys to discourage competition that may cause them to fight.
5. Forming a hierarchy is natural to dogs. To keep your dogs from fighting, respect the hierarchy. Feed the alpha (dominant) dog first and don't give the dogs lower on the hierarchy special attention or favors in order to keep the hierarchy stable.
6. Try grabbing the dogs' collars to pull them apart. If you can't get to the collar without risk of teeth marks in your hands, try another method.
7. Some behaviorists recommend grabbing one dog's legs and lifting them up and away from the other dog. Be careful not to yank or pull so hard as to tear a muscle or injure the dog's hips or legs.
8. Use a pepper spray product that is formulated for dogs. The product will get the two dogs to stop fighting before they injure each other. Caution: Do not spray into the dog's eyes!
9. Try maneuvering the dogs into a doorway and separate them with the door.
10. Lastly, adopting or purchasing a dog known to get along with another species will save you time and energy helping each adjust to the other. A dog exposed to cats and dogs some time in his past is more likely to get along with a newcomer brought into the home, assuming the exposure was a positive one. If you obtained your dog at a shelter, ask the shelter staff if they know anything about his history and whether he came from a home that had both dogs and cats. If you purchase your dog from a breeder, inquire what other kinds of pets the breeder has.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Dog Training - The Basic Commands
There are of course many reasons for owners to want a calm, obedient and faithful dog. For one thing, obedient and trained dogs are happier dogs, less likely to get into tussles with people or with other dogs. Another reason is that many communities require that the dogs living in their neighborhoods be well trained. This is especially true for many breeds thought to have aggression and behavior problems - dog breeds like pit bulls and rottweilers for instance.
And of course, training your dog well will also make he or she a much better family companion, especially in households where there are young children. Many studies have shown that proper dog training makes a big impact when it comes to cutting down the number of dog bits and other behavior problems encountered by dog owning households.
When considering training your own dog, or having someone else help you train it, there are certain basic commands that must be mastered in order for a dog to be considered truly trained. These basic commands include:
* Heel - it is important that any dog learn to walk beside its owner on a loose lead, neither pulling ahead nor lagging behind.
* Respond to the word No - the word no is one word that all dogs must learn. Training your dog to respond to this important word can save you a ton of trouble.
* Sit - Training your dog to sit on command is a vital part of any dog training program.
* Stay - A well trained dog should remain where his or her owner commands, so stay is a very important command in dog training.
* Down - Lying down on command is more than just a cute trick; it is a key component of any successful dog training program.
Dog training does much more than just create an obedient, willing companion. Training your dog properly actually strengthens the bond that already exists between dog and handler. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack leader to tell them what to do. The key to successful dog training is to set yourself up as that pack leader.
And of course, training your dog well will also make he or she a much better family companion, especially in households where there are young children. Many studies have shown that proper dog training makes a big impact when it comes to cutting down the number of dog bits and other behavior problems encountered by dog owning households.
When considering training your own dog, or having someone else help you train it, there are certain basic commands that must be mastered in order for a dog to be considered truly trained. These basic commands include:
* Heel - it is important that any dog learn to walk beside its owner on a loose lead, neither pulling ahead nor lagging behind.
* Respond to the word No - the word no is one word that all dogs must learn. Training your dog to respond to this important word can save you a ton of trouble.
* Sit - Training your dog to sit on command is a vital part of any dog training program.
* Stay - A well trained dog should remain where his or her owner commands, so stay is a very important command in dog training.
* Down - Lying down on command is more than just a cute trick; it is a key component of any successful dog training program.
Dog training does much more than just create an obedient, willing companion. Training your dog properly actually strengthens the bond that already exists between dog and handler. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack leader to tell them what to do. The key to successful dog training is to set yourself up as that pack leader.
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