Posts Tagged ‘dog behavior’

Rearing 4-Legged Friends ” How To Control Your 4-Legged Friend While Loving It All The Same

Monday, March 1st, 2010

You will likely find this article helpful to detail the various and extensive methods to keeping your best four legged friend safe and happy for its whole life. While this mainly would pertain to the dietary choices and exercise, it will also pertain to learning how to control your dog and give it purpose for its time in your possession.

You see, dogs are man’s best friend for a good reason. They keep us happy and feeling loved, and that feeling is reciprocated by us towards them. Dogs are always there to make us smile and even laugh, and so that is something that you protect and appreciate. Caring for a dog can be tricky, because there is a lot that this entails.

Taking care of your dog begins with its diet. You see, you might know that dogs will eat just about anything they have put in front of them. They even will eat things they don’t have placed in front of them. This does not mean they should be a garbage disposal. You have to give them foods that will promote a healthy body and coat for your best friend.

Exercise is crucial to the quality of your dog’s life. You see, a dog has to burn off the energy it obtains from the food that it eats. If it is not able to do so, it might have trouble relaxing at the appropriate times. At worst, it might also encourage them to behave badly because they simply do not know what to do with itself. Taking them outside to burn off this energy is the best solution.

So how do you control your dog when it gets out of line? Many people have trouble with overly excitable dogs, and these dogs are equally as troubled. You see, any dog can become the well behaved dream pet, but it might take some tough love from you to accomplish it. You can look into some technique, but you have to think of it like raising children. You don’t let your kids do something they know is wrong, and nor should you allow your pets.

Similar to young children, dogs like to feel as though they are important to the order of things. You see, breeds like German Shepherds know that they are work dogs, and therefore they want to do things to help you and feel important. One way to accomplish this, is to allow the dog to carry items that you will use on walk in a special backpack. This will make them feel as though they have a distinct purpose.

If you have a dog, then you have the possibility of that animal contracting fleas and ticks from being out in the yard or the park. There is little that your animal can do to defend itself. What you can do is to keep him safe through the purchase of certain items that will keep him bug free, healthy and happy. So do him a favor.

Taking care of a dog is a giant responsibility, but a very rewarding one all at the same time. More than nutrition and exercise, your dog needs to be under control and under the impression that they are important to what you do. Otherwise, you can expect poor behavior. Hopefully, you can learn a thing or two about how to control your dog.

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Dog Biting Problems-As Serious As It Can Get

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

Out of all the dog behavioral problems, biting is considered to be the worst and the most serious. Even if your dog goes on the couch quite often, it might not present you as much problem as from a biting behavior. Some communities insist on putting the dog down if he bites someone severely. If your dog has a biting problem it can even mean the end of his life. So you have to take immediate action to solve the biting problem of your dog.

Of course, puppy biting problems are normal. When puppies are teething, they naturally chew on everything and everyone. Although a puppy can give you a nasty enough bite to break the skin, you probably will not be seriously injured by anything your puppy dog can dish out. Nonetheless, teething is probably when you should start tackling your dog biting problem.

Training does not mean that you have to be harsh or met out some cruel punishment. All you have to do is tell him a firm No! whenever he takes a hard bite on you. Use phrases like Bad Dog! or something that has the tone of reprimand to let him know that you are hurt from his bite.

Most often, biting problems in dogs are caused due to psychological problems. Mostly, dogs do not bite just to hurt someone. They try to bite when they want to hold on to something or they bite to warn someone of something. They also take a bit just to play. If you do not take the effort to correct the biting problem when your dog is still a puppy, then this problem might escalate to cause grave problems

But then, some dogs are naturally aggressive and bite because they are inherently temperamental. To take care of such dogs you have to send them to an obedience school.

If your dog shows biting tendencies then you have take it very seriously and get help as soon as possible from a professional dog trainer, as an average pet owner is not equipped to address this serious problem.

If you have a pooch with biting problems in your neighborhood, the best defence is to be prepared with a bottle of pepper spray that is specially formulated to combat biting dogs. Never hesitate to use the pepper spray if any dog tries to bite you. Or, you could opt for a friendlier approach by offering a beef jerky.

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How to Raise a Well-Behaved Puppy

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

Getting a puppy is always exciting. They’re adorable, they’re fun and no matter what they do, they’re cute. Unfortunately, it’s all too common for owners to let their puppy get away with things they shouldn’t because, as a puppy, it is cute. Or, the owners just don’t know what they shouldn’t and should let their puppy do. Here are the crucial things you need to make sure to do when you get a new puppy.

First, don’t take your puppy from its litter mates and mother before its eight weeks old. Those first eight weeks are important for their development. Taking a puppy too soon often leads to behavior problems in the long run.

Second, begin housebreaking your puppy right away. Don’t wait. Even if it’s only for a few days, your puppy can develop some bad potty habits that are hard to break. Also, avoid paper training if possible. I recommend teaching them to go potty outside right from the start (if that’s where they’ll be going potty in the long run.)

Third, don’t allow your puppy to playfully nip at you. This mistake is fairly common, and one you will regret. Puppies should not ever be allowed to bite hands or feet, even if it’s just playing. This includes playing underneath blankets or pillows.

Fourth, recognize that dogs still have their natural instincts, and your dog expects there to be a leader of the pack. You need to establish yourself as what is called the ‘alpha dog’.

Your puppy expects to have a pack leader. If you don’t establish yourself as the leader, they will, and it’ll cause numerous behavior problems down the road. Do a search online for more information on this if you don’t know what it is. It’s important to know and use this information.

Lastly (but definitely not least), your puppy needs to be gradually and carefully exposed to new, unfamiliar people, sounds, things, people, and so on. Do whatever you can to ensure these experiences are good ones. Bring along delicious treats and be prepare to give them lots of enthusiastic praise during the process.

I hope this article has given you some valuable insight on how to raise your puppy. Follow the advice provided and I know you’ll do a great job of raising a happy, well-behaved dog that will be a loyal companion for years.

Get more tips and tricks to train a dog at DogBehaviorExpert.com, where I provide information to solve all types of dog behavior problems.

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Have a Dog? Help Him to be Your True Best Friend

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

Are you a dog owner? If so, then you will undoubtedly agree that sharing your life with a dog has it’s shares of ups and downs. There are wonderful moments, and then there are others that are extremely challenging for all kinds of reasons. The fact remains however, that through it all, dogs are still “man’s best friend” in my opinion…it is just harder to make friends with some dogs than with others.

My current dog in an eight year old miniature schnauzer who, while a very smart and affectionate little guy, was also a bit challenging in his behavior when he first came to live with us. Not long after his arrival, we discovered that:

1. Jumped and/or growled at every visitor to our house and barked at everything.

2. Was completely and totally terrified of visiting the groomers for his monthly clipping.

What could we do? We spoke with our veterinarian and did some additional research to discover some strategies and techniques to help train him…and us as well. This article will share some of the things we learned.

1. His barking/jumping/growling problem took a little time, because as a schnauzer, he was a bit territorial like many terriers tend to be. While it was important to him to protect his territory, it was important to us to be able to have visitors to our home! So we tried many different ways to improve this: reward systems, squirting water, coins in a can, newspaper, and more. You name it, we tried it, but nothing worked. We finally discussed the situation with our vet who suggested a remote training collar. After more research, we settled on the Innotek Ultrasmart Remote Trainer for a couple of reasons. Probably most important for us, we liked that it has 9 stimulation levels so that we could very carefully control the settings to use the least amount of stimulation that would be effective. We also liked the tone-only training option, that gave us even more versatility. We also decided to get the Innotek Ultrasmart Remote Trainer, 300 yds., which provided us with a 300 yard range to be able to train from a distance. And I can say that it worked! In a very short period of time, the Innotek Ultrasmart helped our little guy to become the model doggie citizen, and our friends were now happy to visit us.

2. Achieving a stress-free grooming experience each month has involved training as well…but it was training us, not our dog. We determined that by clipping him at home each month, he would be happier and more comfortable, so we decided to purchase a good set of dog clippers. We ended up choosing the Oster A5 Turbo Clipper due to the Oster reputation for lasting years, and because of the many positive product reviews stating that they worked smoothly, quickly, and quietly, all important qualities for us. And I have to say that we could not be more pleased with how well the Oster A5 Turbo Clipper has worked out for us and for our dog. Other than it getting warm at times, which we easily solved by cleaning and changing the blades, and using Oster Kool Lube, it has worked out great. It is amazing that such a simple product that is so easy to use has made such a difference in our little dog’s life, and once we learned how to get the cut right, it has been smooth sailing for us all.

Dog ownership should be a joy, and it truly can be, even if there is some work to be done to get to that point. For us, we had some help from the Innotek Ultrasmart Remote Trainer, and the Oster A5 Turbo Clipper. But it has been so worthwhile for us to have made the investment in our time to learn how to use these simple tools. Life with and for our little schnauzer is so much better, and as a result we have been rewarded with a happy little friend whose desire to please, affection and intelligence make him the best friend anyone could want!

Find out how your dog can be trained to be a happy and well-mannered best friend. Learn more about the Innotek Ultrasmart Remote Trainer and the Oster A5 Turbo Clipper, read the reviews of the product from other happy dog owners, and see if they are what you and your dog need.

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Understanding Why Your Pooch Chews And Controlling The Behavior

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

Puppies chew as a way to explore and relate to the world around them. The activity is instinctive to them. Unfortunately, if chewing behavior is focused in the wrong direction, it can result in damaged clothes, shoes, and furniture.

It’s important to realize that adult dogs also chew, but do so for a variety of reasons that extend further than mere exploration. For example, your pooch might feel separation anxiety if you leave him alone for long periods. Or, he might be bored. This happens often when canines lack an outlet through which to expend their pent-up energy. Your pooch may also chew on your belongings as a way to get your attention.

Whatever the reasons for the destructive behavior, you can control the problem. Below, we’ll provide a few tips for training your dog to avoid chewing on your possessions.

Use A Crate

Crating your puppy is an ideal strategy for confining him when you’re unable to watch him. Not only will he come to see his crate as his personal space, but you’ll prevent him from ruining your furniture and clothes when you’re not home. If you plan to keep him crated, be sure to give him a few toys with which he can entertain himself.

Provide Chew Toys

The goal is not to eliminate your pooch’s penchant for chewing; again, that’s his way of relating to the world around him. Instead, redirect the behavior toward objects that are acceptable for him to chew.

For example, all pet supply stores sell chew toys that can keep your canine occupied. Some are rubber; others are made from durable rope; still others are designed from strong leather and rawhide. Any of these toys will keep your dog’s attention while providing the stimulation he desires.

Keep Your Departures Understated

Owners often unwittingly worsen their dogs’ separation anxiety by overstating their departures. When they return home, they’re surprised to find their furniture partially destroyed. Downplay leaving your home. The bigger fuss you make, the more likely your dog will sense that your leaving is a major event. That raises the likelihood of his chewing.

Provide An Outlet For Exercise

When canines lack an outlet for physical activity, they become bored. Moreover, their energy level remains unspent and stifled. That’s a recipe for destructive chewing. Make sure your pooch receives at least an hour of exercise each day. He’s less likely to suffer boredom and he’ll have less pent-up energy to direct toward your couch.

Offer A Swap

Puppies find chewing new objects to be irresistible. If you see your pup gnawing on something he shouldn’t be, take the item away and replace it immediately with a chew toy. Avoid getting into a tug-of-war contest with him. Instead, have a toy on hand and swap it quickly.

Some dogs love to chew almost anything they can get into their mouths. Other canines are more selective, though they can cause just as much destruction. Learn to control the problem by redirecting your dog’s chewing behavior to objects you don’t mind being destroyed.

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How To Discourage Your Dog’s Territorial Aggression

Saturday, January 23rd, 2010

Canines are hardwired to protect their territory from intruders. In most cases, they communicate a warning to others by barking; it’s a form of intimidation. If a trespasser fails to heed the warning, your pooch’s barking might turn into pacing and growling as if he is preparing for a physical confrontation. If the trespasser still refuses to leave, the pacing and growling may evolve into an attack.

If your pooch shows signs of territorial aggression, it is important to begin discouraging the behavior as soon as possible. Otherwise, your visitors’ safety might be at risk. This article will provide several tips you can use to discourage your dog from behaving aggressively over his territory.

Before Training Begins

There are a few medical conditions that can influence your canine’s tendency to act aggressively toward others. For example, hypothyroidism causes a deficiency of thyroid hormones and can lead to his feeling overly-anxious. If he becomes agitated enough, his anxiety can potentially prompt an attack.

You should also take precautions to ensure that you and your dog will not be interrupted by strangers during your training sessions. Close and lock your gates, especially if you’re training him off-leash.

Action Steps To Curb Aggressive Behavior

First, make sure your canine receives at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. That will help prevent pent-up energy from contributing to his anxiety or aggression.

Second, devote time each day to training your dog to respond to your single-word commands. Many professional trainers recommend a program that includes two or three short sessions (5 minutes per session is sufficient) each day. Whenever your canine successfully responds to your commands, provide a food treat.

In addition to these training sessions, make your pooch work for everything he desires. For example, require him to sit before serving him meals or giving him attention. Over time, your canine will learn that if he wants something, he must follow your commands to acquire it.

One of the challenges owners have with canines that are territorially aggressive is that their dogs often try to usurp the role of leader. This can be due to several factors, including a laxity toward actively curbing the aggressive behavior. To that end, it may be necessary to place a head halter on your pooch in situations that might provoke his aggression.

For example, if you’re expecting visitors with whom your dog is unfamiliar, a head halter will gently encourage him to submit to your authority. That gives your pooch an opportunity to meet new people, and be rewarded (with treats) for staying calm when others trespass on “his” territory.

The suggestions above are effective for canines whose territorial aggression is based on dominance. If the aggressive behavior is triggered by a fear-based mechanism, a modified approach including desensitization and counter conditioning is necessary. Training in such cases is focused on reducing a dog’s level of fear and changing the manner in which he perceives a potential threat. We’ll address those training issues in an upcoming article.

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Training Your Dog to Retrieve with Dog Training Aids

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

The art of persuasion is a good skill to develop when dog training. Your voice is the most important aspect of this skill. It’s important to use your dog’s name before each command, and to use a persuasive tone of voice. Keep your tone of voice low and pleasant, but also firm.

Talk constantly to your dog when dog training. When training your dog to retrieve, you’ll need to persuade him to take an item from you. Great dog training aids for this are very light dumbbells. As soon as your dog starts to take the dumbbell, immediately praise him with a happy and excited voice. And don’t forget to pet him as well.

Never become angry with your dog when dog training. Becoming angry will not help, and is likely to make your dog anxious. To make matters worse, your dog won’t understand why you’re angry with him.

Your dog always wants to please you. Keep this firmly in mind when dog training. If your dog does not understand what you want him to do straight away, come back to the art of persuasion. And exercise patience with your dog.

As soon as your dog understands what you want him to do, he will take great delight in, e.g. taking the dumbbell from you. In fact, you’ll probably find that your dog will be happy to retrieve the dumbbell from you again and again.

If your dog is having trouble understanding that you want him to take the dumbbell, gently offer him the dumbbell and if necessary, open his mouth wide enough to accommodate the dumbbell and place the dumbbell in his mouth. You may even need to close his mouth around the dumbbell.

Dog training times are a wonderful opportunity for you to spend one on one time with your dog. Dogs love this. They love training with you, but you will need to be patient at times. Your dog will not always understand what you want him to do, but as soon as he does, he will be happy to comply.

Once you have placed the dumbbell in your dog’s mouth several times, encourage your dog to take the dumbbell from your hand himself.

Once your dog is taking the dumbbell from your hand, encourage him to pick it up off the ground just in front of him. Then move the dumbbell gradually further and further away from him, and give him the command of “Fetch”.

What are the most important aspects of dog training? Discover what they are, and discover how dog training aids can help when training your dog to retrieve, to fetch, and much more.

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