Time-Tested Tips On Behavior Dog Training For Beginners

 

 
By Stephen Best
 
Having a well behaved, well mannered dog is a great joy and pleasure. While some dogs seem to "naturally" behave themselves and have a good disposition. Others need help. They need behavior dog training.
Here are four time-tested tips for behavior dog training. I remember them with the acronym "FARR".
 
1. Flexible
 
As mentioned below, while you must assume the role of the "alpha" dog in all cases, you must understand that each dog has it's own personality and the each dog breed has it's own characteristics. A specific method that works with one dog may not work with another dog. Also, whatever is causing one dog to misbehave may not be the same cause for another dog to misbehave. For example, one dog may suffer separation anxiety, become depressed and frustrated and chew things. Another dog may be jealous of a newborn baby or another dog and chew things to gain attention. You must be flexible and willing to try different methods of behavior dog training to gain the behavior that you want.
 
2. "Alpha" Dog
 
Dogs are social animals. They have a pack instinct. They look to the "alpha" dog for leadership. Have you ever noticed that when two or more dogs are together, one is the leader. When the other dog(s) start to do something that the "alpha" dog doesn't like, the "alpha" dog will growl and show his/her disapproval. The "alpha" dog might even attack the misbehaving dog. For effective dog training in general and behavior dog training in particular, you must be the leader. You must assume the role of the "alpha" dog. You cannot let your dog do whatever he/she wants to do. This is not to suggest that you attack or beat your dog, but you need to show disapproval for misbehaving. For example, say "NO" in a very stern voice.
 
3. Reward
 
Rewarding your dog will give you better and more effective results than punishing your dog. Notice that the stern "NO" mentioned above is not punishment. Punishment is hitting or beating a dog and is not acceptable. The stern "NO" is to let your dog know that you disapprove of his/her behavior. Dogs generally want to please their owners. So when your dog does something right, petting your dog, saying "Good Boy" or "Good Girl", and giving your dog a treat will make your dog feel good and encourage more of the same good behavior.
 
4. Repetition
 
Use repetition and be consistent in your behavior dog training. Dogs learn by repetition - doing the same thing over and over. When your dog does something good that you want it to do, reward your dog. Be consistent. If you reward your dog one time, but not the next, your dog may become confused. Your dog may not understand what you want him/her to do. After all, you rewarded him/her one time, but ignored the same good behavior another time. Was it good behavior the first time? Your dog may not know.
There you have it. For dog training in general and behavior dog training in particular, remember "FARR": Be Flexible, Assume the role of the "Alpha" dog, Use Rewards, and Use Repetition.

About the Author:
Find out how to quickly solve a behavior problem that your dog or puppy has by using behavior dog training. Click Here. You may reprint this article, but you must leave all links active. Copyright 2007 http://www.howtoobediencetraindog.com/.

Posted by Amanda at 5:05 PM 0 comments  

All About Dog Daycares

By Ginny Woody
 
Many dog owners, due to time constraints, face the problem of leaving their beloved dog at home for extended periods of time. Dogs are social animals and leaving them alone at home will lead to behavioural problems that are difficult to cure. Dog daycare is the ideal solution under such circumstances to keep their dog healthy both at physically and mentally.

Types of Dog daycare services offered

Generally three type types of services are available for taking care of your dog during day time. They are:

* Dog sitters

* Dog walkers

* Dog daycares

Which Type of dog daycare Service is right for your canine?

Selection of service required depends on following factors:

* Duration of time the dog has to be left alone

* Dog specific parameters such as

o Age

o Health

o Behaviour

* Cost of service

Dog sitting may be a suitable option for very young puppies or old dogs. A dog walker service can be considered for old and matured dogs and dogs that are to be left alone for reasonably shorter durations.

Dog Daycares will be the best solution for a majority of dogs. Dog daycares are cost effective and help your dog in socialising with other canines. Remember that the well being of all the dogs at the facility is the most important factor, so aggressive dogs or dogs with behaviour problems generally will not be accepted by dog daycares.

Services offered by dog daycares:

Dog daycares offer a wide range of services for the well being of your pet dog. The services offered include:

* Scientifically designed dog exercise routines

* Group play and socialising routines with other dogs of similar size and nature

* Veterinary doctor attention and services, as desired or required

* Dog training facilities

* Personal attention by well trained professionals

* Dog grooming services

Selecting a dog daycare facility:

Increasing demand for dog daycares requirement has resulted in the increase in number of such day care facilities. Some well known dog daycares operate throughout the country by franchise arrangement, offering similar quality and type of services everywhere.
With so many operators in the market, selecting a suitable one becomes tough and certain tips for choosing right dog daycares for your pet dog are:

* Preliminary screening

Collect all possible information about facilities available from various sources

o Consult friends and relatives for their opinion on specific dog daycares

o The Internet is a good source to get preliminary information on day care centres near your area

o Veterinary doctors and pet stores can give information on good dog daycares

* Evaluating specific dog daycares
Select a final few based on the preliminary screening and contact them to get specific information to help in making a final decision. Your dog's health and hygiene should be the primary consideration in the final selection

o Information on service offered

o Number of years in service

o Credentials of personnel

o Personal inspection of the dog daycares facility

o Hygiene and cleanliness

o Types of exercises provided

o Veterinary doctor support

o Type and number of dogs served

o Dog to trainer ratio in the facility

o Transportation facility for you dog for and to the facility

o Timings for leaving and pickup in the dog daycare

o Security arrangement

o Arrangement for emergency handling

o Cost information
* Things to note during personal inspection

Often dog daycares promise many things to attract clientele. The purpose of personal inspection is to check the actual facts with the promises made.

o Check for any bad odor in the facility

o General surrounding and appearance

o Food and water quality

o Frequency and method of cleaning (If they use Wysiwash Dog Kennel Cleaner in their facility, you can be assured of cleanliness of the dog daycare facility)

o Complete a visual check the health and temperament of the dogs handled by them

o ObAscertain the people behaviour with dogs
Dog related issues

After deciding on the dog daycares facility, specific factors about you dog has to be discussed in detail for the welfare of your dog. The information shared should include the following:

* Immunization requirements for your dog

Many dog daycares require your dog to be vaccinated for rabies, DHLPP and kennel cough. Specific flea control programs are also recommended by some centers.

* General behavioural pattern of your dog

* Food habits

* Medicines required

* Contact person and address in case of emergency
Dog daycares, if identified and selected properly can help your dog remain healthy and sociable. Good dog daycares can also help in providing advice for the general well-being of your dog.

About the Author:
Ginny Woody is a dog lover and web designer with over 10 years experience in pet related industries.
Interested in products designed for dog boarding and dog daycare facilities? Visit the Dog Kennel and Equipment Sanitizer website - http://wysiwash.com/kennelcleaning.html

Posted by Amanda at 9:26 AM 0 comments  

Fearful Dog - Dog at the Vet

 

 
By Rena Murray
 
Many a proud and assertive dog suddenly melts into jelly as a fearful dog when you take him to that dreaded appointment -- dog at the vet! Just as children (and adults) dislike or fear going to the doctor's office, there is much dog fear of vet. Yours does not have to be a generally fearful dog, simply one who feels threatened by the cool efficiency of all these strangers who hustle around in this cold, sterile place with so many scents of fear!... and especially if a dog muzzle is unceremoniously shoved over the dog's face!
My rescued Border Collie is obediently, but he certainly does not love it at the vet, and is quite eager to return to the car. Most people just rush in there, get the thing done, then get out... and that is scary for a dog! I always prepare my dog in advance.
So before you go, first check your own attitude. Come in feeling good, exuding confidence and a carefree attitude of "business as usual, no big deal." That will calm and reassure your dog.
But he, too, must come in feeling good. Give him fun outings, so going to the car to this place is just another of your outings to him. Make sure he is relaxed even before getting in the car by giving him proper exercise -- such as running him on a bike or roller blading. Make sure he has had a bowel movement if at all possible, because you want him comfortable.
Then you need to address the situation at the vet's office itself. One of the reasons dogs do not often like to go to the vet is because the veterinarian is always in a rush... and so are the staff. That can feel threatening.
Every dog (especially a fearful dog) should be allowed time to become familiar with the scent of the veterinarian, staff, and vet environment. He needs some positive time with them in advance of exam time if at all possible. Try to introduce him in a fun way and give him time to adjust to the vet and staff before you actually take him there for an official visit and exam. Just knowing them in advance will provide reassurance to ease your dog's fears... even if they are then moving quickly and efficiently in "work mode" (just as you might do during your own work day, so even that might be familiar to the dog).
If your dog is extremely fearful and requires a dog muzzle, take your time in introducing one. Introduce it on a day prior to the vet appointment, at some place else where the dog is not so stressed and is having fun. Take your time introducing the dog muzzle. It may take thirty minutes, but it is worth it to make the fearful one surrender to the muzzle. This way, she will not fear it any more and will see that it means no harm. Then when vet appointment time comes, go early and, by advance arrangement with the staff, start on this process at a calm, leisurely pace -- not the frenetic pace of a normal in-and-out, get-it-done, office visit.
Cannot get a dog muzzle on? Here are two important dog behavior tips.
1. Get an obedience dog trainer with muzzle experience to help in advance of the vet visit or to go with you. Have the professional restrain the dog while she releases her frustration -- by holding the scruff of the dog's neck, or the loose skin on the sides of her neck under her jaw. A skittish dog often screams the first time this procedure is done, so do not panic if such occurs. (That is all the more reason to acclimate her to the dog muzzle in advance.)
2. Remember to make your dog face his or her fear. The more you give in to her fear displays, the worse it will be. Never let the dog go when she is nervous, as that is when most dog bites occur. Fear bites. They can be nasty. So just stay in your control position until your dog calms down and you accomplish your goal.
It is the same thing always in dog training and dog relationships. Fearful dog or not, YOU must be a firm, consistent, persistent Leader. Never let go when the dog throws a tantrum (or you will be bitten), and always maintain your position until the dog is calm. The dog must see that you will not be the "first to look away" (hence, lose), but that you remain immovable until you accomplish your goal. Such leadership will comfort, reassure, and restore your fearful dog more than anything else -- even at the vet!

About the Author:
Fearful Dog Problem? Ask Rena Murray at http://www.pawpersuasion.com/contact.php for Coaching! This Dog Behaviorist-Obedience Dog Trainer blends best of the Dog Whisper Behavior and other methods in no-nonsense Articles and FREE Newsletter at www.PawPersuasion.com . Suspect a medical problem? Get expert Veterinarian insight - http://www.pawpersuasion.com/health.php

Posted by Amanda at 9:16 AM 0 comments  

Nutrition For Dogs - Dog Food Ingredients

By Gary Neale
 
First we need to recognize that nutrients are not the same thing as ingredients. It's not the combination of ingredients that determines the quality of your dog's diet and whether or not the dog's nutritional needs are being met, it's the blend of nutrients. The ingredients in dog food only have to do with digestibility and palatability. A given dog food can contain certain ingredients that have no nutritional value or that can't be digested by your dog. You can find two different dog foods that may both seem to nutritious, but one may have ingredients that are better for your specific breed of dog. You should discuss your dog's nutritional requirements with your vet in order to select a diet that provides everything needed.
Healthy feeding habits should start as soon as you bring your dog home! Your dog's diet influences such things as health status, appearance, development and attitude. The way you feed your dog will affect certain behavioral aspects like, potty training and begging. When your dog is a puppy, it is very important to prevent it from gaining a lot of weight, which may contribute to the likelihood of obesity and its related health problems as they age.
Since dogs come in all sizes and shapes, there are specific foods available that you should consider depending upon if it's a small breed, large breed, puppy or adult. The nutritional needs of dogs will change as they age depending on how active they are. For instance, small dogs tend to require more calories per pound than larger dogs and thus need a dog food that provides a lot of energy.
As of late, many dog owners have become seriously concerned about the safety of commercial pet food. With all the recent pet food recalls, many more dog owners are starting to prepare their own nutritious dog foods. There is more than a little concern about how poorly regulated the pet food industry is concerning preservatives. Commercial dog food makers add all kinds of chemicals to keep their foods from deteriorating while setting on the grocery store shelves. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Official Publications lists 35 known preservatives being used by commercial dog food companies. Some of these have no restriction on amount that can be added to your dog's food. Chemicals such as Butylated Hydroxyanisole and Ethoxyquin have controversial safety reputations at best.
Many of the commercial dog food formulations contain meat and bone meal, which has been shown to contain the remains of euthanized cats and dogs. These dead animal bodies are sent to rendering plants, along with road kill and dead live stock. At the plants they are boiled down to get the fat, which is sold to dog food manufacturers as "animal fat." The leftover animal parts are dried, crushed and sold to the same manufacturers as "meat and bone meal." Knowing this, many dog owners have put their pets a on raw diet or started making their own homemade dog food.
Those who advocate raw diets say it is the most natural because canines in the wild are carnivores and have survived and thrived for millions of years. They indicate that ever since commercial dog food appeared on the scene about 60 years ago, the increase in dysplasia, allergies and other health conditions in dogs has increased dramatically. However, proponents of homemade dog food say that dogs are actually omnivores and they need the nutritional benefits of grain. They intimate that dog owners who use only raw food are depriving their dogs of valuable nutrients. In addition, with homemade foods you can be creative while making your own healthy dog food. Proponents of homemade food report the activity as a fun way to feel even closer to their dogs. Especially if they really like what you make. And the debate goes on.

About the Author:
Garry Neale is and avid dog enthusiast and creator of the popular e-book, "The Dog Lovers Guide", a FREE dog owners handbook you can download at no cost from his Dog Lover Website.

Posted by Amanda at 9:08 AM 0 comments  

Where Did Pets Come From? Dog Poem

Where Did Pets Come From?

And Adam said, "Lord, when I was in the garden, you walked with me every day. Now I do not see you anymore. I am lonesome here and it is difficult for me to remember how much you love me."
And God said, "No problem! I will create a companion for you that will be with you forever and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will know I love you, even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish and childish and unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourself."
And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam. And it was a good animal. And God was pleased.
And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and he wagged his tail. And Adam said, "But Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and all the good names are taken and I cannot think of a name for this new animal."
And God said, "No problem! Because I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG."
And Dog lived with Adam and was a companion to him and loved him. And Adam was comforted. And God was pleased. And Dog was content and wagged his tail.
After a while, it came to pass that Adam's guardian angel came to the Lord and said, "Lord, Adam has become filled with pride. He struts and preens like a peacock and he believes he is worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught him that he is loved, but no one has taught him humility."
And the Lord said, "No problem! I will create for him a companion who will be with him forever and who will see him as he is. The companion will remind him of his limitations, so he will know that he is not worthy of adoration."
And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam. And Cat would not obey Adam.
And when Adam gazed into Cat's eyes, he was reminded that he was not the supreme being. And Adam learned humility.
And God was pleased. And Adam was greatly improved.
And Cat did not care one way or the other.
Author - Unknown

Posted by Amanda at 8:48 AM 0 comments  

Four Legged Friend, Dog Poem

Four Legged Friend

You come to me a blessing I know Lent to me from above To teach me to soft a kind And giving of all mankind How I look in those bright brown eyes my hearts melts or so sweet and kind I treasure you know But your job so big and mine so small For I know nothing of forgives to some of mankind and you only in return ask for a pat or game of flecth , meal and water I will do this with out a problem for you touch my heart and soul but my four legged friend If you teach me the unconditional love as you have I know the world can be a better place this written by a friend as a Welcome gift to Cigale my new puppy friend please donot take it unless you ask
 
Author - Unknown

Posted by Amanda at 8:46 AM 0 comments  

Loyalty - Dog Poem

Loyalty

You can't buy loyalty,they say,
I bought it though,the other day
You cant buy friendships,tried and true
Well just the same,I bought that too.
I made my bid and on spot
Brought love and faith and a whole job lot
Of happiness,so all in all
The purchase price was pretty small
I bought a single trusting heart,
that gave devation from the start
If you think these things are

NOT FOR SALE

Buy a brown-eyed puppy with a wagging tail

 

Author - Unknown

Posted by Amanda at 8:43 AM 0 comments  

Stray's Prayer - Poem

Stray's Prayer

Dear God, please send me somebody who'll care! I'm tired of running, I'm sick with despair. My body is aching, it's so racked with pain, and dear God I pray, as I run in the rain. That someone will love me and give me a home, a warm cozy bed and a big juicy bone.
My last owner tied me all day in the yard Sometimes with no water, and god that was hard. So I chewed my leash, and God I ran away. To rummage in garbage and live as a stray. But now God, I'm tired and hungry and cold, and I'm so afraid that I'll never grow old.
They've chased me with sticks and hit me with stones, while I run the streets just looking for bones! I'm not really bad, God, please help if you can, or I have become just a "Victim of Man!" I'm wormy dear God and I'm ridden with fleas, and all that I want is an Owner to please!
If you find one for me God, I'll try to be good, and I won't chew their shoes, and I'll do as I should. I'll love them, protect them and try to obey.... when they tell me to sit, to lie down or to stay! I don't think I'll make it too long on my own, cause I'm getting so weak and I'm so all alone.
Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry, cause I'm so afraid God, that I'm gonna die. And I've got so much love and devotion to give, that I should be given a new chance to Live! So dear God, please answer my prayer, and send me someone who will REALLY care..
That is, Dear God, if YOU'RE REALLY there!
 
Author - Unknown

Posted by Amanda at 8:41 AM 0 comments  

A Dog's Soul - Poem



A Dog's Soul

Every dog must have a soul, somewhere deep inside Where all his hurts and grievances are buried with his pride.
Where he decides the good and bad, the wrong way from the right, And where his judgement carefully is hidden from our sight.
A dog must have a secret place, where every thought abides, A sort of close acquaintance that he trusts in and confides.
And when accused unjustly for himself, He cannot speak, Rebuked, He finds within his soul, the comfort he must seek.
He'll love, tho'he is unloved, and he'll serve tho'badly used, And one kind word will wipe away the times when he's abused.
Altho' his heart may break in two, his love will still be whole, Because God gave to every dog an understanding Soul!

Author - Unknown

Posted by Amanda at 8:37 AM 0 comments