Archive for the Category »Dog Training «

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Many dogs suffer from the unfortunate condition of hip dysplasia. It’s a disease that is causing many pet owners to turn to FlexPet for help to ease their pets’ pain. Here are the key parts of a great article from The Big Paw Blog about the degenerative joint disease that affects so many of our canine friends.

They explain how the malformation of the hip joint causes arthritis, which becomes increasingly debilitating as dogs age. Large breed dogs are more at risk than smaller dogs and those that are overweight are at even a greater risk. Several factors may play a role in the development of the condition. Here are some of the breeds that may be genetically predisposed to abnormal development of the hip joint: 

  • German Shepherds
  • Great Danes
  • Mastiffs
  • Rottweilers
  • St. Bernards
  • Labrador Retrievers
  • Bulldogs
  • Golden Retrievers  

 

Abnormal wear and erosion of the joint can occur in one or both hips. Symptoms usually don’t become apparent until the dog reaches middle age or older. 

Here are some symptoms of hip dysplasia:

  • Stiffness/Pain/Limping
  • Difficulty getting up from a resting position.
  • Problems going up and down stairs or getting in and out of a car.  

 

The Big Paw Blog suggest that dogs suffering from canine hip dysplasia should be kept indoors where it is warm during the winter months since cold can aggravate the condition making pain and stiffness worse. You can also help your pet at home by trying to eliminate any unnecessary need for climbing or jumping. If canine hip dysplasia is fairly advanced in your pet, you may want to consider a ramp so that he doesn’t need to try and climb stairs. Talk with your veterinarian since he or she will be able to make the best suggestions and answer any questions you may have about treatment options.

Read the entire article on the <a rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank” href=””The”>http://site.bigpawdesigns.com/blog/?p=168””>The Big Paw Blog.

FlexPet is an all-natural Joint Pain Supplement for dogs and cats. The primary component of FlexPet is CM8™, which relieves joint pain at its source, reduces inflammation and irritation of the joints and tissues. It has been helpful for many pets suffering from joint pain and stiffness caused by aging, canine arthritis or feline arthritis.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs-1456537.html

Related posts:

  1. Hip Dysplasia and your Dog
  2. Dog Retinal Dysplasia Disorder
  3. Hip and Joint Support For Dogs

Canine Separation Anxiety and How to Solve It

If your dog seems to go over the top with barking and howling when left alone, he may be suffering from canine separation anxiety.This can be a severe condition that can cause suffering to your dog and your house. Canine separation anxity is a medical condition that should not be ignored. Good behavioral techniques are needed here to help your pet.

Separation anxiety is represented by a dog’s nervous reaction to their owner being away from them for a period of time, even if it is only in a different room. What is happening is the dog’s level of anxiety and excitement is unbalanced.

Canine separation anxiety is more often spotted in the younger and older dogs. It is often seen in the rescue dog who, having been abandoned once, doesnt trust that it wont happen again.

If you are suffering because your pet is suffering and need help fast see help with canine separation anxiety

A dog can get used to spending too much time with you and this can lead to separation anxiety. Whether you take your dog to the store with you, stay at home with them majority of the time or take them on vacation. A dog that is used to you being around but is suddenly left alone may get separation anxiety as a result, worried that you are not coming back for them.

This condition in dogs is similar to when we leave our children at daycare and they cling to us not wanting us to leave them. A child specialist would probably say, let your child know that you are going to work and will be back soon. Dogs need the same assurances.

Your dogs separation anxiety can be anything from mild to severe. You will probably find there reaction will be obvious within about 30 minutes. Signs of distress or general separation anxiety can range from chewing, scratching at furniture, doors,and other items to defacating in the house. Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety may chew on your doors, window seals or anything they can find.

Click if you are desperate to solve canine separation anxiety

You can consider a number of steps to deal with this including medication. You must remember that your dog is not doing this on purpose. Your dog is dealing with its stress in the only way it knows.Punishment is not an option.It will make the problem worse and you could end up with a timid dog that is frightened of everything

A few steps that may help your pet to deal with their separation anxiety include, making departures and arrivals a non-event, leave your dog something that has your smell to keep with them, establish a word or phrase that you always say when leaving your dog. Animals associate these repetitive words with your actions and they will eventually realize that you will come back. Try a few test runs and pick up your keys and pretend to leave as they can help them deal with their anxiety if they know that you are returning.

You could try leaving your pet with a friend or family member or trying doggy daycare.Drugs can be used as a last resort and if chewing is problematic,leave them something innocent to chew on.

Dogs love their owners and are attached to us just like our kids. You need to assure them that you are not leaving them for good and will be backCanine separation anxiety can be improved but in the short term it can be a very worrying condition for the dog and its owner.

If you are suffering because your pet is suffering and need help fast see help with canine separation anxiety

Related posts:

  1. Dog Separation Anxiety
  2. Dog Separation Anxiety
  3. Facts About Dog Separation Anxiety and How to Stop It

Home Treatments for Pets – Natural Remedies for Cats and Dogs

In the last few years, it has become obvious that the use of commercial drugs is not always the safest way to treat your pets’ ailments. This does not mean that you should never take them to the veterinarian. What it does mean is there are some symptoms that can safely be treated at home, avoiding the risks associated with prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Vets realize that these harsh drugs can be harmful. They are beginning to recommend natural treatments when they know it is a good option. Do not put your animals’ long-term health at risk by using these types of drugs when there are alternative natural treatments for many of your dogs and cats disorders.

Pet owners are more often choosing to treat their pets with natural remedies, most of which can be found in your own home. Not only are they more readily available, they are also a lot less expensive.

Did you know that vitamin E is soothing to the skin? If your pet has ear mites just mix a little bit of mineral or almond oil with the vitamin E and apply it to the ears. This will not only kill the mites it will also soothe the skin irritation that is caused by the mites. Your pet will be very grateful for the relief.

Garlic is another example of a natural remedy and can sometimes be used in place of prescription drugs to treat heartworms in your dog. It is also very effective for repelling fleas and other known parasites. When using garlic to treat your cat or dog, always cook it thoroughly. Raw garlic can be harmful to your pet. I have a friend that has made cooked garlic a regular ingredient in her cats’ food.

There are all types of over-the-counter medications for everything from fleas to diarrhea but why use these toxic remedies when you can use an effective and natural product found in your home.

We want the best and safest treatments for ourselves so why would we treat our beloved pets any differently.

Are you making the right treatment decisions for the safety of your cat or dog? I have not always made the best choices in the treatment of my dog’s ailments, but I am changing all of that. From now on, it is natural home remedies whenever possible. Consider doing the same by visiting Home Remedies for Cats and Dogs at http://mypawsnclaws.info.
Enjoy your dog or cat and treat them well. They can have a happy and healthy life with your help.

Deborah is an advocate for dog and cat healthcare and training and enjoys sharing resources that will provide the information needed to give your pet the best life possible. In doing so, she has created relationships with certain experts and in recommending their products may receive compensation for doing so.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/home-treatments-for-pets-natural-remedies-for-cats-and-dogs-1457000.html

Related posts:

  1. Natural Remedies for Dogs
  2. Natural Pet Care … Dairy Goats, Dogs and Cats … What?
  3. Old Dog Incontinence: Can Natural Remedies For Dogs Help?

Maintaining the Physical and Mental Conditioning of your Dog Through Labrador Training

 

Depending on your dog’s physical needs, you need to guarantee that it is kept physically trim and mentally fit through Labrador training. Labs are dogs of high intelligence and need good stimuli round the clock, or rather, even if their trainers-handlers are not with them.

Interactive games that help you spend time bonding with each other are a fun way to learn routine tasks and basic commands. These tips spell out retrieval exercises for the dog which you can check out in your own home:

The first exercise, called Fetch, starts by getting the dog to sit, and throwing the dog’s pet item—like a treat or toy—some meters away from both of you. Get your dog to fetch, if it runs, follow by a few meters behind.

Give and Take is the next part of the activity. As the dog picks up the toy, run away so that the dog pursues after you. When the dog catches up, turn to it and put one hand out, telling it to “give” you the toy. As the dog does so, reward it with a treat from the other hand.

Keep up the practice and play with the dog over the weeks, bit by bit adding to the distance that the dog has to bring the bone over. If your dog gets shows signs of not enjoying the game anymore, stop in order to sustain the motivation of your dog. The next time the dog is ready for play, try throwing things for discarding like an old shoe or a slipper. But this time, you need to call out “Fetch the slipper” as you throw the item. You also should not change the items too fast, otherwise the dog will not have a reasonable amount of time to learn what are the name of the items. Due to your Labrador training, soon enough your dog may be able to retrieve items for you as you name or call it.

Lastly, food is of course the one creative element of your dog’s daily routine that, if used inventively, can keep your dog amused for endless hours.

Rather than just feeing your dog from its bowl, try adding a new twist to how you feed it by hiding the dog’s food in small portions all over the house, allowing the dog to hunt for it by sniffing it out. Kongs are examples of toys effective at keeping dogs preoccupied for hours and hours with food puzzles. Activity balls sort of work in the same way as kongs, but instead use small dry treats or food. Place a handful of treats inside, and watch the dog roll the ball in the floor to get more treats.

Related posts:

  1. Labrador Training as a Way to Teach A Dog Better Recall
  2. Why Labrador Training Can Help You Have a Better Lab
  3. Why Labrador Training Matters for Your House Pet

My Dog Won’t Come to Me When I Call Him

You are trying to get your dog to come to you when you call him, but he does not have a clue what you are saying to him or even know for sure you are even talking to him. After all, he is a dog, right? You need to get him to understand you and there are ways to do this.

I have learned that there are a lot of things that can contribute to this problem.

  • Does your dog know his name? If not, this is a major part of the problem. Start using his name frequently and give some love by means of petting or scratching him. A meal or an occasional treat works also. He will begin to recognize his name and associate it with something pleasant.
  • Does your dog know what you are trying to say? You can’t seem to get him to come so you add another word to the command. “PETEY, COME!” Next thing you know, you are chasing him because he still won’t come. Now he thinks this is a game so he keeps dodging you. When you finally give up and he eventually comes near you, you use a stern voice to reprimand him. Uh, Oh, now he associates “PETEY, COME” with “I’m in trouble, better get out of here!”
  • Does your dog enjoy his surroundings? Sometimes a dog just goes into his own world, and as I say, “smells the roses”. We, as people, do the same thing. Get his attention by petting him and saying the word come when he notices you. Giving him a treat while doing this will get him used to hearing the word and associating it with something good.
  • Make eye contact with your dog and tell him to come. Sometimes it is necessary to keep him on a lead, especially if you are outside. As you say come, gently pull him toward you. After he has reached you, offer him a toy or cookie, along with a lot of petting and “atta boys”. Try not to end playtime too soon or he will associate come with the end of a good time.
  • Once your dog associates come with good things, do not confuse him by asking him to come to scold him for something. Always keep in mind that your tone of voice can put a different feel to the word. Always keep your voice pleasant, when possible. We want him to know that he is safe when he is near you and that if he comes to you all is forgiven.
  • DO NOT use this command if you are going to do something unpleasant (in his eyes, of course). If you are going to bathe him or clip his toe nails, you need to go get him. This will help to keep the come word positive.
  • Your body language is an important factor when training your dog to come. Just like people, dogs will associate your body language with your mood. If for instance your arms are crossed and you are standing tall, your dog can associate this with being angry. Stay relaxed and your dog will be relaxed and respond better.
  • If you are training your dog to come with treats, let him come all the way to you. Do not reach out and offer him the treat. Hold the treat next to your leg and make him come all the way to you for it.

Once you have trained your dog to come, it is easier to go on to other training techniques.

Are you making these mistakes while attempting to break your puppy or dog of bad behavior? I hate to admit it but I once made them myself. We all need to learn how to train our pets without causing stress to them or ourselves. Your dog relies on you to teach him the rules, and in doing so, he will be the best friend you and your family will ever have. Learn how to train your dog by going to Secrets to Dog Training at http://goodpuppydog.info/. Make your pet a welcome addition to your family.

Deborah is an advocate for dog and cat health care and training and enjoys sharing resources that will provide the information needed to give your pet the best life possible. In doing so, she has created relationships with certain experts and in recommending their products may receive compensation for doing so.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/my-dog-wont-come-to-me-when-i-call-him-1457062.html

Related posts:

  1. A Dog Crate Is More Than Just A Place To Call Home
  2. Making Dog Crates Or Dog Cages Places For Dogs To Call Home
  3. Get Your Dog to Come On Command

Police Dog Training

police dog training

Selecting the right dog for police dog training, and practicing proper police dog training techniques is extremely important. The following paragraphs will give some useful tips for selecting the right dog for police dog training, and provide some basic police dog training tips.

The most important thing to remember when selecting a dog for police dog training, you must choose a dog that you can successfully bond with. All future police dog training is reliant upon the bond you will share with your new partner. The success of police dog training depends highly upon the bond between the dog and the trainer, and the trainer’s ability to make the dog understand things until they become instinct to the dog. Being decisive and firm are important, but making the dog understand what you expect of him requires a bond.

A dog cannot ask questions when he is confused about some aspect of his police dog training, and a good bond between the dog and his trainer will help to enable the trainer to know when the dog is confused.

Something to remember enforcing police dog training is never punish the dog unnecessarily. Since dogs have little sense of logical reasoning, any displeasure during police dog training should be displayed only immediately after the infraction.

If you are not sure the dog understood exactly was was expected of him, you should not punish him during police dog training. On the other hand, deliberate disobedience during police dog training must be handled immediately.

When assisting in police dog training, you should always use kindness to reward your dog for success. You should never be unkind to the dog, unless you are positive that being unkind to the dog for a short period will prevent necessary unkindness at a later stage in police dog training. You should reward your dog for everything that is done well during police dog training.

Finally, you should always end your police dog training sessions with your dog on a good note. Never wrap the police dog training session up if the dog has just made a mistake. Police dog training sessions should always wrap up on a good note, like letting the dog do something he likes, then ending the session.

What is the best Dog Breed as Guard Dog

guard dog

While most dogs do this naturally, some dog breeds are especially inclined towards this task. Guarding duty varies in the level of protection provided by dogs, such as being watchdogs or alarm dogs, guard dogs, and attack dogs.

Watchdogs or alarm dogs simply warn their owners by barking vigorously when anything out of the ordinary occurs, such as strangers who are passing by too close to the vicinity of the owners’ homes. Guard dogs go one step further by having the ability to restrain intruders and attacking upon the instructions of their owners. Attack dogs are more vicious, and are trained to attack intruders on sight.

While watchdogs may provide sufficient warning to their owners, they usually do not have the ability to guard or act against an intruder. Meanwhile, attack dogs can become unsafe if not properly trained or handled. Guard dogs offer a comfortable medium between the two types, and are suitable for those who wish to protect their homes without the risk of injuring or killing anyone, even intruders.

There are many dog breeds that can be trained as guard dogs, but these are the most common ones used for their natural guarding ability:

1. Rottweiler

Rottweilers make great guard dogs and family companions. Their protective instincts ensure their immediate action once a family or ‘pack’ member is threatened by an intruder or a dangerous action. Massive in size, these dogs grow to a height of 24 to 27 inches (61 to 69 cm) and weigh between 93 to 110 pounds (42 to 50 kg).

Rottweilers are good guard dogs because of their alertness and wait-and-see attitude. They do not usually bark unnecessarily until and unless they see any harm is about to come upon their owners or the territory that they are guarding. They are quick learners but nevertheless, need firm handling and discipline due to their strong-willed nature.

2. Doberman

Standing tall at a height between 24 to 28 inches (61 to 71 cm) and weighing anywhere from 71 to 100 pounds (32 to 45 kg), Dobermans are well-known for their fierce temperament, making them excellent guard dogs. These dogs are increasingly being used in both the military and police force because of their obedience, intelligence, highly trainable attitude and ability to handle human assailants. Despite their ferocious reputation, Dobermans are actually loving and affectionate pets, willing to do anything for their owners.

3. German Shepherd

German Shepherds have been termed by some as one of the best guard dogs and family companion. Their gentle nature, especially with children, should not be misconstrued as a lack of capability to be fierce when necessary. Highly intelligent, these dogs are obedient and are able to attack and release on command. German Shepherds are known for their courage and protectiveness when it comes to their owners. However, because of their affection and dependence on their owners, German Shepherds are prone to separation anxiety, even if left alone for a few hours.

4. Bull Mastiff

Bull Mastiffs are crossbreeds composed of 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. Their appearance alone is intimidating. These dogs are tall, standing at a height between 25 and 27 inches (63 and 69 cm), and heavy, weighing from 110 to 130 pounds (50 to 60 kg). Wonderful guard dogs, Bull Mastiffs usually knock intruders down and stand above them, baring their teeth and growling threateningly.

Because of their sheer size, Bull Mastiffs also serve as guard dogs by preventing aggressors from moving past them. These dogs are fiercely loyal to their people and regard strangers warily. Hence, early socialization is crucial to ensure that Bull Mastiffs do not become aggressive against people they do not know.

Guard dogs are trained to protect their owners against intruders and aggression. Yet, they may have a tendency to become overprotective, even with strangers who cause no harm or threat. Owners should therefore ensure sufficient training and socialization of their guard dogs in order to prevent occurrences such as unwarranted domineering behavior, bites and attacks.

Stopping Your Dog From Barking

My wife has a Yorkshire terrier. He’s a year and a half old and is called Monty. We got him as a puppy last year and he was never really a barker, which was good as Yorkies can be a bit yappy.

However, just a few months ago things changed – if he heard any noise outside, he started barking. Our house is in a very quiet residential area – so any external traffic is usually audible. Certainly, it’s not all bad. If an intruder tries to enter your property for example, then a little advance warning is a good thing. Unfortunately, Monty kept on barking for quite some time after the “threat” disappeared. It got annoying pretty quickly.

Luckily for us, one of my wife’s friends had encountered a similar problem with her own dog and was able to advise how she had remedied her problem. Acting upon her advice, my wife decided to treat the problem before we all went insane – or Monty met with an premature end. What she did was to get a bottle of mineral water – one of those ones with the “sports” type cap. Whenever Monty started barking at some external threat, real or imagined, she splashed a small amount of water on him, said that he was naughty and shook the bottle in his face. She didn’t shout at him. He was disciplined firmly but quietly.

As it transpired, she only had to actually splash him two or three times at most. After that all she did was to shake the bottle at him and squeeze it so that it produced a crinkling sound. That was good enough for Monty. It took only three days to produce a noticable reduction in his barking. After training Monty for a week in this manner the barking problem was fully resolved.

The added bonus was that Monty’s therapy was not only extremely effective, but also selective. External noises no longer trigger a prolonged barking session – but if anyone comes to the front door, or the doorbell rings, he still barks. I’m quite confident that my wife could eliminate this barking if she wanted, by using precisely the same technique – but we don’t mind it, especially bearing in mind that he doesn’t keep up the barking after the initial stimulus has been investigated.

So, if your dog is a problem barker, you might want to try the water bottle treatment. It’s humane and it seems to be fast acting and effective. There are other ways to stop your dog barking of course, but this one is well worth a try in the first instance.

 

Related posts:

  1. 5 Tips for Stopping Dog Barking Problems
  2. Dog Bark Collar – Stopping Barking Dogs
  3. stop dog barking.

How to House Train a Dog

how to house train a dogHow to house train a dog is still your question? A dog that wont run outside and bark at every person that walks past your house, a dog that won’t pee on your carpet, a dog that wont bite your ankles as you walk past.

Here you are, following is 3 very important training tips that will make your dog completely house trained.

1. Don’t change your dogs sleeping, eating or potty locations. If you mix up these locations your dog will become confused and not know where to go to the toilet etc.

Keep the NO areas consistent. Before you even go to the pet store to buy a dog you should know where the do can and cannot go. Make it clear from the very start otherwise house training your dog can take much longer then you want.

2. Catch your dog in the act. This is one of the most important rules to house train your dog. If you are training your dog to not go to the toilet inside you need to catch your dog in the act. Even if it means following them around the house.

Dogs usually go to the toilet after they eat, after they sleep or after they play. If your dog is sniffing around the house, follow them because they are more then likely about to make a nice stain on your carpet.

3. Do it yourself. Another important step. You need to house train your dog yourself. Doing the training yourself will give you and your dog a much better relationship and you will understand each other much better.

This does not mean other people cannot tell your dog what to do, or teach your dog tricks. It just means you should do the majority of the dog training yourself. Set aside 30 minutes a day to really teach your dog new commands like sit, stay, come etc.

House training your dog from a younger age will always be advantage but this doesn’t mean and old do can’t learn new tricks.

These are the most important factors in house training your dog. However you must remember there are many other points to consider to successfully house train a dog. Different dogs will learn your specific house rules at different rates but the most import thing is to not give up and do not let your dog get away with bad habits.

Everyone Loves Dogs

I love dog.Why do I love them so mcuh?  I see dogs as having many qualities such as they like human companions; they are loyal friend and they are playful and fun.

There are many types of dogs.  You have the small cute type such as Chihuahua and Maltese, and the big one like the Irish Wolf Hound.  There are plenty for one to choose from.It does not matter if you have a big or small dog.  They are all the same.  All dogs want attention and plenty of love.They need to be trained, discipline and groomed.

Some do not chew bones and need owner to help them with cleaning their teeth.Chewing action helps clean the plaque off the dog’s teeth.  And if the dog decide not to chew, then the owner will have to help clean the teeth instead.  This is important because the plaque in the teeth will cause the tooth to decay and eventually cause gum disease, or even trigger the dog intestinal parasites and cause infection.Who say it is easy having a dog.

Did you know that some dogs, such as the Bearded Collies, will prefer rather to laze around inside all day.  And they seem to be appearing like low energy dogs.  But the moment you get them outside, they are like dynamos that keep going like the Energizer Bunny. This is great if you have a big garden that allow the dog to run around.

Then there is this type of dog such as Pit Bulls which is of fighting in nature.  I do not understand why on earth people want to keep such fierce fighting dog as pet.  There have been many incidents that the dogs go loose and mauled up some small children in the neighbourhood.This happen when the dog is not trained. 

In any case, having a dog is a heavy responsibility.It is like having a young kid.The dogs need love and care.  More about canine intestinal worms and tapeworms in dogs

Related posts:

  1. BRUSH YOUR DOGS TEETH ITS NECESSARY
  2. Keeping Your Dogs Teeth Healthy
  3. Why Do Dogs Love To Chew