Entertaining your American Pit Bull Terrier with dog agility training is an excellent activity that can be fun for both you and your Pit. It is something that both of you can do together that will strengthen the dog-owner bond.
Pit Bull agility training is one of the more advanced types of dog training, but it is certainly quite enjoyable. Dog agility is an activity that has become very popular in England, Australia, and the United STates. It consists of a main event with multiple dog courses set up to compete in. All of the courses contain roughly 26 obstacles. In order for your dog to win, he must finish the course without any faults in the fastest time. This is an activity that certainly takes patience and a lot of practice.
Many of the obstacles that are included agility courses need extensive training in order to master. There are two basic types of courses, jumping courses and agility courses. Jumping courses are full of obstacles which your dog must clear, such as jumps which your dog has to make it over without knocking down, and weaves which your dog must stay in until the very end. In dog agility courses there are contact points on the obstacles which your dog must touch with his paws.
Dog clubs do not allow puppies under the age of one year to participate in agility exercises. A great many agility enthusiasts actually own their own equipment so that they can begin training with their dog at a much earlier time. Jax is a company which makes training obstacles in case you are interested in doing this.
Much of your dog’s agility training must be done before you enter the very first show and your dog should have no trouble running the entire course. It is an extremely exciting and challenging activity and can certainly improve the bond between you and your best friend.
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Jun 07, 2010 | | Dogs
It is a well-known fact that many consider dogs as mans best friend. There are times, however, when even best friends must part ways even if for a brief period of time only. Even if dog lovers abound all over the world, there are places and instances that simply do not allow pets. In situations like these, you just might have to leave your dog.
Boarding is becoming an increasingly common option for dog owners these days. More and more institutions are starting to offer boarding services to dog owners. Yet before deciding to leave your dog in a kennel, there are some things to take into consideration.
The first thing to bear in mind is start boarding your dog early. Just like their human counterparts, dogs do feel some sort of separation anxiety. Dogs that have had boarding experience before they are 5 years old tend to adjust better to kennel conditions as they may still have memories of litter socialization.
Choosing the right kennel to board your dog is not a joking matter. The first thing you should do is search your local yellow pages for available boarding institutions and then arrange for a personal visit to each one of them. Evaluate the kennels based on several factors. The overall appearance of the kennel is important. Take note of the cleanliness of the area. Daily cleaning is a must to ensure your dogs health while you are absent. Make sure that even if the kennels have a no visitors policy (in the areas where the dogs are housed), you will be given the chance to at least view where your dog will stay.
Security is a very important consideration. You will want to rest assured that your dog will be taken care of and will not have the chance to escape. The tendency for pets is to look for their owners when they are not around. Thus you must make sure that the kennel has tight security regarding this matter.
Your dogs safety is of utmost importance. Inspect his boarding area and see to it that there are no potential harmful objects or substances. It is also necessary for your dog to be alone in his temporary home. Stress might arise due to other pets housed in the kennels. Boarders should have solid dividers in between them. This is especially important for male dogs, which may be more aggressive than others.
Other important considerations regarding the living quarters are temperature, bedding, ventilation, and lighting. Try to choose a kennel with conditions as close to your dogs normal living conditions as much as possible. Ensure that your dog is fed the proper food and given the right amount of water. If your dog needs regular exercise, look into the facilities of the boarding institution as well.
Leaving your dog, even if only for a few days, is a serious matter. Choosing the right kennel for him or her may take a chunk out of your busy schedule but it is better to ensure his or her comfort rather than to subject him or her to undue stress.
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Jun 06, 2010 | | Dogs
Passing the Time Away With Your Dog and He Will Enjoy It Too
They aren’t called man’s best friend for nothing! Having a dog can lengthen your life, lower your stress levels and just generally improve your quality of life.
Playing together is an important part of being together and having a happy, healthy dog. One thing pet behaviourists agree on is how important it is to play regularyl together. Aside from the bonding it encourages, it will also strengthen the understanding and respect between you and your pet.
There are plenty of ways you can play with your dog. Some games might even have the added benefit of teaching your beloved pet a new skill, or develop another. All you need is some imagination, some time and of course treats always help too!
One of the timeless classics is ‘fetch’. This is a wonderful way to teach your dog to follow directions and play a game which does not involve too much from you. With some practice you can even lie back in the sun and throw a ball (or any object) for your pet to return. Teaching your pet to fetch can test the patience of even the most patient owner! If you are serious about it most dogs can learn to participate in this simple game.
You will want to start off with one of your dogs favorite toys, and a treat. Practicing the ‘drop it’ command first will help ! Used together this can be a good way to teach your dog. Throw the item and when the dog brings it baack to you – shower him with praise. He will get the idea after a while.
It’s best to try these things in small sessions. Fifteen minutes a day of practicing the ‘fetch’ command and your dog should be able to get it right.
There are other ways you can play with your dog which arent as frustrating as the fetch game.
Games which encourage tracking and seeking out items are good for your pet too. You can hide a treat and then practice the sit command. On your command the dog goes and seeks out the treat you have hidden. Hide many treats and encourage them to find the treats as quickly as they can!
Every owner has special games that they play with their dogs. There are all kinds of vairations on many of the tried and tested games. You will have many of your own special games that you play together, just keep creative and remember that your dog is a puppy inside forever – they love to play with you!
Dogs are social creatures and regular game playing can bring out the best in your dog. There’s nothing like a wagging tail to put a smile on your face!
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Jun 04, 2010 | | Dogs
Your dog may be your best friend, but just like your human friends he or she can embarrass you in public you can actually train your dog to behave, you might not be so lucky with your human friends. A well trained dog usually means a happy owner and a contented animal.
Does your dog refuse to sit or stay at your command and does it bother other people by jumping up and barking? This may be your dogs natural exuberance getting the better of him but when you are out in public, not only is it embarrassing for you, it can be frightening for people who are unsure of themselves around dogs. If you want to avoid these situations then you need to start getting your dog to change his behavior now.
In some respects dogs are like children and this means that they have to be taught how to be social beings without indulging in anti-social habits. If you are trying to get your dog to respond to your commands and behave in an acceptable manner, then you need to instigate regular training sessions. Training a dog to display acceptable behaviour is not easy if you are a first time owner. Some people take their dog to professional trainers once or twice a week but if your budget wont run to that then you have to fall back on your own resources.
Not quite, there are training books and manuals out there; some of which come as a complete package, that will take you through the training sessions one step at a time. Always remember with dogs that the way to instill the behaviour that you want is by repetition and reward losing your temper is counterproductive. If you get the right package and apply the right amounts of praise, patience and time you will soon have a well behaved and probably happier dog.
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Mar 25, 2010 | | Dogs
Get rid of the neighbors complaints with the efficient dog training collars
If you are the happy owner of a dog, you have certainly shared many pleasant moments with your pet. The unpleasant part of being a dog-owner comes when your family and neighbors are disturbed by the continuous and annoying barking of your best friend. Nobody can deny the fact that barking is a natural thing. If a stranger approaches and the dog barks in order to warn about the danger, that is its natural behavior and it deserves to be appreciated. If the dog barks because it is trying to communicate something to the master (perhaps it is hungry, sick or it wants to be taken out for a walk), this is also natural. However, a dog that barks constantly, at the slightest sound, is a great discomfort for everyone around it, especially if it happens during the late hours of the night, when most people are trying to rest.
You love your dog, but dont want to spoil the relationships with the entire neighborhood for the sake of your animal friend. So what can be done about it? The only solution is to train the dog and teach it to bark only when something important is involved. However training takes long hours and a lot of patience. You probably havent got the time to go through it with your dog. In order to save time and energy, get your best friend a dog training collar. It has been proven that dog training collars are highly effective and they represent the fastest way to convince your dog to quit its annoying barking habits.
When you train an animal, it is important for the animal to understand what you want from it. The next step is to reward the animal when it is doing the right thing and punish it (of course, a symbolical punishment is enough, under no circumstances should the animal be submitted to violence) when it misbehaves. This is exactly how dog training collars function. When the dog is doing something that it shouldnt do (for example, barking in excess, stealing things or running away) the dog training collar that the dog is wearing takes a corrective measure, which is different depending on the type of collar you choose to use. The corrective measure can be a very slight electrical shock, some ultrasonic sounds that are disturbing for the dog, a smell that the dog finds unpleasant (for example, Citronella scent) or a cold spray on the animals neck. What is essential is that the dog will quickly understand the connection between its misbehavior and the unpleasant consequences. Therefore, it will know what is required from it and will avoid such behavior in the future.
About the way a dog training collar detects the dogs barking, you must know that there are many methods. Some dog training collars use microphones, while others are activated by the vibrations a dogs vocal cords cause when it barks. A good dog training collar will be activated only by the barking of your dog and not by other environmental sounds, such as the barking of your neighbors dog. This is important, as you dont want your dog to be “punished” without any reason; otherwise the poor animal will be confused and wont know what you expect of it anymore. Actually, you mustnt think of it as a punishment, as by no means will the dog be hurt, but as a reminder for the dog to behave correctly. When the dog stops barking, the effect of the collar immediately stops.
We can help you train your dog and get rid of the stressful barking during the night. Our dog training collars trigger a completely harmless cold spray on your dogs neck when it misbehaves. The surprise will make the animal stop barking. Your dog will not be in any way hurt or affected by the dog training collar. In a short time, the dog will learn to control its barking and the dog training collar will no longer be necessary. When you want to stop the training, all you have to do is remove the collar. The positive effects will be noticed right away. You will enjoy a deserved good nights sleep and so will your neighbors.
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Mar 22, 2010 | | Dogs
Considered man’s best friend, dog training professionals have been disseminating more knowledge on how to make this animal live up to that title.
Here are tips that one should keep in mind in training his dog more easily.
Digging Behavior
Dogs, as social beings, consider digging as their outlet when they are lonely. Nutrient deficiency may also cause this digging. Also known as pica, they sometimes eat the dirt they dig to supplement their health. Spending more time with your dog and giving him a health check will keep his digging behavior at bay.
Potty Training
For dog potty training, a reward-based method will prove to be a very rewarding endeavor. Giving it a bit of dog food when it performs a good potty behavior will make it easier for it to remember the good thing that it did.
Repeat and Repeat
Considerable repetitions will give your dog ample time to grasp the command. Consistency is the name of the game. After doing enough repetitions, not helping him with the routine will test if the dog really got it. Three successful attempts in a row is a fine gauge in defining if it’s just a fluke or if the dog has actually understood the drill.
Direct and Correct
Communicate to the dog how the drill should be. Be clear on what you want the dog to do. Just commanding the dog without correcting him if he did it wrongly is not advisable.
Timing is Gold
Timing means that you should consider the age of the dog when considering how to deal with him. It is best to train dogs while they are still puppies. Always remember that old dogs can’t learn new tricks saying.
Be More Stubborn Than the Dog
Establishing rapport to the dog must always be in this order: you as the alpha dog (authoritative) and him as the submissive being. Show any sign of fear when he snaps back and you damage that rapport. Don’t let the dog not complete the exercise. This will teach the dog to just hold out long enough for you give in to his preferences.
Be A Good Actor
Provide your puppy with an outlet for his chewing urges. Also, you may practice yelping loudly when your pup starts to chew on you. After yelping, fold your arms and for 10 minutes consider ignoring him. That response is the thing that happens when a pup becomes too rough on other puppies. But depending on your puppy’s personality, he may react otherwise, such as biting more. In this case, use a more aggressive approach.
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Feb 26, 2010 | | Dogs
My best friend is incredible!Shes one of those rare types who hangs on every word you say.Shes content to be quiet when I need stillness, even though shes one of those high-drive types.All I have to do is call and shes there in an instant, no matter what she was doing before.She puts me ahead of all her other friends, never fails to make me feel special, and is a redhead just like me.But shes not a person, even though shes sure she is.She is a butterfly dog; a Papillon.
When I brought this eight-week-old bundle of joy home, I didnt know what to call her.Im not very good at naming anything, so I usually just observe for a couple of weeks and let the animal name itself by its personality.This puppys name became evident in nothing flat:Tazzie.She whirled around the house, jumping up on furniture five times her size, zooming and zipping and totally charming me. She was, indeed, a Tasmanian devil pup.I quickly realized the athleticism of this dog and knew Id have to find her a job when she got a little older.High-drive dogs, that dont have jobs, will certainly find other outlets for their energy and those outlets arent usually things you would enjoy!
You already have a burning love for your puppy, but what is your relationship like?Does it come when you call it?Does it sit or lay or stay?From your first class, at your dog training school, your relationship with your dog begins to change.I will warn you, however, that anything you want to teach your dog wont come just with a once-a-week class, even if you have the best dog training school in the world.You have to practice with them, just a little bit, every day.
Tazzie was a very food-motivated dog, so the fact that she got food every time she did something right made training a blast for her, all by itself.And this happened every day!Bonus!She made fast friends at her new dog training school, so going to class was fun as well.She got to where she would whine, as soon as we pulled in the parking lot, until I finally got her out of that car.
So now youre taking your dog to classes in a place they love, and youre working with them every day.During that time, youre paying complete attention to them, teaching them to pay complete attention to you, and they get their favorite food as icing on the cake.This does incredible things for the bond between you and your dog.They learn to focus on you, no matter what, and good things will come.They get praised and fed, or praised and allowed to tug on a toy, whichever motivates the dog more, so your relationship cant help but blossom.
Ever since Tazzie and I started training together, she has claimed me as her own.When my other two dogs want to sit on my lap, shell push them out of the way to get the best spot because, I am her property, as far as shes concerned. I do give the other dogs personal time as well, but I have to put her in a sit/stay or a down/stay so shell let them come get love.
She is, by far, the one I can trust the most, not only because of her training, but from the bond we gained through the training.She never takes her eyes off of me, since we began at our dog training school, and it serves us well in the agility ring!
If you want to forever alter and solidify the bond you share with your dog, find yourself a good dog training school, for whatever discipline you prefer, and go for it.With a little time, money, and patience, your relationship will become a forever relationship.If you do, your dog will turn out to be your best friend too!
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Feb 19, 2010 | | Dogs
Engaging in sports is not only for humans. It is also well-loved by our best friend, the dog. Dog sports do not only make a dog’s life fun, but healthy, as well. Here is a list of dog sports that you may want your dog to get involved into depending on his breed, of course.
Agility
This is when a dog moves through an obstacle course, i.e., contact obstacles, tunnels, jump, etc., as guided by his or her handler. What controls the dog is only its handler’s voice and body language. Without a leash, obedience training is the major requirement for a dog to enjoy this sport. Speed and accuracy are the names of this game.
Carting
Large breeds usually participate in this dog sport. It mainly involves the dog pulling a cart filled with supplies like firewood or other farm goods, sometimes even pulling people. It is also known as dry land mushing and sulky driving and is well-known and practiced all over the world.
Frisbee Dog
Commonly known as disc dog, frisbee dog competition is about a dog and a human disc thrower competing in events such as a choreographed freestyle catching and distance catching. The division of events on this kind of dog sport depends on the handler’s skill and experience. What makes this one of the most popular dog sports is that any kind of dog can participate.
Flyball
This dog sport is a relay wherein teams of dogs race against each other leaving their handlers. These teams need to surmount four hurdles that are placed 3 meters apart from each other. Then, they have to reach a box that will release a tennis ball that needs to be caught when the dog presses the pad which is spring-loaded. Then, they have to go back to their respective handlers while carrying the ball.
Scootering
It is a sport where one or more dogs pull an unmotorized scooter in which a human is riding. It is similar to another dog sport done in the winter known as mushing, only dog scooter involves fewer dogs and instead of a dogsled used in mushing, a scooter is used. Like sled dogs, dogs that are doing scootering wear harnesses and are hooked to the scooter using a gangline.
Sheepdog Trial
Also known as “dog trial”, this is one of the competitive dog sports in which breeds that are into herding move sheep around a field, gates, fences or enclosures as directed by their handlers. Think of “babe” the movie about a pig. This is more popular in UK, Canada, Ireland, the USA, New Zealand, Australia and other farming nations.
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Feb 06, 2010 | | Dogs
If you are a dog owner but don’t own a dog crate, then you are missing out! Dog crates make pet ownership much easier, and are a great way to train man’s best friend. They also provide a safe haven for your dog to rest and relax, and are very useful if you travel. So, what should you look for in a dog crate? Depending upon the crate’s main use, you’ll want to consider safety, size, durability, and how easy it is to clean.
Safety First
To determine whether a particular dog crate is a safe choice for your particular pet, take a good look at its design. How does the front door close? Steer clear of spring-loaded doors, which can snap shut on unsuspecting paws and tails. If the dog crate is wire, make sure that the grid size is small enough so that your dog’s paws can’t fall through. And it goes without saying that there should be no sharp edges or exposed wires.
Determine the Crate’s Intended Use
How you are going to use the dog crate should determine which kind you purchase. For example, if you travel by car a foldable, wire crate will fit the bill. If you travel by airplane you’ll most likely want a plastic, airline-approved model. Both wire and plastic crates are easy to clean and durable. Wire crates have the added benefits of increased visibility and ventilation.
Size
The size of the crate is very important. The crate should be large enough so that the dog has plenty of room, but not so large that it isn’t cozy. The dog should have plenty of room to stand up and turn around, but should not be able to run from side to side. The only exception to this rule is if you are buying the crate for a puppy. In that case, you’ll want a crate that your dog can grow into.
More Dog Crate Tips
Throughout your dog’s life there will definitely be situations in which he will need to be kenneled. To that end, getting your dog used to being crated is very important! Show your dog that his crate is a safe place by placing comfortable blankets, appealing toys, and tasty treats inside. And never, ever use your dog’s crate as a means of punishment. The goal is to get your dog to love, accept, and find comfort in his crate, and he’ll never do that if he comes to associate it with negative circumstances. While a crate can be a very important part of your dog’s overall training, don’t use it to isolate your pet because of bad behavior.
Where to Find Your Dog Crate
Dog crates in all different shapes and sizes, for a wide variety of purposes, are available from local and online pet retailers. Many pet-related retailers have articles and information regarding dog crates that can help you make the right choice.
For more advice on dogs and top-selling dog products visit Savvy Dog Lovers Dog Supplies – where the best bones are buried.
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Jan 23, 2010 | | Dogs
Statistics has it that 4.7 million people get bitten by dogs yearly. These bites range from minor nips to major attacks.
Dog is man’s best friend, not his worst enemy. To make it stay that way, here are some tips for you to stay away from being bitten by a dog.
* How to Avoid being Bitten by A Dog
1. Don’t Approach a Strange Dog.
It is a big no-no to go near just any dog you find adorable, particularly when that dog is tied or placed behind a fence or if it is in a car. A new or strange dog might think that you are threatening him or you are an intruder.
2. Don’t Just Pet A Dog.
It is not advisable for anyone to suddenly just pet a dog, even his or her own dog, without letting him sniff and recognize you first.
3. Don’t Ever Turn Your Back to a Dog Just to Run Away
This animal’s instinct will dictate it chase and catch you. So, running away is not a good option.
4. Don’t Disturb a Dog.
When a dog is sleeping, chewing on anything, caring for her puppies or eating, it is bad idea to shock or disturb it.
* How to Bite-Proof Your Own Dog
1. Neuter or spay your dog to reduce its tendency to roam and fight with other dogs.
2. Make it socialize to lessen its being nervous when a lot of people are around.
3. Train your dog to not chase anyone even when it’s just for fun.
4. License your dog and provide for its regular care and rabies vaccinations.
5. Never let your dog roam alone.
* Things to Do if You are Bitten by A Dog
1. Never Panic.
This will only aggravate the situation. Stay calm and make sure that you make informed decisions.
2. Deal with the Wound Immediately.
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water. This should be done immediately. Then, contact your physician for more care and advice.
3. Tell the Animal Care and Control Agency in Your Location about the Bite.
Report to the animal control personnel all the information you can supply regarding the dog. If it is a stray dog, describe the dog, where you saw him, whether you are familiar with it and also the direction which he went.
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Jan 17, 2010 | | Dogs