Dog Tricks: Understanding Your Dog’s Capabilities Before You Teach Buddy New Tricks
The performing of dog tricks, while not a necessary part of a dogs education, is an accomplishment that offer dog owners and his friends a great deal of amusement and adds materially to the value of a dog.
All dogs can be taught tricks, but some breeds have a special aptitude in that direction. At the head of the list of trick dogs is the poodle, as he takes to the performance of tricks as if it was second nature, and he is the main reliance of all showmen dogs.
Newfoundlands, St. Bernards and Great Danes learn without difficulty, while the collies and spaniels are very intelligent; the terriers are quick learners and among the toy dog breed, the Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Fox Terrier and Toy Poodle are highly spoken of and can pick up tricks almost effortlessly.
In selecting the tricks that are to be taught a dog, the owner must show some discretion and no attempt should be made to teach dogs tricks that are not within their powers. For example, a big St. Bernard or Great Dane is sadly out of place or rather almost unachievable attempting to sit up, walk on his hind legs or dance.
These dog breeds are physically incapable of doing such tricks and persistent attempts to train them are really toying with their dignity. They can, however, with appropriate guidance and training taught to fetch and carry, jump, shake hands or speak. Talking about specialty, it is interesting to note that dog breed such as spaniels are particularly apt at fetching and carrying, collies can learn to count and speak readily, and the terriers have a wide sphere of possibilities.
Dogs which are to be taught tricks must have their education begun early in life, so that the playfulness of puppy hood can be taken advantage of, for as dogs mature they take on a sedateness and seriousness that increases the difficulty of teaching them to assume unnatural positions, whereas, with a puppy a trick can be made more or less a matter of play and he will enjoy going through with it.
In the general education and training tricks to a puppy, very little punishment should be given and in trick puppy training no punishment at all. A dog can be forced to do certain things, but if forced he generally acts so slow and sulky that it detracts from his performance, whereas, if he is coaxed into doing them and performs because he likes to, he will go through with his act with an enthusiasm and spontaneous that is most attractive and fun loving.
For these reasons you must not get overly excited while training your young dog nor speak loud, nor cuff and whip him, but should by frequent good-natured repetition of the same performance persuade and coax him to assume certain attitudes or do certain things, and when he has done so, praise him; he will then know that you appreciate what he has done. It is also most desirable to reward him with plentiful of praise and treats.
To end, remember not all dogs can perform every single dog tricks, as some breeds do have some physical limitations. Even so, enjoy teaching your dog achievable new tricks, and most importantly have fun along the way!
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Mar 03, 2010 | | Dogs
There are many common health problems that your Golden Retriever will experience from time to time. Most of these ailments are nothing serious, providing you know how they should be treated and prevented. Below, we will take a look at the most common ailments, and tell you how to prevent your Golden from getting them.
Distemper virus
The distemper virus is an airborne disease that poses a high risk. This virus can be prevented by getting your Golden 3 different vaccinations when he is between 6 and 16 weeks of age, along with his regular annual booster shot. The symptoms from this virus include fever, cough, diarrhea, and vomiting. If your Golden Retriever has these symptoms, you should immediately take him to see the vet.
Heartworms
Heartworms are among the most common ailment with all dog breeds. They can reach lengths of up to 12 inches in the heart and the lung arteries, leading to heart failure, a decrease in blood circulation, and even death in some cases. The symptoms with heartworms may not appear until it is too late, so you are better off preventing them with the correct heartworm medicines.
Heatstroke
During the summer months or hot days, your Golden Retriever can get a heatstroke. You can prevent this from happening by giving your dog plenty of water, and never leaving him in direct sunlight. If you are playing together on a hot day, you should give him plenty of time to rest so he doesnt overdo it. The symptoms indicating a heatstroke include a lot of panting or drooling, dark gums, a glazed expression, rapid pulse, and even vomiting. If your dog starts to show any of these symptoms, you should immediately take him to the vet.
Rabies
Rabies is one of the more serious ailments that your Golden Retriever can get, as it has an adverse affect on your dogs nervous system. Normally, dogs get rabies through a bite of another animal that is infected with the disease. There are rabies shots that helps to prevent the disease, and your dog should get them at least once a year. The symptoms of rabies include seizures, aggression, and foaming at the mouth. If you suspect your Golden has rabies, you should call the vet immediately.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are normally caused by fleas, and affect your dogs stomach. The symptoms for tapeworms include a loss in weight, diarrhea, and even biting of the rectal area. You can easily prevent your Golden from tapeworms by using a rigid flea control. If your Golden Retriever exhibits symptoms for tapeworms, you should take him to the vet immediately. If the vet catches them in time, he may be able to kill the tapeworms with an oral medicine.
Hookworms
Hookworms result from your Golden coming in contact with feces, his mother, or the worm simply burrowing under exposed skin. You can prevent your dog from getting hookworms by cleaning his living area and keeping his skin clean. The symptoms that accompany hookworms include a dry coat, weight loss, weakness, and blood in the stool. As with all other ailments, you should immediately contact your vet if your Golden Retriever starts to show any of these symptoms.
Although these are just some of the most common ailments for Golden Retrievers, there are other ailments and health problems that your dog can get. If your Golden starts to show any signs of ailment, disease, or health problem, you shouldnt hesitate to contact your vet and set up an appointment. Some of these diseases and ailments can be pretty serious – although they can be treated if you catch them in time.
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Feb 18, 2010 | | Golden Retriever
There are of course many reasons for owners to want a calm, obedient and faithful dog. For one thing, obedient and trained dogs are happier dogs, less likely to get into tussles with people or with other dogs. Another reason is that many communities require that the dogs living in their neighborhoods be well trained. This is especially true for many breeds thought to have aggression and behavior problems dog breeds like pit bulls and rottweilers for instance.
And of course, training your dog well will also make he or she a much better family companion, especially in households where there are young children. Many studies have shown that proper dog training makes a big impact when it comes to cutting down the number of dog bits and other behavior problems encountered by dog owning households.
When considering training your own dog, or having someone else help you train it, there are certain basic commands that must be mastered in order for a dog to be considered truly trained. These basic commands include:
Heel it is important that any dog learn to walk beside its owner on a loose lead, neither pulling ahead nor lagging behind
Respond to the word No the word no is one word that all dogs must learn. Training your dog to respond to this important word can save you a ton of trouble.
Sit Training your dog to sit on command is a vital part of any dog training program.
Stay A well trained dog should remain where his or her owner commands, so stay is a very important command in dog training.
Down Lying down on command is more than just a cute trick; it is a key component of any successful dog training program.
Dog training does much more than just create an obedient, willing companion. Training your dog properly actually strengthens the bond that already exists between dog and handler. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack leader to tell them what to do. The key to successful dog training is to set yourself up as that pack leader.
Establishing yourself as pack leader is a very important concept for any potential dog trainer to understand. There is only one leader in every pack of dogs, and the owner must establish him or herself as the dominant animal. Failure to do so leads to all manner of behavior problems.
A properly trained dog will respond properly to all the owners commands, and will not display anxiety, displeasure or confusion. A good dog training program will focus on allowing the dog to learn just what is expected of it, and will use positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors.
In addition to making the dog a good member of the community, obedience training is a great way to fulfill some of the dogs own needs, including the need for exercise, the security that comes with knowing what is expected of it, a feeling of accomplishment and a good working relationship with its handler. Dog training gives the dog an important job to do, and an important goal to reach.
Giving the dog a job is more important than you may think. Dogs were originally bred by humans to do important work, such as herding sheep, guarding property and protecting people. Many dogs today have no important job to do, and this can often lead to boredom and neurotic behavior.
Basic obedience training, and ongoing training sessions, provide the dog with an important job to do. This is especially important for high energy breeds like German shepherds and border collies. Training sessions are a great way for these high energy dogs to use up their extra energy and simply to enjoy themselves.
Incorporating playtime into your dog training sessions is a great way to prevent both yourself and your dog from becoming bored. Playing with your dog helps to strengthen the all important bond between you the pack leader and your dog. Read more articles about dogs at http://www.doggies.ca or http://www.doggypost.com
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Feb 14, 2010 | | Dogs
Just like a baby who needs utmost attention and care, the acquisition of the best supplies for your dog needs some major consideration, too. Here’s how you can ensure that your beloved pet gets the best toys, food, and other necessities.
Dog Food and Treats
Your dog’s needs should be the emphasis when considering what food or treat to buy him. The proper balance of vitamins and minerals should be given, particularly to growing puppies. Sporting and working dog breeds need to eat something that will sustain their hyperactive lifestyle. Dogs that aren’t getting any younger need low-calorie food to avoid weight gain. Dont scrimp on the budget here no matter how compelling it might be. A healthy dog is reflected by the food he eats.
Dog Leashes and Collars
The size and weight of the dog should be taken into account in choosing the right dog collar. The collar’s material needs attention too. Nylon is good for water-loving dogs since it is more durable and light. For a tougher look, leather collars are a lot better since they are more durable and can even be accessorized with spikes.
Dog leashes come in cloth, nylon, retractable, and leather styles.
Dog Toys
The safety of your dog should be the top priority in looking for a dog toy. What fun could be derived from a toy if it will endanger your pet’s life, right? A dog toy should be large enough so that it can’t be swallowed by your pet. However, it should be small enough for your dog to be able to grip it well.
The durability of the toys will need major consideration too, especially for dogs that are serious chewers. Light chewers can settle for vinyl and latex dog toys.
Training Guides for Your Dog
Dog whistles, dog harnesses and bitter-tasting sprays compose the wide array of dog-training guides that will keep a dog from chewing. If the chewing problem is a lot more serious, one may use a dog bark collar or an electric fence. It is advised that one stays consistent and humane in training his or her dog. Dog training books may also be availed for this endeavor.
Dog Health Items
Tick and flea infestation control medications are available to ensure that your dog’s health is secured against these pests. Brands like Advantix, Advantage and Frontline are some of the popular flea and tick drugs in the market.
Your dog’s dental health should never be taken for granted either. Dog toothbrushes and toothpastes, and even dog toys are now made available to support the dental health of your pet.
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Feb 06, 2010 | | Dogs
Dog Health Tips Care For Your Pets at Home
Everyone with pets, whether dogs or puppies, needs to have a veterinary surgeon to turn to in an emergency. They do a wonderful job, and you should never ignore a pets suffering. However, it is a waste of money to attend the Vets surgery when the problem is one you can solve at home. This is a short guide to dealing with minor ailments as a form of Pets First Aid. If the symptoms persist you can still contact the vet. Dog health need not always be a costly worry to the wise pet owner.
Some dog breeds do not like being handled: pitbull dogs and bull terriers for example. This should be key element of dog obedience training so that the dog accepts that you are entitled to treat him for his own good. After a country walk it is a good idea to give your dog a quick grooming or rub down, and check for any lumps or bumps that he may have picked up along the way. My own dog, a Collie German Shepherd cross, gets twigs and sticks caught in round his rear and his bushy tail. Left unchecked, these can cause the fur to mat around them. The dog will worry at it and probably lick the area bare, leaving it open to infection. You can avoid this with a few minutes attention.
Ticks are nasty. They have a one-piece body and the harpoon-like mouth barbs attach to a host (your dog) for feeding. Crablike legs and a sticky secretion help the tick to hold on. Long-haired dogs like Schnauzers often suffer badly from ticks. When attempting to remove a tick, the aim is to prevent the mouth section from coming off and remaining embedded in the skin. The home remedy is simple and cheap petroleum jelly, which is what you would get if you went to a pet shop and paid for a proprietary tick remover! The most effective way to remove the tick is to put a big lump of petroleum jelly over the area where it has attached itself. Leave this for at least ten minutes. Once the ticks grip loosens, you can wipe it out of the way with a tissue.
Ear mites – if your pet has ear mites, then place two drops of corn oil into its ears (an eye dropper will do the trick), massage the ear gently then clean with a cotton ball. This will suffocate the mites. Repeat for 3 days. Regular ear bathing with oil is recommended by vets, to avoid a buildup of wax and irritants.
Constipation – try this quick fix for a constipated pet. For a large dog, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of mineral oil to its food. For a small dog reduce the dose to 1 to 2 teaspoons. Do this for two days and the problem should clear up.
Diarrhoea mix one heaped teaspoon of carob powder with a little water and mix into your dogs dinner. Use half a teaspoon if you have a puppy.
Urinary tract infections mix 30-40ml of cranberry juice into your pets food. This will boost the acidity of its urine, reduce bacteria and help relieve the discomfort.
And if youre not sure whats wrong say your pet seems off colour then heres a tip we use all the time. Add half a dissolved aspirin or childrens liquid analgesic to your pets food. It can perk up a German Shepherd in minutes!
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Jan 29, 2010 | | Dogs
Dog Aggressive Training: Understand & Eliminate Your Dog’s Aggressive Behavior
Aggression behavior in a dog is a normal form of canine communication similar to human frustration or anger. Like human, aggressive behavior occurs in every dog. The different lie in the level of aggression shown in them, and this is where dog breeds come into the picture.
While some breeds are born with a greater tendency to become aggressive, problems usually occur in homes that knowing or unknowingly encourage the development of a dogs aggressive behavior.
Its important to know what is going on when your dog show aggression, biting unwelcome strangers in your house is justifiable aggression. But if he bites the postman or you when you push him off the couch is certainly a crime!
There are basically 3 main types of aggression behavior shown in dogs namely, dominance aggression, possessive aggression and territorial aggression.
Dominance and possessive aggression are one of the most common reasons why dogs growl at or even worse bite their owners. This type of behavior does not develop in a vacuum and is always a result of the dogs interaction with its environment and owners. The dog has been accessing his position for some time and decided to challenge you for the alpha leader position.
If your dog is showing aggressive behavior towards you or any family members, he has to be brought down to earth again. You must let him know that he is the lowest ranking member in the family:
1. Avoid physical punishment if possible, it is too provocative and may make matter worse.
2. Review your relationship with your dog to determine why your dog is challenging you. Do remedial steps to assume to role of the alpha leader role again:
- You must eat first before your dog does.
- You must go through doorways first.
- Do not let your dog win you in games of strength. (Tug-of-war, wrestling)
- Do not let your dog assume a superior position against you. For example, you lying on the floor while your dogs two paws pressing against your chest.
- Set & enforce your house rules consistently, let him know that he has rules to follow.
Territorial aggression is display by dogs that are fiercely overprotective. Prevent this problem by introducing and socializing your dog when hes young to break down his suspicion of strangers. Try to expose your dog to more things and different people, which means bring him out more often! Let your dog know that these people are harmless and his territorial aggressiveness will died down naturally.
If you are unsure of your dogs behavior when you bring him out to the public, be sure to put him on a leash and muzzle if necessary. This is to not only to safe guard the general public but also your dog. More often than not, dogs are always put to death should they bite and injure someone. No “ifs” No “buts”!
Lastly, remember that aggression is no small problem and need to be seriously dealt with. If you are losing control over your dog or feel that he by and large outsmarts you, seek professional help and advice immediately.
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Jan 13, 2010 | | Dogs
It’s terrifying how common tales are of dogs savaging young children. You might think that its just Pit Bulls or certain breeds that do this kind of thing but it’s common across all breeds. Children have the uncanny ability to make dogs angry without intending.
Most families will luckily never have to deal with anything remotely as traumatic but if you own a dog and have children; or have children visiting often – then you too must take some responsibility for their actions and behavior.
You want to prepare your children by teaching them a few simple rules about playing with the dog.
The first step to understand the aggression. So, what causes dogs to become aggressive? There are a few different kinds of aggression that dogs experience. If they are scared they become aggressive, if something threatens their territory or family and as an act of dominance assertion.
An aggressive dog’s ears will pin back; their tail might stand up and they will growl. The growl is a warning.
Whats the best way to deal with an aggressive dog?
If you have the luxury of realizing before something happens that the dog is upset and about to hurt your child or you there are some things you can do:
- It’s most important to try to keep as calm as possible; the dog will sense your fear
- Speak in a soft voice – remove the disturbance if possible.
What can you do to prevent an aggressive dog?
- Teach your children that the dogs have feeling too and are to be treated with care. This means no rough playing with the dog. Some breeds of dog become agitated and roughhousing can greatly upset them. Enough to bite your child!
- If your children are very small you will need to take care to supervise them at all times. You cannot leave a toddler with a dog without risking something going wrong. Very young children do not understand how to treat animals yet.
- The importance of having a well trained dog cannot be stated enough. When you get a puppy take them to obedience classes straight away. Even if you don’t have children it’s important to have a well trained dog. You don’t want your beloved pooch to harm someone else’s children.
If you have children and are considering buying a dog; there are some considerations that can make it far less likely for an aggressive dog. Choose carefully – some breeds are known to have a low tolerance and others are known to be child friendly.
Dogs have a long standing relationship with humans – dogs love people and visa versa. By following these pointers you should be assured of a happy calm dog that won’t harm anyone. A carefully trained dog will give you peace of mind and most importantly – become an important part of your family life.
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Jan 13, 2010 | | Dogs
Does Your Dog Smell? Discover The Causes And How You Can Combat This Stinky Problem
Most dogs have that “dog smell” to them, especially when the come in out of the rain. However, some dogs tend to stink more than others. This can be due to variety of reasons, some of which may require a veterinarians attention. Here are some of the causes of dog odors and the best treatments to combat these odor problems.
Some dogs like to roll in the dirt… and any other smelly item that may be near by. If your dog is prone to doing this then regular brushing, grooming and bathing will help to keep your dog smelling clean and fresh.
Getting sprayed by a skunk is one smell we humans recognize immediately and tomato juice is the most common remedy. However, in order for it to work properly, you need to allow the juice to sit on the dog’s fur for at least 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing. It is the acid in the tomatoes that cuts the smell. Another very popular solution that dog owners swear by is to mix 1 quart 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, 1/4 cup Baking Soda, and 2 tablespoons dish detergent in a large bowl (do not use a sealed container as this mixture will explode). You must use this immediately while it is still foaming as it is the oxygen in the bubbling mixture that removes the skunk odor. Be careful not to get either solution in your pets eyes.
Certain dog breeds tend to have naturally oily coats. Unfortunately, the extra oil on the dog’s skin can become rancid and cause bad odors. In this case, your canine needs to be regularly groomed and bathed to remove this excess oil; otherwise it can develop into irritating skin conditions. Bacterial skin diseases are another common problem within some breeds. Using a good anti-bacterial shampoo specifically formulated for dogs is your best solution. If the skin condition does not clear up within a reasonable amount of time or if it appears to worsen, be sure to take your dog to the vet.
Dogs with droopy ears tend to develop ear infections quite frequently, although any dog breed can end up with this painful condition. If your dog smells bad even with regular grooming, take the time to check its ears. Look for redness and irritation. You will also notice that your dog will also shake its head often and probably try to scratch to relieve the itchiness. There are several ear infection solutions on the market that can help alleviate this problem.
One last thing that can also lead to dog odor is impacted or infected anal glands. These sacs, located in the 3 and 9 o’clock positions, are filled with a fluid that is normally released when a dog has a bowel movement. If you look carefully, you will see that your dog’s anal area has become somewhat swollen and the “back end” smells really bad. Take your dog immediately to a veterinarian to have these glands expressed. Be aware that once your dog has had this problem it tends to reoccur, so keep an eye on this. If necessary, you can have the anal glands surgically removed.
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Jan 10, 2010 | | Dogs
We all know that Golden Retrievers are beautiful, obedient, and make great family pets and hunting dogs. Goldens also make great guide dogs for the blind, narcotic detection dogs, and even tracking dogs for finding missing people. Although there are many other dog breeds out there, Golden Retrievers remain one of the most versatile and most astonishing breeds that you can get.
Before you rush out and buy a Golden Retriever puppy, you should first take the time to learn a bit more about the breed. You can attend dog shows, meet with various owners of Golden Retrievers, and even go to your local kennel club. Most people who own Golden Retrievers are extremely proud of them and will be more than happy to share their enthusiasm with you.
When you buy youre Golden Retriever puppy, its always a great idea to buy from a backyard breeder or local puppy mill. Backyard breeders are normally the best way to get a Golden puppy, as they know and care a lot about the breed in general. Although you can always go to a reputable breeder, backyard breeders arent just in it for the money – they actually care about their dogs and want you to get the best Golden possible.
You can also visit the Golden Retriever Club of America and their local member clubs, as they can supply you with a list of breeders in your area. If these breeders dont have any Goldens for sale themselves, they will be more than willing to help you find what youre looking for. This way, you can get a Golden from a very reliable source.
Whatever you do, you should never rush into buying a Golden Retriever. You should always take your time, and have a little bit of patience. When you buy your puppy, you want a healthy puppy who will grow up to be a fine testament of the breed. By taking your time and making a careful decision, you can save yourself a lot of time and money later on down the road.
Golden puppies that are poor quality, are normally produced by breeders who just want to have a litter or breeders who are just looking for the profits and care very little about giving thoughts to looks, quality, or temperament. If you buy a puppy from either of these breeders, youll more than likely end up with a puppy who has poor health, poor temperaments, and even disqualifications in breed.
When you get your puppy, you should always think long term. Only buy from a quality breeder, and you shouldnt have anything to worry about. Always remember that you arent just buying a Golden Retriever puppy – you are buying a companion and a friend for life.
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Jan 01, 2010 | | Golden Retriever
Some dog breeds are more susceptible to allergies than others. This may be because of small nasal passages, allergic reactions to flea bites, irritable stomachs that make digesting food difficult, or they may be allergic to their own hair and dander. Dogs that have allergies include the following breeds: Bishon frise, terrier, retrievers, beagles, setters, and boxers. All dogs have the potential to be allergic to something, however.
The most common signs of allergies include raw skin where the dog has scratched, patches of hair missing, red skin, hives, coughing, sneezing, excessive chewing and licking of paws, watery eyes, vomiting, and diarrhea. While these symptoms may go away after a few days, you should monitor your dog’s behavior to see if the symptoms return. If they do, then you should take your dog to see a vet. Sometimes changing the type of dog food or buying a flea collar or spray is enough to help eliminate your dog’s allergy problems.
When a dog is suffering from allergies, their mood may change. They may become irritable, lethargic, clingy, or angry. Discipline will not work when the dog is having allergy issues. The best way to combat this problem is to learn how to care for your dog once you have isolated the cause of the allergies. This may mean keeping a journal of your dog’s activities and symptoms that you can show the vet, who will be able to recommend treatment.
Some smaller breeds may have breathing issues as they age, there is little that can be done except to keep their sleeping area clean, vacuum often, and consider buying a hepa filter that will trap dust, particles, and other air pollutants that are in the air. While it is important that all dogs get their exercise, when it is cold outside, keep small breeds indoors and play with them. This will keep them from getting head colds, which could make breathing even worse.
If you notice that your dog has fleas or that they have been bitten by fleas, you should bathe your dog using a shampoo that will kill fleas and their eggs. You may need to rid your home of fleas as well so that reinfestation does not occur. Buy carpet spray or if the problem is too big, then you may have to call an exterminator. Once the fleas are gone, you should spray your dog every time the dog goes outside. This will prevent new attacks from occurring. If the dog has open bites or wounds from scratching, you will have to wait for them to heal before using a spray or shampoo on your dog.
Vomiting can occur if your dog is allergic to the food it receives. You should first visit the vet to see if the problem isn’t internal. They may recommend a new food for the dog. This should stop the vomiting and diarrhea.
Dogs that are allergic to their own hair and dander have the worst allergies of all because there is little that can be done. You should make sure your dog is groomed regularly, brush your dog everyday to remove excess hair and dander, and bathe your dog once a month. Your vet may prescribe an anti-histamine if the allergies persist.
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Dec 15, 2009 | | Dogs