Dog Behavior Training

Dog Health-Toxins in Pets a Danger to Kids

I read recently in the newspaper about a study done at a veterinary clinic in Virginia. It said that toxins found in pets can be considered a possible danger to kids. How so? Where is the connection? The Evironmental Working Group located on the west coast conducted the study.

They tested blood and urine samples from 20 dogs and 37 cats and found a total of 48 various industrial chemicals were in their system. It’s not clear if the 48 chemicals were found in each pet or if that number was a combination found in all the pets combined.

Either way, it sure is eye opening. Our dogs health and our kids health is important so we need to understand what this study means.

They say that the pets probably ingested the chemicals by licking the ground and their paws (we pet owners know that) and kids do the same thing and also put things in their mouth (we parents know that).

Our dogs health and our kids health is important enough that we should look into this further. This group is looking for more testing of chemicals before they are released to the marketplace.

They also say that proof that chemicals are safe should be required before they go into comsumer products.

A woman had her cat, furniture and household dust tested and found high levels of fire retardant which she believes caused her cats sickness. What goes into our furniture goes into our dust, pets and our children, she said. These unnecessary toxic chemicals were banned in children’s clothes but not furniture.

This is why we need more regulation of toxic chemicals - to protect our kids and pets. To read the full story click here

Dog Health-Toxins in Pets a Danger to Kids

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Tags: chemical toxins, dog health, dog health problems, healthy dog

 Training an Aggressive Dog-The Challenge

Dog aggressive behavior is among the most difficult to deal with by training. There is a large number of factors that lead to aggression problems, therefore the training of aggressive dogs is a challenge and a large responsibility at the same time.

Before actually turning to some center specialized in the training of aggressive dogs, you should take the animal to the vet and see if there is an injury or ailment that is causing pain, which may irritate the dog. On the other hand, training an aggressive dog in a special center doesn’t eliminate the entire problem.

Before you start training an aggressive dog, you need to identify the problem. Usually the cause is found in dominance, in the animal’s relationship with its “pack”, which is in your case, the family members. You may also be facing a fear aggression, meaning that your pet is negative towards other animals.

The best training for such an aggressive dog emphasizes the reliability on the owner, a dog that trusts its master or mistress will limit the aggressive behavior. In the same category for the training of aggressive dogs are the pets that regard the owner as personal territory. They tend to be over-protective.

The training of an aggressive dog attempts to solve the problem of a trauma that has been caused to the family members. And sometimes it is pretty hard to learn to once again trust your pet again. Even if you have the reasurance of a special consultant in the training of aggressive dogs, it will still take some time before you can stop being cautious about your dog.

Therefore, the owner has to be an important part of the training of an aggressive dog, since progress can be witnessed gradually and trust regained without the danger of going back to the old mindset.

For professional assistance in the matter of training aggressive dogs you may rely on sites such as SitStayFetch where you may learn the steps to develop healthy relationships with your pets. The importance of the owner’s presence during the training of an aggressive dog comes from the fact that dogs learn with associations.

If for instance your dog is used to showing aggression when it is in the house with you, it will stick to this way of behavior. Consistency is the key word for the training of an aggressive dog, so don’t repeat the same mistakes and don’t change your attitudes abruptly! That will only confuse the dog.

Training an Aggressive Dog-The Challenge

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Potty Training For Your Puppy

Many owners take potty training a puppy as the most important thing to teach the little guy, so that there are no problems around the house. What most people don’t know is that there are various differences between breeds, some being easier to train than others. So, if you haven’t made up your mind yet about which breed to choose, this aspect really needs to be taken into consideration. The place where you get your puppy should be able to help you with that.

Many people who have brought a very young puppy to their homes know what great moments the family can cherish with such a pet. But, in order for everything to be really perfect, you may need to learn a few things. First of all, we need to mention that potty training for your puppy proves completely effective around six months of age. With very young dogs, you cannot expect control over bladder and bowels. Therefore the first tip to learn is to keep it off carpets and in a special enclosed area.

The best idea in potty training your puppy is to teach him to let you know when it’s got an urge. Start by taking it on a leash to the corner you’ve prepared for it; do this after every meal, and you’ll drastically reduce the risk of ‘accidents’ on your floor. After it potties, play with it for a while or offer it a reward so that the pup may grow up with a clear idea of what pleases you or not. Another tip to use is to try and feed it on dry dog food as this gives consistency to the stool.

What about the water you give it? It may prove a little difficult since young dogs need lots of liquid for their growing process so leave a bowl with fresh water all day long for it to drink but remove it at least two hours before bedtime. This will allow you the chance of training your puppy to potty more efficiently and also saves you the risk of nasty accidents over night.

Make sure the spot where it potties is clean all the time, as dogs are very clean animals and they truly want to stay that way. Taking the puppy out should be the first thing you do in the morning and the last one in the evening.

All the family members should be involved in potty training for your puppy, since no one can stay all day long around the house, making sure the puppy potties in the right place. Be patient with your pet as it may be quite challenging, and remember that the dog’s breed could have a bearing in how receptive it is to training.

Of course, if you don’t want to bother with potty training for your puppy, then you can buy an older dog that has already been potty trained. Or there is always the option of adopting an adult pet from the many rescue centers. These are noble ideas because we should not forget about older dogs, especially the ones in the rescue centers.

Two of my dogs were puppies when I got them and it was an absolute joy to be involved in their upbringing and training. But I will say this: you will miss the joy of watching your puppy grow up right before your eyes if you go with these other options.

Potty Training For Your Puppy

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Tags: potty training for puppies, puppy potty, puppy potty training, puppy training, puppy training commands, training puppies

Dog Health and Nutrition Problems-Caring For Your Dog

Any living organism is sooner or later exposed to all sorts of dysfunctional conditions, and dogs are no exception. It is true that there are plenty of dog health problems that we prevent by regular vaccination, but what can we do about the rest of the affections that may make us and our animals unaware.

Let’s take for instance vomiting and diarrhea. These are the most common and frequent dog health problems. Their causes are usually very simple since no complications result from such lesser dog health problems that are mainly triggered by improper nutrition.

If under normal treatment, vomiting and diarrhea don’t disappear within one or two days, it means that there could be serious dog health problems at stake here and a thorough examination is a must- immediately.

Should this be the case, such a dog health problem is no longer the subject of home treatment. It now becomes a real medical emergency. The first thing to be done when experiencing similar dog health problems is to eliminate food and water. If your dog is thirsty give it some milk or an ice cube to lick several times.

Very often the recovery from a dog health problem is in the hands of the owner. Constipation, the same as the cases presented above is another frequent dog health problem. It can appear as a result of deficient nutrition and irregular bowel movement. Don’t leave it go uncared for, as it may lead to self-intoxication or even worse dog health problems.

You should eliminate water and meat and feed the dog on meat broth for instance, or baby food; a mixture of milk and cereal may also be good. Resuming a normal meal within a few days after normal stool is recovered is ok.

In order to avoid dog health problems and diseases that could even be transmitted to man,
you have to take the dog for regular check-ups at the veterinarian. If the animal is kept in a proper healthy shape, well-fed and full of energy, the owner has nothing to worry about any dog health problems.

Regular vaccinations also keeps trouble away and allows you to cherish the presence of your dog without the fear that the dog health problem may pass on to you or members of your family such as children. Hygiene and perfect cleanliness of the area where the dog lives or eats are a must and the best method to keep trouble away.

Dog Health and Nutrition Problems-Caring For Your Dog

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How many pet owners know something about pet health food when they buy their pets? If they don’t get informed about dog’s health needs, they are very likely to be exposed to all sorts of health problems that result from the improper food they feed their animals on.

There are special dog health food tips that a vet can tell you about, since you may not know very much about the digestive needs of your pet. First of all, in order to meet the requirements for dog health food, you have to be sure there are minerals, calcium in particular and quality protein in the diet.

As it is very comfortable, we usually feed our four-legged friends on special dog meals, but this is not always dog health food. It is usually made by blending hemoglobin powder, with bones and meat, all processed at very high temperatures.

Then, there are flavors and vitamins added, and this is the dog health food we find in the store. For all dog owners I need to say that this is not great at all for your pet. Try to combine processed meals with dog health food you prepare yourself.

What should real dog health food be like? First of all, have fresh meat and boil it for around ten minutes. Thus, you destroy the unfriendly bacteria while also preserving all the nutrients intact. Then, cut it into small pieces, it may seem natural that your dog should tear it up alone, but you don’t want any mess around the house.

For the calcium in dog health food, you may use a natural supplement such as ground egg shells or calcium powder available in drug stores. Try to mix the pieces of meat with a little water for a better hydration of your pet.

As for bones, I know all dogs like them, but never give a whole piece because it can cause choking or even internal bleeding. Always grind it down to a very fine consistency and add that to the dog food. Bones that are fully digested and make real dog health food are the leftovers from your cooking veal.

Another tip many people don’t know is that for dog health food, not only proteins are necessary, vitamins are also important. A little grated carrot added together will pass unnoticed but it’ll be of great help for the pet’s well-being.

We know that people feed their dogs with food ‘off the table’. That’s not going to change. It’s not preferred but if you do, then give a small amount along with his regular meal. Know what you are giving him. Much of what we humans eat is ok for a dog. As an example, I don’t give my dog any turkey from the table because it has an effect on his digestive system.

So instead of food ‘off the table’ or processed food the best thing you can do for your dog is make your own dog food at home. It’s not hard to do. You can get yourself a good dog recipe book in a book store or on the Internet.

Dog Health Food-Make Your Own

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Tags: dog, dog health food, dog health food tips, dog health problems, dog nutrition

Dog Behavior Training-Know Your Dog

Dog behavior training is more than making your dog all obedient and safe to leave home alone.The process is too complex to reduce it to this. Since dog owners have to be an active part involved in dog behavior training, they come to learn and discover the unknown sides of their pets.

In a nut shell, dog behavior training is about getting an obedient pet around the house while also getting more familiar with the needs and expectations of a close friend that doesn’t speak the same language. You should be ready to learn about the drives behind your pet’s behavior.

The drives or instincts that make your pet react in a certain way to specific stimuli are the main focus of dog behavior training. The explanation for low sociability may be rooted in the animal’s genes or in its close environment.

Once you get to manipulate these drives by dog behavior training, spectacular changes will begin to appear. Therefore, special institutions and centers that provide assistance for dog behavior training have a scientific background of tests and studies about the nature and flexibility of the dog’s drives.

Probably the most significant part of dog training behavior lies in understanding the way you can encourage or discourage certain drives, and the skills of a trainer are best reflected here. The main instincts that are targeted by dog behavior training are: prey, play, pack, defense and food.

The order is not relevant for their importance, since each plays an important part in the dog’s life determining the relationships with their masters and with other dogs. However, mention should be made that the domination of a certain instinct varies from one breed to another, and dog behavior training also tackles with breed specificity in the context.

Many people are surprised to learn that dog behavior training implies teaching the animal how to play. This special drive seems to be the one that is not inherent to the genetic structure of your dog. In order to learn how to jump and wrestle it is essential that the owners help the puppy acquire the skills.

Normally they would be the responsibility of the mother and the brothers as its true pack, but in their absence, you need to do it. The educational side is an essential part of dog behavior training, since it actually shapes the future relationship you develop with your dog in the future.

Dog Behavior Training-Know Your Dog

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Tags: dog behavior, dog behavior problems, dog obedience training, dog training tips, puppy problems, puppy training

Anti-Tethering Dog Law

This post refers to Pennsylvania but dog lovers from all states should read it to understand this problem and check their own state’s laws.

In Pennsylvania, legislation was introduced to make it illegal to chain or tether dogs outside around the clock. Actually, the bill was introduced 2 years ago but never went anywhere. Representative Mario Scavello, who introduced the bill, is again pushing to get the bill passed. He used the case of a Lab-shepherd mix named Bernie to strenthen his case. Apparently the dog was tied up outside and was scalded by hot cooking oil that accidently sprayed her way and dumped on her. She couldn’t get out of the way because she was tied up.

Rep. Scavella first sponsored this bill 2 years ago after finding out about a dog that froze to death that was tied up outside on a very cold winter night and left unattended. How irresponsible of any owner to do this! His bill will punish this kind of owner. Those of us who take care of our dogs should be outraged of this kind of treatment to these dogs just as we are about dog fighting and what happens to them before, during and after the fighting.

These are the points in his bill:

Tethering - which is staking a dog to a stationary object - is prohibited from 10pm to 6am.

During the other hours, the owner has to provide food, water and shelter or access to a shaded area to the dog on the tether and the tether has to be at least 6ft long.

The dog should be fitted with a collar or harness that won’t cause injury to him.

Violaters can be fined up to $300 or go to prison up to 90 days. They could also lose their dog.

Sounds ok to me. How about you? These are just basic things that caring owners should already know but of course for those that don’t know or don’t care - this bill is for them. The above examples of dog abuse occured in Rep.Scavella’s district. Could you imagine this level of abuse in all of the U.S.? I can.

I, for one, have never kept any of my dogs outside and I don’t intend to do that. Our dogs live inside with us as one of the family and are treated as such. How can you enjoy your dog if its tied up outside all the time? Just my opinion.

This bill is being held up right now by the politicians who are saying that they are focused on the state budget and other legislation. My question to them: since this bill has been on the books for 2 years, what were your excuses for the past 2 years?

There’s no penalty in the Pa. state laws for irresponsible dog owners who abuse their dogs kept outside and this bill attempts to rectify that. I don’t know how you feel about the laws in your state but if you’re a concerned dog owner, maybe you should check them out.

Anti-Tethering Dog Law

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Tags: dog, dog abuse, dog chain, dog collar, dog fighting, dog law, dog tether, dogs, labrador, shepard

Dog Training Commands-The Basics 

It’s a very exciting time bringing a puppy or new dog home and it’s a lot of fun that is until the little rascal begins to get himself into trouble. And that curious, mischievous puppy with those funny antics begins to grow and suddenly those antics don’t seem funny any more, especially if your dog doesn’t listen to you. You can eliminate all of those troubles with basic dog training commands that you can start as soon as you bring your puppy home.

Start with the “sit” command. It’s a good command for your dog to know, keeping him well behaved around other dogs and people. It’s a simple command for your dog to learn. Start by saying,“sit” and then gently pushing on your dog’s backside. When he sits, immediately praise and reward him. He’ll quickly catch on.

“Come” is another command that your dog should know. Once your dog knows how to come you can relax knowing he will always come if called. “Come” is a little more complex and deserves more attention than an article can provide but there is plenty of excellent information online and good books too. For some dogs the “come” command is quite easy because they want to be where ever you are, but for others it may take a little more persistence on your part.

The command “stay”, like “come” requires a few more steps and generally a lot of patience. Dogs don’t want to stay. They want to be where you are. Start by requiring your dog to stay only for a very short time and then reward him. Increase the length of time until you can walk completely out of his sight without him moving.

The “heel” command is a very important command for your dog because it allows you to take your dog for a very relaxing walk without him tugging or pulling, and without him lunging at other dogs you may pass by.

That’s just a few of the basic commands. There are plenty of others including down, off, jump, shake, roll over and more. There are many different techniques for training your dog but the one thing that should remain consistent is that all training should be positive reinforcement and you will have a happy, well adjusted, and well trained dog that you can be proud of.

Dog Training Commands-The Basics

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Tags: command dog obedience, correcting dog behavior, dog, dog obedience, dog obedience training, dog training, dog training commands, puppy training

Proper Puppy Care is Important 

Your puppy is an important companion of your family and he/she depends on you for all of its care. Since your puppy friend is unable to look after itself, proper puppy care is important. And it doesn’t have to be a job at all.

Your children will be thrilled to have a puppy and anxious to help. It can be a learning experience for everyone. However,with all the excitement of having a puppy it can be easy to forget about the puppy care tasks that aren’t as appealing. In fact,a young puppy like any baby has plenty of issues that an grown dog will not have. You want to raise your young friend right and proper puppy care is an important part of that.

If your puppy is born at your house you have what’s equivalent to a newborn baby who can do nothing for themselves. You will need to protect your young puppy from accidentally falling down the stairs or getting stepped on. A newly born puppy cannot
regulate their body temperature so you will need to keep them warm. An electric blanket is a great way of doing that. Place it in half of their area leaving the other half for them to go to when they want to cool off.

Normally you would not bring your puppy home until they were around eight weeks of age. This is when the owner starts looking for good homes for the puppies. It is no longer dependent on the mother for nourishment as it can now eat solid food. Before you bring a puppy home you need to be ready.

You need to set up an area that’s just for your puppy friend – think of it kind of like your puppy’s own room. This is where he/she can eat,sleep,and play. It plays an important role. First it sets boundaries, which makes it easier for your puppy to learn. It will make it much easier to housebreak, it will keep your shoes safe from puppy teeth and puppy confusion, and it will provide a soft secure place for your puppy to sleep. You can relax knowing your puppy is safe and sound.

A puppy needs a lot of attention.The best way to make sure your adult dog will like kids, other pets, even babies, is to include in your puppy care, exposure to all of these elements and more. Socializing is key. Your puppy is a love bug at this time so make sure you take note of it to benefit you and your dog in later years.

Your puppy care includes taking your puppy to the vet. Your puppy should be looked over by your vet and then given a clear bill of health. After that he/she will be given their shots. These are needed even if your dog is an inside dog. Of course you should follow any directions your vet gives you.

And of course the most notable puppy care you can give is love, which will build a strong link between you and your new companion. It’s all about puppy love.

Proper Puppy Care is Important

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Tags: proper puppy care, puppies, puppy care, puppy health, puppy training

Positive Dog Training Works Best 

These days we seem to hear an awful lot about positive dog training and how it works best, but why is that? You might be inclined to think it’s because it’s easier to stay on track and not make errors that you might make with other methods, but that’s not really the reason why positive dog training works best.

Positive dog training works best because your dog learns to understand you and you and your dog learn to communicate better, each learning to better understand the other and what is expected of them. Your dog will learn much better in a relaxed atmosphere, rather than someone yelling at them. Forging a trusting relationship with your dog will go a long way in the training process. Your dog will respond to your commands in a happy and eager way wanting to please you.

Positive dog training works best because your dog is not under a great deal of stress, nor is he pressured to the point where he is too afraid to do anything including the right thing. When you use positive reinforcement, you are in essence training your dog to understand your language and this is the key to success.

When your dog does the correct task and he is rewarded with praise or a treat, he quickly learns to understand exactly what it is you want him to do. He will know that he did a good thing and will want to keep doing it to please you and get his treat or praise. Patience is the key. Your dog will learn what you want him to do but it takes time and it takes repetition combined with positive reinforcement.

One thing you should not do is give treats to your dog without him earning it. If you do, he will not associate the treat with doing something good and that would defeat the purpose of giving treats. Treats should only be given for a good deed.

It’s very difficult to mess up positive reinforcement training, so if you decide this is the method you are going to use to train your dog you can relax knowing that you’ve just taken care of one of the biggest mistakes made when training dogs.

Most of us have seen a dog that’s been trained using negative reinforcement, which might involve yelling or even hitting. Although these dogs may listen, they often cower when a hand is raised or a voice is loud. That’s not how you want your dog to be.

Positive dog training works best and you will be rewarded with a happy obedient dog that wants to listen out of love. Man’s best friend will be just that! Best behaved and best trained.

Positive Dog Training Works Best

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Tags: dog behavior, dog behavior problems, dog chewing issues, dog obedience training, dog problems, dog training, dog training commands, dog training tips, puppy problems, puppy training, stop dog aggression, stop dog jumping