Onions and Dogs - A Bad Combination

By Jerry Welsh

It is generally known that chocolates are dangerous to dogs thus dog owners would not give these comfort food to the pet. However, it is not generally known that onions also have toxic effects on the dog. Onion are one of the foods safe for humans but poisonous to dogs.

Onions are mainly used as a cooking ingredient as these pungent bulbs enhance the flavor of dishes. Onions are perfectly safe for humans to consume but it is extremely dangerous to dogs. Dogs are much loved pets thus owners have develop the habit of feeding the pet human foods. Life threatening concerns can develop in a dog that ingests raw, cooked, powdered or dehydrated onion.

The toxic effects of onions will be dependent on the amount ingested by the pet. A dog would immediately show signs of poisoning if it has ingested significant amounts of onions. A small amount of onion consumed by the dog would not immediately cause a health concern. Onion toxicity will buildup in dogs that regularly ingest small amounts of onions. In time the dog will show the clinical signs of hemolytic anemia.

Onions are toxic to dogs because these animals do not have the enzyme needed to metabolize thiosuphate, a substance contained by onions. Thiosulphate is the substance that causes the toxicity and cause the premature destruction of red blood cells. Red blood cells have the significant function of supplying oxygen to the tissues and to the different organs of the body. Thiosulphate would cause the oxidation of the red blood cell. Once red blood cells are oxidized, bubble-like clumps known as Heinz bodies will project from the red blood cells. These bubble-like clumps will weaken and cause the premature destruction of the red blood cells. Mass destruction of red blood cells would result to various health concerns.

Toxicity symptoms of onions will not be seen at once especially if the dog has only ingested a small amount. A one-time ingestion of small amounts of onion may not even harm the dog as the bone marrow will cope with the regeneration of the destroyed red blood cells. Hemolytic anemia is the common health concern that results from regular ingestion of onions as the toxic substance will cause the mass destruction of the dog's red blood cells. The dog will show signs of hemolytic anemia when the bone marrow can no longer manage with the need to regenerate the red blood cells.

Dogs are not picky eaters thus there is no need to stimulate the pet's appetite by adding onions to its food. To ensure the well being of the pet please - refrain from adding onions to its food.

About the Author:

So onions are dangerous to dogs. But do you know everything. At Sarah's Dogs there is further discussion on the topic of onions and dogs.

Reasons Why Dogs Have Tails

By Jerry Welsh

Different dog breeds have different kinds of tails. Some dog breeds have very short tails. Other dogs would not fail to gain the attention of people because the impressive appearance is enhanced by the long well feathered tail. The Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Keeshond are only some of the breeds known to have beautiful plumed tail. Tails of some dog breeds are purposely docked like in the case of bulldogs.

The tail can enhance the appearance of the dog but this appendage does have some other function. People know that dogs have tails but what they don't realize is that the tail is a functional body part of a dog. The tail is used for communication. We know that dogs cannot talk and yet these intelligent animal have the ability to communicate with humans and with other animals. Knowing the mood of the dog is easy simply by looking at the tail. An exuberantly wagging tail means that the dog is very happy or excited. Don't mess with a dog that holds the rigid tail high as it is a sign that the dog is aggressive. A tail that is held under the legs is an indication that something has frightened the pet.

Working dogs can find many uses for the tail. A Tornjack, a livestock protector that stays among the herd can be easily seen by the tail that towers among the back of sheep. The tail is an efficient counterbalance device. Dogs would scale ledges to follow a prey and the tail is used in the same way a tightrope walker uses a counter balance pole. The dog's tail is very important both to a human hunter and a pointing dog as it is used to point the location of the game.

Sighthounds and other breeds noted to be very fast runners are endowed with long but thin tails as this type of tail is an efficient appendage that allows these dogs to make sharp turns or to stop abruptly when following a prey. Retrievers can work efficiently in the water because they have a kind of tail that functions as a rudder.

Arctic breeds commonly have long and well feathered tail that are used for insulation. These dogs would usually sleep outdoors and as a protection against the elements, the dogs would curl up and use the tail to cover the face. Dogs also use the tail as a fly and insect swatter.

About the Author:

The dogs tail is a versatile tool. You know that now. But the topic can still be discussed further. Sarah's dogs continue the discussion of why dogs have tails as well as provide information on a wide range of related topics like why do dogs wag their tails?.

Teach Your Dog To Mind With These Training Tips

By Kirk McGee

If Spot is acting up and not listening to a word you say, he needs dog training. It can be incredibly frustrating to deal with a disobedient dog, and it can be difficult to know how to stop your canine's bad behavior. This article will answer a lot of the questions you have about dog training.

One tip to keep in mind when training your dog is to stop your dog during the behavior you want to change. This is important to ensure that your dog knows when to stop a certain action and what to replace it with. An example would be to never allow it to jump on anyone, and always discipline and correct the dog mid-action.

Once your dog begins to master the commands you are giving him, change locations. Train him in a different room of the house, on your driveway, midway on your walk, in the park. Each new location offers new distractions. He might have trouble initially offering the behaviors, but soon he'll be able to ignore the distractions, and he will be able to focus more on listening to your commands.

To get your dog to walk beside you instead of pulling you, reinforce the behavior with treats. Treats make it interesting for your dog to walk beside you. You should also use a harness instead of a collar. It is much easier to control a dog with a harness and he won't feel like you are trying to choke him.

To ensure your dog's good behavior, keep up its training throughout its life. A dog's learning doesn't stop when it leaves its puppy stage. If you reinforce desired behaviors, you will ensure your dog's continued obedience, and by continuing to discipline your dog, you will prevent negative behaviors from appearing.

If you are having problems with your dogs chewing up your things, it is important to monitor them closely. As soon as you discover them chewing something that is off limits, scold them, take away the item, and replace it with a chew toy and praise them for chewing the toy. If you wait until long after they've chewed the off-limits item they will not understand what they are being scolded for.

When training your dog, use the dog's name when you want their attention. This ensures that you will have good verbal control when you go outside your home, and good verbal control is absolutely vital to responsible pet ownership. Never call your dog to you in order to dish out punishment, as this will create a negative connection.

When walking your dog on a leash, never keep the leash too tight. A tight leash creates a counter pressure response and can cause the dog to become uptight or agitated. Your dog may then pull, rather than walk correctly on the leash. Being less restrictive with your leash hold will allow for a more pleasant walking experience.

With all the knowledge you have learned now, you can already start using these tips to train your dog. The thing is that you want to make sure you digest this information to the best of your ability as well as trying to seek out new information you can use. If you try your best to do the things listed, your dog should be trained before you know it.

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on dog food recipes, then visit www.naturaldogfoodrecipes.net to find the best advice on dog food recipes for you.

Barking Dog Collar Effectively Cope Barking Dogs

By Colin Seal

Barking is a normal action or reaction of dogs when they goes out of control. The barking dog collar might be the most suitable option.

Using this specific tool could be the best alternative but it is also more important to find out how to cope effectively with the needless barking of your pets.

What must you do?

1. Learn the reasons for this behaviour. It will be less complicated to address the issue and formulate an efficient training routine that can tackle this problem. Check the fundamental requirements of your pet like food, thirst, illnesses and companionship. Be responsive to what the animal is trying to communicate to you.
2. You can minimise if not fully remove your dog's motive for barking. This is often done by using the barking dog collar or the idea of positive strengthening to teach the dog to bark only when you issue a command or an order. By the same law, you have to train the animal to keep quiet when you give it an order to do that.
3. It could be helpful to say to your dog the word, 'good ' as soon as it exhibits correct behaviour. This is followed by showering praise on the dog and giving rewards.

Things to understand per this dog collar

The dog barks for several reasons.

How will this relate to the coaching collar?

This kind of collar is a training tool to manage your dog's actions. There is not a lot wrong with the dog barking as long as it can be managed.

Look at these factors:

The barking dog collar can be employed in coaching your dog because of too much barking. The negative result's something that ought to be clarified in the interests of peace in your place and the whole community .

Bark collars can simply be gotten in the market where a lot of dog supplies and training gear are sold. The most popular types and brands employ Citronella spray, static impulse, vibration and ultrasonic sound. The collars can be stimulated by sounds or vibration and dogs can make a response to this activation that restrains them from barking.

Most dog keepers have achieved successful results while using the dog collar though there were cases when they weren't successful. The logic behind this is that certain dogs can connect barking correction just when wearing the collar. Once this is removed, these dogs return to this state.

About the Author:

The Dog Line provides tips in dog training as well as supplies dog keepers with tools like the Barking Dog Collar . You can obtain more relevant info and other Anti Barking Device on the site of The Dog Line.

The Beginners Guide To Training Your Dog

By Kirk McGee

Having a dog can be one of the great joys in life. But when they aren't acting the way you want them to, they can also be the most frustrating. Don't lose heart; there are some effective ways to get your dog to behave. Here are some good ways to start training your dog.

If you are undergoing chemotherapy it is common for certain foods to leave a metallic taste in your mouth. The most common foods that give this type of reaction are water and meats. You can try adding fruit to water to lighten the taste and you can substitute fish, eggs, beans, or some other type of protein to your diet instead of meat.

As with anything, reinforce the good behaviors from your dog. Make sure that you have treats handy, or just use lots of praise for actions that are good. This will teach your dog to try and get a treat, or your praise and reinforce to them that what they just did was something you want them to keep doing.

When properly training your dog, you should always make sure that you can get a response from it. If your words or actions do not affect your dog in any kind of way, then you will not be able to train your dog no matter what you try to do.

To teach your dog to lie down, have him start in a sit position. Take a treat, and place your hand on the ground. Slowly drag it away from your dog. Your dog should initially lower his nose to the ground, and then lie down as he tries to follow the treat further away. If he stands up instead of lying down, have him restart from the sit position. Make sure to praise him once he lies down.

To have an obedient dog, you should establish yourself as a master right away. Do not let your dog bite you or jump on you. You have to punish or reward your dog constantly. Never let your dog get away with anything, or even worst, become hostile towards you.

When you are working at training your dog, positive reinforcement is everything. You need to give your dog lots of chances to get things right and then immediately reinforce that desirable behavior. You can use treats, praise or a combination of both to let the dog know how happy you are with what he just did.

Always start with the physical side of command training and incorporate words after. You can establish a training mood through your confidence and body language without saying anything. When your dominance is exerted, your dog will respond to this and often sit patiently and wait for your direction. Give them physical demonstrations and begin to use commands after showing them what you expect.

Try these tips and see how well they work. It will not happen overnight, but sooner or later your dog will start responding. This will mean you can relax a little. A great dog can be a great friend, but you've got to take a little time to train him first.

About the Author:

Want to find out more about home made dog food recipes, then visit Kirk McGee's site on how to choose the best home made dog food recipes for your needs.

Picking Out The Perfect Dog Food

By Pearlie Nott

It is extremely essential that you appropriately look after your dog's wellness. That is why you constantly want to select the right dog foods possible so that your dog can stay fit, trim and in good condition. It's additionally why I'll inform you right now all the things you must do that will help choose the ideal dog food to help keep your pet healthy and good. So let's have a look at many of these tips right this moment.

The very first thing you have to begin doing is reading all the labels on the distinct dog food products you buy for your animal. In case your dog is suffering from certain health problems, there is a chance that certain foods won't mix well with your pet. So you need to seriously consider these things and talk to your veterinarian about special diets because it is critical to keep your dog in very good health.

Dogs need lots of protein in their diet, so you need to make sure that the dog food products you acquire primarily contain meat along with other animal protein sources. You do not want to get a product which says it's flavoured with meat, lamb, chicken, beef as well as salmon. You would like these items to really be inside of the dog food, and not simply flavoring. This is essential and the health of your dog is at stake so make sure that the animal protein is absolutely in the product.

You'll need to purchase dog food with grains inside of it, but make sure you select a product that has the healthiest grains achievable. This is basically a filler, however it is necessary that the grains you choose are those of ground rice, whole wheat flour as well as barley. Make an effort to stay away from the dog foods with corn since it is a really low quality food which doesn't benefit your pet's health at all.

If you value your pet then you're likely to wish to keep it healthy, and giving it the correct food is the greatest way to give that health to the pet which you value.

About the Author:

Use these tips and you will certainly start the right way to choose the very best dog foods on the market.

How To Stop Dog Biting In Your Community

Dog bites are not always harmful, but they always hurt. They carry the risk of infection and disease. For these reasons, some communities have strict standards to keep dogs on leashes and to prevent dogs from doing harm to people and other dogs.

Unfortunately, not all communities take the dangers and risks involved as seriously as others do. If you want to take steps in your community to stop dog biting, there are some things you can do.

First of all, if you or your neighbor are bitten by a dog, photograph it. This is a good way to provide proof that there is a problem and to spread awareness. Hold the owner accountable for his or her dog's behavior. Let it be known that repeat offenses will not be tolerated.

If you participate in community functions, holding a town meeting to discuss, among other things on the agenda, the problem of aggressive dog behavior and the need to stop dog biting, is a way to push the issue to the forefront of the town or city's concerns.

Oftentimes, ordinances that everyone can agree on result from these types of meetings, making it necessary for owners to keep their dogs on leashes at all times when they are outdoors.

Most of the time, these tactics will work, because owners would rather be inconvenienced somewhat by the extra supervisory attention they must place on their dogs than lose their pets altogether.

 Other than the simple fact that reasonable people regard human safety as an important concern, pet owners will understand that it is in their dog's best interest if he or she is trained to abstain from aggressive, violent, or other harmful behaviors. Dogs have been known to turn on their owners, and invariably this results in the dog being put down.

You can also stop dog biting when you lead by example. If your dog has exhibited aggressive tendencies in the past, start by putting your dog on a leash when you take him or her outside.

 If the behavior is particularly serious, you may want to consider taking your dog to a trainer who can tone down or completely alter the undesired behavior, resulting in a positive change in your dog's personality and disposition.

All of the above can have a positive impact on your community.

However, there is only so much that can be done by just one person. If possible, get your friends, neighbors and family involved in this pursuit, and let them know how much it means to you to live in a town or city that is safe from the threat of injury from dangerous animals.

Are you looking for the right way to stop dog biting [http://www.dogtrainingheaven.com/dog-biting/stop-dog-biting/]? STOP your dog behavior problems and make him WANT to follow your every command! Click here now to download your FREE report (a $27 value): [http://www.dogtrainingheaven.com/dog-training-book/]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Rutherforde

Free Dog Training Tips for New Dog or Puppy Owners

By far the best dog training tips originate from dog owners and trainers who have faced challenges and solved them successfully.

Using the advice of certified professional dog trainers both directly (hiring a trainer) and indirectly (through resources such as books and DVDs), the author trained two Cockapoo puppies that are now three years old. Are they perfect?

 Of course not - dog training never ends. It's a continuous process hopefully built on a solid foundation of mutual trust and doggie habit.

Quite frankly, issues continue to pop up. Right now, Sir Arf-A-Lot challenges me on a daily basis with inappropriate barking. So I re-researched the "stop the barking" resources and came up with a plan.

Unfortunately, the plan cannot work until the family member who refuses to listen but constantly complains about the barking leaves for another place of residence.

It ain't gonna work unless everyone is on board. That's one of my lessons learned contained in my free dog training tips: dog training is doomed unless all of the participants agree to consistently apply the solution.

The Contents of the Free Dog Training Tips

The tips are divided into three categories of articles: house training a dog, basic obedience training, and solutions to dog aggression.

For example, there is an article in the obedience training section that discusses the five basic dog obedience commands. An article in the house training category relates puppy crate training tips. And the section on aggression reveals how to handle the most common puppy aggression topic - biting and mouthing.

The Benefits of Free Dog Training Tips

For new dog and puppy owners, the benefits of this information are obvious. You get the information for free and you know it worked because the author has proof.

 The best example - Simon the Cockapoo began puppy biting from the day we brought him home to the point where he finally figured out humans are not litter mates. I consistently applied the technique I explain in the article mentioned above. His biting diminished and stopped in about a week.

More proof - both dogs are house trained - they let us know when they want to go outdoors for relief. There's no slipping up at all. And yes, they know the basic obedience commands.

How do I benefit? I have shared the information so that someone else won't make the same mistake. I have tested a good number of products, reviewed them, and posted the reviews as articles. You may or may not need a chew toy to stop dog chewing or a dog training DVD, but at least the resource is there if you decide it's worthwhile.

These free dog training tips are contained in a series of articles entitled Designerpuppys Dog and Puppy Training Lensography. A lens is an article and a lensography is a collection of lenses on the web site squidoo.com. Click dog training tips to access the collection of articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Valerie_Mills

What to Look For in a Dog-training Program

If you have searched for a dog training program, you are well aware that there is a multitude of choices. How can you make a decision and feel confident in doing so?

This article will explore 3 main areas of consideration and see how dogproblems.com performs. These subjects include:

(1) does the program address my current dog behavior problem and are solutions extensive enough to cover any likely future problems?

 (2) does the program offer sufficient support to give me confidence in successful solutions?

 (3) what if I change my mind, or the program is not what I expected - is there a money back guarantee?

Consideration #1:

Which program best addresses my particular problem, both now and for the likelihood of future problems?

dogproblems.com has 42 different departments addressing particular dog problems, within which are contained anywhere from three to a dozen or more separate discussions on the subject and its variations.

 I can't imagine any problem that would not be addressed. If there is any question, you can go directly to dogproblems.com and review the various departments and their content.

Consideration #2 :

Is there sufficient support to give me confidence that I will be able to implement the suggested solution successfully?

 This is where dogproblems.com really shines. If applying the written solution is not successful, there are videos available on a number of subjects that may show you whether you have applied the solution correctly.

If you're still not successful, you have access to other dog owner members in the forum and their experiences. Finally, you can also consult with the staff of canine behavior experts that are available through the forum. 

Consideration #3:

 What if I don't like the program, or change my mind?   In this case, dogproblems.com offers a 30-day no questions asked money back guarantee. I would think any dog-training program that has confidence in its results would offer some type of guarantee. 

  In summary, when you are looking to purchase a training program that best addresses the various problems associated with dog ownership, dogproblems.com certainly seems one that can provide all the answers.

 Dogproblems.com is by no means the only available program, but certainly passes muster in this critics mind. When you analyze different programs, I suggest you not only be sure it covers a great deal of subjects, but also that it offers support to make sure the solutions are successful.

This support should include: written solutions, videos, and a forum with other dog owners, and free consultation with canine behavior experts.    Best of luck to you, as a fun and satisfying relationship with your dog can be one of the greatest experiences of all.

Tom Buck is 69 years old and has been a dog owner since childhood. Having adopted 6 different dogs mostly from animal shelters at ages ranging from a puppy to a 3 year old, Tom has experienced a vast array of dog behaviors. The review of dogproblems.com [http://www.dogproblemsreview.com]has been done with these experiences in mind. For more information, please go to [http://www.dogproblemsreview.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Buck

Hunting Dog: Bird Dog Training

Hunting is something that many individuals enjoy doing -the thrill of hunting is a great feeling. There are various breeds of dogs that were built for hunting. No matter what breed of hunting dog you choose, you need to teach it how to hunt properly. While the instincts are already built in, they will not know how to do it to your liking, unless you teach them.

Bird dog training should start at an early age. Sure, you can teach an old dog new tricks, but it may be harder to do. It is important that the dog learns how to obey the "whoa" command, no matter how far the dog is away from you and what they are doing at the time.

 If the dog does not obey this command, you will not be able to shoot the birds. The "whoa" command is something you should start teaching the hunting dog when you are teaching the basic "come" and "heel" commands. "Whoa," for your information is the "stop" command.

As soon as your dog knows the stop command, this will come in handy when it comes to teaching them other things as well. A reward system will come in handy for bird dog training. Right after your four-legged friend does the task you ask, you should reward them with affection or food - both are good to a dog. Take note that some breeds out there have innate hunting abilities and they are the best choice for bird dogs.

A good lesson would be to have a puppy search for food that is hiding n your pocket. This will teach your dog make use for the nose and learn how to sniff things out at a young age.

As soon as the pup is able to successfully find the food each time, it is time to take the next step. The next step will involve using a live game bird. There are numerous game bird can be used in order to encourage the pointing in puppies.

A major part of the training includes you getting the puppy used to the sound of gunshots - many dogs will go wild over the sound. Here, you need to easily expose the pup to loud sounds.

 If you do not get the pup used to those loud sounds coming from the gun, then they are not going to be good at hunting with you. This technique may take some time and it is not something you should rush through.

When you are training your dog to properly hunt, there are various techniques you can use. There are many articles and guides on the Internet that will help you do it like a professional. Many guides created for training a hunting dog will equip you with the information you need in order to successful teach your dog how to hunt birds.

Are you looking for more information regarding hunting dog? Visit http://www.getsmartdogtraining.com today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=L_Foss

Clicker Training Your Pet

Clicker Training Information

Pets should learn how to behave whether they are inside or outside of your home.
Pets have the ability to learn behaviors that the owner desires. Instead of using schools for obedience training, the pet owner can learn to teach behaviors on their own time.

Clicker training is one very effective form of obedience training that can be taught at home.
Clicker training is not your run of the mill dog training method.It is a form of conditioning that helps the pet develop actions that are desired by the owner while keeping focus on the target end results. This dog training may be different but shows to be quite successful.

Signals and rewards are the key to this behavior conditioning. Clicks of the tongue and snaps of the fingers, for instance, are great signals to direct the animals attention to the task being asked of it.

Rewards are also great incentives to drive the pets desire toward the owner's desire. This lets the pet know that there is a great treat reserved for them when they finish the task. After a while the task becomes natural to the animal.

Another aspect of the clicker training is that corporal punishment is never used when the pet does not perform the desired action properly. This is one reason why this sort of training is so much different from classic pet training. Although punishment is carried out, the scolding is never physical; it is also verbal.

Physical scolding can mentally inhibit the pet and halt training. The sensitive mentality of the pet is hindered by physical punishment and can cause severe scarring to the pet's psyche. Verbal scolding and reprimands can simple warn and encourage the pet all at the same time. This moves both pet and owner much further toward accomplishing the desire behaviors.

This system of conditioning takes patience. Every little accomplishment, whether large or small, is rewarded in Clicker training. If the pet makes the slightest effort toward the task at hand, he is rewarded generously.

The reason for this leniency is so the pet can make the connection early on that his behavior is headed in the right direction. Pets are very sensitive to accomplishments and failures so this is another reason to be patient and ample with the reward system.

For instance, if the owner wishes his dog to roll over, any simple movement to show an attempt should be rewarded. The desired behavior is sometimes accomplished quickly by taking very small steps with large rewards.

 This holds true with any desire movement or task. Likewise, if the pet does not make any attempt to do the desired task, then a mental deterrent should be used to drive the pet to want to do the desired act to receive reward. This system is simpler than it may see, given the ample amount of patience.

Animals which have been trained in the traditional method can easily be trained by the Clicker, dog training method. The owner should simply transition to verbal suggestions and forget corporal punishments.

Sometimes when starting a new training method, it takes 20-50 repetitions of the first lesson to teach the pet how the training will progress. Using an ample reward system and a lot of patience and the animal should relax and gain comfort with the non traditional training.

Any pet can benefit from the Clicker training method. Whether you are teaching the pet to halt when new company arrives, fetch balls at the park or simply behave properly, this system is non aggressive and very effective.

 Given the right amount of patience, verbal encouragement and reward, any pet and pet owner should be very successful with the Clicker training method.

Wolfram Merz is a clicker training expert. For more great information on clicker training, visit http://www.clickertraininginformation.org/dog_obedience_training.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wolfram_Merz

Getting The Right Bullmastiff Training

All puppies should be trained properly, to make sure that they are mild tempered and safe to be around, and this is especially important for bullmastiff puppies.

 Although bullmastiffs are known to be well tempered dogs, any dog can get out of control if they haven't had the proper upbringing.

The first thing that should be done after receiving the puppy, besides a trip to the veterinarian, is locating a qualified and experienced bullmastiff trainer, or a dog trainer.

Since the puppy will need to have a number of different vaccinations before it can be around other dogs, it will have to reach a certain age before it begins the proper bullmastiff training.

 Until they reach this age, ask the breeder, local veterinarians, and also pet supply stores, for recommendations on the best trainers and training schools.

Although you may believe that your dog is well mannered and they don't need training when they are small, you will want them to have it as they grow larger.

It is not uncommon for the adult bullmastiff to reach over 100 pounds, and that is a lot for an owner to control, especially if the owner doesn't weigh as much as the dog. These dogs can be very stubborn at times and get excited easily.

With the proper bullmastiff training the owner will be able to control the dog without any problems, and will not have to worry about any issues or legalities.

This is why the owner must participate in the training as well.

Bullmastiff training is for both the owner and the dog, and they will attend classes together. Different schools have different programs, and they usually run over the period of a couple months.

 There are many valuable things that will be learned during this time, and these things will be practiced through the entire duration of the dog's life. If at any time you believe that your dog is regressing, you may want to take another course.

Sometimes it does take more than one bullmastiff training class for a puppy to grasp the concepts that they need to learn.

 If this is the case, and you are unhappy with your first school or trainer, you may want to consider a different option, whatever you think is best for you and your dog.

It is very important that a dog as large as a bullmastiff be trained properly. This is important for the safety of the owners, and for the people that will come in contact with the dog.

As soon as the dog is vaccinated, get the dog enrolled with a trainer right away.

Would you like to learn more about bullmastiff training [http://www.dogtrainingheaven.com/dog-breeds-training/bullmastiff-training/]? STOP your dog behavior problems and make him WANT to follow your every command! Click here now to download your FREE report (a $27 value): [http://www.dogtrainingheaven.com/dog-training-book/]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Rutherforde

Understanding Schutzhund Trained Dogs

When looking for a dog to protect either your family or your business, you want one that can complete the task at hand at the time.

 Many dogs can be trained to be protective or to attack an intruder or other person as needed, but a Yorkshire terrier is not likely to stop a 300 pound man from picking up your items and walking away with them. You need a dog of some size to make them an effective tool for the job at hand.

On the other hand, if you want to train a dog to detect drugs or other substances, then only a keen nose and a strong desire to work for the handler and the ability to be trained are needed.

 In either case, these Schutzhund trained dogs can be worth their weight in gold, or more, when providing the needed services.

For the first category, law enforcement or protection, the list of dogs that typically work best are; German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Giant Schnauzers, Bouvier des Flanders, Dutch Shepherd Dogs, Beaucerons, American Bulldogs, Boxers, Black Russian Terriers, Airedale Terriers, and the like. Please note that all of these are dogs of some size, and could take down a large human with the proper training.

 Before training can start they are given personality and obedience tests to see if they can complete their training successfully. They must also pass distracability tests to make sure that loud noises, or a large number of people, cannot distract them from the task at hand.

Modern Schutzhund trained dogs must pass a test that consists of three phases: tracking, obedience, and protection.

All phases must be passed in the same test or the animal does not move on to the next level. There are three levels to the training, with the last one being the most difficult to pass, but this level also shows which are the most reliable and well trained of all the dogs.

While most of the Schutzhund trained dogs are used for protection or law enforcement purposes, their scent tracking and obedience skills make them excellent tools for finding lost humans or pets, or anything else that can be tracked. In many cases such as earthquakes, floods, or other natural disasters, these keen animals are used to locate any survivors who might be buried and unable to move or speak when humans are looking for them.

They also make excellent family dogs as they bond strongly and can be used to keep a small child from walking into danger, or being taken by someone who means them no good.

If one has need of a dog like this, there should never be any reason to fear they will turn on you, unless you try to hurt another person they are trained to protect.

Would you like to learn more about Schutzhund trained dogs [http://www.dogtrainingheaven.com/dog-training/schutzhund-trained-dogs/]? STOP your dog behavior problems and make him WANT to follow your every command! Click here now to download your FREE report (a $27 value): [http://www.dogtrainingheaven.com/dog-training-book/]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Rutherforde

What You Should Know About How To Stop Dog Barking

Having a family dog can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Having a dog that is obedient and well trained is an important factor in this.

 There are a lot of ideas and methods when it comes to appropriate and effective dog training and this is also certainly the case when it comes to methods to stop dog barking.

This can be done at any age, but it is best to start any training when the dog is at a very young age.

They are easier to train and they will be able to retain the training better. Once a dog is a few years old, it will be more reluctant to be trained and follow new orders and commands.

Many people believe that any training that is to be done should only come from licensed dog trainers. They will be able to provide a specific curriculum and step by step process that will certainly improve the habits of any dog.

When searching for a trainer to help with dog barking problems, there are a number of points that should be kept in mind. The trainer should have an extensive background in working with a variety of animals and not simply be someone operating an obedience class out of their home.

The training area should be clean and well lit and there should be the opportunity to get references and recommendations from previous and current clients.

It is also a good idea to go with a trainer who is recognized by the American Kennel Club and offers programs such as their Canine Good Citizen.

Training is never complete. Even after the classroom training, reinforcement needs to be continually done to stop dog barking, otherwise any successes that were achieved will be null and void. The dog will certainly go back to old ways if no consistent follow through is done.

The use of shock collars is an effective method to help with this.

These are completely safe and do not physically harm the animal. The amount of stimulation on these collars is more of a nuisance to them as opposed to being painful.

Depending on the type of collar that is purchased, there are options for intensity levels as well as the addition of positive tones.

When the dog is doing something undesirable such as barking, they should receive a mild shock. Some collars can emit a warning tone before the shock. Then, when the animal is good, with the press of a button, they can receive a positive tone. The use of treats along with this is helpful.

There is no quick and easy method to stop dog barking. It takes patience and persistence on the part of the owner, but it is certainly worth it.

Would you like to learn more about how to stop barking dogs [http://www.dogtrainingheaven.com/dog-barking/stop-barking-dogs/]? STOP your dog behavior problems and make him WANT to follow your every command! Click here now to download your FREE report (a $27 value): [http://www.dogtrainingheaven.com/dog-training-book/]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Rutherforde

Learning How To Train A Chihuahua

The first steps to learning how to train a chihuahua are to get a healthy dose of courage about you, lots of patience and a big bag of treats.

 Chihuahuas are very intelligent and inquisitive dogs by nature, so training them will provide the mental and physical stimulation they crave. However, because they are just as spirited as they are smart, they can easily manipulate the situation causing you to be the one being trained.

Chihuahuas respond to lots of positive reinforcement and praise. They are fiercely loyal to their fellow housemates and will do anything to make them happy and so we need to return this favor by constantly praising their good deeds.

Treats help in that your chihuahua will quickly figure out that if there is something in it for her, she will do what is asked of her.

Books on how to train a chihuahua even note that training them to do their business outside is no small feat, so this is where learning their individual temperaments and behaviors is crucial.

A chihuahua is only going to give you a small window of opportunity when she is trying to tell you she needs to go outside.

She may run to the door and sit there for a moment or she may scratch your leg at which point it is up to you to figure out what she is asking for.

 High praise and a handful of treats will teach her it is more fun to go outside than in the house. However, they are small dogs with brittle bones and there are no treats in this world worth the warmth of her home so you need to stay on top of those subtle clues when there is inclement weather about.

Keep it fun, to the point, and never try and train them when you are tired, impatient or angry. This will only hasten disobedience which they are good at anyway.

Chihuahuas are naturally inquisitive dogs and so learning new things is exciting to them and the attention they are receiving provides even more stimulation. But if they catch wind of the fact that they may be working, all bets are off and they will give up. A good thirty minute routine everyday is a good place to start.

There are several steps involved in how to train a chihuahua not to bark. The first of which may include understanding why she is barking.

Chihuahuas are fiercely protective of their housemates and property causing them to perceive everything as a threat. They may be barking as a warning for the intruders to stay away and a good stern "No!" will suffice in this situation.

It is a futile attempt to yell at them while they are barking because the sudden loud noise may cause them to bark more. One of the best things about chihuahuas is that they do not bark just to be barking, there is always a reason for it.

 Diverting their attention to something else usually makes them stop and when other dogs in the neighborhood are barking, it is best to let them go outside to see what all the fuss is about and once they realize there is no emergency, they usually quiet down and high praise to that end will encourage them even more.

Would you like to learn more about how to train a chihuahua [http://www.dogtrainingheaven.com/dog-breeds-training/how-to-train-a-chihuahua/]? STOP your dog behavior problems and make him WANT to follow your every command! Click here now to download your FREE report (a $27 value): [http://www.dogtrainingheaven.com/dog-training-book/]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Rutherforde

Averting Medical-Related Poodle Problems

Owning any kind of dog comes with definite responsibility.

The owner must be willing to accept the costs of numerous aspects of dog care, including grooming, training, walking, feeding, and the financial burden of health care for the animal.

This last concern is of special interest to poodle owners, who end up spending more money on health care for their pets than do the owners of other dog breeds.

The poodle is prone to developing various kinds of medical issues, which can take a variety of forms and effect different areas of the dog's body.

Since many of the conditions are complicated, it is best to have a general grasp of what sort of medical issues can crop up, helping the owner to avoid medical related poodle problems. The sooner a problem is spotted, the sooner it can be treated and further complications prevented by a veterinarian, insuring the long life of the poodle.

Poodles are especially prone to issues with their eyes. These include entropion, sebaceous adenitis, cataracts, and persistent pupillary membranes.

 They are also prone to progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to blindness if untreated. Poodles should be checked regularly by a veterinarian to avoid developing these eye diseases.

Distichiasis is another eye condition to which poodles are prone. It is the term for the growth of an extra eyelash from the meibomian gland near the edge of the dog's eyelid. This is not usually serious, unless it leads to the formation of an ectopic cilia, which can lead to corneal ulcers and horrible pain for the dog.

It is best to have the dog regularly examined. This will help in averting these types of poodle problems.

Von Willebrand's disease arises from blood disorders in poodles. It occurs when proteins existing in platelets of the dog's blood are disturbed and form abnormalities, affecting the blood's ability to clot. It is a hereditary disorder. This disease is also found in humans but exists in poodles as well.

Many poodles are also prone to allergies, which are not usually serious, but are irritating for both the animal and the owner.

Some are also likely to have epilepsy, a seizure disorder which can be either mild or severe. If the animal's epilepsy is severe, it can be very difficult for the owner to care for the animal, especially if it is large in size.

 If a poodle begins to have seizures, it is important to get it to the vet without delay so the animal can be effectively diagnosed and treated.

Patellar luxation and hip dysplasia are some of the joint disorders to which poodles are prone. While these are not fatal conditions, they can be quite painful for the dog. If noticing any abnormalities in a poodle's gait, have the veterinarian check for these conditions.

Regular vet visits are essential for the health and well-being of poodles, and avoiding medical poodle problems.

Would you like to learn more about the most common poodle problems [http://www.dogtrainingheaven.com/dog-breeds-training/poodle-problems/]? STOP your dog behavior problems and make him WANT to follow your every command! Click here now to download your FREE report (a $27 value):
[http://www.dogtrainingheaven.com/dog-training-book/]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Rutherforde

Tips For Buying Dog Supplies At Great Prices

The dog supply industry is an ever-growing industry that has become increasingly popular over the past decade. If you are in the business of selling dog supplies your business is probably doing very well. There is now more than there ever has been a wide variety of different products available for pets.

Not only can you now purchase designer clothing for your dog, but you can also purchase designer bedding, feeding bowls, accessories, and even designer leashes.

 It seems that price is no longer an issue when it comes to pampering your favorite friend. These little critters have become part of families all across the world and are treated as such. There is no luxury that is too outrageous when it comes to treating these puppies as if they were a true member of the family.

Regardless of the fact that most people seem to not mind spending a great amount of money on their dog supplies, there are ways that you can obtain these luxuries without having to pay a great deal of money. Just because you like to spoil your dog does not mean that you have to pay an arm and a leg to do so.

There are companies out there that specialize in bringing the best dog supplies to their customers with the best prices possible. Just because you compromise price does not mean that you have to compromise quality. There are many companies that offer high quality merchandise to their customers for amazingly low prices.

Some of the items that can be found at decent prices are outfits for your dog, accessories for your dog, and also cute dog beds.

If you are interested in finding some of these items at great prices, it can be done. By doing a bit of online research, you will have the ability to find a wide variety of different companies that offer all of these items at retail or even wholesale prices. This will provide you with a way to spoil your pet without spending a great deal of money.

Your dog is probably just as much a member of your family as your own children. Therefore, you will probably be just as likely to spoil your dog as much as you do your own children.

This can be done without ruining your budget. Now that you have the right information about where to look for your dog supplies, you are bound to be able to get everything that you want for your pet at a very low cost.

Are you looking for great pet supplies at low cost? Be sure to visit my site for dog toys, dog clothes, and many other items.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Rutherforde

Try This Unique Way of Finding Names For Dogs

Dogs provide us with loyalty, companionship and comfort. In some cases, they are surrogate children. Don't choose your dog's name lightly. Put time and effort into finding a befitting name that represents your dog's characteristics and personality. Look to literary works to find names for dogs.

Select a name from Sherlock Holmes for a hound dog. These canine detectives use their noses to solve mysteries and find objects. Sherlock makes a good name for a hound dog such as a bloodhound or a black and tan coonhound.

 Dr. Watson fits a basset hound. It is trustworthy and undaunted like Sherlock's sidekick.
From fantasy literature, Tolkien characters provide proud dog names. Tenacious terriers would be proud of the hobbit names Frodo and Bilbo. These small stature breeds challenge much larger foes.

German Shepherds approve of Aragorn. This wanderer with noble heritage roamed the wilds defending the oppressed. He always stood proudly.

Mixed breeds with their mystical heritage make a great wizard, Gandalf the Grey. Scruffy in appearance, but true in their character, mutts provide their families great companions. However, they sometimes wander off on their own.

An elfin name is appropriate for regal, decorative dogs. A female poodle named after an elfin princess Arwen would make a great companion. An Afghan dog with its long hair would strut grandly named after the elfin warrior Legolas.

Vampires are currently in literary demand. Give your Doberman Pincher the name Dracula. Maybe your pet would like a more current vampire name from the Volturi coven of the Twilight series.

Fans of the theater can pick from a number of Shakespeare's characters as names for dogs. Some examples include Macbeth, Hamlet, Caesar, as well as Romeo and Juliet. Lady Macbeth would be a good name for a Scottish Deerhound.

Several author names could also be used as names for dogs. Match the dog's personality to that of a well-known author. Try Hemingway for a hunting dog or Mark Twain for a mischievous dog. Jules Verne would work as a name for a dog that likes to explore. Robinson Crusoe fits a stray that has adopted your family.

In addition to characters and authors, many stories contain dogs. King Arthur named his dog Cabal. Jack London called his dog characters Buck, Fang and Jerry. Dorothy had Toto, Mickey had Pluto, and Scooby Doo solved mysteries with Shaggy.

Provide the new family member with a name from literature. Some characteristics of this dog caught your attention over all the others.

 Pick a favorite author or character name that best represents your new friend.

Are you looking for some great pet names for dogs [http://www.petnamesfordogs.com/]? Be sure to visit my site to get some great ideas, including good girl names for dogs [http://www.petnamesfordogs.com/].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Rutherforde

Hereditary Poodle Problems You Should Know About

Poodles are a breed of dogs that originated from Germany and France. These dogs are known for their beautiful fur. Their fur is long, tightly curled and thick in texture. There is a particular pattern in which the poodle fur is trimmed for show.

These dogs are bred in three different sizes. They are known for their involvement in shows and circus performances. Many people keep these dogs because of their beauty.

Unfortunately, these dogs are also found to be affected by many health problems that in most cases are of a hereditary nature. Such problems can be observed in almost every second poodle.

The most common poodle problems include eye issues. It is necessary that every poodle should be checked by a veterinarian in order to control this problem.

Among a number of types of eye problems the most commonly found one is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This eye problem is very dangerous as it grows worse as the dog ages. This disease can even cause blindness in dogs.

Distichiasis is one of the most common poodle problems. In this condition an additional eyebrow starts developing.

 This disease can take place at any age of the poodle's life. Entropion is one more disease of the eye. In this condition, the eyelid gets rolled in and because of this the eyeball is constantly disturbed by the eyelashes. This problem is very common and can be immediately treated by any veterinarian.

Among the poodle problems related to their eyes, microthalmos is the most severe one. In this disease the size of the eye shrinks.

The size of the eye very obviously looks to be smaller than normal. Excessive tears or epiphora is also seen quite commonly. In this disease, spots develop starting from the corner of the eye and into the entire face.

Few other eye issues develop this kind of condition. This disease should be treated as soon as possible or it will lead to severe trauma of the eye.

Apart from these eye diseases, other common issues among poodles include the Von Willebrand's disease. This disease is generated from blood disorders.

 The proteins that exist in the platelets are disturbed by this disease. Many kinds of allergies are also seen in poodles that are caused for different reasons. These allergies may also lead to other issues like pyoderma, pruritus and seborrhea.

Short legs abnormality is also seen largely in poodles because of the long bone cartilage ossification. Epilepsy, gastric torsion, congenital deafness, retained testicles and hip dysplasia are other common problems that poodles are susceptible to.

 All these issues should be treated as soon as possible in order to keep the problem from becoming more severe and to keep the poodle healthy.

Are you looking for expert poodle help? Be sure to visit my site for tips on poodle jumping [http://www.puppydogexpert.com/poodle-jumping/] and poodle crate training [http://www.puppydogexpert.com/poodle-crate-training-2/].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Rutherforde

Important Considerations For Weimaraner Puppy Training

One way in which owners of Weimaraner puppies sometimes misunderstand the role of crate training is that they assume it must take the form of a kind of punishment.

 For many people, the idea of keeping a dog in a crate for any length of time seems unpleasant or even barbaric, and as a result they have difficulty understanding that it might be enjoyable for the dog.

However, Weimaraner puppy training should not be unpleasant at all for the dog.

On the contrary, your pet should learn to see its crate as its favorite place, somewhere that is peaceful and secure. In order to instill the right attitude in the dog's mind towards its crate, it is vital that you train in a specific way, following particular rules and never breaking them.

The first and most important point is to understand that the crate is not an excuse to avoid interacting with your dog. Weimaraners are social dogs - they require interaction a great deal - and shutting them away rather than playing with them is a terrible way to treat them.

Maybe two hours of time should be spent every day just playing with him or her, so it simply does not work to have the attitude that this is a bad thing.

Leaving the dog in the crate away from people is out of the question. The crate should preferably be in a family area where the dog can hear and see its owners. It should simply see its crate as a comfortable place to return to, rather than an unpleasant place used for punishment.

A necessary follow-on from this rule is that Weimaraner puppy training must not take place for too long at a time. In fact, for puppies, the maximum time will likely be curtailed by their need to urinate, given the small size of their bladders.

The ideal time left in the crate will never be more than a few hours, even for more mature dogs, and for puppies the number may be measured in minutes. Always remember that the general rule of thumb is that the dog must see its crate as a comfortable place to spend some time, not a dungeon that it fears or reviles.

A final note to consider is that this training should be done in addition to regular dog familiarization, not instead of it.

If your Weimaraner puppy training does not also involve interaction with other dogs, then he or she will never learn how to interact properly, and will always be insecure or awkward around other dogs.

 In order to train your Weimaraner to be sociable and safe around other dogs and people, a combination of crate training and regular interaction is important.

Are you looking for more information on weimaraner training [http://www.weimaranerbehavior.com/weimaraner-training/]? If you have a weimaraner bark [http://www.weimaranerbehavior.com/weimaraner-bark/] problem or other issues with your dog, be sure to visit my site for the best solutions in training this breed.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Rutherforde

Weimaraner Training For A New Owner

Originally bred as a hunting dog for German nobility in the 1600's, the Weimaraner - sometimes called the "Grey Ghost" - is a distinctively colored dog typically weighing in at around 80 pounds.

 The breed is highly energetic, loyal to its master, aggressive toward other animals and does not do well if left alone for long periods of time. Good Weimaraner training will prove invaluable for all parties involved.

Be attentive to the dog but at the same time be in charge. It is important that you consistently take an alpha dog attitude toward your Weimaraner.

 Consider requesting that the dog sit before you place his food in front of him; you can do this by pushing down politely yet firmly at the tail. Weimaraners are very intelligent and will pick up your intent quickly. This is a positive step toward your establishing dominance.

The Weimaraner is highly energetic. Young children in its presence may fall prey to pawing, jumping and other unbridled enthusiasm.

The Weimaraner should have two long walks every day. It may be a good idea to include a toss and fetch session, perhaps including a tennis ball launcher, on a daily basis. It will be greeted enthusiastically and might prove to be a decent substitute for a walk.

Socialize the dog early and often. The more people he meets the better off he will be. But the Weimaraner does not do well with other animals.

The exception might be the family cat, if the cat is part of a Weimaraner's life from its earliest puppy stages. Otherwise, the instinct to pursue, catch and subdue that has been honed by centuries of training and experience will take over and the Weimaraner will give chase.

Weimaraner training should include acclimating the dog to your absence. Separation anxiety, which may be characterized by barking or destructive behavior, can and should be handled. You can train the Weimaraner to cope with this by periodically taking breaks from the dog that grow increasingly longer.

 Do not try to compensate by being overly attentive just prior to leaving, or right after you return as that would reinforce the angst the dog will certainly feel while you are gone.

 But you should be prepared to not stay away much more than five or six hours at a time. If that is unavoidable, hire a sitter to visit during those long periods so the dog can have some human contact and be let outside. The sitter should be acquainted with the dog prior to undertaking this task.

It may be best for the Weimaraner and its master to take an obedience training course. Such an undertaking requires a professional with the experience to do the job properly. It will enhance the bond between dog and master.

The Weimaraner is a handsome and loyal breed. It has behavior characteristics that must be considered if you choose to add one to your life. Good Weimaraner training is essential to both the dog and its two legged friends if the experience is to be most fulfilling.

Are you looking for more information on weimaraner behavior [http://www.weimaranerbehavior.com/]? If you have a weimaraner aggression problem [http://www.weimaranerbehavior.com/weimaraner-aggression/] or other behavioral issues, be sure to visit my site to learn more about training this breed.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Rutherforde

Tips For Effective Weimaraner Crate Training

It can be very beneficial for your pet to undergo Weimaraner crate training. This breed tends to be quite active and sociable, and as a result, they have a habit of getting into trouble if they are not suitably trained from a young age.

Weimaraners are unlikely to simply let other dogs and people alone - they will always attempt to interact, and if they are untrained this may develop into an unpleasant situation. It is good to get the training over with when they are puppies for this reason.

Thankfully, however, these dogs usually do not need a very large amount of training. They learn quickly in general, no matter what they are being taught, and crate training is no exception. However, it is important to keep good, strong, consistent rules in their training if you want it to be successful.

The most important element is to create a sense of peace and security for the dog when in its crate. As a result, using the crate for punishment is absolutely the wrong thing to do. The dog must learn to see the crate as their safe place to go, somewhere they trust and find comfortable.

Instilling in the dog's mind a connection between the crate and any unpleasant experience is a sure way to create confusion and make things far more difficult for yourself.
 
Along the same lines, the dog should never be left in the crate for too long. Weimaraner crate training should never last more than four to six hours at a maximum - even six may be leaving it too long. Also, the maximum allowable time depends on the age of the dog.

For puppies, four hours is far too long a time. Young dogs should always be left for far shorter times, a number of minutes rather than hours. Partly this is due to the young puppies' small bladder capacity.

Weimaraner crate training is best done in moderation as a result. It is vital that you do not see the training time as an excuse for not caring for your dog.

 This breed needs a lot of exercise and socialization, and cannot be left for long periods of time without seriously damaging the health of the dog.

 Using the crate as a method for ignoring the dog is a sure-fire way to create problems down the road that will be far more difficult to rectify than it would have been to train the dog safely in the first place.

If you really have difficulty caring for your Weimaraner suitably, you might consider hiring someone to take him or her for a walk every now and then.

If you follow these basic principles, you are much more likely to have success in training your Weimaraner.

Are you looking for more information on weimaraner obedience training

[http://www.weimaranerbehavior.com/weimaraner-obedience-training/]? If you have a weimaraner jumping [http://www.weimaranerbehavior.com/weimaraner-jumping/] problem or other behavioral issues, be sure to visit my site to learn more about training this breed.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Rutherforde

What You Should Know About Choosing Dog Collars

Dog collars come in so many different types and styles that deciding on the right one may be almost as difficult as voting for your favorite canine breed. The first consideration is your pet's safety.

Next come specifics such as durability. This factor varies according to your dog's activity level and also its breed or size.

 A sturdy collar for a Chihuahua would not last long on a Chow. Keep in mind any specific uses for the collar. If you are buying a collar mostly for show, you will want a different kind than one used for training purposes.

Safety factors to keep in mind when shopping for dog collars include their being structured to make them escape proof and yet release when caught on something that might strangle your dog. Many companies manufacture safety collars.

An additional safety element is night time visibility. You can find collars that glow in the dark to help cars see your pet if you happen to be taking them for a walk out in the dark.

Matching the dog's activity level to the strength of the collar is important. Super strong collars for larger animals and those that try to lead on the leash can be found across the internet and at many local pet stores.

They are often made of leather, but strength can also come in heavy webbing and other materials. While not needed for more docile animals or those whose size lets their humans maintain control, very strong collars are a blessing for people with powerful dogs.

Show collars are most often made of metal. They give greater control to dog handlers who must obtain immediate responses from the animals they are showing in the ring.

 For pet owners who simply want their dogs to look their best, there are many different colors and materials available. Some owners choose favorite colors of their own.

Others like the collar to coordinate well with the dog's coat and eye colors. Collars with extra bling such as ornamental rhinestones will dress up your dog with a little more flair and fun.

Training collars include everything from the interlocking metal-ringed ones of the show ring to bark collars, tracking collars, beeper collars, and other electronic varieties. Choke chain collars will help you control older pets, but are not advised for puppies.

 Nylon is a good choice of material for a puppy's first collar since it is lightweight and washable. Older dogs who enjoy the water may be good candidates for nylon collars as well. With so many choices of dog collars available, a caring pet owner can have a lively time making the right decision.

Are you looking for dog training collars? If so, be sure to visit our site for a wide variety of dog collars and other pet supplies.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Rutherforde

Beagle Puppy Training Tips You Need to Know

The first thing to know about beagle puppy training is to maintain calm and never yell or hit the puppy. This will immediately create a mistrust that can never be overcome.

 The second thing to know is that it will take time. Perhaps more time is required for beagles than most other breeds because of their very nature.

Potty training is often the first thing on the mind of an owner. There will always be a few accidents but with the proper instruction the intelligent little beagle will get the hang of it.

There are several products carried by pet stores that will assist in this task. There are sprays that can be applied to the areas that will be acceptable for doing their business.

Additionally, there are pads that are to be placed at certain points that have a plastic bottom to protect the floor.

Apply one of these and when he piddles on the floor show it to him, tell him "no" firmly then take him to the proper place and let him sniff it. Sometimes it is helpful to soak up the urine and place it at the site that has been chosen.

Sleeping arrangements are another important part of the beagle puppy training process.

 If the boisterous little playmate is to be a snuggle companion then helping him onto the bed in the evenings when it is time to retire will let him know about bedtime and where he is allowed to sleep.

If there is a special bed purchased especially for him, when it is time for bed put him in it and tell him to stay. This may take a bit of time but will be worth it in the long run.

Another part of training will come as he gets older. "Sit" is as easy as saying it, showing him what it means and then giving a treat when the command is obeyed.

 Another is fetching a toy. Some puppies come from well trained stock and part of these games are ingrained into them from their mothers.

 Trainers are not certain if it is because the mother fetched while carrying the puppies or if it is something that is naturally learned like knowing how to eat.

Other more complicated commands can be taught simply because beagle puppy training is made easier due to their exceptional intelligence and the stock they come from.

There are some owners who have taught their beagle how to pick up their toys and bring slippers.

A few have been photographed walking other dogs by holding onto their leash.

All of the things you want your beagle to learn are as easy as firmness, consistency and love. Beagles love to be with their human pack and will continuously use their brilliance to entertain each and every person who will watch.

Are you looking for help with Beagle problems? Be sure to visit my site for help with Beagle biting and other behavior problems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Rutherforde

How to Make Puppy Potty Training Easier

Puppies are the inherent definition of cuteness. Whether they are snoozing or playing, it is hard to look at a puppy and not want one. However, sometimes cuteness is in limited supply. Puppies grow up, after all, but there is a more pressing issue. Once you get the dog home, it has to be domesticated.

Also, nothing can kill cuteness more than finding excrement all over your home.

 Still, it is not the puppy's fault. He or she does not know any better. Scooping poop is just a routine part of dog ownership. Effective puppy potty training is also part of responsible pet ownership. How to train a puppy correctly may sometimes depend on the dog's breed. There are, however, a few things that will work most of the time.

Traditionally, puppy potty training consisted of layers of newspaper and a rolled up magazine. If the puppy defecated in an undesirable place, the owner would use the rolled up magazine and smack the dog on the nose, all while shouting.

 That may or may not work, but it hardly seems ethical. Plus, young animals are easily impressionable, and borderline abuse is something a dog can and will remember for a lifetime. Still, in some cases, a system of rewards and punishment may be needed. Still, there are other ways to more effectively train a puppy.

Many retailers sell puppy pads. These are items that were meant to take the place of newspaper on the floor. Essentially, these pads resemble large, flat diapers. They have a plastic covering, and the pad itself is made of an absorbent material. These make for easy clean up, as urine and liquid wastes are absorbed into the pad itself. Sometimes, waste can actively soak through a layer of newspaper.

Using pads remains relatively simple, but there are a few general guidelines to follow. You should set up the pads in a seldom trafficked part of your home.

There are practical reasons for this. You will likely not want to see them as you frequently mill about your house. Even more, the pads need to be in a place that gives the puppy a sense of comfort, safety and security. Make sure you feed the dog only on a set schedule.

In essence, you are trying to instill a routine into the animal. Save the treats for later in life, because spoiling the puppy early will remove the value of treats as a motivational teaching tool. While you are housebreaking a puppy, keep him or her to a select part of the house.

There will be mishaps, and if you have an expensive rug or other furniture, you're likely asking for it to become ruined.

That said, puppy potty training is a small price to pay. Puppies will usually grow into loyal, loving pets. Once you train a dog and get them on an internal schedule, you will not have to go back and reteach those habits.

Are you looking for helpful information for effectively training your dog? Be sure to visit my site to learn more about how to housebreak a puppy and dogs health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Rutherforde

Puppy Potty Training - Things Anyone Who Wants to Potty Train A Puppy Should Know

Congratulations on the new addition to your home! Perhaps you are in doubt at this particular moment whether you really want this new change due to the problems you are facing with potty training your puppy.

 I would like to start by reassuring you that this problem is only temporary and believe it or not, does have a lasting solution.

 Just like potty training a child don't last forever but doesn't take a day or sometimes a week either, puppy toilet training can be achieved with the right approach and understanding of the subject.

Puppy potty training Methods

When it comes to the "how to potty train a puppy",one of the keys to a potentially successful puppy potty training exercise is choosing the right method.

The three most common methods are:

  the direct training method, the paper training method and the crate training method.

The direct puppy potty training method is best suited for individuals that have plenty of time at their disposal to see the exercise through. The crate potty training method on the other hand favours owners that are usually away from the house for 3 - 4 hours or more at a stretch (i.e. busy owners and mums that work away from home).

Lastly, the paper potty training method is useful if you live in a high-rise apartment or have a little budget for achieving the desired goal.

Choosing a Puppy Potty Training Method

Your choice of which puppy potty training method to adopt should be based on a good understanding of the different methods and their requirements, your lifestyle, an understanding and appreciation of the "bladder and bowel development" in a puppy (which we'll cover), a good understanding of the relevant natural instincts a puppy is born with and finally how much time and budget you are willing to commit towards achieving this goal.

Relevant Facts about a Puppy's bladder and bowel development

• A Puppy develops full sensitivity to its bladder and bowel like an adult dog around 6 weeks of age but conscious control of their bladder and bowel movement is not possible at this time.
• They develop the full capability of controlling their bowel and bladder movement around 16 - 24 weeks of age.
• Puppies of Small / toy breeds of dog have a smaller bladder but a faster metabolic rate (so may need to urinate more frequent).

Quick puppy potty training tips Irrespective of the potty training method you adopt, the following tips are essential in accomplishing your goal

• The best time to start housebreaking your puppy is when they are 8 - 8.5 weeks old.

• Get everyone in the house involved and ensure everyone involved is clear about what the goal is and how you intend achieving it, so as not to get the puppy confused.

•  Take your puppy to a designated voiding area; for 10 - 15 minutes first thing in the mornings, immediately after a nap, 10 minutes before and after a meal, immediately after playing (especially if this happens indoors) and for 10 - 15 minutes last thing at nights.

• When choosing a puppy potty training method, avoid the crate training method if the puppy feels scared, restless, threatened and uncomfortable in the crate you're contemplating to use.

• When your puppy is in a designated place for voiding and it's in the act, utter a "light voice praising" not an over-enthusiastic praising. Only perform the later once your puppy is done. These actions will reaffirm your approval of its actions and also help to boost your puppy's confidence!

• Never miss the chance to lavish your puppy with praises (using a pleasant tone of voice) when it voids in the right place and at the right time. This is very essential!

• Have a good and effective odour killing carpet spray in the house for when accidents happen because they will!

• If your puppy is caught in the act of voiding in an undesignated area, express your disapproval by saying a sharp "No or bad dog" with a deep tone of voice, pick it up immediately and take it to the right designated area. Never punish the puppy!

• Immediately and always clean up (the designated voiding area) after your dog. This is good practice and it helps protect your puppy and the public especially children against worm infestation to say the least.

• Never stop your puppy's potty training exercise until you're 150% sure that all is well.

• Never give your puppy the full run of your home until it's completely potty trained!

• Familiarise yourself with the voiding pattern / signs displayed by your puppy and take it to the designated voiding area as soon as it begins to show any of the signs

A successful and lasting puppy potty training exercise will not happen overnight but is possible in as little as 3 - 6 weeks and in some cases much less time if you are willing to put in the necessary work!

For a proven, hands-on expert support and help with dog and puppy potty training, a free puppy training video and step-by-step videos on other aspects of training your dog, visit: http://www.cratetraining-puppytraining.com

Daniel B. is an ex-dog breeder and a vet. He works very closely with dogs of all breeds and has been doing this for the last 10 - 15 years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_B.

Dog Obedience School

In order to get a well behaved dog, it needs to benefit from proper training. For this reason, there are several dog obedience schools available in all areas of the country that can give you a helping hand. Many of these schools are very high rated and you can fully trust that your dog will benefit of a good education.

 If you choose for your dog to join such a dog obedience school, it will learn numerous tricks and most importantly, it will learn how to behave in a manner that is acceptable for you and your household.

Dog owners know better than anyone that a pet is not always pleasurable to have, as it can also bring a lot of mess, noise and aggressiveness. This behavior is acceptable in the animal group, as even if dogs are more intelligent, they are still animals.

 However, this type of behavior can only bring you head aches and your neighbors won't be happy either with the noise or the other negative aspects that might bother them as well. The solution can be easy: you have to train your dog. You can try some house training, but the most effective method to get a good pet is a dog obedience school.

A dog obedience school is a special training place where dogs are gathered and they receive appropriate training, while all the bad behaviors are being corrected.

 The dog obedience schools are usually divided into several levels: beginner, intermediate or advanced, according to the age of the dog, or the stage of training it has reached, which can be established according to the tricks it can perform and the commands it knows.

There are also some dog obedience schools that form the groups according to the breed. It is a known fact that some breeds of dog are easier to train, some are more obedient, while others are just a pain in the neck and stubborn, so they need to be dealt with separately.

Such dog obedience schools will take good care of your stubborn or lazy dog, and after the course is done, you won't even recognize the behavior of your dog. It will be like your dog has been replaced by an animal with human behavior, but this will only be the result of your dog attending a dog obedience school.

All things considered, a dog obedience school is a big advantage that you can get hold of if you are a wise dog owner. You will only have to gain an obedient dog that won't be up to bad things each time you leave the house, and the dog will also enjoy the experience, even if at the beginning it won't be too keen on the method.

 On the whole, the dog will like being around other dogs and will want to learn and please you, as it will learn that you are the person in charge of the group it belongs to.

Demosthenes Damon is an article writer and dog lover. To learn more about his the reviews of dog training products please visit [http://www.dogbookdoubter.com/] or click Dog Training [http://www.dogbookdoubter.com/]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Demosthenes_Damon

The Ultimate Dog Obedience Training

Clicker Dog Obedience Training
Obedience schools and programs for dogs are in high demand in every state as pet owners strive to set and enforce specific standards of behavior for their dogs. Most of the time these dog schools rely on classical conditioning techniques, but now many pet owners are finding that a simpler and more effective way of training dogs exists.

Clicker Training

Instead of relying on classical conditioning this new way relies upon the use of operand conditioning, which means reinforcement occurs only after the response is given.

This reward based dog training program is called "clicker training" because with this technique the trainer uses a plastic device that makes a clear, metallic sound when pressed.

 Through a series of phases the dog is trained to associate the desired behavior with a reward, with the sound of the clicker used to provide guidance to the dog. The clicking sound creates a constant variable that the dog focuses on and which over time creates an association in the dog's mind between the dog's behavior and the reward.

 For more complex training, use may also be made of a "target stick" to lure or lead the dog towards the desired behavior, especially if it involves actions that take place over distance

Training Your Dog at Home

One of the great advantages of clicker training is that you can train your dog yourself at home without all the hassles and potential problems involved with bringing your pet to a classroom setting. All you will need to clicker train your dog is a bag of treats, a target stick and a clicker.

The most complicated commands may require several multiple colored sticks because a sequence of behaviors need to be instructed. If your training goals are very limited (such as just obeying simple commands) then the stick may be unnecessary. As for the more simple dog training goals clicker training is so effective that even a child can train their pet using the technique.

Rewards, Signals, and Target Actions

As long as the correct sequence of clicks and target sticks are used in a logical manner at every training session, the dog will eventually learn to perform whatever behavior the trainer has in mind, sometimes with surprising rapidity. The key to successful training is to adopt a step-by-step approach where each click corresponds to the required movements.

By rewarding the animal at every step of the desired behavior your dog should have no problem coming to understand what the trainer wants it to do, but go slow at first and be prepared at the beginning to reward even the smallest steps toward the target action if necessary.

There is no reason when using clicker training to have to resort to physical punishments. Simple verbal cues such as firmly stating the word "wrong" and then trying the behavior again will impress on the dog the right way to move.

 With patience and encouragement your dog will learn to perform as desired using the clicker dog training program.

Wolfram Merz is a clicker training expert. For more great information on clicker training, visit http://www.clickertraininginformation.org.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wolfram_Merz