Dog House Training

Food aggression is most often seen in dogs who are rescued from homes where they were abused or neglected. As an expression of food aggression your dog may exhibit tendancies to bite you, or growl at you. Your dog may growl, snap at, or bite you when you place your hand on or near the bowl of food, or if you attempt to pet them while they are eating.

Self-preservation is the most common source of food aggression, and the easiest to correct. As the dog fears their food being taken from them they feel the need to be very protective of it in these cases. Causes of this behavior can come from situations where the dog has been abused, had its food removed as a punishment of from just being under fed. Food aggression doesn’t always come from owner abuse or neglect, however. If you are not the first owner of your dog it may be that other pets have caused your dog to be off of its food.

If you feel that this is the case with your dog, all that’s necessary to correct the behavior is time, patience, and lots of love. Make sure that you build up trust with your dog and that you do not want to take the food away but that its food always come from you. Do not prepare your dog’s food and then invite it to come and it, you need your dog to see you preparing it.

Go slowly. A good place to start is by just sitting by your dog and just watching it eat. As you begin, remain very quiet. It is important that your dog recognizes that you are still there but equally important that you do not cause them to be fearful of your presence. As your dog’s tension starts to lift, stay with them whilst they eat, and keep reassuring them, from a distance, that all is ok. When your dog is used to you and no longer nervy you will be able to pet it whilst it is still eating. If you see that your dog is becoming aggressive towards you just back away and remain quiet and calm. Do not punish your dog in any way at all as this will make things a lot more difficult for you. Instead, show your dog that you are very happy with their behavior as they let you take and replace their food before they have finished.

If you are consistent with this training, you will see positive results very quickly.

Due to the various brands and types of dog food, choosing one can be difficult. First we should discuss what dried food is and how it compares to other dog foods.

Complete dried dog food has been baked into hard biscuit sized pieces. Dried dog food can help keep gums and teeth in good condition as the crunching and chewing of the dried food acts like an abrasive against the teeth, removing plaque and stimulating the gums. It is also a good and complete source of nutirition. Complete dried dog food is easy to serve because you simply pour the required measurement into the dog’s bowl and it tends not to smell like the wet, canned dog foods.

Most leading dog food manufacturers such as Royal Canin Dog Food develop many ranges of their dog food depending on whether your dog is puppy, adult, senior, specific breed or even having a sensitive stomach. But which food is the best for your puppy or adult dog?

If your dog is aged up to 18 months look at the different brands of food for puppies. These are not breed specific usually because food developed for puppies and young dogs contains different types and quantities of ingredients. ALL puppies, just like human babies need more and less of certain nutrients and vitamins. Puppy food can also be split by size of the breed i.e. small (e.g. Shih Tzu), medium (e.g. Border Collie) and large (e.g. Bull Mastiff). So by now you should at least be able to narrow the choice down by the age and size of the breed of your puppy.

When choosing a dog food brand for adult dogs it might be a little easier because most dog food manufacturers split their ranges by the size of dog or specific breed. If you decide to choose by the breed size, assuming there are no health considerations all you then need to do is select a brand and flavour (e.g. beef, chicken, fish, rabbit). Samples are ideal for finding out your dogs preferred flavour!). Or opt for ranges specifically developed for breeds such as rottweiler dog food.

The other factors that can be considered in your choice include personal preference. Brands such as Arden Grange are animal friendly i.e. animals were not used during the development of the product in what some animal rights organisations consider to be cruel conditions. Price is also an important factor. Your dog could get an upset stomach or even go on ‘hunger strike’ if you were to switch brands due to cost. So consider what the costs will be on an ongoing basis and make sure you will be able to afford the regular outgoing.

Handy hint: Many households have more than one dog so why not try to get them all on the same brand.

Any parent who gets a new puppy will be happy their children are so delighted but they will worry about the matter of potty training. It is a very important task you must accept when you get a new puppy. You can expect to have rugs ruined, furnishings damaged and your bed might seem a lot less welcoming until you have got this done. You may have noticed in other peoples houses that smell of untrained puppy lingering in the air. No pet owners want this so the best way to avoid such an annoying situation is by potty training your new puppy properly.

Potty training should not be too difficult when you know that the dog is one of the few really intelligent animals. Your new puppy doesn’t have a lot of time between the feeling of the need to go and his body waste being excreted so keep a close eye on him at all times. If your puppy begins going in circles and sniffing the ground it is a good sign that he needs to go to the potty area quickly. Once you can recognise these signs your potty training for your dog should be straightforward.

Doggy doors were a great invention and they make life a whole lot easier as your dog can go outside when it feels the need without you needing to be involved. Puppy doors are a great way to make your life easier and also help your puppy potty train himself.

A regular routine of taking your puppy for a walk both in the morning and evening is a great way to get his body regulated. You will have to show your dog the appropriate place to do pee and poop and spend a little time there and congratulate him if he does his business.

Praise is important to a dog so when you praise him for doing his business in the right place he will remember another time. He starts out with no idea where to go to the bathroom but with your encouragement he will understand the correct place to go. Mistakes will happen when your puppy leaves it too late to try to get to the right place so show you are disappointed but do not be tempted to punish him in any way. Over time his nervousness will disappear and he will become more trustworthy as you reinforce his learning about where to go for potty training.

While the training is going on, ensure that you keep an eye on him at regular intervals. Dogs are quick to learn but sometime that may not be fast enough for you and your patience may be tested. As you train your puppy you should give him lots of affection to show you love him and he will want to please you.

It can be rather tedious constantly watching your dog for when it needs to visit the designated potty training area. There will come a time when he gets it right all of the time and the effort will be worthwhile. The stink of the untrained puppy will disappear and you will have a clean home once again.

Is your dog elderly and finding it difficult to get comfortable when it lies down? He has always settled down quite happily outside your bedroom door, or in the hall or perhaps even by the side of your bed, and has always just had an old blanket to sleep on. Recently, however, he has been continuouslsy moving around and finding it dificult to settle down. Then it is time to think about buying an orthopaedic dog bed.

Dogs will sleep on anything, and generally will not complain. Newspapers (particularly those being read) are particularly popular and an old sweater is also favoured, however, as dogs get older, just like us, arthritis can begin to get hold, their legs start to ache as does their back, and at this stage, it is time to think of a more comfortable bed. Orthopaedic dog beds provide a really good solution.

Memory foam is generally the main ingredient of orthopaedic dog beds, some use whole memory foam and some use crumbled foam, most have a waterproof breathable lining. If your dog has a bad bladder or drools a lot, this can be very useful. Always check with your vetinary surgeon if you have any concerns over your dogs health, and especially if he shows any signs of having back, leg or any other joint pain.

A comfortable orthopaedic dog bed will greatly aid recovery for those dogs that have recently had medical treatment, or surgery, much as it is of benefit to older dogs with joint pains. Orthopaedic dog beds can aid recovery of joint sores where those have developed, and prevent development of them.

The orthopaedic dog bed can be placed in the position that your dog usually sleeps on his current blanket, and will be much more comfortable on a properly designed bed. But always try to keep him out of drafts. Give him an orthopaedic dog bed and see the difference it makes.

Training a dog takes patience and dedication. A rescued dog will require double the patience and dedication to achieve the desired results. It’s a lot of work, but in the end it will be worth the effort.

Unplanned litters continue to be common even though the practice of spaying and neutering has been around for decades. As a result of this there are just not enough homes for all of the puppies that are born. When we add the number of dogs that get lost or wander away, rescue missions and shelters everywhere are filled to capacity. For many of these dogs being euthanized will be the sad reality.

Some of the lucky ones will get a second chance. They could be adopted from shelters or missions or taken in off of the street and into the care of a willing family. The new owners, however, are often not quite sure how best to deal with the rescued dog.

By the time dogs find their way to a shelter they are usually in poor shape. It is not uncommon for them to be victims of neglect, abuse of even terrible living conditions. Other times, for a number of different reasons, these dogs were released into the wild to fend for themselves.

In nature a dog is a pack animal. Even wild dogs don’t do well on their own. A domesticated dog that has been released into the wild and no longer has human or animal interaction do poorly. However, with some training, these ‘wild’ dogs can learn to tolerate human touch and stop barking at the smallest noise.

The first thing you should do after you have rescued a dog is to get a full health examination. You will not be able to start training your new dog if he is sick or in pain. It’s crucial to give them enough time regain their health.

If possible try to get any information regarding the dog’s history. Your training efforts will be helped if you have information on the dog’s past abuse or medical history.

It is important to establish trust with a rescued dog slowly. Try to avoid imposing yourself on the dog. The dog needs to learn to trust you and will then seek you out. The use of treats is a good way to build trust. Try stepping back a bit after putting a treat on the floor. Staring directly at the dog should be avoided at this point. It is important to praise them once they take the treat.

A few dogs that are rescued look for physical interaction from the beginning. Some can take weeks or more. But once you have got it you may want to attempt to gently lay the dog on its back and put your hands on its chest. You can expect that the dog will either resist if they tend to be aggressive or a fearful dog will accept. Neither behavior is good. Forcing an aggressive dog into a submissive position is done under normal training. This technique typically does not work for rescued dogs. Establishing trust will take time. Make sure that a fearful dog understands that being on its back is not a punishment by given it a belly rub and talking in a calm voice.

You may find that the training is slower and more difficult with a rescued dog. They are often older dogs, mixed, and with difficult temperaments which makes training more challenging. Don’t give up. The dog will reward you for your perseverance.

Avoid at all cost feeling sorry for the dog. This is counter-productive and will only hinder the training. You will want to be loving and caring when appropriate but still be in control. You must establish your position as a leader and let the rescued dog understand that you are the alpha of the pack.

It’s a lot of sweet and hard work but you will have a companion for life.

Stefan Hyross is a writer for All About Dogs ‘N Puppies. Correct common dog behavior problems and other issues. Also visit the site for tips on puppy
potty training and other lessons for dogs.

Excessive barking is the plague of dog owners everywhere. While it’s natural for dogs to bark under certain circumstances, some dogs are a bit overzealous with this vocalization. It is extremely sad and one of the main reasons that alot of dogs get left along at animal shelters.

Stopping bad barking behaviors is actually quite easy to accomplish. First and foremost it is critical that you note you will be unable to cease your dog’s barking behavior totally. This is genetically implanted in them and is therefore quite natural. Dogs do bark and should bark at times and if this is not for you then please rethink the type of pet you get. Dogs are going to bark when they are startled, when they are afraid, when they see other dogs. You should not discourage your dog for carrying out these behaviors.

Some owners attempt this through the use of shock or spray collars. Devices such as t. Your dog will be given a quick shock as soon as it begins barking. While the manufacturers will tell you that the shock is comparable to that of a static spark that you’d get from walking across carpet and touching a metal surface, this is not true. It has been shown that such collars go wrong and indiscriminate cause shocks to dogs which can leave nasty burns and scarring.

A much more effective way to stop bad barking behaviors is through simple distraction. As an example, a new person to them is in your house and they will not stop barking at them, let them know this is unacceptable by saying “no” then redirect their behavior on to something else like one of their toys. Avoid shouting at or hitting your dog for barking. Confusion can occur because of this. Any dog training is achieved through being consistent. Each time your dog barks at an inappropriate time, you must offer the same reprimand, and the same distraction.

Praise them when they play with their toy instead of barking, in a light and excited tone of voice. As your dog begins to learn what you want, they will stay silent in anticipation of your praise and their reward, as dogs love to please their pack leader: you. Repetition is the key, as with all training. Treat and reprimand enough times so that your dog gets what is expected of it.

The 'down' command is a staple of training a dog, and is a must. This article will get you underway with your dog, on the 'down' command, and uses some of the technique taught in 'Secrets to Dog Training' by Daniel Stephens. 

If your serious about getting your dog trained amazingly well, in the shortest and easiest way, then the ‘Secrets to Dog Training’ ebook by professional dog handler Daniel Stephens is a must have. There is no other way to train that I can suggest to you, that has so many benefits.

Check out ‘Secrets to Dog Training’ at this page now

‘Down Dog!’

This lesson is best taught outside, in a open area your dog trusts, free from ALL distractions. An empty park, your back yard, or a unclutterd room is ideal.

Start by getting your dog over and excite his attention with a favourite treat (cut up meat, bolonga or sausage perhaps). We want to get started by having the dog facing you, standing in front of you.. Hold a reward in front of him, then move it slowly down to the ground in front of him, but far away to know he cant have it. Restrain the dog if you need to. Next say your desired command (voice and hand motion) and repeat it until he lies down.

After he lies down, let him have his treat by moving it to him, as he is lying down.

Dont let him get the treat, until the dog can complete the wole command. Never reward your dog for a half done job. If the dog appears reluctant, try and coax him onto his back to get him down and reward him. Keep this up, you want to keep going until the dog learns that he is rewarded when he lies right down. It wont take long if he is in the mood for food!

Once the dog confidently lies down, next hold the food a couple of inches off the ground away from him. What we hope is he will lie down in anticipation of the reward!

This will confuse the dog at first but keep motioning him with hand guidance, but only reward with the treat when he is fully down. 

After practise of this, start giving the ‘down’ command (hand motion and voice instruction) before you present the treat to lead the dog down.

Slowly now try and reduce the dogs need for the treat for a reward, so that he respons more to the hand motion and command. Hold the treat at a fartehr distance each time, and place less emphasis on giving the reward with each repetition. Now get him to accept your praise as reward for listening to the hand and voice command.

You can get to the rest of our great articles and read the end of this one, at my website www.dog-hobbyist.com

Also be sure to check out ‘Secrets to Dog Training‘ for a huge array of amazing dog training techniques, behaviour fixes and keeping/feeding/owning instructions. Priced at only $39.00, Its the best investment you will ever make in yourself and your pet!

Unless you are lucky enough to live out in the countryside with lots of private grounds you will have to travel to get your dog to a space open enough to give it a good run. Of course if you are in walking distance of a dog friendly park you can simply pop on a lead and go, but for many dog owners living in a busy town centre or city, a daily car journey is a necessity.

It is important that your dog is safe and comfortable during any length of car journey. This is a list of dog travel accessories

Dog Safety

Dog travel cages or cages specially adapted for cars not only makes your car journey safer for you but also for your dog, it also helps the dog feel more secure. Imagine how frightening it might be to your dog looking out the windows of a moving car!

If there is no room for a cage or if your dog travels in different cars consider buying a dog harness with seat belt adaptor. This is a great multi purpose accessory!

Word of warning: For those who think these are extreme, imagine what would happen if you were to have a car accident. If unsecured, your frightened dog could easily jump out of a car and run right onto a busy road.

Dog Comfort

A car boot isn’t designed to be comfortable so if your pet has to travel in the boot a dog bed is much nicer to sleep on.

It is also a good idea to keep a dog blanket in your car especially if you are planning a long journey in the colder months. (Keep a blanket for yourself too in case of break downs!)

Food and Water

Your dog will get hungry and thirsty during a long car journey and will certainly need to quench his or her thirst after a long run. It is essental to keep water handy and for the bowl, consider disposable or re-usable material travel bowls that fold up neatly instead of the standard bowls that are bulky and take up more space.

Tip: Your car engine might need water too! Keep a supply of water in your car for both dog and car engine especially during the hotter months. Large plastic milk or juice bottles are ideal for this. You can re-fill at a fresh water river or stream if out in the countryside.

Shade from the sun

Drivers and human passengers have visors to protect them from the glare of the sun so don’t forget your dog and fit a car window shade where appropriate.

Tip: If you also have children you may already have car window shades that are just as suitable for your pet!

Dog Ramps

A dog car ramp can be a godsend! You can lift smaller dogs into the car but what if you have had a particularly muddy run or if you have an older heavier dog that can’t jump up? You can choose from a number of dog car ramps that will fold away neatly when not in use.

Pet First Aid

As exciting as running in the countryside can be for your dog, there can also hazards including barbed wire, broken glass and sharp sticks. When you are out in the middle of nowhere and your dog gets a nasty cut the first aid you are able to provide can be vital in its recovery. Pet first aid kits usually come with bandages, gauzes and sterile wipes and are small enough for your glove compartment.

For more dog and pet products please visit swellpets.co.uk

Owners love their dogs.With Dachshunds that devotion reaches new heights.  The reasons aren’t hard to understand.  Dachshunds are special in many ways.

The German translation “badger dog” shows just one of those ways.  Bred in the early 1600s to hunt those ferocious little animals, the Dachshund became ferocious himself.  That assertive and fearless attitude remains today.

That feisty nature can be a bad thing or a good one.

Dogs that are independent can make great companions, being as that also makes them exploratory and playful.It gives the dog a willingness to try new things and lots of energy.It also means that skill and extra patience are required to train them.Dachshunds are more inclined than many other breeds to strive for alpha status in the household.Reminding them that the human is alpha may require a long struggle.

But that training has to be appropriate to the breed’s physical and mental attributes.

Doxies weigh between 10-30 lbs and are 9 inches high at the shoulder.Toy varieties are quite a bit smaller, often only 5 inches high and under 8 pounds.They have an average lifespan of between 14-17 years.

Dachshunds are much more prone to spinal problems than other breeds due to their short legs and long bodies.  Rough handling can cause serious problems.

At the same time simply screaming won’t do the trick because they are assertive.At best that produces a fearful dog, at worst, they can become aggressive and hostile in response.Doxies may look at their trainer as an enemy badger.Owners should be prepared due to barking being more common in Dachshunds, too.

With the right approach, though, they make for excellent companions and pets.

There are three basic varieties - Wire-Coats, Smooth-Coats, and Long-Hairs.But the difference goes beyond the type of fur they have.The personalities of the three varieties tend to follow a pattern, as well.

Smooth-haired Dachshunds more often attach themselves to one person in the family.They tend to be wary and stand-offish of other animals but will tolerate other humans.The Wire-haired is usually more outgoing and playful.Long-haired Dachshunds tend to be a little more placid.Like any Doxie, they are up for a game of fetch whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Apart from spinal problems, Doxies less often suffer from diseases that are more prevalent in other breeds.Diabetes, abdominal cancers and other diseases are possible but much less common in this breed.  Urinary tract problems (such as stones) can occur, but they are more likely in special varieties such as Double Dapples and those with blue eyes.  These types tend to have more eye and hearing problems, too.

Raising any dog can be a challenge, if they are to be happy and healthy.Dachshund owners commonly report that the rewards in their case are especially large.Dachshunds are very loyal and highly affectionate.The people they live with tend to return the favor.

Dachshund supplies and gifts can be found at Ony-Dachshunds.com

Vaccines are an important tool in keeping your Doxie healthy, but a few do carry some risk of allergic reaction.  Knowing which are vital and which are optional can help improve your odds of doing good without doing harm.

- Rabies

Rabies vaccine is among the most important for your Dachshund, as it is for any dog.Even though the disease is much less common today, the consequences of getting it are still so drastic - often fatal - that most veterinarians still recommend it.

Rabies vaccinations are commonly given every year to puppies and every two to three years subsequently.Most states require the vaccine and determine a specific schedule.  That is being re-evaluated as research now shows that immunization lasts three years or more.  See your vet for specific guidelines, but also seek a second or even third opinion and decide accordingly.

Serious side effects from the shot are rare, but may include fever, swelling, hives, or lethargy, along with decreased appetite.

- Canine Distemper

Distemper shots used to be routine.  Today they are still common, but schedules have lengthened.Modern research shows that puppies given a series of shots will develop antibodies that last several years.First vaccinations should be given at roughly eight weeks.As with any vaccination, the schedule can deviate from one part of the country to another, since prevalence and the associated risks of the disease vary geographically.See your veterinarian.

- Parvo

A vaccine to protect against the parvovirus is often combined with that for distemper, though it can be given separately.  Keep in mind that “combo” shots represent a slightly greater risk of allergic reaction.Combinations also make determining the root of any issue more difficult.

In some dogs, the immune system becomes hyperactive and produces redness of the gums, facial swelling and other symptoms.If a problem occurs, it usually happens within an hour or less, so stay near your vet’s facility after any vaccination.  Observe your dog carefully.  Have Benadryl on hand and call your vet at the first sign of a reaction.

- Hepatitis

This shot helps protect against infectious canine hepatitis.Here again, the disease is not common and the vaccine carries a small risk of allergic reaction.Nevertheless, the disease is serious enough that owners will want to discuss the subject carefully with their veterinarian and seek a second opinion prior to deciding.Kidney infections are possible following the vaccination because modified live virus is used.

- Lepto

Shots to immunized against the leptospira bacteria used to be routine, and in many areas still are.This is another vaccine that may cause a reaction and offers only short-lived protection against the disease.Considering the disease itself is rare, this vaccine is considered “non-core” by many vets today.

- Bordatella

The Bordatella organism causes a fairly common condition popurlarly known as “kennel cough”.The name originates from the fact that the organism has the ability to be airborne and can spread when dogs are house close together.It is not a serious condition, but does necessitate treatment when it arises.

If your Dachshund does not come into contact with strange dogs this vaccine is probably unnecessary.  Exceptions are when you intend to go on vacation and kennel your Doxie, or in areas where the disease has gone unchecked.

Summary

Vaccines are a low-risk, outstanding way to protect your Dachshund against a wide array of diseases.But “low-risk” doesn’t mean “no risk” and what was once habitual has become a more thoughtful exercise, thanks to improved research.

Paranoia about vaccinations is unfounded.However, the risk of disease is not zero, either.Nevertheless, careful consideration of the benefits and risks will help maximize your dog’s health.

Just for Dog Lover’s