Dog House Training

Many dogs, today, are being mistreated and trained to be vicious guard dogs. So when you encounter a noble canine, it is enough to make you wonder, just what motivates some modern day dog “heros” we hear about in the news. What heros, you say? This German Shepherd dog really fits the bill

Friday’s expressway incident gives us one more reason to admire this wonderful breed of dog. A female German Shepherd was hit by a car and lay bleeding and helpless when another German Shepherd came on the scene, weaving its way through the traffic to the side of the injured Shepherd. This modern-day hero was there to protect its fellow canine, but in this case,  the mother of the hero. Against all odds and traffic, this hero barked and lunged at anyone who tried to help, holding off help until the officials were finally able to get to the injured Shepherd and transport it to the Vet for treatment.

This breed of dog possesses a unique instinct that has enabled them to become loyal companions and perform valiant acts of heroism for their owners, many of them treated like members of the family. There are many stories told of Shepherds jumping in water, pulling victims to safety and protecting their owners from attacks from thugs. But the most unique was the one in Argentina where a female saved a newborn child that was abandoned in a field by its 14 yr old mother, took it to its own litter of puppies and kept it warm until discovered by its owner. Another was in Florida where the canine chased a 200 lb bear that invaded their property up a tree.

When we became owners to a very unfriendly German Shepherd, I was a little skeptical at ever letting it near my children or myself. Each day I spoke gently to him whenever I went near his fenced area and especially so when I fed him. Finally the weather was so cold and he looked so pitiful out side that I decided to bring him inside the house. He cautiously stepped just inside the door and lay down beside it. No further. After a few nights spent there by the door, he ventured over to the fireplace when he came inside. I felt better and so each night we all said good night and left him by the dying embers. One night when we went upstairs, Fonzie (I know) went with us as far as the stairs and slept there. I gave it no thought when, another night or so, he slept on the landing where the stairs turned.  Nor did I give much thought to his move to the top of the stairs a few nights later, nor the move to outside my door. It was a few nights later when he scratched on my door and I let him inside and he promptly lay down beside my bed. It was then that I realized I’d been duped. Never under-estimate the intelligence of a German Shepherd and never let it go to waist. trained German Shepherd program|Learning how to train a German Shepherd] can mean the difference between a great dog and a disaster.

David Lee is an expert on pet care. Check out the link for more information on Dog Training information

Providing a clean living environment for your dog is the best thing to do to counterattack the villain skin problem that is called mange. That’s why you ought to be ready to cure this problem when faced with it. The dog mange is a dermic illness induced by parasites that dwell on your dog’s skin. The demodex mange is considered to be contagious to humans and other animals that get in contact with your dog. The mange is a torment for your dog, making him less desirable and repugnant; the blisters, scabs and wounds cover his body and and are a great deal of pain.

One of the most important thing you should know is that trying to cure the mange shouldn’t be done by yourself. After observing the mange, you can take the dog to a vet and check out his advice. Discovering the right symptoms shows you the right type of mange and ways to treat it accordingly. There are 3 types of mange, each one featuring diverse symptoms and effects.

The first one, nominated as cheyletiella mange, isn’t a major concern. Its ymptoms are easily observed on the skin, since many skin regions will be covered in light dandruff. The dog will scratch and lick himself because the damaged region itches alot.

The sarcoptic mange, a second form of mange, is noticeable on the skin. Scratching incontrollably leads to hair loss issues on the dog’s body. Since the mange is infectious, you should be careful. You should seek the vet’s advice on dealing with this specific mange type.

The third one, named demodex mange, can be observed especially in young dogs and puppies. The demodex mite is the one causing this type of mange. If your dog has an precarious system immunity with hereditary causes, the dog mange can affect him in a greater procentage. This kind of mange will affect some breeds and totally ignore other. The mange causes lesions on the eye mask, muzzle and face areas. Skin thickening and dry secretions will appear in the damaged areas. The veterinarian will most surely prescribe you some antibiotics.

Again, I must emphasize the fact that you need to to get advice from a specialized veterinarian. Get a prescription of antibiotics and unguents from your local vet. You should also ask him about the effects of the mange on yourself, so you can eventually make use of gloves, etc.

Don’t neglect your dog if he’s affected by mange. The mange skin problem isn’t treated by hating or ignoring your dog, just because he might look repulsive. Finding a fast mange treatment is something really easy nowadays.

Crates are a necessity for most dog owners. They are great for giving your pet a safe place to curl up. They are also good for use during traveling. Dogs in a crate will receive less injuries in a car accident than those without a crate. It is important that you never leave you dog in a parked car, even if you crack the windows and return quickly. It is not a good idea to make your dog spend too much time in a crate.
 
 Your dog crate should be a place where your dog can escape and have its own space. Dogs usually like their own private “den” where they can feel at home. Having a dog crate allows you to create the small private space your dog desires. The crate you choose should be big enough to allow your dog to be comfortable while in the crate. Always measure your dog prior to purchasing a dog crate. You will need to add three inches to your dogs measurements to get the right size crate.
 
 If you buy a crate for a puppy get a large size and a divider panel to make it smaller for now. It will be easier to house train your puppy if you have a dog crate. A dog will do almost anything to avoid soiling the space where they sleep. It can also be a great way to keep puppies from destructive behavior when puppy needs to be home alone.
 
 Your dog will be much more comfortable in the crate if you add a crate pad. A dog crate pad can help prevent against painful injuries and crate sores as well. Using dog crate pads makes the crate safer and more comfortable. Look for a crate pad which is machine washable and allergy free. A soft crate pad will also turn your crate into a cozy den and reduce barking while the dog is in the crate.

One of my partners called me yesterday, and he wanted to tell me about what one of the participants in our test group had told him. Our test group had tested my ultra pure pharmaceutical grade fish oil for a few months, before it was released, and the female participant that had spoken to my partner was one of our guinea pigs.

The woman is a nurse at a dialysis clinic, is around 50 years of age, widowed, and has two dogs, (and I’m talking real dogs…not those miniature rats that are so popular today), and the dogs are somewhere between 8 and 11 years of age.

She took my pharmaceutical grade fish oil, because the stuff she was taking gave her “fish burps,” which she didn’t like, and she liked the the higher levels of EPA/DHA contained in my formula, which she couldn’t get in the stuff she picked up at the drugstore.

Her primary reason for trying out the fish oil was in order to reduce her arthritic pain. She’s a nurse, and on her feet for many, many hours at a time, and it’s taken its toll on her.

She had been taking my special fish oil formula for a month, when she told us that she had felt a substantial decrease in her pain level. She said it was like she had new legs!

Here’s where the story goes to fish oil for dogs.

Her dogs, named Shaggy and Shea, were getting up in age and therefore were not as active as they were in their younger days, and Shea seemed to have a bit of limp. After being on the fish oil formula for a month and feeling great, she had the idea to give the dogs one soft gel at the same time as they got their dogfood. In just a couple weeks, the dogs’ energy levels were ncreased and Shea was walking without a hitch.

Now I know this is not scientific, and I’m far from a veterinarian. I’m at a loss for words - a rare thing for me. But if it tends to work…I’m not going to stand in the way of her giving fish oil for dogs.

Shea and Shaggy’s mom is certainly not the only person who has reported that fish oil is a great method for reducing pain brought about by common arthritis. Using pharmaceutical-grade fish oil is a great help if you are battling all sorts of joint troubles.

I read a study recently from Columbia University Medical Center revealing that omega 3 fatty acids might help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s by 19 to 24%. Enteric coated fish oil can also help with heart, joint, and brain function.

Alzheimer’s is the #1 health fear of my generation, and the one that follows, too.

Many people enjoy taking their dog along for trips. While many people may be excited about the chance to travel with their dog they may not have what they need to make it enjoyable. The restrictions in various locations can make traveling challenging. Fortunately there are many different types of dog carrier strollers and totes you can chose from to travel safely with our dog.
 
There will be some who get overwhelmed when they consider what it will take to travel with their dog. In many homes the dog is a part of the family and we don’t want to leave them behind. There are several different types of pet carrier strollers out there so you can find the one that suits your needs best. 
 
With the large selection of styles, shapes, and sizes it should be no problem to find exactly what you need. A dog carrier stroller is one of the most convenient types of pet carriers. They look similar to a regular baby stroller but are specifically designed to hold your dog. They are the perfect choice for dog lovers who have dogs who cannot walk long distances. They make the process of taking your dog for a walk much simpler since you can carry him home easily when he gets tired. 
 
Another great type of dog carrier for a small dog is a dog carrier backpack. They work just like a regular backpack with your dog tucked safe and cozy in the pack. The most commonly used type of dog carrier is the dog travel carrier. You will need one of these if you plan to take your dog on the airplane. If you are planning a trip by air buy a dog carrier which is approved by the airline you will be using. Most travel dog carriers are made from plastic. You want one large enough to allow your dog to lie down comfortably.

Simply seeing that furry little bundle in front of a grocery store for free doesn’t mean that is the puppy you need to take home. Adopting a dog is an important decision, and you need to do your research to make sure that you are finding the right breed and tempered dog for your family. Understanding the differences in the breeds will help you make a good choice so that your new family member can give you joy for years to come.

Dogs will vary in size from a few pounds to over 100. This should be your starting place for searching for the right dog for you. If you have small children in your home you need to consider the size of your dog.  A full grown dog that weighs 200 pounds could accidentally knock your child down. Safety is key when it comes to children, thus with a baby in the family you may decide a smaller dog is imperative. If you are looking for a dog that provides protection then a larger dog will certainly be more effective.

Some things to keep in mind when deciding to adopt a new dog or puppy:

There is a commitment involved in dog ownership.  They truly become like a child, incurring food and medical expenses. Be prepared to take your dog with you on trips, or make suitable arrangements when you are gone. Match your lifestyle to the type of dog you want. Clean conscious people may need to steer away from the long hair, high shedding dogs, while those who want a dog to participate in hikes and outdoor adventures will want a high-energy dog. If you are in an apartment, you may want a lower energy dog that is content to stay inside.

Read up on habits of certain breeds before making a decision - terriers, for example, are notorious for digging. Some varieties are “yippy”.  Some breeds are protective, while others are overly friendly. Make sure you can deal with the habits of the dog. Of course every responsible owner will start a training regiment. This requires discipline on the part of the owner to keep up the program but will ultimately lead to a happy calm home and not a stressful situation. I highly suggest you consider these dog training products as they have helped me with my dogs. In addition size matters when selecting a dog. Do you have the room for a giant dog, or would you rather have a lap dog? German shepherds, labs, and other dogs require more space. If living in small quarters, a large dog may get underfoot. Small dogs frequently love to jump up on you and cuddle.

Do you have children? Is the breed known for biting? Certain breeds are much more prone to snap at little fingers, while larger dogs can knock toddlers over. This is why it’s important to find the right breed that will fit in your puzzle perfectly. One of the most loveable dogs is the German Shepherd. Besides being guard dogs, rescue dogs, and police dogs, they are just plain great pets. A well known trait of the Shepherd is their ability to be trained to a high level. Great tips on training German Shepherds can be found at this link. Getting your dog from a reputable breeder will help assure that you avoid health problems that may be prevalent in a particular breed. Use the AKC or other breeders’ association to find a good match for a breeder for your puppy.

Adopting a dog is a great way to give a animal a second chance at life. Usually people think of adopting only a puppy. After all who would not want a fluffy little ball of cuteness and fun? Well, if you have never had a puppy then you might not be familiar with the 2am howling monster that wants to sleep in the same room as you. You may not be accustom to waking up to dog poop all over the floor. Although an early dog training routine will fix these little set backs you can count on them in the beginning. These are things that some may not want to deal with. No problem, just adopt an older dog. Older dogs have a less likely chance at a home because they are often overlooked as potential pets. You will be doing yourself and a needed pup a favor by considering this possibility. Remember that dogs do bring good experiences to a family but there can also be times of stress. Dog disease< issues can bring much worry and cost a good bit of money. Be sure to count the costs for both the good times and the not so good. Owning a dog is a rewarding experience and will bring years of joy to a family. Be sure to consider these points and you are on your way to adopting the perfect pup.

I’m sure most of you have suffered through the puppy phase where they will basically chew on anything that they can get their mouth around. Of course there are the typical favorites like shoes and the legs of kitchen stairs. Our Australian Shepherd, Mittsy wasn’t much different in the early days. This chewing phase lasted about 8 months.

Although the furniture in the house and our shoes seemed to be safe after that initial period, even the use of a standard pet gate to keep mittsy confined while we were away, wasn’t enough to curb her appetite for new taste experiences.

There are many things that are considered dangerous to a dog if ingested. At some point or another, Mittsy has pretty much eaten everything on that list, with only minor indigestion.

Apparently chocolate is at the top of the dangerous list. Yet chocolate was always a favorite for Mittsy. She especially loved Easter time and would have her own Easter egg hunt looking for some misplaced chocolate items. It didn’t matter much whether there were wrappers on the chocolates, because they would simply become part of the meal.

Oh yes, she would be ill the next day, but she would shake that off in no time and be back on the hunt soon after. I guess the short lived stomach pains were worth the taste treat.

These Easter delights were obviously quite seasonal, but with a house full of teen aged daughters, Mittsy’s favorite staple food was readily available 365 days a year. What would that be you ask? Why lipstick of course, and the redder the lipstick the better she liked it.

I don’t know how many times we had to try to remove red lipstick from our beige carpets. It would often take more than a few passes of the carpet cleaner to get it all out. The question for my wife and I was whether we should be trying to train Mittsy or our kids about the issues with lipstick and chocolate. Of course there is always the handy pet gate.

Our biggest surprise however, was yet to come.

Our family was invited to spend a week-end at a friend’s cottage one year, dog included. This cottage was fairly remote and had several acres of bush land around it, so it was a very special outing for all of us. Fortunately for Mittsy there would be other dogs there to play with.

The majority of this infamous weekend was absolutely fabulous. Unfortunately, on the day we were to leave for home, Mittsy decided that she would need lots of food to tide her over on the four hour trip home. She searched high and low looking for any kind of eats she could find.

The first course was a rare find for Mittsy, a full French loaf. The tradition for the weekend was always to have the departing meal to be an Italian feast. One of the families had brought the french loaf and had left it sitting on their bedroom night table. Unfortunately Mittsy was now ready for the entree.

At one point during the day, I had gone into the cottage to look for some water toys for the kids. As I passed by the kitchen window overlooking the back yard of the cottage, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Mittsy was chowing down in the cottage compost heap.

Within half an hour, Mittsy was so sick that she couldn’t even lift her head. It was nearly 90 degrees outside and yet the breath from Mittsy’s mouth was forming steam in the air.

It would be four hours before we got back to civilization, and we thought by starting the trek as soon as possible, we could get Mittsy to a vet before nightfall. We finsihed packing the car, said our goodbyes and headed out.

I’m sure you think you can imagine what our trip home was like, but I really doubt that you could. Mittsy was sick several times, and each time the smell was overwhelming. In order to keep ourselves and the children from being sick as well, we would have to stop the car, get out and breathe some fresh air, work up some courage to get back into the car, and head out for the next stretch.

When we arrived home everyone was feeling ill, except for Mittsy. Somehow the events of the trip home had been enough for her to gain the upper hand. When the car door opened, Mittsy jumped out and wanted everyone to chase her around the yard.

We watched her closely, made sure she had lots of fresh water to drink and marveled at the dog with the iron gut. It was like she was saying to us “I told you I could eat anything”.

Right from the beginning of your dog training routine, concentrate on the end result you’re after, as against the patterns you’re trying to eliminate. So as you start each exercise with your dog, imagine the end result and create a clear image of what you’re planning to create, and focus on it throughout the session. Don’t waste any time pondering over what it is that you don’t want to happen.

Without knowing where you’re going, it’s unlikely you’ll ever get there. That’s true of most things in life, particularly when it comes to dog house training tips too

It’s very easy to fall into the trap of concentrating on things that we don’t want. This is also the case with dog training too. We definitely don’t want our pet to pee on the carpet, and absolutely not to chew the furniture, or ignore us when we tell him what to do, or bark like maniacs when our sweet old aunt comes to visit.

But consider this for a second. Suppose you’re about to adopt a puppy. Do you really want to spend the next ten, twelve, or fourteen years chasing your dog telling him off for things you didn’t want him to do? Isn’t it easier and more satisfying to teach your dog correct behavior from the beginning?

A perfect example is when you think, “The dog had better not chew my shoes, or furniture,” try, “I want my dog to chew his toys.” Better than, “I don’t want the dog to embarrass me when I have guests,” change it to, “I would like my dog to sit to greet people.”

Simply by wording your aims in a positive manner, you’ll know exactly what is you are aiming for. Wouldn’t you agree that’s a much better way to approach your new dog training course.

Reward Your Dog

A crucially important area that people have finally realized in house train puppy just recently is the shift from emphasizing correction, or punishment, to rewarding obedience and favorable actions.

Using rewards is a whole lot smarter for most trainers - especially for puppy toilet training. One of the critical reasons for this is that if you use punishment, regardless of the reason why, the outcome could be very demoralizing for both of you. If your dog is of a particular temperament, he could possibly react to punishment by withdrawing and becoming frightened of you. Some dogs, especially timid breeds, may close off completely. They seem to lose their sense of adventure. Some may even appear completely broken spirited.

Using rewards training methods also makes you feel good. Heaping praise and treats on your dog gives a powerful sense of achievement.

But the icing on the cake is that rewards based dog behavior training works a treat. That’s because rewards help to nurture and strengthen behaviors we want in our dogs. When he learns that a particular behavior gets rewarded, your dog is more likely to exhibit that behavior again in the future. With regular practice of how to apply that simple rule, you can use rewards to reach virtually any training goal.

It’s likely that you are here because you want to find out how to stop your dog from chewing your clothing, cushions, and shoes.

The need to chew seems to vary from dog to dog. While certain dogs chew because they enjoy the activity, others will only chew due to boredom.

Here are the main reasons for destructive and inappropriate dog chewing:

• The desire to chew is innate to most dogs, especially if the item being chewed tastes good.
• Chewing can be an emotionally satisfying activity for a bored or lonely dog. As with comfort food to humans, a nervous dog can find chewing to be relaxing.
• A dog that doesn’t get enough exercise may use chewing to burn up surplus energy and to have a job to keep him busy.

How To Stop Dogs Chewing

With a little effort and training on your part, you can stop dogs chewing and damaging your stuff.

• The first thing you need to do is dog-proof your home. If you don’t want your dog to chew something, you should ensure that it is kept well away from his jaws. You will need to consider whether your dog will be able to jump, climb, leap, or stand on his hind legs in order to reach the object of his desire.

• Some of a dog’s favorite things to chew are shoes, eye glasses, clothing, cushions. They also love small electronic items such as cameras, cell phones, and remote controls.

• It goes without saying that all food must be securely stored in containers or in the pantry to prevent dogs from chewing. You should rinse dirty dishes before leaving them in the sink. Food or snacks left on a low surface or even on the kitchen counter will be gobbled up in an instant by your delighted dog.

• Stop dogs from learning the pleasure of forbidden chewing. If your dog is prevented from chewing your stuff early in his life, the easier it will be for him to understand what you require of him. Your dog will be more likely to chew on items such as furniture, clothing, and books, if he is frequently provided with the opportunity to do so. Your dog should be kept in a dog-proofed area until you are sure that he understands the house rules.

• It is vital that your dog is clear on what belongs to him and can be chewed versus your stuff that cannot be chewed. You cannot give your dog your old shoes to chew on, then expect him to understand why he can’t chew on your new shoes. The same thing pertains to towels, clothing etc.

• Dogs can be prevented from chewing by supplying them with lots of tempting alternatives to your belongings. Don’t forget that most dogs feel the need to chew, particularly puppies and dogs less than three years of age. Buy dog toys or chews, giving your dog up to three at one time. The toys should be of various textures, shapes and flavors. Rotating the toys will keep your dog interested and amused.

• You should spend lots of time teaching your dog. He won’t be able to figure out what is expected of him if he in constantly confined to the dog-proofed area. Your dog should be allowed to explore the limits of your expectations in order to understand what is and is not appropriate.

• When you catch your dog in the act of inappropriate chewing, clap your hands or say “No” in a firm voice!”. He should be given an appropriate alternative, such as a chew toy or rawhide bone. As soon as he bites down on it, you should lavish praise on him. Your dog will better understand that chewing his stuff means praise and chewing your stuff means trouble.

My recommended dog training guide to stop dogs chewing is: Secrets to Dog Training

While every dog is born with a permanent coat it often isn’t enough to provide warmth on a wet and cold day. Small dogs in particular will lose body heat when they go out in the cold. Luckily there are many options available when it comes to buying a hip jacket for your small furry friend.
 
 A dress coat is a good way to give your small dog a touch of style. While they will not be very warm they can make your dog the diva of the park. Fancy dress coats will feature faux fur collars for some extra warmth around the neck and face. You should also take a look at a small dog jacket with a seasonal touch, like a miniature Santa costume. Just add some fancy ribbons and your dog will spread cheer around the neighborhood.
 
 Waterproof jackets are a fairly new type of small dog jacket. This can prevent your dog from getting chilled when out for a walk in the rain or snow. These types of small dog jackets will usually be made from adjustable Lycra panels. This lets you give your small dog a watertight fit. Watertight jackets can also include some type of insulating layer which can help keep your dog warm on a chilly day.
 
 A hoodie for your dog is one of the newest cool ways to keep your dog warm. They come in such a wide variety of styles and colors they make a real fashion statement with your dog. You will get additional versatility if you purchase a hoodie with a removable hood. If you are more interested in a vintage look consider buying a corduroy jacket for your small dog. Most small dogs love these soft and comfortable coats. With so many different styles and types of jackets available you are sure to locate the perfect fit for your furry friend. Check out the selection at your local pet store or any of the excellent online retailers.