Love and care for your sweet puppies…
Dec 13 2009
Most dogs enjoy chasing things, with cats, cars and people being particular favorites of theirs. Dogs generally see this as something fun to do, and don’t mean any harm by it, but, the fact is, that by chasing they invoke fear in others and can cause unintentional accidents.
It is very irresponsible of owners to allow their dogs the opportunity to chase. So, it is important that, as the dogs owner, you see it how others see it, as annoying and dangerous. Don’t worry though, it is something that can be corrected with a little time and effort.
It is not as simple as just yelling at or hitting your dog after it has chased something. You might think that doing this would make it less likely to do it next time, but it rarely does. It’s instincts will kick in again next time around and the pain it suffered last time will be soon forgotten. Taking a proactive approach, rather than a reactive one, is much better.
The very least that you should is not let your dog be in a situation that allows it to chase in the first place. With dogs who regularly chase after things, this may mean having to keep it on a leash or within a fenced yard. Keep your dog and those in the surrounding area safe until you learnt to predict his behavior and you have him trained to obey your commands.
To prevent them from chasing an owner needs to understand his dogs cues. Some dogs give an indication when they are about to chase something. Right before they chase something, the dog usually stares or becomes very still before they take off. However, there are some dogs that don’t give you any indication before they take off.
To stop a dog from chasing, it needs to learn to obey your commands. You need to teach your dog some basic commands to start with, such as sit down and come here. Once your dog understands these skills it will be easier to stop him from chasing.
So, how do you train a dog to obey voice commands? First obtain the toy or treat that it likes the best. Place it about 10 ft. from the dog, and then allow it to go towards it. Then either command it to come or sit down. After it has done what you want, say okay and let it have the toy or treat.
Get a friend to help you, once it has mastered this part of his training. Have your friend jog by you whilst waving a toy or treat and see what the dogs reaction is. If it starts to chase then give the dog the command to either sit down or come. Once it obeys your command, give it the reward.
This might take some time and patience, but your persistence will pay off. Remain positive and determined and you should have the problem solved within a week.
Learn More : Dog Training Advice
Dec 3 2009
While German Shepherds may not inspire the ill-placed fear of such breeds as Rottweilers and Pit Bulls, they do land on many banned breed lists.
German Shepherds have, throughout the years, had a reputation of being aggressive. That reputation, while not entirely accurate, is based on some truth. While German Shepherd aggression is, in some small part, genetics, the main cause of ill manners is caused by the owner.
It is important to point out that not all (not even most) German Shepherds display inappropriate aggressive behavior.It is wholly unfair to let the misdemeanours of the minority result in the entire breed being labeled as “dangerous” or “aggressive”.Still, all owners of these dogs should be aware that it may potentially be a problem and, as such, should learn about and try to recognize the signs of German shepherd aggression.
Aggression can take many forms.Some German Shepherds only act aggressively towards other dogs. Some will display aggression only if they are approached whilst they are chewing a bone or eating. Others are aggressive toward strangers, and others even show aggression to some human members of the household in which they live.
No aggressive behavior should be ignored as it has the potential to escalate to the attack of an animal or person and any time. At the first sign of aggression being displayed, or even before this, you need to embark on a course of proper training. Not only could is save injury to other people and animals, it could also save your own dog’s life.
Simply yelling at or hitting your dog when it acts aggressively is a faulty approach to take.For the most part, this makes the overall situation worse, as the dog becomes less trusting of humans.By doing so, you are also placing yourself and those around you at immediate risk - it is quite possible that your dog will fight back on being hit and will starting biting and leaping at those nearest to it.
Obedience training is a much better solution for dealing with German shepherd aggression. It is best to begin at a young age before any bad habits are formed,however, no matter the age of your dog, obedience training remains the best option.
Learn More : German Shepherd Aggression
Nov 25 2009
A terrific formula for a homemade diet is one half cereal, rice, or kibbles, and one half meat, including its accepted fat, with green or yellow vegetables added from period to time. As they can be made to measure for all individual dog, these combinations would be ideal if they weren’t to much bother. Aside from taking more time and trouble than the other methods, a homemade diet requires a sound knowledge of canine nutrition.
Table scraps are definitely insufficient for modern pets who we desire to thrive, not merely survive. They are often the direct cause of obesity and various allied skin disorders too. Dogs with unusually big appetites or using a tendency to obesity will keep their figures if you cut down on the starch and enhance the vegetables, to the proportion of one meat, one fourth kibbles, and one fourth vegetables. Older dogs may possibly require reduced protein to spare their kidneys the task of nitrogen elimination.
Build your dogs meals around the foods that are highly suggested for dogs:
Beef: (ground or chopped for puppies in chunks for adult dogs, raw or cooked. Dogs want their meat a little tough, and they need the fat found in cheaper cuts).
Lamb and mutton
Chicken
Horse Meat
Beef Hearts and Kidneys
Beef Liver (no extra than once a week, as too much or too often causes loose stools.
Eggs, hard-boiled or scrambled (The yolk possibly will be given raw, but not the white, which inside its raw country destroys biotin, a successful vitamin in the dogs intestine).
Rice, full wheat, barley, oats, buckwheat
As wheat biscuits or toast
Carrots (cooked or raw, grated and mixed using his meal, or full for chewing)
String Beans, spinach (chopped or mashed)
Cottage Cheese (groovy for weaning puppies)
Unfermented usual cheese, such as Swiss and Edam Apples and Pears
On the other hand, certain foods be supposed to be considered taboo:
White commercial bread
Cabbage (which causes flatulence and is not easy to digest)
Potatoes (hard to digest and not very nourishing)
Starchy Vegetables, such as dried beans
Spicy dishes and sauces
Uncooked egg white
Processed cheese
Pork (unless it is lean, well cooked, and served infrequently)
Raw fish
Delicatessen meats
Unboned chicken, rabbit and fish
Cake and candy
Alcoholic beverages
Chocolate of a few type
Which ever practice you select for feeding your dog, it is finest to stick to it. Once he has become accustomed to a certain diet, he will be upset by any sudden change. The upset is apt to take the form of constipation if you change from prepared products to new ones, and diarrhea inside the opposite case. If a change is needed, make it gradual by mixing the old using the fresh until his body adapts to the change.
Nov 19 2009
Certain breeds, especially smaller dogs like Yorkies are known to be more challenging when it comes time to housebreak them. House training puppies can be tough work, but well worth the time and effort invested. Proper potty habits take time to develop, especially when it comes to small dog breeds.
First thing to determine is inside or outside. Yorkies are a favorite breed of apartment dwellers due to their need for minimal space. Some Yorkies are very resistant to going outside in stormy or snowy weather, in this case an indoor potty option is something to consider. Another matter to consider is that with their little size comes a little bladder! If you are gone at work for much of the day, your puppy might not be able to wait to use the toilet that long. In this case, choose a discreet area of your home for the puppy training pads. All you need is a small area of grass or patch of dirt, just remember that spot and always go right to the same location.
Start off your walk at the potty spot, giving your little one the opportunity to go before the walk, and then return to this spot at the end of the walk as well, so your puppy begins to associate this location with the toilet. Always use the very same spot for the toilet if possible, as it helps develop a familiar routine, and the smell of urine is a strong indicator to your Yorkie that this is the toilet. However, it is important to be courteous to neighbors, and clean up the mess, no matter how little. Do not worry if your Yorkie happens to go along the walk, this is fine as long as he doesn’t go inside.
One common problem is that dogs may refuse to go outside in cold weather and end up having an accident on your floor. Adapt to poor weather conditions by having a warm little sweater available. Otherwise, an indoor backup location may be needed.
Don’t be afraid to heap lots of praise and affection on your puppy in order to help him learn proper potty habits quickly. As soon as they have completed their business, you want to offer enthusiastic verbal praise. Do not be afraid to offer a delicious treat as a training incentive!
Each dog is an individual, and some dogs will learn house training in a weekend, while other dogs take months, so learn to be patient! Learning how to train a puppy is one of the best things you can do to build a strong relationship with your Yorkshire Terrier.
Sep 2 2009
Grooming and caring for your dog isn’t pampering, it’s essential. This is an important part of keeping your dog well and healthy and shouldn’t be skipped.
Taking the proper steps to board your dog when you have to travel is another important consideration for dog owners. Giving proper thought to these vital aspects of dog ownership can make all the difference in your pet’s life.
While we all tend to pay attention to the basics such as feeding, walking and playing with our pets, we sometimes overlook the other responsibilities that come with owning a dog. Dog boarding and dog day care is as important as finding a place to stay for yourself. You want someplace clean, safe and well appointed…why would you settle for anything less for your dog?
And keeping your dog’s coat clean and free of matting can be just as crucial to maintaining its health as a proper diet and plenty of water.Grooming a dog isn’t all about surface and beauty - it actually stimulates blood flow.Having a dog’s nails clipped isn’t pampering, it’s an essential grooming step that will keep your dog walking and moving comfortably.
While most owners can handle standard brushing and bathing, some prefer to use the services of a professional groomer when it comes to more extensive care.You may be able to find a suitable dog boarding facility that will also groom your dog during its stay.Choosing a groomer is an important decision and should be made after research. Make sure they are licensed and their facility is clean and well maintained.
Dog grooming can be a good way for pet and owner to bond. Dogs will often equate daily brushing with petting and showing affection. The earlier you get your dog used to regular grooming, the better since it will help to establish grooming as a positive experience. But grooming doesn’t stop with the coat…the eyes, ears and nails also require regular maintenance to ensure proper health.
Careful dog owners will not only pay attention to grooming but also ensure that their dog is well cared for when they are away. Dog boarding can be hard on both pet and owner, but if you do your research and find an establishment with good facilities and proper licensing it can also be a positive experience. Make sure you tour any facility you are considering before boarding your dog there and ask any questions which might come to mind.
Some facilities offer full service boarding, including special diets if your dog requires one, walking and playing on a regular basis to ensure your dog gets proper exercise, and even dog grooming to keep pets looking and feeling their best. One of the best ways of finding a good boarding facility is by asking other dog owners you know.Referrals and recommendations are usually the best way to find good prospects for a boarding facility.
We all love our pets and want what’s best for them, so why skimp when it comes to grooming and boarding?You’ll want to take the time to get referrals so you can feel comfortable leaving your buddy with them.