Sunday, February 27, 2011

Toy Poodle

An amazingly intelligent dog, the Toy Poodle is the smallest of the three Poodle varieties. They are highly trainable, learn quickly and are exceptionally skilled at obedience, agility and retrieving. This breed has both the brains and the beauty to be a top dog.
Toy Poodles are delightful canines with a sweet, lively and joyful personality. They are very social animals and love to be in the company of their human family. This breed is very enthusiastic and alert, and is a good watchdog that likes to make his voice heard. An active and energetic pet, Poodles are lovely and devoted companions, and are very popular dogs.
The Poodle breed has been around for a minimum of 400 years and can be seen in paintings from the 1600’s. No one knows the true county of origin of the breed, as the subject has been quite controversial. That said, many believe that the roots of the dog are primarily tied to France and Germany. What can be agreed upon is that this pooch descended from the French Water Dog (a now extinct breed), the Hungarian Water Hound and the Barbet. The name "Poodle" is thought to have been taken from the German word "Pudel", which roughly translates to - "one who plays in water”.
Toy Poodles were bred down from the larger standard and miniature Poodle varieties and became quite popular with royals. They were used as retrievers, watchdogs, for competitive obedience, performing tricks and agility. The Poodle breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887.
General Appearance - The Toy Poodle has a somewhat rounded skill with a small but defined stop. They have a long and straight muzzle. Their brown or black eyes are oval in shape, and their long, flat ears hang close to their head. Their four legs are proportioned to their body, and they have oval shaped, webbed feet with arched toes. The tail is set high and carried proudly. Sometimes the tails is docked half its length or even shorter to provide the dog with a more balanced appearance.
The coat of the Toy Poodle can be soft and wavy or wiry, curly or corded. It can be clipped in different styles, including the "Pet Clip" (hair is trimmed short all over), "Continental Clip" (The hindquarters, upper half of the legs and half of the tails is shaved, while bracelets are left around the ankles, and pom-poms on the hips and tail), and the "English Saddle Clip" (Similar to the Continental Clip with the exception that the hind quarters are not shaved). The coat is available in all solid colors that include, white, cream, apricot, red, brown café-au-lait, gray, silver, blue and black. There are even some parti-colored poodles.
Typical Temperament - The Toy Poodle is often considered to be the most reserved of all the Poodle groups and can be aloof with other people outside of his pack. To prevent this from occurring, owners need to provide this pooch with proper socialization while he is young. Socialization is also important when it comes to ensuring the poodle establishes good relationships with other household pets and children. In terms of kids, this dog is not recommended for very young children as he can become easily injured from rough handling or careless children, and will not tolerate teasing.
Poodles are cheerful, intelligent and thrive on human companionship. They have plenty of energy, are alert and are fabulous watchdogs. They will bark to alert their owners to strange sights or sounds, but sometimes they just like to make noise, so barking should be controlled. Overall he is a proud, bright, active and jovial dog.
Grooming - Poodles, regardless of the style in which their coat is clipped, require daily grooming. The coat should be brushed and combed every day to keep it free from mats. Owners need to be gentle when they brush the dog and thick mats should be clipped out. The coat requires a trim every six to eight weeks and should be bathed every couple of months. To keep coat care as simple as possible, the dog should be kept in the "pet clip" (also known as the "puppy clip" or "lamb clip"). Note - Toy Poodles that are shown will require more extensive grooming.
The ears of the Poodle need to be checked and cleaned for wax, infection and mites frequently. The hair within their ear canal should also be plucked on a regular basis to help keep ears healthy. Their teeth should be brushed a few times per week, and need regular scaling. They shed hair very little and are often good pets for allergy sufferers.
Exercise - This breed enjoys being active and his exercise needs can be easily taken care of. Walks, playing fetch, learning tricks, swimming and letting him run around off lead in an enclosed space are all great ways to help him release his energy and stay healthy. They should be taken on a minimum of a 20 minute walk per day and must have exercise that involves social interaction for their mental wellbeing.
Approximate Food Cost - Toy Poodles typically eat a ½ cup of food daily at a cost of about $5 per month.
Poodles are a long-lived breed, but some are prone to certain illnesses like IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia), heart disorders, diabetes, slipped stifles (dislocated kneecap), epilepsy, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), ear infections, digestive issues, and  kidney disease to name a few. These dogs also have sensitive skin and can suffer skin problems caused by allergies, dryness and other issues.
Common Illnesses include: PRA, ear infections, kidney disease, slipped stifles.
Living conditions - Toy Poodles can happily live in city or country settings. They can adapt to apartment living well, and are perfectly content without a yard as long as they are provided with enough outdoor exercise. They love to play outside and should not be denied this joy. Furthermore, if they are exercised adequately every day, they are very docile indoors and are perfectly content to lie right next to their owner.
Training - Poodles need obedience and socialization in order to mature properly and develop the beautiful temperament they are known for. They are highly trainable and are eager to learn. They enjoy challenges and are quick to associate the tone and sound of their owner’s voice with commands. They respond well to direct and gentle teachings that are consistent, fair and feature praise and reward. They need a patient, reliable and loving leader they can understand, respect and follow. A well trained Toy Poodle can do exceptionally well at obedience, tricks, dog sports, agility, tracking and herding.
Common Problems - While he is a happy and devoted breed, he can develop some unfavorable traits, such as extreme barking. If you do not teach the Toy Poodle to stop barking on command, he can keep it up for a long time, and will also feel inclined to bark to get attention or simply because he feels like it. This can become very annoying to both you and your neighbors. Also, he needs to be exercised and requires social interaction on a daily basis or he can become high strung. Finally, without the proper training, he can develop Small Dog Syndrome, which can result in a number of unpleasant behavioral problems, including snapping, guarding, possessiveness, suspiciousness of stranger, and being untrustworthy with children. To stop this from occurring, the Poodle should never be allowed to think that he is the head of the pack.
Toy Poodles are brilliant and attractive looking dogs who are great companions for active individuals and families. He is happy to call just about any size living quarters home. Though his coat does require daily care, he rarely sheds his hair, which makes him an ideal pet for allergy sufferers. The Toy Poodle is long-lived, affectionate, sweet, loyal, and a true little pal.

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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Papillon

The Papillon is a small, alert and elegant dog. Also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, and sometimes called the "Butterfly Dog" because his ears give the appearance of butterfly wings, he is a hardy and lively breed that loves human company and is intelligent and highly trainable.
An animated and charming dog, the Papillion is tougher than he appears and enjoys engaging in activity and being outdoors. He is not shy, nor is he aggressive, and can be a relatively good watchdog, but has a friendly disposition and will greet everyone he meets. Overall, this small canine is a patient, proud, loving and gentle dog that is a pleasure to call a companion.
Papillons are a very old breed of dog; their history dates back to almost 700 years ago and begins in Europe. Most of the Papillon’s development has been recognized through the many depictions of these dogs in paintings. They can be seen in Italian art that dates back to the 13th century. They were frequently painted on the laps of French and Spanish noblewomen, and, like today, were primarily companion dogs.
Initially, the breed had large drooping ears and was called Dwarf Spaniels. They were later known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, the official name given by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale). Eventually, some of the dogs developed erect ears that were fringed to resemble the shape of a butterfly. These dogs were called Papillon, the French word for the insect. There were then two varieties of the Continental Toy Spaniel that were recognized - the erect-eared Papillon, and the drop eared dogs, called the Phalene (“Moth”).
The American Kennel Club, who recognized the Papillon in 1915, considers each variety to be the same breed, and both of these dogs can be born of the same litter. Furthermore, the AKC allows the two varieties to mix-mate, but this practice is strictly prohibited by the FCI to avoid problems with the ears.
General Appearance - They are a fine-boned, little dog that has a very elegant appearance. Papillons have a small head that is somewhat rounded between their large fringed ears that are either erect or droop down with rounded tips. They have a well defined stop, and a somewhat short and thin muzzle that tapers to their black nose. Their round dark eyes are medium in size and are black rimmed. The Papillon has a long tail that is set high and covered in their long hair. It is carried over their back.
Their single layered coat is straight, fine and long, with additional fringe on the ears, chest, back of the legs and their tail. The color of their coat is white, and features patches of any color with the exception of liver. A colored mask that is not white covers their ears and eyes from front to back, enhancing the "butterfly" appearance.
Typical Temperament - Papillons, or Paps, as they are sometimes nicknamed, have a friendly, alert and charming disposition. They are very animate, vivacious, playful and ready to engage in any activity that they can with their human family. They are a gentle, intelligent, and obedient dog that is hardy and enjoys outdoor exercise. This pooch is a natural born barker and a good watchdog, but is not aggressive. He will alert his owners to the approach of strangers or to any other noise he finds suspicious or of interest, but should not be overly yappy.
The Papillion can enjoy the companionship of children, but must be properly socialized with kids. They are generally fonder of older and more responsible children who understand how to play and respect the dog. They are typically not recommended for children under 6 years of age, and can be easily injured if handled roughly or carelessly. They usually get along well with other dogs, and can tolerate cats if they are socialized with them at a young age.
Grooming - Although their coat does not matt or tangle, a daily coming and brushing will suffice to keep the silky, single layered coat clean and healthy. The coat does not need to be clipped, but sometimes fur can grow excessively under the pads of their feet and should be trimmed to provide them with a more comfortable and sturdy footing. They should only be bathed or dry shampooed when necessary, as they are usually, naturally odorless and clean. Papillons are average shedders.
Their nails should be clipped on a monthly basis and their teeth cleaned frequently (every few days) to help with oral care.
Exercise - They are small, but don’t let the size of a Pap fool you. This dog needs to be walked everyday for a good 20 minutes, and should have additional play time to meet their exercise requirements. They are active indoors, but outdoor exercise is loved by this canine and it is good for his overall physical and mental wellbeing. Whenever possible, Papillons should be provided with the freedom to run around off lead in an enclosed and safe environment.
Approximate Food Cost - It costs an estimated $10- $15 per month to feed this breed, and the average Papillon eats 1 - 1¼ cups of dry food daily.
Papillons are resilient, long-lived dogs, and when provided with the proper care, exercise and nutrition, generally lead healthy lives. However, all canines, regardless of how hardy their breed may be, are predisposed to certain illnesses that may be linked to their environment, lifestyle or heritage.
Ailments that some Papillons have been known to suffer include: problems with their kneecaps (particularly their hind legs); eye issues, Von Willebrands disease; strains on their joints, muscles and bones caused from jumping too high; fontanel (a soft spot on the head that is caused by an opening in the skull that never entirely closes, putting the dog at risk of head injury that could lead to death); adverse reaction to anesthesia. Also, Paps are sensitive to cooler temperatures and can become chilled easily in colder climates.
Common Illnesses include: patellar luxation (knee dislocation), eye problems, fontanel and Von Willebrands disease.
Living conditions - Papillons can live comfortably in an apartment, as they are active indoors and will be fine without a yard as long as they have a good daily walk. That being said, they are sometimes not ideal for apartment life only because they do have a strong instinct to protect their home. Thus, many of these dogs may bark excessively when they hear noises, and will not distinguish between regular sounds and those worth of actual alarm. However, barking can be controlled with training.
Training - He is a very obedient dog and is a sharp thinker, who has a knack for problem solving, allowing him to become a dedicated and fast learner, and a pleasure to train. He excels at obedience, agility and tricks, and is very competitive in the show ring. Papillons also have the ability to be wonderful service and therapy dogs.
This breed responds well to positive reinforcement, gentle guidance and consistency. He requires a firm, kind, fair and dependable leader. He must have intense socialization when he is young, and must be taught to obey and follow the rules of his master, or he will seek the position as head of the pack for himself. A poorly trained Papillon is not a sweet, friendly or charming pet. If this canine believes he is the pack leader, he will develop Small Dog Syndrome and will display highly negative behaviors that can lead to real problems, including guarding, possessiveness, snapping, obsessive barking, become high-strung, untrustworthy with children and so on. In addition, pooches that are not socialized properly can become nervous, timid and wary of other animals and people.  Hence, training and socialization are a necessity, not an option.
Common Problems - The Papillon has the tendency to bark a lot, and this can become very annoying if not controlled. Teaching the dog to stop barking on command will help with this issue. They can be difficult to housebreak, but a consistent housetraining routine and patience will eventually pay off. Papillons crave lots of attention and love to be with their owners, this makes them highly susceptible to separation anxiety when left alone. To help prevent and ease this problem, owners shouldn’t leave their animal home alone for more than a few hours per day, and need to include their pet in as much of their daily activities as possible.
Papillons are a resilient, loveable, endearing and beautiful breed that can adapt to just about any living condition (apartment, house, city or country setting), as long as they are provided with the exercise, training, socialization, care and love they need. This canine requires plenty of affection and attention from his owner, and is not suited to a person or family who is away for many hours of the day. He should be included in as much of his family’s lifestyle as possible, and should be provided with good challenges to keep him happy.
The Papillon is a smart and wonderfully charming pooch that is truly one-of-a-kind in both his appearance and in his companionship.
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Friday, February 18, 2011

Shetland Sheepdog

sheltie1 Shetland SheepdogThe Sheltie or Shetland Sheepdog, is a small canine that is native to the Scottish Shetland Islands. Shetlands are loyal, intelligent and eager to please their owners. They are affectionate, very trainable and have a pleasant temperament. Their docile and loveable nature makes them ideal pets, and their alertness allows them to be excellent guard and watchdogs.
Shelties have an appearance that often reminds many people of a Collie. They are confident dogs that are independent and ready to perform just about any task that is commanded of them. In fact, while they are a popular pet, some owners still use them as herders of small livestock. Nevertheless, despite what they are used for, this long furred and charming pooch is a devoted companion.
Shetland Sheepdogs originated in Scotland in the 18th century, and were initially bred in the Scottish Shetland Islands for the purpose of herding and protecting livestock, particularly sheep flocks. Their main function was as working dogs, though they also made wonderful pets.
Shelties are related to the Rough Collie and are a descendant of Border Collies and Icelandic Yakkin, a small island dog that is now no longer in existence. Shelties were prized for their gentleness when herding small flocks, but could also command large cattle. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911.
Today, Shetlands are one of the most popular companion dogs, and due to their sharp intelligence, they have many talents including, herding, watchdog, tracking, guarding, performing tricks and obedience competitions.
shetland sheepdog Shetland SheepdogGeneral Appearance - The Shetland Sheepdog has a look that is not unlike the rough coated Collie. He has a muscular and arched neck, and his head has a blunt wedge appearance when viewed from the side. His muzzle tapers slightly from his erect ears with tips that fold slightly forward to his black nose, and features a slight stop. Shelties have almond shaped eyes that are generally dark, except in the blue merle coat variety, who sometimes have blue eyes.
Shelties have a long feathery tail that they carry in a small upward curve or straight down. Their double coat is long and full, but is shorter at the head and on the legs, and forms a mane around the chest and neck region. The undercoat is tight and soft, while the outer layer is harsh and straight. Shetland Sheepdogs are available in diverse coat colors including, sable and black with varying amounts of white and/or tan and blue merle.
Typical Temperament - Shetlands are a loyal breed who love their family and like to keep busy. He is a very alert companion who will guard and watch his property in an effort to protect his pack. He has a voice that he’s not afraid to use, and will bark frequently as part of both his watchful and herding instincts. Shetlands enjoy the company of humans and other canines and are good with children when they have been properly socialized with them.
Shelties are a highly trainable breed and are a type of dog that requires not only mental stimulation to ward off boredom and destructive behaviors, but also physical stimulation to release pent up energy. He is both a beautiful and brilliant canine whose kindness and affection is happily bestowed on owners who provide their dogs with socialization and firm yet gentle training.
Note: It is important to mention that Shelties have a natural herding instinct that motivates them to chase things including small animals and even cars. They should never be allowed to run freely off leash near roads.
Grooming - Shelties like to be clean, and while they do have a long and full coat, caring for their fur isn’t as difficult as it first appears, especially when it is tended to on a daily basis. When brushed everyday, their coat usually stays mat free, dirt is removed, as well as excess hair. If there are mats, you can mist the coat lightly with water to help you detangle and tease out knot clumps with a comb. They should be bathed or dry shampooed only when necessary. In addition, Shelties shed all the time but are seasonally heavy shedders and shed their undercoat two times per year (spring and fall).
Aside from coat care, their nails should be trimmed monthly and their teeth brushed every few days.
Exercise - This breed is very active and has plenty of energy that needs to be exhausted in order for him to remain happy and healthy. Despite their small size, Shetland Sheepdogs actually require more exercise than the vast majority of breeds. You can provide them with the daily exercise they need in a variety of ways including a brisk daily walk (20-30 minutes), a jog, playing fetch, engaging them in activities such as herding, agility, tracking or other sports. It’s also a good idea to allow this dog to run free in a safe environment.
Approximate Food Cost - The average Sheltie eats approximately 1 ½ to 2 cups of dry food per day, at an estimated monthly cost of $10 - $15.
Shelties are a relatively healthy breed of dog, especially when they are produced from reputable breeders who have carefully selected the dogs used in their breeding program to carry on strong traits, reducing the risk of genetic health problems. That said, illnesses that are known to affect Shelties based on their heritage include malformation and eye disease, hypothyroidism and patella luxation (kneecap dislocation). Another common problem seen in these dogs is obesity, which is often the result of over-feeding and lack of exercise.
Common Illnesses include: Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Corneal Dystrophy, Collie Eye Anomaly (or Sheltie Eye Syndrome), Thyroid problems, hip dysplasia and von Willebrand’s Disease.
Living conditions - Shelties are small dogs that have a lot of energy and can be quite active indoors. However, they are only suitable for apartment dwellers if they are sufficiently exercised. They thrive in homes with decent sized yards that they have the freedom to run around in off lead.
Training - Shetland Sheepdogs are highly trainable and can be taught many tricks and sports, including agility trials, herding, tracking, etc. However, regardless of your advanced training intentions for your dog, it is absolutely essential that this canine is provided with proper, consistent and firm obedience training. He needs a strong leader, whose authority he can respect or he will choose to follow his own path.
Shelties are workers at heart and thrive when they are given tasks. They can be very stubborn and independent and are naturally inclined to take charge, as it is in their nature to heard and control livestock. Therefore, keep in mind when you train that this breed appreciates working environments and requires both adequate mental and physical stimulation. Furthermore, he needs to be well socialized with other people, children and dogs to reduce aggressive tendencies and to accept them.
Common Problems - Shelties can develop behavioral problems if they are not provided with consistent training and leadership. Owners who are not constant in their training and pack leader methods often discover their dog is difficult to control and displays negative behavioral issues including guarding, possessiveness, snapping and, in some cases, biting. These characteristics are often the signs of a condition known as Small Dog Syndrome, which is when the canine thinks he is in charge.
Another common problem that many Sheltie owners face is the dog’s frequent, persistent and noisy barking. It is important to find out the cause of your pet’s barks and to teach them a "Quiet" command to control their yapping, so it doesn’t become out of hand and increasingly annoying.
Shetland Sheepdogs are very loving dogs that are well suited to families and single owners who are looking for a devoted, smart and active four-legged companion. They are happy to be part of just about any activity their owner is engaged in and are naturally eager to learn and take on challenges.
Shelties require daily grooming and shed frequently, so they may not be the best pet for allergy sufferers. They can adapt to just about any living environment but need the proper exercise to be happy and healthy.
Although they are tolerant of children, they need to be socialized with children at a young age to encourage the proper relationship, or the pooch may be inclined to herd or control a child. Additionally, though they can be friendly, they are often reserved with strangers at first. Moreover, they like to bark, and though this is a good watchdog quality they also enjoy making regular noise.
Shelties are the perfect pet for anyone who is dedicated to providing them with the love, care and dedication it takes to ensure their wellbeing for all the days of their lives.
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Sunday, February 13, 2011

Easy Dog Training Tips For You And Your Pet

Dec 20th, 2010 By Brian

We all have a love affair with our dogs no matter how small or how big there may get. The one thing though we all can agree on is they can get out of hand very quickly. Most people need to realize that when it comes to mans best friend, that some kind of training is needed. Without any training the results will be many headaches for the owner. Here are some dog training tips to help you and your pet co-exist in the same space.

Many people think the longer you train a puppy or dog the better off you will be. This is not the way it works. Pets all have various attention spans and once that is gone you are just wasting your time. A good rule is between ten to thirty minutes each day and you will see results. Any longer and you will not get the desire effort that you may want.

What is in a name? The one thing that many people do is choose a name that really makes no sense. Pick a name that easy for your pet to hear and recognize. The reason for this is the dog will react much better when you use it. Stay away from names that are closely associated with commands you may be using.

For your dog training to be effective you need to have some kind of consistency. Using the same commands over and over works well. Dogs rely on association a lot and this is why consistency is so important. Being consistent is one of the biggest keys to your pets success.

Find a routine that works well for you and your pet. It could be starting in the morning or right after work. An animal will look forward to the time that you spend with them. The key is to keep the same routine over and over. Pets love repetition and this is one way this can be accomplished.

We all learn at a certain rate and our pets are no different. Putting too much on them will slow down the training process. Work on one thing at a time until it is accomplished to your satisfaction. The more you put on your pet the less chance for success you will see. Take your time and success will happen.

Pets will make mistakes, but facts show that punishing them does not see to work very well. Many times it will have the opposite effect and take that much longer to get them trained. Different breeds learn at different levels so that maybe something you want to consider.

Rewards are also something that you will want to do when your pet does well. Dogs want our approval and by giving them a reward they will want to continue to make you happy. Working with your dog will also progress better if you give them rewards when they accomplish something.

Dog training is something that takes time and you must remember that. Not all dogs are created equal and this must be taken into account. If you want your pet to succeed take your time, and know once you are done the effort will be well worth it.


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Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Dog Training Tips That One Should Know Of

Training a dog can be one of the hardest things to do. Dogs seem to have a mind of their own. When people have dogs, they might want a little bit of help in learning how to train them. Here are some things that one should know which could help a person when they are trying to train a puppy. Dog training doesn’t have to be harder than one might think. Here are some tips to know about.
The first tip would be to start training as soon as possible. There are times when one might think that puppies can’t be trained. They might even think that puppies shouldn’t be trained or that one might start later in life to go about and train a dog. This isn’t right at all. One wants to start early in order to train the dog to do what they want the dog to learn.
Another thing that might help with the dog training process is that one needs to have a firm voice. They call this the parent voice. If one is giggling and so forth when they are giving a command the dog might just think you are teasing them. So, one needs to have a strong voice and be firm with it. This can make any dog listen.
Many think that spanking is bad. However, there is nothing wrong with a light tap on the nose as one teaches a dog such things as not to bite. However, they should not do this when the dog is barking. The dog has to bark. It was trained to do so. However, if one keeps it from doing this they will wish they had it when they didn’t have it before. Keep that in mind.
Depending on what you are training the dog to do, one might find that having a crate to put the dog in is always a good way to train. Only use this when you are looking to show them that they have done wrong. Think about what you are putting them in there for as well. Some get so fed up with typical things that any animal is going to do. This shouldn’t be done. As we mentioned before, it should only be done when they act up.
Rewarding them for when they do good is something that should be done as well. When they learn that they do this and they get a treat, they do make the connection. It becomes a routine of sorts which is also why a routine is needed. Consistency is needed. When they have this, they learn when to do things and what to expect.
Here are some tips about dog training. When one takes these simple tips and use them, then they will find that they might have an easier time of actually training their dog. It’s something that can help those who are trying teach the simplest of things. These might be basic, but there are all sorts of things that one can do.
While these are just starting points, one might run into a block in the road. If this seems to be the case, then one might try obedience school. However, for the simple things, these are some tips which one should look into using. It can do a world of god for you and the puppy. So try these and see how much help they can do for you.
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Saturday, February 5, 2011

How Dog Training Can Be Effective And Bonding

Taking the time to train a dog is an important and responsible way to be a pet owner. Considering the number of people that end up taking their dog to the animal shelter or give it away to another family is high because they cannot deal with behavioral problems. Being able to spend time with a dog and being committed to his dog training is vital to owning the dog that has remarkable and good behavior.

When you choose a canine for a pet, you should try to get a pup when possible. This is not saying you cannot train an adult dog because you can. However, training a pup can help you to have more time in bonding. This is an important part of training and making your pet feel like part of you and your family.

Teaching basic commands is the first thing you will need to in training. With a young pup, you will want to also focus on house breaking. Combining the two is easy and making sure you remain committed is the key to success when it comes to house training any dog, especially a young one. Make sure you always take your pet outdoors during house breaking at the same time every time.

Consistency is important to teaching dogs even the simplest commands. Sit, stay, fetch, and lie down are some commands you want a dog to know. These are also commands that will come in handy when you have guests to your home. Those same guests will be amazed at how behaved your canine is. Be sure to always take time out each day for teaching him the things he needs to know. Try to do so at the same time as well.

Effective training is done with positive reinforcement. One way to do this with your dog is by rewarding him with treats every time he displays good behavior. Teaching him to be obedient in every situation takes time and commitment on your part. Be sure to take your dog with you to many places for helping to reinforce good behavior in different situations.

Some problems you might experience with your dog are hard to break, but it is possible to do so. Urinating from excitement, food aggression, constant and unnecessary barking, and jumping on you are some types of absolute unacceptable behavior. Taking the time to teach your dog from a young age not to do these things is important. However, you can also break the adult dog from doing these acts when you are patient and understanding that he might have never has proper training from a former owner.

Showing a dog you are the boss can be done in a gentle way. By trying to do so in a manner that causes you to yell or hit the dog will only build up a serious distrust of you from a dog. Always make sure you speak to your dog in the same tone of voice all the time and never hit him for any reason. The adult dog you might have acquired may have unacceptable behavior due to being mistreated by a previous owner. Keep this in mind when trying to teach him the commands and other things you would like him to do.

When you choose to have a dog, let dog training be fun and a part of the bonding process. Do not let it stress you or the dog out and always remember to have the greatest patience. You will never regret spending the time to properly train your dog. He will also never forget it is you that loves him the most.


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Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Keys To Successful Dog Training

Dec 21st, 2010 By Brian
If you have a new puppy in the house you will quickly realize how important it is to get the puppy well trained. There are several effective dog training methods out there and it is important to do your research so that you can settle on the technique that will work best for your puppy. We’ll look at some things to keep in mind while trying to teach your puppy not to use the bathroom in the house.
Whether it is training a new puppy or trying to work and older dog through behavioral problems the owner is always in the best position to teach a dog how to behave. It is also important to recognize before you even purchase a new puppy that there is a lot of work involved on the part of the owner.
Puppies unlike other pets are virtually completely dependent on their owners, so the love, affection, care, and discipline that you show during the beginning years will do much to shape what kind of dog you will have later on. Do not expect that it will be all fun and games as you train your puppy either. There will be chewed shoes, sleepless nights, and poop in places where you prefer that it not be. Nevertheless training your puppy should on the whole be a positive experience for both you and your puppy.
When you train your puppy you should use short sessions because let’s face it puppies do not really have long attention spans. Start out with basic commands and being sure to reward your puppy regularly for good behavior. By putting in the work and effort while still a puppy you can enjoy the company of a well behaved dog through its adult years.
Certain schools of though on training encourage ideas like punishment and breaking the puppy’s spirit to encourage obedience. These methods do not create the mutual trust necessary to have a well-trained animal.
Teaching a puppy not to use the bathroom in the house is one of the most important and first lessons that an owner should embark on. It does not have to be as difficult as some people imply if you have a method clearly in mind before you start the process. One of the biggest keys to success in this regard is to keep a close eye on your puppy for the first few weeks, so that you can reinforce the idea of using the bathroom outside and not in the house.
Do not allow a few occasional mistakes during the process and even after to discourage you. If mistakes are cleaned thoroughly and you make good use of odor neutralizer mistakes should be few and far between and eventually cease all together.
You love your puppy and you want it to be well-trained so that your friends and family can enjoy your pet’s company. A clean house is also important and house training a puppy will aid in that. If you are willing to put the time and effort into dog training it can be an activity that both you and your pet enjoy.
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