Socializing your dog

How to Socialize Your Dog and Why it’s Essential

Dogs need to be able to interact with their environment, humans and other dogs in a non-threatening way. This can be done successfully if you socialize your dog from a very early age. Socializing your puppy can start as early as three weeks old. The most important, impressionable age for your dog is between six and fourteen weeks and it is in this time that good socialization skills should be taught. If socialized early your dog will not be fearful of strangers and unusual situations. He will not become territorial. Here are some things to help with socializing your dog.

* When you begin socializing your dog, take it slowly! Do not overwhelm him with too many visitors, smells, sounds and experiences at once. You want your dog to be relaxed, not fearful when he meets new people and goes to new places.

* Introduce your dog to everyone - mum, dad, children, visitors and strangers – anyone who comes in to the home and you meet when walking your dog. Encourage the people your dog is meeting not to be fearful of him. Dogs can sense fear in humans easily.

* Let your dog play with other dogs and socialize with them. Your dog needs to learn that dogs come in all shapes and sizes and smells and he needs to be familiar with these differences.

* Take your dog to different places. Let him experience the park, the car, friend’s yards, the neighborhood, the beach, the vet, car parks and any other dog friendly place you like to visit. The more experiences your dog has, the less fearful of different circumstances he will become.

* Introduce your dog to different objects and sounds. Dogs are fearful of thunder and firecrackers and these are difficult to get used to as their ears are so sensitive. You could use a tape of these sounds and introduce them to the noises slowly. Objects such as vacuum cleaners, umbrellas, noisy kitchen appliances can all be frightening to your dog. Help him get used to these everyday objects.

* Some dogs don’t like being brushed or bathed. If you get your dog used to human handling and being patted all over, grooming will become a pleasurable experience, rather than a fearful one.

Dogs that have limited or no socialization grow up to be fearful dogs and are not good as family pets. Dogs needed to be handled by humans by the age of sixteen weeks or they will trust no one. When socializing you dog, have a calm, happy approach when you are meeting new people or introducing your dog to new situations. If the owner seems happy and relaxed, the dog will soon realize this is not a fearful situation. Watch your dog for signs he may not be comfortable with a situation. Excessive yawning or panting, growling, or tail not wagging will indicate your dog is becoming fearful. Don’t force the socialization process. You can always try another day if your dog becomes agitated.

Socialization of your dog doesn’t end once he is no longer a puppy. You must continue to take him out and include him in everyday experiences so he continues to be a well-socialized pet.

Basic Obedience tips for dog owners

We all want our dogs to behave as we’d like, so teaching them some obedience tricks is a good idea. The earlier you start training your dog, the better. If you want to reinforce good behavior and stop bad behavior in your pet there are a number of things you can do to help your dog become an obedient member of your family.

1. Work out several single syllable commands you will use with your dog. Dogs don’t speak English so you need to keep your commands simple and consistent throughout the family. Words such as “heel”, “go”, “stay”, “down”, “off” are all common terms used when teaching dogs obedience.
2. Use a firm, kind voice when training your dog. Their hearing is much more acute than ours so yelling at your dog will not make him do things any better.
3. Always use positive reinforcement when your dog does the right thing. When teaching them obedience commands such as “sit” or “stay”, reward them with affection, encouraging words such as “good boy”, food treats or play.
4. Dogs love games, so if possible, employ game playing into your obedience training sessions. This way, your training sessions will become their favorite time of the day.
5. Start each obedience training session with your dog sitting on the left hand side, in the “heel” position. When your dog has mastered this command, he will be ready to try a new one.
6. Don’t train your dog for longer than fifteen minutes at a time. Like a child, a dog’s concentration span is shorter than an adult’s.
7. When you give your dog a command, don’t reward him until he does the right thing. Reward him immediately he gives the correct response.
8. Be patient with your dog. It may take quite a few practice runs for him to do the things you want him to do.
9. If you need to punish your dog for incorrect behavior, you must give the punishment immediately after the act has taken place. If you leave it a few seconds to give the punishment, your dog won’t know what he is being disciplined for. He will not link his bad act with the punishment and will become confused and even fearful.

Giving your dog obedience training will not only make him a better behaved pet, but it will also help in socializing him. Directing your dog in a positive way gives your pet a ‘job’ and helps him expend some of his mental energy.

Keeping your dog healthy

Like people, dogs need to be healthy to enjoy life. Dogs are our friends, companions and often our guardians, but since they are also totally dependent on us for their well-being, it is our responsibility to look after them properly. One of the most prevalent 'diseases' in dogs these days is one that also affects humans. Obesity. A fat dog is an unhealthy dog and is likely to suffer from arthritis and heart failure. Remember, in the wild dogs eat fresh meat that they have killed themselves. They also eat certain types of grass and may eat wild fruits like berries if these grow in their natural habitat. Milk, custard and cake are the worst things you can give your grown dog and, though a puppy may benefit from the calcium in milk, there are commercial milk products available that are especially formulated for a puppy's needs. Dry dog food, or kibble as it is sometimes called, is said to have all the nutrients that your dog will need for health, but the dearer brands are often better. Dogs fed on cheaper brands may constantly chew grass to supplement whatever is missing from their diet. Tinned food can be given as a treat.

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A healthy dog should have a smooth, shining coat, clear eyes and a moist nose. Its breath should not smell foul. It should be slender, though not thin enough to see its ribs sticking out. If your dog's breath is disgusting, it could be due to the tartar on its teeth. Chewing on a big bone will help to clean your dog's teeth. Regular worming will also help to keep your pet in top condition. Shots for distemper, heartworm, parvovirus and kennel cough are a must. Kennel cough is not likely to be a problem unless the dog is kept on cement. Your vet will need to administer the shots, but you can worm the dog yourself. The tablets should be pushed down the side of the dog's mouth until he swallows. If this is too difficult, crush the tablet into some tinned dog food and offer when the dog is hungry. Watch to make sure he eats it all. Parvovirus breaks down the digestive system and eventually affects the heart. It tends to come in outbreaks when people forget to have their animals inoculated. Symptoms include bloody stool and the animal is quickly unable to move and in obvious pain. It almost always fatal. Luckily, it is not transmitted to humans. Symptoms of distemper include runny eyes and a dry nose. It is rather like flu in humans. A dog with worms may have a poor appetite, and will often - though not always - look to be in poor health with a dry coat that is harsh to the touch. If your dog drags itself along the ground in a sitting position, suspect worms immediately. Worms can sometimes be seen hanging from the anal passage. The problem needs to be addressed as soon as possible, because worms are easily transmitted to humans.

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Fleas, which will happily jump from dogs to humans, can be another problem. These bloodsuckers can actually kill a tiny puppy, simply through blood loss. Puppies too young to wear a flea collar may be washed in a suitable preparation from the vet. Pat it dry afterwards, or keep it in a warm place so it doesn't get cold. Always be sure to keep kennels and yard clean to reduce the flea problem. If they get out of hand, you may need to spray all bedding and surrounding areas to kill the fleas and their eggs. If you live in a tick prone area, be sure to keep a tick collar on your dog at all times. Mark the renewal date on the calendar so you don't forget to renew it. Your pet's life may depend on it! Grass ticks cause itchy lumps that can become infected when scratched. If not removed quickly, the paralysis tick can cause death in three to five days. If your dog seems to suddenly have weak back legs and falls over often, inspect it immediately for a tick and get it to the vet as soon as possible. Luckily, the tick vaccine works well and quickly and can save a dog that looks like it is gasping its last breath. With attention to these few details, your pet should live a long and happy life, rewarding you with years of fun and companionship.

Looking after dogs in the Summer

Dogs are wonderful additions to a family and are often treated as well as human family members. They become your best friend, companion, or even your furry child. Learning how to care for these beloved pets, especially during the summer's heat, is imperative to their good health and to lowering your veterinary bills. Keep your dogs hydrated. Dogs can easily become dehydrated during the warm weather and it will happen more quickly depending on the thickness of their fur. Keep the water bowl in a visible place, such as the kitchen, so every family member will remember to check its fullness during the course of the day.

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If you are out walking, pack a cold water bottle just for your dog and stop often to encourage your dog to drink. Limit exercise. Every vet will encourage dog owners to take dogs for a walk to encourage good health, strengthen their bones, and help keep their nails trimmed, but use common sense during the summer. Shorten the length of your walk or break up a long walk into two shorter sessions. Be aware of the outside temperature and humidity. Do not forget that your beloved Fido is walking with a fur coat and will overheat easily. Walking in the early morning or late evening hours, when the sun is low in the sky, will often help keep dogs cooler. Walk close to your house so if you sense your dog is having problems you can turn around or call for help. Hiking paths and paved trails are wonderful resources but you will be stuck if your dog collapses in the middle of a trail that doesn't allow cars.

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Take your dog's age and overall health into consideration when planning activities outdoors. Older dogs will tire and dehydrate more easily than younger dogs and these changes can appear without warning. Dogs can also develop seasonal allergies which can in turn affect their breathing ability, so keep a close watch on older dogs that seem to pant excessively. Check for ticks daily. Ticks are very small insects that often carry Lyme's Disease and other tick borne illnesses. These microscopic insects are prevalent during the warm weather months in wooded areas or yards with tall grass and if they come in contact with your pet, they will bite the animal and make their way into your home. Obviously, ticks are more difficult to find on dogs with thick fur so really dig your fingers in to feel them and remove them carefully with tweezers. Do not leave any dogs in a locked car. Even with open windows, cars can heat to well over 100 degrees very quickly, which can cause severe trouble for any pet. Using your common sense with your dog during the summer will eliminate emergency visits to the vet and will eliminate any stress your dog may feel, making for a much happier family life.

Taking care of your dogs teeth

Taking Care of your dogs teeth


Just like humans, dogs can get cavities if their teeth are not properly taken care of. Cavities are not as common in dogs as they are in humans; however there are some things which can increase the likelihood of your dog developing tooth problems. If you live in an area with hard water, it is more likely that your dog's teeth will develop tartar deposits. Additionally, tooth problems are more likely if your dog eats mostly soft foods, because these leave debris in gum pockets at the base of the teeth, leading to infections. These not only cause problems for your dog's teeth - studies show that a whopping 98% of cases of bad breath in dogs are caused by periodontal disease, which is the result of tartar build-up and gum infections. The best way of preventing these problems is with regular brushing of your dog's teeth. Even if you have a great relationship with your dog, staring into its mouth and seeing rows of shining, sharp dog teeth can be intimidating. But by gradually getting your dog used to the idea of having you handling his mouth, you'll be able to clean his teeth and take care of his mouth without too many problems.
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If you have a young dog, it is much easier to get started. Even if your dog is a few years old you can still get him used to the idea, but you may find that it takes a bit longer before your dog is willing to let you brush his teeth. To get your dog used to having his mouth handled, start by lifting his lips and looking at his teeth - do this two or three times a week, and each time, give him a small treat after you have finished. This will help both you and your dog relax when you are handling his mouth, and your dog will be more comfortable with the process when he knows there will be a treat when it's over. Once your dog is used to having his mouth handled, it's time to start brushing. There are a few simple items you will need to brush your dog's teeth, which you can obtain from a pet store or from your veterinarian. You'll need a dog tooth brush (a wash cloth or gauze pad wrapped around your finger also works well), and tooth paste which has been formulated for animal use.
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Human tooth paste should not be used for brushing dog teeth, because dogs cannot spit, and human tooth paste is not safe to swallow in large quantities. Your dog will most likely swallow whatever you use to clean his teeth, so it is important to buy tooth paste which has been formulated specifically for dogs. In addition, dog tooth pastes come in several different flavors, so if you can find a flavor your dog likes, it will be that much easier to brush his teeth. Once you have the right tools, brushing dog teeth is pretty similar to brushing your own. If you have a large dog, the easiest position is on the floor, with your dog in front of you. With smaller breeds or puppies, you can hold the dog in your lap. To start brushing, lift your dog's upper lip and brush the teeth in a circular motion, making sure to brush at the base of each tooth where it meets the gum line. Also make sure to brush the back molars, because these teeth are more likely than the front teeth to develop problems. To get your dog used to having his teeth brushed, do only one or two teeth the first few times. As he becomes more comfortable with brushing, you can brush more teeth in each session. Always give your dog a small treat after each session. Brushing should be done twice a week.
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If your dog's teeth have a lot of tartar build-up they'll need to be cleaned by your vet - this is a fairly quick procedure but it does require anesthesia. In addition to regular brushing, feeding your dog dry dog food or hard biscuits every day is the best way of preventing tartar build-up. Soft foods and meat should be given as treat foods only. As well as this, provide your dog with bones or hard toys to chew on - this will help keep their teeth and gums in good condition and it will also reduce the risk of your dog chewing on furniture or destroying your property. If you give your dog bones, do not cook them. Cooked bones can splinter, and these splinters can cause your dog to choke, or if swallowed they can perforate the bowel. Choose a bone based on the size of your dog - make sure you get a large bone if your dog is a large breed, so that there is no possibility of swallowing it. With a little care and attention, you can help keep your dog's teeth in tip-top condition for years to come.

Bathing your dog

A Method of Bathing Your Dog

Some dogs like the Poodle can have a lot of their thick coat clipped before a bath. However, clipping dirty hair puts more wear on clipper blades. You will need to use lubricating spray and oil on clipper blades to keep them in top condition. If you clip the thick hair of some dog breeds before bathing you will cut down washing and drying time by about half. You will use less electricity, less time and less stress for the dog.
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Essential equipment for bath time is of course a high quality shampoo that lathers quickly and rinses out quickly. Another essential for the bath time is a long, secure rubber mat to prevent the dog from slipping. You definitely need a decent hose spray to distribute the water evenly throughout your dog's coat. Never leave your dog unattended on a grooming table or in the bathtub. Wet the dog thoroughly before applying shampoo. Lift long hair to be certain you get down to the roots. Be sure the water drains away as it runs off the dog. You do not want your dog standing in dirty water. Temperature of water should be warm, never hot or cold. Put some cotton in the dog's ears to prevent water getting into them. Water in the ears from bathing can cause ear infections. Start with the head and wet down the neck, along the back and down the left side including the legs. Repeat on the right side. Avoid turning the dog at this stage. Turning the dog at this stage will encourage the dog to jump out. Wet the tail last.
If the dog is sensitive about having its head wet, start with the tail and work up the body, wetting the head last. Work the shampoo through the coat with your hands. To help distribute the shampoo and prevent it from affecting the skin, I recommend diluting your shampoo with a little water before applying. Work the shampoo into the coat thoroughly. Do not overlook the area underneath the chest and stomach, the anal area and the dog's feet (especially on the bottom of the feet). Be sure the shampoo gets down to the skin and is well lathered. Add water if needed. Always use a tearless shampoo for the head and face. You still need to be careful not to get shampoo in the dog's eyes. Rinse immediately if the shampoo gets into the dog's eyes. Do not put shampoo in the dog's ears. Keep the hair pulled out of your dog's ears. Rinse off the shampoo and use a second application if required. If your dog's coat is clean - it will "squeak" as human hair does. Clean your dog's coat until you hear the "squeak." Rinsing should be very thorough. Any shampoo left in the coat can cause intense itching. If your dog has very sensitive skin, use a very mild, natural-ingredient shampoo. If you notice itching right after your dog's bath, discontinue that brand of shampoo and try another brand. You can use a hound glove when in the bath to remove dead and molting hair from a short coated dog.
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When you are finished rinsing your dog's coat, squeeze out the excess moisture with cotton towels or super absorbent towels to cut down on drying time. Most breeds of dogs need to be blow dried after a bath. Use a low temperature on your hair dryer. Be careful not to have the air blow directly onto the skin. Blow the hair away from the skin, but do not blow the skin itself. Most dogs hate the blower on their faces. If you keep your blow dryer turned on low they do not object so much.

Getting your Golden Retreiver to stay

Training Your Golden Retriever to Stay

Most problems with golden retrievers are a combination of their intelligence, energy, and desire to please. The importance of training your golden to stay comes in part from their energy. If your golden gets loose, he can run off in the blink of an eye. One of the first steps in training your golden is to establish yourself as the "alpha dog" or "pack leader". This is especially important when raising a large breed dog, as many people are afraid of large dogs. It doesn't matter that goldens are not aggressive watch dogs. Good training will make your dog more welcome wherever you go. Pay attention to your dog, and make eye contact often. When your dog does something right, look him in the eye, give verbal praise, and offer a treat, in that order. For example, when your dog sits (whether by command or not), make eye contact, say "good sit" and give him a treat, or "good stay", etc. Goldens are sensitive, they do not do well with scolding or punishment. It's better to identify the good behaviour and reward that, rather than use negativity.
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Your dog can learn to stay from any position, lying down, sitting or standing. Eventually you will want to train him to stay from any of these. With your dog on leash, stand to his right, place your hand in front of his face, palm towards him, and say "stay". Step away from your dog with your right foot first (stepping with the left foot encourages the dog to move too); take two steps, and turn and face him. Give him the hand signal again, hand right in front of his face with the fingers pointing up, and repeat "stay". Return to his side, say "ok" and then say "good stay" and give him a treat. Over time, increase the length of time you hold up your hand, and increase the distance you walk away from him. Eventually, walk away the length of the leash, hold your hand up, and repeat "stay". Always return to his side and reward if he continues to do as he is told. Little baby steps that you can reward with a "good stay" and a treat are much more valuable at first than trying unsuccessfully for a longer time or distance. Are you worried about spoiling your dog with too many rewards? Are you concerned that he won't obey without them? As long as you never show the treat to your dog before he exhibits the desired behaviour, you don't need to worry. A rule of thumb with goldens, since they are so sensitive and so eager to please, is pick your battles and bribe shamelessly. You can overdo training, so if you can alter circumstances (like you would to childproof your home for a toddler) rather than discipline...do it.
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Keep your counters clean so your dog isn't tempted to clean them for you, but insist upon sitting and staying instead of jumping on people and licking children’s' faces. Young children are easily knocked over by happy goldens! When you feel your dog has learned to stay well, vary the circumstances. Make sure he can stay from a sitting, lying down, or standing position. Practice inside and outside, around other dogs and other people. Try to distract him with a rolling ball or have someone else call him. You aren't being mean; you aren't trying to trick him. You are simply helping him to understand better what you mean by "stay", and he will be deliriously happy when he knows he's got it right. Here's a bonus tip, specific to golden retrievers but you be the judge if it's appropriate for your dog, retriever or not. Retrievers like carrying things in their mouths; many of them have favourite toys they don't like to be without. If your dog is having trouble concentrating during a training session, you can try letting him hold his favourite stuffed toy in his mouth. If he thinks it's playtime, it won't work; but oftentimes it gives him a focus. With these few tips and techniques under your belt, your training sessions with your sunny-tempered golden can be quite fun and pleasurable for both of you.

Dog grooming

Most people are aware of the typical benefits of grooming their dog such as removing knots and tangles in the coat, allowing air to flow through the fur much easier making the dog cooler, and giving the dog's coat a nice healthy shine. But there are many lesser known benefits to a regular grooming regime for your pet. It may come as a surprise for some dog owners to know that the simple act of grooming can do much more for their pet than just improving the look of the coat. By making grooming a regular activity with your dog you'll be pleasantly surprised by the numerous health benefits that can be achieved. Some of the many health benefits of grooming include:

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1) Removes dead hair which improves the overall look of the coat as only new healthy hair is left behind. Better air circulation through the fur leaves your dog cooler and more comfortable in hot weather. Matted and tangled hair is also a common problem especially among active dogs which can be greatly improved by regular grooming.

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2) The act of grooming improves blood flow to the follicles of each hair improving the health of the entire coat. The lymphatic system is also stimulated by grooming giving similar health benefits to those given by a massage for humans.

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3) Improves the emotional state of your pet because of the bonding achieved whilst grooming. A gentle hand and kind voice while grooming goes a long way to building a bond with your dog and helps build trust between you and your dog.

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4) Ability to notice any potential health problems by becoming familiar with your dog's body. Tender areas for instance could indicate an injury of some sort which may require further investigation. It is also important to look for health dangers such as ticks which if left undetected can be deadly to your pet.

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5) It is also a good idea to pay attention to your dog's paws while grooming by clipping long nails and checking the pads of the feet for any sore areas that may need attention.

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You can find all the tools you need for effective grooming at local pet supply stores or by searching the Internet where you'll also find lots of tips and advice. Most areas also have classes through community colleges where you can learn the correct methods of grooming your pet. Also check out dog clubs and groups where you will find other dog owners to give you some tips and advice on where to start. If you find that you enjoy grooming and become proficient enough you may wish to start a dog grooming service in your local area. Dog grooming is in big demand and can be a profitable part-time/full-time business. By putting in a little time and effort along with a few dollars for some basic grooming tools you will be greatly rewarded with a healthier, happier dog. Even if you're just starting to learn about correct grooming techniques your dog will still benefit greatly from the little time and effort involved in grooming.

Top 10 foods you should never give to your dog

1. Chocolate acts as a stimulant, making your dog's heartbeat accelerate or beat irregularly, leading to seizures and even cardiac arrest. To compound things further, it also acts as a severe diuretic, causing frequent urination, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. If you even suspect your dog has consumed a lot of chocolate you may want to take him to an animal hospital immediately.

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2. Grapes and Raisins create havoc with your dog's kidneys and digestive system. What's worse is that the amount of grapes needed to cause problems can vary greatly among individual dogs. Symptoms include frequent urination, vomiting, and diarrhea.

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3. Onions cause the breakdown of a dog's red blood cells, which deprives his cells of much-needed oxygen. If you're in the habit of feeding your dog table scraps, make sure the dish was not prepared with onions, as the effects can be cumulative over a period of time. Symptoms can vary greatly, ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to loss of appetite, fever, or exhaustion.

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4. Macadamia Nuts. While the exact chemical compound is still unknown, even a small amount of macadamia nuts can cause fever, irregular heartbeat, seizures, or mild paralysis.

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5. Alcoholic Beverages. Dogs' physiologies are not equipped to handle alcohol consumption. They are extremely susceptible to alcohol poisoning, and even small amounts can lead to digestive problems or even death.

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6. Bread Dough. Because it is soft, dogs will often swallow the dough without chewing it. When the dough hits your dog's stomach, his body heat will cause the dough to rise inside his stomach. This rising action can cause bloating or vomiting. To compound things further, the rising action creates alcohol as a by-product, and your dog may experience the symptoms listed in the previous paragraph.

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7. Caffeinated Beverages are similar to the effects of chocolate, caffeine is a stimulant and can negatively impact your dog's heart rate, causing seizures or heart attacks.

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8. Avocadoes are toxic to many animals. The offensive chemical damages heart, lung, and other essential tissues. Be aware since guacamole's main ingredient is avocado, that you keep any such dips well out of your dog's reach.

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9. Pitted Fruits (Peaches, Pears, Cherries, and Apricots) The pits of these fruits contain small doses of cyanide, which can be fatal to smaller dogs. Also, if the pit is swallowed whole, it may become lodged in the intestinal tract, where the blockage will have to be surgically removed.

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10. Raw Fish, especially salmon, can contain parasites, usually fluke larvae. The dog consumes the fish, and the larvae hatch in your dog's digestive tract, attaching themselves to his intestinal walls. Symptoms can take up to a week to exhibit and usually mimic other canine diseases, such as distemper or parvovirus. The hazard here is misdiagnosis by the veterinarian, leading to an improper or ineffective treatment. If you choose to feed your dog fish, be sure to cook it thoroughly to kill any bad critters that could be hiding inside.

Children and puppies

It has been said that a dog is 'man's best friend' and that a well trained dog can provide much love, fun, and security, but at the end of the day this same dog is an animal, one that can be dangerous inflicting serious injuries and even causing death. It is therefore vital that just as at an early age a puppy is trained, so must children be educated in the correct ways of dealing with a canine, and that always, when a child and dog are 'loose' together that they are under adult supervision. Children must always understand that a dog, especially a puppy, is not a toy, a doll or teddy bear.

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Children love being cuddled and hugged, kissed and carried around but they also know that at times they can become grumpy and irritable when adults fuss them too much. Well a dog is exactly the same they do not want to be disturbed when eating or resting or sleeping but they cannot say 'go away' or cry, they get grumpy and may snap at the offender. Adults must be aware that young children may unwittingly encourage puppies to chase them often leading to play biting, the puppy sees the child as one of its own and in the excitement of play an injury can occur, so therefore always adult supervision. However older children and even adults can be guilty of over-stimulating an excitable puppy one minute and then telling it off for the same thing a minute later and even worse hitting it the next!

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Adults should avoid and definitely should not let children play aggressive rough games with any puppy as this may result in a dog with aggression and behavior problems later on. Likewise taunting or making a puppy jealous can have serious implications in an adult dog, which remembering its puppy days can misjudge a situation and react in the wrong way. Children should be encouraged to ignore a puppy unless it comes to them for attention. If they want to play with the dog, it should, by name, be invited to go to them. Just as humans dislike close face-to-face interaction so do puppies so again children must learn not to push their faces into the dogs, or risk a painful nip! Children should also be encouraged to put their toys, clothes, shoes etc. out of the reach of a puppy, preventing the temptation for the puppy to claim items as it's own; this solves two possible problems, a child trying to pull away items from a dog and also the possibility of pup swallowing an item leading to a painful (for the dog and the adults purse) trip to a vets.

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The most important lesson though is to teach respect for a living animal. Children must understand the need to give a dog space, let them have quiet time and then when together to be quiet and gentle with one another. The same rules really apply with children's interaction with one another. Living with dogs will enrich their lives as long as they learn to understand canine language. Caring for dogs encourages responsibility and develops empathy; there are so many positives providing a responsible adult has trained the dog and the child in the correct ways of living together.

dog toys

Many people complain about their new dog chewing up everything in sight and tearing up their gardens, and admit that they don't know how to stop the dog from doing this. There are some solutions, though they may take time to implement, which will help to stop this problem. A dog usually chews and digs when it's bored. This is often the result of the owners working long hours away from the home, leaving the dog to entertain itself. One solution is to purchase a second dog, which will keep the first dog company. But this can also lead to two dogs chewing and digging, especially if they are only pups. A better solution is to keep the dog entertained by giving it something to do. This can be achieved by hiding treats in the yard, designating a play area (like a small sandbox) or by giving the dog special toys.
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Dog toys are readily available from most stores and can be purchased relatively cheap. The only concerns are the size of the toy - it mustn't be that small that the dog will be able to swallow it whole; and the material that the toy is made from - a hard, rubbery plastic is better than a thin, soft plastic that is easy to bite into small pieces. Essentially you want a toy that will stand up to the dog's sharp teeth without falling apart too quick, and without small pieces being chewed off and swallowed by the dog. These small pieces can get lodged in the dog's stomach and cause all sorts of health problems. There are a large variety of toys available which should keep the dog amused. Some are capable of hiding treats inside them, making the dog work for its reward by rolling the toy around until a treat falls out. Others can be placed into the freezer overnight and given to the dog on a hot day, letting the dog lick the cool treat over a period of time as the toy defrosts. Many other variations can be found or can even be made out of existing household items, just be sure to make them safe for the dog.
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An extra step that involves dog toys is to alternate or swap toys on different days, so the dog thinks it is getting a new toy to play with. Yet another option is to smear some edible paste onto the toy, like vegemite, marmite or promite. This is a method used by many animal shelters to give dogs something to do whilst confined to their kennels. With a little ingenuity and planning, you can entertain your dog with a vast assortment of treats and toys that will keep them amused for hours.

Dog Training

"Sit" No, I said "Sit!" not "S*IT!"

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Dog training is the process of teaching a dog to exhibit certain desired dog behavior in specific circumstances. Training your dog should absolutely be a top priority. Fundamentally, dog training and dog behavior are about communication. The goal of dog training is to build a bond between pet and family and to enjoy the process. Dog training should ALWAYS be fun for your dog, so if you or your dog begin to get tired take a break and come back to it later.

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Obedience, herding, agility, tracking, retrieving, hunting, guard, and schutzhund are common areas of dog training. Training social skills is a continuous process. Training starts the moment your pup comes home. Waiting until the puppy is older and has already learned undesirable habits makes the training much more challenging. All dog training must be founded upon educating the dog, which is, developing instincts and drawing out accidental and acquired habits. Bribery can also be a great dog training method. In dog training, the term "bribery" means that the dog is aware of the presence of the reward before he is asked to complete the command.

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Don’t be disheartened if it seems you are not getting anywhere with your dog training, because it generally takes us longer to learn how to train our dogs than it does for our dogs to be trained. The hardest part of training is communicating with the dog in a humane way that he understands. The emotional state of the dog is an important consideration in directing the training, as a dog that is stressed or distracted will not learn efficiently. Failure to reward after the reward marker diminishes the value of the reward marker and makes training more difficult.

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Most training revolves around giving the dog consequences for his behavior, in the hope of influencing the behavior the dog will exhibit in the future. Most modern trainers say that they use "positive training methods", which is a different meaning of the word "positive" from that in operant conditioning. “Positive training methods" generally means preferring the use of reward-based training to increase good behavior to that of physical punishment to decrease bad behavior. The goal is to produce a dog that will perform even on occasions that the handler has no reward to offer, since the dog's training has taught him that the handler may have a reward even if the dog cannot see it.

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Electronic dog training collars are useful tools that do no harm your pet. As is often the case, these dog training shock collars can be used for various training regimens, including but not limited to, hunting exercises, agility training, pet containment, anti-barking and more. Although shock collars are not dangerous to dogs, you should always use prudent judgment in implementing any dog-training program. There is a considerable portion of dog training, which is actually thinly disguised abuse. Although dog training can be hard at times, it’s important that you remember to keep things positive for you and your dog at all times.

Your dog is part of your family

People and dogs have a long and unique relationship, one that is unlike our relationship with any other animal. It's not hard to imagine some prehistoric hunter bringing home an orphaned wolf cub, only to find that it fitted surprisingly well to human society as it grew up. On top of that he would have found it had several very useful contributions to make. The similarities between the social structures of humans and both wolves and other wild dog packs are striking. There is a hierarchy, usually dominated by an older male, who is often kept on the right track when necessary by a dominant older female. Like a prehistoric human family or tribe would have done, a wolf pack naturally lives and hunts together, surviving through its ability to communicate and cooperate as a group.

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Just like a human family group, the social bonds and loyalty within the group are uniting forces far stronger than any of the minor tiffs and scraps of daily life. Now it has to be said that wolves are, by all accounts, difficult to get on with in some respects. Dogs as we know them now are more amenable. But then ancient man (who may not have been all that amenable himself by our standards of today) no doubt achieved that change through breeding long ago - just as we still manipulate the genetic makeup of dogs in an amazing variety of ways even today. The complementary strengths of dogs, their alertness, their powerful sense of smell and their hunting prowess, no doubt made them welcome members of human hunting expeditions in ancient times. Their low cost of upkeep, as dogs will live on almost anything, including less desirable food scraps, was undoubtedly an attractive added bonus. This long-standing synergy between humans and dogs remains pretty much the same today.

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Your dog, whether a guard dog, working dog, hunting dog, or merely a companion, is an intelligent, loyal and faithful friend for life. The raw primitive survival justifications for owning a dog may be less important now, but dogs are still to be found performing many useful roles. You will find dogs herding stock on farms, detecting drug smugglers in airports, guiding the blind, tracking down criminals, guarding secure installations, rescuing in emergencies and playing to their strengths doing many other important tasks for us. Most dogs, though, are just "one of the family". Dogs will often share our living space, and develop a special bond with all the members of a family. You may have noticed how your dog will look concerned for younger family members if they seem to be getting into trouble - moving too far away from the main family group, for example - and we all know how eager the family dog is to check out whether any stranger arriving at the door is OK to have around.

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Most of us know dogs as wonderfully cuddly, friendly and fun companions. They are - if they are properly socialized into their family, well fed, housed and exercised, and lead a predictable and stable life. But even a small dog can become unpleasant company, a formidable foe, or even dangerous, if it feels socially isolated, bored, hungry or abused. If a dog senses it does not belong, it's behavior can become unpredictable, much as we humans might behave if held captive and in danger among our enemies. Just like us, dogs need to feel secure, wanted and part of their family, and to know their place in our family's hierarchy.

How to Potty train your puppy

Many questions arise when you bring your new puppy home. Such as.... How do you potty train your puppy? What can you do about your puppy when you are at work? Are there steps to follow when potty training your puppy? Keep in mind that raising a new puppy is a lot like raising a child. It is a lot of work, they keep you up at night, they get into things and make messes, but your new baby (puppy) also gives you a lot of joy and love. Potty training puppies is not that hard. Here are some proven steps to potty train your new puppy:

1) Purchase a play pen or kennel.

2) Line the kennel or play pen with newspaper or puppy pads. In the play pen there is room for newspaper on one side and bedding on the other. If you use a kennel it is a little smaller and your puppy may have a few accidents at first. Generally dogs do not potty where they sleep but when they are very young they just can't hold it for long. NOTE: Using a play pen is such a great way to potty train your puppy. The play pen is also great for when you are unable to give your puppy undivided attention. You can place your puppy in the play pen and it is a safe place for them to play and not get hurt or get into anything.

3) Keep your puppy in the play pen or kennel when not attended or when you are not at home.

4) Within 30 minutes of feeding your puppy make sure there is newspaper or puppy pads accessible for your puppy to go on.

5) If you catch your puppy in the act - place your puppy immediately on the newspaper or pads so they can finish there.

6) Do not hit your puppy. They do not respond to cruelty. Instead reward your puppy with treats whenever they go potty properly on the paper or pads.

7) As soon as your puppy has received its third set of shots you can begin putting them outside to go potty. You can move the newspaper outside to help them get used to going outside.

8)After a while (usually 4-6 months) they will get trained to go outside.

9) The end result will be that you will get a well trained well behaved puppy and a happy owner too!

The first week of potty training your new puppy may be a little trying at times but you have to remember this is a commitment to a life long friend and your new puppy is getting used to his or her new family. You really want to be consistent in your training of your puppy. Your puppy will be more easily trained if you follow a routine -- otherwise you will confuse your puppy, cause your puppy to have more accidents and have a much harder time with potty training. Putting time into your puppy at the beginning of its life will pay big dividends in good behavior later.

Puppy Testing

WHAT IS PUPPY TESTING?

Just as with humans, every dog has it's own personality. For dogs this can already be determined at a very young age. The object of a puppy test is to determine what kind of personality the dog has. Knowing this allows you to train your dog more effectively. Some believe that a puppy test allows you to pick the perfect dog. This is nonsense. It allows you to pick a puppy which is mentally stable and has an easy-to-work-with personality. Plus from experience we can say that dog training is 70% the owners experience and mentality and only 30% that of the dog. CONDITIONS FOR A PUPPY TEST It's important that the test is preformed in a neutral room or space where the dog hasn't been before and where there is no external distraction for the dog.

The optimal age for the test to be performed is when the puppy is 5 to 7 weeks old. At this point the personality is already set but they are not yet fully attached to humans yet. The person performing the test should also be someone who the puppies haven't met before as some parts of the test would give untrustworthy results otherwise. THE ACTUAL TEST The test described below is the well known Campbell test. This is however not the only existing test, several others exist. With this test, the puppies are scored on 5 criteria:

* Social attraction

* Facility to follow

* Response to obligation

* Social domination

* Acceptance to be lifted For the social attraction

The testing person sits a few feet from the puppy and observes how the dog reacts: Does it come? If it comes, is the tail carried high or low? Does he scout his surroundings? Does he run the other way? When testing the facility to follow, the tester will put the puppy next to him an walk a little. Then see if the dog follows or not? Does he follow and jump up at the test person and even try to bit his ankles? Does he follow from a distance? Does he rather wander off on his own? The response to obligation test entails that the puppy is put on his back and held down on the ground by placing a flat hand on his chest. Does the puppy protest heavily and tries to bite the hands of the testing person? Does he initially protest but calm down later? Does he remain quiet or does he try to lick hands?

With the social domination test, the tester will sit down next to the puppy and just stroke him. Here we'll observe that some puppies will try to crawl upon the test person others will try to bite their hands or lie on their back and lick hands. Some will even run away. For the final test the puppy is lifted from the ground supported only at his chest (this way the puppy doesn't see the test person). Does he struggle and try to bite hands? Does he initially struggle but calms down after a while? Does he remain calm and perhaps even try to lick the hands? The combination of results lets you determine what personality the dog has. For novice dog owner it's best to pick a puppy that hasn't got an extreme test result because those are either very dominant or extremely submissive and will require a handler who is experienced.