Dog

Dog - Secrets To Obedience Training Your Dog

2007-11-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

Hazard control is a benefit, but it's hardly the biggest benefit of having an obedience trained dog.

The biggest benefit of having a well trained dog is that you and your dog can BOTH experience personal growth in your relationship, beyond what you could ever have imagined...

Say your dog is aggressive towards other dogs when it sees them on the streets, and you train your dog to curb its' aggression. That means you don't have to worry every time you take your dog out for a walk. Because of this he gets more exercise, so he will be happier and healthier, you will love your dog more because he doesn't frustrate you, and you'll have the dog you have always dreamed of having. You won't be embarrassed by your dog's aggressive behavior anymore because of the obedience training.

In order to get your dog to obey you, you must first understand the reasons behind why your dog behaves the way he does (meaning you must listen before you can expect him to listen to you). Then you must learn how to communicate to him what you want him to do and why. You must also establish yourself as the alpha dog or "pack leader".

So as you can imagine, if you understand your dog better, you can become the alpha dog quite quickly (sometimes it can take only a few minutes for your dog to get the picture!). But if you're only using instinctive scolding techniques to get what you want from your dog, it will take you months, and it may not happen at all - to get your dog to obey you.

Find out more secrets to obedience training your dog HERE
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danny_Walton

Dog - How to Find a Certified Dog Trainer

2007-11-08T11:26:00.001-08:00

Are you in the market for a dog trainer? Do you want your dog to learn from a top notch certified dog trainer? You may have dreams of seeing your dog in professional dog competitions and shows. Therefore, you need to have your dog trained by a certified dog trainer to ensure the best results.

Why should you hire a certified dog trainer instead of a basic dog trainer? A certified dog trainer is one that takes their dog training career seriously enough to become certified. You can feel comfortable in the fact that they have met high dog training standards and passed certification exams and tests. You don't want a fly-by-night dog trainer, but a certified dog trainer that is in it for the long haul.

How do you find a certified dog trainer? There are numerous dog trainers available in the market place today. Dog trainers range in age, skill level, and experience. Your neighbor might tell you that they are a dog trainer because they have read a few books on the subject and taught their dog to fetch the newspaper. This is not sufficient dog training experience.

You should consult a variety of resources. Try asking your dog breeder, groomer, and veterinarian. They can direct you to local dog training schools that have certified dog trainers on their faculty. Various pet supply stores have dog training programs that train and certify their dog trainers. Example pet supply stores include PETCO.

However, research what they mean by "certification". Is the certification by PETCO standards only or by a universal certification? Find out what the requirements are for their certified dog trainers. Only then can you determine if their dog trainers will supply the skill level and experience you desire.

You need to find a dog trainer that has had comprehensive training and can proudly demonstrate that they are a certified dog trainer. Be aware, though, that there are many "certified dog training" schools and home correspondence courses available. Not all of these schools are credible nor do they provide proper instruction. You need to find a dog trainer that has certification as described by the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers.

The Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers is a well respected organization that provides testing and certification services for dog trainers. They administer specific dog training tests in various states around the country approximately twice per year. These intensive tests root out the professional dog trainer from the average dog trainer. Check out their website at: http://www.ccpdt.org/.

The Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers also provides a listing of certified dog trainers. You can search through this listing to find a certified dog trainer in your area. This roster of certified dog trainers comprises certified dog trainers all over the world. The certified dog trainer list will give you their contact information including name, city, phone number, and e-mail address. Another great feature is that they list the date the dog trainer became certified. This will let you know how many years they have been in the dog training business. Peruse the list at: http://ccpdt.org/rstr/index.html.

Certified pet trainers do not only need to pass a certification exam and testing, they must also continue their education through workshops, conferences, and other means. When selecting a certified dog trainer ask them about the extent of their continuing education. You want a certified dog trainer that continues to hone their craft. They should actively learning about various dog training methods. This demonstrates that they are committed to providing the best dog training.

A certified dog trainer should have at least three to five years of dog training experience. This is especially true if they charge higher fees. You can take the plunge with a newly certified dog trainer if cost is an issue. Newly certified dog trainers may charge lower rates in order to establish a list of clients and garner experience. "Master" certified dog trainers are those that have twenty to thirty years of experience. They may have great skill and in depth background experience, but may come at a higher price.

You have the beginning knowledge regarding finding a certified dog trainer. Spend time searching resources available through your dog breeder, veterinarian, and pet supply store. Scour the book store, library, and Internet for detailed information. You can find a certified dog trainer in your area as well.

You wouldn't go to an unlicensed doctor would you? So why would go to a trainer that is not certified? Certified dog trainers are out there and ready to help you and your pooch learn valuable skills. They are committed to your dog, their career, and learning everything they can about becoming a top notch dog trainer. Who knows, your certified dog trainer may help your dog win the Westminster dog show. Not only would your dog be trained well and achieve glory, but the expense would be well worth it.

Visit the dog products website to research dog breeds & get free tips on dog training, dog health, dog grooming & how to find dog sitters & dog walkers.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=K_Brandt

Dog - Right Diet for Your Pet

2007-11-08T11:25:00.001-08:00

Most of the dog food products that you believe are nutritional are loaded with harmful chemicals.

Here are some dark secret of commercial dog food

Almost all manufacturers use stool hardening agents in pet food.
Stool modifiers make cleaning up more easier and will mask the effects of nutrient mal-absorption.Just look into your pet food bag for sodium bentonite, powdered cellulose, beet pulp, ground peanut shells.

Sugar!
Some companies put sugar into pet food to get your pet hook on it. Processed sugars are foreign to dogs and over long time will cause obesity, tooth decay and even diabetes.

Not all dog food are the same for all dogs
No matter what dog food company claims about its benefits. Not all dogs eat well on the same brand of food, some dog food simply do better on certain dog. So the quality of a dog food is best decided by your pet dog. The best indication is your dog behaviour. By having a food changes, people will realise how they can change unwanted dog behavior .

So it is your responsibility to act now before it is too late.

The solution is simple

Stop using commercial food, if that is possible.

Learn how to read those commercial dog food labels.

Feed your dog with a healthy, well-balanced diet and start feeding your dog home made food.

Don't over fed your dog. Twice a day or if your dog does not eat within 15 minutes, take it away

Choose a diet appropriate for your dog's needs and calorie requirements.

Give your dog plenty of fresh clean water.

Dog Food Secrets will review the truths about pet foods, and will show you how to easily complete each of those steps and much more. It is a survival-guide to a healthier and happier dog.

The information in the review has also shown that dogs fed exclusively on specific, well-balanced, calorie-controlled, home-made recipes AND follow the same principles of nutrition & calorie control can live up to 8.3 years longer.

The "Dog Food Secrets " covers 35 most favorite natural recipes proven to increase and improve your dog's life.

For more information, read this dog food review article at dogfoodsecrets.kopihouse.com
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Ten

Dog - Dandie Dinmont Terrier Puppy And Dog Information

2007-11-08T11:24:00.002-08:00

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a good choice for an apartment or house. They do not need a great deal of exercise and will adapt to most circumstances. They are good with older children, especially if they have been properly socialized. As a reminder, never leave children unsupervised with a puppy or dog. They may not be good with other animals and may not do well with other dogs. They are protective of their human family.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is 8 to 11 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 18 to 24 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is no exception. Be on the lookout for hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can result in weight gain), glaucoma and epilepsy. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has a coat composed of one third soft hair and two thirds harder hair. She is groomed by brushing regularly and needs to be professionally groomed to pluck out dead hair several times a year.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

Life Span

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier originates in the border area of Scotland and England. They are believed to be the result of cross breeding the English Terrier, Skye Terrier, Otterhound and Bedlington Terrier. They were used for hunting small game. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1886.

Some Registries

Dandie Dinmount Terrier Club of America
UKC United Kennel Club
NKC National Kennel Club
CKC Continental Kennel Club
APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
AKC American Kennel Club
FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain
ANKC Australian National Kennel Club
ACR American Canine Registry

Litter Size

3 to 6 Dandie Dinmont Terrier puppies

Category

Terrier

Terms To Describe

Intelligent, playful, bold, dignified, determined, reserved, independent

SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Intelligent
Makes an ok watch dog

SPECIAL BAD POINTS

May not be obedient
Makes a poor guard dog

Other Names Known By

Pepper Terrier, Mustard Terrier

Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

About the Author Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com. PetPages.com is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info. Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mitch_Endick

Dog - Stop Puppies Biting

2007-11-08T11:24:00.001-08:00

Puppies love to bite. They do it naturally but it is something that they must be taught not to do. This needs to be addressed while they are young because dog bites can lead to all sorts of problems including legal action. It may seem fun and funny to have a puppy biting but a full-grown dog can do a lot of damage, particularly to children if they are in the habit of biting. Dogs have immense strength in their jaws and even a playful nip can do permanent damage to a child.

Generally, puppies are taught to control their biting from their mothers but in most cases we get puppies as pets that have been taken from their mothers at a very young age and it is up to us to teach them as puppies not to bite.

By letting your dog socialize with other dogs from a young age they will quickly learn from their elders, provided they have been taught well, that the desire to bite needs to be curbed to avoid retaliation and an ensuing fight.

The sooner the puppy is taught not to bite by the owner or by interaction with other dogs, the less aggressive they will become as they grow older and the more pleasant they will be to live with.

Taking a puppy to a dog training school will allow it to interact with other dogs where it will quickly be corrected for any misbehavior. Puppies should generally learn to interact with other dogs within the first three months of their life. The longer this is left the more difficult it becomes for your dog to socialize correctly and they can become dangerous later in life. As with children, the sooner your puppy can learn correct behavior patterns the better they will be in the long term.

It is also wise to get the puppy to behave correctly in the presence of other animals including cats and any other pets that they might come in contact with over their life.

There are many items that are available from the pet stores and vets that can give your puppy suitable satisfaction to chew and bite upon. This will allow your puppy to learn what is right and what is not right to bite.

HOW TO SAVE MONEY AT THE VET (INCLUDING WHAT THE ONLINE PHARMACIES DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW!)

In case you haven't noticed, quality vet care isn't cheap. But if it wasn't-I'd be worried. Because it would be your pet's health that had to suffer! The cost to run a veteinary clinic is more than what many people expect and most veterinarians retire before their college loans are paid off.

Of course, you probably could care less about all that! You just want your pet to receive proper health care without breaking the bank. Understood. Let's find out how.

Tip #1: Be straight up!

If your pooch is acting sick and you KNOW he ate something out of the garbage-tell the vet! I can't tell you how many times we've gone through a list of expensive (and sometimes unnecessary) diagnostic procedures to find out that the owner knew all along what the problem might be!

"Oh yeah-I did notice that I had a sock missing . . ." Ugh!

We had one gentleman who knew his dog ate a pair of panties but didn't want to tell us because, well . . . the panties didn't belong to his wife.

Fortunately, the dog got better but his pocketbook paid the price. Not sure what happened to the marriage.

We're not here to judge you-we're here to make your pet feel better!

Tip #2: Follow your vet's recommendations when it comes to preventative medicine (heartworm preventative, vaccinations, blood tests, etc.). Do you think heartworm pills are expensive? Well, the cost of heartworm preventative is chump-change in comparison to what it costs to treat a heartworm positive dog. Depending on the dog's weight, a month of heartworm preventative can cost $3-8. If your dog tests positive expect to pay $500-$1000 (or more) to have him treated. Egads! That's a mortgage payment for some folks. And by the way, ALL DOGS are at risk for acquiring heartworm disease, even if living indoors. It only takes ONE bite from an infected mosquito. I've seen all kinds of dogs test positive for heartworm. The past few months our clinic treated a Chihuahua, a Bouvier, a Siberian Husky, and a Labrador retriever.

There has been a lot of discussion lately between the veterinary community and vaccine manufacturers. Thanks to scientific advances the immunity provided by many pet vaccines is lasting longer. Therefore, many veterinarians are recommending giving boosters on certain vaccines every three years instead of yearly. That will save you money! Hopefully your veterinarian has jumped on this bandwagon. Vaccines are essential in protecting our pets against deadly viruses. But the less vaccines we have to give the better. It all depends on your pet's age and lifestyle. Talk to your vet. Blood tests often reveal hidden health problems. If a disease is detected early, it will be both easier and cheaper to treat-for both you and your veterinarian. Treating diseases involving kidney failure and liver disease will cost you lots of money if your pet is in the later stages. Even if your pet's blood tests are normal you will have a baseline of his healthy values if there ever is a problem in the future. Not a bad investment.

I'm an online publisher of web content and blogs pertaining to the needs and wants of the public. I'm also a business coach, and my coaching web can be found at http://www.course-internet-marketing.com ... do check out my latest blog about dogs at ... http://dog-health-and-training.com ...consider signing up for my dog blog articles about the latest in canine health care and training.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Copper