The situation is one that occurs countless times in homes all across the world. The new puppy has just destroyed your reading glasses, or dug up your favorite rose bush, or jumped on you and got your Sunday best all dirty. Having a disobedient dog is no fun for anyone, and yet so many people simply tolerate and accept that the problems they are dealing with are just part of owning a dog. People have been turning to a book, a dog obedience training video, group classes, sending their dog off to get trained and even hiring a dog trainer to come out to the house to try to help them deal with the downsides of their doggy. If you are in that same situation, I will try and do you the favor of going over these options for you.
A dog barking, chewing, jumping, running away, biting, digging, and even peeing and pooping in your home are all problems that are normal for dogs to have. Yet, these behaviors need only be temporary if you have the right training style to manage them properly. Simply put, all these ‘bad behaviors’ stem from a dog not being obedient to its owner and family. Normally people turn to some of the more conventional options to try to train their dog, but what if there were a new better way to deal with it. What if you could learn from the comfort of your own home, train at your own pace, and get the needed results that you desperately need? A quality dog obedience training video could very possibly fit the bill, have better results than lots of the conventional approaches, and cost far less.
‘Send-Off’ Training or kennel training, is one of the oldest methods for training a dog. You send your dog to the trainers facility and let them do all the training for you. After the dog has been trained you pick them back up. There are a few problems with this approach. This is not a very cheap option for most people as the fee can often range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. There is also the fact that you wont have your beloved pet around for several weeks or months. The largest flaw however, is that because you were not part of the training it is hard to make it work for you. Taking the owner out of the training process makes it more difficult for the dog to accept that the owner is in charge, which is multiplied when the dog sees that their owner is not as proficient as the person who trained them. This all to often leads to a dog that initially behaves well, but as time goes on gets more and more disobedient.
Group Classes are one of the more popular training options used today. They are less expensive than ‘Send-Off’ training or In-Home training, mainly due to the ratio of participants to instructors. The classes tend to focus on socialization and leash based obedience. They do not however focus on problems that occur within the home such as biting, jumping, housebreaking, digging, chewing, or running away. Additionally, since there are more dogs than instructors, it is difficult to get any real ‘1 on 1′ time.
In-Home Training consistently provides the best results of any other method. This is primarily due to the dog being trained in the environment that it spends 90%+ of its life in; its home. Their is also the advantage of real ‘1 on 1′ attention from the professional trainer and the dog. As the trainer teaches the dog something new, they are also educating the dog’s owner. The dog’s owner practices until the next visit from the trainer. This style highly involves the dog’s owner and makes it work far better when the dog trainer is finished. The largest downside to this approach is the cost. An experienced and capable dog trainer’s fee often exceeds $100 an hour. It can also be difficult to locate that skilled trainer.
Books are an inexpensive option geared towards the self-starter. Most dog owners will buy a book or three before trying something else. The biggest problem with books is that they have so much conflicting information that its very difficult to know what to do. Their is also the lack of the visual aspect that so many find essential to the learning process. That being said, a book is the cheapest option out there.
A Dog Obedience Training Video is typically a series of videos that explain and show how to train a dog into or out of different behaviors. This is done in your own home and at the pace of your choosing. In that regard, a dog obedience training video is for many a better fit than in-home training as in-home training follows a schedule and does not allow much variance. There is also the crucial benefit of being able to see what is being done. I cannot emphasis enough how important it is to be able to see the techniques with your real eyes versus your mind’s eye. There is a problem in that not every dog obedience training video is going to be one that will help you. Dog trainers are not all the same. Some are quite skilled and capable and some really aren’t. Finding a dog obedience training video from a reputable trainer is key to making this whole process work. Otherwise you are potentially just wasting your money. If, however, you can find a dog obedience training video from an experienced and sought after trainer then it could be a wonderful thing. I’ll explain what I mean. ‘Send-Off’ Training and In-home Training will cost between hundreds and thousands of dollars. Group classes range between $50-500. You should be able to find a good dog obedience training video for under $50. It has all of the benefits of training in the home, offers the visual aspect, and is affordable. I would also want to know that the trainer that made this dog obedience training video also backed it up with some kind of warranty. The best I have seen so far is an 8 week 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee. So search around and don’t necessarily buy the first dog obedience training video you come across. Look for someone who has been in the industry for a while, and what kind of style they train.
In closing, if cost were no object and you lived in an area with reputable In-home dog trainers, I would recommend to go that route. They consistently have the best results. If money is an issue, a quality dog obedience training video is the next best option. Even for someone who might need the In-Home Training, finding the right offer could still be a good choice. If you can find one that has a money back guarantee then your really not out anything if it does not work and you have to hire an In-Home trainer. But what if it did work? You could literally save hundreds to thousands of dollars, and have the pet that you always wanted!
Obedience Video
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An obedience video is not the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks about dog training. It certainly is not the most traditional approach. But just because it may not be the oldest or most known method for training your dog, does not mean that it is a bad choice for you and your dog. An obedience video offers many of the advantages of the best styles of training, and without a lot of the disadvantages that each different approach has.
When one approaches dog training from the more conventional options, one inevitably ends up going with send-off training (where the dog is sent to the trainers kennels until training is complete), group class or in-home training. If the person is really a self starter, they might try reading a book or three on the subject. So what is wrong with these approaches? With send-off training, the owner is not part of the training and has a hard time making it work after the dog is back in the house. There is also the period of absence while the dog is gone, which is rough on most dog owners. Then there is the cost which tends to cost several hundred dollars for low-end training options and much more (in the thousand(s)) for advanced or specialized training. Group classes are a much cheaper option, but tend to not focus on problems that occur in the home like housebreaking, chewing, jumping, and nipping. These are real ‘deal breaker’ problems that are a higher priority than how your dog greets other people and dogs. Group classes also have the downside of having to meet at the trainers facility and at the time they set. In-home trainers give the best results, but tend to cost the most. They give 1 on 1 help, in the home, and focus on empowering the owner. The fee on average for a good in-home dog trainer is often $100/hr or more. Some dogs will require an in-home dog trainer, but many do not. An obedience video offers the same benefits of in-home training, such as; training in the home, empowering the owner, and focusing on behaviors that happen in the home. But it has the added benefit of being able to be done at the owner’s pace and for a fraction of the cost.
A good obedience video should be able to be found for under $50 dollars. It should offer a money back guarantee on the videos if you are not satisfied with it. It should be put out by a trainer that is experienced and whose methods you agree with. It only costs about as much as a book or two, but offers the critical visual aspect to facilitate the learning process. If you would like more information on how an obedience video works, and even which one I recommend, please click the following link.
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Widely recognized as the most popular and effective way to housetrain puppies the crate method utilizes your dog’s natural instincts. Dogs are naturally clean animals and will not by nature relieve themselves in the area where they sleep.
Knowing how to communicate properly with your dog lies at the heart of the housetraining process. Lecturing, yelling or other forms of punishment will not achieve the desired result. The key is to reward good behavior. Puppies are like babies, much too young to be held responsible for their bowel movements. Punishments are not the way to get through to your puppy. If you are going to use the crate method it’s vital that you learn about the proper, humane method to housetrain your dog.
Choosing the right crate
This is very important when it comes to the humane treatment of your puppy. A crate that is too small is very cruel. The puppy should have enough room to maneuver around and be comfortable inside. If the crate is much too large – the puppy might even relieve himself inside the crate.
The plastic varieties of crates are much easier to clean, durable and easier to carry around than the metal varieties.
It is also cruel to leave your puppy inside the crate for too long. Night time is crate time and often even very young puppies can go the entire night without soiling their crates.
You will want to slowly get the puppy used to the crate. The idea here is to create a positive feeling about the crate. Put a nice soft blanket inside and your puppy’s favorite toys too. You can also put some yummy treats inside to entice your dog.
Never, ever force your dog inside the crate. It is his sanctuary within your home.
Tips for housetraining
- Prepare the area that your puppy will spend most of its time in with a layer of newspaper.
- Designate an official toilet area for your puppy
- Supervise (or have the children do it) until the puppy has relieved himself.
- If your puppy starts sniffing or circling pick him up and get him outside fast!
Golden rules for housetraining your dog using the crate method:
- Take your puppy out first thing in the morning
- Take your puppy out directly after meals
- If your puppy has had an accident be sure to clean the area thoroughly. Use a product that will remove the odor.
- Never punish your puppy for accidents. You would never yell at your baby and put her nose in her mess. Rather use positive reinforcement when your puppy does her business outside.
- Take your puppy out just before bedtime and make sure he does his business.
- Give praise freely where it is due. Treats, walks and positive reinforcement will go a long way toward getting your puppy to understand that eliminating outside is the goal.
Housetraining your puppy will take time and patience. The kind of dog and your methods will greatly influence how long it takes for your puppy to be fully housetrained.
There is a reason that the crate method is the most widely used housetraining method. It works well. Of course housetraining your puppy isn’t your only concern when it comes to raising a well behaved dog. You will also want to set some distinct boundaries. Puppies should not be allowed free reign of the house; at least not until they are fully housetrained. Your puppy is a sponge and above all – keen to please you. You are the pack leader and the puppy will look to you to figure out what is and isn’t acceptable in your home.
By deciding early what your puppy may chew on and what furniture he is allowed on you can eliminate confusion and behavioral problems later in life.
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So you have decided you are going to buy a West Highland white terrier, otherwise known as a Westie. Westies are great little light-hearted dogs. They are quick to learn, and as a rule they are very self sufficient, and have wonderful, unique personalities. Most Westie owners will tell you that their dog possesses a “big personality.” They are lovable, but will never be mistaken for a lap dog.
If you are looking for a cuddly lap dog, a Westie may not be the right breed for you. They are notoriously independent, and won’t tolerate being held for very long periods. They like to be in close proximity to their owner/families, but they need their space. As a rule, when a Westie chooses a sleeping area they will find a private space. Away from the family, this sleeping area will most likely be somewhat protected on three sides; they also like to “cover their backs” when they sleep. Naturally there are exceptions to the rule. If the dog is taught to be a bit of a lap dog, they will most likely be a lap dog. But the Westie is not a natural lap dog. They like to call the shots, so to speak.
The Westie likes to be taken along with the family whenever possible. They are friendly, and love people in general, especially children. They are very loyal to their families and prefer being with their owners/families whenever possible.
When purchasing a dog most people prefer to buy a young puppy, and train the dog themselves. This can be rewarding. If buying a puppy, make sure you are home regularly enough to train the puppy properly. Westies are easy to train, but someone has to be in the home to do the training. Remember, it can be a frustrating and time consuming task to train a puppy. The other option is to purchase a dog that is a bit older, and has already been trained by the breeder. This is a good option, and many breeders can accommodate with a dog that is a little older and trained.
Male or female? In regard to temperament, there is little or no difference between the two in the Westie breed. It is said that Westie males are more affectionate than female Westies. The female is smaller and lighter, so easier to control on a walk or carry when necessary.
This pure white, sturdy small-framed dog is always full of energy and always on the alert and looking for fun. They love to get out and walk, and run in a wooded area, looking for game.
Westies’ ears stand up naturally at each side of their fluffy, happy face. At the opposite end, a perky short tail, which – by nature’s design – comes to a gradual point. As adults, it is desirable for the male Westie to be 11 inches in height; the female 10 inches in height. A Westies coat should be pure white. They have a double coat; the under coat being soft and fluffy, the top coat a bit coarse and wiry. This dual coat is natural to the Westie. The breed was developed and bread for a hard and dangerous job – that of hunting out and killing vermin. So the dual coat provides the Westie a good natural form of protection, not only from the elements, but the claws and teeth of its prey. The dry texture of the Westies coat also works to cut down on doggy odor. Due to this dryer coat they require less baths. They can be kept clean with frequent brushing and dry cleaning (this is done by adding a bit of corn starch to the dogs coat, brushing it out after a few minutes.)
Choosing a reputable breeder is very important. It is impossible to know when picking out your particular puppy just how that dog will turn out emotionally and physically. This is the best reason to find a good reputable breeder. A good breeder strives to breed healthy dogs that will exhibit traits that are natural to the dog they chose to breed. There are three choices when it comes to breeders; pet shop breeders, back yard breeders, and serious hobby breeders.
The pet shop breeder is the worst possible choice you can make when buying a dog. The puppies are poorly bred, and are thought of as merchandise to be sold for at a high profit. This form of breeding as a rule puts out sickly, unstable dogs, and I highly recommend you stay clear of pet shop breeders.
The backyard breeder can also be a poor choice. This type of breeder may be a Westie owner that thought it would be “fun” to have puppies. They know little about puppies and the training of puppies. As a rule they are not well acquainted with the stud dogs, and can offer little information on his background. They are unaware of the history of the breed, and any special needs of a given breed. To sum it up, they are ill-equipped to breed dogs, and lack the knowledge one needs to be a good breeder.
Your best choice when buying a dog is to find a serious hobby breeder. They have done their homework on the breed they are selling. As a rule, they are dog fanciers and do not look at breeding as a profit-only venture. They are breeding for show dogs. They strive to breed the best of their chosen breed. They will take responsibility for any and all pups produced, and stand behind their dogs. You can be assured the dogs are healthy, and have been given all the veterinary care they need as puppies along with proper training. A good breeder of Westies will belong to the “West Highland White Terrier Club of America”, and/or other well known Westie Clubs. They will most likely be involved in showing their dogs. A good breeder will ask you questions, and be very discriminating on the homes their puppies go to. They will guarantee their puppies, with an agreement to take the puppy back if for some reason you find you are not compatible with your new puppy. They will give you time to have the puppy looked at by a veterinarian of your choice, just to ensure there are no health problems looming, and that the puppy is in a good healthy condition.
A good breeder will have numerous references. They will be able to provide you with such references, in the way of other persons that have purchased dogs from them, along with their own veterinarians references. The breeder should be able to answer questions on the breed, and show a good knowledge of the breeds history. The breeder should also provide written instructions in regard to the puppies needs. Diet, exercise, and health care needs as a puppy and adult dog. The kennels should be clean, providing the dogs with a healthy environment. The dogs should be comfortable with the breeder, and show a good rapport with them. The dogs in the kennels should be of good temperament, and healthy in appearance. The good breeder will never sell a puppy that is too young to leave its mother.
And finally, the breeder should provide you with a record of the dates and types of vaccinations and worming that has been done on your puppy, along with any and all records on visits to the vet the puppy may have required while in the breeder’s care. It is also desirable to ask questions on the health of the parent dogs. The breeder must provide you with A 3- to 5-generation pedigree, and a “blue slip” to apply for registration of the Westie into the AKA.
Once you have found a trustworthy breeder here are a few tips on choosing the right puppy: Age is important; a puppy is usually ready to be taken to its new home at the age of eight to twelve weeks. You may find that all Westie pups look alike; they pretty much do all look alike. Look for a puppy with a sturdy build. The dog should feel firm, with good muscle tone. Their legs should be straight. The pup should be active when picked up, squirmy, after a short time relaxing and willing to be petted and cuddled a bit. Their coats should be thick and clean. There should be no discharge from eyes, nose or ears, and no odor at the ears. The eyes should be bright, with an alert look. The gums should be moist and pink. The dog should be active with the other pups. It’s a good idea to ask the breeder about the puppies personality. They can help you pick a dog that will be suited to your needs and your personality.
It is always smart to observe the dam for her traits. Does she appear overly shy, aggressive, stand-offish. Is she patient and watchful of the puppies, and not overly aggressive of the liter? Do the parent dogs look in good health? Are their coats healthy and do they appear active with good stamina? It is well known puppies can and do inherit traits from the parent dogs.
If you do your homework, you are more likely to pick just the right dog. The Westie is a wonderful breed. They are bright, happy spirited dogs, and will bring with them their own special outgoing personality. They will fast become your best friend.
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Dogs are considered as man’s best friend. If one decides to get a dog for a pet, one can choose either a specific breed otherwise known as pure bred or choose one that is if a mixed breed or a mutt. There is a not that much difference between dogs that are pure or mixed. One simply came from parents of the same breed while the other came from a family of two different breeds.
Choosing a dog depends on many things. The size of one’s home, how much exercise is needed, does it shed often or if one wants a gentle or playful companion.
Deciding to own one whether it is big or small involves a lot of responsibility. It is not just about feeding it but includes other chores such as grooming, watching its health and diet, cleaning up after it and most importantly, giving it some tender loving care. There are many places one can get a dog such as a kennel or the pet store but if one wants to get a pure bred animal, one must seek a reputable breeder to get the best results.
Breeding done in pure bred dogs is done carefully. The pair is tested for every possible disease which includes having all the information regarding the pair’s ancestors and health records on file. Should there be no problem in the history of the pair, then the breeding can begin. If in testing, the pair is not compatible due to diseases that are common in a specific breed, another dog will be selected to match with the other dog.
Since the demand for the breeder’s pure bred dogs are well sought after due to the selective nature of the breeding practices, the newborn pups will still have to be raised with the breeder and will only be released when a number of pre-screened homes have been found. This is done for the welfare of the select few of owners and to control population growth.
Reputable breeders have certain requirements that one must have before qualifying as a potential dog owner. These are usually in the form of written contracts or guarantees with a spay or neuter requirement that limits the registration of the puppies. The person who wants a dog must also have a secured backyard and attend certain classes such a puppy kindergarten to be familiar with the challenges one will face come the time the dog has been given. This shows that pure bred dogs are well taken cared off from pregnancy till after birth.
Mixed breeds on the other hand or mutts as people call them could have been done out of experimentation to produce a breed which could be better and stronger than the two breeds. Most likely, these were the results of accidents. This is the reason why dogs of mixed breeds just like pure breds must be neutered since millions of dogs every year that are not wanted by people die in animal shelters.
Health wise, pure bred dogs that come from a line of strong parents won’t have problems. This is because breeders screen the pair before the process happens. There have been instances that certain breeders especially those dealing with pure breds do not practice the strict guidelines of proper breeding which produces inferior dogs and do this because these people are more concerned about financial gain rather than the welfare of the animal.
Mixed bred dogs on the other hand will fall somewhere in the middle since proper screening was poorly done or never carried out. Certain dogs carry varied deficiencies common to the breed and mixing the two will just pass on to the mixed breed.
Some people prefer pure bred dogs than mixed bred ones. The primary reason is that it is easier to sell and carries a certain prestige with it. Mixed bred dogs are seen as inferior and since no one is interested, most of these are rounded up and die in an animal shelter.
Pure bred dogs are seen as a higher class which is why they are always featured at dog shows. Mixed dogs due to certain rules are not allowed to join. The reasoning given has not been that clear which is why it is still being contested by mixed breed owners.
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The inclusion of pets into hospital and rehabilitation environments has long been considered very therapeutic, and pets continue to be an important part of life long after rehabilitation has ended.
In addition to filling lonely hours with companionship, pets can be trained, much like the more familiar Seeing Eye dogs, to perform tasks and assist persons with disabilities in many different ways.
The responsibility for pet care can enhance cognitive functioning in ways that are more subtle and enjoyable than traditional therapies. Fun activities often stimulate individuals with low motivation in ways that are not often achieved by sitting in front of a television set for hours on end.
Pets are very good companions and help people feel less lonely. They also respond with feedback which can negate inappropriate behaviours, and interest in a pet may redirect egocentricity that may arise from frontal lobe deficits.
Selecting a pet can be turned into a cognitive exercise of planning. The choice of a pet should be fun, not fraught with discord. It’s important to consider all options e.g. a sophisticated set up of aquariums with pumps and filters may be too complex for some.
Pets must be cared for, otherwise they fail to thrive. This may be a hard lesson, possibly from time to time even cruel for the animal, but individuals with brain injury must learn or relearn this important fact of life.
Naturally a responsible adult should intervene if the pet’s health or well-being is adversely affected. When limitations arising from the ABI are barriers to independently caring for a pet of choice, talk with the individual about strategies that will enable more independence and determine what duties will be managed by whom so responsibilities can be monitored. Almost everyone loves animals.
This often enhances social skills building for individuals when encountering others in the park, neighbourhoods and other places people congregate with pets. Have you ever been able to pass without noticing or striking up a conversation with someone sitting on a park bench with a colourful, exotic bird perched on his or her shoulder?
Pets are great conversation pieces. Individuals with severe brain injury and other impairing conditions often have little control over their lives. Owning a pet can provide an opportunity for controlling at least one facet of their lives – their pet!
Pets always have time for sharing with their owners and their loyalty is indisputable.Pet therapy is a well-established routine in many hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation centres.
Anecdotal accounts tell of the benefits of pets being in the presence of people in all stages of recovery, rehabilitation and even end-stage illnesses. The comforting and calming affect of stroking a furry animal often elicits more relaxing facial expressions and/or postures in persons even thought to be in minimally-responsive states.
Nonverbal individuals generally respond with contented smiles when pets are introduced into their environment. Almost all individuals with disabilities can take some responsibility for the care of an animal, even if it’s no more than a daily stroking or play session.
Dogs are frequently trained to assist individuals with brain injury, particularly those with mobility impairments. Custom-styled saddlebags can be placed on the dog and used for carrying personal items, wallet, daily journal and other items needed by those using wheelchairs and/or other assisting devices that increase mobility.
Pets are indeed wonderful companions and can frequently impact positively even on those for whom other therapies, exercises and/or future promise for continuing recovery hold little interest.
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Unless you were born blind you already know how valuable your eyes and vision are in coping with life. Helping us to process information on the world around us, our eyes constantly work to help us enjoy life and avoid danger.
Dogs also use their eyes in similar ways but with a few minor important differences. We see far and near fine detail in a wide range of colors and shades. Dogs however, even sight hounds which have good vision, have a poorer color range and they are much better at detecting movement rather than detail. This gives them an advantage with night vision but they are poorer at seeing fine or close detail. The main advantage dogs have is that they don’t have to rely purely on vision for information on their world. An acute sense of smell and excellent hearing, along with good motion sensing vision, mean that dogs sense much more of their surrounds than mere humans. This extended sensory ability made them ideal companions to early man when danger lurked around every corner.
Dogs eyes even look remarkably similar to human eyes. Like us, dogs have a range of eye colors although their predominant color is brown. One important difference between us is that dogs have a third eyelid called a nictitating membrane. Although this membrane is not easily seen, certain diseases and eye irritation can make it stand out. The third eyelid sits in the inside corner of a dogs eye and helps to protect it from irritation by cleansing and lubricating the eye.
Most of the eye diseases and problems seen in dogs are the same as those found in humans. One of the most common problems seen in dogs is due to simple eye irritation. The same environmental irritants that afflict us afflict our dogs. Dust, smoke and chemical pollution are the commonest cause of watery irritable eyes in our favorite pets. Apart from seeing red, teary eyes which are often swollen, you will likely observe your dog rubbing or scratching at their eyes. Look carefully at whether both or only one eye is irritated. Symptoms occurring in only one eye usually mean a foreign body or injury in the eye involved.
Blocked tear ducts can also produce excessively watery eyes in dogs as well as humans. In some dog breeds, such as older Poodles and Shih Tzu’s, you will often see damp matted fur around their eyes that signals tear duct blockages. An expert opinion from a vet is often needed to tell the difference between the different causes of watery eyes.
Another trait that elderly dogs share with elderly humans is the development of cataracts. Most long term dog owners have seen the cloudy milky haze that spreads in the centre of each pupil as the cataracts form. This milky haze is the lens inside your dogs eye becoming opaque and the dog slowly becomes blind. It’s important to distinguish cataract from another change called Lenticular Sclerosis. Lenticular Sclerosis is a condition which looks similar to cataract but where the only the center of the dogs lens hardens and vision remains unaffected. Both problems are seen in elderly dogs.
One significant advantage that aging dogs have compared to humans is that eye damage and blindness does not incapacitate them to the same extent as human blindness. Good hearing and an acute sense of smell compensate well. There are many stories told of blind dogs managing wonderfully well in life and it’s a pity we aging humans are unable to see through the “eyes” of our beloved dogs at times!
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Many dogs have inadvertently learned incorrect behaviour from their owners and require to be educated in how to behave correctly. It would be very unusual for a dog to be simply “bad” or “untrainable”, in the vast majority of cases the dog has simply learned bad behaviour – or not learned “good” behaviour!
The first step is to remain calm and in control, shouting, smacking and screaming are not as effective as consistent positive training (i.e. rewarding the dog for good behaviour – with treats initially and then just with attention, cuddles etc – and ignoring them when they behave inappropriately).
Secondly make sure the dog realises that you are the “pack leader” and not the other way around, many owners try to spoil their dogs in the vain hope of an easy life – this is far from the case, once your dog realises that it can get the attention/treats/rewards it desires by repeating patterns of (bad) behaviour, essentially the dog will be training you! This is why many people have barking problems with their dogs. Most dogs dont realise whether barking is a good thing or a bad thing. Sometimes when the dog barks, it is ignored. Other times, the dog is praised (warding off possible intruders). And yet other times, the dog is shouted at (owner has a headache/is tired/is on the telephone etc). People are consistently inconsistent, especially when it comes to their pets!
When it comes to housetraining, remember that your dog is an instinctively clean animal. If the dog can avoid it, it would rather not soil itself or her usual eating and sleeping area. All the dog needs is positive encouragement when it eliminates in correct places.
A popular, modern method for dog training and obedience is “Clicker training”, this is a slang term used to describe a way of training dogs that has become increasingly popular in the last decade due to its gentle and effective methods. The scientific term for it is operant conditioning. Simply put simply put, an dog tends to repeat an action that has a positive consequence and tends not to repeat one that has a negative consequence. The problem with other types of conditioning is that it is difficult to reinforce good behaviour at a distance, the clicker allows you to mark with great precision the good behaviour for which the dog is being reinforced, even if it the dog is some distance from you.
The clicker is a simple cheap and effective device, basically it’s just a metal strip encased in a plastic box that when pressed makes a unique sharp clicking noise that the dog can distinguish easily from background noises. If you are having any problems training your dog this should be the first product on your shopping list.
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The dietary regimen is an important aspect of survival. The objective of dietary management is to meet the basic nutritional requirements of the individual with proper proportions of protein, carbohydrates, and fat in a well-balanced diet that will promote optimal body weight.
Generally, these dietary regimens are employed to human beings. However, with the growing fondness to dogs, most dog owners and veterinarians recommend that dietary regimen should likewise be implemented on dogs.
Like humans, dogs need the right combination of the basic food groups in order to have a healthy life span. Dogs also need to be regulated on the kinds of food that they eat or else they would end up being obese as well.
Included in the dog’s dietary regimen are the proper minerals and vitamins. These essential health items should be well incorporated into the dog’s daily needs in order to have a healthy body.
With proper minerals and vitamins, dogs will be able to maintain shiny, healthy-looking coat.
So, for people who want to know how to prepare the right diet for their dogs, here are some tips to guide them through:
1. Meat should not be the only food incorporated in the dog’s diet.
In reality, dogs are carnivorous. The dog’s body is especially inclined to generate growth and energy from meat products. However, dogs need fiber too to help them digest their foods properly and carbohydrates to provide them the added energy that they need.
So, it would be better if dog owners will feed their dogs every day with the usual dog foods available in the market and give them occasionally real foods where meat, fibers, and carbohydrates are present.
2. Dogs need minerals and vitamins.
Like humans, dogs need complex combinations of minerals and vitamins. These are needed to maintain the luster and shine in their coats and to provide them with healthy gums and teeth.
Lack of minerals and vitamins supplement will result to deficiencies of certain types that could be really difficult to deal with, such as extra dry or super oily skin, tummy problems, frail bones, low-weight, and worst cases are death.
Like humans, these dietary supplements are needed to give the dogs the extra needed nutrients in order to keep them healthy.
3. Real meal treats
Contrary to most popular beliefs, dogs love the real food more than their typical dog foods. Hence, whenever their owners will give them real food, they would consider them as treats.
So, it is best for the dog owners to include their dogs in their meal planning. With real food, dogs will be able to generate the needed nutrients their bodies need.
4. Mixed foods
Most people tend to think that deciding whether to give dogs moist or dry foods is a matter of preference. In reality, it is not. This is because mixing different kinds of foods is actually the best diet owners could give to their dogs.
Giving dogs variety of foods, nutritional value, and texture are the real diet meal dogs really need.
5. Greens are needed by the dogs.
A well-balanced diet for the dogs includes green leafy vegetables too. Even if dogs are carnivorous by nature, they also need the right amount of greens to provide them with additional nutrients that are only available in green leafy foods.
No wonder why dogs sometimes chew on grass. This goes to show that dogs really need some greens to provide their body with a well balanced diet.
Indeed, there are no hard or fast rules when it comes to balanced diets for the dogs. However, it is still important to note the needed food groups that should be incorporated in the dog’s diet.
Best of all, dog owners should always consult their dog’s veterinarians especially on things like health and diet supplements for their dogs. The veterinarian knows what foods should be included in the dog’s meal and what foods should be avoided. Dogs, like humans, should not be fed with junk foods like sugary sweet sodas. These will only make them fat without the needed nutrients.
Whenever something goes out offhand, it is always bets to consult the veterinarians. As they say, veterinarians know best when it comes to the dog’s care.
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Between 15% to 20% of all dogs in the United States suffer from allergies. As in humans, allergies may manifest in different ways producing varied symptoms in your pet. Knowing the signs of allergy suffering will bring your dog faster relief and happier days. As with any pet related medical issue, always consult your veterinarian if you suspect a problem.
Food Allergies
Dogs can develop allergies or food sensitivities at any point during their lives. Often, dogs eat the same type of food for years, so their diet may be overlooked. The most common problem causing foods include:
· Soy products
· Beef
· Chicken
· Corn
· Wheat
· Pork
· Milk
· Whey
· Eggs
· Fish
· Lamb
· Chemical Preservatives
· Artificial Sugars
Symptoms of Food Allergies often include:
· Itchy Skin
· Ear Inflammations
· Ear Scratching
· Frequent Licking or Biting of Paws
· Anal Itching
· Face Rubbing
· Head Shaking
· Loss of Appetite
· Coughing
Remedy:
Once food allergies have been determined to be the cause of your dog’s symptoms, eliminating the potential allergens from your pet’s diet is the first course of action. Begin by excluding foods which are known instigators (see list above). Look for either a commercial product which contains ingredients your dog has not eaten before or prepare home-made food for your dog consisting of two parts starch to one part protein. Suggested protein alternatives include duck, salmon, venison, or rabbit. Potatoes are suggested as an alternative starch. All ingredients should be served boiled and fed in normal proportions to your dog’s regular diet. Once prepared, the food can be individually packaged, frozen, and then used as needed. Home cooked diets are generally nutritionally incomplete and should only be used temporarily during the test period.
One item at a time, begin adding ingredients present in your dog’s former food to his new food. If symptoms reappear, the food allergen should be easily identified. During the test period, make certain your dog eats only the new food. Eliminate treats, dog bones, table scraps, rawhide, chews, vitamins, etc. Once the offending food has been identified, look for a commercial food which does not contain that ingredient.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, or canine atopic dermatitis, is an allergic skin disease generally caused by an immune hypersensitivity to environmental substances such as mold spores or dust mites. Indications your dog has this sensitivity generally present themselves by the age of two. Food and flea allergies, as well as parasitic infections, should be ruled out first as their symptoms are similar to atopic dermatitis.
Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis include:
· Excessive Grooming
· Licking or Chewing of the Paws, Stomach, or between the Toes
· Change of Stomach Skin Color to an Irritated Red
· Ears which are Red or Hot to the Touch
Remedy:
Skin allergy testing can be conducted by your veterinarian to determine your dog’s specific allergy.
Flea Allergy
Caused by the saliva secreted by the flea, a flea allergy is the most common form of dog allergy. Sometimes the bite of a single flea may cause your dog to launch into fits of self-chewing and biting lasting for five to seven days.
Symptoms of Flea Allergy Include Severe Biting & Chewing of:
· The Tail and Surrounding Area
· Stomach
· Inside hind legs
Remedy:
A skin test can be performed to confirm your dog is allergic to flea saliva. Once a flea allergy has been confirmed, a strict control regimen should be initiated. Flea control products are safer now than they once were with options ranging from topical solutions to pills, shampoos and sprays. Garlic and Brewers Yeast have also been touted to keep fleas away as have weekly topical applications of lavender and eucalyptus oils. However these solutions have not been scientifically confirmed.
Whatever remedy you choose, consult your veterinarian first. Overly strong flea killing preparations may cause your dog more harm than good. Additionally, regular dog grooming (through your dog’s coat and down to the skin) will help find and eliminate fleas and flea droppings.
Inhalant Allergy
Inhalant allergies are substances in the environment which cause your dog’s immune system to react, releasing antibodies containing histamines, serotonin, and leukotrienes. Pollens from trees, grass, ragweed as well as mold spores, chemicals, dust mites and wood chips in pet bedding may cause your dog substantial discomfort.
One clue to diagnosing this allergy is timing. Is your dog’s allergy seasonal or year round? If you know to what your dog is allergic, avoidance is the best remedy. To help mitigate possible allergens, use dehumidifiers to reduce mold, air conditioners during pollen season, air cleaners with HEPA filters for dust and pollen residue, and vacuum frequently.
Inhalant Allergy Symptoms Include:
· Biting and scratching at the body
· Red or Irritated ear flaps which are hot to the touch
· Head shaking
· Rubbing the face
· Severe scratching or biting of the flank, groin, paws and armpit regions
Remedy:
Providing your dog relief may come in the form of a cool bath with colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, eucalyptus, or a medicated shampoo. However these will only provide your dog temporary relief and will need to be repeated frequently.
Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are natural anti-inflammatory agents which have proven successful in approximately 20% of dogs tested. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish oils such as Cod and Omega 6 fatty acids come from plants containing gamma-linolenic acid – such as evening primrose. Antihistamines have also proven effective in dogs with allergies with one short-term effect being lethargy or tiredness.
Corticosteriods (steroids) are substances which interfere with the function of the immune system and reduce itching by reducing the inflammation. They also affect all the organs in your dog’s body and should be used under medical supervision for short periods of time or in small doses.
Blood tests and intradermal skin testing can also be performed to judge specific reactions to allergens.
Contact Allergies
Contact allergies are the least common of dog allergies. Items such as flea collars, grass, shampoos, plants, chemicals, and wood chips may cause allergic reactions. By eliminating the irritant, symptoms should disappear.
If you think your dog may suffer from allergies, keep a journal. Make notes as to the symptoms, their severity, and when they occur. This will help your veterinarian pinpoint the problem and help your dog achieve a speedier recovery.
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