Dog training is the process of teaching a dog to display certain desired behaviors in particular circumstances. This includes teaching a dog to do tricks, rudimentary obedience commands, helping a dog to perform instinctive behaviours at the right time, and even aiding the blind. In the wild as animals, dogs have natural instincts that favour dog training. These instincts are manifested when the dog lives with people as a desire to delight a handler, as a dog would please older members in a pack in the wild. Basic dog training can start as early as 8 to 12 weeks of age in terms of learning tricks and commands. Formal classes usually begin at 3-6 months. Dog training is predominantly about communication that centres around reward, no reward, bridge & punishment markers. 10 Top Tips For Training Your Dog: Article by Jane Ashcroft of http://www.dog-training-infozone.com ( The information resource for training your dog ) Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Ashcroft |
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Dog - 10 Top Dog Training Tips
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Dog - Finding a Healthy Puppy: 10 Steps to Success
You've decided to bring a new puppy into your life. Congratulations! You'd probably like to adopt a shelter dog, but you have your heart set on a particular breed or one of the new "designer" breed mixes. You've done your research and decided on the right breed for you, but you've heard so many horror stories about sickly and genetically defective purebred pups. Nowhere is "buyer beware" more important than when selecting a new puppy. To help keep you from looking for love in all the wrong places, here are ten steps to success: 1) Check out shelter purebreds first. 25% of shelter dogs are purebreds that have been checked for temperament and common defects. Search on-line (by age, breed, sex and location) at www.1-800-save-a-pet.com or www.Petfinder.com. 2) Be patient! Breeders who always have pups may run mass breeding operations called puppy mills. These pups are often defective, poorly socialized and sick. The best breeders breed their dogs only once or twice a year. 3) Beware of bargains. Today's bargain is tomorrow's huge vet bill. Steer clear of dogs from pet stores, flea markets, street corners and Internet stores. Good breeders care more about your suitability as a "parent" than your ability to pay. 4) Meet The Parents! Meet the dog's parents and get clues to the pup's eventual size and temperament. Look for dogs raised indoors as family members. 5) Avoid backyard breeders. People "dabbling" in breeding have no idea what genetic problems they are passing along. Look for breeders who've studied the breed and are active in breed clubs. And always check references. 6) The terms "USDA inspected" and "kennel club papers" mean little. The USDA merely establishes minimum-care standards, and papers are no guarantee of quality, health or even lineage. 7) If possible, buy locally. Selecting a pup from a photo, even when accompanied by a health "guarantee," is asking for trouble. Also, shipping dogs like cargo can cause permanent psychological damage and even risk the dog's life. 8) Buy the happy, friendly pup, not the cute shy one.Temperament is everything, and is often indicative of health. 9) Beware "designer" mixed-breeds. Mixed breeds can benefit from "hybrid vigor" because common defects aren't passed along from both parents. Unfortunately, unethical breeders now sell popular mixes. Remember: two sick parents don't make a well pup. Be as careful when buying as you would when selecting a purebred. 10) Have your pup checked! You must have your dog vet checked before finalizing the purchase. No exceptions! Make sure the vet represents you, not the breeder. Research the breed and have the pup tested for common breed detects. Save money and heartache by using your brain -- and not your just your heart -- to select a dog. You're making a commitment that could last decades and cost thousands of dollars. Remember: your dog's very life--and your happiness--depend upon your making a good choice. Select wisely and enjoy one of the best experiences of your life. Jan Rasmusen is the author of Scared Poopless: The Straight Scoop on Dog Care, 2006 Ben Franklin Award Winner for the "Best Health Book" of any kind'the first animal care book to ever win the Health category of this prestigious national award. All author royalties benefit animal causes. Learn more about Jan's book, check out her articles at Read On-line, read a chapter excerpt on canine nutrition myths and sign up for Jan's FREE information-packed health tips newsletter at her website-- http://www.Dogs4Dogs.com Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jan_Rasmusen |
Dog - A Very Interesting Way How Dogs Learn To Seek Attention
Did you know that your dog is capable of actually faking an injury in order to get extra attention? Think of children in that aspect. Regardless if you have kids or not, we all have seen an example of when a child will cry extra loud or scream about something that is "wrong" in order to - yep, you guessed it - get attention. But how can your dog do the same? It is to be noted that this is a learned response that a dog must have picked up. For example, I recall a miniature poodle that required knee repair on the right rear knee. The surgery went well, and the dog recovered from anesthesia and was sent home the following day. At the one-week recheck the dog was still holding up the right rear leg, but this is not uncommon after only one week. Upon manipulation the knee felt strong, and a recheck appointment was scheduled for two weeks later. At the three-week post examination the dog was still holding the leg in the air and getting around on three legs. Again upon palpation the knee felt strong. X rays were taken to ensure that the surgical correction had not broken down. The radiograph confirmed that the knee was stable, but still the dog limped around on only three legs. The doctor then questioned the owners about allowing her too much activity or letting her run on slippery floors, but the owners were conscientious about such things and had been extremely careful. Further discussion revealed the problematic behavior of her owners. It seems they had been lifting and holding their poodle a lot to "help" her out. They were very accommodating, and when she limped into a room they basically waited on her as if she were a princess. The doctor counseled the owners to stop paying so much attention to this limping and begin to treat her normally. The owners complied but still she held her right leg up in the air. Finally the doctor decided to bandage up her left rear leg to evaluate if she could actually bear weight on it. The dog was able to and showed no sign of pain or apprehension. The good leg remained bandaged for one week, and upon removing the bandage the dog was four-legged again. Basically, the owners trained this dog to limp and had no idea that she could do so in an attempt to gain attention. It was a fascinating lesson. The moral to the story is: Be careful what you reinforce - you may get it. For more information on dog training tips visit http://www.dogcaretraining.com, a website that specializes in providing tips, advice and resources on dog care and training. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Edwards |
Dog - Cocker Spaniel Puppy And Dog Information
The Cocker Spaniel is a generally even tempered, loving dog that is affectionate and loving. She is a good watch dog and when properly bred, a great child companion. She can do well in an apartment as long as she gets frequent long walks. A properly fenced in enclosure is better for exercise. Good With Children? Cocker Spaniels are great with children as long as they come from reasonably good bloodlines. They are so popular that puppy mills are churning them out and some poor traits have been showing up. As a reminder, never leave a young child unsupervised with a puppy or dog. Good With Other Pets? Again, they are generally good with other pets as long as they have good bloodlines. Temperament This is a very friendly, loving dog and they are active. Approximate Adult Size The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Cocker Spaniel is 14 to 15 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 24 to 28 pounds. Special Health Considerations Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Cocker Spaniel is no exception. Be on the look out for eye problems, canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), epilepsy and slipping stifles, IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia), glaucoma, and patellar luxation. 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 Cocker Spaniel has a soft, silky coat that needs almost daily brushing. Her coat can pick up brambles and debris and this must be brushed out of her coat before they form mats and cause skin problems. Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian. 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 Cocker Spaniel can live between 10 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions. History They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1878. Some Registries
4 to 6 Cocker Spaniel puppies Category Sporting Group Terms To Describe Sturdy, well balanced, excellent temperament, playful, trustworthy, loyal, cheerful, active, friendly SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Merry Cocker 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 |