Training your dog not to fear loud noises

Loud noises, such as fireworks, thunder and traffic, are one of the most frequently cited fears given by dog owners. It is natural for some dogs to be fearful of loud noises, but some dogs are so traumatized by thunder, fireworks and other loud noises that they are completely unable to function.

Dogs that display excessive fears or phobias such as these can be a danger to themselves and those around them. Dogs may manifest their fear in self-destructive ways, like slinking under the couch or the bed and getting stuck, for instance. They may also react in ways that are destructive to the home, such as urinating or defecating on the carpet, chewing up favorite items, or barking incessantly. These reactions are often worse when the owner is not at home.

One thing that is hard for many dog owners to understand is that soothing or stroking a dog that is displaying fear is exactly the wrong thing to do. While it is natural to try to calm a fearful dog, to the dog you are rewarding it for being afraid. The dog likes the sound of your voice, likes your petting, and concludes that he has done the right thing by acting afraid. This only makes a bad situation worse.

The best strategy when the dog displays fear when there is a thunderstorm or a fireworks display is to simply ignore the dog. It is of course important to watch the dog to make sure he does not hurt himself, but otherwise just ignore him and let him work through the fear on his own. When you go away, be sure to make sure there is nothing the dog can get stuck under, since fireworks or a thunderstorm can pop up at any time.

A dog that is severely afraid of thunderstorms and other load noises may need to be confined to a single room, or even a crate, for a period of time. After the dog feels safe in his "den", he may be able to deal with his fears a little better. It can be quite a struggle to teach a dog not to be afraid of thunderstorms, firecrackers and other such noises, but it is important that the dog at least be able to control his fears without being destructive to himself or his environment.

Using distraction.
Much as magicians use sleight of hand to hide their tricks, so dog owners practice the art of distraction to take their dogs mind off of their fear. For instance, if your dog is afraid of thunderstorms and you know one is on the way, gather some of your dogs favorite toys and get ready for the misdirection.
Of course, your dog will probably know the thunderstorm is on the way before you do. When you see your dog start to display fear, take a few of his favorite toys and try to get him to play. Very fearful dogs may be reluctant to play, but it is important to try nevertheless. Often a few treats can be a good distraction as well.

Try buying one of those balls that you can fill with treats or biscuits, and encourage your dog to chase it. Try playing with your dog every time a thunderstorm is in the forecast. This can start to implant good memories, and these can sometimes replace the fear memories that caused the dog to be afraid of thunderstorms in the first place.

Desensitizing your dogs fear
Desensitization is a highly effective way to deal with phobias and fears in humans, and it can be very effective for dogs and other animals as well. Desensitization involves introducing the dog to small amounts of whatever noises frighten him. For instance, if the dog is afraid of thunder, try tape recording your next thunderstorm and play it back slowly when the dog is relaxed. Reward the dog for not showing fear responses. If he does show fear responses, do not comfort or soothe him but just ignore him.

This kind of desensitization training can be remarkably effective for some dogs, but it will take lots of patience and hard work. Fears of thunder and fireworks are not always easy to cure.


Training your dog not to chase cars will be discussed next.

Read More..

Eliminating problem dog behaviors jumping and roaming

Every dog owner must eventually deal with some unwanted behaviors on the part of their four legged companions. Some of the most frequently encountered training problems with puppies and dogs alike are jumping on people and performing those amazing feats of escape.

Jumping up on people
Jumping up on people can be a cute trick for puppies, but it quickly becomes a problem behavior as the dog gets older, larger and heavier. A very heavy dog can easily knock a child or even a small adult of his or her feet, so jumping on people can be a dangerous problem as well as an annoying one. The reason puppies and older dogs jump on people is obvious - they are excited and happy to see them. Many people are reluctant to discourage this exuberant behavior, but it is important to redirect that happiness and energy in other ways. Many well meaning owners, family members and friends inadvertently encourage this jumping up behavior by picking the puppy up, kissing it or otherwise providing encouragement.

This type of inconsistency is anathema to proper dog training, and in order for the dog to be trained not to jump, every member of the family must recognize and accept the importance of the training. If one member of the family allows the dog to jump up while other family members do not, the dog will understandably become confused and frustrated. The training must be firm, kind and consistent in order to be effective.

One way to redirect the dogs happiness and excitedness from jumping is to teach him to lift his paw when greeting you. This "shaking hands" posture is an acceptable way for the dog to show his happiness and his respect. Many people even teach their dogs to do simple tricks, like rolling over, instead of jumping on people.

Escaping and roaming the neighborhood
A responsible dog owner would never dream of allowing his or her dog to roam the neighborhood freely. Allowing a dog to roam on its own is irresponsible, dangerous (to the dog and the neighborhood), and probably even illegal. Most towns have ordinances which prohibit dogs from being allowed to roam around free, so you could be in legal trouble if your dog is found wandering the neighborhood unattended.

Of course sometimes that wandering dog is not the owners idea, and many dogs perform amazing feats of escape when left on their own. The temptations for unattended dogs are many, including passing bicycles, joggers, children, cats and other dogs. It is much easier to prevent escapes than to recapture a loose dog, so lets talk about some preventative measures every dog owner can take.

Removing the motivation to escape is a big part of the solution.
A bored dog is much more likely to spend his day plotting the great escape. A dog that is surrounded by everything he or she needs, like lots of toys, a soft bed, and plenty of fresh clean, water, is more likely to spend his or her day contentedly sleeping or playing with toys until the owner returns.

In addition, a dog with lots of pent up, unused energy is likely to try to escape. Try incorporating several vigorous play sessions with your dog into your daily routine. Make one of those play sessions right before you leave. If your dog has a chance to work of his or her energy, chances are he or she will sleep or relax much of the day.
Of course dealing with the dog is only half the problem. It is also important to make the property as escape proof as possible, through proper fencing and other measures. For dogs that dig, it may be necessary to extend the fence underground by placing metal stakes in the ground every few feet. For dogs that jump, it may be necessary to make the fence higher. And if none of these measures work, it may be necessary to confine the dog to the house when you are not at home.

In the next post: Taking your dog training off leash

Read More..

Time For A Dog Bath Dog Bathing Tips For You And Your Dog

By Teresa James

Cleanliness and proper grooming can be very important to thecontinued good health of our beloved pets. But bathing our puppyor adult dog can often prove to be a challenge. There are manyquestions, myths and opinions floating around when discussingthe best care for different dog types and temperaments. Checkout these dog bathing tips to get some great ideas so you’ll beprepared for your next dog bath and grooming session.

How often should you bath your dog?

How often your pet will need a dog bath will depend on thebreed and what type of activities the dog is involved in. It’sbest to bathe your dog only when your dog is really dirty. Justuse your nose – that tell tale doggy smell will let you knowit’s time for a bath.

If a dog is bathed too often the skin will be stripped of itsnatural, protective oils. This will result in dry itchy skin,which will cause your dog to scratch, further irritating thealready sensitive skin. If you need to bathe your dog morefrequently make sure to use a pet shampoo that will alsomoisturize your dog’s skin. You may also want to follow up withan after bath pet coat conditioner specifically formulated fordry skin.

Where’s the best place to bath your dog?

In warm weather you can bathe your dog outside. Pick a placethat will not turn to mud when it gets wet. It’s a good idea ahave a washtub large enough for your dog to stand up in and fillit with a few inches of water. Water straight from a garden hosemay start off warm, but usually gets cold very fast. If your dogstarts to resist and shiver, as the water gets colder, you maywant to consider another option.

Many pet owners have overcome this problem by purchasing araised dog bath. This convenient, back-saving dog bath is oftenused with a water temperature mixer valve assembly thatcompletely solves this problem. With the proper equipment set upyou’ll be able to save your back and control the watertemperature of your dog’s bath. Some temperature mixer valveassemblies hook up to your existing washing machine watersupply. At bath time just connect an ordinary garden hose to thevalve assembly and run it outside to the bathing area. Thisconvenient type of back-saving dog bath can even be used forbathing your dog inside.

If you choose to bathe your dog inside, regulating the watertemperature shouldn’t be a problem. But deciding where to batheyour dog might be. Small dogs and puppies can usually be bathedeasily in a sink or a washtub. For bigger dogs you will needsomething bigger like a bathtub or a large shower stall. And ofcourse, the bigger your dog is the bigger the potential hassles.

Are you tired of chasing and wrestling with your dog at bathtime?

Many dog owners solve this problem by purchasing a raised dogbath. An ergonomically designed dog grooming bathing tubelevates your dog to a level that’s comfortable for you andkeeps your dog securely contained, taking the hassle out ofwashing your dog. You’ll get the job done in half the time, saveyour back and stay dryer. The raised dog bath that is availablein most pet shops and online stores will also save your dogstress at bath time. No more slipping and sliding. Your dog willreally feel secure standing on the padded non-slip surface. Thistype of raised dog bath has been recommended by Dog WorldMagazine in their "Notable Products for the New Millennium".

Does your dog tend to get away from you during a bath?

Bathing your dog is a challenging, but essential, part of doggrooming. It’s funny how your dog will cleverly evade you whenyou try to get him into a dog bath, but will be just asdetermined to get past you when you don’t want him to jump intothe water at the beach.

If you’re washing your dog in a room with a door make sure toclose it so that your dog will not see an escape route or getvery far if he prematurely gets out of the bath. This way you’llhave an easier time getting him back in the tub to finish thejob. It can be a challenge bathing a dog that’s wiggling aroundbut the challenge gets a little tougher when your dog is anescape artist. If your dog takes any opportunity to get awayfrom you at bath time you may want to consider restraining yourdog.

Restraints are used during bath time to avoid injury to you aswell as your pet. Some pet bathing tubs come with restraintsincluded. With these your dog will be safely and securelyrestrained and you will be able to give your dog a quick andhassle-free bath.

Is your dog slipping and sliding in the bath?

Slipping and sliding can be the most stressful part of bathtime for a dog. Put a rubber mat down on the bottom surface ofthe tub to prevent your dog from sliding and getting hurt. Asure-footed dog will be less resistant and much more at easeduring bath time.

Things to have on hand at bath time:

Raised Dog Bath - This is a fantastic idea for a dog bath.It’s ergonomically designed for both you and your dog’s comfort.Your local pet groomer is likely to have just such a bathingstation set up in their shop. If you’re thinking about buying atub or basin to bathe your dog in, ask them if you can check outtheir tub set up. If you have the room or more than one dog, youmay find it worthwhile.

Pet Shower or Plastic Pitcher - A Pet Shower is great, but ifthat’s not possible make sure you have a large plastic pitcherfor wetting and rinsing your dog.

Drain Screen - Make sure to protect your plumbing from hairclogs with a simple to use drain screen.

Cotton Balls - Can be placed in each ear to prevent water fromrunning into your dogs ears.

Pet Shampoos - There are many different pet shampoos eachformulated to work on problems such as dry itchy skin, inflamedor dry scaling skin, fleas & ticks, doggy odor, skunk odor,abnormal shedding, quick rinsing for dogs that dont like totake a bath, whiteners for white coats, color intensifiers fordark coats, and coat shine to bring out the natural luster ofyour dogs coat. You may want to try a hypoallergenicshampoo/conditioner that will gently clean and conditioner yourpets coat in one step.

Coat Conditioners - There are many pet coat conditioners thatwill help manage and or improve the appearance of your dogscoat like crème rinse, grooming spray, after bath dry skintreatment, and herbal mist conditioner that will soothe,re-moisturize and detangle your pets coat.

Pet Drying Towels - If you want to get your dog dry fastercheck out a specialty pet-drying towel. Some are available thatwill absorb 10 times its own weight in water!

Eye Protective Gel - Are you concerned about shampoo makingits way into your dog’s eyes? Just put a little protective eyegel in each eye just before bath time to prevent burning andredness.

Ear Drying Solution - If your dog is prone to ear infectionsmake sure you have some ear-drying solution on hand. Using anear drying solution will assure that the ear canal is nice anddry after bathing.

Brushes/Combs - There are many different styles and sizes oftraditional dog grooming brushes and combs that you can choosefrom. If your dog has very sensitive or irritated skin you maywant to consider a higher quality brush that will not scratchthe skin or aggravate existing skin irritations.

Pet Dryer - If your dog has a thick, long or double coat it’sbest to use a pet dryer. Unlike “people” hair dryers, pet dryersare designed to use less heat and more air volume so theyquickly and safely dry a dog without damaging the coat orburning the skin. If you use a "people" blow dryer be verycareful since you can easily burn your pet!

Plastic Bucket - It’s very convenient to have a waterproofcontainer that will keep your dog grooming supplies close athand.

Remember to get all your dog grooming supplies ready beforehand and let your dog sniff everything.

Why you should brush your dog thoroughly before bathing.

Depending on the type of coat your dog has you may need anassortment of grooming brushes and combs to properly care foryour dogs skin and coat. Before you bathe your dog its alwaysa good idea to brush your pets coat thoroughly to remove anytangles or matted areas as well as any other foreign debris.Many dog owners know first hand that if they dont spend timeremoving old, established tangles and mats before bathing manytimes they just get worse. If your dogs coat tangles and matseasily make sure to look for shampoos and conditioners that areformulated to prevent and break up mats.

If your dog has gotten into any sticky or gooey substanceslike tar or gum never use commercial solvents or industrialcleaners on your dog’s coat. Many of these are toxic to yourdog. Try dissolving these substances with mineral oil. If you’reunable to remove something from your dog’s coat carefully snipaway the affected area. It’s always best to sacrifice some hairor fur since it will grow back rather than risk damage to theskin. Brush your dog thoroughly between baths, daily if you can,to distribute the natural oils and remove tangles, mats andforeign matter.

Choosing the best pet shampoo/coat conditioner for your dog.

Always use a pet shampoo that is specially formulated for thepH of your pets skin. Never use “people” shampoos since ourskin pH level is much more acidic than our canine friends andcould irritate your dog’s skin.

Start bathing your dog at the beginning: Your Dogs Head.

A popular bathing technique is to start at your dog’s head andwork your way toward the tail. This is especially the case ifit’s possible that fleas are present. If you know that your doghas fleas you may want to use a flea & tick shampoo. Starting atyour dogs head forces any fleas to gather away from your dog’sface, eyes, and ears. It is much easier to dunk the rear of yourdog into the tub than your dog’s face. As you may imagine, yourdog is likely to be much more cooperative by following thissimple bathing technique.

Let your dog get used to the sound of the running water. Ifyou’re using a tub or basin fill it with a few inches of warmwater. Then get your dog into the bath. If you’re using a raiseddog bath just secure your dog into the dog bath. Starting fromthe head thoroughly wet your dog with warm water. You can use aplastic pitcher or a spray nozzle for this task. If you’re usinga spray nozzle make sure the spray is not too strong. Neverspray water directly onto your dog’s face or genitals.

Apply a pet shampoo/coat conditioner. Follow the instructionson the package. Work it in from the head to the tail. Be sure toget all those nooks and crannies; like the rectum, between thetoes, behind the ears and under the chin. Be careful not the getshampoo in your dog’s eyes. If this is a concern you can protectyour dog’s eyes by putting some protective eye gel in each eyejust before getting your dog into the bath.

Rinse your dog thoroughly with warm water. Shampoo residue cancause skin irritations so make sure you give your dog’s coat athorough rinsing. Towel drying your pet’s coat in the dog bathwill remove some of the excess water before you take your dogout of the tub. Some breeds should never be rubbed, only patted,since their coats easily tangle. Dog owners often prefer to usededicated pet towels. There are pet drying towels available thatwill absorb 10 times their weight in water. These are very handytowels to use for a dog bath and can also be used any time yourpet gets wet.

Although many dog owners think of bathing their dog as achallenge, with the right approach, supplies, and equipment, youcan get through it relatively unscathed. And don’t forget toreward your dog’s good behavior in the bathing process withtreats and plenty of loving kindness.

Copyright 2004, Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com, all rights reserved.Reprinted with permission.

About the Author: Article courtesy of:http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/home-dog-grooming.htmldedicated to providing quality dog care advice on a broad rangeof dog-related topics. Includes articles, frequently askedquestions, recommendations, and Free Ezine. Publication ispermitted so long as the resource information remains intact andthe link is live.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=1730&ca=Pets

Read More..

Training your dog the right way

Training your dog the right way - the basics

In order to be considered properly trained, there are some basic commands that he or she must master. Understanding these basic commands is vital to the well being of the dog, the owner and the family.

Learning just a few basic commands can go a long way toward creating a dog that is a joy to be around. Everyone has seen examples of both well trained and poorly trained dogs, and few people would opt for the poorly trained varieties. Training a dog properly the first time is especially vital for owners of dog breeds that have been bred for their aggressiveness, such as pit bulls, Doberman pinchers and German shepherds.

In addition, proper training is important for families with young children. Young children can torment dogs and cause biting reactions, so it is important that the dog learn how to deal with these types of situations.The basic obedience commands that every dog must know are - "Heel", "No", "Sit", "Stay", "Down" and "Off". These six commands form the basis of every basic obedience class, and it is vital that you and your dog master these basic commands. These are the fundamentals, and it will be impossible to move onto other commands, or to correct problem behaviors, without having mastered the basics.

Heel
Lets start with the most basic command of all, the heel command. Teaching a dog to heel is the fundamental first step in teaching the dog to walk properly on the leash. The proper place for the dog to walk is at your side, neither lagging behind nor straining to get ahead. If your dog begins to forge ahead on the lead, gently tug on the leash. This will cause the training collar to tighten and give the dog a gentle reminder to fall back into line. If the dog begins to lag behind, gently urge him forward.

A lure or toy is a good tool for the dog that constantly lags behind. Once the dog is consistently walking at your side, try changing your pace and encouraging the dog to match his pace with yours. It should always be the dog who adjusts his pace to you; you should never adjust your pace to meet the needs of the dog.

The word "No"
The word no is an important one for your dog to learn, and one you may be using a lot as training begins. It is important that the dog learn to respond to a sharp "No" promptly and obediently.

The "Sit" command
The sit command is another vital link in the chain that is dog training. Teaching a dog to sit on command, using voice commands alone, will form the groundwork of much future training, so it is important for the dog to master this vital skill. The sit command can be combined with the heel command. As you walk alongside your dog, stop abruptly. If your dog does not stop when you do, give a sharp tug on the leash to remind the dog. Many dogs will instinctively stop when you do, while others need to be reminded through the use of the leash and the training collar.

Once the dog has stopped by your side, urge him to sit by pushing gently on his hindquarters. It is important not to use too much pressure, or to push him down abruptly. Doing so could frighten, or even injure the dog. Rather, apply a steady downward pressure. Most dogs will recognize this as a sit command. It is important to say the word sit as you do this. Repeat this procedure a few times by walking, stopping and sitting your dog. After a few repetitions, the dog will probably begin to sit down on his own every time he stops. It is important to say the word sit each time, so that the dog will eventually learn to respond to voice commands alone.

The "Stay" command
Like the sit command, the stay command is a vital building block to other, more advanced training. For instance, the stay command is vital to teaching the dog to come when called, which is in turn vital to off leash work.The stay command can be made into an extension of the sit command. Have your dog sit, and while he is sitting, slowly back away. If the dog begins to follow you, as he probably will it first, come back to the dog and ask him to sit again. Repeat the process until you can reach the end of the leash without your dog getting up from a sitting position.

After the dog is reliably staying where you indicate, you can try dropping the leash and backing further away. It will probably take the dog some time to reliably stay where he is put without becoming distracted.

The "Down" command
The down command is another important part of any basic obedience training program. Teaching a dog to lie down on command is much more than an entertaining trick. The down command is very important in regaining control of a dog, or stopping a dog who is engaged in an inappropriate behavior.

The "Off" command
The off command is just as vital to as the other commands, and it forms the basis for later training, especially when training the dog not to chase people, cars, bikes, cats, etc. For instance, when training a dog to remain still when a bicycle goes by, the owner would stand with the dog calmly on the leash. If the dog begins to strain against the leash, the owner sharply issues an "Off" command accompanied by a tug of the leash. Eventually the dog will learn to respond to the voice command alone.

In the next post I will continue with the basic commands.

Read More..

Dealing With Problem Puppy Behaviors

Dealing with problem puppy behaviors

Everyone who owns a puppy or dog will eventually have to deal with and correct less than desirable behaviors on the part of their companion animal. There are a number of behaviors that should be nipped in the bud, including:

Jumping up on people
This is one of those behaviors that many owners inadvertently encourage in their animals, since jumping up, wagging his tail and the like can be adorable in a young puppy. When that puppy is older, larger and heavier, however, this jumping up behavior ceases to be cute and begins to become annoying and even dangerous.
A large, heavy dog jumping up on people can be dangerous to young children and even to some adults, since a large, 100 pound plus dog can easily knock down a child or small adult. Since you as the owner are responsible for the behavior of your dog, it is important to nip this problem behavior in the bud. The best time to do that, of course, is when the puppy is still small and easy to handle. When the puppy jumps up on you or someone else, gently place the puppys feet back on the floor. When the dog remains standing there, be sure to praise it extensively.

It is also important to give the puppy an alternative to jumping up. Puppies jump up on people to express their enthusiasm, so it is important to redirect this energy in a more socially acceptable direction. Try teaching the puppy to present his paw instead of jumping up. When teaching the puppy to not jump up on people, it is important to be consistent. Consistency is important in any training program, and all members of the family must understand that the puppy is not permitted to jump on them.

Pulling, charging and tugging on the lead
One problem you definitely want to nip in the bud is this one. It is important that the puppy learn to respect the collar and leash now, when he is still small and light enough to handle. Teaching this lesson to a 10 pound puppy will be much easier than teaching the same lesson to a 150 pound dog. Using a good strong body harness or head collar can be a big help when training a puppy not to pull, or to retrain a dog that has already learned to pull on the leash.

When first fitting a harness, it is important to allow the puppy to walk around wearing it, so that he can get used to wearing it. The first thing your puppy must learn, and the basis of all subsequent training, is teaching your dog to heel. Teaching your dog to walk quietly at your side on a loose lead is the basis of all dog training, and until your puppy has mastered this vital skill he will be unable to move onto more advanced training.

When walking with a puppy on a leash, it is important to always keep slack in the leash. If the puppy begins to pull on the leash, the handler should quickly change directions. The puppy will then find itself lagging behind instead of forging ahead. The leash will be loose except for the split second it takes to change directions. It is important for the handler to use a quick tug of the leash, followed by an immediate loosening, when teaching this lesson.

When teaching the puppy to walk properly, it is important to never allow the puppy to pull you around, or to forge ahead on the leash. Allowing the puppy to pull you around will teach him exactly the wrong lesson. Of course, training is not for only young dogs. Older dogs need training as well, either to unlearn bad behaviors or learn proper obedience.

The next post will provide valuable information on getting the most from the relationship with your new best friend.

Read More..