If you’re thinking about buying a new dog, there are a few things to remember before you make that decision. Currently, millions of dogs are euthanized in shelters every year, due in part to making the wrong decision on the type of dog to buy. Before you rush out to buy that new puppy, there are a few things to remember.
1. How much time can you devote to your new puppy? There are specific breeds, such as border collies, that require a great deal of attention and do not do well in a situation where they will be confined alone for hours at a time. Be realistic with your expectations and select a breed that is known for their patience and ability to spend a few hours apart from you.
2. Size matters. Although your new puppy may be a small bundle of joy right now, in six months you may be dealing with a monster. If you don’t have a lot of space, or if you live in an apartment, a large breed may not be the best choice. In addition to space constraints, it is also a good idea to remember that large dogs do eat quite a bit more than the average teacup poodle and if you’re on a tight budget, a smaller dog will be more economical.
3. Research breed traits. Buying a puppy should not be based on which dog is the cutest, or which breed you always thought looked nice. Take the time to thoroughly research these traits so that you can make an informed decision. Some breeds shed more than others, while some breeds have known behavioral issues. For example, Great Pyrenees dogs are very beautiful and popular, but they are bred for livestock guarding and not apartment living.
4. Research breed health issues. This is becoming a bigger problem due to improper breeding. Every breed may have congenital health issues, but some may be more severe than others. For example, German Shepherds are known to have issues with hip dysplasia, while some smaller dog breeds may have problems with their eyes.
5. Pick the right breeder. Many future health and behavioral issues can be avoided simply by choosing the right breeder. Once you have decided on the breed of dog that you would like, contact that breed’s registry for an approved list of breeders. This will save you time, heartache and money.
6. Consider a shelter pet. While shelter pets are not for everyone, they may be a good option if you do not have small children or if you do not mind getting an older dog. You can save a life by adopting a shelter pet and still end up with a wonderful and loyal companion.
Selecting a puppy is an emotional decision, but it pays to keep these points in mind before you make your final decision. Once you’re armed with the right knowledge, you’ll be able to pick that perfect puppy that the whole family will enjoy and love.
For tips on how to train your puppy visit Pet-Supplies-Today.com
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Handling Dog Behavioral Problems The Easy Way
Sometimes, even the best dogs can act out, and if you’re dealing with dog behavioral problems, it is best to act as quickly if possible. If bad behavior is allowed to continue, you may end up with a bigger problem on your hands. The good news is, there are many easy ways that you can handle dog behavior issues in a humane and friendly way.
Dog behavioral problems can range from cute, but annoying little problems, to full fledged dangerous issues such as biting. While there are many causes of behavioral problems, the solutions are fairly simple. The old adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” doesn’t apply here and with consistent training, you can overcome dog behavior problems. Let’s look at a few simple and easy to implement dog training tips.
1. Be Consistent. This is the absolute key when training any animal. You may be tempted to let them slide every once in awhile, but this will only serve to hamper your efforts. Be consistent with praise as well as with corrections and your dog will begin to understand that you are indeed the master.
2. Positive Reinforcement is Vital. While many older dog training techniques, such as choke chains may be initially effective, they may actually cause more problems down the road. Positive reinforcement helps your dog associate good behavior with good rewards is a very effective means of tackling even the toughest dog behavior problems.
In brief, positive reinforcement means that you reward a dog when they do the right thing, and withhold the reward when they do not. Even the most stubborn dog will begin to respond to these training techniques, when they are applied consistently.
3. Introduce a Crate. One of the easiest ways to put an end to destructive behavior is to provide your dog with clear cut boundaries. Crating them while you are gone, or when you need some space is an effective and humane training aid. You may need to introduce them to the crate slowly, and allow them time to get used to being confined. Remember, be consistent and reward them for good behavior in their crate. A crate should not be used as a punishment device, but rather as a safe place for them to go and relax.
4. An additional cautionary note for you and especially your immediate family members. Once the dog behavioral problems are addressed, and the corrective training has started, it is imperative everyone involved with the dog use the same training techniques. Everyone must be consistent in the handling of the dog. If not your poor dog will become very confused and make act out even more than before the corrective training was initated.
Once you have these methods in place, you can easily begin to solve dog behavioral issues without undue stress to you or your pet. A well behaved pet is a happy pet and you’ll appreciate the lack of destructive and potentially harmful dog behavioral problems.
For more detailed dog training techniques and secrets, please visit Pet-Supplies-Today.com
Dog behavioral problems can range from cute, but annoying little problems, to full fledged dangerous issues such as biting. While there are many causes of behavioral problems, the solutions are fairly simple. The old adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” doesn’t apply here and with consistent training, you can overcome dog behavior problems. Let’s look at a few simple and easy to implement dog training tips.
1. Be Consistent. This is the absolute key when training any animal. You may be tempted to let them slide every once in awhile, but this will only serve to hamper your efforts. Be consistent with praise as well as with corrections and your dog will begin to understand that you are indeed the master.
2. Positive Reinforcement is Vital. While many older dog training techniques, such as choke chains may be initially effective, they may actually cause more problems down the road. Positive reinforcement helps your dog associate good behavior with good rewards is a very effective means of tackling even the toughest dog behavior problems.
In brief, positive reinforcement means that you reward a dog when they do the right thing, and withhold the reward when they do not. Even the most stubborn dog will begin to respond to these training techniques, when they are applied consistently.
3. Introduce a Crate. One of the easiest ways to put an end to destructive behavior is to provide your dog with clear cut boundaries. Crating them while you are gone, or when you need some space is an effective and humane training aid. You may need to introduce them to the crate slowly, and allow them time to get used to being confined. Remember, be consistent and reward them for good behavior in their crate. A crate should not be used as a punishment device, but rather as a safe place for them to go and relax.
4. An additional cautionary note for you and especially your immediate family members. Once the dog behavioral problems are addressed, and the corrective training has started, it is imperative everyone involved with the dog use the same training techniques. Everyone must be consistent in the handling of the dog. If not your poor dog will become very confused and make act out even more than before the corrective training was initated.
Once you have these methods in place, you can easily begin to solve dog behavioral issues without undue stress to you or your pet. A well behaved pet is a happy pet and you’ll appreciate the lack of destructive and potentially harmful dog behavioral problems.
For more detailed dog training techniques and secrets, please visit Pet-Supplies-Today.com
Basic Dog Training Techniques
Basic Dog Training Techniques
Every dog owner needs to know five basic dog training techniques which will keep your dog safe and you sane. These commands are the ‘Sit’, “Go Lie Down”, “Down”, “Come” and “Easy”.
The “Sit” and “Down” (or stay) commands are the building blocks of a good dog training technique. Once your dog is trained to do these two commands, you can teach them more but at the very least, you can now live today in some peace.
Dog Training Technique(s ) – How to Stop Your Dog From Jumping on People?
Dogs jump on people as a form of greeting; they’re saying “hello”. Annoying and embarrassing for your for fun for them. Even more annoying for you is when your dog starts sniffing private parts, or licking people etc.
So how do you stop your dog from doing these things? By teaching him to ‘Sit’ and ‘Stay’. You also need to teach him a word to let him know when he can move again. After you’ve told him to sit or stay. If you don’t do this, he will learn to move when he likes and this will get him to sit/stay for a shorter time each time. This word can be ‘Okay’ or ‘Free’ or whatever you choose.
Teaching Your Dog to Sit and Stay
Sit and Stay are the simplest dog training techniques you can teach your dog. This is what you have to do:
1. Show your dog a small, bite-sized treat and hold it just a little in front of his eyes, about 2 inches over his head. Don’t place your hand too high, otherwise he will jump up to get the treat and if too low, he won’t sit down!
2. Say “sit” as you bring your hands above his eyes – when your dog looks up at the treat, he will sit down (naturally)
3. When he sits, give him the treat and praise him, tell him what a good boy he is etc. BUT DON’T PET HIM! Just tell him he’s good, no petting. If you pet him, he’ll probably get up again but you want him to stay sitting!
4. If your dog does not sit down on his own, say “Sit” again and physically place your left hand under his tail and behind his knees and your right hand on his chest and then force him into a sit position.
5. Keep your hands still and count to five, before giving him the treat.
6. Practice this sit command five times in a row for five days.
Teaching Your Dog to Stay
1. Sit next to your dog (he’s on your left), both of you should be facing in the same direction (heel position). Attached his leash to his neck (put the ring of his training collar on top of his neck and attach the leash to the dead ring of the collar). Make sure the tension you apply is appropriate for your dog.
2. For the sit/stay command, use a downward rotation of the left wrist. Maintain tension for a few minutes and then release tension.
3. Starting in the heal position (the leash has to be on the ring round your dog’s neck), go three feet in front of your dog. Make sure he doesn’t move. Have him stay for one minute.
4. Now, move about 6 feet forward, to the end of the leash.
5. Practice these dog training techniques for 2-5 times per week, but make sure boredom does not seep in. For your or your dog.
For more dog training techniques and secrets, please visit Pet-Supplies-Today.com where you will find more detailed training information.
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