The Decision to Put Your Pup to Sleep

The Decision to Put Your Pup to Sleep
by John Grimes

Dogs are absolutely wonderful pets. As the years pass, they become an integral part of your family. Unfortunately, the life span of a pup is not as long as ours which leads to some difficult decisions.

The Decision to Put Your Pup to Sleep

All dog breeds are unique, but the one constant is that they do not live as long as we do. As your pup ages, you will inevitably be faced with some very difficult decisions. One of the hardest is putting your pup down. The decision to put your pup down often comes at a point when you cannot help but recognize the pup is in a lot of pain or has severely restricted movement or both. In making the decision, it sometimes helps to know what happens.

Euthanasia is the practice of terminating life in a painless manner. While this is a highly controversial topic when it comes to severely ill humans, it is less so with pups. Society has come to accept that animals in severe pain should be mercifully released from it. The process can be undertaken in different ways, but the most common is through an injection. Your pup is given a shot of barbiturate that eliminates pain. The quantity is sufficient that your pup will actually overdose with the heart, lungs ceasing to function, but only after unconsciousness occurs. In short, it is a merciful, painless death, but that does not make it easy for you.

There is an old adage that if you really love something, you will let it go. This is pretty much the decision you will face with your pet. Inevitably, you will have to recognize that your pup has reached a point where it is in constant distress. While you probably can't bear to think of doing the act, you have to determine if you are being selfish by not doing so. Nobody, pet or human, wants to live in constant pain. It is misery defined. While you love your pet dearly, you have to determine what is best for it.

One of the surefire ways to deal with this issue is to ask your vet. He or she can give you options on any treatment for your pup and pain management issues. Vets are also trained to be subtle, but frank, about when it is time to let your dog go. From exams, they can recognize when a pet is having a very hard time and tell you as much.

Once you make the decision, you need to prepare yourself for it. It is going to be very hard, just like losing a family member. Don't feel guilty afterwards. You have done the right thing in eliminating the misery your loved one was suffering. It will also help to commiserate with friends with pets. Whatever you do, don't isolate yourself.

At the end of the day, our dogs represent an integral part of our lives. That being said, there comes a time when you must recognize that your pup is miserable and take the step you dread, but know is right.

About the Author:John Grimes is with All Terrain - makers of natural pet products for the outdoors.

How To Decide On A Dog Training Collar

How To Decide On A Dog Training Collar
by Paul P. Duxbury

Many dog owners find that their efforts toward training their pet are greatly aided by the use of a training collar. There are many types of collars available and each employs a different mechanism meant to guide your pet, restrain him or discourage bad or disobedient behavior. Some training collars can harm a dog if they are not used appropriately or are the wrong size; so, you should research training collars thoroughly before choosing one and consult with a training expert if you are unfamiliar with how to use a chosen collar. Some common dog training collars are: the prong collar, the Halti, the Gentle Leader, the choke collar and the electronic collar.

Prong Collar

The prong collar looks a lot more painful to the dog than it actually is. This collar is made up of metal prongs that have been linked together. When you apply a pulling pressure to the collar (via the leash), it gives the dog a little pinch that is meant to duplicate the effect of a mother dog's teeth when she grabs here pup by the scruff of the neck. The prong collar is a safe and effective training tool as long as the fit is correct and the collar is used appropriately. The prong collar should not be used if your dog is one to consistently yank at his leash.

The prong collar should fit snugly against the dog's neck. As most prong collars can be adjusted by simply adding or subtracting prongs, the correct fit should be easy to achieve. A properly fitted collar should leave approximately half of a finger space in between your dog'ss neck and the prong tip. A collar that is any looser than that will not do its job and will needlessly chafe the dog's skin.

Halti and Gentle Leader

Both the Halti and Gentle Leader head halter devices look a lot like the harnesses that are used to control horses. While the prong collar is designed to condition behavior and movement, the head halter is designed to restrict or restrain your dog's movements. The thought behind the halter's design is that if you can control the head, the body will follow its movement. When you pull on the attached leash the device closes the dog's mouth and restrains his head. These types of collars are great for dogs that lunge, bite or display other aggressive behaviors.

There are drawbacks, however, to using a head halter device. Most dogs will not take very easily to any device that positions a strap over its nose. You may have to struggle with your dog many, many times before he will submit to wearing it. Another drawback is that pulling at your dog's head makes it a lot more likely that you will inadvertently injure the dog's neck or back. To avoid injury, you should always make sure you are restraining your dog in the correct manner.

Choke Collar

The choke collar is one of those dog training devices that is often surrounded by controversy. Proponents of the choke collar point to its humane effectiveness, while critics say that the collar is more torture device than training tool. The truth is that what the collar becomes is largely dependent upon who is using it.

A properly fitted choke collar works by tightening around the dog's throat when the trainer pulls on the leash and then releasing pressure when the trainer does. If the collar is not put on correctly, however, the pressure will remain and the dog could truly choke to death. These collars are not meant for dogs that consistently pull at their leash or for inexperienced trainers. As is the case with head halters, the choke collar has the potential to cause injury to the dog's neck.

Electronic Collar

Just mention the option of an electronic dog collar and many dog owners (even some people with no pets at all) will look at you as if you have suggested training your dog with a stun gun. The reality is that electronic collars can be a very humane way to train a dog. As with any other training device, however, whether or not it is used for purposes of cruelty is totally dependent upon the intentions and experience of the trainer.

The electronic collar works by allowing the trainer to give the dog small, electric shocks (via remote control) in order to modify its behavior. The intensity of the shock is left to the trainer. In general, the setting should be strong enough to make the dog's ears twitch. If the dog howls or yelps when the shock is delivered, then the setting is too high. Again, the electronic collar should only be used by experienced trainers.


About the Author:
Paul Duxbury writes extensively on dog and pet care at http://www.pet-care-centre.com and http://www.my-dog.co.uk

Cost To Owning A Puppy Or Dog

Puppies - The First Year Veterinary Care/Laboratory Tests - $100 to $200. Immunizations - $50 to $100.
Internal/External Parasite Treatment and Control - $100 to $150.
Spay/Neuter - $40 to $200. The cost often depends on the dog's size and age.
Food - $150 to $250Miscellaneous (collars, leads, obedience training) - $200 to $225.
Total: $640 to $1,125

Dogs - Annual Costs Veterinary Care/Laboratory - $50 to $125
Immunizations - $40 to $75
Internal/External Parasite Preventatives - $100 to $150
Food - $150 to $300
Miscellaneous - $100 to $125
Total: $440 to $775

Picture dog : NO comment

Caring For A Dog: 5 Steps To Potty Training Success

Caring For A Dog: 5 Steps To Potty Training Success
by Michael Lewis

Potty training a dog is one of the most frustrating things you will have to do. Take heart in the fact that once your dog gets the potty training, you won't have to teach it again. In many ways, potty training can be rewarding too. Not only can you help your pets to stop making messes on your favorite carpeting, but you can develop a strong relationship of trust and bonding with them to.

Here are 5 steps to make potty training successful in your home.

1.Use a crate. Crate training is very effective. A crate is used to allow your pet to have a place to sleep and teaches them to control their bladder. They won't soil their bedding. Then, when it is time to get up and go out, you can easily do just that. The dog learns from the start that you control potty time.

2.After meals, give your pet 15 minutes and then take them out. Food is a trigger not only to eat but also to go. When it comes to potty training success, allow your pet to get outside when the urge is approaching. What's more is that you shouldn't leave food out. Put it down for them at the designated time and allow them to eat for 15 minutes to 30 minutes and remove the bowl. Soon he will learn and that again allows you to control potty time.

3.Pick a potty spot. Select the area of your yard that you want your pet to go in. Take them to that spot every time to go. This will help your puppy to learn that when he needs to go, he needs to come here. What's more is that the smell of urine is yet another trigger to your pet to go.

4.Don't reward them with food. Remember that rewards need to be emotional, and therefore it is more successful to give them a reward of a patting and rub down then it is for you to hand them a treat. Also, treats are food which triggers potty time again!

5.Reward success, but don't punish accidents. Although you will be angry and you will want to punish your pet, your pet does not see this as a bad thing. He sees it as attention. He also can become aggressive as well as not like to be around you. Dogs don't relate their potty mistake to the punishment you are given them. Instead, ignore them when they do something wrong. Don't speak to them or interact with them.

Caring for your dog is hard work, but when it comes to potty training, success can and will happen when you install these five tips into your program.


About the Author:
Michael Lewis is an editor at ClearlyPets.com where you can find more articles about dog training.

How To Take Care Of A Dog: 21 Key Factors You Should Know

How To Take Care Of A Dog: 21 Key Factors You Should Know
by Mike A. Jones

It is crucial to learn how to take care of a dog well before taking ownership. A dog requires a serious investment of the following resources:

1. Time 2. Energy 3. Finances

By the time you finish reading this article, the first level of your education on how to take care of a dog will be complete.

Below you will find 21 key factors involved. 11 are under Basic Needs, 5 under Equipment, and 5 under Treatment.

Section 1: Learn how to take care of a dog by being aware of their BASIC NEEDS

Dogs need:

1. Toilet and obedience training. A lack of training in these two areas can result in frustration and inconvenience for the owner to say the least, and at worst the dog could become a danger to their owners, the public, and to themselves.

2. To be with other dogs or people. Leaving them alone for long periods can have a serious effect on their health and well being. Even being left alone for 4 or more hours a day can contribute to destructive behavior.

3. To be brushed every day. This is especially important if their coat has long hair.

4. To have their teeth brushed and cleaned regularly.

5. Regular walks. How far and how often will depend on the size and nature of the dog.

6. A well thought out, balanced diet. You may need to get advice from your vet. A good range of high protein, fat, and carbohydrates is needed to ensure the dog remains healthy. Often the prepared foods available in pet shops or supermarkets contain the needed balance.

7. Plenty of water: A bowl of fresh, clean water should always be available.

8. Space: a fenced in area for play and exercise. The area will need to be kept clean of dog waste to avoid a health hazard.

9. A dry, warm place to sleep out of a draught. The bedding should be aired each day and preferably washed or replaced weekly.

10. Arrangements to be cared for when the owner take a vacation.

11. A vet so you can quickly take them in case of sickness or emergency. Think out carefully your choice of a vet. What equipment and facilities does the surgery offer? What costs are involved? Does the vet communicate well with you so you feel relaxed asking questions?

Section 2: Learn how to take care of a dog by obtaining the EQUIPMENT they need

Dogs need:

1. A lead for walking in urban areas.

2. A collar and/with an identity label or tag.

3. A bed and a dog blanket.

4. A scoop to collect dog waste for disposal.

5. A good quality dog brush.

Section 3: Learn how to take care of a dog by arranging for the TREATMENT they need

Dogs need:

1. Regular checks and treatment for worms and fleas.

2. Injections to protect against serious diseases: check with your vet.

3. Regular teeth checkups by the vet.

4. Optional: Neutering.

5. Optional: Microchip implanting.

Regarding the last two optional procedures, keep these points in mind:

Apart from avoiding unwanted pregnancy, some authorities say neutering can make a dog a better pet. For example, neutered dogs tend to be less dominant, and have a lesser tendency to roam and mark territory.

Dog microchipping will allow you to easily locate your dog in the event it gets lost or stolen. Regretfully many dogs end up with new owners, or are taken to dog shelters, because their owners cannot find them. The microchip can forestall that heartbreaking scenario.

The microchip is no larger than a grain of rice. The procedure is no more painful than a vaccination as the tiny chip is implanted under the loose skin over the dog's shoulder.

The guidelines above emphasize the need to carefully think out dog ownership. However, this is just the first part of the education.

To have an in-depth understanding of how to take care of a dog, you are well advised to have a good talk with a local veterinary surgeon who can answer specific questions relating to the type of dog that is best suited for your circumstances.

Once you have decided on a particular breed, seek out other owners of that breed and learn more about the characteristics of the dog and considerations you will have to keep in mind. You will get a very accurate perspective by talking to other dog owners.

Learn how to take care of a dog well before ownership and you will be rewarded with an intelligent, loyal friend who will give you unlimited fun and enjoyment!

About the Author:

5 tips for choosing the best vet - check Mike's tutorial:
http://www.vitalstop.com/PuppyTraining

Here Is A Way To train a dog in 10 easy lessons

Here Is A Way To train a dog in 10 easy lessons By: JohnJames

The socialization period is the most suitable time for bonding between you and your dog. During a puppy’s socialization stage, it learns by experience and can easily learn to foster relationships with both humans and its fellow dogs. A puppy learns new behaviors during the socialization stage that helps it learn its master’s needs.

Don’t make the mistake of waiting till your dog grows up a bit before you start training them because grown up dogs are usually hard to train. Puppies that aren’t trained before they get to a particular age may not be pliable to training. You need to make sure that you start training your puppy at the right time to prevent frustrations.

The learning theory is a dog training premise that inculcates four basic messages; reward marker, the keep going signal, the no reward marker and the punishment marker. The dog you are handling in training needs to be clear about each message you send out for it to respond favorably.

You need to understand that the mind of a dog is linear if you want to train it successfully. A dog can understand a string of commands in one setting but may have to be reeducated with the same string of commands in another setting. A dog that obeys a sit command at home may be confused when you order it to sit in a park because of the change of location.

The mind of a dog is unlike the reasoning and thinking of human beings. A dog cannot respond to commands that are given haphazardly. If your dog bungles one command, go back to the start of the instructions and make it respond to them all over again.

Shepherd dogs are those dogs that are trained to herd. Shepherd dogs are naturally good herders and make the sheep feel comfortable around them. Shepard dogs can be found in large sheep farms.

A dog is usually trained in line with its instinctive characteristics. A naturally territorial dog is trained to be a guard dog because of its inherent traits of territory protection. A naturally protective and tender dog is trained to be a herd dog in accordance with its traits.

Training your dog not to bark at the wrong time is also part of a dog’s training. A dog that barks at the wrong time can be a source of embarrassment to the family. Dog training is a process that helps you as much as it helps your dog.

Yorkshire Terriers – Basic Training Tips for Your Yorkie

Yorkshire Terriers – Basic Training Tips for Your Yorkie By: Sam Nichols

Yorkshire Terriers are one of the smartest dogs alive. They are very cute, and are actually one of the easiest dogs to train.
Yorkies understand you well, but forget things very easily. First of all, you need to remember to find a treat that your dog likes, Yorkies specifically love Steak, and Beef. Beef Jerky treats are the best; however, you can use human food as well.
Depending on what you are teaching your dog, you will need to do it every day until the dog has a grasp of it forever. If your Yorkie is just a puppy, and you need to train it when it needs to go out (waste), then its best that you teach it to bark, and stand beside the door when it needs to go.
You may be thinking this is tough; however, it’s one of the easiest ways to train your puppy well. At first, you need to teach your puppy that it can only waste outside. You can easily do this by calling your puppy once every 1 or 2 hours, and going on a quick 1 minute walk. Of course, accidents will happen, and you will defiantly get a little ‘treat’ on the floor sooner or later.
Here is the part where you absolutely need to get it through the puppy’s head that it is unacceptable to waste indoors. Carry the puppy over to where it left its waste indoors, and point to the waste, talking to the puppy just like to a human. Use a tone that sounds a bit angry, but do not harm the puppy no matter what.
Yorkies tend to understand it a bit quicker than other dogs, however, this form on training works well on every dog. When you go on your daily walks with the puppy, and he wastes outside, congratulate it, and give it a treat. Whenever you go on walks with the puppy, always have 1 or 2 treats with you, as you need to show the puppy what he did, and that he did it outside, that it’s good. Have a happy voice when talking to the puppy and giving him or her the treat. As time goes on, your puppy will begin to realize that he or she is better off to leave waste outside, and will begin to show you some kind of action when he or she needs to go out to waste.
After your puppy has this mastered, you can start with the necessary things that a dog needs to know around the house, for example, no jumping on the table, no going on the leather couch, etc. These are easy to teach, as you can use a very similar method as the one I used when training my puppy to go and leave waste. Basically, the hardest part with all dogs and especially Yorkies is to teach the dog the very first big thing, which is to leave waste outside.
After that, your puppy understands that they are rewarded when they do something good, and yelled at when they do something bad, which you can apply to the ‘no jumping on the table, no going on the leather couch.

Potty Training Puppies With Methods That Work Now

Potty Training Puppies With Methods That Work Now By: Sarah Brogdon

To feel like it is hopeless is normal when potty training puppies. The two P's - patience and persistence is what it takes for it to work. You have to show you puppy that you are the boss for the start. By instinct, dogs travel in packs and have a pack leader. You need to be stern when housebreaking a puppy to make him understand that he has a certain spot to do his business. You definitely don't want this to happen.
When your puppy is inside your house, what you want him to learn is how to "hold it", and when taken outside, to potty on the spot you have designated. Show your puppy that you are well pleased when she potty's in the right place, to help her understand that is where she is to go everytime.
Deciding who is going to help with housebreaking a puppy is the next thing that needs to happen. Everyone will have to be prepped as to how the method of potty training puppies work and will have to do it the same way. Remember that the key to your success will be repetition and to be consistent. 8 to 12 weeks old is when you can begin potty training puppies.
It is very important that you come up with a schedule when housebreaking a puppy. A puppy will need to go potty every hour or two and after meals, after naps, after playtime, before going to bed, and in the mornings after he first wakes up. You will want to write down a schedule of your puppy's trips made outside, playtime, and his feedings. Make sure you have how you are going to carry out your routine in place. Decide where your puppy will potty in your yard and which door you will be taking him out of.
You will need to put a leash and collar on your puppy. Letting your puppy run freely through the house is the biggest mistake most puppy owners make when potty training puppies. Never let your puppy out of your sight. Have your puppy on a leash and hook it to your belt or belt loop so you will not loose sight of him. You will want your puppy in his crate if you can't keep an eye on him. Taking your puppy outside to go potty on a leash is the key to housebreaking a puppy. Your puppy will soon learn that you are taking her outside to potty and not to play.
It is very important that everyone involved must do the same thing or it will be confusing for your puppy. When you take your puppy to the spot you have picked out in your yard for her to eliminate, give a short verbal command like "go potty". When your puppy starts to eliminate, give her a whole lot of praise and keep praising her until she has finished. When housebreaking a puppy always use the same verbal command and pretty soon your puppy will understand what you want her to do. You can also reward your puppy with a treat after she has eliminated on the right spot.
It is critical when housebreaking a puppy that you have a schedule of feeding time. A puppy will eat three to four times a day. Do not make the mistake that most puppy owners make by leaving food out all day. Leave fresh water out for you puppy all day....just take it up two hours before bed time. Take your puppy's food bowl up after she has finished eating and about 15 minutes later take her out the designated door to her potty spot on a leash.
When it comes to potty training puppies make sure everyone always keep the same schedule and routine. Consistency will be the key to your success. This will be less confusing for your puppy. You will find that it is not that difficult when housebreaking a puppy if you follow these methods.

Rottweiler Training

Contrary to popular belief, Rottweiler training is not a tough job as these dogs are extremely intelligent and eager to be loved and work for you. You will actually be surprised with the joy they show when they do a job for you that you appreciate and they literally beam with positive reinforcement.

The most important aspect in the training of a Rottweiler is that it has to start very early in life and continue directly and indirectly until the dog is at least two years old. It is highly recommended that this dog undergoes Rottweiler obedience training so the owner has a good control over it.

The best Rottweiler training is done with the help of positive reinforcements and corrective measures should be limited to using a sharp voice and verbal reprimands when the dog does not perform the way it should. Avoid violence and rough handling at all costs. Change the trainer if you find that they are too rough on the animal. Rottweilers tend to increase in aggressiveness when handled with aggression.

The Rottweiler will tend to bluff or bully their owners if not trained well and given their size, you would not want to have to fight with this dog everytime you want a certain behavior from it. Therefore, you will need to be very persistent with Rottweiler training, right from puppy-hood. Another thing to keep in mind regarding control of a Rottweiler is that it observes the pecking order in a household and will respect only those who can control them. This is why it is important that the owner of this dog is able to physically control it as well.


House Breaking Important Part Of Obedience

Two of the main training concerns that need to be addressed are the Rottweiler obedience training and potty training. The obedience training can be taken care of by a good trainer who will go through all the trade tricks and hand you over a well behaved dog which listens and follows verbal command easily and without any resistance. Once the pecking order has been established at home, you should have no more problems with your Rottweiler. The Rottweiler, owing to its ancestry, respects the head of the pack and obeys unquestionably.

The Rottweiler potty training is another matter and has to start very early and it will require lots of patience since it will take some time to sink in. The puppy when young will have very little control on its bladder or bowel and will have the need for you to take it out even at two in the morning, a time when most of the Rottweilers get up and want to go. You will need to reinforce good behavior for a long time until it learns what you want out of him. This is tough and sometimes takes up to six months to accomplish.

The Rottweiler obedience training on the other hand is a bit easier to impart and the dog responds much faster when the training is imparted with the right technique and a lot of patience and love.

Eliminate Your Dog Behavior Problems

Eliminate Your Dog Behavior Problems
by Alex de la Cruz

Dogs are considered as mankind's best friend but you got to know the fact that they too have a mind of their own. They act in certain ways that human beings cannot easily relate with. They also have mood swings and can throw tantrums anytime. Dogs also need the right attention and love. If they don't get much of this emotional security and pampering, they might start to misbehave. Allow your dog to adapt to your lifestyle because if they don't, they might start to become too aggressive and nervous about their new environment. As a responsible canine owner, you need to stop dog behavior problems because you are the first one to be affected by these anyway.

It will be difficult to live with a misbehaving pet in your home. Dogs with behavior problems tend to be uncontrollable and might hurt other people or damage properties. To read a guide to dog behaviors may be a helpful thing to do. You will get acquainted with various characters and temperaments of different breeds. There are certain behaviors that could be natural in some breeds. With the right knowledge, you will surely know how to deal with it in a less harsh manner. Without a proper dog training system, your pet might show destructive behavior, excessive barking or growling.

In worse situation, they may even bite other people or display other threatening behavior and damage their surroundings. You need to be able to recognize dog behavior problems so that you can make necessary actions accordingly. Spending quality time with you pet will enable you to do this. You may also ask other members of your household to report any negative observations they might have about your pet. You need to correct bad behavior in dogs as soon as possible. Otherwise, your pet might get used to it and make it a bad habit to break. On the other hand, you have to be observant on certain factors that may cause the dog to act in an unruly manner.

By knowing the roots of the behavior, you will know where and how to start an effective training for dogs. Make sure that you give ample time to be with your dog and take him out for a walk. When possible, this must be done on a regular basis to avoid making dogs bored. Most of the time, dogs that are bored are the ones that tend to be restless. They would start doing bothersome things that may irritate you and other household members. Always make time for your dog. They are not mere decors in your house. Treat them as a member of your family who also needs to be loved and cared for.

There could be many factors that may cause dog behavior problems. For all you know, the dog may be suffering from an illness. Thus, be keen at observing the circumstances that may cause behavior problems in dogs. Be patient in dealing with dog behavior problems. Your pets need your assistance in helping them to overcome their behavioral problems. In the end, it will be rewarding to have a well-behaved pet.

About the Author:

The author of this article Alex De La Cruz is a Dog Trainer who has been successful with several dog training courses for many years. Alex decided to share his knowledge and tips through his website http://www.doggyweb.info. You can sign up for his free newsletter and enjoy a healthy and submissive dog.

How to Stop Dog Whining - The DO's and DON'Ts

How to Stop Dog Whining - The DO's and DON'Ts
by Craig Vic

You may be lucky enough to have had a dog that has never had a whining problem, and then all of a sudden starts to begin to whine uncontrollably day in and day out. Don't get flustered with the dog. The dog isn't doing this to get on your nerves. So, punishment, as in most cases is not the answer. In fact, it will only worsen the problem.

Instead, see if you can dig a little deeper and see if you can spot the underlying reason as to why the dog is whining.

A common reason for dog whining is the feeling of abandonment. If you notice this kind of behavior when you leave the house for work, then that's probably what it is. A good idea may be to get him used to the concept of being alone, by taking short, sporadic, breaks from him in 30 minute spans, by leaving the house for a walk, and seeing how the dog reacts. Hopefully the more times you do it, the more the dog will get used to the concept of being left alone, and it may not be so emotional for him when you leave the house to go to work.

Another reason for this, might be that the dog just simply wants some attention. Maybe you have been busy and the dog hasn't gotten the same attention that he is used to. Take some time to play with your dog. Play fetch, take him to the park, play a good game of tug of war, and notice if that puts a stop towards the whining. A lot of times could be that the dog is just bored, and just wants a little fun. After all, if you were bored, you'd probably be whining to, wouldn't you?

Another problem may be that the dog is in pain. Notice if your dog is wincing. Pet your dog around his body and notice if he shows any signs of pain.

If you aren't able to figure out what is causing your dog to whine, make sure to take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

About the Author:

You may be lucky enough to have had a dog that has never had a whining problem, and then all of a sudden starts to begin to whine uncontrollably day in and day out. Don't get flustered with the dog. The dog isn't doing this to get on your nerves. So, punishment, as in most cases is not the answer. In fact, it will only worsen the problem.

Dog training – Dealing with House Training Issues

The best house training uses the dogs own instincts to avoid soiling its bed to train the dog where and where not to eliminate. That is the basis behind crate training, in which the dog is confined to its crate in the absence of the owner, and den training, in which the dog is confined to a small area of the home. In essence, the crate, or the room, becomes the dog’s den. Dogs are naturally very clean animals, and they try their best to avoid using their dens as toilets.

This type of training usually works very well, both for puppies and for older dogs. Problems with this type of toilet training are usually the result of not understanding the signals the dog is sending, not being consistent with feeding times, or trying to rush the process.

While the house training process can be sped up somewhat by consistently praising the dog and rewarding it for toileting in the proper place, some dogs cannot be rushed through this important process. It is always best to house train the dog properly the first time than to go back and retrain a problem dog.

If the dog continues to soil the den area after house training, the most likely reason is that the owner has left the dog in the den for too long. Another reason may be that the den area is too large. In this case, the best strategy is to make the den area smaller or to take the dog to the toilet area more frequently.

If the dog soils the bed that has been provided in the den area, it is most likely because the owner has left the dog there for too long, and the dog had an understandable accident. Or it could be that the dog has not yet adopted this area as the bed. In addition, urinary tract infections and other medical conditions can also cause dogs to soil their beds. It is important to have the dog thoroughly checked out by a veterinarian to rule out any medical problems.

One other reason for house training accidents that many people overlook is boredom. Dogs who are bored often drink large amounts of water and therefore must urinate more frequently than you might think. If you notice your dog consuming large amounts of water, be sure to take the dog to the established toilet area more often, and provide the dog with toys and other distractions to eliminate boredom.

Boredom is the root cause of many dog behavior problems, not only house training issues. Chewing and other destructive behaviors are also often caused by boredom and separation anxiety.

Other problems with house training can occur when the dog’s den is not properly introduced. In some cases dogs can react to the den as if it is a prison or a punishment. Those dogs may exhibit signs of anxiety, such as whining, chewing and excessive barking. It is important for the dog to feel secure in its den, and to think of it as a home and not a cage.

The best way to house train a puppy or dog, or to re-house train a problem dog, is to make yourself aware of the dog’s habits and needs. Creating a healthy, safe sleeping and play area for your dog, as well as a well defined toilet area, is important for any house training program.

House training is not always an easy process, but it is certainly an important one. The number one reason that dogs are surrendered to animal shelters is problems with inappropriate elimination, so a well structured house training program can literally be a lifesaver for your dog.

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Dog training videos

Dog training is the oldest and probably the most common solution to bridge the understanding gap between people and dogs as their best friends. There are plenty of solutions to help dog owners train their animals, and one of the most popular is the dog training video. Sold online or in special pet stores, dog training videos provide comprehensive techniques and tricks that can turn the most disobedient of animals into an obedience example. People often prefer dog training videos to individual trainers for a variety of reasons.

First of all, there is the money issue; dog training videos are a lot cheaper than special training classes. Furthermore, many dog owners want to be actively involved in the training process; thus, with the help of a dog training video they can exploit the two sides of the experience: the fun part and the practical one. When you’ve got a puppy, it is all the more rewarding for you to be the one to train it how to target focus or fetch and retrieve. Dog training videos come with very professional solutions that can be put to practice by people who don’t have a clue on the subject.

The lessons presented by dog training videos are gradual and take you step by step to achieve the behavior patterns you want for your pet. It is a good idea that you watch every training stage on the dog training video, several times. Then you have to put into practice with your dog. Of course results appear in time, but make sure you are persistent in exercises; skills must be used, otherwise they’re wasted. Some other member of the family may get involved too, watch the dog training video together and exchange opinions. However, only one trainer should work with the dog at a time, in order not to create confusion.

Keep in mind that all the tips presented on a dog training video need to be integrated in the special context of your house. Avoid giving your pet conflicting orders and don’t use too complex linguistic structure. As you’ll learn from any dog training video, short words like ‘sit’ or ‘down’ are most effective, not to mention that the dog is receptive first and foremost to the voice pitch. Therefore, you don’t need a dog training video to tell you that animals are susceptible to raised voice for instance and they become defensive. Good luck!

One site you can get all this tips is my favorite source of the next dog training tip.Go there by clicking Dog training videos.

How to Train a "Crazy" Dog!

I like over-the-top dogs, dogs that come bounding in biting at their leashes (or anything else they can cram into their mouths). I like rambunctious, nutty, go-getters that exhaust their owners. Those are my favorite dogs to train. Why do I enjoy these dogs so much? I find them to be surprisingly easy and rewarding. All of that dog energy can be channeled to our own purposes!

crazy dogs

Most pet owners want to reduce the arousal their dogs show (and most dogs will calm progressively with age and training); some competition or working handlers want to keep the hair-trigger reaction, but with reliable, trained behaviors. Both ends are possible with clicker training.

A friend, a crossover trainer like myself, was bemoaning the superb enthusiasm of her young, unneutered, standard poodle. His habit of pogo-jumping was wearing her out. "I can't train him to heel until I can stop his bouncing," she complained.

"Not true at all," I protested. "Don't you dare try to stop that bouncing. You want that energy for happy, enthusiastic heeling. Use it!"
Channel the energy

How do you channel and use that energy? There are several principles I follow in channeling the energy of eager achievers.

* Ignore the crazy stuff. Owners of "crazy dogs" tend to see and focus on the obnoxious jumping, the leash biting, the lunging for enthusiastic greetings, and the persistent harassment to play tug or fetch. I see a dog asking in every possible way to engage with his human, a dog begging for the interaction of operant conditioning. These dogs just adore inducive training and respond to it quickly.

Many compulsive methods require considerable time and effort to suppress unwanted behavior, all before starting to teach desirable behavior. With clicker training, you can jump straight into teaching a new behavior and disregard what you don't want, trusting that it will disappear shortly. If you are like me, the surplus excitement won't bother you. With clicker training, you'll get what you want soon enough!
Why do I enjoy these dogs so much? I find them to be surprisingly easy and rewarding.

* Love that energy. Enthusiasm carries into training, making training that much easier. All the effort the dog is putting into bucking like a bronco on the leash will soon be thrown into eager downs and fast targeting! This makes the trainer's work simpler. You don't have to create new behavior, you just have to shape what's already occurring. And that's perfect for a lazy trainer like me!

* Use the dog's own motivation. With an average dog, you have to take time to find what motivates that dog—a special toy, a preferred treat? Crazy dogs are motivated by everything! That means you won't be stumped when the dog gets distracted or when you're caught without treats on hand. Simply use whatever is stimulating the dog in the current environment. More benefits for a lazy trainer! "You want to see that friendly new person? Fine, let's work for it! And you can keep eye contact to earn this stick I picked up."

Crazy dogs tend to tell you exactly what they want to work for at the moment. If you believe them—he wants to play tug, or meet a person, or chase a ball—they're eager to work for their reward.

* Reinforcement is control. Too often, owners have been told they have to "get control of" their dog by suppressing his natural energy. But energy has a critical mass; if suppressed and contained too long, it cannot help but explode into activity. This is why a dog that does not know how to earn a toy, for example, will grab at hands or clothing.

The forcible condensing of fusion results in a supernova, and the same is true for crazy dogs! Suppression creates time bombs, and the mere illusion of command.
With clicker training, you'll get what you want soon enough!

Channeling creates true control. A dog that knows it's possible to earn what he wants can control himself to get it instead of fighting with his owner or trainer. (Careful management of criteria is critical here!) If you try to fight the dog's natural exuberance, you will never really manage his energy. But once the dog believes he can earn his energy release, you have him forever.

The dog wins—and chooses control

That's all very well in theory, but how does this work in practice?

The dog can always win. I start teaching a very basic concept—what the dog wants is available to him, but by my rules. You don't want frustration, you want analytical thinking. It's very easy for this type of dog to get locked into frustration and hectic behavior. You can establish right from the start that there's a way to win if he thinks about it.
A dog that knows it's possible to earn what he wants can control himself to get it instead of fighting with his owner or trainer.

Inherently, this concept includes impulse control. Rather than plunging about in a desperate scramble for what he wants, the dog can hold himself still and try to earn it. (If the dog and owner team need impulse control instruction right away, for safety reasons, it is possible to start there. Personally I prefer to jump right in to teaching a new behavior, but I don't mind being jumped on or scratched before the dog acquires the new behavior. Some handlers can't tolerate such risks, though.)

Here's how I teach very basic impulse control.

I show the crazy dog a treat, briefly, and then enclose it in my fist. The dog will probably attempt to poke it free, nudging my hand, pawing at me, nipping, and barking. (I usually start this exercise myself, as most clients don't have the experience to trust where this is going!) The average crazy dog is active and will not pause in his quest, but will actually pull back as if to pounce again. Right then, I click that quick movement and open my hand, delivering the treat or letting it drop to the floor. Then I repeat the process. Most dogs are backing up within a half dozen repetitions, though some take longer if they've been reinforced for obnoxious or pushy behavior. It's also possible to do this with a tug toy, but, in any case, practice your technique in advance—accidental nips and grabs are no fun!
Helpful hints

* Split criteria. Then, split it finer. And even finer! Criteria-splitting is the single biggest error made with crazy dogs. Trainers and handlers tend to "lump," failing to break behavior into achievable pieces. What would seem like an ideal increment for a more typical dog is really a tremendous leap for "crazy" dogs. When success isn't achieved quickly, these dogs load energy and release it in hectic and undesirable behavior. (It's at that point that some owners or trainers decide to use compulsion or coercion to control the dog.)
Right then, I click that quick movement and open my hand, delivering the treat or letting it drop to the floor.

The thing to remember is that the dog can always win. If the dog knows there's a right answer and that he can achieve his click, he will not stop trying to get it. There will be problems only if the criteria is not appropriate or if all the pent-up energy is not relieved appropriately.

When I worked with my young dog, Laev, I taught stationary duration behaviors in quarters or eighths of seconds initially. I've worked with other dogs and taught them to tolerate a handler's departure with the slight movement of one shoe. Once the dog has the idea and develops the necessary self-control, increments can be increased substantially, and the larger behaviors can be achieved (a three minute stay, for example). Always start small.

* Provide an energy release. Most people don't realize how stressful learning can be. Stress isn't necessarily bad. In fact, sometimes it's not distress, but eustress (a pleasant or curative stress). Stress does still take a toll on the dog, though. Many dogs indicate that they need a break by losing attention, wandering away, or sniffing. My favorite crazy dogs indicate fatigue by launching themselves at you or another attractive outlet, or by jumping, nipping and barking.

There has to be a way for the dog to dump energy, and it should almost always be through movement. Play tug, prompt a favorite active trick, or simply move about. Place this release behavior on cue early in training and use it to release energy when the dog has been demonstrating a good deal of self-control or otherwise working hard.

If the dog explodes energetically outside of the cue, that means the training has continued too long or an unrealistic jump in criteria was attempted. Adjust the training and try again.

* Use active behaviors. Passive behaviors are much more difficult for crazy dogs than active behaviors—the dogs have to contain themselves! Behaviors which involve movement allow a constant release of that mental energy and are less likely to lead to explosive outbursts. This is why a crazy dog can retrieve or search for much longer than he can practice his down stay, which seems to be a much less complicated behavior.
The movement helps dispel stress much more efficiently and still provides the benefits of a focused behavior.

This is useful information for managing dogs in daily life. Is the dog stressed by an outside influence, perhaps a stranger or a rude dog? Instead of "sit and watch," as many teach, ask the dog for a heel, a spin, or a leaping target. The movement helps dispel stress much more efficiently and still provides the benefits of a focused behavior.

Is your crazy dog too enthusiastic at the door? Instead of teaching "sit" to greet, which is very tough for these dogs, teach the dog to fetch a toy and bring it to the new arrival, holding it in his mouth as he is petted. This gives the dog a place to channel his energy (his jaws) while also preventing mouthing or licking.

* Be proactive. The problem with crazy dogs is that they are faster than humans, mentally as well as physically. By the time you realize you've encountered a challenge, your dog might have evaluated several behavioral options and settled on what makes the most sense to her—something you probably do not want!

At the educated end of the leash, your job is to instruct the dog about what will pay off best—well before that scenario arises. Dogs load energy too quickly to interrupt them once they're reacting (although they can learn that later). Catch them before they lose their focus.

In the end, crazy dogs show some of the most dramatic transformations, from happy, brash, and crashing maniacs to happy, enthusiastic, and focused partners. That's reinforcing to all of us.
Source: http://clickertraining.com

How To Train Your Dog To Come When Called video

Dog Behavior & Training:How To Train Your Dog To Come When Called

Learn how to train your dog to recognise its name and come when called. The Head of Training at Battersea Dogs and Cat's Home, Ali Taylor, takes you through the technique.

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Step 1:

When and how to reward

Reward your dog all the time for movements in the right way, then for the whole action, then for best attempts. Rewards can be food in the form of treats or part of your dog's dinner, praise, or a toy or game. Remember it is only a reward if your dog wants it.

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Step 2:

Name recognition

To get your dog to pay attention to its name, hold a reward between yours and your dog's eyeline, say its name and as soon as it looks at you, give the reward.

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Step 3:

Coming when called

To get your dog to come when called, show it a toy or treat, then move away a couple of paces. Call out your dog's name and say 'come' in a happy voice, smiling and gesturing to your dog. As the dog comes to you, hold its collar and either feed or play with it. Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog until you can call it from room to room or in and out of the garden. Don't call your dog if you are going to punish or shout at it.

Remember to make learning fun. Your dog will respond more quickly and won't be afraid to try again if you make a mistake.