Friday, May 29, 2009

Dog Training System Helps Bring Out the Best In Your Dog

Dogs are known to possess many different abilities that you as a dog owner must develop and bring to the fore. The right dog training system will help bring the best out of the dog and in the process help to increase your control over your pet. There are various stages of a dog training system that you have to put your dog through and as they gain some experience at each level you can start them off at the next level till they are well and properly trained.

The PetSafe Bark Control Collar Dog training system PBC302 is one option that you should consider. It is also a dog training system that is very simple to use and it involves making your dog wear very small sized dog training collars. Each time your dog barks the anti-bark control collar will give him a mild corrective warning and in case your dog continues barking the warning tone becomes stronger. There are six different levels of warning control that should help teach your dog not to bark.

This dog training system works on the principle that the sensors in the collar can sense vibrations in your dog’s throat and when your dog barks it activates the collar which will then judge the intensity of the barking and issue corresponding warning tones. These dog training systems are not at all dangerous and can in fact prove to be quite effective.

There are other kinds of dog training systems available including those that can help train your dog not to jump on the sofa. One such dog training system, Sofa Scram is pressure sensitive and it will emit a loud noise whenever your dog jumps on the sofa.

Another dog training system, Innotek Zone’s Instant Dog Barrier helps to keep your dog from entering into waste baskets and on chairs or countertops or beds where they do not belong. This particular dog training system is cordless and is shaped like a disc and can be placed where you don’t want your dog to enter. Your dog must be made to wear a collar that will emit sounds and which give him mild forms of stimulation to warn him whenever he gets too close to the disc.

PetSafe training systems can help ensure that your dog is better behaved at all times. If you find that your dog’s antics are taxing your patience and his behavior is a real bother then you need to try out some of the remote training products being offered by PetSafe that is one of the better dog training system companies.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Do You Really Need Dog Training Classes?

It is almost similar to sending your kid to a detention camp. Often this also becomes an issue with owners of dogs that if they are sending their dogs to training classes, then it is due to their failure, which has forced them to take this step. Instead of the owner training his own dog, it is sent to some other dog training class where some unknown person is training your beloved dog. Also it is believed that during the training period, the bond between the owner and the dog grows stronger, and if the dog is at some training class, how is this bond going to develop?

All these apprehensions are valid, but there are some things which are not considered if you are thinking in the similar way as described above. The thing is some dogs might be difficult, similar to some human beings who are difficult. In such a case it is important to guide them, which is out of the hands of an owner. That is why they are sent to dog training classes. In reality, dog training classes are very much beneficial for your dogs as they teach them how to behave in a family setting even in the presence of other animals.

There is nothing wrong in sending your dog to a dog training class, what is wrong is giving your dog training which is not required at all. Most of the dog training schools offer basic levels of obedience training, which is all a normal household needs. Just imagine what will be the use of a command, which asks your dog to refuse food until you permit him to do so? Apart from amusement to others and your ego satisfaction, there is nothing this command can do. It is an entirely different matter if you are planning to enter your dog in some sort of competition. In that case, your dog will require that sort of training.

So next time you go to a dog training class, just have a look at the basic training module. Basic training module in dog training classes covers commands like sit, stop, speak, lie down, or training puppy to fetch, which you will need for controlling your dog. You should not think that the better your dog is trained, the better it is. You just need to pay for the things that you want your dog to follow. Most of these things are taught in a basic dog training class.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Dog Training Shock Collar

There are some points in a life of a pet owner that one realizes the need to train the pet. For a dog for example, some may have disruptive behaviors every once in a while. Why is this so? Most authorities on dogs agree on two basics: (1) Almost all dogs have a protective instinct, and (2) this instinct may be enhanced to a high degree of efficiency by expert dog trainers. A dog is born with a certain temperament, but this may change, depending on the way it is raised and trained. With training, a special relationship develops between the owner and the dog. Almost as though having a sixth sense, his canine friend learns to discern what pleases or displeases his master and is quick to respond to his moods.

For example, one trainer commented that a nervous or bad-tempered person could hardly expect to have a calm, even-tempered dog. Owners with prejudice against a certain race or social class may even transmit this to their animal. Finally, whatever the nature of the person, he should not try to inculcate in a dog qualities that he himself does not possess. With its extremely delicate sensibilities, the dog adopts with ease its master’s temperament, reflects perfectly his mental state, just like an antenna that captures radio waves.

There are those, too, who believe that this sudden viciousness may be a carryover from the dog’s supposed ancestor, the wolf. Others feel that it may be due to a change of owner or of environment. Whatever the reason, if you have a dog or are thinking about getting one, you can rest assured that the examples quoted at the outset are the exception. You and your children can still enjoy the pleasure and companionship of a dog.

Through the help of modern technology, the birth of modern procedures of training pet dogs has been introduced to the human society. Tested and tried for so many years, dog training shock collars are noted for their amazing results on the behaviors of the dogs that used the said product. No, you should not fear that it might damage your dog’s health, physical or mental in the long run.

Dog training shock collars are made from safe materials, allowing only the right amount of electric shock needed to get your dog’s attention. Animal rights enthusiasts have also tried and well approved the distribution of dog training shock collars in the market to aide pet owners train their dogs especially if they have some considerable disruptive behaviors that may harm their owners.

It should be noted though that upon purchase of the dog training shock collars, the owners also take responsibility of handling the situation of taking care of their pets in a much serious matter. Yes, with the aide of remote dog training collar, you are sure to make your pet dog, the best one you ever had.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Dog Obedience Puppy Training

Once a dog owner gets over the euphoria of bringing home a new puppy, they will need to then understand the importance of providing early and proper dog obedience puppy training to their new acquisition. It is necessary that you get your puppy to learn how to behave around people in the home as well as when they are around others and most importantly when they are in the presence of other animals. The fact of the matter is that puppies, though wonderful creatures, need to be trained which in turn can often be a difficult as well as arduous task. So, after you have brought home a puppy, you should expect that training him will take up a lot of your time and energy.

Dogs, just like humans, have temperaments and their temperament in turn will be affected by the birthplace of the puppy as well as his breed. So, before setting out with dog obedience puppy training you will need to take a little time to understand various dog breeds as well as their characteristics and personalities so that you are able to apply the correct training techniques and methods.

Certain breeds such as Rottweiler, boxers, bull dogs and German Shepherds are well suited as guard dogs and they also are born with in-born abilities to love as well protect humans. On the other hand pointers, gun dogs as well as Labradors are hunting dogs and so are very energetic. You need to consider these traits before beginning your dog obedience puppy training.

Dog obedience puppy training is also a very time consuming activity and so you need to set aside at least a couple of weeks before the training will start showing desired results. You will need to act patiently and put in a fair amount of effort though the good news is that you only need to spend a few minutes on a daily basis rather than spend hours on end.

You need to also begin dog obedience puppy training by starting with the process of teaching simple and basic commands such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’ and ‘heel’ which are easy commands that every puppy can easily pick up very fast. Remember also that only after basic dog obedience training has been successfully completed can you then think about teaching your dog more advanced obedience commands. This initial dog obedience puppy training will help lay the foundation from which the dog can then be taught tricks and other acts such as guarding and protecting their owners.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Trim Your Dog's Nails With Ease

The one thing dogs are most afraid of and bothered by is nail trimming. It can be a daunting task for any dog owner. Here are some tips to make dog nail trimming easier for you and the dog.

A dog’s nails should be trimmed at least once a month as part of a regular pet grooming routine. Before trimming a dog’s nails, it is necessary to have the proper implement. Check your local pet supply store for more information.

To clip the nails, it is important to just cut the very tip of the nail and not go too far down the nail. This can cause bleeding and possible infection.

How do you get a dog to sit still for this procedure? Good question, but there are no easy answers. First you have to be able to get near the dog’s nails. The last thing you want to do is just take the nail and cut it. You have to start slow. Note, however, that it’s easier with puppies than older dogs since puppies seem to adapt better.

Most experts agree that first you have to get the dog used to your touching his paws. You may want to try the old standard, “Give me your paw.” At first you can shake it like a hand shaking another. Do this for some time until the dog gets used to this command and follow it with a treat.

Once you feel the dog has gained your trust, take out the clippers. Let your dog sniff them and look at them for some time. Practice this until the dog doesn’t show any aversion to the clippers.

Finally, the day has arrived. Begin by asking him to give you his paw, take out the clippers and cut one nail. Give him a treat and lots of praise. Check his reaction. If he reacts badly to it; put the clipper away and try again at another time.

Okay, it’s been a few days since the first nail was clipped. Now try again. This time you may find that the dog is little more receptive. Remember, he remembers the treat you gave him the first time around, so he may not give you a bad time.

Begin clipping each nail. Give him a half a dog treat, just like they do at the Westminster Dog shows. If you think you can go further, do it. Don’t hesitate or show that you are a bit nervous. Before you know it, you will have accomplished the impossible.

Reward yourself with a treat; you deserve it. Keep in mind; you are not hurting the dog in any way. In fact you are helping to prevent any pain and problems which can hamper the dog from walking properly.

For those who simply can’t stand the thought of trimming their dog’s nails, you have two choices: you can have the vet do it or you can have the dog groomed. Either way, they are done by professionals who will not harm the dog in any way.

Think of it this way, have you ever tried to type on a keyboard when your nails were too long? Difficult, isn’t it? Well, imagine a dog’s nail getting so long they curl up. Before that happens, start clipping a dogs nails from the outset and all will be well.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

The Causes of Worms in Dogs

There are a variety of worms that cause illness in your dogs such as: heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. What causes worms in dogs? Let’s take a closer look.

Hookworms are predominately found in dog feces. If your dog eats these feces they can develop this condition. Look for the following signs: loose stool or blood in the stool, the dog seems bloated, gas, has an unusual appetite, and his coat seems to be on the dull side.

Roundworms come from dogs ingesting the egg of the roundworm. In puppies, they may become infected through the mother. Signs that your dog has roundworm may be exhibited as follows: vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, gas, and an unusual appetite.

Heartworms are usually developed from mosquitoes. This condition can result during warm months when dogs are more exposed to these pests. Signs your dog may have heartworm includes: lethargy, coughing, appetite loss, difficult breathing, and may become more tired than usual after exercise. This condition requires immediate treatment from a vet.

Tapeworms are caused by dogs eating fleas. A regular inspection of your dog’s rectum to detect if there are any white rice-like parasites will clearly indicate your dog has tapeworms. Other signs may include: itching in the infected area, inability to digest food,
loss of weight, and stomach pain.

Whipworm is caused by dogs that eat other feces that have been infested with worms or if they happen to step in feces and lick their paw. A dog with this condition will have a bloody stool, unusual appetite, will become bloated, experience cramps, and have a dull coat.

There are other serious conditions which can affect a dog’s health, particularly puppies. While these are not attributed to worms, they should nonetheless be noted. Coccidia are parasites which are caused by digesting feces. Signs of this condition includes: loose stool, vomiting, loss of weight, and bloating. Coccidia infect the intestines of the pup.

Another parasite which can affect pups is called Giardia. Found mostly in areas where water is abundant, the ingestion of these parasites can cause loose stool, loss of weight, and bloating. These parasites feed on the small intestine.

Detection and early prevention can alleviate the symptoms affecting your dog or puppy.
A regular check-up will give a vet the opportunity to check for worms and other conditions by taking stool samples. If you find that your dog’s behavior or habits have changed in any way, make an appointment with your vet to ascertain the problem so that treatment can commence immediately.

Note: Some parasites can affect small children. To prevent this from occurring, ensure that your child does not come into contact with the dog’s feces. After your child plays with the dog, make sure he or she washes his hands thoroughly each and every time.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Dog Obedience Training: Get an Early Start

Dogs are known to vary in size as well as shape though they all have a propensity to dig up the earth in order to bury their bones and this characteristic in a dog can cause total ruination of your well laid garden or backyard. In addition, this habit of digging can prove to be bad for the discipline of your dog and so as a concerned dog owner you will need to first of all understand why your dog is digging up the earth and then find a way to solve the issue.

Often dogs will dig up the earth in order to give you a message such as asking for attention or indicating the need to get some more exercise. It could also be that your dog is trying to make a shelter for him or to create space to bury their food. To ensure that your dog does not persist with this and other bad habits you will need to understand what dog obedience training is all about.

When it concerns proper dog training you should keep the old saying “to err is human, to forgive divine” in your mind. Your dog will have a few bad habits that need to be eliminated and so, when you start with dog obedience training you need to ensure that you don’t make some common mistakes that are made by many dog owners.

A very common mistake is that dog owners do not take the trouble to learn about the lineage of their dog which is not good because some dogs happen to be very aggressive while others might be reticent. The thing that decides whether your dog turns out to be aggressive or reticent is their genes and so, before applying dog obedience training techniques you should keep in mind the genetic makeup of your dog.

Dog obedience training can also often turn out to be harder than you expected and the best way to ensure that the training succeeds is to develop a good relationship with your dog. Basically, all dogs are wild by nature and they are also pack animals; each pack has a leader who is the unquestioned authority figure which means that all other dogs will bend in front of the pack leader.

By ensuring that you become the pack leader you can make dog obedience training easier as well as more effective. In addition, you need to reward your dog every time he follows the dog obedience training commands as this will motivate him to obey you.

If you are dog lover then dog obedience puppy training must be a subject that is sure to make you feel very enthused. Bringing home a new puppy often has the same sentimental value as the birth of a newborn baby. It is therefore necessary that you understand the value of starting dog obedience training at as early a stage as is possible in the life of your puppy or dog as it will ensure easier training as well as eliminates the need to rectify bad habits that have been allowed to develop.