Anxiety among dogs is not a laughing matter; it is serious and if controlled could save you and your pet from having a lot of troubles heartaches and health problems. If your dog is aggressive, there may be psychological reasons. Other tall tale signs of pet anxiety are sleeplessness, nervous activity, over eating and excessive drooling. If any of these symptoms seem to be plaguing your pet, it is very important that you begin to watch his lifestyle for situations which may be causing him stress.If you notice times when your best friend seems to shake, run from you or come to you for comfort that may not simply be for play; he may be trying to tell you that he is having an anxiety attack.
Before you can control these attacks, you need to somehow try to understand what is upsetting your favorite pet. Your heart breaks for him as you do understand that stress is no fun. Many people acquire a pet in their lives to help them not to have those same problems. Initially, a major cause of stress and anxiety in a pet begins with separation upset. This is a psychological problem in dogs due to the fact that are overly devoted to the owner that may be forced to work long hours. They worry each time their friend leave them that they will never see them again. For some dogs an easy, but not inexpensive, cure for this problem is doggy day care. Another form of pet stress is social anxiety. This is caused by not allowing your dog to socialize with other pets during puppyhood. It is very important that your pet learns to play with other animals at a very young age. One of the most popular psychological problems among pets is noise anxiety. Many animals become agitated in thunder storms, when they hear loud music or yelling among the family members that they live with.
There are ways to diagnose and cope with these situations in your animal. Your pet does not have to suffer alone or quietly, and usually he won’t. Many dogs show their reaction to stress in aggression. Do not allow this to start and last, it could cause you to lose him. If he bites your neighbor’s child because you are not treating his anxiety and has to go to a shelter, is that fair to him? Look for the signs of animal anxiety attacks, calm his surroundings to try to have fewer contributing factors in his environment and talk to your veterinarian about how to treat his anxiety.
Your dog’s doctor may recommend any number of remedies to improve dog’s health. The first of which would be to try to end whatever it is that is upsetting him. If his stress is lessoned, you may find that your stress is alleviated, too. You both will benefit from a calm environment. If this does not seem to cure your best friend’s problems, it may be time to acquire a prescription medication to help. Tell his doctor what his symptoms are; be honest about what type of environment he lives in and you will be advised as to how to help your pet become a calmer happier friend to live with.
It is best to always have the good environment and great niche for dogs every time the owners are not around at home to take care of them. Similar to the child day care, there is also the so-called dog day care.
There are plenty of benefits that dog day care can bring to dogs as well as the dog owners. Aside from the fact that it provides a healthy and safe atmosphere for dogs, it also provides a lot of interaction for dogs with their fellow dogs. With this care, dogs are allowed to participate in group plays, hang out with humans inside the office, gnaw on their favorite toys, watch television and lounge freely on a couch. Furthermore, every dog feels being homed.
The idea of dog day care started out in 1987 at California. As the years went by, the idea rapidly grow like a phenomenal in the United States. Nowadays, there are several centers dedicated for dog day care. Even other dog businesses have added services for it. Nevertheless, not all dogs are appropriate for dog day care since there are dogs that are very aggressive and over-protective in nature.
As an owner of a dog day care center, the day care services must be deep and broad. Aside from the common services, the centers can combine services on grooming, training and overnight boarding. It can also include other extras such as aromatherapy treatments, canine massage, and dog check-ups by visiting veterinary professional. There are some centers that sell dog equipments such as leashes and collars, dog toys and treats.
A dog day care center is basically set on huge and open spaces such as renovated warehouses and pole building. It is huge because there are divisions provided in it where the separation of the large dogs, small dogs and medium-sized dogs is very important. Another thing to consider is that there is an outdoor exercise area for dogs to play and couch around. Some centers even provide furniture for climbing. Some may have tunnels where dogs can be able to hide in, climb and run around.
Not all dogs are allowed to enter a dog day care center. There is a screening process required for the dogs prior to entry. A center for dog care may have policies about preventive medical care. There is also an entrance exam required for dogs to take to assure that excessive shyness, fear or aggression will never be a problem. The screening processes of most centers for dog care involved interviews with the dog owners. It is important that dog owners must be honest about the behaviors and characteristics of their dogs. The evaluation of the dogs in the screening processes involves if the dog fearful of humans, protective of territory, toy or food aggressive.
As mentioned above, a dog day care is may not be advisable for all dogs especially for older dogs. There are cases that older dogs are having troubles in adjusting to the environment of a dog day care center. Older dogs often have the fear of adjusting to commotions, romping and playing around in a huge place. For shy dogs, they often get overwhelmed by the crowd of other dogs. And for aggressive dogs, they don’t usually have a place in group settings.
While clicker training for your dog is a simple and great way to start changing your dogs behavior, we are here to share with you all the needed items and supplies. Clicker training is a great, safe, and ideal way of training your dog the right way. This is a great training method that is working so well for so many dog owners.
Though there are some things you will need to know before starting this type of training, and most importantly the items or supplies needed to clicker train your dog. So we are here to simply break it down and discuss all the necessary supplies needed to clicker train your dog.
The first and for most item that you will need to supply for clicker training your dog is the actual clicker itself. This is the most important part of clicker training. Though when it comes to picking out a clicker you need to keep in mind things such as how sound sensitive is your dog. Though for most dogs just about any clicking noise will do even a toy clicker will work though it’s highly suggested to spend the few extra dollars to pick out a real clicker which will give your dog a unique and distinct sound that best communicates with your dog.
Once you have the clicker, the next supply you will need are a lot of treats. It’s ideal to use small treats, break apart one really big treat, or let your dog nibble on the larger treat through out the training period. Some may even suggest to use just a hand full of food giving one piece each time. Whatever you decide try to stay consistent with what kind of treats you use early in the training.
The last real supply needed to clicker train your dog is a good leash. While for clicker training it’s best to not use the flexi leash which gives your dog more room to roam around which are great for walks, but not for this type of training. The best type of leash for this particular training is a short but comfortable leash for both you and your dog. Some larger leashes may be used, but just try to shorten them up but not to tight. A nice comfortable feel for both will work perfect.
A leash is a supply needed to clicker train your dog and is highly recommend. Some trainers depending on where they are training at can get away with just the clicker and the treat. While in a group setting for clicker training and outdoor settings as well the leash is a supply needed to clicker train your dog.
As you will quickly find out that this type of training is one of the easiest, best, most effective, and the best part of all, it requires very few supplies. It’s as simple as going out and picking out a clicker, while we are sure that most dog owners could find that they already have over half of the supplies needed for clicker training.
So what are you waiting for? Why don’t you go and pick out a clicker today and start seeing your dog’s behavior change with just adding one more simple dog supply? You will not be able to find any other dog training that will require only going out and purchasing one more supply. That’s why clicker training is simple and cost effective for so many dog owners.
Here’s a little introduction to dog training clubs.
Dogs have been and continue to be one of the most popular pets in many households. They are a welcome addition to the family and serve many functions both physically and emotionally.
One of the biggest problems faced to a new dog owner is how to train their new ward. Being a dog owner brings responsibility both to the dog and to the environment where the dog will live. Ensuring that your dog is well trained will yield many rewards over the life of your dog. It also helps your dog know what is expected and what its limits are.
There are many approaches to dog training. Many owners want to train their own dog while others will seek professional help. Both methods have their good and bad aspects. For the purpose of this article, we are assuming that you want to train your own dog.
You can find books on dog training and learn how to do your own training. This is great if you have the time and discipline to follow a schedule of training. It is important that the training be consistent and that is builds on past lessons.
Another very pleasant way to train your dog is by joining a dog training club. There you will find people of like mind who also want their dogs well trained. A big advantage of a group setting is the socialization skills you dog will learn being around other types of dogs. You also have the ability to see how other people handle their pets and learn from observation.
A club will generally have one main instructor and helpers depending on the number of dogs in the class. Make sure when you look at training clubs to make sure that there is enough help available to you during the training sessions.
Go to the dog training clubs you are interested in and watch a few sessions. Do you like the methods the instructor uses? Are the dogs in the class responding in a positive manner or is it pandemonium? Taking the time to assess the clubs available to you will be time well spent.
Each training session should build upon the skills learned in prior visits. Between classes, it is necessary to work with your dog to be certain that they have mastered the prior lessons before moving on to new concepts.
Think of training your dog like building a sturdy home. If you don’t have a solid foundation, the entire house is in danger of collapse. But if you build a strong foundation, then you can confidently build upon it. The same idea applies to teaching your dog.
Working with your dog will provide you with a great feeling of accomplishment and you will be proud when strangers come up and compliment you on how well trained your dog is!
Let’s Start With Dog House Training Basics!
House training a dog is probably the most important training you can provide your dog. While most people think of house training as simply teaching the dog not to urinate or defecate in your home, it also should encompass the dog’s behavior both in the house and out in the yard. For now, we will focus on the aspect of “potty” training your dog.
Dog House training should begin before you bring your new pet home. It is important to have your plan in place before all the excitement starts when the new pup comes home. Determine where you will have your new charge live. Are you going to use a crate for training or block off a corner of a room for the new pup? It is important to have an area that is just for the pup to go. Crate training seems to be the simplest method of housebreaking. Blocking off a room works, but it can interrupt the traffic flow in your home and it requires having something absorbant on the floor the the dog to use to relieve themself.
When looking for a crate, consider how large your dog will be at maturity. Your dog should be able to stand in it’s crate with out any restrictions. There are many reputable vendors of quality crates for dogs.
One of the keys to successful dog training is establishing a schedule to teach your dog when it’s time to go outside to relieve itself. One of the easiest ways is to take the dog out right after it eats and drinks. Puppies will have to go out more often. Take the dog out and let them find a spot to go. Soon as they are done, give them effusive praise.
Make them think they just did the best thing in the world. Within a short time of doing this your dog will begin to associate eating with going outside. You are establishing a pattern for the dog to follow. Before you know it, your dog will either sit or stand by the door you use, letting you know it is time to go out.
The other mentioned method is sometimes referred to as “paper training”, generally because dog owners will use old newspapers for the dogs to soil on. The dog learns to use the paper to go on and then make the transition to going outside.
As you probably are thinking, this method has some drawbacks. The big one is the odor of having the dog relieving inside. The other is making the change from going inside to going outside. Also remember that the papers have to be cleaned frequently both for the dog’s HEALTH and your health.
In order to properly train your dog, certain dog training supplies are a must. Like any undertaking, if you have the correct tools, the job is much easier and better done. Most of us don’t need more than a few basic items. These are items that you will use over and over again whether you have one dog or a kennel full.
If you decide to try specialty training, like retrieving, there are most advanced items that will be of use. The point is that you can train you dog with a few simple items and add to your collection as the need arises.
To do “basic training” or “doggie boot camp” 3 items are required. A good quality leather training leash 6 foot in length, a training collar, and a long line ( 50 feet of clothesline will do). Any of these items can be purchased at your local pet supply, farm supply store or one of the large retailers. Make sure that you buy quality equipment – you don’t want your leash snapping in half if your dog decides to lunge unexpectedly. Considering how long you will be using this gear, spending the money for quality makes good sense.
Depending on who you might talk to about collars, you will find that there are 3 main materials for training collars; nylon, leather, and metal. And of course there are subcategories that are beyond the scope of this tutorial. We will discuss those types of items in the near future. For durability, it is suggested that you obtain a metal slip-chain type of collar. This is simply a length of smooth chain with strong loops on either end. By passing the collar material through one of the loops, you form the opening to put the collar over your dogs head. Nylon and leather are great for other applications in training and they will be discussed in the proper section.
Same idea goes for the leash. In this case, leather would be the material of choice. When shopping for a leash, be especially aware of how the collar clip is attached to the leash. You want to be confident that it won’t come apart at an inopportune moment. Try to find one that is held together with a few small “rivets”. This type will last a very long time.
For the long line, you have a little more leeway. Your dog will have some training under his or her collar before you start to use the long line and it generally is there to remind the dog that they are still on leash. Nylon clothesline seems to be the material of choice since most people have at least a few lengths of clothesline around the house. The exact length is not important, but somewhere between 30 and 50 feet is dandy. You may find that you want several long lines of differing lengths as you learn more about training your dog.
Now you have a brief summary of what type of Dog Training Supplies you need to start training your dog. It’s not that much to buy and the rewards will be priceless!
Training your dog can be a challenge, but fortunately, there are many fine products available to make the task easier and more enjoyable. There are some basic essentials that no dog owner can or should not be without and like most hobbies, plenty of training aids above and beyond the basic and ordinary.
Your basic arsenal of training aids should include a sturdy training collar, a leather leash 6’ or so in length, a “long line” about 30 – 50 feet long, and then a regular collar for the dog to wear regularly.
Collars can be made of several materials – nylon, leather and metal for example. General consensus points to the use of a metal slip type collar as the most effective and durable. Some of the metal collars are made of smooth chain, which is generally fine for most training situations. Others have prongs that can exert a stronger stimulus to the dog, especially is you are training a dog that is somewhat “strong minded”. While a few people will frown on the use of a choke type collar, just keep in mind what the purpose of correcting your dog is. You want your dog to obey in any situation for its own protection. If your dog becomes distracted, that is when disaster can strike. So, for the sake of your pet’s well being, a little discomfort surely is a fair compromise.
Leashes also come in nylon, metal and leather. Leather is generally the material of choice for training leashes. Some of the best leather leashes can be found at a leather makers shop or perhaps a good tack shop. Most likely, you can have a leash made to your own specifications. The larger the dog, the heavier the leash should be. Make sure that the clip which attaches to the collar is sturdy – brass is a good material for that. It won’t wear out quickly. The end you hold can have a loop or can be plain. The loop can be helpful to help hold the leash especially if you have a larger breed of dog.
The long line is used later on in your dogs training when you start to work on long sits, stays, downs, or any other action you need to teach your dog when it is not right by your side. This lead is not meant to take the full force of the dog’s weight, but to mainly serve as a reminder to your furry friend that they still are tethered to you.
Beyond the previously mentioned items, you will find many other very useful training helpers. If you are training hunting dogs, an electronic collar can be invaluable. You can also find training dummies for retrievers, batons for fetching and the list goes on and on. It’s hard not to become overwhelmed at the number of items that claim to be necessary for training your dog. Just keep in mind the idea of staying simple. Don’t buy a training aid unless and until it is necessitated for a certain stage of your dog’s education. Save your money and then buy the best that you can. You won’t regret spending money on quality equipment. It will last you a lifetime!!
Canine….. According to Webster canine means: “of or like a dog, of the family (Canidae) of carnivores that includes dogs, wolves, jackals, and foxes”.
Wow – that cute furry little puppy you are thinking of buying is a carnivore like wolves you hear howling in the night. That last comment was of course a little of an exaggeration, but that puppy is indeed related to more feral species like wolves and jackals. Because of those innate traits in your pups’ genetics, you do have to teach your dog how to act with humans.
Canine training is in essence taking that wild canine and turning it into a domesticated dog that will become a close and loyal companion for years to come.
Dogs have been man’s companions for thousands of years. Through the years, humans and their dogs have formed a very special bond. That bond can be considered a very good example of a symbiotic relationship. Both parties gain something from the interaction.
As society has changed, the dogs’ role has changed. In the past, dogs helped man hunt and work. Over time, their role has changed to being more of a companion. Certainly dogs are still used for hunting and work, but that has become a smaller percentage of the canine population. They now spend more time as companions.
Now that our dogs are spending more time in the house and in public, it is imperative that they have good manners. Nobody wants to be around a dog that jumps on guests, or creates messes in the house. Who likes to walk a dog that pulls you down the street? It is much nicer for the dog and master to take a nice peaceful walk rather than a mobile tug-of-war.
So – we all agree that our dogs need to be trained. How do we go about making it happen? It’s all up to you — the owner. No one will do it for you. And, the act of training your dog helps strengthen the bond between you and your canine. Before you even obtain a dog, you can be thinking of what type of training you want for your new ward. For sure you want to teach basic manners to your puppy. By starting to work with your pup at an early age, they will come to enjoy learning and pleasing you. They will also be better adjusted by knowing the rules of the house. Like their masters, they need routine.
As you progress with basic training, you may find that entering obedience competitions interest you. You and your furry friend can take training to a higher level and begin to compete for prizes and recognition. The more time you spend teaching your dog, the more enjoyable life will be for all.
The last few words were about just one aspect of canine training. As time permits, we will be including more examples of canine training and how much enjoyment can be had from it.
Dog Training Collars, what are they and why you want to use them
Training collars for dogs are a very useful tool for many situations that arise in the course of training your dog. Some people feel that the brief electrical impulse is inhumane, but when you think about how it might save your dogs life, a little shock isn’t so bad. You certainly don’t want to constantly be “zapping” your dog – the collars use would become less and less effective.
A training set consists of a collar with the receiver mounted on it and a transmitter that the trainer holds. Some units require replaceable batteries, while others have rechargeable batteries. Remember if you have a unit with batteries to always have spares on hand. The collar has usually two contacts that touch the dog’s skin. The pulse from the transmitter is converted by the receiver into an electrical stimulation of varying strength.
Hunting dogs are frequently trained with this type of collar. This gives the trainer control over the dogs even at great distances or in water. Modern collars besides shocking can also send a tone to the dog. So even far away, a dog can be corrected humanely and safely.
Another great use of training collars is for correcting problem behavior. Consider this – you have a dog that can’t resist a moving vehicle. Each time your dog sees one, it bolts out in the street. You have no control and your dog most likely will be run over at some point. Now, you learn how to use a training collar correctly.
When your dog decides it can’t resist that moving van coming down the street, you will have a say in the matter. Soon as he breaks from you to give chase, you can give a verbal command followed with “back-up” from the training collar. Most dogs will decide that their chasing days are over and learn to cease this dangerous behavior.
In closing, you now know two of the more common uses for dog training collars. They can be a wonderful training aid if used properly.
There are many kinds of dog training classes. You can find them for puppies, young dogs, obedience clubs, adult dogs, and the list goes on.
Taking your dog to a training class can be a very enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. Many people have never owned a dog, and by participating in a class, they can learn the basics of obedience in a hopefully orderly manner.
Many public service organizations that organize dog training classes like the Humane Society or local kennel club put on classes throughout the year. Perhaps the local extension agency offers classes as well. You can also find both public and private classes to take your dog to.
Probably the most common classes are in groups of 10 to 15 dogs with enough trainers and helpers to go around. This type of class can offer benefits that training your dog on your own can’t offer. For example, going to a class will help socialize your pup to both humans and other dogs. You will get the benefit of seeing what to do and what not to do by watching other dog owners in the class. The classes will help you form a framework to continue your dog’s education as well. Another benefit of classes is that you are handling your own dog, not having someone else do the training. Your dog will be bonded more closely to you and hence will feel more loyalty and desire to please you and not someone else. This can be very important, especially if you get into a situation where distractions could be a problem.
Private classes can also have advantages. Perhaps, your dog has developed a behavior trait or bad habit which you are having trouble dealing with on your own. Attending a private class to focus primarily on the particular problem can be very helpful. You certainly will pay more for this type of instruction, but it can be well worth the price. If this type of class fits your needs, ask around first before committing to a trainer. Get references and if possible, watch the trainer working with other dogs. This will give you an idea if you like their style and method of training.
Well, now you have an idea of what is available to help you train your dog. As more information becomes available, we will add it to the site, so check back often!