Dog Training

For most dog owners, choosing among the many dog kennels that are out there is one of the hardest tasks to do, especially because you are already faced with the prospect of going away from home without your best pal.

No matter where you decide to leave your dog, no one will be able to take care of them like you can, so you want a place that is as comfortable and as close to home as possible for your dog.

Remember that some dog kennels are going to be pricier than others, as some of the more expensive facilities considered “dog boarding spas” will very much cater to your dog’s individual needs. Not everyone can afford these expensive facilities though.

With that in mind, here are some tips to help you find an affordable dog boarding facility that is right for your pooch…

Requires Vaccinations: Remember that your dog will be boarded alongside other pets, so it is best to find a facility that requires dogs to be updated on vaccinations before kenneling. This is to protect your dogs as much as it is to protect the staff. The two most important vaccinations are rabies and bordetella. The bordetella shot protects dogs from receiving “kennel cough,” a common cold that is passed from dogs who are boarded in close proximity.

Meets Your Dog’s Needs: Unfortunately there are some dog boarding kennels that are just overwhelmed with too many dogs and too little staff. This means your dog will probably get the basic necessities like being let out to go to the bathroom on a minimal basis and getting two meals a day. A good facility will make sure your dog receives necessary medications, special foods for their diet, as well as adequate outdoor time.

If you are going out of town and have a new puppy, you may also want to consider finding a place like a puppy kennel that specifically takes care of puppies or at least a facility that has adequate staff to watch over a potty training puppy.

A Clean Facility: One of the most important factors you should look for is a clean facility. This means that the kennels are hosed down on a regular basis to remove any urine or feces. As well, the facility is cleaned with disinfectants and the animals are cleaned immediately in the case of an accident. When you stop by to check out the facility, if the kennels and dogs there don’t seem clean, trust your instincts.

Adequate Exercise Facilities: Many experienced dog owners will tell you that the most frustrating experience with dog kennels is coming home to find their dog bouncing off the walls. Although they will inevitably be excited to see you, this can also mean that they didn’t receive any exercise while you were gone. While it might be nice to board your pet at a veterinarian’s office because of the comforts of having a pet doctor nearby, many don’t have any backyard space for exercising the dogs.

If your dog has medium to high level exercise needs, you should look for a place that has a fenced in play yard or one that offers special services for extra prices, like a game of fetch twice a day or an extra walk for fifteen minutes. Although dog kennels will never be home to your pet, they shouldn’t be a traumatizing experience either. Finding a place that treats your pet right will help you enjoy your time away from home.

When Richard Livitski isn’t busy digging up information about dog kennels, he’s working on his dog names website http://www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names as well as grooming, training, and dog care tips can be found.

Richard Livitski
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/dog-kennels-select-the-right-one-for-peace-of-mind-when-youre-out-of-town-108967.html

I just got a puppy…he’s not house broken…so I have the fun of training…any tips?

I potty trained both of my dogs by leashing them to me while I was home with them. That way I could keep an eye on when they were about to go. The key is to catch them before or in the act and praise or relocate them to the outside accordingly.

I just got a puppy…he’s not house broken…so I have the fun of training…any tips?

I potty trained both of my dogs by leashing them to me while I was home with them. That way I could keep an eye on when they were about to go. The key is to catch them before or in the act and praise or relocate them to the outside accordingly.

For most people foxes are madcap animals that are best left deserted in their birth habitants. However there are some people who have discovered the joys of charge a fox as a pet. It may surprise to some, but caring for a fox as an exotic pet may not be as testing as it seems.

Knowing Foxes can be like dogs. They oblige attention and a lot of socialization. They are fully bouncy, active, and strange. These intelligent creatures are also cunning, and flexible. They can clearly elude, and therefore it is important to see that they are sheltered where they possibly to forestall losing them.

Foxes have characteristic odors caused by oil and sweat glands. To stop them from smelling, it is important to keep them cool and well ventilated so that they won’t closet oils excessively. Occasional swim may also be advisable but too much bathing can instigate aridness that exacerbates the secretion of scent-causing oils.

Making a Home for the Fox Foxes can be very much treated like dogs; however they should be put in assured cages when they are not being watched since they can easily outflow. A dog coop is sufficient to guarantee them within, evade-proof pens may be used outside. When walking foxes, it is important to strap them strongly enough so they can’t drip.

Feeding the Fox Foxes are omnivorous animals, they can eat almost anything. Thus it is important for them to have a balanced diet. There are commercial dry foods unfilled on the sell, specifically made for foolish animals. These make great bases for their diet. Foxes may also be fed with premium cat or dog food. To make the fox’s diet different, fruits, vegetables, eggs, mice, mealworms, and crickets may be added.

Potty Training

The fox species can be skilled to use the litter box. It is advisable to use a roofed box because foxes dig in the violent when they ooze. Potty exercise is beautiful much like the same with dogs. Give rewards and praise for each time they use the litter box, but punishments should be avoided when they defecate away. When the fox is on the limit of defecating or urinating, it should merely be enthused to the litter box.

Caring for the Foxes’ Health

It is important to give the fox to the vet steadily. Their vigor precision is cute much like to dogs, and thus can be very simple to cope. Having a fox as an exotic pet can be rewarding. These little critters may confirm to be a great companion and perhaps a best comrade as well.

Judd Snell
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/training-an-exotic-animal-752258.html

For most people foxes are madcap animals that are best left deserted in their birth habitants. However there are some people who have discovered the joys of charge a fox as a pet. It may surprise to some, but caring for a fox as an exotic pet may not be as testing as it seems.

Knowing Foxes can be like dogs. They oblige attention and a lot of socialization. They are fully bouncy, active, and strange. These intelligent creatures are also cunning, and flexible. They can clearly elude, and therefore it is important to see that they are sheltered where they possibly to forestall losing them.

Foxes have characteristic odors caused by oil and sweat glands. To stop them from smelling, it is important to keep them cool and well ventilated so that they won’t closet oils excessively. Occasional swim may also be advisable but too much bathing can instigate aridness that exacerbates the secretion of scent-causing oils.

Making a Home for the Fox Foxes can be very much treated like dogs; however they should be put in assured cages when they are not being watched since they can easily outflow. A dog coop is sufficient to guarantee them within, evade-proof pens may be used outside. When walking foxes, it is important to strap them strongly enough so they can’t drip.

Feeding the Fox Foxes are omnivorous animals, they can eat almost anything. Thus it is important for them to have a balanced diet. There are commercial dry foods unfilled on the sell, specifically made for foolish animals. These make great bases for their diet. Foxes may also be fed with premium cat or dog food. To make the fox’s diet different, fruits, vegetables, eggs, mice, mealworms, and crickets may be added.

Potty Training

The fox species can be skilled to use the litter box. It is advisable to use a roofed box because foxes dig in the violent when they ooze. Potty exercise is beautiful much like the same with dogs. Give rewards and praise for each time they use the litter box, but punishments should be avoided when they defecate away. When the fox is on the limit of defecating or urinating, it should merely be enthused to the litter box.

Caring for the Foxes’ Health

It is important to give the fox to the vet steadily. Their vigor precision is cute much like to dogs, and thus can be very simple to cope. Having a fox as an exotic pet can be rewarding. These little critters may confirm to be a great companion and perhaps a best comrade as well.

Judd Snell
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/training-an-exotic-animal-752258.html

The dog is two years old, and his last owner was abusive!!!

Put him outside in the same place each time and after every meal, also when first getting up in the morning and before bedtime. Use a word – we say "spend a penny" they sooon know what you expect and soon do it for you. Bless her – ours squeezes a wee even when she does not realy need to that much! – Suet

Everyone needs a space of their own. You have your home office or den, your husband has the garage or workshop, your children have their bedrooms. But what about the dog? Even the family dog needs a space of his own from time to time. This is the true function of the dog crate. Many dog owners refuse to use them because of the negative connotations that come with it. But, if used properly, a dog crate or a small dog cage, can serve as a place of solitude for your dog.

In order for the crate to be a positive experience for your dog, begin the process of crate training on a day or night when you have time to stay at home and observe your dog’s behavior. During the day, for instance, put your dog inside the crate for short periods say, 15-minute intervals. A successful crating session has happened if your dog seems comfortable. If your dog whines or tries to get your attention, ignore her, but take note. If it’s simply a cry for attention, she will soon learn that crate time is personal time, and will begin to occupy herself or rest. If the whining worsens, or does not go away over a few days of consistent crating sessions, there may be a deeper issue there, and you should consult an expert.

To reinforce the idea that the crate should be a positive experience, crate your dog several times during the day and increase each session by five minutes. After each session resume your dog’s normal routine, taking play breaks and walks outside. By the end of the day, you should be up to a full 30 minutes of crate time.

That evening, put her to bed in the crate after she’s had her nightly bathroom break, of course. Chances are, she will fall right to sleep.

If she spends her 15-minute interval whining, simply continue crating her throughout the day in 15-minute intervals until she begins to feel comfortable enough to stop trying to get your attention. By bedtime, she should be comfortable enough to spend a night in the crate. If she whimpers at this point, don’t worry – especially if she is very young. A young puppy will still be suffering from separation anxiety and missing her mother. Successful crate training will provide comfort and stability during this difficult transition period.

The crate can also be an invaluable tool when it comes to housebreaking your dog. It is a rare dog that will go to the bathroom when confined to a small space. Like humans, they find the idea of soiling themselves pretty disgusting and will avoid doing so if at all possible. For that reason, if you are crate-training and potty-training at the same time, take your dog outside to use the bathroom after each crate session. Give her five or 10 minutes to do her business and praise her lavishly when she does.

If you are using the crate specifically to potty train, you may want to recrate her after a nonproductive bathroom break. Once she goes in the yard, however, praise her lavishly and release her to play.

Many people who use crates for their dogs leave the crate door open when the dog is not inside, in order to give the pooch access to it. Remember, the crate is a good thing. It is your dog’s room. The fact that your dog chooses to spend time there on her own is a good sign. This will become a place of security and will provide peace of mind for both you and your dog.

Jeff Clare
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/are-there-benefits-to-crating-your-dog-132569.html

When considering the birth rates among animals, it is not hard to understand why animal shelters are always filled with animals waiting to be adopted. Shockingly, it has been calculated that over a seven year period, one female cat and her offspring will produce approximately 420,000 kittens. Likewise, one female dog and her offspring will produce 67,000 puppies during a six year period. Since there are more animals looking for homes than there are people who want to adopt them, some 6.5 million animals are euthanized each year.

Given the statistics cited above, adopting an animal can be a kind and loving thing to do. However, before making the final decision to adopt, there are a number of things to consider.

Many of the animals awaiting adoption in shelters have had very rough beginnings. Some were abused, some abandoned and some were ‘turned in’ because the owners did not have time for them. Many were left alone for long periods and some were never properly potty trained. In short, when adopting an animal you must be prepared to work with them. They may come to you cowed or with feelings of trepidation and may be overly sensitive to your tone of voice or to any commands you might give them. You will need to be patient and by all means, loving. When they finally realize that they can trust you they will reward you with more affection and loyalty than you can imagine.

Adopting a dog as a means of entertaining a small child is not recommended. A dog is not a toy and should not be treated as one. Small children should be trained to understand ‘animal etiquette’. In other words, animals are not to be hit, dragged, ridden or teased. They should understand that being overly aggressive with a new dog, especially one recently adopted, could cause the dog to react by biting or running away. If feeding and exercising the dog is to be the responsibility of a child, an adult should follow up to be sure these things are getting done. It is not the fault of the dog if a child fails to meet his or her obligations and the dog should not have to suffer for the child’s failure.

Many adopted dogs will come to the new surroundings filled with fears based upon earlier mistreatment or the harsh rules of their previous owners. Some dogs will be reluctant to go from one room to another, will shy away when corrected and hide upon hearing a loud noise. New owners must be patient with them and speak to them softly and affectionately. Dogs are not stupid and they will gradually come to understand their new environment and show their appreciation for your loving care.

When contemplating adoption, prospective new owners should be prepared to deal with the fact that their new adoptee may not be completely housebroken. Previous owners may have been irresponsible in their approach to this training; furthermore, when the dog was placed in the shelter it continued to do its ‘business’ right in its pen. Housebreaking is not a complex chore and should not deter someone from adopting a pet. Some owners will use a cage to assist in this training, while others will just take the dog out for a walk several times a day. Fenced yards and doggie doors are minimal expenses that pay extra dividends on cold or rainy days.

Adopted dogs are subject to all of the behavioral problems commonly associated to dogs in general. These would include digging, jumping up on people, jumping fences, barking and nipping. There are proven solutions to all of these ‘offenses.’ If your dog is prone to digging, and always digs in one area, there are a number of effective repellent sprays that work well. If he digs under your fence, a little buried chicken wire works wonders in breaking that habit. Spray bottles filled with water should be kept at hand to break a dog from jumping up and to combat incessant barking. A quick spritz in the face immediately following, or during, the offensive behavior will usually bring about a quick behavior modification.

Visiting an animal shelter can be an emotional experience for an animal lover. It is difficult to see all the animals in their pens and not want to take them all home. Such feelings are understandable and commendable; however, just be sure that prior to adoption you consider all of the ramifications. And remember, your best friend is waiting for you at your local animal shelter.

Paul P. Duxbury
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/are-you-thinking-of-adopting-a-dog-86722.html

my mom got a dog from the pound and she is disabled so it is hard for her to take dog out. so when i can’t be there she uses potty training pads for in the house. when i am there the dog has unlimited access to the outside, but comes in to go potty. how do i change this behavior?

I have the perfect system for you. It’s the tinkle bell method. Go to hobby lobby and buy a Tinkle Bell or Jingle bell whatever you want to call it. Hang it on the door with plastic string (so your dong wont want to chew it).

Then ring the bell 25-35 times and every time you do it give them their favorite treat.
Then they will ring the bell themselves receiving a treat everytime.
After your dog rings the bell start taking them out side and praising them with more treats when they go poo poo or potty.

When they use the restroom inside on the pad hold them down in a dominating state and let them know this is bad(spanking is not necessary) Then after you pick up the pad have them ring the bell and take them and the pad outside and give them a treat showing your dog the spot outside you want them to go potty at.

This gets tedious but the pay off is great. I trained our 2 year old lab/boxer mix as well as our new 8 week old chiuahuah/pommeranian mix. They use the bell eveytime they want to go outside and it took 3 days to learn and about 2 weeks to perfect.

SENIOR CITIZEN DOG

The sands of time. Old age. Your dog has finally graduated to being a senior citizen. The reality must have finally dawned on you that his mental and physical capabilities are not the same as it used to be. Your ‘top-dog’ is now an ‘old-dog’. S/he has slowed down. Does it mean that the man-dog bond should become the victim to the ravages of time? No! He has seen your children grow. S/he has been a constant companion and a guardian angel to your children. Your dog has shared all the trials and tribulations of life with you. He may have come to you with all knowing brooding eyes and given you a morale boosting lick, when you were down in the dumps. He may have laid his head on your feet and shared your grief. He may have enhanced your happiness by jumping with joy, during your better days. For the better or worse, during pains or gains, he has been an unwavering friend.

Your dog is the only one, whose love is unselfish, with absolutely no strings attached. Even if you are a pauper or a prince, a mendicant or a merchant, his love for you would be the same. Regardless of your social status, your dog will lick your hand with the same love. Pure unselfish love, to the very core. His/her world begins and ends with you. Now, just because he is old, do your want to part ways? I am sure you are no fair-weather friend. You could derive even greater satisfaction, pleasure and happiness by making subtle alterations in the life-style of your dear senior citizen , who has given you his unflinching love and dedicated the best years of his/her life to your family.

Initial signs of FWT( fair wear and tear) are seen in dogs between 8-10 years of age. This is the appropriate age to initiate changes in his life-style. Moderate exercise should be given, fat intake should be reduced and fiber in diet should be increased. Don’t expect your dog to perform the same physical tasks as before. It is very necessary to reduce his fat intake to prevent obesity. Obesity means increased load on the cardiovascular and skeletal system that could precipitate CAD(coronary artery disease) and arthritis, not to mention scores of secondary complications and maladies. Increased dietary fiber would facilitate easy evacuation.

Incorporate moderate amounts of garlic and turmeric in the diet of your senior citizen dog. Various research findings have proved that garlic is anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and prevents accumulation of fats and reduces formations of clots in blood vessals. Turmeric has been found to be antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It has been found to be hepato-protective and increases secretion of bile. Don’t worry if your honoured senior citizen wrinkles his nose and walks away when you serve him your culinary preparations. You could accommodate your dogs refined tastes by masking the garlic/turmeric in his favourite dishes like meat/chicken soup etc. sooner or later he will start enjoying the fruits of your kitchen skills.

Avoid giving him white bread, biscuits made out of refined flour, cakes etc. in large amounts as it could cause constipation. You could give him whole-wheat bread, high fiber biscuits instead. Give him plenty of veggies and leafy vegetables. I have seen that some dogs adore raw carrots. If so, you are a blessed owner. Supplement his diet with vitamins and minerals after consulting your vet. Give him plenty of TLC(tender loving care). A happy old-dog means you have a contented close-knit family and your heart is in the right place. I have observed that owners who stand by their old dog also invariably are good sons/daughters to their old parents.

In addition to the normal process of aging, let me discuss specific degenerative conditions in old-dogs, so that owners are aware of such conditions and could have a more proactive relationship with their vet doctor, that would inturn result in an enhanced quality of medical care for their dear dog. Read on carefully.

If your senile dog appears disoriented and forgets his way back, has difficulty in recognizing your friends/neighbours, starts sleeping through out the day(has disrupted sleep/wake cycle), keeps brooding in a corner and no longer demands your attention, shows less enthusiasm on greeting/ cuddling/petting and there is loss of house training or potty training, then all or any of these symptoms may be due to the fact that your dog may be suffering from a neuro-degenerative geriatric disease called as CCDS(Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome). If your old dog shows the above symptoms discuss it with your vet and go for a complete physiological, neurological and laboratory screening to exclude other medical conditions.

Make no mistake. These symptoms, resulting from the deterioration of cognitive ability of your dog, is not a part of the normal process of aging, but is a neuro-degenerative change of the brain, that can surely be combated with modern therapy.

Research has shown that tablet Anipryl (Pfizer) which contains Selegiline hydrochloride , could reduce distressing symptoms of CCDS( canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome)at the dose rate of 0.5 to 1 mg/kg bodyweight, orally, once daily in the morning , initially for about a month. Your vet doctor would know about the various contraindications and fatal drug interactions, therefore your are cautioned not to self medicate your dog.` This information is provided to that you could have a better interaction with your vet, leading to a healthy ,happy and contented life for your loving ‘old-dog’. Happy dog means a happy family.

About the author: The author is the Officer Commanding of National Training Centre for Dogs, BTC,ITBP and has been involved in the canine field for nearly two decades. He has a masters degree in Veterinary Surgery & Radiology from Pantnagar.

SUDHAKAR NATARAJAN
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/senior-citizen-dog-118348.html