Dog Behavior Problems: Help! My Dog Is A Nuisance When He Misbehaves!

By Katherina Dearmitt

How many times have I hear fellow dog owners say, "I hate it when he barks non stop... or he utterly embarrassed me when he mounts people's leg". Dog owners usually have no problems to fill in tons of their dog behavioral problems into the above statements.

I have to admit that I feel disappointed, even sad whenever I hear dog owners say that statement. Why? Because, these owners have failed to see things from their dog's prospective! To put it simply, I should say that they don't understand their dogs at all.

Dogs do not misbehave because they're spiteful, or are out to annoy or anger you. They just behave in a manner which is expected of a dog!

The fact is that dog behavioral problems that we can't stand are not problems at all to the dogs. In fact, do you know that dogs "misbehave" for a reason or two? To list a few:

1. Dogs bark because they have something to say, something to tell you.

2. Dogs dig because they smell something underneath the ground.

3. Dogs chew because they are teething and are feeling uncomfortable.

4. Dogs chase after moving objects because they are following its instinct.

5. Dogs turn aggressive because they want to protect you.

For your information, most dogs actually misbehaved (in our eyes) because of the lack of care, concern and training from their very own owners:

1. Health Issue - Many behaviorists & dog trainers believe that at least 20% of all behavior problems are related to the dog's health in some way or another. For all that you might know. Your dog could be misbehaving because he is sick or in pain. Bring him to the vet for a thorough check-up if he misbehaves suddenly when he has always been a good dog.

2. Imbalance Diet - Feeding your dog the wrong food, with too high in protein, fat or carbohydrates is known to cause hyperactivity. Sugars, starches and many other factors in your dog's diet can also cause behavioral problems in your dog. Always read the label of the food before you feed him, seek advice if necessary. Remember that dogs need different type of food in different stages of their life.

3. Exercise - Lack of exercise also cause plentiful of problems. A dog that doesn't get enough exercise is unhealthy and tends to be hyperactive, and display destructive behaviors. Dogs depending on breed type need plentiful of exercises - Do consider this factor before you get a puppy.

4. Lack of Leadership -I can't stress enough on the importance of the leadership issue. Dogs display TONS of behavioral problems when they lack a leader. Aggressive & destructive behaviors, leg lifting, marking, mounting, barking & etc... It's very important that you assume the role of the alpha leader!

You must understand that all dog develop behavior problems. These dog behavior problems never develop in a vacuum. They are always the outcome of the interaction between a dog and its environment, including you! Most canine behavioral problems can be controlled if not solved completely. You just got to put in some effort and understand that prevention is better than cure.

Lastly, do try to see and comprehend things from your dog's prospective the next time your dog misbehaves. You'll soon find that you love him even more! - 32167

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Housebreaking A Puppy : A Short Guide

By Mark Walters

It takes time and patience to housebreak a puppy. It is important to understand that the learning skills of your puppy may be entirely different from the learning skills of another, and that the training cannot be rushed through.

It is believed that the best approach to housebreaking a puppy is to set, and stick to, a simple routine. If you are consistent with your training methods, your puppy will learn faster. Regularly changing a puppy's routine will confuse it, and confused puppies make slow, if any, progress.

The next step you need to take to housebreak your puppy is to determine the area of your yard that you want your puppy to use as its potty area. Your chosen place will become your puppy's outdoors comfort zone, and is where the actual training will take place.

What you should do is take your puppy to the potty area every day. Wait around in the area until it begins to defecate or urinate, and then give the puppy a treat, or show it some love. This is necessary to let your puppy know that it is doing what you want and that you are rewarding it for doing so.

You always have to reward your dog for a job well done. It can be great if you incorporate useful words like go poo or pee in there, so that whenever the puppy hears you say those words, he knows exactly what he is supposed to do.

Another consideration you should commit to memory is the puppy's feeding schedule. Again, consistency is important. Choose your feeding times and stick to them, even if it begs for food at other times.

Feed your puppy according to a schedule so that you can start to learn its bowel and urine habits. You decrease the chances of your puppy defecating or urinating in an appropriate place if you know when it is going to have to relieve itself. - 32167

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Richell Freestanding Pet Gate: Effectively and Attractively Contain Your Dog

By Michelle Robert

Are you trying to figure out how to prevent your dog from roaming all over your home while you are asleep or away? Do you need to keep a new puppy contained in a small part of your home until he is trained enough to have the run of the house? If you are facing these challenges, and need a functional, but attractive solution, you may be happy to learn about the Richell Freestanding Pet Gate.

When we faced this problem with our new puppy, there were several things that I was looking for. First, since we had a brand new home, I wanted a pet gate that was freestanding...yet sturdy...so that we would not have to drill holes in our walls, but would not be easily knocked over. And I also wanted something that looked like a "piece of furniture"....plastic type baby gates were not really an option. I wanted something that was pretty attractive.

When I found the Richell Freestanding Pet Gate, it was perfect for us because it fit all of these needs. It was easy to set up, freestanding but sturdy, and the wood finish was very attractive. But best of all, it really worked well!

It was also important for us to have size options. We needed something that would span a fairly large distance, and the size that we purchased, the Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate Large size was perfect: it can span from 39 inches to just over 71 inches. And at 20" high, it was great for being able to easily step over without having to move it aside, yet it provided the containment that we needed for our miniature schnauzer.

Now, it should be noted that if you have a larger dog...or one that loves to jump...you should consider getting a taller version. Richell makes two sizes that are "high", and the Richell Freestanding Pet Gate High-Large is probably the most versatile.

We have received a number of compliments on our Richell Freestanding Pet Gate from friends and neighbors who can't believe how something so effective and functional for dog training can look so nice in our home. This is a product where form and function definitely work together! - 32167

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Pet Stores Are A Virtual Mall

By Adriana Noton

In today's fast paced shopping world, the pet stores are beginning to look more like large shopping centers for you and your beloved pet. Just about anything you may ever need for your loved one can be found in these one stop stores.

Of all the animal products that are sold in these stores, the dog and cat products, are the most popular. Most generally you will often find cute little puppies and kittens in these shop windows just begging you to take them home. You will be able to find all of your pets foods and even their treats in these great stores.

The overall selection of food that you will find is huge and will contain just about any flavor that your pet could ever crave. Most generally you will find that these stores will actually carry the higher end brands with just a few choices in the middle priced ranges. These choices will also be able to cover all types of your pet needs throughout the stages of your pets life.

No matter if your animal is brand new or really old you will find that you will be able to cover your pets health needs. These pet stores will even offer you foods for those animals that have a special needs diet such as indoor food versus outdoor food.

Along with the shelves that are just filled with tons of different foods you will also find entire aisles filled with different types of supplements to keep your beloved pet healthy and happy. Of all these supplements probably the most common one purchased would be glucosamine which is great for your animals joints and any arthritis that they may be suffering from. You will also find other supplements such as fish oils, vitamins, and even supplements that you can add to your pets food to help them have healthy white teeth.

Along with all the great foods and vitamins you will also find tons of different cat and dog beds and even a kitty condo. All of these items are more common than a lot of people may think, but they also carry a variety of different items that you may not have thought of, such as a massage blanket for your puppies. They will never leave their bed again.

Once you have taken the time to get all of your cat and dog items you should also check out the other great animals such as birds, fish, and ferrets that these stores carry. You will find a lot of different cute and cuddly animals in these stores. With all of the toys and accessories they have available these days for your pets, you could spend a very long time in one of these stores.

Whether online or at your local shopping center, many pet stores are just as fully stocked as any mega stores that have for groceries, clothes or shoes. These kinds of stores cater to the family pets and treat them just like what they are to you - a beloved member of the family. - 32167

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Do It Yourself Dog Potty Training

By Sally Richardson

Your desire to have your own puppy is to enrich your household through your rewarding experiences with your pet. However, you know that there will be obstacles to this objective. One important wake up call to this situation is when your pet starts to create a mess inside your house and in your daily schedule.

But you know that there is one very good answer for this, dog training. Teaching your pet impeccable manners and good behavior has many dimensions. It also involves different actions and reactions that you want your dog to acquire. One of your priorities is to potty train your dog.

Potty training is not as daunting and stressful as you probably perceive it to be. There are even plenty of dog owners who opted to do their dog's training on their own. There could be a number of methods you could utilize for this and most of them are probably as effective as the other. But the basic idea is the same, teaching your willing student the concept of right and wrong.

With potty training, time is of the essence. The longer you delay the training, the higher the probability that your dog has started forming a habit of its own. Always remember that one of the basics of dog training is consistency which leads to the formation of the habit. This is one of the important things that your dog could understand.

The first step in potty training is to designate a spot for this. If possible, the floor must be easy to clean so that you could breeze through with the clean up in cases your pet misses the spot. Put layers of newspaper or cardboard over the designated area. When it is time for your pet to go to the bathroom, guide it on top of the layers of newspapers.

It is also important that you lavish your praise while your pet is at it. Delaying the shower of love for a job that is being well done might not be easily connected by the dog. Then, as you remove the pile of newspaper each time you clean up the mess, get a slightly soiled one and put on top. Your dog could then connect its bathroom requirement with the real function of the layers of paper.

As your dog slowly learn that this is the only spot for a bathroom, slowly shrink the size of the coverage area. If it misses the mark and messes the uncovered area, expand your newspaper cover again. Repeat with shrinking the spot in a gradual manner until your dog perfects the bathroom concept.

When you come to a point when your pet's mess is only as big as your newspaper layers, it is the proper time to move on with the training. Your next step is to either exchange the pile for an indoor toilet or move the heap towards the door. Your pet then is ready to be house trained as your pet has been successfully potty trained.

The basic rule in dog training is to help your pet form the right habit. Forming a habit requires patience because of the repetitions that it requires. But continue to persevere as this is one of the best ways towards your dream of a rewarding relationship with your pet. - 32167

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10 Top Tips for Looking After Your Dog

By Martin Davis

Dogs are very different from cats. A dog will need a lot more of your attention, but when treated right they will love you as much as you love them.

Tip 1 " When you first get your dog, it is a good idea to attach an identification tag to their collar. Many owners do this so if the dog goes missing or runs away the dog can be easily returned.

Tip 2 " Different countries have different laws regarding registering your dog. You will be required to register your dog in most countries. The general practice is to insert a microchip into the shoulder blade of the dog. By doing this, the dog is then registered so if lost will be returned.

Tip 3 - Whenever you are walking your dog away from your property it is important that they are always on a leash. Also check with your local authorities because you may find that certain breeds are classed as dangerous dogs and may be required to be muzzled when out in public.

Tip 4 " Leaving your dog outside for periods of time is generally fine, but make sure that there is plenty of shelter for the dog to hide away from the cold and rain. Make sure you still spend time with the dog outside as these animals are pack animals and like being around others.

Tip 5 " Make sure that you take your dog to vets regularly this is always a good idea so the dog get a regular check up. If you tend not to take your dog to the vets, then if you dog had a serious illness it could cost you a lot more.

Tip 6 - Unless you are intending to breed from your dog it is important that you have the spayed or neutered. Many dogs after having this routine surgery carried out tend to live much longer and tend to be much healthier and have far less behavioural problems.

Tip 7 " It is very important that your dog gets a well balanced nutritional diet. It is up to you what you feed your dog, from fresh meals or dry packed dog food. Most people choose the dry food as it is quick and easy. It is always good to speak to your vet about the best possible meals.

Tip 8 - If you have never owned a dog before then it is worth your while enrolling them in some obedience training classes. This way you can learn the most humane and safe ways to control your dog and provides you with a chance to bond much more closely with your animal. Your vet should be able to recommend a class for you, plus there are plenty who advertise in local newspapers and dog magazines. Before joining such classes go along and check them out first and speak with other dog owners who attend them.

Tip 9 " Dogs love to be out in the open, so taking your dog for walks once or twice a day is vital. A trip to park or around the local block is all it needs to keep your dog fit and healthy.

Tip 10 - It is important that you have a regular grooming in place for your dog, especially if you own a large dog or a dog with a long coat. As you are grooming them you can actually carry out some simple health checks as well. It is best to start at the head and work your way down. You need to check their eyes, ears, nose and mouth to make sure that they are all clean, clear and bright. If you notice any discharge or foul smells then arrange for your vet to carry out a more thorough inspection. After checking them over then it is a good idea to bathe and then groom your dog. As well as getting rid of any unwanted guests on their body you are also helping to remove any loose hair.

Above we have listed 10 of the most important points that will make sure your dog stays fit and healthy. - 32167

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Can You Learn From A Dog Training DVD?

By Brad Davenport

Technology has become a way of life for just about everyone all over the world. We do things quite differently these days than we ever have and this includes the way we train our animals. This is why you might be asking yourself is a dog training DVD a good way to learn?

Dog trainers are great, when they know their material. But how do you know if they do? You can research and try to find out by their website. Or you can go to class and take a chance. But look forward to paying for the personalized treatment, because a good trainer will not be cheap.

When you're talking about something that is a ?how to? method, such as dog training, it is often better to be able to watch the process in action so that you can immediately try it and implement it. Dog training is one of those scenarios where you really need to see exactly what the trainer is doing in real time so that you can try it out with your own pet.

Why not take that money and invest in a DVD course? Look at the advantages of it: you are on your schedule, all the time. If you need a break, you can stop. If the dog starts acting up, you can take a break and pick it up later. And best of all, if you are just too tired tonight, you can reschedule without having to pay a penalty. It is totally up to you.

Another great thing about these courses are that sometimes we have to see something more than once. Some of us are visual learners and it takes a little repetition to sink in. That's where the rewind button comes in. You can start it over as many times as it takes.

So, if you want to know if a dog training DVD a good way to learn, it really depends on what you consider a good use of your time. You can either spend it carting your canine back and forth to class, or you spend that time more wisely in the comfort of your own home. - 32167

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