Google

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Free Dog Training - What You Should Know About It

Dogs, like humans, need exercises. A physically fit canine is pleasant to look. Those are able to perform the tasks well without undue fatigue and stress. Pets which possess a sedentary lifestyle results to obesity. Those are easily bored. We advice a free dog training to get rid of this undesirable effects.

Training is an essential part of life, may it be to humans or animals. It comes in various forms. Walking is the best exercise. A morning walk with your dog along the streets is a very good idea. Your dog and you got to sweat a lot as well as you both stretch those muscles.

After this, you can choose to stay in the park. Sit for a while so that you can have rest. Another game plan would be giving your doggie some basic instructions. Take for example, throwing a thing like an empty bottle of purified water within a short distance.

Let your dog grab that little container and then instruct to give it to you. Do this for several times. By this, you are not just leading a healthy life but also providing them a healthy environment and lifestyle. Moreover, you can also do improvised training strategies to make it more fun and exciting.

Doing it in your homes will only require efforts, determination and less expenses. Teach your puppy or dog some basic things. Say for example peeing and defecating on a specific place. If it surpassed this training, be creative enough to teach those domesticated pets of other tasks.

Some dog owners educate them on counting numbers through barking. This is the beauty of training it freely. You can always think of all possible tasks for your pet to complete.

Evaluate the daily progress in your pet's performance. Free dog training can always be your option. Be sure that you are enjoying what you are doing.

By Daniel Hansen

The Origin of the Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland at "Guisachan" near "Glen Afric". It was Lord Tweedmouth, as documented, bred the first dog dated back to 1800s.

The Tweed Water Spaniel- this is the first bred a female named "Belle" this kind is rare to find but common in border country, Irish Setter, Newfoundland, and Bloodhound, which today considered to be the main breed of Golden Retriever. They have that yellow color and good in hunting and other game.

Crocus, Primrose, Cowslip, and Ada serve as a foundation of the Golden Retriever. It is a cross breed between Tweed Water Spaniel (a breed that now ceases to exist) and the Flat Coat Retriever. The Red Setter, the Newfoundland and the Bloodhound, was also cross breed to produce other Golden Retrievers.

Out of combining different breed just to produce this kind of dog, inherited traits become an asset to this dog. Like sweet disposition as a family companion and a spirit of vivacity, intelligence, beauty, gentle, best surrogate mothers, kind; friendly, confident and they have that hunting and tracking ability which cannot be found in other breed of dogs.

The Golden Retriever was presented for the first time by Lord Harcourt in a Kennel Club show in 1908. Lord Harcourt named it as the golden retriever, but the Kennel Club registered it as the golden variety of the Flat Coat Retriever. This breed was seen in America through export by 1920s it was registered by American Kennel Club. Their life span can reach live 10 to 13 years. In order to meet this average life span they should be given much attention.

These dogs are active workers, this is one of their good traits they have. Once given a task , activities or sent out for training they are focused on what they are doing. The dog owner should be aware and watchful because they can be stressed and some times obese if the food intake is more than enough than what they need. Close monitoring on feeding and activity of the dogs is very important to avoid risking their lives.

By Kristen Stevens

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

How To Deal With Your Dog's Shyness Problem


Is your dog or puppy shy or afraid of strangers, certain situations or objects? Is your dog fear snapping or is your puppy fear biting?

Is Shyness a Problem or Not?

It is natural for some dogs to be shy of things that are new and unfamiliar. During development, a dog becomes socialized with familiar people, animals, objects and situations. But they will still tend to shy away from the unfamiliar. Shyness in itself is not a problem. It is only a problem if the dog's shyness inhibits your lifestyle or if the dog develops other problems related to shyness such as fear biting. Shy dogs often bolt when frightened, endangering themselves by running blindly into danger, such as traffic.

Unintentionally Training Your Dog or Puppy to be Shy

In a well meaning attempt to calm their dog's fears, many people end up actually reinforcing the dog's shy behavior.

In effect, the owner inadvertently trains the dog to be more fearful. Be careful not to reinforce your dog's fearfulness by offering reassurance. When our timid dog hides, barks defensively, whines, screams or snaps, our response is only natural. Our protective instincts cause us to reassure the dog by talking soothingly, petting or even picking up the dog for a hug. These actions flagrantly reward the dog for his fearful behavior.

It is best to just completely ignore your dog when he acts fearful. Let him learn by his own experience that there is nothing to be afraid of.

Save your praise and reassurance for times when your dog acts with confidence.

Shyness, Fear and Socialization

Many people try to rehabilitate their dog too quickly, forcing him to socialize with other dogs and people. This usually reinforces the dog's view that other dogs and people are frightening.

On the one hand, the dog needs to be socialized as quickly as possible, but on the other hand, he should not be forced into it. If you push your dog to do too much too soon, your dog will only become more fearful and may be forced into a situation where he feels he must defend himself.

Socializing a dog and helping him build his confidence is a time consuming task. Thrusting him into the arms of every visitor and dragging him out to socialize with many other dogs can be counter-productive.

Strangers should never be allowed to approach your dog to pet him. It should always be left to your dog to make the first contact. If your dog does not want to approach, that is OK. Just give him plenty of time to 'hide and peek' and eventually he will come out of hiding. It's up to you to provide ample opportunity for socialization, but it is up to the dog to proceed at his own pace. Don't verbally try to encourage him out of hiding. He will probably interpret your encouragement as praise for hiding. Don't try to force him to come out - this will only frighten him even more.

Fearful Snapping, Growling and Aggression

Shy or fearful dogs can react defensively when approached by unfamiliar people. They may try to keep strangers away by growling, snarling or snapping. These behaviors must not be ignored.

No dog should be allowed to get away with acting aggressively towards humans. The fact that your dog is shy is no excuse to condone growling or biting. You must instantly and effectively reprimand such behavior.

As soon as your dog stops acting aggressive, it is essential that you praise him. We do not want your dog to think that the presence of the stranger brings on the reprimand, but that his own obnoxious behavior causes you to get angry. If it is ever necessary for you to reprimand aggressive tendencies in your shy dog, you have probably been trying to push him along too quickly.

Avoid similar threatening situations until your dog has developed sufficient confidence to deal with them without resorting to aggression. Do not allow strangers to reprimand your fearful or shy dog.

By Kum Chee

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

8 Tips on How to Train a Dog

Having a dog as your companion can be a true joy. However, you don’t want your beloved buddy chewing your new shoes or going to the bathroom in the house. Therefore, you need to create a dog training plan to help your new puppy or dog understand the rules of the house.

What things should you focus on in dog training when you want your dog to understand the expected behaviors and even some fun tricks? Should you take dog training classes or complete dog training all on your own? The answer to these questions is that it depends. Take a look at the following dog training options to determine what type of dog training you want to provide for your canine best friend.

Possible dog training options include: a beginning obedience class that you can take through your local human society, dog supply stores such as PETCO, community recreation departments, and local colleges. These dog training classes can vary in price, time commitment, and personal attention. They are usually affordable and meet once a week at a community park. It is a great way to not only have your dog experience basic dog training, but socialize with other dogs as well.

If you have the financial resources and time you can hire a personal dog trainer. This type of trainer may be necessary if your pooch is having a hard time in basic classes and your dog training efforts aren’t making a difference. Before you invest in a private dog trainer it is important to make an accurate assessment of your dog training methods. Often times a dog that is not following directions is the result of the poor dog training by the dog’s owner.

A private dog trainer might be necessary if you are going to show your dog at dog shows. You can hire a dog trainer/handler or you can become one yourself. If you do, you must know the proper dog training techniques. You don’t want to have Fido jump up on the judges during the competition so he must be trained thoroughly and correctly.

You can also search through dog training books, guides, and various resources. There are products that will help you complete dog training such as special collars and muzzles. You can effectively go through a dog training regime with your canine if you follow these eight dog training tips.

Tip #1: Many people start their dog on the path to dog training success by enrolling them in a basic obedience class. This is a great idea because you will learn how to teach your do basic commands such as “sit”, “stay”, and “heel”.

You can teach these dog training commands by using verbal commands and physical actions. For example, right after you say the word “sit” you gently push your dog’s bottom down onto the ground and put them in the sit position. Immediately say “good” and smile. Give them a tasty treat as well. Basically, you want to do as much as you can to reinforce the action of sitting when you say “sit”.

Tip #2: Dogs act like absorbent sponges when it comes to learning proper behavior and tricks. If you do your job properly then dog training should be a hit. Your dog is ready and eager to learn proper behavior. They want to please you. Therefore, if they aren’t following your instruction it might not be their fault. You might be giving confusing dog training instructions.

Tip #3: Dogs thrive on positive reinforcement and encouragement. Positive reinforcement such as acting excited and petting your dog when they do the right behavior help with your dog training efforts. It is a dogâ™s nature to want to be close to you and make you happy. Showing encouragement and praise will help your dog much farther, much faster in their dog training. Make sure to encourage a dog through each dog training accomplishment, no matter how big or small.

Tip #4: Food is a powerful motivator when it comes to dog training. You will be hard pressed to find a dog that passes up food or a tasty treat. Dogs are always hungry and welcome any situation where food is involved.

Tip #5: Dog training should be a gradual process with regards to skill level and learning more complex commands. Give your dog time to understand new commands. They most likely won’t learn it the first day you teach them. You will have to review the commands and proper behaviors often.

Tip #6: Have dog training sessions at various times throughout the day. Your dog needs periodic training to reinforce the proper behaviors. You dog’s attention span can wane, so make sure to keep the training sessions to five to ten minutes long.

Tip #7: When you first start dog training work in environment that is free from distractions so your dog can focus on their behavior. Once your dog understands the basic commands you can try to use the commands in a busier environment.

One thing you may find is that your dog is distracted and seems to have forgotten the commands. Don’t fret. This can happen because dogs tend to be situational learners and your dog just needs to work on the commands in the busier environment.

Tip #8: Too many treats equals an overweight dog. Dog training is a process that involves tasty treats, but too many of these treats can be a bad idea for your dog’s waistline. Use small treats and wean your dog off treats as they understand the different commands. They will then rely on your praise as the positive reinforcement for each behavior.

These eight dog training tips will set you on the road to happy, healthy, obedient pooch.

By K Brandt