Posted by Ben on December 26, 2011 · Leave a Comment
You must start training a puppy the day you take him home. House training means teaching your puppy to relieve himself when and where you want him to go.
In the early stages of his potty training it is only natural to expect there will be some little accidents in your home. Do Not punish your puppy or stick his nose into the mess as he will not understand why you are doing this. It will scare him and make him find secret spots to go, such as behind the furniture or under the bed when you are not around.
The feeling of fear itself can make a puppy need to go more, resulting in more accidents. Do Not make your puppy afraid of you.
You have to persevere and be consistent in taking your puppy to a designated area outside for him to relieve himself. If you live in a flat or high up apartment then have a specific potty area or potty tray for him to go in. Take him to the exact same spot every time, with no exceptions.
You cannot decide to bring him to a different spot just because it is raining outside or you are in a hurry. This will only make him believe that it is ok to go anywhere, including inside your house.
A puppy has a small bladder which makes it difficult for him to retain his urine, so this is why he needs to relieve himself so often. In the early days, a puppy should be taken outside every two hours.
Develop a daily routine with your puppy which will help him learn faster. He will need to go outside first thing in the morning, after he eats or drinks, after he wakes up from a nap, after playing, last thing at night and about every two hours during the day.
When you take your puppy to the designated area to relieve himself, stay quiet as he performs his business. Do not distract him.
As soon as he is finished praise him alot and make a big fuss about what a great dog he is. You could give him a small treat. He will associate going outside to this specific spot as a good and positive thing to do.
Make sure someone is always with your puppy to praise him when he is finished and has done it in the right place.
Do not release your puppy outside by himself as you cannot be certain that he has actually done anything. He might decide to wait and do it when he comes back into the house.
Use a particular short word or phrase each time to encourage him to go, such as "potty", "potty now" or "toilet". Never use his own name as this will confuse him when you are training him to do other commands.
Do not bring him back into the house right away, but give him some time to explore while he is outside. If you do not give him extra time outside, he will learn to hold off going, as he knows you will take him back into the house as soon as he finishes his business. Play with him for a while and enjoy some bonding time with him.
Until your puppy gains better control of his bladder there will be some accidents in your house. Also he has to learn how to let you know that he needs to go outside. This will take time.
If he has soiled inside the house then lift him up and carry him out to the designated spot outside. Do not get angry with him.
Clean up the area with an odour and stain remover, making sure there is no ammonia in these products. Ammonia is a component of dog poop, so it encourages a puppy to do his business in the same spot.
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Posted by Ben on December 26, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Choosing a dog to share your life is a very important decision and should not be made lightly. You must educate yourself on all aspects of owning one. Dogs are a lot of work. You must look at your own circumstances regarding finances, where you live and how much time can you give to a dog. You must find a dog that suits your lifestyle.
Here are some crucial questions you should ask yourself before choosing a dog. You must answer these questions honestly. If you make a wrong decision, the dog may suffer.
Why do you want to own a dog?
You might want a dog as a family pet, the children are putting pressure on you for a puppy, as a companion, as a fashion statement, for protection, sports such as hunting or obedience trials or to replace a pet which passed away.
Can you afford the expense involved in owning a dog?
First you will have to spend money making your home and garden safe and escape proof before you even bring your dog home. Maybe you will get your dog for free but you will have to buy food and a food and water bowl, collar and leash, grooming kit and toys and treats to keep him occupied. There will be veterinarian costs and pet insurance. He will need a crate or doghouse to sleep in. You might have to pay someone to look after him while you are away on holidays or working.
Where do you live and do you have the space for a dog?
You have to choose the right breed for where you live. A large dog will need plenty of space to move around and not feel cramped. Some rented accommodations have very strict rules on pets. A lot of dogs can live quite happily in a city but some need a more rural environment to run and exercise. If you are really house proud or obsessed with your garden then getting a dog might not be a good idea. All dogs make a certain amount of mess from hairs on the furniture to muddy paws, slobbering or digging lots of holes in your garden. A Dog needs space to move around freely and it is cruel to confine him in a tiny area.
Have you a lot of work commitments that demand your time at the office or being away from home?
Dogs are very social animals and love interaction, especially with their owner. You must spend time with your dog or he will start to develop behaviour problems from being left alone too long. If you cannot take him out for a walk during the day then perhaps family or friends could do it for you. There is dog day care or dog sitters but they will cost money. A dog is a full time commitment and must be exercised every day.
Do you want a puppy or adult dog, big or small, male or female?
A puppy is very time consuming as he needs lots of attention in those early months. He will need to play and relieve himself a lot. It is easy to bond with a puppy. An adult dog might be house trained already but not always. It will take longer for an adult dog to bond with you and settle in. A young adolescent dog will have lots of energy, needing lots of vigorous exercise. A small dog takes up less space and eats less so it is cheaper to keep than a big dog. A big dog can scare or knock over small children or elderly people just playing with them. A big dog needs lots of space. A male dog will tend to wander a lot looking for a mate so you will have to fence your garden very securely. It is a good idea to neuter a male dog for this reason and for some health reasons. A female will come into season twice a year and draw the attention of the male dogs in your area. You should get her spayed and it will also cure the problem of unwanted puppies.
Where do you intend to get your dog?
A rescue centre or dog shelter is a great place to get a dog. Sometimes there is a small charge to help cover vaccination costs. There are usually lots of dogs to choose from and the staff will help you pick a dog that is best suited to your lifestyle and personality. You could check with your local dog kennel club for information and a list of reputable breeders. Make sure you ask the breeder lots of questions about a puppy you are intending to buy and ask about its parents and if you can see them. Do not buy from a puppy-mill as these animals are bred in very poor conditions and due to neglect they can have physical or mental problems.
There are lots of other questions you should ask yourself before choosing a dog. Think hard about why you want one and can you give him the life he deserves. Do you honestly have the time to give to a dog and his daily needs?. Is it just a passing thought and you just want a dog like your favourite celebrity?. Take plenty of time and do not rush this important decision.
A dog is a wonderful, loving and fun animal to own. He/she can bring years of happiness and joy. However, a dog is not necessarily the right pet for everyone.
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Posted by Ben on December 26, 2011 · Leave a Comment
It is a wonderful sight to watch children and dogs playing. However, you must teach your child there is more to having a dog than just playing with him. Involve your child in the dog's everyday needs such as food, grooming and exercise.
A child must learn what behaviour is acceptable from them and the dog, to ensure the happiness and safety of both.
Children must say a loud "no" and stop playing with the dog immediately if he nips them. This lets him know that he was too rough. The child must turn its back and walk away leaving the dog alone. He will soon learn the play ends when he is not careful with his teeth.
If a dog is allowed to nip children and it is not dealt with, it could turn into a bigger problem as he gets older. Children must tell you if the dog keeps nipping them.
Your dog must always see children as dominant pack members. A dog cannot play with children like he would his own siblings, constantly challenging them.
The Alpha training must include your children so make sure everyone eats before the dog and he always follows behind, when going through doorways.
Get your dog used to children of different ages and characters. You have to socialise him but keep him under control on a leash at all times. Give him lots of praise when he is well behaved. Lots of positive reinforcement will make him a better dog.
There has to be house rules for children and their dog. If your dog is not allowed onto the furniture make sure the children do not let him break this rule.
Fetch is a good game. Throw the ball, the dog brings it back, drops it and waits for it to be thrown again. This develops self-control in your dog while playing.
The child or adult must always decide when a game starts and ends, not the dog. The dog must drop the ball when asked and show self-discipline.
A tug-o-war game is not a good game between children and their dog as it causes him to assert his strength and dominance. This should not be encouraged.
A parent should always be present with a child during training time or snuggling time. Get your child to help with the training by letting her/him give the dog treats when he sits or lies down.
Remember Nipping is Never Allowed.
Snuggling time is great for bonding the relationship between a family and their dog. Have your child just pet or brush the dog on their lap with adult supervision.
Children must always be supervised when walking a dog in a public place. This can be very dangerous, as a strong dog can easily pull a child out in front of oncoming traffic.
There are rules when walking a dog for both children and adults. Safety must always come first.
Looking after a dog can help a child learn about being responsible for the health and wellbeing of another living creature.
The care of the family dog requires effort, and commitment from all members of the family. That cute little dog or puppy can sometimes be a real handful, but the joy and companionship he/she brings is worth it.
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Posted by Ben on December 26, 2011 · Leave a Comment
If you do not enforce your own position as being the alpha dog and superior in the pack to your dog, then there is a good chance that he will try and raise his place in the ranking system. This is a totally natural thing for him to want to do, but you must not let it happen. Dominant dogs can become dangerous.
It is very important that you install yourself as the pack leader or top dog, right from the start of your relationship, and that you continue to enforce this position, even if you only have a new puppy.
1. If you come across your dog while he is sleeping on the floor then you can reinforce your position as alpha dog by making him move so that you can pass. Do not disturb him for no good reason, but if you want to maintain your alpha position and he is sleeping in a doorway, then you should make him move.
2. When you and your dog are walking side by side you should never let him go through a doorway first. The alpha dog always has the right of way. It is a good idea to make your dog sit or wait while you walk in through a door first.
3. At meal times you should ensure all the humans eat first then feed the dog. In the wild the alpha dog will be in good physical condition compared to the rest of the pack as he or she will get to eat first and eat the best of any food.
It is very important that you do not feed your dog bits of food throughout the day. If you do feed him in this way, you will just encourage poor behaviour. Keep these bits for training purposes then you will get a much better response from him. Do not feed your dog from the table as it can become a difficult habit to break.
4. You want to have the correct relationship with your dog and on your terms. A good way of reinforcing this is by not greeting your dog straightaway when you arrive home, instead make him wait. Make sure that you have greeted all of the humans in the house first. If there is nobody else in your house then sit and relax or check the mail. This shows your dog he can only come to you when you
want it and not him. This technique has a calming effect on your dog too.
5. There are things you can do when your dog does not respond to you as you would like him to. Use something to alarm your dog, such as a squirt from a water pistol or shaking a can filled with coins or pebbles. Make sure that you shake the can while he is in the act of misbehaving or ignoring you. At the same time say a loud "No!" or make a sharp growling sound. Use a stern voice so that the dog recognizes the difference in tone from your normal voice. Be sincere and mean it so that your dog associates your tone with stopping the behaviour.
6. Keep up your dog's obedience skills. Regular training sessions are key to improving his obedience. Throw in a few commands whenever you take your dog for a walk. Make him sit, stay, down and heel etc. These commands are particularly good for reinforcing your position as alpha dog. Keep the training sessions short so that you do not bore or overload your dog with information. Keep it fun for both of you.
7. If you notice your dog showing small signs of unwanted behaviour it is important that you deal with the situation immediately. If not, it could very quickly become a big problem. In the wild the Alpha dog is always on guard as lower ranking dogs try to challenge him for leadership. You must watch your own dog for this very same reason.
You must be the alpha dog or pack leader making all the decisions for your dog. Dogs are happy when they have a confident leader and there is balance and structure in their life.
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Posted by Ben on December 13, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Why purchase when you can make? Dog house plans and blueprints are fairly simple to search out if you are aware on the place where to look, and how to make constructing a dog shelter a lot simpler. This article gives emphasis on what is good to think about prior to actually beginning construction and building.
Pre-building Tips.
It’s sensible to take note of all the entire choices and alternate options before you commit yourself to at least one explicit type of a dog house. There’s nothing worse and more useless than constructing an important new kennel and your pet dog does not even use it due to extreme temperature because of absence of heated dog house, excessive brittleness and weakness of foundation, and too small of a size for your dog to fit in.
Pay attention to the following pointers.
Put lots of considerations into how large your dog house ought to be. For those who have bought 2 pet dogs, contemplate on constructing a duplex dog house with a detachable wall in order that they will sleep collectively in the event that they want to do so.
Guarantee and make sure that any plans and blueprint always involve an overhanging roof to protect your pet dog from storm, rain, excessive heat, and wind.
A wise factor to do earlier than going out and shopping for constructing supplies is measuring your dog. I know it sounds a bit odd and understood, but a kennel that is even 4 inches smaller and short would possibly lead to a claustrophobic pet due to extreme crowding of its shelter!
Depending on the place you reside and the breed of dog, you might need to shield the dog home from extreme sun exposure. For those who dwell in a particularly cool place, you will also need to do the opposite of the aforementioned suggestion, which this time would be to provide certain heaters.
It’s at all times a wise idea to incline the floor slightly in direction of the entrance. This will assist any water that gets inside into flowing right out. Your dog will definitely not sleep in a puddle.
Obtain Canine Home Plans from the Internet.
There are literally a whole bunch of websites on-line that may allow you to download plans. Sadly, the quality varies greatly, and most will just provide you with basic instructions on the way to construct a small dog house.
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Posted by Ben on December 13, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Have you ever experienced adopting a stray pet dog that not only smell bad but additionally chosen to make use of the living room and lounge as its lavatory? With this situation, you might actually say that your relative will not be very pleased. They will immediately get mad and will lay down some rules. First common rule is that the dog should stay outside. The poor dog will likely be out within the chilly environment once more. This is probably the time when you will be encourages to search online to look for some detailed dog house plans. You would not imagine such amount of choices there have been made available online to accommodate your dog. Therefore it would be better to decide on one which can have a pet dog run freely into his brand new house.
Crucial factor to remember in an effort to maintain your pet as comfortable as attainable is to make sure the supplies you select will be capable of withstanding all sorts of weather. Using pressure treated may also be a possibility but your dog might develop negatively and acquire an illness if he is a chewer.
The parts of the dog house which your pet doesn’t have entry can be built with stress treated lumber. Nevertheless it is a great idea to use cedar or a composite constructing material for the rest of the cedar dog house as this may stand up, resist, and endure extreme weathers while still being not prone to rotting and breaking down.
By selecting a set of detailed dog house plans you may build your doghouse in means that will make sure your pet dog can benefit from the solar or sunlight and get within the shade each time it suits him and likewise ensuring the kennel is properly ventilated. When you reside in a place where there is colder climate and temperature you’ll want to have an area where you can pack with straw and a pet blanket for additional comfort.
Constructing a giant kennel is significant if your pet dog might be in there for long periods of time. In case your dog is just too penned in he’ll doubtlessly acquire some bad and negative habits. Through the use of a set of detailed dog house plans you possibly can determine on the size earlier than you begin the project ensuring your dog will have an ideal place to live in.
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Posted by Ben on December 13, 2011 · Leave a Comment
In case your dog is something like a yellow Labrador friend, you perceive the way it feels when he needs to go outside and play each time you turn around and go. Initially, there are the birds performing what birds do, congregating on the hen feeder. As responsible dog tamers, we merely can’t leave our pet dogs outdoors for a long time with no sturdy and comfortable shelter. In addition we can’t stay in the house with them all day just to let your Buddy, out to play and do his business. As you proceed studying this article, you will see how one can build a doghouse, which therefore retains your dog happy and healthy. Just think about how great you will feel, coming home after a hard day at work; there are no unpleasant surprises in the floor or tousled furniture, which means that your dog has had a good time playing in the yard burning off all that excess calories.
Things we need to take note of:
Weather situations. Winter, spring season, summer time and fall all have their own ups and downs and preferences in different parts of the country. In places where the summer time temperatures begin at six o’clock in the morning, temperature is scorching, properly over 90 degrees within the shade and totally humid. During winter season, on the other hand, the daytime temperatures rarely get under 40 degrees.
Then again, there is Morgan Hills California, situated on the west coast just south of San Francisco, provided and blessed with a slightly arid climate. In the summertime months, our 4-legged pals or pet dogs take pleasure in beautiful sunrise no humidity and 80-degree climate during the day. The dogs’ favorite days of summer which happen in most cities of the country begin in early July and proceed till early September, with elevated temperatures and humidity, making it extraordinarily hazardous time of year for our dogs. Maintaining a cool and hydrated status requires a bit special attention. Constructing a dog house with a big roof, fans or air-conditioning that gives a shady and cold environment for the their bed and water bowl will go an extended way to making them pleased and healthy. Dimension indeed matters.
The following are some of the most significant facts to be considered in planning to build your own dog house. As much as price and material matter, so does the dimensions of such dog house most especially when taking into account the general climate and suited temperature for our dogs.
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Posted by Ben on December 13, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Deciding on the proper measurement of an indoor dog house to construct? Think about what your dog’s size shall be when it grows up. Puppies develop to be bigger grownup dogs; and when you are unsure on how huge your puppy will grow, begin asking your local breeder or your vet. In the course of the puppy’s first wellness exam, you will be given a great and close idea regarding its growth and development; therefore making your dog house size approximation much easier.
Here is what you have to take into consideration. Along with your dog standing height, measure from the floor to your dog’s front shoulder on the highest area, this dimension will inform you of how high the door opening needs to be.
In order to determine the proper width to construct the door of your dog house, measure your adult dog’s chest on the widest part. Always keep in mind that puppies of all ages will definitely develop up to larger and huger dogs after some time. Including a couple of inches for space allowance will present your dog convenient access when it gets older. However, weight gain and stiffening joints will eventually turn out to be an issue therefore it must be anticipated and prepared for when constructing a dog house.
The easiest way to ascertain the size of a correct fitting doghouse is to measure your dog’s horizontal length. As an illustration, use a tape measure to measure from the tip of the dog’s nose up to the top of their backside, after which for additional allowance, add to such measurement a couple few more inches for comfort. Your dog will definitely love you for it, since they will finally have the ability to stretch-out into their preferred comfy position. For some dogs, such comfort position is laying flat on his stomach while conveniently watching everything that takes place within reach. In addition, more essential factor would be to have plenty of space to move about. Being able to turn round while nonetheless contained in the doghouse without first needing to go outside will provide a total protection from abrupt modifications in the weather.
Moreover, when looking for a location for a dog’s house there are a few choices that should be taken into consideration, one of which is utilizing a nook of the deck or patio. For example, when building outdoors and the area is restricted within the yard, this selection being one-step away from your own home, will maintain your dog close to the backdoor.
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Posted by Ben on December 8, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Not too long ago, people didn't think much about restraining their dogs in the car. But it's a good idea, both for the safety of the dog and the safety of the people in the car. A dog can distract or jostle the driver, causing an accident, as well as getting hurt himself.
Crates are often recommended for restraining dogs in the car. This is great for when you have enough space, and for dogs that are used to being in crates. For others, it can make them very uncomfortable. However, it is the only practical way for multiple dogs that you don't completely trust together to ride in the same car. If the crate is a smaller size, it should be secured as well, in order to prevent it from going flying in an accident.
Dog barriers that fit in the back of SUVs and station wagons are another common option. A small dog that is restrained only by one of these in the back of a large vehicle can still be easily injured by going flying, however. For bigger dogs who are heavier and take up more space, this is probably just about as safe as a crate, and less stressful for many.
Seat belts for dogs are a relatively new idea, but very functional. A harness that is secured to the human seat belt allows dogs to ride in the back seat without worrying about them getting in the driver's way. And many dogs that are not crate-trained take to a harness much better than a crate. Dogs should never ride in the front seat, because of the airbags.
You don't have to buy expensive equipment if you don't want to - you can secure your dog easily with things you probably already have. Although seat belt harnesses made for dogs are often cushier and more padded than harnesses for walking, you can make do with the latter in a pinch. Simply secure the human seat belt and use the carseat lock to keep it from letting out again. Put the harness on your dog, and use a short leash or other tether to secure it to the human seat belt. Never tether your dog with their collar.
Despite growing knowledge that unrestrained dogs are neither safe for people nor safe themselves, most dogs still ride loose. If your dog is one of these, consider making a change. It only takes one accident for you to seriously regret your choice.
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Posted by Ben on December 8, 2011 · Leave a Comment
As a nation, we love our dogs. Many of us treat our dogs just like they were our children. We take them everywhere we go and want to include them on our car trips.
1. Never let your dog ride on your lap. A quick stop could result in your dog being slammed into the dash. Or your airbag could go off and smash your dog into the seat or into you.
2. A dog crate can be an excellent method of keeping your dog both safe and secure. Put the crate in the back seat or on the floor in a van. Then place your dog in the crate.
3. There are specially designed pet seat belts. These usually involve a harness so be sure to get accurate measurements of your dog before you buy. Some dogs don't care for seat belts but with some patience, this may be your best option.
4. Vehicle barriers. These are used to divide the front of the car from back and are installed behind the seats in a station wagon or SUV. This keeps the dog in the back of car.
5. Be sure your dog has up-to-date identification tags. Dogs sometimes become separated from their owners and with ID tags, they may be returned quickly.
6. Keep vaccination records in the glove box.
7. Pack your dog's normal food. A trip is not the time to try out new foods and risk upsetting your dog's stomach.
8. Give your dog filtered or bottled water. This may help prevent diarrhea or vomiting.
9. Pack several plastic bags to pick up your dog's feces.
10. NEVER leave your dog in the car on a warm day. Any outside temperature more than 70 degrees can result in severe overheating inside the car.
While it is great fun to travel with your dog, often times the best place for your dog is at home. Find a pet sitter or neighbor to take care of your dog in the home.
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