Training your dog to "sit" is probably the first thing you will train your puppy to do. I write puppy because you can start the training as soon as the puppy has settled in his new home. You might think this isn't that important, a dog knows how to sit. Well, I think it is very important. Read on and you will found out why and how to train your dog to sit.
1. This first one is easy. You just start by saying "sit" every time the puppy sits itself. He learns to associate the word sit with the action. This is a tip you can use in all training.
2. Take out his favorite treat and keep it in your hand. Sausage usually works well but remember to cut it in small pieces so the puppy can swallow it fast.
3. Sit down on the floor so you get to the same level as the dog. You are less threatening when you sit. More important is that you are close to the dog so you can reward him faster. More about this soon.
4. Slowly move the treat over your puppy's head. The intention is to get the puppy to smell the treat (he will) and follow it with his nose. He has two options. Either back still standing or sit down. It's easier to sit down.
5 Immediately as he sits you say "sit" and give him the piece of sausage. This is the key factor to all training. The reward has to be exact in the same moment as the dog does the right thing.
6. Praise the dog. Show your joy with your voice as well as with your body language.
7. Repeat these steps 3-5 times. Not more than that though, as it has to be fun! On the other hand you can repeat the steps several times during the day.
8. In the next step you should try these steps while standing up. You can try to see if the dog reacts only to the word "sit" without your hand and the treat. If he sits down you obviously should praise him and if he doesn't don't care. You should never show your disappointment to your dog when you are training.
This is pretty easy for the puppy. In a day or two you will get him to sit with your "sit" command. Now you can try to make him sit down beside you. This is actually a preparation for the heel training. There you want him to sit as soon as you stop walking. If you have thoughts about obedience competitions with your dog you should consider the exact position where he sits and also how fast he sits. That is however off topic in this article.
The next level is to strengthen the word so you get the dog to sit in every situation no matter what's going on around him. This is an ongoing process and you should never stop training. Use every new situation to train him. Make him sit with new people, new dogs and new surroundings.
It's quite easy to train your dog to sit. If you consider not training your dog my advice is, think again. When you start training with your new puppy you get much more than the sitting part The puppy loves to do things with you. He learns to listen to his name. He gets used to training and doing things with you and on your initiative. This all together strengthen your position as the leader, and the puppy feels secure. When the puppy falls asleep in the evening his last thoughts should be: "This is really a great pack!"
Monday, December 26, 2005
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Potty Training Your Puppy!
A new puppy is a joyous addition to any home. Who can resist that cute little bundle of lovable furry fun? It would be great if puppies were potty trained and came into our homes without any mess or bother? OK, reality check here.
Just ask any dog owner what the hardest task at hand is, and most will agree, that potty training is high on the list of unpleasant tasks. Actually, potty training is a simple task, requiring merely a little patience and diligence.
First, be mindful of puppies as infant dogs, not children. Dogs are creatures of Habitual Re-enforcement. Start early with the basics, and you will have a well trained and obedient friend for many years.
A sure fire method of potty training, at least in the opinion of a close friend kennel and breeder friend of mine, is to simply catch the puppy in the act of relieving itself. Immediately approach the little guy, pick him up gently but firmly, and tell him "No No" with a firm clear voice. Carry your puppy immediately outside, preferably to a pre designated area, and set him down on his haunches, holding him firmly for a few moments. If he still needs to relieve himself, keep him in that spot and pat and praise him when he's finished. OK! Not so hard, eh?
Guess what, he will do it again. So, make a game out of it, get the kids involved and when he starts to go, repeat the routine, acting immediately and firmly.
Puppies tend to be the center of attention at first, especially with kids, so there is usually someone at hand to scold the puppy in a gentle manner and immediately remove him to the designated site.
This method is a quick and effective method in toilet training any puppy, who, with the right amount of attention and praise, will be toilet trained in no time at all.
It's important to catch the puppy in the act. Coming home and finding the mess a couple of hours later and then getting upset and scolding the puppy will only make your job harder and confuse the puppy. What then, you may wonder? Well, a method that has worked for me is to carry the puppy to the offending deposit, gently but firmly placing his nose into the substance and saying firmly "No No or Bad Bad", you get the drift, and immediately carrying puppy out to the site. This method is not the favored method, but it is effective if done properly.
Realted articles about pets training :
Just ask any dog owner what the hardest task at hand is, and most will agree, that potty training is high on the list of unpleasant tasks. Actually, potty training is a simple task, requiring merely a little patience and diligence.
First, be mindful of puppies as infant dogs, not children. Dogs are creatures of Habitual Re-enforcement. Start early with the basics, and you will have a well trained and obedient friend for many years.
A sure fire method of potty training, at least in the opinion of a close friend kennel and breeder friend of mine, is to simply catch the puppy in the act of relieving itself. Immediately approach the little guy, pick him up gently but firmly, and tell him "No No" with a firm clear voice. Carry your puppy immediately outside, preferably to a pre designated area, and set him down on his haunches, holding him firmly for a few moments. If he still needs to relieve himself, keep him in that spot and pat and praise him when he's finished. OK! Not so hard, eh?
Guess what, he will do it again. So, make a game out of it, get the kids involved and when he starts to go, repeat the routine, acting immediately and firmly.
Puppies tend to be the center of attention at first, especially with kids, so there is usually someone at hand to scold the puppy in a gentle manner and immediately remove him to the designated site.
This method is a quick and effective method in toilet training any puppy, who, with the right amount of attention and praise, will be toilet trained in no time at all.
It's important to catch the puppy in the act. Coming home and finding the mess a couple of hours later and then getting upset and scolding the puppy will only make your job harder and confuse the puppy. What then, you may wonder? Well, a method that has worked for me is to carry the puppy to the offending deposit, gently but firmly placing his nose into the substance and saying firmly "No No or Bad Bad", you get the drift, and immediately carrying puppy out to the site. This method is not the favored method, but it is effective if done properly.
Realted articles about pets training :
- Dog Training Tips
- Potty Training Your Puppy!
- The Rewards Of Training Your Dog
- Training Your Dog to Sit
- Basic Puppy Training
- Obedience Training for Your Dog
- Dog Training
- The Happy Puppy Owner's Guide To Housetraining Your Puppy
- Training Your Cat To Use The Toilet
- Bribery and Cat Training
- A Cat Behavior Training Crash Course
- Cat Care While Training
- Cat Litter Training
- Cat Potty Training
- Cat Toilet Training Tips
- Cat Training Aids
- Clicker Training Cats
- How to Correct a Cat in Cat Training
- Kitten Training Tips
- Training Your Cat to Coexist with Your Dog
- Cat Health : Litter Training
- Cat Training devices
- Cat Training Products
- Cat Training Requirements
- Cat Training Supplies
- Cat Training Tips for Different Breeds
- Reinforcing Cat Training
- Training Your Cats to Use The Scratch Post
- Treats While Training Your Cat
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Are Vaccinations for Pets Really Necessary?
If you have been following the standard guidelines for pet vaccinations you have probably been submitting your cat or dog to a painful shot as well as the anxiety of a visit to the vet every year in an effort to provide them the best health possible.
Vaccinations are a big business. Owners will spend what they are told in order to protect their pets and possibly themselves from contacting scary and deadly diseases such as rabies or distemper.
However, some veterinarians and pet owners are starting to question the wisdom and necessity of annual vaccinations.
Dr. Margie Scherk who runs a veterinary clinic in Vancouver was quoted in a CBC news story as stating that "We have no reason to think a cat's immune system is different than a human's immune system. And we don't get vaccinated every year."
If this is true, why do vets keep warning us to have our dogs and cats vaccinated annually?
Possibly some encourage the visits for the monetary benefits, but it is also a subject that is still fraught with controversy.
Pet owners in general are not anxious to take risks with such deadly diseases and so until conclusive studies are embraced by the medical field they will continue with annual vaccinations.
On the other hand, some studies have shown that certain vaccines, such as the rabies vaccine, may be linked to an increase in tumors in cats.
Other pet owners have had personal experiences which led them to believe that vaccines in puppies may have been responsible for a higher mortality in a healthy litter.
Until these concerns have been researched further, veterinarians take their own stand on vaccinations. Dr. Kruth, who was also interviewed by CBC, believes that owners should make decisions based on the lifestyle of their pet. He explains that hunting dogs are clearly more at risk for picking up some of these diseases than a pet kept indoors in the city.
How can pet owners make an educated decision? There is a lot of information available online, as well as recommendations from Associations and veterinary schools which may reflect the more recent research. However, most individuals will likely require the experience and recommendation of their family pet's doctor or shop around to find one who seems to be implementing newer recommendations. In this case most will suggest a three year gap between most vaccinations. There are still some diseases that may require annual shots or even six month shots such as feline leukemia and kennel cough.
Vaccinations are a big business. Owners will spend what they are told in order to protect their pets and possibly themselves from contacting scary and deadly diseases such as rabies or distemper.
However, some veterinarians and pet owners are starting to question the wisdom and necessity of annual vaccinations.
Dr. Margie Scherk who runs a veterinary clinic in Vancouver was quoted in a CBC news story as stating that "We have no reason to think a cat's immune system is different than a human's immune system. And we don't get vaccinated every year."
If this is true, why do vets keep warning us to have our dogs and cats vaccinated annually?
Possibly some encourage the visits for the monetary benefits, but it is also a subject that is still fraught with controversy.
Pet owners in general are not anxious to take risks with such deadly diseases and so until conclusive studies are embraced by the medical field they will continue with annual vaccinations.
On the other hand, some studies have shown that certain vaccines, such as the rabies vaccine, may be linked to an increase in tumors in cats.
Other pet owners have had personal experiences which led them to believe that vaccines in puppies may have been responsible for a higher mortality in a healthy litter.
Until these concerns have been researched further, veterinarians take their own stand on vaccinations. Dr. Kruth, who was also interviewed by CBC, believes that owners should make decisions based on the lifestyle of their pet. He explains that hunting dogs are clearly more at risk for picking up some of these diseases than a pet kept indoors in the city.
How can pet owners make an educated decision? There is a lot of information available online, as well as recommendations from Associations and veterinary schools which may reflect the more recent research. However, most individuals will likely require the experience and recommendation of their family pet's doctor or shop around to find one who seems to be implementing newer recommendations. In this case most will suggest a three year gap between most vaccinations. There are still some diseases that may require annual shots or even six month shots such as feline leukemia and kennel cough.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Children and Dogs - a Good Combination ?
It's strange how many tales we hear of dogs attacking children and yet, as a group, parents still choose to bring dogs into their families with little instruction or research.
The truth is, most families with a dog will never deal with the terrible situations we hear about on the news. Dogs love people. Most dogs love children. Children and adults love dogs and it is very doubtful that after thousands of years the connection between canine and humankind will be broken.
What does need to be considered is how to make the best possible environment for your children and dog so that you don't need to worry about unexpected tragedy.
There are many experts with various views, but several points can be generally agreed upon when bringing a dog into a household with children.
First, be sure your very young children (generally pre-school age, under six) are NEVER left unattended with a dog. It is not that your dog will suddenly choose to attack, it is that a dog - like a small child itself - will not always choose the best response when it is unintentionally harmed or threatened in play. You would not leave small children unattended in play, and so, you should not consider your dog to be more mature, but rather equal, to your child in tolerance and behavior.
Second, discourage roughhousing with the dog. Larger dogs can handle more play, such as Newfoundlanders and Old English Sheepdogs, without becoming agitated. Other large breeds may become agitated in play and accidently harm your child. Large breeds may even knock over small children unintentionally. Obviously smaller breeds could feel endangered with rough play and feel compelled to protect themselves from harm. In all cases, roughhousing is discouraged with all breeds.
Third, have a well trained dog when you choose to have a dog as a family pet. While some trainers may feel that the owner is adequately qualified to take on this task, you may wish to consider having your dog professionally trained if possible.
Aggression can happen with even the most loving owners when incorrect training, or improper handling of the dog is not addressed early on. Choosing a fully-trained dog will give you the peace of mind you are looking for when selecting a pet for your children.
There are many other points that are important to consider when buying a dog for your family. By taking the time to understand and learn about dogs before bringing one home, you are more likely to find the life-long friend your children deserve!
The truth is, most families with a dog will never deal with the terrible situations we hear about on the news. Dogs love people. Most dogs love children. Children and adults love dogs and it is very doubtful that after thousands of years the connection between canine and humankind will be broken.
What does need to be considered is how to make the best possible environment for your children and dog so that you don't need to worry about unexpected tragedy.
There are many experts with various views, but several points can be generally agreed upon when bringing a dog into a household with children.
First, be sure your very young children (generally pre-school age, under six) are NEVER left unattended with a dog. It is not that your dog will suddenly choose to attack, it is that a dog - like a small child itself - will not always choose the best response when it is unintentionally harmed or threatened in play. You would not leave small children unattended in play, and so, you should not consider your dog to be more mature, but rather equal, to your child in tolerance and behavior.
Second, discourage roughhousing with the dog. Larger dogs can handle more play, such as Newfoundlanders and Old English Sheepdogs, without becoming agitated. Other large breeds may become agitated in play and accidently harm your child. Large breeds may even knock over small children unintentionally. Obviously smaller breeds could feel endangered with rough play and feel compelled to protect themselves from harm. In all cases, roughhousing is discouraged with all breeds.
Third, have a well trained dog when you choose to have a dog as a family pet. While some trainers may feel that the owner is adequately qualified to take on this task, you may wish to consider having your dog professionally trained if possible.
Aggression can happen with even the most loving owners when incorrect training, or improper handling of the dog is not addressed early on. Choosing a fully-trained dog will give you the peace of mind you are looking for when selecting a pet for your children.
There are many other points that are important to consider when buying a dog for your family. By taking the time to understand and learn about dogs before bringing one home, you are more likely to find the life-long friend your children deserve!
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
The Trials Of Cats In Medieval Times
Cats have been companions to man throughout history, but not always as a beloved companion.
In ancient times, the cat earned it's keep by helping to reduce the population of rats and mice that raided precious grain stores. In ancient Egypt, the cat was adored and celebrated - even mummified along with their human companions.
Medieval man, however, had an entirely different opinion of the cat.
Up until Medieval times, the cat had been elevated to a high status. She was even worshipped in some places, like the German states, where cats were associated with Freya the goddess of love and fertility.
But medieval man was superstitious, believing that witches and demons walked the earth doing evil deeds. The church became a central part of medieval life and in its quest for power, preached that the old ways of worship were evil.
The church took a dislike to the old Freya rites and in 1484, Pope Innocent VIII instructed the Inquisition to burn the Freya heretics as witches - along with their cats.
During the 16th and 17th centuries over 175,000 supposed witches were executed in Germany and France. Along with them went thousands of cats.
Medieval man thought the cat had supernatural powers and any misfortune was blamed on them. Anything from sour milk to an outbreak of disease was blamed on our furry friends. Cats were even thought to be witches in disguise, running in the darkness of night to perform evil acts. Cats were burned, boiled, stoned, flayed, stabbed, gutted, dropped from high places, hanged, impaled and buried alive with an almost religious fervor.
To own a cat during these times was risking ones life as many an old lady was accused of witchcraft simply because she kept a cat as a companion. Throughout these bleak times, however, some did remain loyal to the furry feline.
Millers and Sailors still saw great uses for the cats to rid their respective areas of vermin and others kept their fondness for cats as well. As time went on, more people of influence began to keep cats (even Cardinals Wolsey and Richelieu kept cats as pets) and the tide began to turn in the cats favor.
Finally, but the 18th century, cats were no longer persecuted and cats as companions began to make a comeback. Today, of course, cats are widely accepted as the loving companions and, while they don't typically enjoy the status they did in ancient Egypt, they are adored and cared for as loving pets.
Author : Lee Dobbins
In ancient times, the cat earned it's keep by helping to reduce the population of rats and mice that raided precious grain stores. In ancient Egypt, the cat was adored and celebrated - even mummified along with their human companions.
Medieval man, however, had an entirely different opinion of the cat.
Up until Medieval times, the cat had been elevated to a high status. She was even worshipped in some places, like the German states, where cats were associated with Freya the goddess of love and fertility.
But medieval man was superstitious, believing that witches and demons walked the earth doing evil deeds. The church became a central part of medieval life and in its quest for power, preached that the old ways of worship were evil.
The church took a dislike to the old Freya rites and in 1484, Pope Innocent VIII instructed the Inquisition to burn the Freya heretics as witches - along with their cats.
During the 16th and 17th centuries over 175,000 supposed witches were executed in Germany and France. Along with them went thousands of cats.
Medieval man thought the cat had supernatural powers and any misfortune was blamed on them. Anything from sour milk to an outbreak of disease was blamed on our furry friends. Cats were even thought to be witches in disguise, running in the darkness of night to perform evil acts. Cats were burned, boiled, stoned, flayed, stabbed, gutted, dropped from high places, hanged, impaled and buried alive with an almost religious fervor.
To own a cat during these times was risking ones life as many an old lady was accused of witchcraft simply because she kept a cat as a companion. Throughout these bleak times, however, some did remain loyal to the furry feline.
Millers and Sailors still saw great uses for the cats to rid their respective areas of vermin and others kept their fondness for cats as well. As time went on, more people of influence began to keep cats (even Cardinals Wolsey and Richelieu kept cats as pets) and the tide began to turn in the cats favor.
Finally, but the 18th century, cats were no longer persecuted and cats as companions began to make a comeback. Today, of course, cats are widely accepted as the loving companions and, while they don't typically enjoy the status they did in ancient Egypt, they are adored and cared for as loving pets.
Author : Lee Dobbins
Monday, December 12, 2005
Dog Toys for the Brain, Teeth and Feet
Thinking of the best toys that suit your dog? Browse through the dog toys below and see what fits your pet and your budget.
For dogs who love to chew:
1. Kong Jump’n Jack
Prices:
$5.60 (small)
$7.50 (medium)
$8.80 (large)
Kong Jump’n Jack is a dog toy and a teeth cleaner and gum exerciser at the same time. It has a very unpredictable bounce that makes it a lot more fun for the dog to play with. It has a lot more surfaces that clean dog’s teeth. Kong Jump’n Jack also has slits that are useful for the gums to be exercised.
2. Squirrel Dude (Busy Buddy)
Prices:
$5.99 (small)
$8.99 (medium)
$11.99 (large)
This is a unique and innovative rubber toy. It has four rubber prongs that cover the hole a bit which challenges the dog to give more effort to taste the food treats inside. The Squirrel Dude is durable and very chewable.
3. Biscuit Block (Animal Planet)
$4.50 (small)
$9.90 (medium)
This chew toy has four grabbing chambers distributed throughout the toy. Varieties of dog treats can be inserted inside to keep pets happy and busy. It has a crazy bounce brought about by its square shape with cut corners.
4. Ball Stomp’r (Launch and Throw Ball Toys)
Price:
$10.99 (regular, red)
$8.99 (mini, green)
This dog toy enables both young and old to have a great time playing with their dogs. The Ball Stomp’r is the first ball launcher of its kind. The ball needs to be loaded, then stomped on and it will eject to a height reaching 100 feet with the regular ball. The mini Ball Stom’r can reach up to a height of 60 feet. This toy has its own ball but tennis balls are a good substitute. This toy is tough, water proof and very dog friendly. This is not chew-proof though so it should be kept after using. The dimension of a regular-sized Ball Stomp’r is 12 inches in length that uses a tennis ball sized ball. The smaller type is 9 inches long and uses a ball with the size of 2 inches.
4. Dinosaur Egg Baby (Plush Puppies) – Intelligence Building Toy ($6.90)
The Dinosaur Egg Baby has three eggs inside that give out a squeaking sound. It has a secret opening underneath to test dog’s instinct in getting hidden rewards. It is 6 inches in height, 5 inches wide and 12 inches long.
Toys that exercise dogs, cleanse their teeth, rejuvenate their jumping ability and test their intelligence. A complete set of these toys would definitely make owners be much more loved by their pets.
For dogs who love to chew:
1. Kong Jump’n Jack
Prices:
$5.60 (small)
$7.50 (medium)
$8.80 (large)
Kong Jump’n Jack is a dog toy and a teeth cleaner and gum exerciser at the same time. It has a very unpredictable bounce that makes it a lot more fun for the dog to play with. It has a lot more surfaces that clean dog’s teeth. Kong Jump’n Jack also has slits that are useful for the gums to be exercised.
2. Squirrel Dude (Busy Buddy)
Prices:
$5.99 (small)
$8.99 (medium)
$11.99 (large)
This is a unique and innovative rubber toy. It has four rubber prongs that cover the hole a bit which challenges the dog to give more effort to taste the food treats inside. The Squirrel Dude is durable and very chewable.
3. Biscuit Block (Animal Planet)
$4.50 (small)
$9.90 (medium)
This chew toy has four grabbing chambers distributed throughout the toy. Varieties of dog treats can be inserted inside to keep pets happy and busy. It has a crazy bounce brought about by its square shape with cut corners.
4. Ball Stomp’r (Launch and Throw Ball Toys)
Price:
$10.99 (regular, red)
$8.99 (mini, green)
This dog toy enables both young and old to have a great time playing with their dogs. The Ball Stomp’r is the first ball launcher of its kind. The ball needs to be loaded, then stomped on and it will eject to a height reaching 100 feet with the regular ball. The mini Ball Stom’r can reach up to a height of 60 feet. This toy has its own ball but tennis balls are a good substitute. This toy is tough, water proof and very dog friendly. This is not chew-proof though so it should be kept after using. The dimension of a regular-sized Ball Stomp’r is 12 inches in length that uses a tennis ball sized ball. The smaller type is 9 inches long and uses a ball with the size of 2 inches.
4. Dinosaur Egg Baby (Plush Puppies) – Intelligence Building Toy ($6.90)
The Dinosaur Egg Baby has three eggs inside that give out a squeaking sound. It has a secret opening underneath to test dog’s instinct in getting hidden rewards. It is 6 inches in height, 5 inches wide and 12 inches long.
Toys that exercise dogs, cleanse their teeth, rejuvenate their jumping ability and test their intelligence. A complete set of these toys would definitely make owners be much more loved by their pets.
Sunday, December 4, 2005
Dog Supplies Buying Guide
Dog Supplies Buying Guide
Just like a baby who needs utmost attention and care, the best supplies for your dog needs some major consideration, too. Here's how you can ensure that your pet gets the best toys, food, and other necessities.
1. Dog Food and Treats
2. Dog Leashes and Collars
3. Dog Toys
4. Training Guides for Your Dog
5. Dog Health Items
Following these guidelines will definitely help you have a healthy dog and healthy pet!
Just like a baby who needs utmost attention and care, the best supplies for your dog needs some major consideration, too. Here's how you can ensure that your pet gets the best toys, food, and other necessities.
1. Dog Food and Treats
Your dog's needs should be the emphasis when considering what food or treat to buy him. The proper balance of vitamins and minerals should be given, particularly to growing puppies. Sporting and working dog breeds need to eat something that will sustain their hyperactive lifestyle. Dogs that are not getting any younger need low-calorie food to avoid weight gain. Do not scrimp on the budget here no matter how compelling it might be. A healthy dog is reflected by the food he eats.
2. Dog Leashes and Collars
The size and weight of the dog should be taken into account in choosing the right dog collar. The collar's material needs attention too. Nylon is good for water-loving dogs since it is more durable and light. For a tougher look, leather dog collars are a lot better since they are more durable and can even be accessorized with spikes.
Dog leashes come in cloth, nylon, retractable, and leather styles.
3. Dog Toys
The safety of your dog should be the top priority in looking for a dog toy. What fun could be derived from a toy if it will endanger your pet's life, right? A dog toy should be large enough so that it can't be swallowed by your pet. However, it should be small enough for your dog to be able to grip it well.
The durability of the toys will need major consideration too, especially for dogs that are serious chewers. Light chewers can settle for vinyl and latex dog toys.
4. Training Guides for Your Dog
Dog whistles, dog harnesses and bitter-tasting sprays compose the wide array of dog-training guides that will keep a dog from chewing. If the chewing problem is a lot more serious, you may want to use a dog bark collar or an electric fence. It is advised that you remain consistent and humane when training your dog.
There are many dog training books available that can be helpful when training your dog.
5. Dog Health Items
Tick and flea infestation control medications are available to ensure that your dog's health is secured against these pests. Brands like Advantix, Advantage and Frontline are some of the popular flea and tick drugs in the market.
Your dog's dental health should never be taken for granted either. Dog toothbrushes and dog toothpastes, and even dog toys are now made available to support the dental health of your pet.
Following these guidelines will definitely help you have a healthy dog and healthy pet!
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