Archive for » November, 2009 «

Is Your Dog Ready to be in the Movies?

By
30
Nov 2009
 

While you were keeping an eye on that film last night, you may have discovered a Basset Fauve de Bretagne or a Brazilian Mastiff or a hound or a Bully Kutta. Today, the call into question in the back of your mind is – ‘Is my Norfolk Terrier ready to be in the movies?’ All right, your vet has pronounced that your doggy is just the finest behaved domestic dog they’ve ever come across. That dog even knows how and when to mug for television camera scenes, a steady scene steeler with a personality that would have afforded Lassie a good run for her money.

Very well, only he needs one more thing. In order for your dog to be the next best canine in an actual Hollywood motion picture, your doggie can not just like tv camera*. Your dog will have to be well directed and know, not just the basic principle, but a few great tricks of the business.

The bulk of tricks that you come across dogs executing on television look so great as Hollywood has a way of positioning the dog’s tricks to good use and making the shots work. They compound them as a series of tricks into a final product that works for a specific scene very comfortably.

It is the introductory tricks that are going to convert the talent agent. There are parties throughout the nation that provide the courses needed to get your dog the tricks and obedience that are called for by dog actors.

Almost everything that dogs do on television are easy tricks. Most of the usual tricks the dogs need to do are bow, touch the object, play dead, beg, back up, roll over, cover your eyes, waving, turn out the light, detect it, crawling, sneezing and whimper.

Memorizing all of the tricks could be the easy role of getting prepared for the motion picture*. The hard one for a lot of dogs to adjust themselves to is acting surrounded by many strangers and many distractions. Besides, in most cases, your dog will need to abide by the lead of the set’s dog trainer, not you. These are a few real problems for some dogs to take on.

Whenever you have a dog that can’t only learn all the tricks, but as well the Hollywood basic principle of acting with strangers on movie sets without losing their cool, you may just have a dog like Rin Tin Tin from the numerous Warner Brothers cinema and TV productions.

Now… your dog is prepared and willing to go to the movies. What do you do now? The most crucial step is to produce a compelling portfolio for your dog. All the current photographs, his list of accomplishments and tricks, training and hopefully a few great video recording* of your dog executing some of his most effective tricks.

Several of the training schools for motion picture dogs will help you bring your dog into the industry. Do not forget there’s a lot of commercial employment for your aspiring mongrel to shoot for also.

The final discussion – your dog adores you (hopefully, the impression is mutual). Whenever your dog does not experience fun with the Hollywood affair and doesn’t want to represent a Hollywood champion, your dog will tell you about it. Keep track of your sidekick and whenever your dog would like to* have that talk with you.

By: Max Young

Related Blogs

Related Blogs

No Rating
Category: Dog training articles  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment

How to House Train a Puppy

By
30
Nov 2009
House Training a Puppy
There’s quite a selection of different dog and puppy potty training techniques you can use, but they all focus on the same outcome – which is the goal of preventing accidents in your house. When training a puppy, one technique used in the more effective house training methods is in encouraging your puppy to do his business outside of the house. Sounds obvious I know, but surprisingly few methods actually have the positive focus.

Whichever methods you decide to use, the main requirement from you is to remain patient and focused – house training a puppy or new dog takes time, and cannot be rushed.

People often feel that older dogs cannot be house broken, but his simply isn’t true. Any dog at any age can be taught how to use the bathroom outside of the house. It is important that you keep your dog on a set schedule just as you would a baby. If you are trying to train a puppy then you should take the dog outside every couple of hours and definitely the first thing in the morning, after a meal and after playtime. Puppies under the age of three months are more likely to have accidents around the house because at this age the puppy is still unaware of the fact that they have to go the bathroom until they actually go.

Therefore the crate method of house training may be needed for younger dogs. This means that the dog will be confined to the crate during the times that you are unable to watch them closely to ensure that they don’t have an accident in the house. Over time, the puppy is taken from the crate and left around the house because it has learned to use the bathroom outside.

However, if you find that once you have taken your dog out of the crate and they are having accidents once again, this means that you need to use the crate method for a longer period of time. The key to the crate method is that the crate should not be used a punishment. You should make the dog aware of that fact and find another of punishing the dog for any inappropriate behavior. The crate is a place to sleep, much like a den and should be treated as such.

If you have adopted an older dog and you discover that this dog has not be properly housetrained you can still use the create method. However, you must keep in mind that this dog may require a larger crate so that they can move around and sleep comfortably. Puppies need only a small space to sleep, whereas older dogs often like to move around. If by some chance your dog does have an accident in the house it is never a good idea to hit the dog on the nose or rub his or her nose in the mess on the floor. This has been found to only confuse or scare the dog. Scaring the dog is not a method that has been found to be effective when attempting to housetrain your dog.

When training your puppy, you should always keep the dog’s food the same until you know that you can trust the dog not to do anything in the house. Changing the dog’s food suddenly can have a negative effect on the dog’s digestive system, sometimes causing frequent bowel movements. If you do this before the dog is fully house broken you are sure to have a few accidents in your house.



By: Michelle Spencer
No Rating
Category: Dog training articles  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment

Stop Dog Barking – Stop Excessive Dog Barking

By
30
Nov 2009
Stop Dog Barking
Dog barking if left can get out of hand and then becomes uncontrollable when a remedy is taken late to alternate its barking behavior, it is always good to train your dog to stop dog barking because taking dogs barking for granted might result in your dog biting someone or even you. Always try to apply some dog barking remedy as soon as you notice your dog has developed a barking problem, it’s also good to start initially to stop your dog barking because if you leave it to continue, he might make it a habit and then trying to stop the dog barking later on might not be easy. Naturally your dog is supposed to bark when a stranger or a thief approaches you or any of your things, you know quiet well is not normal for your dogs to bark when something that is not usual is going on. To stop dog barking has strategies just like everything else, its always good for you to allow your dogs to socialize with other dogs especially dogs that of good behaviors not those that are naughty, this can help to stop dog barking, at least you can take your dog to a friends house or dogs park or something like that to spend sometime with his/her or other dogs. Dogs just like human beings needs socialization, remember that whenever you are bored, you don’t feel relaxed you always look for things to use and get away with your boredom. Dogs love meeting new dogs, sometimes you might have noticed the excitement in them whenever they see dogs like them passing by, they always love to approach them if an opportunity is giving to them. I recommend you to visit Kingdom of Pets if you want to stop your dog barking.

Another method you can use to stop dog barking is by petting them, its your pet and you need to pet them, don’t punish them whenever they do little things. Some dogs owner love scolding their dogs which is very bad, these cant stop dog barking rather it would make dogs be aggressive, these normally make dogs start to bark out of the fear you impacted in dogs. Try as much as possible to avoid stuffs like beating, tapping, smacking or even kicking it, these are the most things that encourage dog barking. It is always necessary to leave dogs with their mom when they are born newly, its one of the things believed to help stop dog barking the easy way with taking it to a long extent, when you take dogs away from their mom before they are 5 months of age they wont get the necessary pre natal care from their mom. It’s like taking away a newborn babe from their mom, don’t you think this would do her great harm. Just like human beings, dogs need care, these can reduce or even stop dog barking.

Dogs that bark anyhow could be dangerous at times because you need to know why the dog is barking. When you take your dog barking problems for granted and it bites someone you could be sued for it resulting in hundreds or even thousand of dollars for dog bites when you can easily apply some strategies to use to stop dogs barking problems. Provide your dogs with variety of toys to keep them busy, try to impact in them the habit of playing with those toys but don’t let them over do it, it might go to another level, you can let them play with it for 2 or 3 hours and then put them to another task like eating or any thing you feel can help them get busy.

Some dogs do not know whether barking is good or wrong, they have lived with it since they were born, its your duty to make them stop barking, sometimes you can tell you dogs to stop barking when they bark, words like that can ease the situation. Always try to scold dogs a little when they are barking in friendly way, do not leave it till after they’ve finished barking, trying to hit them when dogs bark can worsen the whole situation. You can try splashing your dog some little water on the face to stop barking, these might ease the barking come from your dogs. When you have noticed it has stopped barking, try to reward it with something you know your dog love so much, everything has a reward, now that you know that you don’t like your dog barking and you tried some tricks to make it stop and finally it did stop, reward her immediately don’t wait for it to pass so long, you can reward it after 4 seconds or less, you can try saying words like good dog, another day don’t bark, I will always treat good if you stop barking, I hate it when you bark, in a cool and gentle way, less i forget while you say this words you could touch her body, the hairs and of course the head these might make your dog feel that the owner doesn’t like dogs barking.

They are many numerous ways to stop dog barking, you may never know the type your dog needs to stop its behavior, I recommend you to get these ebook on how to stop dogs behavior it would go a long way in stopping your dog barking behavior, not only that but also stop your dog jumping, bitting, urinating anyhow or even digging holes, no matter what their problem might be. I equally use it to stop my dog biting problems; it is rich in dogs training. Visit Kingdom of Pets



By: Kingsley Modozie
No Rating
Category: Dog training articles  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment

Are You Allergic To Dogs?

By
30
Nov 2009
Shedding in Dogs
Humans in general are not allergic to animals; however, some with hypersensitive immune system can become allergic to animals. Since most of us have cats, or dogs in our homes, any allergy due to animals is most likely to be caused by dog, or cat.

Causes of dog allergies

People can be allergic to dog’s dander, saliva, or urine. As most dogs urinate at outside places, the most common causes of allergies due to dog is saliva, or dander. Dander is the dead skin shed by dog. Many times, pollen that gets stuck to the coat of dogs can also cause allergies to pollen sensitive people.

Types of dog allergies caused

Allergy causing proteins (allergens) from dogs can cause sneezing, nasal congestion, running nose, coughing, and shortness of breath, wheezing, and serious asthma attack. Skin problems like, red skin rashes. You might experience headaches, or fatigue. If hands from dogs are directly touched to eyes, then it may also cause itchy and watery eyes. Different people may experience one or more type of these symptoms.

Some times, you may mistakenly consider an allergy to be caused by the dog. It is therefore important that you verify that the source of allergy. To do this, the simplest way is to keep the dog two to three months away from home. During this time, clean your home properly. Wash all the walls, floors, and steam clean the carpets. Clean all the furniture, and door and window covers. Allow air to pass through the house, so that the allergens that might be suspended in the air get removed. Cleaning the house of allergens might take more than three months. During this time, check the allergy symptoms. After 3 to 4 months, if you need bring the dog in the house, and compare the symptoms. This will give you an idea whether the allergy is due to pet or something else.

Prevention from dog allergies

1. Allergy from dogs is mostly caused by dander, and so controlling dander can help reducing the possibility of allergies from dogs. Here are few steps that can be taken so that allergy risks can be minimized

2. Bath your dog once or twice every week. It is better to have the dog accustomed to bath since young age, as the dog will later resist. It is better give the dog-medicated bath, or you can use a dog shampoo.

3. Take a proper bathe after bathing the dog, or cleaning dog cloths, beds, and other dog stuff.

4. Do not allow dogs to enter the bedrooms, and in no case allow them to get over the bed.

5. Spray anti-allergen powder at all the places where the dog lives.

6. At times when there is no pollen outside (some people are allergic to pollen), open the doors, and windows, to that the air passes through the house.

7. Put a sheet on the furniture, and car seat before allowing the dog to sit on them. Leather sheets are best.

9. Use HEPA room air cleaners, as they are best for people suffering from asthma, and other dog allergies.

10. Finally, provide your dog good multivitamin, and fatty acid diet. This will keep the dog free of diseases. Every body loves a good-looking healthy dog.



By: anonymous
No Rating
Category: Dog training articles  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment

Ways in which to stop dogs barking and annoying the neighbors

By
29
Nov 2009
Stop Dog Barking
Dogs are vocal animals and this is fine, after all everyone has a voice and wants to be heard at times, but when the level of barking becomes excessive and annoying, particularly to neighbors, then a responsible dog owner really needs to be looking at ways in which to stop their dogs barking. In order to even begin to curb a dog’s barking you need to understand why the dog is barking in the first place. Even when your dog seems to be barking at nothing you can bet your bottom dollar they’re barking for something, even if it’s only your return home.

To ascertain if you have a dog that is barking excessively when you leave the house, it is a good idea to ask the neighbors if there is a noise problem and if there clearly is, then say that you are working on the problem, and then do so. Continual barking that begins after you have been away for about 20 minutes could be a sign that your dog is suffering from anxiety separation, which is a psychological condition which will require some extra attention and training.

You could try building up gradually to leaving your dog for a period of time, by going out for say, 10 minutes and then returning and making a fuss of your dog so he is reassured that you will be back, and then keep repeating this process, staying away a little longer each time.

An obvious way in which to stop your dogs barking is to come home more often, say in your lunchbreak, or try and get a friend to call round preferably with a doggy companion and spend a little time with your dog.

A barking dog is often a bored dog that is lacking stimulus through the day, particularly when you are absent. Some owners find that providing a companion for a lonely dog makes it easier for them to leave the house, as two dogs will amuse each other and tire each other out with playing. Alternatively try giving your dog a long walk and tire him out before you leave him on his own.

By: Juliet Tyler

Related Blogs

  • Related Blogs on Lunchbreak
No Rating
Category: Dog training articles  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment

Puppy Training Lesson 1 – Sit Means Sit Dog Training

By
29
Nov 2009
By ashtonfitzgerald:


collar. Sit Means Sit teaches control through attention and after laying in some foundation skills with the Sit Means Sit dog collar, Chris instructs Beau’s owner on how to re-direct his attention when distracted. Beau even learns how to greet strangers politely. Visit www.SitMeansSit.com for more puppy dog training articles, to view more of our puppy dog training videos and to purchase a Sit Means Sit dog collar. … dog training collar brisbane australia queensland chris flegler cattle off …

Check out some more DOG TRAINING videos

No Rating
Category: Dog training videos  Tags: , ,  One Comment

Dog Training and Classical Conditioning – Bestdogtraining.org

By
29
Nov 2009
private dog training
This first step in dog training is not going to be teaching your dog any practical skill at all. This excise is for your benefit to help you understand how classical conditioning works in the training of your dog. Do take into consideration that this exercise is not appropriate if your dog is a very young puppy unable to eat solid food, or limited to some special diet for health problems.

You will need between 15-20 doggie treats. These treats should most certainly be something your dog enjoys, e.g. kibble/dried dog food pellets, small chicken pieces, freeze dried liver. It is important that the tit-bits are small navy bean sized pieces. Meaty bones, chewy pig’s ears, or dental chews are not appropriate for this exercise. Remember the treats are for the dog! Do not eat these treats yourself, your dog will just think that’s silly.

This exercise must be performed in private between you are your dog in a place your dog is familiar with. Your dog will be off-leash so a secured fenced area is recommended. Ensure there are no distractions that might attract your dogs attention away from this classical training exercise. A fenced backyard or a large room are ideal for this exercise, but first scout the area for the usual distractions or escape routes.

Some dogs are sensible eaters so it is best to perform this exercise before a meal time. You may be quite in tune with your dogs eating habits, and know when he will be most responsive if it means something to taste.

.Begin by holding some of the treats, keeping the rest in your pocket or in a handy bag near your body. To attract your dogs attention show him the prize but be sure not to let him grab it just yet. When you have his undivided attention reward him with a click sound either from a clicker device (available at all good pet shops and even children’s party supplies). If you do not have access to a clicker, you may make a click sound by flicking your tongue over the roof of your mouth. Immediately with the sound of the click allow your dog to have one of the treats. If you prefer not to hand feed your dog, you may quickly drop it nearby, although hand feeding him the treat is preferred. Alternatively, if you are unable to create a click sound, you may use a short reward word, i.e. “OK”, be sure to keep the sound of the word short and positive. The reasoning here is to condition your dog to associate this sound with something rewarding.

. You should repeat this process until your dog’s anticipation is evident, his ears will prick or he will startle and stir a little. Continue with as many repetitions as are required to achieve the desired result. Typically, you will see a result up to six or seven times, some dogs will be cued in after the first couple, some will be quite blas? and may need much more. If after some extensive amount of time you don’t feel he is “getting it”, you may need to consider your approach, perhaps your click and treat are not close enough together for him to have made the association. The reward and the sound should be no more than a few short seconds apart.

. When the result of the exercise has been achieved stop giving him treats and stop clicking, in fact ignore him for a few moments. Generally, he will still be attentive but please resist the urge to return his attention until he looks away. Finally, once his head urn away give one more click, certainly you will have gained instant interest for him again, give him the final treat ad end the exercise on a positive note. Tell him he is a good boy and reward him with his meal.

By now it is apparent to you that you dog has learned to associate the click sound with reward. This process is known as classical conditioning and was developed by the Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov. This must be the first stage in training your canine friend. As your dog has learned that something good is on the way, this is the paver for teaching him other commands and communicating with him. By associating the click with reward, you can move on to simple commands such as “sit” and “come” with the correct response to the command rewarded with a click and treat.

You are correct in believing that your dog becomes conditioned to the click because he is hungry but it classical conditioning training to the clicker does not need to be performed only when your dog is hungry. It is a rare dog that does not have some preferred “sometimes” treat, this is a treat that you would not regularly feed your dog, particularly as part of a meal. You may try different high-value food treats such as cheese (not recommended for regular feeding), and even especially created “doggie chocs” (human chocolate is toxic to your dog and should not be readily fed to him especially in large quantities), most good pet shops will stock a variety of appropriate treats to help you find the one that works on your dog.



By: Admin Bestdogtraining
No Rating
Category: Dog training articles  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment

How To Pick Dog Barking Devices

By
29
Nov 2009
Stop Dog Barking
Dog barking devices are tools to help quiet excess barking.  We all know that dogs bark, that’s just what dogs do.  Have you noticed that all that barking doesn’t seem to bother the dog at all?  That’s because it doesn’t.  Many dogs seem to really enjoy making a racket.  Too much of that noise, on the other hand, can drive humans right to the edge.  Here are some of the tools you can turn to.

Often a shock collar is the first thought when a bark control device is mentioned.  No doubt electronic anti bark collars work.  They usually do stop barking, and quickly.  But they usually only work as long as the collar is on and charged.  Most dogs can sense that the collar isn’t working and they certainly know when it’s removed.  Then the barking starts back.

Here’s the other problem with shock collars.  Many dogs go into panic mode when the shocking starts.  The shocks drive them crazy.  I can understand that, can’t you?  Also, many dogs become very nervous and unstable after a shock collar is used.  All in all, a shock collar seems like a bad idea.

Other collar options seem to work just as well or better.

For example, the ultrasonic collar generates a sound that’s unpleasant to the dog but inaudible to people whenever barking starts.  That seems fair… to fight noise with noise.  These seem to be about as effective as shock collars.

Then there is the citronella collar.  Dog barking triggers a sensor that squirts oil into the dog’s face.  That’s a bit shocking, but not harmful.  It’s not just the surprise that stops the barking either.  Citronella oil is stinky and unpleasant to sensitive noses.  That’s enough to make most barkers shut up to stop the stink.

It isn’t necessary to resort to electrical shocks to stop dog barking.  Often, just a change in how you deal with a pet can stop excess barking.  If not, one of the dog barking devices can be a useful tool to stop the noise.

 

 



By: Al Bullington
No Rating
Category: Dog training articles  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment

Should there be professional training for dog owners to be?

By
29
Nov 2009
professional dog training
Kat asked:


Im just curious what people think. I believe that there should be some kind of instructional training for dogowners to be, so that there will be less incidents and missunderstandings when it comes to owning and raising a dog/puppy. What do u think?
Thanks for all the nice input. I believe that there should be classes like that. I work as a professional dogtrainer in germany and i’ve seen so many dogowners that were trying to do the right thing and raise their dog well, but just had a lack of information. I agree with those of you that said as long as there is no legal requirement for those kind of classes the breeders should take the responsibility and make sure that the new puppy owners get the basic information on how to treat and teach their dogs.

Get 5% off on pet products
No Rating
Category: Dog training FAQ's  Tags: , ,  13 Comments

Exercise Your Dog for Longevity, Mind, Body and Spirit

By
29
Nov 2009
Exercising Your Dog
Exercise is important for everyone including your pet. Too much confinement can result in stress, emotional and behavioral problems, and a generally unhappy dog.

Unhappy dogs result from negative environments, experiences, and inconsistent interaction with their owners, along with a lack of exercise, an unstable routine, inappropriate social interactions, and underemployment where the instinctual desires to perform an activity are not met.

Emotional stress and loneliness alter neurochemical and vascular functions and can increase susceptibility to major diseases.

A lack of exercise leads to obesity, poor muscle tone, heart, bone, and emotional problems.

The opposite scenario occurs with exercise. Exercise leads to longer life, increased strength and endurance. Your dog will rest more calmly and be less nervous when left alone. Exercise can improve dog bone and joint health, heart, and lung function.

Your dog’s metabolism is geared for field work, pulling sleds, or other vigorous tasks.  Pent-up energy demands an outlet and it is up to the responsible dog caregiver to channel this energy constructively through exercise.

The most effective exercise engages both mind and body.

It’s important to understand what your dog’s instinctual traits are and incorporate them into activities and exercise. For a working breed, performing a task would be naturally satisfying, possibly pulling a wagon or carrying a pack with your water bottle. For a retriever breed, engage your dog in ball throwing and retrieving.

Do not make the mistake of thinking that dogs need a big yard to get plenty of exercise.

The truth is that most dogs do not exercise when they are alone outside or indoors; they spend most of their time lying in a comfortable spot waiting for “their guardians” to play with them.

Exercising with your dog creates a human-dog bond in which the dog will sense you care as a good pack leader, which will make your dog happy.

A brief daily walk sometimes is not enough.

The exercise you choose for your dog should depend on the age, weight, health and breed characteristics. A Border Collie or Parson Russell Terrier needs more play and exercise than an English Bulldog or Pug.

For small dogs, vigorous play activity for exercise can be accomplished indoors; for larger breeds, outdoor activity needs to be given unless the weather is especially dangerous or conditions are too extreme. 

Daily exercise is recommended and is a great stress reliever.

Dogs on average should be exercised aerobically for at least 20-30 minutes each day, of course taking into consideration health and age limitations, unless there is a medical problem or a pregnancy.

Keep in mind that obese dogs and those with heart and lung diseases may have a problem, and be sure to consult with your vet before starting any exercise regime.

Healthy dogs need interaction with other dogs and people for proper socialization. Dog parks are great for this and some of them allow the dogs to play and walk unleashed. If you participate in off-leash activities, be sure you are in control and can reliably recall your dog.

Your exercise should include activities the dog finds stimulating and enjoys — games of catch, long walks, jogging, swimming and biking. A Ruff Dawg K9 flying disc is similar to a Frisbee, only more rugged, flexible and non-toxic for on-land or in water. Try a simple game with a rope tug toy, a Hyper Disc which is floatable, durable and soft on your dog’s mouth, or a Hyper Ball Launcher that allows you to launch a ball up to 220 feet. These and other quality dog exercise toys are available at CalloftheDogShop.com

Caution should be used when exercising in the hot weather.

All dogs, especially those with heart and lung ailments and dogs with thick hair coats will likely have trouble with hot and humid conditions.

Use precaution when temperatures are approaching and greater than 100 degrees and for at-risk pets when approaching and at 90 degrees. Exercise your dog in the early morning or evening and when the temperature is less than 80 degrees and humidity heat index is less then 30 percent. When the heat index greater then 72 use precaution for at-risk breeds. Any relative-humidity reading above 17 % will make the heat index higher if the actual temperature is above approximately 68 degrees, and full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15 degrees. Always avoid hot and humid conditions.

Dogs do not get rid of heat the way we do.

Sweat cools our skin; however, dogs do not sweat. They have a few sweat glands in their feet, but mostly they dissipate heat through their paws and mouths.

Dogs do not dissipate heat as fast as we can, which makes heat stroke a real possible danger. While they are having fun, many dogs will run themselves even to the point of collapse, which can prove to be fatal. Limit sun exposure during the mid-day hours and provide plenty of water in a shady area

People assume that if your dog is in water, your pet won’t overheat. This just isn’t true when the water temperature gets much above 75 degrees and if the dog is working hard in the water.

Keep in mind that searing hot asphalt is not good for your dog’s paws.

Consult your veterinarian before you decide on a fitness program for your pet.



By: Jay Jacovitz
No Rating
Category: Dog training articles  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment
« Previous Entries