Archive for December 21st, 2009
Techniques to Stop Dogs from Eating Their Stools
There are tons of complaints from pet owners about their canines eating feces. This habit is also known as coprophagia and this means eating of feces by an animal. This bad habit could be a result of many factors like pancreatic insufficiency, digestive diseases, disorders such as malabsorption of food particles, over-feeding, under-feeding, fatty foods that are rich in saturated oils, anxiety or stress. Nevertheless, there are various studies regarding the real cause of this canine issue.
Theories suggest that dogs eat their feces to eliminate evidences when they are punished for defecating improperly because they think that defecating is wrong. There are also studies which suggest that coprophagy is a trait dogs inherited from their ancestors. Wolves may have often eaten poo if something to eat is hard to come by. In some cases, coprophagy may be a behavior learned from watching other animals.
This trait can also develop as dogs try out to taste everything and eventually forming a habit of eating the poop because it tastes good for them.But, understanding the why behind the stool eating is not near as important as stopping it.
Solving this strange pet problem is not as easy as it may seem. But there are different strategies available that could help pet owners control their dogs. Owners can stop their dogs from eating feces by picking it up. But this has to be done immediately after the dog pooped so the pet will not have any chance to get near it.
There are also a few chemicals and additives that claim to fix this problem. Natural products include pumpkin seeds, mints and pineapple. Some owners also use some chemicals to make the feces taste unbareable. Products that are made especially for this purpose are available in the market and they can be conveniently mixed with dog food.
Using a muzzle is also practical solution to stop the pup from nibbling their own feces. As it is with most un-wanted behavior problems, eating their droppings can be prevented with some good training. By introducing another good behavior, a dog can forget about eating feces. Verbal commands could also be taught to the pets. Adding toys around the pet could be used as diversionary tactics. Owners should also look for something that is more fun for the pet than nibbling its own stool. The vital point is that owners should not punish their dogs if they eat their poop.
It is common for a dog to eat its and other animal’s feces, but through proper training, this problem can be solved.
Canines may contract illness from eating poopies. Worms and other parasites can also be transmitted through ingesting these. There is no doubt that this is not something you want your dog to be doing. Eliminating the canine from eating their poo needs tremendous effort. Through the owners’ initiative, pets could not only be prevented from doing something gross, but they could also be saved from illness.
Even though the reasons why dogs eat stool are only theories, there are still means to stop them from doing such.
Separation Anxiety In Dogs: Five Tips For Solving This Dog Behavior Problem
Is separation anxiety in dogs destroying your hopes of having a happy, well-behaved dog? Are you tired of having your pet go into a frenzy of destructive dog behavior whenever you leave him alone?
If this is true, you’re not the only one. This dog behavior problem is the second most common reason that pet owners have for giving up a dog, or even having him to put sleep. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
What Is Canine Separation Anxiety?
Basically, your dog has a panic attack when you leave him alone, usually within a half hour of your leaving. Your canine may show the following dog behavior problems:
- High-pitched yipping and whining, in hopes of getting you to come home
- Digging at doors and windows in an effort to escape
- Inappropriate urination or defecation, even if he’s housebroken
- Destroying furniture, clothing, or whatever else he can get into
Your dog isn’t doing these things to get back at you for leaving him alone. He’s doing it because he’s scared.
Why Does My Dog Have This Problem?
Nobody knows for sure why some dogs with separation anxiety develop this condition, and others don’t. Some breeds, including Weimaraners, Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds, and Airedales, are more likely to develop canine separation anxiety.
When the owner is absent from home a lot, it often contributes to the problem. Dogs are social animals who need lots of interaction with their owners to be happy. You may want to have somebody come in to walk your dog during the day, or take him to a doggy day care, if you know your dog will be alone most of the time.
Avoid Making A Big Fuss When You Get Home
Does your dog greet you when you get home by jumping around and barking, almost to the point of being out of control? Do you encourage this behavior by petting him, and lavishing attention on him when he’s acting crazy?
You’re making a big mistake if you do. It’s flattering to have your dog so happy to see you, but giving him attention when he acts like this only reinforces the idea that your daily homecoming is the highest point of his day. Your dog is dizzy with joy when you come home, but he’s in the pits of despair the next day when you leave again.
Keep your comings and goings low-key. Yes, he should be happy to see you, but not excessively so.
Are You The Alpha Male Or Is Your Dog?
Many dog owners make the mistake of trying to treat their dog as an equal. Dogs are pack animals, and there’s always a leader in the pack. If you aren’t the alpha dog, there’s a leadership vacuum that your dog will step up to fill.
If your canine thinks he’s the pack leader, he may suffer separation anxiety in dogs if you leave. This is because in the wild, the pack leader can leave the pack and come back. However, the other dogs (the followers) don’t have this option of leaving their pack leader.
Your dog sees you leaving, and this upsets him because he believes he’s responsible for you as his pack member. This is another reason you need to be the pack leader, not your dog.
The Right Training Is Key
Dogs don’t think the way we do. They run on instinct much of the time. Learning how your canine thinks is very important to avoid dog behavior problems.
A good dog training course that teaches you how your dog thinks is worth its weight in gold. You’ll see how quickly and easily you can train him when he understands what you want him to do instead of wasting your time teaching him to do the wrong things.
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Potty Training Puppies Takes Patience And Persistence
Persistence pays off when it comes to potty training puppies. It also helps to be patient with newborn pups. They will be the ideal dog soon. Puppies don't like to disappoint their owner and they will work hard to please. It is best to get a puppy used to going outdoors in a designated area from the start. Keep commands simple. Use of the word "potty" will suffice. When they hear this enough times they will likely learn to go on command. Lavish praise and give a little treat when the desired job is accomplished. It can be incredible how much a puppy will do for a snack.
Planning potty time after meals and when they awaken helps puppies get into a pattern. Potty training a puppy can still be accomplished even if you're at work all day, with nobody at home. Crating the puppy will help them feel they have a place all their own. This also gives your puppy a sense of security, especially when it is filled with toys and a little treat. While the master is at work, cover the floor in a designated potty area. Close off the day care location from unwelcome areas. You should place a floor covering away from the crate so the odours do not disturb them.
Accidents will no doubt happen but they do not have to be the focus. It is best for a person to clean up and move on. If the puppy is caught in the act just say "no" firmly without yelling and then put them in the proper potty area. This will send a message that the puppy is being put on notice and they are not likely to consistently repeat the behavior. Whenever it looks like the puppy will not be getting the master's attention the puppy is better off placed in the day time care area. This way the puppy will not get in trouble.
Puppies have a lot of energy between naps and will need to get plenty of exercise. Include puppies as soon as possible when taking walks. If they are short legged then potty training puppies may also include carrying them part of the way. At that time, let them out at good potty areas. Some people push little pups in a baby carriage since their legs may not be ready for long distances. Whatever method you use, be sure that you incorporate walks and play daily. When puppies have their own toys and their own space they will enjoy their mini palace as they grow into an adult. Persistence and patience are key to raising healthy, trained puppies.
The author, Robert Walker is a proud owner of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier named Una (which rhymes with Tuna) an means 'Little Lamb' in Gaelic. Bob also has a blog with puppy potty training articles and videos that can be found on the World Wide Web by typing in - potty training puppies info - and adding .com
Dog Housebreaking Technique
As soon as the dog is brought into the house, the owner should start the housebreaking. There are different methods which can be used to housebreak your pets. Taking time and energy is vital in housebreaking since this will not only benefit the pet but the owner as well.
Staying calm is very essential in training. The dog owner can use different methods in housebreaking. However, before making a move in housebreaking and choosing the correct methods, the owner should be able to understand his pet very well. It is useful for the owner to observe when his canine usually urinates or defecates, which is usually after every meal. At that time, the dog should be taken outside. There are signs dogs give when they need to relieve themselves like running in circles and sniffing the ground. Pre-potty patterns differ from pup to pup. Whatever it is, the owner should observe and comprehend well these signs.
Pretreated urine pads works well. Canines can smell the chemical in the pads and this attracts the dogs to use them. In the beginning, the owner should carry the dog over to the pads when they show signs that they are about to urinate. The key here is watching the signs dogs give when they are about to relieve themselves. After the dog has urinated, it is also important for the owner to praise the dog. It will be a habit for the dog to urinate on pads so it is the time to move the pads outside for the dog to learn doing it there.
Another method in housebreaking the canine is the use of crating. Putting the dogs inside the crate will train them in holding their urination. They would not urinate or defecate inside the crate as they do not want to soil their sleeping place. Still, the owner has to watch for the signs that the dog wants to eliminate. A pet cannot be left alone all day inside the crate, controlling himself from urinating. When the owner cannot look over the dog, the owner can should ask somebody’s help to look over during the crate training or he can do it during the night.
Other ways for effective housebreaking include the use of verbal cues. What is important in using words to train the dogs is to say the words the same way every time. All members involved in the training should use the same words.
Continuous supervision is the most essential ingredient in training the dogs. Spending time with their pets, playing with them, and taking them for a walk are parts of the must-do list for the owners. It should also be understood by the owners that punishing their pets, especially when the owner did not see the pet doing the mistake is not advisable as this will not help in training the dog. It is better to just firmly say “No!” while the dog is in the process of it. In that way, the dog will see that what it is doing upsets its owner. This is a more efficient way to housebreak the dog.
Training the pet needs a lot of time, effort and patience. But in the end, it is worth all of these.
Stop Dog From Jumping EasyTechniques
To stop dog from jumping, there are four tricks to master, but you have to understand why your dog jumps
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Your dog can cause an embarrassment when he jumps up ,but he isn’t usually being aggressive. Also, it can be dangerous, especially if you have a large dog. His jumping habits could easily knock someone over, and it frightens people.
Even if he’s well trained in other respects, he might seem particularly stubborn about jumping
This is because it’s a natural inclination, so it’s difficult for him to comprehend that you’re upset by it. He may know you’re upset, of course, but can’t figure out that the jumping is the problem. Dogs like to be at the same level when they say hello, to sniff each other’s face. Subordinate dogs want to show their respect by licking, too.
To your dog, all human beings are dominant. So his need to express both his happiness and his subordination is strong, but of course, human beings are considerably taller than dogs. So he ends up jumping.
A contributing factor to this problem is your dog’s excitement when you arrive home or when he meets someone new. Not only is he excited and happy to see the person, all that jumping around gets him even more excited. Just as children have a harder time listening and obeying when they’re very excited, so do dogs.
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Firstly you should concentrate on lowering his excitement levels when he sees another person. If you can help him make a habit of being calmer, he’ll be much better able to focus on your instructions.
Do this by being an example of calmness yourself. When you arrive home, don’t make a big deal out of an immediate greeting. Instead, wait a few minutes, and when his excitement is less, praise him for patience.
The second helpful trick is to reduce his worry over not being able to reach your face. Bending down to greet him helps. He won’t feel it’s up to him to close the distance by jumping. When he begins to understand and waits for you to stoop down, instead of jumping, praise him.
The third step is to extend this habit of calm behavior. Keep rough-housing to a minimum. Teach him to play more gently, so he won’t think there’s a connection between being rough and being happy all the time. Wrestling and tug of war are over stimulating; try fetching or playing hide and seek with toys.
You must finally concentrate on teaching your dog to sit. Not only that, use the command every single day, whenever it is appropriate. Praise him enthusiastically when he obeys. It’s easier sometimes to teach a dog to do one thing, rather than to teach him not to do something else. He might understand that “No” means you’re unhappy, but remember, he’s a dog: He can’t figure out causes the same way a person can. But if you give him a command that he does understand, two things happen. First, the bad behavior stops, because he’s sitting down. Second, he can pay attention better because he’s calmer.
The key to changing a dog’s behavior is to understand why he is misbehaving; along with these four techniques, you’ll succeed.
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Crate Training Your Puppy
Crate training your puppy can be the earliest start to your dog training efforts. This can train your puppy that he is safe even when you are not there. Crates for your puppy are great for indoor use, making the puppy feel safe as to where he is and also great to use as a travel crate when transporting your puppy.
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Your puppies crate has to have some sort of protection in it like a blanket to avoid harm and secure enough so he cannot get out. The crate should be comfortable and welcoming or yourpuppy will never be happy going in it
To make it easier for your puppy to get used to the crate and therefore feel comfortable entering it and sitting or laying inside, you could add some of the puppies toys inside the crate and also a pillow or blanket to make the area a lot more comfortable and interesting for your puppy.
If your puppy does not feel comfortable entering the crate a good way to get him used to it is by gently persuading him about 3 or 4 a day by dropping some doggy treats into the crate. Feeding him in the crate is also very helpful, try this bit by bit, start by feeding him next to the crate then slowly move the food into the crate.
Make sure that you praise and reward your puppy when he finally begins to go into the crate himself, without any help at all. The best way to praise him would be to enthusiastically give him a doggy treat and later on you can change the doggy treat for a toy or a ball, whatever makes your pup happy.
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Never try to force your puppy to use the crate and never force him inside, by doing this the only this you are going to achieve is that your puppy will fear the crate and never get used to it. Also when training your puppy to use the crate, never leave him locked up in it for a large amount of time as this can make him anxious, especially if you are not in the room with him.
It is best to start off the crate training when you know that you can spend time with your puppy and be in the same room with him throughout most of the time he is in the crate. Your puppy will have to get accustomed to your leaving from time to time so do a few dry runs, go out and come back in gradually increasing the time, so he knows you are coming back.
Certain things have to be borne in mind when you are crate training your puppy, depending on the eventual size age and breed.
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Facts About Separation Anxiety And How To Stop It
Are you seeing the signs of dog separation in your pet?
Does he display unusual behavior like destroying your furniture or barking too loudly for no reason?
What really is separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety is a case wherein a dog gets stressed out whenever his master leaves him alone; typical signs of separation anxiety are frequent whining, pacing, chewing furniture, scratching wooden doors, raucous behavior that involves frequent barking and many more.
These are clear signs that your dog is suffering from stress and loneliness and these activities are their way of venting out to relieve the pressure.
Ideas to help deal with seperation anxiety:
• Spend more time with your pets
Dogs that experience separation anxiety can’t heal themselves, as their owner you have the responsibility to tend for them and make them well.
In preventing dog separation anxiety, it is important that you spend more time with your dog; this extra attention will make him feel loved.
• Give him a space of his own
Dogs that suffer dog separation anxiety want to be beside their masters at all times, they are very clingy and will follow their owners wherever they go.
You are not going to be able to spend an unlimited amount of time with your dog so changes will need to be made.
You can help your dog gain maturity and develop independence by setting up specific area wherein he can play and spend time alone.
Give your dog regular attention. This will show your dog that there is a proper time and place for everything.
• Train your dog
Dogs love to train; it gives him a notion that he shares a secure relationship with his owner as it enjoys having physical interaction.
Do some regular training routines; not only is it fun, it will also bring you closer to each other and will help your dog become confident and obedient, a key ingredient for a better relationship with your pet.
• Treat your dog with respect
One way of showing respect to your dog is to offer him a quick but meaningful goodbye.
Don’t exaggerate your goodbyes though; sad and over-sentimental goodbyes are very unnecessary and will only worsen your pet’s anxiety levels.
Make partings short, simple and quick.
No matter how frustrated you are never yell or be violent to your dog.
You should take into account that the problem is your dog’s anxiety and not the dog itself; most owners resort to violence and maltreatment but these methods just worsen the dog’s condition.
Under What Circumstances Could I Crate Train My Dog?
When it comes to dog training, crate training is a safe, effective, and humane way to go. It is as far from animal abuse as you can get. Crate training owners are not negligent in any way, as is often the criticism. They simply want the best for their dogs, and they recognize that crate training is a great method for teaching a variety of desired behaviors.
Dogs crave security and tend to like spaces of their own. When you use a crate, you are providing a feeling of safety and a great den. In addition, they can be immeasurably helpful when it comes to curbing excessive chewing and trying to housetrain your pet.
Small dens have sheltered dogs for time immemorial. Dogs feel safe and protected, and crates recreate this feeling. It is as important for dogs to have their own space as it is for humans.
Because of this, your dog will be much less anxious when you are away from home. You will return home to find a happy dog instead of chewed on furniture.
When you are away from home for short periods of time, you can put your dog in his crate. Soon, you’ll find that he is less anxious and displays far fewer undesired behaviors even when he is not in his crate. Your dog will progress to the point where going into the crate when you’re gone or sleeping is optional. But you may be surprised to find that your dog wants to go into his little space.
Because dogs are so resistant to soiling their own sleeping area, crates can help with the housetraining process. If left in their crates for small increments, they will develop greater control over their bladders and bowels. If you have a puppy, remember that they may be too young to hold it, so only keep them in the crate for little stints at a time.
Puppies want to please you, but their bodies may not be developed enough yet. When you keep your puppy in his crate at night and for periods during the day, ample exercise will help with housetraining. They need enough time and opportunities to relieve themselves. They also need to stretch their legs and expend some energy.
When training your dog, a crate can be your best ally. If you use it correctly, you will help create a safe environment for your dog. Do not use a crate as punishment, however. It should be a safe haven, not a place for discipline.
Here are some tips to get you started on your crate training process:
The first thing you need is a good crate, of course! You can choose from plastic or metal crates depending on your needs and preferences. Whatever the material, make sure to choose one that is just big enough for your dog to turn around in. Learn puppy aggressive for more complete dog training.
If a dog has more space than that, he can create a separate area for going “to the bathroom.” If he has room only for sleeping, the puppy housetraining process will be much more effective.
Now, you have to acclimate your pet to his new crate. If you keep it in the living room or kitchen, he can feel free to explore it while not isolating himself from you and your family. Keep the door open so he can come and go. Don’t force him in at this point.
Encourage your dog to get into his crate by guiding him in with a toy or treat. If he learns to associate positive things like this with his crate, he will be more likely to use it and enjoy it. Try feeding him next to it, and remember to praise him when he goes in.
Allow him to explore and get used to the crate. Then, you can guide him in and close the door. He may whine to be let out, but have him stay in for a few minutes. He needs to get used to it; you are not abusing him, you are teaching him. Babies fuss when they are put into cribs – this is the same type of situation. They will adapt very quickly.
Like babies, puppies will want to get out and return to you. If you cave in with a baby, he won’t learn to sleep on his own. If you give in to your pet, he won’t learn to stay in the crate. Ultimately, it is very beneficial to him, so stick with it. When he stops whining, you can let him out for a walk or some play time. Start with several minutes of crate time and progress gradually. Always take him for a walk or let him out to play before and after crate time. Get aware, puppy potty training to realize more favourable results.
If your dog is reluctant to go into his crate, try encouraging him with a treat. Once in, leave him for a few minutes while you go into the next room. Let your dog remain in the crate while you are out of sight.
After a period of about ten minutes, come back into the room. You can sit or stand by the crate to let your dog know you are back. Work on this until you are away for about thirty minutes at a time. He’ll quickly become used to you being gone, and you can put him in his crate when you leave the house.
Dogs are very adaptable, especially when they find something enjoyable. While you may have to work a little to get your dog into his crate, you may find that he really likes it. Many dogs even go in on their own when they want some down time. It is worth it to invest some time now because the benefits are so great for you both. For more dependable results try out sit stay fetch to facilitate your dog training efforts.
Techniques And Procedures to Crate Train Your Dog
Crate training is one of the most effective ways to train your dog. Some people think this is cruel to pets because it is like keeping them in a cage, or it is a result of an owner neglecting the pet.
If used properly, though, crates provide a sense of security and safety for your dog. They also help with puppy “potty” training and keeping your dog from making a mess of your home when you’re not there.
Dogs have lived in small dens for centuries. Having a “den” of his own will help your dog feel safe and secure. Everyone likes a place of their own – especially dogs.
This will help cut down on separation anxiety when you are not at home, which means you will not find chewed up shoes or furniture after being away.
As your dog begins to feel more comfortable with your home and with you being away, you may feel confident in leaving the dog out while you’re gone. Some dogs, though, actually prefer the crate. For more respectable results sample sit stay fetch to help your dog training efforts.
It helps with puppy potty training because dogs do not like to soil their sleeping areas. They will learn to control their bladders and bowels while in the crate. To help with this, make sure you only have them in the crate for short periods while they are learning.
They cannot hold their bladders for that long when they’re puppies. They should be in at night and while you are away from home. Make sure you have a regular schedule of walking and going outside so the dog learns when he can relieve himself and have a chance to play.
A dog crate can be a great tool in training your pet – just never use it for punishment. It can really help your dog feel secure and safe while you’re away.
So how do you get started with crate training?
First, choose a good crate. They can be plastic or metal and should be only large enough for your dog to turn around in. If it is too big, then the dog will have enough room to eliminate and then return to his sleeping area. For more skillful outcomes examine puppy aggressive to aid your dog training efforts.
For crate training to effectively help potty train your pet, he needs room only to sleep because dogs won’t soil their sleeping areas.
Next, start introducing your dog to the crate. If you keep it somewhere central, like the living room, he can go in and out while still being part of things. Keep the door open and see if he starts to explore.
Get him to go in by dropping treats or a favorite toy inside. You can also try feeding your dog next to or in his crate so he will have good associations with it.
Once he’s gone in and seems to feel comfortable, close the door. He will probably whine to be let out. This is perfectly normal – it just means he has to get used to it. It’s like an infant being laid in a crib.
They will whimper because they want to be picked up. If you let your dog out, he’ll continue that behavior. Stand firm and have him stay in there. Don’t let him out until he stops whining. Start with short periods and let him out to play or walk.
At first, if your dog continues whining, you will have to encourage him to get in with a treat. When he is in, sit by the crate for a few minutes. Then go into another room for ten or so minutes.
Come back and sit by the crate. Do this until you are out of his site for about thirty minutes. Once he’s used to this, you can start leaving him for short periods when you’re out of the house.
Your dog should adapt relatively quickly. Most really like the comfort of the crate. Your dog may take to it right away or may need a little extra training. Be prepared to spend some time working at it because it really will help with his overall training. Take puppy potty training for improved dog training.
Alsation Dog Training in Easy Steps
German Shepherd dogs are generally very intelligent and learn fast so german shepherd training can be easier than it is with some other breeds.
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You will find that german shepherd training will give you much more enjoyment if you start it whilst the dog is young. An older dog can however still be trained.
One of the common mistakes that can be made is to try and control in a manner that befits the eventual size of the dog. This is a bigger dog but just like any other needs sensitivity in handling and kindly treatment.
German shepherd training should start early. Your dog will get large so get him used to other folks and other dogs especially.
Appreciate that this is a working animal with a considerable ability.This is a dog with lots of energy and should not be punished for bad behavior but rewarded for good like any other breed. This is a dog that is used by the police and security forces because it is powerful but intelligent.
Use that intelligence constructively when you start german shepherd training. This is a big dog who will need lots of exercise and you can start training when exercising.
Knowing your dog is intelligent, you have to show him or her who is boss at an early stage. Establish that you are the leader and this is a big part of the battle.
There are a number of training techniques you can bear in mind when thinking about german shepherd training. One technique that seem to be successful is clicker training. You could also try german shepherd agility training as part of the method to give some variety to a dog that is easily bored.
Whilst you should have training daily, you can introduce small changes gradually if you find a particular technique isnt working. This is a dog that gets bored quickly but as an advantage to that it learns quickly so you can introduce variety if necessary.
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More traditional methods can work well in german shepherd training, such as command and reward, getting your dog into the desired position such as sitting and rewarding accordingly whilst taking care not to reward the wrong behavior which is a common fault in this method
Bear in mind throughout that you should look at one method of training and try it out, then move gradually to another if it doesn’t seem to be working.
German shepherd training should include socialisation at an early stage preferably as a puppy. This will get to be a big dog so it is important. You should get your dog used to other dogs in particular and also to other humans including children.
Sometimes you can struggle to get the training right but remember this is a great dog and one of the easier techniques is german shepherd shepherd training.
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