On the Popular TV series “COPS” they play a song which says, in part, “Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when they come for you?” Many people bring home an adorable, cute puppy. But without proper training, some dogs misbehave until the owners shrug their shoulders and say “Bad Dog, Bad Dog, whatcha gonna do?” Hopefully, those people will read articles like this, “Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do? Part 1,” and others like them before they do the unthinkable and call the “Dog Police” to take their beloved pet to the pound!
In “Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do? Part 1” we explain "Dog Pack” instincts and the “Alpha Dog” mentality, and teach you how to “reprogram” your dog so knows that you are the Alpha dog. In addition to those “Alpha Dog” techniques, there are other things you can do to help alleviate your “bad dog behavior.” This article will teach you ways to “deprogram” your misbehaving dog and retrain him properly, thus creating harmony between family and pet.
But before we proceed, if you suffer from “bad dog syndrome” with your family pet, make sure there isn’t an underlying medical condition. Take your dog to the vet, explain your problem, and ensure he/she is healthy, and doesn’t suffer from dental, intestinal, digestion, parasitic, or other problems. Once you find that your dog is indeed healthy, implement the following suggestions.
1. Read other articles, magazines, ezines, and books on dogs, training and behavior. The more you know the better trainer you’ll be.
2. Be consistent. Just like a child, your dog will notice your inconsistencies, and will “test your mettle” by pushing the boundaries to determine who is really in control. Do it the same way every time.
3. Earn your dog’s respect. Be firm and fair in training and discipline. Never resort to violence. Positive reinforcement techniques have always proven the more successful training method. Your dog’s submission to you should always be out of respect, not fear.
4. Spend quality time with your dog. Interact with your dog. Quite often, the cause of misbehavior in dogs is similar to that in children. They are simply looking for QUALITY TIME, ATTENTION and LOVE. Remember all the love and attention you gave that sweet, adorable puppy? Well, your adult dog still craves that same love and attention. Just be careful when giving that attention to a problem dog, to always retain your alpha status.
5. During training sessions, always maintain eye contact with your dog until he turns away. That way he knows you are the master and he is submissive to you. I once maintained eye contact with a strong-willed Brittany for 12 minutes before he finally looked away. Demand your dog’s attention during short training sessions. (A dog’s attention span is a maximum of ten to fifteen minutes). As examples, command your dog to heel, and then look at you before commencing a walk. Or make your dog sit or lie down before getting treats.
6. Give your dog plenty of exercise. Take her for a thirty minute walk – the exercise will do you good, give her the attention she deserves, and tire her out so she prefers to rest instead of wreaking havoc! Dogs are a bundle of bounding energy. They can’t help it, God wired them that way! Give them an outlet for that energy. If you live in the woods like I do, let them out to run and play. (However, I always pen them up at night either outside in a fence with dog houses, or I kennel them inside in cages and kennel crates with crate pads or beds). Take your dog to a park, or better yet, one of those fancy new dog parks where dogs are allowed to play and socialize. Let your dog out in a fenced yard, or if you don’t have or don’t like a fenced yard, get an electronic fence and containment system, so your dog knows the boundaries of where they can and can’t go safely.
7. Feed your dog a high protein, well balanced diet. Sometimes, dog misbehavior is simply a result of hunger and/or malnutrition. I suggest looking for food with meat and rice as the first ingredients, rather than corn meal and meat by-products. I also suggest a protein content of 24-30% and fat content of 10-18%. This will ensure a strong, healthy dog with a shiny coat.
8. Remove temptation. Put trash cans and people food out of the dog’s reach. If you have a destructive dog, put him in the yard or in a kennel crate or cage while you are at work or gone from the house. If you let him out to “do his business” in the morning before you leave for work, he will be fine in an appropriately sized kennel cage or crate with pillow pad until you return.
9. If needed, use appropriate training tools. Although choke collars should be a thing of the past because of the possible danger of injury to your dog’s larynx, an electronic collar is a humane training tool that can provide an appropriate negative “signal,” followed by your positive reinforcement for right behavior. With proper use, in a short time just wearing the collar brings appropriate good behavior. Very few things are more disturbing to a dog lover that seeing your beloved pet run out into the street and get hit by a car, or watching your $1000 bird dog run over the hill never to be seen again. However, if you know your limitations and feel you cannot handle the job yourself, you can find many reputable dog trainers who specialize in behavior problems. Your local vet can probably assist you if needed.
10. Finally, be patient. Positive training and dog behavior modification takes time. Your dog will soon begin to behave in a more positive manner if you follow these helpful suggestions.
Hopefully, these ideas and suggestions, along with a better understanding of who your dog is, will soon move you from saying “Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do?” to saying, “Good Dog, Good Dog, Oh How I Love You!”
Danny Presswood, 2006 All Rights Reserved.
2008年8月28日星期四
2008年8月23日星期六
Cat Insurance Is A Must For Your Emotional And Financial Benefit
Even though your cat probably doesn't come to you when called and seems to have an agenda of her own most days, your life would undoubtedly be missing something special if your feline friend was not part of your household. It is also very distressing to the cat lover who's cat has become ill and needs veterinary pet attention. For these situations, cat insurance policies can be both a financial and an emotional benefit to the owner.
When an adorable cat becomes ill or is somehow injured, most cat owners will worry and stress over the cost of proper veterinary care. Because all health costs have been soaring in both the animal welfare segment of the market, as well as in the case of human health care, there has been an increase in interest in pet health insurance. Because felines are one of the most popular types of house pets, insurance for health and wellness care has become very much sought after.
One aspect of cat insurance that is very important to cat owners is the peace of mind they enjoy by knowing that if their beloved cat encounters an illness, that the costs will be covered. This can greatly reduce the stress levels of a cat owner who may already be distressed by the illness or injury to which their feline companion has succumbed.
If covered by insurance, then this means that the animal will receive treatment more quickly. This is because the cat owner can immediately take action by getting the animal to the veterinary pet office, when there is an indication of illness or in the event of injury. Unfortunately, some pet owners must delay veterinarian visits because of the financial aspect of the office call.
With feline insurance coverage in place, you will not need to delay the visit and can relax knowing that the majority of the costs will be taken care of by the pet health insurance policy. The ability to quickly get the animal in to see the vet can make the difference between a quick and full recovery, or possible long-term health problems and even death.
In the worst case scenario, when a pet owner does not have insurance to help with the high expenses of animal care, it could mean having the cat put down to sleep. This occurs when there is simply no way that the family can bear the cost of expensive veterinary pet treatment or surgery that might be needed to extend the life of the animal. While pet health insurance cannot guarantee that your cat will never succumb to a fatal illness, the best pet insurance benefit is knowing that your pet will be guaranteed proper treatment.
There are many options that you can choose from regarding cat health insurance, which will have a direct impact on the cost of the pet insurance premium you will pay. You can choose a policy that will cover wellness care and preventative health care procedures, such as vaccinations and routine health screenings.
You might choose a form of cat insurance that only covers veterinary pet treatment for times of illness or to cover diseases and injury. This approach will help to reduce the cost of your premiums, but means that you would need to pay for preventative care out of your own pocket. Many times your veterinarian can guide you in making coverage decisions because they can provide insights about your family pets based on the animal's health history and age.
When an adorable cat becomes ill or is somehow injured, most cat owners will worry and stress over the cost of proper veterinary care. Because all health costs have been soaring in both the animal welfare segment of the market, as well as in the case of human health care, there has been an increase in interest in pet health insurance. Because felines are one of the most popular types of house pets, insurance for health and wellness care has become very much sought after.
One aspect of cat insurance that is very important to cat owners is the peace of mind they enjoy by knowing that if their beloved cat encounters an illness, that the costs will be covered. This can greatly reduce the stress levels of a cat owner who may already be distressed by the illness or injury to which their feline companion has succumbed.
If covered by insurance, then this means that the animal will receive treatment more quickly. This is because the cat owner can immediately take action by getting the animal to the veterinary pet office, when there is an indication of illness or in the event of injury. Unfortunately, some pet owners must delay veterinarian visits because of the financial aspect of the office call.
With feline insurance coverage in place, you will not need to delay the visit and can relax knowing that the majority of the costs will be taken care of by the pet health insurance policy. The ability to quickly get the animal in to see the vet can make the difference between a quick and full recovery, or possible long-term health problems and even death.
In the worst case scenario, when a pet owner does not have insurance to help with the high expenses of animal care, it could mean having the cat put down to sleep. This occurs when there is simply no way that the family can bear the cost of expensive veterinary pet treatment or surgery that might be needed to extend the life of the animal. While pet health insurance cannot guarantee that your cat will never succumb to a fatal illness, the best pet insurance benefit is knowing that your pet will be guaranteed proper treatment.
There are many options that you can choose from regarding cat health insurance, which will have a direct impact on the cost of the pet insurance premium you will pay. You can choose a policy that will cover wellness care and preventative health care procedures, such as vaccinations and routine health screenings.
You might choose a form of cat insurance that only covers veterinary pet treatment for times of illness or to cover diseases and injury. This approach will help to reduce the cost of your premiums, but means that you would need to pay for preventative care out of your own pocket. Many times your veterinarian can guide you in making coverage decisions because they can provide insights about your family pets based on the animal's health history and age.
2008年8月14日星期四
What To Feed Guinea Pigs 101
If you are seeking a bit of information to help you learn how to better understand and care for your guinea pig especially what to feed guinea pigs you have come to the right place. First there are some interesting things that you should learn about your new pet or prospective new pet because they are quite fascinating creatures and they have loads to learn about them. There is many differences in the guinea pig in comparison to say, a mouse or a rabbit so before you learn what to feed them, lets explore a few amazing facts about the guinea pig in general.
Weird But True Guinea Pig Facts
Not that any of these facts will help you in learning what to feed guinea pigs however they are interesting and will most definitely help you in caring and giving affection to your pet. The guinea pig does not have a tail for example; well not a visible one anyway and despite what you may have learned in school, it is true that they do no in fact, have visible tails. In every piece of old literature located in your local library or elsewhere, it will state that these animals do in fact have tails and it even states this in the all American dictionary!
The mother guinea pigs have no decision on what to feed guinea pigs when they are born because instinct immediately kicks in however there are some unbelievable strange facts that surround the guinea pig babies or Cavies as well. They are born with hair as opposed to rabbits or mice and they are so small that they can fit into the palm of a regular sized hand. Immediately the mother learns what to feed guinea pigs when they first come into the world because they begin to nurse right away. Within the next day or so the baby guinea pigs begin eating the mother's actual food and they grow at an astonishing rate.
When learning what to feed these animals you will also quickly discover that they have an insatiable appetite and have earned the name of 'pigs' perhaps due in part to the huge appetite they display. Don't forget to get your new guinea pig a toy and wood chews because the guinea pig is a member of the rodent family and it is equally as important that you satisfy the chewing instinct, as it is to learn what to feed them. They can wear down their teeth and this can cause health problems for your new pet.
Weird But True Guinea Pig Facts
Not that any of these facts will help you in learning what to feed guinea pigs however they are interesting and will most definitely help you in caring and giving affection to your pet. The guinea pig does not have a tail for example; well not a visible one anyway and despite what you may have learned in school, it is true that they do no in fact, have visible tails. In every piece of old literature located in your local library or elsewhere, it will state that these animals do in fact have tails and it even states this in the all American dictionary!
The mother guinea pigs have no decision on what to feed guinea pigs when they are born because instinct immediately kicks in however there are some unbelievable strange facts that surround the guinea pig babies or Cavies as well. They are born with hair as opposed to rabbits or mice and they are so small that they can fit into the palm of a regular sized hand. Immediately the mother learns what to feed guinea pigs when they first come into the world because they begin to nurse right away. Within the next day or so the baby guinea pigs begin eating the mother's actual food and they grow at an astonishing rate.
When learning what to feed these animals you will also quickly discover that they have an insatiable appetite and have earned the name of 'pigs' perhaps due in part to the huge appetite they display. Don't forget to get your new guinea pig a toy and wood chews because the guinea pig is a member of the rodent family and it is equally as important that you satisfy the chewing instinct, as it is to learn what to feed them. They can wear down their teeth and this can cause health problems for your new pet.
2008年8月9日星期六
Stop the Dog From Biting!
You've just acquired a beagle, and can't wait to bring him home to show the children.
Once home, the children begin playing with him and running around the house. Suddenly you hear a scream. The beagle has bitten one of your children.
Once the panic is over and you've determined your child is okay; it is time to sit down and determine why this beagle, whose breed poses no threat to children, would bite your child. Let's discuss how to stop the dog from biting again.
As mentioned earlier, certain breed of dogs are wonderful pets for children; beagles are no exception. However, there are times when erratic behavior can pose a threat to your children. Determine if this particular incident was a one time occurrence, especially if the beagle was retrieved from an animal shelter. Contact them and ask if similar biting incidences have occurred. If not, the reason behind it needs further exploration.
It is common knowledge that dogs usually bite for a reason. To stop the dog from biting may require you to question the children and find out what was going on when the incident occurred. Perhaps in their enthusiasm in having a new pet, one of children pulled on the dog's tail, or unintentionally scared the dog. There could be a number of reasons. It is up to you to find the real answer.
Conversely, if the beagle you just brought home is a puppy, and took a nip out of one of your children, it is incumbent upon you to begin training to stop the dog from biting. As with other unwanted behaviors in dogs, it is important to establish dominance over the dog.
You, as the owner, must become the pack leader. You need to be the alpha dog. This is critical when any new dog enters a home and immediately tries to dominate it. Once your role is clearly established, your dog will understand the boundaries you have set and abide by them.
To stop the dog from biting takes time, effort, and patience. You must be consistent in your commands, and reward the dog for good behavior as well. In addition, you need to educate your children on the proper way to handle, play, and interact with their new pet. Once everyone knows the rules of engagement, you will all be able to enjoy every aspect of owning this wonderful breed of dog.
Once home, the children begin playing with him and running around the house. Suddenly you hear a scream. The beagle has bitten one of your children.
Once the panic is over and you've determined your child is okay; it is time to sit down and determine why this beagle, whose breed poses no threat to children, would bite your child. Let's discuss how to stop the dog from biting again.
As mentioned earlier, certain breed of dogs are wonderful pets for children; beagles are no exception. However, there are times when erratic behavior can pose a threat to your children. Determine if this particular incident was a one time occurrence, especially if the beagle was retrieved from an animal shelter. Contact them and ask if similar biting incidences have occurred. If not, the reason behind it needs further exploration.
It is common knowledge that dogs usually bite for a reason. To stop the dog from biting may require you to question the children and find out what was going on when the incident occurred. Perhaps in their enthusiasm in having a new pet, one of children pulled on the dog's tail, or unintentionally scared the dog. There could be a number of reasons. It is up to you to find the real answer.
Conversely, if the beagle you just brought home is a puppy, and took a nip out of one of your children, it is incumbent upon you to begin training to stop the dog from biting. As with other unwanted behaviors in dogs, it is important to establish dominance over the dog.
You, as the owner, must become the pack leader. You need to be the alpha dog. This is critical when any new dog enters a home and immediately tries to dominate it. Once your role is clearly established, your dog will understand the boundaries you have set and abide by them.
To stop the dog from biting takes time, effort, and patience. You must be consistent in your commands, and reward the dog for good behavior as well. In addition, you need to educate your children on the proper way to handle, play, and interact with their new pet. Once everyone knows the rules of engagement, you will all be able to enjoy every aspect of owning this wonderful breed of dog.
2008年8月3日星期日
Buying A Beautiful Golden Retriever Puppy
This article which you are about to read has been written by somebody who is passionate about Golden Retrievers, and I want to pass on a few hints and tips that I have learned over the years.We all know that Golden Retrievers are beautiful, obedient, and make great family pets and hunting dogs. Goldens also make great guide dogs for the blind, narcotic detection dogs, and even tracking dogs for finding missing people. Although there are many other dog breeds out there, Golden Retrievers remain one of the most versatile and most astonishing breeds that you can get.Before you rush out and buy a Golden Retriever puppy, you should first take the time to learn a bit more about the breed. You can attend dog shows, meet with various owners of Golden Retrievers, and even go to your local kennel club. Most people who own Golden Retrievers are extremely proud of them and will be more than happy to share their enthusiasm with you.When you buy your Golden Retriever puppy, it is always a great idea to buy from a backyard breeder or local puppy breeder. Backyard breeders are normally the best way to get a Golden puppy, as they know and care a lot about the breed in general. Although you can always go to a reputable breeder, backyard breeders are not just in it for the money, they actually care about their dogs and want you to get the best Golden possible.You can also visit the Golden Retriever Club of America and their local member clubs, as they can supply you with a list of breeders in your area. If these breeders dont have any Goldens for sale themselves, they will be more than willing to help you find what your looking for. This way, you can get a Golden from a very reliable source.I have had a number of Goldens for many, many years, and I have always bought from a backyard breeder, that is, somebody who loves their Golden and who has a litter perhaps once a year and sells the puppies. It is not a business for them, it is something they love doing.Whatever you do, you should never rush into buying a Golden Retriever. You should always take your time, and have a little bit of patience. When you buy your puppy, you want a healthy puppy who will grow up to be a fine testament of the breed. By taking your time and making a careful decision, you can save yourself a lot of time and money later on down the road.Golden puppies that are poor quality, are normally produced by breeders who just want to have a litter or breeders who are just looking for the profits and care very little about giving thoughts to looks, quality, or temperament. If you buy a puppy from either of these breeders, you will more than likely end up with a puppy who has poor health, poor temperaments, and even disqualifications in breed.When you get your puppy, you should always think long term. Only buy from a quality breeder, and you should not have anything to worry about. Always remember that you are not just buying a Golden Retriever puppy, you are buying a companion and a friend for life, and what a wonderful friend they are.Let me finish this article by saying that there is a lot of information available to you to help you as you make this important choice. Your local bookstore, your local library, and indeed the internet are all sources of information on Golden Retrievers. Enjoy your purchase, I know you will.
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