Dog Training That Works
I love my dog Rosie. I adopted her from an animal shelter. She had been abused by her previous owners, though, so we definitely got off to a shaky start. She was really terrified of everything and everybody, and she also had some behavior issues. So first and foremost I had to get her socialized, not an easy thing to do.
She wasn’t socialized at all, so I had to address that right away. I wanted her to be friendly to my family and friends, but not get too chummy with total strangers.
And I had a real challenge ahead of me with the unwanted behaviors. I was really daunted about how to address so many problems.
My first big issue was the jumping up. I would be bending down to pet her, she would jump up, scratch me, and I would bleed. Not good.
Second, barking at every single noise was a big problem. Everyone knows that dogs bark, but excessive barking is not a good thing. Not only did it annoy me, but my neighbors would start complaining sooner or later.
Then there was her anxiety. That’s a huge topic all by itself. Every time I would leave the house, she would whine and howl. I’m sure my neighbors loved that. And it didn’t matter if I was leaving to go to work or leaving for only a few minutes to go get the mail.
Walking on the leash was not a very enjoyable experience for either me or my dog. My little dog weighs about 20 pounds, but she was strong enough to pull me along behind her. I wasn’t walking her — she was walking me.
Although not the only issues, the ones listed above were the most urgent ones to get started on. But I was a little overwhelmed on where exactly to start. It had been so long since I trained my last dog (who died of old age), that my skills were a little rusty, to say the least.
Well, almost everyone I know has dogs, so I just started calling them for recommendations. Some suggested hiring a dog-trainer, and others advised me to do it myself by ordering an online dog-training course. After careful consideration I ordered the “Do It Yourself” program by Sharda Baker.
I am seeing some progress already. Rosie is already much more socialized, and she also is not as upset when I leave home. She still barks, though, and more work is needed.
Another article will be submitted when I see more progress with Rosie’s training. Until then, I hope you have enjoyed my article.
Taking Fido to the Vet
We all have that special someone in our life. That little ball of energy overly excited to see us home from the grocery store. The excited bliss and pawing at the glass upon seeing us approach the door. The second we walk in the door the tail wags so much it takes over the rear half, rendering it unable to move in any position contrary to the tail. For many, that special someone is a regular part of the family, regardless of his or her four legged nature.
Fido, regardless of looks or breed, is the reason most of us smile, giggle uncontrollably and cuddle ferociously when stressed. He or she is the perfect antidote to life and one that brings unconditional love and support. It is important when taking in all that love to also take the time to care and love your pet back. One of the most important things you can do is treat your dog to the gift of good health. Take them to the vet.
A yearly exam is the key to success when it comes to pets. Liken this to your child’s exams. Vaccinations, physicals, questions - the standard doctor drill should be expected and if not given, request it. Your veterinarian is highly trained, and simply by listening to your responses, running tests and giving your dog a physical he or she can point out any potential problems your little Fido is having.
If your beloved friend has a severe change in behavior, stops eating or drinking, has discolored or foul urine or stool, or just seems sluggish, it is also the time to pack him or her up and head to the vet. Vets provide suggestions and multiple solutions so you don’t have to worry about not being able to provide care.
Fido deserves the long, happy life you want him to have. A good relationship with a vet can not only guarantee a healthy animal, but it can also leave you a happy animal.
Training For Aggressive Dogs Case Study
Mike and his family enjoy having Otto, their yellow Labrador, around their home. But they sometimes encounter problems when the kids would play in the backyard with the dog. Otto would repeatedly knock them down and when Mike would join in to play with them the dog would try to mount on him. At times if Mike scolds at his children to reprimand them, Otto would get distressed and start growling. Mike tried spanking Otto or tapping him on his nose, but nothing seemed to be curbing Otto’s aggression.
Bruce had finally given up on Matt’s behavior. He was talking his frustration over Matt’s aggressive behavior with a neighbor, who recommended a dog trainer. His neighbor advised him that the trainer would visit them in their house to work with Bruce and his family to aid them curb some of these behaviors.
Gab automatically phoned the trainer and they both agreed on having him come over when everyone is at home to make observations on Teru’s behavior. Upon witnessing how they move, act around their home, and relate to each other, the trainer quickly knew what is happening and further explained to the family that Teru have a pack mentality. Pack mentality is the type of attitude wherein one dog has dominance over everyone. Teru’s behavior was a way of him presenting he was in charge. That’s why the trainer suggested that the family stop allowing Teru to claim that he was the Alpha Dog. Knowing about this, Gab would need to establish himself as the leader of Teru’s pack.
Bruce followed the trainer’s advice and started taking control over everything. The trainer explained to Bruce that Matt should wait first for permission to use any toy or even to eat. Matt needs to acknowledge that Bruce and his family were in control. Bruce put up Matt’s toys and refrain form letting him to jump up on the couch or bed unless he sat first.
When Otto wants to play or go out the backyard, Mike will begin training him to sit in front of the toy box or doorway. For when he sat on command, Mike would let him play with a toy or open the door for him. If Otto would not follow, Mike would not give Otto what he wanted. Mike also instructed his kids how to do the same thing. At first Otto would not respond, but realized that he was not getting what he wanted, so he would follow to commands.
The trainer also discouraged Bruce from playing tug-of-war with Matt. Even though this was one of Bruce’s favorite games to play with Matt, he observed that Matt’s behavior worsened after a game of tug-of-war. The trainer cited that these kinds of games are instinctual ways for dogs to assert dominance in the pack. He suggested games of fetch and using other active toys to excite Matt.
A couple of months have passed and the dog’s aggression dissipated. Every now and then, Otto would try to reassert himself as the alpha dog, but the family now knows not to give in to Otto’s demands. Otto had improved and no longer knocks down the kids when they would play, and he definitely stopped mounting on Mike. Mike was now able to even teach him other tricks that he never thought Otto was capable of.
The key to Gab’s success with Teru was that the family had to establish dominance over Teru. After Teru realized his spot in the hierarchy, he was better-behaved and the aggression subsided.
Finding Golden Retriever Breeders
One of the most popular and beautiful dog breeds is the Golden Retriever. An excellent family pet and hunting companion, the Golden Retriever is known for its loyalty, energy, devotion, intelligence, gentleness and beauty. Golden Retrievers are believed to be a mix of the now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, Irish Setter, Bloodhound, and Newfoundland as well as other water spaniels. Today’s Golden Retrievers still love to swim and can be trained to hunt and track. Because of their high level of intelligence, Goldens are also trained to assist the blind.
Developed by Lord Tweedmouth of Scotland in the 1800s, the first Golden Retrievers were hunting dogs as well as family pets. Initially, a darker gold to copper-colored coat was preferred in the breed. Today’s Goldens are more likely to be cream to light gold in color and more likely to be family pets than hunters.
The American Kennel Club sets the reed standard characteristics that must be apparent in a dog to compete in AKC competition. Golden Retriever breeders mate dogs with the most desirable characteristics in the hopes of breeding champion lines.
Some of the most desired characteristics of Golden Retrievers are intelligence, trainability, beauty, gentleness and hunting and tracking ability. The first dog to win an American Kennel Club obedience championship was a Golden Retriever.
Golden Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia, eye and skin diseases, ear infections, cancer, and obesity. Though the breed has excellent behavioral traits such as loyalty and eagerness to please, Golden Retrievers can also become too focused on a task. For example they can work themselves until they collapse or eat until they become sick.
Golden Retriever breeders you should avoid include any breeders suspected of running puppy mills or over-breeding dogs until subsequent litters as well as parents become ill. If breeders seem to have too many puppies available at one time and will not allow the buyer to visit their kennels these are warning signals that these are bad breeders. Other breeders to avoid are those who sell to pet stores. Healthy, purebred puppies do not come from pet stores.
Good breeders do not breed or raise dogs as merchandise to be shipped across the country and sold to anyone. It is imperative for buyers to know how to identify good from bad Golden Retriever breeders to put bad breeders out of business for good.
Look for breeders with these traits and avoid those that cannot meet these requirements or even cannot answers questions about the Golden Retriever.