Monday, January 30, 2012

Stopping An Aggressive German Shepherd

By Chris Miller


German Shepherds are frequently protective but not at random aggressive. Aggression is not synonymous with being protective. Dogs that protect their homes do so when there is a legitimate reason for them to act, such as a housebreaker or intruder. When your canine picks fights just for kicks, then that is a bad case of aggressive behavior.

Why Does Aggression Occur?

Any dog breed can have an individual that becomes aggressive. This is not ordinary. In some cases a dog may become aggressive because of a physical health problem. He may have several splinters in his paws.

If you've a German Shepherd who is starting to show violence, the first thing you must do is take him to see your veterinarian. Your vet can help you find the real reason why your canine is acting that way.

Aggression can occur in some dogs because of early experiences. Get professional help when your dog has gone through hardships with his previous owner.

Finally, in some cases a German Shepherd could start showing violent behavior in the home if you don't assert your authority. For example, instead of following you, he may try to bite you when you try to make him move.

If this should happen, you may have a problem. Your canine is now intimidating you so it will be hard for you to make changes in your relationship without some outside help. If you feel threatened by your canine, talk to a trainer immediately. A belligerent dog is dangerous.

Regaining Control

Try the following.

1. Don't put all the morsels in his bowl. In its place, feed him bit by bit. Feed him each bite out of your own hand. This helps prompt your dog that he does, indeed, depend on you for his food. If he wants to eat, he will have to follow your instructions.

2. If your dog understands any dog training commands, start requiring your dog to go over them with you before he can go outside to potty or before meals. Again, this emphasizes that you are in charge.

3. If your canine has never been trained, sign up for a dog training class with him. This is among the best things that can be done with your canine because it will stress your roles with every single other, putting you back in charge. This is so that your canine will start following your commands again. More significantly, your dog craves this type of training.

Never hit your dog out of anger or exasperation. This will aggravate things. You will only reassert your position as the leader in the home by being more cunning than your dog and showing him that he needs you. Your canine will automatically follow the pack leader.

You can stop an aggressive German Shepherd in quite a few ways. Check that your dog is not injured. If your dog has grow to be confused about who's in charge in the home, follow the recommendations here.




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Sunday, January 29, 2012

A Bark Collar Will Not Work For Your Puppy If It Barks From Separation Anxiety

By Scott Mcleod


I am going to tell you why a Bark Collar Will Not Work For Your Dog If It Is Afflicted With Separation Uneasiness

There is nothing worse than a dog that won't stop barking. It drives you nuts. It drives your neighbours nuts. It starts to affect all sides of your family's life. At what point did you last get a good night's sleep? Do you remember?

When you are at your wits end with a young dog or dog that will not stop barking, you will try anything to get some tranquility. One preferred option is the use of a Bark Collar.

Dog Bark Collars come in a selection of types and configurations. They are primarily based on negative reinforcement psychology, whereby your dog will be the subject of an unpleasant or uncomfortable sensation immediately when they bark. The idea is that your dog will learn that when it barks, it'll be subject to an experience it does not like.

Sounds easy enough, and even quite effective right? Well, the answer's maybe.

To start with, a number of these collars apply an electric shock to your dog every time it barks. Though it isn't a lethal dose, there's no way I'd subject my pet to that kind of torture.

Just as significantly, while a Bark Collar can appear to be rather efficacious in the short term, it is truly only a band-aid fix for that difficulty. The deeper issues causing your dog to behave in this fashion are not treated "and you are left with a dead and sad dog. Also, the price of those items can be really high "most costing $100 or more!

There's a obscure and non-trivial health problem that causes some dogs to bark all the time "and it Can Not be treated with a Bark Collar.

Let me ask you these questions about your dog:

1. Does your dog whine or bark continually?

2. Does your dog pace, chew furniture, destroy window coverings, rip up carpeting, eat thru drywall, mutilate plants or scratch at doors and windows?

3. Does your dog harm itself through its ruinous behaviour?

4. Does your dog jump on you and your visitors? This regularly leads to ruined and filthy clothing and can even cause scratched skin!

5. Does your dog get envious and snarl or attack folks near you this may include little children who love to pet "any" puppy?

Come on, be truthful here. If you answered yes to any of these questions then your dog may be suffering from a major condition called Dog Separation Anxiety.

Dogs with terrible separation anxiety might also pee and

The sad truth is that many dogs suffer because of this condition, and after a bark collar, obedience training and owners ripping their own hair out with no progress, these poor dogs become known as 'bad ' or 'destructive ' dogs.

The good news is, that dog separation anxiety is completely treatable. Sadly, there's not a great deal of information available on the condition, let alone effective treatments for it.

Fortunately there's been a great course put together on the identification and treatment of this serious condition. Before you run out and spend hundreds on a bark collar to try to stop your dog yapping, you owe it to oneself to check it out.at www.puppyseparationanxiety.com.




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Saturday, January 28, 2012

Avoid German Shepherd Chewing Behavior

By Chris Miller


Similar to many types the German Shepherd can be prone to chewing at times, especially when they are puppies. These young puppies tend to chew on anything they can get their paws on! Most probably, the pup thinks the things he chews on are all toys. It's a good thing that there are several strategies to stop this behavior.

Learn How to Prevent Chewing

One thing you should understand is that all young puppies chew. When they're very young puppies put things in their mouth to taste them and know about them. When they're about four months old young puppies start to get their adult teeth. This is the teething stage. The new teeth development may be what's hurting teething puppies. The conduct persists because they think it's fun to chew on things.

You can do a lot to prevent German Shepherd puppy chewing. You can begin by providing them with soft toys to chew on. Cold or very cold teething blankets will also help soothe his gums. You can stop chewing conduct when you soothe his gums. Keep some in the refrigerator and wash them as he gets through with them so you can refreeze them.

Of course, if you live with any young pup you have to keep your valuable possessions put away. Be sure that your important things are not left on the ground for your puppy to chew on.

Never Tolerate Chewing

If not checked, young puppies may grow up and still chew on things. Dogs can chew on anything. But harmful chewing can be discouraged. You can provide your German Shepherd with items he can safely chew on.

To avert German Shepherd chewing with your adult pet dogs you need to provide them with safe things to chew on that can stand up to durable chewing, such as the XXL king-sized black Kong that is usually given to bully breed dogs. You can start weaning him on tough rubber toys to chew on. You can also give them the Nylabone "Big Dog" chews.

You can also keep the German Shepherd from chewing on inappropriate stuff in the house by ensuring you give him plenty of attention. Some pet dogs chew because they are bored or lonely. Giving your German Shepherd all the attention he requires can help prevent this behavior. Working out is a great way to help your puppy lose all that extra energy. When your pet has lots of other things to do, he won't chew on things.

Enrolling your German Shepherd in a good instruction class is another excellent way to prevent your German Shepherd from chewing. If he's under training, the last thing in his mind is mischief.

Lastly...

If there were a chewing competition, a German Shepherd can be in the top rank of champions. You can prevent harmful chewing by giving your German Shepherd plenty of toys and safe things to chew on. Provide lots of attention and exercise. Hire an excellent trainer to teach your puppies the basics of proper conduct.




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Friday, January 27, 2012

Advice for Effortless Travel With Your Dog

By Regina T. Roby


Traveling is a favorite activity for many and for dog owners it can be particularly fun whenever they can experience new places with their pet. Unfortunately, if you've ever traveled with your dog, you can fully understand just how miserable and anxious they can become throughout the journey. Thankfully this can typically be managed with the use of some advanced planning to avoid prospective problems and make your pet as calm as possible. Regardless if it's making certain that your pet is equipped to be well behaved and obedient, or learning the nuances of vacationing with a pet, it's not difficult to take measures to make sure everyone enjoys themselves. Let's focus on several recommendations you can use to make traveling with your dog more enjoyable.

Planning Ahead

Although it goes without saying, traveling with your dog will demand more preparation than just grabbing food, water and a blanket for your dog. To make sure that the entire trip goes as smoothly as possible, it's essential that you think through your holiday and method of travel to be certain that both you and your dog are comfortable. While a travel schedule can vary in its amount of detail, a general plan should pinpoint the method of travel and how regular breaks can be scheduled. When in your vehicle, stopping every 3 -5 hours would be best, but when traveling by air breaks should be taken whenever feasible. Additionally, some essentials that should always accompany your pet include: list of rest stops, a leash, water & bowl, dog treats, blanket and any required medicines. Clearly some advanced planning will make traveling with your dog much easier.

Travel By Air

Among all of the modes of transportation, airline travel is perhaps the worst for dogs. Although there may be several options to traditional commercial air travel, like the pet-only airline Pet Airways, using one of these specialty air carriers is not always practical. Conventional commercial airlines tend to be the only option for most pet owners and frequently their dogs must be placed into the cargo hold and handled as cargo. Needless to say, after seeing the condition of some bags as they come off the conveyor belt, many pet parents are painfully hesitant to have a member of their family treated in this way. Nevertheless, in order to avoid undue stress on your dog it's wise to be sure that you're aware of the airline's policies on transporting pets, come with an up to date pet kennel and make your dog as comfortable as possible; this usually means including a blanket and a favorite toy to help keep them calm. Although you may be separated from your pet, these steps will keep your dog as comfortable as possible.

Travel By Car

Travel by car if normally regarded as the most suitable means of travel and is normally preferred by many animal owners. Offering much greater control, automobile travel offers quite a few advantages over air travel, like: Your dog is frequently more accustomed to the car, so it will be a smoother experience. Even if your dog may be anxious about traveling in a car, you can go for brief rides before a trip to get your pet more used to it. In addition, auto travel offers you the freedom to take rest breaks whenever needed, which allows you to make significant progress while ensuring your pet is comfortable. As any dog owner can appreciate, having your dog within arm's reach is normally better for everyone concerned.

After You're There

Usually, enjoying a trip with your dog is only half the battle. Negotiating an airplane or car ride can be hard, but making sure that everyone enjoys themselves upon arrival at their destination can be equally trying. Therefore, doing your homework before leaving home will make sure that both you and your dog will be comfortable. Regardless of whether you're destination is a hotel, B&B or even a campsite, you should determine which places not just allow dogs, but are dog friendly and provide amenities that both you and your pet will like. For instance, is there a close by area that can be used to let your dog off its leash to run without restriction? Are dogs normally welcomed or discouraged? Are there nearby activities in which both you and your pet can participate together?
In short, be sure that the both of you can have fun wherever your final destination may be.

Vacationing with your pet can be extremely pleasant for both you and your dog. Make sure the both of you make the most of your trip by looking at these travel tips.




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Thursday, January 26, 2012

Deciding Between Soft and Hard Dog Food

By Seram Marquis


So now that you have made the decision to feed your puppy natural puppy food there is another relevant dog food decision you still have to make: which is better, soft or hard dog food?

Dogs just absolutely adore soft wet canned dog foods which is really no big surprise as soft dog food is without question more natural and aromatic compared to dry kibble packaged in a bag.

Unbelievable it maybe to us but how their food looks like is of little importance to dogs. To dogs the only significant things about their food are the taste and smell. Next to "people food", they find soft canned food the tastiest. This is mostly due to its inviting aroma.

However, you've probably heard that dry food and other crunchy items are essential for the dental health of your pet. That's not a myth: your dog does need something to chew on.

If you feed your dog exclusively on canned dog food, you need to supplement with something to chew on. But it doesn't necessarily have to be dry dog food. If you don't want to feed your dog dry dog food, you can use dog treats such as dog biscuits. In addition, your dog can exercise her jaw with chew toys. That way your dog can get a regular teeth and jaw workout.

On your regular visit to the veterinarian for checkups your vet will examine your dog's teeth and will inform you if there is any issue that demands immediate attention and correcting with a different type of dog food, more opportunities to chew, or even dietary supplements.

Dogs require hard materials to chew on, since this will offer their powerful jaw muscles a good workout and help to strengthen their teeth. It also offers them an ideal form of dental care. Hard chew items can also help loosen the build up of plaque and tartar.

It is essential that you choose the best natural puppy food, since this sets the stage and maintains your puppy's good dental health as well as nutritional requirements. If you would rather feed your dog wet, soft and tasty can foods it will be just fine, but do make sure that your dog also has access to things that he can give a good chew.




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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Exactly What To Expect Whenever Buying A Young puppy

By Michelle Hopkins


Having a pet can be a fantastic thing especially if it is a dog, man's best friend so they state. Having a dog although is really a lifetime commitment, they might look all cuddly and wonderful when they are a new puppy, and they soon mature and have undesirable behavior, equally as bad as an little one.

In a few instances however, the owners just cannot cope having a brand new dog, as a result of it's behavior, or even their own working hours are getting in the way, and occasionally the price. Not many people contemplate the expense associated with having this sort of a family pet, the very first ton of jabs necessary the month to month worming and flea treatment, insurance coverages, and food. But for those who're dedicated and realize that there're going to be problems to overcome it could be a pleasure.

When a new puppy is taken from it is mother, that must be after 8 weeks and not before, and put into a new residence they're going to be really puzzled. Not just have they been taken away from their mother and siblings, but there can be new sounds and scents to contend with also. Allowing the puppy to explore the home initially is important, just be ready for little puddles and perhaps a poo or even two. They will not have a lot of energy to explore for very long, so making sure that a unique place with a bed is already been made up for them, so they are able to sleep.

The first few evenings might be a bit of a challenge, because they do tend to weep quite a lot, they have never ever been left on it's own previously. A lot of people make use of dog crates within the first few months for the puppy to sleep in, and it may be advisable to position this inside a bed room, where the puppy can still observe that somebody is there. Over time the actual crate could be moved further and further away till it is in the desired place that you want the puppy to remain, for instance the conservatory or even the kitchen utility room.

It's crucial to start training the puppy where to go to the toilet. If the breeder where by you bought the puppy from was excellent, they'd have actually started this process of taking them outside. Make certain you take them out regularly and praise when they carry out their own business. It may be best to not clean away what they have done right away, because it will leave a scent for them, so they realize where to go next time. It might be best to obtain a doggy door set up. Show the puppy how to move in and out of it, with doggie snacks and plenty of compliments.

Getting a dog door put in is ideal for when you need to leave the dog to go to work, or if you're going shopping. They can let them selves out to the yard, play as well as do their business, without doing it all over your floors. There are lots of types of dog doors available to accommodate any kind of door or canine you can have.

By training your puppy you are able to make sure that they'll develop to be an excellent canine and a lifelong buddy.




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Monday, January 23, 2012

Choosing A Dog For Family

By Steve Schultz


You want to look at the best dog breed for families first, if you have a family and are considering getting a dog. You see, thousands of dogs get put into shelters on a daily basis, because people do not do their homework when choosing a dog for family.

It is very important to have all family members agree that they all want a dog. If one or two are opposed, then that can spell trouble for the family and certainly the dog. So sometimes the best family dog is none at all.

A big question you should ask yourself is if you have a large sized family. Typically, the larger families will keep the dog occupied longer, and run down their energy levels. Small families can also keep their dog occupied, but on average, not as often as that of a large family. Does your family consist of any small children, or any babies planned ? A dog's life span averages ten years, so you will want a dog that can fit into the lifestyle of a growing family. Any plans to have the mother or father in law move in ? Older people require a special temperament of dog.

So the family has decided either for or against getting a dog at this stage in their lives or in the near future. The next question that has to be asked is if your family afford another member of the family ? With owning a dog comes the fiscal responsibility of the following, emergency vet bills, dog grooming, annual vet bill, yearly shots, annual medication for heartworm and fleas, food, dog treats, any dog obedience training classes, hair cuts (breed specific), nail trimming, dog accessories - collars, bowls, grooming tools, leads, gates, toys and lots of them, dog boarding or pet sitting while on vacation.

Does your family live in a house or an apartment ? If a house, is the yard fenced ? When selecting the best dog breed for families, you will need a dog that will adapt to your home, however big or small. So the size and personality are big factors when selecting a dog. Pure bred dogs make great companions, if they are bought from a reputable breeder, otherwise they can be so inbred that they will have problems.




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