Best Dog Answers

Using Corrections During Training

jteatom — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 19:20:11 +0000

Many people get a little nervous and even fearful when they see or hear the word correction in dog training. The thing you must understand about corrections is that they are not designed nor should they EVER be used as punishment. A correction is merely a tool used to let the dog know that they did not execute a learned command properly or that the behavior they are exhibiting is unacceptable.

A correction should be administered with a leash and collar. Using the proper collar is essential when administering a good meaningful correction. That is why I always recommend a pinch or prong collar. A prong collar mimics a bite to the neck a dog would receive in the wild from another dog, such as the pack leader. It does not stick or stab the dog in the neck when fit properly. The collar should have a snug fit around the neck and be up as high to the head as possible. It should not be able to free spin around the dog’s neck nor should you be able to slide it over their head. The prongs can be removed and added to accommodate the size of your dog’s neck. When you give a POP and RELEASE correction with the leash, the prongs on a prong collar pivot on their axis and pinch the fat layer on a dog’s neck just like a bite.

A correction for an unacceptable behavior (biting, excessive barking, jumping) can be given at anytime whether you are training or just in an everyday living environment.

Once your dog has been taught an exercise, and the command for that exercise is given to your dog, if they fail to execute the command properly, a correction can be given at this time. We don’t want to get in the habit of repeating the commands prior to giving a correction because the dog will get wise to this and wait until you tell them the command a few times and then execute the command. Then the exercise becomes the SIT, SIT, SIT exercise instead of the SIT exercise. Once your dog learns that a correction is administered for disobedience after the first command is given, you will see them starting to respond with reliability and speed in order to avoid the correction.

If you need to administer a correction for disobedience, then a reward is NEVER given. They will receive praise for finally accomplishing the exercise but will not receive a treat for it. When you first introduce corrections, you will want to definitely make sure they receive a treat or reward when they do execute a command properly without a correction. This way they can start to understand what earns them a reward and what earns them a correction. Once your dog understands what they need to do in order to receive a reward, you can now go back to your variable reward schedule.

Using Rewards During Training

jteatom — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 19:17:41 +0000

Rewards (food, ball, toy) are typically used in training to teach a dog a new exercise. A command is given to a dog and then the reward is used to lure the dog into the desired position. Once the dog knows the exercise, rewards can then be used periodically to let the dog know they executed the exercise properly. Not everybody will be carrying food, a ball or a toy with them everywhere they go so you need to put your dog on a reward variable. This is when a dog may only receive a reward once out of every two, three, four or even more times they execute a command correctly. This is something that takes a little bit of time in the beginning of training for your dog to get used to, but once they do, it will just be another part of training to them.

You want to ensure that when your dog executes a command properly and you do not plan on giving them a reward, you need to, at a minimum praise them for doing the exercise properly. You never want to completely remove rewards from training all together because your dog can then become unreliable as far as the proper execution of commands. It would be like you working for a paycheck and never getting one. Eventually you would probably become frustrated for working hard to accomplish a task and never getting paid for it. Sooner or later you would probably not want to work any more or at least not put all your efforts into the job. A dog looks at their reward much in the same way. They will work harder and faster to accomplish the command in hopes that this time a reward will be given.

You can also combine commands into a series of exercises that your dog must do correctly before they get a reward. You can have them do the SIT command, and then into the DOWN position and maybe even back into the SIT position before they get their treat. Remember if you are going to train like this you must gradually build them up to this point. Don’t expect your dog to just be able to do these things without teaching them how first. This takes me back to the first line of this article; use your rewards to teach your dog new exercises (combination commands and exercises).

If you use your dog’s rewards as described in this article to teach your dog exercises and then place them on a variable reward schedule, you will find that your dog will respond quicker and with more precision in anticipation of receiving a reward.

Unintentional Training

jteatom — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:34:18 +0000

So you just bought an adorable St. Bernard puppy. When you come home from a long day of work, he is going to be happy to see you. As a puppy, he is small. You may be inclined to pat your leg to encourage him to jump on you so you can pet him. You may even allow his face in your face and exchange kisses. No harm in all of this fun for now, right? Wrong!! What you just taught him is that all good things (petting, kisses, greetings) come from jumping up on people to say hello. He is small and manageable now, but that is all going to change as he grows. If this behavior doesn’t stop, you could have a hundred pound animal greeting your guests in such a maner. And it wouldn’t be much fun for either of you.

Many people teach their dog bad habits or something they never intended for their dog to learn and don’t even realize they are doing this. It is called unintentional training. Have you ever seen someone telling their dog “SIT DOWN” and then the dog goes into a “DOWN” position? This is a result of unintentional training. Dogs will typically do the last command they are told, so when your dog goes into a “DOWN” instead of a “SIT” because you told him “SIT DOWN”. It really isn’t his fault. He is just doing the last thing you told him to do. Another good example is when you want your dog to get off of the couch, bed, person or anything else you just don’t want him on. We typically tell the dog to “GET DOWN” or just use the “DOWN” command, when we really want him “OFF” of whatever he is on at the time. So instead of confusing the dog and using your “DOWN” command for everything, teach him an “OFF” command. Dogs aren’t like humans and can’t distinguish what actions we want them to do using the same words. Dogs learn from repetition and association and if we continue to use the same word for multiple exercises you will be setting your dog up to fail. We need to think like a dog when it comes to their behavior and training them to accomplish certain tasks. We need to keep the commands to a simple one word command whenever it is possible. If the dog never gets to experience success then he will never truly learn what you want him to do. So when you are thinking over a training plan for your dog, take a minute and make sure that what you want to teach your dog is attainable. Then break it down into simple steps for him and make it fun for both of you. Remember, always finish on a positive and you both will be looking forward to your next training session.

Using Commands and Praise During Training

jteatom — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:31:30 +0000

A command is nothing more than a selected word you use to associate a response from your dog. You tell your dog the “SIT” command and the desired response is for him to sit. Dogs are not born knowing commands or the English language. This is all something you have to teach them. The words you choose to use for your commands can be anything you like. The key to success is to ensure you and everyone else training your dog is using the same commands for the same exercises. You can’t have one person telling your dog “DOWN” and another person telling them “LAY” for the same exercise. It is too much for your dog to understand this early in training. When you decide what commands you want to use for training, you need to keep them to one word commands as much as possible. When you have too many variables in training, it can get frustrating and confusing to your dog. The basic rule in dog training is Keep It Simple.

A command should sound clear, crisp and sharp, much like a bark. You are telling your dog what to do not asking them to do something. You don’t want to find yourself verbally drawing your commands out. The command is “DOWN” not “DOWWWWN”. Your tone of voice and timing play a very important part when it comes to training your dog and making them understand what you want them to do. Dogs respond to authority and respect authority. When you give a command, give it in an authoritative manner. Women sometimes have a difficult time while training a dog because their voices are naturally higher in pitch and don’t deliver that necessary “barking”tone while giving a command. On the other hand, men typically don’t have as much success as women do when it comes to praising their dogs because of the deeper voice tone. Praise is generally given in a higher more exciting pitch. These are pleasant tones to your dog and that is why they respond more with play like expressions and actions. If your verbal praise makes your dog get uncontrollable and crazy, then you might have to tone down your praise to a monotone, soft “GOOD BOY or GIRL”.

Remember, commands are commands not requests. Speak clear, concise and sharp so your dog has a clear understanding of what you want them to do. When you praise, that is the time to bring those tones up to a higher pitch and let them know of your approval. To learn more about Commands and Praise, Click Here!

Dealing With Aggression

jteatom — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:46:43 +0000

Aggression is a very common characteristic in dominant and independent dogs. These types of dogs, no matter what the breed, often tend to show their frustration through aggressive behavior. You may wonder why and how a dog becomes aggressive and the truth of the matter is that a dog will not attack someone for no reason. Dogs are naturally loving and obedient animals but when exposed to dangerous and abusive behavior they can adapt the same behaviors within themselves. The same is true when they are provoked.

The breed of the dog can also contribute to their dominant behaviour. Some breeds are more territorial than others and some are more protective than others and so on. Your dog is looking to protect itself and remain the dominant figure in the household. If you were to clap your hands, tap him on the head or any other type of negative action takes place he/she may mistake this as a sign of your aggression and prepare to attack.

Another type of aggression you may find within your dog is their natural ability and need to protect. This is based on their fears and if you create fear within your dog they will resort to this natural instinct and attack in the way they see fit. You can tell a dog is frightened when you go to pet them and they shy away from you, or if they are trembling. These are just two signs to look for out of many but it is a good place to start.

Now that you have an idea of what aggressive behaviour looks like and how it may come to be you have a better chance of dealing with it. As you can now see, there are certain actions and behaviours of the owner that can create aggressive behaviour in your dog and these actions should always be avoided. Punishing your dog in these situations is not the answer either. By choosing to punish them in one way or another you may only be spurring on this type of aggressive behaviour.

Remember that if your dog is behaving aggressively there must be a reason. Dogs are not aggressive by nature they are made this way through situations and circumstances. Punishing them for acting out will only make things worse. If you find that you have done nothing to create or bring on this type of behaviour, it becomes important to bring your dog to a professional and ask for their guidance. This type of behaviour is very uncommon in puppies but more common in adult dogs. When you adopt an adult dog sometimes you are taking on someone else’s mistakes and this can take time to correct but it does not mean your dog’s behaviour is irreversible.

Take the time to work with your dog; do not show them you are scared of them because this will only reinforce their behaviour. Act as the leader of the house, keep your dog calm and create a loving environment for them. These are the first steps towards eliminating aggression and moving forward.

Your Dog and Hernias

jteatom — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:31:55 +0000

Did you know your dog may be prone to hernias? Many dog owners are not aware just how common hernias are among dogs and just how dangerous they can be. Left untreated, a hernia could be fatal for your dog. Basically, a hernia is a small opening within your dog’s muscle mass which allows tissue to pass through. Although this may not sound like it can be fatal it most definitely can be. It is not specifically the movement and displacement of tissues that can cause death to your dog but it is the interruption of blood supply to these areas.

There are two main types of hernias your dog can be affected by and both exhibit different symptoms you should be aware of.

Inguinal Hernias

This is by far the most common type of hernia your dog can find themselves with. An inguinal hernia is something your dog may be born with or contract over time. Basically, an inguinal hernia is where your dog’s abdominal contents begin to protrude through the inguinal ring. The one and only symptom of this type of hernia is a protrusion. You will be able to actually see the hernia in their groin area. It may be a small protrusion or very large. The larger this protrusion becomes of course the more fatal this hernia can be.

Your dog’s urinary tract, intestinal loop and uterus may be affected and damaged by this hernia and therefore it is extremely important to take your dog to your veterinarian as soon as you notice this protrusion. The first sign that your dog’s organs may be strangled by this hernia is if you touch the protrusion and it is warm to the touch. Be careful touching this, it may be very painful for your dog and could cause them to vomit if the hernia sac is close to the protrusion.

Perineal Hernias

Perineal hernias are the second most common type of hernia among dogs. However, the difference between this type of hernia and the first is that only non-castrated, middle aged dogs are affected. In this case, the abdominal contents of your dog make their way to the perineal region and protrude outwards. The perineal region is found adjacent to the anus. This can occur on just one side or both and create much different symptoms than the first type of hernia. You will find your dog having problems or even not able to urinate and defecate. This can lead to constipation and lead even further to a protrusion in the anus area.

A hernia can be present within your dog for weeks and even months before they are detected. The longer they are not treated the more severe and life threatening they can become. As soon as you notice the symptoms within your dog take them to your veterinarian immediately for treatment. The longer you wait with a hernia the more likely a surgical procedure may be needed and at certain stages of progression even surgery may not be able to correct this health problem.

Understanding Dog Worms

jteatom — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:30:55 +0000

If you have never had a puppy before you may not be aware of this extremely common condition. Puppies are born with worms and therefore must be de-wormed at regular intervals within the first few months of their lives to eliminate these worms that are passed on from their mother. Round worms and tape worms are the most common in dogs, both male and female. Although this is often the dreaded problem breeders have to face, worms do not stop after the puppy is grown, they can return.

Worms can be the creators of many different health problems in dogs, too many to mention actually. This is why as a new dog owner getting your dog de-wormed regularly is extremely important for their health. De-worming medication is quite affordable and your vet will help you learn how to administer it properly so your dog does not become infested with worms. There are many symptoms that can tell you when your dog has worms and the number one symptom is their energy levels. Your dog will likely become very sluggish and tired. He/she will not want to play and will mope around your home. This is a definite sign something is wrong.

In puppies you will notice that after feeding their bellies easily bloat and become disproportionate to their bodies. These puppies not only have worms but are infested with worms. At this point you will notice their growth slow down and they will not progress as healthy puppies do. If these symptoms are noticed in your puppy, take them to your veterinarian immediately. Especially if you have more than one dog, worms can spread rapidly through feces and you will have a major problem on your hands.

Luckily, you do not have to be a dog expert to notice if your dog has worms. A dog with worms is extremely unhappy and lifeless really. They have no energy; they sleep all the time and are just not themselves. Although for adult dogs worms cannot be life threatening, they most definitely can be for young puppies. Everyone knows puppies are meant to be full of energy and love to play. If you look at your puppy and all he/she wants to do is sleep than it is time to look closer at the situation.

For some dogs there is really no rhyme or reason as to why they have worms but for others it is contracted from other dogs or in the case of puppies straight from the mother. Unless you are a breeder or have more than one dog, the reason your dog has worms is not as important as getting rid of them and fast. No one likes to see their dog not feeling well so the faster you see your veterinarian for treatment, the faster you will see them back to their old self. It does not take long to eliminate worms but a follow-up appointment with your vet is essential to make sure each and every worm has been eliminated.

The Basics of Dog Health

jteatom — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:30:08 +0000

Having a dog in your home is a real adventure but there are some important aspects of owning a dog that must not be overlooked. A dog’s health is extremely important at any age and as a dog owner, it is essential you not only know how to take care of your dog, but spot any symptoms that may point to underlying health problems.

Below are some simple tips to help you understand what a healthy dog looks like. Understanding these tips will provide a solid foundation to understanding to health of your dog.

Just as with humans, the body temperature of your dog can tell a lot about their health. A dog’s body temperature should be in the range of 101-102 degrees Fahrenheit. If you find it is higher or lower than this range, a vet visit may be in order to investigate what may be an underlying problem.
Dehydration is a fairly common health problem among all breeds of dogs. The tell tale sign that your dog is dehydrated is their nose. A healthy dog has a wet and moist nose. When you find it because dried out and warm your dog is in need of more water. If more water does not solve this problem, it is always wise to consult your vet for confirmation.
Your dog’s skin can tell a lot about their health as well. All that is required of you is to look for dandruff and the elasticity of the skin no matter how old your dog is.
The ears of your dog should be light pink in color and free of wax build-up. If you find your dog’s ears are red and hot to the touch this is yet another simple sign to identify that something may be wrong with your dog.
Lastly, take a look at your dog’s teeth. As an owner, you should be brushing your dog’s teeth on a regular basis or having your veterinary services doing this. If you are not it is likely your dog’s teeth are weak, infected and/or falling out. The state of a dog’s teeth can really affect the rest of their health.

This is by no means a reference guide to how to determine your dog’s health. However, these tips are definitely essential to any dog owner. On a daily basis you can get into the habit of checking these areas of your dog to ensure you are doing what you can to keep them happy and healthy. The longer you have your dog, the more you will get to know what is normal for them and what is not.

By paying attention to these tips you can save yourself a lot of money in vet bills by doing some of the work yourself. As dogs cannot communicate to us what they are feeling, it is our job to find the signs. Be aware that there is more to your dog’s health than just these simple tips but it is a great place for a new dog owner to start!

Pros and Cons of Homemade Dog Food

jteatom — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:29:24 +0000

As a dog owner you have no doubt heard about making your own dog food. Just as with every aspect of owning a dog, everyone has their own specific opinions about what is right and what is wrong in respect to foods, training and so on. Just as with human food, our eyes are drawn to all the “healthy” ingredients when looking for the right dog food. We often don’t notice all the preservatives and additives that may not be good for our dogs.

Over the past few years more and more dog owners have become aware of the dangers of commercial dog food and forced to make a decision. Just as with anything in life there are pros and cons to every decision made. Check out the pros and cons of choosing homemade dog food below.

Pros

As the dog owner and dog food chef, you are in complete control of what is going into your dog’s system. This can really put your mind at ease when you know your dog is getting the nutrients they need to stay strong and healthy.
Only fresh and all natural ingredients are used to make dog food from home and your dog will love it!
You may find that the extra nutrients and vitamins in your dog’s system will boost their energy levels significantly.
After you get used to how dog food is made, you will find you can even use the leftovers from your own dinners so as not to waste any food and keep your dog healthy.

Cons

First and foremost, the number one complaint about homemade dog food is the cost. Although you are eliminating the additives from your dog’s food you are creating a very high grocery bill for yourself. Consider how much fruits, vegetables and meats are to buy for you and your family and now add your dog into the equation.
Another very common problem with homemade dog food is time. Although you love your dog very much, not everyone has the time to prepare food for their families as well as their dogs, three times a day. It can be extremely time consuming to make your own dog food and many recipes only make small portions at a time which eliminates the possibility to make batches in advance.
A great deal of knowledge is required to know what nutrients your dog needs and this can only be acquired through study. Another time consuming practice many people don’t have the time for.

As you can see, there are strong arguments for both sides of this situation. It is a very personal decision and one you should not make lightly. It is never wise to continually change your dog’s food so once you make a decision, commercial or homemade, it is best to stick with it for the duration. Consistency can be a large factor in your dog’s overall health. Which will you choose? For information about Dog Food Secrets, Click Here!

Probiotic Supplements for Dogs

jteatom — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:28:35 +0000

A probiotic supplement is a dietary supplement which creates beneficial bacteria within the intestinal track of both animals and people. These beneficial bacteria can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and therefore inhibit a number of different health problems from occurring. This type of beneficial bacteria should already naturally exist within your dog at a natural balance in order to protect your dog from harmful bacteria growth. Over time however, diet, age and even stress can deplete your dog’s “good” bacteria and this is where supplementation becomes important.

Some of the signs your dog is suffering from a probiotic imbalance may include:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Constipation
Gas
Diarrhea

Your dog may also begin to feel and act sluggish and they may even exert signs of a weakened immune system.

One of the most common causes of this imbalance is caused by the use of antibiotics. If your dog has recently been prescribed an antibiotic for one thing or another it is time to pay attention. Other factors that can create this imbalance can include if your pet has digested a form of pesticide or other chemicals, their age and if their diet is poor. If any of these situations occurs, a supplement is all your dog will need to restore their natural probiotic balance.

You may have found there are different pet foods on the market today claiming to have probiotic ingredients to help restore your dog’s natural balance. The problem with this method of treatment is that you have absolutely no way of knowing what dosage your dog is getting on a daily basis. It is far better to provide them a supplement on a daily basis so you know exactly what your dog is getting and you can then know if it is working.

As a precaution it is always beneficial to speak with your veterinarian about this type of supplementation to ensure it is safe for your dog in particular. Providing any dog with more beneficial bacteria cannot cause them harm unless there is an underlying condition you as the owner are not aware of. There are many pet stores today that offer these types of supplements but you can also find them at natural health food stores for people as well.

The basic probiotic supplement is made up of digestive enzymes, prebioitics and Probiotics. There are also more specialty supplements created for dogs with allergies and for post-antibiotic treatments. Take the time to research these supplements before giving them to your dog to make sure you are supplying them with what they need. By taking the time to do so you are most definitely increasing longevity of your dog as well as a healthier lifestyle. You are literally providing your dog with the ability to more effectively combat disease and illness. By fuelling their immune system you are providing them with a level of defence they may not have otherwise had. Speak with your veterinarian about supplementation today!