Wichita Today

Posts Tagged ‘dogs’

Dogs may be thought of as man’s best friend, but an untrained pooch can feel more like your worst enemy. If your dog isn’t trained, neither of you will be happy, and it’s important to take the time to train your pet properly.Here are some dog training tips to help get you started.

Make sure everyone around the dog knows your rules. It can be confusing for a dog if the adults say not to give the dog food but the kids are sneaking food to him under the table. Make sure that everyone who spends time with the dog knows that you are trying to train him so that he gets consistent messages.

One good way to get your dog to understand that is time for training is to teach him that certain cues are associated with training. In most training lessons, the cue should be putting on your dog’s collar and leash. Your dog will soon learn that when the collar gets put on it is time to get serious and play time is over.

Set goals for training your dog. Decide what time of day you will work with your dog and how long you will work. Decide exactly what you want to work on, and be consistent. Work on the same things, in the same way, at the same time every day until mastered. Once you have accomplished one goal, build on it by adding something new. Don’t skip around or be inconsistent. This is confusing for your dog.

Never cave in to bad behavior. Your dog will always love you, but it needs to know that you’re the boss. Don’t encourage bad behavior and let your dog know that any such behavior will be met with punishment. At the same time, make sure you reward good behavior as well.

To get your dog to walk beside you instead of pulling you, reinforce the behavior with treats. Treats make it interesting for your dog to walk beside you. You should also use a harness instead of a collar. It is much easier to control a dog with a harness and he won’t feel like you are trying to choke him.

When training a new puppy to come, a long rope is a great aid. Call the puppy while gently pulling it toward you and praising it for coming. When it reaches you, praise it even more and offer a favorite treat. Soon the puppy will associate its name and coming to you with praise and treats, then you won’t need the rope anymore.

Allowing everyone in the family to tell your dog different things will completely defeat the purpose of training him. Have a family meeting or keep a list of dog training rules on the refrigerator to remind all people that interact with the animal to be consistent with commands, punishments and rewards. Otherwise the dog will be in a constant state of confusion and every family member will be completely frustrated.

Training a dog may take a lot of time and effort, but the results are more than worth it. The tips outlined in this article should help simplify the training process, and will allow you to see some results right away. When others see your well-behaved dog, they’ll be asking for you to pass the advice on their way.

There’s lots more about learn about dog skin infections, dog care, dogs and other interesting dog information at dogsanddogtraining.com

The family dog can be such a great member of your family. Just like children though, if they are not well behaved, then you will have a tough time taking them out in public, or even having company over. Take the time to read this article and use some of the tips listed here to get your pet on the road to obedience.

When you are working on dog training, make sure that you are providing him or her with the right balance of food. Imagine if you were eating foods such as turkey or sugar while you are trying to learn, as you can see it would definitely have an influence on your attention factor. The same principles apply to dog training. Stick with foods that will compliment your dog’s natural ability to learn.

When training your pooch, patience is a virtue. All dogs learn at their own pace, and getting frustrated with your pet often adds to the dog’s confusion. Avoid punishing your dog for misbehavior and offer rewards for good behavior instead. Dogs love treats, but you can also reinforce the desired behavior with love and affection.

In order to potty train your dog, it is important to praise them when they are successful at going outside. Dogs are more likely to continue their good behavior if they know they will get praise afterward. Tell them what a good dog they are, and give them a hug and kiss.

To make your dog understand what you are expecting from it, you should reward it when it behaves well. Pet it when it obeys you, and use a soothing voice. You can even feed your dog a treat if it did something remarkably well. Make sure your dog understands why you are pleased.

Be patient when training your dog. You may need to repeat positive reinforcement numerous times to consistently get the behavior you want. You may also need to consistently refocus your dog from negative behaviors. Realizing it takes time to train a dog can make the experience much more pleasurable for both you and your pet.

Dogs will be confused if you are not consistent in leading the pack. Dogs need an alpha role model to follow and it is your job to fill this niche. Always be firm and in control with your expectations, discipline and control of the dog and you will maintain this position and have a happier pet.

House training your puppy can be a lot faster and more effective using a crate. The crate should never be used for punishment. The puppy should be put in it at night and in between times of interaction with his owner. His natural instinct is to not relieve himself in his sleeping area.

Use the ‘shake-can’ method of training. Put a few coins in an empty soda can and seal it. When your dog misbehaves, shake the can once. It will startle the dog, and halt his behavior. Once you do this a few times, your dog will start to realize that his behavior is unacceptable. Only shake the can once, if you do it multiple times your dog will desensitize.

Basic training is crucial for a well-mannered, confident, happy, and relaxed dog…and their owner! There are many, many different tips on dog training available and you will find some that work for you. So put some of our tips into practice and go have fun with your dog!

There’s a lot more about exercising your dog, dog care, dog care and other interesting dog info at dogsanddogtraining.com

Your dog does not hate you and is acting crazy out of spite for you. No, it is just being crazy because it hasn’t learned any other way for it to act yet. However, that is going to change once one learns the tips that are contained in this very article.

When training your dog, a great tip is to be sure you have proper timing when trying to teach your dog certain commands because it is the key towards a successful teaching method. It does not matter what particular method you use. You just have to make sure the timing is right.

Each time that you use your dog’s name as a warning or a reprimand, try to use it three to five other times in a positive way. Your pet needs to understand that his name can represent something good; he should not be afraid to come to you when he is called.

Establish where your dog’s resting and eating areas are, and don’t let him take control of your home. Prevent him from getting in the habit of sleeping in high traffic areas and confiscating sofas and comfy chairs, by redirecting him to his own resting area whenever you find him in the way. Don’t make a big production number of this. Just move him along.

To ensure your dog’s good behavior, keep up its training throughout its life. A dog’s learning doesn’t stop when it leaves its puppy stage. If you reinforce desired behaviors, you will ensure your dog’s continued obedience, and by continuing to discipline your dog, you will prevent negative behaviors from appearing.

Leaders should always go first, and you should teach that to your dog. If you walk through doors and your dog rushes past you through the opening, it means you do not have control and your dog believes he is leader. Blocking the door so he can’t get through first, or teaching him to sit or stay while you walk ahead, helps him understand he needs to stop and follow your lead.

To teach your dog how to walk on a leash, you should start by getting your dog used to the leash at a young age. Walk around your yard or garden with your dog on a leash at first. Reward your dog if it does not tug on the leash. Use a command such as ‘come’ and tug on the leash at the same time. Your dog should quickly understand that you wish it to follow you.

For dogs that chew inappropriately, try a training aid like a liquid that has a strong, bitter taste. Many pet stores sell holistic products that taste terrible to most dogs. Some people choose to steep pepper flakes in water in a spray bottle instead. Either way you choose to go, a bitter or spicy deterrent on furniture, shoes, or other items that you don’t want your dog chewing or eating can stop this behavior in its tracks.

Learning to take advice, is just as important as what you are aiming to achieve. The tips from this article can be a great addition to what you may already know on how you can improve on dog training. Educating yourself further on dog training can prove to be a sure way to an obedient pooch.

If you want to discover more about dog eye health, dog care, dogs and other helpful dog info visit www.dogsanddogtraining.com

A dog training program is not something to jump into lightly. Dogs require firm and consistent guidance to learn the behaviors their owners want to teach them. It is therefore important to plan out your training regimen thoroughly before you begin. This article will provide you with some points to consider in your planning.

Like people, different dogs respond better to different training styles. For example, a laidback and loving dog will likely thrive on positive reinforcement, whereas, a more aggressive dog may need negative reinforcement in order to respect your alpha position. If your chosen training method is not working, then it may be time to consider another approach.

Give your dog plenty of positive reinforcement. Discipline isn’t only about punishment for bad behavior. You should make sure to reward good behavior with lots of affection and praise. It will ensure that your dog understands when it is doing the right thing, and it will help it develop trust in its trainers.

When training your dog, the first and most important thing that you train your dog is to respect you and your family. If they feel that they can get away with disrespecting you, they will ultimately be impossible to train. You must start here and move on to other habits and tricks next.

When house training your new puppy you need to follow a strict schedule. Get your puppy outside to eliminate first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and every couple of hours in between. This will help him to learn that elimination happens outside. It also prevents pee scents (which are attractive to your dog) from being in the house to begin with.

Your friends and family, in most cases, are not dog trainers. While those around you may have advice and opinions on how you should handle your dog’s training, it does not mean they are correct. This input may be well-meaning, however, you can ignore most of it if you have taken the time to do your homework.

Exercise is an important element of training a dog. A dog that does not have enough exercise will have greater amounts of energy. This energy can come out as chewing on things, playing with people, running around the house, or other unwanted activities. Exercise will help one have a manageable dog to work with.

In order to train your dog to stop barking, it is crucial that you find out what the cause of the barking is. For example, if the reason that your dog is barking is because he is hungry, make sure that you are feeding him often enough. If he is barking because he has to use the bathroom, let him out.

In conclusion, dog sports can be very entertaining for you, the dog, and everybody involved. This is a great payoff; however, the training involved may be extremely difficult. If you follow the detailed training suggestions provided in this article, you will most likely be a successful dog sports trainer.

Visit http://www.dogsanddogtraining.com to learnmore about puppy kennel training, dog care, dogs and other useful dog info.

Knowing how to effectively train your dog is not an intuitive process. Many times, we fail to remember that dogs simply don’t speak English, and they often don’t know what we want them to do. This article details some easy-to-implement things that you can do as a pet owner to have a better behaved, happier dog.

A great tip for properly training your dog is to never let your dog follow through on bad behavior. If you see your dog doing something bad, you should interrupt it as soon as you possibly can. By doing this, you will reduce the chance of your dog repeating the action.

When training your dog to specific commands, don’t mix in pleasantries and other extra words. Give the command word sharply and alone. Your dog doesn’t understand words like “please”, and won’t be upset at your lack of manners. Keeping the commands alone and clear makes it easier for your dog to understand and obey.

Make sure your dog’s training is consistent. If multiple family members are involved in a pet’s training, make sure everyone is using the same commands and a similar system of discipline and rewards. The dog will have an easier time learning if he has only one set of commands to learn and if he knows what response each behavior will receive.

When you are working on dog training your newest addition to the family, try not to accidentally punish the animal for good behavior. If you have gotten a puppy, for example, and he goes to the bathroom outside correctly do not leave the dog out there alone. Take time with him and play with him because if you leave him alone he will be sad and think he did something wrong.

A clicker and a few treats can be a very effective method of training your dog. Because a clicker can be easier for a dog to understand than a voice command, lessons can be quick and productive. Training sessions should not be longer than about fifteen minutes, since dogs do have short attention spans.

A great tip for properly training your dog is to give your dog enough attention. Dogs thrive on social interaction with their owners. So if they do not get enough attention on a regular basis, then they will likely start performing some type of bad behavior.

Do not call your dog to you for a scolding. You might still be angry at the dog for the trouble he has just caused, but do not punish him for coming when called. It should always be “safe” to come to you when called, and the dog should feel that you are glad to see him.

Never punish your dog, or discipline him, after the fact. If you find that he urinated on the carpet earlier in the day, punishing him now won’t help. Dogs cannot reason and have very short term memories, so they will not associate the earlier accident with the punishment at hand.

As stated before, training your dog is a task. Most people don’t know where to begin or how to do it. Using the tips provided in the above article you will be able to train your dog by yourself without having to spend money to have them trained by someone else.

Read more about basic dog care, dog walking, dog health and other interesting dog info at www.dogsanddogtraining.com.

People say that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. Hopefully we can help you prove them otherwise with the tips and tricks in this article. All of the methods have been hand picked for your older dog that you either have never trained, never trained well, or obtained from someone else.

Feed your dog consistent amounts at approximately the same time every day. This is particularly important during the house training phase of pet ownership. This allows the dog to establish a regular elimination pattern and the discerning owner can use that pattern to their advantage in speedily training their pet.

Try behavioral training with your puppy before the age of one. You may not have much luck training some puppies beyond potty training if you start too early, but training an older puppy can prevent some behaviors before they start. If your puppy is distracted and thinks you are simply playing, waiting another few weeks to try training again.

To stop your dog from biting, you should express pain every time it bits you and then ignore your dog for a few minutes. When your dog bites you softly, reward it by responding to their nipping and playing with your dog. Make sure your dog understands the difference between biting and soft nipping.

Spend time each day training your dog, even if for only a few minutes a day. Dogs respond well when they get to practice what they are learning and what they have learned. Practicing at least 15 minutes a day on commands your dog already knows keeps the dog in practice.

A great tip for properly training your dog is to never let your dog follow through on bad behavior. If you see your dog doing something bad, you should interrupt it as soon as you possibly can. By doing this, you will reduce the chance of your dog repeating the action.

Be as generous with affection as you are with discipline. So many people spend a great deal of time yelling at their dog to stop doing things that they should not be doing and not enough time showing their dog that they love them. Let him know he is loved and he is sure to behave better for you.

It is important to be patient when teaching a dog how to use the bathroom outside. Every dog learns at his own pace and what may work for one dog may not work for another, especially if your dog is young or used to going to the bathroom inside the house.

When you are training your dog on a certain behavior, look for a quiet place to train him. Dogs can be easily distracted by everything around them. So, in order to keep your dog’s attention on the task, do the initial training in a quiet room. Your dog will learn quicker this way.

In conclusion, training an older dog can prove to be extremely difficult but not impossible. Depending on how the dog has been raised, your challenge may vary greatly. As long as you follow the specialized tips provided in this article, you are set up for success in training your older dog.

Visit http://www.dogsanddogtraining.com to find outmore about dog care supplies, dog care, dog care and other useful dog advice.

Are you tired of always having to lock up your dog when guests come over? Do you have issues leaving your dog alone, even for a quick run to the grocery store? Well, there are things that you can do to help get the obedient dog that you have always wanted to have. The following tips will help you in the process of training your dog.

When training your dog, it is important to have everyone in the family get involved so that the training is consistent. All family members should be on the same page when it comes to training, and it is imperative that everyone uses the same command words. The key to success in dog training is consistency.

The top mistake any dog owner can make during training is giving up. Giving up too quickly and too easily means that you’ve given up on your dog’s abilities. Your dog needs time, patience, and consistency to grow. Continue working on behaviors in small doses. Your pooch is eager to please, so let him work alongside you.

It may cost you more to feed your dog high-quality food but it is going to make a great bit of a difference in his life. You do not want to feed a dog a high-protein food if he is not going to be given the opportunity to burn off the energy that the protein gives him. The best way to get the right kind of food for your dog is to check with your vet.

As a dog owner, your body language happens to be one of the most influential training tools available. Show your dog who is in charge by standing up straight and firm. If you crouch down, this invites your dog to play. Even facial expressions can communicate to your dog what kind of mood you’re in. When you make eye contact with your dog this tells him you mean business. Smiling tells your dog you are happy.

Sometimes a dog trainer must punish their dog. Punishment does not eliminate the behavior the trainer wants to discourage, though; it merely suppresses it. Canny trainers know that punishing a dog only encourages them to hide the behavior for which they are being punished. It is better to entirely replace an undesirable behavior than to punish a pet for engaging in it.

If you want your dog to stop digging, play with him in the yard. Many dogs who dig do so out of boredom and the desire to get back at their owner. Playing in the yard with your pet offers him the socialization and exercise he needs, and it is also a fun way to bond with your favorite pooch.

Dog training is not something that is easy to do properly, which means you should do your homework. Learning how to train your dog is almost as important as learning about dog behaviors and how they interact in a pack. Knowing what your dog expects from a pack leader makes training the animal much easier.

The dog-owner relationship is as old as history itself, and it is not going away any time soon! With information of the kind that has been presented here, dog owners can find the perfect training strategy to make their dog-training experience a successful and happy one.

Learn more about exercising your dog, information on dogs, dog health and other helpful dog info at www.dogsanddogtraining.com.

A native of Turkey, the Anatolian Shepherd is a big, muscular dog that specializes as a sheep guardian. With a solid build, a large head and a thick neck, these dogs stand as tall as 30 inches and can weigh up to 150 pounds.

The Anatolian is a powerful breed, capable of taking on most predators. However, the body is lean rather than bulky, with the thick coat making them look heavier than they actually are. The tail is long and when the dog is alert it curls up over the back. The coat is usually fawn, and the dog sports a black “face mask”.

This is a breed with a long history. They are originally from the Sivas-Kangal region of Turkey, where they are still revered and considered to be the Turkish national dog and a great treasure. They have been sheep guardians in their native land for hundreds of years, and have also been put to work as hunting dogs, and dogs of war.

Rugged and strong, they can live outdoors in any temperature and are capable of fighting off wolves and even bears that try to attack the flock.

The Anatolian’s temperament is inextricably linked to the work it does. Their character and breeding leads them to be highly protective of those they are responsible for, and they include their human family in that circle.

As long as you understand the dog’s temperament, this could be a good pet for you. This is not however a breed suited to the novice dog owner. They are known to be quite assertive and require someone who can provide dominant leadership. On the plus side, they are very good with kids, accepting of other pets, and as already mentioned, excellent guard dogs.

Unfortunately, their protective instincts make them bark a lot, especially at night, when they are most alert. This behavior can be corrected by training and socialization.

A good source of names for your Anatolian is puppy names hq. With thousands of puppy names including a huge list of cool dog names, you’re bound to find something you like.

The Anatolian Shepherd is a healthy dog with an average lifespan of over 12 years. This is exceptionally long for a dog of this size. However, the breed is not without its health problems and may suffer from hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and eyelid entropion.

You should also be aware that these dogs have a slower immune system than most other breeds, and are therefore sensitive to anaesthesia.

The Anatolian is quite an easy dog to maintain. They do shed heavily twice annually, and you’ll have to brush the coat every day during this period.

It goes without saying that this is not a dog to be kept in an apartment. The Anatolian needs a large secure garden and will also have to taken for long daily walks.

The Akbash is a large sheep guardian dog that originated in western Turkey. Standing up to 34 inches at the withers and weighing as much as 140 pounds, these athletically built guards fall somewhere between a mastiff and a sighthound. That is to say, they possess the sleek athleticism of the latter, combined with the inherent power of the former, making them formidable guard dogs.

The Akbash coat is smooth, short to medium in length and is always white, although there may be light biscuit coloration on the ears. The coat has a distinctive mane around the neck, to protect the dog from predators.

This is an ancient breed, though to have been around for at least 3000 years, and possibly longer than that. Archaeological records even suggest that dogs very much like the Akbash may have been used by ancient Turkish peoples as far back as 8000 BC.

Like the Kuvasz, the Kommondor and other giant livestock guardians from around the world, the Akbash is quite capable of carrying out its duties without human supervision. The are strongly protective with the natural intelligence and independence needed for this job.

The breed does not currently have AKC accreditation, although it is recognized by the United Kennel Club.

These are, of course, excellent guard dogs. They are brave, loyal and intelligent and are devoted to their human family, with a particular love of children. They have a very sweet temperament and provided they’ve been properly trained and socialized, make excellent companions.

Training an Akbash can be a challenge because, although intelligent, they will not carry out a command simply because you say so. They are independent thinkers, and like to make their own decisions. Sensitive handling, positive training and firm leadership will get the most out of this dog, and it is therefore better suited to an experienced dog owner.

If you’re looking for a name for your Akbash, I’d recommend Puppy Names HQ, a site with an extensive database of male dog names and female dog names to choose from.

The Akbash coat is quite easy to maintain, although they do shed quite a bit, so regular brushing will be required. The coat has no “doggy odor”, so bathing is neither required, nor recommended.

This is a very healthy breed with no notable health concerns. Like many large breeds they are prone to hip dysplasia, but otherwise they are basically sound. Median lifespan is 10 years, similar to other breeds of this size.

Quite obviously a dog this large, and this active, is not suited to living in an apartment. At the very least you’ll need a large garden, but the Akbash will be happiest in the country, and would prefer to have a job to do.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease that goes by a number of different names including infectious canine cough, infectious respiratory disease and bordetellosis. It is very common, occurring throughout the world and affecting all breeds of dogs.

The disease is often associated with dogs kept together in large groups, such as in kennels (hence the name), at dog shows, or in shelters. But in fact, it is so contagious that even dogs not exposed to those conditions can get it. It is similar in nature to a cold in humans. A single infected dog coughing is all it takes for the virus to become airborne. After that it spreads very rapidly to any dog in the immediate vicinity.

Once a dog is infected, the windpipe and upper bronchi are irritated and damaged by infectious microorganisms, although the dog will show few ill-effects. What will be obvious though, is the disease’s trademark cough, which sounds like a goose honking.

This is often enough to send many dog owners into a panic, but in fact, most cases of kennel cough are quite mild. Your dog will mostly carry on as normal, with only the cough to indicate he is unwell.What you need to be aware of though is that, if kennel cough is not treated, it can lead to pneumonia, which can be deadly. That’s why it is very important to seek veterinary help for kennel cough, even if the infection seems mild.

Your vet will do a diagnosis and may then put the dog on a course of antibiotics. Or, if the infection is mild, the vet may opt not to treat it, but will advise you to monitor the symptoms and let him know if they worsen. If the infection is deemed to be more serious though, antibiotics ill definitely be prescribed.

It may sound obvious, but the best way to prevent your dog getting kennel cough is to avoid exposure to dogs that you don’t know. This includes while you are out walking your dog or at the dog park. And it applies double while your dog is still a puppy and his immune system is still not fully developed.

Despite its connection with kenneled dogs, most kenneling facilities are well aware of the dangers of the disease and will require proof of vaccination before taking a dog in. If they don’t, take your dog somewhere else.

Even if your dog is never likely to be kenneled, vaccination against kennel cough is an absolute must. Your vet will normally include this in the annual 5 in 1 shot, but for further peace of mind ask him about it, to make sure.

Kennel cough itself is not a serious danger to a healthy adult dog, but because it can be a factor in more serious diseases it always pays to have it treated right away.

Click here to discover more about kennel cough, dog care, dog breed info and other helpful dog information at dogsanddogtraining.com