Edie MacKenzie

Edie MacKenzie is a published author, traveler, dog lover, and tortoise enthusiast. Passionate about what she does, her books provide peopel a firm grounding in the dog breed and their unique characteristics with a nice touch of humor.

Dog Separation Anxiety…Millions Of Dogs Suffer From This Panic Disorder…Is Your Dog Suffering Too?

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Do any of the following situations sound familiar?

  • Your dog charges you at full speed when you return home after an extended period  of   time.
  • You barely get your door closed to leave and your dog is whining and scratching at the door.
  • You come home to find your favorite shoes have become your dogs favorite shoes too!

Why Does Your Dog Do That?

Your dog is suffering from dog separation anxiety and will literally freak out the moment you are out of your dogs sight.  When your dog is separated from you he panics. He may also resort to chewing on items he never did before.

Keep this in mind, your dog is not engaging in bad behavior to get back at you for leaving him at home.  He is trying to communicate to you that he is having separation issues and needs your help. All is not lost!  There are several solutions to help  your dog cope a lot better.

Here is one of several solutions you can use right now.

Here’s what you should do to help your dog with separation issues.  When your dog is in a highly excited state of mind and is jumping around uncontrollably…immediately turn your back and walk away

Do not say anything to your dog. Just turn and walk away. In the dog world being ignored is a warning that the behavior will not be tolerated.

Once your dog calms down, then greet him with a good boy. Do this consistently and your dog will soon learn what is appropriate behavior and what is not.

Remember to wait for  your dog  to calm down then go ahead and acknowledge him. Consistency will make a big difference in the long run.

If you greet your  dog while he is ramped up you will get the opposite effect and could make the situation worse. He will think that it’s okay for him to feel nervous and stressed because you are communicating to him by your actions when you give him attention that he is right to feel that way.  

It’s really easy to apply this technique and others. But you’ve got to be willing to put in the time and effort if you want to see positive results.

There is much more you can learn about dog separation anxiety. Your dog depends on you to help him get through it and deal with his panic disorder.

Don’t let your dog down!

Learn more about dog separation anxiety solutions from Dog Behaviorist and author Chad Thompson.

The author Shirley Hayes is an advocate and lover of man’s best friend. She enjoys writing articles on training, dog behavior and dog health. You can also read more articles on dogs on her website InformationAboutDogs.info

The White Golden Retriever

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Most people who are familiar with golden retrievers know that their color can range from a light cream to a dark red or even a lovely mahogany color. People passionate about breeding golden retrievers know that the differences in the colors come from specific areas of Europe and America.

White golden retrievers are also referred to as English cream golden retrievers, European golden retrievers, blond golden retrievers, white goldens, platinum blond goldens, English golden retrievers, British cream golden retrievers and light golden retrievers. In America, these names are used to help people differentiate between the Kennel Club Standard for British golden retrievers and the standards used for retrievers that are bred in the U.S. It is possible to register purebred white golden retrievers with the American Kennel Club, there are differences between American and European golden retrievers that should be understood. The biggest difference is in coat color. American golden retrievers can be one of several different shades of gold. Any coat color that loses that golden sheen; from a pale color to a very dark color; is undesirable. The European standard also will not allow for red or mahogany coats, but will accept any shade of cream.

Even the consistency of the coats varies between American golden retrievers and white European golden retrievers. In the early days of the breed, they were specifically bred for hunting. The demands of hunters required the dogs to be able to run through underbrush, and navigate lakes and rivers in cold climates. Their coats should be dense for protection, without being too long or too short. American goldens are known for having slightly longer fur, and they tend to have a little too much coat. There are also differences in the body structure between American goldens and European goldens. White golden retrievers also have a larger mouth than American retrievers, and even have a slightly longer nose. They also have stockier bodies and their heads have a shape that is more block-like. Even the eyes can have different colors between the standards. The American Kennel Club allows for eyes that are a light amber color, but the European Kennel Club will penalize any dog with light amber eyes. Even the ears have subtle differences. The standards in America call for ears that are well behind and above the dog’s eyes. The European standards call for the ears to be at the same level as the eyes. Obviously, there are many differences between the two standards.

Many dog owners and retriever lovers find that white golden retrievers have some highly desirable qualities. They are intelligent, easy-going, happy dogs who genuinely love all people. They are excellent with children and other pets, they are energetic and have a strong desire to please their people. Because white golden retrievers have so many different names, this shows how high the interest in in the United States for white goldens. Over the past several years, the popularity of white golden retrievers in America has steadily grown. Although these dogs would not win any dog shows sponsored by the American Kennel Club, these dogs continues to win people over as a pet and companion thanks to their happy attitude, big hearts, and love for people.

If you are looking for more information on the White Golden Retriever or information on adopting and training a Golden Retriever, click here.

The Most Important Command Every Dog Should Know

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“Come” is a command every puppy needs respect. Here again, control is essential. When you say “Come,” the puppy must have no alternative. Consistency in your conditioning is imperative, for once the puppy realizes he does not have to come, your troubles begin! The come is taught using a puppy collar and a twenty-five-foot line.

1. When you first put your puppy out in the yard on his line, the very first time, allow him to explore until he seems to be getting tired.

2. At that point, kneel and say “Come” and give the line a small, sharp tug. The tug will turn the puppy toward you. He may then:

a) Come – If he does this, really love, cuddle and praise him. Pick him up and carry him into the house and give him a tiny tidbit.
B) Turn and sit – If he does this, continue to give gentle little tugs, along with lots of verbal encouragement, until he gets to you. Then praise as if he had come on his own.
b) Buck and holler at the end of the line – If he does this, sit quietly until he quits (sometimes it takes a while). Then give another “Come” and tug the line again. Repeat – even if it takes fifty waits, fifty “comes,” and fifty tugs. When he reaches you, love him and praise him as if he had come on the first call, on his own.
c) Sulk, roll over on his back, wrap his feet around the line and say, “No way, Jose!” – If he does this, stay calm, wait until he freezes in some position, then repeat “come,” and give a tug on the line. If he repeats his previous actions, repeat yours. When he finally comes to you, reward him and praise him as if he had come the first time. As you pick your puppy up and carry him into the house, you may tell him anything as long as your voice is happy – you have won – no matter how long it has taken you!

Always remember, the only way you can lose a come battle is to lose your temper. Once you do that the puppy has won because you have given him something to react to. He will know he has upset you and that little piece of information will get stored in his memory bank. So, stay cool!

3. Take the puppy on a twenty-minute walk. Let him go to the end of the line and sniff and snuffle to his heart’s content.

4. Four times during that walk – when he is on the end of the line – say “Come” and snap the line toward you and run away from the puppy. When he “catches” up with you, get down to his level and love him, praise him and reward him!

6. Try to take another walk, later on in the day, in a different area and repeat the four calls.

If you use these exercises on the come daily, both at home and on walks, the puppy will grow up knowing that “come” means a problem for him when he remains where he is and does not come, and that safety and praise are his when he does come. Later on, when your puppy is truly free to choose, if you have been consistent, he will choose you.

Dog Training For The Person That Is A True Dog Lover

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Anytime a person suggested that I get I pet, I shrieked. The f most important thing that ran through my mind was who would clean up after the dog? Dogs are just dogs, whether its chewing in your shoes, peeing around the house or covering your satin sheets in mud. Well, I discovered there is a clear difference between a dog lover and a dog owner. The owner gets bothered by these behaviors while the dog lover looks for ways to deal with these things.

There is an assortment of systems used to train a dog to behave and I will share with you just a few of them. First it is important to establish who the boss is and it is definitely not your dog. The dog needs to be fully aware of this. The tone in your voice speaks volumes. Speak with authority, much like how our public school teachers spoke when we were not paying attention. And thirdly, you must have a consistent routine in your training.

Master this strategy and you will turn out to be a successful trainer of any dog. I concur that there might be difficulty in disciplining the dog when she stares at you with those floppy ears or if he tilts his head at you. However, this must not deter you from ascertaining who the boss is unless you take pleasure in having your clothes or carpet chewed. Just like you do with your children, lay down margins so they are fully aware of what they can and they can not do.

By keeping the consistency of your tones, gestures and words expressing discontent and approval, you will be helping him comprehend commands by correlating them with the way they are uttered. Issuing conflicting commands confuses your dog more as compared to one who has learned the same commands over and over.

Remember of course to shower him with love and affection once every task is successfully completed. Reward him occasionally when he behaves in a desirable manner because just like a child it needs to be cherished and shown praise. Leash training is also so important, especially for large dogs. Failure to do this could result in all sorts of tribulations especially if they get off the leash around young children.

dog training is an ongoing process that is eventually very gratifying. You will eventually end up creating an unbreakable bond with your pet. You will have a loyal companion for life and a friend forever. A well trained dog turns out to be a joy to own and to be around. So, take these tips from me and you will end up being a contented, experienced dog lover.

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The Borzoi

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Borzoi History and origin:

Once known as Russian Wolfhounds, this Russian sight hound was developed by crossing the extinct Lapp sled dog with the Collie.  The Borzoi was used as coursing hounds to chase rabbits, foxes, and wolves in packs.  His speed, agility, and strength allowed him to range far ahead of the mounted hunter, acquire the prey by sight, run it down, and hold it at bay until the hunter arrived. The first Borzoi was brought to the U.S. from England in 1889.

Description:
The Borzoi stands 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weighs 65 to 100 pounds.  He has a lean, leggy, athletic body and a long, silky, shedding coat that requires medium maintenance.  The coat is usually white with black, tan, or lemon markings.  It was developed to protect the breed from the cruel Russian winter.

About the Borzoi:

This breed was once a favorite among the Russian aristocrats and admired by the Russian czar’s court.  He has the beauty, elegance, carriage, and personality to match his regal heritage. The Borzoi is fast, agile, aloof, and very clean.  He is faithful to his owners but cautious with strangers.  He is normally intolerant of unpredictable young children and may bite without warning.  The Borzoi needs early training and socialization. The training should not be overbearing because this breed processes information slowly and will shut down if pushed.  Patience and consistency are important.  The “Sit” command is difficult to teach because of the Borzoi’s bony, lanky structure and lack of body padding.  The “Come” command is crucial and must be perfected because his great speed enables him to disappear from sight in seconds.  The Borzoi has a high prey drive and will seize and kill small animals before his owner can react.  He can also be very dog-aggressive.  Similar to all sight hounds, the Borzoi must often be allowed time to be by himself.  Do not expect him to be as affectionate as a Golden Retriever.  Owners who are used to the mind-set of cats will appreciate this breed, though it would be a mistake to own a cat along with a Borzoi.  He needs a bed or a thick blanket to lie on because he does not have much muscle or fat on his body and can get pressure sores if his sleeping area is not cushioned properly.

Feeding:
Recommended feeding for this breed is 1 ½ – 2 ½ cans (13.3oz) of branded meaty with biscuit added in same amount or 5 cupfuls of complete dry food.

Ideal home:
The Borzoi is not suitable to live in an apartment, although he can adapt to one  as long as he is getting plenty of space and exercise.  A quiet environment free of unpredictable events and young children is preferred.  Small animals may pose a problem due to this breed’s high prey drive.  He needs to run, and activity that is possible only if you have properly trained him to come when called and if you have socialized him among other dogs and people.  Borzoi owners should be calm, easygoing leaders who do not necessarily want a dog that is too affectionate.  Nervous, hyperactive, and pampering types should avoid this breed.  The elderly and disabled may have trouble training and exercising this breed.  A Borzoi should not be left alone in a yard because can easily jump a six-foot fence.

Getting To Know Your Dalmatian

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The owner of a Dalmatian has to be smart and consistent with regard to rules of behavior. This consistency is also required of everyone else in the household, because if the dog discovers that one person in the household allows him to do a certain thing, such as jump up while the other household members do not, he will generalize this discovery to the entire human population.  Therefore, he will try jumping up on visitors and strangers on the street, thinking that at least some people will allow him to jump up.

The Dalmatian’s natural persistence, tenacity and inventiveness could make him a nuisance in the hands of a lazy or unresponsive owner.  Just like small children, Dalmatians’ will get your attention, one way or another.  But as soon as they get your attention, they do not always know what to do with it.  Sometimes they give the cutest looking apologetic grin imaginable.  One of the curious characteristics of the Dalmatian is the ability to “smile.”  To some people it appears more like an ear-to-ear silent snarl than a look of glee, and to others it appears to be an embarrassed grin.  In any case, when some  Dalmatians get flustered, they draw up their lips and pull back the edges of their mouths, exposing almost every tooth in the same movement that people use to smile, but they are not laughing.

Dalmatians’ have a smile that usually appears just after they have been discovered in the kitchen with the contents of an entire garbage can carefully spread all over the floor, or when their owner uses a scolding tone of voice.  He will then lower his head and often slink while displaying the look.  The reason why it is hard to tell whether they are smiling is that they are bright enough to be suspicious whenever anything goes awry.

One of the thing they love to do in an open area is play their form of dodge ball to where  they use their bodies as the ball. They will run away to about twenty-five to thirty yards and then come rushing back straight at either another dog or you, running at full tilt for a direct hit, and missing by a fraction of an inch. Their goal is to get as frighteningly close to you as possible without hitting you.  Your role is to stand completely still, without flinching while he whizzes by without crashing into you.

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Keep in mind that the Dalmatian’s amazing capacity for physical activity and endurance seem to be matched by amazing bursts of genius as well. A Dalmatian will test your patience and keep you on your toes, though they are also as devoted as they are intelligent.

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