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.

Incredibly Practical Ideas On Training Your Puppy

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All of us dream of parenting the perfect dog, a pup that is a CGC or canine great citizen and is well behaved and dependable at all times. Nicely dreams do come accurate if the training is accomplished with care and dedication. Bear in mind pups understand from day 1 and need to be taught what is correct, what is wrong, and appropriate socialization.

Pups are like kids, they want constant supervision and training. Training a pup want not be an ordeal all you’ll want to maintain in mind are several easy rules. Teach the pup to respect you. Dogs live in packs and instinctively follow a leader. If you establish your leadership in no uncertain terms then training will grow to be easy as the pup will obey you at all times and not challenge your authority. Aids can be bought at any Dog Accessories store.

Use only positive training strategies. By no means shout at, hit, or punish a dog. It is not just cruel but can result in behavioral difficulties. Use of electric shocks, prong collars, sprays, and so on could hurt the animal. Teach the meaning of No, from day 1. Do not encourage behaviors like jumping, mouthing, tug-o-war, barking, or running out of open gates and doors. Praise great behavior and ignore or walk away when there is bad behavior. The pup will understand that if he misbehaves he will lose his playmate.

To correct a behavior you must catch the pup within the act and startle him by rattling a can of pebbles. When you’ve accomplished this make him correct his behavior and right away supply him a treat and praise. Pups do not recall what happened earlier so scolding him soon after an event is of no use. Usually call/use his name positively. By no means say Bad TOM, or No Tom, this can trigger confusion and also the pup will think that in the event you call his name then it is some thing bad. The pup must associate his name with happy events like hugs, petting, walks, treats, and such. If this happens he will come willingly whenever you call out his name. You can get treats from any Online Pet Store

Bond using the pup and both of you will take pleasure in your lessons. The pup must appear forward to spending time with you and not avoid you by running away or hiding. Make sure to socialize the pup early. Socialization is one of the most important lessons. The pup must understand to be about other animals, folks, sounds, vehicles, along with other activities. So, slowly introduce the pup when he is little to everyday activities and sounds. Take him to the mall/ park, introduce him to kids along with other pets, and make him unafraid of the vacuum and garden hose.

As a pet owner it is possible to decide on to train the dog yourself or register at a skilled training school. Training a dog has numerous stages: kindergarten, obedience training, doggy sports, showing and conformation, also as other aspects like therapy dogs, hearing dogs, and so on. What level you decide on to train depends upon you also as the learning abilities of your dog. As you know, distinct dogs like humans have varied talents. Select well and both you and your pup will have fun times together.

The Right Way To Play With Your Dog

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Believe it or not, many dog owners do not know how to play with their dogs. During the first session in most puppy classes, a good trainer makes each owner play with his or her dog for a couple of minutes so they can observe their interaction. The usual scenario seen is the puppy jumping up on the owner and the owner not knowing how to respond, or else the puppy runs away from an owner because the owner isn’t playing with her. Few owners get down on their knees and play with their puppies.

This stems from social conditioning. As adults, we don’t allow ourselves to be kids. We inhibit the childlike qualities within us. Did you ever see a child play with a dog? Kids have no problem playing with dogs; they are always willing to have some fun. People always ask what kinds of dogs are good with children. My response is that any dog is great as long as the dog is properly integrated into the family.

Children are ideal playmates for puppies because they have such natural enthusiasm and energy. Pups pick up on that. Observe how kids play – they laugh, they giggle, their actions and faces are full of animation, and their voices full of joy. Such positive energy always draws a puppy’s attention.

Using structured games also keep the activities between pups and children more organized. It avoids the roughhousing that can happen between kids and puppies if left to their own devices.

Use Your Home As A Training Area

Your house is a rich training ground – you can use your chairs, table, area rugs, hallways, living room furniture, bathroom and bedroom doors, and stairways to create all kinds of games and challenges. For example, teaching your puppy to wait at the bottom or the top of a stairway before taking her up or down creates a pattern she will use later when you want her to wait at a curb on a busy street. Be creative with the use of your home.

All games should be played no longer than five minutes at a time. If your pup gets bored in less than five minutes, then don’t force her to play. Remember, she is a puppy and will be easily distracted by almost everything around her. Let her explore and be distracted; this is how she experiences the world.

What Type Of Leash Is Best For Your Dog?

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What type of leashes are best for your dog? Well personally, I prefer leather leashes. Nylon leashes have a tendency to cut and burn your hand. They also slip through your hands more easily if your dog suddenly pulls at you. A leather leash gives you more comfortable control. A good dog trainer can look at a leather leash and tell how much the dog owners are working with their puppies. The more they practice, the softer the leash becomes.

Some owners don’t like leather leads because they are more expensive and puppies have a tendency to chew on them during a walk. There is nothing more cute than a puppy carrying his leash while you walk him. If your puppy puts the leash in his mouth during a walk, then let him carry it for a while, but maintain control of it. If he bites too hard on it or really starts to chew, then this is a good time to practice the “Drop it” command. With a firm voice say, “Drop it,” and substitute a stronger motivator to satisfy his needs.

I do not favor chain link leashes. They are hard on your hands when you move up and down the leash to control your dog. The only good purpose to link leashes is if you’re tying your dog outside for a while – dogs can’t chew through them.

I am also not a fan of retractable leads. I feel the owner has little control over a dog or puppy with such a lead. Some owners feel they are giving their dog more exercise and freedom with a retractable lead, since the dog can move ten to fifteen feet ahead of the owner. But accidents easily happen – a biker or runner can quickly go by and if your dog moves toward them, a person can trip on this long lead. Also, it is very difficult to control a dog and gain back the leash quickly if someone is coming toward your dog or if your dog is moving toward them.

A retractable lead is made of wire and you cannot grab on to it. I think the best use for a retractable lead is when you are in a field and want to give some extra lead to your pup so he can run about with a little more freedom. Otherwise, on city streets, I only see it as a nuisance for other people.

Retractable leads also create a problem if your dog gets loose from you. The plastic housing at the end of the lead will bounce along as it trails behind the dog. This can frighten some dogs, particularly noise-sensitive dogs, and they will run that much further away trying to flee from the very sound that they can’t escape.

Behavior Problems: Dogs That Lick Too Much

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The first licking experienced by a puppy comes from its dam even before the pup’s eyes are open. Licking is used to groom the pup and, after feeding, to cause urination and defecation. It is doubtful that a young pup consciously considers licking a dominant behavior. However, the act of licking can acquire various other meanings to puppies as they mature and gain feedback from other animals (including people) they lick. Licking by neonatal pups is usually aimed at the dam’s mouth and, at least in wild canines, elicits a gratifying regurgitation of food by the dam for its offspring.

Licking another animal can broadly be classified as care-seeking behavior. However, in some females and apparently “feminized” males, licking may occur as a genuine mutual grooming gesture, which could be considered dominant behavior in such situations. When one dog tries to lick the genitals of another, the behavior is considered submissive. This is usually practiced by submissive pack members toward their dominant counterparts.

Licking seems to acquire different meanings when the puppy is brought into the human group. The significance of licking then depends on the type of feedback provided by the pup or its owners. The old idea that dogs lick our hands to benefit from the salt on our skin rarely applies to licking problems. Rather, the problem generally involves a submissive dog and a permissive owner. In these cases, early episodes of licking are permitted (some people feel genuinely flattered when their dog licks them) and the dog appears to enjoy the owner’s response.

In many cases, licking is a factor in another type of problem behavior. These usually involve the dog’s use of licking to dominate the owner’s attentions or to demonstrate its dominant feelings relative to the owner.

How Can Licking Be Prevented?

Licking is a problem only when the owner is present. Therefore licking is usually easily stopped merely by telling the dog not to do it or by moving away and avoiding it. After a few days or weeks of this rejection, the problem disappears. However, this procedure does not correct the basis of the problem, that is, attempts to dominate the owner.

In addition to discouraging licking, the dog must be taught to respond to commands, and owner adjustments made if the dog is “coddled” or otherwise doted on. When it seeks petting or tries to dominate the owner, it should be given a simple command, such as Sit, and then petted briefly as a reward for obedience.

It is recommended that you use some intervening stimulus when the dog begins to pester you. Whether this involves introduction of a chewable toy that the pet is urged to fetch, or a sharp sound, the goal is to divert the animal’s mind off licking and onto something else. During the initial stages of correction, there may be seen many types of substitute behavior, such as whining, pacing or self-licking. If ignored, this behavior usually disappears in a few days.

The Bernese Mountain Dog

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History and origin of the Bernese Mountain Dog:

Originated in Switzerland, the Bernese Mountain Dog was bred for herding, guarding, drafting, and droving. His large, sturdy frame and long coat allowed him to perform in cold mountainous environments.

Description:

The Bernese Mountain Dog stands 23 to 27.5 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 70 and 100 pounds. He is a large breed and is similar to the Golden Retriever in structure, only heavier and bigger-boned. The shedding coat is medium-long, wavy, glossy, and thick and requires regular brushing to keep it in good condition. The Bernese is tricolored, primarily black with rust and white markings on the chest, muzzle, feet, and forehead.

About the Bernese Mountain Dog:

This large, beautiful, athletic dog is easily trained and makes a great watchdog and a good family pet. Though playful and gregarious as a pup, he tends to become more reserved and guarded as he matures. He is normally affectionate to his owner, but can be very suspicious of strangers. Some are very timid to the point of being phobic. This potential for extreme shyness can lead to a fear-based aggression that is difficult to modify. This breed also possesses a dominant, head-strong temperament. Stubbornness normally calls for a firm, consistent training technique, but many Bernese, particularly the females, can slip into a panicky mind-set if pushed, sometimes resulting in a bite. This tendency is usually a result of poor breeding practices, and may not be reversible.

A well bred Bernese Mountain Dog is trainable, but patience and precision are crucial. The Bernese needs daily exercise and is happier in a rural environment. Because of the potential for aggression, this breed is not recommended for families with children. Early socialization is important from day one, as well as handling and grooming. The Bernese Mountain Dog lives only ten to twelve years and can suffer from hip dysplasia and bloat. Anyone interested in this breed should visit numerous breeders and closely observe the parents and litter mates.

Feeding:

Recommended feeding for this breed is 1 ½ – 2 ½ cans (13.3oz) of high-quality meaty product with biscuit added in equal part or 5 cupfuls of a complete, dry dog food.

Ideal home:

A house with a fenced yard is important for the Bernese Mountain Dog. A strong, patient leader is mandatory, as well as early training, handling, and socialization. Families with children should at present avoid this breed, as should nervous, cautious, and over-bearing people. The elderly and the disabled may not be able to handle the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Dalmatians & Demodicosis

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Demodex mites are present on the skin of all dogs, even Dalmatians, but in some animals born with a defective immune system the numbers increase and begin to cause problems.  Dalmatians are usually cited as one of the most common breeds affected with this condition.  Although it is thought to be genetically transmitted, the mode of transmission has never been conclusively demonstrated.

Most cases of demodicosis are seen in young pups and fully 90% of cases self-cure with or no medical intervention by the time Dalmatians reach18-36 months of age.  In these cases, it is suspected that the immune system is marginally compromised and eventually matures and gets the condition under control.  On the other hand, some pups (about 10% of those initially affected) do not get better and, in fact, become progressively worse.  These are thought to have more severe immunologic compromise and are often labeled as having “generalized demodicosis.”

The diagnosis is easily made by scraping the skin with a scalpel blade and looking at the collected debris under a microscope.  The Demodex mites are cigar-shaped and are easily seen.  What is harder to identify is the immunoiogic defect that allowed the condition to occur in the first place.  Recent research has suggested the problem may be linked to a decrease in interleukin-2 response but the genetics is still a question.

If the cause of the immune dysfunction can be cured, the mange will resolve on its own.  Likewise, if Dalmatians outgrow its immunoiogic immaturity or defect, the condition will self-cure.  This process can best be assisted by ensuring a healthy diet is being fed, treating for any internal parasites or other diseases, and perhaps using cleansing shampoos and nutritional supplements that help bolster the immune system.  However, if the condition does not resolve on its own, or if it is getting worse despite therapy, special mite-killing treatments are necessary.

Amitraz is the most common dip used.  It must be remembered that killing the mites will not restore the immune system to normal.  Regarding prevention, it is best not to breed Dalmatians with a history of demodicosis and dogs with generalized demodicosis should never be bred.

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