Training your Dog To Be Left Alone

You get a new puppy. Unfortunately you are not going to be able to be with him all day long every day. You are going to have to train him to be left alone. You may want to use a crate or keep him confined to one room in the house. Or you may want him to stay outside in the yard. Whatever you decide – you want him to learn early that being alone is not a bad thing and that you are going to come back.

You also want to be sure that while you are gone, your dog is behaving in an appropriate manner. You do not want him, barking, digging, chewing or destroying things while you are gone. Many dogs exhibit these behaviours because they are bored, and not out of spite as many owners believe. They also might be nervous about being alone so it is up to you to teach or train your pet to understand that that alone time can be fun time.

The first thing to work on is leaving him alone in the spot you have chosen for a short period of time. Try not to leave him for more than five or ten minutes. As he becomes adjusted to your absence increase the length of time to half an hour.

Each time you go out there are certain things that you can do to make certain that puppy is happy while you are away. Try filling up a Kong with peanut butter. Give him a couple of chew toys that he does not get to play with unless you are gone. Try hiding a few things around the room, hide his Kong in a spot that is not right out in the open but will be easy for him to find. If you are putting him in his crate put it there for him to play with. You might also want to provide him with a special treat that he can chew while you are away. Pig’s ears or rawhide bones are great.

Take him for a walk before you go out to make certain that he does not have to go to the bathroom while you are gone. This will also help to tire him out so that he might sleep while you are away. And be sure that if he is going to go in his crate he has had a drink. You do not want him to be uncomfortable while you are not there. You might also consider turning a radio on so that he has some noise in the background, or leave the TV on so that he can hear it. Many dogs find the noise comforting.

By doing all these things your are training your puppy on how to be alone. And, you are teaching him that your being gone can be a fun time, if he has new things to chew on and does not feel uncomfortable. By gradually working up the length of time that you are gone, you are also letting him know , that you are coming back and there is no need to worry.

A Guide To Popular Types Of Terriers

There are many types of terrier: American Pit Bull, Scottish, Jack Russel, Cesky, West Highland White (Westie), Airedale, Staffordshire, Yorkshire (Yorkie), as well as Boston terrier to name a few!

The American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the most popular types of terrier. Unfortunately, this breed has gained a somewhat notorious reputation as being vicious when they became a popular choice for dog fights. This poor breed would be intentionally bred for quantity, rather than quality, and some owners would even abuse them as pups to raise them to be ferocious in dog fights in which they would bet on the dog. This is a very unfair and limited portion of the pit bull’s history. What about Sergeant Stubby—the pit bull who took part in World War II? He began as a morale boost for the 102nd infantry, yet soon became a valued soldier when he began warning his unit of poisonous gas, found wounded men in “no man’s land,” and could warn of the incoming artillery shells.

Next, we are going to tell you about the Yorkshire Terrier. This is a pretty little creature that has a silky coat that is very long and parts down the spine. They have a head that is rather flat with V shaped ears. These pets, just like any of the other terriers are eager to go on an adventure.

If you are looking on more information on terriers, then there are many sites you can turn to. These breeds are high energy, loyal, brave and are all ready for an adventure. They make perfect family dogs as well. They come in both big and small groups. If you are looking for a pit bull or any other, then we highly recommend you first taking a look in the animal shelter. You should also make sure you are ready for a dog.

Stopping Your Dog From Barking

For those of you who are working on the best way to housebreak a puppy, barking can be tough. A constantly barking dog can be a huge nuisance.  It is challenging to learn how to stop your dog from barking, because there are any number of things that sets off constant barking.  Then, each breed is also unique. Figuring out what causes your dog to bark can help you figure out exactly how to teach your dog to control this behavior.

Some dog are just barkers.  It may seem like they live to bark.  Some people don’t mind a lot of dog barking, but it is annoying to many other people.  Try to remember that when dogs bark they are using vocal cues and signals to try to communicate with humans or other dogs.  Don’t try to stop your dog from barking completely, just try to narrow the barking down to when it is essential for their communication.  

One way to avoid excessive barking issues is by not choosing a dog that is known as a big barker.  A dog’s breed and purpose is often a huge factor in its barking habits.  Dogs bred to protect their owners will bark more than those bred as family pets.  Dogs bred for hunting may also tend to bark and even howl more than other breeds.  You cannot always predict a dog’s barking behavior by its breed, but knowing the tendency of a breed to bark is important before you choose a dog.  

Once you get a dog, don’t let it teach you to respond to incessant barking.  If you get up and do what your dog wants just because it doesn’t stop barking, you are only rewarding the problem.  Respond to your dog once she quiets down.  This will train your dog to understand which behaviors will get her rewarded. Consider this before you buy a citronella dog collar.  

When your dog starts to bark, give him a few seconds to get it out of his system.  If the barking persists clasp your hand firmly, but gently around your dog’s muzzle.  If the dog tries to escape your grasp and continue barking reach out with your other hand and hold her by the collar.  

You may be able to figure out why your dog is barking on your own, but sometimes it requires outside help to figure out why your dog will not stop barking.  Don’t feel awkward about asking for help.  I did and it worked.  My dog no longer barks all the time at every noise she hears.

Dogo

The Dogo Argentine is the only recognised breed that originated in Argentina. It was developed in the 1920’s by Antonio and Agustin Martinez. The two brothers began breeding their dogs from the Fighting Dog of Cordoba, which is now extinct. They crossed this breed with Bulldogs, Boxers, Great Pyrenees, Pointers, Irish Wolfhounds and Spanish Mastiffs.

The Martinez brothers wanted to create a breed that was an excellent pack hunter but did not display the aggression problems found in the Fighting Dog of Cordoba. They also wanted their breed to be a family pet and loyal companion.

The final result was a large powerful animal. The ideal height of this dog is between 24 and 27 inches and should weigh 80 to 100 pounds. The animal’s coat is always white and is very short and thick. They are very strong and muscular in appearance with a very large neck and wide shoulders.
These dog’s have been used in the past to hunt large wild animals like jaguars and boars . Today they are used in police work and as guard dogs but some have been successfully trained as guide dogs.
This breed like all other large dogs has certain health concerns. One of the most common is hip dysphasia. Another major concern, like in all breeds of dogs that are primarily white, many Dogos are either deaf or partially deaf. It is extremely important that potential owners have the dog properly tested.

These dogs require an experienced owner who will ensure that the dog receives proper socialisation at an early age. Dogos are big powerful dogs that need to respect their owner and have their aggressive, dominant tendencies curbed early. These dogs can show signs of aggression towards other animals and people if not handled carefully.

Unfortunately many of these animals are still bred to dog fight. Some breeders have even crossed the Dogo with the American Pit Bull to create an even more aggressive fighter. Because of it’s temperament the Dogo is banned in some countries or may require that the owner have special training and or insurance. If considering getting one of these animals any potential owners should look into local laws regarding these animals.

This animal can be a wonderful pet and friend if properly trained and handled.

Why Put Your Dog On a Leash?

As a responsible pet owner you should never allow your dog to run free, or even be off leash while you walk together. If you have not considered the many reasons why your dog should be on a leash than consider these reasons..

1) Dogs who are off the leash may cause injury to a person.

This does not necessarily mean that your dog has bitten someone. Injuries to people can come in other forms. What if your dog scares an elderly person and they fall down? What if your dog knocks a small child over? You as the owner are responsible for your dog’s behaviour. You might find yourself at the wrong end of a large lawsuit.

Biting should always be a concern. As a responsible dog owner you have to be aware that all dogs have the potential to bite. You may own the friendliest animal in the world, but it happens to thousands of people every year. Even small dogs can do damage. What if a young child pulls your dog’s tail or tries to take a toy away from your dog? Be aware that your dog is an animal and there is always the potential for danger.

2) Your dog could eat something unhealthy. Dogs love to put things in their mouths. They may get into anything from anti-freeze to a rotting chicken in the neighbours trash. Country dogs are just as at risk from eating something dangerous as city dogs. Dogs may drink contaminated water or walk through an area that was sprayed with pesticides. They may chew on a dead animal while roaming and pick up worms, or parasites. The list of possibilities is staggering. Any one of these things might cost you an expensive trip to the vet, and in the worst case scenario may result in the death of your beloved pet.

3) You do have neighbours. Not everybody loves dogs. And your neighbours are certainly not going to like your dog if they discover that he has been going through their trash. He certainly is not going to be very popular if he is digging holes in their lawn or using their yard as his personal bathroom.

People who allow their dogs to roam free are giving responsible pet owners a bad name. Due to a small number of negligent owners, more and more bans and restrictions regarding dogs are being put into place.

4) In many areas any dog that is not on a leash and is roaming free may be picked up by local animal control. As an owner, you may be held responsible for pick-up fees and his stay at the local pound. You may also incur additional fines for allowing your dog to run loose. And there is always the risk of not being able to locate your dog, sadly many dogs simply disappear.

5) You may own a very friendly dog, but what about all the other dogs? Your dog might be attacked by another dog if that animal considers your dog to be invading his territory. Or another dog may see your pet as a potential danger to his owner. Your dog could be seriously hurt or killed. If your pet is the one not on a leash you may find yourself responsible not only for any veterinary bills regarding your dog but any bills incurred by the other dog as well.

6) Dogs do not respect wildlife. A dog that is allowed to roam free, may hurt or kill young wild animals. He may destroy the nests of ground birds. You also face the risk of having your best friend encounter an unfriendly variety of wildlife. Anyone who has had the pleasure of trying to wash off the delightful smell of skunk will tell you it is not an easy task. Removing porcupine pine quills is another chore that you would do well to avoid. Depending upon where you live, there may be even more dangerous predators that your dog may encounter.

7) A dog who is not on a leash will go to the bathroom almost anywhere. If you do not have control over your pet you can’t be sure where he is doing his business. This can be extremely annoying to your neighbours and other pet owners. You may not be aware that in certain areas the failure to clean up after your animal can cost you a fine of up to $5 000.

8)The animal population is getting out of control, by keeping your dog on a leash you are greatly decreasing the chances of your dog becoming a parent. If you so intend to breed your dog, the last thing you want is to discover that your dog has been the one to pick the father.

9)Dogs get distracted. Your dog may be an obedience champion, but if a cat went running under his nose he just might chase it. What if something suddenly spooked your dog? A car back firing or a fire cracker goes off? The best trained dog in the world might not respond to his owner’s command at that point.

10) In many places it is the law! Dog owners who do not keep their animals on a leash may receive fines.

Be a responsible pet owner, keep your dog on a leash. In many cities there are parks where you can allow your pet more freedom. Get a retractable leash which gives the animal more space. But keep your animal safe, make your neighbours happy and obey the law.

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