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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Many owners find that their dog behaves really well at obedience class but the minute he goes out for a walk he turns into a demon. Maybe it is not the dog who changes but you. Is it possible that during training sessions you treat the animal one way and another when he is out for his daily walk? Or maybe you treat the animal one way and your partner or children treat him another. If so, your poor dog is receiving mixed signals.

Training is not going to involve just you and the dog but everyone who has to walk the dog. Consistency and patience are the keys to training any animal. And this means that all the people who walk the dog must follow the same procedures with the animal, all the time. And you must all use the same commands.

Once everybody has agreed to work together, you can start to look at the dog’s behaviour. If he likes to pull it is probably because he has learned that if he pulls he gets to go where he wants. Simply put, he is getting rewarded for pulling on his leash. You have to teach him immediately that dog leash pulling does not get rewarded.

The moment that your pet decides to pull on the leash STOP. Do not move. Do not pull on the leash. When your dog eases up on the leash take a step. If the pulling starts again stop. Once you have puppy focused on you, begin to move. Puppy will soon realise that if the leash is tight nobody goes anywhere.

As your puppy learns this concept, be sure to offer lots of praise and rewards. When the puppy turns to you to find out why there is no movement you might try backing up a step. Reward the puppy as he returns to you. A great way to get your dog to stay focused on you is to alter direction. Try not to walk in a straight line. Walk backwards; make sharp turns, both left and right. Be sure that at no time do you pull on the leash. Instead Stop. Remain frozen in place until the tension on the leash eases up.

You may not get far on your first few tries but if you are consistent you will see results. Remember that everyone who walks the dog must practice this technique, all the time. This is not always easy to do. There are times when you are in a hurry and taking the time to stop is annoying but remain unremitting.

These lessons are extremely important. You do not want to rely on choke collars or halties to get your dog to behave. You want the dog to stay close to you because it is the best place to be. Training collars are just that, for training. You want your dog to behave even when you are not doing a training session. You want to have control of your dog at all times.

If you remain persistent with your dog leash training exercises you will be surprised at how soon your walks become a joy instead of a chore.

There are a few different tactics that will correct this behavior:

• The first and easiest thing to try is using a bitter apple liquid. Liberally apply the bitter apple to the entire length of the leash. It may be a bit messy and will smell awful but it is worth it. Some dogs do actually like the taste of this product so as an alternative try using the hottest sauce that you can find. Neither of these methods will harm your dog, but most dogs only need try this a few times before they realize that it does not taste good.
• Another simple technique is the moment that your dog begins biting the leash, Stop. Give him a sharp “no” and remove the leash from the dog’s mouth with a quick pull. You may have to repeat this a few times before it works.
• If you have begun training your dog with the leave it command this is a great time to practice. If your dog drops the leash, give him a reward. However, be wary, you do not want the dog learning that he will be rewarded for taking the leash.
• You might also try the stop walking method during your dog leash training exercises. The moment the dog starts to bite his leash STOP and freeze. Do not move, this is the same technique that you can use to get your dog to stop pulling. Once your dog settles down, begin moving again. Your dog will get the idea that nobody goes anywhere when the leash is being bitten. You might even try putting the leash under your foot and ignoring your animal until he calms down. Once the dog is quiet and calm continue walking.
• If your dog is very playful, he may be biting the leash for more attention. You could try allowing the dog to carry a toy, ball or stick on your walk.
• Another idea is to try getting your dog to focus on other things while you are walking. Make the walk more challenging. Change your direction frequently; this will help to keep the dog’s attention off the leash. You might also try issuing other commands as well such as working on sit and stay. It may take a bit longer to get where you are going but it works.
• Take the dog somewhere new. Try walking your dog in different places. If a dog is entertained by new sights and sounds he is too busy to bite the leash.
• If need be, shorten the leash as much as possible. Keep the dog in almost, the heel position and begin walking. Walk at a very brisk pace. Do not talk to your dog, or pet him, keep moving.

With patience and practice you can get your dog to stop biting the leash. But you have to remain consistent. Whichever method you decide to use, be sure to give it time to work. None of these will work the first time out; they might not even work the second, but keep at it. You and your dog will reap the rewards.

One hundred and two degrees F is a healthy temperature for a dog. A dog gum’s will be a nice pink color and they should have a very fast capillary refill rate. Most dogs should also have a pink tongue. His coat should be shiny and his skin should be clean. A healthy dog eye’s should be clear and alert. If you listen to a dog’s heart beat you will discover that it beats between 80 to 120 times per minute. Fifteen to twenty breaths per minute is the normal rate for a healthy animal.

If you notice that your pet has an unusual smell emanating from his nose, mouth or ears your pet may be sick. Other things to look for are vomiting, gagging and strange breathing patterns. Sickness may also cause redness in the eyes or discharge around the nose. If you notice any strange fluids coming from your dog’s ears or nose there is a good chance that your pet needs to go to the veterinarian.

In order to be able to detect any problems with your dog’s digestive system you need to be familiar with his regular habits. Be sure to watch for any signs of urination discomfort or any change in his bowel movements.

You should also watch for changes in your pet’s behaviour. Trouble balancing, lack of energy or an increase in anxiety are all signs that your pet is not well. You should also be sure to check your dog carefully when you brush and groom him for anything out of the ordinary. This may include lumps, hair loss or bugs.

If you want to help your pet’s doctor you should keep a journal of all symptoms that you notice. Take careful note of how often you have seen them, the time that they occurred and how often they occurred. This will go a long way to helping your veterinarian make a diagnosis.

Training a dog to heel is not a difficult task. But it is going to require that you be consistent and patient. Training dogs to heel correctly involves a number of things. Having the dog sit at your side until you are ready to move and give the command. Then the animal has to remain tight beside you while you are walking and then he has to sit when you stop. The animal is supposed to remain in the sitting position until you give the release command.

If you have an animal that has learned to walk on a leash without pulling you are now ready to move on to the heel command. If possible take your dog to a distraction free environment and keep the sessions short. You are asking your dog to learn a lot and you want to give him the best possible learning environment.

To start get your dog to sit on your left side facing the same direction as you. Have a toy or special treat ready in your left hand. Get your dogs attention and issue the command “heel”. Move slowly forwards. Hold the treat slightly above your dog’s head as you move forward and keep it tight to your side. Only move a few steps. If your dog stays with you reward and praise. Give the command to sit, if necessary you can “gently” pull the leash upwards in an effort to get your dog to sit. Release, reward and praise. At this point having the dog sit is not as important as getting the dog to stay right beside you.

As your dog grasps the concept of staying right beside while you walk vary the amount of steps that you take. And put more emphasis on the “sit” when you stop. Be sure to give the release command before his reward. As he gets better at this start making gradual turns, but not too sharp. Use the treats to help keep the dog focused on you. As training progresses you can begin making sharper more abrupt turns. Do not pull on the leash to get your dog to catch up. Rather, call his and name and get him to refocus. Lots of praise and rewards are needed every time he does the correct thing.

Ideally you do not want to use the leash to get your dog back into the correct position Instead issue the heel command and refocus his attention. If at all possible you do not want to have to even hold the leash during your heel training sessions. The leash should merely be there for back-up.

With a little effort training a dog to heel does not have to be difficult. Every dog can learn to heel. As an owner you have to remember that as with all dog leash training activities, patience and consistency are key.

Whenever you are trying to change a dog’s behaviour it is important to understand why he is behaving the way he is. Looking at things from the dog’s point of view will often save you a lot of time, money and headaches. There are many reason why dogs dig. Dogs dig out of boredom. They like to bury food, they like the smells. Dogs like to dig for shelter, either from the cold or from the heat. Some dogs dig in hopes of finding small animals and others just plain enjoy digging.

Once you feel you know why your dog is digging you can begin the process of changing his behaviour.

To stop dog digging first, make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise. Play challenging games with him so that he also gets mental exercise each day. Make sure he has toys to play with to keep him occupied, but avoid buying things that he might want to bury. Don’t buy the big bone instead get him a kong. They last longer and can be filled with treats.

Buy a squirt gun. Every time your dog starts to dig, spray him. This works well, but of course you have to be around to catch him. You can also try this method using the sprinkler. Bury it just below the surface and turn it on the moment he starts digging.

Try burying some chicken wire in his favourite spots. Dogs do not like the feel and will stop.

Some dogs are attracted to something on the other side of the fence. Always make sure that there are no holes in the fence and no gaps at the bottom. If you have to, use chicken wire to fill in the spaces below the fence. It is a good idea to bury some of the wire at least a foot away from the fence

If your dog has a certain spot that he likes to dig, bury some of his own feces in the hole. There are very few dogs that want to dig through their own waste. This is a bit messy but is probably the most effective way of getting your dog to stop digging.

Another alternative is to provide your dog with his own digging area. Designate a spot where he is allowed to dig. To encourage him to dig in his own ‘spot’ try burying a toy filled with treats. Make it into a fun game for him. Reward him when he digs in his area. If he starts digging somewhere else, go to his spot and call him in an excited voice. Reward him for coming and praise him for digging in the right spot.

Once you know how to stop a dog from digging, like all unwanted behaviours, most can be altered with time, patience and consistency.