e shtunë, 8 shtator 2007

Learn About a Dog Trainer

Their are several things to consider when choosing a dog trainer. Whether you are choosing one to train your dog or

considering becoming one yourself, you must consider several key factors. When finding a dog trainer, you must know

what to look for, the basics of certification and licensing, the types of training, and how one becomes a trainer.

When looking at dog trainers, consider the following:

Experience- Be sure the trainer you choose has experience dealing with not only a wide variety of behavioral issues,

but also your breed, specifically. Different breeds require different training styles. While positive reinforcement

will work for every breed, for example, some more independent breeds, like spaniels or terriers, will need more

reinforcement and training time. A trainer who has worked with various breeds, will be able to work with certain

temperaments.

Methods- Read up on the various methods of training. The 3 major categories are jerk and pull, positive

reinforcement, and a subsidiary, clicker training. Rally-O is labeled under positive reinforcement. Make sure you

are comfortable with the way your dog will be trained. If you do not plan on going to the training sessions, make

sure you observe one before you send your dog.

Recommendations- Word of mouth is the best way to get information on a trainer. Ask your local veterinarians,

groomers, and boarding services to recommend a trainer. Ask acquaintances and co-workers what their experiences have

been. Finally, ask the trainer herself to give you referrals.

Location- Do you need a trainer to come to your home? Would you rather send your dog off to a "camp"? Do you want to

enroll in a class? Consider these questions and find a trainer that meets your expectations. Also consider where

your doggy will be trained. Is the middle of a store similar to the dog's natural living arrangements?

Flexibility- Is this trainer willing to meet you and your dog beforehand? Is she willing to work with you one on one

with any problem dog behaviors? Will she tailor sessions around your schedule?

Cost- Be sure the trainer is in your budget. Training can be quite expensive, but can range significantly. The best

value usually comes in bulk sessions. Paying for them one at a time can get expensive.

There are no required licenses or accreditations for dog trainers. The AKC recognizes many trainers as Canine Good

Citizen Licensed, and there are organizations, like unions, for dog trainers. Trainers can also become licensed and

bonded business professionals, but there is no license required for training dogs. Again, the best way to check for

professionalism is to ask for referrals.

Their are numerous ways someone can become a dog trainer. Their are schools, programs, and colleges for trainers.

These all require course work and hands-on training. Few modern day trainers, however, have participated in any

formal class.

The most popular way to become a trainer is to become an apprentice. Find a local trainer that meets all of the

above criteria and is willing to take on a student. Start with some necessary reading like, "Don't Shoot The Dog"

and books that teach background, psychology, and methods.

After you have digested the basic concepts, start watching classes. Gradually, your trainer will ask you to assist

and you will gain knowledge little by little. It may take longer to learn dog socialization and aggression

techniques. A good trainer takes her time and has a lot of experience before she goes out on her own.

No matter whether you are searching for a trainer, or interested in becoming one yourself, do your homework. Know

what to look for, the types of training, and how your trainer works. This checklist will ensure you get what you

want out of the experience.

e premte, 7 shtator 2007

Pekingese History

First of all, you must understand that Pekingese are not dogs! They are a combination of part human, part

aristocrat, perpetual child, and part cat. There is no other breed like them.

You must also understand that if your idea of a pet dog is one who will sit adoringly at your feet (or in your lap),

wait to jump at any command, be available to your every beck and call, the Pekingese is not for you. In most cases,

Pekingese will slowly work their way into your home and before you know it YOU will be at THEIR beck and call. They

will be extremely obedient—not to please you but only because they CHOOSE to please you. They will come and go as

they please because that is what pleases them. They are not being truly disobedient but do so because they can see

no reason to do otherwise. After all, they are special, aren't they?

The Pekingese originated in China over 2000 years ago. Their only function was to carry the robes of the Chinese

Imperial Court . Ownership of this dog was prohibited to any except royalty. During the Great China War of 1860,

Franco-British forces marched on Peking . The invaders looted the summer place, and the Western world made its first

acquaintance with the little Lion Dog of Peking . Five of these little dogs were found in the apartment of the

Emperor's aunt, who had delayed her flight too long and committed suicide when the Palace gates were stormed.

These five little creatures endeared themselves to their captors, who carried them back to England . One was

presented to Queen Victoria and was named "Looty". She lived a life of luxury for ten years in Windsor Palace until

her death in 1872. All modern day Pekingese have descended from these five dogs. All the others were slaughtered so

that no one would lay eyes on them, for to do so in China brought immediate and unmerciful death.

This background give you some idea of why Pekingese think they are a little bit better than anyone or anything else!

It has been so bred into them that they continue this attitude today. So, if you want a whimsical personality, take

delight in their independence, accept the fact that they are the bosses, then a Pekingese is the dog for you.

You are no doubt enthralled by the abundance of coat. While very eye-catching, you will pay the price to keep the

glamour. If you are not prepared to groom at least once or twice a week, or have it professionally done, then this

breed is not for you. The good thing is that they require very little trimming. The hair on the bottom of the feet

covering the pads should be kept short. Also, both the male and female should have the hair neatly trimmed around

the sheath of the male and the vulva of the female. Scissoring is not necessary on any other part of the coat unless

you decide the coat is just too much to handle.

There are several cute cuts that can be done by a professional and which will still leave the dog looking like a

Pekingese. I do not recommend that it should be totally shaved. Of coarse, as in all coated breeds, the length and

quality of the coat will vary. If you buy from a breeder who is primarily producing show quality puppies, your puppy

will have a lot of coat. I certainly recommend that you buy from this type of breeder. Puppies purchased from a pet

store are of questionable parentage and will not mature to look like the Pekingese you see in the show ring. By the

age of nine or ten months you should have some indication of what the coat will be like.

Generally speaking, Pekingese are amiable creatures but will not take kindly to being badgered by children. They are

not mean by nature but will eventually retaliate if someone continues to abuse them. If there are small children in

the family the Pekingese should have a place of their own, such as a crate, to escape to. Cats and Pekingese seem to

have an affinity for each other and will probably become very good friends. It is not recommended that you have an

aggressive dog in the same household as Pekingese will not back down, so matter the size or strength of the other

animal.

Pekingese make good house pets, whereby they will have a domain to rule. Their favorite spot will probably be where

you don't want them, but you will put up with their wishes because you love and admire them. They need daily

exercise but you shouldn't expect them to be boundary trained so you will need a dog proof fence for them. They are

easily trained to the leash and enjoy daily walks. The Pekingese is quite muscular and solidly built with most of

their weight concentrated in the front quarters. For this reason, stairs should be avoided, and they should not be

allowed to jump from high places such as the couch or bed. Since they are a long-backed dog, landing from a height

could cause grave problems.

Pekingese are very tolerant of cold and will often prefer to be outdoors when you think they should be indoors.

However, they are intolerant of heat and you must guard against them becoming over-heated during hot weather. Be

sure they have plenty of fresh water and a cool place to lie. A basement is ideal, but they do not want to be away

from the family. They love to lie on a stone hearth, a cool linoleum floor, or in front of a large floor fan. If you

have a pool or pond in your yard, guard your Pekingese carefully!! They are not good swimmers and once their coat

becomes saturated with water they will surely sink and drown.

Pekingese are really quite free of hereditary problems and if you buy from a reputable breeder should live a long

healthy life of from ten to eighteen years. However, since this is a flat-faced breed you must guard against injury

to the eyes. Because they have no snout to protect the eyes, they can be more easily injured than the eyes of some

other breeds. "Peke proof" your yard. That means no long grass, rose bushes, and low tree branches—anything sharp

they could bump into. Clean the eyes daily with a cotton ball and look for anything out of the ordinary. The first

sign of injury is often watering or blinking.

If not noticed immediately the eye will turn a light blue and you may see a small indentation called an ulcer on the

eyeball. Prompt veterinary attention should be sought so you can properly medicate it. I recommend that you always

have a tube of chloramphenicol eye ointment on hand—injuries have a habit of happening on Sundays and holidays!

Remember, the best remedy is prevention.

e enjte, 6 shtator 2007

About Plastic Dog Kennels

House training a puppy can be quite a challenge. It requires a lot of patience on your part because it won't be easy

at the start. You will be going after your dog and watching every corner he or she goes to to check if that area has

been soiled accidentally. This has been a cause of frustration in most dog owners.

However, house training a puppy can be made easier if you have a dog kennel in your house. You see, dogs are

naturally attracted to den-like environments. Thus, a kennel that allows him to have this den-like feel will give

off the signal that this is the only place for him or her to relieve himself.

There are basically two types of dog kennels: the wire kennel and the plastic kennel. Wire kennels are more

convenient for some dog owners because it has better ventilation and gives a better view of the puppy. Wire kennels

are also easier to clean and maintain, compared to plastic kennels. All you need to do is place it on top of old

newspapers. You don't have to do much scrubbing.

Plastic dog kennels also have its share of positive attributes. For instance, if you travel with your pet

frequently, plastic kennels are required, as per mandated by law.

Plastic dog kennels, some owners believe, also give a greater sense of privacy and security to dogs, as opposed to

wire kennels that leave them very exposed and visible. Your puppy might want to have some alone time sometimes, and

a plastic kennel will fill this need. Some would argue, though, that placing a cloth over a wire kennel will create

the same effect.

When choosing the right kennel for your puppy, you also have to consider the size. The appropriate kennel size is

one that is wide enough for the puppy to roll just a bit and high enough to accommodate his or her height almost

exactly.

You might think that your dog has a pretty cramped space if this is so, but dogs don't really see it that way. In

fact, this is better for them, because it will help teach them that there is one and only one place they can relieve

themselves. If your kennel is too spacious, you dog might just get confused.

When you buy a plastic kennel, remember that you might have to buy another larger one in the future when your puppy

grows larger. If you have a wire kennel, you can just place dividers when the puppy is still small and adjust

accordingly as he or she grows.

In short, wire kennels have a longer use-life compared to plastic dog kennels, which will need to replaced

eventually (if your dog has a tendency to grow big, of course). If you have a toy dog, or a dog that doesn't grow,

then it's okay to use a plastic kennel.

Kennels are useful during the puppy stage not only to teach the dog where to soil, but also to prevent him or her

from chewing off your furniture upholstery, knock your stuff over, and, basically, run madly around the house.

Because puppies generally have uncontrollable behavior, it is good to introduce a sense of privacy at the onset, so

that when they grow, they have a concept of where they are supposed to place themselves for particular activities.

Getting a dog kennel can be a wise choice for home owners, it will also provide a much needed privet space for your

dog, this space will provide the dog with the feeling of security and privacy. Are you going to buy a Dog Kennel, or

are you going to make your own kennel? Visit the Dog Kennel pages at http://dogkennel.zupatips.com

e mërkurë, 5 shtator 2007

What Is Kennel Cough

An imprecise term which has been used for a number of diseases in dogs which are characterized by bronchitis and

caused by a variety of infectious agents. Kennel Cough in dogs will stimulate a coarse, dry, hacking cough about 3

to 7 days after the dog is initially infected. It sounds as if the dog needs to "clear it's throat" and the cough

will be triggered by any extra activity or exercise. Many dogs that acquire Kennel Cough will cough every few

minutes, all day long. Their general state of health and alertness will be unaffected; they usually have no rise in

temperature, and do not lose their appetite.

KENNEL COUGH:
It is not an ordinary cough
Contagious
Life threatening
Caused by several infectious agents working together to damage and irritate the lining of the dog's trachea and

upper bronchi.


COMMON CAUSES OF KENNEL COUGH


Bordetella bronchiseptica
Viruses called Parainfluenza-Virus Adenovirus
Organism called Mycoplasma.


HOW DID IT TRANSMIT TO MY DOG?

AIRBORNE (means transmitted through air)
The organisms can be present in the expired air of an infected dog, much the same way that human "colds" are

transmitted. The airborne organisms will be carried in the air in microscopically tiny water vapor or dust

particles. The airborne organisms, if inhaled by a susceptible dog, can attach to the lining of the trachea and

upper airway passages, find a warm, moist surface on which to reside and replicate, and eventually damage the cells

they infect.

e martë, 4 shtator 2007

Dog Training: Frequently Asked Questions

I frequently get asked the same questions by different clients all the time. Here are the questions and the

solutions.


Why won't my dog come to me when I call them?


First of dogs with out a fenced in yard are the harder to teach come to, because they do not have enough time off

leash and will not give that up when they are loose. If you give your dog ample exercise off leash in an enclosed

park or some other area on a regular basis then it is no big deal for them to come to you when they are loose

because they are not giving anything up. Also you MUST be exciting no one wants a boring dog and no dog wants a

boring owner. I can teach you 3 tools that will get your dog to come to you first their name means come to me, then

"come" as an emergencies command and then I have a secret weapon that is fool proof.


Why does my dog tear up paper, eat Kleenex and sticks?


When dogs tear things apart or eat strange things it usually an instinctual behavior passed down from the wolves.

Most of the time it comes from when wolves would hunt for food and tearing the meat off the bone is satiating to

them. Kleenex eating is a mystery to my vet and myself. I think it just tastes good. A lot of dogs will sit down and

eat a whole toilet paper roll or Kleenex box. If your dog does this the best advice I can give is to keep these

things out of reach. If they can't reach it they can't chew/eat it!


How to get rid of urine smells in carpet?


There are many different products out there; personally I have not found one that is 100% effective. Natures Miracle

seems to have a good reputation. There are many home remedies like a dilution of vinegar and water to get the smell

out but this solution can also stain many surfaces and carpets so do a small test site first and wait 3-4 days to

see if the color changes. The professional carpet cleaners sometimes guarantee to get the urine smell out of

surfaces, make sure so you're not wasting your money on another useless method.


Why should I get my dog spayed or neutered?


The number one reason is that there are more than 5000 homeless dogs in the metro Atlanta area alone not to mention

the surrounding counties. There are some dogs prone to testicular and other forms of cancer by neutering/spaying

them you could be saving there life in the future. Dogs that are spayed/ neutered seem to have less behavior

problems then dogs that are in tact. The health of the dogs is also better and you will have fewer visits to the

veterinarian.


Where should I get a dog from?


A breeder, a pet store, or rescue group? If you get your dog from a rescue group (Golden Retriever rescue /Lab etc.)

you can get the breed you are looking for and save a life. The humane societies and shelters always have a lot to

choose from. If you must go to a breeder or pet store do some back ground checking and make sure you are not buying

from a puppy mill.


What are some poisonous things I should be aware of around my house and yard?


Some command foods that are poison to dogs are chocolate, grapes and almonds. Just a few teaspoons of anti freeze

can kill a dog in the matter of hours. Pesticides can be very harmful to animals as well rat poisons, bug repellents

and moth ball. Some house plants such as poinsettias and mistletoe, azaleas and tulip bulbs are also poisonous.

e hënë, 3 shtator 2007

An Outdoor Dog Kennel Can Keep Your Dogs Safe and Secure

Taking care of a dog is hard, taxing work. You have to regularly bathe the dog, keep it up to date on all of its

health requirements, make sure it has plenty of food and water at all times. You also must give your dog an

appropriate place to run around and get its exercise. The best solution is a daily walk with your dog, but having a

safe area for him to run in ensures his needs are met if your time is short.While all of this can be difficult

enough if you have enough room on your property, it can be even more problematic if your land is far too small to

accommodate your dog.

Furthermore, just because you have enough land does not mean you will be able keep your dogs outdoor all of the

time, as wild animals could end up invading your dog's space during the night. If you want to make your life easier

as a dog owner, then purchasing and building an outdoor dog kennel is a must. The outdoor dog kennel is an excellent

addition to your home if you find that there is not much space in your yard, if you live in an area populated by

wild animals like wolves and raccoons or if you own multiple dogs and need a place for them all to reside.

The outdoor dog kennel is primarily constructed of concrete and fencing. This simple design allows you to keep your

dogs of any size tucked neatly into the structure to prevent them from running of or being attacked while you are

not watching them. Furthermore, if you own more than a few dogs, in various neighborhoods, there may be local

ordinances requiring you build an outdoor dog kennel to house them.

For the most part, an outdoor dog kennel is not an expensive structure, but it should provide your dogs with enough

space, safety and security to keep your dogs happy, healthy and safe. If you care about your animals' well being,

then an outdoor dog kennel is definitely a good investment.

Your pet deserves the best! We provide the best information making it easy to select the appropriate dog kennel for

your needs. Dog Kennel

e diel, 2 shtator 2007

131th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

I'd like to adopt or purchase a new dog? Where do I start?

Start by watching the 131th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The entire show is available for sale on DVD

from the Westminster Kennel Club website (you can find the URL at the end of this article).

The show presents competitors from every dog breed for the "Best in Show" title. You'll learn a great deal by just

watching the show and listening to the descriptions of each dog breed as they are systematically presented to the

judges.

There are seven groups of dogs (Sporting, Non-sporting, Working, Herding, Terrier, Hound, and the Toy) being shown

at the Westminister Kennel Club show today, with various entrants within each group. All breeds compete for the

"best of breeds" titles and then the "best of breeds" winners compete to become the "best of groups" winners.

Finally, the "best of groups"winners compete to win the "Best in Show" title.

It's important to note that the judges do not compare one breed with another to make their decisions for the "Best

in Group" and "Best in Show" titles. Instead, the judges look for the dogs that best represent their individual AKC

standards. The dog that best represents the standard for its breed wins the "Best in Show" title.

The following is a list of all the dog groups and the breeds within each dog group:

SPORTING BREEDS

Brittany
Pointer
Pointer (German Shorthaired)
Pointer (German Wirehaired)
Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)
Retriever (Curly-Coated)
Retriever (Flat-Coated)
Retriever (Golden)
Retriever (Labrador)
Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling)
Setter (English)
Setter (Gordon)
Setter (Irish)
Spaniel (American Water)
Spaniel (Clumber)
Spaniel (Cocker) A.S.C.O.B.
Spaniel (Cocker) Black
Spaniel (Cocker) Parti-Color
Spaniel (English Cocker)
Spaniel (English Springer)
Spaniel (Field)
Spaniel (Irish Water)
Spaniel (Sussex)
Spaniel (Welsh Springer)
Spinone Italiano
Vizsla
Weimaraner
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

NON-SPORTING BREEDS

American Eskimo Dog
Bichons Frises
Boston Terrier
Bulldog
Chinese Shar-Pei
Chow Chow
Dalmatian
Finnish Spitz
French Bulldog
Keeshond
Lhasa Apso
Lowchen
Poodle (Miniature)
Poodle (Standard)
Schipperke
Shiba Inu
Tibetan Spaniel
Tibetan Terrier

WORKING BREEDS

Akita
Alaskan Malamute
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog
Black Russian Terrier
Boxer
Bullmastiff
Doberman Pinscher
German Pinscher
Giant Schnauzer
Great Dane
Great Pyrenees
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Komondor
Kuvasz
Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiff
Newfoundland
Portuguese Water Dog
Rottweiler
Samoyed
Siberian Husky
St Bernard
Standard Schnauzer

HERDING BREEDS

Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Shepherd
Bearded Collie
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Sheepdog
Belgian Tervuren
Border Collie
Bouviers des Flandres
Briard
Canaan Dog
Collie (Rough)
Collie (Smooth)
German Shepherd Dog
Old English Sheepdog
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Puli
Shetland Sheepdog
Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)
Welsh Corgi (Pembroke)

TERRIER BREEDS

Airedale Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Australian Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
Border Terrier
Bull Terrier (Colored)
Bull Terrier (White)
Cairn Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Fox Terrier (Smooth)
Fox Terrier (Wire)
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Irish Terrier
Kerry Blue Terrier
Lakeland Terrier
Manchester Terrier (Standard)
Miniature Bull Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Norfolk Terrier
Norwich Terrier
Parson Russell Terrier
Scottish Terrier
Sealyham Terrier
Skye Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier

HOUND BREEDS

Afghan Hound
Basenji
Basset Hound
Beagle
13 In.
Beagle
15 In.
Black and Tan Coonhound
Bloodhound
Borzoi
Dachshund (Longhaired)
Dachshund (Smooth)
Dachshund (Wirehaired)
Foxhound (American)
Foxhound (English)
Harrier
Ibizan Hound
Irish Wolfhound
Norwegian Elkhound
Otterhound
Petits Bassets Griffons Vendeen
Pharaoh Hound
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Saluki
Scottish Deerhound
Whippet

TOY BREEDS

Affenpinscher
Brussels Griffon
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chihuahua (Long Coat)
Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)
Chinese Crested
English Toy Spaniel (B&PC)
English Toy Spaniel (KC&R) Havanese
Italian Greyhound
Japanese Chin
Maltese
Manchester Terrier (Toy)
Miniature Pinscher
Papillon
Pekingese
Pomeranian
Poodle (Toy)
Pug
Shih Tzu
Silky Terrier
Toy Fox Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier

The 131th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is available for sale on DVD from the Westminster Kennel Club

website at http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org

Armen T. Ghazarians offers advice, information, and articles regarding many aspects of professional dog training for

all those who are not professional dog trainers themselves. For more articles like this one, visit his website at

http://www.newdogtrainingsecrets.com