I really don't have a problem with the clicker, itself. It has it's place in more advanced training exercises and for tricks. But not for basic obedience and behavior modification that is the result of a fundamental lack of respect from the dog to the owner. And not for behaviors that can be fixed immediately with a firm, well timed correction.
I've never understood why someone would choose to take a whole week to fix a behavior that can instead be fixed in 10 minutes, if you use the right technique. It's not like the dog is any more or less happy, one way or the other.
(To learn more about how to get maximum results in minimal time with your dog, click here: http://www.dogproblems.com/secretsbook.htm)
The clicker can be used to more accurately mark subtle differences in behavior, as mentioned above, slight differences in positioning, for teaching the competitive heel.
Where I take exception is with the "clicker training methodology" which uses pop psychology terms to try to explain away the necessity of correcting your dog for unwanted behavior.
For basic, companion dog obedience, it comes down to this: Why fix it, if it ain't broke? Especially if the "fix" takes longer and provides no greater benefit to the happiness and well being of the dog?
The other issue I have with the "clicker training approach" is that it fails to account for the fact that most owners are smart enough to realize that they can moderate the firmness of their correction, based on the dog's temperament and the motivation for bad behavior. The "clicker training approach" adopts the viewpoint that every correction is a level 10 correction, and that every dog owner cannot be trusted to not over-correct his dog.
And in my experience... even WITH the pinch collar... 98% of dog owners consistently UNDER-CORRECT the dog, initially.
2008年9月17日星期三
2008年9月5日星期五
How Is Your Pit Bull’s Diet?: Dog Nutrition Tips
Part of being a loving, responsible Pit Bull owner is providing him with the proper diet to ensure he stays healthy. Many owners believe just because they purchase the most expensive brands of dog food for their Pit Bull that he is getting all of the vitamins and nutrients he needs, but often times, that is not the case. Humans can’t meet all of their nutritional requirements by eating one particular food, and neither can your Pit Bull. You are the one who is in control of this day to day aspect of your Pit Bull’s life, so essentially his health is up to you.
It is important to try to make sure your Pit Bull’s diet consists of all the vitamins and nutrients he needs to be healthy. A lack of vital vitamins and nutrients can cause your Pit Bull to have stomach problems, bones that break easily, and have weight problems. You can take the best care of your Pit Bull, but if he doesn’t have a proper diet, it isn’t going to make any difference. Diet also plays a role in your dog’s ability to fight off disease and infection, much the same as it does with humans. Your veterinarian can help made recommendations to help you provide the best diet possible for your Pit Bull.
When purchasing food for your Pit Bull, you should get a variety. Mixing up dry food and canned food will help give you a good mixture of ingredients and nutritional value that should help you to cover all the bases. Your dog will also enjoy the different textures of the food. They also enjoy bones and meant flavored treats.
Pit Bulls prefer dog foods made of meat, as they are primarily carnivores. Meat is a good source of energy and helps your Pit Bull grow, but he also needs fiber and carbohydrates to help with food absorption.
Many Pit Bulls also love to eat vegetables, hard to believe, huh? Check with your veterinarian first to make sure it is okay, then try it out. If your Pit Bull likes them, he will be getting plenty of additional vitamins and nutrients that dog food alone may not offer. It will also help to add some variety into his diet.
Making certain your Pit Bull’s diet is up to par is one of your responsibilities as a loving owner. It is important to talk to your veterinarian to see what his thoughts are and what he recommends, but whatever you decide, your Pit Bull’s health depends on you making smart choices on his behalf.
It is important to try to make sure your Pit Bull’s diet consists of all the vitamins and nutrients he needs to be healthy. A lack of vital vitamins and nutrients can cause your Pit Bull to have stomach problems, bones that break easily, and have weight problems. You can take the best care of your Pit Bull, but if he doesn’t have a proper diet, it isn’t going to make any difference. Diet also plays a role in your dog’s ability to fight off disease and infection, much the same as it does with humans. Your veterinarian can help made recommendations to help you provide the best diet possible for your Pit Bull.
When purchasing food for your Pit Bull, you should get a variety. Mixing up dry food and canned food will help give you a good mixture of ingredients and nutritional value that should help you to cover all the bases. Your dog will also enjoy the different textures of the food. They also enjoy bones and meant flavored treats.
Pit Bulls prefer dog foods made of meat, as they are primarily carnivores. Meat is a good source of energy and helps your Pit Bull grow, but he also needs fiber and carbohydrates to help with food absorption.
Many Pit Bulls also love to eat vegetables, hard to believe, huh? Check with your veterinarian first to make sure it is okay, then try it out. If your Pit Bull likes them, he will be getting plenty of additional vitamins and nutrients that dog food alone may not offer. It will also help to add some variety into his diet.
Making certain your Pit Bull’s diet is up to par is one of your responsibilities as a loving owner. It is important to talk to your veterinarian to see what his thoughts are and what he recommends, but whatever you decide, your Pit Bull’s health depends on you making smart choices on his behalf.
2008年9月2日星期二
Fighting the war against fleas- your weapons and attack plan
Although the summer is coming to a close all over the United States, many people all over are still faced with the problem of their dogs, cats and houses being infested with fleas. Fleas are not a laughing matter as they do carry many harmful effects and can impact the health of your pet. There’s an estimate on the web that it costs 1 BILLION dollars a year to control fleas on your pets. So what are these little critters?
Adult fleas range from 1/16 to 1/8-inch long, do not have any wings, come in an assortment of colors, yet are usually red to brown, extremely thick bodied, amazingly have 3 pairs of legs. You would think that they’re jumping beans due to their jumping abilities. They can leap up to 7 inches, and can leap side to side up to 13 inches.
Now that we know what they are, how can we find them and target them for extermination? The first step is inspection. You can’t treat what you don’t know exists. Find out where your pets sleep and rest, as fleas tend to migrate to areas where they are sleeping. You can detect these flea areas, too, by using a white sock wrapped over a shoe and walking around a house. Other areas of activity occur where the animal goes in and out of the home, eats, plays, and explores. Cats are no different than dogs, except where they travel. You usually can’t find a dog on top of a cabinet..unlike cats.
Now, there are two methods to stopping the flea problem at your house, home, or apartment: either kill the ones you have or stop them from even getting into your house in the first place.
Pet medications like Advantix, Frontline, and frontline plus , are a great way to stop the problem before it even starts. By applying this flea control medicine to your pets, you will be able to stop the host from attracting and carrying the fleas in your home. This is how it works and works very well as thousands of units are sold monthly, worldwide.
But what if you’re to far past the point of pre-medication and need to address the flea problem now? You can hire an exterminator, which is a great option, but also rather costly. If you can’t afford a flea exterminator, then my next suggestion is to defumigate your living area for fleas. Many manufacturers make so called “flea bombs” that kill fleas where they live”. The only downfall to this method is that whereas it does work, you do have to close up your living area, close the doors and windows and let the flea bomb do its work. Left over residue, odors, and a feeling to always keep the windows open is often an after effect to using a flea bomb.
Or if you prefer less messy treatments, you can always use evasive techniques and put a shallow pan of water on the ground, and put in some dishwashing detergent. By placing a small lamp (gooseneck) in it, and leaving it on at night, the fleas will be drawn to the light, hit it, and fall into the sudsy mixture, thus killing them.
You have many tools, weapons, and procedures at your disposal in this war against the fleas. Never feel so frustrated that you have nowhere else to turn to. When in doubt, however, always call a professional who can best assess your situation, but always try a home remedy first. Good luck!
Adult fleas range from 1/16 to 1/8-inch long, do not have any wings, come in an assortment of colors, yet are usually red to brown, extremely thick bodied, amazingly have 3 pairs of legs. You would think that they’re jumping beans due to their jumping abilities. They can leap up to 7 inches, and can leap side to side up to 13 inches.
Now that we know what they are, how can we find them and target them for extermination? The first step is inspection. You can’t treat what you don’t know exists. Find out where your pets sleep and rest, as fleas tend to migrate to areas where they are sleeping. You can detect these flea areas, too, by using a white sock wrapped over a shoe and walking around a house. Other areas of activity occur where the animal goes in and out of the home, eats, plays, and explores. Cats are no different than dogs, except where they travel. You usually can’t find a dog on top of a cabinet..unlike cats.
Now, there are two methods to stopping the flea problem at your house, home, or apartment: either kill the ones you have or stop them from even getting into your house in the first place.
Pet medications like Advantix, Frontline, and frontline plus , are a great way to stop the problem before it even starts. By applying this flea control medicine to your pets, you will be able to stop the host from attracting and carrying the fleas in your home. This is how it works and works very well as thousands of units are sold monthly, worldwide.
But what if you’re to far past the point of pre-medication and need to address the flea problem now? You can hire an exterminator, which is a great option, but also rather costly. If you can’t afford a flea exterminator, then my next suggestion is to defumigate your living area for fleas. Many manufacturers make so called “flea bombs” that kill fleas where they live”. The only downfall to this method is that whereas it does work, you do have to close up your living area, close the doors and windows and let the flea bomb do its work. Left over residue, odors, and a feeling to always keep the windows open is often an after effect to using a flea bomb.
Or if you prefer less messy treatments, you can always use evasive techniques and put a shallow pan of water on the ground, and put in some dishwashing detergent. By placing a small lamp (gooseneck) in it, and leaving it on at night, the fleas will be drawn to the light, hit it, and fall into the sudsy mixture, thus killing them.
You have many tools, weapons, and procedures at your disposal in this war against the fleas. Never feel so frustrated that you have nowhere else to turn to. When in doubt, however, always call a professional who can best assess your situation, but always try a home remedy first. Good luck!
2008年8月24日星期日
Pet Health Questions - 8 Common Types of Cancer in Pets
We all have questions and concerns about our pets. This article is about cancer in dogs and hopefully answers any pet health questions you may have.
1. Skin - Skin tumors are very common in older dogs, but much less common in cats. Most skin tumors in cats are malignant, but in dogs they are often benign. All skin tumors should be examined by your veterinarian.
2. Breast - Fifty percent of all breast tumors in dogs and 85% of all breast tumors in cats are malignant. Spaying your pet between 6 and 12 months of age will greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer. Surgery is the treatment of choice for this type of cancer.
3. Head & Neck - Cancer of the mouth is common in dogs and less common in cats. A mass on the gums, bleeding, odor, or difficult eating are signs to watch for. Many swellings are malignant, so early aggressive treatment is essential. Cancer may develop inside the nose of both cats and dogs. Bleeding from the nose, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling may occur.
4. Lymphoma - Lymphoma is a common form of cancer in dogs and cats. It is characterized by enlargement of one or many lymph nodes in the body. A virus causes most of these cancers in cats. Chemotherapy is frequently effective in controlling this type of cancer.
5. Feline Leukemia Complex - The feline leukemia virus is contagious among cats and will occasionally cause true cancer. There is no proof that it is contagious to humans. While a great deal of research is ongoing, no consistently effective treatment is presently available for virus-positive cats.
6. Testicles - Testicular tumors are rare in cats and common in dogs, especially those with retained testes. Most of these cancers are curable with surgery.
7. Abdominal Tumors - Tumors inside the abdomen are common. It is difficult to make an early diagnosis. Weight loss and abdominal enlargement are common signs of these tumors.
8. Bone - Bone tumors are most commonly seen in large breed dogs and rarely in cats. The leg bones, near joints, are the most common sites. Persistent lameness and swelling of the leg is an early sign of disease.
Common Signs of Cancer in Pets
* Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
* Sores that do not heal
* Weight loss
* Loss of appetite
* Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
* Offensive odor
* Difficulty eating or swallowing
* Hesitance to exercise or loss of stamina
* Persistent lameness or stiffness
* Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating
Many of the above signs are also seen with noncancerous conditions but still warrant prompt attention by your veterinarian to determine the cause. Cancer is frequently treatable, and early diagnosis will aid your veterinarian in delivering the best care possible.
Each cancer requires individual care. Your veterinarian may use surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, cryosurgery (freezing), hyperthermia (heating) or immunotherapy to effectively treat cancers. Combination therapy is commonly employed.
What is the Success Rate?
This depends strongly on the type and extent of the cancer as well as the aggressiveness of therapy. Some cancers can be cured, and almost all patients can be helped to some degree. Your veterinarian will have a better chance to control or cure your pet's cancer if it is detected early.
1. Skin - Skin tumors are very common in older dogs, but much less common in cats. Most skin tumors in cats are malignant, but in dogs they are often benign. All skin tumors should be examined by your veterinarian.
2. Breast - Fifty percent of all breast tumors in dogs and 85% of all breast tumors in cats are malignant. Spaying your pet between 6 and 12 months of age will greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer. Surgery is the treatment of choice for this type of cancer.
3. Head & Neck - Cancer of the mouth is common in dogs and less common in cats. A mass on the gums, bleeding, odor, or difficult eating are signs to watch for. Many swellings are malignant, so early aggressive treatment is essential. Cancer may develop inside the nose of both cats and dogs. Bleeding from the nose, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling may occur.
4. Lymphoma - Lymphoma is a common form of cancer in dogs and cats. It is characterized by enlargement of one or many lymph nodes in the body. A virus causes most of these cancers in cats. Chemotherapy is frequently effective in controlling this type of cancer.
5. Feline Leukemia Complex - The feline leukemia virus is contagious among cats and will occasionally cause true cancer. There is no proof that it is contagious to humans. While a great deal of research is ongoing, no consistently effective treatment is presently available for virus-positive cats.
6. Testicles - Testicular tumors are rare in cats and common in dogs, especially those with retained testes. Most of these cancers are curable with surgery.
7. Abdominal Tumors - Tumors inside the abdomen are common. It is difficult to make an early diagnosis. Weight loss and abdominal enlargement are common signs of these tumors.
8. Bone - Bone tumors are most commonly seen in large breed dogs and rarely in cats. The leg bones, near joints, are the most common sites. Persistent lameness and swelling of the leg is an early sign of disease.
Common Signs of Cancer in Pets
* Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
* Sores that do not heal
* Weight loss
* Loss of appetite
* Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
* Offensive odor
* Difficulty eating or swallowing
* Hesitance to exercise or loss of stamina
* Persistent lameness or stiffness
* Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating
Many of the above signs are also seen with noncancerous conditions but still warrant prompt attention by your veterinarian to determine the cause. Cancer is frequently treatable, and early diagnosis will aid your veterinarian in delivering the best care possible.
Each cancer requires individual care. Your veterinarian may use surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, cryosurgery (freezing), hyperthermia (heating) or immunotherapy to effectively treat cancers. Combination therapy is commonly employed.
What is the Success Rate?
This depends strongly on the type and extent of the cancer as well as the aggressiveness of therapy. Some cancers can be cured, and almost all patients can be helped to some degree. Your veterinarian will have a better chance to control or cure your pet's cancer if it is detected early.
2008年8月19日星期二
Pet Insurance Options and Plans
Many pet owners worry about the rights and wrongs when it comes to pet health, where to go when a pet is writhing in agony, and what to do to keep a pet healthy and happy.
A pet an addition member to a family not only brings the happiness and fun but lots of responsibility for its care and well-being regarding its health.
Just like human health care insurance, pet health care insurance pays for veterinary care and often for prescription medication as well.
Now that pet health insurance is becoming more popular, there is a good chance that the staff at your veterinary surgery will be familiar with and will accept the various pet insurance programs.
Just like the different coverages on your life insurance policy, pet insurance plans are the same.
Not all pet health questions have answers but in today's world, there are a lot of options for you to choose from.
Naturally, you should ALWAYS consult your vet with ALL health concerns, but if your pet does have a serious health problem, ask your vet whether a vitamin supplement could help.
One of the most distressing situations to arise is when a pet's problem is curable but the cost is too high for the owner to be able to afford, and consequently the animal has to be put to sleep.
Without any doubt (based on what I've seen over many years and hundreds of dogs), the best possible diet to feed your dogs is raw meat and bones with an occasional slop made up of vegetables, fruits, and organ meat.
Among the different pieces of information that are widely available on the Internet, some of the most common health issues that are discussed involve dogs.
If your dog has symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting along with lethargy and muscle tremors you should want to take him to the vet quickly.
An added health advantage from pet ownership is that patients may live longer after heart attacks.
But before you go and buy pet insurance (of any kind), you should know some vital things about it.
During your next veterinary appointment ask your veterinarian to run a test on your pet to determine if a vaccination is appropriate at this time.
To ensure that your pet gets the best in healthcare make sure he has the best insurance plan going.
A pet an addition member to a family not only brings the happiness and fun but lots of responsibility for its care and well-being regarding its health.
Just like human health care insurance, pet health care insurance pays for veterinary care and often for prescription medication as well.
Now that pet health insurance is becoming more popular, there is a good chance that the staff at your veterinary surgery will be familiar with and will accept the various pet insurance programs.
Just like the different coverages on your life insurance policy, pet insurance plans are the same.
Not all pet health questions have answers but in today's world, there are a lot of options for you to choose from.
Naturally, you should ALWAYS consult your vet with ALL health concerns, but if your pet does have a serious health problem, ask your vet whether a vitamin supplement could help.
One of the most distressing situations to arise is when a pet's problem is curable but the cost is too high for the owner to be able to afford, and consequently the animal has to be put to sleep.
Without any doubt (based on what I've seen over many years and hundreds of dogs), the best possible diet to feed your dogs is raw meat and bones with an occasional slop made up of vegetables, fruits, and organ meat.
Among the different pieces of information that are widely available on the Internet, some of the most common health issues that are discussed involve dogs.
If your dog has symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting along with lethargy and muscle tremors you should want to take him to the vet quickly.
An added health advantage from pet ownership is that patients may live longer after heart attacks.
But before you go and buy pet insurance (of any kind), you should know some vital things about it.
During your next veterinary appointment ask your veterinarian to run a test on your pet to determine if a vaccination is appropriate at this time.
To ensure that your pet gets the best in healthcare make sure he has the best insurance plan going.
2008年8月12日星期二
Parvovirus And Your Dog
Parvovirus (commonly called Parvo) is a viral disease that affects dogs. It is far more common in puppies than adult dogs and can have serious ramifications for the infected animal, including death. Parvo grows best in the rapidly dividing cells of the dog’s intestines. As the virus attacks and kills these cells it causes massive diarrhea and halts or slows the creation of white blood cells. In young puppies it can often directly infect the heart, leading to death.
The symptoms of Parvo start with fever, depression, and lethargy. The dog will usually experience a loss of appetite as well and then eventually show more sever signs like vomiting and diarrhea which is often bloody. Once the virus reaches this stage dehydration and death usually follow.
Parvo is carried and transmitted by dogs. The vomit and feces of an infected animal will also carry the virus which is rather resilient and can survive outside the dog’s body in the surrounding environment for as long as nine months. Sometimes an adult dog can be infected by the virus and show no symptoms but act as a carrier transmitting the virus to the other animals it comes into contact with.
There is no cure for Parvo. Dogs that are infected will die of dehydration without treatment. That treatment primarily consists of providing fluids, giving repeated blood transfusions, and preventing dehydration. The mortality rate in dogs affected by Parvo is about 20% if the dog receives treatment in time. Without treatment, about 80% of those infected will die from it. It is a very serious disease.
Parvo tends to affect some dog breeds more than others. Dobermans, Rottweilers, and other black and tan dogs have a greater chance of contracting the virus. The reason for this is unknown but the fact that these dogs are at higher risk does not mean that owners of other types of dogs can rest easily. Dogs of any breed can become infected.
While there is no cure for Parvo, puppies can (and should) be vaccinated against it at an early age. Most vets recommend puppies be immunized starting at six weeks of age with vaccinations continuing until twenty weeks of age. Proper immunization is the best way to prevent a dog from contracting Parvo.
The symptoms of Parvo start with fever, depression, and lethargy. The dog will usually experience a loss of appetite as well and then eventually show more sever signs like vomiting and diarrhea which is often bloody. Once the virus reaches this stage dehydration and death usually follow.
Parvo is carried and transmitted by dogs. The vomit and feces of an infected animal will also carry the virus which is rather resilient and can survive outside the dog’s body in the surrounding environment for as long as nine months. Sometimes an adult dog can be infected by the virus and show no symptoms but act as a carrier transmitting the virus to the other animals it comes into contact with.
There is no cure for Parvo. Dogs that are infected will die of dehydration without treatment. That treatment primarily consists of providing fluids, giving repeated blood transfusions, and preventing dehydration. The mortality rate in dogs affected by Parvo is about 20% if the dog receives treatment in time. Without treatment, about 80% of those infected will die from it. It is a very serious disease.
Parvo tends to affect some dog breeds more than others. Dobermans, Rottweilers, and other black and tan dogs have a greater chance of contracting the virus. The reason for this is unknown but the fact that these dogs are at higher risk does not mean that owners of other types of dogs can rest easily. Dogs of any breed can become infected.
While there is no cure for Parvo, puppies can (and should) be vaccinated against it at an early age. Most vets recommend puppies be immunized starting at six weeks of age with vaccinations continuing until twenty weeks of age. Proper immunization is the best way to prevent a dog from contracting Parvo.
2008年8月11日星期一
Puppy Training Basics - Essential Guide
Often people wonder exactly when puppy training should take place. Well, the answer is as soon as possible. A puppy is able to learn things as soon as he can walk. And the earlier you start training, the more acceptable to it the puppy will be.
Training introduced at an early age will yield good results and cooperation; at a later age it will prove more difficult and meet with resistance. So, get your puppy started on the right track with some proper training, and he will become a welcome addition to your home.
A puppy's brain grows and develops dramatically in the first six months of its life. This is a time where you can have an enormous influence on how he develops regarding his learning, socialization and emotional behavior. In fact, a puppy can start training as soon as he opens his eyes. Socialization training is very important to a puppy and it is sensitive to this during the third to sixteenth week of its life. It can prevent behavior problems, presented as aggression, at a later age. A well-socialized puppy will turn into a happy, secure dog. Initially, the puppy is around the rest of its litter. Handling by humans should start early also. As he grows he should be taken out, so he can continue to be around other people and pets. By spending time with your puppy through play, the puppy will develop a bond with you and will want to please you.
It is important to establish who is in control. A puppy that is allowed to roam as he wishes, with no limitations on behavior, will learn he is in charge. He will take signals from his setting as to how he should act. So, it is good to set restrictions. Start by setting up an eating area and his crate area. Get a crate just big enough for him to stand in. Too big a crate will allow the puppy to have an area to use as a potty. And house training is one of the first training areas you should address. Take the dog outside frequently so they have the opportunity to go outside. This way they will sense where they are supposed to go. If he messes in the house, clean it up, give him a firm 'NO', and take it outside. This way he will know where it should go. Try to keep his urine smell out of the house, as he will associate that with the potty area.
Puppies also love to chew on things. They will do this when they become bored. So play with your puppy and keep him entertained. Also provide him with plenty of chew toys especially if you catch him chewing on something he is not suppose to. It is also a good idea to start early in teaching the puppy not to bite people. While playing with the puppy, try to get him to bite you. When he does, say 'ouch' really loud to startle him and stop playing. After a few minutes go back to playing with him and keep repeating. He will get the idea.
Puppy training should be done routinely on a daily basis. And it should be consistent. Stick to the rules. And make sure the whole family does also. Dogs do have a short attention span; so make sure each session is short. It is also important to never hit the dog when he does something wrong. Instead, reward good behavior. He will get the point. Positive reinforcement for good behavior, and a firm 'NO' when he does something you don't like, should do the trick.
Simple commands such as "sit", "stay", "down", "come" and "no" can be taught the first year sometimes even by the 8th week. Their brains are like sponges in the early months of their lives. Say their name and commands often. They will learn through repetition. Reward them with treats initially to get them to follow a command. Later you can withhold the treats and instead offer a 'good dog' as a reward.
It is important during your training process, to have a great deal of patience with the puppy. You should never yell or hit your dog. Instead reward good behavior. They will respond better to this, than harsh words. Through proper training, and lots of love, your puppy will grow up to be a well adjusted, sociable, happy and obedient dog. And you will be a proud owner.
Training introduced at an early age will yield good results and cooperation; at a later age it will prove more difficult and meet with resistance. So, get your puppy started on the right track with some proper training, and he will become a welcome addition to your home.
A puppy's brain grows and develops dramatically in the first six months of its life. This is a time where you can have an enormous influence on how he develops regarding his learning, socialization and emotional behavior. In fact, a puppy can start training as soon as he opens his eyes. Socialization training is very important to a puppy and it is sensitive to this during the third to sixteenth week of its life. It can prevent behavior problems, presented as aggression, at a later age. A well-socialized puppy will turn into a happy, secure dog. Initially, the puppy is around the rest of its litter. Handling by humans should start early also. As he grows he should be taken out, so he can continue to be around other people and pets. By spending time with your puppy through play, the puppy will develop a bond with you and will want to please you.
It is important to establish who is in control. A puppy that is allowed to roam as he wishes, with no limitations on behavior, will learn he is in charge. He will take signals from his setting as to how he should act. So, it is good to set restrictions. Start by setting up an eating area and his crate area. Get a crate just big enough for him to stand in. Too big a crate will allow the puppy to have an area to use as a potty. And house training is one of the first training areas you should address. Take the dog outside frequently so they have the opportunity to go outside. This way they will sense where they are supposed to go. If he messes in the house, clean it up, give him a firm 'NO', and take it outside. This way he will know where it should go. Try to keep his urine smell out of the house, as he will associate that with the potty area.
Puppies also love to chew on things. They will do this when they become bored. So play with your puppy and keep him entertained. Also provide him with plenty of chew toys especially if you catch him chewing on something he is not suppose to. It is also a good idea to start early in teaching the puppy not to bite people. While playing with the puppy, try to get him to bite you. When he does, say 'ouch' really loud to startle him and stop playing. After a few minutes go back to playing with him and keep repeating. He will get the idea.
Puppy training should be done routinely on a daily basis. And it should be consistent. Stick to the rules. And make sure the whole family does also. Dogs do have a short attention span; so make sure each session is short. It is also important to never hit the dog when he does something wrong. Instead, reward good behavior. He will get the point. Positive reinforcement for good behavior, and a firm 'NO' when he does something you don't like, should do the trick.
Simple commands such as "sit", "stay", "down", "come" and "no" can be taught the first year sometimes even by the 8th week. Their brains are like sponges in the early months of their lives. Say their name and commands often. They will learn through repetition. Reward them with treats initially to get them to follow a command. Later you can withhold the treats and instead offer a 'good dog' as a reward.
It is important during your training process, to have a great deal of patience with the puppy. You should never yell or hit your dog. Instead reward good behavior. They will respond better to this, than harsh words. Through proper training, and lots of love, your puppy will grow up to be a well adjusted, sociable, happy and obedient dog. And you will be a proud owner.
2008年8月7日星期四
How to Keep Your Cat or Kitten Amused for Hours
Cats and kittens love to play. Kittens especially love to play and sharing your life with them is so much more rewarding if you play with your cat. It's really great fun even if you do pick up the occasional scratch and it's important for your cat's fitness and well being too.
How do you keep your cat entertained? After all it's not the same as a dog; you can't play catch or fetch with a cat, or can you? To keep your cat enthralled and interested in playing with you, you need to have a challenging and ever changing environment. Now before you go off the deep end, it's not as bad as you think. All you really need to do is to have a few cat toys out at a time and rotate them to keep your cat interested. It doesn't have to be expensive toys either. String, paper, balls and boxes are all great cat toys.
Kittens use play as a way of learning. Its fun to watch your kitten carefully stalk a ball, pause, then pounce on it, which causes the ball to quickly scoot off. Your kitten will then chase it all over the house for hours! Even better is having two kittens and watch them play with each other, the toys, and pretty much anything that moves, including your toes!!
As with dogs, you need to take care that the toys you give your cat are safe. Even though a cat is not as destructive, (generally), as a dog, cats can and do pull toys apart. Then they eat the bits :-( . Make sure that the components of the toy are non toxic and have no sharp parts that can cut your cat.
Technology innovation is being applied to cat toys. There are toys are being introduced such as laser pointers and even remote controlled mice. The problem with these is that most cats and kittens dislike the noise of the motor so remote control toys are not a big hit. On the other hand a laser pointer is a huge hit, your cat will chase that elusive red dot all over the house for as long as you can stand it. Beware, this can be frustrating for the cat though, as it can't get its claws into anything so it can have an affect on your cat's behavior over time. To relax, what better than to put on a special cat video. Now your cat can sit and watch TV. These videos and DVD's are supposed to be very effective, but do you really want to turn your cat into a TV addict?
The secret to keeping your cats happy and healthy is to continually challenge them physically and mentally. Don't forget that cats like to jump and climb too. Some of the best toys are designed to be played with in 3 dimensions and you'll be amazed by the acrobatics that your cat can perform.
Use your imagination too. Try putting two toys together to make a new toy. Become creative and play with your cat on a regular basis. This helps strengthen the bond between your cat and you, keeps her mentally stimulated, and physically fit. Your Reward will be hours of fun and pleasure and a fit, healthy cat.
How do you keep your cat entertained? After all it's not the same as a dog; you can't play catch or fetch with a cat, or can you? To keep your cat enthralled and interested in playing with you, you need to have a challenging and ever changing environment. Now before you go off the deep end, it's not as bad as you think. All you really need to do is to have a few cat toys out at a time and rotate them to keep your cat interested. It doesn't have to be expensive toys either. String, paper, balls and boxes are all great cat toys.
Kittens use play as a way of learning. Its fun to watch your kitten carefully stalk a ball, pause, then pounce on it, which causes the ball to quickly scoot off. Your kitten will then chase it all over the house for hours! Even better is having two kittens and watch them play with each other, the toys, and pretty much anything that moves, including your toes!!
As with dogs, you need to take care that the toys you give your cat are safe. Even though a cat is not as destructive, (generally), as a dog, cats can and do pull toys apart. Then they eat the bits :-( . Make sure that the components of the toy are non toxic and have no sharp parts that can cut your cat.
Technology innovation is being applied to cat toys. There are toys are being introduced such as laser pointers and even remote controlled mice. The problem with these is that most cats and kittens dislike the noise of the motor so remote control toys are not a big hit. On the other hand a laser pointer is a huge hit, your cat will chase that elusive red dot all over the house for as long as you can stand it. Beware, this can be frustrating for the cat though, as it can't get its claws into anything so it can have an affect on your cat's behavior over time. To relax, what better than to put on a special cat video. Now your cat can sit and watch TV. These videos and DVD's are supposed to be very effective, but do you really want to turn your cat into a TV addict?
The secret to keeping your cats happy and healthy is to continually challenge them physically and mentally. Don't forget that cats like to jump and climb too. Some of the best toys are designed to be played with in 3 dimensions and you'll be amazed by the acrobatics that your cat can perform.
Use your imagination too. Try putting two toys together to make a new toy. Become creative and play with your cat on a regular basis. This helps strengthen the bond between your cat and you, keeps her mentally stimulated, and physically fit. Your Reward will be hours of fun and pleasure and a fit, healthy cat.
订阅：
博文 (Atom)