Obedient Dog Tips

 Powered by Max Banner Ads 

Thinking of buying a dog bark collar? Trying to decide between a shock collar, ultrasonic version or a citronella spray model? Wondering which one, if any, is actually humane? To learn more about the different types of anti-barking training collars, read on for a high level description of each.
Electric Shock Collars
Electric shock collars work by delivering a zap or shock to your dog’s neck each time he barks above a certain decibel level. So, would you put an electric shock collar on your child to prevent him or her from crying? A similar consideration should then be weighed concerning your dog wearing an electric dog bark collar.
Electric shocks are unpleasant, painful and mentally upsetting. They can lead to symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression, which translates to fearful and possibly overly aggressive dogs. Also, it’s unclear what, if any, side effects there are of electric shock therapy.
Ultrasonic or Noise Collars
If your dog is wearing an ultrasonic noise collar, then he is treated to an extremely high-pitched and unpleasant siren noise every time he barks above a particular decibel level. That said, these collars rarely work and could even encourage barking.
Not all dogs have ultrasonic hearing nor can they necessarily hear super high-pitched noises. Also, because the owner can’t hear the collar, there’s no way to tell if it’s even working.
Besides being ineffective, the collar may actually encourage barking if your dog can hear it. Most dogs bark in response to a noise or as part of a call and response. If each time they bark they get a response, albeit a high-pitched wail, they may continue barking, but louder.
A Humane Choice – Citronella
Probably the most humane bark collar is the citronella spray model. Basically, each time the dog barks above a certain decibel level, the collar emits a light mist of citronella, which is an irritating scent for canines. The experience is somewhat unpleasant, but not painful or unnecessarily cruel. Eventually, the dog will connect its barking to the citronella scent.
Where to Find Citronella Collars
There are two major and popular brands for citronella dog collars – these are the Premiere Gentle Spray Anti-Bark Collar and the MultiVet No Bark Spray Collar.
The Premiere Gentle Spray Collar is significantly more expensive than other brands and usually costs between $70 and $80. However, online specials can often be found for as low as $30 to $40. Refills for this product typically cost less than $5, but it comes with a full-sized can of citronella.
The MultiVet No Dog Bark Collar costs slightly less, but is better suited for smaller dogs. The collar is adjustable, though more able to carry the weight of the citronella pouch when it’s set to a smaller size.
No one enjoys owning a yappy dog, so there is compelling motivation to train your beloved canine to keep the peace. However, there are both compassionate and ugly ways to accomplish this important task. Any pet owner can demonstrate a loving approach to training by using a collar that meets the goal without harming the animal.

Looking after your beloved dog at all times is your responsibility, and in cases when your canine’s behavior becomes uncontrollable, the use of dog containment system can be very useful. Leaving your dog unattended might cause troubles inside or outside your house. You can crate train your dog or put him in a cage but it will not give him the freedom to roam around.

Besides pampering your dog, it is equally important to give him the necessary freedom and space where he can play and enjoy the beauty of the outside world while ensuring his safety.

Here are some of benefits of using dog containment devices:

With the help of pet containment systems, leaving your canine alone will no longer be an issue! Dog containment devices can either be wireless, electronic or motorized that are installed in traditional fences or under the ground. They are generally portable and can be set up in a few minutes. Many pet containment systems available in the market these days are battery-operated and comes with a training collar that is placed around the dog’s neck. The collar has a receiver that detects when the dog is getting near the wire. Within this boundary, the collar will give a signal to your canine by discharging static stimulation.

Other systems are wireless and have constant radio signal to create a “safe zone” for your pet. Having said that, the primary benefit of using dog containments is that they have the ability to teach your dog to behave properly and stay only within specific locations. Electronic dog containment is also a lot cheaper than setting up traditional metal or wooden dog fences.

You can also prevent your dog from running away or stepping outside the house if you install dog containment devices. This can be particularly effective for controlling aggressive dogs that can destroy your neighbor’s property or attack passersby. You can also keep you dog away from valued properties and causing damage to the flowers, shrubs and other things in your garden or backyard. Dogs, especially puppies, are highly prone to getting lost when they venture out. In order to avoid such incidents from happening, dog owners must install dog containment devices.

Plenty of people call themselves a dog whisperer, usually for commercial gain. Since the success of Monty Roberts, the Horse Whisperer, it seems to be a title almost anyone can brand themselves with – so long as they are not Horse Whisperers (that one is owned and trademarked by Monty Roberts).
I’m yet to see anyone “whisper” to a dog (or a horse) and have the animal magically do anything that it wasn’t trained to do.
I remember one occassion where some people had bought a horse and were collecting it from the property where we kept our horse. This horse was terrified of being floated (trailered), made all the worse for the desperate new owner’s heavy-handed techniques for attempting to force the horse into the trailer.
In a few minutes I taught the horse to touch my hand, then had it follow my hand into the trailer. Problem solved.
What do you think they called me? A “Horse Whisperer”! I thought it was funny – I was simply using Operant Conditioning, positive reinforcement for the behavior of horse touching my hand with nose in exchange for carrot.
There are also many times I have been faced with a nervous, fearful or aggressive dog. In true “dog whisperer style”, I have been able to approach the cautious canine and befriend it where others have not been able to.
I do not attribute this to any magical powers of animal communication, I simply understand a little (just a little) dog body language and I am able to communicate some of that back to the dog.
Once you understand a little about dog behavior, and can read the outward signs of inward emotional states in canines, you can do much more than someone who does not understand dog behavior and cannot read a dog.
Dog Whispering really comes down to three things:
1. Experience
2. Education
3. Empathy
Experience is nothing without Education, coupled with some clear and critical thinking. The flip-side is that Education is nothing without Experience. A bit of both will greatly enhance your “dog whispering” abilities!
Empathy is necessary. A dog whisperer is not heavy-handed, abusive, or even authoritarian. A dog whisperer is understanding of why the dog is behaving as he is, and seeks to balance the dog’s needs with the owner’s needs in a complementary fashion.
Leadership is the name of the game here, but we’ve moved on a bit from the old “alpha-roll, show ‘em who’s boss” domination style and tended towards a more empathic and co-operative approach. This does not confuse the dog as to who is the leader, in fact, a more predictable and compassionate owner is usually one that is easier and more fun for the dog to follow!
So get out there and learn how to be a dog whisperer. Read books. Watch your own dogs. Go down to the dog park and watch other people’s dogs. Attend seminars. Read articles. Join email lists. Try to understand your dogs. Combine education with experience and empathy and you will be well on your way to becoming a bona-fide dog whisperer!

Dog collars come in a variety of materials, colors, styles and even functions. There’s the obedience or choke collar, bark control collars, flea collars, and a whole array of just good old plain pooch collars. So which one do you choose? If you are taking your pooch to a special event or to a special gathering and you want them to look really good try getting a fancy dog collar and leash. For small dogs a simple flat collar will suffice. For larger dogs you might try a prong collar a wide leather band.
The dog collar market is swamped with conventional as well as more unusual types of dog collars. These serve a variety of functions and needs. As a pet lover and canine owner, you should know that different kinds of dogs need different types of collars.
What Type Of Dog Collar Are There?
Buckle Collars are pretty much just what they sound like, collars that are fastened with a buckle. They are typically made of leather or nylon and they are either flat or rolled. Buckle collars are usually adjustable and do not tighten on your pet’s neck once fastened. Using a rolled leather collar avoids the chafing or hair breaking that can occur using flat collars.
Quick Release collars are fundamentally flat nylon buckle collars with a plastic closure. This clip is similar to some luggage strap fasteners and makes getting the collar on and off a little easier.
Choke chains are metal chain links of various sizes with a ring on each. These collars should only be used while actively training or exercising your canine. This type of collar is usually sold by length, so ask for assistance when buying a slip collar.
Head collars go over your pets head but they are not a muzzle. While wearing a head collar, your a hound can still pant, bark, drink and eat, even bite! They should only be used for training.
If you have a very tight lead on a dog, the strap around the muzzle will push into its eyes, and that is as bad as a Halti which pushes into the eyes anyway. While some trainers will use flat buckle type collars, especially on puppies, these collars do not always provide the most useful control for more unruly dogs. For a very aggressive dog, the pinch collar can actually make the animal worse.
What Do I Need To Know About Dog Collars?
You need to ensure that your best friends collar fits well. Badly fitted collars and their incorrect usage may be harmful to your pet and in the worst case it can prove to be fatal. A properly fitted collar has at least a two finger width space between the collar and the neck of the dog but it should not slip over his ears.
If you don’t like the sound of clinking dog tags or if you worry that the metal tags will discolor your pet’s fur, then you can use a special tag pouch, available at most pet stores.
For hunting dogs certain pet tracking systems allow the dog handler or owner to determine what your dog is doing by using certain behavior systems that form part of the collar. You will be able to tell if a pet has stopped, is still moving, if a hound is barking, or if he has treed an animal. Pet tracking collars are used when you are out hunting with your dog. They can be used by houndsmen, upland bird hunters, beaglers, coon hunters, field trial (bird dogs) and hog hunting.
Finally pick a dog collar that suits your dogs personality and size. A giant black leather collar with studs may not suit a toy poodle, or a pink ribbon style collar a British Bulldog. After all it is part of your pet’s image so pick the correct one!

I believe the topic of dangerous dogs is one of the fastest growing safety concerns for a landlord at this time. Unlike the lead based paint issue which has state and now federal regulations to curb the potential dangers, the topic of dangerous dogs is still pretty much unregulated and open for discussion. Mix in the fact that the dangerous dog issue is often a personal and emotional one, and things can become very sensitive very quickly. (I have many interesting and eye-opening stories in my report on Dangerous Dogs available free on my website at http://www.findthatqualitytenant.com).

To cut right to the chase, certain cities in the country are labeling certain dogs as dangerous, and these cities have different trains of thought on how to handle the potential liability these dogs can create. Some of these cities now have ordinances along these lines which say: if you own one of these dogs, you need a $500,000 insurance policy, a 6-foot fence to contain the dog, and a kennel. They also say if the animal is out of the kennel, it needs to be muzzled.

Other cities have no such ordinance. But, just because the city doesn’t have established ordinances doesn’t mean these dogs are any less dangerous. It just means nothing extremely traumatic has occurred within the city, regarding these dogs that would result in such an ordinance being established.

Suppose you rented a house in a town with no ordinances for dangerous dogs, but your tenants have an aggressive dog that might be on a list if one was obtainable. Now let’s suppose that dog does get out of the yard and attacks a neighborhood child, causing permanent injury to the child. What happens next? Well, for starters, you know there will be a lawsuit and there is a good chance you the landlord will be sued since almost any lawyer will decide you have more assets to attack than the dog’s owner, who owns nothing but the dog.

If you were named in a lawsuit, your one recourse for protection, besides

having your rental in some kind of cooperation or other legal entity, is to see if your insurance company will fight the lawsuit for/with you. This seems to be the logical next step and one which most landlords would pursue.

This idea has some merit but let me warn you, nowadays, certain insurance companies are refusing or canceling homeowner’s insurance if you have what is considered a dangerous dog living on the property. If you own the property and a tenant has a dog that bites someone, but that tenant doesn’t have adequate insurance to cover the dog bite, you could be held responsible and your homeowner’s insurance may not pay. That in and of itself should be enough to possibly make you ban these dogs from your property, but the issue brings up another question: What if the tenant has a dog they keep insured?

As far as I’m concerned, the answer is a complicated one. Some people say if a landlord’s tenant is insured for the dog and something happens, then the landlord is legally off the hook. I don’t agree. In a modern society where people can win multimillion-dollar settlements for hot coffee spilled on them, anything can happen in a lawsuit.

As a landlord I wouldn’t want to chance it, and here’s the main reason: When a victim receives a dog bite or worse, someone has to compensate the victim. I guarantee you that the owner of the dog, in this case your tenant, has probably zero in assets to compensate the victim. You, the landlord, however, are probably worth millions—at least in the jury’s eyes—so you could very well be listed in that lawsuit. Landlords have assets. If you want to protect them, be careful about these dogs.

So how do you draw a line on what dogs you will consider dangerous? If you want to rent to dog owners and wish to exclude potentially dangerous dogs, try this: call the city or town your rental is and find out their dog list and corresponding regulations. Then call your insurance agent that insures the rental and get a list from them. (Careful: some agents represent many companies, so make sure you are actually getting the list from the company that insures the house.) Now, write up your own list using both the city and the insurance agent’s information. Add any dog you feel should be on the list. Date and sign the list. Make a copy of this list and keep it handy for any time you rent your dwelling. Update it about once a year.

Doing things this way will help ensure that you don’t illegally discriminate and will go a long way toward keeping your investment asset a little safer.

First off you need to watch your pet’s behavior before deciding which style of dog collar to buy.
The dog collar market has a whole multitude of dog collars available, from the normal to the very specialized. Before you make a decision which type of collar to buy you need to know what each does and which dogs it suits.
The Dog Collar Types and uses
To ensure that you are using the best collar as a training aid for your dog, you should seek the advice of a professional dog trainer.
The buckle collar has a ring for you to attach the city dog license and other identification tags. Should your dog accidentally get lost, this collar and the attached tags will help him get back home.
If you don’t like the sound of clinking dog tags or if you worry that the metal tags will discolor your dog’s fur, then you can use a special tag pouch, available at most pet stores.
A muzzle is a basically a mesh cup that slips completely over your best friend’s mouth and nose. It is attached to your pet’s head with a strap behind the ears.
A head collar is not the same as a muzzle! A normal collar encourages your dog to pull against the pressure on his neck. A head collar is the opposite; it exerts steady and firm pressure on the scruff of your pet’s neck.
This mimics the behavior of a mother dog who is disciplining her puppies. Slight pressure round the muzzle and on the scruff of the neck is correctional behavior that your dog can understand instinctively from the human holding the leash.
The initial training using a head collar should be done under the supervision of a qualified trainer, even though a head collar is considered to be more humane than a pinch or slip collar.
The action of the leash when correcting your best friend is very different with a head collar verses any of the other training devices. So it’s important that you receive proper instruction on its use from a qualified trainer. While wearing a head collar, your a hound can still pant, bark, drink and eat, even bite.
While some trainers will use flat buckle type collars, especially on puppies, these collars do not always provide the ideal control for more unruly dogs.
Choke chains are metal chain links of various sizes with a ring on each. These collars should only be used while actively training or walking your dog. This type of collar is usually sold by length, so ask for assistance when purchasing a slip collar.
Used by many people to control hard to handle dogs, the prong or pinch collar lies flat on your dog’s neck until you need to give some correction or he pulls on the leash. The pressure on the leash will cause the blunt metal prongs to pinch your dog’s neck.
There is even a fancy collar that could be useful for an older pooch. Have you seen those spiked collars that make a hound look like a punk rock star? If you get your older canine one of these it won’t harm him. In fact, it can serve as your best friend’s protection from bigger and more aggressive dogs. Or from the overly boisterous younger dog.
Dog Collar Tips
Finally pick a pet collar that suits your dogs personality and size. A giant black leather collar with studs may not suit a toy poodle, or a pink ribbon style collar a British Bulldog. After all it is part of your dogs image so pick a canine collar that fits!
With all collars a proper fit is of vital importance. Non-slip collars should be loose enough to allow you to easily fit two fingers between the collar and the neck of the pet. Prong/pinch collars, slip/choke collars, head halters and harnesses should be fitted with the help of someone who is experienced in their use.
The incorrect fitting of one of these collars will result in improper use and can cause pain and discomfort for your pet. Please note that the sales clerk at the pet store is not usually qualified to fit these collars.

Ah, the sound of barking dogs. To some people, it’s a pleasant sound that indicates a dog is feeling happy and active; while to others, it’s just a painful noise that rattles a peaceful and quiet day. If you have a dog or just simply love these animals, you know that dog barking sounds are just their way of expressing themselves or communicating with other dogs!

Dogs may have descended from wolves, but their means of communicating can differ a lot. While wolves also bark every once in a while, howling is really their communication method of choice. Dogs, on the other hand, bark much more often than howl, making the domesticated canine somewhat different from the wild wolf.

However, wolf cubs do a lot of barking, too. This fact—along with many other similar physical features they share with dogs, including habits like the tendency to be submissive—has led experts to theorize on neoteny. Neoteny is a condition where adults retain juvenile traits. In this case, dogs and young wolves seem to exhibit like behavior.

Domestication is also touted as an explanation for barking as well. When humans and dogs first got together in a symbiotic, mutually beneficial relationship, the former found in the latter a most convenient and effective alarm system.

The barking warned them and prepared them against impending danger from predators, marauders, and other intruders. Therefore, barking was encouraged, even highly prized, which is why some breeds—such as hunting dogs, for example—are considerably louder and more vocal than others.

The many instances when a dog barks can include the expression of an emotion (such as loneliness, elation, excitement, stress, fear, etc.); when a dog is feeling hungry or neglected; when he hears other dogs barking or when he hears unusual sounds; and sometimes, he barks simply because he feels like it.

Your pet may bark when you leave him alone at home, especially if he tends to suffer from separation anxiety, and he will bark his approval once he senses you approaching the front door after you’ve been away the entire day.

There are two types of barking—the warning bark and the alarm bark.

The first starts out as a rumbling, low-pitched growl (dog barking sounds which are meant to be playful and friendly have a higher frequency), which gradually increases in volume and intensity as a full-blown howl meant to show dominance and aggression. Dogs use this when they are in the presence of a perceived threat and a dog may feel the need to fight back and defend himself and his territory.

The second type, on the other hand, is not hostile and is simply a dog’s way of calling his master’s attention to something in particular that needs it, such as a ringing phone or a car pulling up in the driveway. And he won’t stop barking unless these events are taken care of by his master.

Sometimes, a dog’s barking can reach the point where it gets a bit too much to handle and you’ll want to know how to get him to stop when his barking is unnecessary. This is why you should give your puppy the proper training early on. Do not reinforce the behavior by petting or soothing him while he creates a racket. Instead, reward him once he’s settled down and don’t forget to praise him lavishly. This is reassurance to him that he is doing the right thing by being quiet and will likely avoid barking too much as he does not wish to displease you.

Understanding dog barking sounds isn’t so complicated that you will find hard to grasp, so knowing what they mean and how your dog makes them will really help you build a harmonious relationship with your pet.

If you’re a first-time dog owner, all the requirements of their care can seem overwhelming. Just like first-time parents, you need to learn all the basics that go into bringing a new animal into your home. A pet is not something to simply bring into the home and ignore. It needs attention and basic care to live a happy life and improve your enjoyment as well. Here are a few great tips to consider when it comes to taking care of your new dog.
1. The Decision to Get a Dog
If you haven’t made the final decision to bring a dog into your home yet, now is a good time to evaluate the idea and consider what kind of dog would be right for you. Think about your home and your space. Is there enough room for the animal to roam, exercise and play?
Think about your children. Are they young? Would they understand the respect and care that are needed when you bring an animal into the family? Could a large and aggressive dog be dangerous if your children became too boisterous or playful?
2. Feeding Your New Dog
What you feed your new pet is very important. A poor diet can lead to a number of health problems. It’s best to stick with a quality, high protein and low fat diet that are designed for your dog’s age group. If you’re buying a puppy, start with puppy food. If your dog is entering old age, purchase a dog food for elderly canines.
It is tempting to routinely treat dogs with table scraps, especially when they come near the dining table while you eat and make you feel “guilty” that they are not enjoying a similar quality meal. However, there is a lot that we humans eat that simply is not healthy for a dog. (Much of what we eat isn’t healthy for us either!) Additionally, feeding a dog from the table only encourages more of that pestering activity, which can be a bit frustrating – if not embarrassing – when you have guests.
3. Grooming Your New Dog
Depending on the breed of dog that you choose, it’s grooming needs will change. Some dogs require daily brushing and weekly bathing while others just need a bucket of water every now and again.
It’s important to occasionally clean your dog’s ears, regularly look for mites, fleas and ticks, clip your dog’s nails and bathe your dog when needed. If you’re not comfortable doing this, take your dog to a grooming professional. However, try to stay with the same groomer so that your dog builds a comfortable relationship with them.
4. Your New Dog’s Health Needs
Every dog should have regular veterinary check-ups. Not only that, but they should also receive critical vaccination shots, like for rabies and ICH. Many of these shots are required by law, so consult your veterinarian or breeder.
5. Exercise Your New Dog
Depending on their size and energy needs, your dog will need anywhere from a moderate amount of exercise to a lot. Especially during the puppy years, exercise is very important. A healthy amount of exercise can also help with behavior problems like chewing furniture, over-excitement or incessant barking.

Dog grooming is an important facet of being a pet owner. Proper grooming helps with the prevention of parasites (such as ticks, fleas, etc.), and contributes to the overall comfort of your dog depending on the season and temperature.
Proper dog grooming includes fur brushing, baths, and other items such as tooth brushing or nail clipping. All of these should be done on a regular basis to keep your dog healthy. This article will describe some of the techniques you may use in order to properly groom your dog.
Bathing should be the first step for any pet owner. This should be done before any hair trimming, nail clipping, or other treatment is done, as this will remove many of the parasites that may have found their way onto your dog. This will also get rid of some of the dirt or debris that may have worked its way into your dog’s fur, and will make your job easier when it comes time to actually start brushing or trimming. Also, this softens up the hair, which is to the benefit of you and your dog.
Some dogs don’t like to have their hair trimmed, so it’s important that you leash your dog if you feel as though he won’t like it. For dogs that like to nip (Border Collies are one such breed), it may be a good idea to put on a humane muzzle to keep yourself from getting bitten. Of course, if this is a serious concern with an aggressive dog, your best bet is to leave grooming to a professional! Brushing is important both before and after trimming. This removes clumps of hair and untangles areas that may be difficult to trim. Purchase a good pair of grooming clippers and simply trim down your dog’s hair in areas that may have become overgrown. During the summer months, you may consider trimming to a shorter length than during the winter months.
Your dog’s nails should be clipped at regular intervals, as this will contribute to your dog’s paw health and keep your furniture (and you!) from getting scratched. This should be done starting when they’re puppies to get them accustomed to the procedure. Cut the nails short, but don’t clip too far and into the dog’s “quick.”
Teeth, eyes, and ears are important parts of dog grooming, just as they are for humans. Tooth health can be provided by giving them specially designed chew toys, or using special dog toothbrushes and toothpaste. Eyes should be checked for leakage, and may need to be cleaned on a daily basis to keep from becoming infected. Finally, ears should be checked regularly for parasites and cleared of dirt and other debris.
I hope this article has given you a better understanding of dog grooming techniques.

One thing you can count on when bringing home a new dog is the fact that he will nip and bite at your fingertips during the first few days or weeks. This is totally normal and there is no reason to get frantic that you may have purchased an aggressive dog. However, like any hostile behavior you wish to change about your dog, you need to take a few steps so that your dog understands that biting is not something you as the “pack leader” want him to continue doing. In other words he has to understand that biting is a huge no-no.
So how do you change biting behavior which is quite natural for dogs? Well, the first and foremost, you have to determine his age. This is very important because dogs under the age of about 15 weeks have to be handled slightly different when it comes to mouthing and biting than dogs over the age of 15 weeks.
If your dog is new and younger than 15 weeks, the following tips can help you control his annoying biting behavior:
1. First, you should begin to show your dog that you prefer his licking instead of biting. When he changes his behavior and licks at your fingertips or hands, make sure to praise him very gently. You can also encourage your dog to lick more often by rubbing a little butter or coconut oil on your fingertips. Let him know by soothing caresses that what he is doing is a good thing with each lick.
2. If your dog is continues with his biting habit at your fingertips and he is just been fed and really doesn’t need anything in his mouth, just set him aside with a nice bone for a little while. This is where a crate would come in very handy. Simply place your dog in the crate for a short period of time so that he can re-channel his mouthing attention to his favorite bone. And it is very important not to scream at or punish your dog along the way. You must create a positive learning environment for your dog. A hostile environment for a dog creates a hostile dog. A biting dog can become an even more serious issue when he starts biting members of your family and worse yet, strangers.
3. Whenever the dog bites down hard on your fingertips or hand, use a disciplinary tone of voice and give a command such as “No-No” while looking firmly into his eyes. Then simply hold this firm demeanor for a few moments and then immediately change your body language and go back to whatever it is you’re doing before, and with a calm approach. You have to remain calm. Many dog owners feel that being violent is the best approach but its not. Doing this step a few times is sufficient for your dog to learn the command and to stop biting down hard when he is commanded not to.