Obedient Dog Tips

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A dog that constantly barks can be extremely annoying – both for you and for your neighbors. All dogs bark, but when it reaches a certain stage, you need to stop dog barking before it becomes a real problem. There are a number of ways you can do this. You can buy special products that cause unpleasantness for the dog when it barks – such as dog bark collars. You can spend some time with your dog, teaching it not to bark at inappropriate times and praising it for good barking behavior. Or you can hire a special trainer who can help you control dog barking.

A barking dog does not always signify a dog barking problem. There are times when we actually want our dogs to bark – such as when an intruder enters the premises or when the family is in danger. In fact, many dogs are bred to bark in different situations in order to serve as a type of alarm.

One of the other reasons a dog barks is to communicate. A dog may bark when it wants to go outside or when it is excited because it senses it is going for a walk. It may also bark because it is cold, hungry, bored, anxious or excited. A dog may bark when it sees other dogs. There are many different types of barking that do not pose a problem – and may actually help their owners. Before seeking to  stop dog barking, you should think about whether your dog may be trying to tell you something when it barks.

Dog Barking is, of course, a natural behavior for dogs. However, when the dog barking becomes endless, it can drive you crazy. That is the first sign that there is more than likely something wrong. A barking dog is usually trying to tell you something is wrong. Of course, sometimes it can be just a bad development of the dog’s behavior. Either way, when you want to stop dog barking, there are a few different things that you can try. Remember, dogs are like people and not everything is going to work for every dog.

 

Dog Barking is not something that you are going to want to stop forever. After all, a barking dog is sometimes just trying to alert you or trying to tell you something is uncomfortable. So it’s not that we want them to never bark again, but we want them to stop barking when we tell them to stop. This is why it’s very important to train your dog the quiet command. All dogs are able to learn commands, it just takes time on our part to teach it to them. When working with your dog to stop dog barking (as well as dog biting), you have to know the right away to train them. This usually involves rewarding the good behavior (like when you tell the dog quiet, and it stops barking) and reprimanding the bad behaviors (in which they did not listen to your command).

 

So here is how you can teach your dog the quiet command to help stop dog barking. First, get your dog to start barking, which in this case should be pretty easy. After the dog barking starts, hold a treat over them and say the word quiet. It really does not matter which word you choose. However, whichever word you choose, you have to use it all the time. Then when the barking dog stops to sniff the treat, give it to him and praise him for being quiet. Then you can repeat this and every time keep the barking dog quiet for longer. Soon you will be able to use the quiet command without having a treat in your hand. Dog obedience takes time, but is important to establish guidelines of respect and understanding with your favorite pet.

 

Dog barking is something that is hard to live with, and you should not have to. So if the quiet command does not stop the barking dog, then you may have to go with different products that are made to help stop dog barking. Usually these are things that you put around their neck that gives them a small shock when the dog starts to bark. Living with dog barking is hard, but now you do not have to!

The Kramar Pet Company supplies all your dog care needs including products for:

Tethering: tethering and dog care go hand in hand- if you do not have appropriate tethering products then your dog is at risk of running away, running onto the road or become involved with confrontations with other dogs. Kramar has a large range of tethering products to ensure your dog is safe when out and about. Some of these include:

-          the roadie – the dog seatbelt that are certified to human seatbelt standards

-          car and walking harnesses – especially good for bigger, stronger dogs who are harder to restrain

-          muzzles- they come in a variety of shapes and sizes to ensure comfort

-          chains

-          retractable leads

-          collars – in a fantastic range of colours, patterns and materials

-          and lots more

Training: this is a vital part in the development of a happy and healthy dog and should be a large element of your dog care routine. Training teaches your dog to act appropriately so that other people, other dogs and personal property does not get destroyed. Kramar’s extensive range of training products includes:

-          pee pee pads to help teach your puppy

-          training clickers

-          containment and fencing systems

-          remote training systems, and

-          bark controllers

Grooming: your dog care routine should always include grooming to ensure your dog is knot free, healthy and happy. A shiny smooth coat shows a dog cared for, which makes for a dog that cares back. The grooming range of products supplied by Kramar includes:

-          clippers

-          blades

-          brushes and combs

-          clippers and scissors

Clothing: dressing your dog is not only a fashion statement but a way to keep small dogs warm during the colder months. If clothing is part of your dog car routine then Kramar’s selection will astound you. The variety of materials, styles, and sizes available ensures you will find something to suit your pooch.

Treats & Dental Hygiene: many people’s dog care routines forget to include dental hygiene. Why not combine a treat with dental hygiene by choosing one of the products from Kramar’ Chew N Kleen range. The range of rawhide chews are bound to tempt your pup.

Toys: mental stimulation, exercise and companionship are all elements of a happy, healthy, content dog and toys are an excellent way to gain these characteristics in your dogs. The people at Kramar understand what’s needed for good dog care, which is why their dog toy range is second to none. It includes:

-          Cuddly Companions

-          Interactives

-          Boredom Busters

-          Puppy Pals

-          Doggy Dental

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.

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.

If your dog is driving you crazy, you need to read this article. Training a dog is not as easy as buying it. Dogs only know their own “dog language”. We have to teach them our language, and make them listen and understand what we want. Dogs are generally smart, so whatever stuff we teach them, good or bad, leave lasting impressions in their minds.

So how do you exactly train your dog to listen to you? This section will touch on the basics only. Specific commands and instructions will be left to the professionals.

1. The most important thing when training your dog, is to build a strong relationship with your dog. A relationship that is very much like that of a family member. There is love, mutual respect and common understanding. To let your dog understand you, you must find understand it. And you are the best trainer for your dog, no one else.

2. Training sessions should be kept short. 15-20 minutes per training session is cool. There may be repeated training sessions in a day, for several days until your dog has fully learnt the desired behaviour. If it has not done so by then, you should change your approach entirely.

3. Make sure you reward your dog after it has learnt to behave itself. You are reinforcing its good behaviour with rewards. But do go easy on those rewards, as you might give your dog the wrong idea that a reward follows every action done.

4. Punishment as a way too? You should scold your dog only when you catch it misbehaving. Then quickly correct it by showing it the appropriate behaviour, followed by rewarding it. Never hit or kick your dog as it might result in a fearful or aggressive dog.

If you are looking for a good family dog, consider one of the hunting breeds. If you already own one you don’t need to read this! My husband and son hunt using our Vizsla pointers, Abby and Peaches. The intelligence and loyalty astounds me.. They even achieved couch status in the living room, much to my chagrin.
As an all-round good family dog, the hunting breeds are hard to beat.
The Sporting dog breeds have tremendous popularity as family pets; just think Golden Retriever or Labrador. For the most part, all hunting dogs have similar qualities that fit well with family life:
wonderful loving nature,
great for active families
love outdoor activities
okay with children
energy and endurance
devoted and loyal
good family watch dog
Choose a dog that fits your lifestyle.
The breed is often chosen on impulse, because of its appearance, reputation, or as the current fad, and not for the particular characteristics that will make it a good pet that fits the family’s lifestyle and activity level.
Families or individuals who are outdoorsy and active should consider choosing a dog from the sporting group.
Also known as gun dogs, or bird dogs, they have natural hunting abilities, pointing retrieving or both.
As a hunter you have a dog that fits with your sport. My husband hunts upland game , quail, pheasant, so our pointer vizslas fit the bill.
These dogs also fit well with our home life.
Sporting dogs are energetic. They love to run and are better off not being confined.
They are not suited for apartment life! The best scenario is a large fenced-in yard
For physical activity, walking your dog 2 or 3 times a day is just not enough… these dogs love to flat out run!
Sporting dogs can enjoy swimming if they are easily introduced to water as puppies.
Gentle rivers or lakes are good, even the backyard pool works!
Never throw the puppy in.
This could teach him to fear water.
Find a shallow spot for him to get in with your encouragement.
Bring him in and allow to feel his stride swimming.
Don’t hold or force him to stay in the waster, as panic will turn to fear of the water.
Labrador Retrievers and Golden retrievers have become one of the most popular family dogs in the sporting group. They are happiest when they are with their people, and are too friendly to be good guard dogs! Labs are gentle with children…
Golden Retrievers are also extremely popular. A well-mannered, charming breed that loves people and other animals, Golden Retrievers are wonderful family dogs that are gentle and patient with children……
English Springer Spaniels are intelligent, cheerful, and playful dogs who love everyone. They have high energy levels which make them a great pet for families with active children. English Springers can cover rough terrain with speed, agility and endurance…….
Weimaraners are proud and aristocratic dogs. Fearless but not overly aggressive, they are protective of their families. Intelligent and eager to please, Weimaraners need lots of attention and respond well to obedience training…..
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are the ideal pets for families who love winter sports. Bred to hunt fowl on the icy New England coast, their thick waterproof coats allow them to tolerate adverse weather conditions. Brave, powerful and assertive, they are excellent watchdogs….
Irish Setters are outgoing dogs with even temperaments. They are great with children and like to play with other dogs. Sweet-natured and playful, Irish Setters love plenty of attention and affection. They are not “stupider” than other breeds as some people believe….
German Shorthair Pointers are intelligent and eager to please but can be stubborn and willful. They are loyal and affectionate with their families but often standoffish to strangers…..
Cocker Spaniels have been popular family pets for decades. Their small size and sweet, cheerful dispositions make them wonderful companions for children….
Many other sporting breeds are quickly gaining popularity as family pets. When choosing a sporting breed be sure you can fulfill the dog’s need for the great deal of physical exercise and attention that they need to be happy……..
Buy a puppy from a reputable breeder who knows good specimens of the breed they produce. Puppies from pet store “puppy mills” or backyard breeders may not have the gentle, friendly nature that is so characteristic of a well-bred sporting dog.
Sporting dogs are not for everybody, but you don’t need to be a hunter to own one!

Introduction
Your dog’s health and wellbeing is important to you and your family. Not to mention keeping down the cost of veterinarian bills! So you need to carefully consider the food that you give your dog. People sometimes just pick the first dog food bag they see at the store. It’s easy to overlook the importance of dog food but it is essential to pick the right one for your dog.
To keep your dog healthy he needs plenty of fresh water and should be fed good quality dog food in amounts just right to meet his energy requirements. Always follow the guidelines on the dog food package for recommended feeding amounts.
Picking a dog food
The first challenge in choosing a dog food is picking one that has overall quality. The term that comes up a lot about dog food is human grade. Human grade implies that the dog food is good enough for us to eat. Many commercial dog foods are made from materials unusable or less desirable for human consumption. Often the meat that is used in dog food is of a quality considered unfit for humans to eat.
Major dog food companies try to provide balanced proportions of vitamins and minerals for maximum benefit to your dog. Although you may see that many brands of dog food have almost identical labels, a reputable dog food company will provide an explanation for each supplement and how it benefits your dog.
Always read the label to see what proteins, vitamins and minerals are being provided to your dog. Try not to use store brand dog food they may short change your dog on much needed nutrition.
Studies have shown that the primary ingredient in dog food should be meat-based protein, not corn meal, flour or corn gluten meal. According to reviews a better quality dog food results in a healthier coat, fewer digestive problems and firmer stools. Pet-nutrition experts agree that the best dog food is made from human-grade ingredients like meat, whole grains and vegetables. Premium dog food is so important because good nutrition is essential for a long, healthy life.
Types of dog food
There are many varieties of dog food to choose from. The three most popular types of dog foods are dry, semi-moist and canned products. Check the color of your dog food. Usually dog food made from natural ingredients will have soft earth tones and contain no preservatives, artificial colors and flavors.
Raw dog food is becoming more popular. More and more veterinarians recommend feeding your dog with raw dog food. They feel that this is the best choice and is the healthiest food for your dog. After all, you’ve never seen your dog enjoy commercial dog food the way he enjoys a good meaty bone.
Raw food advocates concede the diet costs more than traditional dog food, but they argue it’s worth it. You may find that locating free natural home made dog food recipes is not easy. Try making a mixture of ground turkey, rice and carrot as your own dog food. Your dog will thank you for it.
If you decide to go the commercial route, try and choose a good premium dog food since it contains more energy and protein than an economy brand. Unfortunately not all dog food brands contain high quality and natural ingredients, so always check the label. It is best if you seek advice from your veterinarian before deciding on which dog food to feed your dog or puppy. He will know your dog’s dietary needs and you will find that veterinary offices and feed stores often carry excellent and natural dog food.
All Natural Dog Food
Many natural dog foods contain only fresh, natural and wholesome ingredients for your dog. Not only are the protein ingredients digestible, but the carbohydrates in the dog food are digestible. Natural dog food has 100% nutritional value which is important for healthy strong dogs. Chicken, egg and fish are examples of protein that is provided in natural dog food. There are also ingredients in natural dog food that really help the health of your dog’s skin and also your dog’s coat. One of the main draw backs of natural dog food is that it has a shorter shelf life and may spoil before it is used.
Dried Dog Food
A good high quality dry dog food will work out to be more economical than the generic brands even though they cost more per pound. A vast majority of dog owners go for dry dog food for its convenience and ease of storage. The cheaper dry dog foods are made from soybean, corn or rice, while many premium dry dog foods are made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients.
Vegetarian dog foods
There are dog foods specially formulated for dogs that are allergic to wheat, corn, and/or chicken. There are also vegetarian dog foods marketed to owners who do not want their dogs to consume meat products. Most vegetarian dog foods use soy as a protein source. If your dog has allergies consult your vet before putting him on a specialized diet.
Conclusion
Overall it’s usually best to let dogs enjoy dog food and not our food, even though they may prefer what we’re eating! Of course you can feed your dog treats from time to time, every dog needs some TLC from time to time!

An abused or neglected dog, coupled with the lack of training often lead to most of these dog bites. No matter how bad it may be there is still hope to contain and treat the aggression if you are able to diagnose the causes behind these vicious bites.

Why Do Dogs Bite?

1. Fear aggression – dogs will bite they feel they are cornered, crowded, scared, angry, or threatened. Even a seemingly happy and “friendly” dog will bite.

2. Possessive aggression – dogs will protect what they think belongs to them such as their food, toys and territory.

3. Protective or territorial aggression – dogs will protect their space such as their sleeping area, yard, porch, cars and certain areas of your home.

4. Dog-to-dog aggression – dogs are predatory by nature and like to chase and attack other dogs or animals.

5. A stray dog may feel upset being lost or hurt and tends to bite with a lot less provocation.

6. A dog being startled may lash out and bite.

7. Dominance aggression – dogs have a pack instinct, with a dominant leader in a strict hierarchy, if a dog has never been given proper training to establish who the leader of the pack is (eg the alpha male) then it will assert its dominance and aggression over others – eg young children and family members which can be a very dangerous situation. Never leave any dog alone with young children or infants.

How to Protect Yourself From Dog Bites?

1. Avoid using aggressive punishment to treat aggression, this only exacerbates an already hostile and unstable situation.

2. Use positive reinforcement methods to teach your dog obedience commands.

3. If your dog exhibits dog-to-dog aggression then try to avoid situations that may provoke aggressive behaviour – eg a park with other unleashed dogs or animals.

4. Teach young children to be careful around pets. Don’t allow children to play rough or allow puppies to bite. Not even play biting.

5. Teach your children never get close to strange dogs.

6. You should never pet stray dogs or those which are running loose.

7. Fit your dog with a head halter (on a temporary basis) while training as this is a humane way to treat and control your dog.

8. Refrain from running past a dog. They love to chase. Avoid getting a dog excited or aggressive, by yelling and screaming or having sudden movements that may startle them into attacking.

9. You should always ask permission from a pet owner to pat his dog. Even if he’s present and the dog is on a leash.

10. If restraint is necessary for extended periods of time then fit your dog with a basket muzzle.

11. Leave a dog’s possessions alone like food, toys, bones, etc.

12. Most injuries are caused by getting too close to a dog’s face with your own.

13. You never want to touch or pat a dog that’s eating, sleeping or caring for its puppies.

14. Stay away from dogs that are tied up or in cars.

15. Refrain from swinging your arms or things you have at a dog. It may think it’s an invitation to bite.

Dogs can be a man’s best friend but we must learn to treat dogs with respect. Understanding why they behave the way they do in certain situations will help us establish and maintain a trusting and fulfilling bond between us and the dog.

Choosing a new dog might seem to be a very simple and one way task, but there are indeed a lot a factors to consider. And when one embarks on it, it could be quite confusing and exhausting. With proper information at hand, choosing a dog can be a lot of fun. The main point to consider is finding the kind of dog that would fit and complement you, the owner.

Among the things that will have to be considered and discussed before getting a new dog are: 1. Who will have the primary responsibility of caring for and training the dog?2. The expenses to be incurred for food, dog care, and the rest of the dog’s needs like supplies, bed, crate, among otherthings.3. The veterinarian that you will choose for your new dog.

Different breeds of dogs fit different peoples’s lifestyle. There are dogs that are suited for the elderly, dogs for people with active lifestyles, and dogs for families with children.

Would you get a puppy or a grown up dog? Taking care of a puppy would require more attention and more trips to the vet, while getting an older dog will mean extra effort in establishing a bond between master and pet.

The breed of the dog is also a very important factor to consider. Temparament, activities, and other needs of a dog are sometimes influenced by its breed.

If its a pure breed dog that you want, your local kennel club is the best source of information. It should have access to reputable area breeders. A veterinarian can also provide reliable information where to find breeders for your dog of choice.

If its a hunting dog that you want, I would suggest the sporting breeds like the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. Breeds of these nature are easy to train and are good with children, but they require an active lifestyle.

For experienced owners, recommended dogs are those from the AKC’s working group like the Siberian Husky, the Rottweiler, the Akita, the Bullmastiff, and the Giant Schnauzer. Hip dysplasia is common among these breeds, to be sure to get this type of dog from a reputable breeder.

Small dogs are ideal for apartment dwellers and people with older children. Dogs in this group include the Pug, the Shih Tzu, the Pomeranian, and the Maltese. These small dogs still require training and a fair amount of exercise. These small dogs are very popular today.

People who have a farm and work livestock may want to consider dogs from the herding group like the Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd, the German Shepherd, and the Shetland Sheepdog. The Border Collie is a very intelligent dog that requires a lot of exercise, both physical and mental. If you want to spend a lot of active time with a dog, you might choose a dog like this.

Adoption is also a very good option, since there is such a huge dog population. Assistance in this area can be obtained from your local humane society or dog rescue organization.

When choosing a dog, do take your time. It could be a very enlightening and enjoyable adventure. Do some research, or better yet, talk to dog owners, groomers, breeders, and veterinarians. They have first hand information and they can give you sound advice from their experience. This will help ensure that the dog of your choice will fit into your lifestyle and you’ll have the chance to enjoy your dog more.