Train your dog how to back up
08 Mar 2010
Learn from this free instructional video how to train your dog to back up.
Train a Dog to Back Up with Body Language — powered by eHow.com
The thought of your playful and friendly bulldog waiting for you at home is one endearing pet to go home to. The sight of your lovely but chewed furniture, however, is not what you want to see when you get home. Find ways on how to teach your dog that there’s more to life than just chewing your furniture.
photo courtesy of Dr. Julie & William Wickel
Ways to stop your dog chewing your furniture:
1. Determine the root of your dog’s habit of chewing on furniture. The reasons may be from teething, curiosity, boredom or a behavioral disorder. Your veterinarian or behavioral specialist will be glad to assist and discuss these options with you.
2. Provide a teething ring or a frozen washcloth for your dog to chew.
3. Keep your dog close and monitor it closely. Use a baby gate to keep him in the same room as you. You can also crate train your puppy and put him in the crate with toys for short periods in times you can supervise it.
4. Divert your puppy’s attention to something more suitable and less damaging, such as dog toy, when you catch your dog red-handedly chewing. Alternate toys of soft and hard textures available to avoid boredom.
5. Set time as a “me and my puppy” bonding moments. The much needed interaction can easily redirect your dog’s energy to worthwhile training such as learning tricks, obedience training workouts, and engaging in outdoor adventures.
6. Make it a point to raise your dog as a physically active pet. You will have fun during these times, and lose weight too! Chances are, your dog will be too tired to even think of chewing the furniture.
Teach your dog how to fetch
04 Mar 2010
The task of training your dog how to fetch can be easy as 1-2-3. All you to do is to know ways and tips on how to teach your dog.
Tips to remember
1. A dog that retrieves is likely to get more exercise than a dog that doesn’t.
2. You will have an easier time when you use a retriever. You can just stand in one spot and throw the ball for your dog.
3. Most dogs love to chase after the ball and bring towards the owner. When the dog gets close enough he/she starts to play keep away. You can get your dog to give you the ball by having two tennis balls with you.
4. Always make sure to have two balls with you.
5. Get your dog interested in the second ball when they come back to you.
6. The better you are at acting like you’re having a great time with the second ball, the faster your dog will drop the ball he/she has.
7. Don’t throw your ball until your dog has dropped the ball he/she has.
8. End the retrieving game before your dog gets bored with it. In this way the next time you play fetch, your dog will be very excited about it.
Steps on how to train your dog how to fetch
1. Throw the first ball and let your dog go after it. When your dog starts to come towards you, ask your dog to “drop it.”
2. If your dog does not drop the ball, stop paying any attention to your dog and take out the second ball.
3. Start to have fun or act like having fun with the second ball. Toss it up in the air. Show your dog that you’re having a great time with the second ball. Keep doing this until your dog looks at you. If you’ve done this step correctly, your dog will drop the ball that he/she has and look up at the one you have.
4. As soon as your dog drops his/her ball, show the ball you’re holding to your dog. As soon as your dog focuses on the ball that you’re holding, throw it.
5. Repeat the process when your dog comes back to you. Within a short period of time, you’ll have your dog retrieving for you.
All about the body language of your dog
25 Feb 2010
The key to understanding your dog is to also learn how to read your dog’s body language. In this way, you can assess her attitude thus you predict your dog’s next move. Dogs are non-verbal so body language is the best way you can talk to them. Vocalization in forms of barking, howling and whining, takes second place to a canine body language. You are sure to spend some time observing dog once you learn these basic types of dog body language. The advantages of understanding dog language will protect you and your dog form dangerous situations. It will also aid in training or determining common behavior problems.
Confident dog
This is shown when your dog stands straight and tall with her head held high, ears perked up, and eyes bright. You can see its mouth slightly open but relaxed. Her tail may sway gently, curl loosely or hang in a relaxed position. Your dog is friendly, at ease and non-threatening with her surroundings.
Happy dog
A happy dog is basically the same as a confident dog. The dog will usually wag its tail rapidly. Expect your dog to jump and run around with glee. A playful dog will show the “play bow” where its front legs are stretched forward, head straight ahead, rear end up in the air and wiggling. Take this as a positive sign to play.
Anxious dog
The anxious dog may act similarly submissive. It often holds its ears partially back with its neck stretched out. It stands in a very tense posture and sometimes shudders. Often, an anxious dog slightly whimpers or moans. See its tail set low and may be tucked. An anxious dog may overreact to stimulus and can become fearful or even aggressive. If you are familiar with your dog, try to divert its attention to something more pleasant. However, be cautious when you try to soothe your dog. Do not provoke her or try to soothe it.
Submissive dog
A submissive dog is meek, gentle and non-threatening. Your dog holds its head down, ears down flat and averts its eyes. Its tail is not tucked but is low and may sway slightly. Your pet may roll on its back and expose its belly. You might see your dog doing the submissive pose when you just got home. A submissive dog may also nuzzle or lick the other dog or person to manifest passive intent. Sometimes, your dog will sniff the ground or otherwise divert her attention to show that it does not want to cause any trouble.
Fearful dog
The fearful dog combines submissive and anxious attitudes but with more extreme signals. Your dog stands tense, yet very low to the ground. Its ears are flat back while its eyes are narrowed and averted. The tail is between her legs. A fearful dog typically trembles and often whines or growls. Your dog might even bear its teeth in defense. Just like scared man who feels very threatened, your dog may also urinate or defecate. A fearful dog can become aggressive at the moment it senses a threat. Do not try to reassure the anxious dog. Instead, remove yourself from the situation calmly. Be confident and strong when you do steer your dog away. Do not comfort or punish your dog. Dogs are territorial so move her to a less threatening, more familiar location.
Anxious dog
The anxious dog may act somewhat submissive, but often holds her ears partially back and her neck stretched out. She stands in a very tense posture and sometimes shudders. Often, an anxious dog slightly whimpers or moans. Her tail is low and may be tucked. An anxious dog may overreact to stimulus and can become fearful or even aggressive. If you are familiar with the dog, you may try to divert her attention to something more pleasant. However, be cautious – do not provoke her or try to soothe her.
Aggressive dog
An aggressive dog goes far beyond the word “dominant”. All feet are firmly planted on the ground in a territorial manner. When an unwelcomed visitor advances to its territory, your dog may lunge forward. The ears of the dog are pinned back, head is straight ahead, eyes are narrowed but piercing, tail is straight and full. Your dog bears her teeth, snaps her jaw and growls or barks threateningly. The hairs along her back stand on edge. Instincts will tell you to get away carefully when you see a dog showing these signs. Do not run. Do not make eye contact with the dog. Do not show fear. Slowly back away to your safety. If your own dog becomes aggressive to the point of harming other people, seek the assistance of a professional dog trainer (try Dog Whisperer) to learn the proper way to correct the behavior. Dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior should never be used for breeding.
Dominant dog
A dominant dog will try to assert herself over other dogs and sometimes people. Your dog stands tall and confident and may lean a bit forward. Its eyes are wide open and makes direct eye contact with the other dog or person. See its ears up and alert complete with the hair on its back standing on edge. Its demeanor appears less friendly and possibly threatening. You may also hear lowly growl. If the behavior is directed at dog that submits then there is little concern. If the other dog, however, tries to be dominant, a fight may ensue. A dog that directs dominant behavior towards people can pose a serious threat. Do not make eye contact and slowly try to leave. If your dog regularly exhibits this behavior towards people, you need to modify your dog’s behavior.
How to clean your bulldog’s ears
24 Feb 2010
Don’t let your bulldog develop ear infections. The anatomy of their ears is conducive for infections. The best way to avoid ear infections is to regularly clean your bulldog’s ears. Find out how by watching the video below.
How to stop your dog barking excessively
19 Feb 2010
The natural way that dogs communicate is by barking, whining, and howling. Dogs express what they want to say to humans. We also want our dogs to bark as a warning of a potential danger or protect us form harm. These forms of canine expression can become a problem when it becomes excessive. The effective solution is to let your dog understand when to bark and when to be quiet. It’s our job to teach this important thought to our dogs. The minute you notice that your dog has a barking problem then start working on this problem before it is too late. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to correct the behavior. It is a good idea to train your dog with Speak/Quiet commands. I know that it is easier said than done. This is possible with dedication and consistency. Don’t lose hope. Your dog can learn to how to bark on command and be quiet at the same time.
The reason why dogs bark
First of all, you can target the problem by knowing why dogs bark. Dogs will bark for a variety of reasons. They just don’t bark in order to annoy you and your neighbors. In fact, other breeds of dog bark more than the others and actually bred to be barkers. Some breed like the Basenji does not bark at all but vocalize in other ways. If you listen close enough, you will eventually learn the meaning behind the different barks of your dog. Thus, the crucial step to make toward correcting the barking behavior of your dog is to understand the reason why. Here are reasons why dogs bark:
Warning/Alert
It is pretty common to hear a dog bark when someone is at the door or when strangers pass the car or house. Most dogs bark when they sense some type of threat more like announcing, “You can’t go near here or else I’ll bite you.” The sound of this bark is sharp, loud and authoritative. You can train this dog instinct to help protect your family and home.
Anxiety
Dogs cope well when they express an anxious bark. It is an of self-soothing for many dogs. It is often high-pitched and sometimes accompanied by whining. This type of barking is common when dogs experience separation anxiety.
Excitement/Playfulness
This kind of barking is very common in young dogs or puppies. You hear a playful bark when, of course, they interact and socialize with people or other dogs. The sound of this bark sounds upbeat and musical. Some dogs make an excited bark when they know they’re going to get a treat or out for a ride or walk.
Seeking attention
You know what this bark means when you hear it. It as if your dog says “Hey! Hey! Look! Here I am!” This tone is similar to the tone of a whining child.
Boredom
The bark of a bored dog is the same to a dog that barks just to hear its own voice. It may sound annoying to you but is also sad to hear. Dogs that are bored often make this sound to release excess energy or just utter sense of loneliness. A walk or playing time may be just what your dog needs to beat boredom.
Responding to other dogs
You might have seen your dog do this. When one dog down the street starts to bark then one by one the other dogs in the neighborhood joins in the barking session.
Put a stop to excessive barking
By know why your dog barks excessively, you can now start to control the behavior. The best way to prevent excessive barking is to try to get rid of the possible source of the behavior. You should be certain not to encourage your dog to bark when not needed. You can also give her activities to divert her energy besides barking.
• Make sure your dog gets enough exercise so there is no excess energy to use just to bark.
• Don’t leave your dog alone in long periods of time as much as possible.
• Never encourage your dog to bark when you comfort, pet, or feed it when it barks for attention or out of anxiety.
• Don’t shout at your dog to stop it from barking. It can cause your dog to bark even more.
• Avoid using shock collars as punishment. Only are they painful and unkind, your dog will learn how to test the shock collar and eventually work their way around them.
• Get her attention with a clap or whistle. At the moment she is quiet, redirect her attention to something more productive and rewarding such as toys or treats.
• When you get your dog’s attention, practice basic commands such as sit and down in order to shift its focus.
• Do not ever let your dog bark constantly outside. You can hardly train her to stop barking by yelling at your dog across the yard. It is a sure and quick way to turn neighbors into enemies and the local police to pay you a visit.
• Train your dog to learn how to speak and be quiet.
• Consult your veterinarian or trainer if you continue to have barking issues no matter how hard you try to manage the problem.
• Consider the idea of a “De-barking” surgery with your vet.
De-Barking Surgery
“Debarking,” or cordectomy, is an elective surgical procedure that involves partial removal of a dog’s vocal cords. It does not remove your dog’s ability to bark rather it makes it sound more quiet and raspy. In this dog lover’s opinion, debarking surgery is unnecessary and unfair to the dog. Most often cases, barking problems indicate an underlying issue that is usually behavioral. Surgery may eliminate the noise away, but the anxiety, fear or similar problem remains. Why not spend your time and money on training and/or visiting a veterinary behaviorist rather than debarking your dog? Surgery and anesthesia always are risky. You should carefully think any procedure a hundred times. If you want to debark your dog purely for human convenience and does not medically benefit your pet then this solution should be avoided.
When other dogs bark in excess
The sound of dogs barking is considered to be a type of noise pollution. It can turn into a nuisance then a nightmare most especially when you try to sleep or sleep. You can politely approach your neighbor to discuss the matter or write a civil yet direct letter. You may try kindly suggesting a local dog trainer or behaviorist. Many people prefer to contact the neighborhood association to act as a moderator. As a last resort, you may need to call the police. Be mindful, however, that this last resort can be damaging to your relationship with your neighbors. On the other hand, you may let the barking issue slip after a certain amount of sleep deprivation.
How to spend time with your pet dog
08 Feb 2010
Every time I see dogs in seclusion whether outdoors or indoors, it pains my heart to see it bark at all who happens to pass by. It is as if it barks to someone or anyone to get attention and actually spend time with it.
The reality of having to work to earn a living is a must especially if you want to make ends meet, including your dog’s needs. But, a little time alone or make that quality time alone with your dog goes a long way to make your pet feel special and appreciated. Go through simple ways to have a time to bond with your pet dog without exerting very much effort or spending more time.
Take your dog along
Why not let your dog tag along when you are out doing errands like picking kids up from school? It is a hassle-free way to shower your dog with attention and stimulation. If you are one of those owners whose lives rotate around home, sending or picking up kids from school, at soccer games, then allowing your dog to participate in these activities can meet much of her social needs.
Sleep with your dog.
Experts agree that having your dog sleep in your bedroom does not necessarily mean to let it sleep on your bed. Your dear pet can sleep on the floor or another mini sofa in your room. It is a great way to spend extended time with your best friend with no additional effort on your part.
Find common hobbies you both like to do.
There are some activities that seem to be more fun when done with a buddy. Yes, your buddy can be your dog. Try doing mutually enjoyable physical activities that you both love. Add in some cuddle time during these activities too. It never hurts to express how much you love your pet.
Multitasking
Are you busy making lunch or dinner while your dog hangs around? Use this opportunity to train your dog how to sit-stay and down-stay commands.
Delegating
If you don’t live alone, other family members can take turns helping out on dog care. For example, if you are living with children then designate them to be walkers, exercisers and players of your household pet. It spreads the interactions over more people.
Who wants a grumpy, lonely dog for company? Spend a little extra time with your dog to make it a happy member of your home. Every dog requires training, exercise, and quality one-on-one time with people each and every day. A little creativity on your part can help meet most of your dog’s social needs without putting a dent in your schedule.
Maggie happily back in the arms of its owners
06 Feb 2010
NORTHUMBERLAND – A feeling of hope goes for a long way for couple, Bethany Whyne and Adam Heim, who never gave up to find Maggie, their beloved 2-year-old English bulldog, stolen on October 8 from the backyard of their home on Second Street.
Almost four months later, that hope, and their prayers, was rewarded.
“It was a long shot, but we found her,” said a much-relieved Heim on Monday night. “Bethany and I always had the feeling that she was safe. We were getting constant tips and leads. People really cared about Maggie and us. It was incredible. We finally located her last week and brought her home on Friday night.”
She had not been abused by the dog-napper.
An individual who lives in Williamsport, but had spent time in Northumberland snatched Maggie.
Heim was tipped off last week by a “concerned citizen” in Northumberland who responded to a $500 reward offered by Heim and Whyne for information leading to the recovery of their dog.
“This man thought he knew who might have taken the Maggie,” Heim said. “Turns out, he was right.”
Heim declined to identify the informant.
“I want to respect his wishes to be anonymous, but the truth is that without the reward, I don’t think we would have found Maggie,” he said.
Heim called the Williamsport police after receiving the tip.
“We were lucky,” he said. “A Northumberland borough policeman, who now worked in Williamsport, was familiar with the case. The department was extremely cooperative and helpful.”
Heim drove up to Williamsport on Friday evening and met police at the home where Maggie had been taken.
Whyne, a nursing assistant at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, drove directly from work to Williamsport.
“I was very nervous,” she said. “Our hopes had been dashed so often. I thought, ‘Is this for real?’ I had many nights where I just cried. I mean, Maggie is my child.”
As she approached the house in Williamsport, a police officer motioned for her to come to the porch and identify the dog.
It was Maggie.
“The minute she saw me, I fell to my knees, and she started jumping at me and kissing me,” Whyne said. “We immediately identified her to police and then took her home.”
Whyne and Heim decided not to press charges against the individual.
“It might have been different if Maggie had been mistreated, but she wasn’t,” Heim said. “She was well-fed and groomed. Besides, our whole purpose in offering the reward was to get Maggie back. I wasn’t out to prosecute or pursue this as a criminal matter.”
They had been living in a Northumberland duplex for about a month before the dog went missing.
“It happened in an instant,” Whyne recalled. “It was a beautiful fall afternoon, and Maggie was in our fenced-in backyard sunning herself. I was in the house. Adam suddenly came in the house looking for Maggie. ‘Is she here?” he asked.
She was gone.
“We searched the neighborhood,” Whyne said. “Kids, parents, everyone looked for her. By the end of the day, we had the feeling that someone had just reached in and taken her. She’s such a friendly dog. She would have just jumped into a car.”
Whyne was dogged in her quest to get her pet back. She never gave up hope.
She placed lost-and-found advertisements every day in The Daily Item. They also hung posters and distributed fliers.
“People reacted with disbelief and anger that someone would take a pet,” Heim said.
And although Whyne had tons of calls and suggested leads, nothing panned out.
In the interim, they adopted another dog, Jack, a Schnauzer. They already had a poodle mix named Stewie.
“With Maggie gone, we wanted to give Stewie company,” she said.
Now, all three dogs run and play all over the house together.
“Maggie has to get used to the house again and to Jack, but they’re starting to get along,” Whyne said, laughing.
The day after bringing Maggie home, they began taking down the fliers they had posted all over town.
“We’re getting cheers when people recognize Maggie,” Whyne added. “People are so happy that she is back home and safe.”
“We are so grateful for the outpouring of support we received,” she said. “People, even strangers, kept telling us, you’d find her. Everything will be OK. To all those people, I want to say this is a story with a very happy ending.”
2 suspects held without bail, 3rd on bail of $21,500
Three men are facing burglary charges after one of them told police they broke into a northeast-side pet store and swiped three pricey puppies last month including an English bulldog.
Shane Bradtmiller, 31, of the 1400 block of Kitch Street, told police he, Kory Lee Church and Timothy Harris broke into Petland at 10538 Maysville Road on Dec. 30, a probable cause affidavit filed Wednesday said.
Expensive pet supplies as well as an Italian greyhound, a chiweenie and an English bulldog were taken.
Officers arrested Church, 20, of the 15700 block of Canyon Ridge Road, and Harris, 23, of the 1900 block of Vermont Avenue, this month after an informant told police the two were trying to sell stolen pet supplies.
Police went to Harris’ home and found two of the puppies. The third was later recovered at a Decatur home.
Church and Harris initially faced charges of receiving stolen property. They were each charged this week – Harris with one count of burglary and Church with two counts of burglary.
Church was being held in lieu of $21,500 bail. Harris is also charged with driving with a suspended license. He was being held without bail.
Bradtmiller was arrested Jan. 12. He is charged with two counts of burglary and one count of receiving stolen property. He was being held without bail.
Don’t miss another episode of DogTown, “The Road Home” on Friday, January 29 at 10PM ET/PT
The Road Home episode shows how Little Girl, a Catahoula leopard dog mix, is given a second chance and learns to overcome her fears with help from John Garcia, in hopes that she will be adopted. Shy dogs are often among the first to be euthanized in shelters because they are difficult to adopt, but not at DogTown, a no-kill facility. Later we will follow a morbidly obese Chihuahua, Tuli, with a tiny head and a pineapple-size body, who must lose weight to become healthy enough for adoption. Finally, we meet Shockey, a terrier mix who is full of energy and excitement that makes her hard to control. See how DogTown manager Michelle Besmehn works to help Shockey listen to commands and overcome her stubbornness.
“Obese Chihuahua” – Due to serious health concerns, an overweight Chihuahua has to shed some pounds.
“Little Girl’s Big Fears” – An extremely shy dog overcomes her fears at Dogtown.