The English Bulldog Puppy Blog » animals

How dog training whistles work

admin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:46:46 +0000

Dog training whistles have evolved from our need to train dogs and make them listen to our commands. It is not a practical solution to whistle commands to our pets in the mainstream community. Neighbors will eventually complain from annoyance of constant whistling. It is also futile in some areas having high traffic and loud noises. Francis Galton invented the dog whistle in the 1880s. It was named Galton’s whistles considered to be an excellent tool to catch your dog’s attention.

SILENT DOG WHISTLE ($ 8.90)

Your choice of dog whistle is a wide array from plastic types to the metal dog whistles. The basis of your dog whistles depends on the breed of your dog and how energetic your dog is. There is a combination type of two whistles into one having dual frequencies. It produces different dog whistles sounds.

For those of you who would like to understand how dog whistles work, take a look at the underlying mechanism on dog training whistles.

Pet Parade’s Dog Tweeter Training Aid, all breed, all size dogs

How dog whistles work

The concept of dog training whistles is based on the ability of dogs to hear higher frequency of sounds than man can. The optimum frequency range for humans is around 2000 Hz with a maximum frequency of 20,000 Hz. Dogs, on the other hand, can hear frequencies higher than 20,000 Hz. In fact, they can hear a minimum frequency of 8,000 Hz up to 48,000 Hz. Dogs are anatomically gifted than human when it comes to how their inner ear vibrates or resonates to the high frequency sound waves.

A dog whistle frequency is more optimized to produce sounds above 20,000 Hz to be easily heard by dogs even in noisy settings. These silent whistles (to man’s ears) are designed in such a way that when air is forced down the cylinder and out of the hole with the sharp edge in between, a transmission of high frequency sound is produced.

The length of the cylinder greatly affects the pitch of the whistle. The shorter cylinders produce a higher pitch while longer cylinders yield lower pitch. Ideally, most dog whistles are one inch or less.

Training the Dog

We know for a fact that dogs can hear higher frequencies, which make dog, whistles a great tool for training. However, there are no magical spells to lure your dog to respond to whistle commands. Chances are, your dog will ignore the sounds of dog whistles when it is busy roaming the garden or merely not paying attention.

It is generally observed that dogs respond to the voice commands of a dog trainer. It is then easier to train your pet when given verbal commands of a dog trainer. Similar to verbal commands, these whistle commands heavily rely on sound cues to train dogs.

1. Pick up a set of whistle commands as cues.

For example, two short toots means ’stop’ while long toot could be associated with the command ’sit’.

2. Give the verbal command followed by the whistle sound that the dog learns to associate the command with it.

To help the dog learn, pair up the whistle command with a voice command.

The idea is to incorporate it for all the other commands. You should keep it simple to make it easier for the dog to remember all the commands. Additionally, there are many types of whistles that produce various tones associated with a particular command.

The dog whistles have the advantage of providing consistency than human voice commands. Dog whistles are excellent tools for clicker training. The choices of dog whistles are abundant. There are different types of dog whistles are available to suit the deaf and the older dogs with hearing loss. A friendly reminder to all pet owners who plan to use dog whistles. Be careful as how often you blow the dog whistles. These whistles can cause damage to your hearing, which is more adept to lower sound frequencies.

written by: Toni S.

Technorati Tags: animals, dog whistles, English Bulldog Puppy, Francis Galton, hearing, pets, sound frequency, training

Ways to stop your dog from chewing your furniture

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:08:57 +0000

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.

Technorati Tags: animals, English Bulldog Puppy, how to stop dog from chewing furniture, pets, tips

Teach your dog how to fetch

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:14:20 +0000

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.

Technorati Tags: animals, English Bulldog Puppy, learning teaching, pets, train your dog how to fetch

How to stop your dog barking excessively

admin — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:01:55 +0000

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.

Technorati Tags: animals, dog behaviors, English Bulldog Puppy, how to stop dog excessive barking, pets, training, whining howl bark

How chocolate poisoning almost killed a poodle

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:47:40 +0000

Food poisoning for dogs can come in tempting packages be it during Christmas time, Valentines’ day or any special occasions where chocolates abound. You may want to keep your stash of good ol chocolates away from your pet dog. Read on to know how Marji almost lost her life over eaten dark chocolates under their Christmas tree.

Marji, a four-year-old apricot Miniature Poodle, was a healthy and happy dog ever since its owners first met her as a puppy. Poodles are considered some of the most intelligent canines, and little Marji was no exception. When the holidays came around, her owner thought nothing of stashing presents under the Christmas tree, including a small gift from her neighbor. Debbie went to work one morning and left Marji loose in the house as usual. But when she got home, Debbie sensed something strange: no greeting at the door.

Worried, she went looking for her dog and discovered chewed-up wrapping paper on the floor and an open gold box. It was the gift their neighbor left – a 1-lb. box of fancy chocolates, and one-half of them were missing. Debbie found Marji standing up in her crate, looking shaky and restless. The ten-pound poodle had consumed nearly half a pound of rich, mixed chocolates, and the amount she consumed was dangerous. Chocolate contains a lethal ingredient called theobromine, and the darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains.

Marji’s doctor got the panicked call that night and advised Debbie to bring Marji in immediately. Debbie wasn’t sure when the chocolates were eaten, but since Marji was already exhibiting nervous symptoms, we could deduce that the theobromines had already entered the dog’s system. Her vet also knew that they would have to get her to vomit any residual chocolate and give her activated charcoal to help neutralize what was in her intestines. The vet also had to control any seizures, monitor her heart, start IV fluid therapy and observe the poodle for at least 24 hours until the symptoms subsided.

Luckily, Marji was treated in time. She went back to her owners the next evening, and they now keep unknown gifts in a place inaccessible to Marji. Chocolate toxicity is one of the most common poisonings during the holiday season. All dog owners should be careful what you put under the tree this year.

Thanks to Dr. Foster Smith for the news.

Read the article “Foods that poison your English bulldog”.

Things to do when your dog eats chocolate:
Call your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately. Make sure you know the approximate amount of chocolate, the type, and how long ago your pet consumed it. If the chocolate has been ingested within a short period of time, your veterinarian may have you induce your pet to vomit. The effects of chocolate toxicity may not be apparent right away, but it is best to call your veterinarian right away.

Theobromine in chocolate affects four areas of the pet’s body:
• Increases the rate and force of contractions of the heart
• Acts as a diuretic, causing the pet to lose body fluids
• Causes vomiting and diarrhea
• Causes convulsions, seizures, and even death

Technorati Tags: animals, canine food chocolate poisoning, English Bulldog Puppy, pets, theobromine

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

admin — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:36:45 +0000

Technorati Tags: animals, christmas greetings, English Bulldog Puppy, pets, yuletide

“All I want for Christmas is my dognapped puppy”

admin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:03:41 +0000

A 7 year-old Parker County girl wrote to Santa of her wish for Christmas, the return of her pet puppy.

“I know it will work,” she said.

Brooke Botello’s mother witnessed how their 6 month-old English bulldog got snatched right in front of the family’s home.

“That makes me feel really sad,” Brooke said. “She was like a new-born puppy. She was that cute.”

Life isn’t the same without Brooke’s four-legged playmate, shares her mother.

“It’s really different without her,” she continues. “I used to play tag with her. She used to chase me around.”

With Christmas just around the corner, Brooke knew what to do. She sits at the back of the family’s car after unsuccessfully checking a shelter for Rosita. Brooke expresses her dilemma to writing about it.

“I said, ‘Dear Santa, (what) I really want for Christmas is for Rosita to come home. So please try your best, Santa. I believe you. So please bring her back. Please. Love, Brooke.”

Brooke’s grandmother, Marjorie King, said she doesn’t know what to tell her.

“She’s convinced Santa is going to bring Rosita back to her,” King said.

“The reindeer will track it,” Brooke said. “They have good noses.”

“The toys she wanted, she doesn’t want any more,” her grandmother said. “How do you prepare a child that more than likely, your dog is not coming back?”

She said she doesn’t have the heart to tell her there are some gifts even Santa can’t provide.

Brooke’s family filed a police report, but there is little information to investigate. Her mother only had a general description of a white pickup truck and didn’t get a good look at the driver.

“Santa is a good person, so he’ll try his best,” Brooke said. “I know he will.”

Technorati Tags: animals, brooke botello, christmas wish, dognapped puppy, English Bulldog Puppy, news, pets

Haven’t decided what Christmas gift to give? Help is here.

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:55:06 +0000

Get into the festive mood of Christmas as English bulldog puppy blog offers great gift ideas for your family, friends, and your English bulldog. Our pets also get excited when yuletide season comes around!

See our recommended selections of Christmas gift ideas, Christmas costumes and other holiday treats perfect for your pet bulldog as well as your family.

ENGLISH BULLDOG CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

For Him gift

got bulldog? Men’s tee Shirt in 12 colors Small thru 6XL. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 12.99- $18.99

For him & her gift

FuzzyNation Bulldog (English) Pooch Shoulderbag -Bags with a Bite Puppy Purse Edition. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 24.99

For Him gift

English Bulldog Boxer Shorts. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 23.99

For Him & Her gifts

Am erican English Bulldog Adult Sweatshirt. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 21.95 – 24.90

American English Bulldog Adult Long Sleeve T-Shirt. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 17.95 – 20.90

American English Bulldog Adult T-Shirt. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 14.95 – 21.90

American English Bulldog Womens Scoop Neck T-Shirt. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 15.95

For Her gift

English Bulldogs Leave Paw Prints on your Heart *Bella Ladies/ JUNIORS Short Sleeve Scoop Neck FITTED TEE (T-Shirt) Various Colors. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 24.99 – 30.99

For Her gift

English Bulldogs are Just Like potato Chips Nobody can have Just One Ladies T-Shirt (Various Colors Avail). ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 18.99 – 22.99

For Her gift

got bulldog ? Women’s tee Shirt in 6 Colors Small thru XXL. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 12.99 – 15.99

For Kids gift

got bulldog ? Toddler and Youth Kids Tee Shirt in 5 Colors. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 9.99

For Him & Her gift

I Love My Bulldog T-shirt. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 15.99

For Pet gift

Silver Bull Dog Animal Cufflinks w/Black Carrying Bag BullDog. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 28.99

For Kids gift

English Bulldogs Leave Paw Prints on your Heart Youth Hooded Sweatshirt (for Kids) Various Colors Available. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 29.99 – 31.99

For Him & Her gift

English Bulldogs Leave Paw Prints on your Heart Adult Mesh Back Cap / Hat Brown Camo. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 16.99

For Him & Her gift

English Bulldogs Leave Paw Prints on your Heart Adult USA Flag Hat / Cap. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 17.99

For Him & Her gift

English Bulldogs are Just Like potato Chips Nobody can have Just One Adult USA Flag Racing Flame Hat / Cap. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 17.99

English Bulldogs are Just Like potato Chips Nobody can have Just One Adult White Racing Checker Hat / Cap. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 17.99

For Her gift

English Bulldogs are Just Like potato Chips Nobody can have Just One Large BELLA TOTEBAG w/ pockets (Choice of Colors). ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 29.99

For Her & Pet gift

English Bulldogs are Just Like potato Chips Nobody can have Just One Totebag (Cotton Tote / Bag). ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 17.99

For Him & Her gift

Alfred Dunhill Streling Silver Bulldog Key Ring. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 475.00

ARTS & DECORATIONS

Spike, the English Bulldog Authentic Fou…. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 21.21

GLASS OLD ENGLISH BULLDOG ORNAMENT – 3.5. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 13.19

English Bulldog Character Shot Glass Holder Set. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 25.99

English Bulldog Mug and Coaster Combo. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 19.99

English Bulldog Dog Needlepoint Pillow 14. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 57.95

Intarsia Collection OAK WOOD CARVING Mosaic 12. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 79.50

English Bulldog Puppy Dog Kids Room Animal Picture Framed Art Print. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 37.95

SEI Poly-Resin Bathroom-Tissue Holder, English Bulldog. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 99.00

CAMIC Designs DOG024C4T Laser-Etched English Bulldog Set of 4 Coasters & Matching Trivet. ORDER HERE.

Price: $ 35.00

Technorati Tags: animals, CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS, collectibles, english bulldog, english bulldog souvenirs, pets, yuletide season

“We just want our dog back”

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:12:24 +0000

An Edmonton couple’s apartment was burglarized on Thursday. Damien Boisvert and his girlfriend Lisa Topolinski just want their puppy back. The couple recently bought Princess, their 12-week old English bulldog worth $2,500.

Nothing compares to the value of their English bulldog, not even the thousands of dollars worth of electronics stolen. Boisvert shared that they consider Princess as their baby.

“We just want the dog back,” he said yesterday, after hours of postering the neighborhood and making phone calls.

Boisvert left for work around 6:30 a.m. Thursday and Topolinski set out about an hour later. When Boisvert returned home at 3 p.m., he walked over to the puppy’s cage and discovered she was missing.

Soon after, he noticed several other items were gone, including a flat-screen TV, an Xbox 360, a Mac laptop and a $1,000 camera Topolinski’s parents gave her as a going-away gift when she moved from Ontario to Edmonton two months ago.

“There were no signs of forced entry,” Boisvert said. “The windows were latched, the doors were locked.”

“We don’t care about our possessions. We don’t have property insurance, but we don’t care that we’re going to lose out and have to replace our stuff. It’s our dog. It’s like losing a baby.”

The pair is doing everything they can to find Princess, phoning vet offices, calling media outlets and posting information on the internet. Since then, the pair have been doing everything they can to help find Princess, phoning vet offices, calling media outlets and posting information on the Internet.

Despite having all their pricey belongings stolen, the couple is putting up a reward for Princess’s return.

The dog had her registration number tattooed on her stomach. She was mostly red with a white face and chest, and black spots on her stomach.

“Even if the people who stole her want to claim the reward, we don’t care,” Boisvert said.

The dog owner is asking anyone who has any information to contact police or e-mail him at damienboisvert@hotmail.com.

Technorati Tags: animals, edmonton couple's apartment burglarized, English Bulldog Puppy, news, pets, theft

How to groom your English bulldog

admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:17:51 +0000

Gain helpful tips on how to regularly care and clean your English bulldogs in this free video.

Make sure to bath your dog often, dry thoroughly between wrinkles, use a de-shedding tool, and trim its toenails as short as possible.

How to Groom & Care for an English Bulldog

Special thanks to Sammi Roberts of Utah Animal Care for this video.

Technorati Tags: animals, how to groom care english bulldog video, pets