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SEE, I TOLD MOM HE WOULD LOOK OK STUFFED AND MOUNTED
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Socialize Your Dog for Life!
We tend to forget these days that dogs are pack animals. Many of us may have just one dog, or even two. But we don’t see them as they were in nature. Left to their own devices, dogs join up into a pack, often of related animals. Like their wolf cousins and ancestors, dogs have a hierarchical structure to their packs, with leaders, assistants, subordinates and followers. In nature dogs would learn everything they need to know, including dog manners, from their mother and other pack mates.
To live in our world of cars, buildings and cell phones, we have taken dogs almost completely out of their natural world. In many places they exist without even having fields and forests anymore to share with their humans as they did only 100-200 years ago. The only way they can exist in our world is if we teach them the skills they need to understand it and to thrive in it. This means we have to socialize them to the human world and to the people in it.
Socialization means much more than learning a few commands. Socialization is learning, from birth, to accept humans. Good breeders begin socializing puppies from the day of their birth, picking them up and holding them, stroking them and talking to them, getting them used to sights and sounds in the house. This should continue for the first seven weeks of life, with puppies being introduced to new things each week.
From the age of 8 weeks to 12 weeks, the time when many people get their new puppy, puppies are going through a fear imprinting stage. This means that it is very easy at this time for anything that frightens the puppy to be remembered for the rest of their life. New owners should take special care during this time to bolster their puppy’s confidence. Do let puppies see new things and introduce them to new places and people. Give them time to see that there is nothing to be afraid of. Give plenty of praise when the puppy is brave and curious about things. Try not to encourage your puppy to be fearful at this time or reward fearful behavior. If a loud noise or something frightens your puppy, instead of cuddling the puppy take him to see what it is and show him that it’s okay. Dance, laugh, be positive instead of petting the puppy for being fearful. This is the difference between a fearful adult dog and a confident one later in life.
Introduce your puppy to many different people during this time to help him learn that he has nothing to fear from strangers and that he can meet them and be friendly. Take him for short rides in the car. Introduce many strange things at this time, such as umbrellas and the vacuum cleaner if he has not already encountered them. Let him see normal things in unexpected places in the house. Make sure he gets used to being groomed and bathed during this time. And, of course, make sure he learns some leash training. This is helpful since he will be going to the vet for his shots during this time. Makes these pleasant experiences for him (especially bathing) and your future experiences will be much better.
Exercise basic common sense, of course. Don’t allow your puppy to put himself in any danger while encouraging him to be confident. Don’t allow him to wander where other animals have left droppings. Remember that your puppy is not fully vaccinated yet so limit his socialization time with any unknown pets. Don’t make your puppy do anything that is frightening for him. Puppies at this age will remember things forever. You want to encourage confidence, not ask them to do more than they can cope with. And, remember that your puppy is just a baby at this time. He needs lots of sleep and several small meals during the day. You should only have a couple of socialization sessions per day along with things that occur on their own.
The socialization period continues until dogs are about 20 weeks old. By that time their basic personality is in place, though socialization can continue for months. You’ll begin to see your puppy making his own decisions about what he wants to do, what he likes and doesn’t like, what frightens him and what he’s confident about.
Early socialization is an extremely important time in the life of every dog. You can help your dog adapt to living with humans by working with him during this time and make your future life together a very happy one.
Socialize Your Dog for Life courtesy Dog Articles.
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10 Pet Safety Tips You Should Know
In some ways having a pet is like having a child. You have to do all of the thinking and planning for him. You have to be prepared for every contingency. That means being prepared in case of emergencies and taking the proper precautions ahead of time.
Here are some tips that should help you take good care of your dog:
1. Make sure that your dog is up-to-date on his vaccinations and that he has proper tags and ID at all times. Microchips are recommended. This is a great help should your dog ever become lost. It gives him the best possible chance of being returned to you if somebody finds him.
2. Obey leash laws. This means that you should keep your dog safely contained in your own yard behind a fence. When you have your dog out with you make sure that he is restrained on a good quality leash. Don’t let your dog run loose. This is dangerous to him and a nuisance to the neighborhood.
3. Be careful what you feed your dog. No chocolate. No onions. No raisins. If in doubt about something your dog eats or if you suspect poisoning call your local veterinarian immediately. Know the number of your closest emergency vet clinic and the shortest route in case you have an emergency at night.
4. Crate train your dog. Your dog should ride in a crate in your vehicle. This is the safest way for your dog to travel. Crate training is also a great way to help house train your dog. If you ever intend to fly anywhere with your dog he will also need to fly in a crate.
5. Keep a pet first aid kit on hand and know how to use the contents. A good first aid kit should contain blankets, surgical tape, a muzzle, an antibacterial ointment (such as Neosporin), cotton swabs, tweezers, gauze and gauze pads, hydrogen peroxide, ipecac, scissors, forceps, diarrhea medication, and activated charcoal. Remember that if your dog experiences an injury that he may react out of fear or pain. Be careful in handling him. He could bite you accidentally.
6. Take special precautions in hot summer weather and during extreme cold. Remember that dogs can’t sweat and that they suffer during extremes of weather just as people do. They should not be left in vehicles during either extreme, even for a few minutes.
7. Remember that your dog needs fresh water available at all times. Dogs can become dehydrated just as people can.
8. Take special precautions with dogs when there may be fireworks or other loud noises. Many dogs are sensitive to these loud booms and can become frightened from them. Some dogs can bolt and become lost.
9. Old dogs need special care. Keep an eye on their weight. You don’t want them to be either too thin or too much overweight. Both can be signs of an underlying health problem. Make allowances for their age. Provide a softer place to sleep, give them more time to eat, make their food more appealing. Take them for a senior check-up starting when they’re about seven-years-old.
10. Be patient with puppies. They come to you not knowing anything. They will make mistakes. Teach them using positive training techniques and they will be able to learn anything you want to teach them. A trained dog is a happier dog and has a better chance of fitting into your home and lifestyle and living a wonderful life with you.
10 Pet Safety Tips You Should Know courtesy Dog Articles.
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Pembroke Welsh Corgi – The Smallest of the Herding Dogs
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a fascinating and robust pooch. Although only 10 to 12 inches high at the shoulder, this little breed packs a punch. They were originally designed to herd cattle, sheep and other livestock. Their shortness was key as they were able to dodge kicks from livestock, in particular avoiding a kick altogether by having the hooves swing just over their heads.
Their stout stature is accompanied by short yet thick legs and they are much longer than they are tall. This dog breed was first recorded in the 11th century and was simply referred to as a Corgi. In 1926, they were accepted by the AKC (American Kennel Club), but it wasn’t until 1936 that two distinct breeds were recognized. There are two Corgi dog breeds, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The main difference between the two is that one has the presence of and one has the lack of a tail.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a naturally bobbed tail. If a Pembroke is born with a short tail, it is said that the genetics of its predecessor (the Cardigan) have been exhibited. That dog then has its tail docked and is not used in the breeding process. Another characteristic of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is that it is not as thick boned as the Cardigan, but none the less sturdy and quick in stride. The thick legs are followed closely by a thick undercoat to protect them from the weather and has slightly longer guard hairs. Because of this thick coat of fur, they need to be brushed regularly, at least five solid minutes once a week, but more like 15 minutes. Bathing should be done only occasionally, maybe once every two or three months. Another obvious characteristic of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi (and the Cardigan) is its large ears.
They stand up and are designed to catch the sound of their owner as they whistled commands to them in the field. Their eyes are slightly oval in shape and these dog breeds have keen eyesight. It is because of their long backs that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan are prone to intervertebral disc disease. Another concern may be hip dysplasia as this dog is very active and loves to run, their hips are more prone to damage. Hip dysplasia is also due to its overall bone structure as well. However, good breeding helps to reduce these medical possibilities. Their health is good overall and these dog breeds live for 11 to 13 years of age. As far as their temperament goes, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is active, loving, devoted to its family and a wonderful companion. They can live outside, but crave the company of their family and are better suited to be indoors. Their size makes them compatible with apartment living. They do require daily exercise and mental stimulation, however. A nice long leash walk and some play time with a few toys can meet this requirement and also create a long lasting bond.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi – The Smallest of the Herding Dogs courtesy Dog Articles.
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My Dog Won’t Listen To Me
Bringing home a new puppy is very exciting but we often forget that a new puppy doesn’t know very much. He’s still a baby. His mother and siblings have taught him a few things about being a dog but when it comes to understanding people, he’s a rank beginner.
It doesn’t matter how many times you tell him, “NO!” or “OFF!” Your puppy hasn’t yet learned what these words mean. He doesn’t even know his name yet. He really has no idea what it means when you tell him to lie down or leave something alone.
Your puppy will quickly become very good at reading your body language and understanding the tone of your voice but you will have to patiently teach him each word and phrase that you want him to know. Puppies aren’t born knowing English or any other language. It’s up to you to teach him the basic vocabulary.
If you are adopting an adult dog then he will also have to learn some things when he comes to living with you. He may know some basic words and phrases, especially if he has been housebroken already. But your family will probably have some words that are unknown to him. There may be some new rules that he doesn’t know yet. It will take a little time for your new dog to learn the new words for things. He may know some things by other names — “bathroom” for “potty,” or “dinner” for “supper,” and so on. Try different words for things and see if he gives a reaction. You may find the words that he knows.
On the other hand, there are times when your puppy or dog does know certain words and may choose to ignore you. If you have been training your puppy or dog and you know that he knows the word “Sit” but he won’t sit for you, then there may be something wrong with your training methods. Most likely your training is inconsistent. You may not train very often and your dog doesn’t see any reason why he should obey the command when it is only used once in a while. In these situations you should train more often so your dog will take the training more seriously.
If you let your dog sleep on your bed six nights in a row and on the seventh night you tell him very sternly that he’s not allowed on the bed, the chances are that he’s not going to take you seriously. Training is the same way. If you want your dog to listen to you then you must be consistent in what you tell your dog and in what you expect him to obey. Be consistent, use the same words for things, and always be fair. You must also train regularly so that your dog knows you are committed to what you are teaching him.
If you are inconsistent or you don’t train very often, then your dog is apt to ignore you.
Remember that your puppy isn’t born knowing any language at all. Like human children, puppies have to learn the meaning of words. They cannot hope to learn any training until they begin to understand some words in the home. Fortunately, puppies learn very quickly and they can start to learn all that we have to teach them — and some things we don’t mean to teach them. Your puppy will begin listening to you as soon as he is able. It’s up to you to teach him things that are worth learning.
My Dog Won’t Listen To Me courtesy Dog Articles.
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AKC Vs. RBDA: What’s The Difference?
What is all the hype about our dogs belonging to a club? Many pet owners do not even belong to a club. Dog owners, who take pride in their pets, will generally register their dogs in some kind of kennel club, especially if they plan to breed their dog. Registered dogs tend to cost a little more and are more appealing to dog buyers.
AKC stands for American Kennel Club. It is the most well known kennel club in the United States. They are dedicated to supporting the sport of pure breeds. They were found back in 1884 and they are a promoter of responsible dog ownership. Although the AKC is dog friendly, no matter the status of the breed, they believe that purebred dogs are more predictable in several aspects. Hence, they believe that purebreds make better pets. Half of American homes have pets and 36% of them are dog owners; Therefore, more emphasis should be placed on the subject.
The AKC stays very active. They encourage the sport of purebred dogs. They sponsor over 15,000 dog competitions a year
The AKC deals with approximately one million applications a year. Although, they do not specialize in the selling of purebreds. Because of this, they can not vouch for the health of the animal.
If you were to purchase a dog that comes from an AKC registered blood line, you will also receive an application for your dog’s registration. Someone who is buying an AKC registered dog must realize that the certification is in no way guarantying that the dog is in perfect health or that the quality of the dog is without flaw. It is only stating that the canine is a direct offspring of a known sire (stud/father) and dam (mother/bitch) and that it is born on a factual date. They must also be from the same breed. In order to register a litter of puppies, the sire and dam must be AKC registered and the litter born in the US.
The owner of the litter wanting to register the litter must fill out an application which requires basic information such as: date of mating and birth, the number of males and females born in the litter, the sire and dam’s registered names and numbers and lastly the owner’s address and signature. You must fill out the form and send it back to the AKC. They, in turn, will send you paperwork for each individual puppy to be filled out partly by you. Once the puppies have been purchased, the new owner will have to fill out the remaining information and send it back, with a fee, the AKC. After they have processed your application, you should receive an official AKC Certificate in the mail.
The Rare Breed Dog Association is another type of dog registration. You may wonder what exactly is a “rare dog breed.” In simple terms, it is a dog that the American Kennel Club does not recognize. They have a number of services they offer such as: Public awareness of the rare breed dog; Education of the rare breed dog; Registration of the rare breed dog; as well as rare breed dog shows. Their goal is to watch over the “Rare Breed Dog” in the US and educate the public of the over 130 rare dog breeds that are out there. The RBDA have a number of groups that they represent. The following are dog groups along with a few of the actual breeds they represent:
– Companion Group (American Hairless Terrier, Bolognese, Cavalier King Charles)
– Herding group (King and English Shepherd, Akbash)
– Hound group (Basset Artesien Normand, Black Forest Hound, Batard)
– Spitz group (Canadian Estimo Dog, Carolina Dog, Chinook)
– Sporting group [( Barbet, Boykin Spaniel, Bracco Italiano) These sporting group dogs are located in the Gundog group located in various in Europe]
– Terrier group (American Pit Bull Terrier, Cesky Terrier, Jadgterrier)
– Working group ( Aidi, Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, American Bulldog)
Whether you have a rare breed dog or a purebred dog, there our resources out there to get your dog registered. Once again, either way you go, it does not prove the quality of the animal, just the family line. Although, if purchasing a dog, buying an AKC or RBDA registered dog is the best way to tract the history of the dog. Either way, a dog is a dog. They serve a variety of purposes, and as long as they are fulfilling that purpose, that is what’s important.
AKC Vs. RBDA: What’s The Difference courtesy Dog Articles.
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My Dog Is Marking In The House!
If you see a woman chasing a dog from room to room, threatening them with a mop, it’s possible you are watching a dog owner who has a male dog that’s been marking in the house.
It should be understood that marking behavior is not the same as ordinary peeing in the house, although the result may be the same. Marking behavior, which may be no more than sprinkling everything in sight, is not a housetraining issue. It is about territory, dominance and sexuality. Sometimes it is about insecurity. But even dogs that are thoroughly housetrained can mark in the house.
Marking is usually, but not always, an issue that involves male dogs. Some females will mark in the house, but by far most dogs that exhibit marking behavior are male.
Dogs mark by peeing on furniture or other items in order to establish their territory. They are “marking” something as theirs. They are usually motivated to do so to show their status. There may be other dogs in the household that they think should be reminded about their position. There may be females around and they want to advertise their sexual availability. Or, the male may be insecure in some way and marking makes him feel bigger and tougher. He’s tossing his hat in the ring, so to speak. He wants to be one of the guys.
As you probably know, dogs have incredible noses and they can gather a wealth of information from sniffing urine. Your dog is leaving information about himself and his position when he marks something.
Not surprisingly, most owners don’t appreciate this practice in their homes.
Marking is far more prevalent with unneutered males since it seems to be linked to testosterone. Neutering at any point in a dog’s life does seem to reduce or nearly eliminate the behavior (though it is not a guarantee). So, you might suggest to your intact male that if he doesn’t want to lose something he values he should knock off the marking. If that doesn’t work, there are some other ways to try to discourage marking behavior.
One of the best ways to stop the marking is to catch your dog in the act. This usually requires very close supervision and immediate correction. You may have to confine your dog to one small area of the house in order to watch him closely. You may even need to put him on a retractable leash in the house. However, this method is effective.
You can also make yourself a shaker bottle using an old soda bottle and fill it with pennies or something else that rattles. Watch your dog and as soon as he starts to mark you give your command, “NO MARK!” and rattle the shaker at him. The goal is to startle him into not marking. Do this consistently for a couple of days and he should be on his way to breaking the habit.
You may need to confine your dog while you are away from home, at least while you are trying to break the marking habit. You can crate your dog for a few hours while you are away from home in order to control the marking. Make sure your dog goes outside to potty, as usual, and praise him when he pees outside.
Remember to thoroughly clean every area where your dog marks in the house. These areas are special to him and you have to remove all trace of the urine so he won’t be tempted to mark there again. A 50/50 solution of vinegar and water works well.
If none of these solutions works you may have to resign yourself to putting a belly band on your dog. A belly band is a wrap which fits around your dog’s waist and over his penis. You fit it inside with a sanitary napkin. If your dog is tempted to mark and lift his leg then he pees into the band and not onto anything in the house. It’s really a method of last resort.
My Dog Is Marking In The House courtesy Dog Articles.
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Basic Considerations When Choosing A New Puppy
Before actually adding a new puppy to your home you should consider what your expectations of dog ownership are. All dogs require love, food and shelter, but puppies need more commitment from their owners than adult dogs do. Puppies are more time demanding because they are essentially babies. They have to be taught how to behave appropriately and they go through various stages as they grow. Most puppies go through a chewing phase and at some points in growing up they are very energetic.
If there are children in the home even extra supervision will be required. This is to protect both the child and the puppy. Puppies love to play and their little teeth are very sharp. They can also easily scratch little ones with their claws during play.
Similarly, children are drawn to small animals. They are very likely to hold them and carry them around. Many puppies have been squeezed, dropped or stepped on and injured inadvertently by well intentioned children. Obviously you will have to be diligent in watching over the two when they’re together. Most breeders of small or toy breeds do not sale their puppies to homes with young children because of these risks. If you do have a child in your home insure that the puppy you add is one with a gentle disposition and loving personality.
Many people want a dog as a means of security or protection. They are looking for a sort of living alarm system, a dog that will bark when someone approaches the yard or the door. The good news is that almost any dog can fill this need. The fact is that even the bark of a toy poodle is usually effective in turning away an intruder.
Of course some people want to go a step farther with that concept and have a dog that presents the physical appearance of a watch dog. In this case people often choose larger breeds such as Doberman Pinchers or even Boxers. Most dogs are protective of their owners and their territory without having any specialized training. The sheer size and appearance of larger dogs is a deterrent to most would be intruders.
Dogs are naturally pack animals which makes them a social animal. They love their human family and want to be a part of it. Dogs make excellent compani
ons. Dogs should be included as a part of the family whenever possible. They truly need the interaction and love of their family.
Dogs should not spend their time all alone, living in the back yard. This is especially true of puppies. The younger the pup the more supervision and regular training he needs. Socialization is important for all dogs. In fact, it is the secret to a well behaved dog.
Before you add a new puppy to your home it is important to take the time to consider what type of dog will best suit your lifestyle. If you are the type of person that enjoys sports and the outdoors then an energetic dog may be perfect for you. If you spend a lot of time at the computer you may prefer a small lap dog. And if you live in the city you may want to consider a small dog that does not require a deal of space.
Basic Considerations When Choosing A New Puppy courtesy Dog Articles.
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How Important Is Your Dog’s Name?
When you get a new puppy you of course have to name him or her. If the puppy is registered you will need a name for the official registration papers as well as a call name. Both names are important, but in different ways.
The registered name often begins with the name of the kennel that the dog came from. This is also a part of his show name. All registered names must be original. Although these names have a rather fancy sound to them, when you understand more about how they are given they are actually fun.
Besides the kennel name the registered names can include the name of the dam and or the sire. Any combination of ancestors along with a theme is very common. However, AKC limits the name to thirty-six characters in length, including spaces, so if the names are long it can certainly present a problem. For an extra fee the length can be extended up to fifty characters.
Registered names often have no relationship whatsoever with the call name. Call names should be rather short; two to three syllables is the recommended length. Another thing to keep in mind is that if you have more than one dog the names should be different enough that the dogs can easily distinguish them. For example, naming one dog Holly and another one Molly would not be a good idea.
Many people choose to name their dogs right away; in fact, they may even have the name picked out before they ever see the dog. Other people want to keep the dog a wait or two before naming him so that they can choose a name that matches the dog’s personality. And still others prefer a name that describes the dog’s physical appearance to some degree, such as naming a big dog Bruno or a Black dog Blackie.
Originality is nice but when it comes to dogs, just like people’s names, there are certain names that are all time favorites for particular breeds or dog stereotypes. And just as with human names, dog names sometimes become popular because of a TV show, a song, an actor, a movie, a rock band, etc. Since dogs can live to be up to twenty years or longer it is suggested that the name be one that is somewhat evergreen; simply meaning that the name will have significance in the years to come, even if the namesake doesn’t.
Once you have decided on a name you should begin using it as much as possible. The goal is to find ways to get your dog to associate the name with a meaning. By using his name regularly he will quickly pick up on the fact that the name refers to him.
How Important Is Your Dog’s Name courtesy Dog Articles.
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