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Five Tips For Successful Great Dane Training

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1) Because of their size, it is important to train Great Danes not to jump onto people. Some people make the mistake of allowing cute puppies to jump, and that makes it harder to train them when they weigh over a hundred pounds. Your Great Dane should learn the command, “Off,” early as possible. It is necessary to start Great Dane training at a young age. Most dogs respond well to food treats. When your Great Dane puppy starts to jump onto someone, say, “Off,” and show him or her the treat, moving the treat away from the person. When the dog has turned away from the person, reward him or her with the treat.

2) Unless you live on a large ranch where you will never need to walk your dog on a leash, leash training is a must to keep from being dragged down the sidewalk. Place a collar and leash onto your puppy. Say, “Let’s go,” and begin to walk. When the puppy follows you, reward him or her with a treat. Repeat this exercise for about half an hour every day, until the dog is easily walking by your side. This kind of leash training is good for casual strolling. Allow your Great Dane to sniff and relieve him or herself as needed. (Be sure to clean up to stay on your neighbors’ good sides). If you are going into a crowd of people or other animals, the command, “Heel,” is appropriate. Say, “Heel,” and pull your puppy to your side. When he or she walks at your side without pulling at the leash, he or she gets a reward. Hold the leash in your right hand and take up the slack with your left. Remember, you should not have to pull with your left hand. Your dog should be walking by your side without being pulled.

3) We have all encountered highly enthusiastic dogs that like to jump around the house, and, if they are members of toy breeds, this is harmless. In a Great Dane it is not. Gently make your puppy lie down, and say, “Settle.” Take your hands away, and if the puppy stays lying down, reward him or her with a treat. Repeat until the puppy automatically lies down when he or she hears the command.

4) Dogs frequently have a fondness for foods that are not good for them, or pick up things you don’t want them to have. This can be particularly annoying when your dog’s head comes up above the level of the dining room table. Place one treat onto the floor and hold one in your hand. When your puppy starts to go for the treat on the floor, say “Leave it,” while leading his or her attention away with another treat. Reward him or her with the treat from your hand. After enough repetitions, your dog will respond to “Leave it,” when the command refers to any object.

5) Any dog should recognize you as the leader of the pack, and this couldn’t be more important than in a pet so massive as a Great Dane. Teaching tricks is not only fun, but puts you into the position of decision maker. Help your puppy to sit and lift his front paws until his is comfortably seated with his or her paws up. Say, “Sit up.” Reward him or her with a treat. Repeat until he or she automatically sits up on command. When your Great Dane comes to you wanting a treat, play, or a walk, say, “Sit up,” and reward the dog with what he or she is asking for. This puts you into the position of employer giving out paychecks to reward good behavior. If behavior is still a problem after you have followed these dog training tips, take your Great Dane to a veterinarian or professional trainer. Have a good time, and enjoy your majestic pet.

Five Tips For Successful Great Dane Training courtesy Dog Articles.

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Housebreaking A Puppy

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New puppies are fun and exciting, but they can also be challenging. One of the biggest concerns for a new dog owner is making sure to house-train their puppy. An un-housebroken dog can make a very unpleasant home situation, so getting your puppy started on training should be a priority early on.

One good thing to know is that dogs like to keep their homes clean just like we do. They must, however be able to do that, meaning that you need to be able to let your dog out several times a day to use the restroom. In the first couple of months with their mothers, puppies learn basic hygiene and should therefore already be inclined to go outside, away from their den, if they have the opportunity to.

Housetraining your puppy may very well turn out to be easier than you anticipate it will be. A dog that has easy and frequent access to the outdoors, either through regular walks or a flap doggy dog, is much less likely to have an accident than if he were inside all day. Take your puppy outside every three to four hours and reward good behaviors with praise and he will soon be house trained. While this amount of freedom for your dog is ideal, it may not be practical due to daily schedules.

House breaking gets tough in situations where your puppy has to remain inside for long periods of time. While a dog will naturally not go where he sleeps, you have to teach your puppy the difference between your home, an inappropriate area to go and outdoors, an appropriate area to potty.

This process may be frustrating but investing time and patience into it will make it successful. Accidents will happen, but getting angry or upset about them will only hinder the process. Your puppy doesn’t understand this training situation the way you do and any negative energy directed at them during this time will only make them less likely to housebreak quickly.

A better idea than getting frustrated would be to keep an eye on your puppy and learn the signs of when he needs to go to the restroom. When he is indicating that he needs to go, take him outside and then praise him when he does his business. After he’s done his business, the area will be marked with the scent of his urine and he will be more likely to go back to this spot do his business again. Remember it is a puppy so be patient.

Housebreaking A Puppy courtesy of Dog Articles.

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Beloved Companion and Therapy Dogs

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By far the most common use of today’s Labrador is as a home companion, a role at which he excels. Surprisingly, the Labrador Retriever was rarely kept strictly as a house pet until several decades after the breed’s introduction to the United States. The initial fanciers of the breed became acquainted with him through knowledge of the shooting game. When the breed was well established as a sporting companion, his docile, brainy nature won his way out of the kennel and into the home.

The Labrador Retriever’s ability to quickly adapt and respond to instruction made the transition quite easy. Today, puppies raised in the home actually become so entwined in the lives of their owners that they often suffer when relegated to the kennel life. (If you are planning to keep a kennel of Labradors, select puppies that are properly socialized but still familiar with kennel life.)

As a companion, the Labrador Retriever is good-natured and gentle enough to accept the roughhousing of youngsters without returning it. If properly socialized while young, a Labrador will share his “home with another dog, providing there is enough affection for all. It is more common for a Labrador to misbehave out of jealousy than out of dislike for another animal.

Labrador Retrievers are long on self-control and loyalty, but they do not make the most avid watchdogs. As a rule, they are not overly suspicious of strangers or highly protective of loved ones, and when natural instincts are not stimulated they can be inattentive to such a task. Always keen for a scent or sound, a Labrador Retriever would certainly give voice at the approach of an intruder, but he might be won over by a friendly gesture or a luscious piece of sirloin. If left on duty, a Labrador Retriever may wander off in search of a scent that has caught his attention. In short, he is a people-dog. If you really need a watchdog, get your Labrador a German Shepherd friend!

The value of companionship with this breed should not be underestimated. In recent years, obedience-trained Labradors as well as other breeds are being used as Therapy Dogs to enrich the lives of nursing home residents and even emotionally disturbed children. The process is simple: a group of experienced dog handlers, such as those trained by Therapy Dogs International, bring their dogs to visit, perhaps put on an obedience performance for the audience, and then let animals and humans mingle, if conditions permit. The dogs are all obedience trained and have proven themselves to be extremely gentle and outgoing. Their job is to make people feel wanted, and it works wonders for alleviating the loneliness and depression that often burden such lives. Labradors love people and the few hours Therapy Dogs share with others enrich both dog and man.

Beloved Companion and Therapy Dogs courtesy Dog Articles.

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Can You Catch A Disease From Your Dog?

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We all love our four legged friends, but is there a possibility we may catch something from them?

Most everyone is familiar with tales of rabid animals, dogs included. Animals that foam at the mouth, go insane and are more than willing to bite. Chances are, you’ve never met a rabid animal, but you’ve certainly heard of one.

If you’ve ever been bitten by a dog, you’ll know that one of the things they have to do is rabies testing on the animal to make sure there is no way you could contract the disease from the bite.

Obviously, if there’s this much concern, there is definitely the potential for you contracting an illness or disease because of your dog.

Rabies is what is called a Zoonotic Disease. Derived from the Greek word “zoon”, or animal, and “nosos”, or ill, zoonotic diseases are diseases that can be transmitted from a wild or domesticated animal to a human (or vice versa).

While these diseases are relatively rare, they are still something to be considered when approaching strange or stray dogs as well as when handling your own.

Even if your animal does not appear to be ill, he could easily have a parasite you aren’t aware of. For example, hookworms can be present in the feces and (consequently) the salvia of an otherwise healthy dog without your knowledge. If you or your child were to let your dog “kiss” them while he is infected with hookworm, it could very easily be spread to you or your child. This demonstrates the importance of worming your animal early on and making sure your animal has regular check ups.

Hookworms, rabies, salmonella, roundworms, fleas, lyme disease, tapeworms, giardia, ringworm and other bacterial, fungal and parasitic illnesses are zoonotic and can be caught from your animal.

The best solution here is preventative maintenance. For one, always be sure to take your animal to the vet for regular check ups and for his routine vaccinations. If your animal is not sick, there is no way you can catch a sickness from him.

Also, do not handle animal feces directly. Always wear gloves or use a doggy poop bag when handling your animal’s waste. Also, always be sure to pick up any animal waste in your home quickly if there is the potential for your child to come in contact with it.

Wash your hands frequently when handling any animal. At the very least, be sure that wash your hands in between handling an animal and eating or touching your mouth in other ways. Use caution around strange dogs. Even if they appear healthy and friendly, they way very well be carrying a parasitic or fungal infection which could be contagious to you.

While it seems like there is much to be wary about in terms of your animal (or other animals) infecting you, remember that the list of zoonotic diseases is very short in comparison to the number of diseases you can catch from another human. As long as you are sure to worm your animal, treat them with flea/tick treatment if necessary, take them to regular vet check ups and stay hygienic when handling animals, you have very little to worry about.

Can You Catch A Disease From Your Dog courtesy Dog Articles.

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Dog Crates: Indoor Dog Dens

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Many dog owners wonder what dog supplies are important to have for their little friends. While they know they need to provide food, shelter, and toys, there are often questions regarding the use of dog crates. The questions are usually related to house-training.

First we need to discuss how dog crates can compare to dog dens. In the wild dogs have dens as their homes. This could be a cave, an area under fallen a log, or even under an out building. These dens provide the dogs with a certain amount of shelter and protection. The dens make them feel safe.

Essentially, the dogs will use their dens as a place to sleep and relax. They strive to keep the area clean. In other words they do not urinate or defecate inside the den.

Dogs living in the home also look for a place to serve as a den. They may choose to use a spot behind or under a piece of furniture. But if a dog crate is provided they are very likely to accept that as the den – that is, if the dog crate is used correctly.

Dog crates should never be used as a place of punishment. Instead they should be the dog’s safe place – the place they go for comfort. Be sure that the crate is large enough to be comfortable for your pet. You can help create that feeling of reassurance by adding a soft blanket or other bedding material for your furry little friend. It’s also a good idea to keep a favorite toy in the crate.

The idea is to make the time in the crate enjoyable. This even includes when you are using a crate as a housebreaking aid. The reason crates are helpful in this training task is that you can keep your puppy (or dog) confined for a period of time without making a mess of the crate. Remember, the dog will accept the crate as his den and he wants to keep his den clean.

Keep in mind that puppies need to relieve themselves very often. You can expect the need immediately after waking up, after eating or drinking, after playing or other exercise, and sometimes in between. Of course you should not keep your puppy in the crate all the time. The crate should be used when you are not available to watch over your puppy.

However, it is best to allow the puppy to be in a confined area with you whenever possible. If you must be gone for long periods of time you may want to invest in a dog play pen. These pens offer a larger area but still provide a safe and confined place for the puppy to stay while you are gone.

Dog Crates: Indoor Dog Dens courtesy Dog Articles.

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5 Things To Consider When Buying A Puppy

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Having a puppy is something many children dream about.  They hear their friends at school talking about their dogs and the jealousy sets in.  You might desperately want one yourself.  The good news is that buying a puppy can be a great addition to your household and teach your kids great responsibility.  Even so, there are some things you need to think about before making the final leap.

1. The first thing to consider is that puppies take a lot of time and attention.  It can almost seem like you have to care for a newborn baby because the attention they need is constant.  It will get easier as they become older, but even full-grown dogs need pampering.  Many dogs and puppies are also very playful and need some form of entertainment or they’re likely to get into trouble.

2. Puppies also need to be trained in different areas as they get older.  There are probably training classes in your area that increase in difficulty as your dog gets older.  It is a good idea to send your children to the classes too so they know exactly how to interact with their pet.

3. Keep in mind that your puppy will cost a lot of money.  Even if you try to calculate all the costs there will be some that are completely unexpected.  Some of the many are food, toys, vaccinations, registrations, and dog training.  If poor little pup gets hurt you’ll also find yourself with a large vet bill.  Expect to pay for your dog what you would pay for a member of your “human” family because the costs can really add up.

4. Your puppy will get a lot larger depending on the breed.  While that is a fairly obvious statement it does need to be said.  If you have small children it can be intimidating to have such a large animal around.  The best way to avoid any problems is to do your research before your purchase to make sure you’re getting a dog that is just right.

5. Another consideration is that your dog will need considerable exercise.  If you enjoy exercising yourself this will be a no-brainer for you.  On the other hand, if you are worn out at the end of a long day it can be a lot of trouble to take your dog for a walk.  Many dogs also like to play with their toys and be active in general.  There are breeds that are less enthusiastic so choose one of those if you prefer to be sedentary.

You will also need room for your dog to play and sleep.  If you have plans to get a large dog you should make sure that you have a large area.  Of course, there are also dogs that will always be so small they can fit into a purse.  Make your decision based on the space you have.

Despite all of the things you need to think about it can be incredibly rewarding to be a dog owner.  This is especially true if it’s the first time you’re going to buy a puppy.  It is an experience like nothing else and they are oh-so-cute!  If you decide to make the purchase, it will be a neat adventure for your whole family.

5 Things To Consider When Buying A Puppy courtesy of Dog Articles.

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5 Tips For Spotting A Disreputable Dog Breeder

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New dog owners should always make sure that their purebred pup comes from a reputable and responsible breeder. This is really is the only way to ensure that the animal will be free of any medical or behavioral problems. If a breeder you speak with displays any of the following 5 behaviors, he or she probably isn’t breeding healthy puppies in accordance with standards that have been set for the breed.

1. The breeder is willing to sell you any puppy you want, no questions asked.

All reputable dog breeders care about what happens to each and every puppy they breed, even after it leaves their care. Indeed, a good breeder will ask you many, many questions about your lifestyle, experience with the breed, house and property size, show or breeding experience, and any other aspect of your life that may affect the puppy’s future. If your answers to these questions are not satisfactory, then the breeder probably won’t sell the puppy to you. A good breeder will also require that you sign a contract in which you agree to: have the puppy fixed if you’re not going to breed it; notify the breeder if the dog develops any diseases or medical conditions; notify the breeder first if you are no longer able to care for your dog; and, do anything else the breeder feels is important for the health and well-being of the puppy and the breed. If your breeder doesn’t seem to care about the puppy’s future and only seems interested in payment, go to another breeder.

2. The breeder seems reluctant to answer questions about the puppy’s pedigree.

A reputable breeder knows all about the pedigrees of the puppies he or she sells. He or she knows who the parents were and can provide you with each puppy’s lineage, going back several generations. You will also want to register your purebred puppy with the American Kennel Club (AKC). The breeder is supposed to supply you with an AKC registration application with his or her portion already filled out. After you fill out and submit your part of the application, you’ll receive an AKC registration certificate. If the breeder you are dealing with cannot provide you with any documentation or registration papers for either the litter or the parents, be extremely wary.

3. The breeder does not seem too concerned with the health of his or her animals.

Any potential buyer of a purebred puppy should be able to see the facility in which the animal was bred. Do the puppies and other dogs there look healthy? If not, then the breeder may not be maintaining an appropriate standard of care. This could definitely affect the current and future health of the puppy in which you’re interested. The breeder should also have a record of the puppy’s health care, from birth to the present, and should be happy to provide you with copies. He or she should also guarantee that the puppy is free from any genetic disorders.

4. The breeder will not allow you to see the breeding facility.

Any reputable breeder will be happy to give you a tour of their facility. If the breeder you’ve chosen is not willing to let you see where your potential puppy comes from, the breeder may be running a puppy mill. Puppy mills are facilities that breed puppies only for profit, not for the benefit or love of the breed. Often, multiple dogs are crammed into one cage, the living conditions are filthy and the dogs there do not receive the proper nutrition or medical care. If the puppy you want comes from such a facility, it will most likely have serious medical and behavioral issues related to its stay there.

5. The breeder engages in questionable business practices.

If the asking price for your purebred puppy is significantly lower than other prices you’ve seen advertised for the same breed, there may be something wrong with the dog. Perhaps it comes from a puppy mill or has some serious medical issues. If the breeder also sells to pet stores, you can be pretty sure that he or she is operating a puppy mill. Reputable breeders usually concentrate on one or two breeds. If the breeder advertises that he or she has many different breeds for sale, then this is another indication that he or she may be breeding animals indiscriminately, without much concern for set breed standards.

5 Tips For Spotting A Disreputable Dog Breeder courtesy Dog Articles.

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Do Greyhounds Make Good Pets?

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Greyhounds are devoted, brave, sensitive, intelligent, and often fairly laid-back dogs. They are great for young families with children, and are very obedient. This breed is mostly known for their speed and agility which makes them exceptional racing dogs. Other talents they possess include being good watchdogs, sighting and hunting, so Greyhounds do make a good choice of pet.

They have a lovely even temperament in both show and racing lines but are often undervalued due to their character, as at times they can be rather bashful towards strangers and sometimes their owner. Often they are very sensitive to the tone of voice being used, they have been known to be unresponsive to communication if they sense they are stronger minded, and do not react well negative punishment. Greyhounds are tall with a long slender build with flexible spines. Their long graceful necks and small folded back ears are a part of their distinct profile. They also have impeccable straight front legs with contoured muscular hind legs.

This breed can run at remarkable speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. Male and  vary some what in height and weight. While a male might be up to 30 inches and weigh up to 70 pounds their female counterparts are only up to 28 inches in height and can weigh up to 65 pounds. Their smooth coat is short and their colors vary from brindle, black, white, fawn, gray, fallow and blue or a combination of these colors with a white coat. Due to their short coats they are simple to maintain as long as they combed weekly. They don’t need to be shampooed regularly only when necessary as they are fairly clean dogs, good for people who normally have allergies as these dogs don’t produce the dander that other breeds do as they have more oil in their skin making them almost shed –free and odorless. These dogs don’t mind urban living environments but still need regular moderate exercises on a daily basis.

They are indoor dogs but also enjoy the freedom of outside play. Their dietary requirements aren’t strict but it may be best to feed them two to three small portions each day instead of the one main meal. Greyhounds may be susceptible to bloating and have been known to be quite sensitive to insecticides and some medications. Some are allergic to anesthetics. Their skin is fairly sensitive so you may need to be mindful of this as it can tear easily. Check with your veterinarian first, before using certain products on your dog, as some flea treatments may be harmful to your pet. Like few breeds, Greyhounds aren’t prone to hip dysplasia and can normally live up to 10-12 years of age. Many retire from their racing prime from 18 months to 4 years old and generally adopted to good homes. These former racing dogs make great pets and have been crate trained, so house-training should come easily. The cost of these dogs will vary accordingly to their bloodlines, racing or show statistics.

Do Greyhounds Make Good Pets courtesy of Dog Articles.

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Why You Should Rescue Dogs

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It is an amazing fact but Benji in the movie “Benji: Off the Leash” was actually an adopted dog.  He came from the Humane Society of South Miss.  Benji came to be at that humane society when he was found wandering around the streets.

Of course, most dogs won’t have such good fortune to be movie stars, but they will certainly be glad to be rescued.  And the person who rescues them can rest easy that they’ve done the right thing.  It’s not hard to find a dog to rescue either; there are thousands of animal shelters all over the United States.

Some people think that rescue dogs are unhealthy and unclean, or that there must have been a good reason for the previous owner to give them up.  While this is true in some cases, it is more often that it was the owner’s fault and not the dog’s.

If you’re on the fence about buying a dog from a shelter there are three good reasons you should consider getting one.

1. There are shelters all over that are filled to the brim with these great pets.  When you adopt a dog you will be freeing up room for the shelter to save another dog.

2. You will be saving a lot of money.  It can cost a lot to buy your dog from a pet store.  When you buy from a shelter you will only spend in the neighborhood of $45 to $160.  If you choose to buy from a breeder you could end up paying in the thousands for the same kind of dog.

3. You are saving a dog’s life when you rescue a dog.  There are no two ways about it.  When these shelters get overcrowded they have no choice but to put some dogs to sleep.  When you buy a shelter dog you will literally be saving its life.

Of course, not everything is always so rosy.  There are some negatives to buying a dog from a shelter as well.  Many of these concerns are physical and behavioral reasons.

1. The dog you rescue might be physically disabled in some way.  Even if you don’t notice these problems at first they might show up stronger down the road.  One example is Hip Dysplaisa.  This is kind of like dog arthritis and can impair your dog severely.

2. If your dog is hurt in some way the pain can cause them to act out in ways they would not normally.  If you have small children this can be a bad situation for everyone involved.

3. Behavioral issues are also a problem because you never know what kind of life the dog had before it was in the shelter.  If the dog was malnourished or abused in its previous home you might run into a lot of problems and odd behaviors.

4. It can be hard to train a dog that you find in a shelter.  These dogs might be set in their ways and not willing to learn.  House training is a must and it can be very difficult with a dog that is wary of training.

It’s best not to get discouraged despite all of these seemingly negative problems.  There are ways for you to overcome physical and behavioral problems with your dog.  Try going to your local Humane Society or ASPCA.  There are also specific breed animal rescues that are likely to be in your area.  Rescuing a dog means getting a brand new member of the family.

Why You Should Rescue Dogs courtesy of Dog Articles.

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How to Identify Canine Health Problems

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It’s a truism that our dogs can’t talk to us.  They can’t tell us how they feel or if there is something ailing them. In fact, most dogs tend to hide ailments.  Your dog may have an injury or be in pain and you might not know it for several days unless you are paying close attention to any departure from his normal behavior.

You can learn to tell if your dog has a health problem by doing the following:

1.  Pay attention to your dog’s daily routine.  Did he finish his food?  Did he follow his usual bathroom habits?  Is he drinking his normal amount of water?  More?  Less?  All of these things can tell you important information about your dog’s health.  They are often first indicators that something may be wrong with your dog.

2.  How is your dog’s overall condition?  Has he lost weight?  Gained weight?  Is his coat shiny or is it looking bad?  Again, these are important indicators that your dog may be experiencing a change in his health.  Watch them closely.  It can be easy to miss your dog gaining or losing weight since it may happen gradually, but if your dog begins losing hair or having other skin problems, these are usually very noticeable and they can be an indication of thyroid problems, allergies or other conditions.

3.  How is your dog’s energy level?  Is he as active as he usually is or does he lie around more?  Is he lethargic?  Is he hyperactive?  A change in your dog’s energy level can indicate a change for the worse in his health.  Lethargy could be an indication of anything from hypothyroidism to heart failure.

4.  Is your dog sensitive about his ears?  Ear problems are very common with dogs, especially long-eared breeds and breeds with long hair.  Ear problems can take the form of yeast and bacterial infections.  If left untreated they can even lead to hearing lost or require surgery.

These are some of the things that are easily observable.  You can also check your dog’s gums to see if they are healthy and pink.  If they are too pale that could be an indication that your dog is not processing oxygen as well as he should — perhaps a sign of hemolytic anemia or a cardiovascular problem.

If your dog is limping for more than a few hours you may need to take him to the vet to see what the problem is.  Dogs can twist or sprain a limb the same way people can, but if your dog limps for more than just a short period of time he could have a bony growth or be feeling some form of arthritis.  Your vet would need to make the diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment.

With dogs, as with humans, there are so many possible health conditions that it’s hard to say what might be wrong with your dog just by looking at him.  However, you can usually tell by looking at a dog if something is wrong, even if you don’t know exactly what it is.

You know your dog better than anyone.  If you sense that something is “off” or just not right with your dog you should trust your instincts and take your dog to the vet.  Better safe than sorry where the health of your dog is concerned.

How to Identify Canine Health Problems courtesy of Dog Articles.

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