Archive for the ‘Dog Training Information’ Category
Common Dog Behavior Problems – #7: Chasing
A dog’s desire to chase moving things is simply a display of predatory instinct. Many dogs will chase other animals, people and cars. All of these can lead to dangerous and devastating outcomes! While you may not be able to stop your dog from trying to chase, you can take steps to prevent disaster.
- Keep your dog on a leash at all times (unless directly supervised indoors).
- Train your dog to come when called
- Have a dog whistle or noisemaker on hand to get your dog’s attention.
- Use a remote dog training collar
- Stay aware and watch for potential triggers, like joggers.
Your best chance at success is to keep the chase from getting out of control. Dedicated training over the course of your dog’s life will teach him to focus his attention on you first – before running off.
Common Dog Behavior Problems – #6: Begging
Begging is a bad habit, but many dog owners unfortunately encourage it. This can lead to digestive problems and obesity. Dogs beg because they love food – but table scraps are not treats, and food is not love! Yes, it is hard to resist that longing look, but giving in “just this once” creates a problem in the long run. In a pack setting, a subordinate would never beg from alpha dogs without reprimand. When you teach your dog that begging is permitted, you jeopardize your role as pack leader. Before you sit down to eat, tell your dog to stay, preferably where he will not be able to stare at you. If necessary, confine him to another room. If he behaves, give him a special treat only after you and your family are completely finished eating. If this does not work, try using a remote dog training collar.
Common Dog Behavior Problems – #5: Inappropriate Elimination
Inappropriate urination and defecation are among the most frustrating dog behaviors. They can damage areas of your home and make your dog unwelcome in public places or at the homes of others. It is most important that you discuss this behavior with your veterinarian first to rule out health problems. Next, determine the reason for the behavior, which can come down to one of the following:
- Submissive/Excitement Urination
- Territorial Marking
- Anxiety
- Attention-seeking
- Lack of proper housebreaking
Inappropriate elimination is unavoidable in puppies, especially before 12 weeks of age. Older dogs are another story – many require serious behavior modification to rid them of the habit because you must often alter their perception of themselves. The use of a remote dog training collar might be very useful with this problem.
Common Dog Behavior Problems – #4: Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is one of the most commonly discussed dog behavior problems. Manifestations include vocalization, chewing, inappropriate urination and defecation, and other forms of destruction that occur when a dog is separated from his owner. Not all of these actions are the result of separation anxiety. Signs of true separation anxiety include:
- Dog becomes anxious when owner prepares to leave
- Misbehavior occurs in the first 15-45 minutes after owner leaves
- Dog wants to follow owner around constantly
- Dog tries to be touching owner whenever possible
True separation anxiety requires dedicated training, behavior modification and desensitization exercises. Medication may be recommended in extreme cases, but this should be a last resort Obviously, a remote dog training collar would not be recommended for this problem.
Common Dog Behavior Problems -#3: Digging
If given the chance, most dogs will do some amount of digging – it’s a matter of instinct. Certain breeds, like Terriers, are more prone to digging because of their hunting histories. In general, most dogs dig for these reasons:
- Boredom or Excess Energy
- Anxiety or Fear
- Hunting Instinct
- Comfort-Seeking (such as nesting or cooling off)
- Hiding Possessions (like bones or toys)
- To Escape or Gain Access
If your dog digs up your yard, it can get pretty frustrating for you. Try and determine the cause of the digging, then work to eliminate that source. Spend more time with your dog, give him moreexercise, and work on extra training. A remote dog training collar could be a solution if you see your dog digging. If digging is inevitable, set aside an area where your dog can learn it is “okay” to dig, like a sand box.
Common Dog Behavior Problems – #2: Chewing
Chewing is a natural action for all dogs – it’s just a part of the way they are wired. However, chewing can quickly become a behavior problem if your dog causes destruction. The most common reasons dogs to chew are as follows:
- Puppy Teething
- Boredom / Excess Energy
- Anxiety
- Curiosity (especially puppies)
Encourage your dog to chew on the right things by providing plenty of chew toys. Keep personal items away from your dog. When you are not home, keep your dog crated or confined to an area where less destruction can be caused. If you catch your dog chewing the wrong thing, quickly correct him with a sharp noise, or a remote dog training collar. Then, replace the item with a chew toy. One of the most important things you can do: make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise!
What is the Right Breed for You?
Just like every dog breed is different, every household is too. The individual needs of your family play a large part in choosing the right dog. Whether you have children, allergies or just want to know more about making the decision, you can find it here.
- Most Popular Dog Breeds
- Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
- The Best Dogs for Kids
- The Joy of Mutts
- Choosing the Right Dog
Once you have chosen the ideal dog for you and your family, you might need some training assistance. Visit us at http://smartdogcollars.com.
Letter from Dog Lovers to Their Dogs
Sent to me in an emai!
Dear Dogs: The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn’t help because I fall faster than you can run.
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.
For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, bark, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years -canine attendance is not required.
Finally, in fairness, dear dogs I have posted the following message on the front door:
TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:
(1) They live here. You don’t.
(2) If you don’t want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That’s why they call it ‘fur’-niture.
(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don’t speak clearly.
Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
(1) eat less,
(2) don’t ask for money all the time,
(3) are easier to train,
(4) normally come when called,
(5) never ask to drive the car,
(6) don’t smoke or drink,
(7) don’t want to wear your clothes,
(8) don’t have to buy the latest fashions,
(9) don’t need a gazillion dollars for college and
(10) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children …
SportDog Field Trainer Shock Collar
The SportDOG Field Trainer Shock Collar is an incredibly versatile dog training collar and a good choice for all-around use. This Dog Training Collar is the first of its kind bringing features from the higher end of the remote collar price range. The SportDOG Field Trainer Shock Collar is an effective and affordable trainer with a 400 yard range featuring a 2.8 oz receiver collar ideal for any dog over 30 pounds or sporting and hunting breeds. Plus it’s rechargeable!
The SportDOG Field Trainer is ideal for training in the yard, field, or for hunting with close-working dogs. Both the transmitter and receiver are waterproof and submersible. The low continuous stimulation levels and gradual increases between levels are particularly useful with sensitive dogs or breeds. You can customize your SportDOG Field Trainer Shock Collar to match your training preference. It comes set up in MODE-1 (an 8-level continuous plus 8-level momentary stimulation one dog collar with a non-stimulation tone button), but it can easily be changed into 7 different modes with different button configurations. This allows you to customize your transmitter to your training needs.