How to Make a Long-lasting Bed for Dogs

Posted on February 22, 2012 by

Dogs can be quite rough sometimes. They have a tendency to rip through fabric by biting, gnawing, or chewing their beds. Sometimes they can chew past the seams and fabrics, leaving ugly gaping holes which are a pain to fix. How can you spare yourself all these troubles? It’s time to look for an alternative way: an indestructible bed that can withstand your dog’s aggressive tearing habits. If you’re still not convinced that you need a special, indestructible bed, consider some of the following reasons.

Long lasting Bed for Dogs How to Make a Long lasting Bed for Dogs

There are some pets that are rough as well as big. While these dogs aren’t messing around when they sleep, the constant wear and tear can go a long way. Sometimes, the paws and bodies of these dogs can cause a couple of striations in the material of the bed. Soon, the filling will start to come out, and then the bed will be completely ruined. Thus, you will have to buy a new one every time. Rougher and larger animals are more likely to ruin their beds than smaller pets.

Dogs can also get into the bad habit of chewing, gnawing, and biting, especially with regards to their beds. You can try to train your pet to not do that, but that will depend on your ability as a pet owner. Another way to ensure that they aren’t ruining their beds is to buy an indestructible dog bed. If you know for sure that you can’t train your dog to stop chewing on their beds, then just go out and buy one to save yourself the extra trouble. This will save you lots of money in the long run since you won’t have to continuously go out to get more replacements.

Occasionally, though, you have to upgrade your pet gear. Whenever this happens, it can last more than a couple of years. If you’re going to buy another bed, why not just get one that will last you as long as it should? The indestructible beds usually have great warranty so the manufacturers will make sure that you are enabled to obtain a cushion that will last for a long time. And if that cushion happens to break, which is very unlikely, then you can just get another one. Buying an indestructible bed is the best thing that you can do for your dog. You should probably consider going out to a pet store to buy this sort of bed, or you can browse online stores.

These are simply some of the easy and quick reasons for getting a new indestructible bed that will last you for a while. Whenever you’re out shopping for your canine pal, you should consider getting it an indestructible bed. It’s hard for your dog to break out of its habits if it starts to chew or bite or nibble on the bed. There is quite a large variety and a lot of quality selections. If you take the time to think about all the other possibilities, you will come to realize that indestructible beds are indeed truly one of the best things out there for your best friend.

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Dogs are more prone to Loud Noises

Posted on February 21, 2012 by

Dogs are just like people. We are all afraid of something, whether they are little or small, quiet or loud. Dog, though, are particularly afraid of loud noises like thunder and fireworks. They’re sometimes afraid of the dark as well. Dogs also develop other forms of fear if they come from a certain bad place where they were abused or neglected or suffered other types of cruelty.

Dogs are Afraid of Loud Noises Dogs are more prone to Loud Noises

Old dogs, in particular, have a hard time overcoming their fear. You can, though, try to mollify your pet and show them the love that they deserve so that they can become functional members of the household. Pets can show fear in a variety of ways. They may cower or have trouble controlling their urination. They may also hide in small spaces or lower their tails and start whimpering. Never scold your dog when it is in this terrified state. You should always approach your pet with concern and unconditional love.

If a dog is afraid of a certain loud noise, then the dog will usually flee in the first instance. The dog can become highly disoriented and confused. Such can happen whenever there are lots of people in a house while partying or doing other loud activities. If they laugh too much, then that could trigger fear in the dog. It’s important that you reassure your dog so that it can overcome its fear. Remember, there is nothing too big or small that you can’t handle.

Some hunting dogs may dislike loud noises if they’re shy around guns. One way to condition the dog to get used to the noise would be to tie it to a post and fire a gun repeatedly until the dog no longer reacts negatively towards the loud noise. Although this is quite an old practice and considered slightly cruel, it was highly effective with treating the dog’s fear of loud gun noises. Another possibility is to simply get another dog to be your hunting companion.

Some animal psychologists suggest that owners should create a loving environment and to speak to the dog in soft, gentle tones so the dog does not become afraid. You should give copious amounts of praises to your dog so that it calms them down. Praises are one of the more effective ways in getting your dog to listen to you. As long as you are attentive to your dog’s wants and needs, then your pet should respond similarly.

Whenever there are loud noises like thunderstorms, you should probably try to keep your pet inside so that you can prevent your dog from being too scared or running away. Dogs may develop a sense of mistrust if they are afraid, so you have to gain back their trusts again.

Be sure to give your dog lots of praises like compliments and food. Reward your dog for making a step in the positive direction. Always approach your pet gently and speak in soft, loving tones. Whenever you’re introducing other people in the house, be sure to let your dog become aware of their presence.

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Can Old Dogs Learn New Tricks?

Posted on February 11, 2012 by

January 5th, 2012 by Minette

I LOVE old Dogs!

Lately I have gotten a lot of questions as to when a dog is too old to learn something new; the answer NEVER!

Not only is your old dog capable of learning, it is crucial for his mind and body to continue to learn.

As our dogs get old, we fall into a rut. We begin to exercise them less because they can’t keep up and their bodies are arthritic and creaky. Instead of getting up early and getting ready for a walk, our dogs are happy sleeping in and wandering about the house.

Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Lore Haug says “A lot of old dogs get what I call, “shrinking world” syndrome. Their owners get into a rut with them; they start walking the dog less, they don’t train the dog or teach him tricks. The dog doesn’t get as much stimulation and enrichment-maybe they stop taking the dog to the dog park-and there is a significant decline in mental and physical challenges.

Sometimes I think our old dogs get depressed and senile simply because we are not providing them with enough stimulation.

My oldest dog is almost 12, has meningitis and has seemed to age several years in the past 6 months.

In August we went on our last big hike together. We hiked 2 miles up a mountain with an elevation of 4524 and almost 3 miles straight up when his little body just

Swimming is Great for Joints

gave out. For many months I had started hiking slower and slower with him, but this time he just couldn’t finish.

He stopped on the hiking trail, laid down lateral (on his side) and refused to get up. I knew he wasn’t in distress, just old and tired and unable to continue so I sat with him as my husband and my other two dogs finished their hike. We sat together for over an hour. I knew if I had petered out he would have sat with me!

But, it was devastating for me, because I knew our days of big, long hikes were over. I shed some tears with him that day as I rubbed his feet and we reminisced over old times. In his younger years, he could clear a six foot fence with no problem!

It is my job now, to keep him stimulated! He may not be able to hike straight up a mountain, but I can still teach him new tricks (yes he can still learn at 12) and I can spruce up some of his old tricks!

Whether you have a puppy or a geriatric dog, it is important to keep them stimulated. Dogs, like people, need to use their brains in order to keep sharp.

Like puppies, an older dog may have a shorter attention span and take a little longer to learn a new command, but it is never too late for your dog to learn.

Last I heard, some of the agility organizations were going to lower the jumps for senior dogs so that they could continue to compete and do what they love without jarring their joint!

Senior dogs need to learn and get involved in mental stimulation!

Imagine an 80 year old person who never gets out, reads, or really has anything to do but sit or sleep all day. Humans that are the most active physically and mentally age the best. Dogs that are physically and mentally stimulated also age with dignity and grace.

Nose Games are Great Fun!

How You Can Help!

Remember no dog is ever too old to learn! If your dog’s learning seems a little slower, understand that his attention span may be a little slower. Get a book on teaching your dog tricks and get started!
Swimming is one of the best exercises for aging bodies and joints. If your dog likes to swim, frequent the water and let your dog get some exercise.
Even if your dog can’t walk very far; take him for a daily walk to stimulate his mind and keep his muscles stimulated. Muscles atrophy if not used regularly, so help your dog stay as strong as possible for as long as possible.
Use mentally stimulating toys. I love putting my senior dog’s food in a Buster Cube and let him wiggle and wobble the toy around to get his food out at night. This “play” is a lot more stimulating than eating from a sterile bowl.
Old dogs also like to utilize their noses with games. Senior dogs often lose some hearing, and their keen sight, but their noses are often still quite capable of finding hidden toys and treats. So I play lots of nose games to keep them busy during the day read my articles about scent discrimination and more nose games by clicking on the word links.

It doesn’t matter how old your dog is 4 months, 1 year, 3 years, 8 years, or 15 years old he still needs exercise and mental stimulation! The older he gets the better he gets (like a fine wine) and the more he needs your love and compassion to help him (his body and his mind) age gracefully!

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The Foolproof Way of Stopping the Neighbor’s Dogs from Barking

Posted on February 7, 2012 by

Even if, the new neighbor’s pet dog is cute, it can be quite disturbing, especially if it keeps on barking the whole day and night. The excellent news is that there is a foolproof way in which to make your neighbor’s stop barking. All you need to do is use an anti barking device.

Neighbor%E2%80%99s Dogs from Barking The Foolproof Way of Stopping the Neighbor’s Dogs from Barking

Dogs bark for various reasons, which include to seek attention, loneliness, unhappiness and to warn of danger among others. Depending on the cause of the barking, there are various methods that can be used to deal with the problem. An anti barking device has been found to be the most effective method solution to excessive barking of dogs. This device emits ultra sound frequencies, which train the dog to stop barking. The best thing about this devise is that since the frequencies it produces can only be heard by dogs; it does not disturb other neighbors. It is, therefore, a highly discreet method of training dogs not to bark.

In most cases, ultra sound can be heard by animals, because they possess an upper hearing frequency limit, which is greater than that of humans. Animals that have this capacity include dogs, bats, cats and mice among others. The frequencies produced by the anti barking device are meant to irritate the dog and stop it from barking. These frequencies are only sent after the device has detected the dog barking. It is essential to note that these frequencies cannot prevent the dog from barking in case of danger, since they are only meant to irritate it. In addition, the device cannot also harm the hearing of the dog.

Another good aspect to note about the device is that it can be used on several dogs at the same time. When the device has been applied to the dog for a certain period, it will associate its barking with the frequency and will try to bark as less as possible.

The devices are manufactured in various types, the commonest of which include automated ones and manual ones. The automated devices offer convenience as soon as they are switched on. This is because; the devices automatically detect barking and emit ultra sound. The fact that the machine is automated saves you a lot of time, which you would have used to switch it on.

Anti barking devices are used by many dog trainers and home owners. They are small in size, thus making them easy to conceal from your neighbors. With the devices, you do not need to ask the permission of your neighbor. It is, therefore, noted that, with these devices, you can enjoy a decent night’s sleep, without having to worry about your neighbor’s dog barking.

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Finding Your Dog’s Motivator

Posted on January 27, 2012 by

December 22nd, 2011 by Minette

All Dogs are Motivated by Food

This is another one of those back to basics posts, but it is really crucial to understand!

In order to use positive reinforcement, you have to find your dog’s motivator or motivators.

You must motivate your dog to listen to you.

If you can’t motivate you are, sadly, left with force and coercion.

Motivation is a term that refers to a process that elicits, controls and sustains certain behaviors. For instance, if you have not eaten and you are hungry; food may be a motivator.

Coercion is the practice of forcing someone or something to behave in a certain manner by the use of threats or some other form of pressure or force.

Typically in dog training these are the types of training we utilize. You can motivate your dog to listen by building a relationship and finding his motivators or you can use your physicality and force your dog to comply.

I personally like motivating my dog. Someday, I may be unable due to illness or injury to force my dog to comply and what would happen then if our relationship was based on force? Even if I am physically able, I just don’t like force or compulsion. I think that we “thinking” animals should use our minds to control our animals not our physical force.

You need to find your dog’s motivators if you expect to use your mind (and not your body) to control him!

What motivates YOU? Money? Foods like chocolate, cookies, coffee? Video games? Books? TV? Exercise or Games? Shoes? What do you reward yourself with?

What if your work decided it would no longer pay you; from now on they would force you to come to work and stay all day working for free? I am assuming you would be miserable at the very least, not to mention angry and defiant!

Many people respond to my articles by saying their dog doesn’t like toys, treats or food, but you HAVE to find SOMETHING unless you expect to use force!

Just like you need to get to know the child, or the person to find out what motivates them and what to take away should they make a mistake you also need to find out what motivates YOUR particular dog.

Some Common Motivators

Food
Treats
Toys
Praise
Affection
Games

Food

All dogs are motivated by food at some point. Food is an essential element of life; it is something that is needed by everything that is living. So at some point food is a motivator. If you have a fat dog that is totally satiated and not hungry, then food possibly isn’t as much of a motivator as food is for a hungry dog.

So if you have a dog that is difficult to motivate with food, then meal feed your dog cut out all the treats and extras that you give him for no reason and my guess is he will be hungry before its time for breakfast or dinner.

When I have a dog that isn’t particularly food motivated I both use his food for training and make him work for his dinner, or I use really great treats and train before breakfast or dinner! If your dog is still not hungry, wait until he is!

Treats

Liverwurst

Usually there is some kind of treat that will motivate a hard to treat dog; you just have to find it!

I am not motivated by chocolate (unlike many people) for me, it’s all about Mountain Dew or Cheetos if you know me you would know that. Get to know your dog and find different types of treats that he likes!

When I use to run agility classes I would make liver treats (first I boil them, then I bake them or dehydrate them until crispy) and the dogs would go NUTS for them. Even the nervous dog or finicky dog liked my homemade liver treats!

Liverwurst (make sure there is no nutmeg) was another favorite that could get most dogs moving!

Smaller treats make better motivators. If you are using large amounts, big dog cookies or half a hot dog, your dog will get full and uninterested in treats. But if you use pea sized or smaller treats your dog stays motivated. When I trained Service Dogs and had them out at a mall all day, I could make one piece of string cheese last the duration! Keep it small!

Do some cooking! Boil or dry some chicken breast and see if that is a good treat! As of lately for safety and in fear of recalls, I have been making my own dog treats.

But think about it…would you want to work for a stale biscuit or processed dog treat OR would you rather have 100% pure chicken, beef, or liver?

If you are using these things for his food or treats already, then no wonder they are not working to motivate him!

So Many Toys to Choose From!

Toys

My dogs are certainly toy motivated, but that is because I play with them, with their toys! The first time I ever threw a ball for Fury, my little girl, she looked at me like I was CRAZY. Even if she wanted to chase it she didn’t know what to do with it!

Tossing a toy, or a ball might not cut it! You may have to actually TEACH your dog to play! You will actually have to get involved and play with him also! Get animated, run with him, keep the toy away from him (this builds his desire for it) and teach him that playing with you is where it is at!

YOU in to be fun and exciting for your dog! If you do this right YOU become is motivator!

If it’s not working, try harder or try another toy. A ball might not be exciting for one dog but a squeaky toy might be incredibly fun!

Most dogs will play if you are fun enough to play with and you find what he likes to play with!

Praise

Praise is Crucial to Your Relationship

For most dogs, praise is not enough! There are very few dogs that simply want to please their owner so much that praise is enough of a motivator. We all wish we had this dog, but most dogs want to please themselves and must be taught that praise alone is enough to motivate them.

Usually if you pair praise with a treat or a game, the praise eventually becomes more rewarding and reinforcing and eventually enough that you can wean the treats and the games out of the equation.

Dogs should always be praised for a job well done, but rarely is it enough to get them to do something they don’t want, or keep them from doing something they want.

Affection

Again, affection is rarely enough to keep a dog from pulling on the leash or trying to do something he desires. When you pair it with praise and another motivator affection can become a very strong motivator.

I often pet, kiss and even hug my dogs when they do something I want. I want them eventually to learn to work for my praise and affection and I want to pair fun games, toys, treats with this affection. I also want to ask them to do something for me before I give affection.

Games

Games are my dogs’ favorite motivators. They like their treats, their food, their toys, praise and affection but they LIVE for the games I play with them.

Games have to involve YOU. And I am not talking about just tossing a toy mundanely every time your dog brings it. I am talking about running, biting, tugging, intermixed with obedience goofiness and fun!

I might ask my dog to do 3 things or more for me before I run with him and throw his toy. I tug it, I throw it, I make him release it on command, I praise him and pet him all while we are playing these games together, and sometimes I even add a few food treats to keep it even more interesting.

Making him work for his toys make these games more fun!

Remember when your kids took advantage or you and your stuff. They may have scratched your car, or flung their dirty shoes all over the house but when THEY WORK for their OWN car or home…things are different. Working for something gives you a sense of pride when you get it. I remember my first paycheck and how careful I was spending my own money.

Making your dog work for his games and his rewards makes it more rewarding.

Find your dog’s motivator!!! Don’t use excuses, set out and find something that works for you and your dog. If you are lucky and you are a really good trainer you can use all of these things and many more to motivate your dog to do what you want!

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New Year’s Resolution: To Become More Like My Dogs

Posted on January 20, 2012 by

January 2nd, 2012 by Minette

Happy New Year’s Resolution: To Become More Like My Dogs

Some Days I could Use More of This!

I really don’t like New Year’s Resolutions because, I think, once we make them we don’t usually adhere to them. A poll taken in 2007 showed that 78% of those who set New Year’s Resolutions fail.

This year I thought long and hard about it, who can resist a small New Year’s Resolution? I am pretty confident with whom I am and what I do, but I wondered what would make me a better person? And, I came to the conclusion I would be a better person if I was more like my dog(s). That’s right! I want to be more like my four legged family members and less like the two legged variety.

Let us review some of the traits I would like to better embody.

Innocence: Dogs are innocent, like small children. Even when they make mistakes, they are never made with spite in mind. I miss the innocence of childhood!
Vulnerability: Dogs are vulnerable; they need us and are happy to rely on us humans for their needs. We all need help sometimes, even though it is hard to admit.
Kindness: Our dogs are always kind no matter what mood we are in. How often are we short tempered?
Gracious: My dog never asks me for the new, better dog toy, he is happy with whatever I give him! We should be thankful for what we have!
Forgiving: It doesn’t matter if you just trimmed a nail a little too close or met your dog with a harsh word; he will always forgive you and meet you with a soft kiss and a happy tail wag. I definitely need to be more forgiving.
Happiness: No matter what is going on in your life, your dog is probably always happy! I, some days, wish I was as happy as my dog!

To be as Happy and Full of Energy and Play as These Guys!
Trusting: No matter what you do to him, he will always trust you. Wouldn’t it be nice to trust in the goodness most people, instead of opposite?
Humility: My dog never brags, even when he should! Humility is a great quality.
Teachable: He is always willing to learn, it never matters how late at night, or how early in the morning or if I change my mind, my dogs are always anxious to learn and do something new! They love change! I wish I was as anxious and happy to learn and change!

Go to a dog park or just sit and watch a group of dogs; watch how they play. They live in the present, not in the past or the future. They know nothing of money or bills, or being “cool”. Dogs lose themselves in the moment. They are happy to play with anyone and everyone, looks, abilities or disabilities matter not to your dog.

Play with your dog and watch his eyes light up in happiness as you lose yourself in games, joy and playfulness!

Dogs are curious about everyone and everything; they really do stop and smell the roses (and other things)

A dog sees meaning in everything and does not judge from past experience. Everyone and everything gets a clean slate!

happy 2 New Year’s Resolution: To Become More Like My Dogs

Join Me, and Find the Joy in Your Dog’s Life!

I want to take the opportunity to see the world with new eyes, to see the miracles and fascination that is around every corner.

I want to be kind to everyone and not judge on looks or the superficial garbage we humans see first.

I want to be trusting, happy, teachable and most of all forgiving.

How wonderful a world would we live in if we could forgive each other like our dogs forgive us for our trespasses?

I want to lose myself in play! I would like to go outside run around, jump, slide, climb, kick a ball and just find solace in good old fashioned playtime!

But most of all, I would like to be the person my dog thinks I am! Because if you were to ask him, or her, or him…they would tell you I am the best person on earth! And, for that adoration, I will try to do my best to become just a smidgeon more like them this year!

I know they will always welcome me with a warm heart, a warm nose and a comforting snuggle whenever and wherever I need it!

What is your dog’s best quality? What can you learn from your dog?

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Crate Training for Dogs and Puppies

Posted on January 4, 2012 by

Home » Dog Training

In order to train your puppy or dog not to urinate inside the house enclosing dog in a cage is the most successful idea. Crate training is found to give good results because it trained the dog in a natural way to train the dog and keep the hose clean.

training for dogs and puppies Crate Training for Dogs and Puppies

Main reason behind this crate training is to avoid the dogs to spoil the area as it is natural for the dog to urinate where it eats and sleeps. Keeping the dog in the crate enhances this trait of dog. When they observe that this crate is their home they will avoid spoiling the area.

In order to train the dog in a good way along with other form of dog trainings you have to establish an excellent routine. This routine will help the dog to do its tasks at the perfect place and avoid getting rid at the wrong place. You must encourage the dog when he urinates at the right established toilet area and try not to show anger when you dog makes a mistake in doing the task properly.

When no one is at the home it is worth to leave the puppy in a small puppy room. This room should have facilities like soft bed, fresh water and the toys which help the puppy from not getting bored and frustrated.

Crate training is however not limited to confining the dog to one room. In crate training the dog is kept in a crate when he is unattended. When the dog realizes this crate as his burrow he will not try to soil his den. While you are doing crate training as soon as you come back take the dog out of crate and take him to the established toilet area. After the dog eliminates himself in this area praise him a lot. It is significant to know that dogs relate the toilet procedures with things like traits and toys.

Yu should leave the dog to this crate for longer periods as he will be forced to urinate in his home as he will get confused. This crate is introduces as a part of the procedure and should not be used for longer periods. The training programme can take weeks and months if you keep the dog in this crate for longer periods of time.

When you are not at home you should keep the dog inside crate. After every 45 minutes you should take the dog outside so that he can do his business. There is no need for doing this in nighttime. When you take the dog out of crate he should be given a lead and should be taken outside. After you take him outside give him to five minutes to relieve. If the dog doesn’t relieve he should be taken immediately to the crate.

The dog should be praised, given good food, and love if he eliminates during the set time duration and he should be taken out for walk inside or outside home as reward. During the crate training you should keep a record of the details regarding when the dog eliminates him each day. The timing of toilet will be same if you are giving your dog a consistent feeding. If you have a good idea of when the dog needs to relieve himself it will help you a great deal while the dog is on house training. When the dog has learned to use toilet area perfectly afterwards you can allow your dog to move freely anywhere inside house and enjoy himself.

While dealing with the accidents during crate training you should not b angry frustrated or punish the puppy if he have committed the mistake during the crate training. If anything wrong has happened you just simply clean the place. If during the house training the dog is making mistakes it means that you have allowed the dog unsupervised aces too early. You should not allow the dog unsupervised access till the time you are sure of his toilet habits as it will have bad results. In case the dog is making mistakes again and again you should take the dog back to the crate training process. If you take few steps backwards you can also carry on the house training at the same time but if you move quickly to house training things will go bad.

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How to Make a Long-lasting Bed for Dogs

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Dogs are more prone to Loud Noises

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Can Old Dogs Learn New Tricks?

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The Foolproof Way of Stopping the Neighbor’s Dogs from Barking

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Finding Your Dog’s Motivator

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New Year’s Resolution: To Become More Like My Dogs

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Crate Training for Dogs and Puppies

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