Choosing a Trainer For Sheltie Training

The sheltie is known as intelligent and highly trainable breed of dog. But even if they are regarded as such, it is undeniably true that many of them are given up or abandoned when the cuteness and the normal behavior disappears. Shelties who end this way are actually not problematic dogs when they were born. However, many of these four-legged friends turn into little monsters when they are allowed to do so. Ignorance on the owner's part sure is a big factor in molding a dog to become aggressive, excessive barker - in general, a problematic dog that you are not dreaming of. On a positive note, sheltie problems can be treated and even prevented through sheltie training.

When talking about sheltie training, it does not necessarily mean that you are required to get a trainer for your dog. If you just want someone to accompany your dog when you're gone or someone who will take your dog for a walk when you're too busy to do that, then you need not to hire an intensive dog trainer. There is no reason for you to pay more... a dog sitter is just what you need.

On the other hand, if you intend to have a show dog or if your dog is giving you headaches, then hiring a dog trainer is a great idea. When looking for a dog trainer, the number one factor to consider is training technique. A trainer who believes in the power of humane training technique is preferable than someone who thinks that dogs can be trained and corrected by physical punishment. Positive reinforcements such as food, praise, attention or time to play are far more effective than spanking the rear or rubbing the nose in the dirt.

Observe the class first before you enroll to any training class. A good instructor will allow you to do so. When observing, notice if the trainer:

• makes the class enjoyable for you and your dog
• explains the lessons with clarity and even provides materials or handouts on how to teach a certain behavior
• encourages and assists students individually
• gives students enough time to practice and is patient and supportive towards them

You may also want to do some background check. Has he attended any formal training or a member of any dog training organization? Is he continually updating himself with the latest training technique?

If you feel uncomfortable with the trainer's method, don't take any chances. Look for another more competent trainer to be on the safe side at the same time ensure the success of your sheltie training.

Richard Cussons wants to help owners achieve success in sheltie training. Visit sheltiesavvy.com to learn advice effective in sheltie training.

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Bloat - A Fatal and Urgent Dog Problem - Learn the Ins and Outs Now

Before you start learning about bloat in dogs, first a WARNING: Did you find this page because your dog is showing symptoms of bloat right now? Then STOP reading and hurry to the vet this second! Gastric dilatation and torsion (commonly referred to as bloat) is one of the most urgent medical emergencies a dog ever faces.

Still reading because you're not sure whether it's bloat, but it looks like symptoms of bloat? Well, as I always say: 'It's better to err on the side of caution'. Now go! Ok, so you're still here and your dog is just fine at the moment. Apparently you are a responsible dog owner and reading about this topic before you actually face it.

Thumbs up for you!

Let me tell you about the symptoms, causes and remedy of gastric dilatation in dogs.

What is bloat?

Bloat in dogs is an acute and serious medical emergency that often ends in death. When bloating your dog's stomach becomes dilated with gas and twists on itself. The blood flow is blocked and the stomach cannot be emptied. The gas buildup continues and the vital organs receive not enough blood to continue functioning. If not treated quickly and effectively your dog could die from blood poisoning and toxic shock.

Symptoms of bloat in dogs and gastric dilatation - When your dog is suffering from bloat he (or she) is very uncomfortable. You may see these signs:

* A distended abdomen that might feel like a drum.
* Pace back and forth, unwilling to sit or lie down, restlessness.
* Drooling and producing more saliva.
* Panting and having trouble breathing

When you notice only some of these signs then visit your vet. The drum-like abdomen is not always seen. Be alert whenever your dog is not acting like his usual self.

Causes of bloat
The actual cause is unclear, though bloat is more often seen in large dogs with deep narrow chests (as compared to small dogs with barrel-shaped chests). Dog breeds that are at risk are: Great Danes, St. Bernards, Gordon Setters, Irish Wolfhounds, Weimaraners and Doberman Pinschers. Please note that this list is not complete and all dogs can develop this condition. Not all narrow chested dogs will experience bloat and other factors that contribute to the risk are:

* Rapid eating and gorging behavior. Dogs that eat slowly and chew their dog food carefully have a lower incidence of bloat. You can buy special dog food bowls that will reduce eating speed.
* Whether exercise right after eating increases chances of developing gastric dilatation is unclear. To be on the safe side my dog and I always go for a walk first and he gets his meal after. Better be safe, than sorry.
* A relation between stress and bloat is likely, so try to avoid that too. Happy dogs have a lesser chance of developing gastric dilatation as compared to fearful and dogs in stress situations.

Curing bloat
Speed is of the essence. Chances of loosing your furry friend range from 10 to 60 percent. When your dog is not given veterinary treatment within a few hours after the symptoms appear, he is most likely to die. Gastric torsion is such an acute life-threatening condition that when your dog develops symptoms in your absence, you could find your friend dead.

Your vet will physically examine your dog and can confirm the diagnosis using x-ray. The x-ray photo will then show a stomach that is twisted and/or distended with gas. The stomach can be decompressed by passing a tube down your dog's throat or, when impossible, multiple small cylinders through the skin into the stomach. Your vet will then have to perform surgery to return the stomach to its normal position and tack it to your dog's body wall (in order to prevent twisting in the future).

Prevention of bloat in dogs
Especially dogs that have suffered from bloat should eat multiple, small feedings per day instead of one large meal.

During surgery, your vet can attach the stomach wall to the body wall. This is the most effective means of prevention. When your dog received medical treatment, but not surgery, the risk of recurrence is quite high. In those cases, feed small meals, avoid stress and allow the food to digest before play or exercising your dog.

For more information about dog allergies visit http://www.Best-Dog-Food-Guide.com Here you will find much more dog food related information. Subscribe to the e-zine to receive the free e-book 'A bit of Tender, Love and Care for Dogs'. To stay tuned to dog food news and trends please pay a visit to http://www.dog-food-blog.com
All the best, Barbara.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Kremers

Two Fast and Easy Dog Training Programs - A Review

"Puppy Training and Dog Training Online" is a program created by Dove Cresswell, an animal trainer working in Hollywood. Her program is video based and includes several bonus items. Her training includes:

* Puppy House Training / Potty Training
* Dog Obedience Training * Crate Training
* Walking Politely on a Leash: The Informal Heel
* The Recall
* Good Puppy & Dog Manners
* Special Dog Tricks

In the entertainment business, time is MONEY... and the puppies and dogs need to be trained FAST. Each dog must perform exactly as required by the director - PERFECTLY, every time, over and over until the director yells "CUT!" At the age of 25, Dove is one of the top trainers in the industry and you can utilize the benefit of her expertise to train your dog FAST.

Beside the basic lessons listed above, the program includes several bonus items, the best of which is direct email access to her expertise.

Since the lessons are in video format, there is a flow to watching them, and some might prefer an ebook format so they could refer back to it without rewatching a video. The benefit of the video is that you hear the voice inflections Dove uses when she is training animals, and that probably speeds up the training process.

Dove Cresswell's program sells for $38.97.

"How to Train Your Dog in One Evening" is a training resource offered by Don and Ellen Langton. Their dog was peeing on their bed, barking incessantly, refusing to obey, and in general making their life miserable. The Langtons were almost ready to take the dog to the shelter, when their vet suggested this book.

Amazingly they were able to correct the bad behavior in just a couple of days. The book includes training techniques for over 80 different problems. There are contributions from a panel of dog training experts with over 80 years between them. Obedience trainers, show dog trainers, breeders, veterinary technicians...even the folks who train those police K-9 dogs.

I'm told that many of the secrets in this book have never been revealed to regular dog owners before. That they were part of the "private bag of tricks" used by these pros.It is a menu of options for specific problems.

This program will appeal to those wanting a reference for specific training issues that they can return to as needed.

"How to Train Your Dog in One Evening" is $39.95.

These two programs are both very good, and depending on your specific needs and desires, both might fill the bill. Dove Cresswell's program is geared to comprehensive training and the Langton's is designed for more specific needs. I would rate Dove Cresswell's program a 5 stars out of 5 possible, and the Langton's 4.5 stars out of 5.

Dizzy Bayles is from Socal. Check out his blog, including his preferred dog training methods at:

http://fastandeasydogtraining.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dizzy_Bayles

What the Japanese Chin Means to Its Native Country

The Japanese Chin dates back to the year 732, throughout time the importance of the breed to the country of Japan has never wavered or changed, and the dog is still owned by various members of Japanese royalty. Originally the breed was named the Japanese Spaniel; the dog was first believed to hail from Korea and then later showed up in Japan. In the 16th century, the Japanese Chin was highly sought after in Japan. The women of Japan carried the dogs in small baskets lined with silk and spoiled them unmercifully. When someone killed a Chin in Japan, it was treated the same as a human killing and punished in the same manner.

From the time breed was developed in China, the dog was meant to be representative of royalty. The Chin was bred to serve two purposes; one being a royal companion dog to the Imperial Palace females and the other to warm the laps of Chinese aristocrats. The dog could not be owned or gifted to just anyone, the breed was distinctly reserved for nobility and gifted to foreigners or diplomats who served Japan.

During the 1850's, Commodore Perry on a trip to Japan was preparing to open the country for world trade. Upon his arrival, Perry was given several Japanese Chins' as a gift, when he gave a pair of the dogs to Queen Victoria of England; the breed became extremely popular in Europe. When Commodore Perry gifted the President of the United States with a Japanese Chin, the dogs were first brought into America. Once the dog was introduced to other parts of the world, popularity only grew.

The number of Japanese Chins dropped during World War I and natural disasters such as earthquakes almost entirely eliminated breeders. The main reason the breed survived is because many owners and breeders hid the dogs, even at the risk of imprisonment. In 1964, the country of Japan adopted the Chin as one of the national symbols and the Chin has since appeared on many postage stamps as well.

Every Japanese house of nobility that has owned Chins has bred the dog, with each cycle of breeding the dog was made to live up to their ideal. This is the main reason why the dogs breed has resulted in so many different sizes and types of Japanese Chins. In the desire to get the Chin to resemble a cat, they inbred the dog with a cat. The attempt was successful in that they produced a Chin which could jump and climb much like a cat, using its front paws in a very adept manner. The dog was so important to Japanese nobility that they did not even think of it as a dog, but rather as their own special creation.

Catherine Cross was the person who is most credited with saving the Japanese Chin dog breed. She was integral in bringing many Japanese Chins back to Japan after World War II, saving the dog breed from near extinction after so many were killed during the war. Today, the Japanese Chin is still considered to be extremely rare and to the Japanese, a most sacred dog breed.

GreatDogSite is the best place on the web to find Information on Japanese Spaniels and other dog breeds!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_P_Jackson

Be a Volunteer to Walk Dogs at the Humane Society - It's Good For You

Imagine if you were locked up in a small cage all day. Wouldn't you get excited if someone came along to take you out? The dogs at the humane society experience this every day. Sometimes a volunteer comes along to take them for a walk. This is usually the highlight of their day and makes them happy. Why not volunteer at the humane society yourself? The dogs would love it and it could also be good for you.

Any time you volunteer for a good cause, it should make you feel great about yourself. It's called generosity. But when you walk dogs, you get something special in return. You get a new companion that instantly loves you. And, companionship is good for you. Sure, they're not human beings and there's no substitute for human interaction, but companionship is companionship, no matter what. And, dogs provide that.

Not only that, volunteering to walk dogs at the humane society is good for your health, too. North Americans don't exercise as much as they should. Perhaps exercise just bores them. Think about how much more interesting it would be to get your exercise while walking dogs. It sure beats the mundane thought of walking by yourself. And, yes, walking is considered exercise.

Most people have time to spare. Just think about all the hours you spend in front of the television every week. If you take just two hours away from TV time, you too could find the time to do volunteer work at the humane society. Like I said, it's good for you!

Tino writes a blog about lottery winners stories, which includes stories about people that have won big jackpots in lottery games.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tino_Sundin

Dog Agility Training - The Benefits For Your Dog

A dog's happiest moment should be spent running, jumping, catching, and stretching; dog agility training can really help turn idle dogs into active dogs that age gracefully and happily. You might be surprised to learn that the hardest part is starting, but once you have started the sense of achievement as you and your dog progress is reward in itself. Dog agility training can be great fun for both you and your dog as it consists of high energy and quick thinking movements. Dog agility training has many benefits it can

* Transform an idle dog into an active one * Increase your dogs confidence * Improve physical development * Allows for mental stimulation with its quick thinking movements * Most of all is fun

How Does Dog Agility Training Work

Through verbal cues or body language given by the instructor a dog that is off the leash is guided through a range of obstacles. The trainer needs to be aware of the course and the order of the obstacles and the dog needs to focus on the trainer and the cues given by them to conquer each obstacle.

In an obstacle course you will find a variety of exercises such as

* Jumping through a tyre * Running through tunnels * Running up and down a frame * Weaving through poles * Jumping across barriers

Training your dog

When you begin to train your dog you need to take into consideration the dog's maturity.

Dog agility training can only begin when your dog reaches a certain maturity and can respond well to basic commands. Each dog has their own starting points, for smaller dogs which weigh less than 50 pounds you need to wait till they are 9-12 months old for large dogs you will need to wait till they are around 10-14 months. If you begin training your dog too early you are putting them at risk of causing serious injuries.

A Few Rules To Consider

* The first few times your dog goes through the obstacles, ensure that you go at the dogs pace and make sure that it is a fun experience for them.

* Ensure that your dog is under control and listens to your commands this will decrease any risk of potential injuries.

* Treats and happy talk to encourage your dog through the obstacles are a must. Keep the mood happy and positive.

* Reward your pet when they have reached a goal and have performed a correct action. Gradually teach each obstacle first and then join then together to form the course.

* If your dog does not want to participate do not force them, the sport is intended to be fun for both you and your dog. If your dog does not want to initially participate then stop and bring then back to it in a couple of days.

* Have fun and always end your training on a positive note.

Like everything we all need to start somewhere and your dogs agility training is no different. Having a positive attitude and guidance your dog can master the world of dog agility training.

About the Author

For more information on what obstacles to choose for dog agility training then visit http://www.dogbeddingandmore.com

Housebreaking a beagle puppy

When you start housebreaking a beagle puppy, one thing to keep in mind is that these dogs are a very intelligent breed. However, when it comes to housebreaking they fall short. They have a unique independence about them, making them somewhat stubborn. They want to play when you take them outside to the bathroom, or chase things with their highly sensitive nose when you take them for a walk. These are just characteristics of the breed and make them unique.

Fully housebreaking a beagle can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year despite their intelligent nature. This shouldn't be a cause for concern however but you will need to keep a close eye on them when in the house. Crate training seems to work best for this breed although after you take them out of the crate, they may want to pee right there. That's why it's a good idea to position your crate close to the door and not leave them in there more than a few hours at a time if you can help it.

Exercise is also very important when house breaking a beagle puppy. Beagles are a very active breed and need exercise to simulate their mind and keep their muscles toned. You should try playing fetch with your puppy when you go out for a bathroom break. He may not want to go potty right away, but after you start playing with him he will realize he has to go. Praise is also very important. You should always praise your beagle when he goes to the bathroom in the right spot. You can also give him a treat, that way he knows he did a good job and will try to do it again. Using the same door when going out may also help because if you see your puppy standing by that door it is a good indication that he has to go outside. Remember that beagles want to please you. Don't give up on them and they won't give up on you.

About the Author

Jay Even is a successful dog trainer and breeder and thinks house training your beagle is something you can do yourself. If you are serious about house training your beagle and need advice, go to http://www.squidoo.com/house-training-a-beagle

Dig Leash Training

Dogs walk faster than humans can. Naturally, if you put them on a leash, they'll start pulling to get to whatever they're looking at faster. A dog, having what is called an opposition reflex, would lean on a pressure it feels on its neck and chest. Understanding this makes it clear that if you want to have a leisurely walk with your dog on a leash, you must begin dog leash training while your pet is still a few weeks-old puppy.

Begin by allowing your dog time to get used to the collar around his neck. When you put it on for the first time, your puppy will scratch, roll around or try to get it off. Make sure you fasten the collar securely and don't remove it when the dog is trying to. When he finally calmed down and shows signs of being comfortable with it, you can remove the collar for a short while. This teaches the dog two important things: first, that the collar won't come off when he wants it so he'd best get used to it and second, the collar is not a permanent attachment. Check the collar regularly to make sure it isn't too tight. Your dog grows in size and you need to adjust the collar regularly.

When the dog is ready, attach a leash to the collar and allow the dog time to adjust to the leash. Allot a few minutes every day to for leash training with your puppy and have some treats handy. Your goal is to be able to walk around with your dog on a leash without him pulling at the other end. This means you should be able to stand still with your dog and walk around at your pace, not his.

To get started, fasten the collar securely around your pup's neck and attach the leash. Hold the other end securely. Try and have the dog stand still beside you. When he starts to wander too far and pulls on the leash, call the dog back to your side and reward him with a treat when he does. When he finally is able to stand still beside you for the time you wish to, you can begin walking him around. When he wanders too far to the point of pulling on the leash, call him back to your side. Pull on the leash if needed. When the dog returns to a comfortable distance - walks beside you without pulling on the leash, reward him with a treat.

Do these training exercises with a reward system for several days or weeks or until your dog learns to consistently respect the leash. When your dog is finally able to stand still beside you or walk around your house or backyard with a loose leash, reward your dog with a lot of praise, hugs or pats and some treats. He is ready to be taken out for a walk.

Remember that to condition your dog to respect the leash, focus on allowing your dog to progress forward when the leash is loose. If you allow your pet to proceed forward when the leash is tight, you're teaching him to pull.

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.

How To Solve Your Dog's Excessive Barking

If you are a dog owner, chances are you might be aware how frustrating it is to control your dog’s behavior. Some dogs get too aggressive to the point that they become disturbing and irritating to your family and your neighborhood, while others bark excessively for some weird reasons. Many dog owners find themselves clueless and unsure as to what must be done to solve this behavior.

Here are a few tips to help you solve your bestfriend’s nuisance barking:

The primary thing you need to check is if you’re giving your k9 all the things and necessities he needs. Barking is a natural behavior among dogs and they usually bark to communicate something with you. If their needs are not being met, the barking might be a cry or signal that he longs for your care and assistance. Always ensure that you give them the right amount of food and water everyday. You also have to clean after your dog.

Dogs could be barking because of irritation. Flea or tick infestations and skin allergies can cause your dog to make excessive noise. Taking your dog to a veterinarian can help you determine whether or not he is healthy and free from any canine diseases.

If your beloved pet barks a great deal, you might observe that they are either bored or energetic. Don’t let your dog be confined inside your house, instead, take him outside where he can play and interact with other dogs as often as you can. You can also train him using tools such as dog training crates and dog exercise pens. A dog that is properly trained to socialize with people and other animals will not bark excessively. Training your dog is a great way to improve his physical and mental stimulation. Dogs naturally enjoy the outdoor and like to experience new things. The barking problem may be solved when the dog is taken on regular walks.

By and large, dogs bark for they beg for a little attention. So don’t be rude. Never yell, hit or scold your dog when they are barking. These kinds of reaction can aggravate your k9’s anxiety. If your dog barks because he is stressed or lonely then your yelling is just going to confuse and hurt him.

Along with these behavior modification methods, you may also try using some gadgets that are designed to address the barking. You can buy bark control collar and other training collar equipment that will quickly train your canine to stop his nuisance barking.

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.