Dog Training Resources

Sunday, September 05, 2010

The Most Effective Ways on How to Train a Blue Nose Pitbull

Blue pitbulls are excellent pets to have in your home. They are loving and affectionate towards their owners. People think they are dangerous because pitbulls can be aggressive and un-trainable because they can get so aggressive with other dogs. However, this is not the case at all. You can teach your dog basic obedience training without a lot of trouble. Find out how to train a blue nose pitbull with these simple and effective tips.

The essential technique in training dogs is to understand the basic mentality of dogs. Let me tell you a secret: dogs are—animals. Yes, they are not humans and they will not work well with tactics many misinformed people use. They have ingrained instincts that they follow and we need to work this to our advantage if we want to train our dogs effectively and in a shorter amount of time.

Blue pitbulls as you know are high-energy dogs. They like vigorous activity and are genetically ingrained to want to please people and like challenges presented to them. They want challenges that will mentally and physically stimulate them. So if you want training to be a breeze, you need to zero in on these needs and use them to your best advantage. Train pitbulls through exercise, attention and mental stimulation.

OK, you’re ready for some obedience training. It is important that you remember to keep your training sessions short and simple. Remember dogs, especially puppies have very short attention spans. If you give them complicated tasks that take too long, they will be distracted and not focus on you anymore. Make each session as fun as interesting as possible. End the training session on a positive note so your pet will look forward to more “school” with you.

You need to be consistent and patient when teaching your dog new tricks. Use the same phrases each time. Repetition and consistency is the key to any effective learning system. When you use the command “Sit!”— do not interchange it with “Sit down!” or “Down boy!” or it will confuse him. You will need to repeat it several times so the dog will associate the word with the task you want him to do.

Now, blue pitbulls are a very vigorous and sometimes dominant breed. You have to be strong and firm, but kind in dealing with him from the very beginning. Establish yourself as the master of the house and do not veer away from this. When he understands that you are his leader, he will endeavor to please you and this will make obedience training a lot easier for you.

The best way of how to train a blue nose pitbull is to use positive reinforcement. Reward good behavior and successfully completed commands with a treat or affectionate praise. You cannot go wrong with this. Negative reinforcement will make your pet withdraw from you and be afraid, making it difficult for you to train him. Create a happy and positive atmosphere in training and it won’t be long before you have a happy and obedient pitbull you can be proud to call your own.

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What to Look for in An Effective Natural Heartworm Treatment

Natural cures for dog heartworm is something every pet owner should know about. Visit HealthyHappyDogs.com and discover the safe and effective natural heartworm treatment all experts use today.

Heartworm infestation occurs to dogs and cats more often than you think. It is quite a dangerous condition to be in when not dealt with properly. The larva of a parasitic worm gets transferred into your dog through a mosquito bite. The larva then matures and travels to the dog’s heart or lungs, obstructing critical blood flow, making your pet a very sick animal in a short time.

What are some symptoms of heartworm? You will know your pet is experiencing this ailment when he starts coughing a lot, vomiting, has difficulty breathing, is listless or has seizures. Now, there are some vets that give monthly medicines that claim to prevent heartworm but it actually is not preventative but curative in nature. These drugs kill the larva before it matures which is very harmful. You see, this is a form of pesticide and even a small dosage of it done over a period of time will be detrimental to the animal’s internal system. Choose natural cures for dog heartworm over synthetic drugs whenever you can.

Healthy animals less prone to be bitten by mosquitoes, therefore it should be your main objective to build up your pet’s immune system. You can do this by providing him with an excellent diet of high grade meat, starches and fresh fruits and vegetables. If your dog has a strong immune system, he will be able to withstand any infection trying to come his way. So if you want to know what a good natural heartworm treatment is—it is having a strong immune system.

Mosquitoes are the carriers of the heartworm parasite so we need to know what to do to make sure they do not come near to our pets as much as possible. How do we do this? Do you know that there are some elements that make your pet’s blood repulsive to mosquitoes? Look for canine supplements that have Spearmint Herb, Clove Flower Buds, Tumeric Root, Mugwort, Wormwood and Black Walnut. These elements are natural cures for dog heartworm you can use for your dog.

A natural heartworm treatment need not be expensive or complicated. One of the most popular cures for heartworm is your humble garlic. Mosquitoes just hate this pungent bulb and will not come near animals that reek of it. Now if you are also repelled with a garlicky pet, then you don’t have to use this. Aromatherapy scents also fend off mosquitoes, parasites and ticks. Mix a cup of water with a few drops of Peppermint, Lavender or Tea Tree Oil extract and spray it all over his coat and beddings.

Another thing that can help avert heartworm is for your dog to have a good circulatory system. Maintaining a regular exercise regimen is integral to encouraging healthy blood flow; and fresh water constantly available will ensure that toxins are consistently flushed out of his system.

If you think about it, one of the best investments you can ever make is to keep your dog as healthy as possible.

Saturday, September 04, 2010

The Basics of Effective Pitbull Training

If you’re reading this, you already know that pitbulls are among the best things ever created. They are fun, active and one of the healthier breeds of dog there are. You did not make a mistake in adopting one of these fantastic hounds. Now, you want to take it to the next level—training. What are the best training techniques and how can we apply this effectively to our blue pitbulls today?

I don’t care what some people have said—every dog CAN be trained, pitbulls included. They might seem overly vigorous and even combative with other canines, but definitely they can be trained and you can do this by using their mindset to your best advantage. Pitbull training is most effective when you use positive reinforcement to get them to do what you want.

What does positive training mean? This simply means that you reward the completed tasks with a treat, or better yet, effusive praise. Remember, pitbulls are very affectionate and sociable pets to humans. They love to please you and is eager to be obedient if they see that any particular behavior makes you happy with them. The problem many trainers fail to see is not the stubbornness of your dog— it is the breakdown in communication when your pet doesn’t understand what exactly you want with him.

It is therefore critical that you be as consistent and repetitive as possible in training. Animals are obviously not gifted with cognitive skills like we humans are, so use simple and consistent commands in obedience training. Repetition builds understanding so be patient when your dog doesn’t comprehend what you want right away. He will eventually get it as long as you use the same words all the time and use the right techniques in executing it.

If you want to correct a certain behavior, see where your dog is coming from first. Is he being destructive or barking excessively? This might be because they are bored with a lot of pent-up energy inside. Blue pitbulls are one of the most active and energetic dogs there are so you need to let them have their exercise every day. They say a tired pitbull is a good pitbull. You don’t want them to get too tired as to be completely exhausted; but you want them to release nervous energy so that they don’t become destructive and ruin things around your house.

Pitbulls not only need physical stimulation, they need mental stimulus to help them learn better as well. Make your training sessions fun and proactive. They will lose attention after 15 minutes so it’s best if you limit training to 10 to 15 minutes. Use creative and innovative techniques in a stress free environment to spur them on to learn more.

Remember, pitbull training is only as effective as the master who implements it. Be kind but firm and strong when you deal with him to let him know that you’re the boss. When he understand and accepts that you as his leader, it will be much easier to train him. Build a good and solid relationship with your pet and enjoy many more years of happy memories ahead!

What do you know about blue pitbulls? Get the best pitbull training tips all experts use, and health tips on how to care for your pitbull when you visit HealthyHappyDogs.com today.

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Sunday, June 13, 2010

Great Dog Pain Relief at Home Remedies You Can Try

by Brigitte Smith


Isn’t it difficult when we are in the middle of some excruciating pain and we don’t know what to do? Can you imagine how difficult it is for our pet—he cannot even properly express what he is feeling, much less go his own way to relieve himself of this extreme discomfort. Therefore it is very important that we know when our pet is feeling pain and what we can do to ease their suffering.

Canines in pain exhibit similar symptoms, whatever the root cause of the pain might be. They usually whimper/whine, refuse food and drink, trembling, depression and lessened physical activity. When you see these signs manifesting, you need to see with the vet right away to properly diagnose why your dog is in pain.

Fortunately, there are many dog pain relievers in the market today that will help you in solving this problem. The vet will probably prescribe a safe non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug specific to his condition to help in lessening the pain. However, if you are not able to get to a vet right away, or if the diagnosis take a long time coming—here are some simple remedies for dog pain relief at home.

The quickest way to help your pet is to immediately regulate his movements so that he is not subject to any more activity that may aggravate his condition. Settle him in a large, comfortable area and bring his dog dish and water bowl close by. While regular and light exercise is good—for now avoid superfluous movements and limit exercise to trips to the bathroom.

If you see swelling, you can apply an ice pack or a cold compress on it for 15 minutes. This reduces the swelling that is the cause of pain. Do this every other hour for the next two days or until you see an improvement to the area of swelling. Do not apply hot compress for any type of swelling. Hot compresses can provide soothing relief for aching muscles and tense canines.

Never give over the counter prescription medications like Aspirin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Aceteminophen and Advil as dog pain relievers. They contain substances that are very toxic to dogs and may lead to serious health complications. Aspirin can cause ulcers and furthermore, thins out blood—this is dangerous especially when the canine is undergoing surgery or any operation.

A gentle massage is also an effective dog pain relief at home strategy. It calms the stressed dog and this reduces his level of pain. Moreover, massage stimulates blood flow that alleviates muscle tension—also commonly associated with dog pain. Make sure you keep the dog’s ideal weight; and is well-fed with healthy food, rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Sure, it’s frustrating and very hard for us to see our pet in pain; but we can do our part by bringing them to regular check-ups and being vigilant of any physical and behavioral changes. Do whatever you can to give your dog a healthy and happy life—and the rest will work itself out.

Enjoy

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Monday, May 24, 2010

Why Does My Dog's Breath Smell So Bad?

Any owner who walks around with a bad breath dog may actually ask himself the question, “Why Does My Dog’s Breath Smell So Bad?”. Without going to the vet, the answer may actually lie in the care that he is giving to his dog. Well meaning as dog owners are, the way we treat our dogs may actually be the cause of his foul smelling breath. So we can actually take a look at this checklist to see if we are causing more harm than good to our dog. Better check to find out if your dog is getting what it deserves.

Soft Canned Food versus Dry Food

No doubt that there are advantages to both types of food. For its part, soft canned food is more palatable than its dry version. As such, the dog easily finishes its food when fed with this soft and wet food. It easily chews its way to the last bit so it able to get its fill and nutrition. However, this soft food encourages the growth of plaque and bacteria because it stays stuck in between the mouth for some time. For its part, dry food is typically hard so the dog scrapes the plaque in its mouth as it chews on the food.

Dog Food and Its Ingredients

As responsible pet owners, we should always check the label of our dog food. Some ingredients may be the real cause of us having a bad breath dog. Look at it this way, feeding our dog salmon can actually cause bad breath in our dog. Some makers of dog food include bits of salmon into their feed. Without knowing it, they create a dog's bad breath. Thus, better check on the ingredients of the food we give our dog. For all we know, we may be feeding him too much of the wrong stuff than the good.

Dog Food Plus Table Scraps

Think of it like this. Our dog has nutritional needs that are quite different from ours. That way, it has to have foods that are well-balanced and nutritionally satisfying as well. It is for this reason that pet care companies create dog foods that are fit for the dog’s nutritional needs. Besides, they are meant to be hard so that the creaking motion between the food and the teeth helps to clean the dog’s mouth from bacteria and plaque. Feeding our dog table scraps may actually do more harm than good.

For one, its nutritional content may not be balanced enough to meet the dog’s needs. Second, some food from the owners table may actually encourage the onset of bad breath especially if we feed our dog sticky food that sticks in between their teeth.

These are just some of the many possible ways be which a dog owner can actually check on if his dog has fallen victim to the stench of halitosis. In due time, if he carefully examines the way he takes care of his dog, he will stop asking himself the question, “Why Does My Dog’s Breath Smell So Bad?”. Who knows maybe he might even start signing a new tune.

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Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Dog Joint Pain

- Find Out How to Deal With Dog Hip Pain and Other Dog Joint Pains



It is not easy to see your pet suffering through dog hip pain. But help is at hand. Find out what you can do about dog joint pain and other concerns when you visit HealthyHappyDogs.com - the site that cares about your dog.

If you are too young to experience arthritis - good for you. It would be great if you start stocking up on your vitamins and minerals so you don’t have to experience the discomfort that this condition brings.

But although you have within your power to control the factors contributing to your health, your pet does not. Canine arthritis is a very common condition that you need to know about so you could help your dog to avoid this or at the very least - minimize his pain.

Canine arthritis, like human arthritis, causes stiffness in the muscles and joints of the body, which in turn causes pain in the joints and surrounding areas. You will notice that your dog will have a hard time shifting positions. Most likely he is suffering from dog hip pain and will be resistant to being touched. If he is manifesting a change in behavior and physical appearance, you need to get him checked by the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Arthritis always results in dog joint pain largely due because of overuse throughout the years. That is why more often than not, it is the senior or overweight canines that experience this condition.

However, this condition is not restricted to older dogs - far from it. When a puppy who sustains a leg injury or has genetic skeletal abnormalities can also acquire arthritis and also suffer the effects of it.

Fortunately, there are ways to treat dog joint pain. Veterinarians frequently prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs to treat arthritis. NSAIDs help in impeding the progression of this disease and reduce inflammation that causes extreme pain for the dog.

Most of the NSAIDs used can be shared by both canines and humans alike. However, you must never administer any medication without your vet’s go signal. You need to know the correct dosage and frequency specific to the animal and this usually varies depending on your pet’s weight, breed or particular health issue.

As with most drugs, there might be some cases where the subject does not do well with the particular medication. Sometimes there are adverse side effects like vomiting, nausea, bloody stool, intestinal infection, etc. It is imperative that you bring him to the doctor if he continues to manifest these signs so the prescription dosage can be corrected or even stopped altogether.

Along with a healthy diet, include supplements that improve the canine’s joint health. Chondroitin Sulphate and Glucosamine Sulphate are some elements which hinder the damage done to the cartilage and joints of the skeletal system. Chondrotin and Glucosamine Sulphate are generally safe for use and are known to enhance lubrication in critical areas which help in easing dog hip pain. For more immediate relief, get some olive oil and check with an expert on the correct way to massage your dog’s aching joints and muscles.

Take your dog out for regular light exercise and maintain a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids and other essential minerals. Our dogs might have soreness and pain that come with age or injury - but we can always do something about it by being the caring master they know us to be.

For more on dog joint pain, click here!

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Saturday, January 09, 2010

Obedience Training Your Dog by Motivating Him

Just like people, pets sometimes need that extra attention or shove in the right direction when they need to do something they really are not that interested in doing. Dogs do not care if they dig up your nicest flowers. It is fun for them and if you do not intervene, they will not stop. Dogs are motivated to do things a lot like people-by rewards, praise and building trust.

So your dog Fido is digging up the flowerbeds and barking all day long. Maybe he likes to take you for a walk instead of you walking him. This is the perfect time to get that dog motivated to learn better manners. Your dog may need that extra push to learn how to be a well-behaved dog. It is possible to motivate your dog and help them pass their obedience training.

Rewards are often the easiest way to motivate your pooch into obedience. It is often hard to keep the attention of your dog. During obedience training, dogs become easily distracted. It is important to keep your dog’s training fun and interesting. Giving your dog rewards throughout the training session and at different times will help keep your dog focused and motivated. A random stimulus that your dog understands as positive is a great way to keep your dog ready for the next command.

After your dog has performed a request for you, that is the time to offer a positive reward. Rewards for dogs do not always have to come in the form of doggie treats either. Your dog will love a gently pat on the head or a rub on the belly. After a long training session, you can even reward your dog with a trip to the park or a game of catch. Training sessions can benefit as long as your dog understands that when he or she performs a command, he or she will be rewarded. A reward system is a perfect way to keep your dog ready to learned and motivated during obedience training.

Another way to motivate your dog to do well with obedience training is to stay positive and offer lots of praise. Dogs are very adept at sensing your feelings and emotions. If you are frustrated with your dog for not performing commands well, your dog will sense this. It will be harder to keep your dog motivated when you are not motivated. Your dog will also respond well to praise. The tone of your voice is very important to your dog. Dogs may not understand every word you say, but they understand when you are upset or excited by the way you talk. While you are training your dog, try to stay excited and upbeat. This will encourage your dog to learn commands and perform better for you.

In addition, your body language says a lot to your dog, too. When your dog behaves well and you use direct eye contact to praise your dog, your dog understands that you are happy and pleased. On the other hand, when you irritated by your dog’s constant jumping, you will look your dog in the eye and speak sternly. Your dog understands that you are upset. If you move quickly towards a shy dog or a dog that feels threaten, the dog becomes upset and scared. When you are training your dog, think about how your body language and tone of voice and motivate your dog.

You can also help your dog stay focused and motivated with obedience training by building a good relationship with your dog. Dogs are social animals and need the interaction you can provide. Dogs that are often left alone all day or left outside for long periods of time, cannot build up trust with their owner. It is important to understand why your dog is having a behavior problem in the first place and then work together to correct it. It could be that the reason your dog is digging up the flowers is because he or she is bored with being left alone. Perhaps your dog eats shoes in the house because they have separation anxiety, or have a fear of being left alone while you are away. By understanding these reasons you can help your dog overcome obstacles and motivate their way to obedience.

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Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Your Dog's Advanced Obedience Training Made Easy

Can you just imagine how much easier life would be if your dog's well trained? Many don't even attempt to try it because it looks impossible. Actually, with some patience and determination, advanced obedience dog training is not only possible- it will be one of the most fulfilling experiences you will ever have with your dog. A trained dog is a happier dog. They are well-adjusted, confident and mentally disciplined even outside your home. You can leave your pet with other people and know that no harm will be done.

First and foremost in canine training is the establishment of hierarchy between you and your dog. You need to set your position as the leader early on. As soon as the dog understands this, the simpler it will be to train him. Neglecting to do so can spell trouble. There will be a struggle for dominance and aggressive behavior will ensue. Be strong and firm in teaching. When you see the beginnings of the alpha dog coming out, correct it immediately but do not be overly severe and mean to him.

A firm and confident voice will help deliver our commands effectively. While you speak, gently guide him to what exactly you want him to do. In the beginning it will take several attempts before he will understand what you mean; but advanced obedience training will be easier as soon as the dog gets the repetitive commands and their corresponding actions you've been using in your training classes.

The best, indeed the only way to train animals is through the reward and punishment system. Reward your pet with enthusiastic praise upon completion on a correctly executed command. Be consistent in remembering what he did to deserve praise and make an effort to praise him every time thereafter. Dogs can get confused with what is expected of him if you don't praise him for the same thing repeatedly.

On the other hand, do not neglect to reprimand the dog for wrong behavior. Do this at the time he is committing the mistake not after so he will know that action is wrong. Chastising the animal will also emphasize right from wrong. For example, if he eats dirt in the street scold him immediately. Right after put dog food in front of him and enthusiastically praise him wen he eats the latter.

Keep dog obedience training sessions short and sweet throughout the day. Keep doing the commands you want him to learn. This will drive the lessons home. Teach him at different times in the day so his obedience is not relegated to only a certain time and place.

The stunts movie dogs do are complex and impressive. They also all started with Sit. Begin with the simpler commands and progress from there. Patience and consistency are your best tools for dog training. Use the same principles as you did in the earlier stages, and it will bring you success in the more challenging tasks in the future.

There you go, the basic and fundamental tools you will need in advanced obedience training for dogs. There's nothing left to do now but start training!

Geraldine Dimarco knows that dog obedience training is a invaluable tool for all pet owners. Find free access on Advanced Obedience today.

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Pet Insurance for Peace of Mind

It is a strange fact that most pet owners do not bother obtaining pet insurance; to date this peculiarity remains a bit of a mystery. We all know just how important it is to have health insurance for ourselves; omitting our pets when just about everything else in our lives is insured just doesn't make sense.

It may at first sound like just another regular expense; until pet owners realize that those trips to the vet can be very expensive! The cost of taking an animal to the vets has increased enormously during the last decade; pet insurance providers have, therefore, increased their premiums. But paying for pet insurance is still much more cost effective in many cases than hoping for the best, and having to fork over a pile of money if your pet does get injured or seriously ill.

So if the ever-increasing cost of pet health cover does not convince you to act, what will? The problem is that domestic animals are often more liable to be involved in an accident or become sick; this can happen at any time and usually when you can least afford it!

If this situation should occur, sometimes choices have to be made; Really, you should never have to think about how much it is going to cost.

I remember a few years ago when the vet told me that it would cost at least 1,000 dollars to save my dog; I have to admit to asking myself at the time if we could justify the expense. To make matters worse, there is always a chance you pet still won't survive; if they do not survive despite the vets best attempts, the bill for treatment still has to be paid.

The financial aspect of looking after a pet is something that must be considered carefully; this is even more relevant if you are experiencing financial difficulties. If you are experiencing money worries then raising additional finances can prove embarrassing.

Ensuring your pet receives the treatment it requires should be every owners aim; if you have pet insurance you can guarantee they will get the best treatment your policy will allow. Although pet healthcare insurance costs are rising they are not going to break the bank; for around 40 dollars (or Less) per month cost of medical care is assured.

Some insurance providers can arrange pet health insurance and vpi pet insurance to meet certain needs; some companies offer a discount if you have more than one pet on the plan. Pet owners providing a health plan for their pets is not the luxury you may think it is; with a bit of luck this information will have convinced you of the importance of having your pet protected.

For pet insurance advice and other options for ensuring your pet's health, choose a pet care insurance to suit your budget.

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