Boston Terrier Introduction

The ‘American Gentleman’ as the Boston Boston Terrier is sometimes called, is a sweet natured, gentle and intelligent dog that originated in the US and was recognised by the American Kennel Clun in 1893.

 Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier History

The Boston Terrier as a breed appeared in the 1870′s, when a gentleman named Robert Hooper, of Boston, purchased a dog called Hooper’s Judge. Hooper’s Judge was a Bull Terrier type dog although his specific blood line is unknown. Hooper’s Judge weighed over 13.5 kilos and was successfully bred with French Bulldogs, whose pups were the founders of the Boston Terrier breed, originally called the ‘Olde Boston Bulldogge’.

By the turn of the century, the profile of this breed had risen considerably and the American Bull Terrier Club was formed. Shortly after the club changed its name to the Boston Terrier Club and in 1893 it was admitted into the American Kennel Club. By the early 20th century the breed’s distinctive markings and colour were written into the standard.

Boston Terriers are still very popular dogs in America and are commonly seen as mascots for schools, universities and clubs.

Boston Terrier Appearance

Average height to withers: Males and females should vary between 15-17 inches.

Average weight: Between 4.5-11kg for males and females. Strict guidelines in the standard disqualify any dog over 11.3kg (25lb) in the show ring.

Boston Terriers have short, compact and muscular frames with well-balanced and graceful postures. The short and wide head (once leading to their nickname ‘Roundheads’), is in proportion to their bodies and a has square, wrinkle-free muzzle, widely set dark or brown eyes and large black noses The ears are large, triangular and held erect. They have slightly arched necks and broad, barrel chests with strong legs and short tails. Their smooth, short and fine coats come in brindle and white, ‘seal’ and white (seal is a specific Boston Terrier colour which is a black base with a reddish tone in the sunlight or bright lights), or solid black and white.

Boston Terrier Temperament

The Boston Terrier is generally well mannered, alert, good natured and fun. Without a certain amount of stimulation they can become rather over enthusiastic, bordering on unmanageable. With this in mind, a good exercise and training routine is essential. The Boston Terrier must be trained in a firm and consistent manner and is the type of dog which needs to respect its owner. That is not to say training methods must be harsh, but if allowed to, this breed can become quite dominant and may display quite negative behaviours. A recognised, respected ‘pack leader’ is needed and this must be the owner, not the dog. They are also notoriously difficult to house train!

They are routinely reliable with children and especially good with elderly people, often being used as PAT therapy dogs in hospices, nursing homes and schools. The Boston Terrier is playful, very affectionate and will thrive on being part of the family. They are also reliable and good with other household pets and early socialisation will only serve to enhance this.

Boston Terrier Health

Boston Terrier have a long life expectancy of 15 year plus, in good health. However, there are a number of conditions which routinely affect this breed the most prolific of which is problems breathing and overheating. Because of the Boston Terriers head and nose shape, it is considered a brachycephalic (short faced) dog breed. As such, care must be taken when exercising this dog, especially in the heat, to ensure it does not over heat. This is in large due to breathing issues and a decreased efficiency in panting, which all dogs used to cool down. Shade and water must be provided (for all dogs) in hot weather, but it is especially notable for the Boston Terrier.

Other issues facing this breed included eye diseases and problems such as cataracts as well as being prone to injury due to their prominence. In addition, pups are routinely delivered via a caesarian section because of their large heads in proportion to the narrow pelvis of the dam.

Boston Terrier Care

Eye care is essential in this breed and it will benefit from a gentle daily clean in this area. As mentioned, care is also needed in warmer weather where exercise is concerned and shade/water must be provided when the dog is outside. Alternatively, the owner needs to keep the dog indoors and cooler during the heat of the day. That said, the Boston Terrier is quite an energetic breed so twice daily walks are needed. The coat is short and fine and requires little in the way of grooming and/or bathing.

There are Dog Training Techniques to teach your dog in a way that is fun and enjoyable for both of you. Punishment or physical force tends to be ineffective, controntational, creates fear and destroys trust between you. Dogs tend to repeat behaviours they find rewarding but not those that aren’t, so reward-based training works very effectively with most.
Dog Training Techniques

LURE AND REWARD

The easiest way to to train your dog to perform an action is to lure him into producing the action that you want with a treat. This works on the principle that where his nose goes, his body will follow, for example commands like sit, lie down, stand, leave, gie, walk and return to you.

WHEN TO REWARD YOUR DOG

• Reward your dog as soon as he performs the action you want, otherwise he won’t associate the two.
• Once he understands what you want him to do, vary the type and value of the reward so he doesn’t know waht he si going to get. If it’s too predictable he will begin to ignore it. Keep him guessing.
• Don’t take good behaviour for granted-notice, praise and reward it once it been learned, not just while teaching it.
• Reward only those actions you want; ignore those you don’t.

HOW TO REWARD

Rewards for your dog includes praise, petting, food and play. The last two would be the most desirable to him. Most dogs are motivated by food; if yours isn’t interested in what you are offering, maybe you haven’t yet found something tempting enough. For the greatest success, your dog needs to be hungry enough really to want food treats, but not so desperate that all he can do is concentrate on the food instead of what he needs to do to earn it.

Use an appropriate level of treat for the task you are asking your dog to perform, using a high-level reward for new actions or those he finds particularly hard and reducing the level of reward once it is well established. Using the highest-value treat too often will devalue itand your dog will refuse to work for anything less. It will also leave you with nothing better to tempt him with in a really challenging situation.

If you are using a lot of food treats, reduce his daily rations to avoid him gaining weight. Devide treats into tiny pieces so they are easy to eat quickly and don’t fill your dog up too fast. Another form of reward is to release your dog to an activity he finds enjoyable. For example, having asked him to come back to you, reward hi by sending him again to play.

Use toys as rewards if your dog is more motivated by them than by food – but having to stop to play can be time consuming and it may not always be safe and convenient. Ideally, try to get your dog more interested in food than in toys, and keep your toys as an exciting altenative. All that said enjoy bonding with your dog through enjoyable training.

Obtaining A New Dog

It is an exciting thought when you wish to acquire a new dog for your family, because dogs can be wonderful companions, giving tremendous pleasure, entertainment and affection, but they are also a big responsibility.  They can be demanding in terms of both time and money, and when you acquire one you’ll be committing yourself to caring for him for 10-15 years, or possibly longer.

Becoming a dog owner is not a decision to take lightly: before making it you should carefully examine your reasons for wanting a dog and ensure that right from the start you have a very clear idea of what will be involved. Here are some questions you need to consider before obtaining a new dog.

Why Do You Want A New Dog?

This is the question to ask yourself, and for most people there is a whole variety of reasons rather than one single answer. Dogs are fun to have around; they encourage you to take more exercise; and when you’re out together they can be great ice-breakers, helping you make new friends, while at home you can spend time playing or simply relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.

However, if the main reason is to make you feel safer, then get an alarm system instead. Buying a dog to provide someone to pour pour your heart out to or to boost your self-esteem may be a comfort to you, but using a dog as an emotional crutch won’t necessarily help you and may lead to behaviour problems in him.

Neither should you fall into the trap of getting a dog simply because he looks cute or is fashionable. You need to do thorough research beforehand and be prepared to treat him like a dog, not an accessory.

Can You Afford A New Dog?

Before you even get your dog, you may find yourself spending money in order to make your home dog-friendly and escape-proof. After this you’ll need to buy all the necessities in readiness for his arrival and, prepare your house and garden.

Then there’s his initial purchase price which could be anything from around $150-$2000 or even more, followed by regular outgoings on food, insurance and preventantive health care, plus any incidental veterinary bills, holiday care and extras you might like to buy, such as treats, toys and replacing damaged or outgrown equipment.

Anticipate spending somewhere in the region of $1000 – $1,500 a year every year for a small to medium-sized dog, and considerably more if you choose a large or giant breed.

Do You Have Enough Time For A Dog?

A relationship with a dog is a very interactive one, and you should expect to put as much into it as you get out. As well as ensuring your dog has sufficient exercise, you’ll need to be prepared to spend time training, grooming and playing with him everyday. If you want to come back home after work and just put your feet up, you should consider a less demanding pet.

What Hours Do You Work?

If you are out at work all day it won’t be fair to get a puppy or youngster, who may become bored, miserable, lonely and likely to develop behaviour problems as a result. Provided you don’t work excessively long hours and if you think carefully about choice, having a full-time job need not necessarily be a bar to owning a dog. Retired greyhounds and many older dogs in rescue still have much to offer and will be happy to doze while you are out.

Four hours is the maximum length of time your dog should be left alone, though, and if you can’t manage to get home at lunchtimes to see to him, you’ll need to make other arrangements. ‘Doggy daycare’ centres are becoming more common, or you could ask a friend, relative or dog-walker to come and take him out to relieve himself and to spend a little time interacting with him.

Where Do You Live?

On the whole, dogs are very adaptable, but it’s important to choose the right breed for the place you live. Large breeds may feel cramped and may be constantly underfoot if your home is small, for example. If you live in rented accomodation you should check whether there are any restrictions on keeping pets.

Location can also be important, as although many breeds will be quite at home in cities and towns, others require a more rural environment that allows greater opportunity for free-running exercise.

Who Shares Your Home?

Think carefully about getting a dog if others who share your home aren’t as enthusiastic about it as you; going ahead regardless can lead to friction and resentments, and even to spitefulness towards the pet, all of which may lead to behaviour problems.

If you have children, most will be thrilled by the prospect of getting a dog, and they will learn a lot about life, responsibility and respect for living creatures from having one around; but don’t allow them to pressure you into making such a decision unless you are 100 per cent committed to the idea yourself. You will ultimately be responsible for the dog’s daily care, and your active involvement will increase if the children lose interest once the novelty wears off, or when they go to college, university or leave home.

Do You Have Other Pets?

You also need to consider any other pets you may own. Some older dogs may get a new lease of life from having a youngster around, but others may find the newcomer a nuisance and become snappy and irritable unless interaction between the two is carefully monitored and the older dog given some respite when he needs it.

If have a dog with a behaviour problem, don’t get a second in attempt to help solve it, as you are just as likely to end up with two dogs with the same problem. Some dogs will happily accept cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and other furry pets, but they will need careful introductions and supervision when they are together.

Other dogs may have a very high chase drive and may never be safe to keep with such pets. Equally, some cats will never feel comfortable with a dog around, no matter how well behaved the dog may be. Choosing the right breed, age and sex of dog will be essential if you have other pets, but before even getting to that point, you need to think very carefully about the effect he is likely to have and whether getting a dog will be fair on them.

Are You Willing To Make A Few Sacrifices?

Taking on a dog may mean it will be necessary for you to make a few compromises in your lifestyle:

• You’ll need to go straight home after work, rather than out with colleagues.
• You may need to get up earlier in order to take your dog out.
• You may have to more exercise than you are accustomed to.
• When you want to go on holiday, or even for a day out, you will need to plan ahead.

What Are Your Future Plans?

No matter how much you may be looking forward to getting a dog, postpone it if any predictable major changes or upheavals in life are looming, such as marriage, divorce, house move, pregnancy, large family celebrations, an imminent holiday, or if you are experiencing a period of bereavement. It is stressful enough for any dog, whether puppy or adult, to come into a new home without having to cope with all the extra disturbance caused by such events; and it will also make it difficult for you to concentrate on his needs.

Adequate dog exercise is essential for your pet dog’s emotional as well as his physical well-being. Even small dogs with low exercise requirements will enjoy and benefit from daily walks.

Healthy Exercise Tips For Dogs

What’s Right For Your Dog?

Different breeds have different requirements in terms of duration and type of exercise; some will need plenty of space and opportunity for free running as well as leash walks, while others will be happy taking a gentle stroll and enjoying a romp in the park. You may need to take particular care not to over-exercise some breeds while they are still growing as this can lead to joint damage.

Strong hunting instincts and/or poor recall may mean that it isn’t safe to allow some dogs off the leash, so may need to find a securely enclosed area where yours can let off steam if he is an active breed who needs to be able to run. Some dogs enjoy going out jogging with their owners, and this particular activity has given rise to increasingly popular cani-cross competitions. You can take your dog running with you provided he is of breed that can cope with this type of extended- duration exertion, but it shouldn’t be a substitute for slower-paced walks, both on and off the leash.

Going out with your dog isn’t just about taking exercise – it is also an opportunity for menntal stimulation, allowing him to explore, meet people and other dogs, and for the two of you to interact with each other.

Activities To Avoid

Cycling with your dog is not a good idea. You may go too fast, too far and for too long without being aware of the fact that your dog is struggling. Neither do you have proper control over his actions, which could be dangerous for both of you as well as for others. The same applies to your dog accompanying you while you are on horseback: if anything were to happen to your dog, you would not be able to attend to him properly while also keeping good control of the horse.

Going For A Walk

Ideally, walking your dog should include time interacting with each other as well as allowing him free running. Take along a favourite toy and stop occasionally to play a game such as hide and seek. Introduce short training sessions. When walking on the leash you can also take varying routes, stop and start, ask him to sit and wait, zigzag, change direction and change your speed to make things a little unpredictable and encourage him to keep his eye on you. These tactics will help keep walks interesting, reinforce habits of obedience in different situations and strengthen the bond between you.

Walking Safety

When you are walking your dog, be sure to take all the personal safety precautions that are advised for anyone walking in either a town or the countryside. It is important to remember that the presence of your dog in no way guarantees your safety and you should do all you can to keep yourself and your pet free from harm. In addition:

• Don’t allow your dog to disturb animals or wildlife; keep him on the leash at all times when when near livestock. Especially when they have young, livestock and deer may behave aggressively if they consider you or your dog to be a threat.
• Your dog must wear a collar and ID with your name and address on it – this is a legal requirement and will also increase the likelihood that you will be reunited should he become lost.
• If using a rectractable lead, keep it shortened and with the brake on when walking along roads and pavements.
• If your dog enters a river or runs out on to a frozen pond, never follow him, even if he seems to be difficulty. Every year tragedies occur when people lose their footing or fall through ice as they try to rescue their pet.

Scoop Up Poop

Always scoop your dog’s poop. Use a bag to pick it up, then seal it and place it in a dog-waste bin. If there isn’t one nearby, either take it home to dispose of it or put it in an ordinary litter bin, having double-bagged it first.

After Your Walk

On returning from a walk, you should always check your dog over for:

• Grass seeds that have become trappped between his toes.
• Ticks, which are easily picked up in long grass and undergrowth.
• Damaged or broken toenails.
• Cuts or grazes on his pads and anywhere alse on his body.
• Toxic substances – in winter, rinse paws in warm water to remove any salt that has been put down on pavements, or traces of coolant spilled from car radiators.

Enjoy time with your pets and keep them fit while you keep fit too and create a lasting bond between you and them.

Ashleigh Butler and Pudsey dancing dog are the winners of this year’s Britain’s Got Talent 2012.

The 17-year-old from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire and her six-year-old dog narrowly beat Jonathan Antoine and Charlotte Jaconelli to the title after receiving the most votes from the public, leaving Welsh choir Only Boys Allowed in third place.

An emotional Ashleigh, who is due to sit her AS Levels next week, was lost for words after finding out she had won the £500,000 prize.

She gushed: ‘A massive thank you to everyone that voted for me. Essex duo Jonathan, 17, and Charlotte, 16, were gracious runners-up after they said they had an amazing experience.Ashleigh and her Pudsey had been the penultimate act to perform with their tricks act to the Mission: Impossible theme.Simon was their biggest cheerleader: ‘I think Pudsey dancing dog is training you. One of my favourite ever acts. You know how much I love dogs. I adore both of you Ashleigh and Pudsey. You’ve got better and better. What you’ve done is such a short time is a miracle.’David enthused: ‘I can’t believe you’ve come out here and done another new act. The nation has fallen in love with you and Pudsey.’

But as the show progressed, the judges believed it would be between the two final acts to perform and they were right.

FANS across the country – and even the world – have gone potty about Wellingborough’s Ashleigh Butler and Pudsey following their Britain’s Got Talent semi-final win.

The duo were the first act to be voted through to the final of the TV competition after receiving a standing ovation from the audience and all four judges after their routine.

Simon Cowell said their performance made them strong contenders to win the contest.

They are now one of the favourites with the bookmakers to take the title and win the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Performance – and scoop the £500,000 prize money.

Now back at home in Wellingborough, Ashleigh took time out from her preparations for Saturday night’s final to speak to the Evening Telegraph about her whirlwind week.

Asked how it felt to receive such glowing reviews from the famous panel, Ashleigh said: “The judges were really lovely. I think David is in love with Pudsey. I couldn’t have asked for better comments.

“The semi-final was an amazing opportunity, I just went in there with the right attitude to have a really good time and enjoy it as much as possible.”

Their 1920s-style routine was inspired by the Oscar-winning film, The Artist, and the music was hand picked by the Britain’s Got Talent producers.

“They chose the music for me – I had never done that genre of music before,” Ashleigh said.

“Pudsey was phenomenal. He did everything I asked him to do – he had never done the routine so well.”

“Pudsey definitely knows he’s done something good. I don’t think he knows actually what he’s done, but he’s loving all of the attention.

“He loves the cameras and he loves people watching. I think he was born to be on the stage. In my eyes he would be good for film work.”

The 17-year-old Wrenn School pupil said she had been putting a lot of hours into training for the final.

She said: “Even if I’m not training with Pudsey, I am still training by myself, or I’m watching videos to help get my timing right.

“The routine is completely different for our final performance. I am putting everything into it because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“The final routine is also a big secret, everyone will have to wait and see. It is completely different from anything else that we have done. There are parts in it that a dog has never done before on Britain’s Got Talent.”

She added: “It has been a mental week, but at the same time it has been absolutely brilliant. The media attention has been amazing.

“I have had a few emails from people around the world saying that they are watching me in the show. I had one from someone in Australia saying they were watching and I’ve got a fan club over there.

“I have also been watching everybody else in their semi-finals this week. Everyone is really supportive of each other and it’s like one big family back stage.”

Asked what she thinks the royal family would make of her and Pudsey’s act, she said: “I think the Queen would love our act, you never know, Pudsey and I could help her with her dogs.

“If we won I think Pudsey would get anything he wanted, and I would like to set up my company for animals in films.”

Ashleigh said she wanted thank everyone who has supported her and Pudsey in the competition, saying: “I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has voted for me.

]]> http://www.lifeofdog.com/dog-news/pudsey-dancing-dog/feed 2 http://www.lifeofdog.com/dog-breeds/information-on-small-dog-breeds http://www.lifeofdog.com/dog-breeds/information-on-small-dog-breeds#comments Sat, 12 May 2012 18:58:01 +0000 admin http://www.lifeofdog.com/?p=1453

There are things to consider when choosing information on small dog breeds which is agreeable with your household. There are numerous breeds of dogs which need their owners to invest considerable time along with them, although some want to be left on their own. There are several breed of dogs which need plenty of coaching and so are challenging to train, whilst some are very simple to coach. Some types are sprightly and will need plenty of training and time with their masters, although some favor sitting down quietly and looking at the sunshine. In other words, determining which breed of dog your pet ought to be pretty a significant part of your purchasing a canine breed.

Small Dog Breeds

It is best to take into consideration your way of life and dwelling circumstances whilst purchasing a dog for your pooch. One of the main areas to consider is actually you reside by yourself or with kids. Young children are susceptible to have fun with most dogs. For those who have a smaller dog, youngsters are inclined to harm them although messing around with them. Consequently, if you reside within a residence with children, it might be ideal to get a big and medium sized canine breed if any youngsters are living within your house. Also, you will need to remember to consider whether or not your property is small or large. Big dogs will be needing extra space for their own end whilst smaller sized breed of dog can reside in smaller sized households. Most dogs are taken up to streamline and increase your lifestyle, to not have a huge lug in a tiny household currently chockablock with folks.

Some breeds of dogs communicate very well along with other family pets, even though some usually do not. Apart from the renowned opponents of the pet dog, the pussy-cat, they have a few other adversaries within the animal world. Consequently, be sure that the breed of dog works with every other family pet you’ve got or will probably be in the later on phase. Pets that get along together are easier to engage and live with your children and can accept your friends when they come along to visit.

For individuals who want to possess a small dog breed for their family pet, they’ve got a number of options. Smaller breed of dogs are perfect for individuals that don’t want the exercise routines of carrying a sizable pet dog. Little breeds of dogs are typically seen in the laps and hands of famous people. Modest canine breeds and toy dogs are more and more currently being utilized as pets.  The right place to discover additional information about varieties and small dog types is definitely the Web. There are numerous web sites that will provide you with comprehensive and appropriate information regarding dog breeds and smaller varieties.

It is really feel absolutely free to look through by way of the world-wide-web for much more informative and appropriate information and facts about pet dogs, canine dog breeds and small dog breeds.

 

 

]]> http://www.lifeofdog.com/dog-breeds/information-on-small-dog-breeds/feed 0 http://www.lifeofdog.com/dog-training-tips/aggression-in-dog http://www.lifeofdog.com/dog-training-tips/aggression-in-dog#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:45:58 +0000 admin http://www.lifeofdog.com/?p=1347

Dominant aggression in dog is usually directed towards another dog of the same sex. It is much more of a problem in males than females, and is most likely to take place when the dog is on its own territory. Some dogs are simply unsocialized social misfits, but more often the problem is sex-hormone-related. Neutering at a young age reduces this behaviour in most male dogs.

Dog Aggression

SIGNS OF AGGRESSION

Eye contact

You should intervene the moment your dog makes eye contact with a potential adversary. A raised tail and intense concentration are indicators that a fight might be about to begin.

A fierce challenge

Dominantly aggressive dogs mean business. On most occassions, fighting is preceded by aggressive body posturing and growling. Unless one of the dogs backs down, a fight will ensue. During a fight, a dog is likely to bite whoever intervenes – even its owner.

Dog on dog aggression

Between you and the dog

Some dogs will aggressively defend their owners. Standing between you and the other dog while pulling on the lead enhances the dog’s feeling of aggression. The dog will eventually associate the feeling of straining on a lead with aggression, while it may show no aggression off the lead.

Tight-lead syndrome

Although you may instinctively try to keep the dog on a short lead when aggressive behaviour begins, this will often exacerbate the situation. Forcibly pulling the dog back will increase its aggression. You should turn your dog’s head away, so that it cannot make eye contact with the other dog.

PREVENTION

Anticipate problems

Train your dog to wear a muzzle. Not only does the muzzle physically prevent the dog from biting, it also diminishes the dog’s feeling of dominance. Take a positive attitude to muzzle-wearing, it shows that you are a responsible owner. Look around you when you are in the park; the safest dog is a muzzled dog.

Rottweiler with a muzzle

Professional help

Aggression towards other dogs can sometimes be related to a lack of early and continuing socialization with other dogs. This can be difficult to deal with, and you may need the help of behavioural expert.

 

]]> http://www.lifeofdog.com/dog-training-tips/aggression-in-dog/feed 1 http://www.lifeofdog.com/dog-training-tips/dog-training-secrets http://www.lifeofdog.com/dog-training-tips/dog-training-secrets#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:25:28 +0000 admin http://www.lifeofdog.com/?p=1244

Providing your dog with new experiences is an exciting innovative method of dog training secrets. If you have your own garden, begin training in it as soon as you can. With your vet’s approval, take your puppy to public places so that it becomes accustomed to traffic noise, people who look different to you, and car journeys. More importantly, your puppy will get used to obeying you in different environments and circumstances.

Secrets of dog training

Playing with other dogs

Taking your puppy to weekly, supervised puppy classes will allow it to learn what canine body language means and how it can use body language when communicating with other dogs.

Outdoor rendezvous

Arrange for the dog to meet new people inside your home first, and then outdoors. This will prepare the dog for later meetings with people who will try to stroke it without asking your permission. Ask your friends to sit on their haunches when greeting the puppy, so that they do not intimidate it. They can also offer a food treat, so that the puppy will learn to welcome approaches from other people.

A positive approach

Always instruct children to approach the dog quietly and to stroke it gently from the side. Make sure you reward the dog with verbal praise or a food treat when it behaves calmly.

Introducing the car

The back of a car can be a frightening place, especially if the dog’s first experience in it causes motion sickness and nausea. Before actually driving anywhere, entice the dog into your parked car with a food reward. Once the dog is happy to sit in the car, accustom it to the sound of the engine. Train the dog to look upon the car as a second home.

Additional dog training secrets information

First outdoor experience

It is important for a puppy to experience the smells, sights, and sounds of everday life from as early an age as possible. Carry your puppy outdoors before it is fully inoculated, but do not put it on the ground.

Frightening strangers

A person with a beard, a hat, or a different skin complexion to the dog’s human family can be intimidating. Set up meetings between your friends and the dog, and reward the dog if it shows curiosity but remains calm.

Reward quiet behaviour

After a car journey, give food rewards and verbal praise if the dog shows no signs of agitation. Go for short drives initially, and gradually increase their duration. Always reward the dog for settling down and remaining quiet.

These are some of the dog training secrets you might want to use and accustome your new puppy to, so that it will grow with an obedient nature.

 

 

]]> http://www.lifeofdog.com/dog-training-tips/dog-training-secrets/feed 0 http://www.lifeofdog.com/dog-training-tips/crate-dog-training http://www.lifeofdog.com/dog-training-tips/crate-dog-training#comments Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:53:41 +0000 admin http://www.lifeofdog.com/?p=1178

After aquiring a new puppy it might be a good idea to start what is called crate dog training. It might look like a jail to you, but to the dog that has been trained from puppyhood to use it, a crate becomes a favourate place, the dog’s own secure haven. Crates should be pleasant places and should never be used for discipline. Crate training encourages house training, reduces potentially destructive behaviour, and eases travelling with your dog.

Dog Lying Comfortably In Its Crate

1. Before starting crate dog training, place soft bedding, a bowl of water, and an interesting toy inside the crate. Using a tasty snack and the verbal command “Go to your crate”, entice the puppy into its new home. Ensure that the door remains open so that the puppy can leave the crate at any time.

2. Once the puppy has become accustomed to the crate, it will continue to use it without any prompting from you. While the puppy plays contentedly, close the crate door for a few minutes. Keep the crate in a busy place like the kitchen.

3. Having the dog get accustomed to the crate, the puppy is content to be confined to a plypen. Some dogs, especially rescued ones, will not tolerate crate confinement, but this rarely happens with puppies. Eventually the ralaxed puppy will fall asleep in the security of its crate. However even fully crate-trained puppies should not be left in crates for more than two hours during the day, and should always be exercised before confinement. If the playpen is lined with newspaper, puppies can meet and play without causing havoc in the home.

ADDED BENEFITS

Dog Car Crate

Personal transport

Problems with travelling are eased if you have a crate-trained puppy. When confined to its own crate, this puppy feels secure in the car.

Not for punishment

Never send a dog to its crate in response to some misdemeanour as you might send a child to his room. A dog’s attitude to its crate must always be positive.

Crate size

Crates should be big enough for the puppy to stand up and turn around, but not so big that it might use one end as a toilet. Most puppies do not soil their own bedding, so crating with plenty of toileting breaks also helps with house crate dog training.

]]> http://www.lifeofdog.com/dog-training-tips/crate-dog-training/feed 0 http://www.lifeofdog.com/dog-breeds/life-of-dog http://www.lifeofdog.com/dog-breeds/life-of-dog#comments Sat, 07 Jan 2012 01:51:37 +0000 admin http://www.lifeofdog.com/?p=1100

The life of dog has always been close to humans like our children. It has provided people with companionship since it was first attracted to human habitation at least 12,000 years ago. Before the 20th century, this was a minor role for the dog – it was used primarily for work.

The Life Of A Dog

However, today the dog is most valued for the companionship it offers. Although mass urbanization in Europe, North America, Australia, Japan, and the great cities of Asia and South America has cut many people off from the natural world, the dog has accompanied them to the cities. Its future is secure as an important member of both urban and rural households.

MUTUAL BENEFITS
It is only by happy accident that after the last Ice Age, the Northern Hemisphere’s two most successiful predators learned that they could not only survive better, but also actually thrive in each other’s presence. Dogs are content to be our companions because they need to be guided by a pack leader, appretiate the simple availability of food, warmth, and comfort, and thrive on the knowledge that they have a defined territory to defend.

We also offer them simple play (which provides them with a lifelong pleasure) and physical contact. We ourselves gain a great deal of companionship. Dogs make us feel loved, secure, and important, and they make us laugh. We enjoy stroking them because touch is pleasurale. We like talking to them, although most of us realize that their ability to understand what we are saying is very limited, but the more it makes the life of dogs more comfortable.

We also like talking about them – describing something we love is probably good for our health. We feel content when we watch our dogs play, and we certanly feel loved when a dog comes over and and gives an affectionate greeting. We feel immensely satisfied when we feed, groom, exercise, and care for our dogs in a variety of other ways.

AN EMOTIONAL BOND

Recently, science has investigated the role of dogs as companions. The companionship of dogs is not just a manifestation of a middle-class affluence. Dogs are the world’s favourite companions, regardless of the culture or economic wealth of the region. In Zimbabwe and South Africa, over 40 per cent of all households keep dogs as companions. Anthropologists’ reports from all the world’s continents show that pet keeping is an international human phenomenon.

Life Of Dogs

Scientists state, for example, that the Athabaskan Hare Native people in the Canadian Northwest Territories are “repressed, contained, and restrained”, except in their relationships with children and puppies. Their puppies are spoiled, sheltered, given choice food, played with, and very rarely punished or scolded until they reach adulthood, when affection vitually ceases. Observers say that being in contact with a constant flow of puppies creates an outlet for natural, dormant feelings that are culturally repressed.

The great emotional satisfaction that dogs provide may well be mirrored in a number of more affluent societies. In Europe, the northern cultures of Scandinavia, Great Britain, northern France, and Germany are less comfortable with visible shows of human emotion than the southern cultures of Spain, southern France, Italy, Greece, and the Middle East.

Yet dog ownership is taken more seriously in northern Europe than in southern Europe. Dr. Aaron Katcher, an American psychiatrist, has written that touching and stroking dogs, and speaking to them affectionately, are acceptable ways by which people – men in particular – can give and receive affection in public when it is culturally unacceptable to show emotion or affection to other people.

Every dog owner should understand the obligation, that with the companionship of a dog come responsibilites for its health and welfare to make life of dogs more enjoyable and long lasting.

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