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« Older Entries |Wednesday, November 11th, 2009
Tibetan Terrier Puppies
Puppy training is very important, regardless if it is your first puppy or your 10th puppy. Training a puppy may also be easier than training an adult dog because a puppy doesn’t have any knowledge on previous training techniques or other issues. On the other hand, sometimes a puppy can also be more difficult to train simply because it may not comprehend what you are trying to teach or be too young to absorb the lessons.
Puppies are also easily distracted because everything is new to it. The environment, the people, the things around, the other pets – these are all distractions to a puppy simply because it is very curious about everything! With this in mind, it will be best to keep training sessions quick and short. Each training session should also ideally end on a positive note.
Socialization is important!
As a puppy, socialization is also important. Be sure to expose your puppy to other puppies, dogs and even pets. This will reduce any likelihood dog aggression as your puppy will know how to deal with its surroundings. Socialization training will help in educating your puppy on how to play with other dogs properly and how aggressive play with other dogs in the play group is not acceptable and will lead to punishment.
As the puppies play with each other, they learn what is appropriate (and what is not). All undesirable and inappropriate puppy behavior (hard biting or scratching) is punished by its siblings, by the puppy’s mother or both. However, in this day and age, many puppies are separated from their mothers (to be sold or adopted) before this natural socialization can take place.
Hence, this is why socialization and puppy training sessions are important. It may make a huge difference to your household and your relationship with your puppy and dog. After all, you would want a puppy or dog that is obedient and responsive to your commands.
You may begin socializing your puppy by taking a trip to the local pet store. Check to make sure if the pet store allows you to bring your puppy to get used to new sights, sounds and smells.
Positive reinforcements
Puppies should be rewarded for good behaviors and not rewarded for being a delinquent. Do not reward a puppy just because it has a cute behavior. For example, it may be cute when a puppy jumps on people, but this cuteness will wear off immediately if your puppy grows into a 100 pound dog! So it will be wiser to reward your puppy for sitting instead of jumping on people.
These positive reinforcements can also be used in potty training for a new puppy. For example, teaching a puppy to do its “business” on certain surface is a good technique. If your puppy gets used to pooping on gravel or asphalt surfaces, it will be reluctant to use other surfaces such as your home carpet as potty.
A calm environment
If you are bringing home a new puppy for the first time, it would be great if everyone in the family is present. It would also be best to make sure that the house environment is calm, unlike during festive or holiday seasons. Otherwise, there will be too many distractions and the puppy will not get the attention it needs.
Once a puppy becomes part of the family, it will need to learn more about the home environment. For example, if there are stairs, your puppy may not know how to climb properly. So as an owner, you will have to slowly build your puppy’s confidence. Start at the bottom of the stairs and slowly work up the steps day by day. Do not expect it to climb all the way to the top on its first day! In general, a wide stairway may be less intimidating for the puppy.
Tags: Book, Dog Training, Dogs, Free, Guide, Housebreaking, Housetraining, Obedience, Puppies, Puppy, Tips
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Saturday, October 24th, 2009
Labrador puppies, especially little black ones, have become very popular in the U.S. Breeders, pet stores, animal shelters, and humane societies are good places to get Labrador puppies. If you do not need an AKC registered puppy, you might consider giving a loving home to one of those in a shelter. Cost of Labrador Puppies
If you decide to get Labrador puppies from a breeder or pet store, be prepared to pay $400 or more for each puppy. Show quality Labrador puppies may cost as much as $1,000 each.
That is, of course, only the beginning of expenses involved in raising Labrador puppies. There are accessories!Labrador Puppy Accessories
Labrador puppy accessories can cost a great deal or they can be minimal. You should determine your budget and actual needs before visiting the pet store to avoid buying unnecessary accessories for your Labrador puppies. The list below is meant only as examples of Labrador puppy accessories you may want.1. Collars: Labrador puppies need collars, but be aware of two things. Labrador puppies outgrow collars rapidly. You should not use a chain collar on a young puppy, as it could damage his windpipe. Choose flat fabric or leather collars until your Labrador puppies are at least 5 months old.2. Leashes: You should train your Labrador puppies to walk on the leash, even if they have plenty of space to run in safety. There will be times, such as visits to the veterinarian’s office when you will be glad they are accustomed to the leash. Unlike the collars, leashes for Labrador puppies should be chain so the puppies will not chew them. 3. Crates: It is a good idea to have crates for your Labrador puppies before you bring them home. Crates become the puppies’ dens. If you are away from home during the day, you can leave your Labrador puppies in their crates to keep them safe, comfortable, and relaxed. Since they will be relaxes, they will not need to relieve themselves as often. The crate will be sure they do not use an inappropriate spot when they do relieve themselves. At night, Labrador puppies in crates sleep better – and stay out of mischief. Select crates that provide just enough space for a full-grown Labrador to stretch out when lying down.4. Bowls: You can spend a lot of money on fancy bowls for your Labrador puppies, but it really is not necessary. Plain steel bowls are sturdy, unbreakable, and can be cleaned well. If you use plastic containers, Labrador puppies will chew them, possibly ingesting pieces of plastic. Some feed and water bowls are said to be spill proof. This is a good idea when you have energetic Labrador puppies.5. Toys: Resist buying chew toys simply because they are cute to humans. Your Labrador puppies will chew aggressively. They can easily destroy plastic pet toys and, if no one is there to watch carefully, could choke on small pieces. Give your Labrador puppies sturdy Kongs and Nylabones to chew.6. Playpen: Since Labrador puppies will try to eat anything they find, it is a good idea to provide a playpen while they are young and learning. This is especially recommended if the puppies are to be outside unattended for any period of time.7. Brush: Until your Labrador puppies are older, and begin to shed more, use a bristle brush for weekly grooming. The brush will remove dirt from the puppies’ coats and keep them smelling good.Puppy Food
Food cannot really be classed among Labrador Puppy Accessories, but it is one more cost to anticipate when buying Labrador puppies. Ask the breeder or pet store clerk what food is best. If you know what the puppies are accustomed to eating, you may want to use that kind at first until they are comfortable in their new home.
There are many other accessories available for Labrador puppies, and if your budget will stretch you may want to consider some of them, but these should get you started.
Tags: Bowls, Collars, Crates, Labrador Puppies, Labrador Puppy Accessories, Leashes
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Wednesday, October 21st, 2009
Choosing a new puppy to bring into your home is a big decision. Here are some helpful hints and tips to making sure your new puppy is the right one.
The first thing you need to consider is research! This is the one step that is so often ignored when choosing a puppy, but is perhaps the most important step.
Too often people choose their new puppy based on emotion, and not the facts.
First things first, research the breed you want. I would recommend getting an all breed dog book at your library or local book store to help you in choosing a puppy. Get a book that gives details about the breeds temperament, energy level, adaptability, size, trainability, etc. Many people will pick up a dog magazine to check out the dogs for sale advertisements in the back. The problem with using this method to choose a breed is that these ads are designed to sell you on that specific breed from a specific kennel. Instead of choosing the right breed for you, you may be swayed by a nice layout and a professional ad.
When researching dog breeds, take everything into consideration. For example, some large dogs do better in apartments than certain small dogs. Some small breeds do better with room to run and play and despite their small size wouldn’t do well in an apartment. Some dogs are very independent and are more difficult to train. There are grooming requirements to consider. Some dogs are prone to certain health problems. Learn these things about the different breeds before you choose which one to purchase. When choosing a puppy, there is no such thing as too much research.
Once you have settled on the right breed it is now time to really buckle down and do your research. Now you’ve got to decide where to get this perfect dog. At this point it is important to note that there is typically one place where you don’t want to get a new puppy. That place is the pet store. It is not always the case, but dogs from pet stores often come from puppy mills. A puppy mill is a business that someone has set up to basically manufacture dogs. Puppy mills are notorious for overcrowding, lack of sanitation, health problems both from external causes and from poor breeding practices. Female dogs in a puppy mill will give litter after litter until their body is no longer capable. Owners of puppy mills give no thought to what makes a good dog, both structurally and mentally. The sole desire of a puppy mill is to make money, not to maintain and improve the gene pool of a certain breed. Don’t be drawn in by the cute puppy in the pet store window. It is very likely that behind that cute puppy exterior lurks genes that will make an unbalanced and unhealthy dog.
So where should you go about choosing a puppy? The answer is simple: from a reputable breeder. However, while the answer is simple, it isn’t so easy to go about finding that breeder. They aren’t always easy to find. Here are some tips for finding the right breeder:
- Don’t start out in the classifieds. Too often the classifieds section of your local newspaper is inhabited by ‘backyard breeders’. A backyard breeder is often just as dangerous as a puppy miller. The backyard breeder breeds his dog because ‘We wanted her to have a litter before we got her fixed’, or ‘We wanted the kids to see the miracle of birth’, or ‘Well, we had a German Shepherd and so did the neighbor, so it just made sense’. Shelters nationwide are filled with dogs resulting from these breedings. If you want your dog to have a litter ‘just because’, don’t do it. If you want your kids to witness the miracle of birth, rent a documentary. If you breed your dog because your neighbor has a similar one, have you considered the temperament, genetics of the parents, etc.? Probably not. Choosing a puppy from a backyard breeder can have regretful consequences. Avoid backyard breeders.
- Talk to a breed association. Nearly every dog breed has an affiliated association. Some of the more popular breeds have several national, regional, and local associations. These associations should be able to provide you with guidance on where to find reputable breeders. Many even specialize in helping new owners in choosing a puppy.
- Talk to local dog trainers and veterinarians. These professionals will often have contacts that may be able to help in choosing a puppy.
- Look in the back of the large dog magazines. There will often be many breeders. You will have to do your due diligence as any breeder can make it in the back of a magazine if they have the money to spend. It can be a useful resource for finding several breeders, though.
- Use the internet as a way to find breeders. Don’t be ‘sold’ on their website alone. Make sure you to do your due diligence.
Once you have a pool of several potential breeders from whom you are considering choosing a puppy, get in contact with them. A good breeder will actually interview you. A good breeder will want to know who you are, how you live, why you want the dog, and many more other things to make sure that you will properly care for something they have put so much work into. Answer these questions honestly. Hopefully, you will have a long relationship with this person.
As you go to their kennel or breeding facility take note of the conditions.
Good breeders are fanatical about sanitation.
Make sure things are well kept and maintained. Depending on the age of the puppies that you go to see the mother still may be around. Try to get a feel for her temperament and look. If the father is available, insist on seeing him too. The parents should be strong, healthy, and confident. They shouldn’t shy away from you or exhibit other behaviors that indicate a weakness or genetic problem.
Observe the puppies. They should be healthy. Make sure, when choosing a puppy, that you are looking for a puppy that is confident, large, and social. Don’t fall in the trap that many do by selecting a small, sickly puppy because they feel bad for the little guy.
Don’t be fooled by certain behaviors, either. A growling, nervous puppy is not going to make a better watch dog. He is growling out of an intense fear, not watchdog material. Keep in mind that the dominant puppy may be too much for you if you aren’t used to working with dogs.
Above all, use common sense. I know they are cute, but try to make a decision based on logic and reason, not because that little puppy hiding in the corner is so cute the way he trembles when someone goes near him. Choosing a puppy should never be a snap decision.
As is often the case, you may find that the best breeder with available puppies isn’t in your local area. In a case such as this you have a few options. You can travel to them, observe the facilities first hand, and purchase your puppy. This often isn’t reasonable for most people. Or, you can get references and thoroughly check out the particular breeder by phone and internet. Then, once you are satisfied that you will get a quality puppy, an arrangement can be made for choosing a puppy through photographs and breeder recommendation, and then get your puppy shipped by air freight. If you do this well you can have a great experience. I have been involved with the remote purchase of many dogs from as far away as France and the Czech Republic and have been very satisfied with the results because of doing proper research.
Just remember, when choosing a new puppy, do your homework and you will be grateful for the life of your dog
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Tags: Breed, Breeder, Dog, Puppies, Puppy, Train
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Thursday, October 15th, 2009
While many of us have heard of large dogs needing to be rescued we may not realize that this fact holds true for puppies as well. The different breeds of puppies may look adorable to us when we first see them but some owners abandon these little cuties once the novelty of having a pet wears off. This is where puppy rescue steps in.
Here the various breeds of puppies are found from the various places that they have been left in. These places can be large cardboard boxes, garbage bags, puppies left on the sides of the roads, in puppy mills and other types of places. Once the puppy rescue centers are informed about the different types of puppies who need a place to stay, they move into action.
The puppy is found and carefully brought into the rescue center. At the rescue center while the puppy’s trust is being gained the center’s vet will examine the puppy. All of the wounds that are found on the puppies will be treated and any parasites that are on the puppies’ body or inside of the puppy will be destroyed with the medication that is given by the vet.
Once this medical examination has been completed the puppy rescue team will see that the puppy is carefully washed and cleaned so that the puppy is not frightened or hurt. When the grooming process is finished the puppy will be placed in a cozy kennel. This is where the puppy will live until the puppy rescue centers find good families to place these puppies with.
Before the puppy rescue will allow potential owners to take their pets’ home these owners will need to fill out forms stating that they are willing to give these puppies a loving home and the care that is required. To make sure that there is no problems for the puppies or their potential owners the puppy rescue will have a trial period where the puppy is taken home by the adoptee parent.
Once the adoption is considered to be a success, the adoption papers are filled out and the puppy is taken to its new home. With a family who is willing to care for these puppies the puppy rescue can be sure that this puppy will have a good life.
Puppy rescue centers have been developed to make sure that puppies have a safe and loving environment. The work that puppy rescue teams perform saves many puppies from being euthanized. The next time that you are looking to adopt a puppy you should see the different puppies that are available from your local puppy rescue facility.
Houston Apartment
Tags: Puppy Rescue
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Friday, October 9th, 2009
Puppies are such cute furry bundles of joy it is little wonder that most of us find them irresistible. The thing to remember though is that that cute furry bundle comes with a whole bag of responsibility and moreover some day that little furry bundle of fun will transform into a big furry bundle. The point to note here is that it isn’t enough to see a puppy and exclaim “ahhhh” and feel that covers all your future obligations and requisite requirements to becoming a dog owner. Nothing could be further from the truth!Before you go puppy scouting you first need to do some research on the type of dog breed that best compliments your personality. Another point to consider is that if you are getting the puppy for a child most of the responsibility of taking care of that puppy is going to fall on your shoulders, your child’s promises and good intentions notwithstanding.Choosing Your PuppyChoosing the right puppy for you and for your home requires a certain degree of insight to yourself. If you intend to have a long and happy relationship with your dog then you need to get a dog breed that will fit into your lifestyle and match your character. Thus you need to ask yourself a number of questions and be prepared to answer them with nothing less than stark naked honesty. Such questions include:• Are you an energetic/active person• Are you a couch potato• Is the dog going to primarily be a companion or pet• Do you live in an apartment• Do you have a backyard• Is the dog going to be a playmate for kids• Is the dog primarily for protection• Do you intend to exhibit your dog at dog shows• How does having a dog fit into your work schedule• How much time are you prepared to spend on grooming• Do you want a super affectionate dogThe above list is by no means all encompassing but certainly tackles some of the questions you should ask yourself before you eventually get your puppy. Think of these questions as primers to your quest for the perfect puppy dog!Get A Dog Breed That Compliments You And Your NeedsThe great thing about getting a dog is that there are well over 200 different breeds to choose from; and it gets better. Over a span of many hundreds of years (in some instances thousands) man has bred every and any type of dog to cater to practically any need he so desired. That means that somewhere out there is the perfect dog breed for you. Hence if you are little inclined to indulging in long arduous walks or are loathe to bouts of daily exercise, it makes no sense at all to get a dog that belongs to the sporting group of dogs, because such dogs invariably need a lot of exercise.In other words if your nature leans towards couch-potato hedonism then get a puppy that compliments your couch-potato lifestyle. Fortunately there is no shortage of dog breeds that possess such qualities. In a somewhat similar vein if your intended dog is for protection, guarding or some other form of service, it makes sense for you to choose a dog from the working dog breed group.Probably the single most common mistake that would-be dog owners tend to make is to base the appearance of a dog as the ultimate criterion for their selection. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with initially basing your choice of dog on the breed’s appearance but remember that looks tell you little if anything about any dog breed’s inherent character and nature. Take the Poodle for example; most people think that the Poodle is nothing but a show dog. However what they don’t know is that the Standard Poodle (this is the big variant which attains a weight of 65lbs plus and grows to a height of 21 inches and more) actually makes a very capable watchdog with a pretty convincing bite to remind you and anyone else inclined to forget that it is more than just a pretty face in a doggy world!Where To Get Puppies FromThere are a variety of places that you could get your puppy from, some highly recommended while others you should avoid at all costs for a number of reasons that will be explained shortly.1. Puppies From Reputable BreedersThese are people who raise dogs because they actually love dogs and are not in it for the money. Such a dog breeder:• Raises their puppies in close proximity to people and in a warm, safe comfortable and protected environment. The reason why it is essential that puppies be raised in close contact with people is so that they get accustomed and socialized to humans from an early onset which makes for a better pet.• Never breeds more than a couple of litters each year and restricts any one female dog to a single litter per year.• Screens their puppies and dogs for genetic or hereditary disease and other ailments and will supply you (the end-owner) with the relevant registration papers and certificates proving so• Would as a matter of course inquire about your lifestyle, where you live and what kind of experience if any that you have with dogs. They’ll ask you such questions not because they are nosey but rather to ensure that you are truly compatible and well matched with the dog that you are about to introduce as the newest member of your family. Remember, as stated before, reputable breeders are concerned about the welfare and well being of their dogs and want to ensure that their puppies don’t end up being abandoned by a negligent owner.Getting your purebred puppy from a reputable breeder will initially cost you more money upfront but will pay off in the backend because in effect what you are paying for is a guarantee of a puppy that:• Is well socialized• Has been screened for health defects and possible genetic disease• As an adult dog will exhibit the positive attributes and characteristics typical of the breed and not the unwanted traits that appear in poorly developed purebreds as a result of over breeding along the same generational lines2. Dog Rescue SheltersEvery year millions of dogs are euthanized in the United States alone, many of them being abandoned pets that cannot be housed in foster homes in a timely fashion before funds for their upkeep run out. A lot of those dogs in rescue shelters are purebred dogs that have been abandoned for some reason or other by their previous owners.Good Reasons To Get A Dog From A ShelterThere are actually a number of advantages in getting your dog from a rescue shelter and such reasons include:• You will pay much less for your new pet even if it is a purebred dog (typically you’d just pay the adoption fee which helps to keep the shelter open and is about $50. Getting your purebred dog from a reputable breeder would set you back anywhere from $500-$1500.• Most dog shelters have some degree of veterinary facility on their premises ensuring that dogs are neutered/spayed (commonly but not always) as well as treated for any ailments/diseases and screened for problems. All this is done at no extra cost to you, having been incorporated in the miniscule adoption fee.• The average dog from a shelter has undergone some level of housetraining which is a huge weight off the shoulders for any new prospective dog owner. Where Not To Get Puppies FromThere are two places you should avoid getting your puppy from at all costs and those places are:A. Puppy Mills: as the name suggest such places are devoted to churning out puppies in volume without due consideration to their welfare and well being. Puppies from puppy mills are raised in horrendous conditions, rarely if ever in contact with people and are removed from their mothers prematurely at the tender age of 5 weeks (which is much too soon). A consequence of such horribly conditions and a deprived puppyhood is that these dogs make for very poor pets. Moreover such puppies are far more likely to suffer from undiagnosed genetic disease as well as other ailments because it is a good bet that the puppy mills are certainly not bothered with such trivialities as the good health of their wards! B. Pet Stores: Next time you see that cute but sad-eyed puppy in a pet store brace yourself and walk on by. Why? Because pet stores are actually the sole reason that puppy mills still exist. Pet stores get their puppies from puppy mills or from for-profit backyard breeders, two types of establishment that aren’t concerned with: the pedigree purity, genetic disease, or emotionally and mental well being of the dog. Puppies from pet stores typically get there at about five weeks of age and are finally placed with an owner around 12 weeks of age. Conditions in the pet store may be better than those of the puppy mill but only marginally so. Much of the time the puppy is in isolation and has little if any human contact, which means that if you do break down and get that sad-eyed puppy in the window you are getting a dog that has next to no socialization skills and is almost invariably emotionally and mentally scarred! Besides by getting your puppy from a pet store you are in effect perpetuating this horrible cycle of canine misery.
More about the dog
Tags: Dog, Dog Breed, Dog Breeder, Dog Owner, Dog Rescue Shelter, Doggy World, Dogs, Pet Stores, Poodle, Puppies, Puppy, Puppy Dog, Puppy Mills
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Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
Have you ever wished you could just give your puppy a pill and get rid of all those annoying puppy behavior problems that turn up when you attempt to train puppy to be obedient? Of course, such a puppy training pill doesn’t exist. What does exist, however, are tried and true training methods for getting rid of puppy behavior problems like dog potty problems and other behavioral issues. These are the three steps you need to take in order to have perfect puppy behavior:
Start Puppy Training Early:Very often the mistake that is made by the typical puppy owner is to wait too long before beginning training. Puppy behavior problems can develop very quickly and it is best to take a proactive approach to not let those puppy behaviors begin in the first place.
Obviously you can’t expect perfect behavior at the tender age of eight weeks or twelve weeks of age but there are several things that you can start training right away. Begin puppy housebreaking the moment you bring your young dog home. Make sure to supervise your puppy by using a leash or a crate so that he can’t develop bad habits. Dog potty issues are not fun to fix as the dog matures, it is best to avoid them from occurring in the first place.
You can also begin to train puppy manners. These are things like teaching your dog to not jump, nip, chew, etc. The more your puppy does these behaviors when he is young the more reinforced they become. Be firm but fair in teaching your pup to be respectful of your home and family.
Just because your puppy is young doesn’t mean that you can’t start obedience training. Use a lot of positive reinforcement to teach your dog to sit, lie down, stay, come when called and walk on a leash. If you can begin to ingrain these ideas into your pup it will be much easier to train puppy as he gets older.
Socialize Your Dog Properly:Many puppy behavior problems occur because dogs aren’t socialized properly. There are three main things to remember when socializing your dog:1- Volume- You want your new puppy to meet a great deal of new and different people, dogs, children, and things.2- Variety- Not only should your puppy be socialized to a lot of things, but he should meet a big variety of things and people as well.3- Control- Many people understand the concept that they should socialize their dog but few people understand that socialization should be done in a controlled fashion. Control the types of people and dogs that your dog meets. If you don’t control the types of things your dog meets you risk your dog having bad experiences. Bad experiences can lead to fear issues and fear can lead to aggression. Expect Great Things From Your Puppy:I often encounter puppy owners who make excuses for their puppy behavior problems. As they begin puppy training they can often be heard to say that, “Oh, it’s okay. He’s just a puppy, he’ll grow out of it.” Very rarely do puppies grow out of behavior problems. More often these puppy behavior problems grow and develop to become worse and worse.
Your puppy isn’t going to be perfectly trained tomorrow, but he can definitely be better tomorrow than he is today. Expect daily improvement and train accordingly. Don’t make the excuse that your dog is just a puppy so behavior problems are okay. They aren’t okay and shouldn’t be treated as such.
If you can have these ideas in mind when you engage in puppy training you will find yourself capable of ridding yourself of puppy behavior problems in no time.
Sitegrinder
Tags: dog potty, puppy behavior, puppy behavior problems, Puppy Housebreaking, Puppy Training, train puppy
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2009
Nipping puppies are a common occurrence. Puppies play hard with their littermates and when you bring your puppy home he transfers this behavior to you. Those sharp little teeth really hurt, however, and this is a behavior that needs to be nipped in the bud.
Nipping puppy behavior has nothing to do with teething or dominance. It is simply puppy play behavior that has gone wild. Buying chew toys and offering them to your puppy won’t do anything to deter them from mouthing people or teach the puppy to have a safe mouth around children. Safe chew toys are a great idea and important to have but they teach puppies how to chew on puppy toys instead of people things. They don’t teach puppies not to bite people.
Mouthing and nipping is usually a sign that the puppy is hyperstimulated and wants to play. They simply need to learn to play in a gentler way. Nipping and mouthing on people and having the people tell the puppy that it HURTS teaches the puppy the critical lesson of “bite inhibition” so they can learn better control over their aim with their mouth. Bite inhibition is something that puppies also learn from their dams and their littermates. Their control over their biting usually improves over time if you properly and consistently reinforce the message that you send. Your puppy will get better emotional self-control and physical coordination.
This is exactly the same lesson that 2- and 3-year-old human children have to learn about playing with other children: be gentle or no one will play with you. The goal is to have the puppy become gentler and gentler with their mouth so that being soft with their mouth becomes a habit. Or a skill. It takes time to build a habit.
You teach a puppy to be more gentle with his mouth by shrieking with pain when he nips you. You need to overdo it. Really let your puppy know that it HURTS. Follow this by immediately leaving the room and closing the door so your puppy cannot continue the biting. Some puppies may try to run after you because they still want to play so be sure to leave the room and close the door. Start out by shrieking over a painful nip and work your way to up a shriek about any tooth-to-skin contact at all. By the time your puppy is 4 1/2-5 months old they should have a very soft mouth if you apply this method consistently. This is the same method that is taught in most puppy kindergarten classes.
You are basically doing the same thing that your puppy’s mother or littermates would do when he nipped them. His mother and littermates would cry out and stop playing with your puppy if he bit them too hard. He would learn that if he played too rough there would be no more play.
If you are playing with a puppy who starts to become overstimulated or who shows signs of nipping you can take a time-out. Stand up, turn your back on your puppy, cross your arms and look away. Stand still, even if your puppy jumps on you. Don’t acknowledge your puppy. Don’t speak to him. Count to 30. If your puppy has calmed down you can praise him and resume play. If he hasn’t calmed down by a count of 30 try another count to 30. If that still doesn’t work you should calmly leave the room, with the puppy still in the room. If your puppy is still showing signs of being overstimulated you should do a time-out with your puppy in his crate for 2-5 minutes. These are ways of teaching your puppy emotional self-control. Your puppy learns to calm himself down in order to get you to play with him some more.
If you teach your puppy using these methods it should solve your problems with nipping and becoming overstimulated when playing. You want your puppy to grow up to be a dog who has good control of his mouth and teeth and who doesn’t become overstimulated and accidentally bite.
Time-outs can be used effectively when your dog is getting out of control. If your dog is barking excessively a time-out in his crate for a few minutes may get his mind off barking. Sometimes a dog may bark wildly at a squirrel or something else outside. Your dog may be overstimulated at these times and a time-out can help calm him down. There are some good ways to try to discourage barking behavior but a time-out may be the only thing that breaks the barking sometimes.
Tags: behavior, Breeds, Dog, feeding, Food, Health, Information, Puppies, Puppy, Purebred, training
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Sunday, September 27th, 2009
Designed to boost muscles, sharpen senses, and improve reasoning processes, the fun shapes and exciting textures keep your puppy challenged and stimulated. These interactive and developmental toys help growing puppies explore and discover their world. All textures and materials are puppy safe and durable for hours of entertainment and guided development.
Tags: Builders, Play, Pull, Puppy
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Thursday, September 24th, 2009
To get your puppy off to a good start, schedule a veterinary check-up within the first 48 hours of bringing it home. You can then get a clean bill of health, a schedule for future vaccinations and spay/neuter surgeries and advice on food, training, parasite preventatives and trainer recommendations.
What to consider before getting a puppy?
* Investigate the breeds and mixes.
* Ensure you are familiar with the breed’s adult size & personality traits.
* Estimate costs of regular veterinary care, flea/tick and heartworm prevention.
* Estimate costs of grooming, food and how it fits into your lifestyle or family life.
How to keep your puppy safe?
* Create a safe environment at your home. A puppy, just like a human baby, finds the tiniest nooks and crannies to get into and they often get into trouble playing with computer cables, electric cords, cleaning products, pantyhose, etc. Hide or contain wires and cables, put baby locks on low cabinets (little paws and noses can pry doors open), pick up stray strings, needles, paperclips, shoelaces, and move valuables, books and breakables to new heights.
* Crate – search for one with enough room for your puppy to turn around, lie down and sleep but not too spacious as this leaves room for it to eliminate in areas where it doesn’t sleep.
* Until your puppy has finished all rounds of immunisation, he should not mix with a lot of strange dogs or be where there is a high volume of other dogs walking, as he needs to be fully protected before venturing in public places.
What are the handy things you need to have to care for a puppy?
* Use non-tipping metal food and water dishes – this helps keep the dishes from sliding.
* Buy some stain and odour neutralizer – your puppy will always be drawn to areas where “accidents” took place, a good neutralizer will eliminate odours from its urine or stool.
* Buy a brush, nail clipper and a comb if your puppy will eventually grow into a dog with a medium to long coat.
* Get an adjustable collar, identification tag and a six-foot nylon or leather leash with a small clip. Try to avoid chain collars or leashes.
How to house-train (potty-train) your puppy?
* House-training a puppy is not difficult if you’re consistent and stick to a schedule. You will probably be feeding three times a day. First thing in the morning, take the puppy out of its crate and quickly take it outside to where you’d like it to eliminate. Be patient, and as soon as your puppy starts to eliminate, CALMLY praise it with “Good dog” (or whatever term you’d like to use). When your puppy has finished all its business, take a few minutes to play or cuddle it. What you want to teach your puppy is the sooner it eliminates, the sooner it gets to play with you. When playtime is over, bring it inside, feed your puppy breakfast and let it have water. In about 15-20 minutes, take it outside again and repeat the routine. Once back inside, if you have time to monitor your puppy, you may let it explore its surroundings. After that, put it back in its crate.
* Never leave your puppy in the crate for more than its limit in controlling its bladder. Usually a puppy can hold it for as many hours as its age in months. For example, a 2-month old puppy can stay in the crate for no more than 2 hours, as long as it has eliminated before being crated. Repeat the feeding, elimination, play routine at lunch and dinner, then no more water or food 2 hours before bedtime. If the weather is very warm, a few ice cubes in your puppy’s water bowl will quench its thirst but not stimulate its bladder like water will. Generally, at 8 weeks to 3 months, your puppy will have developed better bladder and bowel control and is capable of sleeping through the night. But remember to take your puppy out first thing in the morning!
* When your puppy pees on one spot, he tends to go back to exactly the same place over and over because your puppy recognises the smell. Therefore take your puppy to the same spot every time. If your puppy does it in the right spot, lavish him with lots of praises! Use your happy voice, your puppy will soon know he did it right and will want to do it right the next time.
* If your puppy had an accident somewhere inside the house, make sure you clean the floor or the carpet thoroughly to neutralise the smell. A good quality pet odour remover should do the trick.
* Each time you want your puppy to defecate or urinate, teach you puppy a specific word by repeating the same word many times, for example “go poop”, “go potty”. By repeating the same words each time, it will become another command for your puppy and he will be able to do it when you mention the command.
* Ideally you will have a dog door installed so that your puppy can be trained to go outside when it needs to eliminate. If this is not practical, keep an eye on your puppy, try to observe how your puppy normally acts before he pees, and take him outside as soon as you see the signs. You can also teach your puppy to ask for the door, but that might take some time.
* Establish a routine – for example, after a nap or before play time, take your puppy outside to eliminate.
What are the development stages and behaviours you can expect from a puppy to a dog?
* The Juvenile Stage: 3 to 4 Months
The Juvenile stage typically lasts from 3 to 4 months of age, and it’s during this time your puppy behaves a little more independent – he might start ignoring the commands he’s only recently learned and tries to exert his new-found independence with its “I don’t have to listen to you” attitude!
You will need to apply firm and gentle reinforcement of commands and training at this stage. Your puppy might even start biting you, play biting or even a real attempt to challenge your authority. A sharp “No!” or “No biting!” command, followed by several minutes of ignoring him should take care of this problem.
When you bond with your puppy, avoid games like tug of war or wrestling with him. He may perceive tug of war as a game of dominance – especially if he wins and wrestling is another game that can rapidly get out of control. As your puppy’s strength grows, he will want to play-fight to see who is stronger – even if you win, the message your puppy receives is that it’s alright to fight with you but this is NOT the message you want to send out!
* The Brat Stage: 4 to 6 Months
Your puppy will demonstrate even more independence and wilfulness during the Brat Stage which begins at about 4 months and runs until about 6 months. You may observe a decline in his urge to please you – expect to see more “testing the limits” type behaviours. During this time he’ll be going through a teething cycle and will also be looking for things to chew on to relieve the pain and pressure. Frozen doggie bones can help sooth him during this period.
Your puppy may try to assert his new “dominance” over other family members, especially children. It is common for puppies at this age to ignore commands to return or come to their owners, which can be a dangerous, even fatal, breakdown in your dog’s response to you. If you turn him loose in a public place, and he bolts, the chances of injury or even death can result – so don’t take the chance. Continue his obedience and basic commands training, but make sure to never let him off his leash during this time unless you’re in a confined area.
Your puppy will now begin to go through the hormonal changes brought on by his growing sexual maturity and you may see signs of rebelliousness. (Think adolescent teen-age boy!) If you haven’t already, you should have your puppy neutered (or spayed if you have a female) during this time.
* The Young Adult Stage: 6 to 18 Months
From 6 months to approximately 18 months, the Young Adulthood stage takes place and is usually a stabilising time in your puppy’s life. He’s young, he’s exuberant, he’s bursting with energy and yet he’s learning all the things he needs to become a full-fledged adult dog. Be realistic in your expectations of your dog at this time, just because he’s approaching his full growth and may look like an adult dog, he’s not as seasoned and experienced as you might expect.
Slowly increase the scope of activities and training for your dog. You can start more advanced training during this period, such as herding or agility training. Otherwise, extend his activities to include more people and other animals – allow him to interact with non-threatening or non-aggressive dogs.
Tags: Advice, Care, Crate, Dog, Dog Advice, Dog Care, Puppies, Puppy
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Thursday, September 24th, 2009
Correct Your Dog’s Unwanted Behaviors Featuring renowned canine behavior consultant Shannon Holstein, This DVD will teach you Easy POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT Techniques to correct these common naughty behaviors. MOUTHING/BITING BARKING JUMPING DIGGING Search Pet Video Library on Amazon for More Breed Specific and Training videos listed by Doggy DVD. Plays in All regions!
Tags: Barking, Behaviors, Biting, Correcting, Digging, Naughty, Puppy, Stop, training
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Monday, September 21st, 2009
Pure botanical pet care. For: Puppy. This puppy blend includes sweet orange, pink grapefruit, lavender, chamomile and geranium. Is Your dog a spa dog? Our pure botanical products combine a premium base with therapeutic grade essential oils to keep your puppy clean and happy. Our special blend will soothe and protect the coat. Made in California, USA.
Tags: Botanicals, Pack, Puppy, Reassuring, Shampoo, Soothing
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Friday, September 18th, 2009
MULTI PURPOSE LIGHT BLUE UNDERPADS HOUSEBREAKING PADS. 200/CASE 23 X 24 GREAT FOR PUPPY CHANGING, POTTY TRAINING, BABIES DAIPER CHANGING also great for bird cages, hamsters, ferrets, bunnies, kitty litter boxes and baby changing pads too! or INCONTINENT USE. Very Good Deal. Not the typoical cheap Brand. These will soak anything and will not rip and tear or leak it will stay in place.
Tags: 200/case, Pads, Puppy, training, Underpad
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2009
What is involved in raising a litter of puppies? This is a question I am asked quite often. It is certainly a task that should not be taken lightly. That cuddly little puppy is going to be a full grown dog someday soon, and will have an impact on many peoples lives and you want that impact to be a positive one. (more…)
Tags: Dogs, Puppies
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Saturday, September 12th, 2009
Cozy shape that can be cuddled for comfort when puppy is sleeping or stressed. Chewy tail offers an appropriate chew object. Filled with Buckwheat the Puppy Cuddle Pal can be microwaved to provide warmth.
Tags: Cuddle, Puppy
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Saturday, September 12th, 2009
It is a puppy that has bonded with his “pack” and fits in well. It has been socialized – but how do you socialize a black Labrador puppy?
Socializing the Black Labrador Puppy
All dogs are social creatures, but few are as social as a black Labrador puppy. A black Labrador puppy loves attention, and wants to get it from everyone and everything. A black Labrador puppy does not want to share, however, and must learn that every member of the “pack” shares. He must learn how to respond to both human and animal members of his new pack.
Understanding black Labrador puppies involves 7 simple steps that help puppies become well-rounded.
1. Puppy Pats
Your black Labrador puppy needs to be patted, touched, and caressed. Most people do this instinctively from the time they get the puppy. Children, especially, touch the puppy in every possible place they can. The more children there are, the more puppy pats your black Labrador puppy will receive. Even if yours is a gun dog, and children are not playing with it, it still needs puppy pats. Let it feel your hand on its ears, its nose, and its paw pads. Get your black Labrador puppy accustomed to being touched and patted. It will help him fit into his new life. While you’re at it, teach children how to treat the puppy.
2. Puppy Playtime
It is important that you and your black Labrador puppy have several playtimes each day. If possible, give him at least one in the morning and one in the evening, as this will establish a pattern for future exercise times. Teach your black Labrador puppy that you are his friend. Play fetch. Take a toy away, teaching the importance of sharing. Do not let him take it back in an aggressive manner. Hide a toy and let him hunt it.
3. Puppy Rolling Game
Every black Labrador puppy needs to be involved in frequent bouts of the puppy rolling game. This game shows the puppy that his position in your pack is one of submission. When playing with your black Labrador puppy, roll him on his side now and then. Hold him there as you silently count to 10. When you reach 10, remove your hand and let the puppy get up. If he struggles while you’re holding him, do not let go. You must not let your black Labrador puppy overpower you, or he will believe he is the pack’s dominant member.
4. Share-a-Puppy
A big part of understanding black Labrador puppies is recognizing that they need a wide circle of acquaintances. When you get your pup, note his age in a notebook. Subtract it from 24 weeks. If your puppy is 8 weeks old, you would subtract 24 – 8 = 16. In those weeks (whatever number you wrote), you need to share your puppy with at least 100 new people. If you wrote 16 weeks, set a goal of having your puppy meet 6-7 new people each week. Keep track so you know it is happening. Simply have strangers hold your black Labrador puppy, and touch it. Hand it back and forth carefully so it does not fall.
5. Share-a-Meal
A black Labrador puppy can quickly learn to be protective of his food dish. If left to natural instincts, he may become hostile when others come near his bowl. To avoid this, share a meal by sitting or standing close to the bowl when the pup is eating. Have other family members do the same. Teach your black Labrador puppy that his food is safe even when someone is very near.
6. Puppy Home School
From the time you get your black Labrador puppy, teach him every day. He is old enough to learn basic commands such as come; down; drop it; leave it; and sit. Avoid yelling at the puppy or punishing it. There are good Labrador training courses available on the Internet. Order one and use it faithfully.
7. Puppy Support Group
Please understand that a black Labrador puppy needs the constant support of everyone in his home. Life is full of exciting things, as well as frightening things. When a garbage truck comes banging down the street, he will tuck his little tail between his legs and run for cover. What do you do. You – and everyone else present – act as though nothing happened. Your black Labrador puppy will notice that he is the only one running. He will soon decide that, if no one else is afraid, the sound of garbage trucks is not important.
Understanding black Labrador puppies is an ongoing process, but these 7 steps will give you a good start.
By: Anna Hart
WordPress Amazon Autoposter Plugin
Tags: Black Lab Puppies, Black Labrador Puppy
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
Please measure your pet’s neck before purchasing. Adjustable formal tuxedo collars are perfect for weddings, parties and special occasions. Removable tie for easy washing or bleaching! Doggie Clothesline is your #1 source for wedding apparel and formal wear for dogs. We offer many other styles so you and your pet can find the perfect accessory for ANY occasion!
Tags: Black, Collar, Tuxedo
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Sunday, September 6th, 2009
Potty training aid for puppies is a scientifically formulated attractant. Using this product will help train a puppy to urinate in the appropriate area. It is made for both outdoor and indoor use. For inside dogs, simply spray the product on newspaper or a puppy training pad to attract the animal to the spot.
Tags: Ounce, Puppy, Simple, Solution, Spray, training
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Sunday, September 6th, 2009
Puppy Behavior 8 – 11 weeks old.Puppy behavior is important to be able to understand as when a puppy goes through certain stages in its development their behavior will also go through changes. We will look at the stages a puppy goes through between the ages of 8-11 weeks of age and how you can learn how to train a puppy during this stage. (more…)
Tags: dog obedience training, Dog Trainers, How To Train A Dog, How To Train A Puppy, Puppy, puppy behavior, Puppy Development, Puppy's, training
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2009
Features a new 8-page color section The bestselling guide to making the most of puppy’s first year Bringing home a puppy? This fun, friendly guide to puppyhood prepares you for this tough but terrific time. From the basics — housebreaking, feeding, training — to the latest on doggie day care, traveling with a puppy, and the new designer breeds, you get everything you need to help your puppy grow up to be a healthy, playful, well-mannered dog. Discover how to * Choose (more…)
Tags: Dummies, Paperback, Pets, Puppies
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Monday, August 31st, 2009
Neat ‘n Dry Floor Protection Tray will securely buckle up Dog Training Pad. Also ideal for food dish tray to protect floor from spills. Made from Polypropylene and A B S Resin
Tags: 301551, Floor, FT500, Iris, Pads, Protection, Small, training, Tray
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Monday, August 31st, 2009
When bringing home a new puppy, you need to be prepared for the worst case scenario. Chances are, your puppy will be an angel compared to what you expect of him/her, but at least you would have covered all bases. (more…)
Tags: Adopt A Puppy, Buy A Puppy, Choosing A Puppy, Dog Breeds, Puppies, Puppies For Sale, Puppy, Puppy For Sale
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
Rag Rope Ball is an interactive toy which provides thoughtful activities to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. The rope/denim arms slow the speed of the ball, allowing even the less agile dog to site and retrieve.
Tags: Ball, Rope, Stages
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
Puppy Housebreaking / Housetraining Procedures and Methods
Puppy housebreaking should start just as soon as you bring your new puppy home – and it is the best way to teach your purebred puppy to go outside when it has to relieve itself. How long does it take to do puppy housetraining? (more…)
Tags: Canine, Dog, Dog Breed, Dog Breeders, Dogs, Housebreaking, Pourebred Dog, Puppies.k9, Puppy
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Saturday, August 22nd, 2009
Amazon.com
Frontline products are highly recommended by veterinarians for flea and tick control for dogs and cats. For dog owners who want long-lasting, fast-acting flea, tick, and chewing lice control, Frontline Plus guarantees control on dogs aged 8 weeks and older. You only have to apply Frontline Plus once a month, so a 3-Dose supply will provide you with up to 3 months of convenient, highly effective flea, flea egg, chewing lice, and tick control. Frontline Plus kills up to (more…)
Tags: Control, Dogs, Flea, Frontline, Merial, Plus, Puppies, Tick
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Friday, August 21st, 2009
From the Manufacturer
Reclaim Your YardYou spend a lot of time making your yard look good. Don’t let your dog keep you from enjoying it. Reclaim your yard and make your dogs welcome again. While nobody’sfavorite job, the Puppy Butler makes pet waste removal quick and painless. You bag it and its gone!
* Easily attach any plastic grocery bag to this ultimate pooper scooper and neatly dispose of pet waste with no fuss or mess * 37″ x 5″ x 10″
Tags: #PB1, Butler, Puppy, Yard
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