I'm surprised how many Cesar Milan’s are giving advice. I actually read a post where the writer instructed the person posting the question to make that "Tsch" sound when correcting her dog.
I'm also surprised at the form of punishments dog owners will tell other dog owners to implement.
I'm going to say it right here, right now. Hitting or beating your dog will not do you any good. And no I'm not talking about a swat on the butt; I'm talking about physical abuse. The whole object of training is to have your dog listen to you out of respect not out of fear.
Please read and educate your self. Cesar Milan is an excellent reference but taking someone’s message to give an aggressive dog an Alpha Rollover when not having any experience to do so is absolutely idiotic! If you don't know what you're doing, you are going to get bit. Even the professionals get bit from time to time.
So my suggestion is to read, educate yourself, know your dog, and THEN if you're comfortable, implement what you have learned.
I actually read a post where the writer advised forgoing trainers if at all possible as they could learn everything they needed to know from books and not spend money needlessly.
I taught myself basic obedience training from books, I've attended obedience classes, and I work in the animal industry, and let me tell you I still refer to my vet and other professionals.
You should use these posts as ancillary information and not the end all be all. If you have any questions that you are not clear about, don't hesitate to go to your local vet and ask questions. Your vet should even have some reputable trainers to refer or good books to read.
Remember these basic things.
1. Your dog is a social animal and thrives on human contact.
2. Your dog wants to please you. It makes them happy.
3. Your dog wants to be a dog, not a human.
4. Educate your self on your dogs breed. Do your homework.
5. Exercise makes for a happy dog and a happy owner.
Training can be fun and establishes the bond between owner and dog. Take a basic obedience class you'll learn something and have fun!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Potty Training Your Puppy
House breaking a dog can be a very trying time. Some breeds get it quicker than others but you must remain patient with your dog. Remember that puppies have small bladders and go frequently. The most important ingredient in your training regimen is Consistency. Performing steps the same way every time will help both you and your dog.
Try to take your puppy out every hour and after every meal or water break.
After you are done feeding your puppy, make sure to take your pup outside to relieve its self.
Make sure you are doing this at the same time every day or as close to it as possible.
When your pup is outside, they will do everything under the sun except what you want them to do, which is to poop or pee. This should be a positive experience so when you see your puppy doing their business, you need to make a production out of it.
With the highest voice possible, lavish your pup in praise and pets. Do this every time you take your puppy out and they poop or pee. This creates a positive experience and your puppy will want to perform this behavior every time.
If you see that your pup is going in the house, pick them up quickly and head out the door to the designated bathroom area. Set your puppy down and let them finish their business. Remember to lavish them with praise and pets for finishing outside.
Under no circumstances are you to hit, spank, or beat your puppy. Do not rub your puppy’s nose/snout in the mess.
Your pup does not and will not understand why you are doing this. The only thing that you will achieve is to make your puppy afraid of the situation. Usually when an owner employs this method of punishment a few times, the pup will either hide and go to the bathroom or eat it.
Remember, it’s a puppy, it doesn't know anything. We don't take an infant and rub its face in a diaper, so why would it be right for a puppy?
Remember consistency and praise. You will be surprised how far this will go. Yes you will have the knuckle head puppy that just won't learn. Be patient and consistent as this is not the norm.
In my opinion, crate training is the best way to go when you can not be in the house. Your puppy should have just enough room to stand up and turn around. If your pup has too much room, they will poop and pee in the crate, dance in it and be more than willing to share it with you when you get home.
Puppies have a short attention span and no sense of time. For that matter dogs period have no sense of time. That being said, if you did not catch your puppy in the act, do not punish your puppy. Your pup will not have a clue why you’re mad. Take your puppy out immediately when you get home and remember to praise when they poop or pee outside.
As your puppy learns these new habits, you can then start to implement a code word so that they will go on command. Pick a word or phrase that is short and catchy. Your puppy will do best with 1 or 2 syllable words.
Every time your puppy is about to poop or pee, start chanting your code word in a high pitched voice. You need to wait to the last moment right as they are about to do it.
Your word can be "go potty", "go poopie", "potty outside", "go hurry" etc...
After a while when you say your code word, your puppy will want to go to the bathroom.
Remember consistency, praise, and a LOT of patience.
Try to take your puppy out every hour and after every meal or water break.
After you are done feeding your puppy, make sure to take your pup outside to relieve its self.
Make sure you are doing this at the same time every day or as close to it as possible.
When your pup is outside, they will do everything under the sun except what you want them to do, which is to poop or pee. This should be a positive experience so when you see your puppy doing their business, you need to make a production out of it.
With the highest voice possible, lavish your pup in praise and pets. Do this every time you take your puppy out and they poop or pee. This creates a positive experience and your puppy will want to perform this behavior every time.
If you see that your pup is going in the house, pick them up quickly and head out the door to the designated bathroom area. Set your puppy down and let them finish their business. Remember to lavish them with praise and pets for finishing outside.
Under no circumstances are you to hit, spank, or beat your puppy. Do not rub your puppy’s nose/snout in the mess.
Your pup does not and will not understand why you are doing this. The only thing that you will achieve is to make your puppy afraid of the situation. Usually when an owner employs this method of punishment a few times, the pup will either hide and go to the bathroom or eat it.
Remember, it’s a puppy, it doesn't know anything. We don't take an infant and rub its face in a diaper, so why would it be right for a puppy?
Remember consistency and praise. You will be surprised how far this will go. Yes you will have the knuckle head puppy that just won't learn. Be patient and consistent as this is not the norm.
In my opinion, crate training is the best way to go when you can not be in the house. Your puppy should have just enough room to stand up and turn around. If your pup has too much room, they will poop and pee in the crate, dance in it and be more than willing to share it with you when you get home.
Puppies have a short attention span and no sense of time. For that matter dogs period have no sense of time. That being said, if you did not catch your puppy in the act, do not punish your puppy. Your pup will not have a clue why you’re mad. Take your puppy out immediately when you get home and remember to praise when they poop or pee outside.
As your puppy learns these new habits, you can then start to implement a code word so that they will go on command. Pick a word or phrase that is short and catchy. Your puppy will do best with 1 or 2 syllable words.
Every time your puppy is about to poop or pee, start chanting your code word in a high pitched voice. You need to wait to the last moment right as they are about to do it.
Your word can be "go potty", "go poopie", "potty outside", "go hurry" etc...
After a while when you say your code word, your puppy will want to go to the bathroom.
Remember consistency, praise, and a LOT of patience.
Friday, February 20, 2009
What's in your pet's food?
39 Billion dollars. That is the number the pet food industry was able to drum up for 2006.*
What is more staggering, are the ingredients in your pets food and treats. The FDA loosely regulates what goes into pet food and how it is marketed. http://www.fda.gov/cvm/petfoods.htm
A large truck pulls into an industrial complex and deposits its payload. The inventory of the truck is loaded on to a conveyer belt rumbling its way to a piece of machinery with teeth, tines, spikes, and cogs. On the other end a giant vat, eagerly awaiting the ingredients spilling out of the chaos. What I’m describing is a rendering plant used to receive euthanized dogs and cats from our shelters, sick, lame farm animals and road kill scraped from our rural roads. The vat fills and the contents boiled (rendered) to a soup. This animal soup is then used in our dog and cat food, chicken, cow, and horse feed, cosmetics, candles etc...
I can't even begin to tell you the toxins and poisons that are ingested from the pesticides, flea collars, and heavy metals.
To make matters worse, it’s not just our pets who are ingesting this but humans as well. We have many choices in the dog food that we purchase and you shouldn't let marketing cloud your mind. Just because the packaging is attractive and the commercials are cute, doesn't mean that the food is wholesome and healthy. I'm not saying that you have to run out and purchase the most expensive dog food, but get the best you can with what you have. More times than not, foods with dyes and fillers are the culprits for doggie allergies. So do your homework, read the ingredients on the package, and choose a dog/cat food that is as healthy as possible.
* According to WikiAnswers www.wiki.answers.com
What is more staggering, are the ingredients in your pets food and treats. The FDA loosely regulates what goes into pet food and how it is marketed. http://www.fda.gov/cvm/petfoods.htm
A large truck pulls into an industrial complex and deposits its payload. The inventory of the truck is loaded on to a conveyer belt rumbling its way to a piece of machinery with teeth, tines, spikes, and cogs. On the other end a giant vat, eagerly awaiting the ingredients spilling out of the chaos. What I’m describing is a rendering plant used to receive euthanized dogs and cats from our shelters, sick, lame farm animals and road kill scraped from our rural roads. The vat fills and the contents boiled (rendered) to a soup. This animal soup is then used in our dog and cat food, chicken, cow, and horse feed, cosmetics, candles etc...
I can't even begin to tell you the toxins and poisons that are ingested from the pesticides, flea collars, and heavy metals.
To make matters worse, it’s not just our pets who are ingesting this but humans as well. We have many choices in the dog food that we purchase and you shouldn't let marketing cloud your mind. Just because the packaging is attractive and the commercials are cute, doesn't mean that the food is wholesome and healthy. I'm not saying that you have to run out and purchase the most expensive dog food, but get the best you can with what you have. More times than not, foods with dyes and fillers are the culprits for doggie allergies. So do your homework, read the ingredients on the package, and choose a dog/cat food that is as healthy as possible.
* According to WikiAnswers www.wiki.answers.com
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Don't Shave My Dog!
I've been in the grooming industry for three years and one of the biggest complaints that I get is to not shave down a customer’s dog. The poor dog is usually a toy or miniature breed of some sort and has a long or curly coat.
What most pet owners don't understand is that they have a "Groom" dog. Maintenance is usually required for these breeds. Some breed examples are Poodles, Bichones, Shih-Tzu’s, Maltese, Havanese, and Schnauzers. Again, these are just some examples.
If you keep your dogs coat long make sure that you are brushing/combing at least every other day. Matting occurs when the dirt and oil build up on the dogs coat causing the strands of fur to adhere to each other. Over time this process builds on its self and your dog develops a nasty matt.
Matting usually occurs on the face around the muzzle, on and behind the ears, and legs.
In extreme cases matting occurs all over the body, even around the private areas.
This is not only painful for your dog but can cause skin issues as well. Moisture grows under the matted fur causing yeast infection as well as a host of other skin issues. Yeast infection smells like nasty toe jam. Don't be afraid to stick your nose to your dogs’ fur.
Does this happen every single time? No. But rest assured that it will happen sooner or later.
Usually the request we get is to "just pull the mats". It's not that simple.
Pulling small mats in a localized area is possible and ethical. If a groomer states that they will pull heavy mats on your dog then your groomers’ ethics are in question.
Plain and simple, it HURTS and there is no reason to put the dog through this.
Not to mention that your groomer does not want to be bit that day. Your dog is not biting because its mean, it's biting because it hurts.
Your groomer should use a #7 or #10 blade to shave down your dog. Some times your groomer will use a combination of blades to get through the coat.
In bad cases, your groomer may advise that you go to your local vet for the shave down.
When your dog is in this type of condition, know that you run the risk of your dog getting knicks, cuts, and burns.
This does not happen every single time but it can happen on badly matted dogs. Remember your groomer does not go out of their way to hurt your dog. They take every precaution against this and care about their furry customers welfare.
That being said, if your groomers’ equipment is not in good shape, such as dull blades, old clippers, extra blades to swap when one blade heats up, Kool Lube, etc... Then burns and knicks could happen. (Kool Lube is a brand of spray for hot blades.)
Just be aware that if you bring your dog to the groomer in horrible condition, you should not complain to your groomer about knicks, burns, and cuts as you were not doing your job at home.
Don't be surprised if your groomer charges you more for this visit. It takes the groomer longer to shave down a matted dog. This extra time could have been used to groom a dog in good condition.
Don't be afraid to ask your groomer how to take care of your pets coat. She/He should be very happy to show you. Your dog will love you for it.
If you have a dog that bites you for brushing and combing then you might want to check into some training. Don't be afraid to ask your groomer or vet for some advice. Chances are if your dog bites you, your dog will bite anyone else trying to groom them.
Remember the vast majority of groomers are in the business because they love animals and have an artistic gift to make them look good. If they say your dog(s) need a shave down, chances are it’s for their own good.
What most pet owners don't understand is that they have a "Groom" dog. Maintenance is usually required for these breeds. Some breed examples are Poodles, Bichones, Shih-Tzu’s, Maltese, Havanese, and Schnauzers. Again, these are just some examples.
If you keep your dogs coat long make sure that you are brushing/combing at least every other day. Matting occurs when the dirt and oil build up on the dogs coat causing the strands of fur to adhere to each other. Over time this process builds on its self and your dog develops a nasty matt.
Matting usually occurs on the face around the muzzle, on and behind the ears, and legs.
In extreme cases matting occurs all over the body, even around the private areas.
This is not only painful for your dog but can cause skin issues as well. Moisture grows under the matted fur causing yeast infection as well as a host of other skin issues. Yeast infection smells like nasty toe jam. Don't be afraid to stick your nose to your dogs’ fur.
Does this happen every single time? No. But rest assured that it will happen sooner or later.
Usually the request we get is to "just pull the mats". It's not that simple.
Pulling small mats in a localized area is possible and ethical. If a groomer states that they will pull heavy mats on your dog then your groomers’ ethics are in question.
Plain and simple, it HURTS and there is no reason to put the dog through this.
Not to mention that your groomer does not want to be bit that day. Your dog is not biting because its mean, it's biting because it hurts.
Your groomer should use a #7 or #10 blade to shave down your dog. Some times your groomer will use a combination of blades to get through the coat.
In bad cases, your groomer may advise that you go to your local vet for the shave down.
When your dog is in this type of condition, know that you run the risk of your dog getting knicks, cuts, and burns.
This does not happen every single time but it can happen on badly matted dogs. Remember your groomer does not go out of their way to hurt your dog. They take every precaution against this and care about their furry customers welfare.
That being said, if your groomers’ equipment is not in good shape, such as dull blades, old clippers, extra blades to swap when one blade heats up, Kool Lube, etc... Then burns and knicks could happen. (Kool Lube is a brand of spray for hot blades.)
Just be aware that if you bring your dog to the groomer in horrible condition, you should not complain to your groomer about knicks, burns, and cuts as you were not doing your job at home.
Don't be surprised if your groomer charges you more for this visit. It takes the groomer longer to shave down a matted dog. This extra time could have been used to groom a dog in good condition.
Don't be afraid to ask your groomer how to take care of your pets coat. She/He should be very happy to show you. Your dog will love you for it.
If you have a dog that bites you for brushing and combing then you might want to check into some training. Don't be afraid to ask your groomer or vet for some advice. Chances are if your dog bites you, your dog will bite anyone else trying to groom them.
Remember the vast majority of groomers are in the business because they love animals and have an artistic gift to make them look good. If they say your dog(s) need a shave down, chances are it’s for their own good.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Puppy Love
You have come to a decision, you want a dog. You're taken in by the soft fluffy coat, the beach ball belly and the smell of Frito paws. (Well, I think they smell like Fritos.)Before you bring this ball of fur home, you must do your homework. You need to ask yourself some basic questions.
1. What type of person am I?
Ask yourself what type of life you are living. Are you a busy work-a-holic up at the crack of dawn and coming home from work long after the sun goes down? If so, a Gold Fish would probably make a better pet for you. Maybe even a Pet Rock.
2. Am I an active individual?
Ask yourself if you love being outdoors, playing sports, etc... Active individuals and families have time for an active breed of dog. Vice-versa, a laid back individual or family would require a calm dog with low activity requirements.
3. What level of patience do I have?
Every dog needs some form of obedience training, some more than others. Choose a dog that will fit your level of patience and that of your family. There are some dogs that will hang on your every command and perform it willingly. There are obstinate breeds that could care less that you are training. It's their way or the highway! And then you have the breeds that are thick headed. No matter how hard you try to train with them, all your dog hears is BALL, BALL, BALL, SQUEEKY TOY, BALL!
4. Do you live in a house or an apartment?
Many people fall in love with the little fluff ball that grows up to be a BIG hairy thing with four feet.
Are you ready for this? Do you have the room for this? Purchasing a puppy is a HUGE responsibility. You can not or should not purchase a puppy and then discard your pet because it did not fit into your life style.
You now have a responsibility to your pet. Your pet will depend on you for its welfare.
Ok, you want to choose the right dog for you. The best place to start is the American Kennel Club. http://www.akc.org/breeds/index.cfm?nav_area=breedsTake your time and read all about the breeds, you might find some of their history interesting. Go to a local dog park and watch how the dogs interact. Ask questions of the owners. Owners love to talk about their dogs, their breed, history etc... You'll learn a lot this way and possibly make some connections.
Now that you have figured everything out and you are ready to purchase your puppy, where are you going to get your puppy from?
I would like to see you support your local breeder. Breeders have pet quality dogs as well as show dogs. In some cases you can get these dogs for half the price of their show siblings.
The difference between the two could just be markings. You're still getting a great dog.
Of course there are plenty of dogs at shelters that need to be adopted and are in need of a loving home. But that will be for another post on another day. Do your homework, take your time and pick a breed of dog that will give you and your family lots of love and happiness.
1. What type of person am I?
Ask yourself what type of life you are living. Are you a busy work-a-holic up at the crack of dawn and coming home from work long after the sun goes down? If so, a Gold Fish would probably make a better pet for you. Maybe even a Pet Rock.
2. Am I an active individual?
Ask yourself if you love being outdoors, playing sports, etc... Active individuals and families have time for an active breed of dog. Vice-versa, a laid back individual or family would require a calm dog with low activity requirements.
3. What level of patience do I have?
Every dog needs some form of obedience training, some more than others. Choose a dog that will fit your level of patience and that of your family. There are some dogs that will hang on your every command and perform it willingly. There are obstinate breeds that could care less that you are training. It's their way or the highway! And then you have the breeds that are thick headed. No matter how hard you try to train with them, all your dog hears is BALL, BALL, BALL, SQUEEKY TOY, BALL!
4. Do you live in a house or an apartment?
Many people fall in love with the little fluff ball that grows up to be a BIG hairy thing with four feet.
Are you ready for this? Do you have the room for this? Purchasing a puppy is a HUGE responsibility. You can not or should not purchase a puppy and then discard your pet because it did not fit into your life style.
You now have a responsibility to your pet. Your pet will depend on you for its welfare.
Ok, you want to choose the right dog for you. The best place to start is the American Kennel Club. http://www.akc.org/breeds/index.cfm?nav_area=breedsTake your time and read all about the breeds, you might find some of their history interesting. Go to a local dog park and watch how the dogs interact. Ask questions of the owners. Owners love to talk about their dogs, their breed, history etc... You'll learn a lot this way and possibly make some connections.
Now that you have figured everything out and you are ready to purchase your puppy, where are you going to get your puppy from?
I would like to see you support your local breeder. Breeders have pet quality dogs as well as show dogs. In some cases you can get these dogs for half the price of their show siblings.
The difference between the two could just be markings. You're still getting a great dog.
Of course there are plenty of dogs at shelters that need to be adopted and are in need of a loving home. But that will be for another post on another day. Do your homework, take your time and pick a breed of dog that will give you and your family lots of love and happiness.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Welcome to Golden Rottie
Today is the launch of Golden Rottie. The object of this blog is to report on my life experiences, opinions, and views on the world. You may not always agree with what I have to write but you will always know what side of the fence I am on.
That being said, Welcome to Golden Rottie and enjoy.
That being said, Welcome to Golden Rottie and enjoy.
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