2009-05-16

How to Control Dog Whining

Do you khow why dogs whine and how to control it??
Here are some good tips and advices.



How to Control Dog Whining

Author: gpoint

Dogs whine for a number of reasons. By understanding the root cause of dog whining you can take some simple steps to control unwanted whining by your dog.

Why Do Dogs Whine?
When your dog whines, she is talking to you. She wants you to know that there is something that she needs for a variety of reasons.

Your dog may not be feeling well. Your dog may feel lonely and want your companionship. Your dog may be afraid and is calling out for help.

How to Control or Stop Dog Whining
If your dog is whining because you are not home, she may be suffering from separation anxiety. This is a relatively easy dog behavior to correct. You should start conditioning your dog to your leaving the house and coming back after a short period of time, say 5 minutes.

Don’t make a big deal out of your departure. No excited good byes and good girl farewells. When you return, don’t pay attention to your dog when you walk in. Act as if you were just in the next room for a few minutes and that your re entry to where your dog is doesn’t merit any fanfare.

If you do make a fuss upon departing or returning, you are in fact, telling you dog that what you are about to do or the fact that you have returned is very momentous. This will instill an even greater sense of urgency in your dog to whine as she now “knows” that your absence is something that causes you to get excited, therefore she needs to tell you that she noticed it and wants you there.

Start extending the periods of your absence to 15 minutes, then 30 minutes then an hour, then 3 hours, until your dog pays no attention to your departure or return. When you have accomplished this you will have defeated separation anxiety in your dog and the whining will have stopped.

Your dog may also display a whining behavior if she simply wants your attention. If she whines and you respond by giving her treats, playing with her or petting her, your dog will have been very successful in training you ! She just became the master and the dominant member of the dog pack. This is exactly the opposite of the appropriate pack pecking order. You have to reassert yourself as the leader of the dog pack.

One way to control this type of dog whining is to simply ignore your dog. If she doesn’t get the desired reaction, your immediate attention, when she whines, then she will soon get tired of this approach and you will have established control over your whining dog.

If your dog persists in whining, you should give her a firm command such as “No!”. Let her know with your voice and never by physical punishment, that dog whining is unacceptable and must stop. Another approach is to rattle a can full of rocks that make a loud and unpleasant noise. This auditory interruption is very unpleasant; Your dog will associate her whining with the unpleasant noise and the whining will stop.

Dogs also whine if they want to come inside or go outside. If your dog whines to go outside to the doggy outhouse, this is O.K. In this instance your dog is telling you she needs to relieve herself. When this from of dog whining occurs, you should say “good dog” to let your dog know that you appreciate her alerting you to her need.

Always use the exact same words and in the same tone. Your dog can’t understand your human language, but she will associate the sound of your voice and the words you speak in a way that reinforces what in this case is a desired action.

Another approach to control whining in your dog is to divert her attention from the cause of the whining to something more appropriate. Is she whines, you could ask her to “come” to you or to “stay.” If she responds to your command you could then giver her a reward.

Dogs as well as puppies whine if they are hungry or bored. Puppies want food as do adult dogs and both need and want exercise. Be certain to give your dog ample exercise daily before any whining has the opportunity to start. Your dog may be tired and happy and the prospect of kicking up a fuss with dog whining will lose its appeal.

As we mentioned above, never, never , never strike or physically punish your dog at anytime. Physical abuse of dogs is not only inhumane and punishable by law but is counterproductive. An abused dog will have accelerated and more intense displays of undesirable behavior than a dog who is worked with in a calm, loving, and appropriate training environment.

Finally, dogs that whine for no apparent reason may be signaling you that they are sick or hurt. Don’t ignore dog whining that is unexplainable. Take your dog to a veterinarian right away to determine if there is an injury or illness that needs treatment.

For more information on how to easily control dog whining and have well behaved dog today, visit Dogs 4 Life at http://www.dogs-4life.com/disobedient-dog-help.html


Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_157426_54.html

2009-05-15

How to stop dogs from digging

It's a fact of life that dogs love to dig. Find out how to stop your dog from digging with these proven training techniques.

How To Stop Dogs From Digging

Author: Chris Smith

Most dogs love to dig holes, unfortunately if you own a dog you will come across a digging problem sooner or later.
One of the most common questions I receive from dog owners is "How do I Stop My Dog From Digging?"

Dogs dig for a number of reasons, it's important to keep in mind that your dog is not digging to spite you. If you don't clearly communicate to your dog that his digging is unacceptable, he won't realise that he is doing anything wrong.

Why Do Dogs Dig Holes?

In order to stop your dog from digging holes it is crucial to determine the reason why your dog is digging in the first place. Below is a list of the most common reasons your dog may be digging:

- He simply likes to dig!

- Your dog may just looking for some attention.

- May be bored and digs for mental and physical stimulation.

- If your dog is digging under the fence he may be trying to get out to search for a mate.

- Dogs often dig in freshly turned dirt (like your rose bed!).

- Dogs are often attracted to fertilized dirt - the fertilizer is irresistible to some dogs.

- To dig themselves a den - much as they would have in the wild.

- For shelter, to cool themselves down or warm themselves up.

- Some breeds are very prone to digging (terriers), it is instinctual and bred into them.

- May be because your dog is hunting for some little critters that live in your garden.

- For food storage purposes. While you and me prefer to use the fridge, our dogs think the garden will do just fine.


How To Stop A Dog From Digging

Whenever you are trying to change any behavior in your dog the golden rule is be consistent! Make it very clear to your dog what is, and is not acceptable behavior.

Depending on the reason you believe your dog is digging, you can apply some of these proven techniques:

- Give your dog lots of exercise, including heaps of physical and mental stimulation.

- If your dog is always digging in order to bury a bone, don't give bones! Substitute with chewing toys like rawhide bones.

- Confine your dog when you can't supervise him. Place him in a crate or kennel run whenever you aren't around to spy on him. You'll need to do this until you have fixed the digging problem.

- Blow up some balloons and bury them in the area your dog likes to dig. When he strikes a balloon, the noise of it popping startles your dog. In some cases the negative association this produces is enough to stop your dog from digging in the future.

- If you are able to be around your dog for a couple of days, you could have some success with this method. Whenever your dog starts to dig, reprimand him and spray him with the hose. Again this method produces a negative association to your dog each time he digs. You must be perform this reprimand every time your dog starts digging holes.

- If your dog has a favorite spot he likes to dig you can bury some chicken wire just under the surface of this area. When your dog starts to dig he won't like the feeling of his paws scraping along the wire. I've used this method myself and found that it worked well for my dalmation puppy.

- This one doesn't sound very nice but is a very popular and effective way to stop your dog from digging. What you do is fill up the holes your dog has created, adding some of his poop (feces) to the filling. Most dogs are really put off by this and won't attempt to dig again. Some trainers advocate feeding your dog pineapple before performing this technique. Apparently the pineapple smells terrible when mixed with the poop.

- Some dogs just copy what they see their owners doing. So if you're working away in the garden, suddenly your dog may be interested in doing the same! Such dogs may need to be confined while you are working in the garden.

- If you've got the room a great solution for both you and your dogs is to provide them with a digging area. You can actually encourage your dog to dig in this designated area. Fill it with nice soft sand and bury some of your dogs favorite treats in it. Most dogs figure out that if they want to dig, they must go to this area.

- If your dog is digging under the fence it may be worth filling in all the holes in and under the fence. This takes away the visual temptation your dog may be trying to get at.

- If none of the above methods work for you and your dogs, you may wish to try a remote electronic training collar or e-collar. This method does work, although I realise many dog owners don't like the sound of using such a device. In reality it works the same way as many of the other techniques in that it provides a negative association to the act of digging.

- If you take a trip down to your local Pet Shop you will find many commercial products that claim to help digging problems. They are effective for some dogs and may be worth a try.

Good luck with stopping your dog from digging, and remember that basic dog obedience training is the key to correcting any dog behavioral problems. If your dog respects and trusts you, he will be eager to please you in all situations.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-stop-dogs-from-digging-19634.html

About the Author:
Chris Smith is a dog lover and creator of www.dog-obedience-training-review.com . Learn how to build a strong relationship with your dog based on trust and respect.

2009-05-14

Why you need dog beds

Your dog needs a dog bed for its comfort as well as security. Dog beds provide your dog with space of their own as well as comfort when they are lying down.

Dog Beds - Why You Need Dog Beds

Author: Vikram kuamr

Your dog needs a dog bed for its comfort as well as security. Dog beds provide your dog with space of their own as well as comfort when they are lying down. Dogs are pack animals and like to have a den. In the wild, dogs will bond with one another and find a den where they can all be safe. A place of their own gives a dog a sense of security. This is the same way at home.

It is not only important to have a dog bed, but also the right dog bed for your dog or dogs. You will want to be sure of comfort, ease of cleaning as well as size. When you are shopping for dog beds, you will find that they come in all shapes and sizes.

When you are choosing a dog bed for your dog, you should look at the size that your dog is going to be as it matures. You may be able to get away with a dog bed that will last you until your puppy grows to be a full size dog. This can end up saving you money and your dog will not out grow the bed so quickly.

Another factor is being able to clean the dog bed. The best dog beds are either fully washable or have coverings that are washable. You will want to clean the dog bed every once in a while so that your house does not smell. Your dog will most likely be affronted by this and will roll on the dog bed so that it can put its scent back on it, but at least your house will not smell due to a dirty dog bed.

There are several different styles of dog beds on the market. Many of them are flat cushions that are ideal for larger dogs. Smaller dogs can use dog beds that have sides to them. Some of the dog beds are made for crates and give your dog added comfort when he is crated. It is very important that the dog beds are comfortable for your dog..

You can find dog beds in a variety of different places, including the internet. You can find the largest selection when you go online, as well as many different sizes. You can choose from flat dog beds that are made of fleece, are soft and can be used for small to extra large sized dogs, fully waterproof dog beds that can take a beating as well as cushion style dog beds with washable mattresses.

You are better off choosing quality when you are looking for dog beds. A puppy soon grows up to be a dog and will quickly outgrow a dog bed. You do not want to spend money on a puppy bed, only to have him outgrow it in a few months. You are better off to think of the future when you are buying dog beds and look for one that will provide your dog with comfort, and will fit him for years to come and will be easy to keep clean.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/shopping-articles/dog-beds-why-you-need-dog-beds-885409.html

About the Author:
When you are looking for Dog Beds , you should look for those that will give your dog a sense of comfort, will be easy to clean and will fit the size of your dog when he grows. Dog Beds come in all shapes and sizes and you can purchase quality beds online. Go to Doggie Solutions for more information.

2009-05-13

Preventing and Dealing With Dog Constipation

Preventing and Dealing With Dog Constipation

Author: Cristian Stan

Constipation is something that everyone experiences in their lives, even dogs. When they don't have the right diet or they don't exercise enough, constipation can show up just as it appears in humans. This article will give you some solutions for your dog's problem.

As I said before, the right diet and regular exercise are very important in making sure that the dog doesn't have problems with their bowels. For a house dog, this means that they should be walked outside at least twice a day, while giving them the right diet. If he is constipated, a solution might be the addition of a teaspoon or two of bran in his meals. This makes the stool moister.

Softening the dog's stool can also be achieved with psyllium added to their food. Used twice a day, half a teaspoon, plus giving him enough water should do the trick. Another possible solution is using mineral oil. Mineral oil might be a good idea when there is too much hard stool built up. The treatment should only last for 7 days and it should consist of two teaspoons of mineral oil, administered twice a day. You can also add water to the food to make it moist and for older dogs you can also add vegetables and raw meat to the diet.

Some things might let you know in advance that the dog will have problems in this area. If the dog has long hair, the feces can get entangled, so make sure the dog is groomed properly. Since dogs will often eat anything they can find, make sure they don't ingest things they shouldn't. Dogs can also get constipated because of medications, just as humans do. Stress can be another factor that will contribute to constipation.

Constipation can be a problem for dogs of all ages and breeds, but there are some things you should take into consideration and avoid doing. One of these is giving dogs food from your dinner table. Scraps are OK from time to time, but remember that they can provoke constipation or at least contribute to it.

If the food has sugar, flour, dairy or rice in it, then it can be the cause of the constipation. Don't give the dog cookies, chocolate, ice cream or bread, as it's not a food they are used to eating. As I said before, if the dog doesn't drink enough water or has enough fiber in their diet, they can have problems with constipation. In some cases the reason will be a medical condition where the colon is inflamed.

If you see that the dog's constipation turns to blood passing in small amounts, decreased appetite or lethargy, then it's time to visit the vet. Make sure that you take care of your dog at all times and you don't contribute to his health problems. Since the dog will love you no matter what, you are the one responsible for his health. Make sure he isn't stressed and give him the exercise and the diet that he needs.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_884490_54.html

About the Author:

http://www.teethgrindingcure.com



I also found this site http://www.dogconstipation.org/ has a lot of information on the dog constipation.
Such as dog constipation cause, symptons,prevention and home remedies for dog constipation.
Check it out!!

2009-05-12

How to Clean Your Dog's Ears

Cleaning your dog's ears can be easy, but you'll need to follow proper precautions. Dr. Mike walks you through a routine ear cleaning step-by-step so that you can perform ear cleaning for your dog. If there is an ear infection you'll learn what precautions to take and what to discuss with your vet.

2009-05-11

Dog Treats and Rewards

This article is about the best and most popular dog treats for your dog or dogs.

Dog Training - Treats

Author: John Williams Dog Training

There are many choices when it comes to rewarding your dog with a treat for obeying your commands, and these treats make a big difference in your dog’s attitude towards you in learning new tricks, and why wouldn’t they? To get anything in life you have to give something back and dogs are no different, you help them and they’ll help you. Simple.



But what are the best rewards and treats to give your dog in times of good behavior? Well for starters you won’t be short of treats to try, the markets as it is now is full to the brim of all the fancy rewards and treats you could ever think of.



One of the favourite for dog owners is to treat their dog to homemade treats from recipes that can be found across the internet in many places, some of my favourites and personal recommendations are listed in the products page of www.dog-behavior-training.co.uk along with other tips on dog training there.



Consumer products are also a good choice when rewarding your dog; these include chewing toys which can be very rewarding for puppies and dogs alike. Saving one of their favourite toys for when they behave well makes everything more exciting for your dog and causes them to want to perform more for this reward.



If a chew toy is not to your dogs liking then they may instead enjoy a tug toy, tug toys are good for your dog’s teeth the same as chew toys are and it enhances the relationship between you and your dog as you play with them. Be careful while using these toys as some dogs may think of this game as good behaviour and will start tugging on trousers or other annoying or destructive things.



The last toys I am going to talk about are the throwing toys; these are good to calm your dog down when they are over active or if you just want to reward your dog with quality playing time for their good behavior. These toys range from a simple tennis ball to special durable dog Frisbees and help you to react with your dog wile also training playing the ‘fetch’ game.



There are lots more dog toys available, probably at your local pet shop. It is a good idea to keep in mind what textures and current toys your dog likes to play with or chew before making your choice but as long as your dog enjoys it, it can be used as a good reward and training method.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-training-treats-256127.html

About the Author:
For more information visit our dog training website at this link... Dog Training

2009-05-10

How to brush dog teeth.

Learn how to brush your dog's teeth. Brushing your dog's teeth may actually prevent some serious canine health problems.

In this video we learn the proper technique for brushing your dog's teeth, how often you should brush your dog's teeth, and what are some other home care options to keep your dog's teeth healthy. This information is not meant to replace the advice of your regular veterinarian