Training with a Training Collar

By vicki Posted in Dog Training / No Comments »

Dog training collars are in demand year around but I think with the onset of fall hunting in many states the need increases at that time of year.  You will find dozens of dog training collars when searching for dog training supplies and there are also several types of collars.
To determine what type you what will depend on the type of training you want to do.

It very important to research all the different types of collars are available and determine your end goal.
Common types of dog collars are choke collars, electronic collars, no-bark collars and harnesses.

Dog training collars are different from regular every day collars because they help you discipline your dog when needed. For example choke collars are used by gently tugging on your dog to keep it from misbehaving.

Electronic collars are used with a remote control to keep your dog out of trouble or from barking when not desiresd. A light and harmless electric pulse is sent to your dog through the collar when pressing the button on the remote control.

All types of collars are useful but it is important that you check with your vet or online to make sure that the collars are safe for your dog and if they address the training needs you have.

Remember training should be fun, do not overuse dog training collars and make sure that your dog is comfortable and does not become afraid.  You want your training to have the right outcome.

Care For Older Dogs

By admin Posted in Dog Care / No Comments »

As your dog gets older, you will witness noticeable differences in him or her physically. Their teeth will begin to wear down and will change color. Their eyes may begin to change color as well and start to appear gray or blue. The tone of their muscle will decrease and they won’t be able to get around as fast or as easily as they once could. As your dog ages, they also will begin to experience various illnesses and chronic health problems.

Because dogs are often like part of the family, you will want to be able to care for them as best as you can and in a manner that the dog is still experiencing a good quality of life. You want to make sure that you are very vigilant and that you watch them closely. Study them and see if they begin to act differently, or if they seem to be in pain. It will be more important than ever to get checkup visits on a regular basis so that your vet can pinpoint any serious problems. You may want to do this as often as two times every year. These exams should include a blood workup.

If you are not sure of what warning signs to look for as your dog gets older, consider the following list.
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Separation Anxiety in Dogs

By admin Posted in Dog Training / No Comments »

Separation anxiety is a disorder that not only occurs in human beings, but also in dogs. You may find that your dog exhibits certain behaviors when he or she is left alone. This goes beyond simply whining or looking a bit sad when you leave. Instead, it is a dramatic response that occurs almost every time you leave the house. Owners may find that their dog cries, howls, chews, digs, pees or defecates inside the house even if when they are trained not to do so. They may also scratch, claw and bark.

While professionals don’t totally understand why this occurs, it is important that owners realize that the dog is really feeling panicked because the owner is leaving, and they dog or puppy is not out to be mean or to punish their owner for leaving. Some things which heighten the likelihood of separation anxiety include your dog or puppy not having spent a lot of time alone or if you or your family are gone for long period of time. For example, if you go on vacation and then come back your dog may panic when you leave the house again, because they aren’t sure when you might come back.

If your dog has had a real bad experience, for example getting hit by a car or prior abuse, then they may not want you to leave their side. If there has been some big changes in the family, such as you taking a new job and you now have a different schedule, if you have recently changed cities or if your son or daughter goes off to college, this may cause mental anxiety for your dong.
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Dog Crate Training

By admin Posted in Dog Training / No Comments »

Crate training your dog can be very beneficial for him or her, as well as for yourself. It will require you to commit some time and focus as well as energy to successfully do it. However, once you are able to, you will find that a crate gives your dog or puppy a fantastic spot of their own that is warm and welcoming. It also will allow you to protect parts of your home that you don’t want your dog or puppy bothering while you are away. It also gives you a method that is safe to transport your dog while they are in the car. If you are going on vacation, and you want to take your pet, if your dog is crate trained, you can keep them in crate while you’re at someone else’s home or while you are at the hotel.

If you train your dog the correct way, they will be happy to spend time in the crate or at least they will not hate it. Crates come in different types of materials. Some are plastic, others are made from metal. They also vary in size. You will want it to be large enough that your dog has room to lay down, standup and turnaround. You can find a good quality crate at many of your major pet stores.

The amount of time that it will take to crate train your dog will depend on the amount of effort that you commit to it, as well as your dog’s personality and their past experiences. If your dog has been abused, it might take longer. Whether or not your dog has ever been trained before, and your pet’s own personal temperament will also effect how long training will take.
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Dog Eye Care

By admin Posted in Dog Care / No Comments »

When your dog’s eyes are healthy, they should be bright and clear. They should not be swollen, inflamed or have any type of discharge. Any eye problems in your dog can be very painful and irritating for them and so it is important to make sure that they receive proper care if they begin having problems.

Some things to look for when you suspect your dog is having problems with their eyes, is a change in coloration. There eyes may turn red and they may swell. They also may have discharge or matter that’s either right on the eye or around it. If the eyes have a dull appearance or they begin tearing a lot, these are all signs that something is wrong. These are all signs that you will need to take your dog to the veterinarian.

There are various types of tests that your vet can perform on your dog when they believe that there is a problem. A couple of these tests include the Schirmer tear test which measures the amount of your dog’s tear production. The vet can also test to see if your dog has glaucoma by checking their ocular pressure. Corneal ulcers can be discovered with a fluorescein stain.

Common eye problems in dogs include cataracts, epiphora or glaucoma. Cataract problems in dogs is similar to what human beings experience. Their eyes will become cloudy and it can lead to blindness. For some breeds, this is a common occurrence. However, your vet will need to determine if this is what it is. Epiphora is when your dog has an excessive amount of tearing. This could be due to some type of blockage.
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