Friday, December 7, 2007

Dog Obedience: A Quick and Easy Way To Train Your Dog to Obey The WAIT Command!

How many times have you tried to teach your dog or puppy to obey the WAIT command, only to discover that your dog doesn't want to WAIT?



Training your dog to WAIT can be very challenging because most dogs are easily distracted. Dogs are also naturally energetic and inattentive. Your dog may have difficulty comprehending the WAIT command because it necessitates inactivity.



As we all know, it doesn't take long for a dog to become restless and bored! That is why the WAIT command is so difficult to teach! Here is an easy way to train your dog to obey the WAIT command:



1. Put your dog on a short leash and walk him to the front door.



Using a leash will allow you to control your dog better when he doesn't respond to the WAIT command at first.



Open the door just enough for you to squeeze through and go outside, leaving your dog on the inside. Now your dog will be one side with you on the other and the leash hanging in between.



You might try giving your dog the SIT command at first. A dog that is in a sitting position will tend to be still a bit longer than if he were standing up.



2. Slowly open the door just a small amount.



Hold up the palm of your hand in a STOP position and say WAIT!



Don't be disappointed if your dog tries to shove open the door and come rushing toward you! Your dog, not knowing this command, is probably going to scramble to push through the door.



3. Shut the door quickly as soon as your dog starts to move toward you.



This will halt the dog in his tracks.



Okay, now repeat step two. Now watch your dog closely. The first time that he doesn't try to rush through the door may only last a mere second!



When your dog finally comprehends the WAIT command and pauses, lavish him with praise and give him a release command (OKAY!) to let him comethrough the door.



4. Practice, practice, practice!



Keep repeating the steps described above. Your dog will eventually learn that when he mellows out and WAITS that you will allow him to pass through the front door.



5. Once your dog learns to obey the WAIT command from the SIT position, try teaching him the command while he is standing up.



This is a much harder position for your dog to master the WAIT command from. He is going to want to move around or even SIT.



Be consistent with your training and practice this routine at every opportunity. Be sure to give your dog lots of praise and positive reinforcement. Soon, your dog will understand what you want and will easily respond to the WAIT command!



Training your dog to obey the WAIT command takes time, patience and practice. But the end result will be worth it! Eventually, you will be rewarded with a dog that no longer bolts out the door every time you open it!



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About the Author: For a free dog training guide containing dog and puppy training tips, articles, books, and information, visit http://freedogtrainingguide.com/

Tips On Buying A Dog

Beware Of The Impulse Buy

It is hard to resist the appeal of a puppy in a pet shop window, especially if it looks a little bit sad and wistful. These pups have already had a change of home and often a long journey from their original breeder. Even though they may appear well, they could be carrying infections which may cause problems later on after you've taken the puppy home. A reputable pet shop should have the pups vaccinated by a veterinary, who will provide a certificate of inoculation.

A Careful Choice

Whenever possible visit the home of the breeder, or the owner of the bitch. You will be able to ensure that your pup came from a clean and healthy home, and also see what the mother is like, and maybe the father too. When I've purchased a dog for myself, I've always been lucky enough to see both parents which is very re-assuring.

Beware Of Buying From A Newspaper Advertisement.

Be particularly careful about buying a pup through a newspaper advertisement, without seeing it first. As the old saying goes 'buyer beware' and this applies especially to all kinds of livestock. If your new dog is ill when it arrives, or quite unlike the promises of the advertisement, you may find it difficult to get any satisfaction. Even in the case of a money-back guarantee, it is very little compensation for the disappointment especially where there are children involved.

Buying From A Dogs Home.

You may decide to get a dog from a dogs home. You will have the satisfaction of feeling that you are saving a life and giving some unwanted pet a home. It is well to remember though that young dogs that have been straying for sometime may have become hard to manage. In the case of a bitch she may turn out to be in pup and you will find yourself saddled with rather more dogs than you can manage. Don't just fall for the first dog that you see, talk to the officials at the home and try to find out the background of the dogs that you find the most appealing.

Choosing A Healthy Pup.

It is often difficult for a beginner to distinguish a healthy pup from a poor one - to them one attractive little bundle of fur looks very much like another - but really there is all the difference in the world. A healthy pup should be plump, but not have a swollen or blown-up stomach. Its skin should feel loose instead of seeming to stick to the bones. The coat should shine (unless its a wirehaired type) and of course be free from fleas or lice. The eyes should be bright and free from any sign of discharge. In addition it is wise to choose a pup which looks lively and readily comes to greet people. A timid pup may have a problem personality and be difficult to train. Finally, don't be surprised if a reputable dog breeder wants to ask a lot of questions to find out if you are going to be a suitable person to own one of their pups.

Thank you for reading this article - I hope it has been helpful. I've based the information on my own dog buying experiences. Author - John Moore - Please use my link.
http://www.pet-dog-cat.com


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About the Author: Author - John Moore - Family man, and lover of all animals. Please use my link. http://www.pet-dog-cat.com

How To Be A Good Dog Owner

How To Be A Good Dog Owner
Be A Good Dog Owner

Before making the decision about buying a new dog, here are some points you should consider :-

1. Is someone at home for most of the day ?

A dog, especially a puppy, should not be left on its own for more than a few hours at a time. If you are out at work from 9-5 don't get a dog unless you can make satisfactory arrangements with a friend to let the dog out.

2. What about holidays ?

It is sad to say that more dogs are destroyed at holiday time than any other. Unless you have a helpful family to look after your dog, be prepared for the expense of boarding kennels. Because of the increase in running costs, reputable kennels now have to make a higher charge - don't forget to book well ahead.

3. Are you prepared for the cost of keeping a dog ?

This includes not only the cost of food, and kennels at holiday time, but also the cost of vaccinations and also possible veterinary fees in case of illness. A dog, like a child, can fall ill quite suddenly and unexpectedly, so be prepared for any eventuality. Take out pet insurance for peace of mind.

4. Exercise

To keep healthy and happy, dogs need daily exercise, and this means a good run in a field or park, or a game with a ball, not just a stroll round to the shops on a leash. If you love your dog, be prepared to sacrifice some of your leisure time each day, whatever the weather. If you can't provide this kind of exercise to a dog, consider giving a home to an older dog. Your local dogs home may have just the right one for you.

5. Family circumstances

Dogs and children usually love each other and get on well, but don't make the mistake of buying a young puppy for a small child. Young children can be very cruel and a puppy may be badly thrown about. Worse still a young pup's bones may easily broken if a child treats it like a toy. Wait until the children are older and a little more responsible.

6. Grooming.

If you don't have much time to spare, choose a dog with a smooth or wire coat which needs little attention to keep it tidy. Long and curly coated dogs look beautiful, but they need daily grooming to keep them this way. Poodles need regular trimming, as well as grooming, so unless you are able to do this yourself be prepared for extra expense.

Author - John Moore - Please use my link
http://www.pet-dog-cat.com
As a responsible dog owner myself, I've experienced many of the problems mentioned in this article - I hope you've found it helpful.


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About the Author: Author - John Moore - Family man, and lover of all animals. Please use my link.
http://www.pet-dog-cat.com

Dog Fleas & Ticks

Dog Fleas & Ticks
Dog Fleas & Ticks.

Fleas.

Dog fleas are different to those which infest humans and cats. When a flea bites, it injects saliva to stop the blood clotting whilst it sucks it up. The saliva contains chemicals which often cause an allergic reaction in the dog.

The signs are :-
Bites which look like small red pimples.
Black, gritty material in the coat, and areas of inflammation on the animals back.
Scratching.

What is the treatment ?
Spring-clean the house and treat the dog's favorite places with a suitable insecticidal spray. Flea tablets or collars are a good extra precaution, and spray badly affected animals frequently with insecticide during the summer months. (the flea season)

Ticks

The common tick seen on dogs is the sheep tick. this has a large abdomen that stretches as it fills with blood. It hangs on to the dog's hair and sticks it's mouth parts through the skin to suck blood.Ticks are usually found on the underside of the dog, under the forelegs and on the head.

What is the treatment ?
Try to remove every tick when you see it. It is important to extract the head, otherwise an abscess may form. If the head is left in, warm compresses help draw out the infection, combined with antibacterial washes and creams.

Removing a tick.
A good method is to get the tick's head to relax or die by dabbing it with alcohol. Wait a couple of minutes, then use fine-pointed tweezers to extract the tick. Grasp it near the mouth parts, and give it a sharp jerk. This should dislodge it.

Alternatively, flea sprays can be used locally on ticks. The tick will then die and can be removed the following day. Regular use of a flea spray in tick areas often keeps them away.

When my own dogs have suffered with ticks or fleas in the past, I've always managed to deal with them myself, but if you've any concerns at all with your own dog, then consult your vet as a precaution.

Author John Moore ..please use my link
http://www.pet-dog-cat.com


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About the Author: Author - John Moore
http://www.pet-dog-cat.com

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