Stopping Dog Aggression2

By: Ken Charles
It is important to note that dogs that display dog-aggressive behaviour do not necessarily show aggressive behaviour towards humans. The two types of aggression are not necessarily related, and do not always occur in the same animal.

Aggression over Food

Remember the wolf pack in the wild. The alpha male and female get first servings and the rest of the pack compete for what they can get. It is ingrained in the dog's nature that he has to be protective of his food and show a certain amount of aggression, otherwise he will starve.

Even in the normal domestic situation, food is important to your dog. Mealtimes are one of the highlights of his day. This is a double-edged situation. It is your ideal opportunity to show your dog who is The Boss. He can't use a can opener, he can't operate the microwave, he can't draw a bowl of water. He is totally dependent on you for his food (and all other needs).

At mealtimes, insist that he sits or lies down a few feet away. If he won't do it, put the food away and leave him. It won't take long for him to get the message - the food comes along, only when he he sits and waits for it. Ideally, this routine should be practised when the dog is a puppy, so it will be normal behavior when he grows up. If your dog is already adult and aggressive, then there is all the more reason to implement this method of gaining control.

There is lots of Free information on dealing with Dog Aggression at http://allabout-dogs.co.uk which also covers all aspects of dog ownership, including Dog Training, Dog Breeds, Dog Food and Dog Health. Compare six of the best Online Dog Training Courses at http://allabout-dogs.co.uk/Dog_Trainers Read more about "Why You Must Be The Alpha Dog" at http://allabout-dogs.co.uk/Dog-Training

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Stopping Dog Aggression1

By Ken Charles
Aggressive Dog Behavior

Aggressive dog attacks, whether against people or other dogs, can be one of the worst problems of dog ownership. Dog aggression is a common behavior and comes from the fact that the dog is a pack animal and its normal instinct is to compete, right from the time it is born.

It has to compete for food ( even from the very early days when it is suckling from the mother), it has to compete for status and for respect. When the dog joins a human family, he still thinks of it as a pack and will try to establish his position in the that hierarchy. If the dog is allowed, or even encouraged to believe that he is the Alpha Dog, then you have Trouble!

In most cases, this is the fault of the owner, especially if the dog is acquired as a puppy. A puppy can't dominate its owner or the household, it is only if dangerous and aggressive behavior is tolerated or even encouraged during adolescence that you end up with aggression in the adult dog. Your dog must Respect You, Trust You and Love you -- in that order!

Reasons for Dog Aggression.

It is most important to understand that there are several different reasons for dog aggression. It can be difficult to determine what the real reason is. One of the most misunderstood is aggression due to fear or anxiety. The dog is not looking for trouble, he feels he is defending himself against some perceived threat or danger.

The dog may be exhibiting territorial aggression. This is more common in certain breeds, which have been bred as guard dogs or herding dogs over centuries and have a strong genetic instinct to protect their territory and their family.

Mistreatment or abuse by previous owners may be a factor in the case of an adult dog, adopted from a Rescue Center. Such dogs need a careful balance of kindness and discipline. You must definitely be the Alpha Dog in this situation (as in every other situation).

Where a normally placid dog suddenly becomes aggressive, this may be due to a painful medical condition or ailment and the dog is nervous of increased pain if handled or upset. Vetinary advice is essential if pain or illness is suspected as the cause of the unusual, dangerous behavior.

Overly Aggressive Dog Breeds.

The subject of the most aggressive dog breeds causes much controversy and vociferous debate. Owners of Rottweilers, Dobermans, Pit Bull terriers and German Shepherd dogs spring to the defence of their pets, stressing how loving, reliable and trustworthy they are. When properly trained, socialized and integrated with family, friends and other dogs, this is usually true. However, these breeds have been bred and used for many years with the express purpose of guarding and protecting property, family and livestock. This strong protective instinct is in their genes and is thus more likely to result in aggressive behavior.

These breeds suffer from two further disadvantages with regard to their reputation for aggression towards people and other dogs. Because of the jobs they were originally bred for, they are large, strong and athletic dogs, so when attacks do occur, the damage they inflict is serious. More small children are killed by these dogs than by all other breeds combined. The public perception being what it is, people frequently give the wrong signals to these breeds, with their body language exhibiting signs of fear and submissiveness.

There is lots of Free information on dealing with Dog Aggression at http://allabout-dogs.co.uk which also covers all aspects of dog ownership, including Dog Training, Dog Breeds, Dog Food and Dog Health. Compare six of the best Online Dog Training Courses at http://allabout-dogs.co.uk/Dog_Trainers Read more about "Why You Must Be The Alpha Dog" at http://allabout-dogs.co.uk/Dog-Training

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Alaskan Husky - The facts every owner of this dog breed should know

By Robert Benjamin
The Alaskan Husky is not truly a 'breed' of dog in the traditional sense. The name is actually a classification for this working and sled dog. There is no written breed standard for Alaskan Huskies and it is not a registered breed or show dog. Alaskan Huskies are the descendants of several dogs: Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Border Collie, German Shepard and possibly a few others.

Most Alaskan Huskies have brown eyes, but can also have blue or blue-brown combinations. They are about 20 to 24 inches high and average about 35 to 65 pounds, giving them a slim build. Since this dog is used primarily for work, colors and markings are unimportant in breeding and vary widely from dog to dog. Alaskan Huskies can be pure black, totally white and everything in between. Tails can be long and curly or barely there. The ears are often times prick ears, but some Alaskan Huskies have ears that droop.

They do not need a lot of maintenance, as their coats tend to be short to mid-length, but do require extra brushing twice a year during shedding season (particularly in the spring when shedding is the heaviest). The coats are wooly and thick (a protective measure when in their native environment) so they are better suited to cooler climates. Living on average about 10 to 15 years, the Alaskan Husky is good with children, but not other household pets as they have a strong hunting instinct and may turn on them. Though playful, loving and generally docile, the Alaskan Husky is not a good indoor pet. They can be difficult to housebreak, and get bored easily, especially if left alone. Alaskan Huskies will become destructive, tearing things or running around in circles. They also need a lot of room to run as they have a lot of energy and need to exercise frequently.

If outside, Alaskan Huskies do need to be watched closely as they will dig under fences in order to hunt or run. They also do not make good watchdogs, as they will greet everyone with friendly barking and have been known to play with any stranger entering their territory. As a result of their mixed heritage, Alaskan Huskies have relatively little health problems, though some are prone to gastric torsion (bloat) and if they do not get enough exercise will quickly become obese, leading to other health problems.

There is a website that has great information on Alaskan Huskies and most other breeds of dogs. It has details that pertain to a dog breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2006

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.


About the author:
Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.

RB59 Software

http://www.rb59.com/software


Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Good Dogs for Children

By Emma Snow
Of course by little one I am referring to a new dog in the family. These are questions that often come to mind when bringing home a new pet. While there are no guarantees that whatever dog you choose will connect instantly with your family and most important your children, considering a few different things will better ensure a proper match.

The first item to consider is the size of the dog you want to bring home. Canines vary in size from miniature two pound Chihuahua's up to three hundred pound English Mastiffs. While it seems like a very small dog might be best for very small children, think again. If the dog is too small it has a greater likelihood of being stepped on or hurt even by small children who are ten times their size. Huge dogs are not taboo when it comes to children, they can work well, but now the child's size gives them the disadvantage. Other things to think about are where you live; will the dog have enough room to stay active? Large dogs in a small apartment or tiny dogs on a huge plot of land may not pose problems, but do you want to take the risk?

Another item to think about when choosing a family dog is personality. While mean dogs are generally that way because of training, there are breeds that are more likely to be bad with children. Of the 279 deaths caused by dogs between 1979 and 1994, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and German Shepards were the most commonly reported dog breed involved. Other dogs that have a tendency to be biters are Dobermans and Dalmatians. Along with thinking about how vicious a dog is, dog activity is another thing to consider. Even if a certain breed is known to be less vicious, it may be too rambunctious for small children. There are many things about a dogs personality that lend themselves to being good with children, one that is docile, loving, patient, and willing to be tugged at. Finding a dog that has these characteristics is the key.

There are other things that will make having a dog and children easier as well. Children take a lot of your time, having your daily walks with your dog may not be as easy as it once was, especially in cold climates where it is difficult to take children out at the same time. Dogs that require a lot of exercise such as larger terriers, spaniels and most dogs over 50 pounds may not be able to have the attention required to keep them healthy and active. Other considerations in choosing a dog is how easy it is to clean up after, does it shed a lot, or does it require regular grooming? While they may seem small considerations now, constantly having to vacuum or pull dog hairs off you baby or child will eventually become very tedious.

The last item to think about when it comes to dogs and children is timing. What do I mean by this? Many dogs do much better when they are raised at the same time as the children. It is more difficult for an older dog to adjust to infants or small children than one who has grown up with them. When a dog is accustomed to children from the time they are puppies, it can tolerate the hair pulling, hitting and tugging with more patience. It might even be more willing to be dressed up for a tea party or two.

There are no guarantees when it comes to choosing a new dog for your family, but when certain things are researched first, it can increase the likelihood of a good match. A family dog will be a member of your clan for years to come, hopefully some of the information here can help them fit in and become a loving part of any family.

About the Author
Emma Snow is a prolific writer and writes for Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net and Wildlife Animals http://www.wildlife-animals.com


About the author:

Boston Terrier - The facts every owner of this dog breed should know

By Robert Benjamin
The Boston Terrier is one of the few breeds of dog that America can claim as its own. Around 1870, Robert C. Hooper of Boston purchased Hooper's Judge, a cross between an English Bulldog and an English White Terrier. Hooper's Judge was bred with a smaller female, and that litter bred with French bulldogs, providing the beginnings of the Boston Terrier, America's first non-hunting dog. Though originally bred for dog fighting, Boston Terriers are no longer used for that purpose and the aggressive traits have been bred out of the breed.

Also know as the Boston Bull, Boston Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with short, wide muzzles, dark, large round eyes, short tails and pointy erect ears. Their short coats come in black and white or brown and white and are easy to groom. Some breeders have tried selling all white Boston Terriers as rare. However, an all white coloring generally indicates a genetic weakness, making them more prone to health problems. Though Boston Terriers do shed, it is not excessive and with regular brushing, the shedding is easy to manage. Baths are only given when necessary.

With the proper care, Boston Terriers can live 15 years or longer, but usually average about 13 years. Boston Terriers will grow to an average of 15 to 17 inches in height and 10 to 25 pounds in weight. Their smaller size makes them suitable for all types of living environments including apartments. Boston Terriers do need regular sessions of walking and playtime, and do not require large amounts of space for their exercise. They are sociable and friendly dogs that are described as intelligent and energetic. Boston Terriers make good family pets and companions and are generally good around children and other pets. They make fair watchdogs; some Boston Terriers will bark only when necessary and others will never bark.

Boston Terriers are prone to breathing problems, due to their short snouts. Some of them will snore when sleeping, which can be a sign of a more serious medical condition, but it can be corrected with surgery. Exercise caution when out in excessive heat and humidity with a Boston Terrier, as they are more prone to heat exhaustion due to their short snouts. Boston Terriers are more likely to experience problems with heart and skin tumors and are more likely to suffer eye injuries due to their prominent eyes.

There is a website that has great information on Boston Terriers and most other breeds of dogs. It has details that pertain to a dog breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2006

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.


About the author:
Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.

RB59 Software

http://www.rb59.com/software


Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

English Bulldog - The facts every owner of this dog breed should know

By Robert Benjamin
Descended from ancient Asian Mastiffs, the English Bulldog was developed in Great Britain by crossing the bulldog descendants of the Mastiffs with Pugs. The result is a small dog that is wide and compact with a large head that has an intimidating look with a lot of folds in the skin. English Bulldogs will average only 12 to 16 inches in height but weigh anywhere from 49 to 55 pounds. They only live an average of 8 years. The English Bulldog has a short and smooth coat that needs minimal grooming and are considered average shedders. Baths are only given when necessary.

English Bulldogs are mostly brindle or red and it tends to be a uniform color, but there are also coats of liver, tan, black and white. English Bulldogs have a short muzzle and the lower jaw extends past the upper jaw. Because of this jaw structure, English Bulldogs have a tight grip when clamping down on anything. English Bulldogs make good watchdogs, alerting its family to an approaching stranger by growling and barking, but will not attack. They make good family pets and enjoy being in the company of humans as well as other animals. They are generally gentle with children but can be dominating at times. For this reason, obedience training is a must, as well as an owner who is not afraid to act as the alpha of the pack, as English Bulldogs can be stubborn and difficult to train.

Younger English Bulldogs tend to be full of energy while older ones tend to slow down. It is important to exercise an English Bulldog at least once a day to discourage obesity – sometimes a difficult feat since some English Bulldogs are content to not move at all (though almost all English Bulldogs are relatively inactive indoors). This choice of inactivity also makes it important to not overfeed an English Bulldog. Whatever their preferred activity level,

English Bulldogs will do well in apartment living. Most English Bulldogs tend to drool, slobber and snore. This is due to their small windpipes, which also makes them prone to breathing problems. English Bulldogs do not handle heat well at all and are susceptible to heat stroke. They are also sensitive to cold, so English Bulldogs are best in temperate climates. English Bulldogs also are prone to flatulence, hip and knee problems and skin infections.

There is a website that has great information on English Bulldogs and most other breeds of dogs. It has details that pertain to a dog breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

About the author:
Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.

Get a Credit Card or Fast Cash Loan!

http://www.rb59.com

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How To Avoid The Most Common Mistakes In Raising Dogs

By Dencho Denchev
Dogs do not come with an instruction manual around their
necks. Dogs need time, patience, and understanding.
Therefore new owners need information to train, and help
cope with the difficulties of the newest member of the family.

Common mistakes in raising dogs:

1. Not enrolling with the dog in "obedience school".

In any good school you can expect your dog to learn basic
commands and proper behavior. "Heel!", "Sit!", "Stay",
and
"Come!" are all examples of these commands. The dog will
learn how to associate with other animals and people. Don't
make the mistake of sending your dog to obedience school
alone. If you do, you will have a dog more obedient to the
teacher, instead of you.

2. Self-training using improper techniques.

Physical punishment and yelling are not good methods of
training. The best methods are stimulation and reward for
good behavior. This way the dog will be motivated to carry
out commands because it knows it will receive attention and
maybe a yummy treat. For this to work, it is important to be
patient and consistent.

3. Not researching breed characteristics.

When choosing a dog, do not judge by appearance alone.
Take some time to do research on several breeds, to find
one that will make a good match for you and your family.
If you have a small apartment, for example, a large dog may
be a poor choice.

4. Leaving your dog alone in your yard.

Dogs are social animals and naturally live in packs. Spend
plenty of time with your dog outside. Play together, make
your yard a fun place, not a doggie prison! If your dog is not
active enough, is bored, gains weight, gets sick, gets into
all kinds of mischief, barks too much, or bites: It is your job
to understand why it is happening and make it better.

5. Not giving the a dog a place of its own.

Dogs need an area that is only for them. When it gets nervous
or scared it will have a place of refuge. Make it a comfortable
place for your dog. It doesn't have to be fancy, just
comfortable.
Just like people, every living creature has times when it just
wants to be left alone to sleep or relax

6. Letting the dog think it is in charge.

The leader in your house is you, not the dog! Your dog will
receive food and attention when you decide. Not whenever it
wants. Your dog must earn its rewards, they are not a gift.

7. Making 'goodbye' a big event.

Do not make a big deal out of having to leave the house. This
is not the time to lavish extra attention on your dog. It will
only
be aggravated after you leave. A good idea is to leave your dog
with fresh food and water, and maybe a toy.

8. Feeding your dog 'people' food.

Constantly feeding a dog table scraps can be very unhealthy
for dogs. They are not recycle bins! There are many very
good dog foods available - buy those for your pet. People do
not eat dog food, why should it be the other way around?

9. Having unrealistic expectations.

Though at times it may seem like it, dogs are not human. Dogs
need logical and consistent training to live well with people.
They
do not understand when you explain to them 'why'. When your
dog misbehaves a simple "Don't!" or "No!" is enough and
suitable.

Avoiding these mistakes will assure you and your dog live a
long
and happy life together.

About the author:
Dencho Denchev is a dog lover from Bulgaria. He offers the highest
quality pet care products available. Rest easy knowing your special
friend will be taken care of. (Don't forget yourself too!)When you visit
http://www.ddenchev.com/pets/dogs.htm

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Build Your Own Dog House

By Sandy Oberreuter
So you want to build your dog a dog house?

There are various types of dog houses available.




Wooden dog houses. They can be very attractive and comfortable for your dog. Wooden doghouses made from cedar or wood are the best.


Plastic doghouses. These are comfortable and economical. They are good if your dog spends most of his time indoors.


Rustic doghouses. These houses are meant to look like a log cabin or barn. Wood is usually used but you can use synthetic material that has the appearance of wood.


You also can find double doghouses, duplex houses and portable ones.

Features to consider when building a dog house :


Wood makes an excellent choice for maintaining a consistent temperature for your doghouse. Wood stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter.


Size - a doghouse should be large enough for your dog to stand and turn around easily but still small enough so it is warm in cold weather and seems cozy.


Durable and steady.


Needs to be easy to clean.


Safe - sturdy and resistant to pest infestation. Cedar and other aromatic wood help control pests.


You can build your own doghouse by using doghouse plans or doghouse kits.

If you can follow directions and know how to use basic tools, you should be able to build your own doghouse.

Look for doghouse plans on the internet, which will provide detailed instructions.

Of course, if you have building experience you can build a doghouse without plans or a kit


The easiest way to build a doghouse is from a kit - it has everything you need. Most of them have:

Panels that are sized and pre-drilled. You just screw them into place.

Roofing

Frames to the structure and panels are screwed onto the frame as well as the roof.

Instructions

Paint is needed but most are already painted.


If you have a hammer and screw driver you are set.

Basic kits start at $100.00

If you are going to use a blueprint consider these things :


Weather conditions - if it is hot where you live you need your doghouse to have adequate ventilation and off the ground. If it is cold, you need an insulated doghouse. Of it snows or rains a lot you need a slanted roof.

Good Luck

.




About the author:
Sandy Oberreuter has a web site on small dog breeds but also on the most popular dogs that include dogs good with children and seniors, finding the best vets and breeders and much more. Visit http://www.small-dogbreeds.com


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