Saturday, April 5, 2008

Do You Have An Aggressive Labrador Retriever?

By Richard Cussons
A Labrador Retriever is not excessively prone to aggression and insecurity just like other certain breeds. This breed is known to have gentle disposition and is friendly even to strangers. If unfortunately your Labrador Retriever is showing signs of aggression, there may be reasons and factors that triggered this dilemma. Before doing anything to address this, it is necessary to know why your supposed to be friendly dog has become aggressive. Once you know the causes of your dog's aggression, it will be easier for you to prevent or at least minimize if you cannot totally stop it.

Aggression according to canine behaviorist is an intent to intimidate or to harm a person or another animal. It is usually displayed in behaviors such as barking, growling, snarling, snapping and biting. To a dog, there is always a reason for showing aggressive behavior. Some dogs display aggression to defend themselves, that is they will only harm another dog if they perceive danger and that they have no other option, while some develop aggressive behavior because of medical reasons.

Reasons for aggression:

- He is guarding or protecting valuable resources such as the home or the yard, his foods, toys and other valued objects. He may also show aggressive behavior to those, either animal or people, he perceive as threat or danger to his family or pack.

- When he is afraid and believes that he must defend himself from danger of being harmed. For example, the vet needs to examine or roll him over, he might panic and bark because he believes that he must protect himself from what he perceived danger.

- A traumatic experience or medical or physical ailments.

Once you and your vet have already ruled out the causes of your dog's aggressive behavior, seek professional advice for behavioral modification. Go to an animal behavior specialist for professional guidance. As the owner, you are liable for your dog's behavior and it is important to keep other people and animals safe. If a dog shows aggression to a certain family member, let that person become the main provider of everything. Other family members must ignore the dog and give no food, play or affection. If a dog does not like to be handled, gradually accustom him to your gentle touch. Remember to reward your dog for every sign of submissive behavior such as licking or lowering the head when being reached for.

Punishing your aggressive dog won't help and will often worsen the problem so never use punishment to correct your aggressive dog.

About the author:
Richard Cussons has written articles of various breeds including Labrador Retriever. Discover tips on Labrador dog training at labradorsavvy.com.

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


Article tags: labrador retriever, labrador dog training

Do you know how to make your dog happy from your care?

By Kendy Smith
In the past, dog became a companion animal with human. It can help people manage cattle, house and more. Besides, it is a good friend who can listen to you and it always stay behind you. If you really want your dog to live a long and happy life, there are several things you should do to ensure he stays fit and healthy. A dog doesn't need as much care as a small child or a baby would, but it does need regular care and attention to keep it healthy. Some dogs and breeds need more care than others, but generally dogs are easy-going, loyal creatures that enjoy human company.

Your dog needs to have regular vaccinations and an identity tag. It's always better to check what your local laws require. In case your dog goes missing, the dog tag should be attached to the collar and have your name, address and contact phone number on it. Once you have brought your dog home, you will need to take it to the veterinarian for health checks and vaccinations on a regular basis.

You must feed your dog regularly! Provide him with sufficient fresh water every day and enough healthy food for his size and breed type. Ensure that you are giving the amount and type of food required for your dog.

It is very important to groom your dog. Try to bathe your dog once a month and keep his/her coat brushed and free from ticks and fleas. Dog's teeth are very important and care is required to keep them healthy. Dog's ears and eyes must also be cleaned regularly and watched for problems.

You might also need to clip your dog's nails occasionally. Perhaps you don't have the time to carry out these tasks or feel confident enough to do them. You can always hire a dog groomer to groom your dog for you.

Every dog needs plenty of exercise, and generally the bigger the dog, the more exercise it will need. If you don't have the time to exercise a dog, then perhaps a different kind of pet would be better for you. Not only is regular exercise good for your dog's health, but it also gives him the opportunity to enjoy your company. Dogs love company and like to be with their 'pack' as much as possible. Remember when walking your dog he should always be on a leash.

Unless you are planning to breed from your dog, it is a good idea to get your dog spayed or neutered. Not only will this stop unwanted puppies, it will also give your dog a longer, healthier life.

You may want to take your dog to obedience classes. This will enable you to socialize your dog and give you more time together. Dogs are loyal companions and want nothing more than to be with their owner, and to please him.

About the author:
Find pets and animals and more useful information about shopping servies, travel at this Orange County business directory.

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

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