Sunday, May 18, 2008

Using A Dog Bark Collar For Controlling Dog Behavior Problems

By: Lee Dobbins

Most dog behavior dilemmas may only put an impact on the dog owner itself. However, there times when some canine behavior problems can also affect the other people in the neighborhood. Behavioral problems such as extreme barking could result to neighborhood clashes or arguments, and the worst, infringement of some animal control laws in a given area. So to speak, the so-called barking dogs can be pretty much of a problem in the neighborhood.

In essence, it is typically natural for a dog to bark. After all, that is their nature and that is what dogs are for. Barking creates a warning that initially tells the dog owner about the present problem or any intruder that is trying to enter the vicinity.

On the other hand, excessive barking may result to noise problems. Besides, extreme barking suggests unacceptable canine behavioral problem and needs to be deal with as soon as possible.

Talking or discussing the matters with your neighbors may sound like a feasible idea. However, it will not cure the problem. Your dog will continue to bark and if the situation permits, tolerance may not be the greatest solution in clearing any dispute with your neighbors.

The first step in addressing this kind of dog behavioral problem is to identify the duration of your dog's barking, the reasons for such behavior, and the exact time it usually starts to bark.

Identifying these factors is such a daunting task. Just imagine the tedious work of coordinating with your neighbors just to ask them about your dog's barking problem. This could even be more of a problem if you are not at home most of the time.

Therefore, the only feasible solution to this kind of problem is to find an effective device that will minimize or control your dog's barking.

Luckily, dog bark collars have been created to address this canine behavioral problem. Dog bark collars are exceptionally designed dog collars to provide an aversive every time your dog tries to bark aloud.

Dog bark collars are available in different types, with various ways of stopping your dog's barking. Here's the list:

1. Shock collars

This is the most expensive type of dog bark collars. However, in spite of its high-priced attribute, this collar is nothing more than that. According to various researches, shock collars are the least effective dog bark collars available in the market today.

Shock collars run an electric current that creates shock, thereby, hurting your dog. At some point, the pain may not effectively stop the barking because there are some dogs that can endure the pain and will still continue the said behavior.

The worst scenario would be on how your dog will try to divert his attention to other pets or to people who are within close proximity.

2. Aversive sound collar

Although considered a little better than shock collars, aversive sound collars do not pose high effective results as far as dog barking control is concerned.

Aversive sound collars try to produce a high-frequency sound whenever your dog barks. Usually, the sound is set off by the sound of the barking itself. The others are turned on manually.

3. Citronella dog bark collar

This is considered as the most effective of all types of dog bark collars. According to some research, citronella dog bark collars are twice as effective as the other types of dog bark collars particularly shock collars. The efficiency is well attributed to the citronella solution present in the collar.

This type of dog bark collar produces a gentle mist of citronella scent that is directed on your dog's face, particularly to the nose whenever he barks. Dogs do not like the scent of citronella and will automatically stop barking whenever he smells this.

The only problem with this type of dog bark collar is that the microphone attached to the collar is very sensitive to noise. Hence, the aversive scent may be set off even if your dog is not barking, which is caused by the other barking sounds present within the area.

Dog bark collars can be effective in one way or another. However, the main point here is to correct the dog bark collar by determining the main cause of the problem. To be more effective, dog bark collars must be combined with the proper way of addressing the cause of dog barking once identified.

Article Source: http://www.articlesauce.com


Lee Dobbins writes for dogcollars.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about all kinds of dog collars including the dog bark collar.

The Chihuahua Pomeranian Hybrid Dog Mix

By: Lee Dobbins

Sometimes called a Pomchi or even a Chiranian, the Chihuahua Pomeranian mix is not a breed itself, but is a mixture of a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua. Mixing these two breeds can make for a pretty darn cute little dog!

This mixed breed dog weighs between 5 and 12 pounds and is a short dog that is intelligent and alert often having the sweet expression characteristic of both sides of its lineage. He has a short body and a rounded wedge-shaped head with round eyes that should not protrude too much like that of some Chihuahuas. The tail is medium in length and is carried in the loop over the back or flat but should never be tucked between the legs.

Since the Chihuahua Pomeranian mix can be the product of a shorthaired or long hair to allow a bit type of coach you may get with this dog can be varied. The coat could be a double coat like that found on the Pomeranian or it could be a single coat. It is usually at least medium length, although I do see some that have short hair much like a short haired Chihuahua. They usually have quite a furry tail typical of the Pomeranian.

The Pomchi can be any color much like its parent's. Common color variations include party college, sable, solid and merle.

Although each dog is individual, generally the Chihuahua Pomeranian mix will have much the same personality traits of his parents. In general both Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are very intelligent dogs that love to be with their family and are great lapdogs. They can learn tricks very easily, however house training may be a challenge. When training any small dog like this you need to remember that training with kindness is best. These tiny creatures do not respond well to punishment and positive reinforcement is your best bet to get your Ponchi house broken.

A Pomeranian Chihuahua mix that is long-haired will require more grooming than a short haired dog. You will probably need to trim the hair that grows out in between the pads on the bottom of his dainty little feet as well as a little sani-trim under the tail.

Another thing to watch out for in grooming is the gunk that can accumulate around their eyes. You want to be very careful that this does not build up as it can turn into a hardened glob that is nearly impossible to get off and you can actually hurt your dog when trying to remove it. Your best bet is to gently clean around the eyes each night, being careful not to poke your dog in the by, and this will help stop any buildup from accumulating as well as help to take care of any tears staining in the fur around the eyes.

As with many toy dogs, this mix will also have to have a good dental program in place. This includes not only taking him to the vet once a year to have his teeth checked and to have any tartar scraped, but also regular brushing. Bacteria buildup on the teeth is a common problem of small dogs they can be very hazardous to their health so it's worth it for you to get your Pomchi used to having his teeth brushed. If you use a flavored toothpaste that he likes you may even find he looks forward to it every night!

Hybrid dog mixes are becoming more and more popular and the American Canine Hybrid Club has even recognized the Chihuahua Pomeranian mix and given it the name "Chiranian". There is even a special club for this hybrid called the Pomchi Club Of America.

Article Source: http://www.articlesauce.com


Lee Dobbins writes for www.pomeranian-pages.com where you can learn about caring for your Pomeranian as well as more about the Chihuahua Pomeranian mix.

Harrier Puppy And Dog Information

By: Mitch Endick

The Harrier is a very friendly dog that actually makes a good watch dog but may help a prowler find your house keys. She loves everyone! She needs plenty of exercise so she is not an apartment dog. A properly fenced in yard or acreage is essential for her. She can be very vocal and may tend to wander off after a scent so keep her under control. She is a pack dog so she generally gets along very well with other dogs. Be cautious with her and other pets besides dogs as she may consider them prey. She is generally very good with older children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Harrier is 18 to 22 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 40 to 60 pounds. The female runs smaller and lighter than the male.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Harrier is no exception. Although this breed is considered very healthy, be on the look out for rare cases of epilepsy (common in dogs), jaw malformations and Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Harrier has a short dense, glossy and hard coat sheds average. She should be brushed weekly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Harrier can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Harrier comes from Great Britain where they were developed for hunting rabbits and small game in packs. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1885.

Some Registries:
*Harrier Club of America (HCA)
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 7 to 8 Harrier puppies

Category: Hound

Terms To Describe: Active, strong, friendly, loves, outgoing, playful, cheerful,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Good watch dog.
They love everyone.
Very good nature.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Poor guard dog.
May bay and be very noisy.
May tend to wander off on a scent so keep under control.
Need plenty of exercise.

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Article Source: http://www.articlesauce.com


Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com. www.petpages.com is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.

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