Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Boxer Dog Obedience Training - 3 Easy Tips

Boxer dogs are playful, strong, smart and highly energetic to such a degree that training is absolutely necessary; because without any discipline, a boxer can be this relentless, unbridled ball of energy. The best time to start training, is when he is around thirteen weeks of age. Boxer dogs, though very intelligent, lose focus very quickly when there's a lull in the training session. So, owners who are routinely lenient will have the toughest time training their boxer, as their pet is accustomed to resisting their owners commands without any consequences. And repetition is key when training this wonderful breed of dog - constantly drilling the desired behavior will to keep him from drifting back to old habits. Given their phenomenal levels of energy, a boxer needs wide open spaces to run & play; keeping this pet in close quarters isn't the best idea (if you're fond of your furniture and sleep); a larger yard will go a long way in helping your boxer to use up his energy.For example, if you send him on a scavenger hunt for dog snacks that you planted throughout the yard, you can keep him busy for hours. Before training, a few things should be pointed out. First, you have to let your boxer knows you're the boss - establishing this command-structure automatically entitles you to their attention. Also, a boxer will need to be trained in areas that are quiet and free of distractions. Try not to skip lessons- successfully instilling new commands require consistency. Lastly, there's no such thing as too much positive reinforcement.Teaching Your Boxer How To SitWith a treat in your hand, hold it above his head to entice him to look up. Naturally, as his nose goes up, then the rear will go down. Right before his rear touches the floor, you utter the word: 'Sit'. When the boxer is completely seated, praise him, feed him the treat and praise him again. As you continue to repeat theses step several more times, continue to make your movements less obvious (to the point where you're no longer holding the treat over his head). With enough practice, you should be able to get him to sit without the treat.Teaching Your Boxer To ComeCommand your pet sit, then step a few feet away from him. Turn towards him. With treat in hand, lean forward and utter the word: 'Come'. When he complete the trip towards you, praise him, feed him the treat and praise him again. Continue to repeat these steps, making your moves less dramatic each time - to the point where you're standing straight up without presenting the treat. You can also use other means of positive reinforcement, (like a noisy toy) to get the same desired result.Potty Training First establish a schedule by feeding & giving them water at certain times of the day - making their bowel movements more predictable. If you wish to trigger their bowel movements by linking it to a phrase, you can utter your "special phrase" every time you dog goes potty; after hearing it enough times, your boxer will be induced to potty when you simply utter your "special phrase". And after he's done going potty, praise him effusively (be real over-the-top about it) for the sake of positive reinforcement.Training you boxer works really well when you keep your teaching method familiar to your pet, thus, giving him a chance to learn a new command (as opposed to a whole new methodology). If your time constraints or patience makes it difficult to train your pet, obedience school or digital materials have proven to be other viable options.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Beagle Dog Breed Profile

Description: The Beagle is an active small to medium sized dog used as a companion or for hunting. The dogs stand up to 16 at the shoulder and generally weigh between 18 to 35 pounds. As with most breeds, the bitch is smaller. The Beagle has a strong head and floppy ears. The dog has a short-haired coat and many color variations can occur. The most prevalent is the tricolor Beagle with its black saddle, but lemon, black and tan, orange, or red and white are all acceptable.History: The Beagle rose from the anonymous ranks of 'hound-dom' in the 1500s in England. Packs of dogs were used at the time to hunt small game such as rabbits and pheasants. The Harrier, which is not only taller than the Beagle, but weighs almost twice as much, provided the foundation stock for the Beagle. Originally, Beagles were used by people who would be unable to follow a hunting pack in the usual headlong manner. The infirm or elderly were able to ride at a leisurely pace, and the Beagle provided hunting opportunities for those who had no horses. The dogs could be followed on foot. This is the way Beagles are used today for hunting. The French word "be'guele" is probably the source of the dog's name and referred to the sound of the hunting bay.Temperament: The disposition of the Beagle is famously good. These dogs are cheerful and gentle. Beagles are intelligent and brave dogs and get along well with other dogs. They can be trusted to behave beautifully with children. However, as they are hunting dogs, it is best to accustom them to any household cats or other pets while they are puppies. Beagles are usually difficult to train as they are easily distracted by interesting smells or sights. The Beagle loves to wander, and if the owner is not a hunter, every effort should be make to stimulate him at home. A fenced yard is the best way to assure the Beagle's safety.Health Issues: Fortunately, the Beagle is seldom afflicted with hip dysplasia, but they make be subject to spinal disk ailments. Epilepsy is somewhat common in Beagles as are eye and heart diseases. Because Beagles often roam in fields and brush, they should be checked carefully for ticks and fleas. Ticks can spread Lyme Disease and Tracker Dog Disease. The Beagle will normally live for up to 15 years.Grooming: The Beagle's short coat does not require extensive care, one brushing a week is adequate to keep shedding under control. The floppy ears can give rise to ear infections, so care should be given to keep them clean and dry.Living Conditions: The Beagle loves to be outside, preferably with human or dog friends, but will be happy indoors if given adequate exercise. Beagles are companionable and like to be around others. The Beagle is best kept in the house during the winter in northern climates, although a well-made dog house will suffice in warmer areas.
               

               

Monday, June 27, 2011

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain dog breed stands from 23 to 28 inches in height depending on the sex, with the female being the smaller. This is an agile dog despite the fact it is a large and sturdy breed. It is slightly longer than its height. The head is flat on the top. The muzzle is well-built and straight. The teeth meet in a good scissor bite. The eyes are brown with the fur being rust over each eye. The ears are of medium size, high setting and rounded at the tips of the ear, they are triangular in shape. The straight legs are strong and will have fawn on all four legs. Their feet are round with arched toes. Their coat is fairly long, slightly wavy or straight and should be thick. This is a weather- resistant coat. The coat is tricolour with good symmetrical markings of black, rust, and white. They will have a white blaze on the chest, and white on their heads, tip of the tail and toes. Rust is on their face reaching the corners of the mouth and under the tail.History: This dog comes from Switzerland, in the Swiss mountains. Art work dating back to the 18th century shows this dog. They are working dogs and were used to pull carts to market. In addition, they were used to drive cattle, be a companion to the farmer and a watch dog. This breed's gifts are also, tracking, herding, search and rescue and competitive obedience.Temperament: This is a dog that loves children. With good intelligent brains, they are easy to train. Here you have a friend that is full of confidence and a great natured dog. It is slow to mature, staying puppy like for longer than other breeds. Socialize this breed as well as possible, then this dog will be better with anything new in the future. Firm but kind training will work best. Natural leadership is a must, as a dog is a dog, that way your dog will be much happier. Due to their slow maturing some owners have not worked with this breed to give clear rules and leadership, this can give many problems later, and so it is best to be the Alpha at all times.Health issues: Sadly, this dog suffers from cancer and their life expectancy has dropped from 10 to 12 years down to 6to 8 years. This is being researched, but for now, is a fact that needs consideration by the buyer. This breed can suffer from bloat, eyelid problems, hip and elbow dysplasia and weight gain. Portion sizes need to be controlled.Grooming: For its long coat, daily grooming is required, taking extra care when the dog is shedding. This is a heavy shedder. Bathing is fine but only when needed.Living conditions: This dog is not recommended for an apartment. They need a large garden and due to the full and thick coat would rather live in cooler climates. This is a large dog that needs regular long daily walks.      

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