How To Effectively Crate Train Your Dog

By: Michael Colucci

Using a crate to train your dog is one of the best methods available. Crate training works well because it ties in with the natural instincts of your dog. By using this method of training you will have a clean home and a dog which behaves properly. The most important thing to understand about crate training is that a dog will want to avoid urinating in the place where it sleeps. It will see the crate as being its home.

The first thing you want to do when crate training your dog is to use a consistent schedule. This will allow the dog to relieve itself in the righ place instead of a place where you don't want them to. It is also important to reward the dog when they behave properly, but not get angry when they don't do what you want. It takes time for a dog to learn, and you will need to have patience when trying to train them. When you are not at home, you will want to keep your dog in a closed off space.

The space should have a bed, clean water, and toys so that the dog doesn't become lonely or aggravated. Crate training works differently than just confining a dog to a certain room. When you use crate training you will want to place the dog within the crate when you are not watching him. While this may sound abusive at first, it is important to remember that dogs naturally like being in confined spaces. They are den animals. The dog will begin to think of the crate as being his home, and will not relieve himself there.

After the dog has been in the crate for a while, you will want to take them to the location where it is allowed to relieve itself. Once it does, reward him with a treat or praises. You want the dog to associate relieving itself in the right place with rewards. This will give it an incentive to continue behaving properly. Don't allow the dog to stay in the crate for a long time, as it will be forced to relieve itself in the crate and this is something that neither of you want. It could will reverse all the training you've given the dog.

The dog should only be put in the crate while you're present. The dog should be allowed to go to the rest room every 40 minutes, accept at night. The dog should be placed on a leash when you take him out. Give him about three to five minutes to finish. If the dog doesn't relieve itself, you should quickly take him back to the crate. If the dog does relieve itself, rewared him with treats or a walk.

Article Source: http://www.content-corral.com


Michael Colucci is a technical writer for Free Dog Training and Dog Care

How To Stop Your Dog From Biting

By : Michael Colucci
Every year well over 4 million people are bitten by dogs. While some of these bites may be minor, others can leave serious injuries or even death. If you own a dog which bites someone, you could find yourself in legal trouble. If it kills someone, you could end up behind bars. While I don't want to scare you away from owning a dog, there are some things you will want to do to make sure your dog doesn't bite you or others.

The first thing you want to do is never approach strange dogs. Even if the dog is behind a fence or tied up, it could see you as being a threat. You should also keep your own dog away from other strange dogs. It could be injured or killed if the strange dog decides to attack it. You should also avoid petting your dog without letting them sniff your hand first so that they know who you are. Under no circumstances should you run from a dog. Dogs are natural predators, and will almost always chase you unless they're trained.

When a dog is eating, sleeping, or caring for its young, it is best not to startle or disturb them. They may snap at or bite you. It may be necessary to neuter your dog if it is going around and getting into fights with other dogs constantly. You can also take your dog around others to keep it from being nervous when in the presence of people it is not familiar with. Dogs should also be trained not to chase anyone. This is one of the most common things which leads to a dog biting someone. You should also give your dog rabies vaccinations, and never allow it to go places without your supervision.

If you should be attacked by a dog, the first thing you want to do is remain calm. If you panic you are likely to make bad decisions. You will also want to wash the wound as soon as possible. Use soap and water and contact your doctor as soon as you can. Contact the animal care agency in your area and let them know that you have been bitten. Describe the dog and where you encountered them. Let them know what direction you think the dog went in.

Being the owner of a dog which likes to bite is a serious issue. You can avoid biting by training the dog while they're young. Once they get older, it will be difficult or impossible to get them to follow your commands, and if they bite somone else, you could be in a lot of trouble.

Article Source: http://www.content-corral.com


Michael Colucci is a technical writer for Free Dog Training and Dog Care

Dog clothes: Are dog owners really THAT strange?

By : Paul J Easton
Some dogs love dressing up, and some people like dressing their "best friends" to look like humans. Dog clothes are an extension of their love for them, treating them like members of the family.

But why do dog lovers buy dog clothes? – I asked my customers and got the following answers:

1. Comfort for my dogs during winter
2. Sometimes we think out dog is human
3. I like to dress my dog up so people will make a fuss over her

There are, however, real reasons to consider using dog apparel as well. Apart from our own desire to dress our dogs in human clothing, there are often practical reasons to do so.

Dogs that have had medical treatments that result in the loss of fur will often need at least some protection from the weather until their fur grows back. This also applies to dogs that have been shaved for agility and show reasons.

People who live in colder winter climates should keep in mind that even though their pets have fur, they may need protection from the elements when they spend most of their time indoors, because they acclimate to their indoor surroundings.

Short-haired dogs are almost bald on the chest and belly, so be sure to select dog clothing that covers the lower portions of their bodies as well as the top.

Most dogs don't like the rain, and if your pet spends most of his time indoors, you probably don't enjoy the musty smell or the water and mud. With some water proof, quality dog clothes, almost all this can easily be avoided.

Polar fleece is also a good protective fabric; it insulates and keeps the dog warm while keeping the skin dry. Booties are good for dogs in snow, ice and rain.

Booties can also be used to protect a dog's pads from hot ground surfaces. Remember that while a dog's pads are less sensitive than our own feet, they are still sensitive to extreme temperatures. If they start walking strangely, and it’s a hot day, the ground maybe hotter than you realise!

Getting your dog to accept wearing apparel

Proper fit is key for getting your dog to accept dog apparel. However, ease of getting the garment on and off is a new experience for your dog. Start by putting the clothing item on and rewarding the dog with praise and they will come to enjoy the process. Leave the item on for a short period. The next time, try leaving the garment on for a longer period of time, again praising and rewarding your pet. Make a fuss over them in the process and they will come to connect this to the clothing item.

Sizing can be important. Getting the correct fitting clothes for your dog is very easy. There are a few simple ideas to help you get the correct size:

1. Take a string, a piece of yarn or your belt and measure your pup, then compare it to a ruler for an accurate measurement.
2. Don't go by the Coat / Sweater / Tee/ etc. you use today they will be very different
3. Use more than One person to get an accurate measurement
4. Allow one size bigger for thick coats

As a general rule, measuring should be done along the dog's backbone from the Base of the Head to the Base of the Tail, which is referred to as the "top line measurement". This is from the base of where the collar rests to where the tail is attached.

It is best to start this training as a puppy, but older dogs can also easily be trained with a little more patience. Suitable dog clothes can make your pet happy and healthy resulting in less trips to the vet and additional savings in money and time.

Article Source: http://www.content-corral.com


Paul Easton is a self confessed dog lover who sells Dog clothing online- The Non Glamour Clothes for real dogs- wet or dry, indoor or out. Sign up for the Dog Care newsletter and get your "FREE Dog Care Help- discounts and specials, special discounted offers, bonus free items and more- every 2 weeks!" www.JustDogClothes.com " target=_blank> www.JustDogClothes.com Dog Clothes, Clothing, T-shirts jackets and more with free shipping over $40.