Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Travel Dangers In Jack Russell Dogs

By Richard Cussons
Traveling with Jack Russell dogs is fun, so fun as long as nothing went wrong. Unluckily, dangers can come along the way despite all the preparations and planning. Dogs not used of traveling can become scared of moving or unfamiliar objects and places. Chances are your Jack Russell dogs might escape through your open windows and doors. So always remember not to leave your car's windows and doors open. Consider traveling with your dog with a seatbelt or with a carrier. This will restrain him from unnecessary movements that are sometimes dangerous for both of you. If you decided to use a carrier, make sure it is large enough for your dog. He should be able to stand, lie or turn around it that carrier. When using seatbelt, position your dog in the middle of the backseat, not in the front seat especially if your car has front seat air bags.

Dogs left in the car can be affected with heatstroke. How much more during summer when the temperature is hotter? Heatstroke, also referred to as sunstroke is a condition wherein the body produces or absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. This usually happens when the body is exposed to too much heat.

A dog must maintain its normal body temperature which is 38.3 to 38.7 degrees Celsius (100.9 to 101.7). A dog with body temperature of 104 to 106 F experiences moderate canine heatstroke exhibits bright red tongue and gums, thick, sticky saliva and rapid panting. With the body temperature of above 106 F, a dog suffers severe canine heatstroke. A dog with canine heatstroke exhibits shock, weakness and/or dizziness, bloody nose as well as bloody vomiting and diarrhea. The dog's liver, kidney, lung, heart or brain can also be affected. Brain may swell and may lead to coma.

To treat heatstroke, take your dog to a cool place then apply ice packs or wet towels to the head, neck and chest. Let him drink cold water but make sure to give him limited amount of it. It is also advisable to let your dog lick ice cubes or even ice cream. During summer, most vets suggest to keep pets indoors to avoid the risk of heatstroke. But if you really do have to travel with your dog under the scourging heat of the sun remember these tips:

· Keep a bottle full of clean drinking water in handy. This will ensure that your dog gets the moisture his body needed. Don't forget to bring his bowl because some dogs won't drink in bottles.
· Never leave your dog unattended inside a parked car. Temperatures can rise and even if the windows are slightly open, your dog is still at risk of heatstroke.

Traveling with your Jack Russell dogs is enjoyable, so enjoyable as long as nothing bad comes along the way. Enjoy the travel! Take these tips...

About the author:
Richard Cussons is not just a writer but also a great lover of dogs. Discover more about Jack Russell Terriers at this site dedicated to Jack Russell dogs.

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

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Dog Training Tips - Rules for Dog Trainers and Dog Owners

By Rena Murray
Similar to other human endeavors, the success of dog training and dog behavior modification efforts involving both a dog trainer and a dog owner is dependent upon acceptance of responsibility and good communication. Here are some dog training tips and rules of the road for such situations.

To start, Dog Trainer, you must always remember to ask as many thoughtful and pointed questions of the owner as possible. This is an absolute necessity if the dog trainer is to have a good understanding of the animal before beginning the first dog training session, to start on the right foot. You never have a second chance to make a first impression in the dog world.

Dog Owner, you have a responsibility to be detailed on both the good and the bad in your pet. Only then can the dog trainer - dog behaviorist diagnose the problem fully and take the best remedial steps. You must also speak out your full expectations so they can be accomplished.

Some areas you should cover and amplify include:

1- Historical information about your dog -- Age, how old he was when adopted, where you got him, etc.

2- The dog behavior problem -- Full description, how it manifests, under what circumstances, and how often.

3- What happened the first time? -- What did the dog do first, how did you handle it at that moment and right afterward, how did the dog respond, how old was the dog, other factors, and how much has the behavior increased since then?

4- What have you done about it since then? -- Also, what have other family members done about it, what are you doing now, how has the dog reacted each time, etc.?

5- Information about your dog's environment and exposures - e.g., your home, yard, doggie door and yard freedom or always out on a leash, neighborhood, parks, other pets, other family members and ages, kennel trained, etc.

6- You dog's daily exercise -- e.g., how often, when, how far, is it "free time" or focused and disciplined (mental challenge), etc.?

7- Any other things you do not like about your dog?

Expose everything pertinent to the pet and circumstances that you can think of. Don't forget allergies and health issues that might have an effect.

Dog Trainer, point out issues right away, explaining dog behavior problems to the Owner. For example, if the dog displays dog dominance behavior such as claiming something, the Owner needs to be made aware of what is really going on. This is not just some cute little annoyance, but the seed of a major dog behavior problem!

Dog Trainer, do not in any way intimidate the Dog Owner or make him feel foolish. Be understanding. Recognize that he called on you because he realizes and acknowledges the need for your experience. Commend him, for that takes courage.

Dog Owner, never lie to a dog trainer if your dog has certain tendencies. Especially if your dog is aggressive or fearful, the trainer needs to know the tendency of his reactions. Otherwise, there may be a nasty dog bite, and the results you seek may be impeded.

Dog Owner, listen to the dog trainer. Do not become surly or sarcastic with one who is trying to help. Do not waste the trainer's time if you are not going to follow her directions and be consistent. Do not try to blame the trainer if you are not consistent.

Dog Trainer, do not tell the Dog Owner: "People need training, not dogs." It is called DOG TRAINING for a reason!

Dog Trainer, realize that people need to be instructed in how to read dog body language, to become the leader of the pack, and how to follow through with your instructions … How to train a dog! People need encouragement, not criticism. Sometimes, the problem is the DOG!

Dog Trainer, hear the Dog Owner out and listen to all he says about the dog. Eat every word, and draw out every piece of information you may need. Remember, you need to feed the Dog Owner if he is stuck. You need to be a skilled interviewer, to draw out all you need to know about the dog and the circumstances.

Keeping these thoughts in mind makes it easier for both the Dog Trainer and the Dog Owner. It is no more fun for a Dog Trainer than a Dog Owner to deal with someone who is full of himself … That is counterproductive. Keep you eye on your goal -- dog behavior modification and dog training.

About the author:
Dog Obedience Trainer - Dog Behaviorist, Rena Murray, dares to tell it like it is! Growing up with the Horse Whisper, avid wolf pack studies, Pit Bull and other dog training, Rena solves "impossible" situations, e.g., teaching an old dog new tricks, solving dog dominance and dog destructive behavior, even stopping a Doberman attack in mid-launch! Available for Consultations, Rena blends the best of the Dog Whisper and other techniques to each specific situation and will bring fresh insight to yours. See Rena's Expert Articles and subscribe to her FREE Ezine at http://www.PawPersuasion.com and comment on Rena's BLOG - http://www.pawpersuasion.com/blog/

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

Wild Dog Behavior - Tips to Terminate Rover's Rolling

By Rena Murray
How revolting! There are some truly bizarre, slimy or smelly wild dog behaviors that are frequently displayed by our domestic dogs. Yet just because your Pooch's actions are instinctive behavior for dogs, that does NOT mean that you have to accept it if you do not like it! So let us explore some unwanted dog instinctive behaviors and what you can do about them. In this article we will focus on one of the most disgusting wild dog behaviors of all: "My dog eats feces and rolls in them!"

Rolling in dung can mean three different things. One: The dog is rolling in feces to disguise himself, to feel safer, or to boost his confidence. Perhaps he is insecure of a neighbor's dog, or maybe he even senses a predator you cannot.

Solution? Put the dog on a leash and correct him firmly when he begins the behavior. Give him something else to do. Exercise or a game is a good idea, but move away from the problem until you have brought him to a point where he is listening better to you.

Sometimes young bitch dogs roll in their own mess because they are near their heat and want to strut their stuff to the whole neighborhood! Please be aware that letting her get away with this behavior may allow her to become overconfident and even aggressive.

The third reason is the dog has come into contact with an unfamiliar odor. Dogs do not like too many changes and are creatures of habit and routine. This is why your dog wants to roll when you have just washed him with that wonderfully scented lavender soap. Boy, wouldn't we all love it if dogs and humans loved the same scents?

Solution? Simply dry your dog off well and be sure he is calm BEFORE his leash is removed. If rolling is a pattern, you have to break it by first getting him into a calmer state in which he is able to listen to you.

Then if he rolls, give him a firm NO, taking the scruff of his neck firmly in your grasp. This lets him know that you do not agree with the behavior he is doing. Since Pooch's dog instinctive behavior is to submit to you, his leader, he will ultimately yield and cease such unwanted (smelly and messy) wild dog behavior.

Bottom Line: You do NOT have to settle for a domestic dog that acts like Rolling Rover, in his own feces or cat dung or any other smelly thing. With a little training, these animal instinctive behaviors can be vanquished and peace and sweet smells restored in your home. Still having problems? Just ask for help from an expert who understands wild dog behaviors, and turn Rolling Rover into Sweet-Smelling Sam!


About the author:
Rena Murray is a Dog Obedience Trainer - Dog Behaviorist who dares to tell it like it is! Growing up with the Horse Whisper, avid wolf pack studies, Pit Bull and other dog training, Rena solves many "impossible" situations, e.g., teaching an old dog new tricks, solving dog dominance and wild dog behavior issues, and stopping a Doberman attack in mid-launch in her hands-on Florida dog training. Available for email Consultations, Rena blends the best of the Dog Whisper and other techniques to each specific situation and will bring fresh insight to yours. See her Expert Articles, free Ezine, BLOG - http://www.pawpersuasion.com/blog , and more at http://www.PawPersuasion.com

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

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