Boxer Dog Training

By David Chandler
The Boxer is an amazing dog and is extremely playful, energetic and definitely a handful (in a good way of course). This breed if dog is extremely loyal and when a friendship is built it lasts forever. The boxer is unique and not for everyone, if you are a new owner of a boxer you have to be aware that they need a lot of attention and training. They are extremely intelligent dogs, which can work to your advantage when it comes to training, but then again can be very disadvantageous, as they know how to use their intelligence to get what they want.

Boxer dog training consists of training them up to become guard dogs; this is their main profession if you like. People who do not know boxers tend to assume that they are naturally aggressive when they are in fact the opposite and could not be more playful than any other dog! Because of their good stature and aggressive look, people are automatically assuming this dog could do more harm than good. If your boxer is not trained properly then he just might.

Because of their intelligence, Boxers can be very stubborn but when it comes to training a boxer, it can be very helpful. Owners must remember that there will be times when you ask him to do something and he's going to look you in the face and basically tell you where to go, he knows he is supposed to do what you are telling him but he decides he can't be bothered and doesn't. The main thing you have to remember in these circumstances is to be patient. From as early as 6 weeks old you should start your boxer dog training as this will help him when he grows up, socialize him, play with him and teach him, but do it in an exciting way and he is more likely to listen.

The main aspect of training for a boxer is socialization. Boxers can be very friendly dogs but they need to be trained to become one. They need to get accustomed to other dogs and people. The best way to do this is training classes. That way your boxer will be trained alongside other dogs.

When your boxer reaches 13-16 weeks old it's time for some serious boxer dog training, this is the stage where he is going to test for dominance, he will nip and try to show you that he is the more dominant one, mainly by not listening to you. You have to be a strong leader at this time; you must show him that bad behaviors will not be tolerated no matter what!

Boxers are genuinely a lovable family dog and would make a proud pet for anyone, they are dogs that prefer to sit on you lap for a cuddle than anything else. Train your boxer early with some serious boxer dog training and you can be assured you will have a stunning, loyal family friend!


About the author:
Whether you have a boxer or different breed of dog, everything you need to know to train your dog properly is at http://www.dogtraininginfoguide.com


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Basic Dog Commands For Labrador Retrievers

By Richard Cussons
Labrador Retrievers are intelligent and obedient dogs, making them easier to train in becoming good working and assistance dogs. But before any advance training, they should first master the basic dog commands. These basic dog commands are helpful in obedience training in order to come up with a desirable dog everyone loves. These basic commands are come, sit, down and stay.

Come Command
Training come command is easier when your dog is on leash and in a quiet setting to prevent the dog from being distracted. Say your dog's name firmly and slowly pull the dog toward you. As he begins to come forward, give the command "come" and praise him when he is right in front of you. Repeat the procedure until he has mastered it and responds to it immediately. Once mastered, you can then later increase the distance between you and your dog. Then try the command without leash in an enclosed place.

Sit Command
Training the sit command is best done with a leash. Place him on a leash in front of you, hold a treat in front of your dog's nose and move it upward. The head will move to follow your hand therefore pushing his rear to the ground. As soon as your dog begins to sit, give the command "sit". Praise him and give him the treat.

Down Command
The down command can be started with sit command. When your dog is in sitting position, hold his collar firmly with your one hand and have a treat on the other hand. Slowly move the treat from your dog's nose to the floor. Naturally, he will lower himself to follow your hand with the treat. Give the command "down" as he approaches the floor. Praise him and give him the treat.

Stay Command
The sit command can be started with a down command or sit command. When your dog is in down or sitting position, use your hand as a signal and say the word "stay". Slowly back away and if the dog begins to follow you, come back to the dog and give him the down or sit command again. Repeat the process until the dog can reliably stay where you want him to stay. It is better not to sue food as a reward in training this command because he may become too excited making him unable to stay.

When the command requires the aid of treats, it is advisable that the treats should be placed in a closed fist so that the dog can only smell but not see them. When the dog sees the treat before you give the command, he will learn only to obey when you have a food in your hands. It is just like bribing your dog to follow you. Labrador Retrievers are obedient dogs and you do not have force them to obey your command. Remember that dog training requires patience and of course a lot of praise.

About the author:
Richard Cussons writes articles about Labrador Retrievers and other dog breeds. Discover tips on training Labradors at labradorsavvy.com.

Labrador Retrievers and Dehydration

Labrador Retrievers are expected to carry out lots of roles. Common working roles for Labrador Retrievers include hunting, tracking and detection, assistance dogs for disabled, carting and therapy work. With all these roles, it is expected that they will be more exposed to heat and various illnesses. Too much exposure to heat, especially during summer can cause dehydration in Labrador Retrievers. It happens when there is an excess loss of bodily fluids making the total body water less than the normal. Dehydration does not involve loss of water alone but also loss of minerals such as sodium, chloride and potassium. These minerals are called electrolytes.

Dehydration is a serious problem in dogs. Aside from exposure to heat, it can also occur because of illness such as fever or just a lack of fluid intake. Because they lack sweat glands, dogs pant to keep themselves cool. Panting can lead to dehydration if the fluid is not replaced.

To check if your dog is dehydrated, watch out for his skin elasticity. In dehydrated dog, the skin does not return to normal position quickly when lifted. Slow capillary time is another indication of dehydration in dogs. To check his capillary refill time, firmly place your index finger against the gums until they appear white. Remove your finger and check how quickly the blood returns to the gums. It will take more than three seconds for the blood to refill or return to pink state when a dog is dehydrated. Other signs of dehydration include lethargy, depression, sunken eyes and increased heart rate.

If you see signs of dehydration in your dog, give some water immediately. But water is not enough to treat dehydration. Visit your veterinarian immediately for body fluid replacement. These fluid replacements are usually administered through injection. Electrolytes can also be replaced with hydrating solution. But take note not to allow your dog to take in large amount of water at once as this will result in vomiting thus losing fluids further.

It is easy for dogs to become dehydrated but it is also easy to prevent dehydration. The best way to prevent it is to ensure that your dog has plenty of water available. Leave at least two bowls filled with water at all times. Place these bowls in various spots in the house if the dog is free to wander around. During summer or if you live in a dry climate, keep the dogs indoors as much as possible.

About the author:
Richard Cussons writes articles about dogs. This site about Labrador Retrievers
contains valuable tips on training Labradors.

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