One of the most annoying things about dogs is their habit of answering to calls of nature almost anywhere they feel like it. Your bedroom rug, the living room sofa, your Persian carpet; everything seems as good a place as any for your little pup to go cool his bladders on.
If you have just brought your pup home therefore, buckle up and get ready to save your upholstery and carpets by means of a simple method we call House-trainig.
Now, here’s what house-trainig is all about. We humans tend to visit the bathroom when we feel like we must relieve ourselves, in one way or the other (thank goodness for that!). However, our pooches don’t have a mother potty training them at the age of 1, telling them to do a potty at some fixed time on a shiny blue toliet, and hence they tend to treat everything like a big ol’ lavatory. And that would be ok if we were dogs perhaps but most average human beings tend not to like that sort of thing. So what we have to do is potty train our doggies ourselves. And this training, to cut a long story short, is what we call ‘housebreaking’.
Now, facts first. Remember,
• No pup is able to keep himself from relieving himself in some other form, till about 12 weeks of age. Your attempts at training your dog therefore must begin before this.
• Most puppies need to engage in bathroom related activities approximately 6-7 times a day
• Every time your dog seems to be following its tail rather slowly, and doing giddy rounds around a non-descriptive area put your shoes on to take it out cause it’s getting ready to relieve itself
• Take your dog out every time it has a meal because food immediately puts pressure on its colon and bladder.
The first lesson in house-training is, ‘communicate with your dog’. Make sure you let your dog know that you don’t like him messing all over the drawing room loud and clear. No there isn’t any need to use violence; just a loud “NO’ should do the trick. For best results catch him in the act so that he has no problem in associating the rebuke with the exact action.
Keep a keen eye on your pooch. As soon as he looks like he could do with a visit to the good old potty take him out. Once he relieves himself at the right place pet him to show how much you appreciate the fact that he didn’t wee all over your favorite rug. Give him a biscuit, and an appreciative nod and he’ll know.
See, dogs are like politicians, always eager to please. They will do anything to get cuddled and patted by their masters, thus it’s always easy to make them do things as per your requirements. You want him to do his business outside? Show him how happy you are when he does so and he’ll do it. Give him a friendly pat and he’ll bound off to be at it everyday. For your part make sure you know your dog’s habits, build your routine round his, try and find out what his usual urinating or defecating times are. Is it after dinner? Before going to bed? Or right in the morning? Take him out accordingly.
Proper communication will ensure your pooch's proper health and your peace, and of course a clean bedroom rug.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Apple Cinnamon Doggie Biscuits
1 package apple, dried
1 teaspoon Cinnamon -- (I usually just shake some in)
1 Tablespoon parsley, freeze-dried
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 cup ice water
1/2 cup Corn Oil
5 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered milk
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon corn oil
Put the apples in a food processor so that pieces are small. Combine in
a bowl all of the ingredients -- can add oil or water if dough is too dry.
Using a rolling pin roll out dough to about 3/16" thick (can make
thinner or thicker). Using a cookie cutter -- cut into shapes -- place on
cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for approx 20 -25 minutes (until
golden).
NOTE: if you substitute corn meal just subtract about 3/4 cup from
flour and add Corn meal
1 teaspoon Cinnamon -- (I usually just shake some in)
1 Tablespoon parsley, freeze-dried
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 cup ice water
1/2 cup Corn Oil
5 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered milk
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon corn oil
Put the apples in a food processor so that pieces are small. Combine in
a bowl all of the ingredients -- can add oil or water if dough is too dry.
Using a rolling pin roll out dough to about 3/16" thick (can make
thinner or thicker). Using a cookie cutter -- cut into shapes -- place on
cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for approx 20 -25 minutes (until
golden).
NOTE: if you substitute corn meal just subtract about 3/4 cup from
flour and add Corn meal
Monday, October 11, 2010
DIFFERENT TYPES OF DOG TRAINING
Every dog owner must take up dog training to know and handle a dog better. Appreciating a well-mannered dog is something that all can do, training is what makes things difficult. Now, there are many kinds of dog training available but not all will suit your dog.
Most dog owners and also people in general are unaware of the various kinds of dog trainings provided. The types of dog training change with the varying stages of development in the dog.
While some dogs have never been trained, some others have already undertaken training before. Therefore, it becomes all the more essential to analyze and know what type of dog training your dog needs.
The first level of dog training is the basic dog training. The basic training is meant for beginners — either a puppy or a grown-up dog that is being trained for the first time. This level includes only the rudiments — how to make a dog sit, stay and come when called. Some part of it also aims at teaching the dog to socialize with other dogs and people in a proper way. This is particularly given to puppies. And if your dog had never taken training before, this basic level is where to start with.
The next level is the intermediate level. This level of dog training is not for puppies, but for those adult dogs that have undertaken the basics either formally or at home by their own owners. This intermediate type of training trains a dog to heel, walk properly on a leash, fetch something and return. It also revises the basics of sitting, staying and coming etc.
The third and final type of dog training is the advanced course. This level is only meant for those dogs which have been through a minimum of one training course before and have passed it too. Here, in the advanced level, the different elements of the basic and intermediate courses are revised in details right at the start of the course. Then it goes to train the dog to act according to various commands and hand signals like “come”, “stay”, “sit”, “heel”, “fetch”, “lie down” et al.
When the dog gets accustomed to hand signals, the advanced course takes care of teaching the dog how to walk and stay beside the master at all times even without a leash. It also teaches the dog to have focus in its master, that is, to pay attention and stop getting distracted. The advanced level of dog training is usually suited to very obedient and well-mannered dogs.
Like all good trainings, dog trainings should also have motivators like prizes and rewards to yield better and more positive results. Hitting and yelling at the dog to make it pick up one action is not a wise technique while training. Instead of being a success, chances are that it will give negative output. So you must make sure that the dog training you assign your dog is a positive one, which indulges in positive strategies.
You must also be careful about choosing the right course for your dog—the course best-suited to it. That way, you may soon be able to boast of owning a dog that is obedient, well-mannered, well adjusted and the perfect pet one can have!
Most dog owners and also people in general are unaware of the various kinds of dog trainings provided. The types of dog training change with the varying stages of development in the dog.
While some dogs have never been trained, some others have already undertaken training before. Therefore, it becomes all the more essential to analyze and know what type of dog training your dog needs.
The first level of dog training is the basic dog training. The basic training is meant for beginners — either a puppy or a grown-up dog that is being trained for the first time. This level includes only the rudiments — how to make a dog sit, stay and come when called. Some part of it also aims at teaching the dog to socialize with other dogs and people in a proper way. This is particularly given to puppies. And if your dog had never taken training before, this basic level is where to start with.
The next level is the intermediate level. This level of dog training is not for puppies, but for those adult dogs that have undertaken the basics either formally or at home by their own owners. This intermediate type of training trains a dog to heel, walk properly on a leash, fetch something and return. It also revises the basics of sitting, staying and coming etc.
The third and final type of dog training is the advanced course. This level is only meant for those dogs which have been through a minimum of one training course before and have passed it too. Here, in the advanced level, the different elements of the basic and intermediate courses are revised in details right at the start of the course. Then it goes to train the dog to act according to various commands and hand signals like “come”, “stay”, “sit”, “heel”, “fetch”, “lie down” et al.
When the dog gets accustomed to hand signals, the advanced course takes care of teaching the dog how to walk and stay beside the master at all times even without a leash. It also teaches the dog to have focus in its master, that is, to pay attention and stop getting distracted. The advanced level of dog training is usually suited to very obedient and well-mannered dogs.
Like all good trainings, dog trainings should also have motivators like prizes and rewards to yield better and more positive results. Hitting and yelling at the dog to make it pick up one action is not a wise technique while training. Instead of being a success, chances are that it will give negative output. So you must make sure that the dog training you assign your dog is a positive one, which indulges in positive strategies.
You must also be careful about choosing the right course for your dog—the course best-suited to it. That way, you may soon be able to boast of owning a dog that is obedient, well-mannered, well adjusted and the perfect pet one can have!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
WALKING YOUR DOG – ELEVEN RULES
When we walk our dog, no matter the destination – on the city streets, in parks or in open spaces – it is necessary that he respects the disciplinary rules set and learn, to avoid getting into problems with other animals or people we meet.
So let’s see how our little friend will have to act in some situations:
1. Usually, in crowded places we will keep him in a leash, to always have him under control. So he will have to know how to walk in a leash, near your foot, without pulling.
2. The dog is not allowed to jump on people or animals we meet or to attack any of those.
3. The dog shouldn’t run after bicycles, motorcycles, cars or people that are running. It is known that some dogs do that because of their hunting instincts.
4. When we let the dog free, to relax, it is crucial that when he is called he returns on the shortest way and as fast as possible.
5. At a picnic, the dog is not allowed to pass too close other people tables or to eat their food.
6. Wherever our dog might be, he is not to be allowed to eat food given by someone else or food found thrown around.
7. Small dogs can be more spoiled than big dogs and they can be more aggressive, anti-social and afraid of other people or dogs. But small dogs are tiny compared to big dogs or people and need to be picked up and reassured that they are safe, and in turn will be relaxed around other folks. Tiny dogs need to protected from large dogs for their own safety, because they are not aware of their tiny size.
8. The dog must have the initial training learned and practiced at home, so we would have no problems when walking him in public.
9. All through the walk, the dog is encouraged not to chew on his leash or to pull it with his teeth, because it might happen that if he is tied somewhere and he will chew on it until he becomes free and gets lost.
10. The dog is not allowed to jump up and put his front paws on us or others even if he is just playing.
11. Pay attention to drunken people! Many times the smell, the walk and the yelling of drunken people annoy the dog. The dog can act aggressive to try to protect the owner from such a situation.
So let’s see how our little friend will have to act in some situations:
1. Usually, in crowded places we will keep him in a leash, to always have him under control. So he will have to know how to walk in a leash, near your foot, without pulling.
2. The dog is not allowed to jump on people or animals we meet or to attack any of those.
3. The dog shouldn’t run after bicycles, motorcycles, cars or people that are running. It is known that some dogs do that because of their hunting instincts.
4. When we let the dog free, to relax, it is crucial that when he is called he returns on the shortest way and as fast as possible.
5. At a picnic, the dog is not allowed to pass too close other people tables or to eat their food.
6. Wherever our dog might be, he is not to be allowed to eat food given by someone else or food found thrown around.
7. Small dogs can be more spoiled than big dogs and they can be more aggressive, anti-social and afraid of other people or dogs. But small dogs are tiny compared to big dogs or people and need to be picked up and reassured that they are safe, and in turn will be relaxed around other folks. Tiny dogs need to protected from large dogs for their own safety, because they are not aware of their tiny size.
8. The dog must have the initial training learned and practiced at home, so we would have no problems when walking him in public.
9. All through the walk, the dog is encouraged not to chew on his leash or to pull it with his teeth, because it might happen that if he is tied somewhere and he will chew on it until he becomes free and gets lost.
10. The dog is not allowed to jump up and put his front paws on us or others even if he is just playing.
11. Pay attention to drunken people! Many times the smell, the walk and the yelling of drunken people annoy the dog. The dog can act aggressive to try to protect the owner from such a situation.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Akuna's Favorite Doggy Cookie
Canine Cookies #2
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk
1 egg -- well beaten
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion salt
1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 cup water
6 tablespoons gravy
2 jars baby food, meat, beef, strained
Combine ingredients and shape into ball. Roll out on floured board, Use
extra flour if needed. Cut with knife or cookie cutter. Bake at 350
degrees for 25 to 30 min. Cool. Should be quite hard.
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk
1 egg -- well beaten
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion salt
1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 cup water
6 tablespoons gravy
2 jars baby food, meat, beef, strained
Combine ingredients and shape into ball. Roll out on floured board, Use
extra flour if needed. Cut with knife or cookie cutter. Bake at 350
degrees for 25 to 30 min. Cool. Should be quite hard.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thai Ridgeback Dog from Thailand (other names... Mah Thai)
The Thai Ridgeback has bred true in isolated populations for several hundred years and can be found in archeological writing in Thailand some 350 years ago. Mainly from the eastern part of Thailand, the breed was used for hunting, to escort carts, and as a watchdog.
This endearing breed has not been known outside its homeland but thanks to a dedictated following its future is now assured.
The Thai Ridgeback is a tough, active breed with well developed muscles and excellent jumping ability, a medium sized dog with short, smooth hair, and a narrow ridge of hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat along the back. This is a highly important feature and should be clearly defined. The rather large triangular ears incline forward and are firmly pricked.
Height is 22 to 26 inches (58-66 cm) and weight in the region of 50-75 lbs (23-34 kg).
Official Recognition FGI Group 5 (provisional)
Color variations: Light chestnut, fawn, red, black, silver. blue
(from the Enclyclopedia of Dog Breeds)
This endearing breed has not been known outside its homeland but thanks to a dedictated following its future is now assured.
The Thai Ridgeback is a tough, active breed with well developed muscles and excellent jumping ability, a medium sized dog with short, smooth hair, and a narrow ridge of hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat along the back. This is a highly important feature and should be clearly defined. The rather large triangular ears incline forward and are firmly pricked.
Height is 22 to 26 inches (58-66 cm) and weight in the region of 50-75 lbs (23-34 kg).
Official Recognition FGI Group 5 (provisional)
Color variations: Light chestnut, fawn, red, black, silver. blue
(from the Enclyclopedia of Dog Breeds)
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