Dog Training at Home

Pharaoh Hound Image Gallery

2010-08-18T23:51:00.000-07:00

The Pharaoh Hound is an intelligent, trainable, playful, and active breed. It is sociable with other dogs and with people. They are good jumpers so are well suited to the sport of dog agility. They are often classified as sighthounds, and thus compete in lure coursing.

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Pharaoh Hound Dog Breed

Pharaoh Hound Dog Breed

2010-08-18T23:50:00.000-07:00

The Pharaoh Hound dog breed aka "Kelb tal-Fenek" in Maltese, is the traditional hunting companion of Maltese outdoorsmen. The breed has no conclusive links with Ancient Egypt and it has been classified as a member of the sighthound group, yet its fieldwork description clearly determines it as a hound. It is indigenous to the islands and remains rare outside of Malta.

Pharaoh Hound Temperament
The Pharaoh Hound is an intelligent, trainable, playful, and active breed. It is sociable with other dogs and with people. It is typically very open and affectionate with its family and those it knows. It is an independent-minded, occasionally stubborn breed, yet can be very trainable when appropriate positive training methods are used. It has a strong hunting instinct, and caution should be observed when it is around small pets such as cats, birds, and rodents.

Pharaoh Care
The Pharaoh Hound is a very sensitive breed and responds poorly to compulsionary training methods and to being physically punished. Pharaohs can succeed in competition obedience, but they do not take to it naturally as many breeds that were bred to work alongside people. They tire/bore easily with repetitive commands, therefore it is the trainer's job to ensure that their training remains interesting and positive in nature.

They have sensitive skin and have no noticeable odor, even when wet. They are a very active breed and need more than just a daily walk; a run every day is required. Though they are active, they should not be hyperactive.

Because of their strong prey drive and independent nature, this breed should never be allowed off leash unless in a securely fenced area away from road traffic or other dangers. Their prey drive is so strong that if they see something they think is prey, they will chase after it, and no amount of training can stop them.

They are often classified as sighthounds, and thus compete in lure coursing. Because they maintain very little body fat and have short coats, they are sensitive to cold and cannot be left outside for long in cold climates. Many Pharaoh Hounds enjoy snow, however, and will keep themselves warm through running, playing, and digging.

Pharaoh Hound Health
Pharaohs are basically free from genetic diseases. Reputable breeders continue to test their breeding stock for
genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, and myriad eye conditions just to ensure that these
disorders do not become a problem. Pharaohs, like most sighthounds, are sensitive to barbiturate anaesthetics.
Their ears are thin and prone to frostbite when in cold climates. Life expectancy is about 12–15 years or more.

Source(WIKIPEDIA)

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Funny Chiuaua Pictures | Funniest Dog Breed

2010-07-30T00:19:00.000-07:00

When it comes to choose wich dog breed it's the most funny I think there is no doubt that chiuaua it's the most funny dog breed out there. These small dogs can be very funny especially if we help them a little bit.

Below are just a few examples of funny chiuaua pictures :

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Australian Cattle Dog Breed

2009-11-13T01:39:00.000-08:00

Australian Cattle Dog Breed

The Australian Cattle Dog comes without any trace of weakness or fragility. An excessively heavy or cumbersome build is also undesirable, as it limits agility, a necessity for any good cattle-working dog. Symmetry and balance are also essential and no individual part of the dog should be exaggerated or draw excessive attention. Even when bred for companion or show purposes, it should have well-conditioned, hard muscles.

A female Australian Cattle Dog should measure approximately 43 to 48 cm (17 to 19 inches) at the withers. A male Australian Cattle Dog should measure about 46 to 51 cm (18 to 20 inches) at the withers. An Australian Cattle Dog is a well-muscled, compact dog with a dense coat of coarse, rather oily hair with a slight ruff, and fine, almost woolly, winter undercoat. It has a naturally long tail, generally carried low, with a slight white tip. An Australian Cattle Dog in good condition should weigh approximately 14 to 27 kg (30 to 60 pounds).

Australian Catle Dog Temperament
Like many working dogs, Cattle Dogs have high energy levels and active minds. They need plenty of exercise and a job to do, so non-working dogs need to participate in dog sports, learning tricks, or other activities that engage their body and mind. Some individuals find repetitive training frustrating and dull, so owners should aim to make training sessions varied and more exciting in order to keep their dog interested. Cattle Dogs who do not receive the appropriate exercise and entertainment will invent their own, often destructive, activities. These dogs are, by nature, wary. They are naturally cautious, and grow more so as they age. Their cautious nature towards strangers makes them perfect guard dogs, when trained for this task.
The Australian Cattle Dog ranks 10th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, being one of the brightest dogs ranked by obedience command trainability.
Cattle Dogs drive cattle by nipping at their heels or tails, but they have also been known to round up other animals.

To relieve the urge to nip, the Australian Cattle Dog can be encouraged to pick up and chew a toy or stick that is thrown for them. Any toy left with the Australian Cattle Dog needs to be extremely robust if it is to last.

The Australian Cattle Dog enjoys living with other dogs with whom it is familiar, working well in combination with other Cattle Dogs, Australian Kelpies, and Border Collies. Because of their plucky nature, the establishing of a pecking order can result in a few scuffles and bites.

Common health problems of Australian Cattle Dog Breed

Australian Cattle Dogs, like other animals with young that are born white, have a higher incidence of deafness.
Common in Australian Cattle Dogs is an autosomal recessive eye blindness known as Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Cattle Dogs have the PRcd strain, or progressive rod-cone. This causes the rods and cones in the retina of the eye to deteriorate later in life, and the dog becomes blind. The disease can be spotted on a CERF eye exam later in life, but the best diagnosis is a blood test, developed by Optigen.

Dogs should also be checked for hip and elbow dysplasia. Based on a sample of 69 still-living dogs, the most common health issues noted by owners were musculoskeletal (spondylosis, elbow dysplasia, and arthritis) and reproductive (pyometra, infertility, and false pregnancy), and blindness.

Source (WIKIPEDIA)

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The German White Shepherd Breed

2009-10-15T01:58:00.000-07:00

The German White Shepherd Breed Appearance and Temperament

The White Shepherd Dog emerged from white coat lines of the German Shepherd Dog. It is only recognized as a breed by the United Kennel Club in the United States.

Appearance

The White Shepherd is a direct descendant of the German Shepherd Dog and the two breeds share common roots and are similar in appearance. However, the White Shepherd evolved from a continuous selection for a working companion dog with that exclusive color, beauty and elegance as seen both standing and in motion. His high degree of intelligence and sense of loyalty have allowed him to become one of the most versatile working dogs serving mankind.

The White Shepherd, as recognized by UKC, is a medium-sized, well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a medium length, pure white coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. The White Shepherd is solid without bulkiness and should be shown in lean, hard physical condition. The outline of the White Shepherd is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. When trotting, the White Shepherd moves with a long, efficient stride that is driven by a powerful forward thrust from the hindquarters. The rear leg, moving forward, swings under the foreleg and touches down in the place where the forefoot left an imprint. Gender differences are readily apparent.

The German White Shepherd should be evaluated as an all-around working dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they deviate from breed type; and how much they interfere with the dog's ability to work.

The head is proportional to the size of the dog. Males appear masculine without coarseness, and females feminine without being overly fine. The skull and muzzle are of equal length, parallel to one another, and joined at a moderate stop. There is little or no median furrow.

The German White Shepherd has a weather-resistant double coat. The outer coat is dense, straight, harsh, and close lying. The undercoat is short, thick, and fine in texture. At the neck, the coat may be slightly longer and heavier, particularly in males. Ideal coat color is a pure white. Colors ranging from a very light cream to a light biscuit tan are acceptable but not preferred.

Temperament

The breed has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression. The ideal dog is self-confident and maintains a certain aloofness. It is eager and alert when needed, willing to serve in its capacity as a companion, guard, guide dog, herding dog, or whatever the circumstances may demand. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them. Lack of confidence under any surroundings is not typical of good character. Any dog that exhibits unprovoked aggression and attempts to bite any person, dog or other animal must be disqualified and removed from any dog show event.

White German Shepherds are very loyal, very protective dogs. They are especially protective of those designated as 'pups'. These dogs enjoy running, playing fetch, or any activity with their 'family' or 'pack'. They are loving, and very good with children. These canines are very good companions if raised in a good home. They can learn various tricks (depending on the dog), but are usually intelligent animals. They can also live a very long time - 12-14 years.

The White German Shepherd breed have a very playful and curious personality. Some have a tendency to be very vocal by whining, grunting, and moaning. These dogs are also great howlers. Be prepared to have conversations with your White German Shepherd. They are wonderful family dogs, most can be trained to accept any household pet and kids. They are very respectful and honor their masters.

Source(Wikipedia)

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The Shepherd Dog German Breed

2009-10-15T01:42:00.000-07:00

The German Shepherd Dog Breed. Origin and Popularity

Origins
In Europe during the 1800s, attempts were being made to standardize breeds.The dogs were bred to preserve traits that assisted in their job of herding sheep and protecting flocks from predators. In Germany this was practiced within local communities, where shepherds selected and bred dogs that they believed had traits necessary for herding sheep, such as intelligence, strength, and keen senses of smell. The results were dogs that were able to perform admirably in their task, but that differed significantly, both in appearance and ability, from one locality to another.

To combat these differences, the Phylax Society was formed in 1891 with the intention of creating standardised dog breeds in Germany. The society disbanded after only three years due to an ongoing, internal conflict regarding the traits that the society should promote; some members believed dogs should be bred solely for working purposes, while others believed dogs should be bred also for appearance.While unsuccessful in their goal, the Phylax Society had inspired people to pursue standardising dog breeds independently.

Max von Stephanitz, an ex-cavalry captain and former student of the Berlin Veterinary College, was one such ex-member. He believed strongly that dogs should be bred for working.
a german night-watchman from 1950 with his dog

In 1899, Von Stephanitz was attending a dog show when he was shown a dog named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding and completely fulfilled what Von Stephanitz believed a working dog should be. He was pleased with the strength of the dog and was so taken by the animal's intelligence and loyalty, that he purchased it immediately.After purchasing the dog he changed its name to Horand von Grafrath and Von Stephanitz founded the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (Society for the German Shepherd Dog). Horand was declared to be the first German Shepherd Dog and was the first dog added to the society's breed register.

Horand became the centre-point of the society's breeding programs and was bred with dogs belonging to other society members that displayed desirable traits. Although fathering many pups, Horand's most successful was Hektor von Schwaben. Hektor was inbred with another of Horand's offspring and produced Beowulf, who later fathered a total of eighty-four pups, mostly through being inbred with Hektor's other offspring. Beowulf's progeny also were inbred and it is from these pups that all German Shepherds draw a genetic link. It is believed the society accomplished its goal mostly due to Von Stephanitz's strong, uncompromising leadership and he is therefore credited with being the creator of the German Shepherd Dog.

Popularity of the Shepherd Dog German
When the UK Kennel Club first accepted registrations for the breed in 1919, fifty-four dogs were registered, and by 1926 this number had grown to over 8,000.The breed first gained international recognition at the decline of World War I after returning soldiers spoke highly of the breed, and animal actors Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart popularised the breed further.The first German Shepherd Dog registered in the United States was Queen of Switzerland; however, her offspring suffered from defects as the result of poor breeding, which caused the breed to suffer a decline in popularity during the late 1920s.Popularity increased again after the German Shepherd Sieger Pfeffer von Bern became the 1937 and 1938 Grand Victor in American Kennel club dog shows, only to suffer another decline at the conclusion of World War II, due to anti-German sentiment of the time. As time progressed, their popularity increased gradually until 1993, when they became the third most popular breed in the United States, a position the breed still holds. Additionally, the breed is typically among the most popular in other registries.

Source (Wikipedia)

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Purebreed vs Mixed Dog Breeds

2009-10-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

Purebreed vs Mixed Dog Breeds - Mixed Dogs Breed

A mixed breed dog, also called a mutt, mongrel, tyke, cur, bitzer, or random-bred dog, is a dog that has characteristics of two or more types of breeds, or is a descendant of feral or pariah dog populations. The term mixed-breed can be a misnomer. Along with the term purebred dog, the idea that such dogs are a mix of defined breeds stems from an inverted understanding of the origins of dog breeds. Pure breeds have been, for the most part, artificially created by human selective breeding to enhance one or another desired physical or temperamental characteristic. Dogs that are not pure bred are not necessarily a mix of such defined breeds.

Dogs that are descended from many generations of mixes are typically light brown or black and weigh about 18 kg (40 lb). They typically stand between 38 and 57 cm (15 and 23 inches) tall at the withers.

The theory of hybrid vigor suggests that as a group, dogs of varied ancestry will be healthier than their purebred counterparts. In purebred dogs, intentionally breeding dogs of very similar appearance over several generations produces animals that carry many of the same alleles, some of which are detrimental. This is especially true if the dogs are closely related. This inbreeding among purebreds has exposed various genetic health problems not readily apparent in less uniform populations. Mixed-breed dogs are more genetically diverse due to the more haphazard nature of their parents' mating. "Haphazard" is not the same as "random" to a geneticist. The offspring of such matings are less likely to express certain genetic disorders because there is a decreased chance that both parents carry the same detrimental recessive alleles. However, some deleterious recessives are common across many seemingly unrelated breeds, and therefore merely mixing breeds is no guarantee of genetic health. The declining overall health of many purebreds is also leading to a decline in the mixed-breed population, especially with the "designer dog" fads. Breeding two poor specimens together does not guarantee the resulting offspring will be healthier than the parents and in fact, due to simple genetics law, the offspring actually stand to inherit the worst of both parents. This is most commonly seen in pet store puppies. Not all damaging genes are recessive, and there are relatively few single-gene traits. Purebred and mixed-breed dogs are equally susceptible to non-genetic ailments, such as rabies, distemper, injury, and infestation by parasites.

Recognized dog breeds are a result of human selection. Most existing dog breeds began as mixed-breeds, either random-bred or by deliberate crosses of existing breeds. Encouraging desirable traits and discouraging others, breeders sought to create their ideal appearance or behavior, or both, for dogs, and, additionally, to ensure that the dogs could consistently produce offspring with the same appearance or behavior.

Types of mixed-breeding
Mixed-breed dogs can be divided roughly into four types:

Crossbreed dogs, which are mixtures of two recognized breeds. Dogs that result from two different purebred parents are known as crossbreeds. Some crossbreeds have traits that make them popular enough to be frequently bred deliberately, such as the Cockapoo—a cross between a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel—and the Labradoodle, which crosses a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle.
Mixes that show characteristics of two or more breeds. A mix might have some purebred ancestors, or might come from a long line of mixed-breeds. These dogs are usually identified by the breed they most resemble, such as a "Lab mix" or "Collie-Shepherd", even if their ancestry is unknown.
The generic pariah dog, or feral Canis lupus familiaris, where non-selective breeding has occurred over many generations. The term originally referred to the wild dogs of India, but now refers to dogs belonging to or descended from a population of wild or feral dogs.
Functional breeds, which are purpose-bred, pedigreed dogs whose ancestors are not purebred, but rather are selected by their performance at a particular tasks. Examples of this are the Alaskan Husky, the Eurohound, and the Pointer/Greyhound mixes referred to as Greysters, which compete at skijoring and pulka races, particularly in Europe. The distinction between a "mix" and a "breed" is less distinct in these cases, and occasionally a functional breed such as this becomes accepted as a breed over time.

Advantages and drawbacks of breed mix
The mature appearance and behavior of purebred puppies may be more predictable than that of mixed-breeds, including cross-breeds. With purebred dogs, genetic variations are well documented and a reputable breeder has a fair estimation of what type of offspring a given pair will produce. Still, there is variation within breeds; for example, two champion sheep-herding Border Collies might produce offspring with no interest in sheep herding.

Many people enjoy owning mixed-breeds, valuing their unique appearance and characteristics. While purebred dogs exhibit little variability of appearance within their breed, mixed-breed dogs exhibit often unique appearances. Although some dog owners prefer the status of owning a specific breed of dog or have a nostalgic attachment to a breed they wish to acquire, many others enjoy mixed-breed dogs that exhibit characteristics similar to their favorite breeds. Mixed-breeds are also often less expensive than purebreds.

Source(Wikipedia)

Dog Training Tricks - Bell Touch Trick Video

2009-10-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

Dog Training Tricks - Bell Touch Dog Trick Video
(Video on how to train your dog to do a Bell Touch Dog Trick)

Dog Training Tricks - Backing Up Dog Trick Video

2009-10-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

Dog Training Tricks - Backing Up Dog Trick Video
(Video on how to train your dog to do a Backing Up Dog Trick)

Australian Kelpie Breed

2009-10-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

Australian Kelpie Dog Breed

The Kelpie is an Australian sheep dog successful at mustering and droving with little or no command guidance. They are medium-sized dogs and come in a variety of colours. Kelpies have been exported throughout the world and are used to muster livestock, primarily sheep, cattle, goats and poultry.

Breed standards vary depending on whether the registry is for working or show Kelpies. It is possible for a dog to do both, but his options for competition in conformation shows might be limited depending on his ancestry and on the opinions of the various kennel clubs or breed clubs involved.

Caracteristics
Working Kelpies stand about 50 cm (19.5 inches) at the withers for females, 55 cm (21.5 inches) for males; weight would be between 14–21 kg (31-46 lbs). Ears are pricked, but a few will have one or both ears flopped; the tail will often follow the coat type, and will vary between smooth to bushy. The dog's working ability is unrelated to appearance, so stockmen looking for capable working dogs disregard the dog's appearance.

Temperament
Kelpies are loyal, friendly, intelligent, energetic dogs that require a challenging job to be satisfactory companions. They need to be stimulated as idle and bored dogs become frustrated, noisy, and destructive.With personalised love and attention, they can be very placid and faithful, although they do need space to run. For the show or bench Kelpie, walks and socialisation may be sufficient to keep them happy. A working bred Kelpie must have a job to do and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and companionable. A Kelpie is not aggressive towards people and cannot be considered a guard dog, though he will certainly bark when necessary. Working Kelpies may nip when working stock and should be taught early not to do so to humans.

Working bred Kelpies have done quite well in dog sports, search and rescue work, and can be good family dogs if they receive sufficient physical and mental exercise. The breed is unsuitable for a sedentary life and would not thrive in an apartment setting.

Source(Wikipedia)

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Aggressive Dog Breed List - Top 10 Breeds

2009-10-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

Top 10 Most Aggressive Dog Breeds List

Dog aggression is a term used by dog owners and breeders to describe canine-to-canine antipathy. Aggression itself is usually defined by canine behaviorists as "the intent to do harm". Many dogs will show "displays of aggression" such as barking, growling, or snapping in the air, which are considered distance-increasing actions, those which intend to get the person or dog to move away from the dog. Some dog-aggressive dogs display aggression that is mainly defensive, and they will actually harm another dog only if they perceive that they have no other option. Yet other dogs may develop dog-aggressive behaviour due to medical reasons, such as hormonal imbalances.

Dog aggression is a common dog behavior, and can be seen in all breeds of dogs, although some dog breeds have a predisposition to display such aggression. The breed standard usually spells out whether dog aggression is common in the breed and to what degree it is allowed. Most of the terrier breeds and the bull breeds are believed to have a higher likelihood of developing dog-aggression upon reaching maturity. Individual dogs may or may not display the level of aggression that their breed standard suggests. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure that these types of dogs are properly socialized and given a proper amount of exercise.

As well as breeding, a dog's experiences may affect his chance of developing dog aggression. A dog that is attacked as a puppy may develop fear-based dog aggression towards all dogs, or perhaps only towards dogs that resemble the dog that attacked him. Although people tend to bring these reactions out of dogs more often than dogs themselves, dogs only pay attention to what their owners allow.

Dogs that display dog-aggressive behaviour do not necessarily show aggressive behaviour towards humans. The two types of aggression are not necessarily related, and do not always occur in the same animal. Dogs have been bred for thousands of years, there is no way human aggression or even dog aggression naturally exists in canine breeds, why would anyone in history breed dogs that would bite or kill a human or dog? It is highly unlikely this is the case, dogs who display aggression towards other dogs were improperly socialized as puppies and are currently being mishandled by their owners.

Top 10 Most Aggressive Dog Breeds List

1. Pit Bull Terrier
American pit bull terriers today successfully fill the role of companion dog, police dog,and therapy dog;however, American pit bull terriers in general have a higher tendency towards dog aggression and constitute the majority of dogs used for illegal dog fighting in the United States.The fighting reputation of pit bull-type dogs led the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1996 to relabel pit bull terriers as "St. Francis Terriers"

2. Rottweilers
Rottweilers are a powerful breed with well developed genetic herding and guarding instincts. As with any breed, potentially dangerous behaviour in Rottweilers usually results from irresponsible ownership, abuse, neglect, or lack of socialization and training. Inherent breed characteristics are not a factor.

The breed has received some negative publicity. In the US, in a report by the CDC, the Rottweiler was listed as the second most likely breed of dog named in fatal human attacks, but at nearly half the rate of pitbulls. The report acknowledges that the broad popularity of the Rottweiler as the most popular breed in the United States in the same period may contribute to the relatively high numbers of fatalities, but suggests Rottweilers are still disproportionately represented in attack figures. The report states that breed-specific bite rates are not known, and less responsible owners being drawn to certain breeds may be a factor.

3. German Shepherds
German Shepherds have a reputation for aggression and have been banned in some jurisdictions as a result. In the United States, German Shepherds are responsible for more random bitings than any other breed, and have a known tendency to attack smaller breeds of dogs. Reports have found that statistically German Shepherds are the breed third most likely to attack a person. Another report found that German Shepherds accounted for almost half of the dog bites that required medical attention. These claims have been refuted on the basis that German Shepherds represent a higher proportion of the population than other breeds. However, reports indicate that Shepherds are still over-represented when the statistics take into account the difference in population.

4.Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky has been described as a behavioral representative of the domestic dog's forebearer, the wolf, exhibiting a wide range of its ancestors' behavior. They are known to howl rather than bark.Hyperactivity displaying as an overactive hunting drive, a characteristic of kenneled dogs, is often noticeable in dogs released from their captive environment for exercise - a behavior welcome in hunting dogs but not in the family pet.

5. Alaskan Malamutes
The Malamute retains more of its original form and function than many other modern breeds. If a dog owner cannot cope with a dog that will not comply with the owner's every command, a more compliant breed should be selected. This dog has a long genetic foundation of living in the harshest environment imaginable, and many of its behaviors are evolved to conform with "survival of the fittest." Independence, resourcefulness and primitive behaviors are common in the breed.

6. Doberman Pinschers
Doberman Pinschers are the target of a mistaken stereotype of ferocity and aggression. As a personal protection dog, the Doberman was originally bred for these traits:it had to be large and intimidating, fearless and willing to defend its owner, but sufficiently obedient and restrained to only do so on command. These traits served the dog well in its role as a personal defense dog, police dog or war dog, but were not ideally adapted to a companionship role. In recent decades, the Doberman Pinscher's size, short coat, and intelligence made it a desirable house dog. Although these dogs are mistaken for their aggression, they are extremely loyal. They can easily learn to 'Respect and Protect' their owners.In response, they are excellent guard dogs that protect the ones they love

7. Chow Chow
Today the Chow Chow is most commonly kept as a pet. Its keen sense of proprietorship over its home, paired with a sometimes disconcertingly serious approach to strangers, can be off-putting to those unfamiliar with the breed. However, displays of timidity and aggression are uncharacteristic of well-bred and well-socialized specimens. The Chow is extremely loyal to its own family and will bond tightly to its master. The Chow typically shows affection only with those it has bonds to, so new visitors to the home should not press their physical attention upon the resident Chow as it will not immediately accept strangers in the same manner as it does members of its own pack. Inexperienced dog owners should beware of how Chow Chows encounter those it perceives as strangers; their notoriety is so established that many homeowner's insurance companies will not cover dogs from this breed.

8. Presa Canario
Presas are of strong character and are dominant animals requiring early socialization and obedience training.In some situations, the Presa can be aggressive toward other dogs and suspicious of strangers.Once the dog has been properly socialized and trained, this becomes the exception rather than the rule. Many Presas share their homes with children, other dogs, cats, horses and other farm animals.

Presa are known for being extremely loyal and affectionate with their families and crave attention from their owners. They are extremely tolerant of children due to low body sensitivity or high pain tolerance, a trait which stems from selective breeding as big game hunters. Like all dogs of any size or breed, they require obedience training and socialization; no dog should be left unattended with small children. They are protective of what they perceive as their territory and will guard it against any intruder. They get along with other dogs as long as they have been properly socialized, but will usually not tolerate another dog trying to assert dominance over them and might not coexist peacefully with another dominant breed of dog. They can develop an aggressive or dominant temperament if not socialized with other dogs at an early age, particularly with other dogs of the same sex. Dog aggression per se is absolutely not a desirable trait in the Dogo canario, as it is at odds with its intended purpose as a pack hunter. A single "pet" Presa without a working outlet for energy and drive may feel himself to be "king of the mountain" and carry himself accordingly, though the same dog may work perfectly cooperatively with other males while hunting.

9. Boxer
Boxers are a bright, energetic and playful breed and tend to be very good with children. They are active dogs and require adequate exercise to prevent boredom-associated behaviors such as chewing or digging. Boxers have earned a slight reputation of being "headstrong," which can be related to inappropriate obedience training.
The Boxer by nature is not an aggressive or vicious breed, but, like all dogs, requires socialization.Boxers are generally patient with smaller dogs and puppies, but issues with larger adult dogs, especially those of the same sex, may occur. Boxers are generally more comfortable with companionship, in either human or canine form.

10.Border Collie
Though they can be a wonderful choice for some households, Border Collies are not perfect pets for all people. For example, as with many working breeds, Border Collies can be motion-sensitive and may attempt to control the movements of family members, cats, bicycles, cars or anything else that moves if not given enough mental and physical stimulation. These dogs are also generally not suitable for households with small children. Many Border Collies that end up in shelters or rescue groups are there because owners, who may have been attracted by their appearance and intelligence, were not prepared to meet their dog's daily activity needs.

Source (WIKIPEDIA)

Dog Training and Information Directory

2009-10-12T05:33:00.000-07:00

1. Eurobreeder.com

Hound Dog Breeds

2009-10-12T04:17:00.000-07:00

Hound Dogs - Dog Breeds Hound

A hound is a type of dog that assists hunters by tracking or chasing the animal being hunted. It can be contrasted with the gun dog, which assists hunters by identifying the location of prey, and with the retriever, which recovers shot quarry.

Sighthounds

These dogs specialize in pursuing prey, keeping it in sight, and overpowering it by their great speed and agility. They must be able to quickly detect motion, so they have keen vision. Sighthounds must be able to capture fast, agile prey such as deer and hare, so they have a very flexible back and long legs for a long stride, a deep chest to support an unusually (compared to other dogs) large heart, very efficient lungs for both anaerobic and aerobic sprints, and a lean, wiry body to keep their weight at a minimum.

The typical sighthound type also has a light, lean head, which is referred to as being dolichocephalic in its proportions. This shape can create the illusion that their heads are longer than usual. Dolichocephaly is actually a characteristic of wolves and other wild carnivores, and is related to the need for stereoscopic vision in active hunting. For reasons not yet understood, most domesticated animals including dogs (other than the sighthounds) have become brachycephalic—short-headed—and have partially lost this aspect of their field of vision (see cephalic index). This trait may be related to neotony, the retention of juvenile traits. Dogs have been artificially selected for traits such as cuteness, intelligence, ability to be domesticated, all of which are stronger in juvenile dogs.

List of sighthounds breeds

* Afghan Hound Breed
* Azawakh Breed
* Borzoi Breed
* Chart Polski Breed
* Galgo Español Breed
* Greyhound Breed
* Hortaya Borzaya Breed
* Irish Wolfhound Breed
* Italian Greyhound Breed
* Magyar Agar Breed
* Saluki Breed
* Scottish Deerhound Breed
* Sloughi Breed
* Whippet Breed

Scent hounds

Scenthounds are a type of hound that primarily hunts by scent rather than sight. The Scenthound breeds are generally regarded as having some of the most sensitive noses among canines.

Scenthounds specialize in following a smell or scent. Most of these breeds have long, drooping ears. One theory says that this trait helps to collect scent from the air and keep it near the dog's face and nose. They also have large nasal cavities, the better to process scent. Their typically loose, moist lips are said to assist in trapping scent particles.

Most of these breeds have deep, booming voices and use them actively when running, and especially when following a scent trail. Although this can be a nuisance in settled areas, it is a valuable trait that allows the dog's handler to follow the dog or pack of dogs during a hunt even when they are out of sight, such as when following a fox or raccoon through woodland.

Scenthounds do not need to be as fast as sighthounds because they do not need to keep prey in sight, but they need endurance so that they can stick with a scent and follow it for long distances over rough terrain. The best scent hounds can follow a scent trail even across running water and even when it is several days old.

Most scenthounds are used for hunting in packs, sometimes with multiple dogs in a single pack. Longer-legged hounds run more quickly and usually required that the hunters follow on horseback; shorter-legged hounds allowed hunters to follow on foot. Hunting with some breeds, such as German bracke, American Foxhounds, or coonhounds, involves allowing the pack of dogs to run freely while the hunters wait in a fixed spot until the dogs' baying announces that the game has been "treed". The hunters then go to the spot on foot, following the sound of the dogs' baying.

List of Scenthounds Breeds

* Alpine Dachsbracke Breed
* American Foxhound Breed
* Anglo-French hounds Breeds
* Ariegeois Breed
* Artois Hound Breed
* Austrian black and tan hound Breeds
* Basset Bleu de Gascogne Breed
* Basset Fauve de Bretagne Breed
* Basset Hound Breed
* Bavarian Mountain hound Breed
* Beagle Breed
* Beagle-Harrier Breed
* Berner Laufhund Breed
* Bloodhound Breed
* Brachet Breed
* Catahoula Leopard Hound Breed
* Coonhound Breeds
* Dachshund Breed
* Dalmatian Breed
* Drever Breed
* Dunker Breed
* English Foxhound Breed
* Finnish Hound Breed
* Foxhound Breed
* Français tricolore Breed
* Français blanc et noir Breed
* Français blanc et orange Breed
* Gascon Saintongeois Breed
* Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Breed
* Grand Bleu de Gascogne Breed
* Hamiltonstovare Breed
* Hanover Hound Breed
* Harrier Breed
* Hungarian hound Breed
* Kerry Beagle Breed
* Kritikos Ichnilatis Breed
* Norwegian Elkhound Breed
* Norwegian Lundehund Breed
* Otterhound Breed
* Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Breed
* Polish Hound Breed
* Polish Scenthound Breed
* Porcelaine Breed
* Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed
* Segugio Italiano Breed
* Serbian Hound Breed
* Serbian Tricolour Hound Breed
* Schweizer Laufhund Breed
* Slovensky Kopov Breed
* Westphalian Dachsbracke Breed

The 'other' hounds follow prey by both sight and scent. These breeds are difficult to classify other than to say they are neither sighthounds nor scent hounds.

Source (WIKIPEDIA)

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2009-10-12T03:37:00.000-07:00

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Smallest Dog Breeds - Chihuahua Breed

2009-10-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world and is named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico.

History
Both folklore and archeological finds show that the breed originated in Mexico. The most common theory and most likely is that Chihuahuas are descended from the Techichi, a companion dog favored by the Toltec civilization in Mexico.

Description and standards
Breed standards for this dog do not generally specify a height, only a weight and a description of their overall proportions. As a result, height varies more than within many other breeds. Generally, the height ranges between six and ten inches. However, some dogs grow as tall as 12 to 15 inches. Both British and American breed standards state that a Chihuahua must not weigh more than six pounds for conformation. However, the British standard also states that a weight of two to four pounds is preferred and that if two dogs are equally good in type, the more diminutive or smaller is preferred

Temperament
Being naturally territorial and protective, Chihuahuas can be easily provoked to attack, and are therefore generally unsuitable for homes with small children, but not in all cases.The AKC describes the breed as, "A graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with saucy expression, compact, and with terrier-like qualities of temperament." The breed tends to be fiercely loyal to one particular owner, but may be attached to more. They do not always get along with other breeds.These traits generally make them unsuitable for households with small or boisterous children.

Chihuahuas crave attention, affection, exercise and being pet. They can be hyper, but eager to please. They have a reputation as a "yippy" dog, which can be resolved with proper training. Chihuahuas with proper breeding are not "yippy"; the AKC standard calls for "a terrier-like attitude." Long haired chihuahuas tend to have a more mellow temperament.

Chihuahuas are not well-suited as small children's pets because of their size, temperament, and tendency to bite when frightened. It is recommended that children be school aged or older before adding a Chihuahua to one's home. Also, many Chihuahuas focus their devotion on one person, becoming overly jealous of that person's human relationships. This can be mitigated through socialization. Chihuahuas also tend to have a "clannish" nature, often preferring the companionship of other Chihuahuas over other dogs.

Chihuahua Breed - Smallest Dog Breed Video

German Shepherd Dog Breed

2009-10-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

The German Shepherd Breed

The German Shepherd Dog, is a breed of large-sized dog that originated in Germany. German Shepherds are a relatively new breed of dog, whose origins date to 1899. As part of the Herding group, the German Shepherd is a working dog developed originally for herding sheep. Because of their strength, intelligence and abilities in obedience training they are often employed in police and military roles, in forces around the world.Due to their loyal and protective nature, the German Shepherd is one of the most registered of breeds.

Other names: Alsatian , Berger Allemand , Deutscher Schäferhund, GSD, Schäferhund
Country of origin: Germany
Weight: Male 30–40 kilograms (66–88 lb) Female 22–32 kilograms (49–71 lb)
Height: Male 60–65 centimetres (24–26 in) Female 55–60 centimetres (22–24 in)
Color: Most commonly black and tan
Litter size 5-10
Life span 7 - 10 years

Name
The breed was named Deutscher Schäferhund by Von Stephanitz, literally translating to "German Shepherd Dog". The breed was so named due its original purpose of assisting shepherds in herding and protecting sheep. At the time, all other herding dogs in Germany were referred to by this name; they thus became known as Altdeutsche Schäferhunde or Old German Shepherd Dogs. Shepherds were first exported to Britain in 1908, and the UK Kennel Club began to recognise the breed in 1919.

The direct translation of the name was adopted for use in the official breed registry; however, at the conclusion of World War I, it was believed that the inclusion of the word "German" would harm the breed's popularity,due to the anti-German sentiment of the era.The breed was officially renamed by the UK Kennel Club to "Alsatian Wolf Dog" which was also adopted by many other international kennel clubs. Eventually, the appendage "wolf dog" was dropped.The name Alsatian remained for five decades,until 1977, when successful campaigns by dog enthusiasts pressured the British kennel clubs to allow the breed to be registered again as German Shepherd Dogs.

The Modern breed
The modern German Shepherd is criticised for straying away from von Stephanitz's original ideology for the breed: that German Shepherds should be bred primarily as working dogs, and that breeding should be strictly controlled to eliminate defects quickly. Critics believe that careless breeding has promoted disease and other defects.Under the breeding programs overseen by von Stephanitz, defects were quickly bred out; however, in modern times without regulation on breeding, genetic problems such as colour-paling, hip dysplasia, monorchidism, weakness of temperament, and missing teeth are common, as well as bent or folded ears which never fully turn up when reaching adulthood.

Intelligence of a German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherds were bred specifically for their intelligence, a trait for which they are now renowned. They are considered to be the third most intelligent breed of dog, behind Border Collies and Poodles.In the book The Intelligence of Dogs, author Stanley Coren ranked the breed third for intelligence. He found that they had the ability to learn simple tasks after only five repetitions and obeyed the first command given 95% of the time. Coupled with their strength, this trait makes the breed desirable as police, guard, and search and rescue dogs, as they are able to quickly learn various tasks and interpret instructions better than other large breeds.

Aggression of a German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherds have a reputation for aggression and have been banned in some jurisdictions as a result. In the United States, German Shepherds are responsible for more random bitings than any other breed, and have a known tendency to attack smaller breeds of dogs. Reports have found that statistically German Shepherds are the breed third most likely to attack a person. Another report found that German Shepherds accounted for almost half of the dog bites that required medical attention.These claims have been refuted on the basis that German Shepherds represent a higher proportion of the population than other breeds. However, reports indicate that Shepherds are still over-represented when the statistics take into account the difference in population.

German Shepherd Dog Temperament
German Shepherds are highly active dogs, and described in breed standards as self-assured. The breed is marked by a willingness to learn and an eagerness to have a purpose. Shepherds have a loyal nature and bond well with people they know. However, they can become over-protective of their family and territory, especially if not socialized correctly. An aloof personality makes them approachable, but not inclined to become immediate friends with strangers. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and obedient and some people think they require a "firm hand", but more recent research into training methods has shown they respond as well, if not better, to reward based training methods.

Source (Wikipedia)

German Shepherd Dog Video

Australian Shepherd Breed

2009-09-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

Australian Shepherd Breed

The Australian Shepherd is a breed of herding dog that was developed on ranches in the Western United States. Despite its name, the breed, commonly known as an Aussie, did not originate in Australia.They acquired their name because of association with Basque sheepherders who came to the United States from Australia.

Australian Shepherds rose rapidly in popularity with the boom of western riding after World War II. They became known to the general public through rodeos, horse shows, and through Disney movies made for television.

Appearance
The breed's general appearance varies greatly depending on the particular line's emphasis. As with many working breeds that are also shown in the ring, there are differences of opinion among breeders over what makes an ideal Australian Shepherd. In addition the breed can be split into two distinct lines - working and show dogs. Working dogs tend to have shorter coats, thinner and are sometimes smaller while the show lines are bred according to breed standard and can have long fur. Most Australian Shepherds have docked tails and are extremely reliable if one is need of a best friend. The most popular name for an Australian Shepherd is Sierra.

Size
The Australian Shepherd is a medium sized breed of solid build. The standard calls for the Australian Shepherd to stand between 18-23 inches at the withers. Females being 18-21 inches and males measuring 21-23 inches

Color
Aussie colors are black, red (sometimes called liver), blue merle (marbled black and gray), and red merle (marbled red and silver or buff); each of these colors may also have copper points and/or white markings in various combinations on the face, chest, and legs.

A black or red dog with copper and white trim is called tricolor or tri, a black or red dog with white trim but no copper is called bicolor or bi. White should not appear on the body of the dog from topmost point of the shoulder blade to the tail. The ears should be covered by and completely surrounded by pigment other than white to decrease the risk for white related deafness. Eyes should also be surrounded by color, including the eye rim leather.

Temperament
The breed is an energetic dog that requires exercise and enjoys working, whether it is learning and practicing tricks, competing in dog agility, or any other physically and mentally involving activity.

Dogs with strong working instinct may show more reserved, guarding behaviors along with a tendency to chase or nip at strangers. Its protective instinct and behaviors can be frightening to children, strangers, and small animals. They are kind, loving, and devoted to those they know. They are very loyal to their owners, and are rewarding dogs if treated well. Because the breed was developed to serve on the ranch, a job which includes being protective of its property, it is inclined to bark warnings about neighborhood activity, but it is not an obsessively barking dog.

The Aussie is intelligent, learns quickly, and loves to play. This means that a bored, neglected, unexercised Aussie will invent its own games, activities, and jobs, which to a busy owner might appear to be hyperactivity: for example, an Aussie may go from being at rest to running at top speed for several 'laps' around the house before returning to rest. Without something to amuse them, Aussies often become destructive. Aussies also do best with plenty of human companionship: they are often called "velcro" for their strong desire to always be near their owners and for their tendency to form intense, devoted bonds with select people. Recent studies have also shown that shepherds work well with special-needs kids and babies.

Health
There are many health problems that an Australian Shepherd can acquire, including back and hip problems, vision problems, and pancreatic problems. Also, an Aussie can develop bladder problems and urinary infections over time. Many can be epileptic. Thyroid problems are also appearing.

Activities
Like other herding breeds, these dogs excel at many dog sports, especially herding, dog agility, frisbee, and flyball.

The dog has a stride in which its front and back legs cross over, making for an appearance of "on the edge" speed. The dogs instinctively use a "pounce" position to deal with cattle trying to kick them. They also have strong hips and legs, allowing for fast acceleration and high jumping, sometimes as high as 4 ft (1.3m).

Australian Shepherd Video

Source (WIKIPEDIA)

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All Dog Breeds List

Dog Breeds

2009-09-27T06:25:00.001-07:00

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2009-09-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

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Dog Breed | Complete Breeds List

2009-09-27T02:45:00.000-07:00

Complete List Of All Dog Breeds

This list contains for now 220 types of dog breeds. If you find this list incomplete feel free to post a comment with dog breeds you know and omitted from this dog breeds list.

Australian Shepherd Breed
Australian Kelpie Breed
Australian Cattle Dog-Blue Heeler Breed
Aussiedoodle Breed
Argentine Dogo Breed
Appenzell Mountain Breed
Anatolian Shepherd Breed
American Walter Spaniel Breed
American Staffordshire Terrier Breed
American Pit Bull Terrier Breed
Smooth Dachshund Breed
Mini Dachshund Breed
English Shepherd Breed
English Pointer Breed
English Coonhound Breed
English Cocker Spaniel Breed
English Boodle Breed
English Setter Breed
Dutch Shepherd Breed
Doodleman Pinscher Breed
Dogue De Bordeaux Breed
Dogo Argentino Breed
Doberman Pinscher Breed
Dandi Dinmont Terrier Breed
Dalmatian Breed
Dachshund Breed
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog Breed
Curly Coated Retriever Breed
Cockabichon Breed
Mudi Breed
Mountain Cur Breed
Mixed Breed
Miniature Pinscher Breed
Miniature Bull Terrier Breed
Miniature Australian Shepherd Breed
Mexican Hairless Breed
McNab Breed
Mastiff Breed
Maremma Sheepdog Breed
Manchester Terrier Breed
Malti Pom Breed
Maltese Breed
Lowchen Breed
Lhasapoo Breed
Lhasa Apso Breed
Leonberger Breed
Lancashire Heeler Breed
Lakeland Terrier Breed
Lagotto Romagnolo Breed
Entlebucher Mountain Breed
Coton De Tulear Breed
Corgi Breed
Collie Breed
Cocker Spaniel Breed
Cockapoo Breed
Clumber Spaniel Breed
Cirneco dell Etna Breed
ChowChow Breed
Chi-poo Breed
Chinook Breed
Chinese Shar Breed
Chinese Foo Breed
Chinese Crested
Chinese Chongqing Breed
Chihuahua Breed
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Breed
Cesky Terrier Breed
Central Asian Ovtcharka Breed
Cavapoo Breed
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed
Labrador Retriever Breed
Belgian Sheepdog Breed
Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Breed
Belgian Shepherd Malinois Breed
Belgian Shepherd Tervuren Breed
Bergamasco Breed
Berger Picard Breed
Bernese Mountain Breed
Bichon Frise Breed
Bloodhound Breed
Bolognese Breed
Cairnoodle Breed
Cao De Castro Laboreiro Breed
Caucasian Ovtcharka Breed
Fox Terrier Breed
French Bulldog Breed
German Shepherd Breed
German Shorthaired Pointer Breed
German Wirehaired Pointer Breed
Golden Retriever Breed
Goldendoodle Breed
Gordon Setter Breed
Great Dane Breed
Ibizan Hound Breed
Iceland Sheepdog Breed
Irish Setter Breed
Irish Terrier Breed
Irish Water Spaniel Breed
Irish Wolfhound Breed
Italian Greyhound Breed
Italian Spinone Breed
Jack Russell Terrier Breed
Japanese Chin Breed
Newfoundland Breed
Norfolk Breed
Norwegian Buhund Breed
Norwich Terrier Breed
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Breed
Olde English Bulldogge Breed
Old English Sheepdog Breed
Otterhound Breed
Papillon Breed
Papoo Breed
Affenpinscher Breed
Afghan Hound Breed
Airedale Terrier Breed
Akbash Breed
Akita Breed
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Breed
Alaskan Klee Kai Breed
Alaskan Malamute Breed
American Bulldog Breed
American English Coonhound Breed
American Eskimo Breed
American Foxhound Breed
American Hairless Terrier Breed
Australian Terrier Breed
Azawakh Breed
Basenji Breed
Basset Hound Breed
Beagle Breed
Beaglier Breed
Bearded Collie Breed
Beauceron Breed
Bedlington Terrier Breed
Belgian Malinois Breed
Black and Tan Coonhound Breed
Black Mouth Cur Breed
Black Russian Terrier Breed
Bluetick Coonhound Breed
Border Collie Breed
Border Terrier Breed
Borzoi Breed
Boston Terrier Breed
Bouvier Des Flandres Breed
Boxer Breed
Boxerdoodle Breed
Bracco Italiano Breed
Briard Breed
Briquet Griffon Vendeen Breed
Brittany Spaniel Breed
Brussels Griffon Breed
Bullmastiff Breed
Cairn Terrier Breed
Canaan Breed
Cane Corso Mastiff Breed
Carolina Breed
Catahoula Leopard Breed
Cavachon Breed
Eskimo Breed
Estrela Mountain Breed
Field Spaniel Breed
Fila Brasileiro Breed
Finnish Lapphund Breed
Finnish Spitz Breed
Flat Coated Retriever Breed
German Coolie Breed
German Hovawart Breed
German Pinscher Breed
Giant Schnauzer Breed
Glen of Imaal Terrier Breed
Goldador Breed
Great Pyrenees Breed
Greater Swiss Mountain Breed
Greyhound Breed
Harrier Dog Breed
Havanese Breed
Hovawart Breed
Hunt Terrier Breed
Illyrian Sheepdog Breed
Jindo Breed
Kai Dog Breed
Karelian Bear Breed
Keeshond Breed
Kerry Blue Terrier Breed
Kishu Ken Breed
Labradoodle Breed
Munsterlander Breed
Neapolitan Mastiff Breed
New Guinea Singing Breed
Parson Russell Terrier Breed
Patterdale Terrier (Fell Terrier) Breed
Peek-A-Pom Breed
Pekepoo Breed
Pekingese Breed
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed
Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen Breed
Pharaoh Hound Breed
Plott Hound Breed
Podengo Portugueso Breed
Pointer Dog Breed
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Breed
Poodle Breed
Portuguese Water Breed
Queensland Heeler Breed
Rat Terrier Breed
Rottweiler Breed
Saint Bernard - St. Bernard Breed
Saluki Breed
Samoyed Breed
Schnoodle Breed
Siberian Husky Breed
South African Boerboel Breed
Tibetan Mastiff Breed
Tibetan Spaniel Breed
Tibetan Terrier Breed
Toy Poodle Breed
Vizsla Breed
Weimaraner Breed
English Bulldog Breed

Dog Chewing and Digging - How to Solve This

2009-09-26T01:49:00.000-07:00

Dog Chewing and Digging. What to Do ?

Chewing
Chewing is a difficult problem to fix, since it is natural and "necessary" for puppies to chew. Dogs do not have hands like we do to investigate new and mysterious things. The only way they can examine new objects is by smelling them and putting them in their mouth!

Plus, just like human children, puppies loose their "baby teeth" and grow new adult ones. They need to chew during this time and there is no way to really stop them. The best thing to do is to get your dog acceptable toys that she can chew on. I recommend Kongs, Nylabones and similar toys. They are very durable and when "baited" they can draw your dog's attention for a long time. Both can be found at any PetCo or PetSmart.

The Kong has a hole in the center, which can be filled with your dog's favorite treats, dog food, and even peanut butter. Some dogs spend hours chewing on this toy, trying to get the food out.
Nylabones and Gumbabones now come in different flavors like beef, chicken and liver. The plain ones can also be boiled in broth to make them more palatable.
Whenever your dog is chewing something she shouldn't be, tell her "No" and give her an acceptable toy.

Also be sure to play with your dog and her chew toys at the same time. This will make them more likely to play with them instead of your favorite chair! Most importantly, "Reward" her when she is playing with the correct toys.

Digging
Most dogs dig out of boredom. Often tiring your dog out with a good game of fetch will "prevent" your dog from digging and partaking in other destructive behavior.
Hint: Play fetch with two balls. If your dog won't drop the ball you just threw, show him the second ball and he'll usually drop the first one. Some dogs dig holes to stay cool on warm days. Make sure your dog has plenty of shade to rest in when he is outside. He should have plenty of cool water and, if it's too hot, bring him inside.

Some dogs like Dachshunds were bred to dig. It is very hard to stop a dog with this type of instinct from digging.
The easiest way to deal with a persistent digger is to create a special digging area. It is much easier to teach your dog to dig in an inconspicuous spot than it is to teach him not to dig at all, especially with dogs that were bred to dig.
Create a special part of your yard just for digging and make it desirable to dig there. Actually dig with your dog to show him it's okay. Bury desirable objects like balls etc… for your dog to find.
If you see your dog digging in the wrong area, tell him "No" and bring him to the designated digging area. Show him again that it is okay to dig in that area and reward him with treats and praise when he digs there.

Leash and Collar Training

2009-09-25T23:55:00.001-07:00

LEASH AND COLLAR TRAINING

You have to train your puppy to accept his collar and leash. In the house training method I’m going to show you, you have to walk your puppy to his elimination zone or his toilet stop on leash. Until your puppy knows what you expect from him and where he’s supposed to eliminate, you’ll have to help him .

What Kind of Collar and Leash should I Buy ?
Since your puppy will outgrow his collar a number of times before reaching adulthood, I recommend you to buy a simple, inexpensive, nylon buckle collar. If you still haven’t made your trip to the petstore to get everything you’ll need for your new family addition, you’ll realize once there that the choice of collars and leashes is almost unlimited.

Collars also come in a variety of size, usually from 10 to 24 inches. To know which size to buy, measure your dog’s neck very loosely with a measuring tape and add a couple of inches. For example, if your puppy’s neck is 10 inches, you should buy a12-inch collar. One very practical collar is the adjustable collar. As its name suggests, it allows you to adjust the size of the collar as your puppy grows and has the great advantage of saving you money and acouple of trips to the petstore!

As for the leash, I recommend a six-foot leash. It is a lot easier to walk a dog on a 6-foot leash than a shorter one. In addition, if you decide to attend obedience class with your puppy (which I strongly encourage you to do), you’ll already have the leash most trainers require you to get.

How to Get My Puppy Used to his Leash and Collar ?

The collar:
The first time you’ll put a collar on your puppy, he’ll probably scratch it a lot. That’s perfectly normal. By the way, once fastened, you should be able to slip two fingers under your puppy’s collar.
To get your puppy used to his collar, put it on him 10 minutes at a time every hour for the first few days. Then let it on for 20 minutes for the next couple of days. After that, for half an hour and so on until he wears it all day long.

The leash:
A very easy way to get your puppy used to his leash is to let him drag it around. Of course, you must be with your puppy and watch him when you do that. You don’t want him to get stuck somewhere.
Once he doesn’t seem to notice the leash, try picking it up but without pullingon it. Just follow your puppy with outputting any pressure on the leash. You want your puppy to get used to you being close since he’ll have to learn to eliminate while he’s on leash.

There are lots of reasons why I want you to teach your dog to eliminate on leash. First of all, you’ll be able to control his activities. In otherwords, when it’s time to eliminate it’s not the time for him to explore every corner of the backyard.

Puppies forget easily the reason why they’re outside if you let them sniff around instead of keeping them in the elimination zone where they’re supposed to get down to business. Once he has eliminated, your dog will have plenty of time to explore and play. Housetraining your puppy that way helps him learn that the sooner he eliminates the sooner he can play. Believe me, you will greatly appreciate having trained your dog following this method when Mother Nature won’t be in a good mood or when you’ll be running late!!!

Teaching your dog to eliminate on leash will also make your life a lot easier when you’ll be traveling and if you are thinking of getting into dog sport activities.

Dog Training Tricks - Peekaboo Dog Trick Video

2009-09-25T23:41:00.000-07:00

Dog Training Tricks - Peekaboo Dog Trick Video
(Video on how to train your dog to do a Peekaboo Dog Trick)

Dog Training Tricks - Play Dead Dog Trick Video

2009-09-25T23:33:00.000-07:00

Dog Training Tricks - Play Dead Dog Trick Video
(Video on how to train your dog to do a Play Dead Dog Trick)

Dog Training Tricks - Drop It Dog Trick Video

2009-09-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

Dog Training Tricks - Drop It Dog Trick Video
(Video on how to train your dog to do a Drop It Dog Trick)