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Monday, May 24, 2010

Service Dogs and Working Dogs - Their Role in Our Lives

With their calm dispositions, ease of training and keen sense of smell and ability to respond to what is going on around them some breeds of dogs make ideal service and working animals. The service dog will assist people who have physical limitations, have reduced or a complete loss of hearing or vision. They can go by the term 'helper dog', Aid dog or 'Assistance dog'. As with the working dogs they are bred for this type of work. The workers are trained for security, safety and sniffing abilities. They are both doing a job and do not assume the role of 'pet' as other dogs would.

There are elements to look for when considering any type of service dog. For example the dog needs to be an adequate height so that the owner can feel its movements and gestures. Sorry but a toy poodle trying to direct a 6 foot man who is visually impaired may not work well at all. Even an animal that grows too tall can be a problem as a service pet as they could be difficult for someone to reach up and walk with. They need to feel when they are stopping or turning immediately. They can pick up items off the ground to hand them off or retrieve items for the owner in some instances. Dogs that work for the police, military, airport or any security detail need to be calm animals. They will be surrounded by people and distractions and their training will partly to keep them focused on the task at hand. Some dogs are chosen for their keen sense of smell where they can pick up and track a scent effectively with little coaching when time is of the essence. Others are looking for smells that don't belong. Their keen noses can pick up and sniff out drugs, even explosives. The dog's ability to smell is so much more powerful than a human's nose it makes ideal for these types of employment opportunities.

While these animals are not treated like a pet would be they do enjoy a nice life. They are well exercised and fed and have the added bonus of receiving a great deal of appreciation and respect for a job well done. These four legged workers receive medals and awards for their efforts. Do they fully understand? Perhaps not but we do have an added value to our lives with them acting as a security force or being able to assist someone to make their life a little easier and much fuller.

Dog Training Courses - How to Become a Specialized Dog Instructor

Dog training courses offer the necessary education to individuals who love pets. Before you decide to follow the courses in order to turn out to be a dog instructor, you can get a pet. Dog training courses stand to reason the necessity for controlled dog behavior. Dog proprietors give special care to their pets, but from time to time something is missing.

A dog' s behavior could develop with qualified training supplied by specific training programs. Everyone will benefit from these courses: both pets and their proprietors. To be certain that you succeed in your attempt to become a professional instructor, you have to go to special training courses. They are short term courses but offer intensive education due to both theoretical and practical approaches. Here are some things you need to know if you are considering a career in this field:

• Decrease aggressiveness

Dogs may sometimes be aggressive. This one varies according to some aspects such as breeds, environment, dog-master rapport. If you' ll deal with such difficulties, certainly, dog training courses teach the needed strategies to reduce any dog aggressiveness.

• Improve submission commands

A trained dog will at all times listen to your commands. These time as well, there are particular strategies and methods that turn unmastered puppies into beautiful submissive animals. This matter is definitely based on dog psychology. Any of these days certified dog training courses explain how you will achieve this phase in puppy training.

• Eating issues and anxiety can be treated

Not all dogs are aggressive, on the contrary, there are dogs experiencing nervousness. This problem might produce adaptation impediments. Courses that you follow will help you resolve this problem with high efficiency. Puppies may occasionally suffer from digestive disorders. Puppy training courses have proved to be extremely helpful for this subject, too.

• Solve adaptation problems

Other pets may come across adaptation issues after a kitten or puppy are new members in his "family". Dog training courses provide options to assist your dog to better integrate.

• Rescue and guide dog trainings

This theme makes proof of the value puppies have in our lives. They might change dramatically other people' s destinies. Dog training courses provide the essential information for the identification and training of dogs in order to help certain disabled persons.

Dog training courses were initiated in order to provide all the required support to the people who aspire to be able to control their puppies behavior and who assume that qualified help is too expensive. Both dog and owner will benefit from the positive effects of these specialized courses.

If you' re attracted in a profession as a dog instructor, have the necessary information about these days dog training courses, pick the most suitable, cost-effective and competent one. They are extremely helpful for those who consider this niche a profitable business chance. In order to work you should get a certification.. Soon you will be able to enjoy your passion for pets and also you may earn cash

The Best Way to Train Puppies - Using Treats

Crate training is the best way to train your pup to get adjusted in the home environment. The puppy may be very cute but the cuteness goes only until he begins to chew and tear into your new furniture or your shoes. Crate training dogs help train your puppy to stay at one place.

For a few the crate training is barbaric but in true prospective it is highly sophisticated to crate train the puppy instead of letting it grow into a wild ill disciplined dog. The crates come in different types and sizes like wire cage, a plastic pet carrier and a soft sided canvas crate.

The Crate

Choosing the right crate is of real importance. The wire crate is most commonly used as it allows your dog to see what is happening around him. Wire crates work well for dogs with long hair and in warm climates and it allows for adequate ventilation also which makes your puppy stays comfortable. Plastic pet carrier crates are good for traveling and in cooler climates. It stays warm and keeps puppy secure in the car, train or plane. Soft sided crates are good for those dogs who do not chew much but it is not a good choice for young puppies. One thing must be remembered that the size of the crate matters a lot. A crate is required to be big enough for your puppy to turn around and stretch.

Training

Dogs love to have people around them. Begin by placing your crate in the family room or other area where your family spends most of their time together. Using a wire crate allows the puppy to see his surroundings.

Introduce your puppy to the crate. He may not go in there by himself so he should be introduced to dog training treats. The chewable dog training treats act best to lure him in for a closer look. Let the aroma waft just a few inches in front of him. When he is within spitting distance, place the treat in the crate. Praise him every time he goes in.

You can also feed puppy in the crate. This encourages him to stay inside and is easier to cleanup as the crates come with the sliding tray which can be removed from the crate and then can be washed clean. Close the door behind him. Open the door when he is almost done eating. If he comes out close the door again. Open it only if he wants to be let back in to finish eating.

When he is used to being inside give him more incentive for staying in the crate with the door closed. Use a chew toy to entice him in the crate. Close the door for no more than a couple of minutes each time. Call him to come to you when the door is open. Let him return and repeat the process again until he is comfortable with the closed door.

Crate training keeps puppy safe when you are not at home and still lets him interact with the family while being inside the crate.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Polish lowland sheepdog is a medium to large size with the male dogs measuring 16-20 inches in height and weighing 30-35 pounds, and the female bitch being some 42-47cms high and 13-18kgs in weight. They have a double coat which is shiny on the outside, with the undercoat being downy, for warmth and weather resistance. Whereas they can be any colour the most common are, brown, white, and grey with grey, black or brown markings, these colours can fade as the dog ages. These are large boned with a strong skeleton supporting a fairly impressive musculature.

History. As the name suggests these dogs originated in Poland, where they are still quite common. However, in Poland they are known by their correct name, which is the Polish Owczarek Nizinny often shortened to PONS (and with a name like that you can see why). Whilst bred originally as a sheepdog the vast majority are now kept as pets, although in their native Poland some are still kept as working dogs. This breed, as with many others, nearly reached extinction during World War II, but was revived by Polish breeders after the end of the war.

Temperament. These are generally happy dogs, which are quite animated and boisterous, while also being affectionate and intelligent with a good level of obedience. They can be wary and watchful of people they do not know, and will announce the arrival of any of your visitors, in no uncertain terms, at very high-volume. You need to assert yourself over your pet as early as possible, they are bred to look after sheep and have a strong instinct to be in charge, if you do not show this dog that they are number two and you are, in fact, in charge then problems may arise. As long as they are socialised early they will be a faithful friendly household pet, however there herding instinct can surface and you may find that the dog starts to nip at ankles, trying to herd the family. Whilst this can be annoying; you have to admit it is quite funny. If being raised in a family with young children, this trait could be quite handy, if you send your dog out they will be able the round of your children and bring them home (providing great entertainment to their friends, I am sure).

Health issues. As with most medium to large dogs the Polish lowland sheepdog can sufferer from hip dysplasia. Other problems include a possibility of epilepsy, and a risk of congenital deafness. Although overall they are a healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Grooming. Because of their very long shaggy coat, they require grooming at least once a week with a stiff brush and comb, to prevent knots and matting of their fur. They will require bathing fairly regularly, to eliminate the risk of tics and other skin parasites, which tend to like living in this type of fur and can be difficult to remove. Dependent on the surfaces they walk, they will require their nails to be clipped regularly.

Living conditions. This breed will require a good amount of exercise; however, as long as they receive this they are reasonably happy with living in either an apartment or house. They prefer cooler weather, but during summer they can cope providing the area they are in is well ventilated, they could be kept in the garden, if you have one, during the summer daytimes. They are friendly and can easily be accommodated in a house with children, as with all large dogs care must be taken of small children as whilst playing it is easy for them to be accidentally knocked over, especially if the dog gets a little overexcited.

Crate Training A Puppy Or Dog

Crate training a puppy or dog is topic that interests new pet owners. It is a very important method used to get dogs house trained. This allows owners to be able to trust their pets when they are not home. The concept behind crate training is that dog owners train their pets to hold going to the bathroom until they are taken outside for a walk. The crate training method on average works well as dogs have a natural inclination not to potty near themselves. While crate training is not difficult, it takes patience and persistence. Puppies when as young as two to three months old will still need to relieve themselves frequently. It is very important to know the steps involved with crate training in order to get optimal results.

To begin, a pet owner needs to choose a crate that is not too big for his or her dog. If the crate is too large, a puppy may feel that it is alright to relieve itself in the crate as a result of the extra space available. The whole concept behind the crate training is to make the dog want to follow its natural instinct and not go to the bathroom near itself. A big crate defeats the whole purpose of this idea. With this said, a person needs to make sure that the crate is at least big enough to ensure that the dog will not feel uncomfortable in it. He or she needs to take into account the dog's breed and how much it will grow during the period that the crate training will take place.

The next step involved with crate training is to remove the doors of the crate when first starting the process. A pet owner needs to guide his or her dog in and out of the crate in order to get the animal used to it. The owner should never force the dog into the crate and lock it up without first getting the dog used to the crate on its own. It may take some dogs several days to get used to the cage. In time, the dog will become accustomed to the crate. The dog will eventually be able to stay in the crate without whimpering, and an owner should encourage the dog's good behavior in the crate by offering the animal treats and rewards.

Next, a pet owner needs to provide his or her dog with a comfortable bed and toys when crate training the animal. The dog's toys and a couple of treats need to be placed at the opposite end of the cage door. The toys will cure the dog's boredom and serve as a distraction when its owner is not home. The toys must be inedible and large enough to ensure that a dog, especially a puppy, will not eat them. Another idea to try when crate training a dog is for the owner to leave the television or radio on when not home.

Dog owners should also look to crate train their pet for short periods when they are actually home. This is since only crate training the animal when the owner is away will lead the dog to associate the cage with feelings of loneliness and punishment. Training the dog while at home will, on the other hand, lead the animal to see the crate as part of its normal experience.

Another step involved with crate training dogs is that owners must be consistent throughout the entire process. This is especially relevant where puppies are concerned. Puppies will need to relieve themselves often. It is thus best to follow the same eating and drinking schedule each day. Most dogs will need to go to the bathroom shortly after eating. Therefore, the animal should be walked around the same time each day. When the dog cries from the crate, it is best for the owner to take it out for a walk as soon as possible. The dog should also be taken to the same spots for walking and should be rewarded after the walk. Developing these patterns will get the dog into a routine and schedule that will serve both the animal and its owner well.

It needs to be reinforced that crate training is not going to happen overnight, and pet owners need to follow the steps above until the dog is comfortable and properly trained. Patience and persistence will result in no accidents in the house and a happier dog and owner.

In conclusion, crate training is a topic of vast interest for new dog owners. It involves a number of steps, including making sure that a cage is not too big; removing the doors of the crate; using a comfortable bed and toys inside of the crate; training the dog for short periods of time when the owner is home; and being consistent throughout the training process. It should also be noted that crate training is a process that will benefit both the dog and owner, and it does not happen overnight. An owner needs to have patience and persistence in order for crate training to be a success.

Extra Large Comfort for your Extra Large Pet

DOGS!! God certainly made them in different shapes, sizes and temperaments (thank him for that!). They can be classified under various categories. One of these categories is size. Under this category, dogs can be divided into tiny, small medium, large and finally extra large. Out of these, the large and extra large breeds are the most difficult to manage. These breeds of dogs need plenty of space and exercise. If you are planning to own one you should certainly be prepared to go for everything that is extra large in size including the beds.

Most dogs spend around 10 to 12 hours sleeping, which means that a large part of your dog’s day is spent on the bed. Just as the dogs, their beds too come in different sizes. It is very important to find a bed that suits your dog’s needs. There are a lot of factors to be considered when buying the perfect bed for your dog. It’s logical to think that small dogs need small beds and large dogs need large beds but the choice is not that simple.

Large dogs need to stretch themselves. They would be uncomfortable with beds that have borders. Rectangular beds are the best for these dogs as they allow the dog to stretch and also have their complete body on the beds. Large dogs often have joint problems. With an extra large dog bed, your dog’s body is not exposed to the ground. Having an extra large dog bed or large dog bed is also helpful when you have two or more dogs in the house. Many of these beds have a bolster that supports the back. It’s not only the size that matters, but also the material. Remember to choose a material that the dog can’t easily chew through. These beds are available in different materials like, denim, canvas etc. Make sure that the bed covers are removable. Most covers can be washed in a machine. These types of beds are best suited for dogs that are long haired or those who dirty themselves easily.

When buying large dog beds it’s important to consider the place that you would place your bed. Remember to place the bed in a place that’s both comfortable for your dog and for you as well.

It’s best to buy an extra large dog bed or a large dog bed for your dog even if it’s a puppy, as this would save you the time and effort of buying another one, when your pup outgrows its old bed. If you are looking for an extra large or large dog bed there are many websites that offer to sell them.

However if you are looking for something that’s very special for your four-legged darlings, you could go for personalized dog beds. These beds are not only designed to suit your dog’s size but makes it more of a personal property of the dog by the inclusion of embroidered text consisting of your dog name or even more exciting is by having the picture of your dog breed imprinted on them. Personalized dog beds are fun and it lets the visitors of the house know who the bed belongs to. Makes your dog feel like royalty, nonetheless.

Remember, when you are investing on your dog beds you are investing in something that your dog would call home.

The Real Benefits of Dog Training Courses at Home

If you are thinking about getting a dog or you already have one then it is vital that you use dog training courses to help you become a responsible pet owner. Unfortunately, a great deal of people are quite happy to forgo training all together. To begin with, laying a structure for training can be a very tall order for most, this can lead to a lot of stress between the dog and it's owner. The good news is for those who persevere, the reward it fantastic.

Luckily nowadays there are many resources available to you that you can use to train your dog, all of which can be adapted to your circumstances. Looking in your classifieds for the nearest dog training academy is often the first option. The problem however is that in most scenarios this can work out to be quite costly and time consuming . A suitable options for those people who may find this form of commitment too much is to try online dog training course.

Following online dog training courses can provide a lot of unexpected benefits, which is why more and more people are opting to use them. The obvious fact that you can do your training from home is a huge draw card for http://www.alldogtraininginfo.com/dog-training/dog-training-courses.

The other major benefit is that http://www.alldogtraininginfo.com/dog-training/dog-training-courses, in many cases, are considerable cheaper. One other benefit that is of great use is you can skip right to the information that deals with your dog's current behavior and deal with it straight away. You will not have to go through ten different lesson just to get to the one that addresses your unique problem.

One of the most important things to remember when beginning training, be it at home or online, is the fact that your training has to become an everyday routine. Too many people are under the impression that you only attend class once a week. This will get you absolutely no where. You have to practice each and every day, even if it's only for ten minutes.