My Dumb Dog

March 22, 2009

All Dogs Require This Essential Training

Filed under: Basic Information — admin @ 2:00 pm

It is always so exciting to bring home your new puppy. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with owning a dog especially if you want to be considered a responsible dog owner. You have to feed her, groom her, provide her with proper health care, and give her a safe place to call home.

But one of the most important things you can do for your new dog or puppy is to provide essential dog training.

Discipline and Behavior

Having a dog that is always misbehaving is not something that you want. They can an be an embarrassment and in worst cases, they can be dangerous.

Training can be a lot of hard work and require a lot of time and patience, but the end result is a well behaved dog that you can be proud of. The bond between you and your pet can be strengthened through training. Take the time to train your dog and set the rules for appropriate behavior. For the best results you should start early.

Dog Obedience Training

Obedience training is also an important part of your dog’s overall training program. Levels of training varies from basic to advanced.

You should at least provide basic training for your dog or puppy. Commands like sit, stay, and come, are all part of basic training. So are house training and leash training.

Of course, you can always progress to a more advanced level. Provide additional training for your dog and you will have a well behaved pet. Destructive behaviors like barking, chewing, and digging can usually be prevented just by including the proper training. Just find a program that meets your needs and provides a results such as Sit, Stay, Fetch.

Puppy Training

Puppy training should start at an early age. Some people wait too long to start training their puppies and it makes it a little more difficult and frustrating. Some people believe that it is not possible to train a puppy younger than six months old, but I assure you that is a myth.

Of course there are some skills that are beyond a puppy, teaching many of the commands and appropriate behaviors can start right away. Just do some research to make sure you follow the proper techniques.

There are many different sources of information available - dog training books, ebooks, websites, and even complete training programs. Something else you could do it enroll in group training. You can also hire an experienced dog trainer if your budget allows.

Group Training Classes

Most of the larger pet stores offer training classes. They are usually cheaper since they are in a group setting. You can also ask around as your local area animal shelter or other animal groups may offer free or discounted group training classes.

One added advantage of group training, in my opinion, is that it gives your dog the added benefit of socializing with other dogs and their owners.

Professional and Experienced Trainers

The benefit of a professional trainer is the one on one training that they will provide. Just be sure to ask around for recommendations so that you can find a trainer who is know to provide results.

In my opinion I recommend hiring a professional dog trainer for major issues such as dealing with an aggressive dog. This is not something you want to try and handle on your own.

Conclusion

Owning a dog is a huge responsibility. As responsible owners we need to make sure that our dogs are well behaved and great to be around. Just be sure that you go into any training program with an open mind and the right attitude and you will find that it is a rewarding experience.

And remember, you can always search for more information about dogs.

March 20, 2009

Easy Tips For Crate Training Your Gun Dog

Filed under: Basic Information — Tags: — admin @ 2:25 am

Most hunters who own bird dogs treat the dogs not as a tool to use on the hunt, but as friends and companions who live with them every day. If your dog is living in your home with you, you’ve probably realized that these gun dogs also make great pets. In order to keep it that way, though, proper training for living in your home is a must.

Before you begin the task of training your dog, you should however keep in mind that training a dog, no matter what age isn’t going to happen over night. You have to have patience, but be persistent at the same time. If your dog is a puppy you will have to remember that puppies are just like children, they are extremely smart, but don’t have a very long attention span and often decide to do what they want when they want. Crate training is an extremely easy way to train your dog to learn basics, so your time together can be enjoyable.

Although many see crate training as a form of cruelty they couldn’t be more wrong. Dogs aren’t human (even if we treat them like they are) and they have totally different natural instincts than we do. If you create an environment in the dog crate where your dog feels warm, safe and can be quiet, this is the perfect environment for your dog to relax and is good for their well being. Keep in mind that gun dogs instinctively have a den mentality – they prefer small places that offer security and safety and if you create that environment in the crate, your dog will take to it naturally.

The size of the crate is a very important thing to keep in mind. You will want to purchase a crate that is big enough for your dog to be able to comfortably turn around, lay down straight, and be able to stand up comfortably. Most breeds of hunting dogs, a medium or large size crate will suffice. Don’t worry if you have a puppy, there is no need to buy multiple crates, you can buy the crate that will fit your dog when they are full grown. It is suggested however that you section off the crate and make it larger as your puppy grows. If the crate is too big, you will run into the problem of you puppy going to the bathroom in an empty corner. If there are no empty corners, the puppy won’t want to have an accident where he is sleeping.

The reason there are people that think that crate training is cruel is because they are under the assumption that the dog spends most of its time in the crate. This is untrue, and if it is true, then that person is incorrectly using the crate. The dog should only be in the crate when you aren’t home or unable to properly supervise the dog’s activities. Dog’s are very smart, and will catch on fairly quickly. In order to prevent an accident you should take your dog out every half hour or so until he is successful. Rewards work very well to let your dog know that he has done well. Rewards can be a treat, a certain toy to play with, or simple praise works wonderful too.

Speaking of puppies, remember that they do not have the control of an adult dog and will probably have accidents inside their crate. First and foremost, do not berate or punish your puppy for this as it sends a mixed message that puppy won’t understand. Instead, put puppy in a safe area and clean up the mess. Make sure that puppy doesn’t see you cleaning up, as this also sends the wrong message.If your dog is still a puppy you’ll have to be patient because they simply don’t have the control of their needs as much as an adult dog does and accidents do happen (both inside and outside the crate). Dog’s are not able to easily understand what they’re doing wrong so don’t punish them for this because they simply won’t understand – the other thing to avoid is cleaning up a mess in front of them because they can get into the habit of thinking this is fine because you’re cleaning it.

Routines are your friend when you’re trying to train your dog. If you do your level best to take them outside at pretty much the same times day in and day out they will eventually figure out that’s when it’s time for them to go to the bathroom and you’ll be happier (and so will they). If you’re using a crate make sure that the dog understands when he has to be there (i.e. when you’re sleeping or working) and don’t forget to take them out of the crate regularly for exercise and play – just like training them to go outside to do their business, they’ll get into the routine of playing and exercising at the same time every day making your training much more effective.

Crate training is the easiest, fastest, and most human way to teach a house break a dog and to teach a hunting dog to behave indoors.

January 16, 2009

Breeding Dogs - Akc Bloodline And Give Him/her The Best Dog Food Available To Keep Them Healthy

Filed under: Basic Information — admin @ 10:36 am

Your dog’s nails, just like human nail, need to be trimmed. Unfortunately, some dogs don’t like to have their feet touched, much less their nails trimmed. If you have trouble performing this action yourself, consider making an appointment with your vet or groomer. If your dog will allow you touch his nails, you can trim them at home. When left untrimmed, they can grow into the dog’s feet, break, and bleed.

Quick Note: Get your dog the best Dog Supplies and put a smile on their faces. If your doggy deserves to look as great as they are then give them their own Dog Dress and Large Dog Coats and show them that you really care about them.

Once you’ve been granted access to your dog’s nails, the trick is not to cause any pain. This means avoiding the quick which can cause both pain and bleeding. Study the nail before you begin. It’s easier to see in clear or white nails, but the quick is just above the excess nail that you want to remove. Remember, you don’t want to go too short. You just want to remove the excess.

Begin with some nail trimmers made especially for dogs and some styptic powder like Kwik-Stop or CutStop. These products will help stop the bleeding if you accidentally cut the quick. Next, find a comfortable position for both you and the dog. You may put the dog in your lap or you may both lie on the floor. If your dog isn’t too sure about the process, you may need someone to help hold the dog. Next, hold the dog’s paw in your hand and push on his pad so that the nail extends.

Once the nail is extended, cut the nail at a 45 degree angle. Make sure you’re cutting below the quick. If you can’t see the quick because the nail is dark, it’s better to make a couple of small cuts than one big, painful one. If you see a dark spot appear at the end of the cut nail, you’ve done your job. The spot is the beginning of the quick.

If your dog has brittle nails that splinter when you cut them, you may have to file them a few times to remove cracks and smooth the nail. If your dog will let you, do all four paws including the dew claw. If he won’t, don’t force it. Take a break and come back later. If you do happen to trim into the quick, apply the styptic powder to stop the bleeding.

Finally, remember this should be a pleasant activity. If your dog can’t stand it, take him for walks on pavement and asphalt. This will work as an emery board and naturally file his nails.

January 15, 2009

4th Of July Dog Outfits

Filed under: Basic Information — admin @ 3:43 am

When it comes to you and your dog showing off how patriotic you are, sometimes the best thing to do is with a fashion sense. 4th of July dog outfits are a very fashionable way of showing how patriotic you are. When it comes to finding 4th of July dog outfits, there are a number of great places from which to choose from, however, sometimes the best places are the ones on the internet because they are usually much cheaper on dog supplies then going to the local store.

Of course you should never wait until the last minute to get the outfits neither because you run the risk of them being sold out or even having a late delivery. Instead take your time and choose your 4th of July dog clothes out early and get them before the rush. Sort of like a Christmas in July Sale, get your July outfits during the holiday season. You never know, you may even get a bigger discount when you do.

It is however important that you are not left being found without showing off your patriotic spirit. When everyone else is wearing their Red, White and Blues, you should be too; and most definitely so should your dog. So let your dog’s patriotic spirit run free and show how proud it is to be born in the US of A.

Not only does a red, white and blue dog dresses make a perfect 4th of July dog outfit, but so can so many others. Remember that with the Right to Bear Arms, camouflage too is a great choice and when it comes to dogs, there are tons of camouflage items for them to wear. Maybe even add in a bandana around the neck; red, white and blue of course.

No matter how you choose to look at it though, you and your dog needs to let your patriotic spirit out and make sure that the both of you have your very own patriotic outfit to wear no matter what time of year it is. However when it comes to dogs though, while you can get just about any red, white and blue outfit from anywhere, for your best friend you need to specifically look for a 4th of July dog outfit.

Make sure that your dog’s fashions are ready for just about anything whether it is the 4th of July, Memorial Day or even Labor Day. Nothing beats a great picnic or barbeque, and when you have all of your friends over celebrating, make sure that your dog is dressed up in his finest 4th of July dog outfit and you will be assured that the whole mood of the party is a patriotic one.

January 14, 2009

I Need An Elegant Pink Dog Dress

Filed under: Basic Information — admin @ 3:58 am

Just because your dog wears a coat every single day, does not mean that she cannot also wear a hot, trendy and elegant pink dog dress as well. That’s right, a dog in a pink dress. While some people may think this is a funny thing, others know that even dogs have a charming sense of fashion as well and nothing compliments your dog’s coat quite like a fashionable pink dog dress.

While some may think that finding them is a daunting task, in reality it is not. Matter of fact there is a pink dog dress available out there for just about any occasion. If you and your dog are going to a wedding or an important event, there are some elegant evening gowns available. When your dog dawns a gown, she will become the Belle of the Ball, like Cinderella and will be the center of attraction; the cutest thing on four legs for miles around. Be sure to check out these dog products.

Don’t worry, some people don’t make it to fancy dress occasions very often and it is even more of a rare occasion to have your dog invited too. But that does not mean it would not be great to have a fancy pink dog dress available. What about a night out on the town, this will happen more often of course. You can find a large selection of mini skirts for dogs online and have them delivered right to your front door.

Buying your pink dog dress online is a great way of saving money because there are no added expenses of an online store like a store front rental or warehousing space. Furthermore, since the items will be shipped to your home, you will even be saving gas money too which of course is just another added bonus to getting your dog clothes online.

So when it comes to getting your dog a trendy pink dog dress, you will be able to ensure that your dog is the cutest thing in the neighborhood without a question. Who knows, your dog may even be the leader of your neighborhood’s dog fashion trends and everyone will be turning to you for ideas on what to get their dog. Your dog will love all of the attention that follows suit as well; what dog would not like getting attention from everyone?

January 12, 2009

Electric Fences And Your Dog And Also Find The Best Dog Supplies Fast And Easy

Filed under: Basic Information — admin @ 7:26 pm

Heartworm pills are necessary for your dogs. Heartworms may or may not be affecting your dogs but vets all around the world recommend that irrespective of the fact weather your dog is infected by heartworms or not your should give your dog a daily dosage of heartworm pills.

Quick Note: Get your doggy the best from doggy dog supplies, they have Large Dog Supplies of all kinds. You can get your doggy his or her their own Dog Coat and Small Dog Carrier which should place a smile on their face.

The cases of heart worms are present in every state in the world and there are many dogs around the world who are suffering from such a condition. Therefore you as the owner of your dog must take responsibility to keep your dog free form the diseases and give your dog a regular dose of heartworm pills.

There are some treatments for heartworms available but these treatments are of no use while the disease has moved on to an advanced stage. It is not easy to catch the symptoms of heart worms at a crucial stage and the suffering of your dog can become intense with the heart of your dog getting filled with worms. Therefore you should do what is necessary and get rid of the heart worms at the initial stage itself. This will help save your best friends life from fatal diseases and save your dog from a lot of suffering.

Before putting your dog on heartworm pills the vet will perform a test so as to make sure that your dog is not already infected by heartworms. If you are thinking that your dog is safe from heartworms because your dog stays indoors or perhaps because your dog has a heavy fur coat then you are victims of myth. Any dog has an equal chance of contracting heartworm. Heartworm is spread through mosquitoes that carry the heartworm larva.

All does have an equal chance of getting bitten by this mosquitoes and contracting this disease. Therefore periodic tests and precautionary vaccine is necessary. While choosing a heartworm pill, make sure that you are consulting your dogs vet first. Some of the pills in the market may not suite your dog. Also these may cause many unwanted side effects. Therefore always consult your vet before giving your dog any sort of such pill.

The best way to choose a pill is to ask your vet what pill you should use. He will be able to recommend the best pill for your dog that will help to save your dog from this fatal disease. These pills will keep your best friend strong and healthy and safe.

January 10, 2009

I Need A Memory Foam Dog Bed

Filed under: Basic Information — admin @ 6:40 am

For a good night’s rest for your dog, getting them a comfortable bed is a must have item. However, with so many beds from which you can choose from, how will you know which one will offer the best night’s rest? Well it is simple really, choosing a comfortable bed for your dog is not different then choosing one for yourself. The most comfortable style around is composed of memory foam. You know the stuff that was designed by NASA as the infomercials say. Well these are now available as memory foam dog beds and they make the perfect bed for your dog.

These Memory foam dog beds will contour to your dog’s body lines and stay that way all night long. Giving your dog perfectly even support on all of his joints and muscles, these types of dog beds are designed to do nothing more then ensure that your dog will sleep throughout the whole night and wake up every morning feeling refreshed and ready for the day’s long list of things to do like running around and barking at the mailman. Also learn more information about dogs.

So if you like the idea of pampering your pet and giving something back for all of the times that they have been there for you when you need them to be, then getting your dog a comfortable memory foam dog bed is the perfect choice.

Your dog loves you and has been loyal and obedient, it is only fair that you do the same back to him by making sure that he is comfortable at night as he sleeps. You wouldn’t sleep on the cold hard floor if you did not have to would you? Then do not make your dog do it either. Of course the best way to get one of these beds is on the internet. The reason for this is simply for the fact that it is very cheap and affordable online versus buying at the local pet shop. Best of all it is even delivered to your door; maybe when the dog sees that the mailman brought the new bed, they will get along better. Maybe not! You will probably want to take a look at these dog supplies.

Besides, as your dog ages, all those years of sleeping on the floor can cause him to develop aching bones and joints, by getting him a memory foam dog bed today, you can save him from all of this pain latter on in life; now doesn’t that make it worth the effort?

January 7, 2009

Sports And Competitions For My Dog

Filed under: Basic Information — admin @ 2:57 pm

Be sure to check out some awesome deals first on a wide variety of dog supplies.

Are you the athletic type that has considered starting a sports activity program that you and your dog can both enjoy together? Would you like to see him jump high into the air and catch a high-speed disc or retrieve a ball thrown out of visibility into a trial-area? Or maybe go through a maze in an obstacle course and watch your buddy come through with tremendous accuracy?

Any dog can be very athletic however Sporting Class breeds excel and could be considered the ‘Olympians’ of the Canine world. No matter what breed dog you have or even mixed breed, if you have a high energy dog and you are just as high energy yourself you will be happy to know that there actual Dog Sports activities!

What exactly are Dog Sports? Glad you asked! Dog Sports are activites in which dogs compete in agility, obedience trials, and musical freestyle, disc dog, canicross, field trials, and much much more! It can be compared to Doggie Olympics or Dog Tri-Athalons and as a loving owner, you get to participate with your 4-legged friend! These Dog Sports Events are becoming more and more prominent and popular all over!

BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN ANY DOG SPORT EVENT HAVE YOUR DOG THOROUGHLY AND COMPLETLY CHECKED OUT BY YOUR VET TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE ABLE TO COMPETE IN SUCH HIGH IMPACT ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES!

The great benefits of particpating in these athletic and fun events are: physical wellness and health, it is a great way for you and your dog to further deepen your bond with eachother, and you will meet other dog lovers who have dogs that are just as sport minded as yours as well as yourself. There is one thing though you must do, and it is extremely important and a matter of life and death.

Your 4-legged teammate should be in optimum health and you do not want to take a chance on entering them in events that could harm them! So make sure they are checked out and given a physical exam by your trusted veterinarian and ask the vet what activities your dog can do without aggrevating a possible pre-exisisting condition, activities that their bodies are suited for, and what activities won’t put stress on them. The idea is to have fun and have a great time, and the only way to do that is to make sure everyone including your dog passes a health check!

When you go to a Dog Sporting competition, there are many events! It can be hard to know which ones to sign your dog up for, so we have devised a list of two factors to keep in mind when you attend a Dog Sports Competition.

1. His breed. Your dog’s genetics play an important part of the type of activity that he may enjoy, as well as his ability to perform that specific activity. Understanding his history and heritage makes it easier for you to find a sport or activity that is most suited for his breed.

Learn more about your breed. Find out what type of job his ancestors did and what they were originally bred to do. For instance, most, if not all dog breeds from the spaniel or retriever family, will do great in water sports and retrieving, although it doesn’t mean that water sports and retrieving are the only two things that you should consider.

2. His personality. In addition to his physical abilities, you also need to consider his personality. Some dogs love nothing more than to run a long distance course or catch a flying ball. These dogs will definitely do well in many types of dog sporting events. Other dogs are a little slow at first, but with right training and motivation, they too can have fun and benefit from participating in canine sports.

Be sure that you take a quick peek at these awesome deals on chicken dog treats and rawhide dog treats.

January 3, 2009

Warm Sweater For Small Dogs

Filed under: Basic Information — admin @ 7:38 am

Keeping your small pup nice and toasty is an important thing for most pup owners. One great way to make sure that your small pup stays toasty on those chilly autumn nights and frigid winter days is by making sure you have a trendy and stylish small pup sweater in your pup’s wardrobe closet. There are so many great choices to choose from and although your pup is already the cutest little thing, a sweater will make him even cuter.

One of the more popular small dog sweaters is the hooded pup sweater. These come in many shapes and styles like fleece, knit as well as standard cotton blends from which you get to choose from that there should be no reason not to have one. They are just way too cute and therefore a must have item.

Maybe your pup is more of a knit sweater type. There are some great designs to choose from in this area as well. From the type of designed knitting that your grandma used to do for you, to argyle shapes and yes even a Charlie Brown looking knit sweater. Perfect for the holiday seasons and small family get together as well as a fancy dress up occasions, the knit sweater is also a must have small pup sweater for just about any type of pup.

From v-necks to turtle necks, your small pup sweater options are virtually endless. With so many fabric options like fleece, cotton as well as knit to choose from, you will not only be able to keep your pup toasty and cozy, you will also be making him cuter then ever and the center of attention no matter where you take him.

Of course, nothing is better then shopping unless it is discounted shopping and that is what the internet is all about. You can find many a small pup sweater on the internet at discounted prices on dog sweater which means that you will be saving a bundle. However you cannot forget the all important gas savings as well because on the internet purchases are shipped to your door which means you do not have to drive around looking for them. Talk about a double savings.

So when it comes to getting your pup a small pup sweater or any piece of clothing for that matter, shopping on the internet for them is the only way to go if you truly want the largest selections. Fill up your pup’s wardrobe with ease and make him the leader in your neighborhood’s pup fashions. Be sure to view Dog Dresses and Dog Clothes as well.

January 2, 2009

The Right Dog Collar For Training

Filed under: Basic Information — admin @ 6:46 am

By not training a dog to remain a social animal you might let the wild behaviors of instinct emerge. Dog obedience training helps your dog develop good behavior. Obedience training makes your dog easier to take care of, but it also makes the dog happier.

Dog Training
When your dog begins to destroy your belongings, then it is time for obedience training. The training may not resolve all the dog’s behavioral problems, but will certainly solve some of them.

The most important skill that is needed in dog training is effective communication that allows your dog to obey commands such as heel, stay, sit and come.Make sure the obedience training sessions are rewarding and not boring for both you and your dog.

The top two obedience training styles in terms of popularity and importance are lessons with leash and collar and lessons that use rewards. A less intense approach then leash/collar training is reward training. The dog is praised and given a treat for desired actions in reward training.

Always remember that learning will be faster, if you reward your dog for good behavior. It is also just as important to give your dog alot of praise. Obedience training sessions should be short and constant as a dog’s behavior can change from time to time, so constant training is always a good idea.

A key to preventing or treating a behavior problem is to learn to teach the dog to redirect its behavior in domestic settings.

While obedience training can’t fix every behavior issue, it is the basis of resolving nearly every type of trouble with your dog.

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