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Dog Training Interview, Methods to Stop Dog Barking, Crate …

Shannon Penningsruns PrecisionK9 Professional Training in Brantford,Ontario Canada (follow the link below) and is very well respected inthe dog training community.

HiShannon firstly can we take the time to thank you forhelping out our regular readers and answering somequestions…so if it’s okshall we get started right away…

Soin the end, I think that it’s more a problem of notchoosing an appropriate dog that will fit into your family andlifestyle aswell as lack of obedience training, than a problem of bad or dangerousdogbreeds.

Q2:Ifyou could give five tips when it comes to methods to stopa dog barking what are they?

2.Any dog who is not getting sufficientexercise will display undesirablebehaviors, such as nuisance barking, jumping, chewing and otherdestructivebehavior, “hyper-activity”, digging and so on. Take your dog for alonger walk, or even better in some cases, take himbiking, running or roller blading!

3.Teach your dog to be quiet on command. Have a leash andtraining collar on the dog, and ask a friend to go andknock on the door. When the dog startsbarking, you can praise the first bark (letting you know thatsomeone’s there),then tell him to “Quiet” in a firm tone of voice(not shouting!). Ifthe dog continues tobark, say nothing,but loosen the leash to create an element of surprise, pop upvertically fastand firmly, and loosen the leash again. Praise when he stopsbarking.

4. Ifthe sound of the doorbell is what setsyour dog off, desensitize andcounter-condition him to the sound of it. Ring it randomlythroughout the day, and praise him for beingquiet. Give a leash and collarcorrection if he barks at it. The goalis to make him so used to hearing the bell, that it’s notsuch a big deal anymore,as well as reinforcing the quiet behavior when it does ring. Q3:What breed in your experience is easiest to train?

Thisquestion is hardly fair! Of course, every dogbreed is trainable, butsome dogs are able to excel much more than others. Breedsthat were made for specific jobs –working breeds – are normally the quickest learners and mosteager to please.

Peopleoften think too little of socializing their dog orpuppy, thinking that going for walks around the block is enough. Ifonly they knew that most behavioralproblems can be prevented by taking the time to properlysocialize their dog! Puppies and all dogsshould be taken to new environments and terrains(the beach, hardware store, the bank, family BBQ’s) as muchas possible. I always take my dog toball games, fairs,family functions and anywhere that my dog is allowed.

Thesuccess rate is really good with our method andtechniques. And while it alwaysdependson how much effort is put into it by the owner, almost any problem canbecorrected.

Q5:Whatare your top tips when it comes to stopping your dogfrom peeing around the House?

Takethe dog or puppy out every 45 minutes to an hour on aleash to their designated potty area. Praise immediately ifthey pee outside, not when you get back in thehouse! If there’s apuddle in the house,mop it up with a clean sponge and take it outside with the dog. Wipeit on the grass and let your dog sniffit. Be sure to clean up thespot in thehouse with an enzyme cleaner (not bleach!) to completely get rid of thesmell,or they will pee there again.

Q9:Whatis the best dog food? Dry, moist, grain free, raw orshould owner make their own dog food?

Personally,I like the convenience of a good quality,grain-free dry kibble. Moist or wetcanned dog food tends to give a dog bad breath, and quickly builds upplaque ontheir teeth. The healthiest optionis aquality raw diet – however, it’s not always themost convenient. But with somedogs (like mine!) having sensitive skin or allergies, the flexibilityof a rawdiet allows for experimentation to find a diet that does not aggravatethedog’s allergies.

Thatbeing said, there is a new dehydrated raw dog food (ina somewhat kibble form) that has all the benefits of a raw diet, withtheconvenience dry kibble, which is excellent.

Inthe end, though, you have to find what works best foryour own dog by trial and error. Toseeif your dog is doing well on his food, look for: asoft, glossy coat and healthy-looking skin,firm stools and no flatulence.

Q10:Whatis your favorite dog breed and the best breed to havearound children?

Myfavorite dog breed…. Again, I don’t have onesinglefavorite! I love the BelgianMalinoisfor it’s agility, good temperament and trainability. I’malso a fan of the Dogue de Bordeaux, orFrench Mastiff. Ilove the fact thatsuch a huge dog can be trained and all that power can be harnessed intoawonderful companion. In general, Ipersonally like large breeds the best.

Asfor which breed is the “best” for children,that’s again,not a very fair question. Any breed canbe good with children, as long as they have been properly socialized asa puppyand are obedience trained. No matterwhat breed you go with, never leave them unattended with children. Anythingcan happen, even with the bestdog. Large breeds can beclumsy and caneasily knock over a small child, while some small breeds tend to havelesspatience with children (i.e. Chihuahua).

Shannon,thanks so much for taking the time out of your busy scheduleand answering some of our readers questions.

If you are keen to use Shannon’s dog training services why not take alook at her site at www.precision-dog-training.com

Dog Training Interview, Methods to Stop Dog Barking, Crate …

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Special Features Of Dog Kennels

Dogs are just like people who must be provided with a clean, friendly and secured environment. They too are living beings who have the right to enjoy what life has to offer. As you get a pet dog to care for, it becomes your responsibility to provide it with the best care which you are most possible to render.

Most of the states in America clearly specify the need to cater for a proper housing environment to the dogs whether it is indoor or outdoor. There are of course the neighborhood organizations petitioning on the bandwagon that the pet dogs should at all times be only confined inside their owners’ territories. As it is common, there are people who are responsible in catching stray dogs. Therefore, dog kennels which are placed outside must be surrounded by reliable fences.

It is your sole concern to think of a better way to confine your pet dog inside a kennel but of course, you must ensure that the dog kennel must be able to fully serve its purpose. Outdoor kennels must not allow your pet dogs to wander away during the night and become a nuisance to the neighborhood. It is important that you take full responsibility in keeping your dog away from troubles and employing dog kennels is an ultimate solution.

Take a good look at the following tips for choosing your dog kennel special features:

Look at the location. Outdoor and indoor dog kennels contain different features. Of course, if you plan to situate the dog kennel outside of your home, you must adopt to a varied set up. Usually, the indoor dog kennel special features involve that of being made up of chain link, wire, or the plastic. It is also smaller in size. Meanwhile, the dog kennel fit to be used outdoors is relatively larger and composed of the chain link fence. Therefore, you must decide on the exact location of your dog kennel before you actually push through with buying it.

Consider the size. One of the dog kennel special features is that it has varied sizes. You must ensure that the dog kennel must be comfortable enough that the dog can move about easily. There has to be enough space for the dog to play and rest. So if your pet spills its water or messes around, it will not be soaked to its bones. The size of the dog kennel that you must buy must depend as well on the available space inside your home or in your backyard.

Pay importance to the material of the dog kennel. Another dog kennel special feature is about the durable materials which it is made of. The tougher and sturdier the materials are, the longer lasting the dog kennel will be. The plastic dog kennels are easily ruined by some breeds of the dogs that are usually very movable and playful. At times, they are able to regularly escape from their dog kennels. Indoor dog kennel options include those made up of chain, wire, or plastic whereas for the outdoor dog kennel, the best choice is the one that is made of chain link.

Ensure the comfort within the dog kennel. The dog kennel to be placed outdoors must be secured with roof cover to protect the dog from rain, cold, and sunlight. It is useless to provide a home for your dog when it lacks comfort within its confines.

Dog kennel special features vary. As you shop for a particular dog kennel, it is important that you focus on the dog kennel special features that come available with your choice.

Special Features Of Dog Kennels

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Matching a Dog Kennel to Your Dog | Dog Kennel Guide

Matching a Dog Kennel to Your Dog

Dog Kennels are a useful tool for any kind of dog and any kind of family. From outdoor and indoor housing to daily training and transportation, they can help a pet fit better into any busy household. They provide pets a safe and comfortable space while traveling, and can make them feel secure at home, too.

When searching dog kennels for sale, keep a few things in mind. For example, a heavy wire crate is best for a pet that may chew through plastic dog kennels Comments

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Matching a Dog Kennel to Your Dog | Dog Kennel Guide

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Crate Training a Dog – What You Must Know

Most dog owners don’t seem to think that crate training a dog is overly beneficial and a lot of people think that it can be cruel. When you first look into utilizing a crate you’ll quickly discover that it might be a good habit to have your dog use too, especially if you work a regular schedule.

Crates are a great way to keep your dog in one area while you are gone to diminish the chances of them having accidents throughout your home. Crates come in many different sizes so that you can get one that will fit your dog’s size properly. With a crate you will want a size that will allow your dog to move around a little bit but not have too much extra space as then they may be tempted to soil the crate.

When you first consider crate training a dog you will want to take the time to get your dog comfortable with the crate. Consider making it a common spot for them to want to be for sleeping and they’ll be less likely to complain when you put them in it. Not all dogs will enjoy being locked up, but if you are consistent with using it they’ll begin to understand that this is where they go when you are not going to be around. Try using it when you are home at first so that they don’t feel abandoned and have the time to become comfortable with the area as this can be a drastic change if they are use to roaming around when you are gone.

Crate Training a Dog – What You Must Know

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Homemade Dog Bed Ideas

Every dog deserves a bed, but not every dog owner can afford to buy one. If you’re in that situation, perhaps these homemade dog bed ideas will be helpful.

There are several things to keep in mind when you’re thinking about making a bed for your dog:

Where will the dog use the bed?
What type of climate do you live in?
How big is your dog?
What kinds of materials do you have access to and plan to use?
How thick would you like the bed to be?
How soon does your dog need a bed?

Where will your dog use the bed?

Indoor beds can be found inside dog crates, in corners, in various locations in rooms throughout a house, or inside vehicles. Consider where you will want to put it before you start. With careful planning and measuring, you can create a bed that is shaped to fit neatly in a corner of a room out of the way. See the Dog Bed Patterns link at the end of this article for ideas for shapes.

Outdoor beds can be located inside a dog kennel, a dog run, or consist of a cot that places the dog above the ground and that can be placed anywhere in the yard.

What type of climate do you live in?

If you have cold winters, you may want to consider a thicker bed than if you are in a warmer climate. Remember that a dog will be lying close the floor which will be the coldest layer in a house.

If you live in a warmer place where fleas are a problem, you may consider building a dog bed out of PVC that is then covered with canvas or mesh. You can also take out the upholstery from an old loveseat and use that for the frame.

How big will the bed need to be?

A larger dog bed will require more materials than a smaller one – the chief reason that they cost so much more to buy. However, thrift stores, old couches and mattresses can yield large quantities of free or low-cost materials. Then it’s simply a matter of making sure the bed will be big enough for your dog and fit in the space you plan to put it in. It’s best to measure your dog while he/she is lying down fully stretched out as well as curled up. A bed that’s a little too big will be preferable to one that’s too small. (Your dog may not mind but you’ll probably feel bad if the fit isn’t right).

What kinds of materials will you use?

Sources of materials in thrift stores include old quilts, pillows and sleeping bags as well as upholstery or curtain fabric that can be used to cover foam pillows. Talk to the folks at an upholstery shop and see if they have inexpensive remnant pieces of foam in the size you want.
Old couch cushions are another wonderful source for dog beds. In fact, you can make a bed for a medium sized dog from just two old cushions (see DIY Free Dog Bed link at bottom).
You can also simply use an old daybed, sofa, or love seat and not have to do anything except throw a sheet or quilt over it. (That worked at night with our German Shepherd mix, Comet, when we traveled in the RV, and he now chooses it as his prerogative when we leave him home alone!)
Or you can use the frame from a couch/daybed/sofa to create the base for a bed.
Another possibility that would require quite a bit of cutting would be to take layers of old carpet or carpet padding and stack them on top of one another, perhaps wrapped in a sheet or quilt.
For an outside cot, put together a frame from Schedule 40 PVC and then attach canvas or some other strong material using grommets or several lines of sewing with heavy duty thread.

How thick will your dog bed need to be?

For a dog that is older with some aches and pains, a thicker bed will be more desirable. In fact, at least 7 inches of non-compressible foam is recommended for an orthopedic dog bed. That would equal close to two average couch cushions in height. To test a piece of foam for compressibility, pinch it between your thumb and forefinger.

How soon does your dog need a bed?

If you have unexpectedly acquired a dog (this seems to happen quite regularly), you can simply take an old quilt and fold it into a size that fits. An old foam piece that is big enough can be sandwiched in between the layers for a more cushioned effect, or use old carpet or carpet padding, sleeping bags or towels for the same purpose. A discarded sheet can be placed over the top and it can be shaken out daily and washed occasionally until you can create a more permanent bed. This type of pad works well inside a vehicle or dog crate too.

Well, here’s hoping these homemade dog bed ideas will be of use to you so that your dog can have all the comforts of home.

Homemade Dog Bed Ideas

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Puppy Training Tips That You Can Apply at Home

Bringing a new puppy into your home is always a treat. The family is excited. The puppy is adorable. Your puppy also seems to do only three things at the moment, sleep, eat and eliminate. Some puppy training tips are required in order whether you are a new dog owner or a seasoned one, because there are always new techniques or tips that you can learn.

Before you bring your new puppy into your home, you should decide exactly where this elimination process should take place. Are you planning to paper train your pet? Perhaps you are going to litter box train that cute, fuzzy puppy? Yes, puppies can be litter trained. If you are a stay at home person you may choose a designated area outdoors, either in your yard or on a leash.

There could be accident happens in your house during the first few weeks. So, you should prepare yourself first. You might also need odor eliminator or bitter apple spray to spray on places that you puppy has eliminated accidentally. This will prevent your puppy from going to that place and redo the mistake.

The most important puppy training tips are to be diligent and patient. Just as human babies are not born knowing that the diaper routine is temporary, so is your puppy doesn’t know where or when it is appropriate to take care of normal body functions. Changing the routine midway will just confuse the puppy and irritate you.

The earlier you begin your training, the more receptive your puppy will be. They are at a stage where learning something new to please you is very exciting. Rewards such as treats or simply praise may be your method.

You can find so many puppy training tips on the internet. There are theorists galore who would like you to follow their methods and pat them on the back. Again just like every child is different, so is every puppy. Finding puppy training tips that are flexible but workable is a task that you can perform quite easily.

The ideal situation is to find the puppy training tips that fit best into your lifestyle. How patient are you? What breed of dog are you training? Is your puppy among the stubborn variety that tests you on a daily basis?

It is probably easier to train a lab than it is to train a terrier. Opinions differ as much as the breeds and their respective owners. The most important thing to consider is where does your lifestyle and puppy fit in to the grand scheme of things? If you are new to puppy ownership and trial and error method may be your first choices. An easier choice is to locate puppy training tips that will fit both you and your pet.

Look for puppy training tips that are suited to you and your puppy. Are you in an apartment or home with a fenced yard? Are you at home all day or do you work outside the home? Are there children who will participate in the training or is it an adult home? All of these things are the areas to be considered before you embark on a consistent and diligent training method.

Puppy Training Tips That You Can Apply at Home

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Crate Training Dogs Has Many Benefits | ThePetWorld 's Blog

There are many benefits to crate training dogs. You will be able to house train your dog with the crate method very easily. In the old days people tried to keep their dog from urinating or defecating in the house by scolding the dog when it was in the act. They would hit the dog with a rolled up newspaper or shove the dog’s nose in the urine or excrement.

This is not the way to house-break your dog and will usually make the dog nervous and submissive. If you catch your puppy urinating or defecating, make a loud noise to distract it, take the dog outside and let him finish the act.

Reward the dog for doing his business outside.

You need to use a crate to teach the dog not to go inside your house. The dog does not normally urinate or defecate in the same place where it sleeps. Buy a crate that will fit the puppy as it grows older. This is easily accomplished by getting a crate that has removable panels.

You will not want to put the crate in the same room as yours at night because the puppy will probably whine. However, the dog may have to go to be let out of the crate during the night to do its business.

It will be important to establish a schedule both during the day and at night when you regularly let your dog out to do his business.

One way to address this issue is to take your dog outside when you get up to use the bathroom. By doing this the dog will know when to expect to be let out and will not become anxious.

You can also use the crate to keep your dog from tearing up the house when you are gone. This is especially true for puppies that may be teething and like to chew. Use the crate as a comfortable place for your puppy to retreat and not as place for punishment.

Most dogs enjoy their crate. Dogs are domesticated pack animals so a crate has the feeling of a den. This is a place where they can escape when they are afraid or anxious, and where they feel safe. When you are introducing your dog to a crate, it will be important to gradually increase the time you put them in the crate with the door shut. Start with just a few minutes and gradually work up, in this way your dog will not feel abandoned.

If you are going to feed your dog in the crate, it will be important to let it out to do its business right after you feed it.

Never leave food in the crate, but rather feed your dog then let it out and remove the food from the crate. This will help to avoid any accidents when your dog is locked in their crate.

You will also want to get your pet used to a crate if you plan to travel with you dog. If you travel by air and want you dog to take the trip with you then the dog has to be used to riding in a crate. The airline also has its rules. You want to call to make sure you understand what the requirements are to transport a pet by crate.

The dog might need to have certain vaccines and license for the airline to accept it. One way to introduce your dog to the crate is to make it an enjoyable experience. Make it a positive situation. You can lure the dog in with dog treats. Never yell at the dog if it does not do what you want it to do.

When you go in with this attitude the dog will pick this up and will naturally use the crate as you want it to use it. Be patient with your dog and you will both be happy.

There are many different styles and designs of crates. Some dogs prefer to have the ability to see outside their crate, while others like the cave-like atmosphere of an enclosed crate. If it’s possible to do some testing of different styles of crates to find the one your pet will like the best will save you money and time when you are training them to use the crate.

TW Bell has been involved in small animal business for more than 15 years. He has raised dogs most of his life. He specializes in dogs and rabbit care. He enjoys all small animals and teaching the correct way to care for animals. He is the owner T&R Bell Enterprises LLC which has learning pages about the care of animals.

CratesKennels.com

T&R Bell Enterprises LLC

Author: Tim W Bell | Source: ezinearticles.com

Crate Training Dogs Has Many Benefits | ThePetWorld 's Blog

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Why do you crate your dog?

I’ve had 4 dogs in my whole life and I’ve never had to cage them. I’ve seen on the dog forum the majority of you guys believe in crate training and also paying some one to train your dog. What is this? Why do you even adopt a dog if you want to keep him like a prisoner in a cage? Do you think they are honestly happy being in there? My dog likes my apartment as his den and the couch as his bed. Of course they will pee or poop when they are young but with a little training they will fit in your house just like a family member and there will be no need to put them in a little metal cage where they can’t even stretch their legscurits having 4 dogs = no experience? You are wrong. One of them has lived for 16 years I think i have a lot of experience. Maybe you if you had more experience you wouldn’t have adopted a dog with your facny white carpets. Most people who think of getting a dog have a back yard. My carpet and my leather couch are completely crap and piss free. Sounds to me like you have no experience if you can’t train a dog with out throwing them in a little metal cage or you are afraid they might bite you hahaYes he can go to the vet, they love him he walks in with out a leash. He goes in the car with me all the time. Dogs are pack animals too and they don’t like being locked in a cage. You can keep telling your self that as much as you want.

Why do you crate your dog?

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I don't get this riddle; How many dogs can you fit in a kennel …

April 18 2010 06:09 am | get fit

I don't get this riddle; How many dogs can you fit in a kennel …

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Indoor Dog Kennels: Decisions | The Best Dog Kennels

Sometimes it can be difficult to decide on which type of indoor dog kennel to get for your dog. Indoor dog kennels come in many different varieties. You could go with a plastic indoor dog kennel or you may even decided to get a high end wooden dog kennel so that you have one that matches your furniture. Of course the most important thing to keep in mind is your dog’s comfort. The best way to assure this is to make sure your dog can easily stand in the kennels and turn around without bumping his head.

Another thing to look for when setting up a dog kennel for your dog’s comfort is to make sure that there will be a significant amount of air flow. If you are in a cold climate then it would be best to get something that will be a bit more insulated, such as a plastic dog kennel or you could always purchase a small dog kennel heater. This same principal can be applied with hotter climates. Looking for a kennels that is more open, like a metal crate style dog kennel would be good and looking for a so kennel fan would also help to make sure the dog is comfortable. Of course many of these things will not be as prominent inside of a home, but you must remember that a dog cannot adjust the ac. Sometimes just placing a blanket inside of the kennel for the dog will help keep him comfortable. He can move it around as he sees fit.

After you dog’s comfort there are a few other thing to look for when looking to buy an indoor dog kennels for sale. Of course you want to make sure that the kennel will be reliable. You wouldn’t want to get something that your dog will chew through in no time. Making the best choice about this is also about knowing your dog. If your dog is a chewer it may best best to stay away from bamboo dog kennels and fabric dog kennels. It may be best to stick with metal crate dog kennels and plastic dog kennels instead.

You will also want to consider whether you need a large indoor dog kennel or a small indoor dog kennel. This will depend on your purpose for the kennel. If you simply want a space for the dog to retreat to and call his space perhaps a larger kennels will make him feel more that it is his home where he can bring toys and chew on his bone. If you are trying to potty train your dog then a small indoor dog kennel will be more appropriate. Of course this also depends on the size of your dog, but as discussed this is determined by having the dog be able to comfortably go around in a circle inside of the kennel.

Deciding on your priorities is the best first step in making a choice in buying an indoor dog kennel. A cheap indoor dog kennel may not always fit all of your priorities when you really stop to think about them. It would be good to write them down before making a decision.

How to Choose a Kennel

Indoor Dog Kennels: Decisions | The Best Dog Kennels