4 Dog Etiquette Tips

Most people just don't realize how important doggie etiquette can be. They just don't get the fact that as a dog owner they have certain things that they are responsible for about their dog's behavior. So let's talk about a few of those doggie do's and don'ts. 

Jumping On People 

This is a big one! It is just really wrong to allow your dog to jump on people. Your dog could knock them down if it is a big dog and even scratch them or get them dirty. It's just plain wrong. 

So how do you keep it from happening, simple, training? Yes, training your dog not to jump on people is really not difficult and will allow your dog to be welcome in more places around people. If you just simply are not going to take the time to train then KEEP your dog on leash and far enough away from people so it cannot jump on them. This is the doggie etiquette #1 rule. 

Pick Up The Poo 

Yes for those dog owners that walk their dogs through the neighborhood be a good neighbor and pick up your dog's poop in the neighbor's yard. As a dog owner I am sure that you wouldn't want strange dog poop in your yard so simply do unto others and pick up the poop. It's easy and your neighbors will love you. 

Barking Dogs 

Does your dog bark all day in the backyard while you are at work? If so you probably have some unhappy neighbors. It can keep the person that works nights awake during the day and the neighbor's baby can't sleep, you get the idea. 

So how can you fix it? Here are just a couple of ideas. Bring your dog into the house while you are gone. You can use a crate if you are concerned about your dog being destructive. The second option is a quick fix by investing in a bark collar. Bark collars are much more sophisticated than in years past and it can be an easy solution that will have your neighbors loving you again. 

Dog Parks 

This is a big one and has a lot of dog owners concerned at the dog park. When you bring your dog to a dog park keep an eye on it. Dog parks are not a place for you to bring your dog so that the other dog owners have to watch it and scold it when it gets out of line or a bit too aggressive. It's your job so take it seriously. 

These are just a few tips that you should consider if you really want to be a good thoughtful dog owner. Your family, neighbors and friends will love you and your dog for taking the time to do these things.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?4-Dog-Etiquette-Tips&id=9209090

A Poorly Behaved Dog, Not Separation Anxiety

I have written about separation anxiety many times and I always mention that it is always possible that the dog is not suffering from separation but is simply a poorly behaved dog. Well, I just found another poorly behaved dog that was misdiagnosed and I thought I would tell you how we solved the problem.

This dog was a 9 month old lab mix that came from a shelter and then was moved a couple of more times with its new family. The owners were using a wire crate (YUCK) for the dog when they were at work. Unfortunately, the dog had learned how to escape and was doing it on a regular basis.

The new family vet suggested medication along with training and behavior modification to help solve the problem.

When I met the dog owners they had already received complaints from neighbors along with a warning letter from their new apartment management.

We started the training and the dog seemed to do well with its new exercises however it was still noisy when they were at work so they decided to leave it loose in the apartment while they were gone. That wasn't good because it became destructive and started a new bad habit chewing.

When I received their phone call asking for help they told me this was the final chance for the dog it had to be fixed or else it was back to a shelter. I hated hearing that but understood so I suggested a new plastic crate that gives more of a den feeling than the old wire crate and a bark collar.

They followed my instruction and got the bark collar as well as an internet camera so that they could see what was going on with their dog using an app on their smartphones. The barking continued even with the bark collar properly fitted.

That evening they took the final step and purchased a plastic dog crate set it up and allowed the dog to play some retrieve the treat from the crate games. The next morning the dog went in the crate as they left for work. The dog barked for less than 5 minutes and then quit. Yes, peace for the neighbors at last.

So was it separation anxiety, no. That was my diagnosis from the beginning. What fixed the problem the bark collar? He barked through it with the wire crate. Was it the new den like crate? I think it helped tremendously. I have had several clients switch from wire to plastic with very similar results.

If you have a dog that barks and whines in the wire crate upgrade to plastic and see if that solved the problem. Remember that separation anxiety is not always the problem.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Poorly-Behaved-Dog,-Not-Separation-Anxiety&id=9029095

Should I Use A Bark Collar On My Dog?

Is your dog making a racket in the backyard and bothering you as well as every neighbor within hearing distance? If so it sounds like you need to do something to make the barking go away and fast, before somebody calls the law.

Dogs bark, that's how they communicate with us and with each other. In fact most dog owners don't mind a bit of barking to get our attention, to tell us somebody is outside or to warn us of danger. However none of us want a dog that barks constantly.

In some communities your barking dog can get you a ticket and even a very large fine. If you live in an apartment a barking dog may get you served with an eviction notice. So how do we control the barking.

The quickest sure fire way to get the barking under control before you get yourself fined and / or homeless is to use a bark collar. If you select the right collar you can get almost instant results. When it comes to bark collars you have choices.

There are several different types of bark collars so lets talk about them so you can get an idea of what you should be able to expect from each one.

Citronella Collar

First we have the citronella collar. When your dog barks it get a blast of citronella in the nose. Most dogs don't like the smell and the idea is that they quit barking to avoid the smell. Unfortunately they are not the greatest when it comes to working well. It seems that most people say it just did not work with their dog.

Bark Collar

The second collar to talk about is the ultrasonic collar. This one make a noise that the dog can hear but you can't. The noise is a high pitched noise that most dogs prefer to avoid. Again works with some dog and not with others.

The third collar is the vibrating

Bark Collar

collar. It actually vibrates on the dog and distracts it from the barking. Dog owners like this collar because their is no discomfort to the dog merely a distracting vibration. This collar is definitely worth a try.

Bark Collar

The final collar is the bark collar we are all familiar with, the one that causes a very mild static shock. Before we go on let me explain that it isn't as bad as it sounds however it is very effective. These collars can be programmed at different levels of stimulation and most allow a couple of barks before they activate. These collars are very effective. In fact if you are facing a large fine or life on the street this is the one I would go for.

I hope this information gives you some ideas about what you feel would be best for your dog and it's barking problems. Don't forget there is always doggie day care while you are gone during the day!

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Should-I-Use-A-Bark-Collar-On-My-Dog?&id=8667341

5 Ways To Effectively Stop Excessive Barking in Dogs

Barking is natural for canines but when it keeps you up at night or when the neighbors start to complain, something must be done. When they bark, it means they are trying to tell us something. The most common reasons are to seek attention, to establish a territory, boredom, excitement, fear or even loneliness. It is important to find the main reason for the bad behavior and resolve it, but here are some other proven ways to stop excessive barking in dogs:

Lessen distractions

One of the most common reasons why a dog barks is different stimuli within the environment he's in. Canines get excited easily, they usually bark when they see someone pass by a window, when someone rings the doorbell or when they see another pooch outside. Start by closing the windows in your home or putting him in an area in your home where there are least distractions, especially at night.

Train your dog

Teach your dog some simple, basic commands that will help stop the problem. You can teach him the "Stop Command" with the stop hand gesture whenever he barks or even some verbal cues like "Quiet". Be patient when training your dog and don't expect him to learn overnight. Don't forget to reward him with treats when he reaches a milestone during training.

Redirect his attention

When he starts barking, observe what triggers it - it may be every time someone comes to visit or when meal time is near. One way to deal is to break your furry friend's attention from the present situation. Redirect his attention to his favorite toy, inviting him outside or giving him treats.

Provide him with physical activities

Dogs naturally full of energy and one cause of excessive barking may be from the lack of mental and physical activities. Daily walks or a game of fetch will help use up this energy and tire him out throughout the day.

Use a bark collar

This must be used as a last resort and it is ideal to consult your vet first. Some bark collars spritzes a dog with citronella (an unpleasant scent for them) or emits a high-pitched noise when it detects vibrations in the vocal chords. It has been effective to many dogs and has stopped excessive barking.

Try these simple tips to stop excessive barking in dogs - no more neighbor complaints and quiet nights will be here before you know it!

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Ways-To-Effectively-Stop-Excessive-Barking-in-Dogs&id=9738351