You Must Admit You Have An Aggressive Dog

One thing that always amazes me is how a dog owner will not admit that they have an aggressive dog. They come up with all types of excuses and reasons why the dog is showing aggression and it is never the dog's fault.

If you have read any of my articles on dog aggression you know that I have mentioned that aggression has become an epidemic. Yes, you would be really surprised what a large percentage of dogs have aggression towards other dogs, people and sometimes even members of their human families.

I always explain to an aggressive dog owner that to be successful with rehabilitating an aggressive dog they first have to admit that there is a problem. Without that the training and behavior modification is usually merely a waste of the dog and the owner's time and the dog does not get better.

Once I have that commitment from the owner the process of rehabilitating the dog can begin. The next commitment I need from an owner is that they will be willing to work with the dog at least once a day for no more than a 15-minute training session.

Of course, repetition is the number one principle of dog training so if the owner has the time 2 or 3 sessions a day is even better. I do tell them however that if they can only train once a day they will be amazed at what they will be able to accomplish with their dog and how quickly the dog's attitude toward the owner, the ALPHA, will change.

Besides the obedience exercises that the dog needs rehabilitation will also include some behavior modification. Each dog needs something different and we actually design a behavior modification program that is specific for each individual dog.

Rehabilitating a dog that is showing aggression does involve work and commitment from the owner. On some occasions the dog owner is not willing to commit and instead chooses to find a new home for the dog and in extreme cases even have the dog euthanized.

Rehabilitating or rehoming is always a decision that the owner and family must make and there is not one right answer instead it has to do with the commitment that the owner is able and willing to offer.

Remember, that a very large percentage of aggressive dogs are that way because they did not receive proper socialization as puppies. When you get the next puppy make sure that you find a well-qualified trainer that can teach you how to properly socialize your puppy.

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3 Things You Will Love About A Labrador Retriever

OK, let's be honest what isn't there to like about a lab. If you've ever owned a lab you know what fantastic pets they make and if you haven't owned a lab previously I hope this article will help you decide to choose a lab for your next pet.

 

I think one of the things I like best about labs is their friendly nature to people and other dogs as well. Now don't get me wrong just like with every puppy it needs to be socialized so it stays friendly as it gets older. So if you socialize your dog properly at a young age you should have a dog that's wonderful with children, strange environments, other dogs and other people. It just seems like they love everybody and everything. 

A Labrador is perfect for the active family. Whether you're the type of person that likes to go for long walks or hikes in the woods this dog is for you. If you and your family spend a lot of time on the water your dog will love to be with you because labs love the water. 

Now don't get me wrong a lab requires a lot of exercise. In fact if you pick up a good book it might suggest that your lab needs to run 3 miles a day. Not everybody can pull that one off but for the jogger he's the perfect animal for the household. 

Training a lab is usually really easy. It just seems like they were made for obedience and of course they make great working dogs including hunting and any type of detection work including drugs and arson. The Labrador retriever is a dog that wants to please. 

If you want to compete in AKC obedience trials this just might be the perfect dog for you because of their willing nature to perform the obedience exercises. 

In fact if you've ever gone to the county fair you may have seen the dogs doing the dock jumping where they actually jump off of the dock and into the water. They are judged on the distance the dog can jump. If you enjoyed that your lab may be the perfect candidate to get you involved in that type of competition. 

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Now don't get me wrong a lab puppy can be a handful in fact I tell people that it will be a pup until it's about 2 ½ to 3 years old. However, once it matures you will have a faithful companion that will always want to be at your side. 

Don't let the book or the movie about Marley the lab scare you away, even though he was a complete handful he still had his wonderful moments and most labs are like that. So go out and make that next dog a lab, you'll love it.

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5 Tips To Combat Canine Hyperactivity

Dogs make great pets because of their fantastic attitude toward life, always happy. However if your dog has too much energy there are a few things you can do to help calm him down.

1. Give it something to do to eliminate his energy. Even something as simple as going through his obedience exercises can help calm him down and sometimes actually has a way of wearing him out.

2. You can play games with your dog to work his muscles. Most dogs will always love a game of retrieve or even maybe a little Frisbee for some exercise. If your dog doesn't like to do either of those you might try a good game of hide and seek. Dogs love to go find something. It can be as simple as hide the toy or you can actually hide while somebody holds your dog and lets it go when you are ready.

3. Another way to combat the excess energy is by getting him involved in a dog sport. Agility, fly ball or even competitive Frisbee can be really great ways to get you dog a regular workout. Even training your dog to track can be very exciting for you and your dog and give him a great way to eliminate that extra energy.

4. If the dog park is a place you both enjoy then take a regular trip to the dog park for a great workout and a run with the dogs. Going to your favorite dog park a couple of times a week can make a huge difference in your dogs attitude and get rid of that hyperactive attitude.

5. Last but not least and a favorite for a lot of active people is going for a long walk or a good old run. If you are the type of person that goes for a daily run teach your dog to run beside you nicely and take him with you. A run is good for your overall health and it's good for your dogs as well.

Just like children, your pet needs several options to exercise their bodies daily. A hyperactive dog is likely just bored, so be sure to try these tips to tire your pooch out and enjoy some peace and quiet.

One of my favorite sayings is "a trained dog is a happy dog and an exhausted dog is even happier", so train your dog and wear him out. I promise that if you do he will love you for it.

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