Your Guide To Dog Rescue

Sadly, not all dogs receive love in return for the love they are capable of giving. Unfortunately, animal shelters are overcrowded with lots and lots of unwanted dogs.

Petting a dog can be a very joyful experience. The love that these dogs can bring into our lives is invaluable. Mark Twain once famously said, "The more I know about people, the more I love my dog."

Many stray dogs end up at animal shelters every year, so these facilities are always seeking people wanting to adopt and volunteers willing to assist at the shelter.

Trying to help these animals is a productive and worthwhile endeavor, and it's easier than what many people believe. Below I will explain how you can get involved.

The first step is to find a dog rescue shelter. These shelters are located all over the country, and most can be found on the internet or online directories. Before starting your search, take some time to consider what kind of shelter you want to visit.

Several shelters only house certain breeds and specific sizes of dogs, so you should be aware of this information if you are seeking a particular type of dog. Once you know your requirements, it should be easy to search for a shelter.

The search for a dog is the less stressful part of the process. Dog rescue becomes difficult after adopting a canine because you have to train your pet and get them used to their new home.

Begin by teaching basic commands

You can begin the training process by teaching your dog to respond to some elementary orders like "sit" or "stay." This beginning interaction will help to create and strengthen a bond between you both and will help your relationship grow.

Use the commands consistently

During the initial training, ensure every person is giving your dog the same commands. Actually, dogs like rules because it helps them better understand their new home and family and builds confidence.

Always use positive methods in your training

People experience difficulty learning new tasks when they are stressed or anxious, and so do dogs. Dogs should be in a calm and attentive state in order to understand what they are being taught.

In fact, treat it as training for both of you. The dog is learning how to live in your house, and you are learning how to train and interact with your dog.

Now of course not every person will be willing to adopt a dog for various reasons. If you wish to help with dog rescue without adoption, there are many ways to do so.

You can volunteer with an animal shelter in your area but first, check online to see which shelters need assistance from volunteers. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is often in need of volunteers, so this is a place to get started at.

If not, you can simply donate food or money to a local shelter.

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How to Select a New Dog for Your Family

When selecting a new dog to take home there are many things to think about and to take into consideration. For instance, the biggest question to ask yourself is why you want a dog? Do you have children who have been begging you for one, or have you decided you need a dog outside to warn of intruders? Maybe you had one as a child and miss the companionship the dog gave you. For whatever reason, dogs can bring families closer and leave you with a sense of fulfillment-however you should know that not all dogs are good for every situation.

If you are selecting a new dog for your children, think about starting with a puppy. Puppies are more sociable and adaptable, and you will get to train them according to your needs. In addition, there's nothing quite as satisfying as watching your new puppy grow up alongside your kids.

Next, you will need to decide on male or female when selecting your new dog. Remember that males tend to be bigger in stature than females, who stay relatively more petite. Males are also more dominant and aggressive in certain breeds.

Temperament should also be checked when selecting a new dog. To do this, simply hold the dog in your arms and tip him on his back (if size allows). If he struggles consistently, this may mean he will take more patience in training. If he lays there, genuinely calm, you can be rest assured he is mild tempered and will be easy to work with. In addition, clap your hands, or make other loud or sudden movements. A mild tempered dog will look curiously at you, while a shy or nervous dog will be startled or shy away.

It's important to always research the breeds you are looking at when selecting a new dog. Make sure you are going to have time to care for whichever one you choose. Depending on the breed, he may need more exercise, training or special climate. For example, a cocker spaniel will take a lot of grooming time and expense because of his luxurious coat.

Although selecting a new dog may seem like a no-brainer, you need to carefully consider the place that you will purchase your dog from. If dealing with a breeder, be sure that he/or she is respectable and dedicated to the standard of breeding itself, and not just in it for the money. Some breeders truly care about their dogs, while others simply don't, and that means that the puppy may not be socialized or might have been treated roughly or poorly. If you are going to buy a dog from the pet store, it's a good idea to ask around or make phone calls to other families who have bought from the same pet store.

Whether you are looking for a big dog or small dog for your family, if you include thought and common sense in selecting your new dog, you should be able to find the perfect one for you. Your new dog will offer you a lasting, loving relationship that is sure to be fulfilling for all of you.

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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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5 Key Training Tips for First Time Dog Parents

Dogs are wired to follow a leader, so it is important to establish your role as the leader right away. Tone and body language are perceivable by dogs, so they may test certain behaviors such as barking or chewing if they observe your demeanor as weak and persuadable.

Take initiative in showing confidence from the early stages of your relationship. It may seem natural to constantly shower your pet with affection, but remember to remain stern on house rules and assertive in your training approach.

2. Consistency is key.

One of the most influential principles in learning how to train your dog is consistency with rules and commands. Stay firm on what is allowed and not allowed by deciding on "house rules" as soon as your new dog arrives. If your pet sees inconsistencies or receives rewards for unwanted behavior, it may confuse him and result in picking up bad habits.

Your dog will notice who allows him to get away with different behaviors. Make sure to alert all household members and house guests of the rules to create a support system for your furry loved one.

3. Make a dog nest.

Pets, like humans, need a space of their own. Set up a place where your dog can sleep and rest undisturbed by other pets or other family members. This is their comfort zone, so try adding blankets or her favorite chew toys for that extra coziness. If you're training your dog to stay off the bed, keep her spot close by so she knows where to go during bedtime while still feeling the security of being close to you.

4. Be mindful of your dog's name.

Picking a name for your new puppy or dog is something you may love to do, but make sure to look for names with a strong consonant ending for easier training. Though Trixie may sound cute as a pet name, dogs respond better to names such as Amber, Morgan or Peanut.

If your pet previously came from a shelter, chances are he has a temporary name that he may be used to. Thankfully your dog is an adaptable creature and will likely respond to his new name over time.

5. Have fun!

Learning how to train your dog may seem daunting, but think of it as precious bonding moments you will never forget. Make it enjoyable by holding training sessions outdoors or in your favorite spot of the house. Your dog will associate happy times with training times and a more pleasant experience for you both. To end sessions on a positive note, add some loving praise on a job well done so your pet comes back excited, ready for more.

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How to Train Your Dog Yourself

State of Mind - Start training in a positive, calm state of mind. Don't start a training session if you are going to be or even feel rushed, or have other things on your mind that influence your emotions. Dogs are sensitive to our feelings and body language and know how we feel better than we do at times. Your state of mind during training will influence your dog's performance.

Enough Time to Train - Often, training sessions can be too long or too short. It's going to take many sessions to get the desired behavior from your dog. Some breeds learn faster than others, so you have to know where your dog ranks in mental stamina. If you force a bored dog to train, you will likely cause the dog to lose interest in the training and become bratty and disinterested. Remember this - 10 one minute sessions are more effective than 1 ten minute session.

Don't Stop Training Once Goal Is Achieved - It's tempting to stop training altogether after a dog masters a behavior and just expect the dog to retain the skill whenever you want to show it off. However, you won't be very impressive if your dog is out of practice. You don't have to continue with numerous formal training sessions on a daily basis, you can relax a little. It's best to surprise your dog with the command on a random walk or during play once in a while to reinforce the learning. It makes it fun for you and the dog, which also helps strengthen the bond between you both.

Don't Repeat Commands Seconds Apart - We are all guilty of this at some point. Being inpatient and asking the dog do something like "sit", too many times before the dog follows through with the action. What happens when we use the word "sit" 7 times before the dog actually sits, is we are training the dog to wait until the 7th "sit" command 7 times before they follow through. Yes, dogs are smart and manipulating if you let them. What you want is an immediate response to the word "sit" after saying it just once.

Train in Different Spots - You want to train your dog in a variety of different areas and situations, so they get socialized to distractions. This is the best way to solidify your training and ensure reliable follow through with commands. The dog will enjoy the challenge and it will keep training interesting!

Use Treats occasionally - Providing treats at unpredictable intervals, but not EVERY TIME maintains the focus on learning the new behavior and not on being food focused. Remember that your dog wants to work for you and make you proud. So don't underestimate positive reinforcement through praise and pats.

Have Confidence - Dog's can sense insecurity and it makes them scared because they see the fear as an unpredictable threat. Do what you need to do to feel in control. Use Positive self-talk before a training session, take your dog to a professional so you can learn together, train in different areas, attend different venues. Be motivated to learn with your dog and have fun!

Know Your Dog - The biggest determinants of a dog's learning style are going to be the breed or mix of breeds and the personality. Is the breed a high strung, energized breed? Or a gentle lap dog? They both require very different training approaches. A bold, social dog will require a different approach than a timid or fearful dog. You will have to tail your training style to fit your dog's breed and personality. So get to know your dog, train, practice, have fun and enjoy yourselves outside and in!

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Creating A Calm Dog

The question always seems to be how can I calm my crazy dog? Usually when I hear this question the person is talking about a puppy or a younger dog. In this article I am going to discuss a few things that you can do to create a calm dog.

Creating a calm dog can sometimes be a tough job. For those of you with young dogs that don't understand what I am talking about because your dog has always been calm you are one of the lucky few.

TRAINING

Let's start off with training. The perfect time to start training a dog is right away. However for the purposes of this article we will talk about when formal obedience training should start and that magic number is 16 weeks (4 months). At that time in a puppy's life their minds are like little sponges and ready to absorb all the training that you can give them. Training establishes the dog master relationship, teaches the dog what is right and wrong and teaches them rules. This is the very beginning of a happy well trained dog.

EXERCISE

Young dogs are like kids they are full of energy. It is going to be your job to find things that will help your dog get rid of that excess energy. There are several ways to do that so let's start off by listing a few and then we can talk about them individually.

1. Doggy Day Care

2. Walks

3. Retrieve Games

4. Swimming

Let's start off with doggy day care. To put it simply, it's GREAT. Your dog can be at a day care all day playing with a bunch of other dogs and getting rid of energy in a way that you can never do. I think just about every town or city has one and they are great. Give it a try.

Walking is another way to help with the excess energy problem. However it means that you must take the time to do it. There is also the other question, are you able to walk long enough to give your dog a real workout? If not there is another option and that is the local dog walker. Ask your vet for a referral to a good one.

Retrieve games are great because you can stand still throw a ball and let the dog do all the work. If your dog will retrieve a ball or toy give it a try.

Last but not least is swimming. If you have a pool or even a lake or river take your dog for a swim. Just like with humans swimming is an excellent way to get low impact exercise that your dog will enjoy.

I hope these ideas will give you some new ways to exercise and stimulate your dog so that you have a nice calm dog.

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My Rescue Dog Was Great for Two Weeks

If you have ever rescued a dog you may have said this exact same thing after you had it 10 - 15 days. However don't be alarmed it's really normal and it does not mean that you got a bad dog, it simply means that it is time to start some training.

This same scenario can happen with humans so let me give you an example. You invite some friends to come spend the week-end at your place. Everything goes well and you hardly know they are there. In fact every morning they make the bed and but up there dirty clothes, perfect.

However the week-end visit turns into a 30 day stay for some reason and everything changes. The guest room is a mess and there are dirty clothes everywhere.

This same thing happens when a new dog comes into your home. They don't know where they are, even though they are grateful for being there. However after a few days they realize that they are here to stay and they started getting sloppy just like those guests.

So how do you fix this dilemma? It's easy, with training. Simply find yourself a great trainer that can come into your home and teach you how to train your dog.

Of course housetraining is a must so be sure to start using a crate and teaching the dog that outside on the grass is the proper place to do its business.

Your trainer will be able to guide you through all the steps to have a well- trained dog that you can take for walks without it dragging you down the street. Walks should be enjoyable and something that you look forward to not dread.

Your trainer can also help with all the other exercises that a well-trained dog should do like sit when you tell it one time. It should also do the down, the sit-stay, the down-stay and even the recall so it comes when you call.

Along with the obedience training your trainer should be able to help you solve any annoying behavior issues like jumping, barking, and maybe even mouthing or chewing that your dog is doing.

Adopting a dog can be very rewarding and with a little effort I think you will have a companion that you will be able to enjoy for many years to come.

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Everything You Need To Know About The Belgian Malinois

If you are someone who is interested in adopting or purchasing a dog, it is important that you do your research ahead of time, so you are aware of how to deal with your specific breed. Today, we will be discussing all the important things a future owner of a Belgian Malinois should know prior to adopting one or getting one. Having these tips can make the transition a lot easier and smoother, causing there to be less issues or conflicts in between.

Adaptability

The great news is that the Malinois get a long with people. It does not take them a whole lot of time to get used to people. This is great, if you are wanting to adopt one. They will mix in with you and your family members in no time at all. Other breeds can take months in order to open up to owners and their family members. If you are someone who is looking for a smooth ride, and someone who is willing to always spend time with your dog, this is the breed for you.

Exercise.

This breed needs it's daily walk, as they need to stay fit. If you are someone who is always busy and has a hard time taking your dog out for daily walks, this is not the dog you want to get. Neglecting their daily walks can cause them to feel lazy and also unwanted. If you cannot take time out, you will need to get someone who can walk your dog for you. This is not something this breed is willing to compromise on, so you will just have to make things work one way or another.

Training

Belgian Malinois can train very easily, but you still need to stay consistent and be patient. They might not be the fastest at getting trained, but they train well when given the proper training. If you are someone who is willing to stay dedicated, you will surely see results as these dogs are really good at noticing patterns and listening to what you are saying or wanting them to do. However, if you are wanting to train your dog, so they can compete at competitions, this breed is a good match, as their skills are very advanced. Overall, these tips should help you see if Belgian Malinois is the breed for your.

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Details About The Norwegian Elkhound

Norwegian Elkhounds are a breed of dog that go all the way back to the Viking times. Most people do not know much about these dogs, even those who own one. The following will provide you with some of the details on these beautiful pooches.

As far as size, Norwegian Elkhounds fall into the medium range. Usually, they measure at about 20.5 inches in height. Males have an average weight of 55 pounds while females average 48 pounds.

Generally, Norwegian Elkhound's are healthy dogs, though like most breeds, they are prone to particular health problems. These include hypothyroidism, sebaceous cysts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Fanconi Syndrome. While not every dog of this breed gets one of the conditions above, it is important to keep them in mind if you are considering buying one.

It is hard to find a dog as independent as the Norwegian Elkhound. Most dogs realize their owner is higher up on the chain of the command; that is not the case with this breed. In fact, they believe they are your equal, making training them a bit difficult. However, as long as you are firm and stick to your guns, it is possible to train them.

Personality is abundant with this kind of canine. Not only are they good with children, but they will protect them (and you) at all costs. Though not an aggressive breed, they are very loyal and protective of their owners and their families. Beware that they do crave a lot of attention, so this is not the dog for you if you are out of town frequently or are very rarely home.

When it comes to grooming, you are in luck with the Norwegian Elkhound. For most of the year, these dogs very rarely shed. But, two or three times a year, they do go through a "blow coat" phase. Basically, what this means is that they will shed like crazy for a couple of days. Just be sure to keep up with brushing during this period, even more than you would at other times of the year. On the positive side, they tend not to develop a smell typical many other breeds. Bathing is usually not necessary, but when you do feel as though he needs a bath, be sure to use a high-quality shampoo.

You have just read all about the Norwegian Elkhound. As you can see, they make a great pet and will always be loyal to you!

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Solve Those Dog Walking Problems

Walking your dog can be a problem for some dog owners. Sometimes because their dogs don't walk well on a leash. Other dogs are a problem because they show aggression and it is really embarrassing to take your dog in public. However for some people finding the time to walk their dogs is tough while there are also those dog owners who physically have a problem taking a walk, they just can't do it. Let me take just a few minutes to offer some dog walking advice for each of these four problem areas.

My Dog Doesn't Walk On A Leash Well - This probably means that you dog is pulling you down the street. It isn't fun and can sometimes even hurt shoulders and elbows. Teaching your dog to walk on a leash nicely is really easy so find a trainer that can help you get it fixed. While you are at it be sure and teach your dog the sit, down and stay exercises your dog will thank you in many ways as the years go on.

My Dog Is Aggressive And I am Embarrassed To Take Him For A Walk - I know exactly what you mean and I have seen 1000's of people with the same problem over the years. The neighbors all run inside when they see you coming. Here is the answer, it's really easier than you might think.

I have found that 99% of all aggressive pet dogs are also untrained dogs. Yes, it's true. Training can usually solve the biggest part of the problem by simply teaching the dog that it is not the alpha in your pack. Now this does not mean that you dog will be people and dog friendly however it does mean that you will probably be able to go for a walk without people scattering along your path. Find a good behavior specialist because it will take more than just a dog trainer to fix the problem. It will require some work but I think you will agree that it is worth it.

I Just Can't Find Time To Walk My Dog or I Physically Can't Walk My Dog - These are very common comments however there is still hope. If you don't have time for a 30 - 45 minute walk every day or you just are unable to walk, then it's easy hire a dog walker. Do walkers are everywhere, heck you may even have a neighbor who would like to take over that chore for a small fee. If not check with you vet for a referral and if that doesn't work simply do a Google search. Dog walkers are out there and waiting for your call.

I hope these ideas will help you solve your dog walking problems. Your dog's deserve it.

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Do You Think That Your Puppy's Growl Is Cute?

Quite often I hear people comment that their puppy growled at a stranger and they thought it was so cute. Actually, it isn't cute at all and in the future it will become dangerous as the puppy gets older. The problem is that your puppy should be friendly because it's a baby it shouldn't be growling at people.

This is something that I see quite often especially with single young ladies that buy a dog for a feeling of protection when they go for a walk. They get that German Shepherd or Rottweiler puppy at eight weeks of age and don't bother doing any obedience training nor do they do the things that are needed to socialize it properly during the socialization period before 20 weeks of age.

Then somewhere around six months of age they realize the dog is doing some inappropriate growling and barking at not only strangers but maybe even some friends who come to visit the house. The really bad stuff starts somewhere between 12 and 24 months of age when the dog owner realizes they have a fearful aggressive dog.

In this article I am going to concentrate on how to keep this from happening not on what to do when you end up with an aggressive dog. So how do we keep this from happening?

Let's start at the beginning. When you bring that new pup home it's time to start the socialization process. You have until week 20 to accomplish that goal so don't waste any time.

At 16 weeks of age it is time for obedience training and your pup is ready to learn. At this age their little minds are like sponges and ready to absorb anything you can teach them.

Quite often new dog owners and think that obedience training is only for show dogs or maybe only big dogs. WRONG! All dogs big or small need obedience training because that is what establishes the dog / master relationship. An untrained dog is like a loose cannon you never know what it will do.

In conclusion if you want a dog that you can enjoy and not have to worry about poor behavior or aggression start early with socialization and training. With as little as 15 minutes a day you can have a dog that you can enjoy for many years in the future.

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