How to CLICKER TRAIN Your Dog: The FASTEST WAY to Teach your Dog to be A...

A video from Zak George explaining how to clicker train your dog. This is a fast way to train your dog.

Click and Treat Method - The Best Possible Option To Train Dogs

 

Click and Treat is one of the first major improvements in dog training since the spiked collars and the choke chains. In a very short span of time Click and Treat has revolutionized the training circuit. Several trainers have adopted it and currently, there might be over 10000 who are regularly using this method.

Click and Treat was initially used to train marine animals. Click and Treat involves breaking the training process into two simple parts- information and motivation. Though conventional trainers encourage these two steps too, they usually try teaching them in one go, which confuses the animals and delays the results.

The most common form of training is verbally praising the dog for good behavior while simultaneously motivating a repetition of the action. Though this is a good method, the dog takes a long time to understand what behavior caused the trainer to praise it. The process is made simpler by the Click and Treat technique. While in conventional training, a verbal praise, like "good boy", is used to welcome and action followed by the treat, in the Click and Treat technique, the clicker substitutes verbal praise and helps the dog identify the "good boy" behavior faster. This way the dog knows exactly what he is rewarded for.

First and foremost, the trainer needs to buy a clicker in order to Click and Treat. Clickers are available in almost all pet supply stores. Once bought, the training is easy for both dog and trainer.

Click and Treat training can be a secondary reinforcement, the primary reinforcements being water, food, play and physical affection. While walking the dog, the leach acts as the secondary reinforcement as the dog understands that it is not the leash that is taking it for a walk but the owner. The leash, however, tells the dog that it will guide him on where to go and where not. And so the dog reacts with good behavior to the leash to get a leisurely and pleasant walk. Similarly, in Click and Treat, on hearing the clicker, the dog knows he has performed a good action and there is a reward coming to him for every click that he hears. In this way, the clicker acts like a secondary reinforcement, for teaching him appropriate behavior.

Some of the advantages of Click and Treat are as follows-

1) A faster response than that for verbal praise. The dog can identify exactly which behavior the click is meant for, 

2) It replaces threats. While the dog is being motivated to hear, he can work without the fear of having a threat given to him whenever he does something bad. 

3) The trainer can be at any distance from the dog for the clicker to work. So proximity to the dog is not always required.

One way you can get started with the Click and Treat technique is to first stand before the dog. For about 20 minutes to half and hour, keep clicking the clicker and follow it by giving the dog a treat. After a while, the dog will familiarize itself with the clicking sound and every time he hears the click it will tell him that he has performed a good action. After the dog gets used to it, add commands like "stay" and "sit".

Click and Treat is a simple and consistent method of training that has achieved quick results. So all the trainers who love to train dogs and are looking for exciting new ways of training buy yourself a clicker and start clicking!

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Click-and-Treat-Method---The-Best-Possible-Option-To-Train-Dogs&id=1662273

Toy Dogs - Oops! Toys Have Come Alive!

A toy dog has the huge advantage that it is small. This often makes it an ideal dog for urban living or for older people with limited mobility. A toy dog does not need long walks. It will not take over a small apartment. A toy dog fits into the modern lifestyle of many people today.

There are a huge variety of toy dogs. They all have different characteristics just as larger breeds of dog do. It is important to get to know the what each kind of toy dog is like before you make your choice. Toy dogs are not all alike.

It is thought that the breeding of toy dogs first began in Asia but varieties of toy dog can now be found from every part of the globe. They were bred for a variety of purposes. That still influences the characteristics of the breed and will affect which one is right for you.

Perhaps the most well-known type of toy dog is the poodle. When anyone mentions a toy dog this is the kind of dog that most people think of. Toy poodles were bred from larger dogs that were used for hunting. Even the smaller toy poodles retain some of the characteristics of the larger hunting dogs. They are bold, intelligent dogs that can be readily trained. But they can be highly strung and are not necessarily suitable for a household with young children.

Somewhat similar in appearance is the Bichon Frise. They tend to look like an unclipped toy poodle. But their temperament is somewhat different. They are a boisterous small dog that interacts well with children. They are said to have been bred as lapdogs in pre-revolutionary France but after the revolution, they had to get by on the streets and did not very successfully. They are a street-wise lap dog. They will chase every rabbit and squirrel they see.

The Chihuahua comes originally from Mexico where it was bred as a source of meat. They have now become a favorite toy dog. Their fine, smooth coat means that they do not need a lot of grooming. They do not tolerate children well and can be snappish. But they are often loyal and devoted to their owners.

The Maltese is a toy dog that was bred as a lap dog for the wealthy. It is still popular in that role and is a fashionable lap dog that models and film stars like to carry in their oversized handbags. It is not good with children however and tends to bark at strangers.

The Pekingese was once one of the most sought-after toy dogs because they were so rare. Only a few had been imported from China. They are now well known in the West. They can be difficult to train but mellow with the years. They are seldom tolerant of children or other animals. Their coat requires a lot of attention since their ears can easily become matted and infection may result. Their short noses can become a problem. They always snuffle but can sometimes become badly blocked. They make good guard dogs and can, therefore, be a good dog for an elderly and infirm person since they do not need a lot of exercise.

Pugs have recently become very popular having been seen accompanying various fashionable starlets. The look like tiny bulldogs with their hanging folds of skin. They can have similar nasal problems to those of Pekingese because of their small nasal passages. But they make excellent pets. They do not need a lot of exercise. They are usually placid and will happily play with children. They are seldom aggressive with other pets. They are intelligent dogs that respond well to training.

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Dog's Anal Gland - Its Significance - An Essential Knowledge

All dogs have anal glands. They are located on either side of the anus. Behind the anal gland is a sac that secretes a strong smelling substance. The dog uses it's anal glands to mark its territory every time it excretes.

The scent that the dog deposits conveys information about the sex of the dog and its health. This is important for other dogs since they are territorial animals. That is why dogs smell one another's anal glands and deposits of feces. They are checking for a male competitor or a female on heat.

When they function well a dog's anal glands are no problem. But they can become blocked and that can lead to problems. A responsible dog owner should now how to express their dog's anal glands to move the blockage and prevent problems.

You may notice your dog dragging its rear end across the grass. This means that they are itchy and can be a symptom of blocked anal glands.

If you do not know how to express the dog's anal glands then consult your veterinarian who will do it for you. It is a good idea to take the opportunity of learning to do this yourself because it will save future vet's bills and is comparatively easy.

What you need to do is to hold the dog's tail up pointing towards its head. Then take a paper towel and press the left side of the left gland with your thumb and your forefinger on the right side of the right gland. Squeeze firmly and gently. The glands should issue a brownish yellow substance.

If the glands have become seriously impacted the method described above may not work. You will then need to put on some surgical gloves. Lubricate them with KY jelly and remove the blockage manually.

You must insert your forefinger into the dog's rectum and squeeze each gland in turn. This may prove harder than simple expression and the substance that comes out will be darker in colour and foul smelling.

If your dog's anal glands become impacted they can get infected. You will notice bloody pus when you try to express them. In that case you need to treat the dog with antibiotics. It is better to keep the anal glands clear then you will avoid that scenario altogether.

Expressing your dog's anal glands may seem an unpleasant chore but it is important in maintaining your dog's general health. The itching that results from a blocked anal gland can be very uncomfortable for the dog. If the blockage gives rise to an infection that can have important health implications.

Infections can generally be treated easily with antibiotics but it is best to avoid antibiotics if possible. The overuse of antibiotics is leading to many resistant strains of bacteria. Antibiotics should be used only when necessary.

A simple expression of the anal glands will prevent complications and save you some heavy veterinary bills in the future. It is the work of a few minutes once you know how.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Dogs-Anal-Gland---Its-Significance---An-Essential-Knowledge&id=1662206

What You Should Know About Heart Worms in Dogs

 

As their name suggests heartworms live in the heart of a dog where they can do a lot of damage. It is important for a dog owner to be aware of the dangers of the parasitic heartworm. A responsible dog owner must be alert to the risk of a heartworm infestation and take preventive measures. If an infection is suspected you must seek treatment from your veterinarian.

Heartworms are also known by the Latin name of "Dirofilaria immitis." They normally live in the right ventricle of the heart where they float freely near the blood vessels. They are transmitted by mosquitoes that pass them from dog to dog in their saliva when they bite an animal. So even your dog does not come into contact with other dogs it is at risk. Cats are also prone to them.

An infestation of heartworms goes through four stages. The treatment prescribed by a veterinarian will depend on what stage the dog has reached.

In the first stage a dog that has been infected with heartworms by a mosquito bite will not show any signs of infection. The heartworms will not even show up in a blood test. This is why prevention is important. Speak to your veterinarian about heartworm prevention when your dog is still a puppy. A dog that is older than seven months can have an adverse reaction to treatment. So tackle the issue before it reaches that age.

The worms have to mature and make their way to the heart before they can be spotted by any tests. This is the second stage of the disease. By then the signs of a heartworm infestation can be detected by x-ray. The heartworms damage the blood vessels around the dog's heart and lungs and this can be picked up on an x-ray. The dog may also be short of breath and coughing.

The rate at which damage takes place depends on the number of worms. But it is rare for a dog to be infected by only one worm. A heavy infestation will rapidly cause a blockage of blood flow. This is the third stage. The dog may be showing signs of weight loss. Tests may reveal liver and kidney damage. This is the third stage of the disease.

As the blockage to the blood flow becomes more severe the dog may exhibit symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, lethargy and hypertension. The dog may even faint. A heart attack is possible.

In the fourth and most serious stage the dog experiences what is known as Vena Cava Syndrome. The dog is in a state of shock and dying. The only possible intervention at this advanced stage is surgery to physically remove the worms. Success is by no means guaranteed.

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Dog's Dental Care - Dogs Need Teeth For A Bite!

Not many people understand the importance of dental care in maintaining the general health and well being of dogs. Just like humans, dogs need regular dental care. It is the responsibility of owners to make sure that they get it. A responsible dog owner takes care of their dog's teeth.

Food residue can accumulate on your dog's teeth just as it does on your own teeth. It quickly leads to tartar and plaque build-up causing tooth decay and gum disease. All the things you know about dental care in humans applies to your dog too.

If you neglect your dog's dental care it can lead to pain for the dog. The pain will stop them eating and their health will suffer as a result. An even more serious result of tooth decay are diseases and ulcerated gums that can cause blood poisoning if left untreated.

Ulcerated Gums

Even if you avoid giving your dog sweet treats they are at risk of dental decay. So it is important to pay attention to dental hygiene when caring for your dog. Dental care is vital to maintaining your dog's health.

Brushing is essential. A small soft brush is best. You can get a specially designed canine brush from your veterinarian or dog food supplier.

Remember that a dog's sense of smell and taste is far more acute than ours so don't use toothpaste that is intended for human beings. It is too strongly flavored and would distress a dog. Canine toothpaste usually has a meaty flavor that your dog will like.

Begin your dental care regime when your dog is a puppy. They get used to having their teeth brushed and regard it as part of their regular grooming routine. Start with small sessions at first. You must build up your dog's trust in order to let you clean their teeth.

Your choice of food is also important. Dogs need to crunch and chew their food. In the wild they are used to crunching bones. It is important to allow them to have a bone or chew toys. It is a valuable part of your dog's dental care.

Dry food and biscuits are better than canned dog meat for dental care. They help to keep the teeth clean and do not build up on the teeth allowing bacteria to multiply. Some biscuits are specially designed for cleaning a dog's teeth. These make a good treat for good behavior. You will know that you have taken care of your dog's dental health and your dog will feel rewarded.

If your dog has dental problems you will get a face full of bad breath every time he greets you. Eventually you will get a massive bill from your veterinarian. Dog dentistry is seriously expensive. What is more, it is dangerous because it needs an anesthetic. So avoid it if you can be paying attention to your dog's dental care.

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Is Your Dog Suffering With Hip Dysplasia? - What Should You Do?

Hip dysplasia is a painful and debilitating condition in dogs that can sometimes result in the animal becoming completely crippled. There is no cure for it.

The best thing a dog owner can do is to choose a pet carefully. Hip Dysplasia is a genetic condition. That is to say it is passed on from the parents to the offspring. In some cases it can be the result of injury to a dog's hips while it is a puppy or while it is being born. But this is a comparatively rare cause.

While there may be some genetic component in most diseases hip dysplasia is in effect 100% genetic. You must therefore make sure that you examine the parents dogs when you buy a puppy. If they have sound hips the puppy is less likely to suffer from hip dysplasia. Question the vendors carefully about the pedigree of the puppy. Ask if there is any history of hip dysplasia in the family line.

Responsible breeders will have breeding dogs x-rayed to check for any sign of hip dysplasia. They should not breed from a dog that shows any signs of hip dysplasia. A dog may not exhibit any outward symptoms but have a tendency to hip dysplasia that only manifests itself in its offspring. A dog that shows signs of hip dysplasia should be neutered or spayed to make sure that it does not pass on the trait.

Some breeds of dog seem more prone to hip dysplasia then others. German Shepherds, in particular, often suffer from it. This may be because they have been bred for a stance that places the back hip at an unnatural angle.

Hip dysplasia may not show up in a puppy. It often only develops as the dog matures. This is because the back hips are misaligned and malformed. The joint is loose and that may lead to difficulty in walking and running or discomfort and pain.

Wear and tear on the joints gradually produces dislocation and damage. A hip joint that is damaged in this way can become arthritic. An owner may not know about the hip dysplasia and think that the dog has developed arthritis as it got older. But the root cause of the arthritis is the damage that the weak joint has suffered during the dog's lifetime. Large dogs are especially susceptible because of the weight that their joints must carry.

Liquid Glucosamine for Dogs Vegetarian 
Even suitable for Dogs Allergic to Shellfish or Beef
*Note: Glucosamine cannot cure Hip Dysplasia but it can make your dog's life more comfortable.

Your veterinarian cannot offer any treatment for the dyplasia but will be able to prescribe pain killers. In bad cases the dog will have pain when walking and running. Its mobility may become limited. This can be a contributory factor in other health conditions because the dog cannot take normal exercise. Swimming may be one means of maintaining mobility and ensuring that the dog can exercise. The dog's weight is taken by the water and it experiences less pain.

Liquid Glucosamine for Small Dogs
*Note: Glucosamine cannot cure Hip Dysplasia but it can make your dog's life more comfortable.

In extreme cases the dog's hindquarters may become completely immobile. The dog will have a very poor quality of life and chronic pain.

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