Dogs

Is your dog bossy? When it’s time to go for a walk, does he leap on you when you try to leash him up? Or, does he demand his meals by barking as you prep his food? Bossy dogs have learned that manners don’t matter because they usually get what they want if they push hard enough. But, teaching your dog manners, specifically how to say “please,” can transform your dog’s behavior as well as your relationship. The “nothing in life is free” program is a dog training protocol you can use to help your dog understand that being polite is the only way to get what they want. Why Dog Manners Help Teaching your dog to say please is actually a radical change for both ends of the dog leash. It requires dogs to adjust how they ask for resources and forces pet parents to be mindful about the many ways they can implement the technique. Since dogs will usually stop acting obnoxious once they get what they want, we often give into to our dogs’ pushy requests because it’s easier than trying to deal with inappropriate behavior. For example, to keep a dog from scratching at the door, most pet parents simply open it. To quiet pre-breakfast barking, many pet parents might hurry through the prep routine. By accommodating these behaviors, we are accidentally teaching our dogs that scratching, barking and begging work. Learning to say please is a simple but powerful way to short-circuit that belief in your dog while teaching him self-control.

WRITTEN BYJeannine Berger, DVM, DACVB, DACAW, CAWA Veterinarian Dr. Berger obtained her veterinary degree and completed her doctoral thesis in Zurich, Switzerland. In 1998 she moved to California to work…,There’s no doubt that canines can cause destruction to your home and yard, depending on their size and breed. Although this is quite frustrating, destructive behavior in dogs has many different motivations. It could be normal canine behavior, and “fixing” it could be as easy as offering a dog more mental and physical enrichment. On the other hand, it could be very complex and require an immediate consultation with a veterinarian or veterinary behavior specialist to address any underlying anxieties. To address this behavior, you’ll need to become a behavior detective and observe your dog closely. Try to find out how they destroy things, what they destroy, and when they do it so you can make a plan to prevent future incidents. Let’s begin with the how.

5. Volunteer at a dog training school to observe dog trainers in action. This way, you can watch what trainers do, how they handle different personalities in dogs, and how dogs react to being trained.,10 Quick Tips on How to Be a Dog Trainer Have you dreamed of working with animals all your life? Or maybe you’ve decided you need a career change? Joining the Humane Society or packing your bags for the Peace Corps isn’t for everyone, but becoming a dog trainer can be a happy medium — helping humans and animals alike. Dog training is a skill that is always in demand. Here are 10 quick tips to help you learn how to become a dog trainer and get you on your way.

Many pet parents believe that “undressing” the dog by shaving their fur will make the warm summer months more tolerable. The truth is the dog’s coat serves several purposes: It acts like insulation, keeping them from overheating in the summer (and getting too cold in the winter). In warm weather, a well-brushed coat “lofts” as the dog moves, allowing air to cool them all the way to the skin. In double-coated dog breeds, the downy undercoat acts as their thermal underwear, waterproofing them as well. Because a dog’s coat is insulation, it protects them from the heat and the cold. Removing the hair removes this natural cooling system. So, instead of shaving, remove any excess undercoat by brushing regularly. If your dog is active or has allergies and is prone to getting dirty and their hair matting, a trimmed down coat might help to keep them comfortable. Matted coats trap heat and moisture, making it more harmful than shaving or not shaving. In this case, take your pup to the dog groomer, who will safely remove the matted hair.,While a summer trim may feel great to you, especially when the weather’s reached peak humidity, is it the best idea to give your dog a summer haircut, too? While having a professional groomer trim your long-haired dog’s fur to make their coat more manageable is OK, you shouldn’t shave your dog to cool them off. That’s because—believe it or not—their fur coats actually provide them heat relief. Plus, shaving can make your pet more prone to sunburn (and they certainly won’t want that!).

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5. Tosa Photo credit: acceptfoto/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Sometimes called the Japanese Mastiff, the Tosa is a giant dog that can weigh up to 200 pounds. They are the largest Japanese dog breed. Unfortunately, the Tosa’s long history is closely tied to dog fighting. Because of this, the Tosa can be reserved around new people. Pet parents must prioritize socialization and train their Tosa puppy with positive reinforcement. This breed can grow into a calm and well-adjusted companion with the proper positive upbringing.,6. Kishu Ken Photo credit: Adobe Stock/maikuto The Kishu Ken has remarkable stamina thanks to the breed’s history as a hunting dog. This hunting history means the Japanese breed has lots of energy and a desire to please the people they love. Kishu Ken are also quite social and friendly dogs, according to the National Kishu Ken Club. While they can get along with new people and other dogs, Kishu Ken might not do well around smaller pets because of their strong prey drive. ,Although there are only a handful of Japanese dog breeds, they have a long and rich history. While some are known globally, others have less acclaim and are rare even in Japan. Here are 10 Japanese dogs you should know.

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Living and Management Monitor behaviors via weekly videotaping and/or written logs, with times, dates, and the behavior leading up to the obsessive behavior tracked. This will provide unbiased assessments of change and help with alterations in treatment plans. Your veterinarian will schedule biannual visits with you and your dog to obtain complete blood counts, biochemistry profile and urinalysis, to be sure that the body is healthy and not contributing to your dog’s anxiety or distress. Observe for vomiting, gastrointestinal distress, and rapid breathing. If these symptoms are identified, contact your veterinarian. Medications may take several weeks to show an effect on the target behavior – the first sign of efficacy may be changes in the duration or frequency of bouts rather than total cessation of the undesired behaviors. Setting realistic expectations for change will help you manage the outcome of behavioral and medical intervention. Relapses are common and to be expected during stressful or new situations. Don’t try to reassure your pet that it does not have to spin, chew, or perform other repetitive behaviors; this inadvertently rewards the repetitive behavior. Reward the dog only when it is not engaged in behavior and is relaxed. However, the behavior should not be entirely ignored. If left untreated, these conditions almost always progress to more serious levels.,Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Dogs Compulsive disorder is characterized by a repetitious, relatively unchanging sequence of activities or movements that has no obvious purpose or function. Although the behavior is usually derived from normal maintenance behaviors (such as grooming, eating, and walking), the repetitive behavior interferes with normal behavioral functioning. It is referred to as “OCD” or “Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.” The most commonly observed obsessive-compulsive behaviors are spinning, tail chasing, self-mutilation, hallucinating (fly biting), circling, fence running, hair/air biting, pica (appetite for non-food substances such as dirt, rocks or feces), pacing, staring, and vocalizing. Some dogs also show the potential for aggression. No breed, gender or age of dog is more likely to have obsessive-compulsive disorders, although the specific type of OCD displayed may be affected by breed, such as spinning as opposed to self-mutilation. As with other anxiety disorders, onset of OCD begins early, around 12 to 24 months of age, as the dog developmentally matures (generally defined as occurring at 12 to 36 months of age in dogs). If you are observing early signs of obsessive behavior in your dog, and it is descended from a line where other dogs are affected, early intervention is critical.

Image via Olena Kurashova/Shutterstock.com By Teresa Traverse Going for a walk is an important part of almost every dog’s life. Many dogs require and enjoy daily strolls with their owners. So, if you’re the owner of a new puppy or an older dog and they are refusing to walk on a dog leash, it can be frustrating and concerning. From dog training issues to dog health issues, a pet owner’s mind can run the gauntlet when their dog refuses to walk on a leash. Here is a list of some of the reasons why a dog won’t behave while on leash. She’s a Puppy “A lot of people just sort of assume putting a leash and attaching it to a dog is natural to the dog, but it’s not,” says Megan Stanley, chair of the board of directors for the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, and owner of Dogma Training & Pet Services in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Take your time when leash training a dog or new puppy, and introduce the equipment slowly, suggests Stanley. “Anytime they’re introducing a new piece of equipment, it’s good to just bring it out and let the dog explore it. Smell it. Check it out. Versus just going and putting it on it,” says Stanley. Make sure your dog’s okay with her dog collar by slowly introducing it so she can get accustomed to wearing it. Stanley suggests pairing the dog supplies, like dog leashes and collars, with food rewards. Once your puppy feels safe and secure with the collar on, attach the leash to it. Let your puppy drag the leash around. You should also offer your puppy rewards as she moves around with the leash on to create positive associations. Start in your home, and then take it outside. But always remember to be patient. The next step is to pick up the leash but to let your puppy lead you where she wants to go (within reason!). Only once your pup is comfortable wearing her collar and leash and having you on the other end of the leash should you try directing her movements. Stanley says that most people just expect their puppy to understand leash training and to immediately walk nicely. But Stanley explains, “They get out, and there are so many distractions. There are smells. There are people. There’s wildlife like squirrels.” When your dog starts to walk forward after you’ve asked, be sure to reward her when she’s moving and not stopping. Many owners will go back to their dog and reward the stopping, which is counterproductive. When it comes to picking dog treats, aim for a high-value treat you know your dog loves. Stanley recommends freeze-dried liver treats. Don’t forget to also verbally praise them for walking forward, too.

Reviewed for accuracy on May 10, 2019 by Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM As much as we feel our heartstrings tug when encountering a tripod pet, our three-legged dog and cat friends tend to be more nonchalant. “For the most part, in dealing with three-legged pets, I have found that the only one that knows they have a missing limb is you,” says Dr. Jeff Werber, an Emmy Award-winning veterinarian and author based in Los Angeles. Even so, potential adopters may wonder if a three-legged dog or cat would require them to spend more on vet bills or provide more extensive care. Whether you have a three-legged pet—or “tripawd,” as some pet parents refer to them—or you are looking to adopt a tripod dog or cat, here’s what you can expect in terms of care and how you can help promote their health and well-being. Veterinary Care for Three-Legged Dogs and Cats In general, tripod dogs and cats don’t require special veterinary care after the initial amputation and rehabilitation. This usually comes as a surprise to worried pet parents, says Dr. Werber. “There aren’t notable veterinary expenses related to the care of a tripod pet,” says Dr. Werber. “The biggest issue is usually the client, not the pet. Tripod dogs and cats usually do very well.” A possible exception, notes veterinarian and published author Dr. Jennifer Coates, is that “three-legged pets may be at increased risk of osteoarthritis and other joint problems as they age due to alterations in their posture and movement.” But she adds, “Thankfully, there’s a lot that owners can do to prevent and/or manage conditions like these.”