Showing posts with label Behavior. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Behavior. Show all posts

Monday, December 19, 2011

Male Cat Behavior Problems - How to Stop Your Tom Cat's Bad Behavior

Owners of male cats face extra challenges as their tomcats often have additional behavior problems compared to female cats. The first of these is that they are more active and need to find the companionship of female cats. As a side-effect of this need, male cats frequently try to leave home. It is not quite running away, as they are quite willing to come home after doing the deed. The problem is that they face a lot of danger outside the house. They will get into fights with other male cats. They may also get run down by traffic. These additional worries of owning tomcats can certainly give their owners premature grey hair.

For these reasons, vets and many animal rights groups strongly recommend that owners neuter their tomcats. Neutered male cats lose that urge to wander, making it easier to keep them close to home. They will stop chasing after the female cats in heat, and stop aggressively fighting with rival tomcats. No more wandering and less fighting - all these mean they are less likely to get badly hurt outside the home. One more side benefit is that they will not produce stray kittens from their unauthorized rendezvous with female cats.

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Many vets prefer to err on the side of caution and will not neuter male cats until they are one year old. Others are willing to do it as early as four months old, as some newer studies indicate that younger neutered tomcats do not show adverse reactions. The earlier you get your tomcat neutered, the better. They are less likely to develop the habits of fighting, wandering and chasing after female cats. Despite this, neutering them late is better than not neutering them at all. As long as the habit is no longer being driven by natural instinct, it can be broken and replaced with something else.

Still, neutered or not, tomcats do tend to be more aggressive. While you can never get rid of this aggression completely, you can reduce it over time. One simple way is to put a collar with a bell on your male cat. What does this do? Often, your male cat likes to attack other animals. It will stalk them, and ambush them. It is obvious that the attacker often has the initiative in a fight. If your tomcat can surprise the other cat and pounce first, it is more likely to win the fight. While winning is generally a good thing, in this case it only encourages your cat to get into more fights. Once you bell your tomcat, it will have more difficulty stalking and successfully attacking other cats and animals. Slowly, it will lose the urge to get into fights.

Another problem more common to male cats is spraying. Spraying is different from urination. For one thing, it usually affects vertical surfaces like walls. Your cat does it to mark its territory. Common litter training techniques will not help. Neither will punishment. One thing you can do is to learn where your tomcat's favorite spraying locations are, and clean it with some form of enzymatic solution. Normal cleaners will not work - they do not remove the underlying odors of male cat urine. Your vet or local pet shop will probably have something suitable for you. After cleaning, you can spray one of those "pet behave sprays" to keep kitty away.

Male Cat Behavior Problems - How to Stop Your Tom Cat's Bad Behavior

If you want to learn more about how to train your cat and stop its bad behavior in 13 days, click here: cat training.

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Friday, December 16, 2011

Boxer Dog Behavior Characteristics And Training

The Boxer breed is a fantastic dog that often has a mistaken perception as being a fussy and slightly skittish animal. In fact this is far from the truth, by nature they need a great amount of attention and love and without this they become skittish. Indeed, if you lead a very active lifestyle that means you will have to spend a lot of time away from the home then you are probably wise not to get a Boxer dog.

Having said that, if you do decide to get a Boxer then here are some facts about Boxer dogs. It will start by helping you select the best boxer puppy for your family.

Dog

Do your research before selecting an individual puppy or a litter to select from. Some common wisdom before making a selection is to view the parents of the litter first. This will give you an some pointers on the temperament and behavior of the parents and an indication of how the puppies may grow up to behave.

It is also a good idea to find a boxer from a non commercial breeder who does it for the love of it rather than to make money. This means the dogs are likely to be well cared for and be more sociable.

According to the American Kennel Club the Boxer breed is in the top ten of purebred dogs in terms of popularity. They are a medium sized dog that are energetic and very inquisitive. Consequently they will require more attention and cost more than a small toy breed of dog.

Food costs and other expenses like treats and toys will be more for a Boxer than many other breeds. Although being a short haired dog you will not need to do much grooming. For some strange reason they are not keen on water either so that will make bathing a lot of fun !

Boxers are noted for being very social animals. They love living in a family unit and crave attention and affection. You should strive to keep them active and busy. Left alone they will become bored and lonely. This can lead to bad behavioral habits and quite destructive tendencies.

Space is important to a Boxer dog. It is not practical to keep a dog such a this in an apartment. It needs a home with an ample backyard where it can run around and tire itself out. You can plant dog treats in areas of the yard so that your pet will rummage around and be kept active. Get it lots of toys to keep it busy too. Boxers will spend many hours ragging toys and this fits their nature perfectly.

The Excessive energy levels of your boxer may make it harder to obedience train. They will lose focus quickly, consequently positive reinforcement training where you are catching the dogs attention is the best training method.

Start the training early, when they are puppies. This includes socializing them with other family members and animals. A well adjusted dog is generally happier and more open to training methods.

Given their exuberant nature you may want to make the environment where the dog is trained quiet and distraction free. Thus your pet may not be the best pupil in a group obedience training class with lots of other pooches to distract it. Obedience training is a big task when it comes to any dog, let alone a Boxer but it is certainly worth making this commitment. They are an intelligent animal and love the close relationship with their owner that obedience training requires.

Boxer Dog Behavior Characteristics And Training

Visit http://www.doghealthncare.com for advice on dealing with dog health issues and useful training tips. This includes a review of a popular in home dog obedience training course and coping with dog diabetes in your family.

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Saturday, November 19, 2011

Jealousy As a Dog Behavior Problem - How to Get Your Dog Over the Feelings of Jealousy

Jealousy is a dog behavior and an emotion that some people have never seen before in a dog but it does happen. Dogs can become jealous for many reasons, like a new baby, or a new pet. Here are some ways to get your dog over this problem quickly.

dog backpack

Dogs get jealous because when they see a new baby or a new pet getting attention, they feel neglected and left out. Dogs are pack animals, and anything that makes it appear like they are being kicked out of the pack they do not like.

Dog

This makes them act up and behave badly. Once a dog knows they can get attention for acting badly, that behavior pattern will continue.

To help your dog improve his behavior you have to try and include him in activities with the new pet or baby. If you are petting the new dog, use your other hand to pet him. You should treat your new pets equally to avoid one dog feeling left out.

For a new baby, if you are holding the baby, you could pet the dog with the other hand or allow your dog to be around you when you are taking care of the baby and try to verbally include the dog in what you are doing.

If your dog is showing signs of jealousy, take some of these steps now to help stop this behavior. Remember, dogs are pack animals, and anything that makes them feel like they are not part the pack makes them feel threatened.

Jealousy As a Dog Behavior Problem - How to Get Your Dog Over the Feelings of Jealousy

To learn more about how to stop your dog from feeling jealous visit Stopping Dog Behavior Problems.

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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Does a Cat's Behavior Change After Being Spayed?

Some people believe that after spaying a cat that they will become more defensive or even aggressive. But this is simply not true, if anything spaying your cat will make their quality of life much better.

The belief that cats become more aggressive after spaying might be due to the fact that after they come home from the veterinary clinic, they might act out for a few hours upon returning home. The cause of this is unknown, but this behavior quickly disappears.

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One of the main benefits of having your cat spayed is that they will not go into heat at all, so you don't have to worry about them meowing and looking out the windows and trying to escape through open doors whenever they are in season. Also male cats will stop coming around your house.

Also spayed cats are actually healthier. You don't have to worry about certain types of cancers, and on average they live slightly longer.

Another common concern that people have after staying their cats is that they will gain weight. Some people think that this might happen because a slower metabolism.

This is actually been proven not to be true. Regardless of whether the cat is spayed or not most house cats are overweight and obese, simply because lack of exercise and too many treats.

If you are still debating on whether or not to have your cat spayed please talk to your veterinarian. You'll see that the benefits far outweigh any possible risks that your cat might experience.

Does a Cat's Behavior Change After Being Spayed?

Whatever the cause of your cat's bad behavior, the important thing is to correct it quickly. To learn how to do this correctly, visit: Solutions To Cat Behavior Problems!

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Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Stop Dog Chewing - Dog Behavior Training

If you own a dog there's every chance you will encounter dog chewing problems. This article outlines the common reasons why dogs chew, and also how to stop your dog from chewing.

dog kennels

When puppies and dogs chew it is a perfectly natural behavior, just very annoying for us dog owners. Sometimes the chewing can be a dangerous habit for your dog. Things like electric wires, poisons and any number of other objects can cause serious harm to your dog.

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Common Reasons Why Puppies and Dogs Chew
Lonely or boredom. Separation anxiety, often occurs if you work long hours away from home. When they are teething. Through fear or a phobia. Seeking attention. Through anticipation, dogs often chew just before their owner is due to arrive home.

Dogs chew just about anything they can wrap their mouths around. My dogs love chewing socks, shoes, furniture and my whippet actually chewed a large whole in the side of our house!

How To Stop Your Dog From Chewing

Always keep in mind that your dog can't tell the difference between a 0 pair of shoe's and an old rag. And he is not chewing to spite you, dogs don't think like us humans.
The best way to stop your dog from chewing is to actually stop the habit before it forms. This requires you to not leave your dog in a situation where he can chew something that you don't want him to. If your dog chews while you are away from home, keep your dog in his crate or in a kennel run. If you can't or don't like restraining your dog in this manner, just make sure you remove any objects that you don't want chewed. If your dog has a particular liking for something like a furniture leg you could try this method. Coat the object with a foul tasting substance (non toxic) such as bitter apple, cayenne pepper or tabasco sauce. This method often works, but can just transfer the chewing behavior to a different object. If you catch your dog in the act of chewing, give a firm "No!" and replace with a tasty chew toy. Give praise when he starts chewing on the toy. Never ever reprimand your dog if you don't catch him in the act of chewing. If you don't issue your correction within about two seconds of his chewing behavior, he won't have a clue what you are disciplining him for. A good solution for treating any dog behavioral problems is to give them some obedience training. You will gain the trust and respect of your dog by doing this, and it will also provide your dog with some mental stimulation. Give your dog lots of exercise, physical and as mentioned above, mental. Provide your dog with a few of his favorite, tasty dog chews. Don't give him dozens of them as he may then believe he can chew anything. Just give him a couple of good one's, and make it clear to him that if he wants to chew, it must be on his toys.

By applying the above methods, adding a bit of common sense and patience you should be able to quickly stop your dog from chewing. Good luck.

Stop Dog Chewing - Dog Behavior Training

Chris Smith is a dedicated dog owner and creator of http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com.

Find out how to correct any dog behavioral problems through obedience training. Do it the right way, yourself, at home.

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Monday, October 31, 2011

Common Jack Russell Behavior Problems and What to Do About Them

Excessive barking. Barking is a completely natural habit for a dog, and Jack Russells tend to be a bit noisier than most breeds. But there are time when barking just isn't appropriate, so for your own sake and the sake of your neighbours, you need to get this under control.

The first thing you need to do is determine why the dog is barking in the first place. There could be many reasons for this, but the biggest ones for Jack Russells are boredom and anxiety. Boredom can be easily fixed by giving your dog a variety of chews to entertain herself with. Try buying hollow nylon chews which you can fill up with peanut butter - this works a treat.

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Anxiety is a little harder to deal with. If there is something in the environment which is intimidating your dog - a neighbor's dog, for example - block it from view with curtains or fencing. If the anxiety is the result of being separated from you, the proper treatment is to gradually get your dog used to being alone. Leave it for very short periods at first, then come back with a reward. Slowly increase the time the dog is left alone for.

Jumping up. This can actually be quite scary for many people, even with a small dog like a Jack Russell - and it's just plain annoying too. This is usually caused by overexcitement. The solution is to make sure the dog gets its fair share of excitement throughout the day through games and exercise, so it doesn't end up releasing all its pent-up energy on unsuspecting guests. Start going for more walks, play games that exhaust your dog like Fetch, and teach the dog to Sit on command.

Destructive behavior. This habit, like barking, is usually the result of boredom or separation anxiety. If you leave a puppy alone in your bedroom all day, you shouldn't be surprised when you come home to a pair of chewed-up shoes. For a young dog, keep it in a puppy pen when you have to leave it alone. For older dogs, this is usually a bad habit formed in puppyhood that never got trained out. Starting a formal training regime with a disobedient dog will help to set some boundaries. Also, deal with your dogs boredom - up the games and physical activity, and provide some new treats and toys. Variation of toys and mental stimulation is important for an intelligent breed like the Jack Russell.

Aggression. This can be a real problem with Jack Russells, whether it's aggression towards certain people, strangers, other dogs, or over food and toys. Often it's a sign of a lack of socialization and it's common among some rescue dogs. But a sudden change in behavior towards aggression in a usually friendly dog can also be a sign of injury or illness. If the aggression has come on suddenly, contact your vet. If it is an ongoing problem, try slowly introducing the dog to environments and situations where it may act aggressively, providing treats and rewards to build up a positive association.

Biting. This is particularly a problem in puppies, but can be an issue with older dogs too. To stop play-biting, all you need to do is hold the puppy's mouth shut for a few seconds, say "No" firmly and then stick a chewy treat or toy in its mouth. This lets it know what it should be chewing on rather than human skin. If you have an adult dog with biting problems, this is a serious matter that will probably require the skills of a professional trainer.

Running away. Jack Russells are born hunters, and they were made to dig - so dig they shall, even if it means digging under your fence. The tendency of dogs to go roaming is generally inspired by natural urges to go and find a mate. The tendency can be reduced a great deal by neutering and spaying. There are many other health benefits to neutering your dog too. On top of that, you should escape-proof your house and back yard, using chicken wire where necessary to block your dog from digging under fences.

Hyperactivity. Jack Russells are pretty hyper by nature, but many are excessively hyper because their owners don't help them to release their energy. If your dog is excessively hyper it very likely needs more exercise. Add an extra walk to your exercise regime, make walks longer and more challenging, teach your dog to swim, and start playing lots of games. Perhaps invest in a tennis ball launcher to help you throw a ball further in a game of Fetch. This is about the only way your Jack Russell will get tired before you do.

Common Jack Russell Behavior Problems and What to Do About Them

This article is written by Tom McSherry, owner of the Jack Russell Lover website -- the one-stop info center for Jack Russell owners. This advice is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to training and raising Jack Russells. Visit Jack-Russell-Lover.com today for lots more FREE information on Jack Russell training as well as info on raising puppies, grooming, the history of the Jack Russell, health care, Jack Russell rescue organizations, plenty of Jack Russell photos and lots more.

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

How To Eliminate Pitbull Behavior Problems

Pitbull behavior problems could be due to several factors, the trigger could be something from way back in your Pitbulls years as a pup which was never ever extinguished. In most cases, the issue is usually a matter of dominance involving the owner and or the dog. The one thing about aggression in the Pitbull, is it should be tackled at some point. Dogs whose masters allow them to act in a hostile manner spanning a lengthy time period may very well become dangerous.

Pitbull behavior problems could be shown as early as six weeks old. Young puppies of this age group are at a crucial development stage, one that demands socializing and instruction to prevent unacceptable behaviors, for example, biting people. This coaching period ought to carry on for no less than 2 months. The bottom line is to prevent long term hostile behavior, make sure that your pup is properly socialized with other pet dogs as well as people, at the very least by the time he or she is 14 weeks old.

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As we determine that this info is accurate, this points to some essential things. Firstly, a pup should not be segregated from the litter before 2 months old. The next thing to bear in mind, is the fact that tough discipline needs to be shunned for the duration of 8-10 weeks of the pups life.

This phase must be seen as a delicate time for treatment, and whenever you raise your voice, or use other excessive actions towards young puppies, you're encouraging aggressive behavior.
Pitbull behavior problems might also result from a variety of factors, definitely genetics and heredity are key essential elements, and we all know that specific dog breeds are inclined to become more aggressive than other dog breeds. Nonetheless, you will find exceptions to most of these, aggressive behavior also has a tendency to occur together with neutering and spaying.

Natural environment represents the only most dominating element in aggressive dog behavior, tough owners and greatly restricted socializing, in addition to very poor living conditions all bring about aggression. If your dog happens to go through some kind of trauma as a result of another dog, his chance for developing aggressive behavior rises significantly.

Frequently, aggression is really a product of the group dynamics that exist in a pack of dogs, hostile behavior could be entirely committed to initiate a pecking order, posturing, in addition to biting, are generally behaviors most dogs use to ascertain dominance. If you want to control your Pitbull's behavior early on, then create dominance early on and remain consistent.

How To Eliminate Pitbull Behavior Problems

This is my latest article on the subject of PitBull Training, and to find out more why not visit me at http://pitbull-training-secrets.com/articals/your-secret-guide-to-training-a-pitbull-terrier/ I hope to provide useful and valuable information to all readers with any future articles.
Feedback and comments are welcome, on any of my articles.
However if you use my article on your website, please don't take the credit for it!

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Sunday, October 23, 2011

Preventing Dog Bites and Aggressive Behavior

Dogs can make a wonderful addition to any family. They provide continuous love, companionship, and even protection. However, it is important to always remember that while we may think our pets are perfect creatures incapable of inflicting harm, they are still animals that have natural instincts that can manifest in aggressive behavior towards strangers, other dogs, or even their owners.

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An estimated 800,000 Americans seek medical attention each year for injuries connected with dog bites. In light of this statistic, it is important to not only be aware of how to avoid dog bite injuries, but what to do if you or someone you know is bitten by a dog.

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Before You Get Your Dog

If you are considering bringing a dog into your family, there are some safety facts to consider before making this important decision:

· What type of breed will fit your family best? You should speak to a professional about different types of dog breeds. Some breeds are genetically more aggressive than others, and some breeds are known to not respond well to children. You will want to consider all of these factors when choosing a dog.

· If you have children, are they old enough to have a dog? You will want to make sure your children are not likely to harass or harm your dog, as this may provoke aggressive behavior in the dog that will be directed at your children.

Once You Have Chosen a Dog

After finding the perfect fit for your family, there are a number of things you can do to curb aggressive behavior in your dog and reduce the likelihood of biting.

· Have your dog spayed or neutered as soon as they are old enough. This will curb some aggressive behavior at a young age.

· Make sure your dog knows that you are the dominant figure in the household. They may want to become territorial, and you need to reinforce that you are in control.

· Do not play aggressive games with your dog. Excessive running inside or wrestling will only encourage aggressive behavior.

· Enroll your dog in obedience training.

Dog Bite Prevention

By following the above steps, you will hopefully curb aggressive behavior in your dog before problems occur. To further prevent injuries, here are some final things you can do to avoid dog bites:

· Do not run away from a dog or make sudden movements

· Be careful around unfamiliar dogs, and do not approach one

· Do not make eye contact with a dog

· If a dog is eating, sleeping or taking care of puppies, do not disturb them.

If you would like more information on dog bite safety or dog bit injuries, contact the Minneapolis dog bite lawyers of Terry & Slane, P.L.L.C. today.

Preventing Dog Bites and Aggressive Behavior

Joseph Devine

Dog

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Aggressive Dog Behavior Training - How to Stop Fido From Fighting

If you are reading material about aggressive dog behavior training, chances are good that you are concerned that your dog is exhibiting some undesirable behaviors. It can be really hard when you love a pup, but they are becoming more aggressive.

You may have some mixed feelings because you know the doggie could be dangerous, but you have feelings for it and want to keep it. You may be especially concerned if you have kids or other animals in the household. You need to learn to change this aggressive behavior.

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The primary thing to know is that when you are trying to cure dog aggression, you simply need to get expert advice. You should not attempt to retrain an aggressive dog without experienced assistance.

There are many reasons why a dog may become aggressive. It may be ingrained in the breed of the dog, the dog may have been abused at some point, the dog could be acting out of protection or the dog may be afraid.

Often, the canine shows aggression as a way to dominate other dogs. Remember that a dog is a pack animal which means they must show who is the pack leader.

There are numerous ways to begin aggressive dog behavior training. The primary thing you must do is take your pup to the veterinarian and make sure that there are no physical reasons for the aggression.

You might want to consider spaying or neutering your canine as well. This is a safe and possibly effective way to reduce the aggression.

The best way to overcome aggressive dog behavior is to use a professional dog training program that is geared to help with this issue. We are not talking about training your dog to fetch or grab a beer from the fridge. We are talking about correcting and overcoming aggression.

Aggressive Dog Behavior Training - How to Stop Fido From Fighting

If you are looking for aggressive dog behavior training, there is a great 6 day FREE dog training course. Also, I was extremely impressed with the Free Report about the "5 Dog Training Myths". I had no clue I was making so many HUGE mistakes! Get that here: DOG TRAINING TIPS ONLINE FREE

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Monday, October 17, 2011

Solving Behavior Problems in Your English Mastiff Dog

Mastiff dogs are not mean dogs; however, they are huge and imposing. If they are not properly trained at an early age they will quickly figure out that their size gives them control. This can lead to some behavior problems in your English Mastiff dog. The following are suggestions to solving some behavioral problems in Mastiffs.

Aggression

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Aggression can be a problem with Mastiffs. Since they often outweigh their owners they can be found pushing ahead of people, shoving people out of their way, refusing to get off furniture, or guarding food and toys.

To prevent aggressive behavior you must take control and not allow it. For instance, if your Mastiff pushes ahead of you through doorways, teach him to sit at the doorway until you give the signal to come. Instead of retreating when your dog shoves you, push him back, invading his space. Your actions will teach your dog that you are in control. Never be cruel to your pet. You can use a distraction such as a toy or treat to lure him when he is misbehaving- such as refusing to get off the sofa. Always reward good behavior. Spaying or neutering can also reduce aggressive behavior.

Excessive Barking

If your English Mastiff dog has a problem with excessive barking you need to determine why because this is not a common problem in Mastiff dogs. It could be that your dog is bored or lonely. Be sure that you spend plenty of time with your with your dog and that he has toys and play time.

To deter your dog from barking you can wrap you hand around his muzzle and say "Quiet" or "No Barking." Be sure to praise him when he quiets down. You can use what is called a "shake can" to discourage barking. When your dog barks, take a soda can with a few pennies or pebbles in it (taped shut), and throw it in the direction of your pet. Don't hit him with it. The idea is that the noise with startle your dog and so he stops barking. Then, again, praise him for being quiet.

Chewing

Like many other breeds, Mastiffs love to chew on anything and everything. This habit needs to be controlled from the beginning. Providing appropriate chew toys while he young is very helpful. Keep valuable items out of reach of your Mastiff and be sure to rotate the chew toys so your dog won't get bored.

If you see your English Mastiff chewing on something he shouldn't, take the object away and replace it with an acceptable toy to chew on. Praise him for chewing on the appropriate item. Be diligent and observant.

Jumping Up

Most people view their pet jumping up as a welcome. However, this thinking is incorrect. Jumping up is a sign of dominant behavior and should be discouraged, especially in giant breeds such as Mastiffs. Teach your puppy that sitting will be rewarded with attention, but jumping up will be ignored. If your Mastiff tries to jump up on you, step back or turn aside so that no contact is made. Then tell him to sit and praise him when he obeys the command.

Shyness

A common problem among Mastiffs is shyness. Shyness can be an inborn condition or it can develop due to lack of socialization. Socialization is one of the most critical aspects of owning a Mastiff. It can be quite difficult to take your dog to the vet, or go on a trip with him if prefers to stay at home and only wants to interact with the family. Take your puppy out as often as possible. Allow your dog to meet people in different places. You can help him get used to other dogs and pets by regularly walking him at a dog park.

These are a few solutions to some of the behavioral problems you can encounter with your English Mastiff dog. Training should start at an early age and this will help to eliminate future problems. If you have severe behavior problems with your dog you might want to get the advice of his veterinarian or see a specialist.

Solving Behavior Problems in Your English Mastiff Dog

Sam Daniels is a dog trainer and enthusiast. Learn more through his extensive Mastiff Care Secrets course free of charge. It is jam-packed full of must-have information for Mastiff owners and those looking for English Mastiffs - http://www.yourmastiffandyou.com/the-english-mastiff-breed.html

Sam Daniels is a dog trainer and enthusiast with an extensive Mastiff Care Secrets course jam-packed full of must-have information for Mastiff owners and those looking for English Mastiff.

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Thursday, September 15, 2011

What You Can Do to Curb Aggressive Dog Behavior

Aggressive dog behavior can be a terrible problem for pet owners. It seems like reports of mauling come in everyday where children, adults and other animals get hurt or killed. Careful attention and positive habits are vital in controlling aggressive dogs.

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Some dog owners are very irresponsible, to say the least. They pen the creatures up, chain them like slaves, and neglect them to the point of death. Every year there are stories about dog owners and breeders that are found with starving and abused pets. Most state and local laws are weak and difficult to enforce. It begs the question, "Why have a dog or any pet if it is tied up to suffer?" That suffering can lead to violent, aggressive dogs that maim, kill and bite, sometimes without provocation.

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However, there are wonderful people who love and cherish their dogs to a fault. Sometimes the animals display aggressive behavior that is not necessarily caused by neglect. Some breeds are just rambunctious and hyperactive. How many times have you visited someone and the furry four-legger licks, jumps, and barks obnoxiously? The owner talks, yells, hits or kicks the poor beast as if it really understands exactly what you want it to do. It is almost comical to watch a person speak to the pet when it really has no understanding because it has not been properly trained. The list of aggressive and rude behavior out of dogs can seem nearly endless, but as the old saying goes, "There is no such thing as a bad dog, just bad pet owners."

There are solutions to aggressive dog behavior. First and most important, one must be a responsible pet owner. Do not tie your dog up to a tree and forget it! Get the dog the proper vaccinations, medical care, food and water. Exercise is extremely important for the health of your dog and the human. Love the dog and give it affection and make sure the children do so as well.

Some parents get their child a puppy knowing that the responsibility is far too much for the youngster. It can lead to a neglected pet that is stubborn, rude and aggressive. To summarize this point, be an attentive, caring pet owner! Take good care of the pet, consider behavior training, and make sure the pet is loved and gets an adequate amount of attention and exercise. In most cases, this is enough to make the dog manageable.

Beyond that, one of the best methods of dog management is crate training. Some folks think it is cruel but it is actually very humane and in tune with the natural instincts of the animal. Dogs are den creatures meaning that they give birth to young in a secluded environment that quickly becomes the safe zone. This is where the dogs feel at home and will defend the den to the death, as will most creatures. The crate or cage is the same concept because the dog will feel at home as it adopts the pen as its safe refuge.

For example, when a visitor comes over, some dogs get hyper, jump, lick, bite and display other rude behavior. If the dog is trained to go into the crate, it will not feel punished or threatened, but exactly the opposite. The dog is probably afraid of visitors, particularly of strangers. If the dog is ordered into the crate, it is a signal that the visitor is not aggressive and the situation is safe. The dog will take its place instead of jumping, barking, and being annoying. The crate serves as a very humane way to control, communicate and convey basic manners to the canine.

Most experts and trainers agree that crate training is the most humane and effective way to curb aggressive dog behavior. Remember that they are very complex and intelligent creatures that have been instilled with eons of instinctive behaviors and the crate resembles an important part of the evolution. Keep a loving and responsible attitude toward your tail wagger, and it will reciprocate with a sweet disposition.

What You Can Do to Curb Aggressive Dog Behavior

Are you looking for the right dog training advice? For help with dog behavior problems and other issues, be sure to visit my site.

Dog

Monday, September 12, 2011

Dog Aggression - Identifying Aggressive Dog Behavior

Aggression in dogs can be found in a variety of different behaviors and personality traits. Most dog owners only focus on the common aggressive dog behaviors such as barking, biting, growling etc... But it vital that you get to know your dog, that you can distinguish all types of dog aggression. Aggression and dominant behavior are natural instinct for pack animals such as dogs, they play an important role in the survival of wild dogs, giving each member of the pack a place in the hierarchy, using aggression to defend against predators, to hunt, and to assert dominance.

The level of aggression your dog demonstrates is determined by how much of a threat the individual or animal is seen to be. We class these as low and high level aggression. Low level aggression is the everyday aggression most dogs display. This is generally passive aggression, giving the other dog or person a warning that your dog is aggressive and in control of the situation. Low level aggressive behaviors include

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1. Growling

2. Ignoring owners commands

3. Pushing and leaning into people

4. Jumping up on people or animals to intimidate

5. Aggressive stance

You will notice your dog displaying this lower level aggression when he or she begins to feel threatened. A common time to observe your dog in 'low level aggressive' mode is when he or she is introduced to another dog for the first time. Both dogs will take a stiff stance, observing and keeping their head up, tails up, and ears pointed. This is intended to make themselves appear dominant, and to look as tall as possible. After getting a good observation of the other dog and getting comfortable with the situation, one dog will generally back away, and you will notice the aggression begins to die, and the two dogs will start to become familiar with each other. Generally speaking, a spayed female will usually be the first to back down, followed by a neutered male, then an intact female, and last to back down will be an intact male. The build and stature of a dog is often irrelevant when it comes to introductions and this first aggressive encounter. The exception to this hierarchy is in instances when neither dog backs down, the aggression then builds as the battle for dominance begins. This will often lead to an extremely loud vocal display and often physical interaction.

When dogs meet a human for the first time, aggression will be shown through jumping up, pushing or leaning until the person becomes unstable and looses their footing, or growling with an intense stare. With smaller dogs and young puppies this behavior can often be portrayed as cute behavior and go un-noticed. Failure to identify and deal with this behavior can lead to more serious when the puppy has grown to be a larger dog, it can become dangerous and difficult to train. Whether your dog is a new/small puppy or a larger dog, it is important to deal with these aggression issues as early as possible, so your dog's 'low level aggression' doesn't become a problem in years to come.

If your dogs passive (low level) aggressive behavior is ineffective, it will escalate to higher levels of aggression in an attempt to recover dominance. Higher level dog aggression includes:

1. Snarling and snapping viciously

2. Biting

3. Jumping up and barking in an aggressive manner

4. Nipping at heels or legs

5. Staring and displaying teeth

Higher level aggressive behavior means business, your dog is still feeling threatened or non-dominant and your dog will move on to actual physical aggression, fighting, biting or attempting to bite. This is where things get serious and potentially dangerous. If you notice your dog's behavior escalating to high aggression levels, you must look into behavior modification training immediately. It is your responsibility to keep the public, other dogs, children and visitors to your home safe by isolating or sufficiently restraining your dog.

Aggression is a natural instinct for dogs, and it is essential that the owner is in control of the dog's aggression. Through early socialization and a firm understanding of the dog-owner relationship, your dog should not show aggressive behavior. If aggression does become a problem it is important to deal with the issue immediately. Re-training using positive methods works much better than punishment, but often professional assistance is needed.

Neutering a dog will control the hormonal causes of aggression, but not all aggression is hormonally caused. Spaying and neutering dogs does not guarantee that they will be docile, and breeds that are bred as watch dogs or herding animals will need specific training on being non-aggressive. Some dogs are not good with other animals or dogs, just like some breeds are less tolerant of children. It is important to understand the natural aggressive tendencies of the breed of dog that you are considering obtaining to make sure you get a good match for you and your family.

Dog Aggression - Identifying Aggressive Dog Behavior

Colin Pederson is a self-confessed 'Dog Fanatic' residing in California with his wife and black Lab Casey. Colin runs 'Dog Obedience Advice,' offering free advice on dealing with Dog Aggression, and other issues all dog owners face.

SPAYING YOUR DOG

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Toy Poodles - The Fact Behind Urine Marking Behavior

Toy Poodles, along with other Poodle varieties are notable for their keen sense of instinctual behavior such as marking. You may have successfully house-trained your Toy Poodles but at some point in your life, you might see one of your beloved pets lifting his leg and hallowing the furniture. He's not urinating actually, but rather urine marking.

Urine marking, also called scent marking is a behavior by which dogs communicate with one another by leaving behind an identifying scent. Information such as identity, sex and reproductive status of the marker are discern through strong-smelling marks made. So if you see your fully housetrained Toy Poodle lifting his leg, the action doesn't necessarily mean that your pet wants to pee but will scent mark to leave other dogs a message.

SPAYING

Urine marking is also referred to as territorial marking. A dog may urinate to show dominance or to claim something as to belonging to them. Vertical objects, areas around exit doors and windows are the areas commonly marked by dogs.

A dog that is not spayed or neutered are more likely to urine mark compared to a spayed or neutered dog. However, even a spayed or neutered dog may mark in response to other animals or to show other dogs that the area, space or object belongs to him. In addition, a fully house trained dog urinating in the house can also be a sign of urinary tract disease. Whatever you the reason may be, it would be a great idea to take your dog to the vet to rule out the problem and the possible treatment.

To deal with urine marking, neutering or spaying is strongly recommended. Based on research, neutering male dogs and spaying female dogs will help reduce if not totally eliminate the problem. Establishing or organizing dominance hierarchy at home and resolving conflicts between animals also help reduce urine marking behavior.

Clean soiled areas thoroughly. Make the area unpleasant or unattractive and inaccessible. Various and proven cleaning aids specifically formulated to remove urine stains and smell are widely available in most pet supply stores. If your dog repeatedly marks specific object or area, change the importance of those areas or objects to your pet. Place treats under and around the objects or play with him in the areas he is more likely to mark.

Taking your dog for a walk is not just for exercise purposes but will also reduce marking behavior. And when you and you're dog is out for a walk, do not prevent him from urine marking. This will lessen the likelihood of marking at home.

Toy Poodles - The Fact Behind Urine Marking Behavior

Richard Cussons writes articles including articles about Toy Poodle. Visit poodlesavvy.com for your Toy Poodle information.

SPAYING

Monday, August 8, 2011

Abused Dog Behavior - Training Your Dog to Trust Humans Again

Abused dog behavior is obvious if you have ever seen it. If you have not, here are some signs that your dog may have been abused and some tips on how to try and reestablish your dog's trust in humans again.

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A dog that has been abused will be very frightened of you. These dogs often crouch in the corner and cowers.

YOUR DOG

These dogs are afraid of being hurt again and are afraid of people. She simply does not trust humans and if she sees a hand or foot coming at her she assumes it will be to harm her.

If you have one of these dogs you need to start to restore your dog's trust in people again.

Whenever you are around your dog, move slowly and speak in a slow peaceful voice. When you interact with the dog, squat down to her level so that you will seem to be less frightening to her. Try offering treats by hand and maybe even feed her by hand.

When you do obedience training with her, offer lots of praise and patience. Do not raise your voice to correct her, simply redirect her behavior to the correct position.

The only real way to overcome abused dog behavior is to spend a lot of time bonding with the dog. This can be done through feeding, obedience training, grooming, or just watching TV together. Eventually your dog will grow to trust you again but it might take some time, so have lots of patience with them.

Abused Dog Behavior - Training Your Dog to Trust Humans Again

If you are having problems getting through to your abused dog, there are lots of resources out there to help you. I invite you to visit my website so I can offer you more tips. Thank you. Stopping Dog Behavior Problems

YOUR DOG