Easy Ways to Break Your Dog From Embarrassing Humping Habits

Does your dog like to embarrass you in front of company by becoming a little too "friendly" with a guest? Did Fido go "nuts" when your boss' wife bent over to pick up the keys she just dropped? It can be both embarrassing and upsetting to see your dog, who's usually cute, innocent, sweet, or even docile start humping everything in sight. Here are some tips you can try to nip this bad habit in the bud.

Demand Their Undivided Attention:

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At first sight of your dog showing this truly embarrassing and unruly behavior, you must get his attention. You may clap your hands together sharply, use a stern, crisp voice, or even spray them with water. Be sure not to do anything that may cause undue harm or damage to your dog.

You may also try to distract them with their favorite toy if they are humping something or someone.

It is important to determine the reason your dog is acting this way. Contrary to popular belief, humping isn't always a sexual expression. Your dog may just be trying to show dominance over the object of his humping, or may simply be trying to relieve stress. Female dogs may hump just as feverishly as male dogs. Another explanation may be that your dog simply wants to play. As puppies, humping is a form of getting others to play with them. Humping is very common of dogs from 6 months up to 2 years of age.

Humping for Dominance

Some dogs have the desire to be dominant. As a dog humps something, serotonin flows to the brain in increased amounts, making him feel satisfied. The sexual aspect and the need to feel dominant often coexist. This goes back to the primitive instinct seen in dog packs. The alpha male leader of the pack has the power and social status to mate with any female he chooses. The alpha has first dibs in a pack. Although most often seen in males, the behavior is seen in females as well.

Another reason he is humping may be to get attention. Try leaving the room and see how he reacts. If he stops humping, try praising him.

Become the Alpha Dog

Another key to breaking this habit is to show Fido that YOU, not him, are the alpha male. You don't have to be cruel or hurt him; simply be a strong, positive leader to him. You can set boundaries for your dog and still show him love. This can be done by being in control during walks, having a set feeding schedule, and by limiting where he can sleep.

Neutering

Neutering is also an option to keep your dog from humping. Neutering can decrease the testosterone level in your dog, reducing his desire to hump.

Although normal, humping is still an embarrassing habit. If you can figure out why this behavior is happening, you can decide which option may be best for you. If he's doing it to be playful, he likely will grow out of it. If he's doing it purely for pleasure, or as a "stress reliever", you should probably consider neutering. If your dog does it for attention, try becoming the alpha. As you can see, just because your dog may hump a hole through a fencepost, all is not lost.

Easy Ways to Break Your Dog From Embarrassing Humping Habits

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Dog Training - 8 Correction Mistakes Dog Owners Make

Just like no dog is perfect, neither are pet owners. A lot of dog behavior problems go right back to poor dog owner training. Here are some of the most common mistakes dog owners make that lead to bad dog behavior:

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1. Inconsistent training. Just like with your typical human two-year-old, you've must be consistent when training your dog. Letting Max get away with bad behavior even some of the time will lead to problems down the road.

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2. Reinforcing bad behavior. A classic poorly trained dog owner behavior. Even the best of us don't realize when we've done it. Here's the classic example: Buttons scratches the door to be let in. You just painted the door and don't want Buttons ruining the new paint, so you let him in immediately. Guess what Buttons just learned? If he scratches the door, you'll let him in immediately! Don't let your dog outsmart you! You may just have to put up with a few scratch marks on the door until Buttons gets the message. Never let your dog in the house when he scratches on the door or barks.

3. Using the dog's name when correcting him. It's important not to make "no" sound like a part of your puppy's name: Buster No! Just say the word, in a low, growling voice. Don't use "no" when your dog isn't doing the unwanted behavior but is considering it. Try "don't," again, using a low, growling, and firm voice.

4. Leaving the dog alone too much. The pounds are full of young dogs that somebody wanted when they were puppies, but because the owners worked 12-hour days every day, the dog now has behavior problems. Spend time with your dog every day.

5. Crating a dog too long. Not only is this bad for your dog's behavior, keeping him in a crate for hours and hours day after day can affect his growth and his muscle tone.

6. Chaining a dog. If you don't have a secure fence, then keep your dog in the house crated. Chaining a dog is dangerous and cruel.

7. Yelling. Your dog will not respond to yelling. Everyone loses their temper from time to time, but constantly yelling at your dog loses its effect quickly - just like it does on your spouse or your children.

8. Hitting. Swatting your dog with newspaper or hitting him just teaches him that aggression gets the leader of the pack what he wants. Don't hit your dog. It sets a bad example.

Some dogs, especially some toy breeds or hounds, may still have trouble. This is especially true of small dogs. Remember, you are training your pet to not leave waste in his den, and to a small dog your home may be too big to seem den-like.

Marilyn Burnham

Author: 'Dog Owners Boot Camp'
The How To Guide, Dog Training Secrets Professional Dog Trainers Don't Want You To Know!

For More Information On Dog Training

Dog Training - 8 Correction Mistakes Dog Owners Make

Marilyn Burnham was the owner operator of 4 successful dog grooming stores in British Columbia, Canada for more than a decade. To spend more time with her children Marilyn made the decision to sell her business in the mid 90's. Get a copy of her book: ‘Dog Owners Boot Camp’ The How To Guide, Dog Training Secrets Professional Dog Trainers Don’t Want You To Know!

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Dog Hepatitis - Owner's Guide to Hepatitis in Dogs

Hepatitis in dogs is a highly contagious viral disease. It mainly affects the liver. However, it can also affect various other organs.

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Transmission

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As you just learned, this disease is caused by a virus. This virus is known as canine adenovirus type 1, or CAV-1 for short. Most dogs get infected when they come into direct contact with an infected dog. Infected body fluids can also be a method of transmission. The virus can also be passed by parasites such as fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks.

Symptoms

Dog hepatitis can be either severe or acute. Dogs with the acute form will experience vomiting, fever, and diarrhea. The disease can also cause swollen lymph nodes, pale gums, and yellowish eyes. If your dog's liver also swells up, he may stop eating.

Dogs with the acute form of this disease usually recover after a week or so. On the other hand, the severe form is usually fatal. Common symptoms include bloody vomit and diarrhea, bloody nose, and bloody gums. Since severe damage is done to the liver, it can also result in a coma or seizures.

Treatment

Mild cases of hepatitis in dogs usually requires that your dog be hospitalized. Treatment involves giving intravenous fluids to combat dehydration that can be brought on by the diarrhea or vomiting. Additional supportive care may also be necessary.

Prognosis

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis in dogs. As mentioned, the severe form of this disease is often fatal, usually within a week. Sometimes, an infected dog can die within mere hours of showing symptoms. Dogs may be able to recover from the acute form.

Prevention

The vaccine to guard against dog hepatitis is usually given to puppies. However, it can also be given to adult dogs that have yet to be vaccinated. The vaccine can contain either adenovirus type 1 or 2. Although type 1 is responsible for this disease, a vaccine containing type 2 will also help prevent it.

Dog Hepatitis - Owner's Guide to Hepatitis in Dogs

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Neutering and Spaying - Part of Total Ferret Care

Neutering or spaying processes are generally applied as part of administering total ferret care. Spaying female ferrets does prevent illnesses caused by excessive heat. On the other hand, neutering male ferrets does prevent the so called unwanted ferret smell.

Ferrets do become sensitive if subjected to adverse conditions such as heat. Many owners opt to have their ferrets either spayed or neutered before bringing them into their place. Shelters also advise these processes as essentials of ferret care. For these individuals, neutering or spaying ferrets prevent these pets from being ill or getting sick.

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There are occasions wherein adopted or bought ferrets are not necessarily spayed or neutered. Most common causes include buying domestic ferrets directly from breeders. Additional cost is also prevented since some pet shops do sell intact ferrets. On the other hand, first-time owners tend to ask, "What are the benefits of neutering or spaying your ferret?" Below are stated reasons and guidelines.

1. When female ferrets or jills reach the age of four months, the so called 'heat cycle' so begins. This cycle will continuously go on unless she undergoes protection. This process is aptly called a Jill jab. As a component of female ferret care, Jill Jabs are given to create an interruption in the heat cycle, thus allowing hormones to work.

There are instances wherein owners substitute Jill Jabs in place of spaying. However, it is strongly suggested not to do so since spaying has long-term benefits. Furthermore, a Jill Jab is also given to prepare a female ferret for spaying.

2. Neutering processes, meanwhile, are part of male ferret care. Neutering is also recognized to affect male ferrets' behavior such as nipping and biting.

3. Ferret odor is also prevented if male ferrets are neutered. While the procedure may not totally get rid of ferret odor, it will somehow help in lessening such smell.

4. Neutering or castration should also be performed once your male ferret reaches the age of four months. It is also strongly suggested to avail of the procedure before your pet reaches four months.

Neutering or spaying your ferrets does affect the sexual nature of your pets. For some, these ferret care procedures aid them in lessening problems and other ferret diseases. While these ideas may be true, the fact remains that total ferret care does not only involve medicines and food. For in the long run, you have to consider your pet's well-being and overall condition.

Neutering and Spaying - Part of Total Ferret Care

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Benefits of Neutering Your Male Dog

While it can cost you quite a bit of money, neutering your male dog may be a great idea if you are not planning to use him as a stud or show him at dog shows. When a dog is neutered, his testicles are removed so he is not able to breed. Many people find that having this surgery done on their dog is very beneficial. Here are just a few of the benefits that neutering can provide to you when you make this decision.

Prevent Problems with Behavior

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There are quite a few behavior problems that dogs that are not neutered can have. One of those problems is marking, since dogs often mark their territory with their urine. This can result in urine on your house and it can even turn into an obsession to your dog. Neutering eliminates this problem in most cases. Males that are not neutered often get in fights and are more aggressive and they often try to challenge you or other dogs because the testosterone makes them want to be dominant. Male dogs are more obedient and less likely to fight when neutered.

You'll also find that sexual arousal can be a big problem in dogs that haven't been neutered and this can definitely become embarrassing. Dogs often end up humping the legs of people and other embarrassing things, which is a problem that can be eliminated with neutering. Other behavioral problems that can be prevented when you neuter your dog can include distress when a female dog goes into heat and distraction.

Prevent Future Health Problems

Another of the benefits that you can enjoy when you neuter your dog is that this can help to prevent a variety of future health problems. Once neutering is done, you can be sure that your dog will not develop testicular tumors in the future. There is some protection against perianal tumors as well as prostate disease as well, because these diseases both are testosterone stimulated. In dogs that don't have their testicles drop down the way that they should, having them neutered is definitely important because testicles that are retained are more likely to end up with tumors.

Lower Fees

In many cases, if you have neutered your dog, you will end up paying lower fees. Often the fee for a license for your dog is a lot cheaper when the dog is neutered, since males that are neutered are thought to create fewer problems.

These are just a few of the benefits of having your male dog neutered. Of course, it can be a bit expensive, and often this can end up costing you about 0 to have it done if it is done right. You also need to remember that you can't show dogs in certain shows if they are neutered. Some dogs may put on a bit of weight if they are fed too much. This means you will need to feed neutered dogs a bit less and make sure he gets enough exercise to prevent excess weight gain after he is neutered.

Benefits of Neutering Your Male Dog

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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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Dog Neutering and What is Involved

A lot of pet owners are unaware that both sexes of dogs can both be neutered. The most common practice occurs on the female. It consists of mainly just removing the sex organs to stop the sexual process and fertilization.

On the male side it involves castration by surgery to remove the testicles. This sometimes is a cost factor some households complain about. The castration cost is usually less of an amount than the incising of the female organs.

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Sometimes dog owners worry that removing these sex organs will effect their dog behavior differently. The most common effects to a male is a decrease in aggression and for the female, a loss of no longer going into season.

For both sexes, the chance of gaining weight really increase. There are scientific facts behind this, but in my mind the dogs just have less sex drive therefor making them gain weight with less activity.

A rumor floats that letting the female have a litter before fixing her helps her health and life age. The same idea goes for males, but experts have found this to be somewhat not correct. Much of heredity and age has to factor into that equation for any results to hold fact.

Do not let these rumors phase your decision in getting your dog fixed or not. Decide whether you can afford it or your going to wait and just keep your dog away from other canines. Some people wait tell their dog is pregnant to do it, but that is a bad decision as you probably know why. Set aside the things for your dog that he or she may need.

Dog Neutering and What is Involved

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