Showing posts with label German Shepherd. Show all posts

14 Worst Breeds for New Owners  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here's a great article for new dog owners.... Hope it helps you find your forever friend! –Kim

14 Worst Dog Breeds for New Pet Owners

We asked 218 veterinary professionals to vote on the dog breeds and mixes that are not good choices for first-time pet parents. German Shepherds, Bulldogs and Akitas are among the breeds of which new pet owners should steer clear.

Akita
No. 1: Akita
The Akita was bred to hunt big game such as bear, boar and elk. He can also weigh upwards of 115 pounds (or even more), and requires a 20-30 minute walk every day, always on leash due to a strong prey drive. He's a beautiful dog, but sheds heavily and can be a challenge to train, making him best suited to experienced dog owners.

No. 2: Chow Chow
Not known for being particularly lovey-dovey, the Chow Chow isn't the teddy bear he appears to be. He's intelligent but stubborn, and may require a lot of training before you get the results for which you're looking. This breed is wary of strangers and may be aggressive toward dogs he doesn't know.

No. 3: Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei requires an assertive, experienced owner to train him and keep him from getting bored. This highly territorial dog tends to bond with one person, and can be quite distrustful of those he doesn't know – humans and canines alike. And all those dramatic skin folds can increase the tendency for chronic skin and eye conditions that a naïve pet owner may find daunting.

Alaskan Malamute
No. 4: Alaskan Malamute
He's friendly, joyful and exuberant, which may make him attractive to someone seeking a first dog, but be warned: The Alaskan Malamute sheds like crazy, pulls on leash with all of his 65-100 pounds and is a talented escape artist. This breed is made to travel far on his own four feet and he needs a family committed to a lot of exercise when it's best for him. That thick fur coat also leaves him vulnerable to heat injury.

No. 5: Rottweiler
Although he can be a gentle giant, the wrong Rottweiler with the wrong owner can truly be a scary dog. A Rottweiler wants someone to be the boss, and if you're not taking the job, he will. He's powerful and protective, and known for being extremely loyal when it comes to his people and his property. Considering he can weigh as much as 135 pounds (and most of it muscle), he can generally back up his threatening growl.

No. 6: Weimaraner
The "Gray Ghost" earned his nickname for his beautiful gray coat and habit of following his owner closely, but the highly intelligent Weimaraner isn't the right dog for everyone. He's extremely energetic with no "off" switch, and he's not happy being left alone – separation anxiety can be a real issue with this breed. He can be difficult to housetrain and a hazard to cats and other small pets, but if you plan to spend many days hunting, hiking or doing obedience and agility with him by your side, you might have found your perfect companion.

Dalmatian
No. 7: Dalmatian
The spotted Dalmatian isn't just a Disney darling – he was bred to work as a coach dog, running alongside carriages or horses, alerting coachmen to approaching highwaymen and warding off stray dogs. That's how he became the traditional firehouse dog – he kept the streets clear for horse-drawn fire engines. However, the traits that made him perfect for this work can make him a challenge in the home. He has an endless capacity for exercise and can be destructive when bored. Also, he's a notorious shedder with stiff fur that weaves its way into fabric (but not out).

No. 8: Australian Cattle Dog
Sometimes known as a Blue Heeler or Australian Heeler, the Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized dog with serious endurance. Originally made up of several breeds, including the Collie, Dingo, Bull Terrier, Dalmatian and Black and Tan Kelpie, he has a reputation for being stubborn and having energy to spare – not to mention a truly adventurous spirit and belief in his own invincibility that will leave you wondering how he'll injure himself next.

No. 9: German Shepherd
Highly intelligent and a natural protector, the German Shepherd Dog is well-suited to a wide variety of jobs: He's worked as a guide dog, a drug sniffer, and, of course, a police and military dog. There's little he can't do with the right training, but that's exactly why he's not ideal for newbies – it takes quite a bit of training, exercise and dedication to stay "smarter" than he is. And all those smarts come with higher-than-average tendencies toward some pretty serious health problems, including hip dysplasia and neurologic issues.

No. 10: Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is incredibly lovable, but this gentle giant is also a lot of work. He drools (and drools and drools) and is known to ingest items like socks and dishtowels. Because of his enormous size (130-180 pounds or more), you might think he'd like to hang out in your big backyard, but you'd be wrong – he's prone to heatstroke and loves being around his people, so he's very much an indoor dog.

Siberian Husky
No. 11: Siberian Husky
The happy and affectionate Siberian Husky is a working dog that thrives in cold, snowy climates. He was bred to pull sleds over long distances, and his liveliness reflects that – a short walk around the block won't do for this breed. He sheds heavily, is a capable escape artist and has a strong predatory drive, so he's not a great choice for homes with cats or small pets.

No. 12: Bulldog
The Bulldog is generally good-natured and his goofy, wrinkled mug certainly makes him lovable, but the breed's heavy build and flat face make him particularly sensitive to heat, exercise and stress. He can't swim, so if you have a pool, pond or spa, his access should be restricted. He is prone to a variety of health issues and some may say he's challenging to train, but his fans don't mind – his entertaining antics and laid-back attitude make up for it in the right home.

No. 13: Bullmastiff
Devoted and protective to the point that he'd lay down his life for his family, the Bullmastiff has a mind of his own – and considering that he weighs in at 100-130 pounds, he can easily overwhelm an owner who isn't ready to stand up to him. He needs good, consistent, positive training and firm boundaries from a young age. He also needs someone to follow him with a mop, because this dog can drool. His high prey drive means he should always be kept on leash, and he doesn't generally love other dogs, so he's best as an only pet.

Airedale Terrier
No. 14: Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier is quite a character. Independent, intelligent and stubborn, he'll keep you laughing – and on your toes, as he's a notorious digger and counter-surfer. He'll bring the same exuberance and joy to playing games as he brings to excavating your garden and eating your drywall. He's not great with other dogs or animals and needs plenty of stimulation (both physical and mental). It should be noted, too, that this "King of the Terriers" was the inspiration for Margaret Marshall Saunders' novel Beautiful Joe, the story of an abused dog, which sparked the creation of the modern humane movement.

Source: MSN Living
© 2014 MSN/Microsoft


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Baby and Puppy Video  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here's the cutest video that I thought I would pass on! –Kim

Baby Busts Up when Pup Busts Bubbles!

Nothing is more entertaining to this adorable, laughing baby than her dog diving at a burst of bubbles and popping them before they hit the floor. (We recommend using edible bubbles made specifically for dogs...or cats!)


Source: Dr. Karen Becker


Here's what the YouTube poster says:
On a lazy day, I decided to try blowing bubbles for my daughter, Molly. At first, she didn't think they were "all that," but then Bennie, the dog, showed Molly how much fun bubbles can be. Molly thought Bennie's bubble popping was the funniest thing she has seen in her 9½ months!
  
A little background info on Bennie: We adopted Bennie from a shelter in Central Illinois in 2008. They told us that he is a German Shepherd and Beagle mix. We would not be surprised to find out that he has other breeds mixed in as well!


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They Shoot First, Ask Questions Later  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

News

GRAPHIC: Outrage Erupts over Cops Killing Dogs

'The police officer, he just came up and started shooting'
by Gina Loudon, Ph.D.
August 4, 2013

People across the country are upset with a police officer from Hawthorne, Calif., after a video of him shooting a Rottweiler went viral.

Very upset, in fact.

So much so, that 113,000 have signed a petition calling for his resignation.

WND has reported on cases of police brutality, constitutional infringement, corruption and the militarization of police.

The response to the Hawthorne case, in which police shot an innocent bystander's Rottweiler as officers arrested the man for recording another arrest, appears to take concern over police actions to a new level.

Police were arresting the man "taking video" of an arrest that he witnessed as he was walking his dog. Another bystander got the arrest and the dog shooting on camera and uploaded it to YouTube and set off a firestorm.

The video has been viewed over 5 million times and has prompted angry citizens to gather signatures that were delivered to Hawthorne Police in conjunction with a rally July 27.

Rally organizer Kari Guerrero told WND that she delivered just under 113,000 signatures of upset people from the U.S. and around the world to the department that day.

But the Hawthorne shooting is not an isolated incident.

In Leander, Texas, a family dog was shot and killed when police raided the wrong home in search of a man with an expired vehicle registration.

A 6-year-old witnessed the incident, prompting questions about both policy and practice for officers shooting dogs.

Retraining is one response by police departments, including in the Denver area after officers shot families' pets.


Few would argue that police officers have every right to fire on a vicious dog if their life is threatened. But many of the cases appear to be "shoot first, ask questions later."

In Houston, Texas, alone, at least 228 dogs have been shot by police and deputies since 2010. Putting that number beside Houston's murder rate of 200 per year makes it even more startling.

There are now hundreds of social media sites dedicated to decreasing these deaths across the country.

Family pets including German shepherds, golden retrievers, Australian shepherds, pit bulls, chihuahuas, and others have been shot – in many cases in front of children. A news According to a Memphis news report, a Labrador retriever was shot by a police officer while the owner and child were playing with it outside.

"The police officer, he just came up and started shooting at my dog," the upset 9-year-old child told reporters.

The Denver area, too, has seen several instances of officers shooting family pets.

In an interview with WND, Sgt. Robert Sanchez, an officer in San Diego, told his story of shooting a dog. He said he shot the dog because it was attacking a little girl and there was no other way to subdue the animal. He said there have been less than a dozen shootings by police this year in San Diego, but he couldn't speak for the rest of the state.

Official stats show that San Diego County reported fewer than 10 dogs shot by officers each of the past three years.

When asked why police don’t carry equipment to deal with dogs such as a baton, mace or tranquilizer gun, Sanchez stressed that carrying extra equipment to deal with dogs would take the focus off of dealing with criminals and put it on animals, which is not the job of a police officer.

He explained that it is already a big burden for officers to load their vehicles with all the equipment they might need in the line of duty. To load another gun or mace would burden the officers, he said.
Another consideration is the potential of a lawsuit against an officer if he misses his target.

"What would happen if I accidentally shot a person with a tranquilizer dart?" he asked.

In states such as California, police are subject to greater scrutiny in the courts, and the fear of injuring a person and being sued is greater.

Sanchez said he tries to call animal control because it is better trained to deal with dogs. But he acknowledged the problem of dogs getting caught in the crossfire and the pressure from the public to find a way to deal with it.

The San Diego City Police Department's policy is to contact animal control for assistance when there is advance notice of a potentially dangerous dog. Some officers, like K-9 and narcotics units, carry catch poles. But the equipment is cumbersome for the few officers who carry it, and usually the only equipment the officer has at his fingertips to deal with the animal is his sidearm.

A Harris County, Texas, police spokesman told WND that animal control is only called in cases of a dog bite, and officers do not carry specific equipment to handle dogs. Residents of Harris County, which encompasses Houston, put in 4,100 dangerous animal calls to the sheriff's department in the past two years. In 58 cases, officers shot and killed dogs.

In an interview with Houston's KHOU-TV, Sgt. Joseph Guerra said that training is the answer.

"A lot of times, officers are not sent to training to get that type of certification to feel comfortable enough to deal with these animals," said Guerra.

The Houston Humane Society employs Guerra and other law enforcement officers as full-time investigators. Guerra investigates animal cruelty and neglect, and teaches police how to safely interact with potentially dangerous animals.

"It's enough for you to back up slowly and exit the gate and make that phone call to the owner and have them put that dog up," explained Guerra.

Guerra is pushing for mandatory training for officers. KHOU reports that Houston Police do not require such lessons, and a spokesman for the Harris County Sheriff's Office told WND that it offers training but does not require it.

Video of the Hawthorne case is below, but viewers are advised it is graphic:

Source: World Net Daily


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Pit Bull Controversy  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here's an interesting "interview" that I thought I would pass on...what are your thoughts on this controversial topic? Comments welcome! –Kim
  
Interview with a Pit Bull
By Mike Danahey
December 29, 2010

 

Elgin, Illinois – Protesters march down the Chicago Street bridge in opposition to a proposed law to ban pit bulls.
 
Animal lovers are a passionate bunch, as the debate here showed earlier this year concerning a proposal for a pit bull ban in the city of Elgin, Illinois.
So just as at the end of 2009, when we interviewed Jeff, the Lords Park bison, shortly before he passed away about efforts to save the zoo where he stays, this year we talked to Petey XXXL, the offspring of the pit bull from "Little Rascals" and Buster Brown Shoes fame, about the doggone controversy in the city in the suburbs.
Here is what Petey had to say in a Q&A.
 
Q: Why the controversy?
A: So, from what I recall, some city councilman wanted to ban my kind after a fellow pit killed a Chihuahua in late spring 2009. Now, I am certainly not excusing what happened, as I wasn't there. But first, let's admit it: Little dogs can be really annoying. It's like what you people call a Napoleon complex, typically with a high-pitched yap. But you don't hear about anybody wanting to ban pesky little dogs, do you? Sure, they might not be able to kill you, but be honest. You've probably visited some pals with some hyper beast that you at the very least wished would be away at dog obedience school for a long stay.
Second, thanks to the likes of Michael Vick, street gangs, drug dealers and gangster rappers, some of my brothers and sisters became a symbol of thuggery and toughness and were raised specifically to fight.
Folks forget that back in the day, my family hawked kids' shoes and hung out with those "Little Rascals." Now we're the ones TV has taught you to love to hate. We're the go-to dogs to fill time on newscasts and to scare folks.
Anyway, here in Elgin, you've had a number of wannabe tough guys walking about with my kind at their sides, trying to intimidate people. Imagine how some of them raise their dogs. Nature versus nurture. Remember that debate from school? Which is to say, there has been trouble.

Q: So how did things wind up in Elgin?
A: From what I recall, the controversy reached its conclusion at a council session in March, held in the ballroom in The Centre downtown to accommodate a crowd of more than 250, many of them there to plead for my breed. One person even brought a stuffed toy pit bull muzzled and leashed and sitting in the front row for council members – and TV crews from Chicago – to see. That sort of freaked me out. It was getting a little too close to being a Springer-meets-Oprah show, and I should know because my owner watches way too much TV.
After all the impassioned speeches from the audience, Councilman John Prigge, the most vocal proponent of a full-out pit bull ban, read from a prepared statement saying he was now ready to compromise.
While still feeling pit bulls – however you define my type – are dangerous, Prigge was willing to give owners of such dogs a chance to show "they are every bit as responsible as they've assured us they are." Prigge promised that he would be vigilant and that if there was another "pit bull attack in this city or if circumstances otherwise warrant, I will request we revisit this issue and suggest we implement all of the proposed pit bull regulations to prevent any further attacks."
It was very dramatic, like he was buddies with Batman or had watched "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." Hey, my owner has Netflix, too.

Q: So what's happened since?
A: There still have been incidents with pit bulls, most notably police shooting two dogs roaming Festival Park on Memorial Day weekend and Mayor Ed Schock and his German shepherd having a tussle with two unleashed dogs in late June. But Prigge hasn't revisited the ban.
The city put its new laws into effect in June. The revamped ordinance allows an animal control officer to designate a dog as either dangerous or vicious in the case of an attack of either another dog or a human. It defines a dangerous dog as one that attacks and injures, and a vicious dog is one that attacks and causes severe injuries or death. A dog deemed dangerous or vicious has to register with the city for a three-year, $100 license. Such animals have to wear registration and rabies shot tags, and the owner must have proof such pets have been neutered or spayed, and microchipped.
Vicious and dangerous dogs also must be kept locked when outside, in fencing at least 6 feet tall. Owners need to secure a minimum $100,000 liability insurance if they have a dog deemed dangerous, and owners of vicious dogs need at least $500,000 in liability insurance. Dangerous dogs on public property must be muzzled and on a short leash and with an adult, while vicious dogs are not allowed on public property.
The new rules also help better protect pets from bad owners, with stiffer penalties given for mistreating an animal and for leaving a pet to bark outside and annoy neighbors.
 
Q: What do you think about all of this?
A: As far as I can tell, the city added bite to what it does, did it fairly, and didn't go all poodle on the town and act hysterically.
With higher fines in place, this fall the city council even approved allowing people to work off doggie-related debts with community service. And in late November, Prigge spearheaded an event at the Hemmens Cultural Center where residents could get shots and microchips for their dogs and cats at just $35 a pet. Speaking of cats, why is it OK for dopey people to let them run wild to eat birds, but we get the bad rap? And by bad rap, I mean "Who Let the Dogs Out?"
Now, where's that steak bone you promised? And I need my belly scratched.

Source: The Courier News
© Copyright 2010 Sun-Times Media, LLC


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Nativity Scene & a Dog  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , ,

What an amazing picture! –Kim

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

A Nativity Scene was erected in a church yard. During the night, the folks came across this scene.

An abandoned dog was looking for a comfortable, protected place to sleep. He chose baby Jesus as his comfort. No one had the heart to send him away, so he was there all night.

Maybe we should all have the good sense of this dog and curl up in Jesus' lap from time to time.... Not to mention the dog's breed was a "shepherd!"

Merry Christmas!

Source: http://puppycam.yuku.com/reply/193005/t/Re-Holiday-Photos.html

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Federal Police Officer Shoots Dog in Park  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Family Demands Justice for Shooting
August 4, 2010

Authorities in Anne Arundel County say they won't file charges against a federal officer who entered an off-leash dog park with his leashed German shepherd and shot a Siberian husky, whom he thought was playing too roughly with his dog.

Bear-Bear, a 3-year-old brown and white husky, was playing in the Quail Run dog park at about 6:30 p.m. Monday when the officer and his wife arrived with a German shepherd, who was kept on a leash.

According to the Baltimore Sun, when the dogs began to play roughly, the federal officer asked Bear-Bear's guardian – the brother of the dog's owner – to call off the dog. Then, seconds later, he pulled out a gun and shot Bear-Bear.

Bear-Bear died of his injuries a few hours later.

Anne Arundel County police, astonishingly, have not named the federal officer, and – equally astonishingly – say no charges will be filed against him. No further investigation appears to be planned at the time of this story.

"I've been bawling my eyes out since 7 p.m. last night," Rachel Rettaliata, Bear-Bear's owner, told the Sun. "It's grief mixed with anger. We're so angry this guy was able to take our animal for what we feel was no reason at all…We still don't believe that he's gone. We just want so badly to be diligent about this. [The officer] has to pay some sort of consequence for his foolishness."

Rettaliata adopted Bear-Bear about two years ago from a husky rescue. He'd been seized from a Delaware home where people had tied him up outside and neglected him.

"JUSTICE FOR BEAR-BEAR" window
cling stickers are showing up on cars
in the Arundel County area.

Bear-Bear was a regular at the dog park in Quail Run, a community of townhomes. Neighbors say the park is generally an easygoing place where well-mannered dogs play with one another.

"I've never personally seen him be aggressive toward any dog or human or anything, for that matter," Tarnna Hernandez, who lives two doors down from the Rettaliatas, told the Sun.

"I have not seen that dog hurt anyone. Or snarl. He's never even barked," she said. "His only way was to get out a gun out and shoot him? Uh-uh. It's completely unbelievable."

The manager of the homeowner's association, Dorothy Pearce, called the shooting "tragic... A community of homeowners with children playing around should not have gun-crazy, off-duty policemen shooting in their area – especially, a dog in a controllable situation."

According to Rettaliata, Bear-Bear didn't cry out when shot. "He just went and laid down," she said.

Carolyn Kilborn, chairwoman of Maryland Votes for Animals, based in Annapolis, said the case should be further investigated.

"The killing of the dog in Severn is a sad situation that should be investigated carefully to determine if the incident was caused by a dangerous dog or a dangerous person," she said.

A "Justice for Bear-Bear" Facebook page has been established, encouraging concerned citizens to contact county authorities through this email address.

Source: http://www.ohmidog.com/2010/08/04/family-demands-justice-for-bear-bear/
© 2010 ohmidog!


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Basic Breed Information - 7  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here's a great series that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim

Basic Breed Information – Part 7

Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher has been one of my favorite breed of dogs since I was a little boy growing up in a family of dog trainers and breeders. This breed is one of the brightest, most loyal, compassionate and family-oriented dogs on the planet, despite the negative media attention that seems to have recently followed them. So when it comes to Doberman training, what exactly needs to be emphasized, and why? Well, before specific training methods can be answered, the personality and traits of the Doberman Pinscher need to be examined, so as to understand what makes the dog "click."

  • The Doberman has many very well-noted and recognized traits about its character, but few are as notable as their amazing bravery and loyalty. These are dogs that were breed for this purpose, and have been used as companions for soldiers all around the world for over a century. This makes the Doberman fearless and able to withstand some training methods that other breeds could simply not endure. Keep this in mind when you undergo Doberman training.
  • The Doberman is a breed that is EXTREMELY active and thrives on exercise and physical and mental stimulation. This is a trait that is highly important to remember. You can not train this dog in a boring or mundane way. This rules out trying to properly train a Doberman in your living room.
  • The Doberman is a VERY assertive and confident breed of dog; this does NOT mean aggressive though. Because of this natural trait, the owner must also be a confident and assertive individual who can properly put their Doberman into place if they get out of hand, but NEVER hit your dog! It is important that the owner and breed match (this is true for all breeds) or problems during training and home life may pose to be an issue.
  • Again it must be noted that when approaching Doberman training, it is wise to stimulate this breed with a lot of out door activities such as running, fetching, romping around and playing outside in general. This is a very active breed that simply needs these things.

These are only a few things that need to be known about the Doberman before you start training this breed. It is very highly recommend, not just from my training and breeding experience, but by many other trainers, that you seek out and acquire all the needed information to undergo Doberman training properly.

It is also very important to mention that this breed, just like many others needs to be trained in a way that is specific to its personality and traits. You simply can not just train a Doberman like you would a Cocker Spaniel, and expect good results to come of it, so make sure that you're armed with the right information on the right training methods for this breed before you start training...it will pay off very well.

For more in-depth Doberman training info, check out: Doberman Pinscher Training or Secrets to Dog Training.

It's hard enough trying to find the needed information for Doberman training; it's even harder finding information that is specific for this breed. Don't waste your time and energy looking in the wrong places...your Doberman is just sitting there wagging its tail and waiting! Visit http://www.squidoo.com/dobermanpincher.

German Shepherd

As soon as you've brought your German shepherd home, it's time to start training. Though Shepherds have a reputation for instability, the fact is, with the help of an experienced obedience instructor, your dog can be extremely well-trained. The first thing you need to understand is that dogs need to be trained from birth; they cannot be trained well when they have already become adults.

Trainers will tell you to always provide your Shepherd with plenty of regular exercise as well as mental stimulation to tame their rambunctious natures. Otherwise, you may find your bored doggie will turn to destructive chewing. If this occurs, simply sprinkle chair legs and other attractive targets with black or cayenne pepper to discourage chewing. Provide plenty of fresh water everyday, but especially after long walks. And introduce your dog to lots of friendly people so he can learn to recognize normal behavior of good guys; a dog that's isolated may become suspicious of everyone, which can lead to biting.

German shepherds shed constantly, so be prepared to do a lot of vacuuming. There are some tips to reduce the work load: Mix one part brewers yeast and garlic with two parts doggie stew, or try Mrs. Allen's Shed Stop that should also be mixed with the dog's food. Daily brushing helps, but frequent bathing isn't necessary. And do remember to trim Fido's nails at least once every two weeks. A little care and lots of love help your German Shepherd grow into a loyal and welcome member of the family for years to come!

For more in-depth German Shepherd training info, check out: German Shepherd Training Secrets or Secrets to Dog Training.

For more information about German Shepherds, visit http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/german-shepherd-training.html.

Golden Retriever

There is a saying that God made man because he was lonely, and then He made dogs so that man won't be lonely. It's a friendship made in heaven; dogs live with us and make the living fine. But a little puppy is like a baby; it needs to be well taught and trained so that both the owner and the pet live in harmony.

Golden Retrievers are obedient and easy-to-train dogs. The puppy has to be taught good manners; it has to get used to a daily routine. You will have to make it known to your puppy where it can and cannot go, whether or not it is allowed to sleep on the sofa or chew your slipper. Do not puzzle the puppy by permitting something one day and forbidding it the next. You can give your puppy a little treat as an incentive and gently reprimand it as a penalty, but never hit your puppy – it will break its spirit.

Toilet training can be started right away. All your energies need to be devoted to it in the first week. You must take the puppy outside as soon as it has had meals or awakens from sleep; puppies usually get a little restless when they have to go. If you like, you can use a word association. Puppies can associate words with going to the toilet, and this way, you can make them go any time you think suitable.

Though the Golden Retriever has a friendly temperament, a new puppy has to be trained to socialize with people. As soon as it is 8-9 weeks old, you should take it out in your arms or in your car. He will love socializing and you'll have a friendly little dog that will be the talk of the town. Twelve weeks is the ideal time when you should start taking your puppy out on walks.

It will take a few weeks before your dog learns to be on the leash. But as soon as he does, walks would be something to which both you and your dog will look forward. You'll walk to the park with wind in your face, flower falling on the path and your Golden Retriever walking by your side, and 'It will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.'

For more in-depth Golden Retriever training info, check out: Golden Retriever Training Secrets or Secrets to Dog Training.

For more information about Golden Retrievers, visit All About Golden Retrievers!

Labrador Retriever

The best method of how to train Labrador Retriever puppies is to apply positive reinforcement, that's combined with unrestricted praise and treats. In order to establish an immediate bond, play with your pup on a frequent basis, and if possible, get down on the floor with her – this bond will later be strengthen through training. Labrador Retriever puppy training can start almost as soon as she arrives home. In a similar way to a small child, she will learn best through activities and games.

At approximately eight weeks of age your Labrador Retriever pup can start to learn about retrieving objects. This is the "fetch" activity that she will enjoy all of her life. Learning how to train Labrador Retriever pups is not difficult. To teach this fun exercise, it's often ideal to have her on a ten foot lead or so. Don't be tempted to use a stick for this activity (this could cause an injury), but take a toy that she recognizes or a soft-ball. Make certain that it's too big to be swallowed.

Gently wave the toy near her head to draw attention to it, and then throw it approximately five feet in front. There's no need to throw it too far, as she's just starting out. If she arrives at the end of the leach all of a sudden, she could be hurt. Use her name, so the command is "Boots, fetch!"

Follow as she runs to the ball, and if she picks it up, offer some encouragement – but not too much praise, yet, as she isn't finished. If your Labrador Retriever pup does not take it in her mouth, wave it in front of her until she does. Then, walk slowing back to the starting point, and encourage her to follow. If she does drop the soft toy, be certain to get her pick it back up. When she arrives back, remove the ball out of her mouth and at the same moment say the command "Out," or a similar command. Now, you may offer her lots of praise.

In a very short time, with some practice, you'll know how to a train Labrador Retriever to enjoy this fun activity. She will soon come to realize what you want and how to receive the most praise. As she becomes accustomed to retrieving without your needing to move in the direction of the soft-toy, begin to throw the toy in various directions.

Labrador Retriever puppy training can also include swimming, but when starting out, it's important to strengthen the swimming muscles. Don't force or throw your puppy into a pond or lake. At approximately three months of age, a puppy may be encouraged to enter the water and will soon realize what's necessary. Wading in with her can assist in getting started, in addition to seeing other dogs having fun in the lake. As anyone who owns a Lab can attest, learning how to train Labrador Retriever puppies efficiently can have an enormously beneficial effect on her future well-being.

For more in-depth Labrador training info, check out: Labrador Retriever Training or Secrets to Dog Training.

Learn how to train Labrador Retriever and put a STOP to your dog's behavior problems!

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List of No-kill Shelters and Rescues

List of No-kill Shelters and Rescues: 
NATIONAL SEARCH
Find local shelters near you! LOCAL SEARCH
You can adopt or foster from any of these shelters or donate to support their efforts. Be sure to confirm that they are a "no-kill" shelter. Then, be a part of the solution!

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