Showing posts with label pee. Show all posts

The Happiest Dog Ever  

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

Here's a really cute video! –Kim

Frank, the Happiest Dog Ever

by Rafael Borges

This is Frank, a 1.5 year old dog that only wanted some love and care to be happy. Now he is so happy that, even when sleeping, he shows it.

I did this video to show how can one change the life a being with only love and care.

When my wife and I spoke with the previous owner, we were sure that he would die in a few days. He was 5 months old and weighed only 6.6 pounds (3 kg).

When we arrived to see him, we saw that it was even worse: the owner had no experience in dog caring, he was locked outside in a 50 ft2 (5 m2) ceramic tiles back area, fed only with adult dog food, shedding excessively and unbearable smelly. His only friend was a torn blanket.

We can't be sure, but we suspect that this mistreatment lead to the worse for him: he became totally deaf. We suspect that an overlooked infection did this to him. I even taught him sign language! Frank has learned several commands, and we are very well adapted to the situation. I'm very proud of it!

When we got him, he was afraid of shadows, glimmerings, peed on everything (including himself), had no tail wagging and was fearful. By the way, until today, he runs for his life whenever he sees a broom....

Now, it's moving to see him enjoying his dreams so much that he even wags his tail, and realising that we saved a life, bringing him happiness.

So please, if you can, spread the adoption idea (and this video). You too can safe a life.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlwFV_jmDHI


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Renting with Dogs  

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

Here's a great article that may help whenever you're ready to move... –Kim

Renting with Dogs

You've taken the first step – you've decided to begin your journey for your next dream rental. As the famous saying goes, there's no place like home. And, like all responsible pet owners know, your dog's coming with you.

As a new tenant, there's no doubt you'll want to work hard and take the extra necessary measures to please your landlord, especially if he's cautious about having a pet in the mix. While every situation is different, it's best to err on the side of preparation and know what to expect from your landlord before the lease is signed and the deal is sealed.

Here are some questions your landlord may ask you regarding your dog:
  • How long have you had your dog?
  • Do you have written proof of vaccination/good health?
  • Were there any previous complaints about your dog at your previous rental?
  • May I contact your current/past landlords about your dog?
  • Who would look after your dog when you're away?
  • Has your dog been spayed or neutered, and is he/she housetrained?
  • Do you make a point of cleaning up after your dog?
  • How often is your dog alone at home?

Once the question process has been completed to both your satisfaction, your landlord may next develop a pet policy in the form of a written agreement between the two of you.

A basic pet policy may include the following:
  • Screening applications: A few simple questions will help sort out responsible pet owners and tenants.
  • A written agreement: This will ensure everyone has the same information regarding rules and regulations for pet owners.
  • Realistic limits: The pet policy should have clear guidelines on the type and number of pets allowed per dwelling.
  • Specific parameters: It is useful to set specific parameters concerning which common areas pets are and are not allowed to go, when dogs must wear leashes and whether any types of pets must be confined to tenants' apartments.
  • Assurance of cleanliness and healthy pets: Responsible pet owners will agree to immediately clean up after their pets and take all necessary sanitation precautions. They will also have a medical record of their pet to show all required vaccinations have been administered.
  • Written disciplinary procedures: Written procedures which are jointly agreed to and state clearly what actions will result in a warning or some sort of punitive action will reduce disputes and make for better relations between the property management and tenants.
  • Predetermined emergency arrangements: Property management may wish to have on hand details of local vets in case of emergency, especially in a situation where you are not immediately available.
  • Available services: An outline of the locations and availability of parks, pet washing services and other amenities in the local area may be included.
  • An agreement on cleanliness of premises: Tenants should readily agree to undertake to keep the property in excellent condition and free from animal odors and hairs.

Remember, it is more than possible to establish a friendly relationship with your landlord and co-exist in a way that's fair to everyone involved. If you're already a responsible dog owner, you're over the first hurdle!

Source: Pedigree: All Things Dog
©2014 Mars, Inc.


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Is Your Dog Potty Trained Enough?  

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

Here are some good housetraining tips that I thought I would pass on. –Kim

House Training Your Puppy or Adult Dog

House training a puppy or adult dog is such an essential issue for his owner that even a single exclusive tip turns out to be extremely helpful.

The first step in making your dog fit for polite company would be to potty train him. Some see this training as a hassle and some as a challenge.

For me, it is part of bringing up a pet.
 
There are a few things you need to know before you actually start potty training a puppy or adult dog. I enumerate these below:
  • You need to understand your dog's body language. Watch for signs that will indicate to you when your pet wants to eliminate.
  • If you own puppies, remember that they need to go potty at fairly frequent intervals – as soon as they wake up, after short naps, after play-time, after meals, before and after being crated and finally, before retiring for the night.
  • Take your dog for walks at the time that he usually does his potty. Take him out to the yard, and then, to the same place there every time he needs to answer nature's call.
  • Praise your dog after he eliminates at the right place. Some dog owners even give treats to their dogs. But remember to do this every time he does it right. He will relate the rewards to his having "done it right" and zero in on the spot where you want him to defecate regularly.
  • With time, you can try signal training. This is so that you know when your doggie wants to go. You can hang a bell at his level near the door and teach him to push it with his nose or pat it with his paw on his way out.
  • Until your dog has been fully potty trained, keep him under strict vigilance. Do not let him roam around the house freely.
  • Use a crate. A crate-trained dog is usually very happy to get his own den. The advantage of crating is that dogs do not soil the place where they sleep. So, he will naturally not eliminate inside the crate.
  • If you have a small dog and if you live in a high-rise building or in a place that does not have a proper backyard, you can try litter pan training. This means to create a space for your pet to eliminate in your house itself.
  • Use positive reinforcements while housebreaking puppies or adult dogs. Do not scold or hit him, as you will gain nothing by doing that. He will only associate punishment with your return from outside. If you catch him in the act, a stern 'NO' or 'FREEZE' will do (but be consistent). It will startle the dog enough for him to stop pooping.
  • Be prepared to return to a soiled home if you are keeping your dog home alone for more than 4 hours, as separation anxiety is quite common among home-alone dogs.
  • Accidents will happen. It is unusual for a trained adult dog to work against his house training. But medical problems or health disorders may lead to sudden accidents.
  • Many dogs mark their territory. These can be a leg of a table or a particular wall. Intact male and female dogs mark their territories by urinating. Use deodorizers to spray on the places where your dog has marked.
  • If you are patient and are ready to accept that house training a dog takes time, even months sometimes, you will end up having a good house-trained dog.

Now we will move on to how to potty train puppies and adult dogs.
 
Potty Training a Puppy
 
Irrespective of breeds, house training a puppy is considered to be one of the biggest challenges by dog owners. If you think house training your puppy simply involves a steady supply of old newspapers or puppy pads, then think again.
 
A puppy does not develop full control over his bladder until he is over 4 or 5 months old. Since they are growing and developing rapidly at this time, puppies eat more, burn more calories and need to eliminate more frequently than an adult dog.
 
After each nap, meal, drink or playtime, take your puppy to his designated area (indoors or outdoors, wherever you have decided) and stay there until he eliminates. Then bring him to his crate.
 
Repeat this situation everyday until he has developed a habit out of it.
 
Potty Training an Adult Dog

The best way to house train an adult dog is to begin all over again.
 
Observe him very closely. Maybe even maintain a diary of where he goes and when. Whether he is pooping when you are home or only when you are outside; whether you can, time yourself to be home when he feels the need to go outside.
 
You can try dog crates, but be careful to introduce him gradually to them.
 
Remember: Commitment, consistency and intelligent use of positive reinforcement will make you the owner of a perfectly house-trained dog. Don't expect miracles. You will only be disappointed.
 

Get this unique house training guide and start house-breaking your dog today.
 
Copyright © 2009 TrainPetDog.com
 

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Read more...

Is Your Dog Potty Trained Enough?  

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

Here are some good housetraining tips that I thought I would pass on. –Kim

House Training Your Puppy or Adult Dog

House training a puppy or adult dog is such an essential issue for his owner that even a single exclusive tip turns out to be extremely helpful.

The first step in making your dog fit for polite company would be to potty train him. Some see this training as a hassle and some as a challenge.

For me, it is part of bringing up a pet.
 
There are a few things you need to know before you actually start potty training a puppy or adult dog. I enumerate these below:
  • You need to understand your dog's body language. Watch for signs that will indicate to you when your pet wants to eliminate.
  • If you own puppies, remember that they need to go potty at fairly frequent intervals – as soon as they wake up, after short naps, after play-time, after meals, before and after being crated and finally, before retiring for the night.
  • Take your dog for walks at the time that he usually does his potty. Take him out to the yard, and then, to the same place there every time he needs to answer nature's call.
  • Praise your dog after he eliminates at the right place. Some dog owners even give treats to their dogs. But remember to do this every time he does it right. He will relate the rewards to his having "done it right" and zero in on the spot where you want him to defecate regularly.
  • With time, you can try signal training. This is so that you know when your doggie wants to go. You can hang a bell at his level near the door and teach him to push it with his nose or pat it with his paw on his way out.
  • Until your dog has been fully potty trained, keep him under strict vigilance. Do not let him roam around the house freely.
  • Use a crate. A crate-trained dog is usually very happy to get his own den. The advantage of crating is that dogs do not soil the place where they sleep. So, he will naturally not eliminate inside the crate.
  • If you have a small dog and if you live in a high-rise building or in a place that does not have a proper backyard, you can try litter pan training. This means to create a space for your pet to eliminate in your house itself.
  • Use positive reinforcements while housebreaking puppies or adult dogs. Do not scold or hit him, as you will gain nothing by doing that. He will only associate punishment with your return from outside. If you catch him in the act, a stern 'NO' or 'FREEZE' will do (but be consistent). It will startle the dog enough for him to stop pooping.
  • Be prepared to return to a soiled home if you are keeping your dog home alone for more than 4 hours, as separation anxiety is quite common among home-alone dogs.
  • Accidents will happen. It is unusual for a trained adult dog to work against his house training. But medical problems or health disorders may lead to sudden accidents.
  • Many dogs mark their territory. These can be a leg of a table or a particular wall. Intact male and female dogs mark their territories by urinating. Use deodorizers to spray on the places where your dog has marked.
  • If you are patient and are ready to accept that house training a dog takes time, even months sometimes, you will end up having a good house-trained dog.

Now we will move on to how to potty train puppies and adult dogs.
 
Potty Training a Puppy
 
Irrespective of breeds, house training a puppy is considered to be one of the biggest challenges by dog owners. If you think house training your puppy simply involves a steady supply of old newspapers or puppy pads, then think again.
 
A puppy does not develop full control over his bladder until he is over 4 or 5 months old. Since they are growing and developing rapidly at this time, puppies eat more, burn more calories and need to eliminate more frequently than an adult dog.
 
After each nap, meal, drink or playtime, take your puppy to his designated area (indoors or outdoors, wherever you have decided) and stay there until he eliminates. Then bring him to his crate.
 
Repeat this situation everyday until he has developed a habit out of it.
 
Potty Training an Adult Dog

The best way to house train an adult dog is to begin all over again.
 
Observe him very closely. Maybe even maintain a diary of where he goes and when. Whether he is pooping when you are home or only when you are outside; whether you can, time yourself to be home when he feels the need to go outside.
 
You can try dog crates, but be careful to introduce him gradually to them.
 
Remember: Commitment, consistency and intelligent use of positive reinforcement will make you the owner of a perfectly house-trained dog. Don't expect miracles. You will only be disappointed.
 

Get this unique house training guide and start house-breaking your dog today.
 
Copyright © 2009 TrainPetDog.com
 

Digg Delicious StumbleUpon Reddit BlinkList Furl Tumblr Facebook Google Bookmark Google+
Read more...

Is Your Dog Potty Trained Enough?  

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

Here are some good housetraining tips that I thought I would pass on. –Kim

House Training Your Puppy or Adult Dog

House training a puppy or adult dog is such an essential issue for his owner that even a single exclusive tip turns out to be extremely helpful.

The first step in making your dog fit for polite company would be to potty train him. Some see this training as a hassle and some as a challenge.

For me, it is part of bringing up a pet.
 
There are a few things you need to know before you actually start potty training a puppy or adult dog. I enumerate these below:
  • You need to understand your dog's body language. Watch for signs that will indicate to you when your pet wants to eliminate.
  • If you own puppies, remember that they need to go potty at fairly frequent intervals – as soon as they wake up, after short naps, after play-time, after meals, before and after being crated and finally, before retiring for the night.
  • Take your dog for walks at the time that he usually does his potty. Take him out to the yard, and then, to the same place there every time he needs to answer nature's call.
  • Praise your dog after he eliminates at the right place. Some dog owners even give treats to their dogs. But remember to do this every time he does it right. He will relate the rewards to his having "done it right" and zero in on the spot where you want him to defecate regularly.
  • With time, you can try signal training. This is so that you know when your doggie wants to go. You can hang a bell at his level near the door and teach him to push it with his nose or pat it with his paw on his way out.
  • Until your dog has been fully potty trained, keep him under strict vigilance. Do not let him roam around the house freely.
  • Use a crate. A crate-trained dog is usually very happy to get his own den. The advantage of crating is that dogs do not soil the place where they sleep. So, he will naturally not eliminate inside the crate.
  • If you have a small dog and if you live in a high-rise building or in a place that does not have a proper backyard, you can try litter pan training. This means to create a space for your pet to eliminate in your house itself.
  • Use positive reinforcements while housebreaking puppies or adult dogs. Do not scold or hit him, as you will gain nothing by doing that. He will only associate punishment with your return from outside. If you catch him in the act, a stern 'NO' or 'FREEZE' will do (but be consistent). It will startle the dog enough for him to stop pooping.
  • Be prepared to return to a soiled home if you are keeping your dog home alone for more than 4 hours, as separation anxiety is quite common among home-alone dogs.
  • Accidents will happen. It is unusual for a trained adult dog to work against his house training. But medical problems or health disorders may lead to sudden accidents.
  • Many dogs mark their territory. These can be a leg of a table or a particular wall. Intact male and female dogs mark their territories by urinating. Use deodorizers to spray on the places where your dog has marked.
  • If you are patient and are ready to accept that house training a dog takes time, even months sometimes, you will end up having a good house-trained dog.

Now we will move on to how to potty train puppies and adult dogs.
 
Potty Training a Puppy
 
Irrespective of breeds, house training a puppy is considered to be one of the biggest challenges by dog owners. If you think house training your puppy simply involves a steady supply of old newspapers or puppy pads, then think again.
 
A puppy does not develop full control over his bladder until he is over 4 or 5 months old. Since they are growing and developing rapidly at this time, puppies eat more, burn more calories and need to eliminate more frequently than an adult dog.
 
After each nap, meal, drink or playtime, take your puppy to his designated area (indoors or outdoors, wherever you have decided) and stay there until he eliminates. Then bring him to his crate.
 
Repeat this situation everyday until he has developed a habit out of it.
 
Potty Training an Adult Dog

The best way to house train an adult dog is to begin all over again.
 
Observe him very closely. Maybe even maintain a diary of where he goes and when. Whether he is pooping when you are home or only when you are outside; whether you can, time yourself to be home when he feels the need to go outside.
 
You can try dog crates, but be careful to introduce him gradually to them.
 
Remember: Commitment, consistency and intelligent use of positive reinforcement will make you the owner of a perfectly house-trained dog. Don't expect miracles. You will only be disappointed.
 

Get this unique house training guide and start house-breaking your dog today.
 
Copyright © 2009 TrainPetDog.com
 

Digg Delicious StumbleUpon Reddit BlinkList Furl Tumblr Facebook Google Bookmark Google+
Read more...

Is Your Dog Potty Trained Enough?  

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

Here are some good housetraining tips that I thought I would pass on. –Kim

House Training Your Puppy or Adult Dog

House training a puppy or adult dog is such an essential issue for his owner that even a single exclusive tip turns out to be extremely helpful.

The first step in making your dog fit for polite company would be to potty train him. Some see this training as a hassle and some as a challenge.

For me, it is part of bringing up a pet.
 
There are a few things you need to know before you actually start potty training a puppy or adult dog. I enumerate these below:
  • You need to understand your dog's body language. Watch for signs that will indicate to you when your pet wants to eliminate.
  • If you own puppies, remember that they need to go potty at fairly frequent intervals – as soon as they wake up, after short naps, after play-time, after meals, before and after being crated and finally, before retiring for the night.
  • Take your dog for walks at the time that he usually does his potty. Take him out to the yard, and then, to the same place there every time he needs to answer nature's call.
  • Praise your dog after he eliminates at the right place. Some dog owners even give treats to their dogs. But remember to do this every time he does it right. He will relate the rewards to his having "done it right" and zero in on the spot where you want him to defecate regularly.
  • With time, you can try signal training. This is so that you know when your doggie wants to go. You can hang a bell at his level near the door and teach him to push it with his nose or pat it with his paw on his way out.
  • Until your dog has been fully potty trained, keep him under strict vigilance. Do not let him roam around the house freely.
  • Use a crate. A crate-trained dog is usually very happy to get his own den. The advantage of crating is that dogs do not soil the place where they sleep. So, he will naturally not eliminate inside the crate.
  • If you have a small dog and if you live in a high-rise building or in a place that does not have a proper backyard, you can try litter pan training. This means to create a space for your pet to eliminate in your house itself.
  • Use positive reinforcements while housebreaking puppies or adult dogs. Do not scold or hit him, as you will gain nothing by doing that. He will only associate punishment with your return from outside. If you catch him in the act, a stern 'NO' or 'FREEZE' will do (but be consistent). It will startle the dog enough for him to stop pooping.
  • Be prepared to return to a soiled home if you are keeping your dog home alone for more than 4 hours, as separation anxiety is quite common among home-alone dogs.
  • Accidents will happen. It is unusual for a trained adult dog to work against his house training. But medical problems or health disorders may lead to sudden accidents.
  • Many dogs mark their territory. These can be a leg of a table or a particular wall. Intact male and female dogs mark their territories by urinating. Use deodorizers to spray on the places where your dog has marked.
  • If you are patient and are ready to accept that house training a dog takes time, even months sometimes, you will end up having a good house-trained dog.

Now we will move on to how to potty train puppies and adult dogs.
 
Potty Training a Puppy
 
Irrespective of breeds, house training a puppy is considered to be one of the biggest challenges by dog owners. If you think house training your puppy simply involves a steady supply of old newspapers or puppy pads, then think again.
 
A puppy does not develop full control over his bladder until he is over 4 or 5 months old. Since they are growing and developing rapidly at this time, puppies eat more, burn more calories and need to eliminate more frequently than an adult dog.
 
After each nap, meal, drink or playtime, take your puppy to his designated area (indoors or outdoors, wherever you have decided) and stay there until he eliminates. Then bring him to his crate.
 
Repeat this situation everyday until he has developed a habit out of it.
 
Potty Training an Adult Dog

The best way to house train an adult dog is to begin all over again.
 
Observe him very closely. Maybe even maintain a diary of where he goes and when. Whether he is pooping when you are home or only when you are outside; whether you can, time yourself to be home when he feels the need to go outside.
 
You can try dog crates, but be careful to introduce him gradually to them.
 
Remember: Commitment, consistency and intelligent use of positive reinforcement will make you the owner of a perfectly house-trained dog. Don't expect miracles. You will only be disappointed.
 

Get this unique house training guide and start house-breaking your dog today.
 
Copyright © 2009 TrainPetDog.com
 

Digg Delicious StumbleUpon Reddit BlinkList Furl Tumblr Facebook Google Bookmark Google+
Read more...

Is Your Dog Potty Trained Enough?  

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

Here are some good housetraining tips that I thought I would pass on. –Kim

House Training Your Puppy or Adult Dog

House training a puppy or adult dog is such an essential issue for his owner that even a single exclusive tip turns out to be extremely helpful.

The first step in making your dog fit for polite company would be to potty train him. Some see this training as a hassle and some as a challenge.

For me, it is part of bringing up a pet.

There are a few things you need to know before you actually start potty training a puppy or adult dog. I enumerate these below:

  • You need to understand your dog's body language. Watch for signs that will indicate to you when your pet wants to eliminate.
  • If you own puppies, remember that they need to go potty at fairly frequent intervals - as soon as they wake up, after short naps, after play-time, after meals, before and after being crated and finally, before retiring for the night.
  • Take your dog for walks at the time that he usually does his potty. Take him out to the yard, and then, to the same place there every time he needs to answer nature's call.
  • Praise your dog after he eliminates at the right place. Some dog owners even give treats to their dogs. But remember to do this every time he does it right. He will relate the rewards to his having "done it right" and zero in on the spot where you want him to defecate regularly.
  • With time, you can try signal training. This is so that you know when your doggie wants to go. You can hang a bell at his level near the door and teach him to push it with his nose or pat it with his paw on his way out.
  • Until your dog has been fully potty trained, keep him under strict vigilance. Do not let him roam around the house freely.
  • Use a crate. A crate-trained dog is usually very happy to get his own den. The advantage of crating is that dogs do not soil the place where they sleep. So, he will naturally not eliminate inside the crate.
  • If you have a small dog and if you live in a high-rise building or in a place that does not have a proper backyard, you can try litter pan training. This means to create a space for your pet to eliminate in your house itself.
  • Use positive reinforcements while housebreaking puppies or adult dogs. Do not scold or hit him, as you will gain nothing by doing that. He will only associate punishment with your return from outside. If you catch him in the act, a stern 'NO' or 'FREEZE' will do (but be consistent). It will startle the dog enough for him to stop pooping.
  • Be prepared to return to a soiled home if you are keeping your dog home alone for more than 4 hours, as separation anxiety is quite common among home-alone dogs.
  • Accidents will happen. It is unusual for a trained adult dog to work against his house training. But medical problems or health disorders may lead to sudden accidents.
  • Many dogs mark their territory. These can be a leg of a table or a particular wall. Intact male and female dogs mark their territories by urinating. Use deodorizers to spray on the places where your dog has marked.
  • If you are patient and are ready to accept that house training a dog takes time, even months sometimes, you will end up having a good house-trained dog.

Click here to sign up to receive a FREE course on potty training your dog.

Now we will move on to how to potty train puppies and adult dogs.

Potty Training a Puppy

Irrespective of breeds, house training a puppy is considered to be one of the biggest challenges by dog owners. If you think house training your puppy simply involves a steady supply of old newspapers or puppy pads, then think again.

A puppy does not develop full control over his bladder until he is over 4 or 5 months old. Since they are growing and developing rapidly at this time, puppies eat more, burn more calories and need to eliminate more frequently than an adult dog.

After each nap, meal, drink or playtime, take your puppy to his designated area (indoors or outdoors, wherever you have decided) and stay there until he eliminates. Then bring him to his crate.

Repeat this situation everyday until he has developed a habit out of it.

Potty Training an Adult Dog

The best way to house train an adult dog is to begin all over again.

Observe him very closely. Maybe even maintain a diary of where he goes and when. Whether he is pooping when you are home or only when you are outside; whether you can, time yourself to be home when he feels the need to go outside.

You can try dog crates, but be careful to introduce him gradually to them.

Remember: Commitment, consistency and intelligent use of positive reinforcement will make you the owner of a perfectly house-trained dog. Don't expect miracles. You will only be disappointed.

Click here to sign up to receive a FREE course on potty training your dog.

Get this unique house training guide and start house-breaking your dog today.

Copyright © 2009 TrainPetDog.com

Digg Delicious StumbleUpon Reddit BlinkList Furl Tumblr Facebook Google Bookmark Google+
Read more...

Is Your Dog Potty Trained Enough?  

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

Here are some good housetraining tips that I thought I would pass on. –Kim

House Training Your Puppy or Adult Dog

House training a puppy or adult dog is such an essential issue for his owner that even a single exclusive tip turns out to be extremely helpful.

The first step in making your dog fit for polite company would be to potty train him. Some see this training as a hassle and some as a challenge.

For me, it is part of bringing up a pet.
 
There are a few things you need to know before you actually start potty training a puppy or adult dog. I enumerate these below:
  • You need to understand your dog's body language. Watch for signs that will indicate to you when your pet wants to eliminate.
  • If you own puppies, remember that they need to go potty at fairly frequent intervals – as soon as they wake up, after short naps, after play-time, after meals, before and after being crated and finally, before retiring for the night.
  • Take your dog for walks at the time that he usually does his potty. Take him out to the yard, and then, to the same place there every time he needs to answer nature's call.
  • Praise your dog after he eliminates at the right place. Some dog owners even give treats to their dogs. But remember to do this every time he does it right. He will relate the rewards to his having "done it right" and zero in on the spot where you want him to defecate regularly.
  • With time, you can try signal training. This is so that you know when your doggie wants to go. You can hang a bell at his level near the door and teach him to push it with his nose or pat it with his paw on his way out.
  • Until your dog has been fully potty trained, keep him under strict vigilance. Do not let him roam around the house freely.
  • Use a crate. A crate-trained dog is usually very happy to get his own den. The advantage of crating is that dogs do not soil the place where they sleep. So, he will naturally not eliminate inside the crate.
  • If you have a small dog and if you live in a high-rise building or in a place that does not have a proper backyard, you can try litter pan training. This means to create a space for your pet to eliminate in your house itself.
  • Use positive reinforcements while housebreaking puppies or adult dogs. Do not scold or hit him, as you will gain nothing by doing that. He will only associate punishment with your return from outside. If you catch him in the act, a stern 'NO' or 'FREEZE' will do (but be consistent). It will startle the dog enough for him to stop pooping.
  • Be prepared to return to a soiled home if you are keeping your dog home alone for more than 4 hours, as separation anxiety is quite common among home-alone dogs.
  • Accidents will happen. It is unusual for a trained adult dog to work against his house training. But medical problems or health disorders may lead to sudden accidents.
  • Many dogs mark their territory. These can be a leg of a table or a particular wall. Intact male and female dogs mark their territories by urinating. Use deodorizers to spray on the places where your dog has marked.
  • If you are patient and are ready to accept that house training a dog takes time, even months sometimes, you will end up having a good house-trained dog.

Now we will move on to how to potty train puppies and adult dogs.
 
Potty Training a Puppy
 
Irrespective of breeds, house training a puppy is considered to be one of the biggest challenges by dog owners. If you think house training your puppy simply involves a steady supply of old newspapers or puppy pads, then think again.
 
A puppy does not develop full control over his bladder until he is over 4 or 5 months old. Since they are growing and developing rapidly at this time, puppies eat more, burn more calories and need to eliminate more frequently than an adult dog.
 
After each nap, meal, drink or playtime, take your puppy to his designated area (indoors or outdoors, wherever you have decided) and stay there until he eliminates. Then bring him to his crate.
 
Repeat this situation everyday until he has developed a habit out of it.
 
Potty Training an Adult Dog

The best way to house train an adult dog is to begin all over again.
 
Observe him very closely. Maybe even maintain a diary of where he goes and when. Whether he is pooping when you are home or only when you are outside; whether you can, time yourself to be home when he feels the need to go outside.
 
You can try dog crates, but be careful to introduce him gradually to them.
 
Remember: Commitment, consistency and intelligent use of positive reinforcement will make you the owner of a perfectly house-trained dog. Don't expect miracles. You will only be disappointed.
 

Get this unique house training guide and start house-breaking your dog today.
 
Copyright © 2009 TrainPetDog.com
 

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8 Ways to Train Dogs Who Mark the Christmas Tree  

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

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

What to Do if Your Dog Likes to Pee on the Christmas Tree

Your tree is up. It is an absolutely magnificent tree, covered in ornaments which hold great sentimental value or financial value (like my ridiculously expensive but oh-so-necessary pirate Santa ornament). The house smells like pine...and dog pee?!

It is not uncommon for pet owners to find that male dogs have a tendency to mark the family Christmas tree, particularly when a real tree is brought into the home. The people in the house "get" that it's a Christmas tree. The dog in the house thinks you just got him his own indoor potty for Christmas. This culture clash creates stress for both humans and dogs during the holiday season.

With the exception of working with dogs which are medically incontinent or with those who suffer from severe separation anxiety, the techniques used to address potty training deficiencies are all the same. Dealing with a dog that pees on the Christmas tree requires the exact same type of management, redirection and reinforcement that potty training a new puppy requires. Here is a protocol for managing and training the dog that marks on Christmas trees:

  1. Management and supervision – Your dog should never have unsupervised access to the Christmas tree. If you are unable to supervise him in the presence of the tree, he must be crated or gated elsewhere in the house. Do not hesitate to go back to the potty training basics you learned of crating, gating and tethering when you are not able to train or supervise.
  2. Know the signs – Many dogs offer "pre-indicator behaviors" – behaviors that are offered consistently before the event as a kind of "tell" that the dog needs to eliminate. This can be sniffing around, scratching at the ground, turning in circles or even approaching the tree. If you notice any indicator behaviors from your dog, get him out for a potty break right away!
  3. Reinforce success – While you're working on this, build a strong reinforcement history (with toys, food, and/or life rewards) for appropriate elimination outside.
  4. Click and treat the absence of the behavior. If your dog approaches the tree, sniffs it, and walks away, click and treat him! This is the behavior we want!
  5. Consider keeping your dog on a "traffic lead." A traffic lead is a very short leash, basically just a handle with a clasp. If your dog will not recall reliably under every conceivable circumstance, a traffic lead may not be a bad idea. It will ensure you are able to get your dog out quickly if you DO notice him going toward the tree as if to mark.
  6. Find out your dog's schedule. What times of the day does your dog normally eliminate? Provide plenty of opportunities for outside potty breaks during this time.
  7. Remember what events might trigger a dog's need to relieve himself – In general, dogs tend to eliminate after: naps, playtime, eating and/or drinking.
  8. Consider use of a Belly Band – Belly Bands are snug fitting fabric doggie wraps that are wrapped around a dog's lower torso. They are fitted with absorbent pads so that if your dog does mark, the liquid will be absorbed by the pad and not the beautiful, pristine white beard of your favorite pirate Santa ornament. You can make Belly Bands or purchase them online. A search for "dog Belly Band" should bring up all the information you need. Belly Bands are certainly management tools more than anything, they will not train your dog to avoid peeing on the tree but they will ensure that if management slips up, your tree remains pristine.

Click HERE and HERE for more potty training tips.

Click HERE and HERE for pet urine neutralizer, cat & dog urination deterrents.

Click HERE and HERE for indoor potties for dogs.

Source: http://blogs.dogster.com/dog-training/what-to-do-if-your-dog-is-a-christmas-tree-pee-r/2010/12/
Copyright 2003-2010 Dogster, Inc.

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Christmas Gift Ideas?  

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

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

"I Want a Puppy for Christmas!" and Other Dumb Holiday Ideas

By Carole Raphaelle Davis

Someone you know wants to buy a puppy for Christmas and I am here to talk them out of it because the truth must be told. It's a typically dumb holiday impulse. Yes it's true, puppies are adorable, but one should think before one hands over their credit card.

I don't mean to be all bah-humbuggish about it, but puppies become dogs in a few months. If you have room in your heart for a new four-legged friend this holiday season, wouldn't it be the ethical choice to refrain from buying a puppy and consider adopting an adult dog instead? Isn't that really more in line with the holiday spirit? After all, while families are decorating their trees, dogs are being euthanized by the thousands at the pound.

Why are adorable, pure-bred puppies brought to the pound after the newness wears off? Because puppies are a lot of work! Puppies are infant dogs and need constant care. They pee, they poop, they chew, break things, throw up and cry, just like babies do. They have tiny bladders and bottomless tummies and don't sleep through the night. Unless you're rich and have full-time help, you're in for a tremendous amount of sleeplessness and work.

I want you to count to ten and consider this before buying a puppy: Did you choose all your good friends when they were drooling, pooping-in-their-pants infants? Or did you pick your friends because you like them and feel good about them? Aren't most of the friends you've made adults? Does the fact that you didn't know your friends when they weren't even able to hold up their own head impede your friendship in any way?

Really, did you meet your good friend and say, "Ooh! How cute that drooling toothless little girl is! Wow, that baby with the poop-filled diapers is going to help me move. I can't wait 'til we can hang out together and I can tell her all about my problems with my job and my marriage!"

For every puppy bought at the store, there is another one just like him at the pound, just months older, getting ready to say goodbye to the world. Why? The answer is simple and sad. The person paying $1,500 at a pet shop for a puppy mill Dachshund won't go to the pound and rescue one.

If someone you know is thinking of buying a pooping, whining, peeing, chewing, destroying-everything-in-the-house, little furry creature this holiday season, please consider adopting an adult pet.

You want a designer dog? No problem. The shelters and rescue organizations are full of them. PETFINDER.COM can help you find even the rarest of breeds. You can probably find a Brussels Griffin or a Briard within your zip code. Every single breed of dog is a click away.

On PETFINDER.COM, you get individual stories about the pets, like where they came from and why they ended up in foster homes or at a shelter. Foster care-givers know the personality of the animal and how he interacts with others, including children. You can even go and meet the animal with your other pets or your children to see how they all get along.

The fact is you simply know more about an animal when you meet him as an adult. You actually don't know what you're getting in a puppy. All you know at eight weeks old is what it might look like. And looks shouldn't be a criterion for picking a best friend anyway. We don't pick our friends for their looks do we? Well, maybe in Hollywood....

Be logical. You can interview an adult person to judge if he's intelligent, well adjusted, mentally normal and friendly. You can get a feeling if he is a thief or a liar or a murderer. You can't interview a ten-week old baby. You have no idea if that baby will grow up to rob you and burn your house down.

Using the same logic, you can interview an adult dog. You can get a sense of his personality, if he seems well adjusted, mentally normal, intelligent, open or friendly. You know he won't rob you and burn your house down. You can't interview a puppy. Every puppy has only two wriggling motivations – worming its squirmy little cuteness to the food and then emptying it out at the other end.

Training an adult dog is much easier than training a puppy. Believe me, a rescued dog wants to learn how get along in your house. All he needs is some exercise, patience, understanding and a little time. Even an older dog will be so grateful you took him in, as long as you show him the ropes, with kindness and understanding, he will gladly learn what he needs to in order to fit in. The job of helping an adult dog or cat to assimilate is far easier than the job of training a puppy.

So this holiday season, don't go to the pet shop. Adopt an adult dog. You'll save a lot of money. You'll be able to think more highly of yourself. Now that's a gift! Real status is not about what rare breed you bought, but about what kind of person you are. By giving money to the puppy mill industry, you are putting money directly into the hands of a business that perpetuates misery for profit. They deserve to be put out of business.

The real joy of Christmas is in giving – and what better gift to yourself than giving a home to a lonely dog. It's the gift that keeps on giving, with gratitude, loyalty and love. Participate in the solution. Let's spread the Christmas spirit and help empty out some of those cages.

Save a life. Adopt.


Carole Raphaelle Davis is an actress and author of "The Diary of Jinky, Dog of a Hollywood Wife," just released by Andrews McMeel Publishing. (Also, see Jinky's Blog.)

©2010 Newsvine, Inc.

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Good Reason to Save the Trees!  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , ,

Thought this was funny! –Kim

We have to stop cutting down trees!

Global warming is one thing, but look at what might happen if we continue to clear our forests!

We have to stop cutting down trees! This is getting serious!

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Is Your Dog Potty Trained Enough?  

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

Here are some good housetraining tips that I thought I would pass on. –Kim

House Training Your Puppy or Adult Dog

House training a puppy or adult dog is such an essential issue for his owner that even a single exclusive tip turns out to be extremely helpful.

The first step in making your dog fit for polite company would be to potty train him. Some see this training as a hassle and some as a challenge.

For me, it is part of bringing up a pet.
 
There are a few things you need to know before you actually start potty training a puppy or adult dog. I enumerate these below:
  • You need to understand your dog's body language. Watch for signs that will indicate to you when your pet wants to eliminate.
  • If you own puppies, remember that they need to go potty at fairly frequent intervals – as soon as they wake up, after short naps, after play-time, after meals, before and after being crated and finally, before retiring for the night.
  • Take your dog for walks at the time that he usually does his potty. Take him out to the yard, and then, to the same place there every time he needs to answer nature's call.
  • Praise your dog after he eliminates at the right place. Some dog owners even give treats to their dogs. But remember to do this every time he does it right. He will relate the rewards to his having "done it right" and zero in on the spot where you want him to defecate regularly.
  • With time, you can try signal training. This is so that you know when your doggie wants to go. You can hang a bell at his level near the door and teach him to push it with his nose or pat it with his paw on his way out.
  • Until your dog has been fully potty trained, keep him under strict vigilance. Do not let him roam around the house freely.
  • Use a crate. A crate-trained dog is usually very happy to get his own den. The advantage of crating is that dogs do not soil the place where they sleep. So, he will naturally not eliminate inside the crate.
  • If you have a small dog and if you live in a high-rise building or in a place that does not have a proper backyard, you can try litter pan training. This means to create a space for your pet to eliminate in your house itself.
  • Use positive reinforcements while housebreaking puppies or adult dogs. Do not scold or hit him, as you will gain nothing by doing that. He will only associate punishment with your return from outside. If you catch him in the act, a stern 'NO' or 'FREEZE' will do (but be consistent). It will startle the dog enough for him to stop pooping.
  • Be prepared to return to a soiled home if you are keeping your dog home alone for more than 4 hours, as separation anxiety is quite common among home-alone dogs.
  • Accidents will happen. It is unusual for a trained adult dog to work against his house training. But medical problems or health disorders may lead to sudden accidents.
  • Many dogs mark their territory. These can be a leg of a table or a particular wall. Intact male and female dogs mark their territories by urinating. Use deodorizers to spray on the places where your dog has marked.
  • If you are patient and are ready to accept that house training a dog takes time, even months sometimes, you will end up having a good house-trained dog.

Now we will move on to how to potty train puppies and adult dogs.
 
Potty Training a Puppy
 
Irrespective of breeds, house training a puppy is considered to be one of the biggest challenges by dog owners. If you think house training your puppy simply involves a steady supply of old newspapers or puppy pads, then think again.
 
A puppy does not develop full control over his bladder until he is over 4 or 5 months old. Since they are growing and developing rapidly at this time, puppies eat more, burn more calories and need to eliminate more frequently than an adult dog.
 
After each nap, meal, drink or playtime, take your puppy to his designated area (indoors or outdoors, wherever you have decided) and stay there until he eliminates. Then bring him to his crate.
 
Repeat this situation everyday until he has developed a habit out of it.
 
Potty Training an Adult Dog

The best way to house train an adult dog is to begin all over again.
 
Observe him very closely. Maybe even maintain a diary of where he goes and when. Whether he is pooping when you are home or only when you are outside; whether you can, time yourself to be home when he feels the need to go outside.
 
You can try dog crates, but be careful to introduce him gradually to them.
 
Remember: Commitment, consistency and intelligent use of positive reinforcement will make you the owner of a perfectly house-trained dog. Don't expect miracles. You will only be disappointed.
 

Get this unique house training guide and start house-breaking your dog today.
 
Copyright © 2009 TrainPetDog.com
 

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Is Your Dog Potty Trained Enough?  

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

Here are some good housetraining tips that I thought I would pass on. –Kim

House Training Your Puppy or Adult Dog

House training a puppy or adult dog is such an essential issue for his owner that even a single exclusive tip turns out to be extremely helpful.

The first step in making your dog fit for polite company would be to potty train him. Some see this training as a hassle and some as a challenge.

For me, it is part of bringing up a pet.
 
There are a few things you need to know before you actually start potty training a puppy or adult dog. I enumerate these below:
  • You need to understand your dog's body language. Watch for signs that will indicate to you when your pet wants to eliminate.
  • If you own puppies, remember that they need to go potty at fairly frequent intervals – as soon as they wake up, after short naps, after play-time, after meals, before and after being crated and finally, before retiring for the night.
  • Take your dog for walks at the time that he usually does his potty. Take him out to the yard, and then, to the same place there every time he needs to answer nature's call.
  • Praise your dog after he eliminates at the right place. Some dog owners even give treats to their dogs. But remember to do this every time he does it right. He will relate the rewards to his having "done it right" and zero in on the spot where you want him to defecate regularly.
  • With time, you can try signal training. This is so that you know when your doggie wants to go. You can hang a bell at his level near the door and teach him to push it with his nose or pat it with his paw on his way out.
  • Until your dog has been fully potty trained, keep him under strict vigilance. Do not let him roam around the house freely.
  • Use a crate. A crate-trained dog is usually very happy to get his own den. The advantage of crating is that dogs do not soil the place where they sleep. So, he will naturally not eliminate inside the crate.
  • If you have a small dog and if you live in a high-rise building or in a place that does not have a proper backyard, you can try litter pan training. This means to create a space for your pet to eliminate in your house itself.
  • Use positive reinforcements while housebreaking puppies or adult dogs. Do not scold or hit him, as you will gain nothing by doing that. He will only associate punishment with your return from outside. If you catch him in the act, a stern 'NO' or 'FREEZE' will do (but be consistent). It will startle the dog enough for him to stop pooping.
  • Be prepared to return to a soiled home if you are keeping your dog home alone for more than 4 hours, as separation anxiety is quite common among home-alone dogs.
  • Accidents will happen. It is unusual for a trained adult dog to work against his house training. But medical problems or health disorders may lead to sudden accidents.
  • Many dogs mark their territory. These can be a leg of a table or a particular wall. Intact male and female dogs mark their territories by urinating. Use deodorizers to spray on the places where your dog has marked.
  • If you are patient and are ready to accept that house training a dog takes time, even months sometimes, you will end up having a good house-trained dog.

Now we will move on to how to potty train puppies and adult dogs.
 
Potty Training a Puppy
 
Irrespective of breeds, house training a puppy is considered to be one of the biggest challenges by dog owners. If you think house training your puppy simply involves a steady supply of old newspapers or puppy pads, then think again.
 
A puppy does not develop full control over his bladder until he is over 4 or 5 months old. Since they are growing and developing rapidly at this time, puppies eat more, burn more calories and need to eliminate more frequently than an adult dog.
 
After each nap, meal, drink or playtime, take your puppy to his designated area (indoors or outdoors, wherever you have decided) and stay there until he eliminates. Then bring him to his crate.
 
Repeat this situation everyday until he has developed a habit out of it.
 
Potty Training an Adult Dog

The best way to house train an adult dog is to begin all over again.
 
Observe him very closely. Maybe even maintain a diary of where he goes and when. Whether he is pooping when you are home or only when you are outside; whether you can, time yourself to be home when he feels the need to go outside.
 
You can try dog crates, but be careful to introduce him gradually to them.
 
Remember: Commitment, consistency and intelligent use of positive reinforcement will make you the owner of a perfectly house-trained dog. Don't expect miracles. You will only be disappointed.
 

Get this unique house training guide and start house-breaking your dog today.
 
Copyright © 2009 TrainPetDog.com
 

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How to Prepare for a Puppy!  

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

Thought you would enjoy these! –Kim
Before You Get Your New Best Friend...

  • Pour cold apple juice on the carpet in several places and walk around barefoot in the dark.
  • Wear a sock to work that's had the toes shredded by a blender.
  • Immediately upon waking, stand outside in the rain and dark saying, "Be a good puppy and go potty; hurry up, now; come on, let's go!
  • Cover all your best suits with dog hair. Dark suits must have white and light suits must have dark. Also, float some hair in your first cup of morning coffee.
  • Play catch with a wet tennis ball.
  • Run out in the snow in your bare feet to close the gate.
  • Tip over a basket of clean laundry, and scatter the clothing all over the floor.
  • Leave your underwear on the living room floor, because that's where the dog will drag it anyway (especially when you have company).
  • Jump out of your chair shortly before the end of your favorite TV show and run to the door shouting, "No, NO! Do that OUTSIDE!" Miss the end of the program.
  • Gouge the leg of the dining room table several times with a screwdriver.
  • Put chocolate pudding on the carpet in the morning, and don't try to clean it up until you return from work that evening.
  • Take a warm, cuddly blanket out of the dryer and immediately wrap it around yourself. This is the feeling you get when your puppy falls asleep on your lap.


Also, see:

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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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