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Archive for June, 2008

Recently, a lot of our friends and customers have asked us about dog training and how to properly use treats when training dogs. We found the following article to be very helpful:

There are many different approaches to dog training and many different ways of implementing each of those approaches. Most techniques utilized today however, are premised upon the idea that positive reinforcement is likely to create the best results. Virtually every truly functional dog training system is outgrowth of positive reinforcement thinking.

Regardless of which specific program a dog owner may choose to adopt, there are common pitfalls that can be avoided. Dog owners are particularly susceptible to making three critical errors, which if avoided will make the training process far more enjoyable and effective. Three of the most common mistakes are inconsistency, impatience and treating the dog as a subject instead of a training partner.

Inconsistency

Consistency may be hobgoblin of little minds in terms of the need for human creativity. With respect to dog training, however, inconsistency is the quickest way to reduce the experience’s effectiveness.

Dogs thrive on predictability. In fact, their ability to grasp cause and effect is at the very root of training. Operant conditioning is predicated on the fact that dogs will begin to associate events with consistent outcomes. This notion of consistency’s importance must be extended to the overall process of dog training.

A dog is likely to best respond to a system in which regular actions produce regular results. Too often, dog owners fail to be entirely consistent. In the dog’s mind, these lapses in regularity convey a sense of randomness to the process and make it difficult for the pet to associate his specific behaviors with specific results-the key to training. Dogs will excel when they are taught that things happen for specific reasons. When surprises occur it undermines the whole of the training process.

A successful trainer will retain consistency and will not deviate from an established course.

Impatience

There can be a great deal of frustration in dog training. Concepts we believe dogs should be able to grasp easily often escape them completely for quite some time.

We live in a world that is so often focused on immediate results. We learn to expect that our actions will be met by prompt, anticipated responses. Dog training runs counter to this societal trend toward speedy, immediate gratification. Training is an extended process that can require a great deal of patience from the trainer.

Impatience results in unpredictability on the part of the owner as they hastily cease a training session or abandon positive reinforcement techniques in hopes of finding a shortcut to desired results. Patience is, indeed, a virtue when one considers the role of the owner in a dog training situation.

A successful trainer will master developing a patient outlook throughout the extended process of dog training.

Treating the Dog as a Subject Instead of a Partner

Dog training requires two participants: the dog and the owner. Frequently, however, owners tend to perceive the process as being uniquely about them. They fret over their techniques, equipment and strategies without giving real consideration to their training partner, the dog.

When an owner approaches the dog as a simple subject for experimentation, they lose track of what makes the dog unique and denigrate the always-important dog/owner relationship. Training becomes a chore, rather than a joint activity. What might have been a pleasurable chance for interaction becomes an un-enjoyable task.

Dogs are sufficiently intuitive to be attuned to a trainer’s attitude and are less receptive to learning when they are treated merely as a subject instead of as a complete being. Owners who fail to see their pet’s identity during training are unable to pick up on subtle clues and possible means to improve their techniques.

The successful trainer will treat his dog as a full partner in training, not merely as a subject.

By avoiding these three common pitfalls, a dog owner is more likely to be able to implement a training strategy that produces results. Additionally, the training experience is likely to be enjoyable for both the dog and owner, giving them a tremendous opportunity to build their relationship. Regardless of the exact methodology adopted by the owner, the training process will benefit extraordinarily from avoiding the mistakes of inconsistency, impatience and treating your pet as a subject instead of as a partner.

Source: i-love-dogs.com

Get your dog some great dog treats today.

Canine Diabetes, often referred to as “sugar diabetes” is generally speaking, quite a common ailment in dogs, it is not difficult to identify as a simple urine test will reveal the cause of the problem. It is the most common canine endocrine problem and is sometimes believed to be more prevalent in overweight dogs, but it doesn’t stop there, heredity and certain medication may also be the cause. It really is high sugar levels that the dog is not able to naturally break down. It can affect a dog of any sex or age and fortunately, as in humans, we can treat the condition and many dogs lead a completely normal life with treatment.

Symptoms of Canine Diabetes Mellitus include but are not exclusive to:
– A general appearance of being “off” perhaps accompanied with weight loss, appetite generally remains unchanged.
– The dog may be drinking more than normal and/or urinating more than usual
– Poor hair and skin condition
– Vomiting

Treatment involves:
– Visit to the vet and possible stay in the animal hospital to stabilize the condition
– Special Diet
– Blood/urine tests
– Insulin injections
– Regular check ups

There are two types of canine diabetes:
– Type 1- this is caused by the pancreas being unable to manufacture the hormone insulin
– Type 2- is caused by the dogs inability to respond to the manufacture if insulin in the body
– How To Identify Canine Diabetes

It is not a difficult process to identify Canine Diabetes in dogs and in many instances the dog owner, just knows that something is wrong! Being a dog owner myself it is pretty easy to know when your dog is feeling “off”. Any changes in eating or drinking patters immediately alert me. The first thing to do is take the dog to a vet! Common symptoms include drinking more than usual, vomiting, frequent urination, eating more but losing weight, and unexplained loss of condition of the skin and fur.

What Happens When My Dog Has Canine Diabetes?

We have found that canine diabetes is one of the more complicated kinds of endocrine problems in dogs, however it is certainly not a “death sentence”. The veterinarian will check your dog, do a couple of tests, including blood and urine. Once he knows that the problem is canine diabetes he going to ask you if you want to start treatment. The responsibility is with you to decide on treatment. It really is a serious commitment on the part of the owner, but treatment can have a dramatic effect in improving the dog’s quality of life.

What does Treatment Entail?

If your dog is found to have really high glucose levels, and you decide to opt for treatment, he may be kept in hospital for a couple of days to stabilize and establish a treatment protocol. This also applies if he is dehydrated. He will be put on a special diet such as Hills W/D and given insulin injections. Oral medication is available for humans and cats, but not dogs as this point in time. As soon as the dog has been stabilized they will be sent home with special instructions for feeding, testing and medication.

Becoming a dog owner can be a difficult task if you aren’t equipped with the knowledge you need to be able to make good decisions and choices about the different of your dog’s life.  One way that you can learn important information about dogs is by reading dog articles.  Dog articles have many benefits including giving you the opportunity to learn about dogs, and giving you the knowledge to be able to properly care for your dog.

Dog articles are very useful in that they provide you with information that you need to know about dogs.  Many of the different topics include dog care, dog behavior, dog health, dog training, and many more.  These topics are all very information and you can find many articles written about these topics and others.  When you read articles that contain information about dogs, you are helping to make yourself more knowledgeable about dogs and more prepared to handle any situations that may arise in your dogs every day life.  

Another benefit of being more knowledgeable about dogs is being able to properly care for your dogs in their daily lives.  Dog articles written about just about every aspect of your dog’s health will help you to be able to diagnose common issues that may occur so that you can determine the proper treatment, or at least know that you need further assistance from a veterinarian.  Dog articles are available just about anywhere online and can be accessed at any time so that you may learn about health issues or any problems that your pet may be experiencing.  When you read dog articles, you provide yourself with the knowledge and understanding that it takes to be a good dog owner.  Failing to learn about dogs will prevent you from being able to understand what goes on with regard to your dog’s health, behavior, and more.

Reading dog articles has many benefits and helps you become more informed about everything you need to know about your dog.  If you’re thinking of becoming a dog owner, it would be in your best interest to find dog articles and learn some of the basics about how to become a successful dog owner.

The latest fashion trends show that small dog clothes are really in; every dog owner will dress his small dog in order to take a walk. The Clothes should be kept on at least 10 minutes in order for the dog to like them.

The dog is likely to try to get rid of the clothes; he will be trying to tug at these clothes but he has to be made to chew all his toys instead. Even the small dog clothes are to be protected by the dog’s teeth and his attention should be focused on other items such as food or toys.

Over time the dressing period should be longer in order for the dog to feel comfortable with the clothes on; the owner has to be patient because training a dog in order to wear dog clothes is not an easy or quick task.

On the contrary, gradual progression is to be expected and the result will be spotted in time. By increasing the dressing time, the owner will make his dog believe that is pretty normal for him to wear dog clothe; he will not feel threatened by them anymore.

For instance, you will have to choose comfortable clothes; these clothes must not be too tight or too loose because they can become pretty uncomfortable for the dog to wear. Therefore, you will have to choose small dog clothes in order to allow your dog move freely without having to worry about the condition of the clothes.

The frills are also to be avoided and even the flowing ribbons are to be left aside because they can actually get in the dog’s way. The owner has to make sure that his dog is able to urinate and defecate whenever is required because the clothes must not prevent him from the natural needs.

Regardless of the preferred outfits for your little dog, you have to bear in mind that these items should be washable; even if they are stylish, these items need to be kept clean in order to prevent the dog from getting sick due to the constant wearing.

You have to be aware of the sequined coats because the dog may become interested in chewing them; you have to stay away from the fabrics that may result into a hazardous and unwanted effect because the accidents are to be avoided.

Comfortable Dog Clothes are to be searched for because the dog resembles his owner when it comes to quality clothes. There are many online stores that can provide you with different materials and fabrics; if you do not manage to have an opinion about the wide variety of fabrics, you may even ask for a professional help in order to find out which type of fabric is likely to suit your pet.

There are several troubles that cats will have to manage with. One such trouble are cataracts. This is when the lens of the cat’s eye is keeping light to be directed to and refocused by the retina behind the eye. Instead the lens will appear opaque.  

There are contrasting things that may induce this condition. In certain cats it is hereditary or might be linked to another condition that they are hurting from. The bulk of them are caused when there is a redness inside of the eye – which have the ability to be stimulated by trauma or other critical eye problems. Unlike in dogs the cataracts that cats have are not frequent and normally do not come about due to old age.

Warning Signs

In order to know whether or not your cat has this trouble you must be able to distinguish the warning signs of it. The most ordinary of these include a bluish to white color that is within the eye. They will often begin to run into objects or furniture or might be fearful to try to jump on or off furniture. Redness and inflammation might be within or round the eye and you might find them squinting a great deal.

Treatment

If you observe any of these warning troubles in your cat than you have to take them to the vet immediately. They will be able to analyze and diagnose the problem. They will also help you to discover the best course of treatment – which will usually aid to fix the underlying trouble that is causing it.

If the cat eye cataracts are being caused by inflammation in the eye than they will utilize anti-inflammatory medicines to treat it along with antibiotics. Regrettably there is nothing they can do to reverse the results of them or to shrink them. The only method to take away them is with surgery.