Posts Tagged ‘dogs’
If you are in search of a dog to join your family as a member, then you will find that there are many different dog breeds available to choose from. This being the case, it is very difficult to find out the right type of dog that would suit your lifestyle, and the best thing that can be done is to go through various avenues that are open to you and find the right dog for yourself. But what happens if the dog you want to adopt is a cute and adorable Springer Spaniel puppy that you were mesmerized by the other day?
It’s simple really. If you haven’t already bonded with the Springer Spaniel puppy, then you will first want to do a few background checks. And if you don’t know the breeder very well (where you saw the Springer Spaniel puppy from to begin with), or you saw the puppy in a pet store, then you will most definitely want to do a little searching as to the validity and the reputation of the breeder or the pet store.
First of all make sure that you are not getting a puppy from a puppy mill and move forward from there. Once all this is clear and decided you can some more searching and try to get more information about how to deal with a Springer Spaniel puppy.
Keeping up with this energetic and playful puppy is not anyone’s ball, and in case you do not have the time or inclination to deal with a puppy that is sometimes willful, but mostly very playful then it is better for you that you keep your options open and look around for other dog breeds that you are interested in.
Another thing that you should know is that these dogs shed constantly, although not everything at once. It would be required by you that you groom their silky coats and brush them at least once daily. They are not suited to those people with dog hair allergies as they are constant shedders.
If you happen to get a Spaniel puppy you would know that they are very responsive and intelligent in nature. They are also very willing to learn new things and are easily trainable. They are basically good natured and are hence considered to be good around children.
However it is advised that if you plan on leaving your Springer Spaniel alone for a long time, you should take extra precautions, or try to leave it alone only for small durations of time. These dogs can be quite willful and you do not want to come back home and see your house trashed by your lonely Springer Puppy.
However all these things should not act as a deterrent and put you off from getting a Springer Spaniel puppy for yourself, as these are very cute and adorable dogs and are very loyal to their owners and have several other good characteristics. A Springer Spaniel is an asset to its owners.
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Of all dog behavioral issues, aggression is the one that most frustrates owners. It is very common, though canines display signs for very different reasons. Many owners observe hostile behavior in their pets, but are unaware regarding its trigger. Consequently, they are uncertain about how to respond.
First, it’s important to realize that aggressive behavior is natural to dogs. Though most are domesticated, they remain pack animals, and perceive the world around them accordingly.
Second, in order to properly address hostility in your canine, you must first be able to identify the different types of aggression. Once you can determine the trigger, you’ll be better prepared to “cure” the problem.
With this in mind, we’ll provide a brief overview of the most common reasons dogs become antagonistic. The following descriptions will offer a springboard from which you can remedy the problem.
Protect The Family
As pack animals, canines have traditionally protected those within their group from assailants. If an intruder threatens one member, the others will respond quickly to protect him or her.
In your home, your dog considers you and your family to be members of his “pack.” If he feels you, your family, or other pets under your roof are threatened by a perceived attacker, he will behave aggressively to warn the attacker away. The problem is, many canines become overly-protective, and consider any person outside their “pack” to represent a potential threat.
Protect The Home
Similar to guarding their families, dogs also guard their territories. If an intruder approaches their den, they will respond with hostility to discourage that person or animal from coming closer.
Your canine considers your home to be his den, and will respond aggressively to any person or animal he feels to be a threat. Here, too, he may become overly-protective of his home. If he does, he will treat everybody aggressively, even those you consider friends. Interestingly, this type of aggression is very rare in puppies since they have not yet learned to protect their “dens.”
Stemming From Fear
Canines react to elements that frighten them in the same way as humans: they retreat. However, if retreat is not an option, they will fight. In the wild, if a pair of wolves approach a dog, the dog will initially seek a path that provides him an escape route. If, however, such a path is unavailable, he will turn to face the wolves, despite his fear.
Fear aggression is dangerous. If a person unwittingly corners a canine, that person risks being bitten. Thus, always provide an unfamiliar dog a route through which he can escape.
Guard Possessions
Dogs are hard-wired to protect their possessions. While this trait stems from the need to fight for food outside the human-canine relationship, it has carried over to today’s pets. For example, when a person or animal approaches a dog’s food bowl, he may bare his teeth and growl to communicate his ownership.
Within your home, your canine may express possessive behavior over his food, toys, and even the area in which he likes to rest. This may become a problem if visitors – either people or animals – stumble upon your pet’s possessions without realizing they have done so.
Hierarchical Order
Dogs have always functioned within groups according to their understanding of their pack’s hierarchy. As long as they know – and accept – those ranked above and below them, there is minimal conflict. Conflict arises when there is a bid for authority within the group.
This latter problem occasionally happens between canines and their owners, families, and other pets. The dog will compete for authority, and act aggressively when others confront him.
Canine aggression can only be addressed successfully after the behavior’s trigger has been identified. If you’re having difficulty doing so, consider working with your veterinarian or a professional trainer.
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Some dogs love to chase cars. Unfortunately, this often leads to their injury or death. In some cases, they chase an automobile until it stops, at which point they run into its back end, and damage their spine. In other cases, they get hit by another car.
Another problem is that drivers who see dogs lunging into the street are likely to brake quickly, or swerve into oncoming traffic. This poses a serious danger to other drivers and pedestrians.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the reasons dogs chase vehicles. If you’re able to pinpoint the trigger, you’ll be more effective in curbing the tendency. We’ll then offer a few suggestions for discouraging the behavior in your pooch.
Understanding Why Dogs Chase Cars
Your dog is a natural predator, even if he doesn’t seem so. This can manifest in different ways. For example, if given the opportunity, he’ll stalk and chase small rodents. If he happens to corner one, he’ll rarely follow through in harming it. The reason? Because stalking his prey is a game for him. He has no intention of harming or killing the rodent.
The same is true when your dog chases people riding bicycles, kids on skateboards, or even other pets. It is the mark of normal, happy, and well-balanced socializing with others.
There are a few breeds that have a stronger predatorial sense than most. For them, the act of stalking and catching their prey is not a game. If they catch their prey, there is a good chance they will kill it. While this level of stalking is rarely directed toward vehicles, it is possible. It is also difficult to control.
Even though chasing cars comes naturally to a dog, the tendency can be discouraged before it becomes a problem. The key is addressing the behavior as early as possible.
Preventing The Problem Before It Starts
When your dog first shows signs of interest in passing vehicles, immediately call his name to capture his attention. Once he looks at you, and keeps his eyes on you, praise him and give him a treat. This trains him to understand that ignoring traffic and giving you his attention when you call results in a positive outcome. This will prove invaluable if you accidentally release his leash while traffic is passing nearby.
One of the best ways to make sure your dog does not chase cars, even if your are not there to correct him, is to get either an underground dog fence or a wireless pet fence.
An underground or wireless dog fence will contain your dog without the cost of unsightly wood or chain link fencing. These Dog Fences are easy to install and after a few training sessions, your dog will never run away again.
Curbing An Existing Tendency To Chase
If your dog has already developed a habit of chasing cars, you’ll need to first test his ability to come when you call him. This is critical. Everything revolves around his perception that you are the priority. Start by testing him in a quiet environment with no distractions.
After he consistently responds to your commands, take him to a park or similar setting that offers distractions without the danger of traffic. This will teach him to ignore other things, and focus his attention on you.
Next, test his ability to focus near semi-busy streets. Make sure you keep a tight hold on his leash to prevent him from bolting into traffic. Many dogs will respond consistently to their owners at home or at a park, but will lose their focus when presented with the opportunity to chase a car. Be wary.
Many dog have been injured or killed as the result of chasing vehicles. Train your dog to ignore traffic, and listen to your voice. It may one day save his life.
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Not everyone is interested in having a Labrador, Beagle or a Puggle as a pet. In fact some people are much more interested in having Chihuahuas, Terriers, Poodles and adorable Shih Tzu’s. The breed mentioned at the last is one that is suited to almost all the people, and it cannot be denied that it has a lot of value among future dog owners.
Of course not everyone looking for a puppy starts off with a Shih Tzu puppy in mind, but when fate crosses this adorable puppy across their paths, it seems to be more than they can do to resist the inquisitive faces, the short upturned nose with the hair fanning out in all directions and the gentle adoring eyes staring at them with patent mischief.
Living an apartment life is something a Shih Tzu puppy can handle very easily; this is because they love being indoors and can be active in small indoor spaces too. A Shih Tzu puppy is also very indolent and more often than not you would find your Shih Tzu puppy lying in various comfortable positions around your home.
This is the reason why you should never over feed your Shih Tzu puppy, as it can very easily become fat and lazy. The best thing is to keep your puppy well fed and fully exercised. If you live in an apartment then it is necessary that you take your puppy out for regular walks. However try not to overtire your puppy by going for long distance walks, as Shih Tzu is a small breed of dog and doesn’t require a lot of exercise. If you are unable to take you Shih Tzu outside for a walk, consider getting a dog treadmill.
You may think about letting your Shih Tzu puppy play and run around in your yard, if you do have a yard. A daily walk is a good option, but in this case your Shih Tzu puppy is having all the exercise it needs throughout the day in small bouts. If you want to let your Shih Tzu out in the yard, an invisible fence is a good way to make sure he stays safe at home.
Shih Tzu’s can also make great watchdogs as they are alert and will tend to bark if aroused by something out of the ordinary. Luckily they don’t normally bark out of turn which is one of the reasons why getting a Shih Tzu puppy is ideal if you live in an apartment. If you find the barking to be excessive, a bark collar is a good way to keep the peace with your neighbors.
You might want to know that although Shih Tzu’s are quite friendly with children, especially older children, but they can be quite aggressive in certain circumstances (like when its tail is pulled) and might not be a suitable dog to have around young or very young or mischievous kids.
A Shih Tzu puppy is also an ideal option for the dog lover who is allergic to dogs, or rather dog hair. Shih Tzu’s shed almost none to very little fur which makes them a great candidate for allergy sufferers.
You might be surprised to know but Shih Tzus’ make very good show dogs. A little bit of grooming can make your very own Shih Tzu a champion show dog.
Tags: animals, bark collars, dog breed, Dog Training, dog treadmills, dogs, family, home, invisible fences, kids, pet supplies, pets, shopping
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If you are interested in having a boxer as a pet, and this is the first time that you are going to have a pet, then it would be wise to follow a methodical way to this . This means that the first and the foremost thing that you should do is find out everything about boxers. And one thing that you will come across is that Boxers come in different colors. For example you have fawn colored, red, white and also brindle Boxers.
There is no color favorite among Boxer owners, although brindle colored Boxers have their own appeal. It is also common to find white markings on Boxers of all varieties.
If you have ever been an owner of a boxer, then you know how playful and feisty Boxers can be. You would also be aware of the fact that they make good pets and there is no need to be scared of their ferocious behavior.
As mentioned earlier, Boxers are available in all shades from red to white to fawn, and among these brindle dogs are the most popular. But all this has no link with a dog’s temperament and if you think that the temperament of a Boxer would depend on its color then you are totally mistaken.
Boxer’s are also a friendly sort of dog and if trained at early age to interact with other pets and animals, will be able to live in comparative harmony with them. A Boxer also makes a great family dog for a number of reasons, the main one being because they are playful and affectionate, as well as being loyal.
Another important characteristic of boxers is that they are highly intelligent and can be easily trained. They have a fast learning cycle that is why they can be easily trained, although they may get into trouble sometimes. Boxers can also be used a competition dogs, not only as show dogs but also in the obedience category.
One thing that needs to understood is that although brindle, fawn and red Boxers can be registered freely in Kennel Clubs, some clubs do not accept white Boxers.
So if you want to list your dog in a Kennel Club, it is better that you get a fawn, red or brindle Boxer instead of a white one. Another thing you might be interested to know is that Boxers are named so because they sometimes tend to life their front paws in a manner that is similar to how human boxers lift their hands in the ring.
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If you are in search of a dog to join your family as a member, then you will find that there are many different dog breeds available to choose from. This being the case, it is very difficult to find out the right type of dog that would suit your lifestyle, and the best thing that can be done is to go through various avenues that are open to you and find the right dog for yourself. But what happens if the dog you want to adopt is a cute and adorable Springer Spaniel puppy that you were mesmerized by the other day?