Dog Training Basics

Many people are reluctant to crate train their dogs. They feel it is either cruel or too complicated. Crate training is easier for the dog, and less stressful for the owner in the long run. Once you have set up the crate and introduced the puppy to the crate you might run into some of these common problems.

1. The puppy does not want to go into the crate - If this happens as a new puppy you need to think of the trauma your dog has just gone through. They just left their litter mates and mom. They are probably lonely. You should ask the breeder before you pick up your puppy if you can give them the blanket that you will put in the crate. Let the other puppies play/sleep on it so that it has a familiar smell. This will help it be more comfortable for your puppy. If you adopt a dog from the shelter, you can try sleeping with the blanket for a couple of days before you get the puppy. This way it smells like you, and that is comforting too.

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Our pet canines perplexing behavior is always rooted in the traits of their wild ancestors. To understand the behavior of the modern dog one needs to know the inherent traits of the wolves that for hundreds of years have survived in the wild.

One of these rather odd behaviors is staring. Why do dogs stare? As mentioned this behavior was handed down by the dog’s ancestors that had to depend on their own abilities to survive in the wild. A dog would stare at another dog to interact. Wolves that stay in a pack are always headed by the alpha male. The alpha male stares at other dogs of lower rank to remind them that he is the one in charge, that all should follow his bidding. Because the alpha dog dictates who get a first chance at a prey, dogs may stare to beg for food. Another dog that is lower in rank may stare to challenge the leadership of the alpha male. Staring now becomes a contest of wills. A fight for dominance could result as the alpha male would naturally refuse to avert his eyes.

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You love feeding your dog don’t you? When they eat the food you have laid down for it, it always gives you an assurance that it is getting the proper nourishment it needs. However feeding is not always a happy scenario especially when your pet begins to growl at anyone when it is eating. Maybe the pooch thinks you will take its food away that’s why it hates when you approach it at meal time. This is called dog food aggression and you need to stop this behavior because this aggression might not be only observed during meal times. This bad behavior can due to its fear of hunger or just a result of its domineering character.

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Even if your shar pei looks totally unlike any other dog, he will still encounter most of the bugs and critters that give other breeds a hard time. Let’s have a look at some of these top concerns.

The first thing we need to know is that the skin of a shar pei dog contains large amounts of mucin, making the skin wrinkly and very flexible. A healthy shar pei dog has no need for special care to its skin save that of regular baths and the regular brushing that goes with changing seasons.

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Puppies are never happier than when we spend time with them. Travelling with them is no different, they just adore attention and love to be included in all family activities.

Before setting out with puppy on your first car ride you need to ensure that you have the means to restrain him. An excited dog jumping from seat to seat and spurred on by every new scene that flashes by his window could well become a safety issue. So a calm and controlled pet, settled for the trip is more likely to make the experience enjoyable for all.

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Do you desperately need potty training puppy tips? Did you not expect all this mess to clean up when you decided to take a dog? Yes, I know, this happens a lot. He seems so cute and soft and cuddly, you only think about the problems later. Fortunately there is help and you will be surprised that only a few potty training puppy tips will make all the difference.

Here are a few very important things to keep in mind:

• Always stay calm and in control when you are working with him
• Never shout at him and always use a pleasant tone of voice
• Know what you can expect from puppy, puppy’s age, gender and breed all influences how long he can "hold" it
• Make sure puppy is completely healthy and well fed
• Do not leave puppy alone for long periods of time, he is only a baby and needs lots of care!
• Do not be upset at "accidents" they are bound to happen, keep calm and simply continue
• Do not punish him for "accidents" he is not being spiteful, he is only a baby and still has to learn

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Getting a dog can change your life. If you get a dog that is compatible with your lifestyle, it can be a very rewarding experience, but all dogs require love, attention, care and training, so before you make that decision, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I have time to give a dog the attention it requires?
• Do I have the ability to provide proper grooming, exercise and training for a dog?
• Can I afford the expenses that come with a dog?
• Do I have what it takes to be a strong pack leader?
• Do I want to buy a dog from a breeder or adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue?

If, after answering the above questions, you decide to move forward with getting a dog, it would be wise to learn about the different breeds and their characteristics, personality/temperament, possible health conditions and exercise and grooming requirements in order to make an informed decision. This article is a basic overview of one particular breed — a Tamaskan. Read on to decide if this breed of dog is compatible with your particular lifestyle.

…more about Tamaskan - Choosing the Breed of Dog That’s Right For You