Dog Obedience Training Blog
Category : Dog Barking
Nose Work 1 an Introduction to Nose Games
Dogs can’t read books, they don’t watch television, (well at least not for very long), they don’t scrap book, or build things but they still need hobbies! If a dog’s mind is not entertained, he will find his own hobby to engage in, but often dogs choose inappropriate behavior such as; barking, digging, chewing, ripping up carpeting, eating drywall, chasing children, stealing, and other general naughtiness.
Most often when I hear my clients complain about these behaviors I wonder if the dog is truly mentally and physically stimulated at home. If I was locked in a room with 4 white walls and one sofa with nothing to do for days on end, sooner or later I would shred the sofa too! You must find ways to entertain your dog’s mind to help him stay well behaved.
A dog’s sense of smell is 2000 greater than that of a human. I often liken reading a book or watching a movie to a dog following a scent or even digging through layers of ground scents (although we consider this naughty, each layer of ground has a new and different story for your dog’s nose)
A Good Walk is Hard to Beat
My Best Friends Chilling in their Backyard
There are fewer joys in life greater than a good walk; add a well behaved dog to that equation and in my opinion you have pure perfection! I have the great honor of training and walking 5 Weimaraners twice a week.
Tuesdays and Thursdays are full of exhilaration and exercise, I tell my friends I am Weimar-running or doing Weimar-obics. Although it is a job for me (thank goodness for wonderful clients who rescue dogs) it is an opportunity for me to get outside, enjoy the weather and beat some of my stress.
Singing to Your Dog
Do you sing to your dog? If not, perhaps you might want to give it a try. According to Roberta, you might be in for some surprising results!
Singing to your dog has an effect.
by Roberta Baxter, January 15, examiner.com
Yes, you read this correctly! No I am not going off my rocker! The senses for animals are different than human sensory abilities as we know specifically from the sounds the dog hears that we don’t. It is not just the pitch, but the flow of tones that catch a dog’s attention. Try singing “Yankee Doodle” to your canine and see what the response is. Then sing ”Brahms Lullaby”. You know the one that mamas sing their little ones to sleep with when they are cranky. Now one must really get into the depth of the meaning of those songs as you are singing, because if you don’t the effect will not be accurate.
Socialization
courtesy of www.dogstardaily.com
You are probably aware of how important it is to socialize your puppy. Having good socialization skills will help your dog respond with acceptable and healthy behaviors when faced with situations that may be disturbing or disrupting to their normal routines.
Siblings and Roommates Don’t Count
posted by Cindy Bruckart, February 24th, 2010, dogstardaily.com
I’m often asking dog owners about their dog’s socialization history. Even if the dog owner tells me that their dog is “good with other dogs”, I have to ask more questions. Time and again, the dogs that their dog is good with include the siblings he played with at the breeder’s home, the dog he lives with and a relative’s dog. That’s it.
When I tell them that siblings and roommates don’t count, we get to the truth of the matter. The dog may be nearly a year old and have only met one or two other dogs, besides siblings and roommates. Now, I know that dog owners reading this might not see this as a big problem, as long as the dog was good with those dogs, we should be able to assume he’d be good with others, right? Wrong.
Behaviors to Encourage
We all want a dog that behaves well, don’t we? So, when you see your dog exhibiting a behavior that is a ‘good’ one, be sure that you reinforce that behavior. Read this article to find out one way to do that.
What dog behaviors should I encourage?
by Nicole S. Silvers, March 3, 2010, dogstardaily.com
Most owners know that they want their dogs to SIT, DOWN, STAY, COME, HEEL. When it comes to general behaviors, owners have little idea of what behaviors they even want to encourage, let alone how to accomplish the encouragement. By contrast, ask an owner what they are trying to stop, and there are multiple answers. Even the most mannerly dogs’ “rap sheets” tend to be read out when meeting other dog people.
Behavior Changes in an Older Dog
The effects of aging often bring on fears of Alzheimer’s disease in humans. But our aging dogs can display some behavior changes as well. Always contact your veterinarian to determine if these changes require medical attention, or whether they are just a normal part of your dog’s aging process.
Old dog behavior changes
by alexadry, hubpages.com
Senior dogs get Alzheimers too!
Owners of geriatric dogs often call their veterinarian office concerned about their dog’s recent behavior changes. They may report that their dog may wake up in the middle of the night and start howling. Others may report their very well house-trained dog gets up and has accidents around the house or wakes up to drink and then shortly after urinates on the carpet.
I know about these instances as I have personally often taken these calls.
I recall particularly, an owner one day calling concerned about her dog because he started wandering around the home at night bumping into furniture and hardly recognizing her. He would then sleep for most of the day undisturbed. The owner was unable to sleep properly and was very concerned by this recent worrisome behavior. Afterward, the dog also changed behavior, from an outgoing dog he became an overly submissive and timid fellow. Read the rest of this entry »
Tunes for your Dog
courtesy of www.dogblog.dogster.com
They say “Music soothes the savage beast.” Yes, I realize that is a misquote; it is actually “Music hath powers to soothe the savage breast.” However, I believe in this case, we’ll go with the first one. Now, perhaps you don’t consider your sweet little pooch to be savage, but then again…
Dogster Exclusive Interview: Calming Dog Musician, Lisa Spector
by Maria Goodavage
Dogster’s for the love of the dog blog
We’ve got another terrific interview for you this week, with Lisa Spector, concert pianist and graduate of The Juilliard School.
“But this is DOGster, not MUSICster,” you might say. True. Fortunately for us, Lisa has a foot in both camps.
Lisa is co-founder of BioAcoustic Research & Development, where she presided over the groundbreaking music and canine research conducted with 150 dogs. She is the pianist on the Through a Dog’s Ear music series. If you have a dog who could use a little calming at home or in the car, these CDs are for you.
Taking Your Dog on Field Trips
A lot of people are feeling the effects of “cabin fever” this winter with all of the snow we’ve had, so imagine how good it feels to finally get out and see new sites, other people, and generally just stimulate our minds with new adventures. Well, your dog needs new adventures once in awhile, as well. Read this article explaining why it is important to take your dog on field trips.
Field Trips: why it’s important to get your dog out of the house
by Rachael Pan, February 6, 2010
Examiner.com
Dogs are highly intelligent creatures and as such, can quickly and easily become bored. Stimulation—both physical and mental—is very important to the overall health and well-being of your dog. Taking your dog on a “Field Trip” is a great way to give him some extra stimulation.
Devocalization of Dogs
Do you know the laws in your State regarding devocalization of dogs? If not, you might want to read this article. It seems like such an inhumane and unnecessary step, and can lead to other physical and emotional problems.
Stop the devocalization of dogs in your state
by Stephanie Modkins, February 1, 2010
Dogs Examiner
Did you know that some breeders and canine owners devocalize their dogs in order to reduce the sound of their barks? Sound strange? Seem barbaric? Well, it is. For this reason, passing a bill in your state that sets parameters for this type of sugary is a must. Read the rest of this entry »
Holiday Entertaining and Your Dog
Many of us will be entertaining during the holidays with family and friends. And, let’s face it, not everyone loves our dogs like we do, and the fact is, many dogs are not as well-trained as we’d like them to be when it comes to interacting with company. Here’s an article with some great tips on how to make entertaining a more pleasant experience for both you and your dog.
The Life of the Party: Holiday Entertaining Success for Dog Owners
by Casey Lomonaco KPA CTP
