Archive for January, 2011

Border Collie dog truths

The Border Collie dog is often a sheep-herding dog of excellent qualities. For quite a while the particular Border Collie has outstand with hearding dog trials as a dog along with his instinc to be able to herd animal live stock. The dog creates this change function often without direction from the herder. Whenever direction is given it really is through low whistles or perhaps hand signals for the human Master. Your Collies will sleep the night with excellent timing as well as precision, will dart throughout or out just the right moment to steer the sheep, in the mean time maintaining an intense his full attention or “staring” at the lamb; this eye contact can be a well known characteristic with the breed. Anyone who has noticed this dog conduct at herding trials are not able to help but end up being fascinated by the spectacular talents of the reproduce.

The Border Collie dog was initially the name implies, from the border areas of England and also Scotland. The first Sheepdog Trials have been held in North Wales within 1873, where a dog referred to as “Tweed” won the tryout and also a prize if you are “the most handsome dog”. You are able to that this dog took over as the foundation of the Border Collie type.

The Border Collie dog has been imported into Questionnaire as a working sheepdog. The actual breed developed in this country as a adaptable herding dog. It was utilized very successfully on sheep and livestock and in the great ranchlands of Australia grew to become well known as the herding dog of preference. When it afterwards began to be brought in into the United States, what’s more , it joined the rates high of the dogs who will be shown in dog displays and is popular as the Agility dog as well as Obedience dog.

The Border Collie dog is extremely agile, capable to crouch, spring and nook skilfully for the purpose of driving the actual recalcitrant sheep or cows into line. The actual Border’s coat should not be extremely abundant yet needs to be double and thicker enough to be weather conditions resistant. In appearance it can be most like the collie however with shorter length of duck down. There is a “smooth coat” variety of this kind of breed, however this kind of variety appears generally in Great Britain and the hottest type of coat will be the “rough coat”. The dog is regarding medium height as well as build and will come in many colors, yet white should never become predominant.

This reproduce is highly instinctive. Coincidentally, both Border collie and the Newfoundland are already used in the innate studies of the Human being Genome Research Project because the DNA markers to compare and contrast of strong learned behavioral tendencies. The actual Border Collie is observed as one of the most wise of breeds and isn’t happy without a job to perform. It learns rapidly and enjoys the task of learning. This is simply not a dog who will end up being happy left on your own for hours in a property and also should not be quit unsupervised in an unfenced location. This dog requirements mental and physical stimulation to become happy and healthful.

The Border Collie dog does nicely in Obedience, Move Obedience, Agility, Flyball, Lambs Herding Trials and is a favorite Conformation breed. Furthermore their particular medium size as well as high intelligence are making them quite valuable as Search along with Rescue dogs. These kinds of dogs should always show stable temperament and turn into absolutely without shyness. Individuals who have this dog being a pet or being a utility dog can have a loyal as well as faithful friend, person who will respond excitedly and willingly to be able to any request and it is happiest when questioned to perform a job

The Border Collie dog can be a lambs-herding dog of excellent qualities. For quite a while the particular Border Collie has outstand with hearding dog trials as a dog using his instinc in order to herd animal live stock. The dog creates this change function often without the direction from the herder. Any time direction is given it really is through low whistles as well as hand signals for the human Master. The actual Collies will take a nap with excellent timing along with precision, will dart inside or out at only the right moment to steer the sheep, in the mean time maintaining an intense eye-to-eye contact or “staring” at the lamb; this eye contact can be a well known characteristic with the breed. Anyone who has noticed this dog execute at herding trials can not help but end up being fascinated by the excellent talents of the reproduce.

The Border Collie dog was initially the name implies, from the border areas of England and also Scotland. The first Sheepdog Trials had been held in North Wales within 1873, where a dog known as “Tweed” won the demo and also a prize if you are “the most handsome dog”. It is stated that this dog took over as foundation of the Border Collie reproduce.

The Border Collie dog ended up being imported into Questionnaire as a working sheepdog. The particular breed developed because country as a adaptable herding dog. It was employed very successfully on sheep and livestock and in the great ranchlands of Australia grew to be well known as the herding dog of preference. When it afterwards began to be brought in into the United States, in addition , it joined the rates of the dogs who’re shown in dog displays and is popular as the Agility dog as well as Obedience dog.

The Border Collie dog is extremely agile, capable of crouch, spring and part skilfully for the purpose of driving the particular recalcitrant sheep or livestock into line. The particular Border’s coat should not be extremely abundant yet needs to be double and thicker enough to be weather conditions resistant. In appearance it really is most like the collie though shorter length of down. There is a “smooth coat” variety of this kind of breed, however this specific variety appears mainly in Great Britain and the hottest type of coat may be the “rough coat”. The dog is regarding medium height and also build and also comes in many colors, nevertheless white should never end up being predominant.

This reproduce is highly instinctive. Coincidentally, both Border collie and the Newfoundland are actually used in the hereditary studies of the Human being Genome Research Project because DNA markers to compare of strong handed down behavioral tendencies. The actual Border Collie is known as one of the most clever of breeds and isn’t happy without a job to accomplish. It learns swiftly and enjoys the task of learning. This is simply not a dog who will become happy left on your own for hours in a home and also should not be still left unsupervised in an unfenced location. This dog wants mental and physical stimulation being happy and healthful.

The Border Collie dog does properly in Obedience, Move Obedience, Agility, Flyball, Lambs Herding Trials and is a favorite Conformation breed. Furthermore their own medium size along with high intelligence made them quite beneficial as Search along with Rescue dogs. These kind of dogs should always show stable temperament and turn into absolutely without shyness. Those who have this dog being a pet or being a utility dog could have a loyal as well as faithful friend, individual who will respond excitedly and willingly to be able to any request and is also happiest when questioned to perform a job

Understand Border Collie Dog by going to our Border Collie Dog web site at www.bordercollieproblems.com/.

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Causes of Dog Obesity

Dog obesity should be a concern for all dog owners because it can be detrimental to their health.  Finding the causes of dog obesity should be at the top of the list. An overweight dog can encounter any of the following diseases: stress upon his body, arthritis, circulatory problems, pancreatic disorders, diabetes, liver problems, joint pain and other health issues.

Before I go into the causes of dog obesity, you need to determine if your pet is overweight. Here is a quick tip you can use to determine if your dog is overweight. Run you hand along his side. If you can not feel his ribs, it is time to start a weight reduction program. If your dog does not have a waist, that is another indication that your dog is overweight and need to begin a weight reduction program.

Is your dog eating too much?

As with humans, when we eat more than we burn off, we tend to gain weight. So it is with your dog. If you should feed him more than he can burn off, he will also gain weight. This is usually the major cause why a dog can become obese or overweight.

The dog food package has a recommended amount to feed your dog. Remember, this is an average and does take into account your dogs breed and metabolism. It also does not take into account his life stage. Dogs are fed differently during each life stage. Get to know these stages.

You as his owner should be able to know your pet’s metabolism. Based upon this, you feed your pet accordingly. However, if this amount should be more than he needs, he will gain weight. Be sure to give your pet the weight tip mentioned above on a regular basis. Keep a close eye on him.

Is He Getting Enough Exercise?

Besides reducing his calorie intake, it is important to increase the calories used. An exercise program is just the ticket. In fact, it may be more important than feeding him a diet food.

The exercise program will need to be tailored to your dog taking into account the condition of his muscles, joints, heart and respiratory system. Choose activities that are appropriate for your dog and do not over do it. Begin slowly and work up to higher levels. Be sure to rest if you should see signs of fatigue or heavy panting. Generally, leash walking from 20 to 60 minutes a day, five days a week is a great way to start.

Exercise is a great way for your dog to build his muscles and increase mental stimulation, taking his focus away from food.

Does He Have a Medical Condition?

There are certain medical conditions that can cause obesity, and any dog with a weight problem should be examined by your veterinarian prior to instituting a weight reduction program. The veterinarian will determine if there is an underlying cause for the obesity or if there are other medical conditions present, which could complicate weight reduction. The veterinarian is also a valuable resource in helping you establish a weight reduction program specific for you and your dog. Certified veterinary nutritionists are also a good resource.

When starting a weight reduction program, your veterinarian can help you determine a realistic weight goal and timeline. It is important to understand how long the process may take. In general, a good goal to aim for is 1-2% of the body weight per week. We do not want the dog to lose weight too fast; since rapid weight loss increases the likelihood the weight will come back after the weight reduction diet is stopped.

Eliminate table scraps and reduce treats

Table scraps are often high in fats and sugars, and thus in calories. Feeding your dog before you cook or eat may help decrease his begging. If you cannot resist giving treats, choose a treat that is made for dogs and is low in fat. Examples include:

Air-popped popcorn, non-salted and non-buttered
Broccoli
Cooked green beans
Carrots
Baked or frozen canned diet food (Cut small slices of canned food and bake them at 350ºF until crisp. Store in refrigerator. Alternatively, simply freeze slices of the canned food and feed it frozen to your dog.)
Commercial low calorie dog treats

Treats should never make up more than 10% of the daily intake. New toys are often a good substitute for treats, as is exercise. For dogs who like to be groomed, a good brushing can take the place of food treats. If you ask your dog, she will probably say your attention is the best treat she could have.

Weight Reduction Program

If your dog will be placed on a weight reduction program that calls for him to continue eating his current food, it is generally recommended that the amount of food fed daily be cut back by 20 to 40%. For example, if your dog is normally fed 3 cups of dry food, he should now be fed in the range of a little less than 2 cups to 2-1/2 cups. After 3-4 weeks, the progress is evaluated. It may be necessary to cut the amount fed even further.

Weight reduction diets allow you to feed the usual amount of food (unless you are severely overfeeding), but still feed less fat and calories. For example, if your dog is normally fed 3 cups of dry food, the recommended amount of diet food will probably be about 3 cups also.

Feeding your dog more often during this time will keep hunger under control. Generally, feeding 2-4 small meals throughout the day is recommended. Also feed your overweight dog separately from the other pets to prevent him from eating their food. Feeding your dog before you prepare a meal or eat may also be helpful.

Assure adequate intake of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids

If you are feeding less of your dog’s regular food, it also means your dog is receiving fewer nutrients. The added exercise may also produce a greater demand for nutrients. A vitamin/mineral supplement may be helpful to guarantee your dog’s body has what it needs to stay healthy, alert, and active. Until recently, many of the weight reduction dog foods were deficient in fatty acids, and supplementation was necessary. One of the consequences of decreased fatty acid intake is a dry, flaky hair coat. To keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy, it may still be necessary to supplement your pet with a fatty acid supplement. Many high quality weight reduction dog foods contain fatty acids, to alleviate this problem. They would also be formulated to contain the adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. Be sure to validate with your veterinarian the food selected has sufficient vitamins and minerals before adding any supplements into your pet’s food.

Monitor progress

Here are some tips to help you monitor your dogs progress:

Keep a written log of food intake (including all treats), exercise, and weekly weight. Weigh your dog weekly on the same scale at the same time of day. (Most veterinary offices will be more than happy to have you come in and use their scale.) It is sometimes helpful to plot out this information (dates and weights) on a graph.
Remember, you may hit ‘plateaus’ in which your dog seems stuck at a certain weight. This is common. Do not despair, but continue with the weight reduction program.
A good way to help you enjoy your success is to take a ‘before’ diet picture, several during the weight reduction process, and then one at its conclusion. You will be amazed at the difference.
Make appointments with your veterinarian every 2-4 weeks to make adjustments in the weight control program.

Maintenance

Once the weight is lost, the last thing we want is for the dog to regain it. To be sure that does not happen, continue weighing your dog as you gradually increase food intake. You can either feed more of the weight reduction diet or change to a diet that is less restrictive. Do not start feeding free choice (the bowl of food is always there). If weight is regained consistently for 2 weeks, or more than 3% of weight is regained in one week, go back on the diet program. Remember, exercise needs to continue after the weight is lost or pounds will start to accumulate again.

Conclusion

When the desired weight goal has been reached, congratulate yourself and your dog. You will be amazed at how much younger and livelier your dog seems to be. Enjoy the longer life you will be able to have with your happier, healthier friend!

I care about pet cats and dogs and just like to communicate information to help new and existing pet owners take good care of their pets. Visit my website at http://www.petsstore4u.com.There you will find informaiton, shopping opportunities, and training videos you can use for your dog. 
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Dog Mental Problems and Strange Acting Dog

Dog behavior problem

Soon, we are down to the my tenth tip for this time, and possibly the most important. Dog has mental problems. When do you know that your dog has a mental behavior problem?

Today we learn about:

- Dog Breeding

- Dog is out of control

– bad dog, obedience tip

- Cure your dog separation anxiety

– part in everything

- Cure your dog with great help form others

- Cure your dog yourself

- Dog mental problems

It is important to learn the difference between dogs has health problems and dogs has mental  problem.

Dog is reacting strange or you have an aggressive dog behavior

Your dog starts to react strange and not the way you are used to see your petIf you know anything about dogs, it is when your dog is reacting weirdly, from being a “good dog” and slowly being a dog impossible to appreciate or train. Primary, I recommend that you train and exercise your dog daily, twice a day at least. For the reason to make habit  disappear.

Mental problems has rarely nothing to do with medications

You should know that the mental problems has nothing, or very seldom, anything to do with medications, if the dog is old and that the body functions not working properly, then that can be what you should focus. To know for sure, that your dog has a mental problem get professional help while you can clearly see that your pet is acting strange.

Your dog could be fine

However, you might have foreseen something. Your dog could be fine. Your dog could be “special.” If your dog has, a mental problem finally follows advice. Very often, it is treatable and it is most often.

Dog breeds prone to separation anxiety

Sometimes breeding can go wrong. Keep in mind that when one of the dogs is a carrier of a defective gene, the defect gene is not removed and it will stay with the pups. Let your dog have the best life you can give it. As a final point, train, investigate, exercise and feed your dog to the best of your knowledge.

Dogs separation anxiety

Nothing is worse with dogs then when you feel you “are left” in the dark. I was like that until I discovered,  my finally new tip, When the dog is out of control and how to treat it with proper training and exercise.  My only and clear advice is to be patient and keep on training your dog and now it is time to get professional help, and teach yourself. Obviously, I do believe you also need more help

Cure your dog separation anxiety with help and solutions

I distrust you realized until now the true value of all of my tips. If you want to get the very best out of cure your dog separation anxiety though, you need them handy. I am always talking a lot about training and exercise and getting professional help. The training has its end result  in the behavior of your pet. I have two reasons for this last tip. You and your pet can get to know each other more and treatment can start instantly.

Cure your dog yourself

Nevertheless, of course as a pet owner, with years of experience or not, you can do the most to cure your dog from separation anxiety, yourself. That is why our classes  is your fast way to cure your dog separation anxiety. It works in every country around the globe.

Reserve your copy and get our private secret course

In addition to those tips, I’d like to share something else with you that I think you will find particularly valuable as you seek to cure your dog separation anxiety. I encourage you to take a look at this ebook, audio today and see what you think.

The fact that you “listened to” all of my tips shows you are committed to cure your dog separation anxiety. I think you have the potential now to ensure it is possible to achieve.
I wish you all the best and wonderful times ahead with your pet!

Anders Jacobsson

PS. Cure Your Dog Separation Anxiety Instantly

Anders to pet lovers: www.CureYourDogSeparationAnxiety.comAnders “talks to animals” and he is frequently asked to attend exhibitions and shows.Anders grew up out in the countryside of Sweden. Dogs, cats, cows, pigs and all kinds of animals were around him every day.Anders Jacobsson is also a Business Manager and software developer.Anders is in addition a Rev at BPI, Berkeley Psychic Institute, Foundation for Spiritual Freedom, Berkeley and Energifokus, Stockholm.Free report at: Cure_Your_Dog_Separation_Anxiety-The_Report
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Proper Dog Training: Discover how to Communicate with Your Pet dog with the Call Command

Talking with your pet dog via basic training techniques makes a difference in the way they respond to you. However , if you want to ensure they respond whenever you call its name and do not wish to use canine training classes, then you will wish to get better at speaking to them using the call command line. This command is important for every family dog owner as it can help your canine friend to obey you while keeping out of trouble.

The call command is utilized to make sure that a dog stays by your side and doesn’t enter into undesired areas. Most canine training courses advocate employing this part of instruction before getting into any other kind of obedience skills. When you’re out in the open, then you can certainly make use of the command to forestall fights, prevent pet dogs from entering an unacceptable area or possibly wandering close to other people and children. By just training them methods to come on your call, you’ll avoid avoidable incidents and will eliminate trouble from happening.

The one difficulty that occurs with teaching your pet dog the call command is dependant on behaviours and personalities. Most dogs are interested in discovering something totally new, sniffing out different areas plus exploring territories. This ability involving training them to be able to come at your call requires continuing perseverance as well as initiatives so they quickly learn how to come when you need them to, even in environments which might be distracting. Many will use clicker dog training to help top this; nevertheless, there are other ways to teach different instructions and also behaviour targets, for example really good dog training.

A sensible way to train the dog to actually come when you call would be to give them a reward if they come. Affirmative dog training leads repetition of the same behaviour and eventually teaches pet dogs to come on your command. Whenever you initially begin, you want to provide your dog with attention together with doggie snacks to build up your call. You will also want to commend them through speaking using a higher tone and also telling them they’re very good. Eventually, you can actually cease providing them with goodies and respond with high compliment. The positive response is definitely one that should be made use of with your family dog. Whenever you employ the reward system, you need to be sure that your pet focuses upon that constructive attention and understands that if they come to the call, they receive a favourable reaction.

Your rewards coming from positive k9 training should really be coupled with developing an appropriate type of concentration for your dog. When you will be outdoors or perhaps in a place that is drawing attention, the dog may not respond. You should start off teaching your dog in the house and when there aren’t any disturbances. Setting up a period of time to train your dog without having the clicker dog training and as an alternative reacting with praising and also doggie snacks are certain to get your dog familiar with the command speedily. Any time you commence to accomplish this, ensure that you utilize “come” as the main incentive or perhaps their own name. When they are acustomed to that command at home, you can switch the setting to outdoors teaching. However, it is best to start by teaching them on a long leash to make sure they do not wander away or become distracted. You also want to teach them for brief time periods mainly because of a dog’s attention span.

Making sure your pet dog is actually obedient will be the initial step to help preventing behavioral troubles at the same time avoiding harmful incidents. This calling instruction is one of the very first dog training behaviours tutored and used in combination with dog teaching lessons. Through consistency along with practice, you can easily train your canine friend to come at every command at the same time providing them with constructive reactions that helps with communication between you and the dog.

Interacting with the dog by using basic training techniques makes a difference in the way they respond to you. Should you want to ensure they respond whenever you say its name and don’t wish to use canine training courses, then you’ll need to get better at speaking to them with the call command. This specific command is essential for any dog owner because it assists your dog to be able to listen to you whilst keeping away from trouble.

This call command can be used to make sure that a dog stays with you and also does not enter undesired locations. Virtually all dog training classes recommend employing this component of training prior to moving into any other kind of obedience techniques. If you are outdoors, then you can makes use of the command in order to avoid fights, stop a dog from entering the wrong place or possibly walking up to strangers and kids. By just teaching them methods to come to your call, you can prevent unnecessary incidents and can prevent challenges from taking place.

Normally the one issue that occurs with teaching your pet dog the call command is dependent on behaviours and also personalities. The majority of pet dogs are interested in finding new things, sniffing out diverse places plus exploring territories. The actual skill connected with training them to be able to come on your call involves continuous tenacity as well as initiatives in order that they quickly learn how to come when you’d like them to, even when in surroundings that can be distracting. Some will certainly use clicker dog training to top that; however, there are other methods to teach different commands as well as behavioral targets, for instance really good dog training.

The simplest way to train your pet dog to come whenever you call will be to let them have a reward whenever they come. Positive canine training leads repetition of the same behavior and finally trains your dog to come on your command. Whenever you first begin, you must provide your pet dog with particular attention as well as treats to build up the call. You will also want to compliment them by simply talking in a higher tone of voice and also telling them they are good. Eventually, you could stop providing them with goodies and react by using high compliment. A constructive reaction is without a doubt one that should invariably be made use of with your canine friend. Anytime you employ the reward system, you need to be sure that the dog concentrates on the constructive attention and understands that whenever they come to your call, they receive a positive reaction.

Typically the incentives from positive canine training need to be combined with building the right type of focus for the dog. If you will be outside the house or in a surrounding that could be distracting, the dog might not come. You may wish to start off training your dog inside your home and when there are no potential distractions. Setting up a time to train your pet dog without the clicker dog training and as an alternative reacting with praising and also goodies will get your family dog familiar with the order quickly. When you start to get this done, be sure to use “come” as the main reward or perhaps their name. When they are acustomed to this command in your home, you may alter the surroundings to outside teaching. Having said that, you should always start with teaching them with a long leash so they don’t wander away or end up sidetracked. You also want to make them learn in short time periods because of a dog’s attention span.

Making sure your pet is actually obedient is the first step towards ending behaviour troubles at the same time protecting against dangerous occurrences. The particular calling order is one of the very first dog training behaviours trained and used with family dog training instructional classes. Along with regularity together with practice, it is simple to train your family dog to come at each order whilst providing them with positive reactions that can help with communication between you and the family dog.

To get the best behavior out of your dog, visit our site to get even more secret tips
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Kids & Dogs – A Common Sense Approach

Statistics show the most bitten member of American society are children under the age of 12 and most dog bites causing serious injury involve medium to large sized dogs with children under the age of 5. The dog is usually known to the child or is the family’s pet.

To understand how these bites occur, what causes them and how to prevent them, a little education in the nature of dogs and the nature of small children will help shed some light on these aggressive behaviours.

A dog’s temperament is first inherited (this is deeply ingrained responses to the world surrounding them and is unchangeable), and then modified by events and/or proper training in his life.

Genetics: Some breeds and certain bloodlines within breeds are friendlier, more suited to living in a family environment, more tolerant with children and more adaptable to training. Most of their actions are instinctive. By default, a dog will react to situations according to what his instincts tell him unless these instincts are overridden by the consistent training and socialization he needs to receive from his owner throughout his life.

Some unscrupulous breeders who sometimes intentionally breed dogs without adequate knowledge of dog behaviour may use unsuitable dogs (i.e. those with poor temperaments) for breeding. These are dogs that are mentally unpredictable or have illness or physical defects that affect their behaviour.

A dog’s basic temperament, instincts and training have the biggest effects on how that dog reacts to the world around him and his levels of tolerance. Therefore, a responsible breeder should always put emphasis on good temperament when selecting breeding stock.

Past events & experiences with children: If your dog has had several painful or frightening encounters in the past with children, then he is probably going to be apprehensive around children, sometimes to the point of being aggressive. On the other hand, a well-socialised dog from an early age takes stressful and unusual situations in his own stride. Such dogs tend to be much less fearful of a busy family environment with noisy and unpredictable children around.

Here is one of the most commonly reported scenarios in a bite case:

A very young child sees a pretty dog he’d like to pet. The dog may not want to be petted. The dog’s first instinctive reaction is to show his displeasure by giving a warning — growling. The growl means that something more unpleasant will follow if the warning isn’t heeded.

Almost any dog will bite under the right circumstances.

A dog is an animal whose behaviour isn’t the same as humans and can’t always be predicted with 100 percent accuracy, no matter how friendly or reliable he is.

The type and number of warnings that a dog gives out can vary, few dogs actually will strike without giving some form of indication beforehand. When faced with a child in this situation, normally many dogs would just walk away. Walking away can be considered a form of warning.

If the child keeps trying to pet the dog, a sterner warning, usually a growl, will ensue. Other types of warnings can be more subtle – for instance, a stiffening of the body and showing of its teeth. Small children may not recognise this as a form of warning or understand what a growl means even though it may be quite obvious to an adult.

Dogs instinctively set up an invisible “fight or flight” boundary around themselves as their safety zone. The size of this boundary depends on his level of confidence and tolerance. A fearful dog will give itself a wider area than a more stable one.

When someone whom the dog perceives as threatening invades his area, the dog reacts either by running away or staying put to fight and defend itself no matter how afraid it might be. Some dogs will choose to fight first, rather than run.

A small child who keeps petting or hugging a dog has already intruded well within the dog’s flight or fight boundary. If the dog’s attempts to warn the child fail, the dog (in his mind) has no other recourse — he bites. This is a perfectly acceptable and instinctive behaviour to the dog. He is responding to what he perceives as a threat and is doing what his instincts tell him to.

Dogs do not think in the same way as humans do. A child’s innocent action, petting the dog, can often be provocation for a bite.

Don’t forget dogs have predatory instincts. Running, playing, screaming kids can trigger an instinctive predator-prey reaction in some dogs. Children who wrestle with dogs unknowingly encourage them to use their teeth and provoke a bite. Dogs equate this kind of play with littermates or other dogs where using teeth is allowed. Startling a sleeping dog or petting him when he’s eating can also bring about the same dangerous reaction from the dog.

Guidelines for families who already have a dog or are thinking of getting a dog for the children and what can be done to prevent dogs from attacking children:
* Take your time when looking for a dog. Research, do your homework, learn the differences in the various breeds and choose one that best suits your lifestyle and experience.

* Be honest with yourself about the amount of time and work you’re willing to invest in a dog. If you don’t have time to raise and train the dog properly, don’t get one.

* Consider postponing the purchase of a dog, especially a large one, until your children are at least 6 years old.

* Never leave any child under the age of 12 unattended with any dog or puppy. So keep supervision a strict rule in your household.

* Babies and toddlers should always be kept higher than the dog and keep your young children off the floor when there is a dog in the same room. This is to make sure that the dog (that sees the world in hierarchy) sees your children as a leader and not a littermate which it will boss around, push over, growl at and even bite.

* Educate and involve your children in your dog’s care even if they are small tasks – for example you child can instruct the dog to sit before you put the food bowl down, help brush and groom the dog with you holding the collar, attach 2 leashes to your dog so that you child can hold onto one too. This level of involvement from an early stage will help the dog build a positive association with your children.

* Avoid giving your dog items that it can get possessive over with children around such as pig’s ears, smoked bones, rawhide etc. It is very important to rain your dog to allow things to be taken away from his mouth by trading higher value treats for the item first.

* Obedience training and socialization are an absolute must for a dog that will be spending time with children. Remember that a dog will act according to his instincts if he doesn’t receive proper training or if that training isn’t kept up through regular practice. The dog needs to be taught to obey commands under all conditions no matter how distracting. Just as responding to the command to “come” could save the dog’s life someday, an immediate response to the command “leave it!” could save a child from serious injury.

* Children need to be taught how to be respectful to dogs. They need to learn what kinds of games are appropriate, how to touch the dog properly, how to interpret the dog’s body language and when the dog is not to be disturbed. Avoid wrestling, spanking, kicking, ear pulling, pony-riding, tug of war, fur grabbing, toy hitting, rough play and chasing.

* Telling the toddler to stay away from the dog just isn’t enough! Your children may be too young to understand, so it will be up to you to physically supervise them and protect them from potential harm. Remember that young children do not recognise when they may be in trouble. Adult supervision around children and dogs is absolutely critical. Small children should never, ever be left alone with any dog, no matter how reliable the dog has been before.

* Buy your dog from a reputable, responsible breeder who puts priority on good temperament and health and consistently produces dogs that excel in those areas. Choose a breeder who’s experienced and willing to guide and advise you about care and training throughout the dog’s life.

* Teach your children how to behave correctly and safely around dogs and to respect them. In order to promote a healthy relationship between your dog and your children, educate your children about the way they should treat a dog – for example dogs should be petted softly, stay away from food dishes, toys and bones and not to startle the dog especially when it’s sleeping.

* Remember that what your dog tolerates from your own children may not be tolerated from someone else’s. You need to take extra safety precautions when other children visit and make sure that the children obey your ground rules.

For more information and tips on Dog advice and care, check out our website: www.dog-advice.net
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