There comes a time in most home families when the children get a bit older and their dog or teddy is no longer the best thing in the world to play with, every new friend or existing friend your children make seems to have a cute little dog, and its only a matter of time before your children are going to start pestering you for one. So what should you look for is your serious about getting a family dog?

For starters your dog will need to be able to take everything your children can throw at it, children often don’t have any idea of how to handle a new pet dog so don’t expect them to play gently all the time, unknowing children have a tendency to be a little rough wile playing with dogs so a dog breed that can take some rough playing is essential.

Different dogs have different personalities just like humans do so be aware of this when purchasing a new dog, just because a dog breed is normally playful, energetic, and nice , this does not mean the one you get will be the same. Being prepared to put in work and time with your dog is also essential with a family dog because dog’s often take the things your children tell it to do as acceptable when this may not be the case, so dog behavior training will be needed at some point.

After considering the previous paragraphs I’m sure you will be pretty certain on whether you still want a dog for your home or not, if you do then here are some suggestions on different breeds that you may want to consider.

Golden Retriever. The golden retriever is a good popular choice for families because of their active and loyal personality and a good all round dog.

Boxer. Although the boxer may look big and intimidating to some, the boxer is a very good family dog in that they love being around people, they take care of the family members, and are always willing to play.

Labrador Retreiver. An extremely popular pet in many households across the world, the Labrador is a very friendly loving dog that loves to play and be very active for your kids to play with.

Beagle. The beagle is a very sturdy dog that can take plenty of roughness and playing, and loves to be active and meet new people. A very excited and curious dog that is great for family life.

Boston Terrier. The terrier is a gentle, well mannered dog and enjoys a challenge. Boston terriers are very easy to train and make for great family dogs and friends.

Irish Setter. A very affectionate dog, the Irish setter is a very good choice for families due to its liking for children and constant happy playful attitude.

A dog tail position is a vital indicator of social standing and a dog’s mental well being. There are some variations, depending on the tail position of the dog. For example, a West Highland white terrier will bring its carrot-shaped tail higher than a golden retriever’s feathery tail and a greyhound’s relaxed tail position is lower.

Almost parallel, pointing away from the dog but not rigid is simply a sign that he wants attention. It means: “Something interesting might be happening.”

A horizontal tail that points away from the dog is part of a challenge when meeting a stranger or even an intruder. It means: “Let’s determine whose boss here.”

When a dog’s tail is in an upward position, between the horizontal and vertical position, this is a sign of dominance, or a dog that is declaring dominance. This means: “I’m the boss.”

A tail that is up and slightly curved over the back means: “I’m top dog.” This is an expression of a confidence. This dominant dog feels that he is in control.

A dog tail that’s held lower than the horizontal but a distance from the legs means: “I’m calm.” “Everything is okay.”

A dog tail that’s down, near hind legs is the posture of the dog. If his legs are left in a straight position and the tail brushes back and forth slightly, this means: “I’m under the weather” or “I’m sad.” If a dog’s legs are bent a little inward with a slight downward slope to the back, this means: “I’m feeling a little insecure,” this is very common when a dog is in an unknown situation.

A dog tail that’s tucked between his legs means: “I’m scared!” or “Please don’t hurt me!” This usually happens in the presence of a dominant dog or human, this can also mean, “I accept my humble role in the pack, and I’m not trying to confront you.

A tail with bristling hair: this is clearly a sign of aggression. It may adapt to any tail position. Therefore, this means: “I’m ready to fight if you are!” and with the dog tail slightly upward or over the back it means: “I’m not scared of you and will fight to prove

I’m the leader in this pack.”

A sharp bend in a dog tail (when held high) is a characteristic of a dog that looks like a wolf such as German shepherds. This means exactly the same as the tail bristling. It is the will lead to possible aggression.

A dog that has a broad tail wag means: “I like you.” This is usually displayed during play, when one dog seems to be aggressive to the other, jumping, growling, and barking. The wagging tail is a reassurance that this is all in fun. It also means “I’m happy” in many situations. A dog that has a slow tail wag, with tail at half-mast me during dog training, means: “I’m trying to comprehend. I want to know what you are insinuating, but I just don’t quite understand.” A dog that finally solves a problem, the speed and size of that his tail wags will noticeably increase.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, check out our specials on dog dresses online.

Dogs use their bodies and paws to express a variety of different things. Below are some examples and what they mean.

Dog crouches with front legs extended, rear up, and head near the ground: This is the classic play-bow and means simply “I want to play!”

Stiff-legged, upright posture or slow, stiff-legged movement forward: “I am in charge around here!” and “I challenge you.” A dominant dog will use this posture to indicate assertion of authority and a willingness to fight for it.

Body slightly sloped forward, feet braced: “I accept your challenge and am ready to fight!”

Dog rolls on side or exposes underside: “Let us not argue” or “I am not a threat to you” or “I accept that you are in charge here.” This is a submissive response to avert conflict. Many dogs adopt this posture in a fairly relaxed and contented manner when they are around their pack leader. When your dog rolls on his back for a belly rub, he is actually accepting you as leader of the pack.

Dog places head on another dog’s shoulder or places paw on the back of another dog: “I want you to know who is the boss around here.” These gestures are commonly used by dominant dogs, pack leaders, and dogs that have aspirations of becoming a pack leader.

Mouthing: This shows up in dog-human interactions as the dog taking the handler’s hand in his mouth or, while walking, taking the lead in the mouth. Mouthing can be a serious sign of dominance challenging and shows that the dog does not accept the human as pack leader.

Dog places paw on master’s knee: “Look, I am here” or “Pay attention to me.” This attention-seeking signal has many variations. They include pawing the air in front of their master or sliding the head under the master’s hand.

Hair bristles on back and shoulders: This is a sign of anticipated aggression. A ridge of hair bristling down the back is a sign that says “Do not push me, I am angry!” When the bristling extends to the shoulders it means “I have had it with you” and is a sign of an imminent attack.

Dog sits with one front paw slightly raised: This is another sign of stress but is combined with insecurity. It means “I am anxious, uneasy and concerned.”

Dog rolls on his back and rubs it on the ground: This is sometimes preceded by nose rubbing where the dog pushes his face, and possibly his chest against the ground in a rubbing motion or rubs the face with a forepaw, from eyes to nose. They often follow feeding or occur as the dog’s owner begins to prepare food. However they also can occur following or in anticipation of other pleasant activities.

Scraping the ground and ripping the turf with the paws: This is usually after the dog has defecated but may occur at other times. Dogs have glands on the bottom of their feet that provide each with a unique scent. What a dog is saying here is “I was here and I am leaving my calling card!”

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, check for current specials on squeaky dog toys online.

If your dog is less than 16 weeks old and nips and bites non-stop, this is normal behavior – young dogs mouth a lot. Puppies mouth while playing and they mouth when communicating their wants. If your dog begins mouthing, he may be hungry or thirsty. Ask yourself: Does he need to remove waste? Is he tired? Does he want to play? Dogs nip when they feel a sense of neediness – like when a baby cries. If your dog does not stop, he may want to go outside, exercise, or drink water. The following tips can assist you when trying to control your dog’s mouthing and nipping:

1. If your dog does not want anything and he still will not stop, isolate him with a favorite bone. Do not punish your dog as you isolate her. Calmly place the puppy in her area.

2. When your puppy licks you, say “Kisses” and praise him. Encourage licking by slathering your hands with a stick of butter.

3. Hold back your attention when your dog nips quietly. Keep your hand still; removing your hand is an invitation to play and nip harder.

4. When your dog starts biting down hard, turn quickly, say: “Ep, Ep!” and glance into her eyes for two seconds; then go back to your normal routine. If he continues, try spritzing yourself with Bitter Apple or affix a leash onto your dog so that you can tug the lead sharply to the side and place him in a quiet location to cool off.

If you have a puppy that continues to nip when more than 16 weeks old, you start curbing it now. Even though the nipping will continue, make it clear that it is inappropriate. Then these tips to help you:

1. Dispense from all challenge games such as wrestling, tug-of-war, chasing, and teasing because you’re sending him the wrong message. These games teach dogs to compress down hard on any object – a leash, the dinner table, your clothing, or even your skin – and challenge.

2. Discourage all forms of nipping, whether it’s a bite on your arm or a nibble on your finger. Dog teeth do not belong on human skin.

3. Buy items to use in defense, such as Mouth Spray, Bitter Apple spray, or a long-distance squirt gun. Never stare down at your dog while you spray him; this will turn an unpleasant result into a confrontational interaction.

4. Leave your dog leashed so you have something to direct him with and can avoid physical confrontation. If your puppy’s not wearing the Teaching Lead, place a short lead onto his buckle collar.

5. When you dog begins to mouth, turn to him, use a lead or collar to snap him head from your body, or spray the region he is nipping with a spray. Do not stare at him; because he will identify your actions as confrontational play.

6. If he continues biting, ask yourself: Am I convincing? Am I snapping or pulling to encourage play? Is my puppy taking me seriously? As a result, you might need more training before you earn your dog’s respect.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, check out our specials on chew resistant dog toys online.

There are many things a dog cannot resist doing. If he is planning on biting someone, he has to focus on his target, and he has to bare his teeth. If he is going to protect himself, he will tuck his ears back and his tail in a downward position and turn aside. During the dark unrecorded haze of the history of wolves, those who had the wits to recognize these things had an advantage over their more dull-witted pack-mates. Being on the lookout for the fangs or the intent stare of a stronger member of the pack was a way to keep away from unnecessary physical harm from a wolf one had no plan of testing anyway. So, being on the lookout for the averted gaze of a wayward member was a way to keep away from the needless trouble and danger of fighting with a wolf that was ready to give way without a fight anyhow.

When wolves were on the lookout for unintentionally dropped hints, it became possible to start dropping them deliberately. A wolf that can correctly read a fang or a stare as a threat can keep away from a fight and a wolf that can show a fang or fix a stare can then communicate a threat without fighting. This evolutionary advice loop between receivers and senders is what was almost behind the development and rituals of the visual signals that wolves and dogs use.

Many of these signals are related to the serious wolf business of control and submission within the pack. Dominance and threatening signals include showing the teeth, pricking the ears and gazing. Submissive and non-threatening signals include laying the ears back, averting the gaze, approaching at an angle instead of head on, tucking the tail securely under his belly and rolling over and lying belly-up which is considered a gesture of passive surrender to superior force. These signals will eventually become routine. When ever a wolf lifts his lips and shows his fangs, it doesn’t mean that he is going to bite someone; instead, this is merely a symbol of threatening intentions. At this moment in the evolutionary history of the wolf, read as such by other wolves. Wolves are inclined to read it that way because of the incontestable fact of evolutionary history that fangs really do bite people. So, wolves became used to showing fangs as a threatening sign because wolves were prone to react to fangs as a threat.

The majority of vertebrate animals acquired an instinctive admiration of another biological fact that is often exploited in visual communication. For example, huge things out there are considered more dangerous than little things. Therefore threatening or dominance-asserting wolves try to appear big. Wolves stand upright, often astride the animal they are attempting to amaze; they raise their tails and harden their hackles.

Submissive or terrified dogs try to look small by crouching low, often dragging themselves along the ground. It is essential to understand that this does not mean that the huge-looking wolf is aware of how big he appears, nor is any other wolf fooled into believing he really is huge. Once again, these are just rituals. However, they come from the fact that wolves have been created to react in ways that make these rituals operative.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, your top spot to buy elevated dog bowls online.

Goody Beagle here. You don’t know me unless you have read my book Dog Park Diary: the social round of Goody Beagle. It’s about my visits to my dog park and who I meet there and all the things we smell. It’s a good book, and mostly true, but after it was published with all those great photos and all, I discovered that I have more to say about dogs and dog parks. In this article I want to talk about something you humans just don’t get – smell. You humans make fun of us dogs because we sniff-butt, but if you learned this skill you’d probably be a lot happier. So maybe you should read this article.

First, let me say that I know you can never be as good as us dogs at smelling. Your evolution just doesn’t support it. We dogs have more smell cells than you do, and a much bigger part of our brain is devoted to smell than yours. This is one reason why I feel sorry for you humans. You miss so much!

Now I know humans have good eyes. I’ve been told (by my human) that humans can see more colors than dogs, and farther than dogs. Well, maybe that’s true, but so what? So you can see maybe ten times more colors than we can. But we can smell up to 100,000 times more smells than you can! Some say we may smell even a million times better than you. Just think about that every time you think humans are so cool.

We can smell the moods of dogs and humans, and even cats. We can tell if they are happy, sad, mad, anxious, or excited. We can smell the tiniest change in the character of the air outside. We can smell the ground and tell who has passed by and when, how old they were, if they were male or female, how they were feeling, what they ate for dinner, and if they were sick, healthy, pregnant, or looking for love. We can track missing persons by smell, find people buried under ten feet of snow by smell, smell underground mushrooms and dig them up, and smell drugs and explosives and tell you where they are hidden. When it comes to smell, no one on earth is better than we are.

An excellent place to find good, strong smells that tell you all about whoever you meet is their rear end. Humans, cats, and especially dogs have detailed messages waiting there for us to smell-read. A quick sniff-butt tells us more about a total stranger than you might know about your best friend or even your mother.

Some humans have compared our sniff-butts to the human habit of shaking hands. Well, sort of, but sniff-butt gives us more information, and is a lot more reliable. I don’t think much of your human ways of finding out about each other. You shake hands with each other, but it doesn’t tell you how the other guy feels about you. You say, “How are you?” and then don’t listen to the answer. You say “Good morning” to each other even if it’s raining and your breakfast was burnt and you stubbed your toe in the shower.

The strange thing from my perspective is that none of this tells you anything at all about the other person. Do you learn how they are feeling today? Do you learn if they’re about to bite you or maybe if they’d like to go play a round of golf with you? Do you learn if they are sick or angry or pregnant? Do you find out what they want for dinner?

No you don’t. But we do – when we sniff-butt.

But here’s the problem. We dogs love – and need – to do sniff-butt, but you humans don’t seem to like us doing it. Many of you seem to think we are doing something nasty. You try to “train” us not to do it anymore.

You need to know that this is not possible. We are dogs. The message I want to give you humans is to just let us be ourselves. Don’t try to stop us from sniff-butt. To you, it looks funny or disgusting or bad mannered, but that’s because you can’t do it and you can’t read smell messages, so you made up some silly rules for humans and then try to apply them to us dogs.

You know what I think? I think you find sniff-butt disgusting because you find your own rear ends disgusting. Boy, I just don’t understand that at all. You don’t find your legs or your arms or your ears disgusting, so why you hate your own rear end makes no sense at all to me. To dogs, rear ends are just rear ends – we don’t have any judgments about them. My rear end is just as much a part of me as my eyelashes or my paws. I think you should just accept the fact that you have a rear end, and just like all rear ends, it smells.

So don’t try to “train” us out of sniff-butt. We might stop for a minute while you’re looking, but we’ll be back at it as soon as you look away. We like to make you happy, but it should work both ways. If you want to make us happy, let us be dogs.

Kim Pearson is the author of five books, including Dog Park Diary, and a ghostwriter of more than thirty non-fiction books. Dog Park Diary is the first she has ghostwritten for a dog. For more about Dog Park Diary, visit Dog Park Diary, and for more about Kim’s ghostwriting services, visit Primary Sources.

There is always a reason for aggressive behavior in dogs. If you can discover the reason for the aggression, you can usually correct or at least control a dog’s aggression. Some breeds of dogs have gotten a really bad reputation of late; pit bulls, rottweilers, and chows, for example. Some breeds are even forbidden in certain communities. This is just sad. Aggressive dogs are MADE and not born. All puppies come into this world completely innocent. They are like blank slates that have yet to be written upon, and they become products of their environment and training, or lack thereof.

There are many breeds of dogs. There are large breed dogs and small breed dogs; long hair dog breeds and short hair dog breeds; but there are simply not aggressive breeds and nonaggressive breeds.

Dog aggression is caused by health issues, environment issues, or training issues. There are, of course, several subheadings under all of these causes for dog aggression.

If you see that your dog is aggressive or is becoming aggressive, the very first thing to do is to take him to see his veterinarian. The vet will examine the dog to see if he has any health issues that are causing him pain or discomfort.

If the dog doesn’t have any underlying health issues that are causing his aggressiveness, the next thing to consider is his environment. Is the dog being walked with a gentle lead? Does the dog have a crate that he calls home? An environment that the dog considers unsafe or uncomfortable will often be the cause of his aggressive behavior.

If the dog is healthy and if his environment is good, the next thing to consider is the structure of his pack. You see, dogs are pack animals. They need and expect order. You may have inadvertently put the dog in charge. He thinks that he is the alpha dog and as such is responsible for the pack (the family). Aggression caused by a dog’s belief that he is the alpha dog can be easily changed by simply providing obedience training and convincing him that he is NOT the responsible party.

For some people it is an offence to have a barking dog around them, they think that dogs should be seen and not heard. This is slightly unfair given that the bark is a dog’s voice and like yourself it uses it to communicate.

Of course barking is your dog's way of talking and many owners would feel there is something missing if their dog was silent and of course there is the guarding duty many owners expect their dogs to perform. In most cases your dog is just trying to talk to you, perhaps he is just happy about something, dog obedience training will help you to find this out for sure.

The problem is that the language barrier between barking dogs and humans is well nigh impenetrable. Therefore, you are forced to resort to the facts of the situation in which your dog is barking and try to understand from its body language just what it is trying to say.

Apart from that many people ask just why do dogs bark? Deciding what is going on here is very tricky, if only dogs could talk a language we understand.

Naturally they will bark when they are happy about something such as greeting you on your return or perhaps they are happy about running around in the park.

Some dogs having barking bred into to them such as toy dogs or sporting breeds where they are trained to bark in order to notify their owners of the presence of a particular quarry being hunted. Other dogs like the guarding breeds are trained only to bark when a threat is perceived.

Other than the above common reasons for dog barking might include, boredom, hunger, being lonely, something is wrong, the presence of other animals or perhaps she just needs the toilet.

Again the context of the situation will help you to decide the likely cause. But of course it is not fair for you to try to shut the dog up. She may be communicating for a very good reason, you just need to spend some effort in understanding her.

However, dogs are not stupid animals there are situations where they realise that they can use their bark to annoy or force their owner into a particular action. Bullying by barking is something you should never allow your dog to do.

For instance you dog may have decided that it is time to play and continues barking until you give in and drop what you are doing to amuse her. The problem here is that the dog then learns that all she has to do is to bark whenever she wants something and you will oblige.

This can get very wearing after a quite short period of time. The best approach would have been to show the dog that it cannot get its own way by giving it the cold shoulder.

Turning your back on your pet is a great way to show you are unhappy at its behavior and shows it you are serious in your training. After repeated actions your dog should eventually get the message.

Naturally play and walks are an essential aspect of owning a dog, but you go when you want to go, play when you want to. This teaches your dog respect and hopefully makes for a quieter household with limited barking dog problems.

Consult a good book on dog obedience training like SitStayFetch to solve many of the problems you will encounter when you are training your dog.

It doesn’t really matter whether your dog is a puppy or an adult, spoiled or abused, big or tiny. If you don’t pay attention to these certain characteristics, your dog could easily become your boss and may get aggressive with you, with other dogs, or toward your loved ones.

You must be able to recognize these signs from the early start before they get worse. If you notice your dog already being very persistent and even a bit dominant, the last thing you need to do is spoil it rotten and let it get away with murder. You basically would be pouring gasoline on fire. Take kids for example, say a kid is already strong, brave and rebellious AND you go out of your way to spoil it to death. You’ll definitely have your work cut out for you and might even end up on the Dr. Phil show for losing your sanity!

Here we go.

Does Your Dog:

• Constantly jump up on you, on others and on kids, regardless of how many times you tell him to stop? Do you always find yourself getting physical trying to restrain him, or else he won’t settle down right away?

• Refuse to stop barking, whimpering, scratching, throwing a tantrum inside the crate or when he demands to come in or be let out?

• Squeeze through door the door like a flying bullet and push you out of the way? How about crowding you, pushing you out of the way by making you back up and by stepping in your space every time you ask it to obey a command?

• Respond to commands only if you are holding a treat, eating at the table, or have some sort of treats in your hands? This means: “Look lady. You’re not worthy of my time. But, if you have something tasty, then I’ll think about it.” These dogs, especially around distractions, will ignore even your moist treats and STILL won’t respond to you. Sometimes the owners make the horrible mistake of giving their dogs the treats regardless of whether they responded or not. So the dog wins either way!

• Demand your attention and rarely stop misbehaving when you tell him to? You’ll notice your dog jumping up on you, getting on your lap, nudging at your hands and he won’t care whether you are tired, not in the mood to play, or if you are holding a cup of hot coffee. He will jump up on you even when not invited. “Drop whatever you’re doing, Mommy. I need to cuddle and love a tummy rub and I need it RIGHT NOW!”―that’s what your dog is saying to himself.

• Keep on barking back at you when you are trying to stop him from an unacceptable behavior. This could be when you are trying to stop him from begging for food, barking back at you, mouthing, and if you happen to stop him from stealing food off tables. Some dogs get on their hind legs and try to stand up to you to challenge you.

• Rarely obeys the commands that she already KNOWS and ignores you in your day-to-day routines. You most likely find yourself getting louder and louder, and end up forcing your dog into a sit or down position. Sometimes you might find yourself grabbing your dog’s collar to make her mind, tugging on her leash, or restraining her the entire time so she doesn’t embarrass you even more.

• Play-bite on your hands and wrestle you by pushing down on the leash with his paw or worse, sometimes with both paws. (Boxers are famous for this.)

• Jumps up on you and sometimes throws himself on the ground so you can’t make him do anything else against his will. Large breeds and spoiled dogs do this all the time and the owners end up picking them up and carrying them like a baby. (Yeah. Try carrying a Bullmastiff, Great Dane or a Saint Bernard!)

• Holds the leash in his mouth when you are in the middle of training or walking him. In your dog’s mind, he is walking you! This might seem cute to you and others, but in reality your dog sees you as the “dog” and he has—YOU–on the leash.

• Resists lying down for you on command. You might see your dog trying to compromise by giving you his paw, sitting, barking and even doing a rollover instead. Some of these dogs turn it in their favor and trick you by showing you their stomach and what even funnier is, most of you end up giving them a belly rub after all. Remember, it’s a down command! Not a “let me give you a belly rub” command. You probably didn’t know this, but the more your dog lies down for you flat on his tummy, the more he is actually submitting to you and sees you as an authority figure.

Here’s an interesting fact about the Down Command: If you tell ten dogs to sit for you, eight out of the ten might do it. But if you ask a group of a hundred dogs to do “a down,” you’ll be lucky if you can get five out of the hundred to do it. Getting your dog to lie down is a great way to establish leadership without being harsh or abusive. Try doing it WITHOUT a biscuit, holding your fingers as if you have a treat, pointing, bending over or slapping the ground. And good luck!

• Keeps getting frustrated and wraps the leash around you, backs away, nips at your hands and feet, starts to lunge and makes noises as if he’s gone mad. All this drama and temper-tantrum so you let him get to other dogs, cats, squirrels, kids on wheels or cars driving by. In a way, your dog’s trying anything possible to get his way.

• Humping anything that moves or breathes. This is rarely sexual. Most humping are a sign of dominance. Whether it’s a certain family member, your kid, your roommate, a poor stuffed animal, your sofa, or even the poor visitor, your dog is desperately trying to assert his dominance by letting them know that “he” is the one in charge here.

• Leans on your foot when you ask her to sit. This sometimes happens when a dog is scared or nervous. However if you notice your dog often sitting on your foot after the sit command, even without any distractions, sudden noise or any other reason you can think of, you better believe that she is trying to dominate you. It’s just like the neighborhood bully who loves to lean on that weakest kid in school.

• Out of the blue, urinates or defecates in an inappropriate place to upset you. You know for a fact that your dog is completely housebroken, has been outside, had access to the doggy door, and is NOT sick. It’s been weeks and even months since his last accident. This usually happens when you didn’t give your dog the attention he wanted. It could also be more serious issues such as: when you leave town, work longer hours, have a change in your schedule, brought a new pet into your home, have a guest over, date someone new, or start training your dog with a new attitude/new ground rules and your dog is upset and retaliates to get back at you. Yes. Dogs do this more than you’d think.

• Is a bit unpredictable when you grab him by his collar. Some of these dogs do back-flips and you can feel your fingers bending backward as you scream in agony. Trainers have dislocated their fingers and injured their wrists with such dogs. Basically, your dog is fighting you and saying, “NO WAY. I am not going to let you hold me against my will. Let’s see if you can still hold on to me when I do my psycho move on you.” These dogs may act fine in one moment, but then in the next moment, when you grab them by their collar, they try to bite your hand off. Unless you are dealing with a scared or abused dog, which is very unlikely, your dog should let you grab him by his collar at ANY given time. This shows trust and the fact that he truly “respects” you as a leader.

Make sure you seek the help of an expert in private. These bad habits always get worse as time goes by. Get ready because the next chapter goes more into dominance and aggression tendencies and these dogs will make these dogs seem like pussycats.

Kevin Salem is considered to be one of the brightest minds in the world of dog training and one of the pioneers in his field. It’s hard to paint Kevin’s image with the same brush as others, as his unique way of thinking, writing, and philosophy truly makes him distinct. If you are a fan of Cesar Millan, it will be difficult not to fall in love with Kevin’s book. You’ll finally be able to put an end to your dog’s: Jumping Up, House-training, Play-biting, Barking, Leash Pulling, Destructiveness, Bolting Out, Over-protectiveness– to complete off-leash response. 10 week old pups to 10 yr old adults, all breeds welcome. Kevin offers Doggie Boot Camp or House Calls Nationwide. Try his book, hire him in person, or see him put his eyebrow raising skills into action by visiting his award-winning web site: http://ww.DogSecrets.com

It is normal for a dog to chew. However, it is unacceptable to allow your dog to chew shoes, stuffed animals, furniture, or remote controls. I once heard of a dog who chewed an escape hole right through a house! This same dog also devoured several remote controls and a computer mouse.

We must begin by understanding why dogs chew.

Puppies usually chew in the teething stage. Just as a baby does, a teething puppy will put items in it’s mouth to help alleviate some of the discomfort. With adult dogs, chewing is usually due to separation anxiety or boredom. Some dogs begin chewing as part of play, some simply chew because an item tastes good. But with adult dogs, most chewing is simply bad behavior.

Let’s take a closer look at these destructive behaviors.

• Mouthing

• Teething

• Boredom

• Fear

• Play

• Attention Seeking

• Just tastes Good

Teething – For puppies, teething is simply a stage of their development. Human parents often use topical gels to relieve teething discomfort in their babies. Some veterinarians have had success using this same gel on puppies. Since teething is temporary, it is best to simply help the dog get through it. There are both plastic and hard rubber toys made for teething puppies. You an also give your pup ice cubes to play with, or tie a knot in a wash cloth, then freeze it. Whenever he seems to be uncomfortable, let the pup play with these frozen items. Sometimes the frozen wash cloth will only work with very small dogs. You also shouldn’t give items that might confuse the dog in what belongs to him or to you. I like to let my teething puppies chew on frozen bagels. This way he gets to eat it after going through the work of gnawing it while it thaws. I purchase a big bag of tiny bagels. These treats seem to work well.

Mouthing – At as young as 8 weeks, it is normal for puppies to have sharp little teeth. They tend to bite when they become playful and excited. Biting behaviors should always be discouraged. This is what puppies use to communicate to each other. Some owners like to rough up their pups, which may encourage the dog to return with a small bite. This type of behavior should always be discouraged.

Boredom – Your pooch may become bored and restless if he is left alone for a long time. To help him pass the time, give him activities that involve chewing. The best thing you can do is allow your dog more exercise. Keep in mind that walking some dogs relaxes and tires them, but for other dogs a walk can make them energized and pumped up. It’s best to you walk your dog, then take time to relax together. This allows for bonding time with your dog and will reinforce your relationship. Don’t forget that frozen cooked pizza dough or bagels are also good chew toys.

Fear – Many times, dogs may chew out of fear. For example, numerous dogs are afraid of thunderstorms. Also your dog may bark and chew at the window frames when another dog is walking past the window. These are both examples of defensive behavior. The “down and stay” command covered in earlier dog reports, is one of the best ways to stop this type of behavior. Teaching this command while in a positive situation, will be beneficial when the dog is displaying the negative behavior. First get the dog away from the window, then give him the “down stay” command. Sit with your dog for a moment to allow them time to relax. This gives the dog a chance to calm down.

Play – If your dog bites and chews during play time, it usually means he needs more training. Some dogs simply have more energy than others. These dogs usually require a strong exercise program in addition to the training. Play time should be structured, such as practicing jumping, or playing fetch. During exercise and play, practice multiple “down stays” both inside and outside.

Attention Seekers – Occasionally, dogs are simply looking for their owners to pay more attention to them. Some of these plays for attention include stealing, chewing, barking, limping and spinning. Most dog owners regard chewing as a negative behavior, but for a dog seeking attention, negative attention is better than none at all. If you give it no attention, the negative behavior will usually disappear.

Just Tastes Good – If something tastes good a dog will want to chew it. Certain things are palatable to dogs. This means the dog enjoys the feel of it in their mouth. Shoes, stuffed animals and wooden or leather furniture are a few examples. While the puppy is in the chewing stage, it is best to dog proof your house and not leave these types of things around your dog.

Chewing is usually not a problem if the dog is healthy, has room to roam, gets plenty of exercise and has a space of his own. Again, frozen bagels will help to cure the chewing.

For more information on this topic and more. Please take my complimentary mini course for you and your dog at the URL below. Annette Masse has been loving and respecting dogs for 25 years. ForTheLoveOfDogZ.com

You’ve finally decided you want to get a dog, but how do you go about choosing a dog breed that will fit your personality and lifestyle. There are over 400 different dog breeds to choose from. Don’t just consider the outward appearance when picking a dog breed.

Do you want a male or female?

Do you want a puppy or an adult?

Do you want a lap dog or guard dog?

First, consult with a professional dog handler or a professional dog trainer to learn about certain dog personalities of different breeds, and try to match what you want with what a particular dog has to offer. Also, talk to a veterinarian about your choice of a purebred or mixed breed dog. The professional trainers and vets’ opinions are invaluable, as they handle many different dogs every day and have first hand knowledge of the characteristics, and qualities of different types of dogs and breeds.

You can choose between a purebred dog or a mixed breed dog. The advantages of purebred dogs are consistency of appearance, size, coat type, and color. If you decide on a German Shepherd breed, you can be certain it will grow to a certain size…It will be similar to other German Shepherds in appearance…Its color, temperament, coat, etc will be similar to other German Shepherds. Purebred dogs generally have more genetic faults and deformities than do mixed breeds.

Mixed breed puppies may mature to look like their dam, their sire (if known) or neither. Their coats may be rough, smooth, or wiry. Adult mixed breeds are difficult to ascertain, as are their expressions. These variations are multiplied when either or both parents are from mixed backgrounds. Mixed breeds usually have a certain amount of heterosis ( increased vigor or other superior qualities that come from crossbreeding), which, under some circumstances, result in stronger and more disease-resistant dogs. A mixed breed puppy is likely to have a very individual personality, seemingly unrelated to either of its parents.

The temperament of mixed breeds are often quieter and more stable than those of purebreds, although this characteristic is not consistent. Temperament is partially genetic and partly the result of experience and training. Many purebreds have a notably quiet temperament, and an occasional mixed breed is unpredictable.

Before you select a purebred or a mixed breed, decide what you expect of the dog. If you have a desire to exhibit it in conformation shows, obedience trials, field trials, herding tests, or other American Kennel Club sponsored events, you must start out with a purebred.

If you want a companion, a family pet, or a child’s dog and have no aspirations of winning blue ribbons, a mixed breed should fill your need nicely. Mixed breed puppies and adult dogs are plentiful, both from shelters and private homes. They cost less to buy, and may be easier to handle. Mixed breed dogs can compete in Frisbee contests, 4-H obedience, and non-AKC agility trials, and are included in the AKC-sponsored Canine Good Citizen program.

Lamar Deane offers free information on Why Its Important To Choose The Right Dog Breed To help guide you through the different types of dog breeds visit: 6 Distinct Classifications of Dog Breeds

Are you fed up with coming home from a hard day at work just to find your favorite slippers have been torn to shreds by dog chewing? Thank goodness you found us because you are in the right place now.

In this article I will go over why your dog loves to chew and how you can stop dog chewing once and for all. It’s about time right? At least for the sake of your shoes and furniture.

First you need to come to grips with the fact that all dogs have a natural tendency to chew on things. At least you can rest assured in knowing that your dog isn’t trying to destroy your things or get back at you for not taking him on that walk yesterday.

It is important to stop dog chewing early as it can turn into quite a dangerous hobby for your furry friend. Things such as electrical wires can electrocute him right in the mouth if he is not careful.

Thankfully, we can narrow down your dog’s chewing habit to a few possible causes. One reason might be because he is bored out of his mind and chewing is the only thing that gives him some entertainment. If this is the case, give him some toys that are safe to chew on.

Separation anxiety is another factor to consider. If you leave him home all day while you are gone or at work, at least turn on the radio or television to give him some company throughout the day.

Your dog would probably rather watch Animal Planet than soap operas. However, anything is better than nothing.

When your dog is still a puppy he will go through a teething stage. This is usually where the dog chewing habit develops so make sure to direct your dog to safe chew toys and away from everything else. The sooner you teach him, the better.

Fear can also be a contributing factor. Dogs chew on things when they are afraid. Try to figure out if there is anything scaring or stressing your dog out during the day when you are gone.

Make sure to make your home as comforting as possible for your dog and keep anything that may be scaring your dog away.

Again, turning on the television can help at this point as well. No matter what, keep in mind that he is not chewing to make you angry or to ruin your things.

You can stop dog chewing with a lot of love, patience some a bit of training.

A dog’s normal behavior is chewing. Obviously, it is not acceptable to permit your dog to chew clothing, furniture, stuffed toys, shoes, or even the remote control. Dogs can even chew a hole in a house large enough for it to escape; an occurrence that once happened with the dog of a friend of mine. A computer mouse and numerous remote controls were also victims of chewing by the same dog.

Understanding why dogs chew is the first step. During the teething stage, puppies will often want to chew. A dog will put anything in its mouth to make the pain disappear, similar to what baby children do during their teething stage. When dogs age into adults, their chewing habits are usually attributed to boredom or separation anxiety. Some dogs chew as part of their play ritual, and others chew just because the item tastes particularly good. Regardless, chewing behaviors from adult dogs are an undesirable trait.

Here is a list of some of the more destructive habits of dogs.

• Teething

• Mouthing

• Boredom

• Fear

• Play

• Attention Seeking

• Just tastes Good

All puppies go through the teething stage. For human children, there are topical gels available that parents can rub on the gums to alleviate pain and discomfort. This same type of topical gel has been used on puppies by a number of veterinarians. Teething is a natural stage of puppy development, and there are many products to assist the puppy during this time. There are manufacturers of hard rubber and plastic toys who specifically design their products for puppies that are teething. A few at-home techniques include giving your puppy normal ice cubes to chew on, or to tie a damp wash cloth into a knot and freeze it. Give it to the puppy to chew on when he seems to be experiencing discomfort. Often. the frozen washcloth technique only works for small breed puppies. One idea, that avoids confusion as to what is his and what is yours, is to give a frozen bagel to the teething dog. This gives the dog something to gnaw on to aid the teething process, and is also a treat to encourage him to chew on it. I purchase the bags of smaller bagels. It is a very effective way to conquer teething problems.

Mouthing: It is the norm for little puppies (as young as 8 weeks old) to have really sharp baby teeth. These young dogs tend to bite during times of play and excitement. The mouthing behavior needs to be discouraged. This is the style in which young dogs speak with each other. Some pet owners like to play rough with their puppies, and they often return with a small bite mark as a result. Do not encourage this type of behavior, but rather, teach your dog that it is unacceptable.

Boredom: If you are absent from your dog for extended period of time, it will become bored and look elsewhere for something to do. One way the dog can pass the time is by finding something to chew. Getting your dog more exercise will be beneficial for them and you. Although walking some dogs relaxes them and tires them out, other dogs can be energized by the experience. If the latter is the case, a good solution is to take some down time with your dog immediately after a walk. This will create a strong bond between you and your dog, and strengthen your relationship. Once again, using frozen pizza dough or frozen bagels makes for a good chew toy for a puppy.

Fear – Sometimes, when frightened, dogs may chew on items. Loud noises, like those that occur during thunderstorms, can frighten some dogs. Dogs also become agitated by the presence of other dogs, and if another dog walks past the window, your dog may start barking, chewing the window frames, and so on. These types of actions are a result of defensive behaviors. The “down stay” command, as covered in earlier dog articles, is one of the most effective techniques when dealing with these types of behaviors. If the dog is acting in a negative manner, put a positive spin on the situation before attempting to teach this command. Give the “down stay” command to the dog after first removing him from the window. Find a way to relax the dog as you sit with him. This allows the dog to achieve a calm state of mind.

Play- Additional training will usually end any biting or chewing that happens while your dog is playing. Energy levels vary between individual dogs, and as such, some dogs have higher amounts of energy than others. This type of dog requires a significant amount of exercise to supplement the recommended training. Introduction of structured activities, such as jumping or fetch, will help the dog get necessary exercise during play time. During play time and exercises, practice many “down stays” in as many locations as possible.

Attention Seekers – Some dogs desire more attention from their owners than they are receiving, and strive to gain that attention through a behavior they know works. Common attention seeking behaviors include barking, chewing, spinning, stealing, and limping. As the dog is attempting to receive any sort of attention by chewing, negative reinforcement by the owner will not cause this behavior to stop. If no attention is brought to the poor behavior, it will often times go away on it’s own.

Just Tastes Good – As common sense dictates, if an item tastes good to a dog, that dog is more likely to want to chew it. Items that are at risk of being chewed are ones that are palatable to a dog. This means that some items have a pleasant taste or texture to the dog. Examples of these items include stuffed animals, shoes, and most furniture. If your puppy is going through the inevitable chewing stage, it is wise not to leave these things laying around.

Chewing is usually not an issue for dogs that are healthy, have space of their own to roam, and exercise often. If it does become a problem, try the frozen bagels.

For more information on this topic and more. Please take my complimentary mini course for you and your dog at the URL below. Annette Masse has been loving and respecting dogs for 25 years.ForTheLoveOfDogZ.com

Sick and tired of coming home just to find another designer shoe that has fallen victim to dog chewing? Well you have found the right place to come for help.

This article is going to cover the reasons your dog chews in the first place and how you can stop your dog chewing troubles for good. Not a moment too soon right? At least for the sake for your favorite slippers.

First off, this may be a shocker, but it is actually very natural for dogs to chew on things and it is really a passion for them. At least you now know he isn’t doing it out of revenge because you didn’t give him that dog treat he wanted this morning.

Make sure you start taking action to stop dog chewing as quickly as you can because this little habit can become quite dangerous. Your dog chewing through an electrical wire is a big risk and can hurt him pretty bad.

Thankfully, there are only a few reasons you dog is chewing in the first place. The main one is actually due to boredom. Your dog then starts to chew on things just to be entertained. If this is the case with your dog, give him some toys that are safe for him to chew on.

Separation anxiety is also a big factor. If you work all day and your dog is left at home alone, at least put on the radio or the television.

Your dog would probably rather watch Animal Planet than soap operas. However, anything is better than nothing.

When your dog is still a puppy he will go through a teething stage. This is usually where the dog chewing habit develops so make sure to direct your dog to safe chew toys and away from everything else. The sooner you teach him, the better.

Fear can also cause your dog to chew on things. Make sure there is nothing that is causing your dog to be afraid or stressed out.

Comfort him as much as possible and if there is something scary that goes on while you are away from home, try and alleviate that in any way you can.

Make sure to let your dog watch some television while you are out so he doesn’t feel so alone. If you get nothing else out of this article, remember that he is not chewing on your things out of anger or to upset you.

You can stop dog chewing with a lot of love, patience some a bit of training.

Are you fed up with coming home from a hard day at work just to find your favorite slippers have been torn to shreds by dog chewing? Thank goodness you found us because you are in the right place now.

This article is going to cover the reasons your dog chews in the first place and how you can stop your dog chewing troubles for good. Not a moment too soon right? At least for the sake for your favorite slippers.

First off, this may be a shocker, but it is actually very natural for dogs to chew on things and it is really a passion for them. At least you now know he isn’t doing it out of revenge because you didn’t give him that dog treat he wanted this morning.

It is vital to stop dog chewing as soon as possible because over time it can actually turn quite dangerous. For example, chewing through an electrical wire or getting into poison.

At least we can narrow down the causes of your dog’s chewing habit to a few possible scenarios. One cause may be due to boredom. This will lead your dog to chew just to entertain himself. If you find this to be the case, make sure to give your dog plenty of safe chew toys.

Separation anxiety is also a big factor. If you work all day and your dog is left at home alone, at least put on the radio or the television.

Animal Planet would probably be the best bet as far as TV channels go. If you don’t have this channel, anything is better than nothing.

If your dog is a puppy you are dealing with a whole new ball game, especially when your puppy is in the teething stage. This is a make it or break it stage as well. This is the point that your dog develops a dog chewing habit in the first place.

Fear can also cause your dog to chew on things. Make sure there is nothing that is causing your dog to be afraid or stressed out.

Comfort him as much as possible and if there is something scary that goes on while you are away from home, try and alleviate that in any way you can.

Again, turning on the television can help at this point as well. No matter what, keep in mind that he is not chewing to make you angry or to ruin your things.

So deal with your dog chewing problem with patience and love and you will get results.

One of the biggest dog behavior questions centers around training style. Your training style and attitude greatly affects your success of training your dog. Sometimes more so than your dogs attitude does!.

Training your dog is one of the most difficult and possibly frustrating tasks you can undertake. The only activity that requires more patience is raising human children. Many people don’t have enough patience in themselves to train their dogs. Therefore, while you are training your dog, you may have to train yourself to be patient as well.

When training your dog, keep in mind that daily sessions are needed to reinforce the desired behavior you want. Half an hour to an hour time slots will be most rewarding. Remember that no matter how much time has gone by, if you are starting to lose your control or your patience you must end your training session.

Strive to length that ‘time to boiling point’ a little an each day. Remind yourself you are dealing with a dog. Even the most an easily trained breeds or individual dogs an understand at roughly the level of an average two-year old persons. Of course there are those rare an exceptions.

Dog behavior questions can always be answered by thinking about nature. In nature, dogs live in packs where there is an alpha dog or leader. When training your dog remember you are the boss or alpha dog. Remember in order for your training to work you must assert yourself as the leader and not the other way around.

When giving commands, be firm, but do not yell. Do not get angry with your dog when they do not obey. Rather than becoming frustrated with your dog, persist in your practice. Also, do not let the dog become the alpha of your pack. Your goal in training should not be to stroke your ego or to feel like you have power over your dog. The goal should be to have a safer environment for your dog and your family.

There are dogs who are naturally easy to train, but not all of them will be this way. You need to have patience and remember that your dog wants to please you. Keep up on it consistently and your dog will eventually follow your instructions.

No matter how well you train your dog, your dog still has a mind of its own and won’t always follow the commands you issue. You and your dog will get frustrated if you expect him to learn a command with too few repetitions or to always perfectly follow one that you taught him before. Your dog does not have the same memory as a human. It is even different from very young humans. Get to know your dog. Acknowledge your dog’s unique qualities, his learning capability, and any limitations he may have.

Remember when training your dog to take his breed into consideration along with his age. All dogs are unique and have their own personality. You need to work with your dogs traits whether he is naturally lazy, inattentive, or a youthful pup.

Working against your dog’s nature is never a good idea. Treat your dog kindly, but firmly and work at building his trust and training will be a good experience for both of you!

by David Harding

If you have children the discussion about getting a puppy has no doubt cropped up time and time again. You have also no doubt discussed the responsibilities your child or children will have to assume because you know what it takes to look after a new pup.

Prior to bringing the puppy home, bring your family together and have a meeting of what the rules will be for the dog and family. Write a chore list and distribute certain chores such as feeding, watering and walking the dog.

So when is the best time to start your new puppy’s behavior training? As soon as possible. It will be best for the pup if it knows as soon as it arrives in your home what the rules are.

If this is the first time you are bringing a puppy into your house there are a few items you will need to take care of. Firstly inside the house you will need to designate a space where the dog will eat and sleep. Secondly it’s advisable to make space outside where the pup can go to the toilet.

It is also advisable for one person in the family to take an ‘alpha dog’ role when it comes to the behavior training of your new puppy. Although everyone will need to play their part in keeping the discipline consistent, your pup will respond better to one person.

Consistency is crucial to behavior training for you puppy. Simple things like always praising your dog when it does something good or reprimanding it in the same way when it does something wrong will go a long way in getting the best behavior.

Some think that the growl method of training is silly or not useful, but watch a mother dog with her pups and you will soon realize that the puppy’s actions are curbed by a snap or growl. We are not saying to nip at your pet but a low growl or a sharp, “No” will cause the puppy to discontinue its unwanted behavior.

Behavior training should be done in the moment. This means that should your puppy start to do something you don’t want it to do like chew on a slipper, for instance, you will need to enforce discipline right there and then. The dog will not learn if you wait until later and then try and teach it not to chew on shoes.

It will also be in the best interest of effective behavior training if everyone uses the same techniques throughout the day.

Make no mistake, if you want order in your house with a dog around, you and the entire family will need to be involved in the behavior training. It will take a lot of patience but will be worth it in the end.

About the Author:

Find expert dog behavior training advice and tips before you bring your new puppy home. Read our review of dog training online and discover other useful dog training resources.

by Lacy Holly

This has been a part of our lives at one point or another. Someone has a dog that barks all the time and it doesn’t ever seem to stop. What makes it even worse is when it is you own dog that is causing all that ruckus and you have no clue how to stop barking dogs or where to even start.

At least we do know that all dogs bark for a reason, even though that reason may not always be as obvious as we’d expect. The main reason why a dog barks in the first place is to warn us of strangers who may be approaching the area.

However, if your dog is a chronic barker there are different causes you need to look at in order to stop barking dogs. Many barking dog issues stem from boredom. You dog may be so desperate for some attention, that he will bark and bark and bark just to get your attention.

Also, check to see if your dog has food and water, this may be a reason why your dog wont stop barking. Also consider the temperature outside. Is it too hot or too cold for your furry friend to feel comfortable? If so, consider getting him a dog house or some sort of protection and shelter.

Either way, it is not that difficult to stop barking dogs if you just look first to see if their immediate needs are met. Spend quality time with your dog each day and make sure he has some toys to play with while you are gone.

Giving your dog some obedience training will make a world of difference because you will be able to teach your dog a certain command that lets him know when he should stop barking. Plus, you and your dog will grow closer as you go through dog obedience training together.

Consider your neighbors. This is something I am well aware of because I was the neighbor of a chronic barker myself and I am well aware of how stressful it can be to have a dog you don’t own bark all throughout the day and night. Don’t be upset if your neighbor comes to you in desperation asking you to do something about the barking. Consider the possibility that your dog may bark a lot more when you are not home.

Even though our goal is to stop dog barking, we don’t want to get rid of it completely. Barking is the easiest way for our dogs to communicate with us and we don’t want to destroy that ability. So be sure to make sure his needs are fulfilled and then teach him when it is alright to bark and of course, when to stop barking.

About the Author:

Make sure to visit How To Train Dogs and Training A Puppy for free advice, tips and tricks on How To Train a Dog. Plus you can pick up our FREE Dog Training Guide and get started today.

Does your dog “dominate” you? Does it seem like your pooch is in charge, and you’re the “gopher”? (If an alien visiting from another galaxy observed you and your dog, would he [the alien] assume dogs were the rulers of this planet? In this entertaining article, Rena Murphy provides insights into Dog Dominance Behavior.

People frequently ask how a Dog Behaviorist and Dog Obedience Trainer relates to dogs and earns their respect and control . . . and especially that of the Dominant Dog. The first part of that answer is simply stated but difficult for many people to internalize and act upon: To relate to a dog, you must first see and treat him fully as a DOG.

Before you can deal with a dog dominance issue at home or in dog obedience training, you must recognize that dog behavior and dog communication are not in line with human psychology. After all, your dog is a canine (canis familiaris of the Family Canidae), not homo sapiens. So he thinks like a canine, not like a person. Your dog responds as one might in a wolf pack, not as a human family member. He or she has real emotions, but they are canine emotions, not human emotions, and not to be mistaken as such.

The basic communication system of dogs involves three critical elements: silence, submission, and leadership, sometimes referred to generally as the dog whisper technique with elements of wolf pack communication. We will use these elements in this and subsequent dog training articles about solving Dog Dominance problems. You and I need to understand, read, and use your dog’s own communication system for optimal effectiveness in working with him.

Dogs have an inherent “pack psychology” which governs their thinking and actions. In a pack, there is one dominant one, and the rest are all followers. There is one “Alpha male” and one “Alpha female”. To relate to a dog from a position of strength, respect, and control, YOU must be the “Alpha Leader”, the “Pack Leader”, and you must use pack psychology and pack communication.

Often we see dominant dogs taken home as young pups, because people are amused by their spirited behavior. Actually, they are usually the first puppies chosen, the proverbial “pick of the litter”. However, if this “high-spirited nature” is not controlled, then things get out of control quickly . . . becoming worse over time . . . until the situation sometimes becomes dangerous. Dominance can lead to “violence.”

So you might look for a mature dog, such as a Shelter Dog or Rescued Dog. However, looking for a less dominant pet is not so easy in shelters. There a dog’s true nature is difficult to discern without the aid of an experienced person. While in the shelter, the dog rarely has an area or anything that is under the dog’s control, so there is little opportunity to observe possessiveness and dominance problems.

Nor are dogs cooped up in shelters able to burn off excess energy. It’s very hard for an untrained eye to differentiate between an excited “please take me home” and the more troublesome “I want to control you!” of the hyper-active, dominant canine.

But the dominance problem quickly becomes evident when you go home and relax, for dominance shows up where weakness is present.

For example, petting your dog when it is submissive (e.g., sitting or lying down) is appropriate and desirable, but not when it is in an aggressive or dominant stance. If you display any sign of soft laxity at the wrong time because of your affection, that will be interpreted by your dog as weakness . . . and then, “Katie bar the door!” With dominant types, you simply cannot afford to let down your guard, or to make an exception “just this once” because the pup is so cute.

You must establish and maintain firm, consistent control of the Dominant Dog at all times. These eye-catching, spirited animals are highly intelligent and have great potential, but they also are usually very willful, stubborn, born leaders who seek to control you, other animals, and their environment. They want to rule the roost!

You cannot give them an inch . . . . or they will take it, and take it, and take it . . . over and over, time and again. These dogs are persistent!

For example, one friend had an Old English Sheepdog puppy, an “Alpha Female” about eight months old, who had a very bad reaction to a toxic flea dip in the 1970′s. As the puppy started to tremor, the frightened owners lifted their darling onto the foot of the bed, both for her comfort and to ease their own backs as they nursed her.

MISTAKE! That one incident led that puppy and her litter-mate to sneak onto the bed whenever possible . . . a pattern the owners never succeeded in terminating for the rest of the dogs’ lives!

Too many owners just coddle the two-and-three month old “babies” and think that puppy training can start later. NO! The intelligent, spirited ones, especially, must be “trained” from day one with consistency, with You clearly as the Master!

Because of their high intelligence, they are ready much earlier than others for more formal types of training, too. Training helps remove boredom and release energy, while giving the prideful animal a proper goal for which to strive, and achievement about which to strut with regal, dignified, proud bearing and the clear satisfaction of pleasing.

Don’t move with them, you lose them!

I, too, have had a trying personal experience with an aggressive Alpha pup. I brought home a beautiful Rescued Dog, a retriever puppy from the Humane Society. She turned out to be the most willful and stubborn dog I have ever seen, striving for dominance in all things! There is no way she would have lasted in a “normal” home. However, because of my sheer determination with consistent, proper training, she is becoming a loving, playful, and obedient “sweetheart” who, without loss of any spunk or pride, nevertheless submits to my command by a mere glance. I am her undisputed “Pack Leader”.

Still, it wasn’t easy to get her to that state. In great frustration, I eagerly sought the advice of two other trainers with vast puppy experience. So I say to beleaguered Owners of aggressive, dominant puppies and dogs, “Don’t be embarrassed. This can happen to anyone!” Never be ashamed to ask for help from a Dog Trainer. (Just make sure they really understand pack psychology.)

If you have a dog dominance problem, there IS a specific training technique that will work for you, and it centers on FOCUS. It applies the communication system of silence, submission, and leadership, and is a dog training technique which is effective with most dog dominance issues. [It's much more effective and pleasant than hitting and yelling!]

So get help with control of the dog dominance behavior, and restore a right relationship with your pet, and peace and harmony in your home!

Rena Murray is a professional Dog Obedience Trainer and Dog Behaviorist with extensive Dog Behavior Modification experience, from Puppy Training to Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks to Aggression Dog Dominance issues. Rena publishes practical self-help articles with real world examples and a free email newsletter to help you select, train, understand, communicate with, and control your dog. To learn how to turn your Dominant Dog into a lovable, obedient pet, and a little-known training tip for establishing and maintaining Your focus and authority as Master, visit the Dog Dominance Behavior web site at http://www.pawpersuasion.com today!

A video of playful dog training. The trainer takes Bruno through the commands he knows, which only goes to prove that when he is naughty he has chosen to be naughty.

Sit – obvious.
Down – obvious, but useful for regaining control of a situation.
Fetch & Return – Good for tiring out a puppy.
Safe Tug – A good game to make tug fun and have no dominance issues. You play tug for a bit, make the dog release, then return the toy to him with lots of praise.
Drop it – for safe retrieval of toys and the food bowl.
Leave it (not included) – keeps Bruno out of the dog pile and recalls him from the cat. :

We’ve all sat around and laughed at our dogs’ crazy antics. It’s almost like they were put here just to amuse us – especially the whirling dervish tail chasers. In this article, Daniel Millions provides insight into this strange behavior…

Lots of dogs chase their tails when they’ve got energy and excitement that they don’t know how to handle. For some dogs, the big event is going outside after being cooped up all day.

Getting out of the tub is always exciting as well. And the sight of a leash is a sure-fire call to action.

For some dogs, chasing their tails is something to do when they really don’t know what to do. It’s like people who bite their nails, tap on a desk, or do some other physical action subconsciously.

Dogs roll over and over on their backs. They jump up on their hind legs. They run around in circles and bark. These are all normal outlets for energy and excitement, and dogs do them all of the time.

Tail chasing is less common. Researchers are not sure why dogs do it, but they suspect it may have something to do with their hunting pasts.

Dogs originally got their meals by hunting, usually small prey such as rabbits. Their brains and eyes are wired in such a way that they’re intensely aware of quick movements.

It’s possible that some dogs catch a glimpse of their tails, get excited, and, without thinking about it, try to catch the pesky things. They rarely succeed, of course. So they keep trying.

We don’t have any reason to believe that dogs really think their tails are prey to be captured. But that basic instinct may be what gets them started.

Dogs That Chase Their Tails Just To Show Off

Even if dogs initially see their tails as bushy little squirrels, it shouldn’t take them long to realize their mistake.

Yet some dogs keep chasing – not just once or twice, but all the time. They may simply think it’s fun, especially when the people they live with think it’s fun too.

Tail chasing is pretty cute when dogs first do it, and a lot of people make a big fuss over it. And dogs happen to enjoy an appreciative audience. When they discover that something gets them a lot of attention, they’ll keep doing it.

But this has a downside. Like actors who are always “on,” some dogs get such a thrill from performing that they keep doing it even when the curtain is down. Tail chasing is hard work,
and they run themselves ragged until they collapse in a panting heap on the floor.

Then they get up and do it again.

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When dealing with a nuisance barker, it’s important to understand the underlying cause of the annoying behavior. This article is a good place to start…

Thousands of years ago, humans began the process of domesticating the dog and shaping what “being a dog” really means. Through careful selection and breeding, an astonishing variety of dog breeds have been created. Desirable traits have been selected for in various breeds that are of a benefit to humans. There are some traits, however, that quickly become undesirable when expressed too frequently. Barking is an example of a natural behaviour that is encouraged in terms of guarding behaviour, but becomes a problem when the behaviour is produced in excess. A recent health insurance investigation revealed that the sound of a continually barking dog was cited as the most disruptive and stress inducing noise for humans.

Why Do Dogs Bark?

Barking, in addition to whining, howling and growling, is a dog’s natural means of communication. Barking is characterized by a series of short, sharp sounds, that tend to vary little in tone or pitch. A dog’s bark can signify territorial protection, exertion of dominance, or expression of some need. Typically, barking is “a means of communication triggered by a state of excitement.” Being a natural trait, barking is not considered a behavioural problem, until it is produced in excess.

Causes of Problem Barking

Problem barking has a variety of origins. Genetics does influence a dog’s tendency to bark. Certain breeds belonging to the terrier family are prone to more frequent barking than breeds such as Greyhounds or Basenjis. Generally, however, excess barking can exist in any breed of dog. The key to solving the problem of inappropriate barking is to determine what external stimulus is triggering the behaviour. Improper confinement can be a major cause of problem barkers.

Improper confinement can include leaving a dog alone in a locked room, or in a dog crate (a tool used for housebreaking and other behavioural modifications). Other improper confinements can include restricted tethering outdoors, or even an enclosed yard without proper shelter from the elements. Such confinement can cause frustration in a dog and cause it to bark excessively. Closely associated with improper confinement is lack of exercise as a cause of excess barking. When a dog is not provided with adequate exercise, pent-up energy is released through barking.

Environmental sounds can also trigger barking. These sounds include such things as the barking of other dogs, the sound of passing cars, strange voices, thunder, and mechanical noises such as the ringing of the phone. Noises can initiate barking at different times of the day. A dog may not bark at accustomed sounds during the day, but at night may be incited to a volley of barking, much to the chagrin of the neighbours, by the slightest of noises. Other causes of problem barking can include separation anxiety, or the temperament of the dog: an over-aggressive animal may bark at the smallest provocation. A strongly territorial dog may bark at any stranger, invited or uninvited, entering your property.

Solutions to Excess Barking

Excess barking can be a serious behavioural problem and can mean the termination of the relationship with your dog or the dog itself if left untreated. The following text includes information on how to solve your dog’s problem barking as recommended by the veterinary profession.

The first step in solving problem barking, is to determine if your dog is barking in response to inadequate shelter or improper confinement. If this is the case, the dog must be provided with a comfortable amount of space or supplied with a doghouse if outdoor shelter is inadequate. Increasing the amount of exercise given to your dog may also help.

In the event your dog is barking in response to environmental noises, or the barking is simply due to its temperament, behavioural modification methods should be used. These methods can include reconditioning using a verbal reprimand such as “No!”, and leash correction. It should be noted however, that you should never yell at your dog, as loud noises may encourage your pet to bark more. Also keep in mind the punishment should be applied while the barking is occurring, in order for your dog to associate the unwanted behaviour with the punishment. Also remember to reward your dog when it stops barking.

Indirect intervention methods can also be applied. These techniques can range from spraying your dog with water while it is barking, to using noise producing devices such as “Dog Stop” or “Barker Breaker,” which emit loud or high frequency sounds that interrupt and deter barking. These devices can be controlled by the owner, or triggered by the dog’s barking. In the event your dog is resistant to these behavioural modifications, more drastic action can be taken in the form of bark activated shock collars. This device is particularly effective when barking occurs in the owner’s absence. Shock collars, however, are recommended only after other control measures have failed. A final resort, when all other behavioural modification methods have been tried, and particularly when the dog’s life is in question, is a vocal cordectomy (debarking). This surgical procedure involves removal of all or part of the vocal cords.

The key to solving the problem of excess barking in your dog begins with an understanding of what is causing this behaviour. Once you have determined a cause, you have a greater chance of choosing the most effective solution (e.g., more exercise) or behavioural modification. Modifying such an instinctive and natural behaviour as barking can be difficult, and may require considerable patience, time, and hard work. Solutions, however, are possible, and worth the effort.

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Here’s a sobering issue.

Aggression in dogs does, and will continue to raise controversy in the ongoing ‘nature’ vs ‘nurture’ argument among dog owners and critics alike. Many people have misconceptions about what breeds aggressive and what ones aren’t. As a general rule, aggressive dog breeds are behave instinctually, using aggression as a means to assert dominance and intimidate others around them. Dog aggression issues are often one of the first aspects of a dog’s nature that you’ll notice, whether it’s a welcoming, content dog, or hostile and aggressive. The growling, snarling, biting and lunging are the main signs that you’re dealing with an aggressive dog.

Most people don’t really expect to be attacked or bitten by a family dog, but unfortunately it does happen. Why is that then? Well, a big part of these un-expected attacks is when people buy into the belief that some dog breeds are extremely vicious and aggressive – like pit bulls, and that these vicious dogs are the only dogs that attack. But did you know that the breeds that are more likely to bite are the ones people rarely think about – like the cuddly poodle or the terrier.

The truth about aggressive dogs is, all dogs are potentially aggressive, and all dogs will attack if abused. There’s no such thing as a “bad” breed. Practically all kinds of dogs are trainable. Allowing dogs to socialize with other dogs also helps in turning them into creatures that are much more civilized and more tolerant of other dogs and people.

Dog owners have a responsibility to care for and train their dogs (no matter the breed) to follow basic commands like come, sit, lie and stay. Subjecting dogs to some sort of dog-training or obedience-school represents one way of effectively preventing future aggression.

Here’s a look at the various dog breeds that are considered potentially aggressive.

• Chow Chows are one person dogs that often strike without any warning or provocation.
• Old English Sheepdogs are very protective of their masters and can become aggressive when somebody gets close, or possibly threatening to its owners.
• A Lhasa Apso often becomes agitated when among excitable children.
• Rottweilers are extremely protective of their masters, often at the center of aggression incidents.
• Chihuahuas – although small, they can become very snappy when around children. They’d rather be with adults than play around with tots.
• Toy Poodles are known to bite people and other animals out of self-defense. Poodles will often perceive your playful behavior as threatening and strike back.
• Dachshunds aren’t known for their patience.
• Giant Schnauzers are a very dominant breed. They will often challenge their owners or others.
• The Pekinese isn’t all that tolerant.
• Miniature Pinschers have aggressive tendencies, because they’ve got this “big dog-little body” mindset going on.

Here’s a rundown of breeds that are known to be aggressive breeds, but are generally a good family breed.

• Boxers are very comfortable around, and affectionate toward children.
• Bulldogs like to be interacted with and are very gentle.
• Great Danes, while considerably large in size, happen to be kind and affectionate.
• Mastiffs are especially quiet and docile.
• German Shepherds prove to be a good family dog.
• Rottweilers are also capable of tenderness and affection.

Most pit-bulls aren’t really aggressive by nature. They tend to be loving, gentle and playful. The Pit Bull’s aggressive reputation comes from abusive, irresponsible owners, raising vicious, aggressive dogs. Such pit bulls tend to be more aggressive toward other animals than people. Aggressive pit bulls often have a history of being abused or neglected. Pit bulls that have been mistreated are obviously unsuitable as a family pet.

Whether you’ve got a puppy or a full-grown dog, what’s important is that you give it the attention and care it deserves. Recognizing and heeding the warning signs of potential dog aggression problems will make it easier to deal with them at an early stage. When in doubt about something dog-related, consult with a qualified veterinarian and/or animal behaviorist.

If you are concerned about your dog’s aggression issue’s and are ready to take action right now. It is your obligation to see the signs of aggression in your dog, and to take action, for the sake of your family, your neighbor’s, and for your family pet itself.

It is a sad statistic that every year the number of fatal dog-attacks steadily rises in this country. Dog attacks lead to expensive law suites, dis-figuration and even death for unsuspecting victims.

About The Author: Colin Pederson is a self-confessed ‘Dog Fanatic’ residing in California with his wife and black Lab Casey. Colin runs ‘Dog Obedience Advice,’ offering free advice on dealing with http://dogobedienceadvice.com/dog_aggression, and other issues all dog owners face.

Tip: While walking my (rather grumpy) cocker spaniel many years ago, I always carried a canister of pepper-spray with me to ward off any aggressive dog we might encounter (my dog always projected an “attitude”). I never had to use it, but I think it was good insurance.

by: Keith Londrie

Picture this, you’re walking in the park, minding your own business when suddenly a dog comes up to you and starts barking. You start to panic because there is no reason for this dog to be barking at you.

Why is this dog barking?

Dogs bark because we humans want our dogs to bark. For years our domestication process and selective breeding has allowed our dogs to develop their barking abilities. Wolves don’t bark, so through genetic engineering and the selective breeding process, dogs these days have the ability to retain juvenile characteristics. This is through the process known as neoteny.

Humans have chosen to retain the infantile traits of wolves like large heads, flat faces, large eyes and of course the ability to communicate, barking. Barking was further developed in dogs in order to scare intruders or to help the master out (i.e. on farms to assist in gathering the sheep).

Most dogs simply bark to communicate, to get attention, or simply to show their excitement. Training and lifestyle are important factors in teaching the dog how to communicate with its master.

Dogs are extremely social animals. Wolves themselves always travel in packs are usually never alone. Bringing a dog into your family is basically like bringing a wolf into a pack. It becomes a part of the family. Try not to leave it alone otherwise it will feel as if it was abandoned by the pack. Dogs are like having a baby in the house. They need love, attention, and someone to be there to take care of them. Like people they need a companion to blossom. Meeting your dog’s emotional need for companionship and play will allow the two of you to form a strong bond together.

Sometimes having a second dog in the house can minimize the barking and minimize the loneliness. Although this may be rewarding at some times, it can also be a pain. Your best bet would be to maximize training of your dog when it decides to bark. Sometimes having two dogs may cause havoc because they may teach each other to bark more. From the example above, dogs who bark at people are trained in a specific way. Everything boils down to how the owner trains their dog. If you reward the dog for barking, then the dog will understand that it’s a good thing to bark. If you don’t reward the dog for barking, the dog will understand that it’s a bad thing to bark. If you are training your dog to become a watchdog, sometimes their barking can be very selective and discriminating with certain people. Sometimes they may just bark at anything they see. It is important to train these dogs by developing their intelligence level and how they interpret various events.

Dogs who simply bark because of activity or excitement are relatively hard to eliminate. Most of the time these dogs are unaware of their barking and in turn becomes a process that is hard to eliminate. You must turn to a dog trainer who teaches the dog to debark.

Debarking can be somewhat inhumane because the dog is trained to let out a low, raspy bark which cannot be heard from more than a few feet away. If you consider the process of debarking your dog you must weigh the pros and cons. It can be beneficial in the sense that your dog will no longer be the irritating dog on the block who barks at anything he sees but may be a problem if the dog is in danger. As an owner you would want to know where the location of your dog was if it was in danger.