Florida Panther Trivia - How Much Do You Know?
Florida Panther Trivia - How Much Do You Know?
The Florida Panther isn’t just the mascot of a professional sports team, it’s also a majestic and beautiful animal (but don’t let one overhear you say this, it’ll go straight to his head). In the wild and in captivity, Florida Panthers can sometimes be spotted by natives and tourists journeying through this Southern state. You may be lucky enough to see one, waving foolishly until you notice the cat won’t wave back, when it hits you - how much do you really know about these panthers? Take our quiz to find out.
How To Choose A Dog Trainer
With so many dog trainers out there, it can be hard trying to choose the best one for your dog. Trying to determine which dog trainer is the best qualified to train your dog can be a difficult task.
The American Dog Trainers Network recommends the following criteria for choosing a dog trainer for your dog:
Reputation: Recommendations from your vet, other reputable trainers, friends that have had their dogs trained, etc. can help a lot in deciding which trainer to go with.
Experience: You should look into each potential trainer’s background before deciding on your dog’s trainer. Years of experience and areas of expertise are just a couple of things to look for. A good, professional dog trainer won’t hesitate to answer your questions, so be prepared to ask a lot of them. Afterall, your dog is part of your family.
Training methodology: Reputable dog trainers care about every dog’s welfare. They will know that harsh or abusive handling methods are counter-productive and not good for the dog in general.
Love for dogs: The best dog trainers have a general love for dogs, or they wouldn’t and shouldn’t be involved in that line of work. You’ll know a great trainer by his or her joy of living and working with dogs.
Extensive behavioral knowledge: Dedicated trainers keep up-to-date on all of the latest training methods by attending dog training and animal behavioral courses, conferences, seminars, workshops, etc. whenever possible. Make sure you inquire about any recent educational courses that the trainer has attended.
Teaching and communication skills: Dog trainers that have good teaching and communication skills make the learning process easier, quicker and more enjoyable for the dogs.
Affiliation with reputable organizations: You can always tell a good dog trainer by the organizations, associations and clubs that he or she is affiliated with.
Ethics or profit?: You should find out what motivates a potential dog trainer. Is he or she in it strictly for the money, or for their love of dogs?
Unless a dog trainer comes recommended by one or more reputable source, it really is a case of buyer beware. Anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. Do your homework when choosing a dog trainer for your dog. Your dog is part of your family, so you should put as much effort into choosing a trainer as you would in choosing your dentist. The wrong kind of training could damage your dog for life.
Chris Geldof is a dog lover and owns a dog-related website. Visit <a href="http://www.easy-dog-training-tips.com">Easy Dog Training Tips</a> for more information on dog obedience and dog training.
The 10 Most Important Things you Need to Know Before You Choose Your Dog Behavior Training Program
Most people just look in their telephone book or some go on the internet to search for dog behavior training programs. The telephone book is probably quite limited, especially if you live in a small town, and the internet is so vast that it can be overwhelming trying to sort through the information to see what is relevant. So many companies claim to have the best program. The secret is to narrow your choices down so you end up with the best dog behavior training program for you and your dog. The first step is to take a good look at who has written this program. 1. Does this person have any real experience with training dogs? 2. Do they have a proven track record with dog training basics? 3. Do they give easy to follow instructions with real solutions, not just vague comments? 4. Do they expect results with methods that are cruelty free and adaptable? The next step is to see how accessible the program is. 5. Is the program available to you right away? You don’t want to wait weeks to receive your information - you need it now! 6. You will also need to know if the dog behavior training program covers all areas of dog training basics such as: housebreaking, dealing with aggression, training with praise, jumping problems, biting problems, chewing problems, communication, speed of training, and using food for training. It should also address issues around choosing puppies and raising puppies, as well as advice on different kinds of dogs. Then you need to know if the dog behavior training program you have chosen is guaranteed. 7. Do they offer a 100% moneyback guarantee? Lastly you need to know that the program is successful. 8. Can you ask for references or testimonials from others that has used the program? 9. Are they freely and openly giveing you access to these testimonials? 10. Are the testimonial specific and detailed? If you follow these rules you will be able to find the dog behavior training program that suits your lifestyle, your dog, and yourself.
Louise Nova's passion for dogs is clear in her commitment to quality information. See the best in dog behavior training on her site at<a href="http://www.dogbehavior-training.com> dog behavior training.</a> This article is free for copying only if the author information and website link are included.
"K9 Instruction - Dog training - Dog Toilet Problems? This Is The Solution!"
Dog training - dealing with house training issues
The best house training uses the dogs own instincts to avoid soiling its bed to habituate the dog where and where not to eliminate. That is the basis behind package training, in which the dog is confined to its crate in the absence of the owner, and den training, in which the dog is confined to a small compass of the home. In fiber, the crate, or the room, becomes the dog’s den. Dogs are instinctively very clean animals, and they try their best to duck using their dens as toilets.
This type of training usually works surpassingly well, both for puppies and for older dogs. Questions with this type of toilet training are usually the event of not understanding the signals the dog is sending, not being consistent with feeding times, or trying to fling the process.
While the house training process can be sped up somewhat by consistently praising the dog and rewarding it for toileting in the competent place, some dogs cannot be rushed through this important process. It is always best to house train the dog appropriately the first time than to go back and retrain a problem dog.
If the dog continues to soil the den width after house training, the most likely reason is that the owner has left the dog in the den for too long. One more reason may be that the den area is too large. In this case, the best strategy is to make the den area smaller or to take the dog to the toilet area more frequently.
If the dog soils the bed that has been provided in the den compass, it is most likely because the owner has left the dog there for too long, and the dog had an understandable accident. Or it could be that the dog has not yet adopted this area as the bed. In addition, urinary tract infections and new medical conditions can also cause dogs to soil their beds. It is important to have the dog thoroughly checked out by a veterinarian to rule out any medical problems.
One other reason for house training accidents that multifarious mortals overlook is boredom. Dogs who are bored often drink large amounts of water and therefore must urinate more frequently than you might think. If you notice your dog consuming large amounts of water, be sure to take the dog to the established toilet area more often, and line the dog with toys and auxiliary distractions to eliminate boredom.
Boredom is the root cause of many dog behavior problems, not only house training issues. Chewing and other destructive behaviors are furthermore often caused by boredom and estrangement apprehension.
More problems with house training can occur when the dog’s den is not properly introduced. In some cases dogs can react to the den as if it is a prison or a punishment. Those dogs may exhibit signs of cold sweat*, such as whining, chewing and excessive barking. It is important for the dog to tickle secure in its den, and to think of it as a home and not a box.
The best way to house train a puppy or dog, or to re-house equip a problem dog, is to make yourself informed of the dog’s habits and needs. Creating a nutritive, safe sleeping and play area for your dog, as well as a well defined toilet area, is important for any house training program.
House training is not always an easy process, but it is cert* an important one. The number one reason that dogs are surrendered to animal shelters is problems with inappropriate elimination, so a well structured house training program can directly be a lifesaver for your dog.
I have spent a life time with dogs and grown to love them all. I have put everything that I know into my blog. There you wil find information that I and others have used to allow them and their dog to get the most out of the two relationship that we share with our animals. My experience started as a small child when I used to wrestle with my Grandma's two uncastrated German Shepard dogs al the way to the Chihuahua that I now own with my wife.
Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do? Part 1
Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do?
Part 1
By Danny Presswood
On a recent episode of America s Funniest Home Videos, (AFV) one of the top three submissions for the $10,000 prize was a video of the aftermath of destruction done to a home by the family s pet dog. This destructive dog had torn the door off an end table, ripped the frame completely off a doorway, destroyed a patio door screen and frame, shredded carpeting, broken glassware, and had literally eaten a three foot by four foot hole in the wall ” destroying sheetrock, insulation, and framing in the process. I was horrified and appalled as I watched the video and listened to the mixture of giggles and gasps from the viewing audience. It was as if the poor, unsuspecting family shrugged their shoulders and said Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do?
The more appropriate question, however, is My dog, my dog, WHY do you do what you do? The answer to that question is not a simple one. Entire books have been written concerning bad dog behavior. And the truth is that every dog is different, and therefore, there is no pat answer for every situation. However, a basic understanding of Who dogs are, and How they behave will lead us to some appropriate suggestions on how to handle difficult and domineering dogs. You can find this article, along with Bad Dog, Bad Dog Part 2, in the Dog Articles Feature at K-9 Outfitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises.
But before we proceed, if you suffer from bad dog syndrome with your family pet, make sure there isn t an underlying medical condition. Take your dog to the vet, explain your problem, and ensure he/she is healthy, and doesn t suffer from dental, intestinal, digestion, parasitic, or other problems. Once you find that your dog is healthy, the following information should prove helpful.
Dogs are, by nature, pack animals. Pack animal behavior is instinctive from before dogs were domesticated and lived in the wild. Every pack has a hierarchy, and every animal in the pack has duties, responsibilities, and expectations. Since your dog doesn t live in the wild, he/she assumes you, your family, and other household pets make up the pack. Many times, bad dog behavior is a result of confusion over Alpha Dog Status or “Alpha Dog Mentality.” You must establish that you are the Alpha dog in the pack. You must also establish that other family members, to include the children, all rank higher in the pack than your dog does. There are many ways to effectively put your dog in his proper pack ranking. Here are a few suggestions, or rules, for handling domineering dogs, and establishing pack rankings:
1. When you enter the house, make sure your dog enters last, even if you must put her on a leash. You ll find great leashes, harnesses, collars and leads at K-9 Oufitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises. http://www.Damascus-Road-Enterprises.com
2. Alpha dogs want the run of the entire house. Make sure certain areas of the home are out of bounds for the dog. That may include certain bedrooms, the laundry room, bathrooms, or the den. This helps the dog know you are master of the house, not him.
3. Alpha dogs occupy high traffic areas, like hallways and entryways. Don t step over or go around the dog, nudge the dog and tell her to move out of your way, and make sure she does so. This lets her know who owns the space and who is in charge.
4. Don t allow your dog to DEMAND your attention. Dogs usually do this by climbing on your lap, or by nudging your hand or arm. Make the dog sit, lie down, etc., and then give lavish praise and attention. Remember, you control when you give your dog attention, affection, and praise.
5. Exercise control over your dog s possessions. Take away all her toys, then give her a command, and when she obeys, give her the toy as a treat. After she plays with it for awhile, take it away again.
6. When you come home, make your dog greet you first. Ignore him until he does. He must be submissive to you, not the other way around.
7. Establish dog eating times. In the pack, the Alpha dog always eats first, and then the other dogs eat. Make sure the family eats first, followed by the dog. If you must feed the dog first, pretend to eat something first, then feed your dog. Leave the dog s food out for 10-15 minutes, then take it up, whether the dog is finished or not. She will learn quickly to eat when fed.
8. Always stroke (pet) your dog around the head, neck, and shoulders. These are vulnerable areas for the dog, and shows that you are superior. Be careful not to stroke your dog around the chest, because this puts him in the dominating position and undermines your authority as alpha dog.
9. Don t allow your dog to sleep in your bed! I know that s a tough one for some folks, but believe me, it s best for all concerned. The best thing to do is provide the dog with her own cage, crate, or bed. Put it in your bedroom if that helps you, but do it. Dogs Kennel by nature. They like a safe, snug place they can call their own. You can find a wide variety of kennels, cages, crates, and beds at K-9 Outfitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises.
http://www.Damascus-Road-Enterprises.com
Your dog is your pet. Ultimately, all he/she really wants is your love and affection (i.e. time together). Hopefully, these ideas and suggestions, along with a better understanding of who your dog is and the role he plays in the family relationship, will soon move you from saying Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do? to saying, Good Dog, Good Dog, Oh How I Love You!
By the way, the Destructive Dog video did not win a prize on AFV, although I m sure the family could have used the money for repairs. Following our guidelines would prove a lot less expensive and would make for a much more harmonious family and pet relationship. You can find all the AWESOME products you need for training and spoiling your special dog at K-9 Outfitters, a Division of Damascus Road Enterprises. www.Damascus-Road-Enterprises.com.
Danny Presswood is a retired US Army Combat (Airborne) Chaplain. He and his wife Cheri live in the Ozarks woods of SW MO, where he can be reached at BlessedByCalvary@aol.com or (417) 461-0800. Presently working on his Doctorate, Danny writes the Dog Articles Feature for K-9 Outfitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises, http://www.Damascus-Road-Enterprises.com K-9 Outfitters offers a plethora of AWESOME discount, luxury, unique, and Handmade in the USA Online Dog Supplies.
How To Train Your Pet Rat
If you are a rat lover, I’m sure you don’t need anyone to point out that rats are smart, but did you know that you can train your rat? That’s right, little ratties can be trained just like a dog with a little patience, a clicker and some tasty treats. Training is a great way to create a stimulating life for your little buddy and a rewarding relationship. It’s also easier than you might think.