potty training dogs

potty training dogs
Life can be tough, for animals as well as humans. It is a dog-eat-dog world, and, unfortunately, sometimes it is a dog-eat-poop world. The consumption of poop is formally known as coprophagia, and it is a natural behavior that is found in some animal species.

Why Does It Happen?
Human beings have difficulty understanding exactly why dogs eat their poop. Dogs have been known to eat poop from various sources, such as other dogs, cats, and rabbits. This is a habit that is most prevalent in puppies, and certain breeds are also more susceptible to coprophagia. From a human s point of view, it is repugnant, and we can t help but wonder why dogs eat poop.
There are many theories regarding animals consuming poop. It might be the result of a dietary deficiency, and the dog is compensating for a loss of nutrition by eating poop. Another theory, from the medical community, proposes that a dog might be experiencing malnutrition, starvation, intestinal disorders, or parasitic infestations. However, most of these illnesses are very rare.

Puppies have been known to eat their poop when they are being housebroken, and this may be the result of physiological and behavioral factors. Physiologically, the digestion of food is not always complete, and puppies will see nutritional value in their poop. Behaviorally, dogs are frequently attracted to undigested food in their poop, such as rice, corn, or peanuts, viewing these foods as a snack. Behaviorally, many pets eat their poop when they are being trained because they do not know whether they should eliminate on paper in the home or on the ground outside of the home. If a dog eliminates in the wrong place, it might experience stress and try to hide the evidence of their wrongdoing by eating it.

What Can Be Done About It?
Dogs must be kept in optimal health; otherwise, they will develop illnesses that can result in eating poop. First, have your veterinarian check your dog for parasites. The animal may lack essential bacteria in his system. Also, parasites can compromise an animal s immune system and allow other illnesses to occur. Take your dog to the vet for a regular checkup, and take notes at the appointment. This can help keep your dog healthy between appointments. Second, make sure your dog takes a vitamin every day. Vitamins are inexpensive, readily available, and they can be placed in a dog bowl with the animal s food, or they can be given directly to the dog as a daily treat. Third, keep your home clean, inside and out. This includes keeping the dog s bed and toys washed and sanitized on a regular basis. Fourth, provide distractions for the dog. When you see the dog eliminate, use a command to call the animal away from the elimination area. As soon as the dog leaves the area, give him verbal and physical praise. Keep a pooper scooper handy and pick up the dog poop after calling the dog away from the elimination area. Make it a point to walk around the yard each day and pick up any poop that may have been previously left in the yard.

How Can It Be Prevented?
As a rule, dog owners want to keep their dogs from eating poop. Not only is eating poop a health risk, it is a very unattractive sight for family, friends, or visitors.

The importance of cleanliness and home sanitation cannot be overemphasized. Once the dog is housebroken, the chance of his eating poop inside the home is minimal. However, the dog is likely to go back to its pre-housetraining habits if the house smells like poop or urine. The best way to keep a home clean is to develop a weekly cleaning schedule and maintain that schedule without fail. If the dogs does eliminate inside the home, it can be quickly and easily detected because the rest of the home will not have an odor. If the dog does eliminate inside the home, the poop should be removed immediately, and the elimination area should be sanitized immediately. An additional benefit of maintaining a housecleaning schedule is that you will not have to worry about cleanliness or odor if an unexpected visitor comes into the home.

You can control the cleanliness of your home, and you can control what your dog eats. One way to keep a dog from eating its own poop is to put food additives in the dog s regular food. Food additives provide nutrients that the dog needs and, as a result, these nutrients will keep the dog from eating its poop. Consult the dog s veterinarian to make sure that your dog is receiving food additives that are safe and effective for your dog.

Finally, take your dog outside for a potty walk. Using a leash, wait until the dog poops, then call the dog. The leash is only used to keep the dog from the poop if he tries to eat it. When the dog leaves the poop and comes to your side, give it verbal praise and a treat.

All of the above information must be performed consistently. This way, the dog will know what to expect when he tries to eat his poop. Also, consistent cleanliness, training, and maintenance should give you the results you want; your dog should stop eating poop.

Nancy Richards has been a dog lover for the past 12 years. She has owned and handled dogs of different ages and have helped many fellow owners in training their dog. DogPottyTrain.com one of her sites has the aim to promote public interest in Dogs and convey by all possible means varied house training techniques for adult dogs and puppies.

dog adoption costs
Before you decide to bring a dog home, it is absolutely essential that you give some thought to the costs that you will be incurring in the process. It s not the purchase alone, though even that is likely to be expensive in the case of some superior breeds of dogs, but also the cost of the equipments you will have to buy to make your home habitable for your pet. Then there are the visits to the vet, which have to be regularly made, and the expensive vaccinations, which the puppy has to be given. So, all in all, you will have to make pretty sure that your wallet can take the beating before you bring your doggy home.

What then, are the costs, and how much are they? Let s start at the beginning. You have to buy the dog unless you are lucky enough to have it presented to you by a friend or a family member and the cost of this initial purchase can vary very widely. The variance will firstly depend on the type of dog you are buying. A purebred companion only puppy usually starts from around $800 but can go up to astronomical amounts for rare or exotic breeds. If you prefer to adopt a non-purebred variety from a shelter, it will cost you from around $150 to $300.

Costs also differ in different geographic locations so it is difficult for us to tell you of one fixed sum that you will have to pay for any given variety of dog. Visit the sources in your locality from where people normally buy dogs and check on the prices. And this includes the internet. After some queries on your part, you will be able to come to a fix on what your desired dog costs.

Now that you ve got your dog, it s time to look at the other costs you will have to start to incur. Let s start with the one - time costs.

One Time Costs Average Cost
Fence $300 - $1500
Bowls $25
Collar $6
Training Collar $10
Leash $12
Bed $40
Crate $100
Brush/Grooming tools $20
Shampoo/ Coat care $15
Neuter/ Spay ( Based on weight ) $300
Microchip $50



Then there are the annual costs, which you have to be prepared for. I enumerate them below:

Vaccinations $185
Heartworm Test $35
Heartworm Preventive $65
Flea/Tick Preventive $120
Food $480
Toys/Treats $45
Tag $5

And then there are other costs:

Boarding ” per day ( with 2 playtimes ) $25
Grooming ” per time $50
Training classes ( Per 6-8 classes ) $100
Individual training ( Per session ) $100



And remember, this list is for grown up dogs and not puppies. If it s a puppy you are adopting, the costs increase. There s a check up, a series of 4 sets of vaccines, worming, heartworm tests, all of which will cost you close to $300. Then there is puppy food, which will set you back around $450 and toys/treats, which will cost approximately $65.

So, as you will have counted up from the figures given above, in the first year, you will be spending approximately $1500 to $2500 over and above the cost of buying your dog. After the first year, you will spend less per year ” about $1000. Smaller dogs cost a bit less and larger dogs cost more.

Apart from all this, your dog will have lifelong healthcare needs. There will be shots and medicines you will be administering as preventive care and there will almost certainly be unexpected accidents, injuries or illnesses, however well you look after your dog.

It is therefore utterly essential that you objectively evaluate your budget and come to a decision as to whether you can really afford a dog. He will look to you for your support in all things and you owe it to him to give him, not only your love, but proper care, food and medical attention. These don t come free ” so ask yourself whether you can afford to get that dog you always wanted. If you realize that you can t, it s best to do without, both for your sake and his.

Anybody is free to use the article in their website as long as an acknowledgement is given Nancy Richards' and a link to the site www.traindogsandpuppies.com

Dog Training for Obedience - How to Pick the Best Program
A search of the internet will reveal a plethora of courses, concepts, videos, and programs aimed at obedience training for dogs. Many are cutting edge and some are dated and no longer accepted by experts in the field. How does one go about finding one that is reasonable in its approach and yet effective in teaching your dog?

For most dog owners there are some very basic reasons for wanting to mold the behavior of their pet. A dog without some basic dog obedience training can be like that annoying uncle in the family who has none of the social graces, always loud and obnoxious, makes a mess of the house, always sticking his nose into other peoples business - you know what I mean. You still love him but you just wish he wasn’t around so much.

Well, you should want to be around your dog. Isn t that why you brought him into your home, to be your friend and companion? This will happen when you find a reciprocal level of respect and understanding. This in turn grows out of finding the best way to communicate with your dog making sure he clearly understands what the boundaries are and what you expect from him.

Common to all reputable dog obedience methods should be the understanding and acceptance of the following basic concepts, though they may be stated differently:

* It s important to understand that dogs are pack animals and thrive when there is clearly defined leadership and they know what is expected of them. This is important to understanding how the canine mind works.

* It is your job to be the leader ” consistently, repetitiously, persistently, and patiently.

* Tied in with patience is the tone of voice you use. Commands should be given firmly with no ambiguity, but also patiently with no yelling. Your dog must not be confused once he understands what you want. There can be no refusal or ignoring of your command.

* Reward and corrective action are also basic concepts in any dog training for obedience course. Reward could be in the form of praise a treat, or a click (clicker training) while corrective action could be in the form of withholding praise, a treat, a scratch, or a firm No.

Dog Training ” Basic Obedience

It s always good to start with the basics. Look for a program that starts with these fundamental concepts and commands:

The Come or Come Here (Recall) command is very important for control of your pet. Nobody wants a dog that ignores them nor do you want to have to mount a search party every time he is outside and off his lead.

Stand and Stay, Sit and Stay, and Down and Stay commands are very helpful especially in situations where there are groups of people and activities where your dog needs to be kept away or out from underfoot.

Walking on and off lead, sometimes called heeling is very important training as there is nothing more unpleasant then having an uncontrollable dog pulling and tugging on the leash and lunging at other dogs, animals, and people.

In addition to these basic commands many methods will include turns, fetch and carry, back up, crawl, shake hands, catch, climb ladders etc., and all of these with hand commands as well as verbal commands.

Other behaviors and/or problems that will be dealt with in a well rounded dog training for obedience program are house training, excessive barking, biting and nipping, chewing, digging up the yard, aggression, and jumping up on people and furniture. There may also be some discussion of the best dog obedience training equipment to have available.

This is a snapshot of the things to look for in a reputable dog obedience training program. Of course a good method and system for training are key to the welfare and safety of your pet, but also to your peace of mind and enjoyment of your canine companion.

For additional tips on researching this subject go to Dog Obedience Training

If you are trying to train your new puppy go to Puppy Training.

Ira Nelson has years of experience in the dog care and training field. More information, tips, and techniques like the ones in this article are available at <a href="http://www.dogtrainingbasicsonline.com">Dog Training Basics Online</a>

Choosing Dog Training Equipment
To train your dog you need some good equipment to do it! It’s easy enough to find places that sell dog training equipment these days. You can find stores in your local phonebook or on the internet. The internet has everything these days and is usually a lot less expensive. So I suggest having a look there first. Dog training equipment comes in all shapes, sizes and colours so there is something to suit everyone. Dog training equipment can be used anywhere, at home, at a friend s house or even in a field in the middle of nowhere. The equipment is usually lightweight and portable and very easy to pack so you should have no problems carting it around. Not only can you get dog training equipment for dog agility but you can also purchase items for dog obedience. Dog obedience items are simple things like clickers, treat balls (which are amazing), extendable leashes and other similar items. They are a lot easier to get than agility items. When you decided you want to compete with your dog you usually pick one or the other, dog agility or dog obedience. For dog obedience you only concentrate on dog obedience, for dog agility you need your dog to be obedient so there is a little bit more training involved. Dog training equipment can be funky or old fashioned, bright or dull it s up to you. Many stores cater for individual needs so you can specify what you would like your equipment to be like. Dog training equipment is sometimes needed for obedience when you have a stubborn dog, and for dog agility training equipment is essential. Dog training equipment needn t only be for competition purposes. You can get equipment for fun training to. When you want to teach your dog to come, sit and stay and some other commands toys are always a great help. You and your dog need to enjoy special moments together to make a bond with each other, why not make a bond and train at the same time? The better the bond the more fun it will be!

Razak Ariyo is a computer scientist. An experience owner and lover of dogs. Get a free 10 part dog training mini course that can easily speed up the training of your dog at http://master-dog-training.blogspot.com

24 Human Foods Not Fit For Canine Consumption
25 Human Foods You Should NOT Feed Your Pet


Recently, there was a lot of news about unsafe commercial pet foods. Unfortunately, this problem isn t really news . It seems that incidents similar to this occur from time to time. Perhaps this is one reason more and more people are opting to home cook for their pets. However, in order to properly home-cook for your pets, you should first have a basic knowledge of canine nutrition; and, even more importantly, a thorough knowledge of human foods that are harmful to dogs. Some foods which are safe for human consumption can be poisonous for our canine companions. E-dog-training.com has put together a list of 25 common human foods that are toxic to dogs. Of course, when in doubt, always check with your vet. Here is a list to get you started:

1. Onions (Both onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient Thiosulphate. But onions are more of a danger. Many dog biscuits contain *small* amounts of garlic ” garlic contains less of this toxin so huge amounts would need to be consumed to be toxic. And, by the way, this poison builds up the system ” it can be toxic in one large dose ” or with repeated consumption of small amounts.)
2. Chocolate (Chocolate contains Theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. This can be fatal to dogs.)
3. Grapes (Grapes are dangerous because of an unknown substance which is toxic to dogs ” affects canine s kidneys)
4. Raisins (See above.)
5. Most Fruit Pits and Seeds (Contain Cyanogenic Glycosides resulting in cyanide poisoning ” though the fruit itself is OK.)
6. Macadamia Nuts (Macadamia nuts contain an unknown substance that is toxic to dogs.)
7. Most Bones should *not* be given (especially chicken bones) because they can splinter and cause laceration of the digestive system and/or become lodged in your pet s throat ” so they also pose a choking hazard.
8. Potato Peelings and Green Potatoes (Contain Oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)
9. Rhubarb leaves (see above)
10. Broccoli (Broccoli is only toxic in large quantities.)
11. Green parts of Tomatoes or Green Potatoes(Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)
12. Yeast Dough (Yeast Dough can produce gas and swell in your pet s stomach ” leading to rupture of the digestive system)
13. Coffee/Coffee Grounds and Tea ( are dangerous due to the caffine.)
14. Beer/Wine/Alcohol of any kind (Alcohol of any kind could lead to coma or even death.)
15. Human Vitamins (Human vitamins, especially those containing iron, can cause damage to the lining of the digestive system as well as cause kidney and liver damage)
16. Moldy or Spoiled Food (though I think this goes without saying.)
17. Persimmons (Persimmons can cause intestinal blockage)
18. Raw Eggs and Raw Fish (Raw eggs and some raw fish can cause Salmonella poisening.)
19. Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder (In large amounts these can cause an electrolyte imbalance ” and severe electrolyte imbalances can lead to muscle spasm or even congestive heart failure.)
20. Mushrooms (Mushrooms may contain toxins which could cause liver and kidney damage)
21. Sugar-Free Foods (Sugar-free foods containing Xylitol have been found to cause liver failure in some dogs.)
22. Nutmeg (Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures, and central nervous system damage.)
23. Excessive Fatty Foods (Excess fatty foods can cause Pancreatitis.)
24. Avocado (All parts of the avocado and avocado tree are toxic to dogs.)
25. Diary Products (Dairy products don t usually pose a great danger; but many dairy product have high fat content (see number 23) ” and many pets are lactose intolerant ” some pets more than others. Lactose intolerance leads to gas and diarrhea; though small amounts of yogurt and cheese are usually fairly well tolerated.)

Keep these 25 toxic foods in mind when cooking for your dog. There may be other foods that your dog can not consume; so always ask your vet when you are unsure about anything concerning your pet. Please visit http://www.e-dog-training.com for more FREE tips, advice, and canine cuisine recipes. Happy Home Cooking!

Http://www.e-dog-training.com provides free dog training information on puppy training, house training, dog obedience & behavior training, crate training, dog trick training, and general dog training tips and advice. You ll also find free information on dog care, puppy care, dog health & nutrition, and free canine cuisine recipes. Visit <http://www.e-dog-training.com> soon for the latest free dog training tips and advice. Copyright 2007 Article may be reprinted and/or distributed if links to http://www.e-dog-training.com remain intact in the body of the article.

Luxury Dog Beds for the Cultured Canine
In the last few years there has been an increasing trend in how dog owners pampering their dogs. Many designers have begun making products to compensate for the demand for these products. A large industry has been built around fancy dog beds. Your dog no longer has to settle for a simple square pillow that you throw in the corner. Now you can get your favorite pet something that reflects the love you have for them.

I think that there are 2 main reasons dog owners are doing this more than ever before. The first one is because of the increase in availability of these high-end beds, and the second reason is probably the most obvious. People simply love their dogs, and if you can find a really nice bed for them to sleep on, it is worth it. The other thing that is note worthy is that most of the designer beds out there aren’t so expensive that the average pet owner can’t afford them. In fact, a lot of them can be found in the $100- $400 range. There are also some manufacturers that produce pieces that are very expensive and can cost thousands of dollars.

Here are a couple of things to remember when making the decision to get a bed for your dog.

1. If your dog is older, you probably want to make sure that the pad or mattress is thick enough to avoid joint pressure.

2. Remember to check the dimensions of the bed in which you are to purchase to ensure that it is a good fit for your dog.

Many designers have taken great lengths to ensure that their customers are happy. Some companies allow their customers to pick custom fabrics and pillows. The beds also can come in many different varieties from chaise lounges to sleigh beds. Some of the fine materials that these beds are made of include alder and other fine woods, luxurious chenilles, satin, and more. Some of them come with matching bolster pillows, tassels, feather trim, and enough elegant touches that your dog will feel like a king or queen. These fine beds also compliment your existing furniture as well if you choose correctly. With most of these luxury dog beds you also don’t have to worry about your dog having an accident and ruining the bed. Most are made with removable covers that are machine washable. You want to make sure that you find out before you buy if you are concerned about it.

With the tremendous variety and selection out there, you will probably find that the most overwhelming thing about these beds is the fact that there are so many to choose from. A lot of these are perfect for all small dog breeds, as the vast majority are made for smaller dogs. However, designers are starting to make more larger beds as well. Remember though to relax. Have fun with it and make it into an adventure. After all, your dog is worth it. With a little patience, you can find designer dog beds that will turn an ordinary pooch into a diva dog.

Galen is the owner of Bling Bling Puppywhere you can find many varieties of luxury dog accessories for your dog.

Healthcare for Pets - Top 5 Treatments
Pet owners often love their pets in the same way that they love their children. So isn’t it important that you care for your pet’s health just as you would care for your child’s? The only way to make sure that your pets are healthy is to bring them to regular veterinary check-ups and feed them a nutritious diet. There are five basic treatments that you should follow in order to ensure that your animal will live the longest, healthiest life possible.

adopting a dog
Before you decide to bring a dog home, it is absolutely essential that you give some thought to the costs that you will be incurring in the process. It s not the purchase alone, though even that is likely to be expensive in the case of some superior breeds of dogs, but also the cost of the equipments you will have to buy to make your home habitable for your pet. Then there are the visits to the vet, which have to be regularly made, and the expensive vaccinations, which the puppy has to be given. So, all in all, you will have to make pretty sure that your wallet can take the beating before you bring your doggy home.

What then, are the costs, and how much are they? Let s start at the beginning. You have to buy the dog unless you are lucky enough to have it presented to you by a friend or a family member and the cost of this initial purchase can vary very widely. The variance will firstly depend on the type of dog you are buying. A purebred companion only puppy usually starts from around $800 but can go up to astronomical amounts for rare or exotic breeds. If you prefer to adopt a non-purebred variety from a shelter, it will cost you from around $150 to $300.

Costs also differ in different geographic locations so it is difficult for us to tell you of one fixed sum that you will have to pay for any given variety of dog. Visit the sources in your locality from where people normally buy dogs and check on the prices. And this includes the internet. After some queries on your part, you will be able to come to a fix on what your desired dog costs.

Now that you ve got your dog, it s time to look at the other costs you will have to start to incur. Let s start with the one - time costs.

One Time Costs Average Cost
Fence $300 - $1500
Bowls $25
Collar $6
Training Collar $10
Leash $12
Bed $40
Crate $100
Brush/Grooming tools $20
Shampoo/ Coat care $15
Neuter/ Spay ( Based on weight ) $300
Microchip $50



Then there are the annual costs, which you have to be prepared for. I enumerate them below:

Vaccinations $185
Heartworm Test $35
Heartworm Preventive $65
Flea/Tick Preventive $120
Food $480
Toys/Treats $45
Tag $5

And then there are other costs:

Boarding ” per day ( with 2 playtimes ) $25
Grooming ” per time $50
Training classes ( Per 6-8 classes ) $100
Individual training ( Per session ) $100



And remember, this list is for grown up dogs and not puppies. If it s a puppy you are adopting, the costs increase. There s a check up, a series of 4 sets of vaccines, worming, heartworm tests, all of which will cost you close to $300. Then there is puppy food, which will set you back around $450 and toys/treats, which will cost approximately $65.

So, as you will have counted up from the figures given above, in the first year, you will be spending approximately $1500 to $2500 over and above the cost of buying your dog. After the first year, you will spend less per year ” about $1000. Smaller dogs cost a bit less and larger dogs cost more.

Apart from all this, your dog will have lifelong healthcare needs. There will be shots and medicines you will be administering as preventive care and there will almost certainly be unexpected accidents, injuries or illnesses, however well you look after your dog.

It is therefore utterly essential that you objectively evaluate your budget and come to a decision as to whether you can really afford a dog. He will look to you for your support in all things and you owe it to him to give him, not only your love, but proper care, food and medical attention. These don t come free ” so ask yourself whether you can afford to get that dog you always wanted. If you realize that you can t, it s best to do without, both for your sake and his.






Learn all about Dog
Adoption from the unique e-book Super Dogs and
Puppies.

If you are searching for cost of a dog, learn how to go aboutthe right cost.

Nancy Richards has been a dog lover for the past 12 years. She has owned and handled dogs of different ages and have helped many fellow owners in training their dog.

Dog Behavior Training - The ‘Poo’ business
Need dog behavior training tips to stop one of the most irritating bad dog behavior - ‘Poo’ sniffing or tasting. Not only is it a dirty habit, diseases can be passed onto dog owners or children. Discover these 4 simple dog behavior training tips to controlling this dog behavior and stopping it for good.

Filed under Pets |