Why Does My Cat Bite Me - And How Do I Stop It? Posted By : Katherin Towers
Why Does My Cat Bite Me - And How Do I Stop It? Posted By : Katherin Towers
Cat biting problems can be a real pain to deal with. Many cat owners either end up with a bad relationship with their cats, or they just suffer in silence. Find out how you can fix this problem…
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.
Conventional Methods For House Breaking a Puppy
If you are undertaking the complications of house breaking a puppy you are, beyond doubt, interested in using the quickest and most result oriented methods possible. This can be a particularly difficult time for many new pet owners because of the burden house training a puppy can put on a family, particularly if you make mistakes in the beginning.
House breaking a puppy should start immediately, just after you bring him home. Even at only 7 or 8 weeks old, he wants to eagerly follow your lead…. it’s important to start early using puppy housebreaking training methods that will help him develop the acceptable abilities. Your puppy will make the decision where and when he will relieve himself if he is not trained early and correctly. Obviously you cannot allow this to be his decision. It is up to you to let him know where you want him to go. Puppies will learn very quickly when they understand what they are to do
Dogs have a natural instinct not to eliminate in their den area and, because of power of their nose, are attracted to areas where they or others have defecated or urinated in the past. You can capitalize on these natural tendencies in several ways.
Probably the most effective way to take advantage of these instincts is, first of all, to use a plastic dog carrier ‘crate’ as the pup’s sleep area and place of security. You should get him used to being alone in the crate for short periods of time so that he is content and happy sleeping there.
The second way to use his instinctive tendencies is to watch your puppy’s body language for indications that he need to go (circling,searching and sniffing), and then to react quickly by picking him up and taking him to the designated spot to eliminate.
The familiar smells in the designated area and your alert and consistent act of getting him immediately to the area will help him quickly understand. Success of the whole process can be moved along by being alert at times when he is most likely to go. Be ready to take him out when he awakens, after playing or exercise, and after he eats or drinks.
If you would like more information about house breaking a puppy and how to avoid common mistake and problems go to House Breaking a Puppy.
Trying to train your new puppy? Go to Puppy Training.
Tom Steffler has has worked for many years as as a veterinary technician and dog trainer. For more care and training tips go to <a href="http://www.dogtrainingbasicsonline.com">Dog Training Basics Online. </a>
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
Your Dog's Health
Your Dog s Health Dog health information is one click away, if you choose to surf the net for the details you need on how to raise a dog. If you take a puppy from a professional breeder for instance, make sure you get all the dog health information necessary for the future: vaccination and de-worming as well as any specific dysfunctions or weaknesses. All dog health information should be included in the contract you sign with the dog breeder, where you also have the pedigree warranty. Many buyers choose to have the dog health information provided by the breeder checked by a vet. Specialized magazines, professional sites, dog rearing guides and so on, all provide very comprehensive dog health information. If every dog owner had at least the basic understanding of what it is good for the dog, neglect would be no longer such an issue. The main dog health care problems are fleas, worms and poisons. If these are not professionally taken care of, other very serious troubles may be expected. Worms and external parasites waste the dog s body of nutrients and energy; plus dog health care providers insist that neglected dogs are full of toxins because of the parasite overgrowth. It is true that there are plenty of dog health problems that we prevent by regular vaccination, but what can we do about the rest of the afflictions that may take us and our animals unawares? Let s take for instance vomiting and diarrhea: These are usually very simple since no complications result from such minor dog health problems that are mainly triggered by improper nutrition. If under routine treatment vomiting and diarrhea don t disappear within twenty-four to forty-eight hours, it could mean there are serious dog health problems at stake and an immediate thorough examination is a must. Should this be the case, such a dog health problem is no longer the subject of home treatment, but a real medical emergency. Another frequent dog health problem is constipation. It can appear as a result of deficient nutrition and inconsistent bowel movement. Don t leave it untreated! It may lead to self-intoxication, or even worse dog health problems. Eliminate water and meat from the dog s diet and feed it on meat broth or baby food; a mixture of milk and cereal may also be of help. Return to a normal diet can only be resumed within a few days after normal stool is recovered. In closing, remember a healthy dog is a happy dog, so be sure your pet s diet is well balanced and includes plenty of vitamins. Some carrots and peas included with their food is really good for them. For more information and some great tips, come on over and visit me to find out how easy you can be the envy of your neighborhood! Jacque Dog Healthcare Information http://doghealthcareinformation.blogspot.com/
You can call me: JJ, Jacque J Johnson, Jacque, but if you want to know me call me at: Dog Healthcare Information http://doghealthcareinformation.blogspot.com/
how to adopt a dog/puppy?
After giving it much thought, and having reviewed many puppies, you have found the pet of your dreams and now want to bring it home. Good! But before you do, there are several points which you need to give thought to, if you want a seamless transition from his previous kennel. What are the preparations you will have to make? What do you need to do so that the dog understands the “rules” he will have to follow at his new habitat. Let us try taking you through the first few days with him.
Before you start out for the shelter or kennel from where you are picking him up, there’s some stuff you should buy or get hold of. First and foremost would be an old bath towel. This will serve a dual purpose. You can arrange this in your car seat so that your new friend can sit comfortably on it and, in case of accidents, you can also use it to clean up the mess.
Secondly, you’ll need a nylon slip collar. Measure the dog’s neck and add three inches for the proper length so that it is long enough to go over the dog’s head. These collars are quite safe and very easy to use. You will also need a leash made of either leather or nylon. These will principally help you control your dog and also keep him near you when you are taking him out to potty or walking him to your car. Finally, keep an ID tag attached to his collar right from the very beginning.
On the way home with your dog, place the bath towel on the seat next to you, but not on your lap. That way, he will know from the start that he is expected to sit next to you and not on your lap. If you think that he is beginning to feel lonely, just place your hand on him and that will make him feel as if he is with his siblings. There is no need to pat him as the effect sought to be created is that he is lying next to them and they would obviously not pat him.
If your ride home takes more than 2 hours, ensure that you have a dog bowl and a bottle of water with you and if the trip is an overnight one, you will need a second dish. Plan out the little dog’s meals in advance. Find out what food he has been eating and purchase sufficient quantities of it to give him on the way.
Also, if the journey is long, stop your car every 2 hours, get out with your new dog at a rest stop or a park and walk around with him on the grass. You have the collar and leash so there is no worry about leading him around in the direction that you want. This will allow him to stretch his legs and to potty if he needs to. You could be saving a mess being made in the car.
When you are checking out whether he wants to potty, start establishing a routine right away. If you have named him, start using his name to call him and use a cue word which will mean ” Its the time to potty”. This cue word can be anything that you feel is appropriate and it will establish the potty routine. Just make sure that you don’t use a word which will not mean something else later in your dog’s training as that will confuse him.
Once you reach home, bring him out of the car on a leash and walk him around your yard. Let him do what he likes during this time. He can sniff. He can pee as many times as he likes as he will be basically marking out his territory at this stage. Just ensure he does not overstep the boundaries of your yard. If he is about to do so, jerk him back sharply about 6 to 8 inches and say “No” firmly.
After about 15 minutes of this, enter the house with him. But before doing so, say something with “House” in it in a very happy voice. This will establish that you want him to come into the house whenever you utter this cue word. You will have to go through this routine every couple of hours for the first 7 to 10 days. Remember, you mustn’t let him out of the house by himself and always have the collar and leash on him when you bring him out.
On your first night at home together, show him where his sleeping spot is and see to it that this is established in his mind. Then take him out for one last walk before you go to bed. Encourage him to potty. Then set the alarm for 4 hours. When the alarm goes off, take your dog out for a walk and give him the cue word for pottying. Repeat this process after 4 more hours. He will soon realize that if he wants to do potty, he will have to do it when you take him out for the walk.
The most important thing that you must establish with your dog is a routine. This will help put your dog at ease as he will know what exactly is expected of him and when. And also, remember to be calm and patient with him if he doesn’t get the routine right the first time. It’s all new to him so establishing the routine will take a little time. If you shout and scream at him, it will only confuse him and compound your problems.
This should basically be how you spend the first few days with your new doggy. Keep in mind that the five most important things that are paramount are :
– Take your dog to his potty place as soon as he gets up.
– See to it that he gets regular meals about 10 to 12 hours apart. After you feed him or give him a drink, take him to his potty place.
– Take him to his potty place after every session of play time or any form of exercise.
– Before he goes to bed, remember not to give him any water for 2 hours beforehand.
– Take him to his potty place just before he goes to bed.
If you follow these suggestions carefully, you should have a happy time of it with your pet.
Learn all about Dog
Adoption from the unique e-book Super Dogs and Puppies.
If you want to know about te first few days with your doghere’s how you can know.
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 TRAINING
Training Your Dog To
Eliminate Outside
Are you stuck at a point where you do not know how to proceed with housetraining your dog? Are you desperate to stop those accidents on your precious rug? Are you spending too much on room fresheners?
Smelly poops, carpet stains, unwelcome surprises and unwanted discoveries….in short, a perfect housetraining nightmare! If you are still spending sleepless nights conspiring on how to escape, STOP!
Don t be ignorant. It’s time to arm yourselves with the knowledge to deal with the problem. In today s issue, we shall try and arrive at a definite solution to stop your dog’s unwanted behavior.
How to Train Your Dog to Eliminate Outside?
Considering that your dog is properly crate trained, it is unlikely that your crate trained dog will eliminate inside his crate. Accidents generally occur the moment you take your Dog out of his crate and leave him unsupervised. It may be advisable to keep note of your dog’s potty breaks and let him out of the crate 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Take him out to the desired place and wait till he finishes potty. Reward him soon after followed by praise.
Note : To help your Dog acclimatize to potty outside, it is important that you take him to the same place everyday. This will help him build association through smell while it also conditions him to go potty at a given time of day, at a given place.
Once conditioned, it is easier to train your Dog to go on command. Continue letting your dog out of his crate before his scheduled time, however, refrain from taking him outside. Remember, association is important at every step of training. Verbal commands and physical gestures combined are helpful in most cases. So, when you teach him to go on command, accompany by pointing towards the door.
You may use commands such as “Out” or “Outside”. Repetitive use of these two words teaches your Dog to go out every time you give this command.
Note : It may be helpful to employ words commonly used in the household so that association is easy and your dog understands.
You can train him to bark, scratch the door or ring a bell each time he wants to exit. When you sense he wants to go, take him to the door and wait till he performs the desired behavior before praising him. Let him out once he s through with asking.
A dog is a creature of habit. Know that…
Since your Dog has been conditioned to go out at a certain time in day, he will let you know when he is uncomfortable.
By this time however, he is accustomed to eliminating in a particular place, therefore he will hold from eliminating inside or any other place other than his usual.
When you give him the command and let him out, he will go anyway. By repeating the same process everyday, you will help him associate between the variables……time, place and command.
Ringing the bell, to most, is a substitute for verbal commands. Instead of shouting “Out”, ring a bell (tied to your door) and open the door. Once you have done this over days, your Dog will know that ringing the bell means being let out. Soon he will be ringing the bell as a signal to open the door.
Note : Ringing the bell may not always mean that your dog wants to eliminate. If your dog feels like a walk, he will ring the bell to go outside. At least, you will avoid accidents and perhaps make a few extra miles.
It is a rarity but a possibility nevertheless…even though the aforesaid training was imparted correctly…it is possible that your Dog may not eliminate in the first instance you take him out. What do you do under such circumstances? Very simply…bring him inside, but don’t let him free as yet. Instead keep him on the leash and be more careful than usual. Constant supervision will help avoid accidents. Take your dog out at regular intervals, or when he shows the first signs of discomfort.
Note : Puppies are usually hyperactive. They need to go out:
Every time they wake up
Immediately after each meal
When they are generally active and playful
It may be a good idea keep puppy diapers handy for young puppies (1 to 3 months old). Puppies older than 3 months can be brought under the training regime.
Training should be gradual. Do not speed the training process. It is advisable to carry on with the first employed training technique even when you are absolutely confident your Dog has mastered it. Graduate to the next step with ease.
If an accident still occurs…
If you catch your dog in the act, do not surprise him or stun him by shouting in disgust. Let him know your presence as softly as possible and take him outside so that he can finish there. When you bring him inside, show him his mess and be as firm as possible and say “No” or “Bad Dog”.
It is helpful to avoid your Dog for some time after that. Show him your disappointment and disapproval by neglecting him. Nothing displeases your dog more than his failed attempts to please you. Do this every time he eliminates inside. Once bereft of love and attention, it will teach your dog that his behavior is unacceptable and he will gradually stop.
Continue training your Dog simultaneously in the correct training techniques.
Note : Puppies are generally prone to disobey. Since they have limited attention span, verbal commands rarely work with them. It is important to make eye contact with puppies while you are training them.
If you discover an accident after it occurred, apply techniques as (2). Unless you make your Dog aware of his mistakes, he will never learn to improve.
Keep in mind:
Never correct your dog too harshly or punish him severely. Your dog is prone to ‘disobey’ out of frightfulness.
Your dog spends quality time with his owner during walks. Avoid giving him the impression that the walk ends as soon as he finishes potty. Continuing walking until you or your dog grows tired.
Puppies are often in the habit of sneaking into places inaccessible to his owner and eliminating there. You may discover an accident long after it occurs or when you see that stain on the carpet or behind the sofa. The only way to deal with puppy training is to keep them under constant supervision. Negligence to show disapproval is never too successful with puppies. They keep busy with more interesting things in the house than pry for your attention all the time.
Note:
Commercial food takes longer to digest and can make your Dog poop more.
Follow a routine with your dog. Decide a time to feed and a time when you let him out. Knowledge combined you can successfully condition your dog.
Always maintain a diary of your dog’s routine, till he is properly trained. This will help you bring training activities into a pattern. Following a method is always beneficial.
To sum up, excellent management, careful supervision, loads of patience and knowledge of correct training methods combined, is your key to successful housetraining.
So gear up and start over! Cheers to a successful training session.
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. 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.dogpottytrain.com
Crate Training Your Dog. How to provide Successful Crate Training for your Canine Companion
Generally, it is believed that crate training your large dog is an act of unkindness. I would rather state that this technique of training is extremely successful. It also teaches your dog to keep the area where you live squeaky clean. By crate training the dog, the owner can offer his pet a sheltered place to retreat to when he is tired, or when you have no time to play. This way, your entire house will still be functional and livable. Don’t forget that crate training your dog is not only efficient but it is also an act of caring. What is Crate Training? The entire procedure, actually lays on the fact that when the dog’s owner is not around as to care for the pet, he is not going to relieve himself somewhere else. The crate may be of different forms or made from different materials: wires, plastic or even a cage that fastens. You can purchase these crates, also known as kennels from any pet shop where you will find different sizes and shapes so that it can be properly used for your dog. The prices are different, being very dependent on the superiority and the fabric used in making the crates. Even if a small crate is cheaper, it is necessary to buy a crate as large as your dog will be, once it is completely grown. A kennel will be the perfect and desired place for your dog when your away. If you are skillful enough, you could construct yourself a kennel for your pet. You should keep in mind that the crate must have no sharp edging or holes so that he cannot pull his head out and eventually get stuck. The kennel should be considered as a second home for your pet, so you can make it more comfortable by placing a covering inside and bottle of water directly outside the kennel. Thus, your dog will have everything it needs when you are not around. The crate is indeed a relief for the dog owners, because they can simply put their dogs inside and leave. The Wonderful Results of Crate Training Crate training is efficient because dogs do not like to have their own place of living a mess. As soon as the dog gets used to the crate, the dog will feel more comfortable in his new atmosphere and be able to sleep a lot better. The fact that there is an innate tendency in dogs to keep their living places clean, actually makes the crate training method a successful one with practically every pet. Potty training is not too difficult, due to the wait your dog will have to undergo, he will to have to hold off until you open the crate. Traveling with your lovely companion will be a great pleasure due to the fact he is comfortable in his crate in which later the dog will develop other habits that will be beneficial to your relationship. Crate training your dog is a worthwhile experience not only for dog owners, but also for their pets. Most all the large breeds enjoy their crates, so you should not worry about the negative reactions from your dog. A large enough kennel will be the perfect place for your canine companion to live in while your away.
Would you like to know more about <a href="http://largedogbreedz.com/large-dog-training-articles/dog-house-training/" target="_blank">house training your dog</a> or more creative ways of<a href="http://largedogbreedz.com/large-dog-training-articles/dog-house-training/crate–kennel-training-your-dog.html" target="_blank"> crate training your canine</a> companion, visit the largest online <a href="http://largedogbreedz.com" target="_blank">Large Dog Breed</a> website portal on the net: <strong>LargeDogBreedz.com </strong>
Dog Training ” The Basic Commands
There are of course many reasons for owners to want a calm, obedient and faithful dog. For one thing, obedient and trained dogs are happier dogs, less likely to get into tussles with people or with other dogs. Another reason is that many communities require that the dogs living in their neighborhoods be well trained. This is especially true for many breeds thought to have aggression and behavior problems ” dog breeds like pit bulls and rottweilers for instance.
And of course, training your dog well will also make he or she a much better family companion, especially in households where there are young children. Many studies have shown that proper dog training makes a big impact when it comes to cutting down the number of dog bites and other behavior problems encountered by dog owning households.
When considering training your own dog, or having someone else help you train it, there are certain basic commands that must be mastered in order for a dog to be considered truly trained. These basic commands include:
*Heel ” it is important that any dog learn to walk beside its owner on a loose lead, neither pulling ahead nor lagging behind
*Respond to the word No ” the word no is one word that all dogs must learn. Training your dog to respond to this important word can save you a ton of trouble.
*Sit ” Training your dog to sit on command is a vital part of any dog training program.
*Stay ” A well trained dog should remain where his or her owner commands, so stay is a very important command in dog training.
*Down ” Lying down on command is more than just a cute trick; it is a key component of any successful dog training program.
Dog training does much more than just create an obedient, willing companion. Training your dog properly actually strengthens the bond that already exists between dog and handler. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack leader to tell them what to do. The key to successful dog training is to set yourself up as that pack leader.
Establishing yourself as pack leader is a very important concept for any potential dog trainer to understand. There is only one leader in every pack of dogs, and the owner must establish him or herself as the dominant animal. Failure to do so leads to all manner of behavior problems.
A properly trained dog will respond properly to all the owner s commands, and will not display anxiety, displeasure or confusion. A good dog training program will focus on allowing the dog to learn just what is expected of it, and will use positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors.
In addition to making the dog a good member of the community, obedience training is a great way to fulfill some of the dog s own needs, including the need for exercise, the security that comes with knowing what is expected of it, a feeling of accomplishment and a good working relationship with its handler. Dog training gives the dog an important job to do, and an important goal to reach.
Giving the dog a job is more important than you may think. Dogs were originally bred by humans to do important work, such as herding sheep, guarding property and protecting people. Many dogs today have no important job to do, and this can often lead to boredom and neurotic behavior.
Basic obedience training, and ongoing training sessions, provide the dog with an important job to do. This is especially important for high energy breeds like German shepherds and border collies. Training sessions are a great way for these high energy dogs to use up their extra energy and simply to enjoy themselves.
Incorporating playtime into your dog training sessions is a great way to prevent both yourself and your dog from becoming bored. Playing with your dog helps to strengthen the all important bond between you ” the pack leader ” and your dog.
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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
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