Dog Training Part V: The Command Voice
Dog Training Part V: The Command Voice
When giving commands to a dog, a calm, firm, authoritative voice is most effective. Dogs do not respond well to hesitant, pleading voices, nor to yelling, which might sound to the dog like threatening barking or scolding. It is also important that the word used for the command and the pitch of the voice be consistent each time the command is delivered so that the dog can more easily learn what the owner means (siiiiiiiiiiiit does not sound the same as sit, for example). Using the puppy’s name before a command ensures that the dog knows that a command is coming, that it is for him (rather than for other dogs, children, or people), and that he should pay attention. This is important because dogs hear a lot of human speech that has no relevance for them at all, and it is easy for them to disregard commands amongst the babble. To reinforce the command, the dog always gets some kind of reward or reinforcement (praise and usually a treat or toy) when it performs the action correctly. This helps the dog to understand that he has done a good thing. Note that not all dogs are trained to voice command. Many working breeds of dog are not trained to a voice command at all; they are taught to obey a combination of whistles and hand signals. Deaf dogs are perfectly capable of learning to obey visual signals alone. Many obedience classes teach hand signals for common commands in addition to voice signals; these signals can be useful in quiet situations, at a distance, and in advanced obedience competitions. The specific command words are not important, although common words in English include sit, down, come, and stay. Short, clear words that are easily understood by other humans are generally recommended; that way, people will understand what a handler is telling his dog to do and other handlers have a good chance of controlling someone else’s dog if necessary. In fact, dogs can learn commands in any language or other communications medium, including whistles, mouth sounds, hand gestures, and so forth.Hagar lagarto is a long time Pet lover with many articles and websites on the subject.You can get much more info at <a href=http://pet.freehostia.com>http://pet.freehostia.com</a>
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Doggy odor in Labrador Retrievers
Why does a Labrador have doggy odor?Like any other animal, dogs will walk, run, and play in areas that might result in their gathering dirt, disease, or odor. The Labrador retriever may begin to produce odor due to a number of factors, such as oily skin, dirt accumulation, ear or anal infections, and dental/plaque buildup. Not only can odor be offensive, it can be a sign of an unhealthy retriever. If a Labrador retriever is not monitored, and the sources of doggy odor are not removed, the Labrador retriever will develop chronic physical problems. What to do About Doggy Odor?When a Labrador retriever begins to emit doggy odor, closely inspect the dog from head to tail. Check the retriever s ears for debris, red skin, and odor. If an ear infection is present, it could be the result of the dog s ears not being properly ventilated. Ear infections are common in dogs with ears that are floppy or folded over. If the dog s ears are not properly ventilated, the inside becomes moist and warm, and infection can easily result.Look in the dog s mouth for plaque buildup on the teeth, and for discolored or missing teeth. In addition to the well-known dog breath, additional odor may be coming from the dog s mouth as a result of food buildup and poor oral hygiene. Check the retriever s feet; there may be a cut or infection on the dog s foot pads. This type of injury should be immediately cleaned and bandaged. Run your fingers through the dog s coat, and make sure you inspect all sides of the coat. There may be a concealed skin injury underneath the Labrador s fur. Also, check for an oily or greasy texture appearing on the retriever s coat. The coat might be producing dandruff or the skin may be flaky.One of the most prominent areas for odor generation is the retriever s backside. There could be anal infection, a buildup of feces on the dog s coat, or the Labrador might be constipated or have diarrhea, both of which will produce significant odor.As you are inspecting the retriever s body, take detailed notes on what you see, smell, feel, and hear. These notes will become valuable when you take the dog to a veterinarian. Also, it will document signs or symptoms that you might forget to tell the veterinarian.If your dog is exhibiting odor and is found to have an infection or illness, take proactive measures to protect your Labrador retriever. Take action and make a dog-care schedule for your Labrador.Dogs need to be kept clean, but caution must be taken not to give the Labrador too many baths. If the dog is bathed every week, the retriever s coat is deprived of natural oils. As a result, over- bathing a Labrador can increase odor. A dog should be bathed once a month.Part of maintaining a clean home includes washing animal bedding, play toys, and the dog s collar. After washing the Labrador s bedding, make sure that the bedding is completely dry before allowing the dog to sleep on it. If the bedding has been removed from the dryer or brought in from a clothes line, vacuum the bedding with a small hand vacuum; this will remove any debris that was left by the dryer.A Labrador retriever should be monitored when it goes outside, especially if your home is in a rural and/or wooded area. The dog might be picking up odors from discarded garbage or a dead animal carcass. Odors from rotting food or meat are extremely pungent. Also, they can induce vomiting if eaten. If your Labrador is allowed to go into wooded areas or alleys, follow the dog to see if he is eating carrion or miscellaneous garbage.When dogs have odor emitting from their teeth or gums, it can be treated with a professional brushing which can include removing plaque from the dog s mouth. Ask the vet about dog treats that are designed to help keep teeth and gums clean. Make teeth inspection a regular part of your dog s cleaning schedule.When your retriever has been playing in dirt or mud, keep two or three old towels ready to clean the dog s coat. One towel can be put in water and used to clean the dog s coat, and the other towel can remain dry and used to dry the dog s coat. Dogs enjoy physical attention and respond well to having their coats cleaned. Brushing the retriever on a daily basis helps to reduce smell, remove excess fur, and stimulate new hair growth. Finally, ask your veterinarian about changing the Labrador s diet. Dog food that contains solid meat promotes healthy skin, teeth, gums, and stools. High-quality food is available through a veterinarian or at large-scale pet shops. When shopping at a pet store, ask the store staff for recommendations.Animal odors can result from a number of different sources. To make sure that your Labrador retriever is free of odor, it is necessary to perform regular visual checkups. The doggy odor will be removed when the dog s body is inspected thoroughly, cleaned regularly, and taken to the veterinarian for regular checkups.Learn all about DogAdoption from the unique e-book Super Dogs andPuppies.If you are searching for odor, learn the reason. 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
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How To Help a Dog Suffering With Arthritis
Is your beloved dog suffering with arthritis? There is no cause for worry as you can get the right medical aid with natural treatments for your dogs. First, however, it is essential that you are properly informed of what arthritis is all about. You must know how your dog became infected with the disease and how he or she can recover quickly. The immediate response of many dog owners that have discovered that their dog is infected with arthritis is to go the nearest veterinary. Though this is good, you need to be aware that there is a better alternative to the problem of arthritis in your dog. The solution is natural treatment for dogs with arthritis. Not many people are informed about natural treatments for dogs with arthritis. It is not as complicated as many thought. And also, there is nothing diabolical in it. It is just an alternative solution to the medical aid we get from our doctors. What is arthritis and how does it affect your dog? The inflammation or swelling in a joint is referred to as arthritis. The causes include the following: - Abnormal bone or joint development - Instability of the surrounding ligaments and tendons - Damage to joints - Infection - Injury caused by immune system Though there are anti-inflammatory medicines in the market for the treatment of arthritis, there is a better approach to its treatment. The approach is a natural treatment for dogs. The following are tips that will greatly assist your ailing dog with arthritis. - It is essential that you have your dog placed on slip- free flooring. A slippery floor will not be of help in the treatment of arthritis in your dog. This is because your dog needs to have a firm grip on the floor while recuperating. It is therefore recommended that you have a rug or carpet in place. - Swimming has been discovered to be of great help in the treatment of arthritis in dogs. Swimming is a no-weight bearing activity that will help your dog recover quickly from arthritis. It is advisable that the swimming is monitored so that the dog doesn’t drown in the pool. Swimming will help exercise all the parts of the body of your dog. - It is recommended that you give your dog a soft bed in the quest for recovery. Your dog needs all the rest he or she could get on a soft bed that can cushion its ailing body. Just like a slippery floor is detrimental to your dog’s recovery, a hard bed is not ideal for him either. - A peaceful and quiet environment is what your dog with arthritis needs to recover from the disease. Let your children be informed of this as your lovely dog may not be tolerant of their noise and playfulness while recuperating. - A good massage could also be what your ailing dog needs to get off arthritis. A gentle massage from you might provide the much needed assurance of your love for the dog. But if you cannot do it for some reason or other, it is advisable that you employ a professional animal massage therapist to do the job for you. The massage will increase flexibility, blood circulation, and calmness which go a great length in giving your dog the good health he or she deserves. Above all, you must be aware that recovery of dogs with arthritis takes a while. Hence, it is worthwhile giving them that extra attention that they need. Give enough time to your dog as he or she recovers from arthritis. A natural treatment for dogs with arthritis is highly recommended when you can’t afford the huge fees charged by veterinary doctors out there.For more information please visit http://www.five95ebooks.com/Natural_Dog_Care.html and see how you can learn more about caring for your dog naturally. To see our growing list of other $5.95 eBooks, please visit www.Five95eBooks.
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