Dog Information

Dog Agility is a sport where both the owner and the pet benefit. This is a very special time for both the dog and the owner. It is one of the very few times when both, the pet and the owner, rely on each other to complete a course, under time and with as few errors as possible. It consists of a course, laid out with Agility obstacles. Agility obstacles are in the form of an A-frame, dog walk, weave poles, Agility Jumps, a table, teeter, tire and tunnels. This can be done in competition or in your own backyard. It is a very good form of exercise, which it is aerobic (from running) and mentally because of the thought of how best to perform the course with the least possible errors. It also is a good way to train your dog to listen to you and to get them to socialize.

The Agility obstacles are a challenge. When performing an A-Frame, the dog must approach it straight on, climb the apex and manage to walk all the way down without ‘flying off’ (jumping prior the yellow painted area at the bottom, called contacts) on the opposite side. The dog walk is similar to the A-frame, because you climb up and down two sides (with the yellow painted area, contacts), but with this Agility Obstacle the dog must walk along a plank that connects the two ends. Agility jumps take many forms, from a spread jump which can be from 4″ to 24″ long to single bar agility jumps that are from 4″ to 24″ in height( some venues may jump longer or higher.) Agility obstacles can also be in the form of double bar and triple bar jumps which, for lack of a better way to put it, combine both the spread and single bar type agility jumps.The weave poles are made up of 6 to 12 poles which your dog must weave in and out of each pole. This is the hardest obstacle for some dogs to master. The teeter is an Agility obstacle that is similar to a human teeter-totter, except the dog walks across the teeter from a downed end and as it is walking to the middle causes the teeter to go down on the opposite end. This also has the yellow Contacts at the end. The Agility Tunnel, is much like a child’s play tunnel, except that they are made of sturdier material so that the dog does not break through the agility Obstacle while running through the course. The tire, is another form of agility jump, where the dog jumps through a tire, instead of over a jump. This also is raised or lowered to the height for the dog. The table is the one time on an Agility Obstacle course in which the dog comes to a stop. These tables are generally referred to as a pause table. The name is derived from the use, the dog is to pause on the table prior to moving on to the next obstacle. It is also used for stopping the time at the end of a run.

My border collie dog, Skye, runs in agility trials. We began classes for her when she was about four years old, she will be eight in September, 2011. There are some agility obstacles that have been more trouble than others. Skye is very fast and in the early days had a bad habit of attempting all agility obstacles as if they were merely there to slow her down. Skye had flying off the A-Frame and dog walk to a science, but after a lot of hard work and hours of practice, she now completes these agility obstacles with precision. Agility Jumps are another story, When we first started out she had no trouble with jumps, completing them like a champion hurdler. As she ages Agility Jumps have become more of a challenge. She still maintains her speed, but she was having difficulty completing jumps without knocking the bars down. To assist her, we changed her status from regular to veteran (Canine Performance Events (CPE), the venue in which she participates), which enables her to jump at 12″ instead of her 16″ height requirement. This has helped her out a great deal. The bonding experience with her is one that will not be forgotten, it is our time alone.

Dog agility is a sport in which both the owner and pet participate in Agility Obstacle Courses. This can be beneficial to your relationship with your pet, but both of you will get exercise and time to form a wonderful bond over Agility obstacles and an Agility course. Enjoy your time with your pet, whether it is on an agility course, a walk in the park or just sharing a quiet time together.

If you are interested in Agility Obstacles to bond with your dog or to maybe just have fun in your own backyard or even to compete go to skyebirdpetsupplies.com for all your agility and pet supply needs.

My name is Rachel Dohran.

Dog Information

They say that a dog is a man’s best friend and pet lovers usually treat them as part of the family. Taking care of our dogs does not only include feeding them or taking them for a walk. Dogs needs to play too and so giving quality time to play can help develop a better communication, understanding, and respect with your dog. Playing games involves communication and working together.

Playing is an important factor in building up social relationship as dogs are social creatures too. Playing games is a basic way of imitating real life. Obedience can be taught to your dog through games and following basic instructions can be fun.

There are games that came from pet owners and these are testimonies on how games can be both fun and educational. Below are some of the games that you might want to try to your dogs.

Follow the Leader
If you have more than 1 dog, this game can be played by setting up obstacles and you as the owner can be the leader. This can also be good for puppies.

Find the Treat
In this game all you need is your dog’s favorite treat. Start by telling your dog to “stay” or you can put her/him on a leash. Then start hiding your dog’s favorite treats and when you are done hiding it release your dog or just say “GO” and your dog will have a lot of fun looking for the treats.

Hide and Seek
This game teaches your dog to wait until you call his/her name. Since your dog can not count, put him on a sit or lay down position. Find a place to hide and then call his/her name. You will have a lot of fun with this game as sometimes you will see your dog peeking!

Go Find
This is an off-shoot of the game “Find the Treat” but instead of treats, use a ball. This will start as a game of fetch the ball. Then add a separate command of “stay”. Drop the ball and make your dog stay. If he takes the ball, ignore him and turn away for a few minutes. But if he stays introduce the clicker word “Yes”. Try to increase the distance of the ball every time you do this game. Just make sure you toss the ball gently so that your dog will not get excited. You can also try variations on this game. Instead of throwing the ball, walk ten to fifteen paces leaving your dog behind and drop the ball. When you say “yes”, that’s the only time your dog will get the ball.

Fun with Toys
Toys can be very helpful not only in playing games and be a form of exercise but it can also be utilized in treating boredom and other behavioral problems. It also improves your relationship with your dog. In a separate article, we will discuss these benefits and will include reviews on the different kinds of toys.

G Rogers

Doggienation is a leading provider of officially licensed Dog Sports Jerseys and Personalized Dog Accessories and Dog Collars and Leashes. Be sure to find something special for your pet at DoggieNation.

Dog Information

If you are a pet lover chances are you enjoy taking your dog for a morning or evening stroll. Or at the very least you would like to be able to, but perhaps a bad experience is preventing you from doing so.

Then there are those who walk their dog and don’t realize the potential dangers that they may face. In any case you as a pet owner have the right to walk your dog provided you follow the basic rules of etiquette and safety that is required for this.

To begin with you need to know that your dog is going to listen to you no matter what circumstances you may find yourself in. If another dog happens to charge your dog you will have a much better chance of getting the situation under control if your dog obeys your commands. You will then be able to intercede as necessary. This type of situation can become very chaotic and downright dangerous if you don’t get control of the situation quickly.

Another potential problem you can end up facing is your dog acting aggressively to other humans and dogs. You need to do your homework prior to taking your dog out in public. This means basic obedience training and introducing them to their walks slowly. You can expand the distance as you get to know your dogs reactions.

Also be familiar with the area that you are going to be walking your dog in. This way you will know what other animals frequent the area. If there happens to be a home that you need to pass where a aggressive dog resides you will be prepared for this. It can be startling to walk past a yard where the dog that resides there lunges against the fence. It could cause your dog to panic where he will either become aggressive and try to lunge back at the dog or try to run. Either way this can make a bad situation for you.

One word of caution and that is do not allow your youngsters to walk your dog until you have assessed any potential danger that could be present. You will only know this by walking the dog in the same area on a routine basis. You will then need to be sure that your youngster is able to keep full control of your dog.

A good training dog walking training program is necessary for you to carry out for any member of your household that will have the enjoyment of walking your dog.

Lyn Rayner

For more helpful tips be sure to visit http://www.yourhousepetservices.com. Also there is a very active dog group at http://www.socialnetworkmarketstop.ning.com. Where currently there is a two week interaction group discussion taking place on dog walking safety. Be sure to join.

Dog Information

Let’s face it, none of us like to feel jilted, and that includes your puppy or dog. Dogs do sense when their status has been compromised. A new person, baby or puppy has entered into your dog’s life, and unexpectedly, you wonder, “Whose dog is this?” You may start to notice subtle changes in their behavior, or the transformation can slam down on you like a ton of bricks!

Your dog’s inappropriate behaviors are projecting their feelings of lack of self-confidence and rejection.

To understand what is going on with your pet’s unacceptable behavior, you have to understand what is triggering it and why. To start, the majority of dogs are happiest when they know their place in the pack, and have a schedule and routine. Schedules and routines offer them a sense of security.

Mainly, it’s dogs that have been pampered, and isolated that have the hardest time adjusting to change. Well-socialized dogs typically look forward to new experiences, new dogs and new people. They feel less threatened, have more self-confidence and feel more included. They are flexible. They welcome the new comer with a “the more the merrier!” philosophy. That is a dog that is happy and secure.

Here are a few tips, to help your jilted dog feel more included.

New Puppy or Dog

If you are considering adding a new puppy or dog to the family, include your current dog in the decision making process. How would you like it if someone prearranged your living situation without consulting you? How would you like it if someone picked out your mate or new best friend? It makes everyone’s life easier, when the two dogs are compatible, rather than resentful and hostile.

Start by introducing them in a neutral place. That way your current dog doesn’t feel threatened or challenged on their home turf. They don’t perceive they have to protect their fort. You want your dog feel camaraderie with the new dog and to welcome them into the house.

Keep the meeting short and fun. Keep it positive. Before there are any confrontations, remove your dog from the scene, so they don’t perceive in their little canine brain that they have run the other dog off. Leave them both wanting more of each other. You especially want your dog to look forward to seeing the newbie again.

Once you have the new dog in the house, follow your normal routine. Feed your current dog first. That way they believe they have maintained their senior status. The newbie always starts at the bottom of the totem pole.

Don’t give the newbie the run of the entire house right away. Let them earn the privilege of access to all the rooms one at a time. Let your dog be the one to open those “doors”, and share their space willingly. It causes less resentment.

Divide your attention equally. Don’t think your dog won’t sense you are paying more attention to the newbie. If playing ball is something you have always done together, continue the routine and gradually invite the newbie to join in. If your dog resents the newbie from participating, respect it. Remember, this was a special activity you once shared exclusively with your old pal.

If walking your dogs together, let the current one walk closest to you. That was their spot in the past so don’t create resentment. Allow them that special place. I had an Australian Shepherd that treasured that spot. I allowed her that privilege, and I made her feel even more important and helpful, by allowing her to carry the new dog’s leash. She had her special spot, she had a job, plus, she had seniority and she was the boss! She was happy!

If your dog is one that has not been adequately socialized, before getting a new puppy or dog, enroll them in a group obedience class. It is amazing within two to three weeks, most respond in a positive way at meeting making new friends.

Other ways to help them be more comfortable around new dogs are dog parks and doggie day cares. Dogs need dogs they can relate to, just as people are more comfortable when they have the same things in common.

New Person

So, you’ve met someone new, and now you have to introduce him or her to your not-so-receptive dog. The objective is to make the experience as positive as possible. Put yourself in your dog’s place. Before you met this new person, it was just the two of you…now they have to share you.

Again, the best way to do that is to introduce them in a neutral area. Make the meeting fun, and keep it short.

Keep the meeting positive. Play games and have the person give lots of praise and treats. You want your dog to associate the new person as a good thing, not something to resent.

Before there are any negative feelings, remove your dog from the scene, so they don’t perceive they have run the person off. You want your dog to look forward to seeing that person again.

After a few neutral meetings, invite the person into your house. Again, keep the first few visits short and positive. By now, your dog should have formed a bond and will be less likely to see them as an intruder.

Don’t insincerely focus on the dog; yet, also don’t ignore them. Keep a balance.

Have the new person feed and walk the dog with and without you present. This demonstrates to your dog that person is the bearer of good things and fun.

The New Baby

Some dogs find it harder than other to adjust to a new baby. Luckily, the majority eagerly and happily welcomes the baby. Lets face it, baby’s come with lots of new smells, sounds, and stuff. It is best to desensitize your dog to as many of them as possible, before the baby comes home.

It is also a good idea to establish boundaries, so you’re not tripping over your pooch with your baby in your arms. Decide if your dog will or will not be allowed in the baby’s room. If they are allowed, consign a certain area for them. Put a rug, or doggie bed there and train them to that spot, when they join you in the room. That way they feel included but aren’t in the way.

If you have stairs, start training your dog to go down the stairs BEFORE you do. You don’t want them racing down behind you, while you are carrying the baby.

Try to stay as much as possible on a regular schedule and routine to help make your dog feel secure. Make time for your dog. Don’t overlook them. Use that time only for them.

If your dog is not familiar with the sound of a crying baby, you can find tapes, CDs and wavs online with the complete orchestra of sounds babies make. Start at a normal volume. If your dog becomes anxious, lower it to where the dog relaxes, but do not turn it off. Slowly increase the volume to what the dog will normally be hearing. The more your dog hears now, the less apt the child’s cries and noises will make them anxious when the baby is home.

Set up the crib, swing, hi-chair, and stroller. Get everything out! Let your dog get familiar with them.

Train your dog to walk calmly with an empty stroller.

Desensitize your dog to the fact you will be carrying a small bundle around and paying attention to it. Get a doll and carry it around as if it is your new baby. This will help desensitize your dog and make it less apt to jump up on you, and your child.

The day before the baby comes home, have a blanket, towel or some article of clothing with the child’s scent on it, brought to the house. Allow your pet to familiarize him or herself to the new scent that will soon be everywhere!

Don’t leave soiled diapers or clothing where your dog can get into them. The grosser things smell, the more most dogs like it! Make sure the hamper is dog proofed!

Train your dog to touch only their toys…not the child’s. If they have the child’s toy, first tell them “NO!” Then tell them to “give” and immediately replace it with an appropriate item, preferably their own toy.

The day the baby comes home, have someone else carry the baby into the house. Your dog is going to be so happy to see you, give them the attention they have patiently been waiting for. Remember, until today, they were the most important thing in your life.

Only when everything calms down, is it time to introduce your dog to your child. If he or she appears anxious or too excitable, calmly remove them from the room. Allow them to compose themself, and then return them to the room. This way they will associate the only time they may come near the baby, is when they are calm. Keep your cool…don’t over-react. Remember, this is as stressful a time for your dog, as it is you!

As much as possible, when spending time with your baby include your dog; even if all you can do is talk to them. The sweetest sound to a dog is their owner’s voice.

Give your dog a private place to retreat to when they want to get away. Make sure everyone, especially children, respect that sanctuary. Some dogs prefer to go to their crate, some like going under a bed or a table…whatever it is, respect it.

Don’t toss your dog outside for any longer than you usually do. That will instill a sense of abandonment, which will create resentment and inappropriate behaviors.

Encourage visitors who come to see the baby, to at least acknowledge the dog.

Bottom line: Like people, some dogs are more prone to jealousy than others. The majority can be helped to adjust. A few never do. Before doing anything drastic, try to work with them. Usually, it’s well worth the effort.

Karen A. Soukiasian, GOOD DOG! – DOG TRAINING and BED-n-BISCUITS dog boarding and training – Owner/Trainer, St. Augustine, Florida – AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN and S.T.A.R. PUPPY Evaluator http://www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite
http://www.facebook.com/pages/GOOD-DOG-DOG-TRAINING/95917282486

Dog Information and Dog Training

Many new dog owners that try to train their dogs, don’t always have the right tools to do it properly. The biggest challenge they face is having the right knowledge and training techniques. A dog trainer can help bridge that gap.

Even though they have the knowledge to train a dog, there are characteristics that separate a good one from a great one. This article will share some characteristics you need to look for when seeking help from a dog training specialist.

Patience With man and dog, there is always going to be a communication barrier. There are some dogs that can pick up tricks quite quickly and others that are not easy to train. A good dog trainer recognizes this and has developed the right amount of patience that is needed to train any dog. When you first meet the trainer, see how he/she interacts with your dog. Watch to see if they get bothered when the dog does not do as they say. Some will show patience with you as a way to win your business. One thing you can do is to observe how they interact with other dogs. If you see them getting angry, then maybe look for another trainer.

Have a love for all animals You know when you meet a good trainer, you just see it in the way they interact with your dog. You will notice that they will have this uncanny ability to connect with your pet the instant they meet them. You’ll see that they actually get down to the level of the dog and start talking to them as if they are talking to a long time friend. They will even know how to pet your dog so that they win the dog over quicker. Overall, you’ll just notice that they have this kind aura that is projected out and it will show in the way they not only deal with you but with your pet as well.

Kind but firm Having good social skills with dogs and people is very important. But, one should not get this confused with someone who is a pushover. Though, some trainers have this great ability to love and connect with dogs in a way that you cannot understand at first, do not be fooled. If you watch closely, you will see that they also have this centered nature. Many good dog trainers will know who they are and because of this, they will be able to take charge of any situation. You will see this in the voice they use and the movements they make. They will not be cruel, just firm and they will gently guide the dog.

Use a lot of positive reinforcement A good dog trainer seem to always see the cup as being half full than half empty. Their methods just seem to focus more on developing the good qualities than focusing on correcting the bad ones. Watch to see if they are correcting more than praising. This is not to say that they will not correct, but they will focus on trying to get the dog to do the action they want and then praise it immediately. They may use dog treats, but will not become dependent on it.

One should still not forget the training methods used to train the dog because the techniques used could greatly reduce the time it takes to train a dog. But, if a dog trainer has all the qualities listed above, their training methods will reflect this. More importantly, they will be able to quickly you show you how to develop these qualities within you so that you will be able to successfully train your dog.

Esteban Jasso