by: Leonard Mutch
Have you ever found it difficult to get your dog to do as it is told? Well, today we're going to show you how to train him the lazy way, and get results every time.
Our first task is to get the dog to pay attention to us. How many times have you seen someone shout their dog's name with absolutely no response?
So, say your dog's name in a moderate voice without shouting, and if he looks at you say something like "Good!" as praise and reward him with a treat. Repeat this a few times, but cutting out the treat on occasions. We don't want an overweight pooch who only does things for food. When this exercise has been repeated successfully several times we can make it harder by getting the dog to pay attention for longer, maybe 15 seconds before praising and giving a reward. If your dog approaches you in an effort to see where you are hiding any treats it's best just to ignore him.
When we've mastered this we can try it in different locations and with different family members calling his name and commanding attention. Just make sure that whoever is in control gives the praise and treat.
Calling your dog's name and getting a response quickly and every time is the 1st stage in getting your dog to do almost anything, as once you have his attention you can move onto the next step in your dog's training. From feeding time to going out for walks use your dog's name on every occasion, but remember to be sparing with the treats, and eventually try to cut them down to a minimum as a special reward.
About The Author
Leonard Mutch makes it easy to learn how to successfully train your dog. Visit his website at http://www.dog-training-and-supply.com/index.html and subscribe to his dog training newsletter for tips and offers
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Seeing Eye Dogs - A Brief History
by: Jacob Deam
You have no doubt seen a blind person being lead across a busy intersection by a Seeing Eye dog. These functional companions have been used to help handicapped people become independent for years. Nobody knows exactly when the concept of a Seeing Eye dog came into existence but it has been suggested that dogs have been used in such a capacity in various cultures for a very long time. It is known, however, that there was no formal guide dog program in existence until after the First World War.
Why German Shepherds?
Many people have probably wondered why guide dogs and Seeing Eye dogs are so often German Shepherds. There are two reasons. First, the German Shepherd has a strong sense of loyalty to its owner, giving it natural protective tendencies. Having a very protective dog as a companion is an obvious asset for someone who may otherwise be easily attacked by someone with bad intentions. The second reason is far simpler; the first guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired were trained in Germany to provided assistance for those blinded in the war.
After the end of World War I, Germany was in a state of financial depression. Many private businesses failed and the Potsdam, Germany school that trained the guide dogs for the blind was one of them.
The Seeing Eye was born
An American woman named Dorothy Eustis had heard about the program and decided it was a very worthwhile endeavor. Because she owned a company that was training German Shepherds as working dogs, she decided she might try to train guide dogs for the blind. She did not start this right away, however. In fact she was still considering the possibilities when she wrote a story for The Saturday Evening Post about the potential for guide dogs for the blind.
A Nashville man named Morris Frank had heard the story and decided to get in touch with Ms. Eustis and ask her to train a dog for him. She did and Mr. Frank became known as the first blind person to use a guide dog.
As part of an arrangement he’d made with Ms. Eustis, Mr. Frank started training guide dogs in the United States. The foundation that Mr. Frank started was named “The Seeing Eye” and the dogs that were used were dubbed Seeing Eye dogs.
Today guide dogs are trained to assist people with many different disabilities. There are Hearing Ear dogs to assist the deaf and other dogs that assist the physically disabled. All of the people who have benefited from the use of a guide dog, however, owe their thanks to Mr. Morris Frank of Nashville, Tennessee.
About The Author
Jacob Deam absolutely loves dogs, and blogs about dog topics frequently at http://www.sitheelstay.com.
You have no doubt seen a blind person being lead across a busy intersection by a Seeing Eye dog. These functional companions have been used to help handicapped people become independent for years. Nobody knows exactly when the concept of a Seeing Eye dog came into existence but it has been suggested that dogs have been used in such a capacity in various cultures for a very long time. It is known, however, that there was no formal guide dog program in existence until after the First World War.
Why German Shepherds?
Many people have probably wondered why guide dogs and Seeing Eye dogs are so often German Shepherds. There are two reasons. First, the German Shepherd has a strong sense of loyalty to its owner, giving it natural protective tendencies. Having a very protective dog as a companion is an obvious asset for someone who may otherwise be easily attacked by someone with bad intentions. The second reason is far simpler; the first guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired were trained in Germany to provided assistance for those blinded in the war.
After the end of World War I, Germany was in a state of financial depression. Many private businesses failed and the Potsdam, Germany school that trained the guide dogs for the blind was one of them.
The Seeing Eye was born
An American woman named Dorothy Eustis had heard about the program and decided it was a very worthwhile endeavor. Because she owned a company that was training German Shepherds as working dogs, she decided she might try to train guide dogs for the blind. She did not start this right away, however. In fact she was still considering the possibilities when she wrote a story for The Saturday Evening Post about the potential for guide dogs for the blind.
A Nashville man named Morris Frank had heard the story and decided to get in touch with Ms. Eustis and ask her to train a dog for him. She did and Mr. Frank became known as the first blind person to use a guide dog.
As part of an arrangement he’d made with Ms. Eustis, Mr. Frank started training guide dogs in the United States. The foundation that Mr. Frank started was named “The Seeing Eye” and the dogs that were used were dubbed Seeing Eye dogs.
Today guide dogs are trained to assist people with many different disabilities. There are Hearing Ear dogs to assist the deaf and other dogs that assist the physically disabled. All of the people who have benefited from the use of a guide dog, however, owe their thanks to Mr. Morris Frank of Nashville, Tennessee.
About The Author
Jacob Deam absolutely loves dogs, and blogs about dog topics frequently at http://www.sitheelstay.com.
Keep Your Dogs Teeth Healthy
by: Marilyn Pokorney
Dogs get plaque and tartar on their teeth just like humans do. Cleaning your dogs teeth between professional cleanings is very simple.
Keeping your dogs teeth and gums clean will eliminate "doggy breath" as well as keep your dog healthy.
Most veterinarians suggest twice a week brushings. When brushing teeth, use baking soda or a special toothpaste formulated for dogs, not toothpaste for humans. Pet toothpastes contain enzymes that help dissolve plaque and can be swallowed. They also taste good.
Use a toothbrush designed for pets or small children. Or just use gauze or a washcloth if the pet doesn't like the brush.
Tooth brushing is best but if the dog won't let you brush it's teeth then giving it something to chew that rubs on the sides of the teeth is useful.
Although dogs do not usually get cavities in their teeth, tooth problems result from soft foods that can leave debris in gum pockets at the base of the teeth, known as gingivitis. Infections form which soften and cause the gums to recede. Bad breath is a symptom.
Tartar buildup can be removed from teeth by rubbing with a solution of three percent hydrogen peroxide. Advanced buildup requires scraping with dental instruments. Some veterinarians use ultrasonics now as well, so the treatment is more pleasant.
For between dental visits, provide soft chew toys made of rubber or nylon and something made of fiber like a chew rope which helps to wipe the teeth clean.
For more information on how to keep your dogs teeth and mouth healthy visit: http://www.apluswriting.net/petcare/dogteeth.htm
Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
REQUIREMENTS FOR REPRINT: You have permission to publish this article free of charge in your e-zine, newsletter, ebook, print publication or on your website ONLY if it remains unchanged and you include the copyright and author information (Resource Box) at the end. You may not use this article in any unsolicited commercial email (spam).
You may retrieve this article by:
Autoresponder: dogteeth@getresponse.com
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net/articles/dogteeth.txt
Please leave the resource box intact with an active link, and send a courtesy copy of the publication in which the article appears to: marilynp@nctc.net
About The Author
Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Dogs get plaque and tartar on their teeth just like humans do. Cleaning your dogs teeth between professional cleanings is very simple.
Keeping your dogs teeth and gums clean will eliminate "doggy breath" as well as keep your dog healthy.
Most veterinarians suggest twice a week brushings. When brushing teeth, use baking soda or a special toothpaste formulated for dogs, not toothpaste for humans. Pet toothpastes contain enzymes that help dissolve plaque and can be swallowed. They also taste good.
Use a toothbrush designed for pets or small children. Or just use gauze or a washcloth if the pet doesn't like the brush.
Tooth brushing is best but if the dog won't let you brush it's teeth then giving it something to chew that rubs on the sides of the teeth is useful.
Although dogs do not usually get cavities in their teeth, tooth problems result from soft foods that can leave debris in gum pockets at the base of the teeth, known as gingivitis. Infections form which soften and cause the gums to recede. Bad breath is a symptom.
Tartar buildup can be removed from teeth by rubbing with a solution of three percent hydrogen peroxide. Advanced buildup requires scraping with dental instruments. Some veterinarians use ultrasonics now as well, so the treatment is more pleasant.
For between dental visits, provide soft chew toys made of rubber or nylon and something made of fiber like a chew rope which helps to wipe the teeth clean.
For more information on how to keep your dogs teeth and mouth healthy visit: http://www.apluswriting.net/petcare/dogteeth.htm
Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
REQUIREMENTS FOR REPRINT: You have permission to publish this article free of charge in your e-zine, newsletter, ebook, print publication or on your website ONLY if it remains unchanged and you include the copyright and author information (Resource Box) at the end. You may not use this article in any unsolicited commercial email (spam).
You may retrieve this article by:
Autoresponder: dogteeth@getresponse.com
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net/articles/dogteeth.txt
Please leave the resource box intact with an active link, and send a courtesy copy of the publication in which the article appears to: marilynp@nctc.net
About The Author
Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
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