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It is common for a dog to lick, either upon greeting you and showing affection or as a means of personal hygiene. However, when this habit becomes excessive, it becomes a problem. Following are a few tips to deal with dog licking problems before they turn obsessive.
Excessive dog licking can not only be frustrating for you the owner, but can also lead to health problems in your dog. In fact, dog licking problems may even be directly related to an underlying problem that has not been discovered; especially if your dog is continuously licking himself.
If there is one particular area he is paying attention to, it may be a skin irritation or an allergy that is to blame. If it is his feet, perhaps the pads are inflamed or overly dry. In the winter months this is due to cold air, snow and in some areas road salt.
Dogs will lick themselves if pain is present or they have picked up fleas. Exam your canine thoroughly, and take him to the vet if needed. You will see this problem if your dog is overly stressed as well.
Once any health problems have been ruled out and this continues, it may very well be a behavioral problem that needs to be corrected. Canines lick to communicate with each other and you as a member of their “pack” as a means of greeting.
In the wild, this is a ritual each dog goes through upon greeting and showing respect and attention. Your canine most likely uses this greeting when you return home, or in the morning when waking up. Puppies love to greet people this way, as the first means of communication.
But if your pet is continuously slobbering all over you and everyone he meets, this can be frustrating and embarrassing as well, and to stop your dog from licking you constantly will take some patience, but you can break him of this annoying habit in a short period of time.
It may be possible that you have inadvertently contributed to this problem by showing affection or attention whenever he started licking you.
Allow your dog to greet you as usual, for a few seconds, then pull your hand away, pat him on the head or whatever, and go about your tasks. If you are sitting down watching television and he begins licking, firmly say “no licking” and withdraw your hand.
Replace your hand and see if he persists. Repeat this each time he goes in for a lick, and instruct everyone else who is around the dog to do the same each time this occurs. He should eventually get the idea that constant slurping is not allowed. If this does not cure him, you may consider applying some substance created to stop your dog from licking. Visit your local pet store and inquire about these products.
copyright Danny Taylor
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Aggression is part of a dog’s natural inclinations. Some dogs are bred specifically for their aggressive tendencies. If your pet is a Terrier, a hunt-and-kill breed, or a German Shepherd, an excellent farm guard dog, that behavior is not going to change despite how much you try to. Your first step therefore, is to settle on a gentle dog breed to choose a pet from.
You’d likely be interested to find out more on dog training Boston Guide .
Understanding Dog Aggression.
Generally gentle dogs are forced to be aggressive by certain circumstances. Focusing on the cause of dog aggression is the key to dealing with it. Read on for situations that unleash a dog’s aggressive tendencies:
1. Pain. This is pretty obvious. Pain triggers irrational behavior. Where dogs are concerned, the slightest pain can turn them into aggressive canines.Wanting to immediately remove what causes pain is almost reflexive. For example, if your dog has been run over by a car, feeling for broken bones can be extremely painful for your dog and would likely make him bite from pain.
2. Fear. Everying new – situations, people and places – can cause animals to be fearful. Afraid, a dog’s instinct for self-preservation flaunts itself through aggression. Dogs who exhibit unfounded aggression toward others, including people, lack appropriate social skills. Sheltered dogs see new people or animals as threats.
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3.Territorial Instinct. It is in a dog’s instinctive makeup to be protective of themselves – their home, their pack and their offspring from outsiders. Dogs will fight with aggressive force for anything they consider their own. This is exactly what many look for in their dogs.
4. Dominance. This is the most common cause of aggression in animals competing for a higher spot in their social order. This is a very common display of aggression seen in dogs who want to be the pack leader . Whenever they perceive a vaccum in their pack’s leadership, they fight for the top spot. Fights usually turn bloody for a leadership post. To assure the continuity of the species and cohesiveness within the pack, this violent ascent to power is inevitable.Left on their own in the wild, dominance aggression is basically how dogs put order in their society.
Keeping Control.
With this understanding, don’t you feel more competent to tackle dog aggression?
Lighten the pain when you’re dog is in pain; that keeps the behavior in check. You are the leader of the pack and everyone at home is of a higher rank in the pack hierarchy; you have to make sure your dog understands that.It is important to establish authority and respect to ensure obedience. If your dog’s aggression is obviously borne of unfounded fear, help him resolve the fear.
Pain may be the easiest of the aggression causes to deal with. Aggression induced by fear and dominant tendencies need patient training and social exposure. The key is to start with puppies. Consider professional advice when handling or training adult dogs with aggressive tendencies.
View this page on Stop Dog Aggression for more on this.
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You are bringing home a new family member – this one with four legs, not two – and he will need a place to sleep.
Everyone needs a space to call their own. Managed properly your dog’s crate will become his room, a cosy place he goes for privacy. Think of it like a toddler’s cot or playpen.
What must I know about puppies and dog crates?
Growing puppies alternate between periods of activity and sleeping. As long as you have a regular schedule of toileting, feeding and exercise, your puppy will be happy to use his dog crate for a bed.
Just don’t expect your puppy to stay in his crate unless he is sleeping: remember he needs lots of love and attention. If you intend to keep him in his crate for long periods perhaps you need to re-consider whether you are able to commit to a dog right now.
How will older dogs and dog crates work?
If you have an older dog you think you may like to crate – perhaps you are giving a new home to an older animal from a refuge shelter – you can still happily use a dog crate as a bed.
Let him investigate the crate. Just as with a puppy, put in soft bedding and a treat, and let him get used to things while the door remains open. Once he is accustomed to his crate you will most likely find he will take himself off there to sleep or to get away from noisy children or visitors.
What should I put in my dog’s crate?
Put washable bedding – perhaps a favorite blanket – in the crate to make it comfortable. Put the favorite toy of the moment in as well and perhaps a rawhide bone to chew on.
I have found my dog will happily chew her rawhide bone as she is dropping off to sleep in her crate and again when she wakes. Especially first thing in the mornings this can give me a much appreciated extra fifteen minutes of sleep!
It is a good idea to give your dog some treats when you put him in his crate, to reinforce positive feelings: a little snack before he settles down to sleep would go down well.
If your dog wears a collar make sure you remove it before he goes into the crate. Dogs have choked to death when their collar or Id tags have caught on the crate’s bars. A good idea is also a crate bumper, which is very similar to a cot bumper.
How can using dog crates for beds help toilet training?
Puppies have an instinctive desire to keep their sleeping area clean. Using a crate takes advantage of this and helps your puppy learn to control his bladder between trips outside. He will have accidents, of course, but by using a dog crate as a bed and combining it with a regular toileting, feeding and play schedule, toilet training will be quicker and less stressful – for everyone involved!
Just remember never to use the crate as a form of punishment. If you shout at your dog or smack him and then put him into his crate he will see his crate as a place to be feared: those associations are the last thing you want to create.
How big should my dog’s crate be?
You don’t want your puppy to toddle off into a corner of his crate to go to the toilet, so get a crate with a divider. This can be moved as he grows, and discarded once he is grown and/or completely housetrained.
If you are getting a dog crate as a bed for a dog that is already fully grown, make sure the crate is big enough for him to stretch out, stand up and turn around comfortably.
What type of dog crate should I buy?
A wire crate is a good option if you’re buying a dog crate for a bed. It is a good idea to get a crate bumper for comfort and safety. Many dogs also prefer a covering over the back and perhaps the sides of the crate to give them a greater sense of privacy. This doesn’t have to be expensive: we have a blanket draped over our dog’s crate.
Using a dog crate for a bed doesn’t mean that you can’t be stylish as well. There are many crates that are both comfortable for your dog and will fit with any décor. Check out the wicker-look versions, or the very upmarket Bauhaus, and you will never think of crate and cage in the same sentence again!
If you want a dog crate for traveling by airplane you will need one which is approved by the airlines. These will generally be molded plastic, and are lightweight and portable. Look for a crate which has a carry handle and which you can collapse for storage when you get back home. Always check with the airline you intend to travel with, as their regulations may vary.
Dog crates for beds: “my” place
Some of us initially balk at the idea of putting a puppy or even a grown dog we love very much into what can be perceived as a cage. However, used properly your dog’s crate will come to be seen by him as a place of comfort and privacy: a place of his own to go to when he wants to sleep, or just wants time-out.
PetMate Travel Crates
Made of durable, easy to clean hard plastic, the PetMate Traditional Pet Taxi is great for Auto and Airline travel, or crate training at home. Includes shoulder strap eyelets, 2 storage compartments and quick-latching system. |
Metal Crates & Kennels
Designed completely around the safety, security and comfort of your Dog. The Ulitima Pro dog crate sets up easily with the fold and carry configuration that requires no use of tools and can be completed by almost anyone. |
Wood & Wick Kennels
These beautifully crafted mobile pens are loaded with safety features! The slide-locking system on door and top, plus lockable base and casters ensure your pet is safe and secure in his/her “own” special space. Casters allow you to move the pen from room to room without lifting. Plastic base removes easily for cleaning. |
average size, and costs for dog crates?
what are the average size and cost for a crate? i have a yorkshire terrier. only around 3 pounds.
Answer
A crate that is around 22 inches long is a good size for a Yorkie and will cost around $25 – $70 for this size.
Make sure the dog has enough room to stand up, turn around and stretch out.
You can do a google search for a used small dog crate and check at www.craigslist.org
Answers
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A dog kennel is a great way for your dog or dogs to spend time outside without chains or tied but still secure and safe. This allows your beloved pets to see what is going on around them while still giving them plenty of room to run about and move around freely. A kennel keeps your pet safe and out of danger as well as keeping them from endangering others even if they are aggressive.
This gives the owner peace of mind. Dogs are great escape artists and even with a completely fenced yard, they sometimes find ways to escape. Tying a dog up is a worry because everyone has read of incidents where they accidentally become tangled up or hang themselves, which is a frightening thought.
dog kennels also reduce your dog’s change of getting into a fight with another dog, contacting diseases or being poisoned. Unlike a cage, where the dog has very little room, dog kennels provide your pet with enough space to exercise, see the sights and enjoy some fresh air safely.
Here are some important precautions and guidelines to follow when building a dog kennel that helps keep your pet safe, healthy and happy:
·A dog kennel needs to provide shelter for your pet from the outside elements, such as extreme heat, rain or snow. If the dog will be outside for more than twenty minutes, provide shelter such as a doghouse or even indoor access.
·There should always be fresh water available, even if they are only outside for five minutes.
·Provide your dog with a comfortable place to lay or sit, such as a blanket, dog bed or even a piece of carpet.
· Kennel floors made of cement hold both heat and cold. Provide your pet with a place to stand that protect your dog’s paws from this.
Portable dog kennels are great for people that travel or visit a lot and love taking their dog along. Pet stores and large department stores usually carry a wide selection of dog kennels, normally in standard sizes. If you have a very large dog, you may have to ask them to special order one for you, that is big and secure enough. Portable kennels are quick and easy to set up and take down. Some come with a screen, to block the sun.
Permanent dog kennels are usually constructed of metal or aluminum screens and steel posts set into the ground. Often the floor is cement but some people prefer earth floors. For a dog or dogs that spend a fair amount of time outdoors in their dog kennel, some owners add a dog run to give their pets more room to play and exercise. Permanent dog kennels are sturdy enough to withstand a dogs jumping and pushing, without collapsing.
Custom made dog kennels are fabulous as you decide what shape, size or special items you want. Designed to your specification, some cost a bit more but are certainly worth the money. Many people have and enclosed area added to allow their dog to get out of the elements. Usually the company or people working with you on designing your pet’s kennel, install them also.
PetMate Travel Crates
Made of durable, easy to clean hard plastic, the PetMate Traditional Pet Taxi is great for Auto and Airline travel, or crate training at home. Includes shoulder strap eyelets, 2 storage compartments and quick-latching system. |
Metal Crates & Kennels
Designed completely around the safety, security and comfort of your Dog. The Ulitima Pro dog crate sets up easily with the fold and carry configuration that requires no use of tools and can be completed by almost anyone. |
Wood & Wick Kennels
These beautifully crafted mobile pens are loaded with safety features! The slide-locking system on door and top, plus lockable base and casters ensure your pet is safe and secure in his/her “own” special space. Casters allow you to move the pen from room to room without lifting. Plastic base removes easily for cleaning. |
Where can I find an extra large plastic dog kennel on wheels?
I am looking all over the internet looking for an extra large plastic dog kennel which can be taken on a airplane. The ideal one would have wheels built on.
Answer
Hm… don’t know. Pet store or check craigslist or something to see if somebody has one. I’m sure you’ve already tried ebay
Answers
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First of all, believing that your dog can be trained is one of the biggest hurdles a dog owner will face. Once you have accepted this challenge then the basics of dog training can begin. Your new puppy, dog or older dog can be trained by either an obedience instructor or yourself. There are many good books on dog obedience, so researching and finding one that suits you and your dog’s needs can be very beneficial. It is also less expensive than hiring a trainer to teach your dog the basic training commands.
Three Basic Commands
There are simple and basic commands in basic dog training. These three commands are: sit, stay and come. To teach your dog to sit, you will need some dog treats. Dogs respond to their training much more willingly when treats are used as rewards. Your ‘sit’ training needs to be done in a quiet area where your dog cannot get distracted. Hold the treat over his head and tell him to sit. Repeat this over and over as consistency is the key in basic dog training. Your dog will look up and may sit on his own to reach the treat. If he doesn’t react on his own, then gently push his bottom down. Every time he sits, be sure and reward him with the treat and praise him. This training will work because the dog will hear “sit” and associate it with sitting and receiving rewards.
The next basic of dog training, is teaching your dog to stay. This is usually the most difficult command to teach. This basic command should be combined with the come command. Put your dog in an area with no directions. Start backing away from your dog while constantly telling him to stay. Always keep eye contact with your dog. If he gets up, tell him “no” and then start the process again. It takes a lot of patience with basic dog training. Once this process has been achieved, then turn your back and begin walking away. Your dog will naturally get up and follow you, so again say “no” and start the process over again by tell your dog to stay as you walk away from him. After your dog has mastered this part of the basic dog training, then you can tell him to come. Use a happy voice and pat your knee as you say “come.” Your dog should respond to this command right away and you should reward him with a treat and praise.
Remember to always use praise and not punishment when using basic dog training. Dogs always respond better to positive reinforcement. Don’t forget that patience and consistency will reward you in the end, as your dog will have mastered basic dog training and the both of you will live happily ever after.
Roland Parris Jefferson III is a web publisher residing in Santa Monica, California. Looking for more information and current articles on Dog Training? Then please visit our Hunting Dog Training Resource.
How do I train my dog basic skills?
I have an Alaskan Husky, and he’s about 7 months old, but I have problems with him about staying put. I don’t know how to train him because it seems hard to get him to pay attention. I’ve ran out of ways, and perhaps there are better techniques… please help!
Answer
Well, right now he’s still a puppy, which means he’ll be hyperactive and have a tough time paying attention. Still, if you’re consistent, he should start picking up your commands after a while.
I like training by positive reinforcement. This means rewarding him for good behaviour. Be careful with punishment. Never whack your dog, especially with your hand, or he will become afraid of your hands.
It looks like you’re training your dog to stay. I trained my dogs by keeping a treat in my hand, commanding the dog to stay and then moving away. Once I called her, she was allowed to come. If she came early, she didn’t get the treat. If she waited until I called her, she got a treat.
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Everyone who owns a dog should make sure they have taken the time to train their dog properly. A dog should be calm and not jump up on guests when they come in the front door.
But most of all, it shouldn’t bark loudly and endlessly all day long. Excessive barking can cause you problems with your family or your neighbors. The sound of dog barking can really start to get on your nerves, which is why if your dog has a problem with barking you may want to try the citronella bark collar. What Is It?
The citronella bark collar is a very effective collar that gives both short and long term results. If you are concerned about having a bark collar that will harm your dog there is no need to worry when you have the citronella bark collar. This collar does not work by hurting your dog to make him stop barking. It operates with a small dose of citronella spray that’s shot right in front of your dog’s nose. As soon as they smell the citronella the dog will have curiosity to find out what the new odor is and where it is coming from.
Because the attention of the dog will be diverted from the object that it was barking at to this new, strange smell, the barking will stop while the dog “investigates” what happened. After a while, the dog will make the connection and realize that this strange smell appears every time barking takes place. The smell won’t hurt the dog, of course, yet the dog will know that the only way to keep that smell away is by not barking when not necessary.
This collar has been selling well because it’s harmless and painless for dogs. This “gentle” aspect of the collar, combined with its effectiveness is what makes the collar so liked by dog owners. Most pet supply stores offer the citronella bark collar and other versions as well. If you want a similar collar, then you can also check out the ultrasound collar.
It will not harm your dog either but instead of using a spray of citronella to peak your dog’s interest it uses a high pitched sound that only you dog can hear. Humans will not be able to hear this sound, which is a good thing in this case, because you won’t have to hear a beep in addition to the barking every time your dog goes wild.
Otherwise, it would be even more difficult to be in the presence of the dog. The citronella bark collar is a terrific investment for any dog owner who wants to get their dog to stop all that unwanted barking
Static Bark Collars
Customize the type of bark control that works best for your dog. Select from Temperament Learning, Progressive Correction or User-Selected Correction modes. This technology provides firm, fair and consistent bark control, requiring BOTH vibration AND sound to trigger a correction. |
Spray Bark Collars
At the first spray of citronella, your dog’s natural curiosity will be to seek the origin of the new odour. Through this harmless conditioned reflex, it discourages your dog from barking. In a few days, the dog learns to keep quiet while wearing the collar. |
Ultra Sonic Bark Collars
This remarkably light, one-ounce collar emits an unpleasant but harmless tone to correct your dogs barking problem. The collars cutting-edge, bark-detection microphone can be adjusted to recognize your dogs unique bark so that no other sound can set off the unit. This collar is most effective when used on small dogs. |
dog training Collars
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When excessive dog urination becomes a problem, some investigating is in order to uncover the reason for it. How long has it been going on? Is it a constant problem or just an occasional accident? You are not the only one who deals with this issue and help is available.
One of the most common problems dog owners are confronted with is excessive dog urination and defecation, and this is also the main reason why an owner decides to give the animal away or surrenders it to the local shelter.
The most common problem is excitement urination. This occurs when your dog becomes overly excited, such as greeting you or a visitor they particularly love. Your canine may be housebroken otherwise, but in this situation dribbling is an issue. It can be seen in older dogs as well.
Until your puppy’s bladder has matured, dribbling is really not much of a concern, as this is normal when they become overly excited. Avoid scolding the pup, as this may only aggravate the problem.
Preventing excessive dog urination caused by over zealousness is a matter of keeping your pup calm in these types of situations. This can be done by repeated exposure to the source of excitement.
Submissive urination is often instinctive by nature, as dogs are pack animals and those of lower rank will often show their submissiveness by lying down and urinating. Your canine sees you as his pack leader, and thus shows his respect in this manner.
Your furry friend may also be showing his insecurity, and there are ways to deal with this. By boosting your pet’s confidence and showing him other ways to express his loyalties, this issue will resolve itself.
Do not acknowledge submissive urination by condolences or punishment, as this will make the problem worse and even show him you approve of this unwanted habit. Instead, teach him to shake a paw or sit on command. Pet him and use praise when showing acceptable obedience.
When dog urination problems develop suddenly, a visit to your vet is in order to rule out bladder infections or other medical reasons. Once it has been established that no underlying health issues are involved, investigate the reasons for the problem
Perhaps you have introduced something new to his environment, or your routine has changed recently. A dog’s age is often a factor. Older dogs lose bladder control. Never eliminate their source of water however, as they need water as we do.
Never punish or scold your dog, or the problem will run to extremes, as punishing will confuse him even more. Intimidation is something to avoid at all costs. Always reward positive behavior and being consistent in toileting routines will help as well.
copyright Danny Taylor
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Has this ever happened to you? You just let your dog out, and here he is, asking to go out again. Frequent urination in dogs can be a real nuisance, especially when the first thing he does when he comes back in is to head for the water bowl. No wonder the dog urinating frequently is a problem. He seems to be drinking an awful lot of water…
How Much Water Should My Dog Be Drinking?
A dog normally will drink about about three or four cups of water per day for every 20 pounds of body weight. This means a healthy dog that weighs sixty pounds will slurp down up to three quarts of water a day.
An easy way to see how much water your dog is drinking is to measure out a set amount of water and put it out for him in a bowl. Make sure he can’t get water from a leaky faucet or from the toilet or anywhere else. At the end of the day, measure how much water is left, and subtract this amount from what you started out with. Do this for several days.
If you discover that your canine friend really is drinking more water than he should, he needs to go to the vet for a checkup.
What Causes A Dog To Drink Too Much Water?
Obviously, he’s drinking a lot of water because he’s thirsty. But if he’s too thirsty, he’ll drink an excessive amount of water. Your vet calls this “polydipsia.” This leads to “polyuria,” a fancy term for frequent urination in dogs. When your dog drinks a lot of water, he makes a lot of urine, which leads to a dog urinating frequently.
Polydipsia and polyuria are symptoms of some serious canine diseases. These include:
Canine diabetes
Liver disease
Kidney failure
Pyometra, or an infection of the uterus (often seen in older unspayed females)
High blood calcium
Pituitary gland problems
Cushing’s Disease
You can see that if your buddy is drinking too much water, he may have a serious condition. It’s also possible that the problem is as simple as a canine urinary tract infection, which is easily treated.
Natural Remedies For Pets Can Prevent Urinary Problems In Dogs
Across the centuries, people in many cultures have used natural remedies to treat bladder and urinary problems, and also to support the immune system. Now these herbal and homeopathic remedies are available for pets.
There are many natural remedies for pets on the market. How do you choose the best one?
First, be sure the remedy is formulated especially for pets, not people. Second, purchase your dog’s remedies only from a reputable company that has been in business for many years. This company should have a reputation for manufacturing only the highest-quality products for companion animals. Check for testimonials from other pet owners who have used the products on their pets.
In conclusion, excessive water intake and frequent urination in dogs can be a sign of serious health problems in your pet. If you see these symptoms in your pet, now you know he needs to see the vet.
Darlene Norris has combined her long-time interest in natural healing with her experience working at a vet clinic to bring you her new website, Natural Pet Urinary Health. Here you’ll discover how herbal and homeopathic remedies can help to support canine urinary tract health. Find the best place to buy these remedies at http://naturalpeturinaryhealth.com
Find out more details about… canine liver disease and how to protect and help your pet through this disease. |
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Leading dog-health author, Ann N. Martin, sums up the state of commercial dog food in a single sentence..
“Most commercial pet foods are garbage”
WARNING: If you continue to feed your dog commercial dog food, death-by-disease is practically guaranteed! You must find an alternative and it doesn’t have to mean spending more money.
So if you love your dog, drop everything, bolt the door and take the phone of the hook because this story is the ‘wake-up call’ that saves the life of your own beloved canine .
My own vet said commercial dog food killed my dog, Noble, because preservatives it contains caused his kidneys to fail.
In fact, through my own research I discovered dog food contains at least 6 deadly chemicals that have been banned from human foods because they cause:
*Kidney cancer
*Bladder cancer
*Skin cancer
*Stomach cancer
*Spleen cancer
*Leukemia
*Liver dysfunction
*Major organ failure
*Immune system collapse
*Severe allergic reactions
*Birth Defects
*Blindness
*Chronic Diarrhea
*Hair Loss and
*Behavior problems, including increased aggressiveness –> very dangerous if your dog is around children.
And if you think, like I did, that buying foods labeled as chemical and preservative free makes them safe, think again… it’s just more lies!
The truth is that commercial dog food contains…chemicals, preservatives, pesticides, roadkill, and even various euthanized animals…even when they are labeled ‘preservative free’.
This information could save your dog’s life and WILL definitely help him live a healthier life.
It’s easy…watch a video…and learn how to cheaply and simply protect your dog TODAY!
He can’t read yet…it’s up to you to protect him.
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