Establishing Yourself as Pack Leader

Whether you have just adopted a young pup or an adult dog, you have many things to teach your new companion. You want your dog to be loved, trained and lively, but not spoiled, a robot or uncontrollable. Dogs can be naturals at learning manners and commands, particularly when you understand a key aspect of their nature.

The Alpha Role

In a natural state, dogs would live their entire lives within the closely structure social order of their pack. While young, they would begin to learn the workings of the pack’s social system and, as they grew, begin to establish their place within the pack’s dominance hierarchy. Dominance, submissiveness, leadership, obeying others – these are all concepts that are understood by every dog. These are all concepts that you must understand as well if you are to relate to your dog in a successful manner.

Each pack has a leader, generally an individual who is dominant over all pack members. In wolf society, this individual is called the “alpha.” This is the member who makes the decisions, who must be obeyed. This is the individual that you must be in your dog’s eyes.

Steps to Establishing Your Role as Alpha

Professional trainers know that it is a waste of time to try to train a dog without first establishing themselves as alpha to the dog. Every dog needs a leader to listen to and adore. Without this leader, a dog will feel lost and unstructured. If you do not take the role of alpha, your dog will instinctively take the role himself. Here are some steps to establishing your role as the alpha. Notice that these involve both behaviour and body language – two types of communication that your dog will understand.

1. Always praise your dog confidently. Put your hands firmly on the dog. Hug the dog. Pat him so that your hands get warm from the contact. Do not praise him in a timid way.

2. Praise warmly, well and quickly. Do not drag out your praising of your dog. Do not fawn over the dog just because he did one sit-stay.

3. Reprimand fairly and quickly, then forgive. Don’t hold a grudge. When you put your hands on your dog, do it with confidence and authority. Hands on does NOT mean hitting. Hands on may mean a leash correction, a surprising assist into a sit or down etc. Do it quickly and with authority. Then when you’ve made the dog do exactly what you want – once – reward him.

4. Make the dog obey on the first command. Don’t get into the habit of repeating yourself. A dog’s hearing is significantly better than yours, and you can bet he heard you the first time.

5. Give commands only if you can follow through, and make sure you always follow through.

6. Give permission. Give it for what is about to do anyway as long as it is OK with you. This does not mean you say OK when you see your dog about to steal a plate of food. This means you do say OK when your dog is about to get into the car for a ride with you, eat the food in his bowl, go out with you for his afternoon walk. It means that in a subtle way you are teaching the dog to look to you for approval and permission instead of making decisions on his own. Remember – the better behaved the dog, the more freedom and fun he can have.

7. Deny permission. Monitor your dog’s behaviour. Teach him some manners. Even if you like him to sit on your couch or bed, he shouldn’t behave that way in other people’s homes.

8. Do a sit-stay. This is an easy way to reinforce your role as alpha. Put the dog in a sit-stay for five to ten minutes. For particularly dominant dogs, make it a down-stay, and even more submissive position. When he breaks – and he will – put him back. If he breaks 6 times put him back 6 times. At the end of a few minutes, the dog knows you’re alpha. He knows that anyone who holds his leash can call the shots. And this is with no yelling or hitting. Just a sit-stay. easy and effective.

9. Be Fair, but tough. Act like a top dog. Tough, but loving. Always be fair and never get angry. Dogs understand what’s fair and what’s not.

10. Be a model to your dog. The top dog behaves with dignity, confidence, authority, and intelligence. This will help your dog to be calm himself.

Your Dog Will be Happier

Remember, by being consistent in your handling and in your demands on the dog you are being fair. He needs structure to understand what you want and what his responsibilities are.

This article was prepared for us by Professional Trainer, Scott Donald as an introduction piece on dog training. For more free training tips register at www.dogmaster.com.au

Author: Viliam V. Kanis

Exactly what is the meanest dog breed?

Pit bulls, Rottweilers and German Shepherds can randomly come off of almost anyone’s head. Their bad reputation and accounts of people who have had bad experiences with them seem to be enough to judge the aforementioned breeds. However, the American Kennel Club maintains that there is no such thing as a mean dog. They usually become mean when their owners abuse them or train them for fighting. Somehow, you can look at it in a “Nature vs. Nurture” point of view.

To expound further, Rottweilers and American Pitbulls are generally classified as working dogs. They were tasked to hunt and pull carts for their owners. They were and are still kept as house pets because they are generally good natured and loyal to their families. Their loud barks and strong jaws can also keep an intruder or a petty thief away. Then again, if they are such good dogs, one would have to ask why they were made to endure a horrible reputation.

American Pit Bulls and Rottweiler are quite famous in the dog fighting scene. The same strength and general musculature that they use to help people has caught the attention of dog fighting enthusiasts. When trained properly their big bites can be potentially lethal. Yes, dog fighting is still illegal in most countries but sadly there are still a lot of people who gets involved with this underground spectator sport.

What usually happens is that when people breed them for this purpose, they usually train them to be overly aggressive. They are taught to attack any dog with the purpose of maiming them in a “battle”. After a rigid and often violent training, they more often lose their inherent trait of loyalty and gentleness. What the breeder will then have is an attack dog that purely acts on their “animal instincts”. To make things worse, their bad “dog – fighting” and “spike – wearing” image can easily get stuck to almost anyone’s mind.

The same scenario can be applied when a dog is abused. Generally a very patient dog will tolerate as much abuse as it can take. But when a dog is shown inhumanity all his life, he is bound to give in at one point or another and act according to his instinct to protect himself. If biting and fighting can make him keep his life, then that is what he will do.

What does this all mean?

That means that dogs are only as good as how you train them to be. Their genes and inherent traits can be easily changed based on their environment. In fact, anyone can turn the warmest and most affectionate Labrador Retriever to a monster if they want to.

So, the answer to the question posted above is none. No one has the capability to single out the “meanest breed” technically because every breed can be mean. The lesson here is that if you do not want a mean dog, then do not raise them to be that way. Treat them the way you would treat your own family. You would even be surprised to know that if given enough love, they can be the most loyal and loving companion one could ever get.

About the Author:

Looking for more information on what is the http://www.dogbreedhub.com most popular dog breed Visit http://www.dogbreedhub.com today to learn everything there is to know!

Author: Joseph Sabol

If you have considered buying a Doberman Pinscher, you may have done some research and come across people selling “Warlock” Dobermans. Sometimes they are referred to as King Dobermans or Goliath Dobermans. The idea behind using the Warlock name is to imply a bigger, better Doberman. The Warlock Doberman became popular in the 1970′s, at the height of the breed’s popularity. Amateur breeders used the Warlock name as a selling point.

People believed that bigger was better, so they wanted the biggest, fiercest looking Doberman Pinscher they could buy. The breeders that were interested in making money, rather than improving the breed, bred their dogs to Great Danes to get the bigger dog. Some Dobermans were bred with Rottweilers to get a stockier, more powerful dog. They passed these dogs off as purebred Doberman Pinschers and charged more money for the special name.

The breeders in the business for profit, either did not know or forgot the true purpose of the Doberman. The breed was developed to a standard that fit the job it was meant to do. To be an effective protection dog, the Doberman needs, speed, strength and agility. The bigger and heavier the dog, the more they lose these traits. It is also unhealthy for a Doberman to be oversized. It puts more strain on the joints and the heart. A correct Doberman Pinscher should be no more than 28 inches at the shoulder for a male and 26 inches for a female.

Dobermans should not be big, bad, vicious guard dogs. They are actually gentle, affectionate, loyal and intelligent. In the 1970′s, when Doberman Pinschers became popular, they were seen and portrayed as fierce dogs that would tear people apart. For some reason, many people liked this image and wanted this kind of dog. It has taken many years of careful breeding to bring the Doberman Pinschers back to its true nature and size.

So, where did this “Warlock” name come from? In the 1950′s in Florida, Theodosia and Henry Frampton bred a litter of Dobermans and one of the puppies, became especially attached to Henry. Henry named the pup Borong the Warlock. He was a standard size male Doberman, with a steady, gentle temperament. He liked people and had no problem with other dogs. Henry began to show Borong and trained him in obedience. He earned his Champion title. When Borong was older, he became a popular stud and sired many litters. His offspring established him as one the best sires of his time. Borong the Warlock died not long after Henry Frampton died.

Borong’s name, the Warlock, and his reputation as a popular Champion, helped establish his legend. Some of his offspring were said to be in Texas and it is believed the legend started there. However it started, the legend has grown, and to this day the Warlock name is used to sell oversized, ill bred Doberman Pinschers. Dobermans bred over the years and given the “distinction” of being Warlock Dobermans, have no connection to the true Champion Borong the Warlock.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol

About the Author:

Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Truth About the Warlock Doberman

Author: Anne P Jackson

Are you struggling to find just the right pet health insurance for your dog or cat? Do you find it confusing trying to compare the different offerings out there? I can tell you that it’s like comparing apples to log cabins sometimes and yet… it’s not.

Kind of an ambiguous statement isn’t it?

The biggest problem I had when trying to compare various pet health insurance companies was the “sameness” rather than the differences. However, there were several areas that I had to become familiar with when attempting to find the best policy for my dog.

Per incident/category: Per incident would be, for example, a bout with a kidney infection. Per category, for example, would be anything to do with the urinary tract or the kidneys. So a pet health insurance policy that has a “per incident” limit wold conceivably pay out the policy limit on your cats kidney infection. However, the same policy that carries a per incident, might also carry a “per category limit”. What this means that if you reach the category limit with one kidney infection, then there will be no more payouts – for THE LIFE of the cat.

In all of my research, I found only one pet health insurance company that had neither a per incident or a per category limit!

Another option I had trouble with was the various “Wellness Plans” available with pet health insurance policies. Typically, a wellness plan will include coverage for annual vet visits, vaccinations, deworming and spaying and neutering. My favorite three came out as follows:

Plan 1: This Wellness Plan has a $150/year plan (no deductible) and includes spaying/neutering, vaccinations, annual physical, heartworm testing and teeth cleaning.

Plan 2: This Wellness Plan has a $480 yearly limit (no deductible) with set limits on everything listed in Plan 1 plus the following: blood testing, fecal testing, urine testing and flea andtick prevention.

Plan 3: This Wellness Plan has a yearly limit of $200 and allows the pet owner to choose to disburse these funds in any combination they and their vet see fit. The allowable categories include those is Plan 2 as well as the ability to use a wellness waiver for orthopedic consultations and microchipping.

As you can see, while all of the pet health insurance plans cover the same “ground” the methods that they use are all different. These differences are what contribute to the cost of the pet insurance policy as well as the confusion among many potential customers. It IS the same as with human health insurance!

About the Author:

Getting pet health insurance is an important part of your responsibility to your pet. Choose for the benefit of both you and your pet. See a comparison of the plans mentioned here at Pet Health Insurance.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Concerns About Which Pet Health Insurance Policy?

Author: Chris Jensen

Having a pet ferret can sure be fun. Many ferret owners know that the happier their pet is, the happier they will also be. However, many are still apprehensive about having ferrets as pets. The truth is, raising a happy ferret is easier than what they think… given that they have sound ferret wisdom. Raising ferrets is no longer a problem, thanks to Ferret Wisdom from Jennifer Wright.

Click Here For Ferret Wisdom Best Deal Now!

Jennifer Wright offers training on raising ferrets through Ferret Wisdom. The training covers concerns like ferrets not using their litter boxes, owners that are not sure of what makes their ferrets truly happy, ferrets that often bite and display aggression, ferrets not living healthy lives, ferrets refusing to learn new tricks, and learning more about who your ferret really is.

Ferret Wisdom not only enables pet owners to learn more about their beloved ferrets, it also gives tips and techniques on effectively raising ferrets without having to use harsh punishment. Using this ferret raising guide from Jennifer Wright can even make your pet love you more.

This training guide makes it possible for pet owners to train ferrets like pros in just 15 to 30 minutes a day. Aside from giving hints on the most effective techniques in raising ferrets, Ferret Wisdom also dishes out valuable information on understanding ferrets better, and how similar they are to yet very different from dogs and cats.

One can order a copy of Ferret Wisdom by visiting its website. All one needs to do is to fill out the order form. Ordering is available through a secure connection so you will not have to worry about sharing your information. What is great about this training guide from Jennifer Wright is that it comes with a money back guarantee. So if you want to effectively raise a loving and fun ferret, order a copy of Ferret Wisdom now.

About the Author:

This author finds Pet Ferret and How To Take Care Of A Ferret very interesting.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Ferret Wisdom – Jennifer Wright Ferret Wisdom Review

Author: Chris Jensen

Having ferrets as pets can be quite a challenge but this should not keep you from having one. It can truly be difficult to have ferrets as pets but learning how to take care of a ferret can make things easier.

Click Here For Ferret Wisdom Best Deal Now!

One of the most popular tips on how to take care of a ferret is nail cutting. The nails of your pet ferret must be kept short. If not cut regularly, its nails will grow long and sharp and your pet ferret can easily scratch off your household furnishings.

You can even get yourself scratched if you do not regularly cut its nails. In cutting a ferret’s nails, you will need to use a special kind of scissors – the one that is sharp enough to cut quickly. You also need to take caution in cutting a ferret’s nails to keep you from including the inner part of its nails as this can lead to bleeding.

You also need to keep your pet ferret in a well-ventilated room. Its cage must also be kept away from direct sunlight. It is best to keep pet ferrets at room temperature – about 30 degrees Celsius. Keeping them above this temperature can be dangerous for your pet as ferrets do not sweat and they have thick fur. To keep them cool, it is advisable to use wet towels in addition to good ventilation. On the other hand, giving a ferret a full cold bath is also not recommended. It is also not wise to directly expose them to cold air.

Other tips on how to take care of a ferret include brushing their teeth. You need not buy a special toothbrush, using a soft toothbrush would do. You will also need to regularly comb their fur and keep them clean. If you plan to keep your ferret in a cage, see to it that it has enough room so that your ferret can freely play inside.

About the Author:

This author believes that if you find this information useful, you may also want to check out Raising Ferrets and Ferret Wisdom.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Ferret Wisdom – How To Take Care Of A Ferret

Here’s a revolutionary outdoor pet barrier to protect areas around your home from unwanted pet behavior, from Innotek Australia.  Simply place the rock in the garden, under the clothes line, in the children’s sandbox or anywhere else you want your pet to avoid.  Place  the collar on your pet and problem solved. No more digging in the garden beds or tearing the washing off the line.

Rock at work

Pawz Away works on the same principal as Innotek’s well known electronic containment systems. In fact, Pawz Away is compatible with many existing systems. In basic mode, Pawz Away sets up an exclusion zone of up to 5 metres in diameter but with the addition of a wire loop you can set up an area with a 50 metre perimeter.

Another fantastic application for Pawz Away is to stop your dog from escaping your property through an open gateway. Many properties have adequate dog proof fences but gates get left open to allow easy vehicle access or someone simply forgets to close the gate.  Pawz Away can be used to create an exclusion zone across the driveway, thereby ensuring that your dog remains safely on the property.  Keeping your dog safe and giving you peace of mind.

Author: Chris Jensen

Most Americans have canines and felines as pets. However, there are also lots of Americans who are interested in raising ferrets as pets. In fact, ferrets rank third among the types of uncaged animals that Americans keep as pets. In spite of their popularity, there are only certain states that permit having ferrets as household animals. Most people also have little knowledge about ferrets and they are often thought to be mischievous.

Click Here For Ferret Wisdom Best Deal Now!

Many pet owners feel like they are pretty much taking care of cats when they are raising ferrets. Ferrets typically have small faces and long tails. Indeed, ferrets share almost the same physical features with felines. They also make friends with cats pretty easily. If you already have cats at home, try adding ferrets and you might just be surprised with the antics that they can come up with.

It helps to have a good background of the nature and characteristics of ferrets should you decide to take one home. This can help a lot in preparing you for the challenges in raising ferrets. One thing you must learn about this kind of animal is the amount of time that they will ask of you because ferrets, by nature, are very playful. Having other pets at home can help lessen the amount of time you have to allot for your pet ferret.

You must also have your pet ferret regularly checked by a vet. Like your pet cats and dogs, they must also be given proper vaccinations. It is safe to say that raising ferrets is just like raising other types of pet animals. If you are looking into building a house for your pet ferret, it is recommended that you build one inside your home. Ferrets can be easily affected by climate changes and they are considerably susceptible to respiratory diseases.

Playful as they are, ferrets can easily find their way through holes and crevices inside your house. To keep them safe, make sure that you have them within your sight while you allow them to roam inside your home. Raising ferrets is like raising a platoon of toddlers so make sure that you properly seal cabinets and containers to keep your beloved ferret from tearing into its contents, especially in places where you keep household chemicals.

About the Author:

This author is a Big fan of Ferret Care and How To Take Care Of A Ferret.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Ferret Wisdom – Raising Ferrets

Author: Jenny Gregorich

Halloween is a very popular time to dress up your dog. There are many dog costumes available and you will find one that matches what you are looking for and one that fits your dog!

Dog Halloween costumes are no longer just for little dogs, big dogs can now join the fun! Some dog costumes are funny and some are just adorable, find the perfect one for you. Don’t feel that one gender will get left out; there are so many costumes for boy or girl dogs.

Based on surveys and 2008 sales, the top ten Halloween costumes for dogs are:

1. Hot Dog Costume- Why around with the saying about dachshunds and get your dog a costume that makes your dog look like a hot dog. Available with mustard or ketchup as a topping. Perfect for those in warm weather states that will be coming to a cookout for Halloween.

2. Lobster Dog Costume- Perfect for those in fishing towns. Just because you dress your dog up as a lobster for Halloween, doesn’t mean they will pinch!

3. Devil Costume for Dogs- This costume is perfect for those dogs that have a little extra evil in them. Or if your dog is an angel and want to spice them up for one night.

4. Dog Pirate Costume- Arrggg. Is your dog the toughest in the neighborhood? A pirate dog Halloween costume will surely make them wag there tail extra that night.

5. Bumble Bee Dog Costume- These costumes don’t even sting! This pet costume is perfect for males or females and is an all time classic. You can’t go one with this small dog costume.

6. Princess Dog Costume- These costumes are only fit for a princess. No other costume will do with the special dogs that get to wear this Halloween night.

7. Wedding Dress & Tuxedo Costumes for Dogs- Whether they are wearing these for Halloween or another special day in their life, a wedding dress and tuxedo dog costume will turn some heads.

8. Lady Bug Dog Costume- Are you taking Halloween pictures in a garden or going to a backyard party? The lady bug costume for dogs will be perfect for this event. Simple, yet elegant, your dog will love to wear this costume.

9. Dinosaur Dog Costume- Does your dog manage to ruin everything in your house and sometimes you think you are living with a huge dinosaur? Now you really are this summer with a dinosaur costume for dogs. With this costume you’ll have your own dog-o-saurus.

10. Cop & Prisoner Costumes for Dogs- These cute costumes are perfect if you have a pair of dogs and want them to be dressed alike. Have your “good” dog be the cop and your “bad” dog be the prisoner. You’re bound win your Halloween contest!

About the Author:

Poochieheaven is the place to go for dog costumes and Dog Halloween costumes. We also have dog carriers and small dog beds.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Top Ten Dog Costumes for 2009