Dog Instinctive Behavior - Herding Instincts

Guess what, guys? It is not a myth that an Australian Shepherd or Border Collier, or many other dogs in that group, herd automatically without training.

My grandmother had a farm and two dogs who did this. They rounded up everything! Geese, cows, pigs, and ducks alike! The birds sure hated them, but they could not outsmart them.

Do they make good family pets? Absolutely yes, but keep in mind that Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and all other dogs in this group NEED EXERCISE -- a minimum 2-3 mile walk per day (and some need runs and more). Border Collies especially. If you don't give them something to do, they WILL find something to do!

Choose your pets with wisdom.

Dog Training Secrets

Time to answer a question that's much older than I am. I have the feeling that even after I choose to retire, this question, although answered twice as many times as it has been asked, will continue to be brought up.

"If trainers have all this knowledge, why don't they let their viewers or students more into their secrets?" Here is the truth.

I am trained to handle aggressive or dominant dogs. So are many others. Just because you see a technique done or hear about it, does not mean you are competent to do it yourself. Many of these techniques, if misused, can even have fatal results. People can take out of context or misapply things that have saved the lives of many pets and restored relationships between pets and families, and end up ruining everything.

Think of The Crocodile Hunter, who knew those animals and their instincts like the back of his hand. Do you honestly believe that because you have seen him do something effortlessly with a saltwater croc that you could do the same thing safely? Don't think an angry Doberman in mid-attack is any safer!

Destructive Dog Behavior - What Did I Do?

For those of you out there who believe the old wives' tale: "A dog must be caught in the act to undertand what he has done wrong," I will do you a favor and be blatantly honest. You are kidding yourself!

Did you ever notice that Spot seems to have NO trouble remembering to repeat the same behavior -- tear up the trash, eat those nice leather shoes you bought last week, and how about those wonderful imprints on your chair legs? Spot remembers that you didn't seem to have a problem with it, because you returned and ignored him. Big Deal!

Bring Spot to the trash, shoe, etc. Hit the trash can, and he will know! Bop his nose with the shoe, newspaper, or whatever else he was chewing. Tie him firmly to the chair, desk, table or other furniture he was munching for at least 30 minutes. After all, if he wants to eat it, he should wear it.

Guys, trust me! I've done this with every one of my dogs, and it WORKS. That's consistency. Punishing them only when you catch them is very obvious inconsistency. That's the REAL "How are they supposed to know?"

Rena

Bringing Puppy Home

If you want to give your child a pet on any holiday, especially Christmas and birthdays, it is much better for everyone involved (family and dog alike) to stick with "The Littlest Pet Shop" or "Puppy In My Pocket." You see, these toys don't pick up on all the excitement going on during such times.

You should not be bringing new puppy home to an environment that's overcharged with excitement. They need to be brought home when everything is as normal as possible. It really helps their psychological development and makes everything easier.

A week or two after school lets out is a very good time for bringing your puppy home. Your children have then had a couple of weeks to get over the initial amazement that school has finally ended, and they are ready for a new focus. They are ready to learn about puppy care and to participate in puppy training, which will benefit all involved.

For more tips on bringing your puppy home, see my Articles, and remember -- when getting a puppy, consider both the children AND the puppy!

Rena

Pit Bull Terrier - Muzzle the Myth

Just the term "Pit Bull" is enough to send chills down the spine of many dog owners, and certainly down the spine of anyone who has a phobia of dogs. Who hasn't heard the horror stories of dog attacks?

Well, I'm about to take a plunge and make a very direct truth known.

The first dog I had as a small child was a Pit Bull Terrier, "Eclipse." (So named because she was born during an eclipse.) She was a beautiful sweetheart, and only became aggressive when someone aggressed toward her children. That's what we call "protective," my friends! Eclipse was gentle and patient with small children, adults, and other dogs alike -- even with those she did not know.

The real truth is that owners of powerful breeds need to understand for what purpose the dog is bred, how to control them, their exercise and other needs, and of what they are capable. A Pit Bull can pull 30 times its weight. English Bulldogs and Pit Bulls both were originally bred to control angry bulls. If a bull charged a person, the dog would jump on his face and clamp down on the bridge of the nose, holding steadfastly until the angry bull stopped.

That's why Pit Bulls are feared for their fierce, clamping jaws that cannot be made to let go without a sharp push or strike between their own eyes. That hurts!

Keep this in mind.
Rena

Dog Dominance Behavior - 2 New Articles

Does your dog engage in seemingly sweet, subtle, manipulative behavior such as nudging you for affection, forcing a ball in your lap, mouthing your hand, or pawing you when you sit on the couch? Or does he display more of an insistent, aggression dog dominance when commanding your attention?

In either event, you have a dog dominance behavior problem. Your dog seeks to control and manipulate you, and it will not become so cute over time. These dog behaviors can lead to demands that drive friends away, prevent your children from hearing the serious message you are trying to tell them, make someone trip and fall, lead to nipping or biting, and more. It is neither pleasant nor safe.

Lamentably, many people in this day and age have heard the expressions: Dog Dominance, Leader of the Pack, Alpha Male plus others relating to matters of dominant dog behavior. Yet, few outside the professional obedience dog training world, and especially those unfamiliar with the dog whisper behavior trainer and similar behaviorist techniques, really know the meanings of these terms and how to recognize when a dog is behaving in a rude, crude, or controlling fashion.

So to address these issues with both behavioral understanding and Dog Management Tips, I have just published TWO NEW ARTICLES on DOG DOMINANCE BEHAVIOR. If this is a concern of yours, the articles are available for free on my website PawPersuasion .

Collegiate Dog Jerseys

OK, Football Fans. You asked for it!

Fall is here, and it's time to show your true colors. You are proud of your team, and you want YOUR DOG to show as your TEAM MASCOT!

How? Look for your team's NCAA approved jersey right here, personalized with your pet's name!
-- Collegiate Dog Jerseys from Personal Creations.

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Potty Training for Puppy Dogs

Anyone out there have a new puppy? Those little rascals sure are a joy, aren't they?

There are lots of good manners they have to learn, though. First and foremost, POTTY TRAINING!

One key to remember -- a puppy's age in months (up to eight months) is going to be roughly equivalent to the amount of hours in between the pup's need to go potty. For example, at two months old, the pup will wee about every two hours. So those of us who work long hour days need to realize that somebody has to let the little guy out on schedule.

Puppies do not sleep through the night until they are at least 4 months old. Failing to get up with the little one will only show the pup that you don't have a problem with his behavior of wetting in the house.

So be sure you have the time, the knowledge, and the persistence this whole process will take. Otherwise, do not get a puppy, or get an older, already trained dog. If you cannot do what it takes to train the puppy, it will be a terror instead of a joy and enjoyment.

For detailed guidelines on puppy potty training, I have just published a new ARTICLE entitled "Potty Training for Puppy Dogs." It's available on my site now.

Have a good weekend,
Rena

Dog Icons

Who out there wants a dog like Lassie, Air Bud, Pongo, Rin Tin Tin, or even Skip?

Take my word on it. Whether you go to a local shelter and adopt a dog or you purchase from a dog breeder, any dog that looks just like one of these movie stars will not automatically be a loyal, responsive, well-trained pet identical to such desirable dog icon. You are looking at months of training, and with some dog breeds like the lovable Jack Russell Terrier, up to three years!

Please don't base your selection on the current movie star in the hotseat! Do your homework and select wisely. Choose your dog breed according to your personality and what will fit your lifestyle. If you cannot satisfy the dog's exercise and training needs, it will not turn out to be your dream pet. You might end up with Beethoven's muddy paw prints throughout your house, on your bed, on your clothes, and worse!

Disney Dog Days

I was just ruminating about a couple of my favorite Classics -- Old Yeller and Where the Red Fern Grows -- when I came across a 5-day special Disney offer in my affiliate inbox.

While we certainly do not intend to use this blog as a "shopping site," but for training, sharing and communication . . . well, you deserve to have access to periodic limited-time special sales and everyday fabulous finds on-line through our affiliate relationships, such as with the DisneyShopping links on our website -- in the Product category: CHILDREN's CHOICES.

Through the link provided, you will find a Search Box which makes it easy to locate whatever Disney item you want --sitewide-- including such popular dog movies, books, and soundtracks as the fun Air Bud series, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Incredibles, Eight Below, National Treasure, The Biscuit Eater, Teacher's Pet, The Ugly Dachshund, and others.

There's more than just entertainment. Halloween is coming, so check out the "fun and positive" COSTUMES for children and pets. I laughed upon seeing the adorable Pirate Pet Costume.

Dog & Disney lovers should check out the Best Pal Small Dog Carrier, the Pluto Dog Bowl and Mickey icon Collars and Leashes, several logo and Americana Tees for Pets, and children's T-shirts.

101 Dalmatians fans? The Limited Edition 45th Anniversary Dalmatians Watch is on sale for 1/2 price. Check it out. And don't forget that there's FREE SHIPPING on orders over $75.

Have fun!
Rena

Dog Scent Sense

When a human baby is born, EVERYTHING opens up . . . eyes, ears, and nose. . . But puppies are born with only their NOSES open. Except for touch and taste, that is their only link to discovering the outside world. Their ears open next, then last but not least their eyes.

The order puppies' sense receptors open is the order in which they approach things throughout life. The scent is always first.

Remember, the best way to make a friend of a dog is to let him familiarize himself with your scent.

Hope you had a good Labor Day!
Rena

Doggie Deals

There are some really great special offers available from time to time for on-line purchases through some of our affiliate relationships. So as a service and benefit to our readers, we will start sharing some of PAW's PICKS of the best DOGGIE DEALS once a month in our free newsletter and here. There's much, much more available through our website!

For now, though, there's an incredible PETCO offer that's too good not to share -- just through September 7^th -- THURSDAY! -- at this link: Save up to 33% at PETCO.com! You will also find savings of 15% off Organic Dog Biscuits, as well as 10% off SeaClear Aquariums for those of you who are fish-lovers, too.

IF YOU MISS THIS SPECIAL, DON'T DESPAIR! Go to our website PawPersuasion for an extensive array of Dog Product offerings -- for the serious Dog Trainer and for dog housing and care, as well as dog-icon children's choice items, clothing for pet and person, household accessories, great dog gifts, and other fabulous finds! If you cannot find it through PawPersuasion , let us know so we can help you search!

HAVE A GREAT LABOR DAY!

Rena

Territory Marking and Dog Marking Codes

For anyone out there who has a dog who marks excessively, outside or in the house, I have just posted TWO NEW ARTICLES on my site addressing this subject. Check them out.

Your dog is closer to wild than you think. Dog instinctive behaviors abound. So I have addressed some points you may not already know about dog marking codes, territory marking, and scent mixing, as well as some solutions to these and other fear-based reactions. More will follow.

Let me know the particulars of your situation. Know there are answers.

Have a great Labor Day Weekend!