Why Not Get A Small Breed Terrier?

If you don’t have the space for a large dog, there are many smaller breeds that are suited to apartments or smaller backyards. Yet while lap dogs are very popular these days, there are also those that prefer the temperament of larger dogs. For these people, who like the temperament of larger dogs but cannot get one, small terrier dogs may be the answer. Small terrier dogs were bred down from regular terriers, so they retain the temperament of their ancestors. They aren’t at all submissive like a lap dog.

Small terriers are, in fact, quite the opposite of submissive. These are feisty, strong-willed, self-confident dogs that are tenacious and fearless. Because of this they need an owner who knows how to be ‘top-dog’, so they always know their place in the ‘pack’. This is not the dog to get if you can’t be firm and assertive when it’s necessary. And you can’t let any situation develop, even when you’re playing, when your terrier gets to be dominant, even for a moment. – Because most terriers will challenge their owner at some point anyway, even if you do everything right. But if you don’t, you set up some potentially unruly behaviour in your terrier.

Terriers are fantastic dogs. They are affectionate and happy. If they’re socialized properly the household cat should be okay, although to a terrier, other cats will always be seen as prey. This is because terriers have a high prey drive, so if you have small kids and you have or want a terrier, you should always supervise them together.

You can see the many small breed terriers below

  • Welsh Terrier
  • Irish Terrier
  • Scottish Terrier
  • Smooth Fox Terrier
  • Border Terrier
  • Cairn Terrier
  • West Highland White Terrier
  • Norwich Terrier and Norfolk Terrier
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Australian Terrier
  • Toy Manchester Terrier
  • Manchester Terrier
  • Miniature Bull Terrier
  • Sealyham Terrier
    Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Boston Terrier
  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Of course, even though terriers have the common characteristics described, the different breeds have their own particular traits. And the differences extend beyond how they look, to their personality Some breeds require more grooming compared to others, even within the terrier group. That can be an important consideration when choosing a dog.

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

Why you have to think about giving your dog a suitable dog bed

Your Upscale Pup deserves their very own little place of heaven in your home- a luxury bed that will give them lots of sweet dreams, after a long day of playing outdoors. It is really important to find one that is right for it. Some of the dog beds are so stylish and comfortable; you’ll be wondering why there isn’t a larger version available for you! You can buy dog beds for your fashionable pup from a variety of wonderful brands, patterns, shapes, sizes, and color choices that will please even the most discriminating pet parent. Your Pup deserves their very own little place of heaven in your home- a luxury bed that will give them lots of sweet dreams

When you want to buy dog bed one of the first things you need to do is measure your dog so you can be sure to get a bed that is the right size for your pet. You should measure your dog from nose to the tip of their tail and then measure from their head to the floor. This will give you the idea of the length and width you require in a dog bed. If you are looking at a bed with a mattress add at least 12 to 15 inches more to your measurements.

Once you have zeroed the size you have to select from the various styles that are available. To select a bed from the various styles that are available in the market you need to closely observe their sleeping habits. What is your dogs favorite resting place? what position does your dog sleep in? Does your dog head straight for a soft cushioned spot after a day outdoors? If so he may need a bed with extra support to cushion his joints after a long day at play. Maybe at the end of the day you always find your dog lying on his back on your bed snoozing. If this is the case your pooch may like a soft, roomy place to crash like a lounging bed. If you usually find your dog curled up while sleep your best bet would be a nestling bed. If you usually find your dog curled up while sleep your best bet would be a nestling bed as they are soft and plush with higher walls or sides for support help your dog feel safe and protected.

As your dog gets older you may have to consider one of the many orthopedic style dog beds because they will give more support for those old aching bones. Many of these options have memory foam that adjusts to the needs of your dog. Dog beds come in a variety of styles also and it is up to you as to the style you choose. Several of the styles you will find, include dog couches, the traditional round beds, and donut style and slipper versions.

Now that you have found the perfect size and style of bed for your dog you need to consider just a few more things. Will this bed be used outside? Do you need one for travelling? Dog beds come in various styles that will stand up to the elements and fold compactly for portability. Next choose what type of filling you want in the bed based on the amount of support your dog needs. Once you have determined all of the above you can look at prices. When investing in a dog bed it is important to get one made with quality that will fit your dog and actually be used by your dog. One of the best ways to comparison shop is by shopping online. These online shops have low overhead costs and they do not have to pay for the utilities so they can sell cheap and still manage to make profit. You can easily see what is available in the world of dog beds. Whom would have even thought whether there was so much variety?

Finally you can choose the pattern of the covering of your dog bed to add final, fun touch and match your décor. Also some companies even offer the option of adding your pet’s name to the bed. While shopping for dog beds like Italian Iron Palace Luxury Pet Bed it is important to take everything into consideration to find the perfect bed that your dog will love. Also you want your best friend to be well rested for another day of fun and frolic.

 

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

Basic Art of Dog Training

dog trainingThough dog-human interaction goes back thousands of years, communication between the two is still sometimes rough. The human half of the pair is usually the smarter party, but watching the usual training sessions one can have legitimate reason to wonder.

Dogs understand and respond at roughly the mental level of a human two-year-old, but there the similarity ends. Their senses operate differently – their color vision has a different response pattern to reds and greens, for example, and obviously their noses are infinitely more sensitive – and their minds process information differently as well. Anyone training dogs has to take this into account in order to avoid human frustration and canine misbehavior.

Dogs are pack animals by nature. Descendant from wolves – where even the ‘lone wolf’ is an anomaly – they’re social and function best with active interplay and within a strict hierarchy.

So, set aside half-an-hour per day, an hour would be better, for at least the first few months of training. Start your training as young as possible. Some puppies can be started as early as four weeks old.

Elimination (‘potty’) training details we leave for elsewhere, but all training follows similar guidelines.

The sooner you establish your dominance, the fewer problems you will have to correct. Dogs have a natural hiearchy- there are alpha dogs, beta dogs, and the bottom dog is the omega. For a sane household, and a well-adjusted dog, the human (whether male or female) must always be the alpha male of the pack.

Each dog or dog breed will make it easier or more difficult. Like humans, some are simply more assertive than others. The most important training aid is your attitude, followed by collars, leashes and other training aids. Remember, you are the boss, not the dog.

That guideline doesn’t imply you must enforce your dominance with physical force. Sometimes, used appropriately, that will be necessary. Usually, simply being firm and willing to wait for compliance will be enough.

For many, placing them on their backs when young and placing a firm hand in the middle of the chest until they lower their paws – a sign of submission – will be enough. With some, reinforcing this by putting your face close to theirs, emulating dominant dog behavior, can help.

Keep a short leash to restrain the dog’s natural tendency to roam. Allow plenty of time for free running behavior, essential to dog health, but that’s before or after training, not during. At least, not at first.

Start simply by choosing short, clear commands that sound distinctly different: sit, stay, down, come. Use a firm, but not harsh voice. You’re in charge, but not angry. Avoid double-word commands like ’sit down’ or ’stay down’. These sound too much alike and quickly confuse the dog.

Each verbal command should utilize the same look, tone and gesture. Eventually these can separate, but at first it’s essential to provide the simplest, most consistent form of communication.

Just like two-year old humans, dogs have limited capacity for grasping the subtleties of language. Assist their understanding by rigid consistency. Don’t use a single command word to mean more than one thing. ”Down’ needs to mean only one thing, you must choose if it means ‘don’t jump on me’ or ‘lay down on your belly’.

Be clear, be patient and be committed and the result will be a dog who trusts and listens to you. And that makes it worth the effort. Find more on dog training at Luvurdog.com/dogtraining

Technorati Tags: , , ,

Does Your Dog Jump Up On People?

Dog Jumps Up

At the start you may feel that when your puppy jumps up, he’s so cute. But it stops being funny when your large dog is jumping up on people with dirty paws – very embarrassing. So I encourage you to train your puppy or dog not to do this while he is still young. The sooner you can eliminate this behavior the better.

The most usual circumstance for this behavior is when someone arrives at your home or when you encounter someone while you’re walking your dog. Coaching your dog to sit on command when this happens is a good idea.

Often the jumping up is a greeting but in some circumstances it can be that your dog is trying to become dominant over you. Dominance can create other problem behaviors and this should be prevented. You should be the dominant one, the pack leader.

You must understand the idea of positive reinforcement. There are various options for rewards that you can use as positive reinforcement: tasty treats, affection and praise. You have to stop giving any reward for jumping up. So rather than greeting your dog excitedly as he jumps up, you should ignore him as long as he is excited. Avoid giving him any eye contact.

In contrast to this, when he is calm and has all his feet on the floor you can show him affection.

Hopefully, your dog may already sit on command. If so it’s a good idea to get him to sit as your enter the house or as guests arrive. As soon as he sits, reward him with a treat or affection. If you haven’t already trained him to sit, you should work on this and other obedience training. Start training him in obedience with short sessions away from distractions. Make sure the training session are fun and enjoyable for your dog.

It’s important that you get the cooperation of everyone who comes into contact with your dog, so that they don’t undo all your good work. Get them to agree not to enthusiastically greet your dog. They should not give eye contact to your dog.

In the beginning, it may be worth putting your dog in another room when visitors arrive, so that you avoid the stimulating situation at the door.

I hope that this helps with dogs jumping up. Read more about other behavior problems in dogs such as aggression in dogs.

Technorati Tags: , ,